Raspberrymocha55

Auntie Nanuuq . says

RM: There are two more prizes for the Name the detective/Location game.... which was why I removed Bev's post.

posted 9 hours ago. ( send a note )

What think you re the Minnesota Readers group?

I just posted a review, but it seems that you and I are the only ones posting. Our admin has been active on Shelfari in the last day or two, but she never checks the Minnesota Group. I even sent her a message about a month ago asking if she wanted to keep the group going.

Ah, well.

I think I'll probably drop the group at the end of the month if there's no activity. Pity.

posted 5 days ago. ( send a note )

koren56 says

Yota sure is cute! I would have named him Groucho!

posted 5 days ago. ( send a note )

Yodamom says

HI, You were interested in the Iron Druid books like are similar to Harry Dresden-The Iron Druid Chronicles by Kevin Hearne-http://www.shelfari.com/series/The-Iron-Druid-Chronicles
If you like HArry I think you'll really like this series as well.

posted 6 days ago. ( send a note )

Catherine D says

Sounds like heaven here on earth! I pray you succeed! And knowing what I do of you already, YOU WILL! GOD SPEED! Wish you ALL the siccess and enjoyment in your retirement!

Best,
Catherine

PS.....don't forget me in all your pleasures! [grin]

posted 12 days ago. ( send a note )

Catherine D says

CONGRATS on the retirement! Is this a new decision? Why May 17th?? That's a Thursday! What are your plans? Any travel? I know, TOO many questions!

I love Grafton's books too! She says she's officially retiring from writing after Z, hope not! Grafton is what got me into reading regulrly again! I planned on reading her but keep picking up other books, but I WILL get to V very soon!

posted 2 weeks ago. ( send a note )

Taylor W says

Hi! I haven't been on here in forever because I've been so busy with school. But I've introduced my roommate to it and I hope to keep up with everything now.

posted 2 weeks ago. ( send a note )

Catherine D says

GREETINGS!
I just saw that you are going to read Sue Grafton. Have you read hers before? I LOVE her! My daughter got me V is for Vengence for my birthday in DEC, but read it from a lilbrary copy before and told me it was her best book yet! I've followed her since the 80's with these books always anxious for her new one to be written and released!

Let me know what you think!

Chat soon!
Catherine

posted 2 weeks ago. ( send a note )

Catherine D says

Greetings!

Okay, Sauerkraut eating cats??? Heard it ALL now! We had a cat that if there was ANYTHING green on your plate it wasn't safe... would fly up, grab it before you even realized he was stalking you! Didn't matter what it was as long as it was green...and we STILL never figured out why green and how he KNEW there was something green around. He went to another lady who showed him (he did this for two years and ended (he suddenly decided he know longer liked being shown) with being the #1 in that region (NY and surrounded area) and #8 in the world. We had NO CLUE he was so magnificent. The handler fell in love with him and we couldn't see making him change homes again, so he is with her forever. She takes him for buggy rides twice a day, at HIS request. She fosters so he has a constant changing family. Right now she has like 11 others.....all in a very unusual 2 bedroom apt. I've never seen a set up like this and both bedrooms are kitty rooms, although they have the entire run of the apt. She has every toy imaginable......things I've never seen anywhere else before. Guess she's one of the ultimate cat lovers! Since she doesn't own the property she can't build a latter up and around her walls....she mounted 4 foot shelves all over even. EVERYTHING is all about her kitties. What a woman! Lucky Max for getting that home and now in her heart!

Ours was a VERY quiet and uneventful Christmas and New Years. That was a FIRST in our book since we wed. 14 years is a long time to have a nice quiet Holiday! His daughter tried to pull one over on hubby's eyes, but ha, didn't work. And we instantly forgot and went back into our just enjoying one another mode. Just perfect! And since I didn't decorate, no madness with de-decorating. That was like the icing on the cake! ahhhh We'll see what next year brings, as am sure the Mayans have that all wrong.

I too am back into reading but something bite me and I've been reading American history books (this is ABSOLUTELY a first!) and I just can't seem to read enough of them all of a sudden. Guess I'm making up for lost time since I never liked history in school (VERY boring teacher) and after that. And of course Philly and all that American history is right here....which is probably what has really sparked my interest....on my 4th book since the week before Christmas. That's a lot for me! Also reading The Christmas Train at the same time for something light....but David Balducci. So far so good.

