First Lines Friday, 56 and BBH ~ 4/3/20

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

(I'm still reading this book but I'll give you new lines!)

First Lines

Jersey City, New Jersey

June 1908

Dr. Rosalind Werner adjusted a dial on the microscope, and the tiny organisms beneath the glass slide zoomed into sharp clarity.  Salmonella enterica, the bacteria that cause typhoid, was surprisingly pretty, its midnight-blue shade clustered into graceful, blooming colonies.  Her mission in life was to figure out a way to kill it.

 Page 56

He hauled her into his arms and kissed her as though his life depended on it.

 Q.  Do you have more photos of books you saw in a bookstore or elsewhere or family photos on your phone? (submitted by Elizabeth @ Silver's Reviews)

 A.  This is an easy question this week.  Family photos wins out, hands down!  I don't really take photos of books when I'm out.  This year is a "Read from my TBR Shelf" for me so I'm trying to avoid the bookstores, etc.

Colletta 

Also linking up to:

 

Journal Entry ~ 4/2/20

A few sentences about each day...

March 25, 2020 - March 31, 2020

25/Wed ~ Our Preacher and Elders have decided to cancel Church Services for the next two weeks.  Crazy times!  Mom and I put together Communion Kits for the Church members to come pick up.  It felt good to be doing something productive.  Lately, I feel like I'm just passing the time until "normal" life starts again.

26/Thurs ~ It was such a gorgeous day!  First thing this morning I sat on my swing soaking in the sunshine.  I went for a solitary walk this morning and for another walk with Kaylee this evening.  It was so nice to spend time outside, but I think it is supposed to rain again tomorrow :{

27/Fri ~ This evening was Family Game Night.  We play "Apples to Apples" for the first time ever.  It was interesting but I don't know if it will be favorite.  Then we played "Operation", a game we haven't played since the girls were little!  I was shocked that the batteries were still good :)

28/Sat ~ Another quiet day at home...I got some laundry done and we worked on another puzzle.  I'm getting ready to start a new book, "A Daring Venture" by Elizabeth Camden, a favorite author!

29/Sun ~ Today was a weird day.  It was strange not going to Church.  Instead, we had Church at home but I missed seeing all my Church family.  The National "Guidelines" have been extended to April 30th!

30/Mon ~ I'm feeling kind of bummed this evening even though it was a pretty good day.  I went grocery shopping so it will probably be my only time "out" this week.  I really need to get into a routine.  I need some sense of normalcy in my life instead of my emotions being all over the place.

31/Tues ~ Laken and I started our last puzzle today.  Kaylee had her online classes but to the one instructor is using Zoom and it makes Kaylee's laptop flip out.  She has to wait and then watch the video after the class is over.  Just one more month and she'll be done for the semester.  One more month!

Until next week,

Colletta

A Simple Woman's Daybook ~ 4/1/20

Looking out my window:

It isn't raining today but I can tell it must have rained during the night because my deck chairs have puddles on them.  I need to clean the little drain holes out...  It is chilly though.  It was only 38F when I got up this morning.  I really need some 70F days right now.

I am thinking:

That I'm feeling a little "blah" today.  We now have 2 cases of the Coronavirus in our county so it has come closer.  I'm just really feeling gloomy today :(

I am thankful:

I am thankful that my family is warm, safe and healthy and pray that it stays so.

One of my favorite things:

One of my favorite things is a scented candle.  I just started burning a new one yesterday called "Velvet Sunset" and it smells yummy :)

I am creating:

I'm still working on granny squares with the colors below.  The white and gray will be used as borders and edging.  I have almost 3 rows completed.

I am wearing:

I am wearing blue comfy pants and a burgundy t-shirt.  I don't match at all but really "who cares" at this point?

I am reading (read) /watching (watched) / listening to:

I've started reading "A Daring Venture" by Elizabeth Camden, a favorite author.  I'm not very far into it yet but so far I'm enjoying it.

