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My     e- mail was meant for   darlyne and not  Candice.  i am sorry for that mistake.  Jenny C.

Candace,It’ s hard to recommend any one book since they are all very similar in one way and very different in other ways.It’s good weather for reading since it has rained almost every day for the past two weeks.How is the weather in your section of the country?Jenny

I have a black plain dress my funeral dress, that I threw a shawl on and wore pearls and was right in step. Fortunately the dress is stretchy so it still fit, It did show off a few more curves than it used to.

I read the summery of the book you recommended, Jenny and I put that author on my list.

Jenny, she sounds like the kind of writer I enjoy. Do you recommend a particular book of hers?

High tea sounds unusual for a fundraiser and fun. I’m afraid I would have had to decline. Years of informal dress in Texas have reduced my wardrobe to far less than required to attend. While moving I ran across a number of lovely handkerchiefs–once a must-have in one’s purse at all times.

Candace

An appletini(sp) is a martini made with apple juice and served in a martini glass with a thin slice of apple on top. I think there are peach martinis now and maybe others the young have invented.
It was fun to dress up for a change but I am glad one doesn’t have to wear a hat and gloves for everything. This fundraiser benefited two councilmen. a senator and various buro and township officials running for reelection.

I did something I have never done before. I picked up a book, Sworn to Silence and also the same book on tape. I hadn’t realized they were the same. I found that I could read it and then pick up where I had left off by listening and finished the book in record time. It is a mystery written by Linda Castillo and takes place in an Amish community, next to a town of course. IT takes place in Ohio. The Sheriff is one who defected (if that is the word) from the Amish. I think this is the authors first book and I am looking forward to reading more of hers. It says she is working on another with the same characters.

i love to read books written by Barbara Delinsky,  i ,like the kind of  insight into the minds and hearts of her characters.   jenny C.

What exactly is an Appletini, Darlyne?  Could it be a Martini combined with Apple Cider?  The fundraiser sounded like fun (for a change), but wouldn’t it be tiresome if one had to wear white gloves and hats for every occasion?  I remember the day!

One of the things I have noticed that is different here than in Alabama is the lack of volunteerism.  I am trying to get a few people together to read selected parts of the newspaper to individuals who have trouble reading (macular degeneration).  I thought if we could do this about three times a week it would be helpful and keep them in touch with local news.  A lot of them have lived in this community most of their lives.  There must be a dozen that have this problem.  It would only take a half hour or so, but so far no one has volunteered.   I can only imagine how it would effect my mental health if I couldn’t read.  I get the feeling that a lot of people move in here and live a rather hedonistic life – get so used to being waited on, entertained, fed, driven where they want to go.  I don’t do a whole lot for others, but enjoy having my singing group, just got through registering voters for the upcoming local elections, and look forward to reading to them.  I don’t want to get tied down to every day, though.

 I read Three Cups of Tea some time ago and enjoyed it, but also felt it could have been shortened.  I am in the process of reading Maeve Binchy’s “Heart and Soul”.   I really enjoy her books – I read  Thornwoods a year ago and was a third of the way through this one before I realized many of the characters were in Thornwoods.  Not a clue on the book jacket and I like the characters but wish I would have read this one first.

I’m glad to see more activity in this forum.  Say hello to Clive from me, Jackie.

Jan

I just attended a high tea fund raiser party for a local politician. This was put on by my daughter and it turned out very nice. They had scones the usual cucumber sandwiches plus other finger food. Appletinies and beer and of course tea. I had one appletini and it would have been easy to have more but I didn’t. It was held outside and a little cool but nice anyway. A lot of good conversation and fun to meet friends old and new. I dressed up and wore pearls but didn’t have a hat or white gloves. One person had white gloves that she said were from her wedding years ago. A few wore hats. I would have if I had one but got rid of mine years ago. except for the wool knit ones I wear in winter.

my  e mail got shortened,  i don`t know why ?  They are newly wed.  in the meantime they are staying with their parents.  they used to live in S.F.but it became to expensive to live there.  they will drive to  nashville  monday and try their luck,  have a  healthy week. JENNY c.

