Teaser Tuesdays - Shadow and Silk



TEASER TUESDAYS








  • Grab your current read.
  • Let the book fall open to a random page.
  • Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.
  • Please avoid spoilers!


  • "Her fingers ached from her fierce grip on the money in her pockets. With those greasy bills she would rescue one of the most extraordinary textile artifacts it had ever been her privilege to see."

    Excerpt from my current read "Shadow and Silk" by Ann Maxwell (aka Elizabeth Lowell) on page 9.

    Head over to Should be Reading and check out the other participants TEASER TUESDAYS

    Writing Life: National Novel Write Month Plan

    Accountability


    In order to hold myself accountable for getting things done, I'm posting my plan.

    I'm going to challenge myself again and join in the National Novel Writing Month which runs from November 1 through the 30th. The goal is to write a 175 page, 50,000 word novel by November 30th. Basically you don't edit, you just write. This time I will be tackling a romantic suspense mystery. So during the month of October I will be doing research, finalizing my characters and doing an outline. The story has been in my head for a few months now.

    In order for me to start writing the new story, I want to finish the 2nd edit on the first story. I was just reading through it today and realized I had already changed a lot of it. My reader's (thanks - mom) only complaint was I needed to cut out some of the scriptural verses. I put in a lot of verses and what not for nano - kind of went overboard in order to get that 50k. It morphed into 100k so there is quite a bit I can cut out. The story is fine without it. I'm going to change the plot somewhat, but nothing major, take out a few scenes, and add some new scenes, I am giving myself the month of October, working at least one hour per day to finish the 2nd edit.

    I am going to be writing up a schedule for us to go by so I don't forget anything. I stopped writing out weekly schedules for us and so many things have gone by the wayside. The older I get, the more I need to do lists in order to accomplish everything. As long as I'm organized, then the household operates efficiently.

    All I have to do is cut back on the internet time - it really sucks you in. As a matter of fact, there was great blog about exactly that over at Murderati by J.T. Elison called A Virtual Montparnasse. Murderati is a blog by 10 mystery writers about murders, mysteries and marketing. I love that I can go online anytime and glean information from professional authors. They are so wise.

    And it really sucks you in......

    Musing Mondays - What are you reading?


    Hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading




    Today’s MUSING is just going to be a simple one on reading…
    WHAT ARE YOU READING RIGHT NOW? I'm currently reading "Violet Dawn" (Kanner Lake Series # 1) by Brandilyn Collins.
    WHY ARE YOU READING WHAT YOU’RE READING? PLEASURE? FOR REVIEW? SOMETHING ELSE? I read for pure pleasure, pleasure, pleasure. Reading is my entertainment, the way I escape. Reading relaxes me. I actually find myself getting cranky when I don't read. The only time I don't read for pleasure is when it is for a college class. Except sometimes that is pleasurable also because it's my choice.
    WHAT DID YOU RECENTLY FINISH READING? Just finished Stuart Woods "Beverly Hills Dead"
    WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU’LL BE READING NEXT? Hmmm! I really haven't decided yet. Generally after reading an intense book, I'll read something light, then back to another tense book. I take a look at my TBR and pick what rocks my fancy next.
    WHAT WAS THE BEST BOOK YOU READ THIS MONTH? WHY? Hard to say which one was the Best. The best is usually the one I just finished but really can't say that about "Beverly Hills Dead." It wasn't Wood's best. Okay - "The Tunnels." It was engaging, well written and a scary, creepy thriller.
    WHAT WAS THE WORST BOOK YOU READ THIS MONTH? WHY? I plead the 5th on that one.

    Head on over to Should Be Reading and see what everyone else is saying.

    Writing Life: 2008 NaNoWriMo

    National Novel Writing Month
    November 1 - 30, 2008

    Celebrating 10 years of literary abandon!



    I just popped into nanowrimo.org to see what was going on and Surprise! The revamped website is up and running. They launched early to get all the bugs out.

    They are going to have some great pep talks by author Piers Anthony. If you are into science fiction/fantasy you will remember the xanth series. I still have all mine (boxed up in the closet) Maybe I should donate them or start a contest to give them away. Hmmm! Also Brian Jacques of the Redwall series, Meg Cabot of the princess diaries, Katherine Paterson who wrote Bridge to Terabitha and a host of other authors.


    I am still deliberating whether I should do it again this year since still working on the rewrite of "Floating on the Surface." I have some great ideas. So should I do it or not. Just for grins, there is a nifty little poll on my side bar. What do you think?



    Cozy Mystery Challenge Wrap up

    Cozy Mystery Challenge Wrap Up

    The Cozy Mystery Challenge for September is over as of Tuesday. Wow, the month went fast. I kept the challenge easy and read 3 books for the Challenge: Through the Grinder by Cleo Coyle; Murder Uncorked by Michelle Scott; and Murder is Binding by Lorna Barrett. (the links lead to my reviews)

    I enjoyed Cleo Coyle's Coffee House Mysteries so much, read the next two -# 3 Latte Troubles and # 4 Murder Most Frosty. There are 3 more in the series including Decaffeinated Corpse, French Pressed and a new one being released on the 30th - Espresso Shot. Those are all going on the wishlist for later. I have to finish the Fall Reading Challenge first. I plan on reading her HAUNTED BOOKSHOP series, which is under her pseudonym Alice Kimberly, when done with the COFFEE HOUSE MYSTERIES. So a big thumbs up to Cleo Coyle.

    Murder Uncorked by Michelle Scott was okay. I didn't enjoy it as much as the Coffee House Mysteries but the story was interesting and I love wine. It is the first novel in the WINE LOVERS MYSTERY series and Michelle's first published novel. So, giving her a second read and putting the two other books: Murder by the Glass and Silenced by Syrah on my wish list for later.

    Just finished "Murder is Binding" by Lorna Barrett.



    Big thumbs up - thoroughly enjoyed it since I do aspire to have my own bookshop someday. The second story in the Booktown Mystery Series is coming out February 3, 2009 - Bookmarked for Death. I look forward to reading it. Lorna also writes under the pseudonyms of L.L. Bartlett (Jeff Resnick Series). The reviews on Murder is Binding have all been positive and I can only add to the glow.

