just a day

Today while my sister and the kids went shopping, I spent the day catching up on chores: laundry, food shopping and picked up Dashing Through The Snow by Mary Higgins and Carol Higgins Clark a the library. Then I came home, worked on my embroidery and then got in my recliner with a book, a throw and a mug of hot chocolate and whiled the day away.

The family returned and we plan to end the day with pizza and a movie.


My first attempt at embroidering a picture. It's not perfect but it's not bad.

Shot Girl by Karen E. Olson is the fourth and final book in the Annie Seymour mystery series. Once again, murder find Annie and this time it is her ex-husband, Ralph who was stalking and talking photos of her and now Annie is in danger because someone thinks that Annie knows something. This was a good finale to a great series.

November reading round-up: This month I've read 20 books and discovered 8 new-to-me authors: Lisa Black, Eileen Davidson, Barbara Freethy, Laura Griffin, Cheryl Norman, Ellen Shanman, Livia J. Washburn and Peggy Webb. I've read the following types of books: 9 mystery, 7 romantic suspense, 2 thrillers, 1 romance and 1 chick-lit.

Reading: Silent Fall by Barbara Freethy
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tradition

Above is the unlit, unveiled tree at Rockefeller Center, the ice rink and one of the many soldiers that surrounds the plaza.

We started off Thanksgiving Day with Sarita's morning cake and ice cream. The kids loved the idea of having cake and ice cream for breakfast.

This was the first time in many years that my aunt had a full house. It was also the first time that four of my sisters were together (the fifth sister just never shows up) at the same time in the same place. I met new relatives and that was fun. I saw old friends that I haven't seen in years. The feast was divine...collard greens, string beans, multi-layered salad, baked macaroni and cheese, turkey, ham, rice, stuffing, gravy, garlic mash potato, cooked vegetable salad, candied yams, jellied cranberry sauce, carrot cakes, Italian cookies, eclairs and an assortment of beverages. The women chatted about life's events and old times while the men watched football. Overall, the day was a good one.

Today was the tradition I started when the children (yes, I know that they are 12 and 16 y.o) would come up north and I would take them to the movies. Today's movie was Madagascar Escape 2 Africa. I enjoyed it especially when they sing the song "I Like To Move It, Move It"

After the movies, I picked up a pair of shoes and boots and didn't have to get up at 5am to catch

On TV tonight: Monk

Reading: Shot Girl by Karen E. Olson
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Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving!

Enjoy this day and all days with family and friends.
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window display

Today was a short day at the office. It was also a quiet day.

I saw one band that will participate in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade practice in front of the TV studio. They were jamming early in the morning.

I saw my first window display - Saks Fifth Avenue. Their theme this year is the story of "Snowflake City" featuring Mike the snowflake.








Frankly My Dear, I’m Dead by Livia J. Washburn is the first book in the new Literary Tour mystery series. Delilah Dickinson opens up her own literary travel agency and is immediately plunged into thievery and murder. This was a good read.

Steps taken: 9,980

on TV tonight: Bones, Criminal Minds, CSI: NY

Reading: The Bodies Left Behind by Jeffery Deaver
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not much to say

It rained today so I was not able to walk around the block to see the building's decorations. Tomorrow the sun should be out. I also found out that the window display for Saks is available for viewing.

Steps taken: 9,361

on TV tonight: NCIS, The Mentalist, Fringe, Without A Trace, Dancing With The Stars

Still Reading: Frankly My Dear, I'm Dead by Livia J. Washburn

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decorations

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, everywhere you go. The office buildings are now working on their holiday display. In my building's courtyard, they had the trees up but not lit yet. I can't wait to see what all the buildings will do this year. I'll take pictures.

re: grocery shopping, the food is not for Thanksgiving but for my family since I don't normally keep a well-stocked kitchen unless company is coming.

Elvis and the Dearly Departed by Peggy Webb is the first book in the Southern Cousins mystery series featuring Callie Valentine and her basset hound who thinks he’s Elvis. A body has been stolen from the family run business and Callie and her cousin head to Las Vegas to retrieve the dead body only to find a different body in its place. This was a fun read.

