No Longer MIA, I'm Back in Town, Pink Petals and More

 

Pink Petals is ready to be joined.  Squares are all sized, and edged and the squares are tied together.  I had to put this away as we prepared to leave for a tour of Sicily.  Then after return the massive job of fall clean up of all the flower beds awaited.  So, am finally pulling this back out in hopes of crocheting it together in the coming week.

Sicily was fantastic.  I'm blogging about our tour, HERE.

Because we don't want to go crazy we need humor.

Saw this the other day during one of my walks, and couldn't resist not taking a picture.

While this is humorous, his rant about Arnold Palmer was pretty disgusting.

The Orphan Collector takes place in the slums of Philly in 1918.  This German immigrant faces anti-immigrant sentiment alone, as her father is off to war (to prove his allegiance to his new country), the Spanish flu hits.  One day she's a young girl, the next she is charged with caring for her baby brother.  So much turmoil, so much growing up to do over night.  Her spirit is truly amazing. 

The Phoenix Crown takes place in San Francisco.  The paths of two unlikely subjects, Gemma a soprano and Suling a Chinatown embroideress amid the confusion and destruction of the San Francisco Earthquake.  Toss in some romance with a railroad magnet and you have lots of excitement and intrigue.

Another fun Elin Hilderbrand book.  I'm soon going to have non left to read which makes me sad.  But, summer has come to an end so perhaps the timing is right.  You might recognize this title, as there was a movie with Nicole Kidman.  I read/listened to the book long before watching the movie and I thought the movie left out some very good background.  A wedding, expensive beach front venue......but a body is discovered.  So many suspects, and who's sleeping with who exactly?

Writers block, bills piling up, overly friendly landscaper, Fast Eddie with money problems, rumors and gossip galore.  Sides drawn in friendships and families.  A lot to unpack here.

Yes, really 6th wedding for him....doesn't that intrigue you enough without knowing anything else?  Short read.

Read this before you read the Matchmaker.  It wasn't listed that way when I got my copy of all her books, so I read them out of order...which wasn't a big deal; but I think less enjoyable than it could have been.  Young college kids, two different schools...sparks or not?

To the best of my knowledge that's the end of her books.  My understanding is her next one due out shortly will not be about Nantucket and all the familiar places and people.  I don't know if that's going to work or not.  You get these places and people in your brain.  We'll see how it goes.

With all the changes I've mentioned on fitbit, I'm not able to list things as I did in the past.  I know I did more walking than normal when we were in Sicily, because many of our tours were walking tours.  I can tell I had several days over 14.000 steps and it looks like most of those days were 11-12K.  I can tell thus far this year it says my daily average number of steps is 8,412, with February being the highest at 10,597 and August being the lowest at 6,908 (4.39miles and 2.81 miles).  So far this month I'm at 3.4 miles and September was 3.5.  So, ups and downs.  These past 2 weeks, I've mowed a few times, took a walk a few times, but mostly it's been yard work which though exhausting doesn't give you many steps.

And with that, I'm going to put on my walking shoes and take myself out for a spin, lol.  Then I'll start catching up with you all by blog walking.

Afghans Galore, What's Happening in Sprinfield, Audio Books, Nantucket and The Philippines Audiobooks.

 

Pink Petals is coming along, a bit slower than I like but headway is being made.  I usually don't add as wide of a border to squares when I'm making them all the same size, I thought more of the light pink was needed to help tone down how bright this was.  As a result, it's taking me longer, using more yarn (which ok, since I'm trying to use up my stash), and requires more crocheting.  

This was one of the piles of squares I had to lay out and design afghans and then search my stash for what yarn might work with edging to size and joining them.  Once I do that I put the designed afghan in a project bag and then they go on my shelves in the basement.  Most are named at that time, but sometimes I change my mind as I start working on them.  From memory I think I have somewhere around 30; not counting the ones I've already made.  Been at this for years and have made 81 so far, I think.  Just tried to count my files

You've no doubt seen a large number of meme's after the debate.  There have been some good ones, so thought I'd share these with you.

Another fun batch of Elin Hilderbrand books.  The island has the usual fun romance to it, but ventures away a bit from Nantucket to the remote secluded island of Tuckernuck.  Sorta roughing it 3 family members get their lives back in order after a canceled wedding, a broken heart, and a tragedy.  Good reads rating for this book is 3.89...I gave it 5 stars, but then I think I've given all her books, or certainly the majority of them 5's.  I just find them so enjoyable.

 Love Season has more mystery to it, then some of her books.  Mystery around a death and who's at fault.  Going against Dad's rules to seek out a forbidden aunt.  Good Reads has this one rated 3.69

The Matchmaker is a bit different, romance of course is involved, as are family secrets; but does she have the gift of 3rd sight/seeing into future.  42 Happy Couples think so.  This one is rated 3.90

WWII, The Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor, the Japanese bombing of Luzon, the last stand at Bataan, the largest surrender in US history, The horrific Bataan Death March.  3 young friends wanted adventure when they left home before Pearl Harbor have many trials as they fight to survive.  This book is not a documentary, but is inspired by true stories.  It was rated 4.56.  I think in general people know less about this part of the war then what took place in Europe.  We never really held The Japanese accountable like we did The Germans.  They was no Nuremberg equivalent.  