    From the back flap

    "Stoneham, New Hampshire was a dying town until community leaders invited booksellers to open up shop. Now its streets are line with bookstores--and paved with murder... When she moved to Stoneham, city slicker Tricia Miles was met with friendly faces. And when she opened her mystery bookstore, she was met with friendly competition. But when she finds Doris Gleason dead in her own cookbook store, killed with a kitchen knife, the atmosphere seems more cutthroat than cordial. Someone wanted to get their hands on the rare cookbook that Doris had recently purchased--and the locals think that someone is Tricia. To clear her name, Tricia will have to take a page out of one of her own mysteries--and hunt down someone who isn't killing by the book...."

    Tricia does exactly that. Using the knowledge she has garnered from her mystery books, a little help from her sister, Angelica (an aspiring chef) and some boldness, she sets out to clear her name and find the murderer. There are some twists and turns and you won't know who done it.... til the end! "Murder is Binding" is a fun, easy read. Also included at the end of the book are some of Angelica's delicious recipes such as Lobster Bisque and Crab Puffs.

    Eat, drink and be merry!








    Book Review - White Lies

    White Lies

    By

    Jayne Ann Krentz







    I've discovered another author whose writing I enjoy. WHITE LIES is the first novel I've read by Jayne Ann Krentz and I liked it. She writes under at least 3 pen names: Krentz for romantic suspense, Amanda Quick for historical romances and Jayne Castle for futuristic paranormal romance. On her website you will find a complete list of all her books. She seems to be as prolific as Nora Roberts. I also happened to pick up "DARK LIGHT" when I was at Barnes and Noble picking up Brisinger.

    WHITE LIES is a paranormal romance and book # 2 in the Arcane Society series. I didn't read book 1 because don't like historical type romances, so started with White Lies.

    Front Inside Flap Description of Book

    "Level ten parasensitive Clare Lancaster has resigned herself to the fact that she may never find a suitable mate. A human lie detector, any falsehood--no matter how subtle--sets her blood racing. And most people, to one degree or another, hide behind a facade.

    Including her father's new business 'consultant' Jake Salter. His careful conversation walks a delicate line between truth and deception. But it is with his help that Clare begins to unravel a web of conspiracy and murder involving the powerful Arizona family that she just became a part of. Caught in a dissying story of secrets, lies and half-truths, Clare and Jake will plunge into an investigation that demands every bit of their special gifts, as something more than mere attraction sparks between them."


    The story catches your attention from the beginning and the twists and turns in the plot keep you riveted. She thinks he killed him, he thinks she killed him, they think she killed him and someone else thinks someone else killed him. Who really did it? You don't know until the end. Clare and Jake join forces to figure out the mystery while bodies pile up and more secrets are revealed. Yes, it's convoluted but good. Throw in the paranormal aspect, plus family secrets, plus the sexual tension between the two characters and you have a book that will keep you up late into the night reading.

    Check out Running with Quills: where Jayne blogs along with several other authors: Susan Andersen, Stella Cameron, Lori Foster, Elizabeth Lowell and Elizabeth Guest. You'll find out the latest information about their books, what they are up to and even some contests.




    Presidential Debate

    1st Presidential Debate

    Father and I watched the debate last night between McCain and Obama. Jim Lehrer did a good job of trying to keep them on track and pushing them to answer the questions rather than give talking points. At times it seemed they were arguing semantics.

    In my opinion McCain won hands down. He was confident and quite knowledgeable. Much of his wisdom came from his age and experience. Obama revealed himself to be ignorant when it comes to foreign policy and seemed bent on repeating certain talking points. You could tell when he got flustered or didn't like what McCain was saying because he would interrupt or start stammering. If you watched the debate, you will remember McCain didn't ever interrupt Obama, but gave him the respect of waiting until he was finished speaking. Obama felt the need to defend himself numerous times.

    I was flabbergasted at his take regarding Iran. One, his ignorance in dealing with the leader of Iran. "Maybe he's the wrong person to talk to" or something like that and his refusal to understand the word preconditions.

    McCain did the best he could to downplay Obama's statement in regard to invading Afghanistan. It occurred to me and toMcCain as well, judging from his reaction, Obama's bald statements could very well cause issues with the region. McCain did the best he could to educate not only Obama, but the viewers what is happening with the region. Again Obama revealed his ignorance or naivety in regard to foreign policy.

    While McCain knew hard facts, Obama seemed to make things up on the fly, changing his wording when challenged. In the scheme of things, I would rather have McCain as the President rather than Obama.

    It was interesting to watch the new and the political pundits after the debate. Our local new media plus Nightline totally edited the debate and shaped it to look like Obama won. It was amazing to see how great they made Obama look and sound versus McCain who they made to look like a duffus trying to defend himself.

    If you watched the debate, McCain obviously won. If you watched the news, Obama was the winner. Does the media think the people of this country are so stupid that they make their political decision based on what they say? Obviously.

    Head on over to The Anchoress who wraps it up very nicely and has numerous links to reaction to the debate including a statement by Henry Kissinger whom Obama kept implying didn't agree with McCain in regard to Iran.

    I can't wait the see the debate between Palin and Biden. It should prove to be very interesting.



    Weekly Report #4

    Weekly Wrap up


    Monday was the Autumn equinox so we started off lessons by reading about Hemispheres and Seasons. I'm trying to work a bit more geography into lessons this year. Generally we just map out the location of books we read. Last year I purchased the "Ultimate Geography and Timeline Guide by Hogan and Wiggers and it is chock full of activities for grades K - 12. It's time to start utilizing it a bit more.

    Faith and Devotions: I decided to go with Real Life Devotions with God. Starting with the Sept 22nd entry - it was all about forgiveness and being honest. We also started watching a couple Bibleman dvds. A couple weeks ago I went to Berean's and picked up Veggie Tales "Tomato Sawyer and Huckleberry Larry's Big River Rescue." The veggie tales are timeless and I just love them. On a whim, I picked up Lambasting the Legions of Laziness. I had never seen Bibleman and thought we would give it a try.

    James loves it and forgive me please, but I really really really don't. My first impression was that it was very hokey and simplistic and reminded me of a church play. Give me the Veggie Tales any day. James broke me down and off we went to Berean's Wednesday and he picked out Bibleman's "Tuning out the Unholy Hero." It was a little better than the first one. But still...............

    We are also going to start doing memorizing some bible verses probably starting with Proverbs.

    English: Started doubling up on the VIE lessons and we completed the rest of Section one about Sentences including predicates, combining subjects and predicates and combining sentences.

