February 2019

Thursday, February 28, 2019

Review of Woodpecker Facts and Photography

Downy Woodpecker on a birdfeeder photo by mbgphoto

Downy Woodpecker

I have been fascinated by woodpeckers for a long time, but I didn't realize there were so many different types of woodpeckers. This year I purchased a peanut feeder for my backyard. When I started to see different types of woodpeckers using the feeder I checked out information about woodpeckers both online and in my Backyard Birds guide. In this post I will show you photos and facts about the four types of woodpeckers that have visited my backyard.

Northern Flicker

The Northern Flicker is a very handsome bird. It has a brown back with black bars and a very distinct crescent of black on the chest. In flight the white rump is very conspicuous.

These woodpeckers usually forage on the ground for food, but I have also seen them at my suet feeders.

Downy Woodpecker

Downy Woodpeckers are the most common ones that I see in my backyard. They visit year round and are fairly small birds. These small tubular looking woodpeckers are very delicate looking. They have crisp black and white plumage and the males have a red patch toward the back of the head. They have a larger look-alike cousin the Hairy Woodpecker.

Red-Bellied Woodpecker

The Red-Bellied Woodpecker is a large bird with zebra type stripes across the back. The red belly is really just a pink tinge across the white chest. The really red part is on the head. The male has a bright red cap that extends from the bill all the way down the nape. The female is similar to the male except that the red cap is only in the nape area.

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

I have only seen this bird one day in my yard. I was able to capture photos from several angles and posted it on birding sites. The consensus was that it is a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. My bird book says that I probably caught it on its' migration south.

These birds are rather large woodpeckers with a striped face pattern and a long white slash on the wing. The male has a red throat and forecrown. The female has white throat and red fore crown, so I would say the photo above is a male Yellow-bellied woodpecker.

Feeders for Woodpeckers

I have two types of feeders that I use to attract woodpeckers. The first is a cage like feeder that I fill with suet cakes. You can see a Northern Flicker enjoying a suet cake in the photo below.

This type of feeder is also visited by several other types of birds.

Northern Flicker on a suet cake birdfeeder photo by mbgphoto

This year I purchased a peanut feeder and it has been very popular with both woodpeckers and nuthatches. This feeder is filled with unshelled peanuts and it is fun to watch the birds peck away till they get the nut out of the shell. This keeps them at the feeder longer and helps me to capture them with my camera. Below is a Red Breasted Nuthatch that visited the peanut feeder.

Nuthatch on a birdfeeder photo by mbgphoto

I purchased my peanut feeder on Amazon. You can get your own by following the link below.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Wednesday, February 27, 2019

Excellent Gardening Advice from The Old Farmers Almanac

Gardening Advice

Gardeners are a wonderful bunch of people who just can't seem to get enough dirt under their fingernails and still have lots of fun. February and March are the months when their fingers get really itchy to be in that soil and moving it about!

Image by kmicican on Pixabay

Everywhere they look, they see the signs of spring to come. Maybe the weather has had a few nice warm sunny, or there has been a small thaw. The ground under the snow is peeking out and just teasing the heck out of all. Most of us are tired of the winter and are ready to move on. Then there are the gardeners who look out on that frozen wasteland and just know that in a few short weeks, everything will change for the better.

So What is a Gardener Supposed to Do Until Spring Arrives?

Well I know that I have been spending the last couple of days with the seeds that I have saved from last year's plants that I really loved. I'm just checking that they are still looking good (they haven't got mold on them or rotted from being mishandled in the fall. So far my seed stash is looking great. The next thing that gets my attention is all my plant catalogues** from several different suppliers.
When I have exhausted all these lovely reminders of the season to come, I sit back and enjoy the musings from the Old Farmer's Almanac!

Wisdom, Planting Tips and Tricks, and so much more!

For many years, the Farmer's Almanac has been a source of tips and tricks, planting advice and so much more. Every gardener I know has either heard about it (and really wants a copy) or has a copy somewhere in their stash of garden related books. If you have a gardener or two in your family, I know that this little desk calendar from the people at the Farmer's Almanac, would be an asset to them. Filled with daily hints, facts, folklore and pictures of beautiful flowers, it will certainly brighten up a corner of their desk or workspace.
What I love about these Calendars is that they are each so lovely and even though we are already into the year 2019, the dates that have already gone by, are still pretty to look at and have some interesting or funny anecdotes on them.

