This and That

 Bo put the shelves back up in the Laundry room.

 I really love the Glass Slippers and the Flood Tide together with the Urban Sunrise Trim.

 Unfortunately I decided the leash holder had to go, It's in the way of everything and I kept knocking it down.

 It's hard to imagine how good this is going to look once it's completed.

 Goodbye empty space.

 The cabinets are here.

 We had the entire room tiled so the cabinets will actually be sitting on tile.

Stygian (Dark-Hunter, #27)

Stygian by Sherrilyn Kenyon
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I was actually all ready to give it 5 stars and then I got to the middle of the book, I knew she was going to have to rehash some stuff I already knew but after Stryker slits Urian's throat she practically lifts chapters word for word from previous books and if that isn't annoying enough they are disjointed. For example one chapter ends with Styxx delivering Apollo to Apollymi and then Apollo is wrecking havoc with no explanation for how he escaped.

The book actually starts with Urian's childhood Davyn is actually Urian's brother in law he was the husband of Urian's twin brother Paris. And Urian had a really shitty childhood even though Stryker loved him and favored him over all his other kids. For one thing because he had blue eyes, women refused to feed him (Remember the Apollites have to drink the blood of each other to live).
Stryker couldn't feed him because he had already gone Daimon and his Mother (Hellen) couldn't feed him because she was Greek and thus not affected by Apollo's curse. Apollymi actually feed him her blood when he was a baby. As a teen Urian was forced to feed from a cup from blood that Stryker forced his men to donate. Hellen eventually left Kalosis (where the Apollites and Daimons live under Apollymi's protection). Unfortunately the humans found out about Hellen's connection to the Apollites and murdered her during the day when her sons were unable to help her. Urian and his brothers exacted a fitting retribution for their Mother's murder.

Urian's only real friend was the dragon Xyn (who in the early days of their relationship never allowed him to know she could take human form). He was genuinely baffled when Xyn was upset over his marriage to Xanthia. When his brother Telamon died Urian learnt that he has the power to bring him back to life, and his powers made him popular with the ladies which was helpful because he had caught Xanthia cheating on him. After his divorce from Xanthia he continued to care for her children until their deaths. He also learned that Xyn could take human form, unfortunately since she couldn't feed him they both believed their relationship was doomed. Urian married Sheba (Apollite Amazon) and went to live with her people before they were slaughtered by Helios soldiers. When he returned home Xyn was gone and he had no way to find her. They eventually did reunite and agreed to meet once a year with the understanding that if either found someone else they wouldn't show up. Xyn didn't make it to one of their meetings and Urian believed she was dead. At this point Stryker has ordered him to wipe out the Peter's clan due to a prophecy, but when he went to kill Phoebe he couldn't and they fell in love. Due to his love for Phoebe he protected her family and betrayed his own.

Now we get a rehash of things that happened in Styxx and Dragonsworn (Dark-Hunter, #28)

Xyn and Urian reunite but he still goes to free Phoebe with Xyn by his side once he learns that she is still alive. Apollo was using Phoebe to get to Urian as he needed Urian's blood (Urian is part human Atlantean Egyptian and Apollite ... and was born with the blood of three pantheons and gods). Apollo uses the blood and Hades's scepter, which he stole to open a gate. Urian plans to sacrifice himself to close it but Stryker pushes him out of the way and nearly dies. Actually he would have died except Urian saves him and they make up. Phoebe ask for a divorce, which is a relief to Urian as it leaves him free to be with Xyn.

The time line didn't advance much and we didn't really learn anything new. Not sure if we learned this in Styxx or not Styxx is a Chthonian and has the ability to kill Gods.

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Note: From previous books the Phoebe/Urian love story was sold to us and I remember thinking when we found out Phoebe was alive how nice it was that Urian would get his happy ending and be reunited with her. So I was totally expecting them to be "the couple". But I fell in love with him and Xyn as a couple and love the fact she was friends with him before they got romantically involved. Another reviewer was upset about Urian's serial relationships but she seems to forget what he had to do to feed. It totally makes sense that Apollites would find someone else as soon as possible in order to feed. The Phoebe/Xyn/Urian triangle did pose more of a dilemma as we had been sold on Urian/Phoebe in previous books. I think she did need to establish more that while Urian had a deep love for Xyn they never thought they could have a real relationship due to his feeding requirements. and that he truly believed she was dead when he meet Phoebe. So yes unlike Styxx and Bethany, Urian did move on. Would he and Phoebe have lasted, apparently not once she learned he was responsible for her relatives deaths. So their relationship always had a fatal flaw in it, a flaw we just didn't learn about until this book. 

