Disappointed in a Book

What you ever read a book that you looked forward to reading and been disappointed? I was so looking forward to reading the next book in Sue Grafton's Kinsey Milhone alphabet mysteries, U is for Undertow. There was virtually no mystery to it at all. Early on I had identified the kidnappers/murderers, but I don't think that was intended to be hidden from the reader. I kept waiting for a twist, but there wasn't one. The ending was totally predictable, including a gratuitous murder. I learned some more about Kinsey's family life, but that wasn't that interesting. I do appreciate the Crime and Punishment type of mystery where the reader knows who the killer is, and the crux of the novel is discovering the manner in which the detective unravels the mystery. This was the book that the television series Columbo was patterned on, but U is for Undertow did not have any of the suspenseful unraveling that a novel of this type must have. Oh well, time to move on in my reading world. I will be teaching Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison and Reservation Blues by Sherman Alexi, two outstanding novels whose prose and thematic elements will reaffirm the enjoyment I get from reading an excellently written piece of fiction. And of course, I know and recognize the difference between older and new literary classics and other works of fiction, but I expected more from Sue Grafton based upon her previous works. If you have read this novel and have a different point of view, I would love to hear it, or if you agree with me, I would love to hear that as well.

Market Wishfuls

For those of us who cross stitch and/or dream of cross stitching more, our favorite shop owners will be going to market in Nashville this week-end and bringing back lots of delectable goodies for our new projects. I have preordered Carriage House Samplings' Autumn at Hawk Run Hollow with the 36 ct. fabric Lakeside Linen Sand Dune to go with it. I am pondering whether to use DMC or Vicki Clayton silks on my project. What are some wishfuls the rest of you are looking forward to?

St. Valentine's Day

St. Valentine's Day is a very sweet day. My son and husband got me a beautiful and delicious arrangement from Edible Arrangements. I especially love the chocolate-covered strawberries, but all the fruit is delicious. My son got his aunt and Godmother, my sister, an arrangment as well, but with regular strawberries because she doesn't eat sweets. What a nice and thoughtful gift for both of us. The second and third pictures are of a birthday card that my father sent my mother. Even though it isn't a Valentine's card, it has red roses and the sentiments of Valentine's Day. The card is very old and has water marks on it, probably from the flowers that came with it (at least that's what I think). I'm not sure of the actual date, but I think it probably dates back to the fifties. It's a Hallmark card.

Snow Drifts

I love the snow drifts. It's so much fun to walk in them.

Walking in the snow at the side of the house.

Snow drift overhanging the roof in the morning.

Fenced garden asleep in the drifting snow.

Rabbit Tracks

We're expecting our biggest snowstorm of the year tonight into Wednesday, between eight and ten inches. I know this is small snow compared to my friends in the East, but nevertheless, it should be a big snow for us. During the last snowfall, which was only about two inches, I noticed the rabbit tracks in the snow. I love that the rabbits run around the house, especially at night. I'm sure they're somewhat camouflaged by the snow and have a really good time. I like to think of them having a fun time, looking for hidden treats left in the garden and looking in my windows as they run around in the snow.

A Snowball and a Quilt

My middle cat, Snowball, is difficult to photograph. He is so white that he fades out in most pictures. Yesterday, however, he was sitting on top of my Great Aunt's quilt. The red and green colors bring out his coloring well. Look at his eyes in the second picture; they are bright gold. We are supposed to get some snow tonight and tomorrow, not as much as in the East, just a few inches to brighten the day. I know Snowball would love to walk in it. His paws are protected by thick tuffs of fur between his toes. Maine Coon Cats all have this because they of course were protected from the cold and snow in Maine. He also has beautiful tuffs of fur in his ears to keep his ears warm. Snowball and his brother and sister don't go outside. They are strictly inside cats, but they love to look outside at all of the wonderful adventures that they see, especially at night. Often when I come home from work, one of them is waiting for me at the living room window; it is usually Snowball.