Hello,  everybody.  i hope every here is feeling fine and enjoy the lovely  fall weather.  we here in the  retirement home had our  flue  shot  this past week and hopefully will be protected from catching something.   what do you think about our president getting the  nobel prize, maybe he should.  USA is still the best country in the world, even two of my grandchildren are out of work and they are newly weds.  next week they will drive to  nashville and try their luck.  in the meantime they are staying with her parents here in  B`ham before they find something.  its not easy for the young tight now.  have a good week.  Jenny  c.

Darlyne, our relative, Sheila Hoff Nordling mentioned last evening that she is reading this book, the author went to Concordia College in Moorhead for awhile. She likes the book, but I too, found the second half rather dull, I skimmed over a lot of it. It is great that he wants these poor kids to learn, however.

The Twins are tied with the Yankees!!!! 11th inning, bases loaded the Yankees pitch out themselves out to the 12th. I’m only interested because of the MN team, and have to admit, I paid no attention to them all season, but this is a play-off!

We saw a few snow flakes this afternoon, and my flowers totally froze last night. Tis the season, but early, Jacky

My library book group discussed this book today. Most of them thought the book was great, or the subject matter anyway. I thought the author was a saint and admired him but I became bored with the last half of the book. I thought it repetitious. I was in the minority. It is a Princeton Read.

So good to see familiar names, Jo, Jenny and Jan! And hear of what’s going on in your lives and everyone’s. We are getting very fall like here in North MN, its not my favorite season, but if the sun shines, the short days are doable.

Husband is helping son in the sugar beet harvest, he does the “beating of the beets” Thats pulling a machine that removes the tops of the sugar beet ahead of the “lifter” that digs them out and elevates them into trucks to be taken to the sugar refinery. He gets tired but is glad to be part of the action.

I’m reading “An Irish Country Dr.” or maybe I mentioned it, I’m enjoying it, a young Dr is assisting the older one who’s been in Ballybucklebo for many years and knows the patients very well. Dr. Fingal Flahertie O’Reilly is a very interesting man and Dr Barry Laverty comes to appreciate how well he handles home visits as well as those who come to “surgery”. Which apparently is the name for the exam room at the clinic.

I’m not in a hurry to finish it—its kind of like visiting friends.

And glad you are back, Jo, and Jenny!!! 97 you are an inspiration! Jacky

I am so happy to hear from Jo and Jenny. Jenny don’t worry about spelling. Communication is what is important. Jo, you sound like you are making a great adjustment. Take care all of you. Georgianna

It is good to hear from you Jenny, no matter how you write or spell. I think all here know I have a spelling gland defect. It is good to hear from all of you.

 thats the name of my  retirement home here in Birmingham,  Al.  yes ,  Jan,  i still live in the good old South.  our place has the same things and activities as your places.  i don`t know how expensive your place is, but this here is too expensive unfortunatly.  the food is not outstandig, but ok. I am here now 7 years and have not gained weight.  i am glad about that. Some times we have  day trips here, but  i don`t like to sit in the bus that long.my daughter has moved from  milwaukee to  birmingham, she gave up her very good job there.   unfortunatly she can not find a job here, its almost 6 months now.  she was an Administrator in a  hospital, she wanted to be nearer me and her brother, he lives here too  .                                i am sorry to make so many mistakes, but you people who are here a long time know,  i come from  Europe .  i have no speller  i can use and my spelling is no good, special the capital letters.  please forgive me.   bye  i am glad we heard from  jo too.

Are you still in Birmingham, Jenny?  I used to live in Huntsville but moved to Idaho two years ago.

Your new place sounds wonderful. It is great hearing from you and all that you are doing. To answer your questions, my granddaughter and husband are living and working in NY. His family has been in the US for many years so are very Americanized. I did enjoy all the Indian traditions during the wedding week though,There was a Mendi ceremony and I had my hand painted with a Henna design which lasted for over a week. I feel great after the pace maker. I realize now it wasn’t age that made me so tired. It doesn’t seem that you have much time for reading. Enjoy!

