Bible Sampler Block 36

 This week's block is called Elijah and the Chariot of Fire:

The Story of Elijah being taken into heaven in the chariot of fire as his assistant watched.  It is taken from II Kings 26:8-11.

The Title of the block is called Whirlwind.

Bible Sampler Block 35

 This week's story is called the Queen's Visit:

It is from I Kings 16:1-2 & 6-9.  This is the story of the visit of the Queen of Sheba to Solomon and his Court.  We don't know for sure where she came from or who she was, but she was wealthy, but even her wealth was small when compared to the glories of Solomon's court and she was amazed at his wisdom and power.

The name of the block is Queen's Treasure.

Bible Sampler Block 34

 

Block 34 is called King David's Crown.  It is from 2 Samuel 12:26-30.  This block was partially paper-pieced and partially precision pieced - not quite as simple as it looks.  The block name is also King David's Crown.

April Book List

 Today is the day for the listing of the books I read in April.  14 books seems like a lot - must have been a boring, dismal time.

All the Colors of the Night by Jayne Ann Krantz  - the second book in her Fogg Lake series - fun read.

 Fellowship of Fear by Aaron Ellkins This is the first adventure of Gideon Oliver - the Skeleton Detective.  Great stories 

In the Balance by Patricia Wentworth.  This is the 4th book in the Miss Silvers series.  Written in the 30's through the 50's they are wonderful mysteries with a touch of romance.

Trouble in the Town Hall  by Jeanne M. Dame  Continuation of the story of an American resettled in England and she's found another body.  Just a fun read.

Something the Cat Dragged In Charlotte McCloud - the fourth book in the Peter Shanty series.  A fun, funny read.

The Dark Place by Aaron Elkins  The 2nd book in the Dr Oliver series.

Saltwater Cove by Amelia Addler  This book made no lasting impression on me so I will probably not be reading anymore in the series.

Eye of the beholder by Jayne Ann Krantz  Another of her mystery, fantasy, romance adventures.  Always a fun read.

Divine Wedding by Hope Callaghan  Book 7 in the Divine Cozy Mystery series.  Great Stories about people at a half-way farm getting their lives back together.

Murder at High Tide by Lee Strauss  First book in the Rosa Ross Series.  Set in 1956 Southern California.  Not highly impressed and probably will not continue to read the series.

A Bias for Murder by Sally Goldblum  I've read several in this series and have decided there are more fun and/or interesting books out there for me.

Deep Blue Surrender by Robin Mahle   A story about a middle aged woman starting over again in life as a private detective.  

The Tombs by Clive Cussler - #4 in the Fargo series.  High adventure, exotic places and an  ALMOST believable story line are all the hallmarks of a Cussler adventure - I love them.

Chocolate Hearts & Murder by Patti Larson  #2 in her B & B Series.  Not as good as the first entry, but enough that I may try the third.  

Bible Sampler Block 33

 

This block represents the story of David and Goliath - the Giant and the boy from I Samuel 17:23-24 & 41-46,  The block was fairly easy to construct.  The actual name of the block is also David and Goliath.

Bible Sampler Quilt Block 32

 Block 32 of the Bible Sampler Quilt is titled Conquering Jericho from Joshua 6:1-5 & 20.  It tells of God's instructions which they carried out perfectly and how they took Jericho without using one of their weapons and saved Rahab and her family.  But you need to read it to get the entire story.

 The block name is Ruins of Jericho and once I calculated how big the squares had to be, it went together fairly easily.  HST, a square in a square and some strips.  

I completed a couple other small projects this week - 

This is a mug rug and designed for my daughter to include in her Birthday Gift - I really liked the way it turned out.  

I seem to be back into Rainbows again this spring.  This is a door/wall hanging with your storm cloud with a bright lining.  I love rainbows and they symbolize hope and renewal along with butterflies!!  This went to my Granddaughter as she moved into her first apartment.

 

Bible Sampler Block 31

 Bible Sampler block 31 is titled Abounding in Prosperity and comes from Deuteronomy 28:7-12.  It tells the Hebrews what will come their way if the follow God and obey His Precepts and don't make the mistake of following the gods of the land.  

The name of this block is Borrow and Lend.  This wasn't difficult to put together - just making sure everything was heading in the correct direction.  This sometimes for me can be a little tedious.  I think I only turned one piece the wrong way.  

