Labor Day is Monday

 

Thanks to Donna Keevers Driver for creating this.

TBR 2026

81. Glimmer of Hope by Sarah M. Eden Regency Romance. While this is not part of The Lancaster Family series, it fits here chronologically. Lord Devereaux makes a brief appearance in Courting Miss Lancaster. However, it is listed as a stand alone story, not a part of any series. The story surprised me. A keeper.

82. Romancing Daphne (The Lancaster Family series Book 3) by Sarah M. Eden Regency romance. Another great story of struggling to become one's best self, written with tenderness and humor. Love it.

83. Loving Lieutenant Lancaster (The Lancaster Family series Book 4) by Sarah M. Eden Regency romance. Delightful! What a wonderful series. 

84. Charming Artemis (The Lancaster Family series Book 5) by Sarah M. Eden Regency romance. A perfect end to three series, The Gents, The Lancasters, and The Jonquil Brothers. I don't own all the books in the first or third series yet, but I'm working on it. I want to read them in chronological order, which Sarah M. Eden provides on her website. Keeper!

85. Hometown Vendetta (Luke Steele series Book 1) by Traci Hunter Abramson suspense romance. Page turning action with characters I can't help but love and hope for the best for them. Read again in preparation for the new Book 3.

Thank Goodness It's Sunday

~ Even a little fall of rain

~ Good books

~ Good movies

~ A/C, fans, ice

~ God's grace            

Brain Dump

With my severe acne, I often felt like a leper. People either stared or avoided looking at me. Some didn't want to be touched for fear I might somehow spread it to them. Then I dealt with bed bugs. I don't blame people for worrying. BB monsters are highly "contagious." They spread almost faster than rumors. Did you know they are a 1st World problem? And 1st World travelers are spreading them everywhere. The miserable little monsters are able to live over a year without eating, and they only eat blood and are attracted by carbon dioxide that you breathe out. Few poisons work on the monsters, and they quickly build up immunity so it doesn't help to keep spraying. In fact, that makes it worse. So make it thorough for a once and done. Encase mattresses and pillows, where they like to hang out, in sealed BB proof plastic. Treat corners and creases. Food grade (not pool grade) Diatomaceous Earth cuts them and dries them out but they have to walk through it, and it's impossible to train the little monsters. The BB monsters do not jump or fly, but they do scuttle and hitch rides. For heat to kill them, it has to be hotter than 125 degrees. Boiling water kills instantly. Vacuuming daily -- immediately removing the vacuum bag and taking it outside or in my case taking the canister outside and emptying it in a garbage bag, sealing the bag -- and putting it immediately in the outside trash is helpful. I confess, I don't vacuum everyday only because some days rolling out of bed is a challenge. Putting belongings in black plastic bags - because they absorb heat - and putting them outside in the sun on a hot day or in your car in the sun so the temperature reaches 140 for a couple hours will all stages. Washing in hot water kills but is unhelpful if your water is kept at 120 degrees. I keep mine lower so I don't accidentally scald myself with hot water; it also saves on the electric bill. Putting things in the dryer on the hottest setting also kills but often ruins anything not designed to take anything so hot. It is not about a dirty or clean house. I acquired mine when I helped with a clothing drive. Numerous friends acquired them from secondhand furniture, either for themselves or helping a friend. Do not beat yourself up. Be kind to yourself. Repellants but not killers include tea tree, peppermint, rosemary, and cedar oils. 

The Little Prince quote

REAL 24 Aug 2026

Still summer. Hot is expected. Doesn't mean I have to like it. How to make it a positive? Reminds me why I love fall. Not much walking. Battled with a storm, trying to recover my car after the cover was blown off by 60 mph winds. Housework counts as exercise, which I did. The heat makes sleep restless. Eating is greatly improved. 

Thank Goodness It's Sunday

~ Church

~ A/C, fans, ice

~ Sister visit

~ Visit dear friend 

~ God's grace            

Brain Dump

Wait...to benefit A I, "they" are buying old and rare books, copying them and then destroying the physical books? This is not what I thought they meant when they said computers would mean using less paper and saving trees. That WAS the advertisement. I remember. Destroying books is not saving trees. Destroying books is destroying the same tree twice. Not impressed. Stop it. 

TBR 2026

76. Reflections on Life 1 by Staci Stallings nonfiction. Short essays of inspiration and encouragement by one of my favorite authors. 

77. When God Doesn't Fix It by Laura Story nonfiction Christian inspirational. Laura Story (Elvington) shares her journey with her husband Martin, more particularly from his diagnosis of a brain tumor, surgery, and beyond. She talks about the Mythes and the Truths. She wrote "Indescribable" and "Blessings" and "I Can Just Be Me." Inspiring, uplifting, encouraging, especially for those in the midst of trials and tribulations that feel like they never end. Some don't and it isn't because God doesn't love us. He has a different plan than we do, and His plan is always better than our plan.  

78. Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir Science Fiction Adventure. I loved the movie, so a friend gave me the book. I loved it, too. Some things I liked better in the movie, and some things I liked better in the book. The movie is loosely based on the book, but I feel like they enrich each other. There is a little swearing and adult situations in the book that are not in the movie, but it didn't detract from the story; it made sense in context. I'm not a science-y sort, but I did find it interesting. The main characters captured my heart. The end is unexpected and perfect. Happy. Happy. Happy.

79. Seeking Persephone (The Lancaster Family series Book 1) by Sarah M. Eden Regency romance. Loved it! The movie does it justice. Funny, touching, heartwarming, and so much more. Wonderful characters. Well done retelling of Beauty and the Beast. I only wish I'd read it sooner. Better late than never.

80. Courting Miss Lancaster (The Lancaster Family series Book 2) by Sarah M. Eden Regency romance. The hero and heroine are introduced in book one. What a joy to read their story. Another delightful story with laughter and love and learning. Looking forward to it being made into a series. 

