March Book Reports

I didn't get much reading done in March -- me bad.  I got hooked catching on-line TV series. It started with Friday Night Lights (all 4 seasons and waiting for season 5 next week) and went on to Army Wives (another 4 season session with season 5 now playing on Sunday nights). Whew! I watched a lot of computer screen TV.  It was addicting...no commercials...hit the next episode instantly...find out what happens with the click of the mouse. *children, please do not try this at home* me bad (but it sure was fun)

Dead Even by Mariah Stewart

The third segment in Ms. Stewart's Dead Series. Three prisoner vow murderous revenge - the first two had the FBI stumped, but they got their man (men). Now, the third villain is free and has an FBI agent in his sights.

Dead End by Mariah Stewart

With the first three books in the four book series, we meet all the players that cross paths, date, marry and befriend one another. This last book ties up all the loose ends. I'd recommend reading all four books in sequence, one after another to keep all the characters and plots straight. Well written stories with a little romance mixed in to spice it up.

Heaven Is High by Kate Wilhelm

It's been a while since we've had a Barbara Holloway novel by Kate Wilhelm. It was worth the wait. Barbara, the Eugene Oregon lawyer, is at loose ends. She's turning down clients, hanging out in her office doing nothing and doesn't really care. Until a desperate family comes in with a request that puts Barbara back on the streets and looking for answers. The streets of Belize, that is. 

Devil's Food Cake Murder by Joanne Fluke

Hannah's in the thick of things once more in Lake Eden, MN.  Her cookie shop is thriving and she's got time on her hands instead of flour. It's time for some sleuthing. This light hearted cozy has many twists and turns, with sweetie, Norman, mixing things up (and not at the bakery). Another great read through Hannah's life in the little town on Lake Eden.

It was Fair day and I scrapped it.....

Another one for the Albums

 

Scrapping Family Camping Trip 2010

Wasn't that a fun camping trip to the North Cascade National Park? Let's do it again, gang!

The Coast Layout - yup, more scrapbooking...

Have you ever been to the Oregon Coast?

When we moved to the northwest over 30 years ago (okay, now I'm feeling old(er)) we were excited to be back near the ocean -- the pacific ocean. Since we had relatives only 4 hours south in Oregon, that meant trips to the coast. Every summer my sister-in-law and I would load up the kids and head to a rented coastal cabin. I have great memories of all those trips - the sandcastles, the kites, the walks on the beach (with a pocket filled with M&M's) and crab dinners. The vast sandy beaches, crashing breakers and little hamlet coastal towns are still there and just waiting for us. This year, the Oregon coast trip will be for a niece's wedding - perfect!

More Scrappy Pages

This one (or two) is for you, Scooter!

photos copyrighted by Scott Mansfield

to view more of Scott's work visit: Scott Mansfield Photography

Super Perigee Moon

Today may be the Spring Equinox, but more spectacular is the Full Moon Perigee. The last time the moon was this close to the earth was 19 years ago.  If you're lucky to have a clear night sky you'll get an amazing super-sized look at the moon. The cameras are out tonight. Happy Spring!

 Lincoln Memorial March 19, 2011

A couple more pages done.....

These are photos that were sent to me by my son and daughter-in-law from a hiking trip they took last year. Thanks for the snapshots!  Remember: if you send your mom pictures, they'll get scrapped.

When it rains -- I scrap

A few more layout pages for the albums.... These are double pages for the 8.5" x 11" albums

 

What's Next?

Have you ever been hooked watching older TV series that you either missed or didn't care to see when they were on the small screen?  With the capability to watch instant play on the computer - I've been getting hooked for a couple of years. I go through periods of "I can't get enough" and playing catch-up with some remarkable programs.

It started with The Wire - a recommendation from my son and daughter in law.  And to date -- my very favorite 5 year series that is amazingly written, acted and now I consider a classic American series.  I've since gone through all that BBC had to offer.  From Poldark, Cranford, all the Austen movies (not a series but a series of Austen classics) Monarch of the Glen to As Time Goes By.  Mostly staring the British actress, Judi Dench.  With another S/D-I-L recommendation I'm currently hooked on Friday Night Lights.  I'm not a football fan, but this series is so much more than football. It shows conflict & compassion, tragedy & triumphs, family dysfunction & family togetherness.

So, what's next?  Got any recommendations?

Back at it .......

After a week of having my favorite daughter home (I only have one - and she's my favorite) and working the computer non-stop designing, discussing, and watching her bloom -- I'm back to my Scrapbooking To Do List.

and the start of scrapping a last year trip to Sun River, Oregon

Rolling along......

More scrapbook pages for the albums

After taking a photography class last year I ended up with dozens and dozens of practice photos. Before I purged them, I decided to scrap a few pages. This is one of them.

Who doesn't love playing pirate when the tall ships come to town?

You get to swagger and spout pirate talk. Ahoy thar matey!

The Photographer

 

The photographer stalking the scene.

Photos by Scott Mansfield

Visit Scott's web site to see the whole look and be amazed.

Whether it's in the wilds, in the city, or in the studio Scott captures it through the lens.

(the above photos are copyrighted by Scott Mansfield)
(I cropped the photos to fit the layout -- the originals are much better)

Flower pages for the albums

 

If it's April, it's tulip time and our tulip growers bring us fields and fields of color.

 Some of my very favorite flowers are Oriental Lilies -- 

I love their fragrance waffling throughout the house.

More Scrappy Pages

I have always thought of Sophie spelled Sofie --- she's just that sort of puppy.

Family members reminder:  If you send your mom a photo -- it's going to get scrapped.

I'm in love

 

This is Winston and he's a med/small 5 year old terrier-poodle-Benjy mix and up for adoption at our local shelter. If I could convince my hubby that small is good, I'd give this fella a home. Just look at that face - oh so cute! He needs a quiet home (doesn't like loud noises) and if nothing else, our home is quiet.  I need a walking buddy and Winston may be looking for one, too. 

Project 12/February - Scrapbooking a year in review

With an uneventful February (thank you very much) the photos/events were slim pickins.

But, I'm committing to continue this scrapbooking project.