Monday Musings on June 30th...

 On this last Monday in June 2025...

I will do a short recap of the weekend.  On Friday, I had lunch with my friend, Shirley.  She invited me to her house for pizza.  We do that occasionally.  We had more time to visit, which is always nice.  Shirley has been a friend for many years.  The earliest photo I have of her is from 2010.  There were six of us who met for lunch and/or holidays monthly.  Birthdays were also celebrated.  Here we were, 15 years ago...

Terry A, Shirley, Cindee, me, Heather, and Melody in 2010

This was our Christmas get-together at our house (before we moved to Mas Verde).

Shirley and I are the only two left in Lakeland.  Terry A. moved to Georgia when her hubby retired.  Cindee and her hubby moved to Palmetto, FL, to be closer to grandkids, and Cindee has advanced Parkinson's.  Heather moved to Virginia to be closer to her daughter and SIL.  Melody passed away.  So, Shirley and I still meet once a month for lunch.  She lost her hubby in 2019 and is now 88 years young.  All of us, except Shirley, worked together at the museum, so work (and friendship) was our connection.

And here is Shirley, last Friday, with her sweet pup Tinker.

I don't have photos from Saturday evening, but my across-the-street neighbors, Anne and Paul, came over for pizza with their daughter, Mary, who is visiting for a long weekend.  Here they are, the last time she was here, and they came over...

I went to church yesterday and came home to do my usual laundry.  I cooked myself a steak from the freezer and had some corn-on-the-cob, and it was all actually quite good, if I do say so myself!

The week ahead is easy.  Dinner with my Mas Verde friends on Thursday, a 4th of July potluck at the clubhouse on Friday, and (not so easy) the funeral service for dear friend Lew at our church on Saturday. 

Thanks for your visit!!  I  hope your week ahead will be full of blessings!

Peace and Hugs!

Believe His Word and trust His grace,
I’ll cast on Him my every care,
And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!

The Saturday 9 on June 28th...

 Thanks to Crazy Sam for today's questions!  You can join the fun by clicking HERE!

Consider Me Gone

Welcome to Saturday: 9. What we've committed to our readers is that we will post 9 questions every Saturday. Sometimes the post will have a theme, and at other times the questions will be totally unrelated. Those weeks, we do "random questions," so to speak. We encourage you to visit other participants' posts and leave a comment. Because we don't have any rules, it is your choice. We hate rules. We love memes, however, and here is today's meme!

Saturday 9: Consider Me Gone (2009)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here. 

 

1) In this song, poor Reba McEntire confronts a lover who makes her feel like she's not good enough. Let's go in a more positive direction: Who in your life makes you feel happy and secure?  For 38 years (almost 36 married), that person was Joe.  Now I have wonderful friends and family with whom I feel safe, happy, and secure.  I truly am blessed beyond measure!

 

2) Reba hopes her lover will look back on her as someone who used to make him laugh. Who did you most recently laugh with?  My friend, Shirley, and I laughed at lunch yesterday.

 

3) She was director James Cameron's first choice to play Molly Brown in the 1997  blockbuster Titanic, but she had to turn down the role because she was committed to a concert tour. Think of the last invitation you received. Did you say yes or no?  I said yes to attending the crafting class last Thursday.

4) Reba comes from a rodeo family: both her father and grandfather were champion steer ropers, and her mother was a barrel racer. Have you ever been to a rodeo?  No, I have never attended a rodeo.

5) She loves game nights with family and friends because she says she's "a competitive person." When you play friendly board or card games, do you always play to win?  I always play the best I can, but I am not competitive and really don't care if I win or lose.  I don't make a good partner at cards because of that.  

 

6) Reba wears tall boots all the time, even in summer, and has more than 100 pairs. Do you often wear boots?  I live in Florida.  I do have a pair of "dressy" boots that I have worn once or twice.  I have a pair of hiking boots that I have yet to wear once.  Sandals are my shoe of choice!!

 

7) In 2009, when this song was popular, Mark Zuckerberg tried unsuccessfully to buy Twitter. Elon Musk acquired it in 2022 and renamed it X. Do you often post to Twitter/X?  I don't have an account for Twitter/X.  It's enough to keep up with Facebook and Blogger!!

 
8) Back in 2009, DuPont announced that silver and black were the most popular vehicle colors, accounting for half the cars the world over. What color is your ride?  Silver.  And my last car was silver.  I want red now.  I think the Bronco Sport in bright red is so darn cute!