I forgot till this morning that I made Ritz Crackers with peanut better dipped in white chocolate, white chocolate pretzel joy, pretzels with white chocolate and peppermint, etc....found the box today, so quickly mailed them to a man in NY who bought a lot of DVDs from me on eBay (went into the service instead of marrying as didn't want to bring a wife into the war) and just KNEW he'd love all these goodies. So all the cookies and candy are now officially gone till next year. Am thinking of doing the ideas of Christmas all year long this year. Don't give gifts (we didn't this year...and that was a eye-opening experience that we loved) annually, but 2 occasions of gifts to those we love TWICE a year when we feel a need, or run across things that we see for those we love, etc. Thinking of the goodies as the same....when the occasion arises. That way there is no pressure during the Holidays for gifts, goodies, cookies, etc. I think we're going to try that this year and see how it goes. I'll keep a list of the giving to make sure no one is forgotten and that I don't get behind the baking. I read an article about someone who did that with just her sister.......she moved away years ago and they exchanges gifts at Christmas even though they never got together at Christmas. I just took it another step or two further. Also doesn't crunch the budget suddenly at Christmas. Even though we somewhat budget for Christmas, I always forget this expense or that one. And this way the Spirit of Christmas will be all year long. Hope it works. Then next Christmas we're have another low key and enjoyable Christmas WITH decorations though. I didn't miss them this year, but will if I don't decorate next year as I SO love the decorations, all of them! Let's see how this pans out!

Well, carpenter is here (am surprising hubby with a few chores done, I rented thius new friend for the day, was MUCH cheaper than hinm charging me by the job) and I thinhk I need to show him what I need done next. I want 5 curtain rods hubg in the new den as I can't make my curtains till they are hung....and Richard hasn't been able to do this yet (he'll LOVE that it's done as he just doesn't want to make any holes in the new den). Always something!

Hope your winter is quiet....restful! Take care!
Catherine

posted 1 month ago. ( send a note )

Mrs. K says

I thought 11/22.63 was good. I won't give anything away, just say that when I started it I wondered about the ramifications of trying to change the past. A different kind of book than others by King.

posted 2 months ago. ( send a note )

Catherine D says

As of last night, when I closed the kitchen down, finally, I had made over 200 dozen cookies. And except for one very large platter for the enxt door neighbors they are ALL delivered! Quick and gone! Sorta like in your house, only there they were eaten as fast! Sorry. I know how that is! My hubby stayed out of the this year [smile] so am surprising him with Sugar Free Whoopie Pies tomorrow. Made him Peanut Butter Cookies with Splenda earlier this week, he loves them!

I do have 4 bracelets to make tomorrow.......hubby needs to give them as gifts on Friday....but basically that's all thats on my agenda as for the first time this year my calendar is finally CLEAR! FEELS AWESOME!

Funny how cats rule! For some reason the artifical tree seems to be home to them! Tell hubby not to look far, can send Vada and she comes with food and luggage! [smile] Hubby would be sick if I gave her away, but I threaten every day! She gets on my nerves at least 3 tiesd an hour minimum....just does anything and efverything to aggravate me and then smiles at me. What a cat! The other 4 are honeys, very good and sweet! Bug has a huge mass in his lungs and had lost all his weight in the matter of a few months. Very labored breathing but I continue to feed him 3 cans of food a day plus dry food, nothing wrong with his appetite. As long as I love on him he's happy! That counts for a lot!

Santa has been by in the firetruck here, the big tradition in town. He comes the week before Christmas then on the 24th once again! I think the adults love it more than the kids, LOL

Guess you're be off for the HOlidays. ENJOY and hope you get to do everything you want to do! Have a safe trip traveling. I think that's so sdweet that you go see you're Mother si regularly! Is it a long drive?

It's just the two of us thisyear. A GFD game me RED (my absolute favorite color and trademark) thick micro-fleece Pjs that I will wear ALL day Sunday while we basically do nothing. That's so hard for me, but I'll do it!

If I don't get a chance to write Friday, I wish you and yours a Joyous Christmas!
Catherine

posted 2 months ago. ( send a note )

Chanelle says

I love your avatar!!

posted 2 months ago. ( send a note )

Catherine D says

Merry Christmas to you and yours!!!!

Candy, including caramels cannot be made in the humidly, at home at least. In the commercial places they have devices to help with the atmosphere....but who can afford that at home? I've thrown in the towel for candy this year. I did dip Ritz crackers with peanut better between them in White Chocolate.....and I bet you can't eat just one! The combination is SUPERB! Am baking away today and on my 16th type of cookie. I think I only have 1 or 2 left I want to make. Then might dip a few more of this Ritz Crackers. They also look GREAT in a cookie platter! The white chocolate that is leftover in the pan?? No problem, crush some pretzels, mix and drop by the spoonful on wax paper or something and sprinkle on some green or red sugars and VIOLA, tastes great AND looks festive too! And yes I agree, the water drop is the ONLY way to go on testing candy at home! When we toured the Hershey's chocolate factory in PA during the early 60's, I remember the glasses of water with a drop or two of chocolate in them. And we watched them drop more as they tested their chocolate....works!!!

