Pickles & Pantone

Vann follows several comic strips in the newspaper, and "Pickles" is one of his favorites because it often reminds him of me and him. I'll bet a few of your husbands could relate to this one. (Click on photo to enlarge.)

Pantone has announced it's color of the year; they call it "mimosa." Don't you just love it? I'd like to redo my who entire living room or maybe bedroom around this color. According to the Pantone site,
"Mimosa Embodies Hopefulness and Reassurance in a Climate of Change ." And with the economy in shambles and a new presidential administration moving into the White House, I guess a climate of change is just what's going on in this country. "The color yellow exemplifies the warmth and nurturing quality of the sun, properties we as humans are naturally drawn to for reassurance," explains Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. "Mimosa also speaks to enlightenment, as it is a hue that sparks imagination and innovation." So, let's paint the world MIMOSA!

Please note that things might look funny on Blackberry Creek for a while. I'm trying to learn to customize a design, and I have no clue what I'm doing. Please bear with me, and thanks for visiting.

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This post was migrated from the old blog. To see the comments on the original post, CLICK HERE. To add a new comment, click "Post a Comment", below.

On 01/10/2009, Clare said ...

I just posted this same comic on my blog. My husband and I had quite a laugh about it yesterday. He was still laughing about it this morning. I had to laugh all over again when I saw it on your blog.

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On 01/10/2009, Carol said ...

OMG that is too funny...yup, that's Andy and I...

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On 01/11/2009, Renee said ...

your new blog look is nice. i know what you mean about customizing though. i just thought i'd try a new template last night and lost all my links and goodies in the progress. lol. it looks a little sparse right now til i get everything back that i lost. oh well, still fun isn't it? was glad to read vann was doing okay after chemo. still think of you both often. take care.

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On 01/11/2009, Gayle said ...

We love Pickles...in fact, the cartoonist who creates Pickles lives here in Reno/Sparks! :) I had to save this one...my husband waited about 10 days before I managed to sew a button back on to his suit pants.

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On 01/16/2009, Lori in SD said ...

The Pickles strip was perfect! I can see my husband doing that.

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On 02/12/2009, Myrna Wise said ...

I love the heart that you crocheted. I, for one, would love to have the instructions.
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Birds & Bees

I have a friend. Her name is Kai. She lives in Houston, and she's Comanche. She made this beautiful cross-stitched piece for me and Vann. If you click on Kai's name anywhere in this paragraph, you'll be taken away to her blog where you can read more about this.

Part of my heritage is also Native American.

After seeing Kai's needlework this morning, I got to thinking about redbirds and how they keep showing up here at the Yellow House. I decided that the Redbird is our totem. I did a little bit of research and learned that in Native American tradition, the Totem is an animal spirit guide or other entity that looks after or protects a family, clan, or tribe.

Kai tells us that Cardinals form lifelong attachments to their mates. In other words they mate for life. Vann and I did that when we finally met. So it's settled then. The beautiful Red Cardinal is our totem, singing prayers to Heaven for us.

Thank you, dear Kai. Your work is gorgeous, as is your spirit.

And I also received this today from a friend in Georgia. I thought this was the cutest envelope. Y'all know how I love bees. I've always been drawn to bees because they make me think of quilting (quilting bee?) and they always look so happy, and they're always too busy (just like me). And they make honey, which is sweet and delicious. I think if I have a personal totem, just for me alone, it might be a bee.

Thank you, Nancy, for this lovely card and the sweet note. We appreciate your caring and all your cards so much.

The sun is shining here! After 3 3/4" of rain in 24 hours, the past two days have been gorgeous but cold.

Vann came though his Monday and Tuesday chemo pretty well. The treatment on Tuesday was long and arduous and brought back the nausea. But he's working through that better than he did with the last round.

I hope the first week of the new year was a good one for all of you. Happy Thursday to all.

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On 01/08/2009, Beverly said ...

Isn't it wonderful how our friends can brighten our days? You are both very special to a lot of people.

What did they give Vann for the nausea?

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On 01/08/2009, Jeanne Vaughters said ...

Hello Susan, I was happy to hear from you as I know your life is upside down right now. Your friend Kai did a beautiful job on the the cross stitch. The cardinals are beautiful. I hope the treatments for Vann are better each time. This is tough time for your family. Prayers and thoughts are for you both.

Hugs...Jeanne

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On 01/09/2009, angelines said ...

