First Lines Friday and 56 ~ 1/11/19

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

 

 

The pathetic state of Allison Shire's existence was perfectly summed up by the size-twelve prosthetic feet mocking her from the floor of the Mercedes minibus.

 

 Page 56

 
"That girl is going to send me to an early grave."  Beth's consternation showed in her face.

 

Colletta
 

Also linking up to:

 

Thankful Thursday ~ 1/10/19

 

~I finished my first book of 2019, "Amelia and the Captain"!  It was a bit silly but enjoyable :)


~I'm up-do-date on all three CAL's (crochet-a-longs) I'm participating in.  There will be 2 in the beginning of the month:  BAMCAL 2019; 1 a week:  BAWCAL 2019; and 2 a month for the Moogly CAL.  So far, so good :)


~The hubby and I are starting to think about vacation for this year!  We want to take a couple long weekend trips and are still debating on a full week vacation.  We haven't pinned down anywhere specific except to visit the hubby's family in York, PA.  I'm excited :)


~We're having Revival Services at Church with Buck Ryan who used to be our preacher.  Of course, Sunday morning was a big crowd and we had a nice crowd on Sunday night.  The services were through last night.  It has been nice catching up with Buck and his wife, Sandy :)


~Today is my Uncle Charlie's birthday!  Happy Birthday, Uncle Charlie :)


What are you thankful for today?

Colletta



Wednesday Medley ~ 1/9/19

Come join Terri @ Your Friend From Florida every Wednesday.

1.  It may be a little shocking, but National Static Electricity Day is January 9!!  Do you often get shocked often when you touch metal?  Here are some things to avoid!

How to Avoid the Shock of Static Electricity

• The drier air of winter months is a better insulator than the more humid air of summer.  To help prevent static electricity, use a humidifier to put moister back into the air in your home during the winter months.
• Our skin is drier in the winter months, too.  Putting on moisturizer before getting dressed is recommended.
• Synthetic fabrics are better insulators than natural fibers. Wearing materials made from natural fibers such as cotton will help reduce the amount of static electricity that’s stirred up.
• While walking around the house, at work or shopping, holding a key or a metal pen in your hand will help discharge the build-up of static electricity painlessly.
• Switching to leather soled shoes versus rubber-soled shoes will help reduce the amount of static that is built up.

It seems like some days are more "static-y" than others.  Great tips!

2.  There are actually two "National" days worthy of mention! It is also National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day.  Our men and women working in many areas of law enforcement put their lives on the line for us daily.  Do you know someone working in law enforcement who you can thank today?

I don't know anyone personally, but I'll take this chance to say "THANK YOU"!

3.  At our house right now it is all about football.  Joe's Philadelphia Eagles barely won their game on Sunday to move forward in the playoffs and another chance to play in the Super Bowl this year.  Do you have a favorite team in the playoffs or does football make you yawn?  Is there a Super Bowl party in your future, no matter the teams playing?

My team, The Pittsburgh Steelers, are out of the running.  My husband likes the Ravens, but they lost this past Sunday, so now I'm just routing for anyone but the Patriots!  lol  Probably no Super Bowl Party but I will watch.

4.  Speaking of parties, there is always lots of food at parties I attend.  Tell us a weird food combination that you really enjoy (or have enjoyed).  It doesn't have to be party food.

This is weird but I like to crunch up potato chips in my mac-n-cheese!

5.  Since we are on games and parties, what game have you spent the most hours playing?

We try to have family game night a few nights a month especially as the girls are getting older.  It is good quality family time.  The game that takes the longer is by far Monopoly and the misc. variations of it that we have...Dogopoly, Disneyopoly, etc.

6.  Tell us something random about your week so far.

My cousin is off work this week.  That means I get a week off too.  (I babysit her little boy.)  I'm finding it relaxing yet a bit boring.  I am getting lots of reading and crocheting done though :)

Colletta

Book Review ~ Amelia and the Captain by Lori Copeland

 

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

  

 Blurb:

 

The three wily and beautiful McDougal sisters can swindle a man in less time than it takes to lasso a calf. But their luck is running out, and they're about to be hauled off to jail. When the wagon carrying them falls under attack, each sister is picked up by a different man.