This is a nice place to be. The ladies (mostly, a few gentlemen but mostly women) and all are very friendly. As a resident, I can go to the bistro (a kitchen-type room but no stove) and have breakfast – juice, coffee, dry cereal and fruit of some sort, toast, bagels, and of course, donuts and other such stuff. All this is free of charge. That coffee klatsch is good for 2 and a half hours every morning.

I’m usually on the computer and so have toast, egg, juice and vitamins etc here at home. And yes, my cup of Earl Grey tea.

My daughter, Suzanne, finally found a job after 11 months or searching, now we’re holding our breath for her daughter, Jenna, to find one. She’s been here since December and is still looking. Before she found her job, Suzanne and I had a good time getting things I needed and showing me Loveland. Now that she’s working, Jenna has taken over getting her grandma around. Monday we’re going to her hairdresser for a wash and cut for me and a trim and thinning for her. She has a head of hair that would be great for two people. I am envious.

One of the ‘perks’ here at Mirasol is a hairdresser who comes here once a week, I think. I’ll try her next time after I get a good shaping job done. I’ve hacked at it now and again but nothing professional. I still like short hair. It dries almost before I’ve gotten out of the shower!!!!!!!!

Mirasol has a van which makes weekly trips to drug stores, grocery stores, thrift shops, organic food stores like Whole Foods, banks, library, Walmart and the local mall, Centerra, which is HUGE. They have a Wii which means a bowling league that even a lady in a wheelchair can do. Poker games, dominoes (Mexican Train which is loads of fun), movies (they have a big screen TV), and a couple different kinds of exercises. There is a dry craft room which is currently housing a man working on a stagecoach. It’s quite a job, too. Oct 30 they are going to the Denver Art Museum, and I believe I shall sign up for that one. Friday and Saturday night, weather permitting, they have a sunset gathering around the fire pit. One time a resident made margaritas for the attendees.

The view of the mountains is spectacular. We see Longs Peak and Mt. Meeker off in the distance (but close) and the Twin Sisters in front of them. It’s a long drive to those mountains from here. Estes Park is up the mountain, maybe half to three-quarters of an hour away.

And hockey season starts this month – which is great I love it. And am I ready!

Well, I think I’m caught up again. Hope I didn’t bore you all – I’ll try to be a bit more timely.

Jo

my granddaughter visited me for a week. She lives in N.Y. City and is a free lanc ? writer of commercials. it was great to have her here, i have 4 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren, but don`t see them too often. i live in an retirementcenter and i am lonely sometimes, try to be busy with reading, doing crosswordpuzzles and playing Solitaire and scrabble on the computer and 4 ladies and i are playing mexican train, thats a domino game, its fun. So long for t

I didn’t realize it had been so long. My most humble apologies but I haven’t

done very much since moving in except trying to get a handle on things. sigh. Isn’t easy!

Good news about your hearing aid contract – you lived right that week, Jan.

I enjoyed Grisham’s BLEACHERS; it’s totally unlike his other books, which I also like.

Oh my Darlyne – I have missed a lot and didn’t realize you now had a pacemaker. I hope there is more news as I catch up. I do understand that those who have them are very happy with them.

Julia Child was a very tall woman and I understand she did some espionage work for the Allies during WW II.

How are you doing with your Dell, Garvin now that you’ve had a chance to get better acquainted.

Isn’t it wonderful, Candace, when things work out so well like that. My move was rather the same thing. I only had five years of ‘stuff’ – gee whiz, I can imagine what you’re going through. Austin is a lovely city and has lots of things going on; it’s not only the capitol of TX but also a college town. You’ll love it.

re talking with people from India: With my hearing, their accent, although lovely, is hard to understand. One of them said I should ask to speak to a supervisor as they would speak with no accent – they’re usually Americans. One man in particular was absolutely certain he could help me and much as I tried, no way. I finally had to get VERY huffy with him, interrupt him with his “I can help you” and finally got the American supervisor. I complained about that gentleman also. Try that next time.