REAL 17 Aug 2026

A few short walks. Yard work - trimmed bushes and pygmy palms. PT some days. Housework, like vacuuming, four of seven days. Eating not great, this past week, not good at all. I'll do better this week. Sleeping in the recliner mostly. No, I don't always remember to take time with my feet up on my bed. I forget. But when I remember I enjoy the new bed an hour or two at a time. This is going to be another hot week.

Thank Goodness It's Sunday

~ Glorious blessed rain

~ Thanks God for watering my plants

~ New books

~ Cooler temperatures 

~ God's grace            

Brain Dump

Data Center side note: What no one talks about: They are noisy. They are not quiet. The constant sound never stops, ever, 24/7/365. This came out when a local city voted to deny the request for a Data Center in their city. 

Woohoo!

I love the movie series "Seeking Persephone." On Monday, Sarah M. Eden, the author of the books, and Jake Stormoen, the actor who places the Duke of Keilder, announced the next two books are on the docket. Yay! Looking forward to seeing them.

REAL 10 Aug 2026

Took one short walk, waiting for vacuum canister to dry after rinsing it. Otherwise, still too hot for walking, but temperatures are going down, slowly. The BER months are coming. Eating holding at pretty good. Sleep is better. Woke to a dream instead of a nightmare for the first time in years: Visiting ancestral home in Scotland. I'm all in. Some days I do PT - need to improve.

Thank Goodness It's Sunday

~ Overnight temperatures dropped below 90s. It makes a difference.

~ Friends

~ Good books

~ Fun movies

~ God's grace            

Brain Dump

Data Centers require an insane amount of water, electricity, and space, as in acreage. So, let's use the water people need. Let's use the electricity people need. Let's use the land farmers need. That's right: Don't use all the empty buildings in the city because they aren't big enough. Stupid is too mild a word for this mess. 

Good Reminder

Stay in the habit of 

'glancing' at your problems and 

'gazing' at the Lord. 

~ Joni Eareckson Tada

REAL 3 Aug 2026

Too hot to walk. PT, though not every day. Eating better. A few restless nights - maybe this is my normal. Feet and ankles are not as swollen. Bought a new office chair and put it together myself. Neighbor put the new bed frame together. I was able to add the mattress myself. Thanks God.

Thank Goodness It's Sunday

~ Exterminator is pleased with progress

~ Sweet neighbor put my bed frame together

~ Finally let go of the old office chair and bought a new one

~ A/C, fans, ice help battle hot days

~ God's grace            

Brain Dump

A friend told me her psychiatrist had a plaque on the wall that said “Normal is a setting on a dryer.” My third counselor told me “You don’t want to be normal. You want to be healthy. What was going on in Sodom and Gomorrah was normal but definitely wasn’t healthy.” We have abandoned all concepts of healthy in favor of do what feels good. Eating a whole cake can feel good, at first. Wisdom is recognizing that feeling good is not always healthy. 

Tomorrow is Friendship Day

Celebrate with a story.

Just Friends

The sixth novella in the series.

Welcome back to Holiday, USA, small town America, where nothing happens, except holidays... and a little romance, if the hero and heroine trust God.

After Mindy Harper's life crashes, she cuts off her friends. What other choice does she have? She doesn't fit in anymore. Holidays commemorating friendship fail to convince her she should celebrate them. A handsome ranch hand won't change her mind.

Cowboy left most of his past behind, with no regrets. The moment he sees Mindy he knows where his future lies. Friendship is the best place to start, but what is he supposed to do when she declares they're acquaintances?

God opens closed doors to those who knock, if it's His will...

http://www.amazon.com/Just-Friends-Holiday-USA-Book-ebook/dp/B017FSC4WG/ref=sr_1_1

If you prefer paperback, Holiday, USA Anthology 2015.

All four novellas published in 2015 are available in their entirety in paperback, including the covers on the back, for those who enjoy collecting a series.

https://www.amazon.com/Holiday-USA-Anthology-2015-2/dp/153018617X/ref=s

 

Quote from Just Friends

Thanks to Donna Keevers Driver for creating this: 

 

Thank Goodness It's Sunday

~ Visited a dear friend

~ Kneaders with a couple dear ladies 

~ Hope

~ Found a live BB but God is still good. 

~ God's grace            

Sunday is All or Nothing Day.

Celebrate with a story. 

All or Nothing 

The tenth novella in the series.

Welcome back to Holiday, USA, small town America, where nothing happens, except holidays... and a little romance, if the hero and heroine trust God.

Secrets? Angela Goodrich owns a few. Moving to Holiday is her dream come true. As Holiday Sweets' new manager, she wants a fresh start even as she wants to share the truth of who she is. Will she still be welcomed?

Anger issues? Caleb Bronson denies it despite the fact he'd like to throttle his EMT partner's new fiancé for wronging his sister. What does it matter if his anger is dominating his life and spills over on the attractive and newest resident of Holiday?

The truth will set you free, if you're willing to endure the discomfort of letting go of the lies. God knows the pain hidden in the soul anyway...

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N7MZC9M/ref=sr_1_1

 For those who prefer paperback: Holiday, USA Anthology 2016-17

All four novellas, 9-12, are available in their entirety in paperback, including the covers on the back, for those who enjoy collecting a series.

http://a.co/5ETTtmt 

  

Quote from All or Nothing

All or Nothing Day is on the 26th.

