Giving thanks

The last few months have been a strange mix of good and bad events in our life. We've suffered our share of losses (as we all do) but we will be fine. We have terrific family and friends who are always there to support us. Of course the holiday season seems to amplify situations and although it will be different for us this year it will always be special.

Hubby is still unemployed but we are lucky to be able to pay our bills and keep a roof over our heads. We don't plan to do much for gift giving but that has never been a big priority for us. We are enjoying the extra time we have together and with the grandkids. Since we aren't in a rush and planning around long work days we get to have the munchkins spend the night more often, enjoy a Grandparents' Day lunch with the kindergarten class, bake cookies and make Christmas ornaments on a lazy afternoon, wander around the children's room at the library... It's all good.

I've been absent here because I've had a stubborn computer virus. I haven't been able to blog but I think we finally have that problem solved. We have plenty of snow and winter weather already. Fortunately I have a cozy fireplace and a big pile of books that's just begging to be read and hopefully reviewed. (I prefer my hammock but that's been stored away until spring.) Although I've been a bit out of touch I hope all is well with you and your families.

May you have many blessings, great books to read and loving people to share them with. I know I do and I have much to be thankful for this year!

Close Ups answers #16

I just spent five days with my favorite aunt. She only lives two hours away but we don't always get enough time together. Two years ago she was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. She has had her ups and downs and it's not curable but she is currently doing well (knock wood). My mom (her sister) has had an  incurable form of leukemia for eighteen years and cancer is a biggie on that side of the family. Fortunately we have some tough chicks and I am amazed and inspired by their courage and strength.

I had a wonderful visit and it was great to have girl time. We didn't watch much TV or use computers but we talked a lot, read a lot, lounged and were lazy. I missed home very much but am so glad I got to go and I look forward to doing it again. Precious moments with a very special person!

Now I'm back to blogging. So did you guess what this was?

 Answer: My mailbox!

A point goes to:
Enbrethiliel
bermudaonion
Kaye
stacybuckeye

Close Ups #16

Here's another close up from one of my photos. Join in by adding your guess in the comments below. Don't be afraid to try! There is no penalty for wrong guesses and there might even be some book-type prizes along the way. Comments will be hidden until I reveal the answer Sunday. What do you think this is?

Beautiful Library Chairs

Do you have furniture like this in your library? Some of these look like lots of fun and some just look down right uncomfortable. Check out more on this Flavorwire article Beautiful Library Chairs for Literary Abodes by Alison Nastasi (10/20/13)

 Bookinist - moveable reading chair designed by Nils Holger Moormann



OpenBook - upholstered chair by TILT

Close Ups answer # 15

Yep, I'm behind again.
So did you guess what this was?

 

Answer: a pumpkin lid (and the pumpkin)! My boys decided it would be fun to use it for target practice.  And this is what's left of it. 

A point goes to:
bermudaonion
Jenn, Jenn & Jenni
Enbrethiliel
stacybuckeye

Close Ups #15

Here's another close up from one of my photos. Join in by adding your guess in the comments below. Don't be afraid to try! There is no penalty for wrong guesses and there might even be some book-type prizes along the way. Comments will be hidden until I reveal the answer Sunday. What do you think this is?

My life

Hard times have hit my household and it has us in a bit of a tizzy. Three weeks ago my husband had a sudden death in his family and the funeral and all that goes with it was an interesting mess to say the least. Family drama and all that... Then last week Hubby went back to work after his lunch break and was informed that a business decision had been made and he was being let go from his job as an assistant manager of 14 years. He lost all of his benefits and our family health insurance was cut off the next day. I have been disabled for several years due to chronic illnesses and pain syndromes and have never been able to return to my job.The government shut down has also made it hard to access some of the different agencies we need to contact for various things. It's so frustrating!

I'm not sure why I'm sharing this since you are my book buddies and I don't share much personal information here. Maybe just to vent. And because you are all so kind and fun to chat with. We will get through this, it's not the worst thing that's happened to us and we do count our blessings every day. I'm optimistic that we will come out of this better than before. Although we are scrambling to reorganize our lives and make new plans, I am looking forward to getting back to reading and blogging. I have lots to catch up on here. I have books to read, reviews to post and a giveaway coming right up. Thank you for your patience and understanding. I hope you are all well and enjoying a peaceful and happy Autumn. Thanks for listening.