Happy New Year...almost

52.  On looking, Eleven Walks with Expert Eyes by Alexandra Horowitz

I did it!  I finished 52 books in 2015 and enjoyed the goal to the max.  I'm looking forward to reading in 2015 but won't set a goal this time.  However, I may still list the books here because I love to keep track.

See you next year.

November/December

I'm struggling with my last (#52nd) book but vow to finish it by the 31st. 

44. The Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline (I loved it, very moving and well written)
45. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian by Sherman Alexie (One of 32 books that will [supposedly] change your life) - I loved it!
46. Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger
47. The Yonahlossee Riding Camp for Girls by Anton Disclafani
48. The Arsonist by Sue Miller (recommended by Pat P. Softly written, stayed with me a long time afterward, but unrealistically too many fires)
49. The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin (I loved it!)
50. The Dinner by Herman Koch
51. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
52.

This month and last went by so fast.  I want to blog "Baltimore" and "Christmas" but don't know if I'll make it before the end of the year, which makes me sad.  Thought I'd post this quick though, so it's in writing that I must finish this last book to meet my goal for 2014.

Happy New Year!  But what's a post without a photo:

Ongoing October

It's been a gorgeous Fall and lots of football excitement -- Fantasy (I was 7 and 0 until last week), a great Packer game where we enjoyed many cherries, and 3 more Badger games, one which Bob attended without me at Northwestern.  Therefore, I will be showing a few more pictures from the cheering sections:

 It was a perfect day and we were busy ALL DAY/NIGHT long.

Chocolate martini's have become a tradition at the piano bar.

Followed the next morning by Old Fashionds at the Old Fashioned for most of us.

 We didn't get cold this year, didn't get stressed (a big WIN), and it was all wonderful.

 Betty has new earrings on, if you can see them.  They are awesome!

Style!!!

 It was such a warm, fun and sunny day!  Bucky is on our cheeks.  (Well not on Bob's)

Style!!!  The woman sits to the left of us.

And a Fall picture that I just like, so HAPPY HALLOWEEN everyone!

38. A Gate at the Stairs by Lorrie Moore - way way too much description
39. Killing Kennedy by Bill O'Reilly (Excellent)
40. Keepsake by Kristina Riggle (disturbing and interesting)
41. Defending Jacob by William Landay (very good)
42. Once We Were Brothers by Ronald H. Balson ( I loved it to the max)
43. The Hypnotist by Lars Kepler (long)

9 more books, only 9 more books during these next two VERY busy months.  Can I do it?

Summer summer summer in September

On my way to work at 7:15 a.m. and as I pass the lake there is a person water skiing on the calm waters, already!  Then I look up into the sky and there's an air balloon with riders gliding over the lake.  I smiled all the way to work.

Found out that we have a Sally's Beauty Store in LAKE GENEVA over by Target.  Did everyone know this except for me??  I drive to Milwaukee or Janesville to hit a Sally's, but no more.


32. Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See
33. Counting by 7's by Holly Goldberg Sloan (wow, thanks Sharon G. and Maureen C.)
34. Bel Canto by Ann Patchett (enjoyed it lots)
35. A Year By the Sea, Thoughts of an Unfinished Woman by Joan Anderson, non-fiction,  recommended by a woman at Music By the Lake.  I overheard her talking about "Pull of the Moon" by Elizabeth Berg and I just had to chat with her.
36. The Last Alibi by David Ellis (Book Club pick and a catch the bad guy book).
37. A Proper Pursuit by Lynn Austin (I enjoyed this fun, nice book)

A few pix from September:

We visited Greg & Liz this month, such fun to see their comfortable new home and neighborhood and just to hang out with them.  They served yummy refrigerator pickles during lunch and gave me the recipe, and yes, today I made 3 quarts and 2 pints, while Bob worked all day long.  It's a Sunday by the way.

Our first Badger game of the season with friends Paul & Betty, in the light rain, but relaxed and a great win of 68 - 17 score.  Notice, Paul needs no poncho.  Bucky did lots of push ups but we forgot the cherries, maybe a good thing?

Our second Badger game of the season with Gary and Mary, enjoyed the Farmers Market, Pep Rally, a great win and of course the 5th quarter!  It was sunny warm day.

Also had a POPCORN weekend!  Double buttered from Gary & Mary in a cool Badger can, Steinke's Extreme Cheese popcorn from the Farmer's Market, free bags of popcorn at the pep rally, free popcorn from Chuck's before dinner, and G.H. Cretors' "Chicago Mix" popped corn.   Oh, and by the way, I won at Hearts.

 And yes, Bob still loves to walk into or out of the game with the tubas.

Black Point Mansion tour and hanging with great friends who love to travel and shop and wine and dine and gab.

