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August 2011

Friday, August 05, 2011

Revenge of the Red Knight by Marianne Hering & Paul McCusker


Revenge of the Red Knight by Marianne Hering & Paul McCusker

Revenge of the Red Knight  

by Marianne Hering & Paul McCusker
Published by Tyndale House Publishers

Patrick and Beth are 8-year-old cousins with a mysterious friend and wonderful adventures. Their friend, Mr. Whittaker, invented the Imagination Station, an amazing machine that lets people visit history - in person.

Albert, Mr. Whittaker's relative in the past, is in trouble, but now the machine only works for Patrick and Beth. To help their friend, and Albert, the kids have traveled to meet the Vikings, an emperor in ancient Rome, and Kublai Khan.

After getting the golden tablet of Kublai Khan, the cousins hopped in the Imagination Station to head home. But something went wrong, and they ended up in a dark cave - somewhere.   [Continue Reading ...]

In this, the fourth book of the series, the cousins finally meet Albert and learn why he needed their help. Treasures have been disappearing from Lord Darkthorn's castle and fingers are pointing at Albert, who was in charge of caring for them. But, as usual, Patrick and Beth discover that things aren't exactly what them seem.

Will they be able to track down the missing treasures, before Lord Darkthorn returns and punishes Albert? And, if they do, how will they call the Imagination Station and get home?

*****

Another well-written story from The Imagination Station and Adventures in Odyssey, offers a trip through medieval history that kids will love. When the reading is done, there is a Secret Word puzzle and links to exciting online adventures in the back of the book.

Can't wait to read the next story. And I'll bet your kids will agree.

Recommended for Ages 7 and up
Fleisch-Kincaid Grade Level: 2.1


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through the Tyndale Blog Network <http://mediacenter.tyndale.com/> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

 
 


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Roadside Assistance for Your RV


1941 Flexible Clipper Motor Home

Summer is almost over. Naturally, during the coming weekends, we'll all be trying to squeeze in just one more road trip - before school starts and it's time to park the RV for another year.

I can't say that I know what it takes to keep an RV on the road. But, I can imagine that roadside assistance takes on a whole new meaning when you're talking about a vehicle the size of a small apartment. Flat tires, alone, must be a nightmare.   [Continue Reading ...]

Not every towing or roadside service company is going to be equipped to deal with an RV.

It only makes sense that, if you're going to go for assistance coverage, you want to choose someone who can do the job. Not to mention, someone who isn't going to tack on a ton of mileage charges and hidden fees.

When you find a company that offers 24-hour help, unlimited mileage, and coverage throughout North America - jump on it. Or, as they say in the commercials, don't leave home without it; without making sure you can get back safely.

 
 


Posted in: Financial, Holiday, Travel   Comments

Thursday, August 04, 2011

The Crocheted Prayer Shawl Companion


The Crocheted Prayer Shawl Companion  

by Janet Bristow, Victoria A. Cole-Galo
Published by The Taunton Press

The Crocheted Prayer Shawl Companion

The subtitle or tagline, if you will, for this lovely book says it all: "37 Patterns to Embrace, Inspire & Celebrate Life."

This collection of beautiful patterns and incredible images would be enough to make any crochet enthusiast rush to their nearest craft shop or bookstore. But, what sets this book apart, are the stories. Remembrances shared by the people who share their work.

Although, work may not be the right word. These crocheters are sharing their faith along side the patterns and stitches. Sharing their prayers and blessings, woven as beautifully as the yarns into gifts of love for people they often don't know.*   [Continue Reading ...]

This is the second book from the founders of Prayer Shawl Ministry*. And they offer much more than patterns and prayers. There are the expected, or at least hoped-for, crochet terms, yarn descriptions, and designer biographies.

What isn't expected, is the appendix covering colors and symbolism. As an example, I made an afghan in varying sizes of squares and rectangles, in red and black a few years ago. I thought it was cool; so did the recipient.

Little did I know that, with those colors and shapes, I was promoting energy, vigor, and health (red); strength, self-confidence, and harmony (black); and balance (squares). Important needs to the young man who received the afghan.

*****

I have never made a prayer shawl, but I can't resist crochet books. This one is beautiful - patterns, stories, and images that touch the mind, the heart, and inspire a need to pick up some yarn and a hook.

Whether you're part of a prayer shawl ministry, want to be, or just love crocheting shawls - you're going to want to add this book to your library.

 

* "Whether they are called Prayer Shawls, Comfort Shawls, Peace Shawls, or Mantles, etc., the shawl maker begins with prayers and blessings for the recipient. The intentions are continued throughout the creation of the shawl. Upon completion, a final blessing is offered before the shawl is sent on its way."

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary electronic galley of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.com <http://www.netgalley.com/> professional readers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

 
 


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Today's Maternity Clothes


Navy/Ivory Printed Maternity Skirt

Looking back, which is something I do more often these days, I can say with all honesty that the only thing I hated about being pregnant was the clothes. Never had much morning sickness or, with the exception of seafood during the first one, any food aversions - that I can recall.

But, oh heavens, the maternity clothes. I had a black corduroy jumper that I must have lived in toward the end and - I promise you - it was not a good look. Big black belly, skinny white legs, and - need I say it - corduroy. What a picture.

