WEEKLY UPDATES: FEELING THANKFUL…

Good morning! Today’s post will link up to The Sunday Salon and The Sunday Post for weekly updates.

Mailbox Monday is hosted at the home site: Mailbox Monday.

And let’s join Kathryn, our leader in It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?, at Book Date.

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Welcome to a week of thankfulness.Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, as I love the gatherings and the FOOD.  This year, I went to two events:  one with family and another with friends who have become family. Friday was a day with leftovers, and that is always wonderful.

I only read and reviewed one book, although I am making good progress on my second one.  I wrote three blog posts, and enjoyed some viewing.  In addition to the Hallmark movies I like, some which I have seen several times, I watched a lovely film called The Noel Diary, starring Justin Hartley, an actor I always enjoy.  And then I watched Where the Crawdads Sing, now showing on Netflix.

Now let’s take a closer peek at my week.

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TUESDAY EXCERPTS:  “ARE YOU AWAKE”

WWW READING…

COFFEE CHAT:  STUFFED…

Review:  The Rewind, by Allison Winn Scotch

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INCOMING BOOKS:

Are You Awake?, by Claire McGowan

Where the Crawdads Sing, by Delia Owens

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CURRENTLY READING:

The Couple at the Table, by Sophie Hannah

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That was my week.  A lovely and thankful one, and now I am ready to start watching Christmas movies!  I viewed one last night.  Since December is right around the corner, I am eager for the First Book of the Year event which Sheila has been leading for several years.  I picked out a book that has been on my shelves for a while, and because it is a hardcover version, I have been passing it by…and waiting for the perfect time to pick it up.

Enjoy your week!  Here is my newly styled hair, thanks to my daughter last week.

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WEEKLY UPDATES: COZY TIMES…

Good morning! Today’s post will link up to The Sunday Salon and The Sunday Post for weekly updates.

Mailbox Monday is hosted at the home site: Mailbox Monday.

And let’s join Kathryn, our leader in It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?, at Book Date.

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A very slow reading week, with just one book read and reviewed.  Only three blog posts, too.  What did I do with my time this week?  Well, I watched Season 5 of The Crown, and also watched Private Practice again, all six seasons!  I hadn’t seen it in a while, but I still cried at all the appropriate parts.

No outings, but I am longing to see that new movie in the theater: She Said.  It will probably stream soon, too, but I think I might be ready to go to the theater!

It has been YEARS since I went out to see a movie.  Even before the Pandemic.  I used to go regularly, enjoying lunch beforehand.  I miss those times.

So…now let’s take a closer look at my flimsy week.

 

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TUESDAY EXCERPTS:  “THE COUPLE AT THE TABLE”

WWW READING…

BOOKISH FRIDAY:  “THE REWIND”

Review:  Secluded Cabin Sleeps Six, by Lisa Unger

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INCOMING BOOKS:

NetGalley ARC:  Hello Stranger, by Katherine Center – Release Date on July 11, 2023

The Couple at the Table, by Sophie Hannah

The Rewind, by Allison Winn Scotch (Currently Reading)

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That was my week.  What did yours look like? I am planning several events this coming week, with a hair styling at my daughter’s new salon, and meals at two different places with friends and family.  I am also hoping that my No. 2 son will stop by on the upcoming weekend.  Last year, a group of us enjoyed lunch out at a favorite spot.  Below, Thanksgiving day at my daughter’s house last year.

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WEEKLY UPDATES: FINDING MY BALANCE…

Good morning! Today’s post will link up to The Sunday Salon and The Sunday Post for weekly updates.

Mailbox Monday is hosted at the home site: Mailbox Monday.

And let’s join Kathryn, our leader in It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?, at Book Date.

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Another great week moving toward a balance in my routines.  I read and reviewed two books, wrote six blog posts, and happily started viewing Season Five of The Crown.  I also enjoyed adding another streaming service to my TV to allow for more comfortable viewing on my couch.

We had some rain this week, which is needed…but I had to time my outdoor chores, like taking out the trash, to avoid sloshing through puddles.