So sweet of you to take her in if Vada is a stray. Today I finally told her to leave e alone or today would be THE day. She must have understood as she finally went to sleep. She bugs the tar out of me....anything that is wrong she'll do! And only to me! And yes, I do put her in my lap and pet her about 2 hours a day, so she's getting attention from me.

So the tree is up now? All decorated? Doing the last minutes things now???

Am meeting a friend for breakfast in the AM and giving her several platters of cookies (she's 72 and shares with her whole family) and then at lunch, meeting another friend at a different restaurant for lunch, exchanging presents and giving her a large platter of cookies. Tonight my doctor is coming for dough of each variety I've made. She has 4 kids and ran out of time for their tradition of making cookies so I helped her out a bit......it's the least I could do for saving my life, probably a couple times this year!!!! Then when done, I have 4 oops, FIVE bracelets to make for Christmas, but that should take me all day Thursday and that's it! All done and ready to sit bake and watch the world revolve! [smile]

Hope you and your family have a relaxing and un-filled Christmas. Remember the season is because of our Savior's birth!
Merry Christmas!
Catherine

posted 2 months ago. ( send a note )

Jonetta (Ejaygirl) says

Thanks for joining the Mystery & Suspense group! Tell us something about you in the Introduce Yourself discussion topic and who are some of your favorite authors in this genre.

Our current book for group discussion is Mallory's Oracle by Carol O'Connell and the topics are already posted. The next book for group discussion is Black Ice by Anne Stuart and discussion topics for the book will be posted on December 18. I hope you'll participate.

Welcome!

posted 2 months ago. ( send a note )

Ange says

Just dropping by to say I totally love your new picture of Jazzpurr. He's adorable! I love when cats climb into Christmas trees! They are hilarious creatures. :) Happy Holidays, RM!

posted 2 months ago. ( send a note )

Catherine D says

You're not THAT far from me.....I love to travel, although I'm not as spontaneous as I was when I was younger. I would LOVE someone to go furniture shopping with me....always GREAT to have another opinion of buying anything but especially furniture! Hubby gave me money tonight for sofa and reupholster antique chairs that I have....sofa will be new. Have tentatively picked out material for chairs but then realized that his son ruined the sofa more than we realized so I want to get a sofa before I confirm the material for the chairs. Then a rug.....am not going to carpet that room, but want thick padding and an inexpensive rug, for now. Then I AM DONE! I have done WAY too much shopping this year, mainly because of all the weight I lost....shoes don't even fit now! UGH! Never in a million years would I ever think I'd say this, but I am tired of shopping, right now anyway! ha

You sound like your are in so much of the Christmas Spirit. I am sorta. But still overwhelmed with too many other things. Did I tell you my daughter, my friend and I are going to NYC ALL day Sat....shopping all day, and looking at Macy's Christmas displays, the shop windows on 5th Ave, Rockefeller Plaza, the tree there, then Radio City Rockette, and then NYC Christmas light after the show and home about 1AM. It's only 90 min from us....so will be a full day but fun! We're doing this for my birthday which is Fri, the 2nd. I am SO PHYCHED! Chelsea gets in Friday evening, am then taking her to this new store that has leather shoes and boots...ALL for under $35. And maybe more. Sunday we're working on the den and guestroom...she's going to help me move the larger thins I need help with and get the guestroom organized. Hopefully it will ALL be done VERY soon!

I know what you mean about kids destroying everything, and the family with everything else. SO SAD! I can't image the turmoil she must feel inside! I know how hard it is to deal with and how much it just needs to END! I'll continue to lift you and your family in prayer over this!

It's almost 8:30. Have to hit Target's for some groceries and then household things, then returns to Kohls and then hopefully, other than Friday nite shopping for Chelsea, no more stores for me till Jan. I do NOT like the Holiday crowds (and I'm going to NYC for Christmas, LOL!) But I figure since they're staying open late and I have one last list to fill....go late and avoid the rush during the day! I'm sending Richard on Sat to get cat food and kitty litter so I'm not even doing that.

I'm not one to keep every book I read. When I find a good book I love passing it on to someone else to read. Unless I think I'll read it again, which I seldom read a book twice I don't keep them. Richard keeps EVERYONE he ever reads. ha I have all of the Alphabet series by Sue Grafton...she's been writing them since the 80's and when she's done I want to read them ALL again one after another...or so I say!