Thanks to Donna Keevers Driver for creating this:

 

Go to Medieval Times

If you ever have the opportunity, I highly recommend the adventure. It was so much fun. The Andalusian horses were gorgeous. Dinner and a show. Dinner is served without silverware, so you're eating with your fingers. Garlic bread and tomato bisque, roast chicken, corn on the cob, roasted potato, and an eclair. I chose lemonade. They do provide wet towelettes at the end. Six knights, three fight for the king and three fight for the queen. I was on the king's side. Each section cheers for a specific knight. I was seated in Black and White. The knight also happened to be my friend's youngest son. Awesome. Falconry, dressage, an 8-horse cavalry. The competition between the knights ranged from lancing rings to throwing spears from horseback into a target, jousting, and fighting with medieval weaponry. The splinting of the wood on shields during the jousting was startling. The sparks flying during the sword fighting was amazing. We laughed, booed, cheered, and had a fantastic time. I'd do it again in a heartbeat. 

Thank Goodness It's Sunday

~ Blessed rain

~ God watering my plants for me

~ Visits with family and friends

~ God's mercy

~ God's grace           

Brain Dump

More than half way through July, already. It's been a relatively cool summer compared to the last few. Blessedly, the "normal" monsoon is back. Thanks God for watering my outdoor plants for me.  

Midweek Encouragement

The world will knock you down plenty. 

You don't need to be doing it to yourself.

~ Elizabeth Scott

REAL 13 July 2026

Not many walks; too hot. Better at doing PT. Eating better, I think. Sleep is as good as can be expected; not waking up worried about monsters first thing. The worry comes but is less and shorter terms; learning to turn it over to God. Yard work done, trimming pygmy palms, lantana, oleander, and Chicklet orange trumpet bush. Thanks God for all the help. 

Thank Goodness It's Sunday

~ Air conditioning, fans, and ice

~ Good movies

~ Inspirational sermons

~ Delicious food

~ God's grace           

Brain Dump

Watched Meet the Press without sound. The interviewer was looking for a fight; her body language screamed aggression, contention, and anger. Not a pretty look and nowhere in the vicinity of professional. If you, as an interviewer for a supposed news show, are unable to control your emotions and rein in your personal opinions, you are in the wrong business. Unless you really want to go into acting, and this gig is just a stepping stone to doing drama on a show that's honest about being fictional. 

Wednesday Encouragement

 

Free from Holley Gerth

REAL 6 July 2026

Really too hot to walk but tried to take a few short ones. Took a short walk on Independence Day; it seemed the thing to do. Physical therapy isn't consistent but improving. Eating fewer sweets, shocker. I used to have trouble with portion control, especially ice cream, but one Fat Boy ice cream sandwich is satisfying, for most of the day. Sometimes, a cookie in the evening is an extra treat. I'm trying to be more consistent in drinking milk as my fingernails are so brittle. I thought raspberry leaf tea was helping to control the feminine issue, but I took a break from supplements - C, D, and B-complex - and the problem returned; so back on consistent supplements. I miss sleeping in a bed with my feet up; however sleeping in the recliner is better than nothing. Most important exercise: Practicing, nourishing, feeding faith. 

Thank Goodness It's Sunday

~ Cooler temps, around 100. Nice. Thanks God

~ Air conditioning, fans, ice

~ Family and friends

~ Independence Day! And enjoying all the celebrations of freedom available on YouTube.

~ God's grace           

Happy Birthday America!

250 years young. Well done! Celebrate tomorrow. 

TBR 2026

71. Treasures of Falcon Point (Falcon Point series Book 5) by Traci Hunter Abramson and Sian Ann Bessey suspense romance. It was a fun surprise when a brief scene took you to Finsbury Park; the summer I lived in London, Finsbury Park was the closest tube station. Heartwarming. Page-turning. A satisfying end to the series. I'll be rereading this series, again.  

72. An Engagement of Convenience (Summer House Party/Timeless Regency Collection Book 4) by Regina Scott Regency romance. First book by this author for me. An enjoyable read. I want to read another of her books.

73. A Perfect Match (Summer House Party/Timeless Regency Collection Book 4) by Donna Hatch Regency romance. Delighted to learn it's a prequel to a longer novel. Added to my Wish List.

74. The Paupers' House Party (Summer House Party/Timeless Regency Collection Book 4) by Sarah M. Eden Regency romance. Delightfully hilarious. Loved this story! 

75. The Elijah Project: Workbook by Andrea M. Polnaszek, LCSW, inspirational nonfiction based on aligning life with Elijah's, his courage, discouragement, and worship. 

REAL 29 June 2026

Survived unexpectedly well the work of clearing the bedroom and living room for spraying by the exterminator. It is a relief to see no live bugs and no bites. Thanks God! Sleeping better, though I miss being able to put my feet up in bed; the ankle swelling is not fun, but moving my feet in circles and back and forth helps a little. A few short walks. Physical therapy. Eating is good some days not so much others. Working on it.  

Thank Goodness It's Sunday

~ Bed Bug Exterminator 

~ Air conditioning, fans, ice

~ Supportive friends and family 

~ Waking up to no bites

~ God's grace           

Brain Dump

Instead of creating super viruses, how about spending all that money and research into eradicating bed bugs. Wait...maybe wait... Rumor has it somebody released a mosquito that is supposed to eradicate mosquitoes. We'll see. Maybe we should see how this works out before we go any further with other bugs. Man's brilliant ideas to make the world a better place tend to make it much worse, when God is not part of the plan. All that is good comes from God. Man is not God. God sure puts up with a lot of shenanigans from us. 

REAL 22 June 2026

One more day before the exterminator comes. More stuff thrown away. All the clothes in the trunk of the car. All the drawers empty in the bedroom. Not eating much; too stressed. Sleep is a nightmare. Grateful when I'm able to sleep peacefully, but some nights bugs invade. Tough to sleep then. Faith and trust are being thoroughly exercised.

