Carol's Notebook – Page 226

Audiobook Challenge 2017 Wrap-Up

December 22, 2017December 21, 2017 by Carol4 Comments

I didn't quite make my goal of 30 audiobooks, but I came close. I finished 26 as of today, but I think I'll get one final one in by the end of the year, Christmas Bliss by Mary Kay Andrews. Thanks again to our hosts, Hot Listens and Caffeinated Reviewer. Here's my list. I think the titles should link to my reviews. Stiletto by Daniel O'Malley Love Does: Discover a Secretly Incredible Life in an Ordinary World by Bob Goff Game of Mirrors by Andrea Camilleri The Patience of the Spider by Andrea Camilleri The Girl with Ghost Eyes by M. H. Boroson Motion for Murder by Kelly Rey Kill and Run by Lauren Carr A Fine Year for Murder by Lauren Carr The Secrets of Wishtide by Kate Saunders The End of the Day by Claire North A Study in Charlotte by Brittany Cavallaro The Collapsing Empire by John Scalzi The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky...

Secret Santa Gifts

December 21, 2017 by Carol9 Comments

I had a couple of fabulous Secret Santas this year. Terri sent me this fabulous package. The two books were from my wishlist and I can't wait to read them. I love the reading journal, I've never had one before. And most of the candy might be already gone. The second one is from Beth Fish Reads. She must know I love cozies and I talked about 'Twas the Nightcap earlier today. The tote is awesome. The chocolate looks delicious and bookmarks are always appreciated. This final one is actually a giveaway I won from Romancing Rakes For The Love of Romance, but it was part of the 12 Days of Gift-mas. Thanks again everyone!...

‘Twas the Nightcap Before Christmas by Katie Blackburn

December 21, 2017December 21, 2017 by Carol5 Comments

"'Twas the nightcap before Christmas That caused mischief and mayhem and Mom wearing stockings when she should have been filling them..." Cute, little alcohol-soaked adult take on 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. Mom and dad drink way too much and have a lot of fun on Christmas eve, but get very little actually done. Happily Santa shows up after they're out for the night and saves the day. Definitely for adults, but fun. It would be a nice Christmas gift for parents with a sense of humor. I received it in a Secret Santa gift and had to read it almost immediately. The bright colors, the fact that it's a take on a familiar poem, make it pretty irresistible....

My Favorite . . . Christmas Tradition

December 20, 2017December 20, 2017 by Carol16 Comments

My Favorite.. is a weekly meme hosted by Maureen’s Books. In this meme we share every week something we love with each other. Because let’s face it.. The world can be a dark place and it’s time to share something positive. For more info: My Favorite Meme. I love Christmas and this would have been a super easy question to answer a few years ago. I love our 11:00 Christmas Eve service. I love all the music, the candle-lighting, the fact that when you leave it's after midnight, so it's Christmas. I think I've missed one year in my memory, because I was just too sick to go. I even walked to the service one year when it was too icy to drive. And I still love that service, but now I play the organ/piano for it, and it's just not the same. I can't relax and enjoy the music, because I'm playing. I don't get to hold a candle during...

The Peace of Christmas: Quiet Reflections with Pope Francis by Diane M. Houdek

December 19, 2017December 19, 2017 by Carol3 Comments

The Peace of Christmas: Quiet Reflections with Pope Francis is a fine devotional for Christmas. Each devotion starts with a reflection from Pope Francis followed by a "Christmas Reality" where Ms. Houdek expands a bit on the reflection and talks about how it applies to her life and, by extension, ours. At the end of each is a "Christmas Gift," which could be something like get rid of something on your to-do list in order to spend an hour with God, or visit a variety of nativities and notice the differences. I'm not Catholic, but you don't have to be to appreciate the Pope's words. I think most Christians will find something meaningful here. I do with the piece from his writings/speeches was longer. Houdek's comments were fine, but I picked up the book to read the Pope's reflections, not hers. Most of the "gifts" are thought-provoking, asking us to look honestly at our lives, our values and our responses to...

Readers’ Workouts – 12/19

December 19, 2017December 19, 2017 by Carol5 Comments

I am on a roll with my steps lately. Let's see if I can keep it up over Christmas. Since I averaged over 8,000 steps, I'm counting it. But I had a dream that Amber told me to raise my steps to 9,000 cause she was worried about my health. I wonder if I should take it as a sign? This week's activities: Tuesday - Pilates, Jumping jacks Wednesday - Jumping jacks Friday - Elliptical Sunday - Jumping jacks Goals for December: Gym - 4 times (Done: 3) Pilates - 12 times (Done: 3) I can still reach this goal, but need to make time almost every day #Starcember - 10/18 so far This week's dinners: Tuesday - Chicken pot pie Wednesday - Chili with macaroni Thursday - Cracker Barrel chicken and dumplings Friday - Chili with macaroni Saturday - Pizza Sunday - Chicken noodle soup and grilled cheese Monday - Chicken noodle soup and grilled cheese Meal ideas for next week: Spaghetti with bolognese Pork chops and apples, sweet potatoes Roast chicken and carrots Year Fitness Goals: So, I've failed at these,...