 

9) Random question: Have you ever had a job that required you to wear a hairnet?  I have not.  When I had my cake business, my hair was short, and a hairnet was not required.

 

Peace and Hugs!

May the Lord bless you and keep you!!

Friday Focus...

 

Another week is mostly behind us again.  Thanks for stopping by my Friday post today!

On Wednesday, I had a late breakfast at The Metro Diner with my friend, Cheryl.  I hadn't seen her since she was here for Easter dinner, so we had some catching up to do.  She has moved into a new home with her dog, Oz.  Oz is 15 years old now and still acts like a puppy.  Cheryl had a couple of medical procedures in the past months, but is doing well.  Her granddaughter visited from Australia for a couple of weeks.  Cheryl hadn't seen her in years, so it was a nice reunion.  They went to Memphis to see Elvis's home and also to Asheville to see the Biltmore Mansion.  The conversation was lively!

Yesterday, I went to our clubhouse for an afternoon of crafting.  It seems they do a craft every Thursday afternoon, and my neighbors/friends, Susan and Sandy, have been going each week and invited me to join them this week.  The craft was wind chimes made from seaglass.  Here are some photos...

It was a lively group, including two visiting grandsons who joined in, too.

Susan and Sandy are concentrating...

There were many colors, but I chose two for mine.

We didn't have time to complete them because the glue just wasn't drying.  I will finish mine sometime in the next day or so.  It was fun, but I am just not a "crafty" girl.  I doubt I will go again.  It costs $10.00 for materials, and I just don't care about it enough to spend $10.00 each week.  It's more than the crafting, I know, and it was nice of them to encourage me to give it a try.  

Speaking of crafting, I did get the valences finished for my workroom.  I mentioned before that I purchased a king-size bed skirt to make valences with.  They turned out okay.  Not perfect, but I am happy...

Today, I am joining my friend, Shirley, at her house for lunch.  Always enjoyable.

Wishing you all a lovely weekend ahead.  Stay cool if you can!

Peace and Hugs!

Proverbs 17:22

A joyful heart is good medicine, 

but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

Whimsical Fashion Fun...

 

There isn't a linky, and there aren't any rules.

Check out the dress and pick the shoes you like best for the look!

It is all for fun and just a whimsical thing!

The photos are from The Storybook of Dreams and Beauty!

This is a vintage look, for sure.  The color won't be a favorite for many, but I do love the dress, if not the shoes.  Count down 1-2-3 and tell us which ones she should choose for this summer look!  It's all for fun and just a whimsical thing!

My thoughts:  Yellow is a favorite color of mine, even if I only have a couple of yellow things in my closet.  It's not complimentary with my fair complexion, but I do love it.  I will choose #3 this week.  What are your thoughts?   

Peace and Hugs!

Esther 1:6   There were hangings of white, green, and blue material, fastened with cords of fine linen and purple to silver rings and marble pillars. The couches were of gold and silver, on a pavement of red, white, yellow, and black marble.

The Wednesday Hodgepodge on June 25th...

 Our hostess, Joyce, has done it again!  Thank you for the fun, Joyce!  Join the fun HERE!

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 608

1. What does adventure mean to you?  LOL, these days, going to the grocery store can be an adventure!  Joe and I used to call going on an impromptu car ride an adventure - exploring a place we hadn't been to before.  Always fun!

2.  What are your thoughts on tipping? What businesses or service providers do you regularly tip? Do you resent being asked if you'd like to add a tip? What about when a suggested amount is presented?  I am happy to tip well for good service.  I tip in restaurants and for hair and nail services.  I do not like being asked for a tip.  I don't mind when the restaurant ticket shows the tip amounts, but it is sad that many people don't know how to compute a tip, and that it is therefore suggested.  If the tip is added "for me," I may or may not pay that amount.  Don't be presumptuous.  

3. I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream...do we? Is ice cream a favorite treat at your house? What's your favorite flavor? Regular, soft serve, gelato, sherbet, or some sort of non-dairy version of ice cream...what's your pleasure?  I do love ice cream.  Joe used to call it his favorite food group! I always have ice cream in the freezer and admit to having some most days. I love chocolate, mint chocolate, caramel, butter pecan...  I do like DQ soft serve, I love gelato (we had it every day we were in Italy), and sherbet is okay, but not necessarily a favorite.  I also like frozen yogurt. 