OK, so playing Fantasy Football again, 10 of us and hoping a woman wins this year.  Also playing Survivor online, but I started off rotten the first week.  Loving it all!!!!

Why does this month go by so so fast?  Aside from the bees, it's absolutely perfect weather.

August 2014 begins and WE ARE BUSY

Saw an entire large family of turkeys in our neighborhood this summer morning.  Not the coolest looking "dudes" but definitely fun to see.

Have you ever gone to a public bathroom and the only place to put your purse is in the dry clean sink?  Well, yes, I did that.  Then while peeing, the purse caused the automatic faucet to turn on...think about it!

Our driving lawn mower broke and Bob ordered parts and fixed it!  Amazing.  And now he's cutting the grass.  But unfortunately, with the excitement of getting the lawn mower repaired, he forgot to kill the bees (or hornets) that have been thriving and growing all summer on our patio in a little spot by our window.  So, today, yes, I got bit in two places, fortunately I'm not allergic.  Ice, Benadryl, baking soda paste, but the worst is that I'll be with girl friends tomorrow and will not look amazing, because of course one spot was by my nose underneath my right eye.

But later in the evening, when he was spraying the hornet or bee nest, I watched from a distance, then walked back into the house RIGHT INTO the glass patio door.  Thought I broke my nose, but maybe it's just bruised.  Regardless, here come some natural black and blue hues.

Tomorrow I am going to see the Beach Boys and although they didn't bring the song "Barbara Ann" to the Billboard Charts, they did sing it and put it on their albums.



It's after the concert now...we chuckled through their effort on the first 2 songs, (after all, they are in their 70's) and then with the help of some young band members, they all kicked it into gear and played every song we remember, even "Barbara Ann".  It was a gorgeous evening, great snacks and girlfriends, a full moon, and the sound of fireworks in the distance.  Bonus:  We were not the oldest in the crowd this time!

Next up...grandchildren visiting, camping, Jimmy Buffet, and let the (football) games begin.

31.  Black Hills by Nora Roberts (another author I can read and enjoy once a year)

“Honey is sweet! but the bee stings”

 Proverb quotes

July moves even faster!!

28. Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese (long, loved it to the max)
29. Gabriel's Inferno by Sylvain Reynard (could have skipped or only read the 1st and last chapter)
30. The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd(enjoyed lots)


Time to pack for up North as the corn made it and easily was knee high by the fourth of July.

I thought it was a great week ... a little bit of warmth to get us into the water, some rain to help us stay inside and read, and cool days to enjoy sitting and gabbing outside, relishing in the thought that none of us were at work.  We had a large bonfire one night this year which isn't the usual tradition.  It was fun.  Kids seemed in heaven this year running barefoot most of the time, pontooning, scooping up minnows, hunting bugs and making habitats for them, fishing, and just being together.  Nice dinners out for Bob and I.  Went to the sand bar for the first time, between North and South Twin lakes - that was a blast!  Young and old alike smiled and got in the water and floated or played.

Memories ... so many sometimes pop into my head and I feel like I should have something on me at all times to write down things I want to remember.  The other day I was remembering one time when I babysat for Charley and Henry here and very young Henry woke up crying and couldn't settle down so I rocked him for a LONG time singing the Itsy Bitsy spider until we both went limp.  It did the trick and I never wanted to put him back in the crib.  Or the time at Raina and Andy's wedding when Charley saw me coming down the long hallway in the hotel and he ran and ran into my arms to say hello.  Uncle Chuck's funeral triggered many 'ol time memories too.  I think we must be reminded that we have these crazy fun relatives who are special in their own ways, and when they are gone we wish we had talked to them lots more and asked questions galore.

Now for a few "July" photos.

My grandparents (and my toes)

Stopped at the Wheelhouse in Waupaca on our way home from the cottage and enjoyed some great tunes by West Side Andy and Mel Ford, and friends.  Gorgeous setting, great food, free corn and lucky to see some old friends.

Elijah Casey, never grew tired of trying to scoop up things in his net.  No matter the weather, I don't think he even felt the water!  It was all "business" and a joy to behold.

 Great "bloodys" made by Wenda with a little help from her friends.

Pizzas on the grill made by Bob, with fresh basil on tortillas.  Worked perfect.

OK, over and out for July, because, after all, it's August already!!!

Why does the month of June move so fast?

