Simple Sunday-the Fabulous Party

I hope your day is Blessed

Bloom Where Your Planted

Link up

Happy Homemaker in Texas

I love my Saturday posts

Happy Homemaker is a fun party hosted by Sandra

Sandra provides the prompts.

I add a few of my own 

Because

This is my blog!  

Doing it a a little different today

The weather (Sandra's prompt)

Spring time in Texas doesn't get much better.  70's to me is perfect weather.  Occasionally some rain and clouds but otherwise beautiful weather. 

Looking forward to (Sandra's prompt)

My daughters Birthday.

On my reading pile (")

Reading this one for the author.  One of my favorites.  I'll be reviewing soon. 

 

Can not wait to read this one.  Lauren Carr is my absolute 

favorite author.  This one is on pre-order.  I-Read Book Tours is promoting it soon!  Click here to visit Lauren's site and pre-order.

I am reading now (Mine)

Not my typical read.  I don't really care for Historical Romance but I got the offer to read this one for free so I thought I would try. 

So far it is a page turner.  Not sure if MaMa would approve.  I'm in 2/3 in and no bedroom scenes.  We'll see what develops. 

I finished and enjoyed this one.  As the cover might lead you to think there's a little Romance.  One bedroom scene (wedding night) personally   I think they could have kept the door shut but that's me. . .   and a couple of kisses.  MaMa would be blushing but the Jazzy grandma would reach for her fan while turning the pages.

On my 'To Do List' (Sandra's)

Work in garden 
Work on quilt
Clean house it needs a good Spring Cleaning
Clean refrigerator

A few plans for the week (")

-Our daughters birthday is Sunday.  Finishing up her present 

and planning to take her to lunch.

- Need to make an April photo for the blog 

- Work outside when I can

Something fun to share (mine)

I wanted to begin this in January.  Looks like this is the month to start.  Want to join me?  Click here for the prompts. 

My Ta Da moment (mine HeHe)

Not mine.  Our son and his family.  They built a barn last week and moved their horses home.  He is starting his own business from home.  Training horse and teaching lessons!  Ta Da!  My 

D.I.L. says he was meant for this! Praise The Lord.

 
It's rough and still a work in progress but at least they got all the horses and a cat home before the 1st!

On the menu

Monday- Navy Beans/Ham, Fried Potato's, Corn Bread

Tuesday- Time again for Taco Tuesday

Wednesday- Spaghetti, Salad, Garlic Bread (I use the leftover Taco meat.  We love the flavor)

Thursday- Pork, Scalloped Potato's, Green Beans

Friday-I sure would like a Steak, A Baker, and a good ole Caesar Salad.  Yum.  Sounds like date night!

Last week's menu-What worked/What didn't (mine too!)

  Actually what we ate.  I didn't get a menu done! 

Monday- Beef Stew, Red Lobster Cheddar Biscuits.  

Tuesday-Hamburgers, Onion Rings (The Cowboy complained I marinated my onions in Guinness...he doesn't know I used it in the stew last night)

Wednesday- Pork Chops, Baked Potatoes, Green Beans

Thursday- Shrimp Scampi w/Angel Hair, Salad, Shrimp Toast

Friday- Rotisserie Kielbasa, Fried Potatoes (from l/o Bakers),

Salad

✔'s every night except the Pork which was bought at Kroger. 

It had water added to it.  Who would have thought that a good ole pork chop needed water added.  We have two left I'll cook this week see how they turn out. 

In the craft basket (originally Sandra's but she changed the name

My crochet is coming along.  
I hope to work on the quilt today.  Here's what I have done so far.

I think I have 8 houses so far.  And the 4 small trees.  I'll draft 

a larger tree to go between house.  I also want to make a row of taller houses as well. 

A few of the fabrics I have left to make houses from. 
The top one was my inspiration piece.  There is only a small amount.  I hope to incorporate it somewhere in the quil. 

The Fabulous Party Features (Mine...It's my party)

Each week I choose a couple links/post that caught my eye.

Carol offers her readers some great prints for Holidays.  

Click here to visit. 

Debbie-Dabble wrote a great post about blogging and what people think about it.  You must check out this post.  Click here. 

In the garden (Mine I think)

Big changes.  No veggies this year.  I am just too busy and tired to plant.  I am turning the tomato area into another flower bed. 

