What I Am Reading ~ 12/10/18

Today I'm reading:



In a secluded corner of Hope Beach, one woman must decipher a stranger’s memories . . . before they cost her everything.

Elin Summerall was one of the lucky ones. Not only did she get a heart transplant, but the donor was a perfect fit. A miraculously perfect fit.

But when Elin begins having violent flashbacks—and vivid dreams of being strangled—she realizes that she has been the recipient of more than just a new heart . . . Elin is remembering her donor’s murder.

Her strange affliction has attracted some unwanted attention: from the press, from the authorities . . . and from the killer himself. Now, living alone with her young daughter and aging mother, Elin is being stalked—by a man she’s only met in her nightmares.

The police are dubious of her story, but one off-duty FBI agent agrees to help her: Agent Marc Everton.

Now, in a remote cottage on Hope Island, Elin and Marc must probe the secrets buried in her borrowed heart. And there’s no time to waste. One man is desperate to silence her—before she remembers too much.

 

     

What are you reading?

Colletta

Scripture Memory Verse ~ 12/9/18

This Week's Memory Verse:

 

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.


John 14:6 NIV

 

Colletta



Weekly Weigh In ~ 12/8/18

On to the WEIGH-IN:



Highest Weight Ever ~ 297.0

12/7/18   ~  282.0



Total:  -  15.0



How was your week?



Colletta

First Lines Friday and 56 ~ 12/7/18

Today's "First Lines" and "56" are from:

 

 

Elin Summerall bolted upright in the bed.  Her heart pounded, and she touched her throat and found it smooth and unharmed.

 

 Page 56

Flashes of lightening lit her bedroom as she snuggled under the sheet and opened the first diary.  She'd been dying to read it, and she wasn't about to go back to sleep and fall into that nightmare again.

 

Colletta
 

Also linking up to:

 

Thankful Thursday ~ 12/6/18

 

 

~It is DECEMBER!!!  We're all excited about turning the calendar to December and all things holiday.  We have lots of activities coming up so stay tuned!

~The hubby gave me my Christmas present already!  It is a new PC!  My laptop was slowly dying so he bought me a new desktop PC and I'm loving it.  I very rarely moved my laptop from my desk anyway, so we decided a desktop would work perfectly and the price was unbeatable. :)

~We've finished all our Christmas shopping!  Doug and I made a quick shopping trip to finish up the little bit of presents we still needed to buy.  I feel so accomplished and actually a bit relieved that we can now sit back and enjoy the Season.  I am making one present and am well on my way to finishing it up.  Bring on Christmas :)

~The hubby has been on vacation this week.  He picked this week as it is Hunting Season here in Pennsylvania.  He so rarely has time to do things for him so I'm glad he's getting to do something he enjoys.  Along with hunting, he's been watching a great deal of Hallmark movies :)

~I had my first Christmas Party of the year on Tuesday evening!  Our Church Ladies Group usually has a potluck dinner once a month except in December we go out to eat so no one has to cook!  We also do a Christmas exchange.  My Mom actually drew my name this year and got me a whole bunch of Bath & Body Works lotions and body washes in Sweet Pea, one of my favorite scents :)

What are you thankful for today?

 

Colletta



Wordless Wednesday ~ 12/5/18

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Colletta



Book Review ~ Weaver's Needle by Robin Caroll ~ 12/4/18

 

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 Blurb:

 

 Two recovery specialists.
One murder.
A hunt for the Dutchman's Lost Gold Mine becomes a race of survival.

Former Army MP Landry Parker fell into the recovery specialist role quite by accident—to help her ailing father. Now that she’s on her own, she is determined to prove herself and honor her family legacy.

After being shot in the line of duty, former police officer Nickolai Baptiste became a recovery specialist, and he’s good at his job—maybe even the best.
      
A potential client pits Landry and Nickolai against one another to find the Dutchman’s Lost Gold Mine map that was stolen from her murdered husband, and the potential payday is too enticing to pass up. The trail takes them from New Orleans to Weaver’s Needle in Arizona where legend claims the mine is hidden. Landry and Nickolai are no strangers to adventure, but the unlikely partners quickly discover there’s someone after the treasure and there are those who want to ensure the lost mine in Arizona’s Superstition Mountain stays lost forever.

Can Landry and Nickolai work together despite their distrust of each other to save the legend before more innocent lives are lost? Will they find the real treasure isn’t the gold, but something more valuable. . .true love and understanding? 

