Wanda

Friday Reviews

Published on June 10, 2016April 27, 2017 by WandaLeave a comment

I have decided that instead of me posting my book reviews as I finish my books, I would post them on Fridays. Hence the title “Friday Reviews”. Now I am not sure yet if I will just be posting book reviews. I have a week to decide what all this will encompass. I am determined to become a decent blogger and I think a little more structure will help. But for this evening, I just have my latest two books to review. I am not an expert in reviewing books. I am also someone who really hasn’t found too many books I don’t like. I truly love to read. I like getting lost in books and just love books in series. As I go from one to the next I enjoy becoming more familiar with the characters and see how they grow and adapt. That being said, I am not a professional and will do my best to get better at my reviews as time goes on. 🙂

The Backup Plan by Sherryl Woods

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If you like Debbie Macomber, then you will also enjoy Sherryl Woods.This is book 1 in her Charleston Trilogy. Dinah, a video journalist working on the front lines of Afghanistan was born and raised in Charleston, SC. She bucked the “Southern” established rules to follow her dreams. She returns home suffering from PTSD after a terrible experience and decides that the man she left home ten years earlier was going to take the place of her job and dreams. Needless to say she doesn’t connect with him, but with his brother and the fireworks begin. All ends in wedding bells and happiness. A good book to curl up on the sofa on a rainy day with.

Flirting with Disaster by Sherryl Woods

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is book 2 in Sherryl Woods’ Charleston Trilogy. Maggie, who comes from the elite of Charleston has always done things that her mother doesn’t approve of. She owns an art gallery which causes her parents distress because she doesn’t follow the “Southern Belle” rules. They don’t think it’s dignified for her to own a business. She has a long string of boyfriends her mother doesn’t think are suitable for her which causes her to doubt her feelings for the man she loves. Lots of romance, humor, and drama.

Today my little Bella is 4 months old. She’s such a little sweetie. I could just eat her up. Here she is sporting her number 4. 🙂 She’s just started grabbing her feet. Look at how big her feet look in those booties. 🙂

Enjoy your day!

TBT

Published on June 9, 2016April 27, 2017 by WandaLeave a comment

If you are not sure what these letters stand for don’t feel bad. I saw them on facebook all the time and it took me forever to figure it out. 🙂 Throw Back Thursday! Most people post a picture of their past under this heading. So, it got me to thinking, why not incorporate this idea into my blog. So, for here on out Thursdays will now be referred to TBT.

Now this doesn’t mean I will only post pictures on Thursdays, but it might be a sewing pattern that is old, or a recipe from back in the day or maybe just an old fashioned idea. See where I am going with this? So without further ado here’s my first TBT.

The Nurses Cap

These caps came in all shapes and sizes with emblems, or stripes or ribbons on them. They were the reward nursing students received when they completed their programs of study. Caps were presented at a capping ceremony attended by family and friends and were seen as an honor. They have been around since the 1800’s and although nurses don’t wear caps anymore, many schools continue to have these capping ceremonies. Each cap is specific to the school of nursing you attend.

Originally, wearing a cap or small veil was done to prevent hair from getting in the way while working. Of course I think that also had something to do with the idea that women should have their heads covered and also the fact that it was a part of a uniform or habit so to speak.

When I first graduated from nursing school caps were required to be warn at work. Now, let me tell you that wearing this little nugget of pride did nothing to aid in my duties. As a matter of fact, I constantly got it tangled with the privacy curtains in patient rooms causing it to land on my patient. Had kids pulling it off of my head, and it was an endless chore to keep it clean. Not to mention the headache I would get from having it pinned to my head all day. The only thing I hated more than wearing my cap was the white uniform we had to wear. YUK!!! To this day I don’t wear white.

Anyway, the voice of reason beheld the nursing profession and caps were finally abandoned. You can believe I didn’t shed a tear. I am a traditionalist. I loved the idea of being capped. But I love the idea of not being required to wear it more.