    Spelling: SWO - We completed Lesson 4 and 5. James volunteered to do an extra lesson so we did. Would someone please tell me when sometimes W became a vowel? The way I learned was the vowel are a,e,i,o,u and sometimes Y. Suddenly SWO is saying "and sometimes w". Where did that come from? At this point, I'm telling James I don't agree with it and will have to look into it. That for now, sometimes w is not a vowel.

    Writing: Did review and mastery of previous letters learned and James can now write all our names and the cats names in cursive, plus learned the letters x and z.

    Math: He is cruising along and completed lessons 28 through 31 which is adding 8's and 9's.

    History: Continued reading TCOO and the fictional story of Diego Columbus

    Science: James and father read about Chemistry in the ancient worlds and are still reading the "Mystery of the Periodic table." I'm going to have to read the book soon in order to keep up. Father is impressed with the story and it is generating much conversation.

    I think that's it. This week went pretty well despite the fact we had to take Luna back to the vet because her incision split and got infected. The vet cleaned her up, put in a couple of stitches and gave us some antibiotics to give to Luna. She has to stay inside for a week which will difficult because she gets quite loud and whiny when she doesn't get her way.

    We also took the 3 stooges to get their first check up and vaccinations. We are trying out a new vet for the kitties and I was impressed with the place. They are only 5 minutes away and very clean and modern and everyone is very nice. However, it seems a new law has passed and kitties in California can't have their rabies shots until 16 weeks old. I was a week early. We have to go back in 4 weeks anyway for the 2nd feline leukemia shot anyway, so they will get the rabies then. You know, I thought one cat was expensive. Multiply that by 4 and I've got sticker shock. Oh well, it was my choice so just have to live with it.

    Friday Finds: Book finds

    What great books did you hear about / find this week? SHARE WITH US YOUR FRIDAY FINDS!





    In my meanderings around blog world this week, thanks to the Fall Into Reading Challenge, I have discovered several books that really caught my fancy and have gone onto my wishlist. My TBR piles is so huge right now it is about to topple over, so I can't buy any more books for a while. Of course, it depends on what your definition of a "while" is. :)


    Gregory Maquire - author of "Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister" which is a retelling of Cinderalla


    or

    Wicked, the Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West


    A young adult fantasy novel, Magyk in which the seventh son of a seventh son that must battle the forces of dark magyk.



    A legal thriller by Don Brown: Treason. Excerpt from back cover: " The Navy has uncovered a group of radical Islamic clerics who have infiltrated the Navy Chaplain Corps, inciting sailors and marines to acts of terrorism. And Lieutenant Zack Brewer has been chosen to prosecute them for treason and murder."



    Check out Should Be Reading to see what MizB and others have discovered this week.

    Booking Through Thursday - Most unusual book.

    Booking through Thursday



    I discovered booking through Thursday recently and decided to give it a try. It is a weekly meme that asks questions about books and reading. This week the question is:

    What was the most unusual (for you) book you ever read? Either because the book itself was completely from out in left field somewhere, or was a genre you never read, or was the only book available on a long flight… whatever? What (not counting school textbooks, though literature read for classes counts) was furthest outside your usual comfort zone/familiar territory?

    And, did you like it? Did it stretch your boundaries? Did you shut it with a shudder the instant you were done? Did it make you think? Have nightmares? Kick off a new obsession?

    My first thought was Frank Peretti - a christian novelist. The first book I read of his was "This Present Darkness"




    It scared the living daylights out of me. It was the late 80's and I forget who told me about him, but I was into science fiction and fantasy and they suggested I read his book. Now I have a very vivid imagination, which is probably why I never went to see The Exorcist. My sisters went and ended up sleeping with the lights on for weeks. Well, this story is about a small town of Ashton that is being overrun by evil and the spiritual battle that takes place. What's different about it, is the unseen becomes the seen in the story and the characters see the demons and angels.

    There is one particular scene that takes place during a church service and the pastor can see the demons who accompanied some of the people attending and how the demons covered their ears so they couldn't hear what he was saying.

    Amazon.com Review

    "This Present Darkness, by Frank Peretti, is among the classic novels of the Christian thriller genre. First published in 1986, Peretti's book set a suspenseful standard in spiritual warfare story-telling that has rarely been met by his contemporaries. Set in the apparently innocent small town of Ashton, This Present Darkness follows an intrepid born-again Christian preacher and newspaper reporter as they unearth a New Age plot to take over the local community and eventually the entire world. Nearly every page of the book describes sulfur-breathing, black-winged, slobbering demons battling with tall, handsome, angelic warriors on a level of reality that is just beyond the senses. However, Christian believers and New Age demon-worshippers are able to influence unseen clashes between good and evil by the power of prayer. Peretti's violent descriptions of exorcisms are especially vivid: "There were fifteen [demons], packed into Carmen's body like crawling, superimposed maggots, boiling, writhing, a tangle of hideous arms, legs, talons, and heads." This book is not for the squeamish. But for page-turning spiritual suspense, it's hard to beat."

    This novel totally stretched the boundaries of my imagination and it was a difficult read. However, I loved it and wanted more. I ended up reading all his books. I would have to say Frank Peretti is responsible for expanding my mind and opening me up to a whole new world of christian suspense and thrillers. Not for the faint-hearted.

    What usual books have you read lately?

    Click over to Booking Through Thursdays website to see what everyone else has to say.

    West of Mars - Win A Book

    Book Giveaways


    I discovered an interesting website the other day. West of Mars - Win a Book
    Susan Helene Gottfried and several other ladies have gotten a blog together that lists all the neat contests and free books out in blog land. Just follow the links from their site and enter to win ebooks, free books, contests and what not.

    For example: Katrina at Stone Soup is having a book giveaway that lasts through Sunday. She is letting two winners chose a book from her current bookshelf. Just head over to her blog and click on the bookshelf. Then leave a comment letting her know your 1st and 2nd choices.

    Keep an eye on West of Mars - you just may win something.

    Teaser Tuesdays - All The Queens Men


    MizB at Should Be Reading

    is the host of

    Teaser Tuesday


    Instructions for Teaser Tuesday: Grab your current read, let the book fall open to a random page and share 2 "teaser" sentences from that page somewhere between lines 7 and 12. No Spoilers however that give away the plot.

    "No, but I go to a lot of trouble to make sure no one knows what I look like, or who I am. Trust me. My cover is so deep sometimes I don't know who I am myself."

    From "All the Queens Men" by Linda Howard pg 98

    Run over to Should be Reading and check out the other participants "teasers"





    What's On Your Nightstand




    What's on your Nightstand






    It's the 4th tuesday of the month and 5 Minutes for books is hosting "What's on your Nightstand.

