Five Greats

I haven't been good with this. 

And I really need to get back

into remembering my

week's greats.

So, without further delay...

1. Coffee with Lara

Sometimes it's nice to get together

with a mate

and just catch up.

2. Flowers

I came home Monday to this arrangement.

I had some roses on the table
that I got for my birthday.
They were slowly dying.
So my housekeeper went into the garden
and picked some fresh ones for me.

3. Dinner with friends

A friend was passing through Dar.
So a few of us got together for a great evening.
Food, wine and company were all
great.

4. Being a music teacher
I spent the last 3 days this week
covering for the music teacher.
Now,
while I'm not exactly musically inclined,
I had a great time!

5. Class party
Ethan and his classmates
are off for their very first
overnight field trip.
So I thought it would be nice
to have a little class party.
Kids, parents and siblings
came over for a swim.
Everyone brought some food to share.
It was a fabulous afternoon.

The Veil - Megan Chance

The Fianna Triology comes to an end in The Veil, and it offers new twists that, really, you didn't see coming.

Grace has found the archdruid who can help her develop her powers as the veleda. She still hopes he'll provide her a spell that will prevent her death. Her working with the archdruid, also means she's kept away. Away from Patrick and the Fomori and away from Diarmid and the Fianna.

In the first two books, I really wasn't a fan of Patrick. But here, he shines. You see a new Patrick, and you like him. Which is horrible, because how can the triangle work if you like all parties involved?

Aiden grows more in this final book. He is a strong brother, that doesn't allow his choosing the Fianna to affect his concern for Grace. In the end, his family matters, not his allegiance.

Diarmid continues to be the torn soul. Torn between his love for Grace and his love for his brothers. But even as Patrick shines, Diarmid still is able to be the hero you fell in love with.

What was really great about this final installment, was seeing both sides of the immigrant story. We see the reasons why Patrick wants to "save" Ireland, and how the Irish see their new life in America. We see the influence of the Fianna on the new immigrants.

While I love myths, mythology and folklore, I've never been interested in Irish folklore, but I do think that's about to change!

The Bourbon Kings - J.R. Ward

Did you grow up in the eighties?

Did you mom watch those scandalous night time soaps?

Familiar with Dallas?

Dynasty?

Ever get sucked into the lives of the Ewing's, Carrington's

or Colby's?

Did you or your mum spend a summer wondering

Who Shot JR?

Well,

if you're nostalgic for those days

this is the book for you!

Meet the Baldwins. 

They are a powerful family

that has been making the best Bourbon

forever.

And like every wealthy, 

old money family,

they are scandalous.

Edward,

the oldest of the siblings,

was the heir apparent.

Until his trip to Mexico where he was kidnapped

and tortured.

Now he is half the man he was.

But still cannot forget the woman

he loves.

Can he swallow his pride

and admit the truth?

Lane fell in love with Lizzie.

But she's the head gardener.

Can their love be real?

Well,

not when his girlfriend turns up pregnant

so he marries her.

But he's never forgotten Lizzie.

Can he win her back?

Gin is the only daughter.

A free spirit.

Not very educated,

but with a body like hers

does she need one?

Her one true love

is a man she's been playing games

with for years.

But when she confesses her true feelings

will he believe her.

Welcome to Charlemont.

It's not Dallas and oil.

It's Kentucky and Bourbon.

Mom of One

 Ethan's our only child. And,  I do not shy away from referring to him as my miracle child. Those who know me, know the reason(s) he's our only child. And they know why he'll be our only child. 

And while I get, that not everyone is aware of this, and people find it necessary to ask me when I'll have another, it does tend to get old.

Yesterday, I went to fetch Ethan from school. Hanging out with some fellow moms, I had one ask me about more children. And I gave my standard response. "No, we have no plans for more." But it didn't end there. The inquisition went on for a good 10 minutes.

Not everyone chooses to have more than one child. For some, this is a choice. For others, it isn't. But no matter which one it is, there are some things you should just  not say!

1. But wouldn't you want a girl.

    Sure. But I have a niece. And while it's not the same, I'm happy. So why does it bother you?

2. Doesn't he ever want a sibling.

     Sure. But he also wants an iPad, a new bike, playdates, no homework, and a whole bunch more.          Yes, it's not the same thing,  but you can't always get what you want. 

3. Are you trying?

    Maybe we are. And maybe we're not. I like to say we're practicing! 

4. Just go and have another one.

    Sure. I'll just go to the baby store and pick one out.

5. You know, you could adopt.

    Yup, I know. Thanks.

6. He needs someone to play with.

    Yes he does. That's why he has friends.

7. Doesn't he get lonely?

    Sure he does. Sometimes. Don't we all?

Don't get me wrong, I understand there are people who love their big family, and there are people who are happy with their small families. But why is there a need to make people question their choices?

Five Greats

We are back in Dar!

And while we're sad to see the summer come to an end,

we've had a very busy and exciting week.

1. Hello grade 4

Ethan's started school.

Can you believe this little man

is a fourth grader now.

2. Ice cream with cousins.

To celebrate the first day of school,

we went for ice cream with some cousins.

3. We moved into our new house.

We just moved down the road,

but it has a nice yard

and is on a better road.

4. Friday wine with the ladies.

Not quite sure when

or how this started,

but every couple of weeks,

two mates and I

spend the afternoon together

just having fun.

5. Sushi Sunday

A lovely Sunday afternoon

with sushi and my boys.

Paper Towns - John Green

I have a rule at home;

if there's a movie made,

based on a book,

you need to read the book first.

This is why my son has yet

to watch the Harry Potter movies.

So when I was at the cinema,

and saw a preview for Paper Towns

I figured I better read it,

in case I wanted to see it.

Quentin Jacobsen was once great friends with this neighbour,

Margo Roth Spiegelman.

Now he loves her from afar.

Until the night she sneaks into his bedroom

and takes me on a midnight adventure.

They extract revenge

on those that Margo viewed

as having caused her pain.

They sneak into Seaworld.

They have a great time!

The next day, 

Margo's not at school.

Her parents say she's run away.

She's done this before.

But Margo has left behind some clues,

and Quentin,

along with his buddies,

are out to find her.

Five Greats

Oh my,

do I ever have some catching up to do.

My last "greats"

was all Boston related. 

I had a GREAT time there.

And then I had a fantastic week

in Ottawa

filled with more greats.

1. I may have gotten a certificate from 

Project Zero,

but this one makes my heart melt.

2. Beach day with friends.

3. Treats!

4. New Ink

5. Cousins