You didn't mention the cat......she's ready to go! Will even include food, litter, and toys....[grin] She's been after me all day long! UGH! I really DO need a long break from her.....don't know what to do about her.

Ok, we're making cookies on the 13th....so be here.....we're bake a few but mix up at least 17 to 20 different types of cookies. My friend said today she's in and wants to do this! YEAH! When I lived in TN I did it every year and it got bigger and bigger every year and we all walked away with so many cookies. Cookies are about the only thing I'm giving this year......also making some candy the next day or the next sunny day I should add....even caramels too! Then deliver!

Come on down! The light's on!
Catherine

posted 3 months ago. ( send a note )

Catherine D says

Christmas Day dinner? Ha, I can't think of next week yet even! Still on the one day at a time...this year has had WAY too many set backs. Am praying that 2012 will be MUCH kinder to us! If I just gave a list of the problems we've had this year, all in one word, no one other than those close by would believe everything. WOW! I keep telling Richard I'm getting us two T-shirts for New Year's that say "I survived 2011".

I just finished reading An Invisible Thread (non-fiction). Pretty good book but I felt that she left out several chapters. Like she got tired of writing all of a sudden, but, it was good. Worth the read if you like life lesson's type books. I saw it highly recommended in two different magazines, so thought why not read it...was glad I did.

I love the idea of the poinsettias.....hmmmmmm I actually have 5 of them I bought last year (artificial but you can't tell) in the attic under cover. I think I WILL get them out...THANKS! If I have my way the only things left in the living room by this Monday will be the coffee table, end tables, and 2 Bachelor Chests. The sofa will be put to the curb, the TV (ha, I really call it the drive in theater..it's 6 foot!!!) will be moved to the newly completed den as will the two recliners. Guess that means we need a NEW sofa for the living room AND the very old and unusual 2 wingback chairs I have need to be reupholstered [wink] Always something! And then a new rug for the dining room and I think and hope that's it! For now...LOL!

Yeah, I made sure we had insurance coverage.....they paid us a grand total of $5,000. The cost for the clean-up to save the rest of the house (water was wicking up the walls which is why the ceiling was destroyed), for mold treatment and to help get the water out was $3,500. Then had to have french drains installed, another sump pump in one corner and replace the one we had, THEN reconstruction of the entire downstairs. Even the bathroom had to be totaled....although the new toilet we had installed was still standing but the cabinet for the sink fell apart! I had all my books that I find at 75¢ each down there. I SAVED those babies....put them in containers and they're in the garage for now. And now that we have a den once again, will have to figure out where to store these books so I can get to them and read them. I have about 250 books...all hardback and either new or like new. I did donate about 50 of them after the flood. I saved the best ones!

We're supposed to have a very cold, snowy and icy Winter. We NOW have a generator to run the house in case power goes off. Our electrician felt so bad for us (his friend did the remolding) that he installed it for NOTHING! I've always called him my son, told him now I have to pay for his daughter's college education! Anyway, I'm hoping to do a LOT of reading and jewelry making this winter. Right now I'm working with pearls...and even designed my own bracelet and earrings. I'm hoping to get into many areas of this.....I want to get into glass and also metal. We'll see where I go with it...all for fun though. Don't ever see me doing it for money! Probably use as gifts!

Sorry to hear about Doug....hope he's MUCH better! Before that surgery in Feb I had I took 32 meds a day. Now I take [drum roll] 4 meds a day plus vitamins, calcium, and a monthly B-12. That's it! Had to go for 9 month check up with cardiologist yesterday and he said, "Am happy to tell you don't need a cardiologist any more!" YEAH! Have now officially been dismissed by ALL specialist I saw BEFORE the surgery! Have a new issue, but I refuse to give in to that and life goes on...you know. I'm feeling GREAT I can move and that's 100% of it!

Love to see your tree after you glue certain tails to it! Can I add ONE to it? Vada chaps my butt, almost every minute of the day! I'd PAY anyone to take her. She torments ME and ONLY ME! Everyone else she's very loving to. I need her to go away so I can get a break from her for at lest awhile. I seriously would pay someone with a good home to keep her. I DO believe my stress level would go WAY DOWN! Your avatar looks so much like Vada....want her twin???? I would LOVE to send Vada to you! If we didn't live in a crowded area I would put her outside.....but am too afraid she would get hit by a car...and I DON'T wish that on her, usually! [grin]

Oops, 12 bells just tolled, so I'm off to bed....late again! Starting anew book tonight too! Thanks for the heads up on Contagion. Will look into that tomorrow! Sent myself an email to do so! LOL

