Sporadic Saturday--Just Briefly

I want to apologize for not doing a recipe post this week, but in light of my last post, I think you can understand. I will be sending out all 4 prize packs from the Handmade With Love Giveaway.  I still have a giveaway going on, so be sure to check it out here.  And there will be a guest post coming up on Monday.

All the food I made this week was good, and I will not have any regular reviews of the recipes.  I will hopefully be listing some more giveaways before too long.  I know I have  some blog hops coming up in March and April, so that will be something to look forward to.

I want to thank each of you for being such fantastic followers and readers.  I certainly want to find more tangible ways to celebrate you.  So hopefully within the next couple weeks as I heal and recover, I will be able to get some good stuff together on here.  Feel free to leave any suggestions!

My Harrowing Experience

Well, last night was an ordeal I hope never to live through again.  I may be a little behind in getting prizes posted, but I should have it done by Monday.  I still am awaiting the response of one person from the Handmade with Love giveaway since my original person did not respond.

Last night, I was attacked by a dog.  It is not your usual dog attack story.  We were fostering to adopt what was called an Australian Shepherd mix.  This was on Monday.  Okay, I was not too keen on it, but he seemed to be a nice dog and well-trained.  And it wasn't my place to say.  I remember saying that he didn't like me.  But even yesterday, he seemed to be more accepting of me.  He didn't bother our cats.  He played well with our dog.

Last night, I was in the middle of cooking dinner, and I was getting in some exercise on the Wii Fit Plus.  My daughter had been in the living room with me just minutes before and had stopped for a snack.  She went to her room.  I was anxiously watching the time hoping I would be done in time to complete dinner.

I saw that my mom and Martin were coming in, and in came the new dog.  I turned my face to him, but my back was too him.  He charged at me, and clamped his mouth onto my calf.  Martin and my mom immediately responded.  I know I was screaming from the pain, and I had been knocked off balance.  I remember that it seemed I was beginning to get free, but he just repositioned and bared down harder.  I didn't know that it took Martin hitting the dog's head very hard to get him free.  I remember the intense pain, but I also remember thinking that this dog was going to continue up my leg.  The pain subsided.  The dog was out of control, but Martin had restrained him.  That dog definitely would have been going for more had Martin not restrained him.  Thankfully, our other dog, Sandy, was not in at the time.  My mom looked at my bite, and she said I had to go the hospital.  Can you believe that I walked to my room, got my coat and purse and put on my shoes, fully intending to go to the hospital.  I had not idea how badly I had been hurt.

Martin was able to put the dog outside--we have a fenced in yard, and this way he couldn't get any of us.  They told me to lie down and elevate my foot.  Unfortunately, my daughter saw part of the attack, and she was in hysterics.  All I could think about was could I work on Friday, turn the oven off, and I wish I could comfort Martha.  My mom called for an ambulance--she was concerned I would go into shock.  For the record, I never did.  I was fully conscious and coherent the entire time.  Martin wrapped it.  He then went out and shot the dog twice.  I will never forget the sound of the dog howling.  It even had the gall to run up on our porch.

So I got my first ambulance ride.  It was a fantastic hospital.  And Martin was able to get Martha calmed down.  I had not idea how bad things were with my leg till I saw it at the hospital--12 cm laceration.  Stitches, crutches--but everything was going to be fine.

We were sure the dog was dead, but to our shock, the dog survived the 2 shots and was on our porch this morning.  That was rather scary.  Animal control picked him up and will test him for rabies and then euthanize him.  They don't think that rabies will be a possibility--no cases in 10 years.

This is what I say--God is very good.  I am the healthiest person in my family, so if it had to happen to someone, I'm glad it was me.  I also am glad that Martin was here and that Martha was not working out with me at the time.

So that is the abridged story.  My wounds are already healing.  Thank God!

Well-Spoken Wednesday--Scandal Becomes Her by Shirlee Busbee

Summary from goodreads:

New York Times bestselling author Shirlee Busbee weaves the intricate, unforgettable story of a chance meeting, a forced marriage—and the surprise of a love so passionate it cannot be denied...

Love Is Sweetest When It's Unexpected

Nell Anslowe and Julian, Earl of Wyndham, are an unlikely couple in every respect. Injured in a riding accident ten years ago, Nell was left with a fiancé who abandoned their engagement and the firm belief that she will never marry. The abrupt end of Julian's unhappy marriage formed his resolve to remain a bachelor until the end of his days. But as Julian chases down his reckless stepsister, he seeks shelter from a summer storm in a cottage—and finds it occupied by Nell, who has escaped from a fortune-seeking libertine bent on carrying her off to Gretna Green. Discovered together by Nell's family, the couple's hasty wedding is the only way to save Nell from scandal. But the polite union each of them expects soon ignites into something much more powerful...