Bible Sampler Block 30

 The 30th Block of the Bible Sampler Quilt is called the Lord on Mt. Sinai from Exodus 19:10-11, 16-20.  This tells how the Israelites met with God at Sinai - through Thunder and Lightening, smoke and fire.

The name of the block is Thunder & Lightning.  It really wasn't difficult to piece - a Square in a square, 4 flying Geese and 24 Half Square Triangles.  The interesting part was getting all the HSTs going in the correct direction.  A design wall really helps.

March Book List

 For some reason I spent a lot of time reading in March.  Of course I didn't get a whole lot else done - couldn't seem to get really into my quilting or any of the other projects I have on the back burner, just wanted to read.  So here goes with the list;

The Promise Girls by Marie Boswick  I always enjoy her books, they are always uplifting and inspiring.

Silversword by Phyllis Whitney  A favorite author from the past that I have rediscovered.

Michigan Mayhem by Hope Callaghan.  The next installment of the Garden Girls.

Tattered and Torn by Carol Dean Jones.  I really enjoy this series of Cozy Quilt Mysteries.

Body in the Transom by Jeanne Damn  A new to me series, set in a small English Village with a retired  American Heroine. 

Mayan Secrets by Clive Cussler  More of Cussler - some day I may run out of new reads by him, but probably not any time soon.

Bed & Breakfast & Murder by Patti Larson.  Another New to me series - a cozy mystery set in a B&B  a fun read.

Light & Shadow by Jayne Ann Krantz - a fun romantic suspense novel.

Left Holding the Bag by Carol Dean Jones - The next episode of the Cozy Quilt Mysteries.

Rainbows in the Mist by Phyllis Whitney

Daylight by David Baldecci  Book 3 in the Atlee Pine Series - One of my favorite authors.

Curses by Aaron Elkins - One of the Series about Anthropologist Gideon Oliver.

Truth or Dare Jayne Ann Krantz  The Sequel to Light & Shadow.

Aunt Dimity Digs In by Nancy Atherton  I love this series of fun, light mysteries with a fantasy sidelight.  

Besides reading over a dozen books in March I also put together a 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle - pieces were weird shaped and it was definitely a challenge - but I did get it done.

 

Bible Sampler Block 29

 The 29th Block of the Bible Sampler Quilt is Traveling to Sinai taken from Exodus 19: 1-5 as the Israelites travel across the desert, following the cloud and the pillar of fire to meet with God at Sinai.

The block is actually named Going Around the Mountain.  It is precision pieced in concentric rounds to form the block - really not at all hard to to.

Bible Quilt Block #28

 The 28th block of The Bible Sampler is called The Red Sea Victory taken from Exodus 14:23-29.  The Israelites cross the red sea on Dry ground, but Pharaoh's army is swamped by the returning waters and lost in the sea.

The block is titled Chariot Wheel.  I precision Pieced this one - a bit tedious as the measurements weren't exact - they fell somewhere between two marked measurements on the ruler - but it came out good and that is all that matters. 

Corned Beef Casserole

 Since my husband is very Irish ( Red Hair and temper to match) I made Corned Beef for Saint Patrick's Day.  He hates Cabbage - and to be honest I'm not fond of it beyond coleslaw  so I put it in the crock pot added new potatoes and carrots - seasoned it with herbs and it was wonderful.  Since there are only the two of us there was plenty left over.  Since I can't have anything with MSG or High Fructose Corn syrup or artificial ingredients there are a lot of recipes out there that I can't use to make a casserole - SOO  It was up to me to come up with a MF (Maiden Fair) approved recipe which I will share with you.

Corned Beef Casserole

2 cups chopped cooked Corned Beef

2 cups dry macaroni - I used elbow, but any other type would work.

3 TBS flour

1 cup water

1-2 tsp broth base - I use Orrington Farms Chicken Broth Base

1 cup Milk - I use Lactaid Milk Products as I can't have regular milk  but you can use any form of milk

1 can cut green beans or equivalent of fresh cooked green beans - or any other vegie you choose

1/2 - 1 cup shredded Cheddar Cheese - I use Sharp as it has little if any Lactose

Add the macaroni to boiling water and cook for 8 - 10 minutes - drain and rinse in hot water.

Meanwhile add flour to a  small amount of milk and mix to a smooth paste.  Gradually add remaining milk and water with broth.  Bring to a boil over medium high heat - stirring constantly.  When thickened add the cheese and stir until melted.  Remove from heat.  

Drain the green beans and add to the sauce.  Add the macaroni and mix until all is coated.  