4. What's your 'back in my day, we____________________ ' story or saying?  Back in my day, we didn't have cell phones or computers.  TV had three stations and they all ended programming at midnight!!  How did we ever survive?!!  LOL

5. Somehow, this is our last Hodgepodge in the month of June. Next week's Hodgepodge lands in July. Wow. Sum up your June using three adjectives.  Busy.  Hot.  Fun.

6. Insert your own random thought here.  I had such a nice time with my neighbors/friends yesterday.  We had a girls' day out.  Shopping at Southern Hospitality and lunch at...

Susan, Sandy, and Terri

Peace and Hugs!

Love Divine, all loves excelling,

Joy of heaven to earth come down;

Fix in us Thy humble dwelling;

All Thy faithful mercies crown!

The Tuesday 4 on June 24th...

 Thanks to Annie for today's questions!

Travel Bug

Hello!  It's time for Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4, and I am happy you've come by to take part.

I think finding reasons to blog and stay in touch with others, or to meet new bloggers, is very important.  Blogging also provides you with a record of your thoughts and ideas to leave for your family.

Summer is June 21st, and people usually take advantage of the warm weather to take a trip or vacation, or day trips to visit, shop, or for recreation.

So, could we talk about travel?

1.  What are the most memorable destinations you've visited, and what made them stand out? (this could include places like museums, art galleries, etc. not only a vacation site.)  Joe and I went to Italy back in 2007, and it was our once-in-a-lifetime big trip!  Loved every minute.  Venice, Florence, Rome, and lots of places in between!

2.  Which hidden gem locations have you explored that you'd recommend to others?  The Hotel Jacaranda, in Avon Park, FL.  Joe and I went for their Sunday buffet, and it was fun taking a little tour and seeing pictures of all of the old movie stars who stayed there in years gone by.  

We also like to take people to Solomon's Castle, in Ona, FL.  There is a lot more to Florida than Disney and beaches!!  Come on down!

Jim and Elaine, back in 2015 at the Castle

Airboat rides are also a favorite!!  We took my niece, Sara, and her hubby, Matthew, back in 2018.  Lake Kissimmee is a great place for gator sightings!  There are over 16,000 gators in Lake Kissimmee!!

3.  What’s the most unique cultural experience you’ve had while traveling?  New Orleans is definitely a cultural experience.  I LOVE New Orleans and have been there four times.  

4. What mode of transportation is your favorite for a long trip? How about a short trip?  Automobile.  I would rather drive there, thank you very much.  I am just not comfortable traveling a long distance by myself now, and that makes me sad.  I would much rather drive.  Five or six hours is about my limit now.  Sigh.

Peace and Hugs!

Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;

Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art

Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,

Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light

Monday Musing on June 23rd...

 

I always say Fridays roll around too fast... so do Mondays!!  Good golly, where did the weekend go?!

Speaking of Friday, I had a great trip up to Clermont to have lunch with Kali (my son's lady love) and her family!!  Kali was down from Virginia to visit her folks.  Her sister, Leslie, came down from Chicago, and Kali's best friend from childhood, Jamie, was also there.  I think Jamie lives in Colorado.  Might be wrong, but I think that's right.  Maureen (Kali's mom) had her sister, her best friend, and a couple of other folks I hadn't met before but liked very much, who were also visiting.  Kali's dad, Stuart, was out picking up the food when I arrived.  He was welcomed with hoorahs when he came in with huge pans of deliciousness from a favorite Italian restaurant.  There was baked ziti, sausage, peppers, with onions, garlic knots, and then carrot cake and rum/raisin ice cream for dessert.  Whew!!  We all ate very well, and there was much laughter and lots of talking.  We didn't get pictures of everyone, but Stuart took these for me...

Beautiful Kali, and I

Leslie, Maureen, Kali, and I

They have a lovely home and always make me feel so welcome.  Here is a picture of the first time we met them, back on December 26, 2016:

Jeff (my son), Stuart, my Joe (me), Kali, Maureen, and Leslie

The "low tire pressure" light came on while driving back to Lakeland.  Of course, it was also raining.  It didn't feel like a flat tire, and the car wasn't pulling right or left, so I was just careful the rest of the way home.  I wasn't too worried.  When I got home, I couldn't tell which tire was low.  They all looked the same.  The next morning, I found a tire place that is open on Saturdays and pulled in so they could check the tires for me.  When I got new tires (not a year ago, yet), they filled them with nitrogen, rather than air.  That just means I can't check them myself or use regular air to top them off.  The manager at Tires Plus was so nice.  They checked all of the tires and told me they didn't see any nails or faults, but they were all down a few pounds, so they topped them off for me, and the check tire light went out.  No charge.  How nice was that!!  It told him I would be back and took his card.