My Thoughts:

 

I don't think I've ever read a book involving recovery specialists or a modern day treasure hunt complete with treasure maps and clues.  This book was so much fun to read!

 

I loved the competition between Landry and Nickolai as well as their verbal sparring with each other.  Their dynamic with each other was very well written.

 

I couldn't for the life of me figure out for sure who the bad guy actually was.  That is a big plus for me when reading a mystery.

 

The setting was amazing.  It was so interesting to read about the Superstition Mountains and the history and culture of that area.  The author did an amazing job of writing it into the story.

 

I've read other Robin Caroll books but nothing like this one.

 

Loved the ending and the whole book!

 



Colletta

What I Am Reading ~ 12/3/18

Today I'm reading:

 All Gabe Coulter ever wanted was to live a comfortable life as a successful gambler, but a confrontation with a disgruntled cowboy who’d just lost to Gabe leads to a family man dying in his arms. Even though it was self-defense, the only way Gabe knows to get rid of his guilt is to return the money he won to the man’s wife.

 

Lara Talbot sees Gabe as a derelict like her husband and wants nothing to do with him. But as she struggles to provide for her family and makes plans to claim property in the upcoming Oklahoma land rush, she wonders if God might have sent the meddling gambler to help.

 

     

What are you reading?

Colletta

Scripture Memory Verse ~ 12/2/18

This Week's Memory Verse:

 

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.

Psalm 136:1,26

 

Colletta



Weekly Weigh-In ~ 12/1/18

I did decidedly better this week on the eating front.  I drank my Slim Fast shakes for breakfast and lunch about 75% of the time.  I tried to work on my portion control at supper and limit my snacking.  Snacking is still something I need work on but I'm trying to keep it to cheese and crackers.

As for exercise, I've been trying to rest my heel and the Plantar Fasciitis is ever so slowly easing up.  Today I want to try to ease back into some exercise.  I'll probably try to do 1 mile with a Leslie Sansone DVD but if it hurts, I'll back off.

I'm still drinking plenty of water and haven't had a single drop of pop this week.  I like the fact that I'm not dependent upon caffeine to wake up and get through the day.  I actually find myself craving water now!

On to the WEIGH-IN:

Highest Weight Ever ~ 297.0

11/30/18   ~  279.4

Total:  -  17.6



Exercise Last Week

See Above



How was your week?


Colletta

First Lines Friday and 56 ~ 11/30/18

Today's "First Lines" and "56" are from:

 

 

 

Unless you get one of those miracles they're always talking about in church, I don't see how you'll be able to keep the business open into spring.

 

 

Page 56

"Miller and Miller were pretty miffed to have the case pulled from them, that's for sure."

They were younger, new detectives who wanted to make names for themselves.  But they played by the book.

 

Colletta
 

Also linking up to:

 

Thankful Thursday ~ 11/29/18

 

 

~It has been a winter wonderland around here lately with snow storms and very below seasonal temperatures.  I decided to break out the wintery "Thankful Thursday" graphic I found when I searched google.   :)

~Thanksgiving was last Thursday and we had a wonderful time with family.  My mom and I cooked (mostly Mom) all morning long with a little bit of help from Laken with the pies.  (She loves to bake!)  The turkey was delicious as were all the side dishes.  The pumpkin pie and Cream Puff Cake were my favorites though :)

~The hubby and I usually go Black Friday shopping every year.  It has become a tradition for just the two of us to have a day together and get the majority of our shopping done.  This year, there really wasn't anything on sale that we HAD to have so we went shopping Wednesday afternoon before the rush.  There was hardly anybody out and about and it was such a relaxing way to shop.  We did go out on Friday afternoon with the girls but only went to Kohl's and Ollie's.  We also have a few items ordered online.  We're almost done with our shopping! :)

~Kaylee went to New York City on a bus trip with my brother and my SIL on Saturday.  I was a little nervous about her going because we were supposed to get some freezing rain and it is about 5-6 hour drive.  Once they got there I was fine.  I trust my brother and SIL completely to take care of my girl and knew they would keep her close.  They met back up with the bus at 10pm and again I was a bit nervous about the traveling.  They ended up getting home around 4am Sunday morning safe and sound :)

~You might have read on my Weekly Weigh In post that I somehow have developed Plantar Fasciitis in my right foot.  It is slowly feeling better as I follow my dr's recommendations.  One of the recommendations is to wear tennis shoes.  I always wear my tennis shoes (FILA's) when I walk for exercise but other than that I'm usually bare footed or wearing my slip on loafers.  It has been a big adjustment for me to have my FILA's on from morning until night.  BUT, I can feel progress so I guess it is worth it :)

What are you thankful for today?