Pour into a 2 qt casserole dish or a 9-in square baking pan.  You can use any topping of your choice - potato chips crushed, buttered bread crumbs, crotons - entirely up to you.

Place in a preheated 350 degree F  Oven and bake for 30 minutes until bubbly.  

I like to serve with fresh dinner rolls or fresh muffins.

Bible Sampler Block 27

 Block 27 of my Bible Sampler Quilt is titled The Protecting Cloud from Exodus 14:19-22.  The cloud that was fire and darkness to lead the Hebrews, but also stood between them and Pharaoh's Army at the Red Sea.

 The Block Name is Left & Right. 

Bible Sampler Quilt Block 26

 Block 26 of my Bible Sampler Quilt is titled Chariots in Pursuit from Exodus 14:5-9.  The story of the Hebrews leaving Egypt and Pharaoh having a change of heart and sending all his chariots and the army after them. 

 The name of the block is Army Star.  Some of it I paper-pieced and some I just precision Pieced.  

Bible Sampler Block # 25

 Block 25 of the Bible Sampler by Laurie Aaron Hird is the Promise of Canaan from Exodus 6:2-8.

The block name is Heritage Quilt.  Since I am somewhat diagonally challenged this block was a little difficult for me. But it is Done!

February Book List & Eagle

 Well, it was February - really cold, lots of snow and I proceeded to injure my back so I was down for a few days - a great time to read!!  So I did!

My reading list for the month basically included a lot of my old favorite authors:

Riviera Gold by Laurie R King (I love her Sherlock Homes and Mary Russell books - although several of her stand alone books are great) 

Lost and Found by Jayne Ann Krantz (another favorite author. This book is from her Fogg Lake Trilogy)

Aunt Dimity Vampire Hunter by Nancy Atherton (Part of my all time favorite Fantasy series.)

Journey of the Pharaohs by Clive Cussler (I have yet to go wrong with a Clive Cussler Story)

Mystery of the Minster by Susannah Gregory (Medieval mystery at it's best)

The Crown Jewel by Charles Veley (book 4 in the Lucy and Sherlock Series)

The Palace Guard by Charlotte MacLeod (book 3 in the Bittershorn & Kittering series - so much fun to read)

Nighthawk by Clive Cussler (More Cussler - I just can't stay away from him.)

I have searched all winter long for an Eagle.  They normally roost here in December and early to Mid January, but this year I saw nothing.  I realize I probable wasn't out and about as much because of the Pandemic, but I've always seen them around the church and on the road to town, but not this year.  Finally, my friend and I were driving to Kewanee a couple of weeks ago and one flew across the road ahead of us.  Of course no Camera!!  Then last Wednesday Hubby and I were pulling out of the driveway and one flew over our house!!  Of course no Camera!!  Later that same day we saw one flying over the road as we drove downtown.  Then yesterday driving home from Bible Class I saw 3 in the field at the end of the road.  Of Course no Camera!!  So I drove home, grabbed my camera and the big telephoto lens and hurried back - and guess what!! They were still there.  Got some good, some so so shots and some real duds, but at least I saw them - now if only I'd see a robin!!

Anyway here is a sampling of what I captured!!

Bible Sampler Block #24

 The 24th Block for my Bible Sampler Quilt is titled Burdens of the Hebrews.  The story of the bricks they had to make for the Egyptians.  The story is taken from Exodus 5:2-3.

The name of the block is Brick Pile which is so appropriate to the story.

 

Week 23 Bible Sampler Block

 Well today started off pretty well.  My Back wasn't aching, It wasn't snowing and the temperature was above 0 F.  Then I tried to cook my eggs for breakfast and accidently turned the wrong burner on - that wouldn't have been so bad except there was a plastic coffee container (full of garbage) sitting on that burner.  I walked away to do something else - and guess what - I came back to melted plastic, a kitchen full of smoke and fumes and a disaster to clean up.  Thankfully it hadn't ignited yet - just melted.  Thank goodness for windows that open and stove fans that work and all is well!!  I did get my eggs cooked, my coffee made and my breakfast into me.  Just please don't tell my husband!!

I have completed block 23 of my Bible Sampler Block.  The story for today is entitled Treasures From the Egyptians taken from Exodus 3:8B - 22.  The Lord tells Moses that when the people are ready to leave Egypt they are to ask for gifts from the people, gold, silver fine cloth and clothing.   