I am hoping:

I am hoping that I can pull myself out of this funk I feel myself getting in.  Prayers are appreciated!

I am learning:

I am learning that my girls are still late sleepers.  When they were little, I never had to worry about them getting me up at the crack of dawn.  They are like me and like to sleep :)

In my kitchen:

Tomorrow we're making a turkey!  We still have one in the freezer that the hubby got from work for Christmas.  Tomorrow is the day that we're finally making it (if we can remember to get it out to thaw!).

Shared Quote:

"The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."

Galatians 5:22-23

A moment from my day:

Friday evening we had a Family Game Night complete with twizzlers and M&M's.  We played a new to us game, "Apples to Apples".

Have a Blessed Day!

Colletta

Tuesday 4 ~ Home Sweet Home ~ 3/31/20

Head over to Tuesday's Place for the questions and to visit everyone's answers!

This week, let's talk about  home.

1. Do you like the way your home is decorated or would you tweak things a bit if budget allowed?

I like the way it is decorated.  It is an eclectic style with lots of crocheted blankets and comfort items.

2.. Do you have any plans/dreams to change anything about your home ?

We'd like to re-do our flooring in the Family Room and our Bedroom.  When we were building the addition we were at the end of the budget and put down some of those "sticky" faux-tiles.  We knew it was only temporary though so it has been bearable :)

3. What style of furniture do you have or want  to have in your home and why?

As I said it is all about comfort for us.  We have a two-couch sectional so that we have lots of room to sprawl out and watch movies as a family.

4. Tell us about your ideal dream house or dream kitchen if you prefer.

I'm very happy with our current housing situation.  The only big item on my wishlist, other than the flooring, is a large deck off the back of the house.  I don't know how soon that will happen though, but I can dream :)

Colletta

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? ~ 3/30/20

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? is a place to meet up and share what you have been, and are about to be reading over the week.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

What I read last week:

I finished reading "Deadly Proof" by Rachel Dylan, a new-to-me author.  It is the first book in the Atlanta Justice series.   To read my review, click HERE.

Blurb:

In the biggest case of her career, attorney Kate Sullivan is tapped as lead counsel to take on Mason Pharmaceutical because of a corporate cover-up related to its newest drug. After a whistle-blower dies, Kate knows the stakes are much higher than her other lawsuits.

Former Army Ranger turned private investigator Landon James is still haunted by mistakes made while serving overseas. Trying to forget the past, he is hired by Kate to look into the whistle-blower's allegation and soon suspects that the company may be engaging in a dangerous game for profit. He also soon finds himself falling for this passionate and earnest young lawyer.

Determined not to make the same mistakes, he's intent on keeping Kate safe, but as the case deepens, it appears someone is willing to risk everything—even murder—to keep the case from going to trial.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

What I'm reading now:

Last night I started reading "A Daring Venture" by Elizabeth Camden.  I loved the first book of the Empire State Series and anticipate another great read from a favorite author!

Blurb:

As a biochemist in early 1900s New York City, Doctor Rosalind Werner has dedicated her life to the crusade against water-borne diseases. She is at the forefront of a groundbreaking technology that will change the way water is delivered to every household in the city—but only if she can get people to believe in her work.

Newly appointed Commissioner of Water for New York Nicholas Drake is highly skeptical of Rosalind and her team's techniques. When a brewing court case throws him into direct confrontation with her, he is surprised by his reaction to the lovely scientist.

While Rosalind and Nick wage a private war against their own attraction, they stand firmly on opposite sides of a battle that will impact far more than just their own lives. As the controversy grows more public and inflammatory and Rosalind becomes the target of an unknown enemy, these two rivals will face higher stakes than they ever could have known

~~~~~~~~~~~~

What I'll be reading next:

Up next will be "Dead Drift" by Dani Pettrey to finish up the Chesapeake Valor Series.

Blurb:

Private Investigator Kate Maxwell never stopped loving Luke Gallagher after he disappeared. Now he's back, and together they must unravel a twisting thread of secrets, lies, and betrayal while on the brink of a biological disaster that will shake America to its core. Will they and their love survive, or will Luke and Kate become the terrorist's next target?