Fortunately for Amelia, she finds herself hanging on for dear life to the dashing figure of Union Captain Morgan Kane. But when she confesses she's running from the law, he drops her off in Galveston, only to come to her rescue later, in more ways than one.

No sooner does Amelia arrive at the Port of Galveston than she falls into the clutches of a shadowy villain intent on selling her to the highest-bidding privateer. Taken aboard a ship with ten other female captives destined for slavery, can Amelia count on the cunning Captain Kane to swoop in and save her...again? And if she somehow survives, what becomes of her heart?

Only God has the answers that Amelia seeks, but is her faith strong enough?

 

My Thoughts:

 

I'm so exited to be writing my first book review of 2019!

This book is the 3rd book of the Mercy Flats series by Lori Copeland.  I have not read the first two books and it didn't hinder my enjoyment of Amelia and Morgan's story.

There were times when I thought Amelia was an absolute "ninny" (Elizabeth's word for Amelia!).  She was so naïve at times and reckless!  But her heart was always in the right place.

Captain Morgan Kane (a Union spy) was the epitome of a hero.  Always in the right place at the right time.

I enjoyed getting to know the other women that were being rescued with Amelia and also the crew of the Mississippi Lady.

"Amelia and the Captain" was a fun, quick, silly read.  Perfect for getting started on a new year!



Colletta

What I Am Reading ~ 1/7/19

Today I'm reading:

The three wily and beautiful McDougal sisters can swindle a man in less time than it takes to lasso a calf. But their luck is running out, and they're about to be hauled off to jail. When the wagon carrying them falls under attack, each sister is picked up by a different man.

Fortunately for Amelia, she finds herself hanging on for dear life to the dashing figure of Union Captain Morgan Kane. But when she confesses she's running from the law, he drops her off in Galveston, only to come to her rescue later, in more ways than one.

No sooner does Amelia arrive at the Port of Galveston than she falls into the clutches of a shadowy villain intent on selling her to the highest-bidding privateer. Taken aboard a ship with ten other female captives destined for slavery, can Amelia count on the cunning Captain Kane to swoop in and save her...again? And if she somehow survives, what becomes of her heart?

Only God has the answers that Amelia seeks, but is her faith strong enough?

What are you reading?

Colletta

Make It Monday ~ "Eye of the Beholder" & "Origami Flower" ~ 1/7/19

The BAMCAL 2019 Group on Ravelry started last week with the January Main Square:  "Eye of the Beholder".

This was a great pattern to work on.  The instructions were very well written.

I'm working these squares in green, purple and peach of Redheart Ombre.  So no two squares will have "exactly" the same color shades.  I'm really excited to see how the colors change as I go.  I'll be edging each square with soft white.

The January BAMCAL 2019 Members Choice  Square is Origami Flower.  Here's my square:

Also, as I was scrolling through Ravelry.  I happened to come across one of the groups I'm a part of hosted by Julie Yeager. 

Julie will be hosting a Block-a-Week CAL starting January 7th.  That's right.  The first block releases TODAY!

Each block will be 12" when crocheted with worsted weight yarn.

To give myself time to get the block done, I'll be posting the previous week's block each Monday.

I wanted to give you a heads-up in case you want to join along!  It is going to be so much fun :)

Colletta

Scripture Memory Verse ~ 1/6/19

This Week's Memory Verse:

Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.


Psalm 90:12 NIV


Colletta



Weekly Weigh In ~ 1/5/19

It has been a slow start to my goal...


On to the WEIGH-IN:



Highest Weight Ever ~ 297.0

1/4/19   ~  282.6  ~ -0.2lbs

 
Total:  -  14.4

 
How was your week?

Colletta

First Lines Friday and 56 ~ 1/4/19

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

 

 

What she was looking at was definitely not what she wanted to see.

 

 Page 56

 
One evening after supper Marco and Rachel were sitting outside on their own.  The night was icy and clear, the moon not yet up.

