It's Monday...what are you reading?

I am in love with Kate Morton...the author......the woman is unbelievably talented in my opinion.  She takes you to another time and place in each of her books and you become so involved with her characters you really feel like you know them.  Her character development is beyond words.  The first book I read was The Forgotten Garden and then I finished this one, The Secret Keeper.

Each of her books is a different story but they are so involved that you get wrapped up in it like it's a true tale.  I escape every night to worlds that Kate has created and given as a gift to the world.  Thank you, Kate!
I'm still listening to the audio book.  It's an excellent audio but I am still a physical book type person so her remaining books will be ordered and held in my hands. This is also a winner.  I cannot get over how talented this young woman is.  She's gifted.  What will I do when I run out of her books?  Re-read them!

I also finished my Organic Living magazine and the latest Country Living magazine; both of which have been canceled subscriptions.  Now on to my old magazines.

I'm still reading this one and it's a little dark but the writing is excellent.  This is not your normal nature book but if you read it, stick with it because I think it will be worth it.  I''ll let you know for sure when I finish it.

I started reading the Maisie Dobbs series of mysteries by Jacqueline Winspear.  I read this book when it first came out but then as she wrote more books I didn't read her others which I do not know why as I loved her mysteries and writing.  I love the era she writes about in the early 1900's.  I plan on reading the entire series and "catching  up" as each book builds on the others.  I am thoroughly enjoying myself and look forward to reading it each evening.  You will love it if you haven't read her before.

On another but related note, I found a wonderful blogger, Modern Mrs. Darcy who has a great blog about books and reading.  I found her on Pinterest because she had a 2015 Reading Challenge at the beginning of the year.  Is it too late?  "No", I told myself!  So, I am doing this even though it is September!  It's just so interesting and I think it will force me to read outside my comfort zone and also to read books I bought long ago that I tend to ignore.

I enlarged the list as much I could but here is the link to the original list and a downloadable printable list if you so chose.  I think there are probably some I can already cross off.  Want to join me?  I think it will be fun.  If you're already participating good for you and let me know what you've read and how you liked it.  There can never be enough good book recommendations! What are you reading?
Happy Trails!

YOP Week #10

I have a new banner and thank you to whoever created it over on Ravelry.  I love it!  Fall is in full swing around here and I think the last of the "hot and humid" left early Saturday morning when the cold front moved in with a brief rain shower.  I doubt we will see any more of Summer this year...bye-bye!  I am so energized with Fall and Winter coming and I have been clearing out, cleaning and organizing.  My middle bedroom used to be my office but now it is going to be my crafts room. I have been diligently organizing my books, patterns and gathering all my creative materials from around the house.
 I cleaned the windows good inside and out.  I like these Pella windows as I can clean both sides from inside the house and the storms are held in with clips so although I don't always take them off and wash in-between, I did this time.  They were really dirty. 

 I got my father's old desk moved under the window and polished it up good and placed my little cutting board on it.

Now I have a place to start cutting the binding for that quilt I
was trying to finish up.  I have yet to tackle the drawers......

I also cleared out the bookcase in there that was full of "office" type books and polished it up and started gathering my quilting, needlework, rug hooking, crocheting and knitting books and patterns to put on it.  I hope they all fit! LOL!

I'd love to paint the walls and the furniture and pull up the carpet but for now I just need clean and neat and functionable.
  Needless to say, I have not gotten much done on YOP projects but never fear!  I have plans and projects in the works!  With the Fall approaching I am already panicking about Christmas and everything I see I want to make but taxes are due this month so no yarn ordering.  Plus, I can't open any files since I went to Windows 10 (don't do it!) so I have to get that fixed as that is where I have my patterns and recipes. So as soon as I can get that fixed I really need to finalize my YOP list and start being accountable.
I was up before the sun this morning...............

 so my photos may not be the best using lamp light.........I've been slowly joining my squares together for the Dottie Angel blanket/throw and the invisible join is just that....invisible...LOVE!

I still can't tell right side from wrong side but I guess if I can't tell it must not matter much.
I'm using this old book of mine......

 to make this scrap blanket...........12 knitted squares, 15 crocheted and 15 felted wool for a total of 42 blocks.  Each square is different and I decided to do it to use up some of my old acrylic yarn.  I am doing the knitted squares first and I am on square #3.  I posted about this in my last post too if you want to check back on it.

These are my squares so far.....

I am enjoying it and it is a great way to learn different stitches like the diamond pattern above.
I told you there was new projects in the works.............this is on my Fall board on Pinterest and is a free pattern.  Unfortunately, the yarn used is no longer made but I was able to nab the 2 skeins of the variegated on Ebay and the rest I will need to find replacements for. 
This is my Fall "me" project.

 Here are the 2 skeins of TLC which used to be made by Red Heart.
 Didn't I just say I was trying to use up my acrylic yarn????  I do love the colors though.

 I hope you had a good week and that you have high hopes for the week ahead!
Happy Trails!
P.S.  I made snicker doodles Friday night.......they were on my Fall bucket list! LOL!  I used this recipe