Afghan, Books, Movies, and Roses oh My!

 

Here is Firecracker done, being blocked/drying here as we speak.  I was pleased when I found more black yarn so was able to edge each square with black after getting everything sized with the red.  And then edged in black as well.

And here it was in the beginning.

And next up Pink Petals.  Some of the pink here is quite bright as you can see...sorta like the hideous pink car I posted previously.  So, am bringing squares to size in the light pink which I think will tone things down.  I may join in the same pink, or perhaps find a contrasting color...will see as it progresses what I think.

Hubby and I recently attending ball game, such a fun summer thing to do.  It was a beautiful night and our home team won.  Not something we do often,  maybe once or twice a summer.  Don't think we made it at all last summer.

There were places in the book where I definitely disagreed with trumpie's Press Secretary, Stephanie Grisham; but found the book still quite interesting.  It points out, as many of his former cabinet and staff books have, that most of them thought they were doing the right thing........initially, then when they realized otherwise they were in too deep and or had become addicted to power and excitement of being there.  But, she was the first to resign after Jan 6th, when 45 and his gang/cult tried to over throw the government.  She recently spoke at the Democratic Convention throwing her support completely behind The  Kamala Harris Ticket.  It takes a big person to say, I was wrong and now am fighting for the other side. Recommended.

But, one can't read just heavy duty books.  One still needs the entertainment of the Elin Hilderbrand books.  Catch up with the characters from The Summer of 69 (the year I graduated from HS), 10 years later.

Bonfire at the beach to celebrate graduating from High School.  Drinking, cars, anger, young love........so much going on.  And the subsequent police investigation.

When summer jobs at the club change peoples lives, and coming of age.

*I continue to enjoy and recommend all the Elin Hilderbrand books.

Thoroughly enjoyed this movie and highly recommend it.  I watched it on Prime.

LOVED this movie.  I've always been a huge fan of Eleanor Roosevelt, what a remarkable woman she was.  The time frame of this story about her is right after her husband passed and how she got on with her life.  Jean Stapleton did a magnificent job portraying her.  Highly recommend this.  This too was on Prime.

Meh....very disappointed in this.  It had gotten such rave reviews when it and the silly Barbie movie came out at the same time in the theaters.  Can't recommend this, even though I'm probably out numbered on this opinion.

Gorgeous dark red/burgundy roses tinged with grayish.  Hubby brought these home for me a few days ago.  I've never seen any quite like this before.

Filling My Summer Days with Crocheting, Audio Books, and Walking

 

Fire cracker in the works.  I'm over half done with sizing the squares, so it's coming alone.

One twin lives on Nantucket, one on Martha's Vineyard.  These two take sibling rivalry to a whole new level.  Does a family emergency bring them together...or not?

The wild night life associated with fast money in the restaurant/bar business.  Love vs friendship.  The gamesmanship of who sits where and why, money talks.

The year I graduated from high school, so naturally I had to read this one.  The story of the chaos of the times experienced through one family.  Oldest granddaughter pregnant with twins stranded in Boston, 2nd granddaughter in the midst of civil rights demonstrations, the only grandson fighting in Vietnam, and the youngest grandchild at age 13 lonely and angry and coming of age.  Ted Kennedy and Chappaquiddick.  Perhaps no other year in history experienced so much.

Recommend all 3 of these Elin Hilderbrand books.

You're not in Kansas anymore Todo.  Failed marriage...maybe?  Corruption and lust in a small town, government only for a few.  Who's having an affair with who?  Lots of action.  I rated this book a 3 out of 5.  It's a summer read, as it takes place at the beach.  I wouldn't put it tops on your list; but if you're running out of summer books for fun.

Super disappointed in this book.  It received The Good Reads Choice Award, but I don't know why.  As I read the reviews, people either gave it a 5 or a 1.  I gave it a 1 because I couldn't give it a zero.  James McBride sees love in this book and the people in the neighborhood.  I saw deceit, lies, violence and all around shameful behavior on almost everyone's part.  I forced myself to finish the book, even though I didn't want to.  I kept thinking it was rated well, won awards, perhaps it will get better.  From my perspective, it did NOT!.

I thought this was a powerful meme.  

During one of my walks through the neighborhood to a park, I spotted this hideous Pepto Bismol pink car.  I've never seen anything like it and wonder why anyone would buy and drive it.  I've seen some pink Mary Kay cars, but they weren't like this.

Speaking about walking, July's average miles per day is 3.73 which is down slightly from June at 3.85.  My best day was July 4th with 8.20 miles.  I mentioned Fitbit has ruined the webpage by removing the dashboard and the backlash is huge.  The number of complaints in the forum grows daily.  It remains to be seen if they will make their people happy but bringing it back, or sending the people to other platforms like Garman, Apple Watch, and or Samsung Watch.  Many have said they will leave Fitbit if it's not reinstated.