From there, I went to Publix.  I had put off some shopping because I still didn't know if Danon and family were coming for dinner on Saturday.  Mali texted that some of them are still fighting off that crazy virus, so they did not come over (two babies under three years old).  We will check calendars when everyone is feeling better.  I posted about it earlier, but if you missed it, Mali's daughter and family are moving down from way up north.  Son-in-law got a job down here, and they are all so excited.  They are staying with  Danon and Mali until the closing on their new house (still a week or so away).  I've met them all, except for the new baby.

I went to church yesterday.  Sadly, my Sunday school teacher, Lew, passed away on Friday.  He has been sick for a long time, fighting off cancers, but kept pushing forward.  He was hospitalized a couple of weeks ago and was moved to palliative care, then to hospice care.  He has two sons, who have both been here this past week.  His oldest was at church yesterday, so I was able to express my sorrow.  I worked with Lew's wife, Judy, at the museum for many years, so I have known them since the late 90s.  Judy died of cancer 15 years ago.  I met both of the boys a couple of times over the years.  It is very sad, but Lew has been tired and ready to go for a while now. May he rest in peace, and he and Judy are reunited now.  The funeral service is in a couple of weeks, and Lew will be buried at the National Cemetery in Bushnell.  He was in the Air Force, and Judy is resting there, waiting for him.

Well, looking forward to some fun things this week...

My ice maker in my new fridge is broken, and the part is in.  It will be fixed today!!  My extra refrigerator/freezer that lives in the workroom was in our garage at the other house, and we bought it used many years ago... still working just fine.  Go figure.  But the new one will soon be working again (and is still under warranty)!!

On Tuesday, I will be going out with Susan and Sandy to visit Southern Hospitality over in Plant City (the next town west of Lakeland).  We will have lunch after some shopping and I am so looking forward to time with my dear friends/neighbors, (one on each side of me)!! I believe we are having lunch at Chicken Salad Chick.

On Wednesday, I am meeting Cheryl (Helen's niece) for a late breakfast at Metro Diner.  I haven't seen her since Easter, so we have some catching up to do.

Thursday is my usual dinner out with Mas Verde friends, on Friday, I have lunch with my friend, Shirley, and on Saturday, my neighbors, Anne and Paul, are coming over for pizza with their daughter, Mary, who will be down for a visit.  Whew!! It's a real foodie week ahead!  Yes!!  I will need to do some cleaning and some laundry in between meals!! LOL

Peace and Hugs!

His steadfast love endures forever!!

The Saturday 9 on June 21st...

 Thanks to Crazy Sam for today's questions!  You can join in by clicking HERE!

I Fall in Love Too Easily

Welcome to Saturday: 9. What we've committed to our readers is that we will post 9 questions every Saturday. Sometimes the post will have a theme, and at other times the questions will be totally unrelated. Those weeks we do "random questions," so to speak. We encourage you to visit other participants' posts and leave a comment. Because we don't have any rules, it is your choice. We hate rules. We love memes, however, and here is today's meme!

Saturday 9: I Fall in Love Too Easily (1945)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) In this song, Dinah Shore admits that her impetuous romances don't work out. Do you consider yourself impulsive?  No, I am not impulsive.

2) The songwriting team of Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne composed this in a single evening. Since the song is rather short, Sammy considered adding another verse, but Jule thought better of it, saying, "No. That's it." Are you more like Sammy and keep revising, tinkering, and tweaking? Or, like Jule, do you find it easy to leave well enough alone?  It depends on what it is, but I can usually leave well enough alone.

 

3) The song was introduced in Anchors Aweigh, a movie about two sailors who find love during a two-day leave in New York. Have you ever enjoyed a romance while on holiday?  Only with my Joe.  We had some great vacations!!

