Reading.

My reading at the moment.  The weather is crisper and it is lovely to sit down with a cup of tea and a book, whenever possible, even if two pages at a time.

Maeve Binchy.

A wonderful book.

Holiday Reading.

I have enjoyed reading this holiday and enjoyed most of these books.  "Finding Valentino" was a wonderful trip through Italy which I enjoyed, namely as my sister, parents and good friend all have been in Europe this month.  Welcome back to my sister and oink!

Twelve Hours of Reading.

This is the book that kept me reading from 6pm till 6am, as I loved the details about food and the setting in Dublin.  Some characters changed rather quickly though and it is not a book that I would read again; but it was holidays and I thoroughly enjoyed being absorbed.

J.K Rowling.

I am reading "Casual Vacancy" by J.K Rowling.  I was not one of those who loved her Harry Potter books, however I did enjoy reading the way in which she crafted her stories.  When I learnt that "cobble stone paths" and "villages"  featured in her new book, I decided to get a copy.  The story is a lot harsher than lovely English village life and would not usually be my kind of book, as I read to enjoy a happy escape into loveliness... but I am intrigued and will finish the book.  She has pulled together many characters effortlessly and I think that she was very brave to branch away from Harry Potter.

This book won't keep me up as late as my last book did: 6pm to 6am the following morning!

Spring at the Lakehouse.

A week at the lakehouse.  13 year old son started windsurfing, 10 year old daughter could lift the sail out of the water.  Balancing on the fence, midnight long Monopoly, Scrabble, "Happy Families", snacks as the sun set (cheese/pate and crackers), canoeing, I read two books, playing in the sand and long sleep ins. 13 year old son looked after the evening fires.  No TV and no phone.  It was wonderful.  I read "Backwards in High Heels" and "Belly Dancing for Beginners".

Holiday Reading.

I am hosting this month's bookclub and need to have books to add to the pool for borrowing.  It is nice to have read the books prior to chatting about them isn't it?

Last week, while at the lake house in front of the fire, I read two books in two days:
"Peaches for Monsieur le Cure" by Joanne Harris and "Other People's Diaries" by Kathy Webb.
Both enjoyable, both absorbed me.

I am reading "Otherland" now by Maria Tumarkin.  It looks very promising indeed.  A mother takes her teenage daughter back to the USSR, where she grew up but left to emigrate to Australia.
I do love to read books which are set in other countries.  Joanne Harris'  book was set in a village in France.  Such joy in her description of a  simple meal of peaches, cheese and chocolate.

Some Reading.

With these lovely cooler days, I have caught up with my reading pile.  I am slowly making my way through "Past Imperfect-A Novel".  It is set in London and I am enjoying the escape.  Thanks to P (oink oink) for lending it to me.

Ladybird Books.

I am enjoying these from an online book company based in the U.K. I am revisiting many old favourites. The children like them as well.

Summer Holiday Reading.

When husband E was in China, I read "China Cukkoo". A tree change to the hills in China.....

When on our mini holiday I read "The Book of Tomorrow" by Cecelia Ahern. I read it in one night, I was intrigued and also have a deadline to have books to present for bookclub which I am hosting in a fortnight's time. A book set in Ireland with a tragic death in a family initiating a move in location and position in society for a teenage girl and her mother. A diary gives clues as to the next day's events, yet the teenage girl still has control over her actions.

I hope to also read "Under the Greenwood Tree" by Thomas Hardy (A Classic) and "What Kate Did Next" by Lisa Heidke. All for bookclub.

I have had "Evening Class" by Maeve Binchy on my nightstand for months, I am struggling to get into it, but think it will be worthwhile. Perhaps, also read by the end of January for bookclub.

Holiday Reading.

I am hosting bookclub here next week and as the host have to provide some new books for the collection.

I have read these two books, "Lucy Sullivan is Getting Married" and "Vintage Alice".

Two books randomly chosen and bought months apart. Two books that had the same theme; young girl works in dull job and is short of cash. Horrible boyfriend. Meets knight in shining armour. Description of London at its coldest and dirtiest. Let me just say, not books that offer lovely escapes or joy to read. I must take more time in my selection in future.

Noddy Books.

Books.

..........of interest and hobbies..............

Pooh corner and Beatrix Potter..........

For growing minds.........

Many favourites........

My books from bookclub.........

Quiet reading for the children after dinner........

Books from a library that has closed.......

Books about God.......

Special books, some from previous generations........

Books to help learn language.........

Books to browse through...........

Paperwork like a Magic Pudding.

I do not like piles on my benches. Wednesday is note day from school and this week there was much to attend to. I have finally sorted through all past paperwork/tax/bills and reduced paperwork to cover the last seven years only.

The bench is a "Magic Pudding" though....
"Magic Pudding" means that it continuously replenishes itself. This is based on a wonderful children's story called "The Magic Pudding" by Norman Lindsay.

Sabbath, Scripture and Sharing.

This is the second week at our church and we are enjoying being local and meeting very welcoming people. The Sunday School Bible story was the story that we read to 7 year old daughter the night before!

A friend and I are still reading The Ministry of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson. We have started the chapter titled "The Gift of Inspiration." Our children are all blessed with different gifts, we as mothers not only love, clothe, nurture and protect our children but we are also to set them on their life's mission to use their gifts to serve others.

Holiday reading.

It is so sad to finish a good book...........
Now to enjoy the next by Jane Webster.

On the Eighteenth Day of December.....

A lovely card from a dear friend, perhaps you know her; A Woman of Notes.

Our selection of Christmas books that we read this season....

Bookclub.

As is customary, on the last Wednesday of the month, we gather for bookclub. I think we have been meeting for at least five years. My dear friend who recently moved back to Seattle used to come too. We missed her tonight.

Sunday Night Stories.

Every Sunday night we have a longer time of reading stories. For a while, 9 year old son has indulged in "Harry Potter" and 6 year old daughter enjoys her library books or "The Twelve Dancing Princesses". Our younger two have nursery rhymes care of Dad before bed and "Hairy Maclary" from me before their day sleep.... until another favourite is chosen.

Face Time with the Kids.

The challenge this month is to spend more time with our children. The first week it was recommended that we read together, the second week that we cook together and now the third week that we play games with our children.
Well, every Saturday night is "Games Night" in our house. I must say, we have had some good laughs and learnt some valuable lessons, such as playing for fun and not always being the winner. Saturday nights usually involve our older two, however the younger two are becoming quite adept at "Snap" during the day.

By the way, the Drop Everything and Read (D.E.A.R.) session in the afternoon is going really well. It is nice to do it all together.

Don't forget, the adults have to do it alongside the children. Altogether you see..