The spirit of your redbird is a good wish for a future life. The snowflake give me open the mouth. Kisses from Spain
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Coffee & Fabric...

...The Last Socially Acceptable Addictions

I was reading Nicole's blog this morning about the coffee-themed novelty fabric that she purchased. It reminded me of this fabric I bought at Heart to Heart a while back. I had forgotten all about it, where I had put it, why I had bought it, or much of anything about it. So I went on a search of the sewing room and found it. The line is called "Spill the Beans" by Barbara Tourtillotte for Clothworks. I think I bought it because I like coffee and bright colors paired with black. But I don't know what I was going to make from it. Maybe I didn't have a plan. It was probably just one of those impulse buy.

I think I'll go have another cup of coffee.

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On 01/07/2009, Pesky Patti said ...

Hey Susan...

I love that fabric! Do you have covers for your toaster, blender, mixer and the like? Or do you put your appliances away in the cupboard after using? Anyway, just a thought. Hope all is well.

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On 01/07/2009, AwtemNymf said ...

Hi Sweetie-
How's Vann feeling? How about you? Hugs!!
That'd be cute as an apron. Use the top part for a ruffle on the bottom!
I'm sure your crafty self will come up with something. You're so creative!!
:O)
~A~

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On 01/07/2009, Teresa said ...

That is some bright fabrics and whatever you make will be cheerful and full of energy.

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On 01/08/2009, Kai said ...

Oooooooh! I LOVE that! How can anyone go wrong with those gorgeous, vibrant colors which just POP like fireworks against that black? And COFFEE to boot? perfection! I'm eager to see what you end up making with it!

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On 01/08/2009, Beverly said ...

Now, that is way cool fabric. I think everyone needs a special quilt to snuggle in while drink there coffee.

Or maybe an apron - or a table runner, placemats and napkins. I love it.

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On 01/08/2009, Clare said ...

Wonderful fabric! - and what great suggestions you have gotten. It would make a cute apron or table runner.

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On 01/08/2009, Debbie said ...

This is my kind of fabric...bright colors paired with black! Nice!

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On 01/08/2009, Nicole said ...

Cute, cute, cute! You could make yourself a little lap quilt and cuddle under it while blogging!

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On 01/08/2009, Mom2fur said ...

Coffee and fabric! I hope they never create a 12-step program for these addictions, LOL!

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On 01/09/2009, Patti Koosed said ...

I love this fabric and I love Coffee.
Now that the holidays are over I hope to visit more often. I have missed toooooo many of your wonderful posts.
Hugs
Patti
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Rainy Day Doodles

The photo at left is in no way indicative of the weather here in Alabama. Not a snowflake in sight here. It's still raining. Buckets full. And that isn't even my quilt. Don't remember who made it; I took the photo at a quilt guild meeting. I do remember that it was an awesome quilt and we were all amazed at the quilter's skill and talent, whoever she was. (Click on the photo and enlarge it if you want to see how really intricate the piecing and quilting are.)

Before chemo yesterday, we met with Dr. L. He was well pleased with Vann's progress--the lack of pain and appetite return especially. He said that indicated that the chemo is working. (I thought to myself, "What it really indicates is that prayer is working." But we'll give the chemo some credit too. We just thank God that Vann is better. We go back for another treatment today, then no more for two weeks.

We met a lady yesterday who was also having chemo. She had her Bible and another book open on her lap and I recognized the Beth Moore design format of the second book. I commented to her that it was nice to meet another Beth student. (This woman even looked like Beth.) We had a nice talk about faith and promised to pray for each other. Her name is Sherry, if you'd like to pray for her too.

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On 01/06/2009, Nicole said ...

That is such excellent news that Vann is feeling well!

The rooster painting from your post yesterday was just gorgeous. Maybe you can commission one for yourself? I know lots of artists are happy to do paintings on commission. I would redecorate my entire room around that painting too!

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On 01/06/2009, Rian said ...

As if those snowflakes weren't incredible enough, enlarge the photo and take a gander at that quilting! Wow! I'd love to see more of this quilt.

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On 01/06/2009, Ramey Channell said ...

It's great to hear that Vann is doing well and feeling better. The return of appetite is the best news of all. Bon appétit!
Ramey

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On 01/06/2009, Beverly said ...

Good news. I will pray for your new acquaintance. And of course, my prayers for you are constant.

