Hodge Podge Mish Mash

So many little things to report.  Plus...this catches me up (I think)

Did you notice the new blog design.  My bff Wendy did it for me.  She has some major talent especially when it comes to using the My Digital Studio by Stampin UP to design stuff.  I am lucky to have her for a friend.

Books I have read in the last little while...

• The Lonely Polygamist by Brady Udall- I enjoyed the book - thought it was funny yet thought provoking.  There were parts that I thought could have been left out.  I really feel like the author captured the polygamist lifestyle.
• Against All Enemies by Tom Clancy - Typical Clancy style.  It was a good read
• At town like Alice by Nevil Shute - recommended by a friend and loved it.  It wil be my next book group choice if no one has read it.  About a woman who was captured during WWII by the Japanese.  Her experiences during and after the war. 
• Major Pettigrews Last Stand by Helen Simonson - had a really difficult time getting through the book.  So not worth it.
• A Red Herring without Mustard by Alan Bradley - Another story in the Flavia Deluce series.  Loved it - great story and kept me captivated as always.  A murder in a small town and a meddling young girl to figure it out.

Pie 'n Beer day (pioneer day) weekend was celebrated by not doing a whole lot. Here is the run down-

•  We did get to go to the Tabernacle Choir concert guest starring Brian Stokes Mitchell and Linda Eder.  Two of my favorite soloist/broadway artists.  It is great to have friends that have access to tickets.
• Later we went and got a milkshake at Shivers.  The line at Iceburg was way to long.  One of my all time favorite flavors is almond joy with raspberies. Coconut, chocolate, almonds, raspberries and vanilla ice cream.  I actually think Shivers does a better job with it than Iceburg.  Yum Yum
• Weeded the garden - because it needed it.  The onions, potatoes, corn, peppers.  Dang them morning glory weeds are the worst.  My hams are still feeling it from bending over the whole time and my arms were tired too.  It was either pull weeds by hand or use the hoe.  Makes me tired just thinking about it.
• Scoured (deep cleaned) the upstairs bathroom - Not so much fun
• Lots of fireworks in the neighborhood so glad Riley doesn't freak out.
• Our dinner group met on Monday - good food and company. peach and mango gazpacho, chicken picatta, wild rice with butternut squash, and chocolate cream pie with berries and creme anglaise.
• Watched the parade on TV - didn't even have to fight for the remote.  Ralph wasn't home. 
• We did celebrate by having a piece of pie at our dinner group and we substituted the beer for diet Pepsi.

My blow dryer decided to give up the ghost.  I have had it a long time and it has served me well, but  ya gotta hate it when you are standing there with wet hair and it goes out.  So I sat in front of the fan and scrunched my hair until it was dry enough to move on.  I have got to go find me a new one.

Since our office has moved 3 blocks west I have come up with a new walking route.  It has felt really good to get out and exercise - despite the heat.