Steps taken: 8,012

on TV tonight: Dancing With The Stars, Two and a Half Men

Reading: Frankly My Dear I'm Dead by Livia J Washburn
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a lazy Sunday

I just spent over $125 for grocery for my upcoming visitors. I don't spend that much on food for myself in a month. The meat alone was half the grocery bill. But I did manage to pick up all the ingredients to make the morning cake when the kids get here.


I worked on my stem stitch, the split stitch and a new one for me, the chain stitch. I like the chain stitch.

I read and finished Thread of Fear by Laura Griffin, the first book in the Glass Sisters mystery series. Fiona Glass is a forensic artist who helps sketch the perpetrators from traumatized victims and after seeing the resemblance from a recent case they now know there is a serial killer on the loose.

on TV tonight: Cold Case

Reading: Elvis and the Dearly Departed by Peggy Webb
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busy

I worked on the quilt project for my friend's holiday gift. I can't say much about it because she lurks/reads my blog.

Then I went to my mother's and had a nice visit with her and my nephew. We watched Wall-E and Tropic Thunder.

Then I practiced my embroidery stitches. I want to perfect the backstitch before working on the two other stitches that I'm weak in.

A Killer Workout by Kathryn Lilley is the second book in the Fat City Mystery series featuring Kate Gallagher, a TV investigative reporter. Due to her station’s mandate that they keep their BMI fit, Kate is off to a diet boot camp where her roommate is mysteriously dead and Kate is on the trail to solve this crime. I enjoyed this story.

Book Club Reading: Thread of Fear by Laura Griffin
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rambling words

What to talk about today? There's not much to say. Today was another hectic day. It did feel good to be busy and successfully accomplish the task before the end of the day. I got two praises from my supervisor for a job well done and beyond the call of duty.

We tried a new salad place near the job and I got the Santa Fe salad which was rather tasty and filled me up.

I started work on a holiday present I'm making for a friend. I got out more of my Christmas music.

oh I was talking to the maintenance person about the heat in my apartment. Normally I don't put it on while I'm not at home and then when I get home it take a while to heat up the whole place. He told me the way my set up it, it is better for me to have the heat vent going on all day in the kitchen and the living room and guess what? It truly heats up my whole place including the bathroom and my bedroom where I don't have to put on that heat vent.

The knees are improving. I took a couple of walks with less and less pain. Depending on the weather I will try to see if I can get back to my 10,000 steps.

Book Club Reading: A Killer Workout by Kathryn Lilley
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slow day

It was a hectic day at work, but we met the deadline.

I went to see the Rockefeller Center tree. There's nothing much to it since it's surrounded by scaffolding. I'm waiting for the stores to showcase their holiday window display.


I'm still learning the embroidery stitches. I embroidered my first pattern the other day.

Murder Packs A Suitcase by Cynthia Baxter is the first in a new series featuring Mallory Marlowe, a recent widow embarking on a new path. Mallory gets a job as a travel writer and while on her first assignment becomes embroiled in a murder, becomes a suspect and decides that only she will find the real murderer.

on TV tonight: CSI, Eleventh Hour
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winter is here

Winter is upon us. This morning when I left my place it was 26 degrees. Brrrrr

As I write this, I'm waiting patiently for maintenance to check the heating vents in my apartment. What is blowing out of the vents is cool air, not heat. [Edited: They came and fixed the problem so now I have heat]

That Motrin really worked. My right knee feels better. Still a slight pain, but I'm not limping as much.

Kill Chain by Meg Gardiner is the fifth book in the Evan Delaney series. Someone has kidnapped Evan’s dad and in order to save him, the kidnappers want an item and Evan has to go to several countries to get the clues to finding him. This was a thrilling ride that I didn’t want to come off.