~~~~~~~~~~~

What are you reading?

Colletta

Sunday Blessings ~ 3/29/20

Carol at Slater's Funny Farm hosts a Sunday Blessing link up.  

I thought:  what better way to bless and be blessed than with scripture and prayer.  The following are taken from Serenity for a Woman's Soul 2020 Creative Planner for this week.

"She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness."

Proverbs 31:27

Make me a faithful worker both inside and outside of my house, Father God.

Blessings,

Colletta

Book Review ~ Deadly Proof by Rachel Dylan

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Title:  Deadly Proof by Rachel Dylan

Series:  Atlanta Justice Book #1

Pages:  320

Date Published:  September 5, 2017

Publisher:  Bethany House

 Blurb:

In the biggest case of her career, attorney Kate Sullivan is tapped as lead counsel to take on Mason Pharmaceutical because of a corporate cover-up related to its newest drug. After a whistleblower dies, Kate knows the stakes are much higher than her other lawsuits.

Former Army Ranger turned private investigator Landon James is still haunted by mistakes made while serving overseas. Trying to forget the past, he is hired by Kate to look into the whistleblower's allegation and soon suspects that the company may be engaging in a dangerous game for profit. He also soon finds himself falling for this passionate and earnest young lawyer.
Determined not to make the same mistakes, he's intent on keeping Kate safe, but as the case deepens, it appears someone is willing to risk everything—even murder—to keep the case from going to trial.     

My Thoughts:

Rachel Dylan is a new-to-me author although I've seen many great things about her subsequent books.

I hadn't read a legal suspense novel in ages so the lingo took me a minute or two to place everything.  Luckily, I've seen enough legal TV shows that it didn't take long to get into the groove :)

I liked how the author explained everything as it was happening for us legalese challenged people.

Kate was a person who struggled with depression but the author didn't get into it very much.  I would have liked to see Kate's struggles a bit more as a person who struggles with anxiety and depression myself.  Landon also had struggles which were much more prevalent.

I enjoyed getting to know the setting and the characters.  I have a few ideas of what the rest of the books of the series will be about (at least I hope) but I look forward to seeing if I'm correct.

This was my first book by Rachel Dylan but I'm off to see if I can order more :)

If you'd like to read a few of the lines from the book click HERE!

Onto the next book!



Colletta

First Lines Friday, 56 and BBH ~ 3/27/20

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

First Lines

Connecticut, 1890

"You and your brother are to go to the music room, close the door, and don't come out until I say you can."  It was strange for the maid to be ordering Rosalind around, but nothing had been normal since Mama and Papa got sick.

 Page 56

He grabbed her hand and dashed up the stairwell, down the hall, and out into the alley beside the orphanage.  He whirled her around so she was facing him.  Never had he felt so electrified, but he had to clear the air first.

 Q.  Share a photo of one section of your bookshelf randomly selected or go ahead and share the entire bookshelf.

 A.  

Colletta 

Also linking up to:

 

Journal Entry ~ 3/26/20

A few sentences about each day...

March 18, 2020 - March 24, 2020

18/Wed ~ Doug and I have officially "been together" for 20 years!  20 years ago today was our first date :)  We usually re-enact our first date (Burger King and a movie) but with the whole "social distancing" hullabaloo, we aren't doing anything special this year.  Even so, I'm blessed beyond measure!

19/Thurs ~ The Governor of PA shut down "non life sustaining" businesses this evening.  The hubby works in a factory that makes carbide bits but didn't hear anything yet about a shut-down of his factory.  He just left for work (3rd shift) but I wonder if he'll be sent home???  I guess we'll find out...  Happy Spring!!! :)

20/Fri ~ Everyone is starting to get on each other's nerves and it has only been one week!  Laken and I went outside to go for a walk and the whole time she griped about not being able to do anything with her friends.  I finally had enough and told her, "It is what it is!  Deal with it!'  I need to tell myself the same from time to time.