Coming Together Nicely (Kitchen)

 The granite looks fabulous, it looks even better now that we have the backsplash. It was installed by W. E. Wade Tile.  And I LOVE my stainless steel sink. I really like the Kohler faucets in the Master Bathroom so I went with the same thing for the kitchen, KOHLER K-15253-4-CP Coralais Kitchen Sink Faucet, Polished Chrome

 Love the way my cooktop looks on the granite. Wish I wasn't such a messy cook because it's a pain to clean, but it really does look nice. And does a fabulous job cooking. I have two Power Boil burners a burner for melting things and one for keeping things warm. We got the Cooktop from Lowe's and it's a GE.

Smooth Surface Electric Cooktop (Black) (Common: 30-in; Actual 29.75-in)

Item #: 737418 | Model #: JP3030DJBB

 The oven is a GE too as is the Range Hood. I'll be honest I haven't used the Oven that much I use the microwave most of the time and the few times I have used the oven I have used the Traditional choice instead of the Convection but I have been very pleased with it's performance so far. I haven't needed to clean it yet so I can't tell you anything about that but it did an excellent job boiling chicken and baking homemade pizza. I also love the fact that I can control it from my phone, and that when I am outside it will ring my phone to let me know it's through cooking.

GE Cafe Self-cleaning True Convection Single Electric Wall Oven (Stainless Steel) (Common: 30 Inch; Actual 29.75-in)

Item #: 687953 | Model #: CT9050SHSS

The Range Hood seems loud to me but I love the light and it looks great.

GE Profile Undercabinet Range Hood (Stainless Steel) (Common: 30-in; Actual: 29.875-in)

Item #: 841215 | Model #: PVX7300SJSS

 I absolutely adore the microwave cabinet and the microwave/convection oven. The Microwave is a Kitchen Aid. It has so many different options.

EasyConvect™ Conversion System

Takes the guesswork out of convection cooking by ensuring exceptional results when experimenting with new recipes or familiar favorites.

1.4 cu. ft. Capacity

Provides large cooking capacity while complementing your convection oven.

All my dishes fit perfectly.

Broil Element

Combines the high power and even coverage needed to achieve results similar to outdoor grilling results.

Crispwave™ Technology and Crisper Pan

Allows the microwave oven to be used for grilling, frying, and convection cooking. The specially designed crisper pan can be used to brown, crisp, and pan-fry foods.

Sensor Steam Cycle with Steamer Container

A sensored microwave oven cycle that allows precise steaming based on the food type and doneness level selected. Includes a steamer container to help you get the best results.

 I love the Steam cycle. I have steamed Salmon in there a few times and vegetables, they turn out wonderful. This is hands down my favorite new appliance, and I use it the most.

I have really enjoyed the steam feature, it cooks salmon, shrimp, oysters and fresh veggies to perfection. I made the best cheese toast in the Convection Oven, and the crisping pan delivers tasty hamburgers, bacon and fried eggs.  It's easy to use and it does a wonderful job defrosting food. It's very spacious too. I have used the convection feature to cook casseroles, bake bread and make cakes and it's done an outstanding job. I really enjoy cooking again.

Somebody on the Kitchen Aid site mentioned the red steamer bowl melted. Obviously they didn't bother to read the instructions. It clearly states to only use the steamer bowl with the steam function. The accessories they provided are all very nice. I have a crisper pan to use with the crisp function, a metal rack that you can use to put your own dishware on for baking as well as a baking tray. And the steamer bowl. They all wash up well and are a pleasure to use with the functions they are designed for, but you do need to read the manual so you will know what to use when.

I love the way the door opens like a regular oven it makes it so easy to get dishes in and out I have mine at counter level in a microwave  cabinet and it's perfect. I gave the specs to the cabinetmaker and the microwave fit perfectly

The only thing I would change about it is the handle, but that is just cosmetic. The Microwave and Convection Oven Work Great and make it a pleasure to cook, I love all the options it has.

I looked at all the microwaves on the market and this one had the most options and did the most. I always wanted an extra oven at Thanksgiving. Now thanks to this wonderful microwave I have it.

I have had the microwave for 7 months and I still love it. 

 Love the granite windowsill.

 I am thrilled with the refrigerator cabinet. We have a really SMALL kitchen so I had to have a small refrigerator, there wasn't a lot to choose from in the size I needed but I am pleased with the refrigerator. The freezer is really spacious.