 

4) Though Frank Sinatra sang the song in the movie, Dinah's version was also popular. Her record sales in the 1940s were boosted by concerts, radio appearances, and performances for the troops. What singer who is no longer with us do you wish you could have seen in concert?  I am not a concert goer, so I couldn't even think of a living singer I would see in concert, let alone a dead one!  Sorry!

5) Dinah was shy with new people, but discovered as a high school cheerleader that she was good in front of a crowd. Give us one of your high school cheers.  I was in the marching band.  We did our fight song and Hang on Lakers to the tune of Hang on Sloopy.  It's been 55 years, so please don't give me a trumpet!

6) She loved golf and was so good at it, she became the first woman admitted as a member to the prestigious Hillcrest Country Club in Los Angeles. What's your best sport?  Did I mention that I was in the marching band?  Back in the dark ages, girls only played intermural sports, except for track.  I ran the 440 (quarter mile) a year or two in high school. 

7) Dinah found her greatest success in television. She was so popular for so long that she was able to afford a luxury home, built to her specifications, in Palm Springs. Leonardo DiCaprio now owns it. Do you know who lived in your home before you moved in?  We were told that our current home was owned by a minister/pastor who was in his 80s and not well.  They also said we are the third owners, and I don't know who had it first.  

 

8) In 1945, when this song was popular, Abbott and Costello appeared in the movie The Naughty Nineties, which featured their famous "Who's On First" routine. Do you know it?  I don't know the words by heart, but I have heard it many times and admit to using the saying "who's on first" in certain situations.

9) Random question – Fill in the blank: After all these years, I still ____. 

I believe for every drop of rain that falls A flower grows I believe that somewhere in the darkest night A candle glows I believe for everyone who goes astray, someone will come To show the way I believe, I believe I believe above the storm the smallest prayers Will still be heard I believe that someone in the great somewhere Hears every word Every time I hear a new born baby cry, Or touch a leaf or see the sky Then I know why, I believe Every time I hear a new born baby cry, Or touch a leaf Or see the sky Then I know why I believe.

Peace and Hugs!

God is good, all the time!

Friday Focus on June 20th...

 

Gosh, Fridays roll around faster and faster these days.  Thanks for your visit today!!

Other than my doctor's appointment on Monday, it's been a quiet week.  I got some cleaning done and went to dinner last night with the Mas Verde 'gang'.  It was fun, as always.  We went to Ford's Garage, and it was the first time Bob and Sandy had ever been there.  Their five-year-old grandson is coming for a visit, and Sandy thinks he will love it, so they will definitely take him there while he is here.

The waitress took a quick picture, and none of us were ready, but there we are!  Clockwise:  Larry, Sharon, Judy (peeking around), Tim, me, Sandy, and Bob.  The food was good and the company was even better!

Today, I am off to Clermont for lunch with Kali and her folks.  Her sister, Leslie, is also visiting, so I get to see them all.  I've been invited to their home instead of meeting at a restaurant!  Kali's folks have a lovely home, and it will be a much sweeter way to visit.

Tomorrow, I might be hosting friends, Danon and Mali, and Mali's daughter and family.  I haven't had a confirmation yet, because after the plans were made, they all came down with a little virus of some kind.  I'm waiting to hear how they are doing and if they are coming.  I hope they are!!

Thanks again for your visit!  Wishing you all a blessed weekend ahead!

Peace and Hugs!

By grace alone, I’m saved from my sin.

To God alone be glory! Amen.

Whimsical Fashion Fun...

 

There isn't a linky, and there aren't any rules.

Check out the dress and decide which purse she should carry.

It is all for fun and just a whimsical thing!

Photos are from The Storybook of Dreams and Beauty.

If you follow the British Royals on Facebook (like me), Catherine has been looking so beautiful in her tailored ensembles and lovely hats.  That's what I thought of when I saw this.  Count down 1-2-3 and tell us which clutch bag she should carry.  It's all for fun and just a whimsical thing!

My thoughts:  The dress is lovely and is one I might even try to wear, emphasis on TRY!  LOL  As for the clutch... I am choosing #2 because the color seems right, and it's a bit more 'tailored' than the other two.  What are your thoughts on this monochromatic look?

Peace and Hugs!!

I serve a risen Savior,

He’s in the world today;

I know that He is living,

Whatever men may say;

I see His hand of mercy,

I hear His voice of cheer,

And just the time I need Him

He’s always near.

The Wednesday Hodgepodge on June 18th...