Farmer's Almanac calendars are full of useful information too. When to trim plants, moon phases and schedules for planting and replanting too. This is one handy, beautiful and practical gift or just a necessary gardening tool like a new hoe or spade.

Dreaming about what is to come is something Gardeners at this time of year can really excel at. I know I have my visions and dreams in place!

**Here are some handy links if you would like to receive some gardening catalogues:

In the USA:

40 Free Garden Seed Catalogues

https://www.almanac.com/content/garden-seed-catalogs-mail

In Canada:

Veseys: https://www.veseys.com

Canadian Seed and Plant mail order Sources:

https://www.almanac.com/content/canadian-seed-and-plant-mail-order-sources

These are just a couple of links, you can "google" seed catalogues and come up with many more.

The time to dream is now and in just a little while, your dreams will start to take shape.

Image by Hans on Pixabay

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Tuesday, February 26, 2019

Gratitude Journal Reviewed

Embrace An Attitude of Gratitude

Praying Hands image courtesy of pixabay.com

Twenty-five years ago my soul was suffering from the lack of gratitude. My doctor said that I was depressed. He said that there was a chemical imbalance which suppressed my ability to feel happiness. Technically, I suppose that his diagnosis was correct. In the months following that visit to the doctor, I came to realize that it went much deeper than a "happiness hormone" not being produced in my body.

My physician followed the proper procedure from the annuls of medicine by prescribing an anti-depressant. He explained that the medication would help my body to remember how to produce the chemical that would take away the depression and help me to feel happy again. Oh, how I despised that medication! I remember thinking that it seemed impossible that it would work because while I was on it I didn't "feel" anything. While medicated the feelings of despair were gone; I'll admit that. The trouble was there didn't seem to be any feelings at all; none. I didn't want to live a life devoid of feeling!

I began a time of inner reflection to see if I could figure out why the blue bird of happiness had abandoned his nest in my heart. I knew for certain that he used to live there. So, why had he left? I eventually realized that I had been neglecting to feed him his favorite food. He hadn't received not even a little morsel of gratitude in a very long time.

I tell you this today because I recently received a message from a dear friend who has passed on to a better place. She wanted me to know how much that I meant to her before and during her long illness. Her message explained that my example of finding gratefulness all around me had taught her so very much and made those last months easier to bare.

After receiving that touching and loving message from my sweet dear friend, I remembered how it is so very easy for any of us to forget to be thankful for the big and small blessings that surround us every single day. We don't have to let it be that easy. We can make a habit of looking for more gratitude in our lives.

I found a wonderful tool to help anyone begin to focus on what they have to be thankful for on a daily basis. This journal is a 52 week guide to help you cultivate a garden of gratitude in your heart. There are inspirational quotes along with an area to jot down three things you are thankful for each day. It can be something big like a warm home or it can be something simple like the laugh of a child. If you or someone you know needs some help in this direction, a gratitude journal might be just the tool to plant your seeds.

Good Days Start With Gratitude Journal

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Monday, February 25, 2019

Reviewing the Anker Ultra Slim Bluetooth Keyboard

I never thought I'd enjoy using an Ipad. I'm old-fashioned and do not do a good job of keeping up with technology. I was very satisfied with relying on my laptop. When a friend upgraded his Ipad and gave me his hand-me-down, I was skeptical. But it has slowly grown on me. Especially after he gave me an Anker Ultra Slim Bluetooth Keyboard for Christmas. This Bluetooth Keyboard is far easier and more comfortable to use than I had imagined. If you have an Ipad that you think you'd get more use from if you had a "real" keyboard, this option may be perfect for you.

Anker Ultra Slim Bluetooth Keyboard

This Ultra Slim Bluetooth Keyboard is small enough to be easily taken where I need it and sturdy enough to feel as though I'm typing on my laptop. It does not feel like those rubber mat keyboards I've tried in the stores - and I like that.

Miscellaneous Information:

measures only 11.2" x 4.8" x 0.7"
requires easy-to-find AAA batteries
the battery housing doubles as a raised edge - tilting the keyboard slightly and making it easier to use.
the on/off switch and the bluetooth connection was easy enough that even I could figure it all out

I'm still having trouble becoming accustomed to all of the Ipad's bells and whistles, but not having to "tap" everything out one letter at a time on the screen is no longer a barrier. Whether I use the keyboard on a table top or on my lap, it is comfortable. And this Ipad and Keyboard combination is easier to pack and take along to The Shack than my laptop.

