August Reading Roundup

August was a busy and eclectic reading month for me.  I completed seven books.  Two of the books I read were fiction, the rest were nonfiction of various genres.  Two of my August books got five stars *****.  The lowest rating any of my August books got was three stars ***.  Here is what I read and listened to and what I thought of the titles I read this month.  

Daily Joy *****

by Russell M. Nelson

This ia an excellent daily devotional with scriptures and portions of talks by President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I read two of the devotionals each day as part of my scripture study. Excellent inspirational thoughts in this little book and each one corresponds with a related scripture.   I gave this book five stars ***** on Goodreads.  (Own, hardbound, received as gift). 

Decision Points ***

by George W. Bush

This is George W. Bush's memoir of his eight years as POTUS. The book focuses on decisions he made and gives his perspective of why he did what he did. It was mildly interesting to me because I lived through his presidency and remember this time period. Of course the book is very one sided, and while Bush acknowledges that there were opposing points of view, some things seem largely ignored or glossed over. After reading this book, I do believe that "W" served honorably and did have the best interests of the nation in mind when he dealt with very challenging situations during his presidency.   I gave this book three stars *** on Goodreads. (audiobook CD own, purchased used). 

Missing *****

by Erin Kinsley

One day Alice tidies her home, goes to the beach, neatly folds her things and walks into the surf meaning never to return.  Her two adult daughters are left grieving, confusing and in disbelief. Did their mother take her own life?  Why would she do such a thing?  At the same time, an investigator nearing retirement opens a twenty-year old cold case dealing with the death of an infant only days old.  Who took the baby's life and why would anyone do such a horrible thing?  

For much of the book, author Erin Kinsley, expertly weaves a two-plot storyline dealing with two seemingly unconnected deaths.  Is there any connection at all between the suicide of an aging mother and the grizzly remains of a baby found twenty-years early on an remote English farm?  

This is a good mystery with a tight, twisting plot that takes the reader one discovery at a time toward its logical and believable conclusion.  This book would make an excellent Netflix or PBS crime drama.  I will be looking for other books by this author. I really liked this book and gave it five stars ***** on Goodreads. (Own, Kindle edition). 

Not In It to Win It *****

by Andy Stanley

In this book, which came out earlier in 2022, Pastor Andy Stanley explores the reaction of many Christians to the political and cultural events of the recent past.  Pastor Stanley believes that the devisiveness of our current time put Christians in direct conflict with Jesus' edict and greatest commandment "Love one another as I have loved you."  Christians should not be concerned with winning political and cultural battles as much as winning souls to Christ.  I liked this book and the passion Pastor Stanley brought to the topic.  Jesus, in His earthly ministry, never took a political side, but He always took God's side and showed compassion even to those who would have been considered political enemies of the time.  Pastor Stanley backs up what he says with scripture and examples from the Bible, and He emphasizes that, as Christians, we should be asking ourselves "what does love require of me" instead of fighting for political causes and candidates.  In Jesus' view, it is love that always wins.  I would highly recommend this book to all believing Christians who honestly try to be followers of Jesus.  Pastor Stanley's message, and indeed God's message, is highly relevant and vital for us today.   I gave this book five stars ***** on Goodreads.  (Audiobook, library). 