Now, there are gorgeous items - like this navy and ivory skirt - that don't scream pregnant and ugly. With a navy tank and ivory jacket, or vice versa, I could see this in my wardrobe. Casual, classy, and comfortable - just what every woman craves.

And don't even get me started on this beautiful satin dress with the handkerchief hem. While designed to camouflage a blooming belly, the style would also disguise my middle-aged belly and, not-so-youthful, hips. It's just a perfect Arizona outfit - cool and floaty, it would be just right for almost every season.

Yup, maternity clothes have certainly changed.

 


Wednesday, August 03, 2011

Playing Fast and Loose with Disability


Disability Symbols

The last few weeks have been stressful for those of us receiving Social Security, disability insurance, and other government pension payments.

Getting through the approval process for disability is not easy or relaxing. Then, when you finally survive the convoluted nightmare, the government puts its collective head up its collective ... ahem ... and puts the only income you have at risk. There are few things more upsetting than having your livelihood put in danger, simply because one group of politicians wants to mess with another.

I can't help thinking it's a bit like a corporation (repeatedly) paying out millions in salaries, bonuses, and benefits to the executive suites. Then, one Friday, (after collecting their salaries, bonuses, and benefits) half of those execs decide, "Gee. We have been paying out so much on ... um, other stuff .. that we just don't seem to have the money for payroll.

"Certainly, the workers will understand that we have to cut back somewhere. They want what's best for the company, so they'll stand behind this ... right?"

 


Posted in: Financial   Comments

The Boy Who Came Back from Heaven by Kevin & Alex Malarkey


The Boy Who Came Back from Heaven by Kevin & Alex Malarkey

The Boy Who Came Back from Heaven  

by Kevin & Alex Malarkey
Published by Tyndale House Publishers

On a Sunday afternoon in late 2004, one day after bringing home their fourth child, Kevin Malarky and his oldest son, Alex, were on their way home from a post-church outing to the park. At an intersection on a country road, Dad called home and, still on the phone, pulled out.

Due to an unusual dip in the road that he was about to cross, Kevin never saw the vehicle that slammed into them.

What follows is the story of angels, demons, prayers, and miracles.   [Continue Reading ...]

Alex was in a coma for weeks and, frankly, few people believed he would survive. The impact of the accident, effectively, separated Alex's skull from his spinal cord. Doctors expected he would never breathe on his own, swallow, or have normal brain function.

Luckily, Alex's life was being held in much stronger hands. And, in a few short months, he was able to share with friends and family what had happened to him - from the time of the accident; how he had watched what was happening to his body. To tell them of angels, demons, truths, and lies.

Of how he spoke with God.

*****

As a parent, this is not an easy book to read. I had to stop several times in the early chapters, overcome by emotion. And, honestly, I don't know that I'd have believed what I read in the later chapters, if it weren't for the images and x-rays.

It's simply too amazing.

But there is no denying that Alex probably shouldn't be alive. He probably shouldn't be doing the things he's doing today. And there is certainly no medical explanation for his recovery.

Whether you believe in miracles, or not, this is an incredible story that will make you think - and feel. And wonder.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through the Tyndale Blog Network <http://mediacenter.tyndale.com/> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

 
 


Posted in: Reading   Comments

Tuesday, August 02, 2011

Tire Chains


RUD Easy 2 Go

If you've always lived somewhere with a, shall we say, moderate climate, you're probably a stranger to tire chains. Having lived the first 22 years of my life in Colorado and the next 23 in Michigan, I am intimately familiar with these handy additions to winter driving. Even here in Arizona, there are places and times of the year where tire chains are mandatory.

They are required for several reasons, not the least of which is - sometimes, you simply can't travel from point A to point B without them.   [Continue Reading ...]

Erlau Tire Sock

In my youth, you had to be pretty good to get chains on your tires. It, generally, involved laying them out - just right - in front of your tires and hooking one side on to the rim of each tire. Then you had to pull slowly and carefully forward, allowing the chains to evenly wrap around each tire.

At that point, you got out and hooked the other edge to the rim. If you hadn't driven straight forward, the chains wouldn't be wrapped around the tire and you got to start over again. (My grandfather made it look as easy as pulling on a pair of galoshes.)

These days, tire chains are designed to be much easier to put on. There's even something called a tire sock. It isn't sufficient (or approved) for chains-required areas of many states. But, in the city - during sudden ice or snow storms - it will get you safely where you need to travel. Without damaging city streets.

Almost makes me miss those old winters - snow, and ice, and freezing ... Nah, don't miss it at all.

 
 


The New Keyboard Happy Dance


Snoopy Happy Dance

I have been in exile - my keyboard was partially dead and the voice-recognition software, that I was trying to use to keep up, decided to block my ability to move around the 'Net and post to my blog. The depression was overwhelming.

Today, I am doing a major happy dance! The new keyboard finally got here - and I installed it. Mark got me started, along with online instructions that weren't exactly accurate -- but I installed it!

This is not something I usually do - I'm the software person; Mark's the hardware person. But -- I installed it!

And I have made a solemn vow - I will not eat, drink, or breathe anywhere near this keyboard, ever Ever EVER in my long-legged life.

"I swear, by thee I foreswear!"

But ... I think I've forgotten how to type.

 



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