Finally Home

Published on June 8, 2016May 29, 2018 by WandaLeave a comment

We drove home from Orlando today. God was certainly kind to us, hardly any traffic and the weather was just beautiful. Made great time. It’s good to be home for a while. I am going to spend some time doing some sewing. I would like to send a couple of summer dresses down to the baby.

Pope Francis canonized two new saints on Sunday, June 5, 2016.

Saint Stanislaw Papcznski, M.I.C.

The first is Saint Stanisław Papczyński, M.I.C. He was born May 18, 1631, in Pdergrodzie, Polis-Lithuanian Commonwealth and died September 17, 1701, in Gora Kalwaria, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. He is the founder of the Marian Fathers. He was beatified on September 16, 2007, by Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone in Poland. He is the patron of Marian Fathers, Unborn children, and children with learning disabilities. His feast day is September 17.

Saint Elizabeth Hesselblad, O.Ss.S.

The second is Saint Elizabeth Hesselblad, O.Ss.S. She was born June 4, 1870, in Keflavik, Vastra Gotaland County, Sweden and died April 24, 1957, in Rome, Italy. She was beatified on April 9, 2000, by Pope Saint John Paul II in Saint Peter’s Square, Vatican City. She is the patroness of Bridgettine Sisters, Nurses, and Converts. Her feast day is June 4.

How blessed we are to have the Communion of Saints to intercede for us. I am always in awe when new saints are canonized. Growing up going to Catholic elementary school, I remember listening to the sisters at school talking about how wonderful the saints are and I can remember thinking that the saints were canonized so long ago and just never thought that there were still saints to be named. How very happy I am that my juvenile misconceptions were wrong. Praise God.

Wild Wednesday!

Published on June 8, 2016April 27, 2017 by WandaLeave a comment

While in Orlando Florida this past month, I discovered that the Orlando Sentinel runs a regular weekly feature called Wild Wednesday. It features wild life in and around Orlando. Well I just loved it. So Dottie let me keep the pictures out of the paper for me to post them here on my blog. The first picture I saw was this one.

It is a tri-colored heron hatchling from Wkodahatchee Wetlands in Delray Beach. I just think this little guy is too cute. He looks like I feel some mornings. 🙂 Talk about a bad hair day!

We drove home from Orlando today. I got a good start on another book. I’m glad I can read in the car. Got in around 6 this evening. Got the car unloaded and just collapsed! Why does it take so much out of you when you travel? Emptied the cooler. We’ll do the suitcases tomorrow. I’m glad to be able to sleep in my own bed tonight.

The Death Planner by Gillian Larkin

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another Book In the Series.

I like reading books in a series, especially when the characters are warm and reading them make as you feel like you are having a nice visit with friends. This is how Ms. Larkin’s Storage Ghost Murders Books are to me. I recommend them for a fun easy read mystery.

Murder On The Menu: A Romantic Comedy Culinary Cozy Mystery by Zanna Mackenzie

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another book set in England in a little village. It was a cute easy read with some romance and a murder. If you like those cozy mysteries I recommend this one for you.

Heading Back To North Carolina In A Few Days

Published on June 2, 2016 by WandaLeave a comment

Looks like we’ll be heading back home in a day or two. I am looking forward to sleeping in my own bed! I can’t believe we have been in Florida for over two months. I have really enjoyed spending time with Dottie and Frank. We have laughed and laughed so much this visit. But I want to get home and do some sewing for Isabella. And…I need to get quilts made for Andrew, Aidan and Alannah for Christmas this year. Frank’s 80th birthday is in October and I want to make a quilt for him too. He’s an Eagles fan and I have the fabric home waiting for his quilt. I haven’t really done much quilting lately, but am finding I am more than ready to jump back into it.

