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As some of you might know, I write book reviews over at Everybody Needs A Little Romance. Today we have a contest going over there with prizes and all.
Head on over there and try to figure out which one is me! :)
Everybody Needs A Little Romance Contest
If you want to play along, and want a hint or two just let me know.
Have a great day.
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On our last night in Rhode Island we were able to attend a real clam bake. This was the first clam bake we had ever been to, and to be honest with you I had no idea what to expect. I didn't know if all they would serve was clams or what.
I was very happy to see lots of other stuff there as well. I am not a clam kinda girl.
They took the tarps off of these pallets full of food when they began their speech about how they make the food for a clam bake. From what I could hear, which wasn't much, was that the food is cooked with steam. I could be wrong, but I am pretty sure that is what the man said.
There were 3 pallets of corn, red potatoes, and clams.
These dudes started carrying the food over to the tables that were set up.
It was really interesting to see how these trays/pallets were stacked just right so all of the food would cook evenly.
Look at those lobsters hanging out of that bottom tray. That is what I was waiting for.
There were only two trays of lobsters, so everyone saw that and started making their way to the tables to make sure they got one of these beauties! The one thing that bothers me about this photo is all of the feet in it. I didn't realize there were so many bare toes in this photo. Toes and lobster? Ew.
I did get a lobster. Look at that monster! He was yummy!! I tried to get a photo of his eyelashes, because believe it or not...he had the prettiest eyelashes I have ever seen on a lobster.
McD decided to try clams for the first time. Don't you just love his bib?
And he swore he would never eat them again. He couldn't get the taste out of his mouth fast enough.
The lighting under the tent was horrible. Gotta love those bibs!
We had so much fun that night!
After the clam bake we were invited to an intimate evening with Jo Dee Messina.
We were able to get there early enough to get front row seats, and I was so glad we did.
I just have to say that I have always liked Jo Dee Messina, and when I found out that we would be seeing her in concert I was estatic! I was a little worried that my doctor wouldn't let me go on the trip, but he did! And I saw her! And I loved every minute of it!
Some of the people sitting with us weren't sure they knew who she was, but when we started talking about all of her songs they remembered. Then it turned out that they still knew every word to every song she sang, except the new song she sang for us. It is great!! Can't wait for you to hear it!
She answered questions, took photos with people, took requests even. She sang Amazing Grace, and I promise you I got goose bumps.
Jo Dee Messina singing Amazing Grace. She sang all four verses!! It was amazing!
She also sang our national anthem, and I got goose bumps again as the whole crowd got to their feet and even sang along. Goose bumps I tell ya!
She is a very pretty lady. Very funny, and down to earth.
One thing that I told McD after the concert was that I wondered if she was pregnant. Then just not too long ago I heard a report somewhere that she is pregnant. :)
I'm sorry I don't remember this guys name, but he was the shy one. While she was belting out Amazing Grace, he sat there and seemed to be reflecting.
That was a fun night! If you ever get the chance to see Jo Dee Messina, DO! You'll really enjoy it!
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We went to Rhode Island back in September so McD could attend a meeting. One of the nice things about him having to attend these meetings is that we get to go places that we would never be able to go on our own.
We were able to go out a day early, and spend the day with some of our friends who were also there for the meeting.
I titled this post Rowdy in Rhode Island because we got a little rowdy. Not bad rowdy, just fun rowdy. Let me tell you about our day.
This is our friend Mark with McD. He is a great guy that we always look forward to seeing. We were touring a "summer cottage" called The Elms, and the guys got tired of the inside so they walked around outside.
The mansions were called summer cottages because most of them were only used during the summer.
This is the back of The Elms. I made sure I got a lot of the lawn in this photo, and I know that it isn't really great composition but let me tell you why I did this.
This is Lisa, Mark's wife, and I.
Lisa and I did cartwheels on this lawn. It's always fun until someone gets hurt. Lisa said she thought she pulled a muscle. I think I need to do cartwheels more often.
Lisa and I roamed the grounds and found a bunch of Willow trees of some sort, but I can't remember the proper name of it. They were really cool though.
We had to duck under some limbs to get to the tree trunks, and there were lots of trees there. It was really cool! We weren't sure if we were supposed to be in there, which made the whole thing more fun!
How do you like our rowdy fun! LOL Cartwheels on the lawn, and sneaking into a grove of willows. We were wild! HA!
The guys were patiently waiting on us.
The thing that I don't understand is that McD can sit five feet from me and not hear what I say, but look how far apart they are and they are having a conversation. I think it might be selective hearing here at home. ;)
Mark and Lisa rented these little coupes the day before, and they wanted to share the fun with us! This little coupe was a hoot!! The only problem was that McD kept forgetting that this thing only had three wheels, and the third wheel was in the rear. He would be driving a long and straddle a pothole. Then BAM that rear wheel would drop, and there weren't any cushions in that thing. I'd complain a little, but then all I could do was giggle.
Mark and Lisa were our tour guides.
This sight still makes me laugh. We had so much fun that day! We laughed, and laughed!
We saw all kinds of things while cruising around in our little coupes.
We saw mansions on one side of the road.
On the other side of the road we saw different things. This, and
this. There was a regatta going on that weekend, and this was the only glimpse we saw of it.
And this one was one of my favorite "summer cottages."
It was a great day! Can't wait to see them again!
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We always have an extra helping hand when our nephew Lawrence is around. He was born a cowboy.