 Thanks to our hostess, Joyce!!  Y'all can be Hodgepodgers by clicking HERE!

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 607

1. Summer officially begins this week (in the northern hemisphere)...what was your favorite thing to do in the summer when you were a kid? What do you like most about summer now?  When I was a kid (back in the dark ages), we played outside during summer break!  We rode bikes, walked the railroad track, explored in the woods, climbed trees, read Trixie Belden and Nancy Drew books, etc., etc.  No computers, only three major networks on TV...  Now... I enjoy air conditioning and streaming TV shows!!  This is Florida, and the humidity is as high as the temperatures.  We don't live in Florida for the summers.  We live in Florida for the winters!!

2.  Something you'll celebrate this summer?  The 4th of July is coming.  Another potluck dinner at our clubhouse!  There are a few June and July birthdays to remember.  AND... 

I am flying north in mid-July to spend a few days with my blogging friend, Mari, and her husband, Bob.  Meeting a blogging friend in person is always worth celebrating!!  From their house, I am flying to BFF Elaine and hubby Jim's house for another week and a few days.  I am celebrating Avelo Airlines because they now fly out of Lakeland and are continually adding destinations.  For me, the worst part of flying is getting to the airport in Tampa (I refuse to go to Orlando), so having our airport now carrying passengers is so great.  I live five miles from our airport... check out Avelo and come on down!!

3. Summer tastes like? Smells like? Sounds like?  For me, summer tastes like watermelon and other fresh fruits; summer smells like - nothing comes to mind; and summer sounds like car doors shutting as we all go quickly from our air-conditioned homes to our air-conditioned cars and to air-conditioned shops or restaurants, and then reversing that to get home.  We don't spend much time standing outside talking with neighbors.  That will happen again in September!

4.  June 18th is National Splurge Day...what's the last thing you splurged on? What might you splurge on today?  I splurged on airline tickets for my trip next month.  I splurged on a new generator in case the power goes out during this hurricane season.  It will keep one refrigerator on and can be charged with solar power or by a car.  I donated my 20-year-old gas generator to a church that helps people during storms.  It was too much for me to handle, and I hated having gasoline stored in the shed.  Got it sorted.

5. Share a favorite summer quote, saying, song lyric, or meme.  First one I thought of...

6. Insert your own random thought here.  It feels so good to have the painting done.  My next project is for new valances in the work room/den.  The cats shredded the burlap woven ones that are there now.  I bought a king-size bed skirt (cheap!) and am going to cut it up to make three valances with.  Wish me luck!!  I will keep you posted if it works!  LOL

Peace and Hugs!

To everything, turn, turn, turn

There is a season, turn, turn, turn

And a time to every purpose under heaven

The Tuesday 4 on June 17th...

 Thanks to Annie for today's four questions!!  You can join the fun by clicking HERE!

Reading

Welcome to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4.   I don't think she realized someone would carry it on for her but it is a way to keep her alive for a bit longer and that is a good thing.

Books are very popular with most people as it leads to other worlds, other times, etc. and we seem to love the variety.  

Books can change your life, your beliefs, your attitude.  They can lift up or tear down.

We have talked about books before but could we do it again?

1. What book has changed your perspective on life the most, and why?   I have to say the Bible (and probably most will say the same).  Why? That could take a couple of days.  I will say, however, that there are a lot of really good books that have changed my way of thinking, or my way of seeing things.

2. If you could live inside the world of any book, which would you choose and what role would you play?  I think I will stay right where I am.  I like running water, good health care, a safe and cozy home, etc., etc.  Since most of the books I read are historical and/or mysteries... I like where I am and the comforts to which I am accustomed.  Sorry! 

3. What’s a book you initially disliked but grew to appreciate over time?  I can't think of one because if I am not engaged by the writing/story by the end of the first chapter (if not the end of the third page), I put it down and don't go back to it.

4. If you could rewrite the ending of any book, which would it be and how would you change it?  Ahhh... not for me to say.  Are there books that ended in ways I didn't like?  Yes, but I'm not the author.  And honestly, I can't even remember one that struck me in a way to make me want to change the ending.  I like happy endings, but sometimes a happy ending just isn't real for the story being told.  I'll be interested in what others have to say!!

Peace and Hugs!!

Create in me a clean heart, O God;

And renew a right spirit within me.

Create in me a clean heart, O God;

And renew a right spirit within me.