 

Colletta



Book Review ~ A Noble Masquerade by Kristi Ann Hunter ~ 11/28/18

 

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 Blurb:

 

 Lady Miranda Hawthorne acts every inch the lady, but inside she longs to be bold and carefree. Entering her fourth Season and approaching spinsterhood in the eyes of society, she pours her innermost feelings out not in a diary but in letters to her brother's old school friend, a duke--with no intention of ever sending these private thoughts to a man she's heard stories about but never met. Meanwhile, she also finds herself intrigued by Marlow, her brother's new valet, and although she may wish to break free of the strictures that bind her, falling in love with a servant is more of a rebellion than she planned.

When Marlow accidentally discovers and mails one of the letters to her unwitting confidant, Miranda is beyond mortified. And even more shocked when the duke returns her note with one of his own that initiates a courtship-by-mail. Insecurity about her lack of suitors shifts into confusion at her growing feelings for two men--one she's never met but whose words deeply resonate with her heart, and one she has come to depend on but whose behavior is more and more suspicious. When it becomes apparent state secrets are at risk and Marlow is right in the thick of the conflict, one thing is certain: Miranda's heart is far from all that's at risk for the Hawthornes and those they love.  

My Thoughts:

 

Wow!  Finally, a book review!

 

I've been in a serious, I mean serious, reading funk.  I've started I don't know how many books only to get bored within the first 50 pages.

 

I should have known to go back to the genre where my love of reading started all those years ago:  Regency.  My favorite!

 

I grabbed this book up on Black Friday at Ollie's and read it over the weekend.  I wish I could have read it all in one day but time just didn't allow it.

 

The mystery and intrigue where there along with plenty of romance.  Even though some things were a bit predictable, it didn't bother me at all :)

 

I loved the main characters and their unconventionalness.  ( is that a word??)  I don't want to give too much away because there are a few surprises along the way.

 

I enjoyed learning the characters of Hawthorne House and am so excited that there are 3 more books in this series!  I've already added them to my wishlist :)

 

 



Colletta

The Menu ~ 11/27/18

For the Week of 11/27/18-12/3/18

Tuesday:            Ham, Green Beans, Potatoes

Wednesday:       Fish, Mac-n-Cheese

Thursday:          Chili, Corn Bread

Friday:               Pizza

Saturday:           Bacon, Fried Potatoes, Eggs, Toast

Sunday:              Church Pot Luck

Monday:            Stuffed Pepper Soup, Rolls


What are you eating this week?

Colletta

What I Am Reading ~ 11/26/18

Today I'm reading:

 

Lady Miranda Hawthorne acts every inch the lady, but inside she longs to be bold and carefree. Entering her fourth Season and approaching spinsterhood in the eyes of society, she pours her innermost feelings out not in a diary but in letters to her brother's old school friend, a duke--with no intention of ever sending these private thoughts to a man she's heard stories about but never met. Meanwhile, she also finds herself intrigued by Marlow, her brother's new valet, and although she may wish to break free of the strictures that bind her, falling in love with a servant is more of a rebellion than she planned.

When Marlow accidentally discovers and mails one of the letters to her unwitting confidant, Miranda is beyond mortified. And even more shocked when the duke returns her note with one of his own that initiates a courtship-by-mail. Insecurity about her lack of suitors shifts into confusion at her growing feelings for two men--one she's never met but whose words deeply resonate with her heart, and one she has come to depend on but whose behavior is more and more suspicious. When it becomes apparent state secrets are at risk and Marlow is right in the thick of the conflict, one thing is certain: Miranda's heart is far from all that's at risk for the Hawthornes and those they love.

     

What are you reading?

Colletta

Scripture Memory Verse ~ 11/25/18

This Week's Memory Verse:

 

Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.

Psalm 100:4-5 

 

Colletta



Weekly Weigh In ~ 11/24/18

I'll be honest with you.

I've been stinking up the place as far as diet and exercise has been going :(

I've fell off the "5 to Thrive" wagon and hit the dirt hard.  The only thing I've continued to do is drink my water instead of pop.  So, I guess that is a positive!