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Sunday, February 24, 2019

Suggested Pieces for a Farmhouse Decor Theme

Décor Pieces for a Farmhouse Theme

Here are some suggestions for the Kitchen

If you're a fan of rustic or farmhouse home décor, you'll be happy to know it's not too difficult to pull that style together. Let's review several ideas.

Like all things rustic, think in terms of a variety of textures and you'll be on the right track. A mixture of wood, cloth, plants, whimsy, ceramic, and terracotta are a few examples of texture variety.

Below are several ideas, divided into four sections, to consider for your rustic themed room:

1. Wall Planks - Shiplap

If you're not into doing an entire wall with wood, use a wall graphic with a faux shiplap or plank look to it. If putting up a wall mural is still more work than you planned for, put up canvas art featuring a faux wood plank background. Check out some of the products featured here.

2. You NEED a Cow Ottoman. Period.

Another way to get funky with your rustic décor is to add humorous pieces. This cow ottoman is sure to cause a smirk or a belly laugh. You can put it anywhere. Add it to a living room, an office a cow themed baby's room or even the master bedroom, where there should always be a bit of humor!

Everyone needs a cow ottoman #funkydecor #cows https://t.co/rfrwTvCD5V pic.twitter.com/XcIFVrHGyY
— Funkthishouse (@funkthishouse) February 24, 2019

3. Terracotta Pots and Wire Baskets

Sounds too simple. These two décor items fit nicely into a farmhouse theme. Use wire baskets for storage and decoration and use terracotta pots for the same. Feature them on the counter, on the wall, as a centerpiece or, if large enough, as a stand alone item. You can view a broad selection of terracotta pots and wire baskets here.

4. Whimsical Rooster Area Rugs

Rooster rugs are popular! Yep. They're not only made for rustic farmhouse décor themes, they also hold a special meaning. Did you know that including roosters in your décor is suppose to bring you good luck? Roosters symbolize courage and a readiness to face the day. Maybe that's why they make such a racket every morning. You can find a selection of rooster rugs here.

Remember, you don't have to do a complete redo, you can add accessories to create a theme.

Have fun!

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Saturday, February 23, 2019

Why Fizz Sticks Should Be Part of Your Emergency Kit

Energy Fizz Sticks - a source of caffeine for your emergency kit

Energy Fizz Sticks from Arbonne

Earlier this week we were on Cyclone Watch which was the perfect time to review what was in our emergency kits and also got me reflecting on previous occasions when we've been without electricity. There are the obvious things that can be added to your emergency kits and the not so obvious, but I am positive that Fizz Sticks should be added to your emergency kit if they're not already part of it!

What Are Fizz Sticks?

Fizz Sticks are basically a healthy energy drink. They provide an alkaline form of caffeine which basically means you get the energy, but it's more sustained and doesn't cause the caffeine crash that you sometimes get after your double espresso has stopped 'working'.

Anyone who knows me knows I love my fizz sticks. Every morning I have one in my Green Ogre Drink and I usually have another fizz stick on it's own in the middle of the afternoon.

Why Should a Fizz Stick be in an Emergency Kit?

Well firstly there should definitely be more than one! The reason why I believe they are vital to most people goes back 12-15 years when we were without power for 4 whole days (we're usually very lucky and rarely lose power for longer than a couple of hours). I remember that the house we lived in didn't have gas as there was no lines in our street at that time. This meant we had no means of cooking ... or making tea and/or coffee.

In those days I was a 10 mug a day tea drinker and my next door neighbour lived on coffee - we were very cranky! We drove 30 minutes to a newer McDonalds as they had their own generator just to get our hot beverages of choice!

Part of your emergency survival kit should always include 3 days worth of water for everyone in your family so you can simply mix your fizz stick with water and let caffeine induced crankiness stay away so you can concentrate on more important things!

What's in Your Emergency Kit?

Apart from water you should always have a first aid kit, flashlight, lantern, matches, chocolate (this article explains why), playing cards, radio, cash, important documents.

Read more about what to put in your emergency kit here - Best Emergency Survival Kits

Whether you live in an area that experiences earthquakes, cyclones, blizzards or other natural disasters or whether you don't you really should keep an emergency kit as you just never know. Weather patterns seem to be changing globally so be prepared to keep your family safe and in all seriousness do keep a stock of fizz sticks on hand - they're available in four different flavors.