The title of this block is Bright Jewel.  I had an interesting time as the pattern is either for paper-piecing or templates.  I don't like templates and while I like paper-piecing it just wasn't what I wanted for this block.  It is  6 1/2" block and the units turn out to be an unusual number so I had to figure all the measurements and put them together.  It actually was fun and not as difficult as I thought - 4 Quarter Square Triangles made into 4 square in a square and sashed with a corner stone.  Was pleased with the result.

Weekly report

It has been a week of snow, cold, and drifts.  Just when we think we can get out of here (I live in the country at the bottom of a hill)  it snows again.  Never a lot of snow - we rarely get the 12-24 inches, but 1-3 of light fluffy with a wind behind it is enough to make our roads impassable.  Add that the the 3 Ice storms from earlier in the month which hasn't melted and I tell you it is dangerous out there.  Now we are under a 3 day wind chill advisory and today the temps won't get above 0.  So guess what,  I'm staying home again!!

At any rate This is my second week of 15 minutes to stitch in 2021 - I got a late start since I didn't find this cool thing until last week.

• 15 minute days/week = 7/7 days
• 15 minute days/Feb = 14/14 days
• 15 minute days/2021 = 14/14 days
• Success rate = 100%

 To do list for the Week of February 6-13:

1) Quilt on the Stars Around the Garden UFO - Worked on it 4 days this week.

2) Work on Big  Bird from Sesame Street Quilt - Completed Big Bird 

3) Block 22 For Bible Sampler Quilt by Laurie Aaron Hird - Completed Block 22

4) Start Hearts and Kisses Baby Quilt - Started this quilt 

5) Work on Sophia's Garden Blocks - Worked on Block 20 - almost done.

6) Work on National Day Quilt Blocks - got 8 blocks quilted & labeled and 1 block nearly done.

To do list for week of Feb 14 - 20:

1) Work on Quilting for Garden Quilt

2) Finish last of Sophia Blocks

3) Start Fozzie Bear  Block

4) 8 Hearts & Hugs Blocks

5) Quilt 4 more National Blocks

6)Block 23 of Bible sampler quilt

Week 22 Bible Sampler Quilt

 Week 22 of the Bible Sampler Quilt is Moses in the Nile from Exodus 2:1-10.  The story of his birth, how his mother saved him from Pharaoh's death order and his rescue by the Egyptian Princess.  

The title of the block is Basket.  There are many basket blocks but I did like the way the handle was done on this one.  

15 minutes to stitch report

 

I found a wonderful Idea to help keep me on track with my sewing this year - it actually started with January 1st, but I didn't find it until now - it is week six of the challenge - but it is my week 1.  The idea is to stitch for at least 15 minutes every day.  It adds up - 15 minutes a day for 7 days is 105 minutes or 1 hour and 45 minutes of stitching time.  You can get a lot done in 105 minutes.  

So for my week one January 31-February 6 I stitched at least 15 minutes for 7 out of 7 days.

I'm excited about the challenge.  It might get me into the sewing room even on the days when I don't feel like sewing I can at least do 15 minutes. 

To do list for the Week of February 6-13:

1) Quilt on the Stars Around the Garden UFO

2) Work on Big  Bird from Sesame Street Quilt

3) Block 22 For Bible Sampler Quilt by Laurie Aaron Hird

4) Start Hearts and Kisses Baby Quilt

5) Work on Sophia's Garden Blocks

6) Work on National Day Quilt Blocks

Snowy Saturday

 Third Snow storm this week!  I've really had enough!  We don't normally get this much snow in an entire season - we've had it in a week - this is the 5th storm in the last 3 weeks or so - But I am grateful for a warm house - plenty of food - warm blankets and a loving husband to help keep me warm.  It is supposed to get very very cold this week and I'm also grateful I don't have to go out anywhere before possibly Thursday.  I would love to go to church tonight but with the snow and the blowing and drifting it really isn't safe so I will get it online in the morning.  

I did accomplish a lot today.  Finished the quilting on the center medallion of my Stars around the Garden quilt.  Will start working on the first border tomorrow - it shouldn't take nearly as long to quilt it - famous last words. 

 I have been fighting with a quilt called Taos.  I have misplaced the Part 6 pattern - that wasn't so horrible I could work around that, but then I last of the diamonds for the center Medallion wouldn't come out right - one side was the correct size - the other side was 1/2 " too long - no idea what was wrong.  I had already ripped these things out twice and recut some of them and just had enough.  I packed the entire thing away.  I will get the rest of the monthly patterns and hopefully I will find the missing one and someday in the future I will go back to it.  For now I have so much that needs quilted or needs pieced that is actually fun to keep me busy for quite a while.

