What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty

A quick and interesting read...really made me think about how our marriages can so quickly disintegrate when we allow fatigue and busyness to rule.  How have I changed in these 43 years? Have I become like Alice... snippy tight voice, condescending, sarcastic, opinionated?  Lots of pondering about how friendships can be lost, sisters can put up walls, and husbands can be shut out.  Since I like solutions, my take away is that I need to really see my husband -- and continually listen better and appreciate more.  God's way is gratefulness, forgiveness and an open heart.  Nick told Alice that he would know when she regained her memory --by the way she looked at him.  I want to look at my husband in that "young Alice" way.

.
Grandkiddos 2016!  Michigan Memories..

My Name is Resolute by Nancy E. Turner

This was a long read, but so interesting to hear Resolute's story. A privileged daughter of a Jamaican plantation owner who was kidnapped and enslaved in the early 1700's when women were treated as chattel. Because of her age, Resolute seemed to slip out of the grip of the abusers around her--but her older sister was not so fortunate. Resolute goes from the bowels of a dirty ship to a convent in Canada, sold from the pirating slave-owners to the hateful colonist slaveowners, to the Church slaveowners. When she finally escapes, it is to Lexington, MA where she finds a "local lunatic" who believes in her and assists in establishing her in the community. This story opened my eyes to all that women could not do in that culture -- and all the reasons why those early colonists rebelled against the British. So many injustices, and liberties that were taken away--it made me wonder what it would take for me to stand against our government, or would I be so filled with fear and confusion about what to do--that I would do nothing??

Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown

This was a good, solid story of the 1936 Olympic rowing team from Washington State University. It wasn't an easy read, but glad I endured as it makes me proud of that "greatest generation" of overcomers, those who came from nothing- then went through the Depression and WWII--but still came through. So much like my parents, who maintained perseverance and hard work to get their "American Dream". Joe and the other teammates who fought hard for Coach Al Ulbrickson were all from working class families, who had to earn their own way in college--no wealthy, East Coast mentality. The author went into lots of detail which bogged me down and caused me to skim in many spots, but the overall story line was great.

California Christmas Celebration 2015

After a fun few days with the Tegelaars in December, we boarded a Delta flight on Christmas Day! So fun to have Evy Rose meet us at the San Jose airport with her sign, "Welcome Boppa & Lita"!! Lita had talk time with Ev all the way home to Santa Cruz--she loves one on one time! We sang Twinkle Twinkle as we watched the stars, and she talked up a storm! While Hendrens were in Granite Bay, we spent a few days with Ben & Jenny--a joy to meet Abbott Kyle, getting him to sleep, calming him down. Best times: Evy requesting me to play in her "cubbie", reading to E or M at bedtime - singing bedtime songs & praying with them; Maelie crawling in bed with me one morning & looking at my phone photos; finally realizing I could snuggle with Walker & sing him lullabies after Mel nursed--so precious; going to the movies with Mel & Jenny; a wonderful get-a-way to Monterey with the girls--they were sooo good: playing in the hot tub, eating dinner at the grill, watching Nemo, going to the aquarium; LOVE LOVE when we get time by ourselves with them. Bill thoroughly enjoyed the backsplash tiling in the kitchen and getting started on the back room ceiling-he was really on guard about going into the garage, full of dust & mold-mildew. YAY! He is learning!! Funny Maelie comment--pointing to all my moles, "what this?" I respond, "beauty marks". She points to one on my chest and says, "that's an old one"!! Fun day in the forest, hiking; fun eating out on the patio at the burger place; fun walks to the parks -especially when M refuses to keep going, HA!; Days of relaxation, watching movies & sports & having dinner together. Family -- I miss them.

The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grisson

Finished this book on our long flight home from California. The author wrote this from 2 different perspectives, from a slave girl who worked in the Kitchen House, behind the Manor Home; and from an "adopted" Irish immigrant girl. Those 1800's days in the south are not places I love to re-visit; however this story was gripping--Lavinia, the Irish girl, is adopted into the Kitchen House family of Papa, Momma Mae and Belle. They love her, and care for her as she mourns the loss of her family; but she is then promoted into grander plans and welcomed into a different society. Confusion, secrecy, loss --Lavinia doesn't know who she is or who really loves her. The Plantation Life --of hardship, of unkindness, of evil deeds towards the slaves, of whites turning their backs on the truth -- is a sad commentary on America; but so thankful that Grisson brings in a few characters that shine: Will, the new foreman; Mama Mae, giving the ultimate sacrifice; and Uncle, an old man continually caring for all those around him--black or white.