 

Colletta
 

Also linking up to:

 

Thankful Thursday ~ 1/3/19

 

~"singing"  The kids went back to school today!  I love having them home but by the end of break, I'm ready for some normalcy.  Laken and Dex weren't thrilled with getting put early (neither was I) but it had to be done :)


~The hubby went back to work yesterday.  I was off almost 2 weeks and we got so much accomplished!  He built two closets in our bedroom, one for each of us, and rearranged the Family Room.  We organized bins and dressers and I love it!  The Family Room seems so much bigger with the way we have the couches/chair situated :)


~We spent New Year's Eve at home playing games and watching movies.  We were supposed to go to my brother's house for shrimp but he got sick :(  So, Plan B came about.  I ended up taking a nap at 9pm and then getting back up at 11:30pm to finish out the year.  The hubby set off fireworks and we watched the ball drop before heading back to bed.  Oh, and I got my New Year's kiss :)


~New Year's Day was pretty laid back.  We slept in, of course!  Then we went just up the road to my aunt and uncle's house for lunch.  We had the traditional pork and sauerkraut to start the new year off right :)  After that we came back home and hung out.  The hubby and girls played PlayStation and I started reading my First Book of 2019.


~Finally, I'm so excited to once again endeavor to read the Bible from beginning to end this year.  I'll be reading The One Year Chronological Bible in the New Living Translation along with Wendy Pope and the other Read Thru the Word participants.  You can read more about this program at www.wendypope.org .  I hope to stay on track this year :)




What are you thankful for today?

Colletta



Wednesday Medley ~ 1/2/19

Come join Terri @ Your Friend From Florida every Wednesday.

Today is  NATIONAL SCIENCE FICTION DAY

National Science Fiction Day is celebrated annually on January 2nd by millions of science fiction fans across the United States.  The date of January 2 was chosen for National Science Fiction Day as it corresponds with the birth date of famed science fiction writer Isaac Asimov.   National Science Fiction Day is recognized by the Hallmark Channel and the Scholastic Corporation. 

HOW TO OBSERVE

Watch some classic science fiction t.v. shows or movies.  Start reading a science fiction novel. Use #ScienceFictionDay to post on social media.

1.  Will you observe National Science Fiction Day as recommended above?  Do you even like science fiction?

I am not a huge fan of Science Fiction.  I can watch a movie now and then but I don't think I've ever read a Science Fiction book.  So, no, I'm not planning to observe Science Fiction Day.

2.  Have you chosen a "word" for 2019?  Many people do. THIS QUIZ might help you find your word!!

I have chosen my "One Word" for 2019.  My word for the year is "Discipline".  There are many areas in my life where I need more discipline  including but not limited to diet, exercise and Bible reading.

3.  Did you stay up to see the new year in?  Are you happy or sad to see 2018 go?

As I'm writing this on Monday, I can't say for sure if I'll stay up until midnight tonight but I plan to.  I'm always excited to ring in a new year.  I look forward to a fresh start and getting a new wall calendar!

4.  I really enjoy the Tournament of Roses parade on New Year's Day but rarely get to sit and enjoy the entire parade because I am cooking.  Did you watch the parade?  Did you cook/eat the traditional foods (pork, black-eyed peas, kraut, greens...) to begin the new year?

I've never heard of the Tournament of Roses parade...  On New Year's Day we always go to my aunt and uncle's house for dinner and have the traditional pork, and sauerkraut along with mashed potatoes and sides.  My Mom always bakes a Banana Cake for dessert.  Yummy :)

5.  I have to ask... Resolutions.  Did you make any or set some new goals for 2019?  Or do you even think about it?

My goals follow along with my "One Word" of discipline.  I want to have more discipline in my life and actually follow through with my goals or resolutions.  I'd like to lose 50 lbs this year which needs me to be disciplined in my diet and exercise.  I also want to read through the Bible in 2019 which will take tons of discipline!

6.  Tell us something random about your week

I just want to take this opportunity to wish all my readers a very happy, healthy and blessed 2019!  Happy New Year!