I've been removing some folks from my blog list.  Some that don't seem active any longer, and others who don't return blog visit.  But, I happily have added some new bloggers to the list as well.  I find it fun to meet new bloggers.

Yarn Stash Oh My, Fresh Mint and More

 

Fresh Mint is done, it's been laundered and is now being blocked/drying.  Some of the squares were a bit more stretchy than others, so there's a bit of a wonkiness to it; but it will keep someone warm, and it's cheery and bright.

Just laid this one out to begin sizing the squares.  Don't believe I have enough black so plan to use red to even up sizes, then edge in black, perhaps in a strip vs each square...again because I don't think I have enough black, then maybe a red and black final edge?  Will have to play it by ear and may need to make some adjustments as I go.  I've not come up with a solid name for this one yet....perhaps Firecracker?  Love some thoughts from you all.  Maybe RedDawn?

There are many memes out there, but this one spoke to me.  The double standard in this day and age is most annoying.  And JD Vance's comments about how woman who aren't mothers are less, should get less of a vote, etc etc.  I'd like to knock him upside his head for starters.

 

Yes 3 more Elin Hilderbrand books!!!  All good, all entertaining, and all are recommended.  Golden Girl might be her most unusual book, dealing with the beyond......what happens after death if you could watch you family and friends.  Nantucket Nights probably the most entertaining and made me think of Casper the friendly ghost...yes those of you my age will remember that cute cartoon.  Silver Girl.......think Bernie Maydoff, it's full of who knew what and when.

#1 New York Times Best Seller!  The behind the scenes, how things unfolded with trump trying to be a dictator, to his impeachment trials, to the insurrection on Jan 6th.  We're still very much dealing with the fall out, and the scary possibility he could make it even worse.

Back in December my daughter convinced me I needed to start thinning out my stash.  I sent her home with 41.5 pounds of yarn at that time, and previously showed you a picture of the donation.  She donated it to several different locations in St. Louis.  I've continued to sort, separate, untangle and roll yarn since then.  And when she was home over the 4th of the July, I sent her home with 51.5 pounds of yarn (forgot to get a picture of it).  Actually thought I had taken one...who knows, I don't have one.  Those donations are full and partial skeins but not bits and bobs like you see here.  Here are 6 bags of smaller left overs I call bits and bobs, that a friend and classmate said an art teacher of hers could use.  This was only 3.75 pounds.  Am I done......nope!  I'm still sorting; but can't get rid of all my stash until I finish making all the afghans I have from donated squares, and rectangles.  This is an ongoing project.

Knitting, Crocheting, Audio Books, and Fitbit

 Another Afghan in the works.  Calling this one Fresh Mint.  As you can I have some really different sized squares and rectangles.  I've used this mint green to edge previously and since I'm trying to use up stash, decided I would use the mint green to bring the squares to size, but join them with light gray.  I don't normally join before edging every square, but was having a hard time reaching the rows above, so thought I could join the 3 rows, then move everything down to make reaching things easier.

Here it is before I started edging.  Plus, you can probably tell I moved a few squares around.  Had all the bright yellows at the top and the muted yellows at the bottom for one.

I've made some good headway with my shawl.  When Last I photographed it, I was working on the first green section, and am now on the 2nd green section.  As the triangle gets wider, the number of stitches per row really increases.  Make it seem slower for sure.

Three more Elin Hilderbrand books....sorta.  I didn't really care for Reunion Beach, as the Hilderbrand area was a book I had already enjoyed, and I didn't think much of the others.  The book is an apparent tribute to Dorothea Benton Frank.  I think I read one of hers years ago, but don't remember which one.  I've searched my 5 Libraries and haven't found any of hers as audio books, so probably won't pursue her books.  I did enjoy the first 2 Elin Hilderbrand books though, so put those on your list.

Camera Girl was fascinating.  I was a young girl when Jackie was the first lady, so didn't really know much about her.  This book covers her early years, prior being Mrs. John F. Kennedy.  She was quite accomplished, intelligent, and very full of life.

A story about a woman who defies social norms, her rich parents and follows her heart.  Inspired by the real life story of Samuel Bellamy of the high seas.  Pirates, adventure, and of course love!  Enjoy.

It's been so long since I've recorded my activity that Fitbit, the webpage apparently no longer exists.  I was floored.  You get a message that says you can check your dashboard in the app.  Well the format on the app is not nearly as good as what the  webpage was.  So, The only thing I seem to be able to find is daily averages for each month in miles or steps.  The webpage gave totals for the month which I preferred.  So it looks like the last time I recorded anything here was Dec of 2023.

Jan I averaged 3.85 miles per day

Feb 4.57

March 3.97

April 2.84 (the month I had my dental surgery)

May 2.94

June 3.85.   I don't know when the last time was I recorded planks, so I guess I need to start over on that.

Ukraine hasn't been in the headlines much lately, but I was please to see this sign of support on one of my recent walks through the neighborhood.