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Friday, February 22, 2019

DIY Upcycled Drawer Pet Bed

Grizzly was quick to call dibs on this new drawer daybed.

One of the ways I express love for my animals is by making them things. I'm always on the lookout for fun DIY projects for my kittens and pups. While cruising Pinterest for inspiration, I came across something I could not wait to try: making a cozy pet bed by upcycling a drawer. At the time I didn't have any old drawers, but then, like it was meant to be, I came upon a dresser that someone had abandoned. Just like that I had four oak drawers that needed to be saved from a premature trip to wherever unloved drawers go. I'd like to share with you how I took those vintage discarded drawers and gave them a new purpose in life. This is a simple weekend project that anyone can enjoy.

First, pick up a used drawer that will fit your pet. You may find one at a garage sale or thrift store. Since my pups are too big for a drawer, I'm making these beds for my kitties. Given that they sleep most of the time—well, except for my wild child, Minnie—a custom bed is the gift they will use more than anything else.

Next, remove the hardware and sand the surfaces in preparation for your choice of finish. At the moment, I'm in love with chalkboard paint, so I primed my drawer with it (Tip: Use the spray paint. It goes on much smoother.). Though a chalky soft black color may seem like an odd choice, I knew that I wanted to cover it with a white paint that would give it a stylish grunge look. The nice thing about a dark primer is that it immediately enhanced the drawer's imperfections.

Now it's time to use your imagination to come up with a unique twist on decorating your pet bed. When I came upon this cute mini trellis at Dollar Tree, I knew exactly what I wanted to do. It became the muse for a kitten daybed. On the same shopping trip, I found these fluted glass candle holders. They gave me the idea for an unusual set of legs for the daybed. This is my MO as a maker: using things in unexpected ways. Never one to be a copycat, I get my thrills from coming up with something really different.

Here's where sizing adjustments happen. After determining the desired height of the daybed ends, I used my cordless Dremel with the cut-off wheel to shorten the trellis. If you don't have a Dremel, you can use a hacksaw for this step. I tried it both ways and the Dremel is definitely the easier and faster method.

Time to drill some holes to insert the trellis into the drawer's side panels. I used a 1/8th inch bit to drill holes that are 3 1/2 inches deep. This step required some care, as the wood panels are pretty narrow (about 1/4th inch wide). I didn't want to accidentally drill through the side of the drawer. By taking it slowly, I kept the holes where I wanted them to be.

So, let's get back to those glass candle holder/wannabe legs I mentioned earlier. After spray painting them with chalkboard paint, I used white chalk to highlight the fluted edges, creating a kind of pinstriping. An important last step is to spray the containers with a clear matte sealer to keep the chalk from smearing or wearing off.

At this point, I needed to screw lids for the jar legs onto the bottom of the drawer. I replaced the candle holder insert with a regular mouth canning jar lid. Because drawer bottoms are very thin, I bolstered the thickness by attaching strips of wood lath. This ensured that the sharp points of the screws wouldn't poke through inside the drawer and pose a hazard to my kitten. Once the lids were in place, it was just a matter of attaching the fluted legs.

The final steps included creating a name plaque for my kitten and placing luxurious bedding inside the drawer. I chose a silky faux fur rug for the mattress. It will be easy to clean by just tossing it in the washer. As for the pillows, I simply rolled up a comfy fleece blanket. Easy peasy.

I was anxious to get up this morning to see who might be snuggled up in the drawer daybed. Though I created the bed for Minnie Pearl, the kitten I rescued last August, I didn't think I would find her snoozing. I haven't actually ever seen her sleep. She is way too busy with her kitten shenanigans. I was very happy to find my senior cat, Grizzly Girl (aka Miz Grizz), curled up in Minnie's place.

All throughout the day, my girls have been vying for a spot in the new bed. Mission accomplished. My heart is full. I decided I better get a head start on converting another drawer. While I was working on it this afternoon, Sugar Bear was "helping" me.

This bed has a cathedral theme. I found a gothic garden fence for the headboard, which reminds me of stained glass windows, and experimented with an antique crackle finish for the front of the drawer. I'm actually using plant hangers for the legs. Go figure! I invite you to stop back by for updates and additional photos, as I still have two more drawers to go (and two more lovely felines to feature). Crazy cat lady? Nah. I'm still one cat short of crazy.