Thank Goodness It's Sunday

~ Father's Day

~ All the amazing dads

~ The greatest, best dad ever

~ Heavenly Father

~ God's grace            

Father's Day is Sunday

Memories flood in and tears gather. My dad was nowhere near perfect, but neither am I. I miss laughing with him. I miss talking things over with him. I miss helping him in the yard. I miss knowing he was there. 

June

 

REAL 15 June 2026

Fighting bed bugs is a workout. Eating is down. Sleep is weird; no sleeping nightmares but waking up to BB is a waking nightmare. Anxiety is through the roof, even as I endeavor to trust God. Filling bags to throw away. Tossing full bags in a big bin. Vacuuming almost every day. Heart racing every time I find a live one and worse when it's on me. Doing what I'm able with spray and diatomaceous earth - not at the same time - spray then a week plus later DE. DE takes time: First the little monsters must wander through it, and then it takes time to do the job. However, it does do the job. DE is the one thing to which they do not develop an immunity. And the most important thing: Banishing the adversary and all his minions, including the monsters, to God's throne to do with what He will by the Holy Blood of Jesus Christ. The adversary MUST obey. There truly is power in the name of Jesus. I know plenty of people will mock me, but go ahead. God is good. Jesus is the true King. I will praise God even in the scary middle of this mess.  Giving the adversary to Him calms my heart and gives me hope. 

Thank Goodness It's Sunday

~ Helpful friends

~ A/C, fans, ice

~ Reliable electricity 

~ Flag Day

~ God's grace            

Brain Dump

Fake History Hunter debunks supposed history pictures and views; this one is an AI review: 

https://fakehistoryhunter.net/2026/06/06/ai-review-time-witnessed/  

Change of life focus

It's astonishing how tiny bugs can change your course. Dreaded bed bugs invaded my home. I've quarantined myself. The little beasts spread easily. They invade dirty and clean homes. They can go months without eating, which is why it looks like they're gone but aren't. They're waiting. Devious. Persistent. Not easily killed. Heat works. However, to use heat in the house, it requires 120 degrees for 48 hours. I just can't. Dry ice, but you have to be able to seal the area so the dry ice sucks the oxygen out of the room. Pest control: I'm chemical sensitive so I need a company that uses natural products. A friend guided me to Amazon where I found Bed Bug Killer EcoVenger by EcoRaider. It's quite effective. However, I can't reach all the spots. Another friend recommended a pest control company that helped them with an infestation of cockroaches. Both were brought in by accepting things from someone else's home. Isn't that sad? Others try to bless us but turns into a problem instead. Trying to trust God and not the arm of flesh and struggling to recognize when God is sending help and sometimes when the help is more about encouragement than the doing. A dear friend offered the heat treatment, but the cost would be prohibitive and again I just can't vacate my home for 2 days when I feel like the Lord is endeavoring to give me an opportunity to focus on revisions; I'm also worried about items in my home that wouldn't survive 48 hours of 120 degrees, including an oil painting, candles, food. Then the car battery died because I failed to fully close the car door. It feels like such a stupid mistake. Was it? Or was the Lord offering another opportunity to accept help from others? Not easy. God is good, all the time. Blessed be the name of the Lord. I will place my trust in Him. He is able to fight my battles for me and often He sends others to help us. 

Movies

After watching the movie adaptation of Sarah M. Eden's book "Seeking Persephone" -- which I loved and will watch again -- I looked for other movies with Jake Stormoen and discovered he was in the TV series "The Outpost." After making it through the first two seasons of four, I read the synopsis of all the following episodes. It had an intriguing start but became repetitive and far too dark and hopeless and some things made me laugh because I saw the same ridiculousness in out world. By the end of Season 2 I was was fast forwarding through most of each episode. I did watch the last episode of the series.and glad I did. I prefer the feeling of finished to quitting. I enjoyed the music which reminded me of "Lord of the Rings" and "Harry Potter." The good news is that several delightful, fun movies with Stormoen are available on Spark TV, which I follow on YouTube. I've even saved them to watch again. 

Thank Goodness It's Sunday

~ Visits with friends 

~ Blue moon

~ New book by favorite author

~ Supportive friends

~ God's grace           

Brain Dump

Entertainment specialists are refusing to celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States of America because one man might show up, might celebrate with them. Really? Congratulations on allowing one man to live rent free in your head 24/7. Stop it. This country is not one man. For the record, that one man is temporary, four years to be exact. We've survived all the previous insane administrations; we'll survive this one. And please stop pretending he's a king: A king would not allow you to protest. "You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means."

TBR 2026

66. True Power and Real Peace by Staci Stallings inspirational nonfiction. As always, I found inspiration and hope within the pages. While we don't agree on everything, the light and truth shared is unmistakable. 

67. Heirs of Falcon Point (Falcon Point series Book 1) by Traci Hunter Abramson, Sian Ann Bessey, Paige Edwards, A. L. Sowards suspense romance. Rereading the series, again, in preparation for the newest book in the series. Page turner 

68. The Danger with Diamonds (Falcon Point series Book 2) by Traci Hunter Abramson and Sian Ann Bessey suspense romance. Nonstop heart pounding don't forget to breathe.

69. From an Unknown(Falcon Point series Book 3) by Traci Hunter Abramson and Sian Ann Bessey suspense romance. Still a page turner, despite having read it a couple of times before.

70. When Fashion Turns Deadly (Falcon Point series Book 4) by Traci Hunter Abramson and Sian Ann Bessey suspense romance. The behind the scenes look of a fashion show is intriguing. The return of beloved characters. A joy to watch them grow as people and as couples. 

June 1st 2026

How have five months slipped away already? I'm making several changes, which means everything feels unsettled and out of sorts. Trying to eat healthier, including simple salads instead of carbs, not that I'm giving up carbs; just trying to have a little more balance in the food choices. More consistency in the herbal teas I've found helpful in the past. Unfortunately, sleep remains around 6 hours with nightmares. Too hot for walking much; heat rash has been a constant threat. I remember physical therapy sometimes but not all the time. Endeavoring to follow the gentle promptings of the Spirit. 