He had to assess the situation before he got started.
The horses are always first. He tried to do it on his own, but Uncle McD just had to help.
Much better!
Lawrence loves the horses. LOVES them.
Now, to feed the cows! He loves the cows too!
I love to see those little leather gloves on him.
He is such a hard worker. If it were any other four-year-old, you'd see them walk away after one bucket. But not Lawrence. He was determined to see the job finished.
I forgot to mention that Lawrence LOVES his Uncle McD too.
When Lawrence was a baby, McD could put him to sleep like no one could. They've had a connection since he was born. The only thing that Lawrence doesn't want like his Uncle is his hair cut.
Finally, finished!
Time to let the cows in, and then head to the house.
I like to think that when he grows up a little more that he will be staying with us some during the summers. I already have a list started.
While we were all out there feeding a song came to mind, Just Fishin' by Trace Adkins. If you haven't heard the song, then you should look it up on YouTube, and then listen to the words. It is basically about a daddy taking his little girl fishing, and she thinks they are just fishin' but he is making some of his best memories. He thinks we're just feedin' is what went through my head.
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Today, I made a short list of books that I think everyone should read over on ENLR.
Please head over there and check them out!
Tomorrow, I will show you my favorite four-year-old feeding cattle.
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Book Description:
Is There Really a Fountain of Youth in Paradise?
Welcome back to Bright 's Pond, where strange happenings are afoot at the Greenbrier Nursing Home. Strange even for Bright 's Pond. The residents suddenly act like kids again riding trikes, climbing trees, and of all things falling in love.
Some of the townsfolk blame it on the crooked new gazebo, or its builder, a quirky little man who quotes Don Quixote, collects water from the fountain at the Paradise trailer park, and disappears on a regular basis. While Chief of Police Mildred Blessing investigates the mystery, Griselda and her friends deal with a luau Thanksgiving, preparations for the Christmas pageant, and maybe even an upcoming wedding. Only, in Bright 's Pond, nothing ever really goes as planned . . .
My Review:
When I was contacted to review this book I had no idea that it was the third book in a series. No idea at all. Even though it is in a series, it is a book that can stand on its own. Although, now I want to go back and read the first two.
As soon as I started reading about Bright's Pond I wanted to be there. I could live there. It sounds like such a quaint little town. I could even envision the town and the townsfolk in my mind.
Griselda, the main character, can't seem to figure out if she is in love with Zeb, her on again off again boyfriend, or Cliff, her flight instructor. She has to figure it out! Her sister was moved to the Greenbrier Nursing Home, and that is how she learned of all of the strange happenings there at Greenbrier.
Agnes, Griselda's sister, was moved to the nursing home via a fork lift. She is the one that told Griselda about the residents riding tricycles down the halls, climbing trees, and making out in the crooked new gazebo. She is on a diet, but when her sister asks her to be her maid of honor they have to have her dress custom made.
Ruth, one of Griselda's best friends, is hosting their Thanksgiving dinner this year, and she has decided to have an unforgetable luau Thanksgiving. She is also the one that pieced together three patterns to make Agnes's maid of honor dress. She is also the one that drags Griselda to a psychic.
Mildred Blessing is investigating the odd behavior at Greenbrier, and Griselda tags along to help.
Griselda isn't just falling in love with two men, and trying to solve a mystery. She is also helping with the Christmas pageant. The Christmas pageant that involves live animals. There are so many different storylines that it never slows down.
Who will Griselda marry?
Is there really a Fountain of Youth?
You will have to read it to see for yourself, but I am fairly certain that you will like it. Now, pardon me while I go download the first two books of the series.
I give it 4 out of 5 stars.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Abington Press and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
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A couple of years ago my sister and I started a new tradition. She and her family come to my house and I take their family photos for their Christmas cards. I'm no professional photographer, but since I dawdle in photography she seems to think I can take their photos. Sometimes they turn out okay, and others...well, they turn out.
It never fails, at some point during their visit, our almost four-year-old nephew feels the need to exercise. Who are we to say no?
He always goes for the speed bag first.
He is quite tall for his age. He is going to be 4 in just a few days, but he is wearing size 5/6. He's a tall, skinny dude.
After the punching bags he goes for the Bowflex. The ancient bowflex.
Nobody get too excited, we have the weight on 5 pounds. He was tearing through that 5 pounds so fast we had to tell him to slow down.
That lasted all of a minute, maybe a minute and a half. Seriously, I was lucky to get a pic or two.
The elliptical was next. He was a little leary of it at first, but then he figured it out and actually stayed on it for a few minutes.
He was working up a sweat!!
But he wasn't finished yet! On to the weights!
Again, no one panic, they were only set on 5 pounds, and I think he did half a rep. But he was determined to try.
He is almost finished with his workout.
And lastly, the Bosu ball workout. This might have been his favorite. He played exercised on this for a long time. In fact, his Daddy and his big brother tried it out too. Everyone loves the Bosu.
Now, if you are wondering why his shirt is so dirty or why he had work boots on during his workout be sure to check back tomorrow so you can see him at work.
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Back in October I asked you what you have above your toilet, and what you might suggest to go over mine.
I considered each and every suggestion, and finally came up with something.
Here is the before photo:
And the after photo:
What do you think?
Just to clarify, I did not paint the walls. It is just different lighting.
Now, to decorate the guest bedroom! At least I have ideas this time. :)
Thanks for all your help!
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