I bought one of those rolls of seeds at Tuesday Morning the other day.  In my original flower bed I used one and it worked great. 

I'll be planting Zinnia's and  Sun Flowers. 

I am planting some tomato's but that is it for the garden. 

Well I might plant some Okra too!

From the camera (Sandra's)

Our local Lion's Club has fairs every few months.  I've always wanted to go in the evening to take photo's of all the lights. 
Maybe next time.  This one was taking while I was driving. Opp's.
Actually I had just come up to a red light so I was stopped!

Scripture/Devo/

Thought For The Day

Bloom Where Your Planted

Thanks for stopping by

Have a Blessed Week

Book Review- Chutes And Ladder by Marc Jedel - Great Escapes Tour-Review/Giveaway

About the book 

Dead friend. Free fall. Girl Scouts. Can Uncle Marty untangle the mystery before things really get out of control?

Juggling a budding relationship, demanding job, and mischievous nieces, Marty Golden struggled to keep his head above water — even before his friend’s death. Trying his best to be a good boyfriend and fun uncle, Marty had his own ideas for the weekend until his cunning sister tricked him again.

Convinced his friend’s death was no accident, Marty tries to summon superhero powers but merely manages to bumble along as an amateur sleuth. When Marty’s cousin shows up, she wreaks havoc with his plans and pulls him into yet another mystery.

As threats blossom, Marty doubles down now that his family’s involved. Besides, it’s poor manners to let your friend’s death go unsolved.

Can Marty figure out what happened before a killer, or his imagination, gets to him?

Chutes and Ladder is the second novel in a refreshingly modern mystery series set in Silicon Valley. If you like clever humor and wacky side characters, you’ll love this twisty mystery.

And I thought 

This is a fun and funny series that litterally takes you on a humorous ride!  The story/series centers around Marty who works for a car service called Rover. (a high tech Taxi)

Chutes and Ladder  is book 2 but it is written as a standalone.  The author weaves the story well and the reader has no problem stepping in at book 2. 

The main character Marty is a bit of a 'mess' an engineer that has 

a bit of Sherlock Holmes in him.  But he's a little more Barnie Fife. (the old Andy Griffith show.  If your old school you'll get it)  He's kind of a stumble bum but with the help of a police detective that just tolerates his investigating and his co-worker

Raj who I just love he manages to figure out the crime(s) and who did it.  

Chutes and Ladder is the 2nd book in the series.  All the characters from book 1 reappear in book 2 making me think they are all a continued part of the series. 

The author hinted at book 3 at the end.  

This is a fun series and I am looking forward to the next one!  

I author provided a complimentary copy. 

My review will appear on Amazon and Good Reads. 

Buy the book

 Amazon 

Visit the tour

To read more reviews, interviews and guest posts click here. 

Giveaway

Simple Sunday-The Fabulous Party

Have a Blessed Day

An Au Pair To Remember by Stephen Kaminski-Great Escapes Tour-Review/Giveaway

About the book 

From the author of the award-winning Damon Lassard Dabbling Detective series comes the Male Housekeeper Mysteries, focusing on charming characters, snappy dialogue, eclectic murders, and cunning confidence schemes. To his mind, Cam Reddick has failed—as a husband, as a father, and as a professional. After recognizing that his vanilla credentials didn’t stack up in a big city brimming with overachievers and toiling in drudgery for half of a decade, an emotionally raw Cam returns to his childhood hometown—the quaint and quirky village of Rusted Bonnet, Michigan. He’s determined to resuscitate relationships marred by youthful immaturity, most importantly those with his ex-wife Kacey Gingerfield (who doubles as the village’s Deputy Chief of Police) and their first grader, Emma. Armed with striking looks and an endearing proclivity for mixing metaphors, but saddled by “momma’s boy” tendencies, Cam takes the helm of his mother’s housekeeping business—Peachy Kleen. Access to homes across the village facilitates Cam’s penchant for amateur sleuthing as Kacey’s aide-de-camp. Surrounded by Kacey, his sophisticated mother Darby, garrulous senior housekeeper Samantha, and recuse fish cum confidant Bait, Cam’s circuitous journeys to solving murders and unravelling complex cons hasten his struggle down the path of self-healing to self-respect. And there’s hope that—just maybe—he can rekindle the romance he once had with Kacey.