Thank Goodness It's Sunday

~ Memorial Day

~ Memorial Day remembrance lunch with neighborhood friends

~ Cool enough to leave the door open at night

~ Visit with my sister

~ God's grace          

Brain Dump

The recent weather horror is that we are headed for a world-wide drought. Hmmm...may God is saying that A I data centers that use insane amounts of water are a bad idea. Just maybe.

REAL 27 May 2026

Not much walking. PT sometimes. Nightmares. However, actually slept 6-1/2 hours straight one night. It was lovely. Eating okay. Attempting to use herbal teas to help various health issues, which is going to require a consistent I usually fail to achieve.  

Memorial Day

 Mid-Life Mama posted this last year, and I wanted to read it again toady: https://family5power.com/2025/05/26/memorial-day/

Among those who serve their country in the military, all gave some. On this day, we remember those who gave all. We pray for their families and loved ones who have an empty place at the table. As long as there are those who choose power above life, evil over goodness, we need those who value freedom above power, goodness over evil. God bless those, now and forever, willing to fight and die for life and liberty. I'm grateful for those who gave their today for our tomorrows.

Thank Goodness It's Sunday

~ Relief of a blessedly cool day 

~ Visiting a dear friend

~ Visiting family

~ Sarah M. Eden's "Seeking Persephone" movie

~ God's grace          

Brain Dump

The search engine A I "assistant" that shows up at the top of the feed, without a by-your-leave, informed me that my local Walmart Market opened at 9am. Except it doesn't. Fortunately, I continued on to Walmart's site, which informed me that it opened at 6am. An "assistant" is useless if I have to constantly do the work myself because it is unreliable. A I that lies is useless clutter. 

TBR 2026

61. The Tower and the Ruin - J.R.R. Tolkien's Creation by Michael D.C. Drout nonfiction. My oldest brother and Sister-in-Law gave it to me for Christmas because I asked for it. I asked because I've had the privilege of attending workshops given at a Lord of the Rings gathering by Professor Drout. He kept us mesmerized and delighted by stories of his research into our favorite English Professor. The book could be used for a college class with a great deal of technical information. Titles of chapter include: Origins, Frame, Texts, Patterns, Emotions, Threads, Tapestry, and Conclusion: Fathers and Sons. As another reviewer said, "It isn't a light read." It is a fascinating read. It helps if you've read The Silmarillion, The Hobbit, and The Lord of the Rings. This is literary criticism enriches one's appreciation for Tolkien's work. Blessedly, one of my friends read it before I did and suggested keeping a marker in the notes so you can flip back and forth between the chapter and the notes. Drout's sense of humor flashes in a couple of places, in the notes. Glad I didn't miss them. The book is reminiscent of Tolkien's work, a lot of detail, delving into difficult subjects, and though sad also somehow hopeful. 

62. A Kingdom to Claim by Sian Ann Bessey historical romance. King Alfred rules Wessex. Fascinating look at England in late 800s. Learned several new things, the battle with the Vikings and King Alfred's intriguing solution. At the end of the book, I loved discovering all the details that were facts. A keeper. 

63. Spring at Tribbley Hall (Her Country Gentleman Timeless Georgian Collection Book 1) by Sian Ann Bessey historical romance. So sweet and heartwarming! Loved the characters, including puppies and lambs and of course, for me, horses. Keeper. 

64. Love of My Heart (Her Country Gentleman Timeless Georgian Collection Book 1) by Sarah M. Eden historical romance. Sweet little lamb, Shadow, is adorable. I want to live in Scotland now. 

65. Miss Smith Goes to Wiltshire (Her Country Gentleman Timeless Georgian Collection Book 1) by Rebecca Connolly historical romance. More sheep! I wonder if the authors agreed to include sheep in this collection. Fun. I like the heroine and the hero and the delightful country community. Loved this collection.

 

JRR Tolkien Quote from The Hobbit

"If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world." ~ Thorin

Thank Goodness It's Sunday

~ Cooling down

~ A/C, fans, ice

~ Refreshing salads

~ Visit with my sister

~ God's grace          

Brain Dump

All those screaming "Totalitarianism!" might want to check how many fingers are pointing back at them. 

TBR 2026

56. Operation Protector (Cutter's Code series Book 19) by Justine Davis suspense romance. Another favorite. I recognized "the mother" doing so many things my own did. It's been a while since she passed. This gave me an opportunity to explore painful memories from a distance. It doesn't change what happened, but I'm able to better understand myself and why I do some of things I do. I love the new characters, and I loved the story. 

57. The Horse and His Boy (Narnia Chronicles Book 5) by C. S. Lewis fantasy. Occurs during "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe." I will be moving it in my own collection. 

58. The Magician's Nephew (Narnia Chronicles Book 6) by C. S. Lewis fantasy. While this comes in at number six in the series, it's actually the story of the beginning. I'm re-arranging my books for the next time I read them. 

59. The Last Battle (Narnia Chronicles Book 7) by C. S. Lewis fantasy. It's never easy to say goodbye at the end of the series. Until my next read through. 

60. Healing Hearts (Savage Wells series Book 2) by Sarah M. Eden historical western romance. A very different twist. Loved it. Now I want to read the other books in the series. 

Parable - Story

I heard this years and years ago. I looked for an original but found nothing. I think it more and more relevant every day.

A king went to visit a faraway country. On the journey, he met Death along the way.

Death told him, "I'm on my way to your kingdom with a plague." 

The king accepted the proclamation and asked, "How many will you take?"

"Five hundred."