Oh, made my cookie list out tonight. I think I have to work on this list, I have 17 different types of cookies I want to make this year. hmmmmm something will have to give. If I can get a friend to help me for one day I can do it....if not, will have to cut it back....and make all in 2 days. I think I generally make about 10 or 12 different cookies....17 is a bit many! Although I do have "extra friends": calling on me every Christmas. Where where they when we needed help with the down stairs? LOL

ENJOY the Christmas Spirit!
Catherine

posted 3 months ago. ( send a note )

Catherine D says

HEY, trying to use this weekend as CATCH UP! Am so far behind doing everything, so trying hard to get things done....then thought of your note! Hope your Holidays were filled with joy, love and most of all, some time to relax! Ours were very quiet, much needed quiet I have to add! So we were both very thankful for this time.

I didn't read much from Aug though Nov. Even lost a book I was trying to read, which was highly rated, just couldn't get into anything. then saw a book my hubby got my me this time last year (birthday) and had forgotten all about it. I read it in a flash....Promise Not To Tell by Jennifer McMahon. VERY GOOD! Quick read cause each page is filled with MORE! Highly recommend for mystery!!

Have decided not to decorate this year. I'm INTO the spirit, but not into putting more on my plate. I certainly had more than a plate full this year, so declaring I'm not decorating helps me take control back of my life. I don't really mind the decorating, it's the putting it all back up and cleaning underneath where it all was, you know? We're not Grinch's, just tired I suppose!

We lost the entire first floor of our home from Hurricane Irene, we JUST finished up with the remodeling...even had to put in new ceiling as the water wicked up to the ceiling too....so walls, flooring, new bath completely, etc. WOW!!! What a mess it was....now it's a mess trying to sort out all the STUFF! trying to find furniture at deals as we need so much, etc. Looking for some room size rugs too! So that's our Christmas this year. Richard said birthdays too, but had a GREAT birthday in OCt, so I want MINE! LOL Didn't get parties as a child as it was so close to Christmas.....so can't afford to lose them now!

How was the trip to see your Mother? Is she doing any better. Have put her on my prayer list and prayer for her daily!

No shopping for me this week, I avoid stores at this time of year....too many people. But I have some SUPER coupons at a craft store for tonight only so might hit them. Am taking jewelry classes and I need some basic pieces. Have thoroughly enjoyed making jewelry, had no clue I would. Actually, I fought going to begin with, not I go early and shop around, read through their books and magazines for ideas, etc. Am hoping for a cold snowy winter so I'll be forced to stay home and can do things like making my jewelry pieces.

Hubby is moving around now...I think he wants to run an errand or something. Better check on him!!!

Hope your Holidays are enjoyable and relaxing! Love hearing from you!
Catherine

posted 3 months ago. ( send a note )

Gigi G says

I don't mind at all, your cat is gorgeous by the way!

posted 3 months ago. ( send a note )

Catherine D says

So how is the school year going??? You changed your picture and it threw me for a bit! LOL

I've been reading up a storm all summer, read some SUPER great books. Then about 2 weeks ago.....no interest. So I'm cooling my jets and just getting magazines caught uop instead of reading books.

Hope you and your family are well! If you've read any good books of late, let me know!!!

Hope to hear from you before the holidays!
C

Follows you (block)

Requested to follow you (accept | block)

Blocked (unblock)

Groups

Books I'm reading

Public Notes

Auntie Nanuuq . says

posted 9 hours ago. ( send a note )

Book Concierge says

posted 5 days ago. ( send a note )

koren56 says

posted 5 days ago. ( send a note )

Yodamom says

posted 6 days ago. ( send a note )

Catherine D says

posted 12 days ago. ( send a note )

Catherine D says

posted 2 weeks ago. ( send a note )

Taylor W says

posted 2 weeks ago. ( send a note )

Catherine D says

posted 2 weeks ago. ( send a note )

Catherine D says

posted 1 month ago. ( send a note )

Mrs. K says

posted 2 months ago. ( send a note )

Catherine D says

posted 2 months ago. ( send a note )

Chanelle says

posted 2 months ago. ( send a note )

Catherine D says

posted 2 months ago. ( send a note )

Jonetta (Ejaygirl) says

posted 2 months ago. ( send a note )

Ange says

posted 2 months ago. ( send a note )

Catherine D says

posted 3 months ago. ( send a note )

Catherine D says

posted 3 months ago. ( send a note )

Catherine D says

posted 3 months ago. ( send a note )

Gigi G says

posted 3 months ago. ( send a note )

Catherine D says

posted 4 months ago. ( send a note )