The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh

Another great story of redemption -- a broken young girl from the foster care system who lives with the memory of her greatest mistake, who cannot accept love from others, who feels she needs to be self-sufficient, who does not trust anyone, who doesn't know how to connect or communicate with others---uses her one learned skill, the meanings of different flowers, to make her way in the world. I loved that a few wonderful people along the way loved & accepted Victoria, without asking for her to change. Are there people that God places in my life, that I am called to love unconditionally, with all of their warts and issues---but I miss the call because they are prickly and broken, and I discard them for someone else to care for? Give me eyes to see, Lord.

The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman

Extraordinary Read. A man with "demons" from his war years, seeking to live a secluded life as a lighthouse keeper meets a joyful, energetic young lady --they fall in love; and both head to his commission -- an isolated island off the coast of Australia where they start their life together, only seeing other people every three months when the supplies are delivered. Truth is the underlying theme-- "what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive". The first step into deceit is the downfall of their lives-- Tom trying to please Isobel's greatest desire, the ensuing "finding out", the pain associated with the poor choice, the reconciliation and forgiveness required to move ahead. It causes me to ponder about what choices I would make for my deepest desires, or for someone I love. A thoughtful novel.

A Disney Adventure

The long anticipated trip to FL was wonderful! Bill & I landed in Orlando on a Thursday evening and spent the evening pigging out at Red Lobster, and resting in the hot tub--trying to shed the unrelenting colds and coughs that plagued us from the previous two weeks. The Tegelaar Fam joined us on Friday afternoon, having made the 9 hour trek in their trusty Family Vanmobile. What fun to spend time playing with the kids -- in the resort pool, on the water slides. Boppa had a ball, chasing after Zeal and Trux in the water, sliding down the baby pool and teaching them to do cannonballs. Sunday was our first full day of parks- a well planned out adventure from organized Mikkel. Only downside was the LONG 70 minute wait for "Soarin" which was a great ride when we finally got there! Boppa spent time playing with flexible, fun Trux since he was too short. The other highlight that day for Lita was the Princess Party at Akershus Hall. Zeal & Azi dressed up in pretty dresses and we met 5 princesses (Cinderella/Snow White/ Belle/Aurora/ Ariel). Zeal's little face lit up as each one stopped by our table to speak to the girls. Although Z did not like the fast roller coaster rides & dark places, we found many spots that she loved. Meeting Mickey, Donald and Goofy were extremely fun for her, as were the calmer rides like It's a Small World and the Seven Dwarfs ride. Azi & Jet were up for fast and furious and loved Space Mountain, Thunder Mountain, Splash Mountain and any other mountain!! The Tegelaars spent extra time at Epcot where Jet really loved the different cultures depicted. Azi, Mikkel & I stayed late to do a few fun Azi "picks"-- President's Hall, Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress, and some shopping! The kids are growing up - Azi, especially. Although 4 days was a bit exhausting for old Boppa & Lita; the laughter, delight and extra time with each one was a precious gift! It made me smile to see Mikkel interacting with strangers, engaging in conversations -- a chip off the old daddy's block!! Teg remains unflappable in stressful situations, and carries on as a true "servant husband" chipping in to complete Mik's well laid out plans. Fun, fast, fantastic, frustrating, frolicKy, frivolous, flamboyant --UNFORGETTABLE.

Lydia's Party by Margaret Haskins

“Sumptuous . . . a repast that’s alternately uncomfortable and soothing, weepy and jubilant, evocative and realistic. Party host and art teacher Lydia is having her annual dinner for her women friends. . . . In a quirky, impossibly magical and sweetly charming twist, Lydia helps guide them all to forgiveness.” —Publishers Weekly A great review on this book; Lydia wants to believe in her friends and in the past comaraderies they have shared, each with their own struggles and idiosyncrasies. Each friend coming to her home on this blustery Chicago evening has thoughts to share about the others in the hours leading up to the party; but Lydia's courageous announcement changes everything. They walk forward together in a compassionate and accepting manner. This is real life, and it so reminded me of my sister, Amy, and how she was about building bridges with her friends: a final act of grace and mercy before her death.