Book Give-away

This summer I discovered a new to me author, Robyn Carr. My friend Brenda lent me the first book of the Virgin River series. It had the charm of Debbie Macomber books and Jan Karon books. I've spent the summer reading the entire Virgin River series, about 10 books. I've just started the second book in the Grace Valley series. Ms. Carr's books are a great summer read! Her books containe lots of characters. Characters who are forced to grow to achieve happiness.

In late July, DH and I made a long, quick road trip to Louisiana and back. The book that I brought with me to read in the car was not holding my attention. It was one that I had to read for my book club (Mennonite in a Little Black Dress). On one of our refueling for gas/bathroom breaks, I ran to the Walmart next door. I was frantic for something to help pass the endless hours in the car. I purchased Summer in Sonama by Robyn Carr. My problems were solved. I was totally immersed in the book and happily made it home.

Several bloggers are paying it forward and re-gifting books that they have won from other blogs. My problem is I haven't finished the books that I won. My solution is to share Summer in Sonoma.  Leave a comment on the post for a chance to win. I'll pull a name next Wednesday, August 25th. I'd love if you left me a title of a book that you enjoyed in the comments. I'm always on the look-out for something good to read:)

First Days of Retirement

Monday was the first day of school in our school district. Retirement is beginning to seem real. The months of June and July have been incredibly busy here at our home. This week looks like life may slow down a bit. I received lots of advice of how to spend my first day the students report back to school. I've decided to incorporate many of those ideas into my week.

Many years ago, I was blessed to work at a school that became our first "school family." I was blessed with many, many wonderful friends. This school has an active group of employees who worked at the school and are now retired. I was fortunate they included me in their group. Monday, we met for breakfast at a local IHOP. It was fabulous to reconnect with these ladies. They were part of my support group when our son was born, when we lost my Mom to breast cancer, when we were building our family and careers. From left to right, Dottie (upper grade teacher) Dyanne (literacy coach), Evelyn (media specialist and ex-neighbor) me, Winnie Pat (paraprofessional) and Pam (school secretary). Plans are in the works to go on a "field trip" in October. What a blessing to reconnect with this group!

On Tuesday, the three of us who retired from Mulberry in May, met for lunch. It was fun to reconnect and update each other on our lives and school news. We plan to meet monthly and will include other friends who are now retired. The three of us retired from one school, but had all worked together in a previous school so we have lots of mutual friends. This photo is from the school retirement party in May. In the photo are Connie W. (assistant principal) Terri, retiree, me, Marian, retiree and Vivian, our beloved principal.

Anyone remember the cartoon "Bananas in Pajamas"? My Michael loved that program. We even have stuffed dolls in his childhood treasures box from those years. Today is "Pajama Day" at my house. Maybe, what I mean is today is my day to do whatever I want. I had one of my favorite breakfasts, whole wheat pancakes with honey and hot coffee. I'm watching the "Today Show." After I post this blog which I've wanted to do for days, I'm heated upstairs to my sewing room. Before I can even work on a sewing project, I'll have to declutter the place. I'm so looking forward to this. This afternoon I plan to watch "New Moon" from the Twilight books series. I have the DVD from Netflix. Neither my DH or DS are interested in watching it with me. I have a novel that I'd like to finish (Virgin River series by Robyn Carr) DH is out-of-town for the day. I can keep whatever schedule I want. Ah, Retirement is Good!

My "Pet" on My Quilt

The fun has begun! Sewcalgal's Pet's on Quilts Quilt Show has begun. Our Pet is Rusty, a short-haired miniature dachshund. He has me trained :) Rusty joined our family five years ago. He has added lots of laughter and affection to our home. Rusty believes that all things belong to him. All quilts belong to him, but his favorite is this neutral one that coordinates with his rust colored coat. He insisted it belonged to him; although, he reluctantly agree to allow my SIL to keep it one Christmas holiday.

Join in the fun, by posting a picture of a quilt that you made for your pet or your pet on a quilt by Saturday, August 21st. See the other entries on SewCalGal's blog. Thanks so much to SewCalGal for organizing this awesome quilt show.

"Pets on Quilts" Quilt Show

Get your pets and quilts ready. This will be a fun quilt show. Sewgalcal is hosting a fun virtual quilt show with a pet theme. A quilt of any size or design can be entered into the virtual quilt show, but must be one that you made, not another quilter. The quilt can have a pet design or made using pet fabric. It can also be a photo of your quilt with your pet on it :)  You can blog about several quilts on one post, but it will count as one entry. Only one entry per person. Bloggers are encouraged to submit insights about the quilt and/or your pet.  Post the photo of your "pet" quilt and insights from August 7 to August 21. Sewgalcal will have a Mr. Linky box on her August 7th post for you to link your blog post. I love the idea of this quilt show. I'm looking forward to photos of great quilts and pets. What a blast! In addition to the quilt show entertainment, there will be 24 different awards. See this post for details.