Battle for the American Mind ****

by Pete Hegseth

Written by Fox News Personality, Pete Hegseth, this conservative look at the history of American Education is interesting and informative.  Although I think of myself as more "middle of the road" than "big C" Conservative, as a public school teacher, I do see many of the things Hegseth describes in American education.  My children are all grown now, but they all went to public schools, with mixed results. Same for my husband and I, and our siblings.  If I had read this book some years back (it was published in 2022), I might have been far more inclined to look at different school choices for my own children. At the time, the best, and really only option, was the neighborhood public school.  I actually explored the homeschooling option for our youngest son at one point when he was in elementary school, but ultimately decided that I did not have the training or resources to undertake the task, even though I was teaching  high school at the time. Even after reading the book, I am not sure at all that there are enough "classical Christian schools" to set American education back on the "right track."  A quick search of the website mentioned in the book showed that there are only two "classical Christian schools" in the state where I live and they only have a combined total of 15 students.  I do agree with the premise of the book that American education has largely "gone astray" but a few tuition based Christian schools, seem unlikely to make a difference and solve problems in American education.  Still, it was an interesting book, and I feel like I learned much about the history of education in this nation, and I along with the author, do not necessarily like where our public schools are taking our society.    I listened to the audiobook of this title and gave it four stars**** on Goodreads. (Audiobook, library). 

Grit***

by Gillian French

I thought this book was a mystery - and it was - sort of. It had a little bit of a lot of things in it - mystery, romance, teen angst, even a beauty pageant.  I guess the theme of the book would have something to do with family loyalty - yet some characters didn't seem very loyal at all.  The whole time I was reading it, I kept feeling like I was missing some background - kind of like the book had a prequel I hadn't read.  By the end, all of the questions are mostly answered, but it was a long, circuitous route to get there.  I liked the author's descriptive writing and can see this book made into a Netflix movie.  It was worth three stars *** on Goodreads and the $1.25 I paid for it at Dollar Tree.  (Own, paperback, purchased new). 

Walking on Eggshells ***

by Jane Isay

The subtitle of the book pretty much sums up its contents - "Navigating the Delicate Relationship Between Adult Children and Parents."   It reality, this book contains a lot of stories about different families and how adult children and parents came to terms with differences and ultimately (at least in most of the stories) learned to overcome family issues and forge some kind of mutually satisfactory relationship.  Most of the stories have good outcomes, although some of the stories, however, tell sad and cautionary tales of families that, for whatever reason, are still struggling to get it all together.  The book was interesting and insightful to be sure, but didn't really offer much in the way of concrete advice on relationship repair.  The author, Jane Isay, is not a therapist or family counselor and even explains that the book came out of her own pain at the distance she experienced with her own sons.  My take away from the book is this - never, never never give up, and love always wins  - at least most of the time.    I gave this book three stars *** on Goodreads.  (Own, paperback, purchased used). 

That's it for my August reading.  I would love to know what you are reading.  I am always looking for good book ideas.   Happy reading in September. 

Until next time, 

😊Deb💖

"These are not books, lumps of lifeless paper,

but minds alive on the shelves."

~Gilbert Highet

Gratitude at the End of August

It's the end of another week, another month and almost another season.  Autumn is on the way, and I usually consider anything after Labor Day to be fall.  It's time again for me to look back over the past week, remember the good and thank God for His help and blessings.  To do this, I will join, once again with Jen, over at Overflowing with Thankfulness and Susanne at Living to Tell the Story.  Let's get going with the gratitude!

😊Last week was hot here in northern Utah.  We broke our previous records for days over 100 degrees. We have had 25 days over 100 this summer and at least two of them were last week. Finally, last night, clouds moved in and the temperatures cooled down to the point that it was actually chilly last night.  There was more sunshine today,  but it was a little cooler.   After living in the Arizona for sixteen years, I decided that am NOT a hot weather girl. Give me cooler temperatures and lovely, changing seasons.  I am grateful that cooler fall weather is on the way here to the Mountain West.  

😊 Students in our district have been back in school a week now, and the year seems to be off to a good start.  This is one of the get-to-know-you activities we did last week, that my students really seemed to enjoy. The students had to create a "personal flag" with illustrations that represent them, their likes and dislikes.  The students then had to write about their flag and how the illustrations are symbolic of them.  This is an example of one a flag which a student turned in.  I realize that even high school kids like to draw and color and, having them write about what they have drawn is a great beginning of the year writing assignment.  I am grateful that so far the school year is off to a good start.  Attendance is much better than last year, and the students seem to be more engaged. We are also having far less behavior issues, all of which I am grateful for. 

