Boo Humbug

Boo Humbug by Rene Gutteridge is the latest book in the Boo series. It is shorter than the first three-Boo, Boo Hoo, and Boo Hiss. This book takes place at Christmastime and Lois is inspired to have a big Christmas theater production. I think that I liked the first three books a lot better overall. Boo Humbug is not as funny...and it doesn't seem to develop the characters anymore. If you want to read this book, I suggest you read the others first.

two quilts

I am not a crazy quilter like my sister, but I did finish two quilts in the last month or so. It is amazing how much I get done when I have a deadline.

The first one is for my newest nephew Adam. He was born last Wednesday. I did not know if the baby was going to be a girl or a boy, so I chose something that would work for either. I like the bright colors of the quilt.

This quilt is for my friends Emili and Nathan. They are getting married on Saturday, and I finished this quilt last Saturday. It is a twin size quilt that they can use as a throw.

One of my favorite parts of quilting is when I have a finished project to give as a gift. No one has ever complained about such a handmade gift.

Off the Record

Off the Record by Elizabeth White is about Judge Laurel Kincaid. She is running for a judge position in Alabama. She is young and hopes to be able to be able to make a difference in the court system. Things get complicated when Cole comes to cover the story for a New York newspaper. They knew each other in college but have not seen each other for eight years. This is an interesting love story that makes you want to keep reading, even though parts of it are farfetched and unbelievable. The plot did include some unexpected twists and turns. This book by White did not have the humor that I found in her other books Fireworks and Fair Game.

Chasing Fireflies

Chasing Fireflies by Charles Martin is about journalist Chase Walker and Uncle Willee. Chase lives in Georgia and was raised by Uncle Willee and his wife. The story is actually two-one of a foster child that was left after an accident, another of Chase and his growing up. Chase is assigned to do a newspaper story about a mute boy who has no identity. While the story of the boy is not the same as Chase's own life, there are parallels and as Chase is working on the story, the book also explains his earlier life, as well as that of Uncle Willee.
Uncle Willee is a man of character that is willing to love even when it hurts and stick up for those that are in his care.
This book gives you plenty to think on and it would be a good choice for a book club to read and discuss. Some topics that it covers are justice, truth, and doing what is right.
It is a book I may read again sometime, though for now I am going to read more of Martin's other novels.

FYI-My sister is giving away a handmade purse and a quilt on her blog. Her blog is at www.crazymomquilts.blogspot.com.

10 things I like

About two months ago I got a letter from my aunt and she asked me what I liked. I thought about it a long time...so long that she ended up sending me a birthday present before I answered. But here is a long thought out answer. IF you know me, at least some of these things should not be a surprise.

1. books
2. paper
3. snail mail
4. postage stamps
5. decorative boxes
6. music
7. lists
8. bath and body stuff
9. food
10. names

What things do you like?

Millie Waits for the Mail

Millie Waits for the Mail by Alexander Steffensmeier is one of my new favorite children's books. It is about Millie the cow and her favorite pastime...scaring the mail carrier. The mail carrier and Millie's owner are not happy about this and decide it is time to intervene. The end result is a surprise to Millie, the mail carrier, and her owner. It is a fun story that I enjoyed because of the story, the subject, and the well done illustrations. My nephew and niece enjoyed the story and I plan to read it to my students soon.