GE 17.5-cu ft Counter-Depth French Door Refrigerator with Ice Maker (Stainless Steel) ENERGY STAR

Item #: 952954 | Model #: GYE18JSLSS

 I love my new cabinets. The Furniture Bottoms give the illusion of more space in my kitchen. And the drawers are so spacious, it's much easier to organize and find things. And the dishwasher is so quiet and I absolutely LOVE the third "top" rack it's perfect for putting the lids to your Tupperware and other small or flat things. I put the crisper pan for the microwave on the third rack.

Bosch 800 24-in Stainless Steel Pocket Handle Tall Tub Dishwasher with Stainless Steel Tub and Delicate/Economy Cycle (Actual: 23.5625-in) ENERGY STAR

Item #: 836312 | Model #: SHPM78W55N

 I gained a few inches of counter space by extending the cabinets closer to the door.

And this niche is going to be for my cup collection, really can't wait for you to see it with the tile added.

Volga Blue

 I went over to Mobile to look at my slab. You really can't tell much from the picture as it was acting like a mirror.

 But this is the Volga Blue

The bedrock of this stone is actually a very light grey – despite its overall black appearance. What gives it its black color is the vast amounts of black mineral deposits that make up over 80% of this stones mass. These black mineral deposits can range in color from a very dark grey, through to pure black. They are usually dense and well defined – which gives an effect that almost looks like shattered glass.

However despite the black minerals making up the bulk of this stone, it is the stunning blue mineral deposits that give this stone its name. And boy are they stunning!
They can range in shade from a deep and dark navy blue, through to a super bright almost sky blue color. Depending upon the density of the minerals in these sections they can actually be pearlescent. This means that they will look slightly metallic in color, and will display a range of shades of blue

 Here it is cut down and ready to be installed. I sure was happy when they pulled into my driveway with it.

Wiring and Stuff

 This was Bo's contribution to the kitchen he had to build the wall and do the wiring.

 He had to do repair work around the window too.

 Chimera enjoyed sitting on top of the fridge while it was in the garage.

 Light switches got moved.

The pantry looks so strange without the shelves in it.

Only Child by Rhiannon Navin

Only Child by Rhiannon Navin
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I was really disappointed in this book considering all the good reviews and hype it got. First off Niagara Falls is the collective name for three waterfalls that straddle the international border between the Canadian province of Ontario and the American state of New York, so to say Niagara Falls is in Canada is incorrect. Considering how many people are geography challenged today the least writers and publisher can do is provide factual information in their books.

Only getting six year old Zach Taylor's POV was annoying especially as at times he sounded and acted more like a preschooler and did we really need all the bathroom drama. I get the kid was upset but really did he have to poop and throw up all over the place. And having him almost glad his brother was killed at the beginning of the book was bizarre and made it really hard to connect with any of the characters. At times I was wishing that Zach was the one gun downed because I think 10 year old Andy would have been less annoying. And having Zach relaying information he really didn't understand (his Father's affair) meant it had very little impact on the story.

Mom Melissa was probably the most annoying character for the majority of the book as she seemed to completely ignore Zach, except when she was angry with him and spent most of her time going on TV blaming Charlie and his wife for their 19 year old sons actions. Which by the way at 19 the gunman was legally an adult and they couldn't make him take his medication, go to the doctor, or lock him away like she seemed to think they should have done. Also in light of her refusing to give Andy his medication except when it was super important he behave was hypocritical. In fact there was a point at the beginning of the book when Zach was talking about Andy's problems with anger that I wondered if he was the gunman. That might have actually made for a more interesting book.

Charlie was actually the most likable character in the book, while dealing with the death of his son and his guilt over his sons actions he still managed to behave like a decent human being.

I started to give this one star, but I did begin to like the book toward the end, it's too bad we didn't get the adults POV from time to time, I think it would have made for a more interesting and engaging book.

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Cooking With Alasandra ~ Jonathan’s Pumpkin Cookies

Combine & Set Aside:

4 cups self -rising flour
2 cups oatmeal
2 teaspoons cinnamon

Cream:
1 ½ cups softened butter
1 cup sugar
2 cups brown sugar

Add:
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 can (16 oz.) pumpkin

Add flour & oatmeal mixture, mix well after adding each ingredient. Drop by rounded teaspoon on lightly greased cookie sheets. Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes. Makes 8-10 dozen 2” cookies. Top with Cream Cheese Frosting

Cream Cheese Frosting

8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 lb. box of confectioner’s sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 tablespoons milk

Beat cream cheese until very soft. Gradually add confectioner’s sugar, vanilla and milk. Beat until mixture is smooth and of good spreading consistency. Use original cream cheese only.