As far as exercise is going, it isn't.  I woke up a few weeks back with excruciating pain in my right heel.  I  hobbled around for a couple weeks before finally going to the doctor.  The diagnosis is Plantar Fasciitis.  I've been following the dr's suggestions and it is feeling better.  Hopefully, I'll be able to start slowly exercising soon.

In the meantime, as of today I'm back to the "5 to Thrive" principles.

If you're wondering what exactly the "5 to Thrive" is all here is a graphic that outlines the plan:

Here are some stats:

Highest Weight Ever ~ 297.0

11/23/18   ~  280.6

Total:  -16.4



Exercise Last Week

Just shopping :)  See Above

Diet

Too much!  See Above



How was your week?


Colletta

First Lines Friday and 56 ~ 11/23/18

Today's "First Lines" and "56" are from:

 

 

 

Hertfordshire, England, 1800

 

It is never a happy day when an eight-year-old girl's cheesecake lands in the dirt, and she certainly doesn't take kindly to the laughing little boy who put it there.

 

 

Page 56

She savored the expanse of grass where she and her siblings had played, the lake she'd learned to swim in, and the stunning collections of shrubs and statuary her mother had labored over the placement of.  If she were successful in finding a husband this year, the view would become an occasional pleasure instead of a daily comfort.

 

Colletta
 

Also linking up to:

 

Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I've been away from blogland for a bit.

My computer has been on the fritz and is only letting me get on the internet very sporadically.  In fact, I'll be lucky to get this posted!

But...the hubby has ordered me a new computer for my Christmas gift!  I'm so excited :)

I'll be back when I can!

Colletta

Thankful Thursday ~ 11/8/18

~We went to see "The Nutcracker:  Four Realms" on Saturday afternoon.  I wasn't that thrilled to be seeing it but Laken was really excited about it so that made it a priority.  I ended up really liking it!  It was a bit predictable, but aren't all movies these days?  I'm so cynical!  lol

~Later that evening, we played Dogopoly (again Laken's choice).  It was fun but anytime we play any form of Monopoly, it always ends in crying :(  Laken lost and there went the water works!  The Hubby of course won and had no mercy :)

~We're starting to get in the Christmas Spirit here!  Sirius XM Channel 70 is the Hallmark Christmas Music channel!  I'm so excited!

~The Holiday Baking Championship new season started on Monday night!  I love watching baking/cooking shows and what better way to get in the Spirit even more!

~BIG NEWS!  Kaylee is going to college!  Wednesday afternoon, we spent the whole afternoon filling out FAFSA forms and her college application.  We've made calls about placement testing, financial aid, scholarships, etc.  She won't be starting until Fall 2019, but getting started on the paperwork early is always necessary.  Her final decision on what to study is "Business Management".  Whoohoo!  I thought decision would never be made... :)

What are you thankful for today?

 

Colletta



Wordless Wednesday ~ 11/7/18

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Colletta



The Menu ~ 11/6/18

For the Week of 10/23/18-10/29/18

Tuesday:            Pork Chops, Alfredo Noodles, Green Beans, Peaches

Wednesday:       Chinese, Rice, Broccoli, Oranges

Thursday:         Chicken Spaghetti, Garlic Bread, Apples

Friday:               Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Corn, Pears, Texas Sheet Cake

Saturday:           Bacon, Fried Potatoes, Eggs, Toast

Sunday:              Church Pot Luck

Monday:            Ham Pot Pie, Peas, Fruit Cocktail


What are you eating this week?

Colletta

What I Am Reading ~ 11/5/18

Today I'm reading:  (STILL READING)

People of faith are lined up in lanes all over this globe, batons in hand, running the race that matters most in this world—the divine relay

The divine relay is tough. The track is treacherous. There are so many ways to mangle the exchange zones, to overshoot, to be knocked off the track, to drop the baton, to stop running. The church needs champion runners who never give up, who persevere no matter what they encounter, who run to win, unstoppable, no matter the cost.

If we pass the baton of faith fluidly in the exchange zone from person to person, from generation to generation, we speed unstoppable toward the finish line. But if we fumble the exchange, the whole team, the whole church, suffers. Some runners even stop running and walk right out of the race.

Discover just how important it is to get the “exchange zone” right, to ensure that no runners stop running and walk off the field, but that every runner becomes unstoppable in their dedication to carry their baton of faith to the next runner.

     

What are you reading?

Colletta