    Jennifer wants to know:

    What's on Your Nightstand? in several ways. You can cover one or all of these topics:
    1. Take a picture or simply give a list of the stack of books that you are in the process of reading or planning to read (it might be on your nightstand, on a bookshelf, or like me, under your bed).
    2. Give short reviews of the book or books that you read that month.
    3. Tell about what you are reading and why. I love to read the backstory on books. Did someone give it to you? Are you trying out a new genre at the recommendation of a friend (or website)? Did you stumble across a new author in a used bookstore?
    4. Fill us in on your reading habits. When are you reading these books? Is one reserved for bedtime reading? Does one stay in your car to be read while you are waiting? Do you read just one book at a time?

    Here's the actual picture of my nightstand.










    And a picture so you can see what the actual books are.









    Browse down to the Fall Reading Challenge to find out about these books. I've covered most of them there. I can only read one book at a time. If I try to read more than one, it gets confusing. I read in the morning before Father gets up. I read in the afternoon after lessons and housework and laundry is done. I read in the evening after James goes to bed and before Father gets home from work. Or when Father is watching forensics or cop shows on TV. He finds them interesting and relaxing. I find them yucky and depressing.

    It's funny. When I was pregnant with James, a co-worker at my old job told me "You'll never find time to read again when the baby comes."

    How wrong she was - I will always find time to read. If it means less tv or less time on the internet, then its worth it.

    Happy Reading!








    Patience




    Do I have Patience?






    I wanted to buy Father some record shelves for his office. He has a huge collection of records and I wanted something nice to put them in. I found this record stand by Sefour at DJDeals.com and ordered 4. They arrived within a week of purchasing them. We received the 4 huge boxes and I put them together (very easy) and dragged them into Father's office and filled them with records. When he came home from work:

    TA DA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Yes, he was pleased and surprised.

    Unfortunately 4 wasn't enough and we needed two more. So I thought I would buy 2 more for a Christmas present.

    I did on December 12, 2007.

    They just arrived today.......

    I couldn't find these stands anywhere else, you see. So the dealer notified me that they were backordered for a couple months. Okay, I said we will wait. Couple months later, I am notified that the stands are still backordered. Sefour, the manufacturer is in England and I guess they had a gazillion orders or are just really slow to make these things. So every couple months I get a email with the question, "Do you still want?" Yes, Yes and Yes.

    Finally, I received notice that they are on the way. YEAH! The UPS driver appears a the door this afternoon. "Is your husband home?" is the first question. "What are these things?" the 2nd.

    It turned out he doesn't have a dolly on the truck and these things weigh 61 pounds each. So the two of us lug in the boxes. I get to go backwards the first time. I make him go backwards the 2nd time.

    Of course, as soon as the boxes come in the door, what do James and the cats do.




    Father and James get to put them together tomorrow.

    You just gotta have patience!


    Fall Reading Challenge

    It is that time of year again.

    Time for the

    3rd Annual

    Fall Into Reading Challenge

    Hosted by the lovely Katrina at Callapidder's Days



    The Fall Into Reading Challenge is a fun, easy, casual challenge that is open to everyone and is simply a low pressure challenge to read. Read as many books as you want or just one, two or three. All you have to do is set a goal and go for it. Then, share about books you read, your likes or dislikes, new discoveries with everyone.

    The challenge runs during Fall from September 22nd through December 20th. There are 13 weeks in Fall and I will probably be able to manage at least two books a week. Several are authors I have already read with sequels or the beginning of new series. There are a few first timers on the list as well. The books aren't in any certain order and subject to change.

    1) White Lies by Jayne Ann Krentz. First time read for this author and is a secular paranormal romance. Part of a series. She blogs with several other authors including 2 of my favorites - Lori Foster and Elizabeth Lowell at Running with Quills. Finished

    2) Violet Dawn by Brandilyn Collins. This is book # 1 in the Kanner Lake Series and is a christian suspense novel. First time read for this author. She blogs about writing at Forensics and Faith Finished

    3) Brink of Death by Brandilyn Collins. This is book # 1 of the suspense series Hidden Faith. Finished

    4) Seventh Day by Bodie Thoene. This is the 7th book in the A.D. Chronicles. It is the continuing fictional saga of jesus and his ministry and his friends. Very well done and really personalizes the bible. Finished

    5) Sinner by Ted Dekker. Another chilling christian suspense novel which brings back Marsuvees Black (the bad evil preacher from "Showdown") Finished

    6) Dead Heat by Joel Rosenberg. Book # 5 in his christian political thriller series. Finished

    7) Beverly Hills Dead by Stuart Woods. A secular mystery that takes place in the 1940's during the days of the Hollywood blacklist. Finished

    8) Show No Mercy by Cindy Gerard. Brand new secular romance suspense series introducing the men of Black Ops, Inc. If you read any of the sizzling bodyguard series, then you would probably enjoy this new series. Cindy blogs with other romance authors at Riding with the Top Down. Finished

    9) Ilse of Fire by Wayne Thomas Batson. This is book # 2 of his pirate adventures and follows Isle of Swords. I read all of the young adult christian fantasy series The Door Within and was totally blown away by his writing. He blogs at Enter The Door Within Finished

    10) Brisinger - # 3 in the Inheritance series by Christopher Paolini. Finished

    11) Foundation by Mercedes Lackey. I'm excited that Lackey has written a brand new novel for the valdemar series called Valedemar: Collegian Chronicles. Lackey is a secular fantasy author who is very imaginative and I have read most of her books. Will be released on October 7th. Finished

    12) House of Wolves by Matt Bronleewe. This is another August Adams adventure following "Illuminated." Finished

    13) Snow Blind by Lori Armstrong. This is fourth book in the Julie Collins series. Secular story about a female private detective who is very tough. Lori blogs with 4 other authors at First Offenders Finished

    14) Trashed by Alison Gaylin. First time read of this author and she also blogs over at First Offenders. (Tried twice - could not get into it - done)

    15) Trial by Fire by Terri Blackstock. Christian suspense book # 4 in the Newpointe 911 series. Finished

    16) Dead Trilogy: Dead Wrong (Finished); Dead Certain (finished) and Dead Even (finished) by Mariah Stewart. Secular mystery thriller series about 3 murderous prisoners who escape and and vow revenge.