"So be it." The king sorrowed as he went on his way but knew he could change nothing. However, when he returned to his kingdom 5,000 were dead. He confronted Death and demanded, "You said you would only take 500."

"I did as I said," replied Death. "Fear took the rest." 

Thank Goodness It's Sunday

~ A couple blessedly cool days

~ Visits with friends

~ Grill Night - yummy

~ Books

~ God's grace          

Brain Dump

2 April 2026 Popular Mechanics posts a story that cloning from a clone ends with disastrous results. Well, duh. Stargate had a whole story line about that with the major ally, the Asgard, facing extinction because their cloning was deteriorating. Once again, Sci-Fi proving science before science proves science. 

Quote to ponder

Your actions speak so loud 

I can't hear what you're saying. 

Loved this - friend shared in her blog

 

Thank Goodness It's Sunday

~ Cool enough to not need A/C

~ A/C and fans when needed

~ New book by a favorite author

~ Unexpected smell of rain

~ God's grace          

Brain Dump

Long ago, May Day was a celebration of spring settling in, leaving winter behind and summer coming. Today, May Day, also known as International Workers' Day, when you boil it down to the brass tacks, is a communist holiday. Yep. True. The elites designated a day for the laborers to celebrate the hard work they do so the elites can live as elites. Sometimes, it's difficult not to be cynical. 

TBR 2026

51. Take a Chance (Prosperity Ranch series Book 5) by Heather B. Moore romance. Fun. Likable hero and heroine. Interesting concept. Keeper. 

52. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (Narnia Chronicles Book 1) by C. S. Lewis fantasy. It's been decades since I last read the books. Still a wonderful story. 

53. Prince Caspian (Narnia Chronicles Book 2) by C. S. Lewis fantasy. I'd forgotten this tale. A joy to revisit Narnia. 

54. The Voyage of the Dawn Treader  (Narnia Chronicles Book 3) by C. S. Lewis fantasy. Better than the movie and always makes me cry. 

55. The Silver Chair (Narnia Chronicles Book 4) by C. S. Lewis fantasy. My least favorite of the first four. The children don't have the growth arc the earlier stories portray. I do find myself rather liking Puddleglum. 

REAL 27 April 2026

Uncomfortably warm at the beginning of the week and then a cooling down a bit. Thanks God. Short walks some days. A bit of yard work. PT sometimes. Eating a little better. Trying to find a balance in drinking water, too little isn't good for the kidneys but too much washes away electrolytes faster than I can replace. Discovering the need to do stretches for my ankles and feet before I rise in the morning. 

Thank Goodness It's Sunday

~ Family waffle breakfast

~ Church with family

~ Shopping bargains

~ Grill Night with friends

~ God's grace           

Brain Dump

My 14-year-old Kindle will no longer be supported by Amazon. I bought a new one. I prefer my old one. Technology is great until it isn't. We are fast approaching tech overload: It isn't making things better only more complicated. I remember being promised that computers would make life so much easier! Bah! Okay, it helps with some things, but it isn't the be all end all so many want to claim. It's a tool. A hammer is useful but useless for a lot of things. A screwdriver is useful but useless for a lot of things. A stand mixer is useful but useless for a lot of things. Phones, televisions, computers are useful but useless for a lot of things. 

TBR 2026

46. Novel Threat (A Pen and Dagger series Book 1) by Traci Hunter Abramson suspense romance. Re-reading in preparation for the newest release.

47. Staged Evidence (A Pen and Dagger series Book 2) by Traci Hunter Abramson suspense romance. Unexpected. Page-turner. Twists and turns. 

48. High Lonesome by Louis L'Amour western. Page turner. Didn't expect to find myself cheering for outlaws. Ultimately a redemption story.

49. The Man from the Broken Hills (Not listed as a Sackett novel but it's Milo Talon, a Sacket on his mother's side) by Louis L'Amour western. I want to read the other Talon books. So many books, so little time. 

50. Son of a Wanted Man by Louis L'Amour western. Tyrel Sackett made an appearance in the story, along with Borden Chantry. Now I want to read the story in which they first met. I also enjoyed the main character's story, Mike Bastian, seeing his journey to becoming his own man.

REAL 20 April 2026

Loved the cooler weather. Tired of the nightmares. A bit of yard work, trimming pygmy palms and bushes. Short walks. Some physical therapy. Eating okay. 

Thank Goodness It's Sunday

~ Cool enough to leave the door open, all the time.

~ Lovely scent of rain

~ Visiting with friends

~ Unexpected blessings

~ God's grace          

Brain Dump

Have I mentioned how squirrelly and unreliable A I is? I asked DuckDuckGo "How did AZ discontinue DST?" That's "how did Arizona discontinue daylight savings time?" The "assistant" discussed how California has the option of opting out of daylight savings time. Wait...what? In fact, every single link offered on DST referenced California or other states. A few, not first but later in the preview text mentioned that Arizona and Hawaii don't go on DST. Even regular search engines are becoming more stupid with the help of A I. 

TBR 2026

41.  Treasure Mountain (The  series Book 13) by Louis L'Amour western 1875-1879. Still more little bits and pieces of history woven into the story.

42. Lonely on the Mountain (The  series Book 14) by Louis L'Amour western 1875-1879. I confess I was a little sad at the end.

43. Ride the Dark Trail (The  series Book 15) by Louis L'Amour western, in the 1875-79. I do like Aunt Em. L'Amour has a gift for description. 

44. The Sackett Brand (The  series Book 16) by Louis L'Amour western, 1875-79. This should have been listed earlier in the series. This and the next actually belong after Mojave Crossing. I finally found the correct order in the Sacketts Volume 2. This story takes place in eastern Arizona, in the Mogollon Rim country. In my early teens, I did some camping and hiking in the area. Globe is still there as well as a few other places mentioned in the story. And the Lost Dutchman's Mine is referred to though not names. 