I stayed home all week, with no appointments or outings, but I actually enjoyed it.  Maybe I will do more next week.  Now let’s take a closer look at the week.

 

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SUNDAY POTPOURRI: TIDBITS & TRINKETS…

CLOCK CHANGING…

TUESDAY POTPOURRI:  BOOKISH LOVE…

TUESDAY EXCERPTS:  “SHE’S GONE”

WWW READING…

COFFEE CHAT: A GREAT WEEK…

Review:  The Prisoner, by B.A. Paris

Review:  She’s Gone, by David Bell

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INCOMING BOOKS:

Secluded Cabin Sleeps Six, by Lisa Unger (Currently Reading)

She’s Gone, by David Bell

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That was my week.  What did yours look like?  With the time changing of the past week, I was reminded of my wall of clocks that once made that task a bit overwhelming.  So glad I don’t have them now!

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WEEKLY UPDATES: A COZY WEEK…

Good morning! Today’s post will link up to The Sunday Salon and The Sunday Post for weekly updates.

Mailbox Monday is hosted at the home site: Mailbox Monday.

And let’s join Kathryn, our leader in It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?, at Book Date.

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A week with some rain, a lot of cozy times indoors, and two books read and reviewed.  I wrote five blog posts.  I enjoyed some time viewing Hallmark Mystery movies, like Aurora Teagarden, Hailey Dean Mysteries, Ruby Herring Murder Mysteries, and Darrow & Darrow.  I also enjoyed some episodes of Season 10 of Doc Martin.

No outings this week, and I didn’t miss them!  The coziness kept me happy each day.

Now…let’s take a peek at the details of reading and blogging:

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TUESDAY EXCERPTS:  “THE GIRLFRIEND”

MONTHLY WRAP-UP:  HELLO, NOVEMBER…

WWW READING…

COFFEE CHAT:  A RAINY DAY…

BOOKISH FRIDAY:  “THE PRISONER”

Review:  Such a Pretty Girl, by T. Greenwood

Review:  The Girlfriend, by K. L. Slater

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INCOMING BOOKS:

The Prisoner, by B. A; Paris (Currently Reading)

The Girlfriend, by K. L. Slater

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That was my week!  A little reading, some blogging, and lots of coziness.  I enjoy being surrounded by some of my favorite things, like the Coca Cola dining set and the Baker’s Rack.  The Mary Engelbreit plates on the wall always cheer me up!

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WEEKLY UPDATES: BACK TO MY ROUTINES…

 

Good morning! Today’s post will link up to The Sunday Salon and The Sunday Post for weekly updates.

Mailbox Monday is hosted at the home site: Mailbox Monday.

And let’s join Kathryn, our leader in It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?, at Book Date.

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It was another week that moved beyond my family visits and back into my routines.  I only read and reviewed one book, however, and wrote four blog posts.  I enjoyed viewing a sequel to The Firm, which kept me glued to the screen for several nights.

An outing took me back to a favorite restaurant where I enjoyed chatting and eating with a friend over quiche and a mimosa.  We had planned to go to Barnes & Noble, but when we arrived, they were still closed.  Our hunger drew us to the restaurant across the street.

Now let’s take a closer look at the week.

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TUESDAY EXCERPTS: “THE NEIGHBOR UPSTAIRS”

WWW READING…

COFFEE CHAT:  BACK TO MY ROUTINES…

BOOKISH FRIDAY:  “THE SOULMATE”

Review:  Mad Honey, by Jodi Picoult, et. al

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INCOMING BOOK:

The Neighbour Upstairs (Currently Reading)

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That was my week.  I am finally getting back into my normal groove, although my reading is not very productive.  I hope to do better next week.  I am still enjoying adding to my collections of trinkets, like the Queen Elizabeth mug on my Baker’s Rack below.

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WEEKLY UPDATES: SETTLING INTO MY ROUTINES…

Good morning! Today’s post will link up to The Sunday Salon and The Sunday Post for weekly updates.