    17) Crossfire by Joann Ross. Another suspense thriller and first time read. Finished

    18) All the Queen's Men by Linda Howard. Romantic suspense! Finished

    19) Shadow and Silk by Ann Maxwell (aka Elizabeth Lowell) Another romantic suspense thriller and one of my favorites. She also blogs over at Running with Quills. Finished

    and last but not least

    20) The Pagan Stone by Nora Roberts. Conclusion of the Sign of the Seven Trilogy and will be released on November 25. Can't wait. Loved, loved, Loved the first two books - Blood Brothers and The Hollow. Paranormal Romance.



    Head on over to Katrina's and and check out the blogs of other participants and find out what every one else is reading.

    Happy Reading!

    Guest Blogger: My Dad - Colonel AJ

    Saved by Secretary Paulson



    Wow! What a week! Some folks read books, some watch movies or television, but I enjoy the stock market and the excitement of buying and selling. This last week has been a wild, wild, ride. So what has been so exciting about this past week and why should you care?? First I would suggest that you say a small prayer that the plan Secretary Paulson submits to the Senate Banking Committee tonight is approved immediately and without the politicians trying to add a bunch of "earmarks" to the plan.

    As I have been watching the desperate maneuvers of Mr. Paulson and the Fed Chairman try one financial trick after another I was preparing to pull all my money out of the market and out of the bank on Monday. Why? Because I was watching the financial structure of the United States coming apart.

    How would this have affected you???

    One or two weeks from now you would have gone to the local bank, put in your ATM card, and nothing would have come out. Next week you would have been watching one financial institution after another declaring bankruptcy. Then you would have watched a run on the banks. The big money people were already pulling their funds out of the money markets this week. Billions and billions of dollars. The value of your home would have gone down by 25% in the next year, which wouldn't matter because you couldn't sell it anyway. The not employed would increase from 5% to 20% or 25% and for the first time since the 30's the U.S. would have people going hungry.

    Remember the great depression was caused by the stock market and margin sales. This time it was mortgages and short sales. I have been watching the number of naked shorts increase on stock after stock during the week. Some stocks have millions of shares sold short. All short sales were frozen TODAY on thousands of stocks. They will be allowed again in October and I hope they put the original rules back in effect that keep the folks from selling naked shorts and also require that the stock is available to short. All the government folks who were working last weekend will be there this week end. I think they finally got the message that they have to allow the Treasury to set up a program to take all the mortgage packages out of the market. You will hear that this is going to cost the tax payer billions if not trillions . Not true. Because no one knows the value of these packages they couldn't be sold and thus froze the capital market.

    I'm sure all the foreclosed properties in California have some value and will eventually go up in value as the properties start to move again. Who knows, the government might even make a profit in the long run. Meanwhile, everyone can get back to work. You will probably have to put some money down to buy property from here on out but that's how it should have been all along. Just the knowledge that a plan is being worked on and will pass has resulted in the stock market bouncing back yesterday and today. The reason everyone has been losing money in their 401K's and retirement funds is the fact that the financial markets have been slowly coming to a halt based on the sub-prime loan packages. The housing markets were not the entire problem but were the trigger to get the dominoes started down the financial road to ruin.

    It took President Roosevelt ten years to get us out of the last depression. We were on the way towards number two but fortunately Mr. Paulson had the financial background to see that everything that was tried was not working. I am sure that Congress was terrified when he briefed them yesterday on why he needed to buy the mortgage bundles from all the big banks and investment companies and he needed to do it now.

    I listened to McCain and Obama today talk about the problem. I was surprised to hear that McCain tried to pass legislation two years ago that would have at least slowed the process down. As for Obama, it was obvious, he doesn't have a clue. Two of his present financial advisors helped cause the problem and he needs to check with them before he will offer a plan. Obama will be saved this weekend when Sec Paulson's plan is approved and he is given the authority to go ahead. 95% of the U.S. is being spared the agony of seeing what a real depression looks like and the rest of the world almost saw their "sugar daddy" run out of "sugar".

    I am Colonel AJ and I approved this message.


    Book Review - The Tunnels


    The Tunnels

    By

    Michelle Gagnon





    I just finished "The Tunnels" and it is one scary, creepy, good thriller! The Tunnels is the first of two novels written by Michelle Gagnon. I happened to have picked up the 2nd book "The Boneyard" first and it was excellent.

    The books feature FBI special agent Kelly Jones (also the main character in Boneyard) who is investigating the murder of two female students at a prominent New England College. Beneath the college run an old tunnel system dating back to the 1800's. The girls were killed in ritualistic fashion and it is a race against the clock for Jones and her partner to find the serial killer as the body count rises.

    Back cover:

    "An old, abandoned tunnel system beneath a prestigious New England college becomes the gruesome stalking grounds of a serial killer...

    The crime scenes are grim and otherworldy. The bodies of two female students are found mutilated and oddly positioned in the dark labyrinth beneath the school--haunting symbols painted on the walls behind them.

    In her decade tracking serial killers, FBI special agent Kelly Jones has witnessed terrible offenses against humanity. Yet the tragedy unfolding at her alma mater chills her to the bone. Evidence suggests there is a connection between the victims--all daughters of powerful men. And elements of the killings point to a dark ancient ritual. As the body count rises, so do the stakes. The killer is taunting Kelly, daring her to follow him down a dangerouse path from which only one can emerge."


    This is a chilling, scary story, but very entertaining. One that will keep you reading long into the night. It kept me enthralled way past my bedtime.


    Friday Finds


    MizB at Should Be Reading is hosting Friday Finds and asks:

    What great books did you hear about, or add to your TBR list/piles this week? SHARE WITH US YOUR “FRIDAY FINDS”!

    The books I added to my pile this week and all found at my favorite used bookstore Book Lovers Cafe are:

    Bone Garden by Tess Gerritsen

    Finding Home (3 complete novels in one) Contains Duncan's Bride by Linda Howard, Chain Lightning by Elizabeth Lowell and Popcorn and Kisses by Kasey Michaels.

    Two more coffee house mysteries by Cleo Coyle: #3 Latte Trouble and #4 Murder Most Frothy

    Happy Reading!!!

    Crazy Cats

    Crazy Cats


    We picked up Luna from the vet Thursday morning. She was pretty sleepy after having been spayed, plus getting her annual vaccination and they flushed her ears because of ear mites. We got her home and I took her out of the cat carrier. She walked slowly over to Melvin who just looked at her and went about his business. She wandered down the hall and ran into Gracie and suddenly all heck broke loose. Gracie suddenly arched her back and got all bristly as if she were going to attack Luna. I quickly picked up Luna and jumped out of the way as Gracie had upset Melvin who suddenly arched in hump back, fur sticking out all over the place mode. They raced every which way peeing all over my hallway and master bedroom carpet.