Deadly Arrangements by Annie Adams

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A fun easy read with some really funny episodes mixed in. I enjoyed Ms. Adams’ writing style. And I enjoyed how she brought “Q” out of her shell into trusting again.

Happy Memorial Day!

Published on May 31, 2016 by WandaLeave a comment

We had a cook out yesterday for Memorial Day. Dottie had to work but later we played cards. I am pleased to say I am now up to 17 games won. I don’t think I have won a total of 17 games in all the years I’ve played.

I finished another book last night.

A Discovery of Hope by T.I. Lowe

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this one. I love Christian Fiction and I love stories about angels. love T.I. Lowe’s writing style too.

I usually get my ebooks from the North Carolina Digital Library, but recently I have had to wait a very long time to get them. I signed up for a couple of newsletters that have free and budget books for kindle and I have been impressed with the quality of the books.

Today we hit the outlets and I picked up some new no show socks to go with my new sketchers. We also ran over to Mary Queen of the Universe Shrine for Mass at noon. I took some close ups of the individual sculptures on each of the doors. I’ll get them edited and uploaded later. Right now we are going to play cards.

Catching Up On My Book Reviews

Published on May 29, 2016 by WandaLeave a comment

After taking a break from reading while in Miami. After all I had a baby to keep me busy. She is soooooo cute! My wonderful granddaughter. Anyway, now I’m in Orlando and since my girlfriend works I started up again. So I decided it was time I add my most recent reads to my blog.

Dead Girls Don’t Blog by Pamela Frost Dennis

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story was based on a real crime that had taken place. A young girl was raped and murdered and her attacker was up for parole. The blogger finds out about the parole and starts a petition to keep him in prison. This causes some interesting situations for Katy. She ends up in a serious situation and solves a cold case in the process. It was an easy read.

Three Girls and a Baby by Rachel Schurig

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the story about three friends who live together after college. Ginny gets pregnant by her ex boyfriend Josh after a one night stand. She has no idea what to do. Her room mates Annie and Jen support her through this ordeal all the time telling Ginny that she needs to tell Josh she is pregnant. Ginny is reluctant to tell him because she doesn’t want him to think she is trying to trap him into marriage. The three girls decide they don’t need Josh to help raise baby, they will do it together. Annie and Jen continue to tell Ginny she needs to let Josh know about the baby. Ginny runs into Josh’s mother at the OBGYN’s office and she realizes she is pregnant. An easy read. I really enjoyed it.

Sharpe Edge by Lisa B. Thomas

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A fun easy read.

The beginning was a little disjointed to me, but I am glad I read on. The heroine, a school teacher turned reporter/amateur sleuth, gets involved in solving the suspicious accident of one of the towns elite residents. The daughter of the dead woman is her brother’s girlfriend which is how she is how she gets involved. A fun easy read with a few surprises.

Watching Willow Watts by Talli Roland

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

An easy read.

Set in a small village outside London with a quirky group of people. But maybe they just seem quirky to this American. Complete with a villain. A bit far fetched concept, but cute.

Murder Vows by Gillian Larkin

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I just love cozy mysteries and ghost stories

This fit the bill just right. I really liked the storage wars concept. Will definitely look for other books in this series. Well written, but did have a few editing errors.

The Sweet Dreams Bake Shop by J.A. Whiting

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A fun easy read. Sometimes you just need a feel good story

Frank: The Voice by James Kaplan

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An interesting behind the scenes biography of Frank Sinatra. He’s always been one of my favorite entertainers.

Courting Cate by Leslie Gould

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lancaster County Pennsylvania Amish

My husband was born in Litiz and he has family that remain in Lancaster. I always love to visit when we go back to Pennsylvania. I have always been fascinated with the Amish. This was an easy and fun read with a romantic twist.