😊 One of the things we have done at our school is institute a new color-coded electronics policy to let students know when it is OK and not OK to use their phones.  Some teachers purchased actual stop lights to display in their rooms, which are about $100.  I found some remote controlled multi-colored LED lights on Amazon, which produce the same effect, for literally a fraction of the cost. The LED lights have adhesive on the back, they were super easy to put up in my room, and they look great. This picture shows the lights red, which means the student must have their phones put away.   A remote control allows me to turn the lights to yellow or green indicating that students can use their phones and laptops appropriately.  I am grateful to find these easily installed and inexpensive lights to help teach students proper technology use at school.  They also provide a calming ambience in my classroom. These LED lights are so economical and cool, that I plan to get some and put up as Christmas lights at my house.  

😊 Charly went grocery shopping on Thursday and brought home these bright and cheerful little yellow blossoms.   I am grateful to have a husband who still brings me flowers. 

😊 The flusher on one of our toilets broke last week, but Charly knew exactly where to go to get the part he needed to fix it, and by he time I came home from the school, the toilet was fixed and flushing just fine.  I am grateful for a handy and helpful husband, who takes care of so many things. 

😊 I will admit that readjusting to my full school day schedule has been a bit challenging this last week, and I was glad that, at least a couple of days, I could come home and put my feet up and rest for while.  I even had a power nap that really helped me feel refreshed for the evening.  I am grateful for a few minutes to relax and regroup when I get home from a busy day.  

😊 I was able to finish two books this week - one mystery novel and one nonfiction audiobook about education.  I will be reviewing both books in my August Reading Roundup which will be posted next week.  I am always grateful for weeks when I have time to read and finish interesting books. 

😊 Our dinners this past week were quick and easy meals like leftover lasagna and tacos.   I will admit that since Josh moved out,  I feel less need to fix a proper home-cooked dinner every evening.  Charly and I enjoy using up leftovers which means less waste and we both like simple meals that are easier to get out on the table.  I am grateful for easy and satisfying meals at the end of a tiring day. 

That's all for now. Thanks for coming along to share of the good things in my week.  I hope you have had a positive week with many things to be grateful for. Have a pleasant weekend.

Until next time, 

😊Deb💖

"Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has plenty; not on your past misfortunes of which all men have some."

~Charles Dickens

August Weekend

I always start my weekend posts with Friday and Friday morning I woke up at 5 a.m., and started my day with these deliciously beautiful fresh berries for breakfast.  They were so good!

Friday was the second day of school for the students.  All went well, but by the end of the day, I was more than ready to come home and unwind a bit by taking a walk with Charly.   We had some days last week that were 100+ degrees, but Friday was cooler with a lot of clouds, so it was good walking weather. 

I was tired after school Friday, so I was grateful that I had leftover chicken salad for sandwiches and macaroni and cheese in the fridge.  It was was a filling, yet super easy dinner. 

Saturday morning, we slept in a little but took a walk as soon as we were up and going.  Once again, it was cool and cloudy and a little later, we had some much needed rain.  

After the rain, a little hummingbird came to visit my feeder. Later, I refilled the feeder with fresh nectar so that this little guy will have plenty of food in the coming week. 

About midmorning on Saturday, Charly and I went to our favorite 7-11 to gas up my car.

We also got "Big Gulps" for a little soda date.  I always make my Big Gulp sodas dirty - which out here in Utah means that different sodas and flavors are mixed up.  I usually mix several different sodas, including Diet Dr. Pepper, Diet Pepsi, Diet Coke, and a little Mug Root beer. I then add coffee creamer to the entire drink.  It's my current favorite weekend treat. 

Later, Charly and I went to a couple of thrift stores.  We didn't get a lot, but my favorite find was this wind bell, which is now hanging on my patio.  I love wind bells and wind chimes. 