Colletta

Happy New Year ~ 2019

I'd like to take a moment to wish all my readers a very

I'm wishing you the very best!

Colletta

Make It Monday ~ Aliviah's Christmas Afghan

At my Church we have a "Guardian Angel" Program.  The adults sign up to be a "Guardian Angel" to a child in the Church, the "Angel".  The purpose is mainly to pray for your Angel throughout the school year and to give them secret gifts upon occasion.  It is kinda like a Secret Sister but with adults and children.

This year my Angel is Aliviah, the sweetest little girl.  (shh... don't tell her I'm her Guardian Angel)

I decided that I wanted to crochet Aliviah an afghan for Christmas.  So I did :)

I found the sweetest yarn to use for such a sweet little girl.  Red Heart Candy Fair Isle, a variegated yarn.

 I went with my go-to granny squares and bordered with White.

I crocheted a scalloped edge to give it a little bit more girly finish.

I packaged the afghan up and made sure that she received it.  Each stitch was crocheted with love, thoughts and prayers.

Colletta

First Book of the Year ~ 2019

Sheila, over at Book Journey, is once again hosting "First Book of the Year" fun!

My "First Book of the Year" will be:

From the bestselling author of The Girl From the Train, comes another compelling coming of age story of delayed love, loss, and reconciliation in WWII-era South Africa.

Lettie has always felt different from and overshadowed by the women around her– this friend is richer, that friend is more beautiful, those friends are closer. Still, she doesn’t let this hold her back. She works hard to apply her mind, trying to compensate for her perceived lack of beauty with diligent academic work and a successful career as a doctor. She learns to treasure her friendships, but she still wonders if any man will ever return her interest.

Marco’s experience in the second world war have robbed him of love and health. When winters in his native Italy prove dangerous to his health even after the war has ended, he moves to South Africa to be with his brother, husband to one of Lettie’s best friends. Marco is Lettie’s first patient, and their relationship grows as she aids him on the road back to restored health.

What is your "First  Book of the Year"?

Colletta

Scripture Memory Verse ~ 12/30/18

This Week's Memory Verse:

  Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:28 NIV


Colletta



Weekly Weigh In ~ 12/29/18

My goal for the past couple weeks was to maintain.  I'm fairly pleased that I only gained a smidge over Christmas.

My plan for 2019:

My plan for 2019 is to lose 50 lbs.  1 lb. per week.  That's what I'm striving for!


I'm going to be using www.sparkpeople.com to track my food and exercise.  It is very much like WW online but FREE!


Food:  My plan is to cut out snacking and junk food and only eat at meal times and have the occasional cheese stick for snack.


Exercise:  I'd like to try to get at least 4 workouts in using the Leslie Sansone walking DVD collection that I've added to over the years.  I'll start out "walking" 2 miles which takes approximately 25-30 minutes.



On to the WEIGH-IN:



Highest Weight Ever ~ 297.0

12/28/18   ~  282.8



Total:  -  14.2



How was your week?  What are your fitness goals for 2019?



Colletta

First Lines Friday and 56 ~ 12/28/18

(I'm still reading the book below but these are new lines)


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

 

 

He'd been explaining away the chemistry between them.  He's been telling himself he could manage it.

 

 Page 56

Nora flipped to the next page, an information sheet that the adoption agency had no doubt given to John's parents.

 

Colletta
 

Also linking up to:

 

Thankful Thursday ~ 12/27/18

 

~Last Thursday was Kaylee's turn to have her Christmas Concert.  She joined the Community Band after graduating high school last spring.  It was so much fun to hear her play the song "Let It Go".  She HATES that song!  lol :)


~Sunday evening after Church, we went Christmas Caroling.  It was threatening to rain but we went out anyway.  It was surprising how many people DIDN'T open the door to hear us sing :(  But so many did and one house even offered us a tray of cookies :)  Wasn't that sweet!?!