No steps today - taking it easy on the knees

on TV: Bones, Criminal Minds, CSI: NY

Reading: Murder Packs a Suitcase by Cynthia Baxter
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seeing

I had to buy a magnifying glass. Can you believe it? I called my doctor about the pain in my knees and he asked if I've taken anything and I told him, no, but I've been putting a heat pad on it. He told me to take some Motrin and see if it alleviates the pain. For the life of me, I couldn't read the instructions on the bottle. It is just too tiny. All so that I can see how many pills I need to take. Needless to say, I didn't do too much walking today.

It was cold tonight. I had to get out my big warm coat. Tomorrow will be below freezing. I'm ready for it.

I went to the library and picked up The Bodies Left Behind by Jeffery Deaver, Elvis and the Dearly Departed by Peggy Webb and Frankly My Dear I'm Dead by Livia J Washburn.

on TV tonight: NCIS, The Mentalist, Fringe, Without A Trace and Dancing With The Stars

Still reading: Kill Chain by Meg Gardiner
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quiet

I did some more practicing. My backstitch is the better attempt. You can see it better when you click on the image.

blue is my attempt at the split stitch
yellow is my attempt at the stem stitch
green is my attempt at the backstitch

Not much went on in my world today.

Steps taken: 9,009 (my right knee creaked and didn't sound good)

on TV: Dancing With the Stars, Two and a Half Men

Still reading: Kill Chain by Meg Gardiner
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A Sunday

It's quiet here. I did my usual Sunday chores, laundry and food shopping. I finally found the bottle of vanilla extract that I was looking for. Apparently it's not located in the baking aisle, but up front under lock and key.

I took a stroll with HN this morning. It was a good walk. I was also on the lookout for Buckley cough medicine. It is the nastiest cough medicine, but it can knock out a nagging cough. Finally found it after looking in three different drug stores.

I practiced my embroidery stitches. I think I got the 3 basic stitch down..a little more practice and it will be cleaner stitches.

Steps taken: 10,129

on TV: Cold Case

Reading: Kill Chain by Meg Gardiner
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flossing

I bet you thought this was about flossing one's teeth.

I did it, or at least I think I did. After several attempts to get a basic stitch, I embroidered - see my initials. I started with a blank cloth and tada, a good attempt. A special thanks to Sarita who is guiding me in this process. Do you know when you buy floss - one strand is comprised of six threads. At first I couldn't see the six threads but when I did, I was so happy because I knew I can begin my practice embroidery.



Rescued by the Magic of Christmas by Melissa McClone is a wonderful romance. Six years ago, Jake Porter, a member of a mountain search and rescue squad lost both a friend on the mountains and an unrequited love. Now she’s back and what was lost can be now be found with the spirit of Christmas.

Book Club Reading: Takeover by Lisa Black
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today

Today I bought a hand mixer.

Today I saw them lift the tree that will stand in Rockefeller Center.

Today I delivered the quilted pillows and was happy because the client loved her pillows.

Today I was so busy that I didn't have time to read during the day.

Today I feel 90% better.

Steps taken today: 10,000

on TV: Numb3rs

Still Reading: Rescued by the Magic of Christmas by Melissa McClone
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a quickie

I'm having some internet problems so this will be quick.

I'm feeling much, much better. The vaporizer is really helping to clear up my congestion. I'm breathing more through my nose. I'm more at 85%. Since it's going to be a rainy weekend, I plan to spend the time indoors.

Dead Ringer by Mary Burton features our heroine, Kendall Shaw, a news anchorperson. In this thriller, someone is killing women who looks are similar to Kendall and no one knows why until all the pieces fall into place. I enjoyed this story.

on TV: CSI, Eleventh Hours

Reading: Rescued by the Magic of Christmas by Melissa McClone
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getting there

I'm feeling a little better today. I dug out the vaporizer and I think that helped tremendously. I'm not as congested as I was yesterday and I'm breathing more through my nose. I'm hoping one to two more days and I should be completely well.

What is it about being sick that you're too tired to do anything. I start to read and then 3 pages later, I have to close the book. I put the TV on and before you know it I'm asleep. I try not to cook for fear that I'll drop off and leave something burning on the stove.



I went shopping at the quilt shop to pick up the tools needed to learn embroidery. I got a beginner's book, a six-pack of embroidery floss, two different fabric pens, an embroidery hoop, embroidery needles and embroidery scissors. I already have muslin, various scraps of fabric and I found a couple of simple designs.