21/Sat ~ We put a puzzle together as a family today.  It was a Thomas Kincaide Disney puzzle.  Doug is still "work as usual".  Go figure...

22/Sun ~ We had a quiet Sunday.  The girls and I went for a walk but it was still a bit chilly so we didn't stay out long.  I'll be glad for some warm weather!

23/Mon ~ It rained  ALL DAY LONG!  My goal is to get out for at least a short walk everyday but it didn't happen today.  I guess I could have done a walking DVD (Leslie Sansone) but I just wasn't feeling it.  It was really a very blah, boring day.  I must get out of this funk!  I need sunshine!

24/Tues ~ I officially turned 42-years-old at 7:18 am.  I'm the kind of person that gets excited for my birthday.  However, I must admit that the day was somewhat ho-hum.  We celebrated but there is just a tension going through everyone as we wonder what the future will hold.  Anyway...Happy Birthday to me!

Until next week,

Colletta

A Simple Woman's Daybook ~ 3/25/20

Looking out my window:

It is dreary but at least it isn't raining like it did ALL day long yesterday!

I am thinking:

About the changes in lifestyle we've had to adapt to over the past few weeks.  Laken is off school for another 2 weeks (at least) and Kaylee started her online classes today that will last the rest of the semester.

I am thankful:

I am thankful for the time spent with family, even though we are starting to drive each other crazy!

One of my favorite things:

One of my favorite things is my birthday!  Most people my age don't like celebrating their birthday but I love it :)

I am creating:

I started a granny square afghan using colors that could go for either a male or a female.  I don't know that I've ever made an afghan without the token female colors of pink or purple!  Here are the colors I'm using.  If you have an idea for a name, let me hear it!

I am wearing:

I think I may be wearing the exact same clothes that I was wearing when I typed this post last week!  lol  Comfy pants and a 3/4 sleeve t-shirt.  I've added a sweater to the mix though as I was a bit chilly.

I am reading (read) /watching (watched) / listening to:

I'm still reading "Deadly Proof" by Rachel Dylan.  I've made a good size dent in it by reading for 30-60 minutes before bed to wind down.

I am hoping:

I am hoping that COVID-19 stays far away from my family.  So far, no one in our county has tested positive but it is closing in as I watch the map of PA be updated day by day.

I am learning:

I am learning to amuse myself by working on my hobbies each for a little bit at a time so I don't get bored with one hobby.  Some of my hobbies are blogging, reading, crocheting, TV, movies and more.

In my kitchen:

Sun:  Ham Pot Pie

Mon:  Pork Chops, Cheesy Potatoes
Tues:  Cheese Ravioli with Pepperoni

Wed:  Ham, Fried Potatoes

Thurs:  Turkey and the all the Fixings

Fri:  Chicken, Buttered Noodles

Sat:  Grilled Cheese, Soup

Shared Quote:

"By the seventh day God had finished His Work.  On the seventh day He rested from all His work.  God blessed the seventh day.  he made it a Holy Day because on that day He rested from His work, all the creating God had done.  This is the story of how it all started, of Heaven and Earth when they were created."

Genesis 2:2-4 MSG

A moment from my day:

Roses my hubby got me for my birthday :)

Have a Blessed Day!

Colletta

Family Time Tuesday ~ Puzzle Pieces ~ 3/24/20

Since we're spending tons of time as a family I thought I'd bring back an old feature "Family Time Tuesday" for today.

Is anyone getting bored yet with staying home ALL THE TIME????

I know it is necessary so the last time we were out for groceries we picked up a 4 pack of Thomas Kincaide Disney puzzles for $14!  Considering one regular puzzle was almost $10 I thought it was quite the bargain.