In An Au Pair to Remember, Cam’s plan for a quiet return to Rusted Bonnet is dashed when a beautiful German au pair, Greta Astor, is found dead in Dutch McRae’s foyer with all signs pointing to a hastily disassembled trip wire at the top of the stairs. When Kacey learns that Cam was cleaning the McRae home the previous afternoon, she confides to him that Chief Bernie Leftwich is set on arresting Dutch for the murder—either alone or in tandem with Greta’s bartender boyfriend. But she worries that Bernie’s been duped. And later, when his mother Darby becomes a suspect, Cam inserts himself into the investigation and stumbles through a series of ostensible incongruities—a thief swallowing a cache of stolen diamonds, a snack food distributor laundering money, and a Cash-for-Gold scam. Meanwhile, Peachy Kleen’s young African housekeeper has disappeared with one of the company vans. All the while, Cam finds himself flirting with his new neighbor and struggling with his complicated feelings for Kacey.

And I thought

I was intrigued by the title and the synopsis.  I was wondering how 

this one would turn out and if I would 'like it'  and 'like' Cam. 

I thought 'What is up with this guy?'  He cleans houses. . . hmm.

In fact he begins cleaning houses when he takes over his mothers 

cleaning business.  He not only cleans but he runs the show.
  

Cam is a good guy trying to make up for a few mistakes.  Mainly

the mistake of marrying too young and then leaving town and  running from marriage and family.  

He's now back in town and trying to make amends. 

The ex Kacey is a big surprise.  The ex that forgives (mostly) and 

allows Cam into his daughters life which helps Kacey out when there is a murder in town and she has to investigate and she needs a sitter. 

There's alot going on in this plot and it took me awhile to read keeping up with the suspects and twists and turns. 

Cam gets in a bit of hot water as he begins to do his own sleuthing with the help of his next door neighbor.  

Is there some romance kindling there?  Or is he going to make a

second play for Kacey.  Hmmm...I'll not spill it. 

I will share that Cam turns out to be quite the sleuth.
  

I am looking forward to the next installment in this series now that I realize I really like Cam.

An Au Pair To Remember is a good clean Cozy with no 
language and no bedroom scenes.   Mama might even like this one!

If your looking for a good cozy mystery check this one out. 

I received a complimentary copy. 

My review will appear on retail sites and Good Reads and on 

My Journey Back-The Journey Back blog

Buy the book 

Amazon Kindle – Amazon Paperback 

Visit the tour

To read more reviews, interviews and excerpts click here. 

Giveaway

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The adventures of Wilhelm A Rat's Tale by Maria Ritter -I Read Book Tour-Review/Giveaway

About the book 

Book Details:

Book Title:  The Adventures of Wilhelm: A Rat’s Tale by Maria Ritter
Illustrator: Teri Rider
Category:  Middle-grade Fiction, 210 pages
Genre:  Children's Fantasy
Publisher:  PartnerPress
Release date:  August 2018
Format available for review:  print & ebook (PDF, gifted Kindle copy)
Will send print books out:  USA
Tour dates: March 11 to 29, 2019
Content Rating: G (This is a clean children's book with no expletives, violence, sex or drugs.)

Book Description:

Young Wilhelm leaves home and travels the world. He not only discovers the value of different cultures and the importance of family and friendship, but he also overcomes obstacles with courage and cleverness. He returns home with deep respect for all creatures on this earth and a new sense of rat identity and purpose.

A few others are saying 

Subtle themes help children rethink the meaning of “despised” creatures, who are symbols of society’s marginalized people.  This is especially prominent as the Pope addresses Wil and other “despised and hated animals” visiting him in Rome: 

​"We are connected as creatures to live together on this planet,
and I will continue to help you all by preaching
​... that we must share our gifts fairly among us all.
This way, you will not have to live in fear."

Author Cat Michaels click here to read her review

I enjoyed the delightful and inspiring The Adventures of Wilhelm, A Rat’s Tale. I love the lessons young readers to learn from. Such as, it really is okay to be different and still have overwhelming respect for others around you.  

Amy @ Locks,Hooks and Books Blog.  Click here to read the review. 

And I thought

Can a rat be charming?  Not usually but in this case Wilhelm 

is just that. The Adventures of Wilhelm is a fun tale filled with some great insights for children. 