Steps taken: 7,785 (still sick)

on TV: Bones, Criminal Minds, CSI: NY
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Happy Veterans Day

Thanks everyone for the well wishes. I'm still under the weather. So I'll leave you with pictures from the Veterans Day Parade. If you look in the background, you'll see one of my favorite stores where I just happened to pick up Rescued by the Magic of Christmas by Melissa McClone.









The flag being carried in picture #4 flew at Ground Zero.

Steps taken: 8,316 (still sick)

Still Reading (Book Club): Dead Ringer by Mary Burton
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sick bay

It's official. I'm sick. My body aches. I have the chills. I don't think I have a fever though. I'm hoping it's a 24-hour bug. Not much else to say.

Running Scared by Cheryl Norman is about Ashley Adams who finally escaped a 10-year abusive marriage. While training for a marathon, someone is shot dead in front of her and now she is running for her life. I liked it.

Steps taken: 8,564 (not feeling well)

on TV tonight: Two and a Half Men, Dancing With The Stars

Book Club Reading: Dead Ringer by Mary Burton
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is it monday yet

Last night I felt it and this morning I woke up with a scratchy throat. If that doesn't make one sad, then receiving two "I love your blog" awards put a smile on my face. Thanks Amy and Tori.

I wanted to make Sarita's Morning Cake but after looking at the 8 ingredients and looking in my cupboard, the only thing I had were eggs and milk. Then it dawned on me that I didn't even have a round cake pan, nor a hand mixer, nor anything. I just don't have the basics here. Since my niece and nephew are coming up for Thanksgiving, we'll be making the morning cake because I will have all the necessary ingredient and cooking materials needed. So, what brand of hand mixers or beaters do you use?

I'm going to learn embroidery. I got a list of the necessary equipment and tools I'll need to begin this lesson. I've spent the morning researching the tools so I know what they look like and also searching for a beginner's guide to embroidery. There are so many books out there, I just don't know which one is the better one. I'll see what my quilt shop has in stock before I purchase on the Internet.

Ritual in Death by J.D. Robb is part of the Suite 606 anthology. Eve is doing her wife duty for Roarke when in walks a man who is naked, bloody, drugged and dazed. He and others was picked as sacrificial lambs to aid in the ritual that led to murder and it’s up to Eve to solve this heinous crime.

Steps taken: 11,355

On TV tonight: Cold Case

Book Club Reading: Running Scared by Cheryl Norman
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cloudy day

That's my new living room/computer area side table. I love that the place assembles it instead of me trying to.

Don't you love it when your place has that just cleaned the entire place from the top to the bottom smell? Well I do. It feels like I've accomplished something. Of course the cloudy skies and rain outside can squelch that feeling.

Do you use plastic bags for your grocery shopping? I got one of those cloth bags from Whole Foods and can never remember to bring it when I go food shopping. But I will now, now that our mayor wants to tax us six cents for every plastic bag used for grocery shopping.

Burn Out by Marcia Muller is the 26th book in the series featuring San Francisco PI Sharon McCone. After a terrifying incident, McCone, depressed, flees to her husband’s ranch where she contemplates her future while getting involved in a local case. This was another fine story in this series.

Reading: Suite 606 by J. D. Robb
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busy day with chores

Since I had to wait for my furniture delivery, I spent the morning doing the laundry and mopping the floors. Then I went to the library to pick up Takeover by Lisa Black and Burn Out by Marcia Muller. I forgot to mention that I went on a book buying spree and got Cold Pursuit by Carla Neggers, Bad Penny by Sharon Sala, Shot Girl by Karen Olson, Suite 606 by J.D. Robb, Murder With All the Trimmings by Elaine Viets and Fatal Fixer-Upper by Jennie Bentley.