As you can tell, this is the "before" photo :)

Laken is thinking quite hard about where to start!  hehe

We've been starting to get on each other's nerves, so it was nice to work together and see the girls getting along!

Kaylee's section of the puzzle was to work on the castle.  Laken worked on the sky.  I worked on the bridge and trees.  

The hubby was in charge of sorting pieces.

And......The finished masterpiece!

I think we're having a Family Game Night this weekend so I might have another Family Time Tuesday for you next week or Tuesday 4 might make another appearance.  Stay tuned...

Colletta

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? ~ 3/23/20

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? is a place to meet up and share what you have been, and are about to be reading over the week.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

What I read last week:

I didn't post a Book Review this week but if you didn't get a chance, go check out my review of "A Dangerous Legacy" by Elizabeth Camden, one of my very favorite authors!   Click HERE to read my review!

Blurb:

Telegraph operator Lucy Drake is a master of Morse code and has made herself a valuable asset to the Associated Press news agency. But the sudden arrival of Sir Colin Beckwith at rival British news agency Reuters puts her hard-earned livelihood at risk. Colin is talented, handsome, insufferably charming—and keeping a secret that jeopardizes his reputation.

Despite their rivalry, Lucy can't deny that Colin has the connections she needs to give her family an edge in the long legal battle they've been waging over their rightful inheritance. But when she negotiates an unlikely alliance with him, the web of treachery they dive into proves to be far more dangerous than they ever could have known.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

What I'm reading now:

I started reading "Deadly Proof" by Rachel Dylan, a new-to-me author.  It is good so far but I just haven't taken the time to sit down and read.  Hopefully, I'll get it finished this week.  It is the first book in the Atlanta Justice series.

Blurb:

In the biggest case of her career, attorney Kate Sullivan is tapped as lead counsel to take on Mason Pharmaceutical because of a corporate cover-up related to its newest drug. After a whistle-blower dies, Kate knows the stakes are much higher than her other lawsuits.

Former Army Ranger turned private investigator Landon James is still haunted by mistakes made while serving overseas. Trying to forget the past, he is hired by Kate to look into the whistle-blower's allegation and soon suspects that the company may be engaging in a dangerous game for profit. He also soon finds himself falling for this passionate and earnest young lawyer.

Determined not to make the same mistakes, he's intent on keeping Kate safe, but as the case deepens, it appears someone is willing to risk everything—even murder—to keep the case from going to trial.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

What I'll be reading next:

After "Deadly Proof", I'll be heading back to the Empire State Series to read more about Lucy's brother Nick in "A Daring Venture" by Elizabeth Camden.

Blurb:

As a biochemist in early 1900s New York City, Doctor Rosalind Werner has dedicated her life to the crusade against water-borne diseases. She is at the forefront of a groundbreaking technology that will change the way water is delivered to every household in the city—but only if she can get people to believe in her work.

Newly appointed Commissioner of Water for New York Nicholas Drake is highly skeptical of Rosalind and her team's techniques. When a brewing court case throws him into direct confrontation with her, he is surprised by his reaction to the lovely scientist.