This is one that I hope to have the chance to read along with my grandson.  

There is a wholesomeness about the tale that is inspiring to me as a grand parent. 

This book would be great for teachers and home school parents.
As a chapter book it would make a great read-a-long for the family
and the classroom. 

I enjoyed this one alot and look forward to reading again.  

I received a complimentary copy. 

My review will appear on Amazon and on my book blog 

My Reading Journeys.    

Buy the book 

Amazon
Add to Goodreads

Visit the tour

March 11 - Cat’s Corner - review / giveaway
March 11 - Rockin' Book Reviews - review / guest post / giveaway
March 12 - Words And Peace - book spotlight / giveaway
March 13 - Paulette's Papers - book spotlight / giveaway
March 14 - Library of Clean Reads - book spotlight / giveaway
March 15 - Locks, Hooks and Books - review / giveaway
March 18 - The Autistic Gamer - review / giveaway
March 19 - Icefairy's Treasure Chest - review / giveaway
March 20 - The Journey Back - review / giveaway
March 21 - Bookworm for Kids - review 
March 21 - Character Madness and Musings - book spotlight / guest post
March 22 - Reading is My Passion - review / giveaway
March 25 - Where Connor and JT Go - review / author interview / giveaway
March 26 - Writer with Wanderlust - review / author interview / giveaway
March 28 - Amy’s Booket List - review / guest post

March 29 - JBronder Book Reviews - review / guest post / giveaway

Giveaway

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Menu Monday

Each week I try to plan my menu on Saturday and add it to my 
Happy Homemaker in Texas post.  

Here are my plans for the week 

Monday - Beef Stroganoff, Green Beans, Salad
Tuesday - Taco Tuesday
Wednesday - Pork Chops, Fried Okra, Scalloped Potatoes
Thursday - L/O Stroganoff
Friday - Chicken Enchilada Soup, Sub Sandwich's

So is that how you spell Stroganoff...Anyway you get the idea.
Actually I am not sure I will get it done.  I've bought the noodles 
but that is all.  Hopefully when I stop at the store tomorrow I can get meat and sour cream.

I am looking for a good recipe on Pinterest.  Do you have one?
The Cowboy suggested a Chuck Roast instead of stew meat because it is cheaper?  What do you think?

I sure hope I cook it on Monday since I am planning on L/O on 
Thursday.  If not I'll be winging it.

On Friday I am planning Chicken Enchilada Soup.  I have the 
Chili's Recipe.  I got it back in the day it was in the newspaper. 

I don't make this soup often because it calls for Maseca but the
Cowboy bought this huge bag for a Fried Chicken recipe so I have plenty and I love this soup!  I have a couple Avocado's I bought today that should be perfect for soup day!  

BTW the Fried Chicken recipe wasn't a keeper!

Thanks for stopping in. 

I hope you have a wonderful week 

And 

I hope you have some wonderful yummy meals with your family!

Family Supper-St. Patrick's Day Edition

Welcome.  I am glad you came by.  Today I am sharing my 
dinner plans and tablescape for St. Patrick's Day

  

I/we don't normal celebrate St. Patrick's Day 

but this year I had some inspiration.  

I always laugh because The Cowboy always says it's the holiday when everybody wants to be Irish.

I mentioned my inspiration.  It began with a post that was linked 

at The Fabulous Party.  A new recipe I wanted to try . . . 

This recipe for traditional Bangers and Mash 

looked so yummy.

I am not sure mine will look so good!  Go over here to Robin's blog for the recipe.  She is really Irish so I am sure the 

recipe is wonderful!   

And now for the table I decorated for a Cozy Meal for two. 

As I said we aren't Irish but I did celebrate our families with this 

table including things from my mother and mother in law. 

I started with my simple white dinner plates

I used the fork and spoon from my mothers set. 

This is the flatware I grew up with. 

The knife is the set my kids grew up with.  

The napkins were my Mother In Laws.

I added more green with my plates from Pier One

The glassware and the little green dish were my mothers

       

To make the table more festive I added a scarf, garland and 

shamrocks from Dollar Tree.  A whole 3 bucks spent!

I am thinking I'll call this a Festive, Thrifty, Vintage Table 

filled with memories and a place for new memories too!