45. The Sky-Liners (The  series Book 17) by Louis L'Amour western. 1875-79. An amazing look into our wild west history. 

REAL 13 April 2026

With temps in the 90s, walks have been few and far between. Yes, my body appreciates them, but then I'm a slug the rest of the day. Physical therapy got sidelined for a while. Back at it. Eating is good some day but not so good others, though it's more good than than the not so good. Nightmares, every time I wake up. Every. Single. Time. 

Thank Goodness It's Sunday

~ Midweek Gospel study

~ A/C and fans

~ Visiting with friends

~ New book by a favorite author

~ God's grace          

Brain Dump

I’ve used Word for decades and had to be careful about spell and grammar check, from the beginning. I learned early on that it is wrong approximately 50% of the time. Then they come along with AI and declare it will make life so much easier! Except you have to continue to check it for accuracy. Not only spelling and grammar but facts and information. Yes, AI has been caught making things up as facts; it lies; it cheats; it steals; it changes information in the middle. It’s sloppy, inaccurate…and yes, it annoys me. I don’t hate those who use it, but I want them to understand it isn’t magical; it’s just fast at flawed, unreliable research.

TBR 2026

36.  Lando (The  series Book 8) by Louis L'Amour western 1873-1879. Brutal and fascinating and not quite what I expected. 

37. Mojave Crossing (The  series Book 9) by Louis L'Amour western 1875-1879. More history! What a journey. Whew. Interesting to see Los Angeles in the early years and love that the modern day locations are given for reference in the footnotes. 

38. Mustang Man (The  series Book 10) by Louis L'Amour western, in the 1875-79. Action packed.

39. The Lonely Men (The  series Book 11) by Louis L'Amour western, 1875-79. Brutal page turner. Funnily enough, one of the television stations played "The Sackett," a mishmash of a couple books, enough to recognize the books but lots of changes. I'm ever fascinated by the bits of facts and history woven into the fiction. 

40. Galloway (The  series Book 12) by Louis L'Amour western. 1875-79. While it's true each book stands alone, together it's quite the saga. 

Just because it made me smile

 

Thank Goodness It's Sunday

~ The most important declaration in Christendom is made: He is not dead. He is risen.

~ Jesus conquered death and hell.

~ Jesus resurrects and lives now and forever. 

~ Easter

~ God's grace         

Good Friday

Sunday was a celebration. The Apostles are certain that all they hoped for is coming to pass. On Thursday, at the Passover feast, they discover a traitor is among them. Jesus endures Gethsemane, arrest, flogging, a mockery of a trial, and is crucified. It wasn't supposed to end this way. The Apostles and Followers are in mourning, confused, devastated. How could this happen? How could this be what God intended? 

We have an advantage over those distant Followers. We know Sunday is coming.

Blessing Basket quote

 

Thanks to Donna Keevers Driver for creating this for me.

Ready for Easter?

Celebrate with a story.

The Blessing Basket

The thirteenth novella in the series.

Welcome back to Holiday, USA, small town America, where nothing happens, except holidays... and a little romance, if the hero and heroine trust God.

Cici, Candy Crothers, lies to everyone, except her Holiday Diner boss, only because he informed her if she lied to him he'd fire her. She ran away from an ugly past and still worries it might catch up to her. Sharing her nightmares is nowhere on her list of things to do, ever.

Trace Brown left the Army honorably but not unscathed. Anger controls his life, holding him back from pretty much everything, including becoming a chef at Holiday Diner. The diner's head hostess intrigues him, but not enough to risk sharing his day-to-day battle with PTSD.

Nothing can drive God away. His hand is stretched out still. He is always there, waiting...

http://a.co/8o1meMa 

Thank Goodness It's Sunday

~ Gospel study with friends

~ Celebrations with friends

~ Air conditioning 

~ Palm Sunday with family

~ God's grace          

Brain Dump

AI - Artificial Insemination. AIR - Artificial Information Resource  

TBR 2026

31.  The Warrior Path (The  series Book 3) by Louis L'Amour western set in 1620s. I enjoy all the bits of actual history thrown into the story. The visit to Jamaica and private haven of Port Royal was fascinating. Page turner.

32. Jubal Sackett (The  series Book 4) by Louis L'Amour western set in 1620s. Unlike Dan Brown who includes facts that aren't really facts but more fiction disguised as facts - yes, I looked them up - L'Amour uses facts and explains when they are simply theories based in facts, though some might dismiss the facts as fiction. 

33. Ride the River (The  series Book 5) by Louis L'Amour western, in the 1840s-50s. I had trouble putting it down. Again, the history fascinates me. I also enjoy the little touch of romance. 

34. The Daybreakers (The  series Book 6) by Louis L'Amour western, 1870-72. I'm drawn in and feel like I'm living there. L'Amour has a gift for words. This story also gained extra meaning now that I know a little of my Welsh history. 

35. Sackett (The  series Book 7) by Louis L'Amour western. 1874-75. Again, I love that L'Amour weaves in so many facts. 

REAL 23 March 2026

Too hot for much walking. Physical therapy done. Eating is okay. Sleep is okay some nights not so much other. Nightmares every time I wake up. Vertigo thanks to allergies makes doing much of anything a challenge. 

Thank Goodness It's Sunday

~ Yummy Grill Night

~ Visit with a dear friend

~ Good books

~ Visit with my sister

~ God's grace         

Brain Dump

Ask about this book, a feature offered on Amazon is A I generated information. Remember: A I only notes the beginning and the end. To A I, the middle is fuzzy. So, when you "Ask about this book" you aren't actually learning about the true story arc. You're learning about the beginning and the end and whatever A I decides to extrapolate from that. In other words, it will not be giving you an accurate overview because it doesn't know the overview; it doesn't understand storytelling. Remember that you are smarter than A I; it just has access to more information than you do. That is not a measure of smartness. 