While Rosalind and Nick wage a private war against their own attraction, they stand firmly on opposite sides of a battle that will impact far more than just their own lives. As the controversy grows more public and inflammatory and Rosalind becomes the target of an unknown enemy, these two rivals will face higher stakes than they ever could have known

~~~~~~~~~~~

What are you reading?

Colletta

Sunday Blessings ~ 3/22/20

Carol at Slater's Funny Farm hosts a Sunday Blessing link up.  

I thought:  what better way to bless and be blessed than with scripture and prayer.  The following are taken from Serenity for a Woman's Soul 2020 Creative Planner for this week.

"God took the Man and set him down in the Garden of Eden to work the ground and keep it in order."

Genesis 2:15 MSG

Thank You, Father, for the Good News of Your promises!

Blessings,

Colletta

Journal Entry ~ 3/19/20

A few sentences about each day...

March 11, 2020 - March 17, 2020

11/Wed ~ Kaylee got the job!  Well, she has to pass a drug test first, but she starts March 23rd on second shift.  I don't know exactly what her schedule will be yet due to still finishing out the Semester of College.  Which, btw, Spring Break has been extended due to the Coronavirus...

12/Thurs ~ Kaylee went this morning to get her drug test done.  We stopped by the grocery store to stock up on a few things and it was a nut house!  I have to admit that everyone's hysteria is rubbing off on me a bit.  I've been worrying a little more than usual.

13/Fri ~ We found out today that Laken's school district (in PA) will be closed for 10 school days.  Kaylee's College Spring Break has been extended even further and then classes will be online for 2 weeks.  Things will be reassessed at that point.  It is getting scary!

14/Sat ~ Andrew's (my nephew) birthday party was today.  It was probably the last social event we'll have for a while.  Everyone is hunkering down waiting to see what is going to take place.

15/Sun ~ We had Church today.  It was wonderful to see everyone come out.  Hopefully, people will know when they should stay home though, i.e. when they are sick.  We had about 3 inches of snow when we woke up although it was pretty much melted by the time we got home from Church.

16/Mon ~ Today was the first day of "homeschooling" Laken.  It didn't go too badly but at first it was a bit like pulling teeth!  She even got an email from her Track & Field coach with conditioning exercises to try to keep the athletes in shape.   This has been quite the experience so far.  I anticipate things getting even stranger and far from normal.

17/Tues ~ Kaylee won't be starting her new job on March 23rd.  The company isn't bringing in any new workers for at least a 2 week period due to the COVID-19 guidelines.  All her paperwork is ready to go and they will call her again next Friday with updated information.  Doug's (the hubby) work is "as usual" so far.  To this point there are no cases of  COVID-19 in our County.


Until next week,

Colletta

A Simple Woman's Daybook ~ 3/18/20

Looking out my window:

As I write this on Tuesday morning, it is raining outside.  I'm not sure what the temperature is though.  Yesterday was clear but quite chilly!

I am thinking:

I am thinking about a lot of things right now.  There is so much unrest throughout our Country and the world.  I am wondering if things will ever get back to normal or will be have to adjust to a NEW normal...

I am thankful:

I am thankful that my family is safe and healthy!

One of my favorite things:

One of my favorite things is to read!  I have an entire shelf of books that I haven't read, so I'm good to go for a while :)

I am creating:

I haven't been creating much of anything lately :(  I'm thinking of starting a new project with my leftover skeins.  I love making scrapghans!  I'll let you know next week if I start one :)

I am wearing:

Last week I was wearing capris!  Today I'm back to the full length pants with a 3/4 sleeve t-shirt.

I am reading (read) /watching (watched) / listening to:

I've started reading "Deadly Proof" by Rachel Dylan.  I haven't gotten very far into it yet but it is really good.  I'm hoping to get some reading time in today.

I am hoping:

I am hoping in the LORD!

I am learning:

I am learning that I don't like being stuck at home.  I love being at home, don't get me wrong.  I just like to the freedom to come and go as I please.  I realize, at this point, that freedom is still intact, but I'm trying to follow the "guidelines" set by the local and federal government to prevent the spread of sickness.

In my kitchen:

Sun:  Church Potluck

Mon:  Weiner Winks, French Fries

Tues:  Chicken, Mashed Potatoes

Wed:  Pizza

Thurs:  Steak, Fried Potatoes

Fri:  Ham Pot Pie

Sat:  Grilled Cheese, Soup

Shared Quote:

"A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough."

Galatians 5:9

A moment from my day:

This moment was actually on Sunday when we got three inches of snow!  I didn't get to take the picture until after Church and a lot of the snow had melted.  Painting my porch swing is on the project list for this Spring!

Have a Blessed Day!

Colletta