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On 01/06/2009, Gayle said ...

Our prayers continue to come your way. The rooster painting in your previous post is incredible.

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On 01/07/2009, Anna said ...

Susan,
The quilt reminds me of some of the beautiful Kaleidoscope Quilts by Paula Nadelstern- She is a fabulous quilter from New York. I have her first book that explains her techniques. I had the good fortunate to see her work at a guild meeting a few years ago. It was a wonderful experience.
Glad to hear that Vann is improving- we will continue to pray for his recovery.
Regards,
Anna

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On 01/07/2009, Anna said ...

I love the snowflake quilt Susan- it reminds me of some of Paula Nadelstern's Kaleidoscope Quilts. She is a wonderful quilter out of New York and has written some good books about her intricate process. We were fortunate enough to have her come to our guild a few years ago.

It is wonderful to hear that Vann is improving and is on the recovery road. We will continue to send positive energy and prayers your way.
Regards,
Anna

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On 01/07/2009, Joan said ...

Encouraging news about Vann.
Snowflake design beautiful.

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On 01/07/2009, Sally Brus said ...

Susan, I think that snow flake quilt is Serene's -Paula Nadelstern pattern, It is spectacular. I also love the rooster. Hope Vann is still doing well, Love to you both, Sally

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On 01/08/2009, Kai said ...

If the idea of my being a CHEERLEADER (EEEEEEEWWWW!) were not so totally unappealing, I'd get out my pompoms & start jumping! YOU GO, VANN! And, it's no coincidence that you met Sherry! We human beings are put together for so many reasons, and I think, most of all to be a comfort to one another! My prayers most definitely will now include your new friend! And you KNOW they are flowing full force for you & Vann!
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I Covet This Rooster

Well, I've been away for a while, haven't I? I didn't realize it had been so long since I blogged.

See the painting at left? This was a Christmas present to Phillip and Carrie from Vann's future SIL, Susan H. She painted it. I just love it. I can see a whole room with this painting as the focal point. But, sadly, it won't be a room in my house.

Vann has been feeling mighty fine the past several days. Thank you all for the prayers and well wishes. They're working. His appetite has returned and he's getting out more. We went to church yesterday, then to lunch with Lori and Greg.

Today and tomorrow are chemo days, and we're hoping it doesn't take all his "feeling better" away.

We continue to having rainy, cloudy, mild weather here. It's so damp, I just saw a squirrel in the back yard squeezing the water of our his tail.

I have updated my Typepad account. I hope to redecorate soon with an original banner and everything. But not right now, 'cause Sophie is bugging the heck out of me to stop typing and come see what she wants. So, more later.....

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On 01/05/2009, Karla said ...

Prayers and healing thoughts being sent to Vann and to you.
Karla

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On 01/05/2009, Sherri said ...

I love this rooster too! Im doing Roosters in my kitchen for the new year:) I got some lovely Rooster Jars for Christmas from my friend Karen:) My prayers are with you as always. Blessings...

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On 01/05/2009, Beverly said ...

Wow, that painting is wonderful. Maybe you will get one of your own one day. :-)

I'm still praying.

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On 01/05/2009, Renee said ...

that is an awesome painting. love the colors used. and so glad to here vann is feeling good. let's hope the chemo's don't set him back. take care.

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On 01/05/2009, Joanne said ...

That's a fine rooster painting. When I saw it at your house, I thought he was black. The blue is pretty, too. Hope Vann keeps on feeling better.

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On 01/05/2009, Rian said ...

That is one gorgeous rooster. I love the colors. Hoping that Vann continues to have good days.

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On 01/05/2009, Andy said ...

You conjure up the funniest images. Prayers for Vann, and the sqirrels too.

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On 01/06/2009, Joan said ...

Great painting such vibrant colours. Hope all goes well for Vann over next few days.

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On 01/06/2009, Cindy said ...

Praying for Vann, you and your family. Hoping Vann keeps on feeling better after chemo.
I love watching the squirrels in our yard.

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On 01/06/2009, hunnybunny said ...

The colors in that Rooster are beautiful!
I will keep thinking of Vann, if there's anything I can do (knit) let me know.

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On 01/06/2009, Debbie said ...

Love that painting...I need more hours in the day (and new paintbrushes!)

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On 01/06/2009, sara said ...