I did complete block 21 for my Bible Sampler Quilt:

It is Children of Israel, both the study and the title of the block.  The scripture is Exodus 1:1-11.

January Reading List

 I am a voracious reader but lately I have not been very good at getting my reading list onto my blog - so I'm going to try to do better - once a month posting what I have been reading that month.  Because it has been such a dark, cold icky month, the list is pretty long.

So here goes for January:

Paradox by Catherine Coulter - This is one of her FBI series with Savage and Sherlock.  I really like this series of books and this one was as engrossing and addicting as all the others.

The Plot is Murder by V.M. Burns - This was a new author for me and it was an OK book - don't know if I'll read anymore or not.

Darling Dahlias & the Voodoo Lily by Susan Wittig Albert - She is one of my favorite authors and I have read all the Darling Dahlias and China Bayles books and also the ones she wrote with her husband as Robin Paige - great stories and excellent research.

Squeeze Me by Carl Hiaasen - Another dark humor, irreverent look at our society.  I enjoy his books - but only about 1 or 2 a year.

Game of Bones by Carolyn Haines - Another in the series with heroines Sarah Booth Delaney and her partner Tinkie.  Great read as always from this author.

Missing Memories - Carol Dean Jones - Another in the Quilting Cozy series with Heroine Sarah.  It is a fun easy read - I've enjoyed all of them so far.

A Visitation of Angels by Carolyn Haines - Another of Carolyn Haines series - this one called Pluto's Snitch.  This is the 4th in the series and they are always a gripping rather scary read but enjoyable.

Firelines by Susan Wittig Albert - This is the Third in a trilogy called Pecan Springs Enterprise.  Enjoyed all three as they are a continuous story with a satisfying conclusion.

Christmas Crisis by Hope Callahan - This is an installment in her Garden Girls Series and these are so much fun.  Always a mystery to solve - not always a murder.  Basically good clean fun.

Eternity Ring by Patricia Wentworth  - Patricia always delivers a rousing mystery and one I usually don't actually figure out before the end.  These are old books, but well worth the read.

The Withdrawing Room by Charlotte McCloud - This is the second in the Max Bittershorn and Sara Kelling Series.  Always fun to read and worth the time for a second, third or fourth look.

Week 20 Bible Sampler Quilt

 Week 20 of the Bible Sampler Quilt is called the Family United.  It is the story of Joseph bringing his father and brothers to Egypt and revealing to them who he was.  It is told in Genesis 45: 4-5 & 8-11.

The block name is Goshen Star.  It was actually one of the easier ones to construct.  HSTs and flip corners  getting the measurements right was the only mild challenge.

Week 19 of Bible Sampler Quilt

 I finished the 19th block of The Bible Sampler Quilt.  Not one of my favorite blocks - of course it might have been more to my taste if I had changed the color placement but when working with 3/4" finished squares - I didn't really want to play around too much so I just cut them and put them together.  

The week is Joseph the Ruler from Genesis 41:38-43,  when the Pharaoh puts Joseph in charge of Egypt and he takes a long vacation - or whatever he decided to do for the rest of his reign.

 She has the name of the block listed as Chain Links quilt.  On to block 20 next week.

Word and Scripture for the Year

 After much prayer I found the word I am to live by this year.  My word is HOPE.  Hope for my life, my family, our country, the future.  

My verse for the year is Isaiah 40:31 - to remind me that my hope is always in the Lord and all by strength and ability comes directly from Him.

Second Full Week of 2021

 I can't say 2021 has started off much better than 2020.  Last year was the 4 day migraine, this year two huge ice storms and more riots.  Oh well - I've decided to ignore the rest of the world for a while and see what I can do in my little sphere of influence to hopefully make friends and neighbors lives a little bit brighter.  Maybe changing my tiny bit of world will help change a bigger bit of world.  

The new Mug Rug I made to be part of my project for the new year.  Just hopefully the first of many.

I completed the 18th block in my Bible Sampler Quilt - The Coat of Many Colors from Genesis 37: 1-4 & 25-28.  It is the story of Joseph the favorite son of Jacob and his rocky and destructive relationship with his 10 older brothers and the tragedy that ensued.   

I used Deb Tucker's Studio 180 tools and technique sheets to create the block.  It can be done in many ways.  The corners are called shaded 4-patches, the centered blocks are a form of flying geese.  The full name of the block is Joseph's Coat.