    What the????

    Father quickly call the vet to find out why our cats were suddenly going crazy, while I took Luna into James bedroom out of harms way. Evidently Gracie didn't like the way Luna smelled.. She didn't recognize her smell and thought a strange cat was in the house and scared the pee out of her. The vet said to put the kitties outside or in another room and let Luna roam the house spreading her smell again.

    We sent the kitties outside on the patio with James to supervise while we cleaned up all the pee trails on the carpet. I have to say the Woolite Pet Oxygen worked quite well, since none of the kitties have gone back and done their business anywhere except the litter boxes.

    After we were done cleaning up, Luna came out into the kitchen and we left the patio door open with the screen closed. The three stooges kept coming up to the screen and smelling Luna. We let Herbie in first and he sniffed Luna all over and went about his business. One down, two to go. Melvin came in and much more cautious, but eventually sniffed Luna and went off to play. Gracie was still bristling every time she came up to the door, so I went out and soothed her. Had a nice one to one girl talk with miss thing when she hissed at me. We ended up putting her in the cat carrier that Luna had been in and let her sniff that a while. Then we brought her into the kitchen. Luna and the two boys sniffed around the carrier and played. Gracie somehow got herself out of the carrier and just decided to stay away from Luna. She preferred that to getting sprayed with Dr. No.

    Needless to say, after everyone calmed down and taking another shower, I was two hours late to work. Good thing I'm one of the bosses.

    Luna spent the night in our room and this morning the 3 stooges have calmed down quite a bit. Gracie still won't go anywhere near Luna, but the two boys have given her a nose nuzzle or two.

    It will be interesting to see what happens when we bring the 3 stooges home after being fixed.


    Pensive Cat











    Pensive Cat









    Hey Mom! Where are you going?

    Momma Luna went to the vet today to get "fixed" The 3 stooges will get their turn soon. However, I have to find a less expensive vet. Our current vet charges $130, just for the surgery but I didn't want to go to a brand new vet to get her spayed. Nothing like trial by fire and discovering an incompetent surgeon. And I didn't want to take her to one of the county's spay and neuter clinics, because I don't trust the production line surgeries. So, I'll be making a few phone calls today, checking out new vets and finding out prices.

    Book Review - No One Left To Tell


    No One Left To Tell

    By

    Jordan Dane





    I just finished reading "No One Left To Tell" today. It was the first time I had ever read anything by Jordan Dane. The story was interesting but I got the impression either two people were writing the story or else she was channeling Mickey Spillane. The story didn't flow well. You had wonderful prose mixed in with some statements that stopped the story cold and made you laugh.

    For example:

    Page 182: "The heat from her skin seduced him. Raven orchestrated his body's reaction with the precision of a symphony conductor. Bellowing with the resonance of a bass drum, his heart pounded his rib cage, the sensation intoxicating."

    It didn't fit in with the scene as they were in a hospital waiting room because her partner had been shot. Raven was angry and Christian was suddenly overcome with passion for her. They started making out in the waiting room. I practically dropped the book laughing.


    Page 206: " Sam's face had been shaped by his years. Deeply furrowed laugh lines branded him a character. Red hair infused with gray stood on end, defying gravity. She had seen his stern grimace whenever he glowered at a suspect, but that expression melted away completely when he relaxed among friends. Like a stubborn cowlick unwilling to behave, his face sprang routinely into a crooked smirk."

    I can't imagine a face springing anywhere or relating it to a cowlick.

    The book was peppered throughout with these kinds of statements. The premise of the story is excellent, but it get very convoluted

    From the back cover:

    "The body of a brutally slain man is found on the holy grounds of a chapel, and a cryptic message pinned to his chest unravels the lives of people touched by a dark secret. Detective Raven Mackenzie and her partner uncover the dead man's connection to a powerful female crime boss, leading them to her mysterious head of security, Christian Delacorte, who soon becomes the prime suspect. Yet when Raven sifts through Christian's past, she discovers the man is plagued by deeply rooted nightmares - and a shadowy childhood tragedy linking him to the case. Convinced his past holds the key to finding the real killer, she defies her partner, following her gut instincts and trusting her undeniable bond with Christian. But Raven shares her own date with destiny when she crosses paths with a heartless killer. And when he unleashes his rage, there will be no one left to tell."


    Sounds interesting, huh! If you can get past the changes in voice and keep with the story, it is a good read. However, I would rate it R for language and violence. There is a sequel to the story, but if it is written the same as this one, I probably won't be reading it.


    Musing Mondays - treatment of books


    Today MizB over at Should Be Reading muses over the treatment of books.



    She asks: HOW ABOUT YOU? Do you treat books carefully, or do you just treat them as any other object? Do you have certain things you refuse to do with books (write in them, etc)? If so, what are they?

    My treatment of books has changed over the years. When I was in my teens, I used to dog ear the pages, no matter whether they were library books or my own. Somehow, I didn't give it a second thought that I was hurting the book or upsetting someone. Somewhere along the line, a librarian friend educated me and I stopped dog earring pages and started using bookmarks. I never wrote in fiction books, but I did in my college books. Mainly because they were mine to do with what I wanted and helped me to remember. I'm a collector of books and still have a few of those college books in the shelves.

    Now, I am more respectful of my fiction books and never turn down the pages or leave them lying open and spine up. When father is done reading, he'll just leave the book, open and spine up on the table. I usually go behind him, grabbing a napkin, piece of paper, bookmark if available and mark his place, before closing the book. I'm working on him though to be more careful.

    I don't read library books anymore because they are usually marked up, have some weird greasy feel to it or missing pages. I buy all my books now. Sometimes I will take some to our local used bookstore, Book Lovers Cafe for credit. The owner and I actually had a discussion the other day about the condition of the books people bring in. He complimented me on keeping my read books in a pristine condition. He ends up throwing away some because they are in such poor condition. I can't fathom ever throwing away a book. It just goes against the grain.

    We have bookshelves in every room of the house, except the bathrooms. I love books and of course, the love of reading goes along with that. I've taught my son to respect books and keep them in good condition.

    I don't loan out books, but I do give them away. If someone expresses interest I'd rather give it to them or buy them their own copy to read. That way I don't have to worry if someone is abusing any of my books.