We are thinking of you Susan! Glad to hear Vann is feeling more mobile. The rooster portrait is so colorful and vivid! How fantastic! Too bad you can't hang it at your house...

Hugs to Sophie!

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On 01/07/2009, Kathryn Gerth said ...

Wonderfully good news about Vann...close your eyes, and feel the prayers! Beautiful painting.
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A Little Bit of Heaven

"But you ain't ever had my cornbread
A little bit of heaven, and a little bit of aw yeah
Cut it down the middle
Open wide and jump right in" 
          
  --Dave Matthews Band

Truth is, Carrie made the cornbread, but I thought those lyrics fit anyway. I instructed her. It's how I would have made it if I had made it.

We celebrated with our New Year's feast last night because Carrie and Phillip had to fly back out to Wyoming early this morning. Andy came over and we had (along with that golden cornbread) blackeyed peas seasoned with big chunks of ham, collard greens seasoned with big chunks of ham, pork loin roast, rice, and gravy. We all ate ourselves silly. Sophie even got in on the act with her own plate of ham and pork roast leftovers. We have plenty more leftovers, and Vann and I plan to get into them again this afternoon.

We had our own fireworks (make that waterworks) last night. Just as Carrie and I were finishing up and ready to set the table, Andy came in and announced that she heard water running out front somewhere. Phillip and Vann checked and, sure enough, there was a serious water leak where the sprinkler system connects to the main water supply going into the house.

Vann got on the phone and found a local plumber who was willing to come out (in a hurry) on New Year's Eve (thank God for small-town life). So dinner was put on hold until that problem was rectified, which it was rather quickly.

After dinner, when everyone was stuffed, Carrie had gone to her parents' house, Andy had gone home, and Phillip had gone upstairs to bed, Vann, Sophie, and I kicked back in our PJs (I know: Sophie's PJs look a lot like her street clothes) and enjoyed a little bit of quiet before we turned in for the night. We didn't see the ball fall, but we did hear the fireworks outside.

I hope to maybe get some work in the sewing room done today. We'll see. I'm sort of already hooked on two of my new books: John Lennon and World Without End.

Please accept best wishes from The Yellow House for a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2009. We know we have some work ahead of us in the new year, but we're confident, with the support and prayers of our friends and the strength God gives us, we're up for the challenge.

Healing Prayer for the day:
"Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith will save the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven."    --James 4:14-15

                                            

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On 01/01/2009, Carol said ...

YUMMERS! I'm on my way for some leftovers!
Wishing you all the best in 2009!

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On 01/01/2009, Mary Kirwin said ...

Any chance that you'd be willing to share the cornbread recipe? It looks like you've got a great recipe collection going already. It's a raging topic in my circles today - because of all the blackeyed peas that got served up last night along with cornbread.

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On 01/01/2009, lila said ...

Hi Susan....I recognize the green flannel PJ bottoms with the cute holly! I gave some just like them to my daughter-in-law, who was delighted! Love Christmas pajamas!!!!

We are about to eat our black eyed peas here! Maybe I should make some cornbread too!

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On 01/01/2009, sharon yeager said ...

HAPPY NEW YEAR Susan!! Best of wishes to you and yours this new year. I'm hoping and praying for the very best for Vann and you.

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On 01/01/2009, kayellen said ...

Beautiful Scripture and blog entry:)
Happy New Year:)
such a pleasure to have met you this past year!

Blessing coming your way!!!
Kay

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On 01/02/2009, Joan said ...

That meal sound lovely. Glad you managed to get the water problem sorted out. As we move into the New Year of 2009 I shall be thinking and praying for you both .
I love to relax with PJs on ,so comfortable and that's what I look for now.

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On 01/03/2009, sherry said ...

That cornbread looks so good & the whole meal sounds so yummy, glad you had a nice time with family. Thinking of you & Vann every day. Lots of positive thoughts for you both in this new year!

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On 01/03/2009, kim said ...

Happy New Year!

Wanted to drop in and say that you and Vann are in my prayers. I love reading your blog. Thank you!

Kim

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On 01/03/2009, Georgina said ...

That cornbread looks delicious, Sophy had that also?

Your family pictures are beautiful Susan, I wish you the best for this new 2009. You and Vann are allways in my prayers. xxx, Georgina

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On 01/04/2009, Beverly said ...

It sounds perfect, Susan. And, I am so glad you were all together making sweet memories.

