Sunday Salon, September 13, 2009

Even though my summer vacation is over I look back over the past ten weeks off and realize that it was a productive summer. You all know I was in the painting mode, so I will tell you with the help of my sister we were able to paint my dining room, living room, front entrance and hallways. This was a major feat. My high ceilings in the front entrance were a personal challenge and a feat equal in my mind to climbing towering mountains. My fear of heights saw no difference as the precipice of descending stairs looked like a rock pathway below. You should have seen my white knuckles hanging on to the ladder. It's amazing that I was able to even paint the ceiling edges. So it was a proud moment when I managed to accomplish this job without killing myself.

Here are the pictures I promised some of you. Couldn't help having a few dogs in the photo. They're ubiquitous in my house, along with the many bookcases scattered around. At last count I had eleven. How about you? Are you running out of wall space yet?

This is my new walkway that replaced a few stepping stones that led to my front door. I had the path relocated and a tiered garden built up a slope to the front of the porch. What an amazing change that will be so much safer and nicer in the winter. I feel like I had a landscape makeover and can't wait till next spring to get working on adding more plants.

After some major plumbing work and new gravel for the driveway I had to replace a sliding glass door that one of my greyhounds ran into. Yep, he banged his head into the glass. Fortunately he didn't get hurt, but the slider has never been the same. I saw him running toward the door and couldn't open it fast enough. I felt so bad. I know he saw stars and was shaken up.

During all the summer projects, I did have a little time to read, although not as much as I would have liked. Isn't that always the way in the summer? I intend to read so much, but then I get involved in projects then my reading slacks off.

Now as far as the books I have read recently...

I have previews of four books that are terrific. I will have my reviews after they hit publication. In my opinion, you can't go wrong with any of these choices.


Two Historical Fiction Books

Watching Gideon by Stephen Foreman

From the ARC notes: "A deeply moving and vividly imagined novel about an intrepid father and his extraordinary son as they travel into the heart of the American West in search of riches during the heady era of the 1950's"

The Widow's War by Mary Mackey (hint....I LOVED IT!! Carrie is an amazing character with enduring strength.)

From the publisher..."Set in 1853 against the backdrop of the Civil War, this novel tells the tale of one woman's courageous spirit, rebellious love and fight for justice."





A Year of Cats and Dogs, by Margaret Hawkins

From the book jacket, "What happens when nothing happens? ...a dark yet hopeful novel about a woman in midlife who feels surrounded by death. She answers her own question by deciding to find out."







The Man Who Loved Books Too Much, by Allison Hoover Bartlett
"The true story of a thief, a detective and a world of literary obsession."

These four books were part of my end of summer vacation reading frenzy in late August. They stood out above others on my nightstand.

I hope you pick one or two to read, you won't be disappointed. :)

Have a great week!!