Scandal Becomes Her by Shirlee Busbee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When I began this book, I really wasn't sure what I would think of it.  I love historical romances, but judging from the cover, I was concerned that it may have a lot of steamy sex scenes.  I don't mind those scenes as long as they are within the confines of marriage.  I know I'm old-fashioned, but that is just me.

I was instantly enthralled with the book.  I loved Nell--I always love strong females, especially from bygone eras.  And I also love books that take place in England.  Both were true of this book.  I was so glad that nothing happened between Nell and Julian until they were married.  I also enjoyed the way in which the love and passion grew between them.

The story was basically a standard historical romance formula, but the author did insert a bit of a mystery.  And this really made the story intriguing.  I was pleased to have nearly figured out the mystery, and it certainly made me hungry for more.  I was pleased to realize there are two sequels to this book (at least), and I plan to put those on my to-read list.

In conclusion, if you like a good historical romance with a bit of intrigue, I think you would like this book.  The intimate scenes were steamy but not too steamy.  And there was thankfully very minimal profanity--nothing too bad, which was nice.


View all my reviews

On a Lighter Note

A friend of mine sent this to me, and I don't often pass along things.  But I guess this resonates with me since I am a teacher.  Enjoy!!

Children Are Quick ____________________________________    TEACHER:    Maria, go to the map and find North America .  MARIA:         Here it is.  TEACHER:   Correct.  Now class, who discovered  America ?  CLASS:         Maria.  ____________________________________      TEACHER:    John, why are you doing your math multiplication on the floor?  JOHN:          You told me to do it without using tables.  __________________________________________    TEACHER:  Glenn, how do you spell 'crocodile?'  GLENN:      K-R-O-K-O-D-I-A-L'  TEACHER:  No, that's wrong  GLENN:       Maybe it is wrong, but you asked me how I spell it.      ____________________________________________    TEACHER:   Donald, what is the chemical formula for water?  DONALD:     H I J K L M N O.  TEACHER:   What are you talking about?  DONALD:    Yesterday you said it's H to O.    __________________________________    TEACHER:   Winnie, name one important thing we have today that we didn't have ten years ago.  WINNIE:       Me!  __________________________________________      TEACHER:   Glen, why do you always get so dirty?  GLEN:          Well, I'm a lot closer to the ground than you are.    _______________________________________    TEACHER:     Millie, give me a sentence starting with '  I  '  MILLIE:         I  is..  TEACHER:     No, Millie..... Always say, 'I am.'  MILLIE:         All right...  'I am the ninth letter of the alphabet.'        ________________________________    TEACHER:    George Washington not only chopped down his father's cherry tree, but also admitted it.                       Now, Louie, do you know why his father didn't punish him?  LOUIS:           Because George still had  the axe in his hand....      ______________________________________ TEACHER:    Now, Simon, tell me frankly, do you say prayers before eating?  SIMON:         No sir, I don't have to, my Mom is a good cook.    ______________________________    TEACHER:       Clyde , your composition on 'My Dog' is exactly the same as your brother's.. Did you copy his?  CLYDE  :         No, sir. It's the same dog.           ___________________________________    TEACHER:    Harold, what do you call a person who keeps on talking when people are no longer interested?  HAROLD:     A teacher  __________________________________

Twilight Tuesday--The Book Thief Book Review

I know I wouldn't normally make this a Twilight Tuesday post, but this book fits the theme very well.  It is a heavy book, so I think the review works well here.

It’s just a small story really, about among other things: a girl, some words, an accordionist, some fanatical Germans, a Jewish fist-fighter, and quite a lot of thievery. . . .

From goodreads:
Set during World War II in Germany, Markus Zusak’s groundbreaking new novel is the story of Liesel Meminger, a foster girl living outside of Munich. Liesel scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can’t resist–books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement before he is marched to Dachau.

This is an unforgettable story about the ability of books to feed the soul.



The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was recommended to me as a fine historical novel. I honestly had no idea what to expect except that it was WWII Germany.



From the beginning, I was enraptured like I have not been in a very long time. Imagine having Death narrate the book and actually feel sorry for him!  And the writing style was very reminiscent of classic literature. The author writes fantastic prose in a way few authors can in this post-modern era.



The characters were drawn in such a rich way. Death's grim humor and genuine concern for humanity caused the book to touch my emotions in a way most books cannot.



I guess I shall never tire of WWII stories. It is a period of history that repulses and intrigues me. Although this is fiction, I truly found myself caring about the characters. Death's cobntinued foreshadowing of events to come were always executed at exactly the right time. I think this book can touch anyone who decides to read it.



it does have some foul language, but I found that every use of it made sense. There were no sex scenes nor descriptive violence, but the book is harsh and real. Violence is there and unfortunately quite necessary.


