Thursday - August 2, 2018

My days get busier and busier but at least I feel like I'm moving forward and not standing still.  I am maintaining a balanced lifestyle too with no stress just 'steady as she goes'.  I missed Book Date on Monday so here is what I have been reading.........
I finished 2 books this week trying to catch up with my Good Reads Challenge of 75 books....I'm at 35 now so a bit behind but catching up!
No, the camera isn't blurred that's the cover of the book! LOL!  This was very good, scientific and definitely hard to put down!  I give it 4 stars.  It has a lot to do with quantum physics and a multiverse as opposed to a universe.  I am enjoying reading out of my comfort zone for a change.

This was a good read but too much sex, inappropriate language and a subject dealing with children that I do not want to read about.....so 3 stars because the plot was original and the writing good but the subject matter was awful.

 I started reading this book last night only because I knew I had it and I ran across a sampler by Little House Needleworks designed in her honor.  It's also quite graphic but this is a real journal so you can't argue with truth.  Those were scary and tough times especially for women. I'm still reading my other books too.

 I made a good healthy meal this week.........pasta putanesca which calls for anchovy paste which I did not have.   So,  I bought anchovies and made my own.  You put some anchovies on a cutting board, and with a little oil from the tin they came in, you smash them with a fork and in just a matter of minutes you have anchovy paste.  If you tasted the putanesca you would never know there were anchovies in it.  But that along with some capers add a salty, tangy taste that can't be duplicated!  Delicious along with some garlic bread.  There are also greens in the sauce so I didn't make a salad but maybe tonight.

Yesterday was "Witchy Wednesday" on the The Real Housewives of Cross Stitch schedule so I participated with my little Halloween cat with 1 thread over 2 on 40 count linen....never again but I am sort of getting the hang of it.  I had to 'ditch' the lighted magnifier as it was more trouble than it was worth.  I just wear my 'cheaters' and that seems to be good enough.  It's a slow boat to China though..........basically, I got the corner done and most of the left side border....I'll just keep plugging away on Wednesday's..............

I also prepped for Fall Friday...........

I printed off some free patterns for Stars and Stripes Saturday and Santa Sunday and Merry Monday! LOL!  I have lots of Aida fabric and some linen and DMC floss to use for those.
I went to Walmart Monday and "the yard man cometh" and did a great job!  I'll take some pictures and show you tomorrow.  He mowed, weed whacked, cut down brush and weed trees and hauled it all away!   Best money I ever spent!  Today I repotted some herbs and moved flower boxes.  I'm going to hire him to power wash the drive and sidewalks too as soon as I get some money ahead.  It's looking good in the neighborhood!
Now, I'm off to do some cleaning while I still have some energy! LOL!
Happy Trails!!!