~We spent Christmas Eve at my Aunt Donna's with the extended family.  It was so much fun!  The younger kids all got to open their presents from us so that we could watch.  The ladies in the family also do a jingle exchange.   Bring a gift, get a gift.  I got a candle, neck massager and aloe infused fluffy socks.  We had dinner and then had good quality time with family :)


~Christmas was wonderful!  I, as usual, couldn't sleep and woke everyone up at 5 am!  lol  I'm like a kid and was too excited to wait any longer to begin the festivities!  After presents were opened, I took a nap before the cooking began :)


~The girls each got a Ukulele  and spent all day on youtube watching videos to learn how to play.  At one point they were both in Kaylee's room learning chords together.  It made my heart happy to see them doing something together.  It didn't last long though before they started arguing!  lol


I could go on and on about Christmas but I'll stick to five :)  I'm looking forward to the New Year!


What are you thankful for today?

Colletta



Wednesday Medley ~ 12/26/18

Come join Terri @ Your Friend From Florida every Wednesday.

NATIONAL CANDY CANE DAY

National Candy Cane Day is observed across the United States each year on December 26.

In 1844, a recipe for a straight peppermint candy stick, which was white with colored stripes, was published. However, some stories tell of all white candy sticks in much earlier times.  There are folklore tales of the origin of the candy cane, yet there is no documented proof of its real beginning. It has been mentioned in literature since 1866 and was first known to be mentioned in association with Christmas in 1874.   As early as 1882, candy canes have been hung on Christmas trees.

1.  Are there candy canes left in your house right now?  Did you hang some on your tree?  Do you even like them?

We do hang Candy Canes on our Christmas Tree.  They are still there even though the number is dwindling :)

2.  Without a graphic, today is also National Thank You Note Day!  I like receiving that thank you note in the mail for a gift I have given.  Are you good about getting thank you notes in the mail after Christmas (or any occasion calling for a note)?

I love receiving notes and letters in the mail (something other than bills) but I think it is a dying art.  I don't really send thank you notes for  Christmas gifts because I make sure it is known how much I appreciate and love the giver at the time of the giving :)

3.  How are you feeling on this day after Christmas?  Tired, let down, still glowing?  I have felt all of those at one time or another and sometimes all of them at once! Tell us about it.

We had a relaxing Christmas Day at home with presents and dinner.  I love the week between Christmas and New Years!  Everyone is home and I start anticipating putting up a new calendar for a New Year!

4  It is "tradition" to leave the tree and decorations up until after January 6th, to honor the Epiphany. When will your boxes be packed and put away until next year?  Are you, like me, thinking about doing it right now?

As soon as Christmas Day is over, I'm ready to get the house back to normal but it usually has to wait until the Saturday after Christmas when I get the time to take everything down and put it away.

5. Looking ahead to New Year's Eve, do you have plans?  Have you ever celebrated big in New York's Time Square? Would you even want to be there?

I love the New Year!  We'll be going to by brother's house for shrimp in the evening then coming home to "maybe" try to stay up for the ball to drop.  I've been to Time Square on a normal day and it was packed.  I don't think I'd ever want to be there on New Year's Ever.  I'll just watch the show on TV!

6. Tell us something random about your week so far!

I've loved the Christmas traditions and family time this week, but I'm ready for some downtime and normalcy.  I crave routine...

Colletta

What I Am Reading ~ 12/24/18

Today I'm reading:

After a devastating heartbreak three years ago, genealogist and historical village owner Nora Bradford decided that burying her nose in her work and her books is far safer than romance in the here and now.

Unlike Nora, former Navy SEAL John Lawson is a modern-day man, usually 100 percent focused on the present. However, when John, an adoptee, is diagnosed with an inherited condition, he's forced to dig into the secrets of his ancestry.

John enlists Nora's help to uncover the identity of his birth mother, and as they work side by side, this pair of opposites begins to suspect that they just might be a perfect match. But can their hope for a future survive their wounds from the past?

What are you reading?

Colletta

Scripture Memory Verse ~ 12/23/18

This Week's Memory Verse:

 

While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.


Luke 2:6-7 NIV

Colletta



Merry Christmas 2018

I wanted to take the time today to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!

I don't know how much time, I'll have to post until after Tuesday...So...

Colletta