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Thursday, February 21, 2019

His Stubborn Sweet Bride: A Christian Historical Romance Reviewed

An excellent Christian historical romance that transfixes readers with Molly's story of loss, betrayal, survival & desperate decisions. Highly Recommended!

I admit, His Stubborn Sweet Bride (Colorado Reborn Book 1) written by Chloe Carley was a big surprise for me. I loved this book!

This is the first book by the author, Chloe Carley, that I have ever read, but it won't be the last. I am beyond thrilled to find a new Christian author who writes unique and original content. That is what I liked best about this book. I didn't feel like I had ever read one that was similar in plot or characters. Plus, I loved the unexpected surprise elements in it.

The story takes place in 1878 in several early settlement cities in America, including Cheyenne, Wyoming, Denver & Indian Rock, Colorado, which is beautiful, but rough country. The depiction of the towns, the battle between the original settlers and the new comers, as well as the harrowing life events of the main character, are all reasons why I was transfixed by this story.

The Plot of His Stubborn Sweet Bride (Colorado Reborn Book 1)

When a wealthy aristocrat from England, Nate Trowbridge, and his sister, Leonie, inherent their uncles ranch in Colorado, they decide to move to America. Leonie is young, adventurous, and quite naive, while her older brother, Nate, is steadfast and somewhat boring. Nate wishes to protect his sister for as long as possible. He also desires to maintain their good name, respectability and social standing even in the new country.

Upon arrival, they find the ranch is not exactly in the condition they expected. Immediate repairs and restoration are necessary. Because there is little else in Indian Rock other than his Circle T Ranch, Nate has to travel to Denver to hire craftsman, and purchase furnishings and decor. That also gives him the opportunity to visit with old family friends.

Nate Trowbridge's Story

His Stubborn Sweet Bride:
A Christian Historical Romance Novel
(Colorado Reborn Book 1)Check PriceNate believes it will be time for him to get married as soon as the ranch is renovated. He believes his obvious choice is one of the daughters of old family friends. Actually, over several generations, the two families have married one another to preserve their wealth and status in society. The Chiswicks live in Denver, therefore they have already made the necessary transition to America from England. After visiting with them, he has every reason to believe Emmaline Chiswick is like-minded and would welcome his proposal.

Once the house repairs are finished, Nate sends a letter of marriage proposal by way of his ranch foreman, Jem, to Denver when he finds out that Jem has to go to the dentist there. It is necessary for the doctor to give Jem a dose of laudanum so he can preform the dental work needed. Jem is still under the influence of the laudanum when he searches for the address on the envelope to deliver the letter. He immediately notes that the woman doesn't appear to be the type of woman he would expect his boss to court and certainly not to marry, but when Molly opens the letter, she accepts Nate's proposal. Everything gets pretty hazy for Jem and later he awakens to find himself, along with Molly, on a train destined for Indian Rock, Colorado.

Molly Clanahan's Story

Molly's story is one I had never considered a possibility, but I could easily see how it would happen in 1878. It made me think of current day human trafficking and how we all want to believe it can't be true and would never happen.

When her father and brothers all died from influenza, Molly was left completely alone. The bank foreclosed on her family farm and she had no way to survive. It seemed becoming a mail order bride would be her best option.

Molly started corresponding with Jack in Cheyenne, Wyoming. After she sent him a picture of herself, as requested, the man she believed to be a lonely widower sent her train fare to Wyoming. When she arrived, she was met by Jack and immediately taken to his business, the local brothel. She was expected to go to work immediately. The promise of marriage was just a ploy to get her there. Jack was abusive, threatening, and downright evil. Molly felt trapped until she decided to risk her life and get away.

Even after Molly has escaped the brothel, Jack swore to find her and make her pay for humiliating him. She knew she was living under the shadow of fear and possible discovery. She felt fortunate to get a job as a seamstress in Denver, but when Jack found her, she was once again desperate for escape. That was when the man with the letter containing a marriage proposal showed up at her door.

My Recommendation of "His Stubborn Sweet Bride"

I have now given you the basic background of the characters and book plot, but you must read this book yourself. You might even find that you think twice before you jump to conclusions about people and judge their actions.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction. While it dips into the dark world of murder, lies, criminals, and pure evil, nothing is too graphic, yet it clearly depicts depravity.