    So what about you?




    Books!

    It never fails!

    Yesterday on my way to the grocery store, I stopped by Berean Christian Books. As I perused the children's devotional section, I found this great book




    The One Year Book of Real Life Encounters with God by Child Evangelism Fellowship.






    The book has 365 devotions that ask questions such as: why does god let bad things happen? or why should I obey God when other don't?. I looked through the book and was really impressed with it.

    January: God the Father
    February: God the son
    March: God the Holy Spirit
    April: Victory
    May: God's word and me
    June: Witnessing
    July: Worshiping God
    August: Obeying God
    September: Living for God
    October: Trusting God
    November: Taking a Stand
    December: What I believe

    What really sold me was when I looked at September 15 because if I got the book that would be our starting point.

    September 15: How can I be patient?
    September 16: What does God say about anger?
    September 17: Is it ever right to be angry?
    September 18: How can I have self control:
    September 19: What does God say about Kindness

    It really struck a cord, because these are all issues we are working on right now. The book also have a place to record thoughts each day, prayer starters, collection of memory verses and end of the month activities. So I had to get it. I had already ordered Devotions kids from christianbooks.com, which is on the way. I'll either find a way to incorporate the two or return it or maybe just send it on to booksamaritan.

    I also purchased "Bibleman: lambasting the legions of Laziness" dvd. We've never watched any of the bibleman series so I thought it might be interesting for James.

    And for myself


    Sinner by Ted Dekker. His books always give me the chills but they are great reads.











    Seventh Day, book # 7 in the A.D. Chronicles by Bodie Thoene






    Brink of Death by Brandilyn Collins






    I'll probably save these for the fall reading challenge.

    Blog Find of the Week - Should Be Reading

    Blog Find of the week


    Discovered a new blog this weekend that peeked my interest: Should Be Reading. She has weekly events including Musing Mondays, Teaser Tuesdays and Friday Finds.



    On Musing Mondays, MizB muses about books and invites other blogger to muse along with her.









    On Teaser Tuesdays, you grab your current read and let the book fall open to a random page. Then you share two "teaser" sentences from that page somewhere between lines 7 and 12. Don't forget to share the title. However, don't give anyway anything that will spoil the plot of the book.







    Friday Finds asks you to share about the books you have discovered during the week that you will be adding to your TBR (to be read) list or just sound interesting. Then share your link with Friday Find participants at Should Be Reading's Friday Find post for the week.

    Sounds like fun! Stay tuned for my first Monday Musing.

    Lehman Brothers Goes Bankrupt

    Lehman Brothers goes Bankrupt

    My dad, the financial genius says it best

    "What a day in the financial world. Lehmam Brothers, a 184 year old company is going to file for bankruptcy. Bank of America is buying Merrill Lynch. A special fund of $70 Billion is being set up by commercial banks to fight off the short sellers. All these companies and their Board of Directors and the Sec of the Treasury and the Federal Reserve Members all worked over Saturday and Sunday. All this and the American Public had no clue and still doesn't, that the U.S. Financial System was at risk for collapse because all the dominoes were falling one by one. The congress will start hearings next week but its just window dressing. Basically the Congress caused the whole thing in the first place years ago when they wanted to get more poor people into housing and passed a law that would let folks buy a house with nothing down or even worse, no credit. Well that started the boom. When the Republican members of the banking committee tried to change some of the rules before Freddie/Fannie failed the special interests kept it from coming out of committee. Today was one of the major financial days in the history of America. Because they don't teach finance of a major scale in our colleges 99% of American have no clue of the serious effects of what was going on. They only hear about foreclosures and folks walking away from their homes. That was just one Domino. Anyway, tomorrow will be a wild day on the stock market. There would have been runs on banks by next weekend if the big banks hadn't gotten together and set up a fund to fight the short sellers who have been making billions by driving the stocks down of all the mortgage and brokerage firms. Now all the companies will have private liquidity to fight off the vultures. I'm not too sure if AIG will be able to move fast enough to keep from being the next big target. Anyway, I tried to explain this whole thing to your mom at dinner and realized that most folks wouldn't know what I was taking about. The point is your bank stocks were not safe this morning but are better off tonight and we won't have to worry for a little longer if the Country is going to go broke. As long as the Chinese don't pull their money our social security is safe. Yippee!

    Also, don't buy any insurance companies for a while. I think IKE is going to cost them about 10 Billion at least. If you own any AIG watch it close. It might be next after LEHMAN. "

    Head on over to AP Business wire or Drudge for all the latest.


    Book Review - Through The Grinder

    Have you ever tried Coffee Marinated Steak with Hearty Coffee Gravy? If you love coffee and it sounds delicious, head on over to Coffee House Mystery for the recipe. Or better yet, Read "Through the Grinder" by Cleo Coyle.












    The complete recipe for this interesting meal is at the end of the story. "Through the Grinder" is the 2nd of 6 novels in the Coffee House Mystery series.

    Clare Cosi is the manager of The Village Blend coffeehouse. Her daughter lives close by and her ex husband even closer, sharing the home above the coffeehouse, when he isn't out of the country buying coffee. She is in "like" with a handsome, yet married police detective Mike Quinn who likes to discuss his cases with her. Things hit a little to close to home when single female customers start committing suicide (or did they?).

    Unfortunately, Clare's new love interest is the prime suspect so she and her ex start a little investigation of their own. You'll never guess who done it til the very end.

    I thoroughly enjoyed this engaging mystery and plan on reading the rest of the series. Cleo Coyle also wrote "The Haunted Bookshop Mysteries" under the pen name of Alice Kimberly. Looks like I'll be adding "The Ghost and Mrs. McClure" to my wish list of books to read next.

    For all things coffee go to www.coffeehousemystery.com

    Happy Reading!

    Weekly Report # 3

    Weekly Wrap Up



    Lessons went well this week and I added in history this week. I decided to go with reading "This Country of Ours" by H.E. Marshall. It was recommended on Ambleside.com and after reviewing the book, decided to go with that. We have given Story of the World a good college try but neither James or I love it. James eyes glaze over every time I read it and we never could get into all the activities. SOTW has it uses though and the activities book has an abundance of book resources. Between SOTW, Ambleside, and History Odyssey, I've purchased quite a few books to go along with reading TCOO. It just happened to pick up where we left off in SOTW with Christopher Columbus....


    We are also reading "Diego Columbus: Adventures on the High Seas" by Marni McGee. The story is from the perspective of the son of Christopher Columbus and based on fact.