NICE weather, thank you!
One Rolo a day at work keeps me happy all afternoon.
Reintroduced to bugs, bugs, and more bugs by two grandsons.
Lindsey Sterling concert at the Riverside, something different.
Fishing but only caught Rock Bass (Bob's favorite) growl.
Steel Bridge Song Fest again.  Even better this time!  Deserves its own blog.
Planting herbs - but now, will we use them?  Sage, oregano, rosemary, basil, parsley, and thyme.
Enjoyed patriotic goose bumps at an Honor Flight return celebration for Uncle Jim (82).
Boating on the river, but no Blue Angels, too foggy :-(  but great friend time!
More eye trouble, guess it will be what gets me down in the end.
Blood Sweat & Tears were AWESOME at Music By The Lake
Quick stop at Summerfest to see Marcia Ball, 4th row center.

and....of course the Schneider annual family picnic, another one that deserves its own blog.  It was absolutely amazing this year, perfect weather and at the perfect location.  Can we have a do-over?  Bean bag tournament was fun, food was great, visiting with everyone, and WATCHING those kids have fun in the pool and on the riding vehicles, heaven, thank you Gary & Mary!

OK, so it's July 1st and I didn't get this posted in June like I wanted to.  Will add a couple of fun photos at the end.
Enjoy July everyone.


Recent books I have read:
25) The House Girl by Tara Conklin (Book Babes book club)
26) Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper (thanks Sharon G.)
27) Dummy Line by Bobby Cole (a thriller)

 Hugh and Eli at the Fontana playground

 Then helping Grandpa wash his car in the shade

 Fishing (for Rock Bass) in Geneva lake

 

The famous Steel Bridge in Sturgeon Bay

It's May! Let the flowers bloom, we need to see green and color.

Well, we are seeing green like CRAZY and flowers everywhere.  Who knew or believed it could happen again after our cold winter.  Loving it to the max.  Makes us want to be outside all the time and we were, on Memorial Day weekend while visiting with family.  Everyone did their thing or not, whatever their desire.  Baby swing, regular swing, sand box, digging for worms and bugs in the black garden dirt, riding bikes and scooters, playing kick ball, bad mitten, bocce ball, flying kites, going on walks, wii Mario Kart, cooking, eating outside and inside, around the fire and standing up.  Cocktails and deep thoughts shared around the fire at night with children were peeping out the windows at us  adults.  It was a great time!

Nothing like sharing a big bowl of potato chips with cousins.

Next books:
18) Because of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea, thanks Sharon G. for the recommendation.  I loved it...but maybe too many 5th grade hugs :-)
19) The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman (So good!!!!!)
20) Shotgun Lovesongs by Nickolas Butler (I just LOVED this book, small town Wisconsin and friendships).
21) I'd Know You Anywhere by Laura Lipman (author recommended by Pat P. It was good.)
22) Burial Rites by Hannah Kent
23) The Museun of Extraordinary Things by Alice Hoffman
24) The Sweetest Hallelujah by Elaine Hussey

"Stopping to Smell the Roses", enjoy Easter and 4 more books

Happy Easter Everyone!

Took a long walk in the neighborhood, saw someone ahead dressed all in pink, was it a rich lady in a pink jogging suit, or?  It was "or"!  A young lady, in pink pajamas, suede boots, walking her CAT on a leash.

Had a diet coke one day last week, first one at work this year.  Gave me a stinging spark to get through the afternoon, but I don't need to do that every day.

Went to Mayfair, parked by Boston Store, and 2 geese were walking in the parking lot for quite awhile.  Another lady and I stopped to watch them, they didn't give a darn about us.  When they flew away, I thought of my friend Sharon L. from Sheboygan who tried to teach me to love this sight.

Hugh calls me "Ga" clear as a bell, like the beginning of the word garage or God.  I love it!  He says it over and over to get my attention and then tries to/or does tell me something.

Left eye injection monthly, then home to"nap it off".   Who would have ever predicted such a thing?

One of my new quotes in life...

"Sometimes we have to take what we get with each other."

More books:
14.  Still Life With Bread Crumbs by Anna Quindlen (slowwwww moving but I loved the ending, it was a real ending)
15.  Rough Country by John Sandford (a book a year by Sandford always provides a great escape)
16.  Step Ball Change by Jeanne Ray (a fun read for some crazy smiles)
17.  The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty (recommended by Kathy L. at work)  A slow start but  gains momentum and then I loved it.

More Easter pictures:

 No egg hunt in the Village, but we found a "cute park".

 Greg, Liz and Fox prepared Easter dinner.

 Pat & Emma brought the cocktail - New Orleans' Pim's #1 - see below.

 It was a "flavor explosion" - delicious!

Hugh and Eli enjoying bath time.

There was time for egg hunts inside and out, attempts at kite flying, games of Hearts, Truth Be Told, and another game that brought up discussions galore among us all.  Played catch at the local playground, guessed how much money was inside a plastic egg (Pat won $15.00), ate omelets made to order by Raina, and some of us listened to lectures (had to say that).  It was such a great weekend and Fox left his collar at our house while Raina left her 2014 calendar, ooops.  At least I found no socks like I do after the Wroblewski clan have been here haha.  Thanks kids for coming and hanging out and playing and eating and cooking and drinking and laughing with us all!  It's so good for the soul and the heart.