In addition to the expected romantic love story, the book also aptly depicts the concern and protective nature of an older brother toward his sister. I enjoyed the way the author developed both types of love throughout the book.

His Stubborn Sweet Bride:
A Christian Historical Romance Novel (Colorado Reborn Book 1)Check Price

Wednesday, February 20, 2019

Educated: The Life Story of an Amazing Backwoods Girl

Everyone who has paid taxes and continues to do so, has dreamed of living "off the grid". Educated, is the memoir of Tara Westover, who because of her family, did just that!

Let me start by saying that this book once opened and in your hands, will be hard to put down. So be prepared to let everything else slip, while you get drawn into this memoir.

educated book cover beside author's photo - Tara Westover

Photo from the New York Times

Tara and her family live on Buck's Peak in Idaho. They are a tight knit family not because of undivided love, but rather necessity. They are a large family of seven children. Living off the grid is not easy and Tara's father has long held that government and modern times are both evil. These are to be avoided at all and any costs. The family does not have strong ties to the community which is small at best. But they are strong in their faith life. Reading from the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and the Mormon prophets is their only entertainment.

Mom is an herbalist, with a love for natural healing from the abundance around her. Tara and her mom are always working to prepare the family for the inevitable downfall of all humanity. Dad speaks to "God" and has his own visions of what needs to be accomplished to keep his family safe in the trying days to come.

While running his scrapyard, he is also consumed with the coming Y2K debacle and the end times. He is constantly preparing bunkers with food and water, staples and gas so that when the inevitable last days arrive, they will be safe and saved.

  Buck's Peak in the Fall

Tara never goes to school proper. She and her siblings are home schooled. Mom make tinctures and creams. These will be their only forms of medicine, because Dad doesn't believe in Doctors. Mom also becomes the local midwife, after learning from the elderly woman who has been the midwife for years. All of this is kept very quiet as they don't want any interference from the government. Every birth is punctuated with worry that things will not "go" according to plan. Heaven help them if a mother should die in the birthing process.

Tara's brothers are a mixed bunch. Some take care of Tara with tenderness and love, while one of the eldest has a mean streak the width of a country road. While Tara is terrorized by him, Dad and Mom just keep on working and ignore any of his actions and the subsequent injuries that Tara has received at his hands. Even such simple things as birth certificates were not issued for the children. All were home birthed and never registered anywhere. Not until one of the brothers wants to get a driver's licence does Tara's mom start the process of registering the birth of her children.

Tara's story is unique in that it takes place today. With all the means of communication and learning, the Westover family knew none of it.

Despite her lack of many material things, Tara is gifted with a tenacity that will not let her fail. Once she has made the decision to leave the mountain, there is no holding her back. Educated is a story that is real, interesting, happy and sad at times, but never dull.

I read this in three days and just hated when my eyes were so tired they could not read another page.

Educated is a story of re-birth both physical and emotional. It's a story of choices and the possible breakdown of all that you knew to be true. Tara is like the caterpillar turning into the butterfly. Change though can be painful too and you will see that in the pages you are reading.

From a seventeen year old girl, who has never entered a classroom before, to a young woman who has a PhD and has studied at Cambridge and Harvard, she certainly has learned that you and you alone can become "Educated".

For your reading pleasure you can start a free trial with Audible and get to read "Educated" for the best price ever $0.00!

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Tuesday, February 19, 2019

Lego Easter Egg Hunt Set Reviewed

Fun Idea For Easter Basket Stuffer

Add some Lego Fun to the Basket
(image courtesy of pixabay.com)

It is a good two months before those Easter Egg Hunts take place but I am already looking for some fun ideas to add to the baskets. Of course there will be eggs to be found. I always look for some different sorts of sweets to add but I like to hold that sugary stuff to a minimum. So, I start searching for non-edible ideas rather early. I have found something fun for this year.

Those that know me might remember that I love to play with Legos. My brothers and I built things with those plastic bricks when we were little. Hours of fun were spent with my daughters with them. This grandma still plays with the colorful plastic pieces with her grandchildren. I even have a display of the Big Bang Theory done in Legos in our family room.