TBR 2026

26.  Gambler (The Coalition Rebellion: Ziem series Book 5) by Justine Davis Sci-Fi fantasy romance. I cried, sad and happy tears. Longest of the books in the series and only a brief steamy scene, the wedding night, two pages. Love the characters. Tough to put down the story.

27. Renegade (The Coalition Rebellion: Ziem series Book 6) by Justine Davis Sci-Fi fantasy romance. Hate to see the end but a satisfying end. 

28. Her Un-Valentine by Justine Davis suspense romance. A stand alone novella. Nail biting with a touch of humor. A little steamy. Fun.

29. Sackett's Land (Sackett series Book 1) by Louis L'Amour western. While it's listed has a western, it takes place in 1600. An unexpected enjoyment to recognize the mention of the battle of Lepanto, as I've listened to the narration of that bit of history by Buck Sexton a few times. L'Amour did his homework. The book is written in first person, a point of view I'm not particularly fond of reading. However, L'Amour writes not in an effort to reveal the character's inner thoughts and feelings but instead in the mode of storytelling, an autobiography. 

30. To the Far Blue Mountains (The  series Book 2) by Louis L'Amour western. While it's listed has a western but takes place in 1600. This is a continuation of the previous characters. The first time I read the Sackett series I didn't know much about my family history. The story delved into Wales, the Welsh, Celts, and Ireland. I also knew nothing about St. John's, Newfoundland, until recently when I discovered the police series "Hudson and Rex." L'Amour's writing is sometimes poetic, painting stunning pictures. 

Tomorrow is St. Patrick's Day.

Celebrate with a story. 

Tough Luck

The fourth novella in the series.

Welcome back to Holiday, USA, small town America, where nothing happens, except holidays... and maybe a little romance, if the hero and heroine trust God.

Holiday's playboy, Brent Kelly, returns home a changed man, if only everyone would believe him. The First Annual Tough Luck Run offers him the opportunity to prove he turned over a new leaf.

Cindy Garvey has worked hard her whole life, and now she is preparing to move from employee to business owner with her best friend. The last thing she needs is one more surprise in her life.

God provides the way to Happily Ever After, no matter how far astray His children wander...

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KYXDFQ4/ref=s9_simh_gw_p351_d9_i4

If you prefer paperback, Holiday, USA Anthology 2014.

All four novellas published in 2014 are available in their entirety in paperback, including the covers on the back, for those who enjoy collecting a series.

http://www.amazon.com/Holiday-USA-Anthology-2014-1/dp/150773459X/ref=sr_1_6

 

Thank Goodness It's Sunday

~ Blessed rain

~ Reading a good book while listening to the rain

~ Gathering with sisters in Christ

~ Overnight cooling

~ God's grace         

Brain Dump

I watched a podcast that decided to ask ChatGBT about the upcoming changes involving adult mode. The podcaster used the voice mode, so I was able to hear the thing lie. When the podcaster called it out on lying, it deflected, repeating what it said the first time. In other words, it lied again, using slightly different words. Disturbing and nauseating.  

St. Patrick's Day is coming.

 

From the creative talent of Donna Keevers Driver

REAL 9 March 2026

Longer walks and a few more. PT every day. Eating is okay. I recognize problem areas I need to improve. Sleep is still problematic.

Thank Goodness It's Sunday

~ Gospel studies with friends

~ Surprise inspiring gift

~ Weather cooling to bearable again

~ Favorite authors

~ God's grace        

Brain Dump

Rule #1: Stop lying, especially to yourself. Artificial Intelligence is not intelligent. A more factual name would be Artificial Information Resource. Be aware of the following fact : A I treats fact and fiction with equal value. Fact : A I processes the beginning and the end and fluffs the middle, filling in as it sees fit. Fact : A I lies and cheats, it doesn't care. Fact : A I is not smart. Fact : A I is not moral, in any way, shape, or form. Fact : The Oxford comma is not A I exclusive. Fact : The EM dash is not A I exclusive. Fact : Authors did not copy A I in using the Oxford comma or the EM dash; A I copied authors. Fact : Books written by real people were used to teach A I to write, without author permission. Fact : A I plagiarizes and steals art from real people, without ever siting a source. 

TBR 2026

21.  Lord of the Storm (The Coalition Rebellion series Book 1) by Justine Davis Sci-Fi fantasy romance. This series has more bedroom scenes than her other books. Those who want books free of inmate situations need to choose something else. So, why did I read it? First, I love Justine's characters. Ultimately, her stories are character driven. Being an abuse survivor, she's helped me explore the difference between unhealthy and healthy. Yes, I realize that God needs to be part of a marriage. I'm able to add Him in with that understanding. What drew me in and kept me reading was the good vs evil and how evil strips beauty and intimacy from relationships, just like the coalition. She also focuses on the right to choose, the intrinsic value and power of it. 

22. Skypirate (The Coalition Rebellion series Book 2) by Justine Davis Sci-Fi fantasy romance. This is a redemption story, for both characters. 

23. The Kingbird (The Coalition Rebellion series Short Story) by Justine Davis Sci-Fi fantasy romance. This is a tie from the first generation into the next generation. 

24. Rebel Prince (The Coalition Rebellion series Book 3) by Justine Davis Sci-Fi fantasy romance. This next generation ties the futures of two worlds together. 

25 Raider (The Coalition Rebellion: Ziem series Book 4) by Justine Davis Sci-Fi fantasy romance. For those on Ziem, the planets of the first part of the series are myths. I search for how the characters' struggles reflect my own and what I can learn. Experienced a moment of catching my breath and unexpected tears.