Next on my agenda was finishing the quilt by the weekend. I sometimes forget how easy and simple making quilted pillow covers are once you have completed the quilt block.
1) 2)

3) 4)

1) Pinwheel blocks almost coming together
2) Top quilt sandwich
3) Name of 1st Pillow: Twirling left
4) Name of 2nd Pillow: Twirling right

My delivery came at 1:05pm and I love my new side table. It fits perfectly between my computer desk and recliner. I'll post a picture tomorrow.

Steps taken: 10,099

on TV tonight: NCIS (repeat), Numb3rs

Still Reading: Everything Nice by Ellen Shanman
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back to regular post

My living room end table will be delivered tomorrow between the hours of 11 and 4p. Since I'm on the end of their route, I will be the last one unless they have to go the other way, then perhaps I'll be one of the first drop-offs.

I worked some more on my quilt project. LS is driving down to her home next week, so I want to give it to her before she leaves the city.

1)
2) 3)

1) the markings for the one-quarter seam allowances on 8 half squares
2) four pre-sewn squares for pillow #1
3) four pre-sewn squares for pillow #2

Salvation in Death by J. D. Robb is the 27th book in the In Death series featuring Lieutenant Eve Dallas and her billionaire husband, Roarke. In this case, Eve is on the trail of who murdered Father Miguel Flores. All I have is one word: Excellent!

Steps taken: 10,003

on TV tonight: CSI and Eleventh Hour

Book Club Reading: Everything Nice by Ellen Shanman (recommended by Brandy)
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my first blog award

I received a "I Love Your Blog" award from Diane Craver. This is my first blog award ever, how cool is that? Below are the rules for this award.

1) Add the logo of the award to your blog
2) Add a link to the person who awarded it to you
3) Nominate at least 7 other blogs
4) Add links to those blogs on your blog
5) Leave a message for your nominees on their blogs

These are some of the blogs that I love and must read every single day.

Bookmom - Brandy shares her life, family and love of books with us and I love the antics and photos of her furbabies.

From the Heart - Sarita shares her life and loves with us and we also share a love of quilting which I like alot. Sarita is a published author with two publishing houses.

Hollywoodland - Tori shares her love of history and trivia which I love. We also share a love of books. Tori is working on her work in progress.

Melissa's Diary - Melissa writes about her writing, her kidlets and furbabies. Melissa is also a published author.

Reading, Writing, & Stuff That Makes Me Crazy - Marianne entertains us with her wit and her daily happenings. Marianne is also a published author.

WriteBrained - Amy is a prolific writer who shares her life and struggles with us. Amy has written several articles that has appeared on the Internet.

Jill Shavis - Jill amuses her fans with daily antics about life, love and her fear of bears. oh, don't forget her love of cookies. Jill is also a published author.
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nothing much

I forgot to mention that I saw a trio of deers walking across the highway as we were traveling to the winery in VA. I wished I had my camera ready because it was a beautiful site. Also evident that I saw a lot of road kill.

I pinned the first set of quilt pieces and marked it for the one-quarter seam allowance so that I can start sewing tomorrow.

Sending healthy vibes to Melissa's hubby on his surgery.

Sad news in the publishing industry: Michael Crichton passed away at 66.

Steps taken: 9,364 (rained today)

on TV tonight: Bones, Criminal Minds, CSI: NY, Dancing With The Stars

Reading: Salvation in Death by J.D. Robb
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there is no place like home

I'm back from Virginia. As soon as I walked into my building complex, down the hall I went and made my vote count.

I had a fun time. We went to two wineries and at the first one they sampled, I sipped 14 different wines. Some were white, some were red, one was rosa and some were sweet. At the second winery we visited, we only sampled, again I sipped, 9 different wines. I did not like any of the wines that I sipped. We also went to lunch at a small-town restaurant that was located near the first winery we visited. The food was excellent. The rest of the weekend, we spent running errands and just hanging around.

October reading round-up: This month I've read 21 books and discovered 4 new-to-me authors: James Lee Burke, Dorothy Howell, Brandon Massey and Susan Mallery. I've read the following types of books: 7 mystery, 2 romantic suspense, 3 romance and 9 thrillers.

I pick up Salvation in Death by J.D. Robb tomorrow and I can't wait.
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