We also went to one of our favorite used bookstores, but we just browsed and didn't buy any books.  I looked for one specific book, but the the store didn't have it.   It was fun to look around though.  My husband has been buying books at this same little used bookstore since he was a teenager.  He has always loved to read. 

Saturday's dinner was another quick and easy one - a frozen pizza we had in the freezer downstairs and Asian salad. 

Sunday after church and lunch, I took a little nap, then worked on some voter postcards and also some cards for senior citizens through an organization called Letters Against Isolation. 

 

This is my first batch of letters for seniors and they are going to brighten the days of participants in the Meals on Wheels program in Cheyenne, Wyoming.   I am not an artist, but it was fun making these cards.  I plan to do more. 

Sunday dinner was lasagna, Asian salad, steamed broccoli and garlic bread.  

After dinner, Charly and I went for a walk.  We passed these beautiful, big Hibiscus flowers. 

There are quite a few Hibiscus plants in one part of our neighborhood.  I think they are beautiful, and I want to plant some in my own yard one day. 

My grapes are ripe and ready to harvest.  I picked some and they are oh so sweet and delicious. 

I have these three late season tomatoes on one of our vines. This is all the tomatoes I got this year out of three vines.  The last two years,  I had so many tomatoes and this year only three.  I will enjoy these three when they are ripe and ready to eat in a few weeks.  I am thinking we may have BLT sandwiches with our own tomatoes. 

Weekend gratitude:

• Having a good start to the school year last week.
• Getting some rain yesterday.
• Having an overall relaxing weekend.

That's all for now.  Have a good week.  See you again soon.

Until next time, 

😊Deb💖

"Positivity always wins...always."

~ Gary Vaynerchuk

 

 

Thankful Thursday - Back to School Edition

My summer break from school is now over and I am adjusting back to the routine of getting up at 5 a.m. and going to school every week day.  One of the things I am most grateful for is how nice my summer break was.  I enjoyed lots of travel, as well as good times with Charly and other member of my family.  I am also grateful to have a well-paying job to return to, which makes fun and interesting vacations possible.  As I remember this and other good things about the week, I am joining once again with Jen at Overflowing with Thankfulness and Susanne at Living to Tell the Story to remember the positive things about the past week. 

😊Beginning of the school year teacher meetings and training are finally over.   One positive thing about the meetings is that most of the other teachers at our school are very personable, nice and helpful. I am grateful for good colleagues to work with and that the days of long marathon meetings are over for a while. 

😊 One of the good things about teacher meeting days is that we are provided with lunch on the days of the meetings.   I liked the box lunches we were given this year.  I am grateful for this small perk at the beginning of the year.  

😊 Students came back to school today (Thursday) and things went well.  I am grateful that my classroom and beginning of the year lessons were ready to go, and that the first day back was a good day.  

😊 Now that school is back in session, I am getting up at 5 a.m. again, eating oatmeal for breakfast and then exercising downstairs.  I am grateful to have the time, space and equipment to get my day off to a good start.  I also read scriptures every morning, and I am grateful for the spiritual wisdom that adds to my day. 

😊  A few days ago, I received a lovely, long, newsy, snail mail letter from my blogging friend/penpal/prayer partner Faith at Gold in the Clouds.  I love snail mail and I am grateful for Faith and all of my blogging friends - some of the very kindest people I know. 

😊 Thursday afternoon, I had to go to the store to get something for dinner, and about twenty minutes later when I returned  home along the same route, I saw this accident.  Two cars collided literally minutes after I passed through this intersection.  I am grateful that I missed getting in an accident on the way to the store.  I am also grateful that, although the cars involved were pretty banged up, it did not appear that anyone was badly injured.  

😊 I took some time, one evening this week, to go through a cupboard in the kitchen and get rid of a lot of plastic take-out containers that had been accumulating.  I am transitioning to storing leftover food in glass containers, because I have heard that it is much healthier.  I plan to throw away even more plastic containers when we move next summer. 