Green in Chicago AND more books

What a fun day!  Up about 5:30 am, off to Larry & Wenda's, Bloody Mary's and powdered doughnut holes for some or a muffin, arrange 8 of us in 2 vehicles and off to downtown Chicago. Parked and immediately saw the first boat "pouring" secret ingredients into the river, and we watched with many others as the river in front of Trump Tower turned green. Smiles from all of us.  Selfies too (just learned what those were this week :-))  Then off to the hotel for a potty break and green beer (for some). Drove to Wrigleyville, parked for "$30 til 5 am" and had a fun lunch and visited a few crazy cool establishments before the massive crowds hit.  Long lines were in front of every place and I wondered where in the heck all of these people came from?   Fun to walk around where the Cubs play and also see those bleachers on top of buildings where fans sit (bucket list item Anyone?). Ok, so here are a few photos to bring this all together and help make sense of what I just wrote.

We arrived just in time (thank you Larry & Bob too!)

Happy Green Friends

Yes, really GREEN

Gazing at the bleacher seats on top of buildings across the road from Wrigley Field.
Bucket List item?

The new owner taking our order

My Irish Breakfast

UW Alumni is gifted a free t-shirt

Not to be outdone, we each bought one and think they'll be originals at Camp Randall

Wenda found us a Wisconsin Bar located here and we stormed in, singing, dancing and buzzing.

 

                            We left the area around 3 pm and couldn't wait to hit the road. Ended up at the Cellar in Oak Creek for a great supper and visit with "Chad", the friendly bartender. We were all too tired to play cards and to be honest, I was in bed by 8:30 pm.

And five more books are finished toward my 52 for the year:
9) Necessary Lies by Diane Chamberlain (I absolutely LOVED this book and felt like I lost a friend when I had finished it).
10) The Heist by Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg ... a fun read, recommended by Lois.
11) Me Before You by Jojo Moyes (Couldn't put it down, thanks Pat P. and Sharon G. for the  recommendation).
12) The Good Times are Killing Me by Lynda Barry (recommended by Elizabeth Berg.
13) The Red Thread by Ann Hood (about adoption of Chinese baby girls).

Next books, and life in the fast lane...

• 7.  Drop City by T.C. Boyle (recommended by 1001 Books To Read Before I Die) - Long, but interesting, makes me glad I never went the hippie route in life.  (However, I still wonder about pot often.)
• 8.  Moment of Truth by Lisa Scottoline, a fun read in Jamaica with friends who were there with me.  Chosen by Racy Readers Book Club (Lee).

Every weekend there seems to be something...what is it with us anyway?  Can't we stay home.  We actually do like to stay home and did in January a lot.  Changed our eating habits together and lost weight so we felt better about putting our swim suits on (yes, every day for 7 days in a row) for 80+ degree days in Jamaica.  We will try to keep up the healthy eating as it is working and we feel good.  Or at least, as my sister-in-law and niece say, eat great 80 and slack off 20, a/k/a "80/20".

White winter, or we are calling it white sand these days to help us smile.  Cold and snowy winter so all winter sports enthusiasts should be in heaven as they say "think snow".  We used to say that, but not any more.  However, last weekend was fun as we went to Kewaunee Winterfest and Parallel 44.  An ice bar, wine tasting, 2 live bands, people crazy happy to be outside, even though we were cold.  A couple of tents with heaters inside, and everyone got happy on excellent wines!  Poker and cards  and laughing with friends as we all hung out in a cozy warm house, sharing comfort foods.  Missed some friends who were unable to make the trek.

Smile everyone, and LIVE life, the sun is shining!

"52" in 2014

Sarah is doing 365, inspiring me to try 52.
My challenge to myself is to read at least 52 books this year and to share 52 of my photos on Facebook.

Books read so far:

1. The Circle by Dave Eggers (unbelievable but possible, held my interest) 
2. Wonder by R. J. Palacio (YP book, loved it, felt every emotion possible, blue cover)
3. The Good Dream by Donna VanLiere (Listened to this one and loved every word - would recommend this one!) 
4. Rage Against the Dying by Becky Masterman (Whodunit)
5. The Aviator's Wife by Melanie Benjamin (Very good, surprised me to learn about the Mr. & Mrs. Lindberg)
6. The  Piano Tuner by Daniel Mason (A Racy Reader's Book Club choice, 1st half a hard read, 2nd half interesting - would not recommend this one)
   

Reading right now:  (Yes, just like my Aunt Ellie, I can have 3 books going at one time)

Drop City by T.C. Boyle (from 1001 books to read before I die)
The Other Typist by  Suzanne Rindell (a free book from a new author)
Step Ball Change by Jeanne Ray (seems like a fun one, taking with me to Jamaica)

I better get going, I'm behind, or am I?