The Mystery of Merlin and the Gruesome Ghost by Nate Evans, Paul Hindman and Vince Evans

by Carol2 Comments
The Mystery of Merlin and the Gruesome Ghost by Nate Evans, Paul Hindman and Vince Evans (Suggested reading level: Grades 3-5) Amber (10) and I read this follow-up to The Case of the Fiendish Flapjack Flop together. It's a fun little read, although the abundance of Merlin/King Arthur mythology in various books, TV shows and movies is getting confusing, since each story takes it's own spin. Amber kept wanting to correct the book, and I kept saying it's not the TV show. I'm actually reading a book right now that uses the Arthur, Camelot story with a unique twist. My review on it should be up tomorrow. Humpty Dumpty, Jr. is on the case again, along with his side-kick, Rat, investigating a ghost at Merlin's Institute for the Knowledge of Everything. Merlin isn't the client, though, a cute girl who calls herself Princess Lily is, and Merlin doesn't like the interference at his school. Well, he doesn't like Dumpty's presence. Rat he's happy...
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Love and Justice

by Carol5 Comments
We should remember that God is not only one hundred percent love - which might have allowed him to forgive our sins without the cross. He is also one hundred percent justice. (pg. 62 ) Christ comforts and heals, saves and forgives - we know that; but we must not forget that he judges too. If we truly love him, we will love everything in him; not only his compassion and mercy, but his sharpness too. It is his sharpness that prunes and purifies. (pg. 63) Both of the above quotes are from "The Center" by J. Heinrich Arnold, one of the selections in Bread And Wine. Like last year, during Lent I'm working my way through this books of readings. They inspire me, cause me to reflect, and challenge me. Teaser Tuesdays is hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Play along. I cheated, but the rules are easy. Grab your current read, open to a random page,...
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Appetite by Said Sayrafiezadeh

by Carol6 Comments
"Appetite" by Saïd Sayrafiezadeh This slightly quirky short story starts out with a cook, who apparently has trouble with grilled cheese sandwiches, asking his restaurant manager for a raise. He's denied. So, here he is ina meaningless, unfulfilling job, but he's not searching for anything else either. When had I crossed that line from boy to man? Whenever it was, the line had been so faint, so subtle, that I had missed it entirely. Maybe if I had been paying closer attention things might have turned out differently for me. A new waitress starts working at the restaurant. She's skinny as a rail and he assumes anorexic, but he's attracted to her nonetheless. It's questionable whether he'll ever work himself up to talking to her though. He's not ambitious, to say the least. I didn't love this story and I'm not sure how to feel after reading it. Is it sad? Is it hopeful that these two individuals, neither of whom...
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February Wrap Up

by Carol7 Comments
I'm tired of snow. Have I mentioned that lately? I keep threatening not to come out of the house until April. Luckily David deals with all the shoveling and what-not, so I guess I shouldn't complain too loudly. February was a pretty quiet month at our house, nothing major going on. We had David's folks and brother over to watch the Super Bowl and we watched the Olympics a fair amount. Amber missed a bunch of days because of the snow, but she's definitely not complaining. I read or listened to 11 books, 3 short stories and 2 fairy tales, even though my comments aren't up yet for all of them. The Girl who Spun Gold by Virginia Hamilton The Help by Kathryn Stockett The Inimitable Jeeves by P. G. Wodehouse The Bug Scientists by Donna M. Jackson Spider’s Bite by Jennifer Estep The Problem Child by Michael Buckley The Princess and the Pea by Lauren Child The Vintage Caper by Peter Mayle Mystery of Merlin and the...
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Game Night – Ad Astra

by Carol1 Comment
Ad Astra Designers: Bruno Faidutti, Serge Laget Manufacturers: Fantasy Flight Games, Nexus Editrice Year: 2009 Players: 3 - 5 Time: 60 minutes Ages: 13 and up This is not my favorite game set in space. That would be Race for the Galaxy, but Ad Astra's fun enough to play occasionally. Basically players explore the galaxy searching for new planets. Most planets produce a resource, allowing you to build colonies, factories and more ships. Sometimes, however you will run across an alien artifact that can give you a distinct advantage. The turn system is unusual. Each player has a handful of cards allowing different actions like exploring, building and trading. At the beginning of the round, these action cards are placed face down on the main game board on one of fifteen slots, whatever is open at the time. The number on the slot indicates the order in which that action card will be resolved. Since all players may be able to benefit from...
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