Our dinner was similar to yours. We had pork tenderloin, collards, black-eyed peas, baked sweet potatoes and fried cornbread.

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On 01/04/2009, Clothmatters said ...

I saw your link on Linda Walsh's 'Top 100 Blogs' and thought I would visit. What a beautiful blog you have. I love cardinals and what a delight to see several in your posts. Best wishes for 2009.
Connie

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On 01/04/2009, Rian said ...

Dem's some mighty cute jammies. Sophie looks so cute, I just want to eat her up!

Best wishes to you and Vann and Sophie in 2009!!

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On 01/05/2009, Liz said ...

Precious little doggy pic, just precious. :)

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On 03/22/2009, Elizabeth Jones said ...

Do you have any Spill the Beans Fabrics you wish to sell???? I have a project started and need more of these fabrics. Thanks,
Elizabeth Jones
oejones@bellsouth.net
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Books for Christmas

I haven't done much sewing/quiltmaking in the past few weeks. I have done a bit of knitting and a lot of reading.

If you haven't yet read the Dewey book by Vicki Myron, I will tell you that I have not one compunction against recommending it. I loved this book and read it in less than 24 hours, even while tending to lots of chores. I will make one disclaimer, however: Be sure to have an adequate supply of tissues handy before getting to the last two chapters.

I'm now finishing up Stephen King's latest, a book of short stories entitled Just After Sunset, which I started before the holidays. My next two reading projects will be the John Lennon book and Ken's Follett's World Without End,
two really big books. I'm also reading When Heaven Invades Earth by Bill Johnson.
I read a chapter in it each night before going to sleep. It's about faith and healing--physical as well as spiritual healing. It contains some concepts you don't hear every Sunday morning from the traditional Methodist pulpit (well, at least I don't). I'm find it this book quite enlightening.
    The little book on the bottom of the stack is Angela and the Baby Jesus by Frank McCourt. My sister gave it to me for Christmas. It's a children's book, a very entertaining one. I just love Frank McCourt. His Angela's Ashes was one of the best (and most squalid) books I've ever read.

We had friends visiting from Texas this morning. They've left to go to see family in Cullman and will be back later tonight.

Vann is feeling quite well today. Right now, he and Sophie and Phillip have gone over to Paul's to help him do something. Ooops! I hear Sophie barking so I guess they're back.

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On 12/31/2008, Cathy said ...

Wow! What a lot of great books! I love Ken Follet books too...my favourite is Pillars of the Earth...a great read.
Hope you and Vann have a great New Year! Cathyx

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On 12/31/2008, Gretchen said ...

Hi! Just found your blog via Nicole's. I loved "Dewey" and Stephen King's book also. Sending best wishes for Vann and you in the New Year.

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On 12/31/2008, Nicole said ...

World Without End was excellent.
I have just finished two books by Michael Cox, which were extremely good. The Meaning of Night and The Glass of Time. Historical fiction, and you feel like you are right there in Victorian London.

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On 12/31/2008, Nicole said ...

World Without End was excellent.
I have just finished two books by Michael Cox, which were extremely good. The Meaning of Night and The Glass of Time. Historical fiction, and you feel like you are right there in Victorian London.

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On 12/31/2008, Clare said ...

This book is on my to read list. I grew up in a small town in Iowa - and I have wanted to read this book since I heard about it. I have more books to read than I have time - but I am going to fit this one in.

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On 12/31/2008, Mom2fur said ...

Books for Christmas, what a great gift! I bet you'll enjoy all that reading.
Have a Happy New Year!

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On 12/31/2008, Beverly said ...

Susan, I just wanted to stop by to let you know that I am praying hard for a happy and healthy new year for you and your family.

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On 12/31/2008, Andrea said ...

Happy New Year Susan! I hope that 2009 brings joy and good health for you and Vann and the rest of your family.

Thank you for being a true and steadfast online friend.

~Andrea

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On 12/31/2008, YTS Mom said ...

I was reading back on your blog. How do you do the show 'n' tell clothesline? I think it would be a good idea for our guild . I got Dewey for Christmas and am loving it. My Sis gave it to me; it was a book I wanted to read, but hadn't asked for.

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On 01/01/2009, nita said ...

Sounds like some really good books. I will have to check them out.
I wanted to wish you a very happy New Year dear Susan. Many times your words have cheered my heart. And thank you for your kindness.
Love Always, Nita

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