Imagine my thrill when I found a set of Legos that creates a scene for an Easter Egg Hunt! It is a small little set with only 145 pieces so the box will fit nicely in the kid's baskets. The set allows you to build three separate locations (to hide the 3 eggs). There is a carrot garden, a flower garden and a hen house. Two figures come with the set; an adult and a child. There is a wheelbarrow, a cute little basket and a magnifying glass. Well, it is just down right adorable!

As with most of the Lego sets once this one is assembled the different locations can be easily added to any other display you might already have on display. We rarely tear our finished sets down in this house. They are fun to pull out and play with when the kids come or Grandma goes to their house.

If you are looking for something to add to an Easter Basket that won't throw your child or grandchild into a raging sugar high, consider a set of Lego fun with the Easter Egg Hunt.

Easter Egg Hunt Building Kit from LEGO

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Monday, February 18, 2019

The Girl They Left Behind Book Review

The Girl They Left Behind: A Novel by Roxanne Veletzos

I have read a number of books since I last wrote a post here on Review This and I had to do a bit of a debate with myself as to which one I would write about today since they have all been such good stories. Please stay tuned for more reviews of books that you should add to your reading list!

The Girl They Left Behind, by Roxanne Veletzos, is a moving story. The title tells exactly what the book is about. Quite literally, a three-year old girl is left behind in Bucharest, Romania in 1941. Her parents abandon her on the steps of an apartment building in the face of Nazi persecution with the hope that she might somehow survive.

What a brutal decision. At first I struggled with this book because it seemed not just heartbreaking but also outlandish that anyone would abandon such a young child and expect her to survive in a place where people would not be quick to take in an unknown child. I know these things and worse happened, but I still struggled at first with this theme.

The little girl is rescued and then left with an orphanage until eventually a wealthy family adopts her and renames her Natalia. Because of her age, she quickly puts all early memories of her birth parents behind her though of course, the abandonment would haunt both her birth mother and father forever.

The story is slightly unusual because it deals with the persecution of the Jewish people in Romania and of communist life behind the Iron Curtain in the Soviet Union. I have read numerous similar stories set in other countries like France, Germany and Poland but I am not sure if I have read another one set in Romania and I expect I have read few set behind the Iron Curtain.

Anyway, the story is a tangled story of survival that spans decades and eventually sees Natalia give up her adoptive family and her love in order to start a new life in the United States.

The story is one of those impossible-but-true stories. It turns out that the author, Roxanne Veletzos, was born in Bucharest and eventually moved to California and that this this book was inspired by her mother's life though I do not know if in fact she was abandoned by her parents.

Highly Recommended

The Girl They Left Behind is in my opinion very well told. It is engrossing; you will not be able to put it down. It is about family and love and history. It features drama and suspense and even has an ending that will satisfy you. Yes, this book is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me.

If you enjoy historically based fiction like Sarah's Key, The Nightingale, The Ragged Edge of Night, All The Light We Cannot See, The Piano Maker and The Orphan Train you will enjoy this book. You can buy your copy in the format of your choice on Amazon by clicking right here.

See you
at the book store!
Brenda

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Buy The Girl They Left Behind on Amazon.
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Sunday, February 17, 2019

A Country Song About Homelessness - A Moving Reflection in Words

A moving, empathic country song about homeless

Somebody's Daughter Available on iTunes

Somebody's Daughter by Tenille Townes - A Song Review

I love the rasp and uplifting ache in Tenille Townes's voice as she sings this song. The story and lyrics clearly depict a person whose life wasn't easy. It reminds us that, except for our circumstances, we're all the same.

This country song is about homelessness. It's about those moments we pass by someone at an intersection holding up a cardboard sign asking for money for help.

"Oh I don't know the reasons why I'm the one whose driving by and she's the one on the corner of 18th street...bet she was somebody's best friend, back when she was somebody's sister counting change at the lemonade stand"

This mid-tempo song will touch your soul.

I remember first hearing it on the radio in my kitchen, and because I wasn't listening very closely to the lyrics, the song passed me by without notice. For me, ninety-nine percent of the time, it's the story first, the music second.

The next time I heard the song, I happened to be driving. Then I took the time to listen to the story behind the words.

The Inspiration Behind Tenille Townes Writing This Song

The tune was inspired during a drive Tenille Townes took with her mom in Nashville, Tennessee. They saw a homeless person standing with a sign and began wondering about this person's life story. Personally, I've wondered the same myself. I suspect that's the reason this song touched me so deeply.

The song reminds us that "she was somebody's best friend, somebody's first kiss, somebody's daughter".