Mailbox Monday is hosted at the home site: Mailbox Monday.

And let’s join Kathryn, our leader in It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?, at Book Date.

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After my Prague son returned home, and after the wonderful outings and activities were over, I had to return to something resembling my routines.  I did read and review two books and write four blog posts.  I cleaned, did laundry, and spent some time watching shows on my laptop and my TV.  The house was too quiet!

I discovered an old series I used to love called Garage Sale Mysteries, and found myself caught up in it, almost as if I had never seen these episodes.  I also listened to Ronan Farrow’s podcast Catch and Kill…and the additional parts of the documentary Allen vs. Farrow.  These extra episodes of the show were very interesting.

So here I am on a Saturday wondering what to read or do next.  Next week, I will resume having coffee with an old friend…we’re going to Barnes & Noble, an old hangout we haven’t visited in a while.

Now…let’s take a closer look at my week.

 

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SUNDAY POTPOURRI…

WWW READING…

TUESDAY EXCERPTS:  “LEFT ON TENTH”

BOOKISH FRIDAY:  “MAD HONEY”

Review:  Left on Tenth, by Delia Ephron

Review:  Our Missing Hearts, by Celeste Ng

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INCOMING BOOKS:

Mad Honey, by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan

Our Missing Hearts, by Celeste Ng

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CURRENTLY READING:  Mad Honey, by Jodi Picoult

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That was my week.  Empty house, an attempt to resume my routines, and a little bit of angst about moving on from what was a wonderful family time.  Now I look forward to recreating my usual life, while remembering those wonderful bonding days.  Below, my No. 2 son celebrated his birthday with two of his adult children at a Dodger’s game.

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WEEKLY UPDATES: A WEEK OF ANTICIPATION…

Good morning! Today’s post will link up to The Sunday Salon and The Sunday Post for weekly updates.

Mailbox Monday is hosted at the home site: Mailbox Monday.

And let’s join Kathryn, our leader in It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?, at Book Date.

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This week has been one of anticipation.  My eldest son returned to the states from Prague on Wednesday, and drove up last night from LA with my No. 2 son.  They’ll spend the weekend here, then head up to Sacramento to see their father for a few days.  They’ll come back and forth for the rest of the month until Craig flies back home on the 28th. 

I only read and reviewed one book, but it was a good one.  I had hoped to finish my current read, but I was too distracted by plans and even viewing.  I wrote three blog posts; I finished watching Parenthood and saw a few shows, plus the movie Elvis.  I enjoyed the first episode of The Good Fight’s Sixth (and final) season.

Now let’s take a closer look at the week.

 

TUESDAY EXCERPTS:  “NOTHING MORE TO TELL”

WWW READING…

COFFEE CHAT:  A WEEKEND OF FAMILY…

Review:  Daisy Darker, by Alice Feeney

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INCOMING BOOKS:  One new book

Nothing More to Tell, by Karen M. McManus

 

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CURRENTLY READING:

The Shop on Royal Street, by Karen White

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That was my week.  Not much reading, but some enjoyment of viewing.  And lots of anticipation for the family get-togethers this  weekend and in the weeks ahead.  Here is a photo of the first family tradition at the CSUF Sculpture in November 1979:

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WEEKLY UPDATES: A PRETTY GOOD WEEK…

Good morning! Today’s post will link up to The Sunday Salon and The Sunday Post for weekly updates.

Mailbox Monday is hosted at the home site: Mailbox Monday.

And let’s join Kathryn, our leader in It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?, at Book Date.

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My week was a pretty good one, in which I read and reviewed two books, but only wrote four blog posts.  Again I spent a lot of time viewing movies and shows, continuing with Parenthood. I haven’t felt that well, with a sore throat most of the week.  I was worried about it, so I took a Covid test…and happily, it was negative!  Today I am feeling better, and I think my symptoms are due to allergies and the horrible air outside. 

