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