View all my reviews

Music Monday--Challenge Week #6

I have one CD to review this week. I can't remember why I bought the CD, but it was an early CD purchase (I used to have a massive record collection).  I love this CD, and I often forget how nice it is.  I haven't seen every movie, but this CD contains some rare gems.

The CD begins with True Love by Bing Crosby and Grace Kelly.  This was from the film High Society, and it was Grace Kelly's final film before becoming a princess.  The movie features duets by Louis Armstrong/Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra/Bing Crosby.  It is a great film with fantastic Cole Porter music.

Next is For Me and My Gal with Judy Garland and Gene Kelly.  Oh, this film is so worth watching--classic to the core, and a sweet story with great songs to match.  Gene Kelly's first film.

I don't know much about  I Know that You Know.  But Breezin' Along With the Breeze with Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz is a real gem!  It comes from The Long, Long Trailer film which is classic Lucy and Desi.  Check that film out if you have not.  This is a perfect song for them!

Make Believe from one of the most romantic films ever--Showboat.  This is not the best film version of it, but it stars Howard Keel and Kathryn Grayson.  They simply take my breath away!

Nevertheless I'm in Love With You is fine, but Stranger in Paradise from Kismet is simply gorgeous!  Vic Damone and Ann Blyth truly capture this absolutely gorgeous song!  I have seen the film, but it is absolutely nothing to watch.  The music is unbelievable!

Best Things in Life Are Free is nothing great, but Be My Love with Mario Lanza and Kathryn Grayson is worth a listen!  Again, Ain't Nature Grand is just a little ditty from and Esther Williams film.

I will spend a moment on They Say It's Wonderful from Annie Get Your Gun.  This recording features Howard Keel and Judy Garland.  She was the original actress for this film, but due to her drug use, MGM let her go, and Betty Hutton replaced her.  I have seen the film with Betty Hutton, and she fit the role well.  She is more like Ethel Merman.  Judy Garland just doesn't fit the role.  And she and Howard Keel don't fit well together.  But it's still nice to hear.

Cabin in the Sky is a nice step into the past.  You  get to hear Rochester sing--yes the one of Jack Benny fame.  He sing with Ethel Waters.  This is not  a fantastic song, but it is fun to listen to.

I love Imagine with Debbie  Reynolds and  Vic Damone!  It is a very cute song, and Debbie Reynolds sells it!  Mr. and Mrs. is nice with Rosemary Clooney and Jose Ferrer.  And again So In Love with Howard Keel and Kathryn Grayson is from the fantastic film Kiss Me Kate.  If you have not seen this and you are a fan of musicals, look it up!  They are fantastic together!!

An interesting track is I Can't Believe That You're in Love With Me.  Connie Francis and Danny Thomas--what an intriguing combo.  It makes me want to see the film--that you probably can't even get!!

One Kiss/Lover Come Back to Me is nice, and the ending is You Are My Lucky Star from Singin' in the Rain.  The disappointment here is that you hear Gene Kelly, but they dubbed Debbie Reynolds.

And we come to the end.  So, what video to post. Oh that's tough!  Well,  here goes.  I think you'll like both of these.  They are two of my favorites.

Solution Sunday--Today's Update on My 2011 Challenges

Well, here is the weekly update on my challenges.  I do not have any pictures this week--sorry.  I was basically up at 4:30 most days last week and had at least an hour trip both ways to work.  So here goes.

First of all, I am behind on posting for this challenge!

I apologize for not keeping up.  I will be getting caught up tomorrow if all goes well.  I read week 3 and never posted last week.  I will get caught up by the end of this week.

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The Love it or Lose it Challenge ended last week, but it certainly changed the way I look at my clothes closet.  I am trying to wear more unique and original pieces together.  And some of the things I hadn't worn I now love!

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Week 5--I got the DVD's and videos organized!  And I can answer her question. Why do I want to get organized?  So I can see what we have!  I had no idea which movies my daughter and I had.  And I listed a good 20 of them this weekend on half.com and amazon!  I must say it looks good.  My daughter can actually get to her videos now!  

For this week, I will be purging my clothes and my daughter's.  I have to figure out what I will do next week. I am so excited to be getting things done!

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I don't feel I can count my book this week--I don't consider it historical fiction, but maybe I'll change my mind.  The review doesn't post till later this week, but The Book Thief will definitely be done!

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Nothing new here.

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I will be starting this book for this challenge this week:

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I will be adding my review next week as it doesn't post until Wednesday.

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No update.  Hopefully soon!

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No update this week.

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Updated this challenge yesterday.