This coming week, my eldest son will arrive from Prague, and one by one my other kids are all gathering.  So glad I didn’t ruin it all with a positive Covid test!  My Murphy bed is ready for whoever needs it to sleep over.

Let’s take a closer look at my week.

 

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TUESDAY EXCERPTS:  “BABYSITTER”

WWW READING…

MONTHLY WRAP-UP: HELLO, SEPTEMBER!

BOOKISH FRIDAY:  “DAISY DARKER”

Review:  Please Join Us, by Catherine McKenzie

Review:  The Darkness of Strangers, by Cate Holahan

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INCOMING BOOKS:

Daisy Darker, by Alice Feeney (Currently Reading)

The Darkness of Others, by Cate Holahan

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That was my week.  As I look forward to the family gathering, I am excited and planning how to fully enjoy this time together.  Below, another view of my living room, with the Murphy bed ready for a guest or two.  The photos you see on the wall were snapped in Ireland by my eldest son who lives in Prague now and is headed my way.

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WEEKLY UPDATES: A MORE PRODUCTIVE WEEK…

Good morning! Today’s post will link up to The Sunday Salon and The Sunday Post for weekly updates.

Mailbox Monday is hosted at the home site: Mailbox Monday.

And let’s join Kathryn, our leader in It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?, at Book Date.

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My week was a great one!  I read and reviewed two books, wrote five blog posts, did some viewing…and went on two outings!  One was a birthday lunch with my daughter (to celebrate hers), and the other was shopping with my granddaughter.

My viewing:  I finished The Gilmore Girls and started Parenthood.  Yes, I seem to be enjoying the oldies.

My lunch with my daughter:  we had drinks and delicious food: I had a salmon sandwich, minus the bread, and she had something with steak.  Martinis and Margaritas!

Now let’s take a closer look at my week.

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TUESDAY EXCERPTS:  “THE HOUSEKEEPER”

TUESDAY POTPOURRI:  BOOKISH LOVE…

WWW READING…

COFFEE CHAT:  A BIRTHDAY OUTING…

BOOKISH FRIDAY:  “PLEASE JOIN US:

Review:  The Housekeeper, by Joy Fielding

Review:  Long Gone, by Joanna Schaffhausen

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INCOMING BOOKS:

Please Join Us, by Catherine McKenzie (Current Read)

The Babysitter, by Joyce Carol Oates

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That was my week. I found a Murphy bed for my space!  Yes, I had planned on a sofa bed, but this one folds up into a beautiful cabinet, with storage, and opens to a queen-sized bed.  A comfy one!  It arrived today, and here is a photo.  And I got a replacement for my Boyd’s Bears Circle of Family from e-bay.  See the centerpiece at the bottom.  I am excited. Below, enjoying a Margarita.

 

 

What did your week look like?

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WEEKLY UPDATES: ANOTHER SLOW READING WEEK…

Good morning! Today’s post will link up to The Sunday Salon and The Sunday Post for weekly updates.

Mailbox Monday is hosted at the home site: Mailbox Monday.

And let’s join Kathryn, our leader in It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?, at Book Date.

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My reading is still plodding along, but my one book read and reviewed this week was a good one.  I just got distracted by my viewing again!  Finished up Better Call Saul, Season Six, and I’m almost done with the seven seasons of The Gilmore Girls.  Blogging was worse than usual, with only two posts.

I didn’t have any outings this week, but do hope to enjoy one next week.  Shopping is on my agenda.

I’ve been rearranging furniture again, to hopefully make room for a new sofa bed.

So…let’s take a closer look at my week.

 

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TUESDAY EXCERPTS:  “THE FAMILY REMAINS”

WWW READING…

Review:  The Family Remains, by Lisa Jewell

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INCOMING BOOKS:

The Housekeeper, by Joy Fielding (Currently Reading)

The Soulmate, by Sally Hepworth (NetGalley ARC – 4/4/23)

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That was my week.  What did yours look like? I am looking forward to my shopping this week, since it has been postponed a couple of times.  I hope to find a sofa bed like the one I used to have…see below.

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