    Voyages in English: We are still on Section 1: Sentences. We finished up 1.6 Kinds of Sentences and 1.7 Subjects. James is doing so well with this, I am going to start having him do two lessons at a time. On daddy days, I have James completing the worksheets from the practice book.

    Spelling: Completed Lesson 3 Hard and Soft C and G.

    Cursive: Did review and mastery of previous letters learned and letters n and m. Now James has learned all the letters in his name, so will start have him writing it in cursive at the top of his worksheets. He is working rather quickly through the 3rd grade book and has 10 lessons left to go. He'll be progressing to the 4th grade HWO Cursive success workbook in no time.

    Writing Strands: Working on #2 Sentence and paragraph Control. It is teaching how to take a core sentence and add 5 pieces of information to the sentence, by adding one new piece of information each time. The lesson blended great with VIE in which lesson 1.3 he had learned about asking questions: who, what, where, when, why and how.

    James core sentence: A Lego Rebel Trooper was taking a walk

    The pieces of information to add were

    1) what was he carrying? He was carrying a blaster

    2) where was he walking? He was walking back to Tanaive 4

    3) who did he see? He saw a storm trooper

    4) how did he feel? He was scared

    5) what did he do? He blasted the stormtrooper

    I took dictation and wrote the sentence each time, per James answers to the core sentence.

    The core sentence turned into: A lego rebel trooper was walking back to Tanaive 4 after having a meeting with Luke Skywalker, the Jedi Knight. He carried his blaster because he was scared. Suddenly, the storm trooper emerged from Tanaive 4. The Lego rebel trooper blasted the storm trooper into tiny lego pieces.

    Math: Progressing nicely adding 7's.

    Chemistry: James and Father read Chemistry in Ancient World's and Chapter 4 -the alchemists and Chapter 5 - This Spirit of Mystery of the Periodic Table

    I finally decided what book to use for devotions and it will be arriving from christianbooks.com in a few days. Will blend that in with reading the bible. We previously used Day to Day devotions and needed something with a bit more bite.









    I'm contemplating adding in Prima Latina: Introduction to Christian Latin. I already have the book and Father thinks it is an excellent idea and that we should all learn together. Since Latin is the basis for all languages, it seems the smart thing to do. Hmmm!

    James also decided he wants to read 20 books to earn "King Kong Versus Godzilla". I told him the books can't be easy or simple readers but chapter books.

    So far, he has on the list: The Empire Strikes Back, A New Hope and Return of the Jedi. We are currently reading A Phantom Menace.

    I think that's it.... still feel like we're missing something!!!!!!!!!!!!!!






    Book Review - Murder Uncorked


    (The First Wine Lover's Mystery)

    By

    Michele Scott



    From the Back Cover

    "Nikki Sands was like every other aspiring actress - waiting tables between jobs. But Nikki has taken serving wines to heart. She knew enough to impress Napa Valley's golden boy, Derek Malveaux, who offered a job at his vineyard."

    In the beginning of the story, Nikki serves drinks to "the Bimbo" and "Casanova". The bimbo manages to get Nikki fired and Casanova comes to her defense. Casanova turns out to be Derek Malveaux of the Malveaux Estates Winery in Napa Valley. Impressed by her knowledge about wine, he offers her a position as sales manager and personal assistant.

    From the moment Nikki arrives on the estate, mysteries surround her from the death of the estates top winemaker to discovering someone is skimming profits. Nikki takes the sleuthing skills she learned from her failed acting gig as a police detective and tries to solve the case.

    I wasn't too particularly thrilled with the story. It seemed to be lacking something and reminded me of Murder She Wrote for some reason. Some of the writing was hokey and cliched. I wasn't able to suspend disbelieve and get absorbed into the story. I kept thinking "now why is she doing that or how silly can you be." I will probably check out a couple more of the stories in the series simply because this is the first book Michele wrote. And being an amateur writer myself (cough cough - ahem) with experience comes improvement. I have come across several best selling authors whose first attempts left something to be desired and they definitely improved with each book.

    9/11 Presidential Forum - soap box moment

    Soap Box Moment


    Last night I happened to catch the second half of the 9/11 presidential forum hosted by Columbia University on the Fox News Channel. We tuned in during the interview with Barack Obama. Hopefully it will be repeated at some point, so I can see what McCain had to say.

    Several things crossed my mind while watching Obama field the questions from Judy Woodruff and Richard Stengel.

    Obama reminded me of having a job interview. Most of the time when you go out for job interviews, you research the company and basically gear your answers to the philosophy or needs of that company. If you get the art of the interview down, you become a excellent bs artist. Tell them what they want to hear in order to get hired. Believe me, I did it millions of times over the years. His demeanor, attitude, words and physical mannerisms were geared entirely to presenting himself in the best possible way and telling the interviewers what they wanted to hear in order to get hired. He does a good interview.

    He made several comments about the need to have a civilian force to support the military force in Iraq to help rebuild the infrastructure. Apparently he is entirely unaware of all the engineers and business men over in Iraq who helped to restore energy, cell phone service, internet service, rebuild school and businesses and provide supplies. Check out Operation Iraqi Freedom, the official website of the Multi National Force and see what has been accomplished over in Iraq. It is an eyeopener.

    Then you had Judy woodruff with her furrowed brows providing leading questions. You know, those questions that really aren’t questions at all, but a running commentary leading the interviewee to the point where they agree with what the interviewer said. Stengle in my opinion was just smarmy. Obama and McCain had made the agreement to be united for the day in honor of September 11. Stengle kept trying to get Obama to slam McCain, but he didn’t fall for it.

    When that ended, you had Britt Hume and his panel discussing the forum and also showing clips from Charlie Gibson’s interview with Sarah Palin. With gritted teeth, literally, they all tried to play nice.


    After that was over, Hannity and Colmes came on. I rarely watch it because they drive me crazy talking over and interrupting their guests after asking them a question. Anyway, they had several more clips of the Sarah Palin Interview. I do have to say she is grace under pressure. I would really like to watch the whole interview rather than just clips Fox decides to show, because we all know they are “unbiased.” Don’t get me started…..

    I am impressed with Sarah Palin. At first, I wasn’t too terribly thrilled with McCain when he chose this unknown woman governor from Alaska. Personally I had never heard of her and my first thought was “Is he trying to lose?” After I saw several interviews with her and watched her speech during the Republican Convention, I changed my mind. She is the right choice.