I can’t imagine not having my computer. Suzanne and Paul were so helpful when it came to getting my first PC (we were together in ABQ if y’all remember) and then she and he decided they were to be a couple and he took her away to CA. Learning the PC after having had a Mac was quite an experience but now I love it. And the friends I’ve made are the biggest benefit.

I see that our bridger is still amongst us periodically. She needs to proof read her stuff. And she needs to stay out of our blog. Darlyne, ask Jenny if there’s any way to block her. She’s agnesbill2009. Thanks.

Good job, Jerry – isn’t that the truth. Some English lessons would be good, too.

Will your granddaughter and husband be living in the US? I hope the marriage works well; sometimes when customs are so different, it’s difficult. I wish them good luck.

Re Debbie Macomber’s book, Jacky. That is part of a series, #8 to be exact. The address tell which one in the series it is, I’ve just bought #9. Try to find #1 and read them in order. You’ll remember the characters much better.

Agnes is one of those who likes to exhibit her intelligence but only shows her ignorance of proper English usage and spelling.

A squirrel in the house – oh no! They are messy little critters, did you get it out?

Macomber’s needlework shop tales are very good. I don’t remember names but the street name is Blossom and the shop is located in what was once a fairly rundown area but is on the upswing.

Pride and Prejudice was a wonderful book. I much prefered the movie with Colin Firth and I don’t remember the name of the female lead. The others who were in the movies were good, but this young woman could hold her own.

It’s wonderful to hear from you again, Jenny. We were all getting quite worried and I emailed but go no response and didn’t know where else to go. And happy VERY happy birthday. Being 97 and on a computer is quite something else. You are indeed a rare bird!

I haven’t deserted you you – no chance of that. I get emails threatening me with being disinherited or worse if I don’t post in here so after reading all this, you may disinherit me anyway!

Isn’t that always the way, Candace. But after 51 years worth of stuff, I think you did well. It’s wonderful that your son and DIL did so much for you and the heavy lifting too. Tell him to take care of himself. Working even with shingles is quite a feat.

Did I tell all of you that I was on a shingles study while I lived in TX? My mom had shingles and really had a hard time, so when I heard about this study, I signed up. Son Gene went with me to the clinic (a very famous one whose name has long since slipped through the cracks in my memory). Each month I had to call in and answer the questions – pushing numbers and so forth, no talking to a real person. At the end, it turned out that I had been given the serum they were working on. It’s now available to the public.

Our book – we did a good thing with that book, didn’t we. Even though it didn’t get published, it is still a great memory for us.

Wede is doing well – I hear from her occasionally, esp if I email her to see who she’s doing.

So I’m going to publish this dissertation and maybe start anew. I’ll have to have a sandwich first; all this hard work has made me hungry.

Hugs to all of you, my friends.
Jo

wonderful to hear from  Jo.  she always has some conversation going. I had a visit from my  granddaughter Jill, she lives in N.Y., it was great, she stayed a week.  its broke up the monotony living in a Retirement center and  i felt years younger.  usually i do a lot of reading, do  Crossword puzzles or play games on the computer like scrabble, solitaire.  but to have someone with you is wonderful.    have a nice weekend    JENNY c.

Mostly!!!!!

I’m ready to go out the door to have my hair cut and washed, actually wash first — and yes that is here at Mirasol.

It has been an exciting time since I posted last and I promise to give you all the long (probably) and short (from me????) of it all either later today or tomorrow. My kids want me to get involved and I’m involved already!!!!!!!!!!!!

I KNEW I should have remembered the word “NO” but then . . . . .

Hurriedly,
Jo

Jo is fine, just terribly busy with events in her place and relatives. She is still interested in ggobit. I e-mailed her and she replied.

I have wondeed about you, too. Now it is Jo I am concerned about. I appreciate all of you I just read a book,”What Happened to Henry?” It is a child’s book I think but certainly adults could learn from it, too. I sure liked it.

Georgianna