cold, cold, cold

I realize that I live in Minnesota, but it is COLD. SO COLD. Below zero with wind.My face hurt after walking home four blocks in the wind. It is supposed to be even colder tomorrow. And then it should warm up. I am thankful that it is not a long cold stretch, but would not mind missing this part of winter here.

Searching for Eternity

Searching for Eternity by Elizabeth Musser is a novel about Emile de Bonnery. He suddenly has to move from France to Atlanta, Georgia in the 1960's. He is a thirteen year old who is struggling to fit into life there, though he would rather be in France. It is a story of loss, hope, love, and letting go. It spans three decades-taking part in the 60's, 70's and 80's. I enjoyed reading this book by Musser. Her descriptions of both France and Atlanta are done well. The characters are likable but not perfect. I would recommend this to people that are interested in history or current events.

When Crickets Cry

When Crickets Cry by Charles Martin is the book I finished reading on Thursday. It is the story of Reese and Annie. Reese is living in Georgia, trying to forget the pain from his past and living away from all the people (except his brother-in-law) that once knew him. Then he meets the little girl, Annie, and slowly he comes to grips with what has happened and how he can continue to live.
At first this book reminded me in part of the movie A Walk to Remember. Maybe because of the southern setting as much as anything else. It was a good book, though sad at times, and thankfully somewhat unpredictable. I like Martin's writing because of the way he tells the story, uses quotes from well known authors, and how he reveals only part of the story at a time. The story jumps from present to the past, but not in a way that is confusing to the reader, and he makes you wonder for awhile instead of giving all the information at one time.
When I first finished reading it, I wasn't sure that I liked it as well as I thought I might, but I would recommend it to others.
One thing that might bog people down is the medical terminology that is a part of the story, but it does add credibility and understanding to the story.
This book was worth reading and would be a good book for a book club because of the depth of the story. I liked it but still find that my favorite book by Martin that I have read so far is Chasing Fireflies.

full house

Yesterday afternoon and evening I had company in the form of three little people-Z, P, and A. I called my dad and brothers to tell them that they could come over and visit. Later Dad, Wayne, Tim AND M & M came. So there was a full and loud apartment. We stayed up later than Z, P, and A usually do and had fun. We weren't too quiet this morning, either, so we might have woken up my landlady (she lives downstairs) or my neighbors that do tend to sleep in on Saturdays.

resolutions

I make New Year's resolutions. One of my friends said her resolution is to make no more of them. I have found them useful because when I write something down, it more often gets done. Some of mine from 2007 were to finish my blue and yellow quilt, read through the Bible, start a book club, and move. I did the first three of those, the last one-move-is now on my list for the upcoming year. Two new goals that I have for this year are to visit a state or country I have not been to and to memorize a couple of chapters of the Bible. Any suggestions on a place I should visit? I have been to almost all of the western U.S.A. so I would have to either go to the south or the east coast. What about ideas of what chapter to memorize?