Another Cancer Saint

Published on May 27, 2016April 27, 2017 by WandaLeave a comment

When I went to confession the other day Father Huttle gave me a pamphlet about St. Michael of the Saints who was a Trinitarian priest in the 1600’s. He has had numerous miracles attributed to his intercession. Many of which were cancer patients. I had never heard of him. I always used Saint Peregrine as my go to guy for cancer intercessions. I have recently been told my cousins husband Joe was diagnosed with cancer. Also my friend Dottie’s husband has cancer.

I am beginning a Novena to him and Saint Peregrine today and ask anyone who feels moved to do so to join me.

Saint Michael of the Saints
Trinitarian Mystic and Cancer Patron

Novena Prayer

We praise you, Most Holy Trinity, for having sent us St. Michael of the Saints to be our friend and intercessor in the fight against cancer.

Grant us, we pray, a humble faith that we may follow in his holy footsteps and believe without a doubt in your generous gift of healing.

With humble and childlike trust, we ask your Divine help through St. Michael of the Saints in this urgent necessity.

May this gift of bodily health bring us peace and joy which are but a foretaste of heaven, and may we be counted one day among your saints in glory.

Father, your world is ill with cancer and frightened. We pray you ease the suffering of those afflicted, give loving hands to those who care for them, and light the way for those who seek its cure.

Merciful Father, extend your healing hand so that we may cry out: A cure, at last!

In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Prayer For Cancer Patients

Most Holy Trinity, You who gave us Saint Michael of the Saints as trusted friend and intercessor, and as patron of those afflicted with cancer, look with kindness on Thy servants who this day invoke his name.

Through his intercession, comfort those in distress, confirm those in doubt. Satisfy their spiritual needs from the treasury of Your grace.

Remember all those who call on Your help, but be especially solicitous of [Mention Name]. Restore health to this person and to all who are sick.

Sanctify those who endure pain with Christ-like acceptance and grant to all of us a just reward in the life of glory to come.

In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Published on May 25, 2016April 27, 2017 by WandaLeave a comment

Holy Door of Mercy Mary Queen of the Universe National Shrine, Orlando, Florida.

(To see a close up of the doors click here.)

Yesterday I was blessed to visit this beautiful shrine of Our Lady. As I have mentioned in previous posts I been visiting my dear friend in Orlando and I had asked her how close the shrine was to her. Dottie had never been to the shrine herself and was happy to take me there. I was anxious to first visit the shrine and then to walk through the Door of Mercy located there.

The doors to the basilica are beautifully carved. They depict scenes from the life of Christ, Mary and tell stories from the Old Testament. Catholic churches around the world have been designated to have special doors denoted as Doors of Mercy during this Extraordinary Year of Mercy in the church and are pilgrimage sites for the faithful.

Confession is offered daily and Mass is said twice daily. I met the most wonderful priest, Fr. Richard Tuttle. He is a retired professor from Franciscan University of Steubenville. After hearing my confession we sat and talked for quite a while. Whenever I visit a shrine I usually obtain a rosary from the gift shop. I finally got my Irish rosary and stopped back to have Fr. Tuttle bless it for me.

I came away with the most wonderful peaceful feeling I have ever felt.

Here is a link to information on the Doors of Mercy and a world wide list of which churches are paticipating. Holy Doors of Mercy

Mary Queen of the Universe National Shrine

Published on May 25, 2016April 27, 2017 by WandaLeave a comment

Holy Door of Mercy Mary Queen of the Universe National Shrine, Orlando, Florida.

(To see a close up of the doors click here.)

I came away with the most wonderful peaceful feeling I have ever felt.

Here is a link to information on the Doors of Mercy and a world wide list of which churches are paticipating. Holy Doors of Mercy

After we spent such a lovely day at the shrine. We were off to Animal Kingdom for a cast preview of new features that will only be seen at night. Beginning Memorial Day weekend, the park will be open until 11 PM. There were shows, parades, a night safari and a new light feature displayed over the tree of life in the center of the park. We had ice cream and two more rides on the Everest roller coaster. We had one good time. 🙂