I've been working on a lot of different things this week - among them the Sesame Street Quilt and the Taos quilt - both of which are months in the future for completion.

My daughter gave me a Christian Day Planner for Christmas and I really like it.  So I decided to make something to keep the pen and pencil close so I wouldn't be constantly searching for them when I wanted to make a note.  So this is what I came up with:

I have several that are bookmarks that slide over the pages.  I added the pockets to hold the pens.  It certainly is making life a bit easer since I always lose track of my pens/pencils.  

 

Icy January

 It has been an icy January so far.  Two massive Ice storms and days on end of fog, but thankfully it has not been terribly cold.  Cold enough to keep the ice and snow around but not cold enough to freeze your toes off.  Of course I would love one of those Januarys where it is 65 and sunny and you can go walking in your shirtsleeves - but those are few and far between.  

This was taken in the fog the morning after the second ice storm.  It was foggy for three days.

This was taken out my back door the following day.  The trees are covered still with ice and Hoarfrost.  It was one of the most beautiful sights I had seen in the neighborhood.  It turned foggy again later that day and we haven't seen the sun since. 
 

I am learning to take my beauty where I can find it this last year - sometimes it is hard to come by.  

My block of the week (#17) for The Bible Sampler Quilt is Jacob's Ladder - the story of Jacob's Struggle with God in the wilderness.  

I made it using the Wing Clipper II from Studio 180 and one other ruler from her collection.  Making flying Geese with precision piecing is just not my thing - they always come out wonky and look terrible.  The story of Jacob's Ladder is in Genesis 28: 10-15.  The name of the block is also called Jacob's Ladder.

My first completed project of 2021 is a Snowflake wall hanging.

I like to hang small quilts beside my front door - a long narrow one on the left and a square one on the right.  For winter I had a Snowman for the left but nothing for the right so I used the old tried and true method of making snowflakes from grade school, traced it on fusable and appliqued it to the square.  

I have no idea what my next completed project will be - even after spending last year trying to clear out my UFO's - I still seem to have more that I should have.  I guess this year I will try to avoid starting too many new projects and work on completing the ones I already have going.  

Happy New Year 2021!

 We are all praying for a New Year that is so much better than the last. A Year full of Accomplishments, fun, friends, family, love and health.  I'm tired of not being able to go do ALL the things I've always done and I'm not naive enough to think because the calendar changed over to a new year that all will heal overnight.  But I'm learning to go with the flow and do what I can.  

I haven't been in a quilt shop in almost 2 months - a real record for me.  No Block of the Month Clubs, no quilt shop hops, no running out just for something to do.  I haven't been grocery shopping in nearly 10 months.  Was to the Dollar story I think 4 times, the Pharmacy (small and local) to get my prescriptions, and went with my husband to pick out the flooring for the bedroom.  I think when I finally can safely go out I'll be like a kid on his first trip to Disney Land - everything new and exciting.  

We went all through December with very little in the way of Winter weather - now in the last 10 days we've had 3 winter storms.  The last two including the one happening today are more ice storms than snow storms.  I would prefer snow - I can drive in snow if a have to, or walk out to the mailbox, but ice - there is nothing you can do.  I pray that it is cleared by Monday so I can get out for my appointments on Monday and Tuesday.  Otherwise I will stay home for the rest of January.

I have done a lot of Quilting and Reading in 2020.  Finished a lot of UFO's but to my discredit I started as many projects as I finished so I didn't really gain much in the clearing out the stack war.  Oh Well!

As for Reading, the list is long and varied.

I found some new authors I've enjoyed:

Carol Dean Jones

Charles Velley

Julie Klausen

Kaitlyn Dunner

Reconnected with some old Favorites from years ago:

Mary Stewart

Aaron Elkins

Charlotte McCloud

Carl Haasen

Phyllis Whitney

Emily Brightwell

And Continued with current Favorites:

Clive Cussler

Janet Evanovich

Marie Boswick

Ellery Adams

Hope Callaghan

Amanda Quick/Jayne Ann Krantz

David Baldecci

 Susan Wittig Albert

Jennifer Chiaverini

Laura Childs

Nancy Atherton

Donna Andrews

That is probably not a complete list - but it gives you an idea.  I would be hard pressed to give you my favorite book of this year.  I think that always depends on the time of the year and the mood I'm in at the time.  

I'm off today to try to design a snowflake block to hang by the door for the next couple of months.