For now, the cupboard looks a lot neater and more organized, and I am grateful that I found the time to get this task from my summer to-do list finished at last. 

Thanks for joining me to look with gratitude for positives in the past week.  Have a good weekend and remember that there is always something to be grateful for!

😊Deb💖

 "Thankfulness is the quickest path to joy. "

~Jefferson Bethke

The End of the Week and the Weekend

Our weather as last week ended was warm, but cloudy and a bit more humid than normal. We had rain several evenings, which is always needed and appreciated, even though some areas in our state had flash flooding. 

My summer vacation officially ended on Thursday with our school district's "Welcome Back" event.  There were literally thousands of teachers, bus drivers, and other school district employees in attendance.  After the event was over, we went back to our own campus for lunch and some time getting our classrooms ready for students to come back next week.  

Friday there were hours of more teacher meetings and Google slide presentations.  It was a not-so-fun, but required part of getting ready for the new school year.   There will be more meetings next week. Sigh. 

When I got home on Friday, I was tired, but had been craving breakfast-for-dinner, so I fried some sausage patties, put some hashbrowns in the oven and made pancakes. Some fruit rounded out the meal. 

Saturday was our granddaughter's baptism. She's the one on the left in this picture in the long white dress.  This is our daughter Tiffany's family. She and her husband have five beautiful children.   Her children are nice, well-behaved, kind and very personable. We really enjoyed being at the baptism and seeing and talking to them all!

Here is Charly and I with our granddaughter, Paige. 

This is our daughter and her family with her husband's parents and some of his cousins who came to the baptism.   Our son-in-law's parents and family are very nice people. 

Here we are together.  I love all of these people! The baptism was a wonderful event and we thoroughly enjoyed being with our daughter and her family.   We look forward to the next time we can be together. 

Sunday after attending church, I did some indexing of Boston tax records from 1899 and 1908 at Familysearch.org.  If you look closely, you can see that I was indexing handwritten records from well over 100 years ago. I also achieved my indexing goal for the month. 

Charly and I were both pretty tired Sunday afternoon, so we settled on the couch for a while and watched this documentary - Trust No One:  The Hunt for the Crypto King.  It was interesting and made me glad that we have never invested in cryptocurrency. 

Charly and I had a "postcard date" where we both sat at the kitchen table writing out "get out the vote postcards" which we will mail out to registered voters in a few weeks - closer to the November election.  We are doing 200 cards so we do a few at a time during our "postcard dates."  I believe that elections and voting are essential to our nation so this is one way I can encourage others to cast their votes for the candidates and issues they support.  

Sunday's dinner was slow cooker beef stew, along with two kinds of salad and French baguette bread. 

After dinner, I went for a walk and enjoyed the beauty around my neighborhood.   It was a nice evening to be outside. The temperatures were in the 80s, so it wasn't too hot.   Our daily temperatures seem to be cooling down a bit from the extreme mid-summer heat. I am grateful for that. 

Charly did not walk with me Sunday night, so I listened to this audiobook by evangelical Pastor Andy Stanley while I walked.  I am almost finished with it and it is excellent.  I will review it in my August Reading Roundup. 

I also finished this mystery/crime/suspense novel this weekend.  It was a five star mystery.  I really liked it.  I will be reviewing it in my August Reading Roundup too. 

Coming up this week:

• Students come back to school on Thursday.
• Our annual church bar-be-cue is Thursday evening.
• Charly has a routine dental check-up on Friday.

Weekend Gratitude:

• Going to our granddaughter's baptism.
• Having a good phone conversation with Josh.
• Hearing how much Josh likes his new job.
• Watching some movies with Charly.
• Reading (and listening to) some good books. 

That's all for this post.   Have a good week. I'll see you again soon!

Until next time,

😊Deb💖

"When the week begins, think of how you will end it. 

Start your week with joy."

~Ernest Yeboah