What do We Do When We See Someone Standing With a Cardboard Sign Asking for Help?

Many times I've handed out a bit of money. People have told me, "oh, that's a con, they're lazy, they're not deserving." I'm sorry, but the onus is not on me to prove their truth. The recipient has to deal with the validity of the situation. I'm not prepared to conclude that everyone who does this isn't being honest. I believe most are genuinely suffering. I would rather be kind than be judgemental about that situation, but that's me. I just give; you never know who you've helped.

Who is Tenille Townes

Tenille Townes is a rising Canadian Country Music Artist from Grand Prairie, Alberta, Canada. In 2011 she was nominated at 17 years old for Canadian Country Music Female Artist of the Year. Her career is off and running. In 2018 she opened for Miranda Lambert and Little Big Town on The Bandwagon Tour.

Her Grand Ole Opry Debut

She's also recently enjoyed the honor of performing at the Grand Ole Opry. That was a big deal for her family and friends! Watch and listen to Tenille Townes in her own words, describe her amazing experience. She's a class act.

Big Hearts for Big Kids - Her Cause
In over nine years, she's raised $1.5+ million dollars for Sunrise House, a shelter for homeless youth in Alberta Canada. A cause she generously dedicates her time and name to.

Here's a brief video on her 2018 Fundraiser, Big Hearts for Big Kids:

Homelessness - The Stats and Where to Learn More

It's roughly estimated that between 150,000 and 300,000 people in Canada are homeless at some given time. In 2017 approximately 5 million people in Canada lived in poverty. Canadians can learn more about homelessness and what can be done here at The Homeless Hub.

According to Voa.org, in the United States in 2017, approximately 553,000 Americans were homeless on a given night, 40 million struggled with hunger, and 40.6 million officially lived in poverty. The US population is about 325 million. To learn more about poverty in the USA and how you can help, visit Voa.org/homeless-people.

"I believe those who suffer the most teach us the most" - by me

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Saturday, February 16, 2019

National Gumdrop Day Review

Image Source: Wikipedia (and Fotojet)

There are over 1500 'unofficial' National Holidays throughout the year that enjoy recognition for one reason or another. This one for February 15 ~ National Gumdrop Day ~ was begun to recognize this colorful, chewy, fruity or spicy, gelatin candy coated with sugar we call the Gumdrop.

Who Invented the Gumdrop?

The gumdrop was invented by a chemist and candy maker named Percy S. Truesdell. In 1915 he changed the texture of this sugar concoction. By adding starch in a formula he developed at Ohio State University, he changed a hard candy into a smooth, chewy delight. He later became known as the “Gumdrop King”.

Uses for Gumdrops

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

Besides being a tasty candy, gumdrops are a popular addition to cookie recipes and as decoration for cakes and cupcakes. No doubt the most well-known way gumdrops are used as decorations is on Gingerbread Houses. Savannah, Georgia holds an annual Gingerbread House Festival each year during the Christmas holiday celebrations where gumdrops on the gingerbread houses are plentiful.

Crafty Gumdrops

Gumdrop Penguins

Gumdrops are also often used in crafts, such as these adorable gumdrop penguins by Linda on her fun and fascinating crafty blog called “Crafts a la mode”. The blog is filled with her sweet and simple delights in both crafts and recipes.

DIY Gumdrops

Image Source: Mkreal on Flickr

You can also make gumdrops yourself. You'll need powdered fruit pectin and fruit juice, along with vegetable oil, sugar, corn syrup and food coloring. Several recipes can be found at a selection of sites throughout the internet. Click here.

Other Gumdrop Tidbits

Hasbro Gaming Candy Land Kingdom Of Sweet Adventures Board Game, Easter Basket Stuffers or Gifts for Kids, Ages 3+ (Amazon Exclusive)

An interesting sidelight is the fact that the classic board game Candy Land features both a Gumdrop Pass and a Gumdrop Mountain.

Then there is the song by Barney called "If All The Raindrops" (The Raindrop Song) with the line:

If all the raindrops were lemon drops and gumdrops, oh what a life I would lead.

The Nutty Fruit House Sugar Free Gummy Bear (1 Pound (Pack of 1))

A more modern offshoot of the original gumdrop are today's popular 'gummies' in the form of gummy bears and gummy worms. Kids seem to love these gelatin-based chewable sweets.