Alasandra's Reading List ~ May

1. Nightworld by F. Paul Wilson (From The Adversary Cycle ) - disconcerting as this book was written before some of the Repairman Jack novels ( I have heard Wilson is going to rewrite it in order to change the contradictions in this book with the Repairman Jack novels) Glaeken brings Father Bill, Nick Quinn,  Jack, Carol, Sylvia Nash, her son Jeffy, Ba and Dr. Alan Bulmer (The Touch) together to fight Rasalom. Each will make a sacrifice in order to reassemble the sword that defeated Rasalom once before. The sword will choose one to wield it, in it's final battle against Rasalom.
2. Toys by James Patterson - As an Elite Hays Baker has it all. Employed by the Agency of Change Hays works hard to protect Elites from those filthy humans. But then the unthinkable happens an accident reveals that Hays is human and his wife, best friend and boss all turn on him. Fleeing for his life Hays joins the humans who are fighting to keep the Elites from exterminating them.
3. Infinity (Chronicles of Nick) by Sherrilyn Kenyon - OK, now some of the discrepancies in the other novels are starting to make sense. Ambrose (Nick Gautier) is trying to change his history before he destroys the world (Karnarsas). In an attempt to unlock his powers at a younger age and prevent the events that lead to his becoming a Dark Hunter Ambrose has made contact with 14 year old Nick and has revealed to Nick that he has "powers". Ambrose gives Nick a gold dagger that will enable him to kill Gods, demons, zombies.............and a book that will allow Nick to hone his skills. He'll need both to battle the zombies that are coming after him and his friends.  He also arranges for Nick to meet Simi earlier. But an unexpected element has entered the equation. Nick meets Nekoda (someone Ambrose has no memory of) and falls in love.
4. Fatal Burn by Lisa Jackson - Dani Settlers attempts to find her Birth Mother lead her into a trap. Her kidnapper is killing off all the people Shannon Flannery cares about one by one and he plans to use Dani to lure Shannon to her death. Can Travis find his daughter in time?
5. The Shadow of Your Smile by Mary Higgins Clark - Dr. Monica Farrell is fixing to be revealed as the heiress to the Gannon fortune but there are those who will stop at nothing to keep the secret from coming out. As those who know the secret are murdered one by one will Monica discover the identity of her Grandparents before she too is killed. (Great Book)
6. Fatal Error by F. Paul Wilson - Glaeken believes he has committed a fatal error by letting Rasalom know he is now an elderly old man. Dawn's baby is born and looks like a q'qrs. The baby is taken from Dawn and she is told he is dead, Mr Osala (Rasalom) kicks her out of his apartment and she winds up in an apartment next to Weezy. The Septimus Order takes down the Internet, but The Lady still lives. 
7. Born of Shadows by Sherrilyn Kenyon - Condemned to death for a crime he didn't commit Caillen Dagan's luck seems to have run out. Even his powerful friends can't save him from the executioners blade. But then at the last moment his parentage is revealed. As Emperor Evzen's only son Caillen is his sole heir. But someone wants him and his Father out of the way so they can claim the throne. Accused of killing Emperor Evzen & Queen Sarra while kidnapping Queen Sarra's daughter Desideria, Caillen is running for his life with Desideria in tow. The two are determined to prove their innocence and with the help of Caillen's friends in the Sentella they just might pull it off. (Loved the book)
8. Silent Truth by Sherrilyn Kenyon - Hunter Thornton - Payne watched his best friend fall to his death and vowed to catch his killer no matter what. But when Abbie Blanton stumbles back into his life his plans for vengeance take a back seat to helping Abbie save her Mother's life.
9. Guilty Pleasures by Laurell K. Hamilton - the novel that introduced Anita Blake Vampire Hunter. The Master Vampire, Nikolaos,  hires Anita to find out who is killing vampires. Failure will mean a most unpleasant death. 
10. Demonsong by F. Paul Wilson - a short story that introduces Glaeken and Rasalom.  Prince Iolon's realm is being destroyed by an evil wizard (Rasalom) and he is offering a reward to anyone who kills Rasalom and brings back his ring. Glaeken a foreigner in need of coin heads off to earn the reward. You can download the story for free here.  
11. The Jolicure Cats by Lorrie Bell Hawkins illustrated by Dwight Kirkland - A lovely book. Lorrie reminisces about the special cats that shared her life, beautifully illustrated. 

I am Married to the Moon Pie Guy

 Unique campaign expense.

Jimmy Lamar Alawine, for example, a Democratic candidate for District 4 Supervisor, listed $211 in supplies from Toomey's Mardi Gras for throws for the St. Martin parade. The report also listed about $10 spent at Walmart for "labels for putting campaign ads on Moon Pies."

Interesting

Sikivu Hutchinson was at the University of South Alabama to talk about her new book on sexism. While she restricts her studies to African American and Latin Women I believe that the problems of sexism affect all women, including white women, especially in the South.

Centuries after it was enshrined in the Bible, woman-bashing as law and public morality is still a cornerstone of the West’s unshakeable faith. But as the pro-death, anti-abortion, anti-family values legions of the right drive their scriptural stake through women’s bodies, we believe this new generation of black and Latina feminists will be prepared to face them.

Automobile Insurance

There has been a lot of noise lately about uninsured motorist in Mississippi. Our automobile was hit by an insured motorist, one would think that would mean we wouldn't have to deal with medical bills and such. This isn't the case apparently our insurance is expected to pay and then we are expected to pay any deductibles and copays out of pocket, eventually the other party's insurer will settle with us.

And it took approximately a MONTH for us to get the payment for the car that was totaled, there has to be a better way.

Alasandra's Reading List ~ April

1. Ben- Hur by Lew Wallace (published 1880) - I am having a lot of trouble getting into the book, but owe Mr. Wallace a debt of thanks as his "novel" made it permissible for Christians (especially Protestants) to read novels. So far I have found it rather boring. Book One is familiar to anyone who has read the Bible. We have the meeting of the wise men in the dessert and blond blue eyed Mary headed to Bethlehem with her Uncle-Husband Joseph. Tidy way of explaining how Jesus could be descended form the line of David when Joseph isn't his Father. Book Two starts covering new ground. We are introduced to a young Ben Hur, a wealthy young Jewish aristocrat. Tragedy befalls his family when he leans over a roof top balcony to get a look at the Roman Governor Gratus and a tile dislodges and hits Gratus. The Roman authorities sweep in and seize the family, their servants and seal up the house. Ben Hur is sent to be a galley slave. On the route there he encounters Jesus, who gives the exhausted prisoner water to drink. Years later Quintus Arrius becomes master of the ship Ben Hur is imprisoned on. He notice Ben Hur's attractiveness (the men in this book spend an inordinate amount of time admiring other men's bodies), and speaks with him. He realizes Ben Hur is the son of his late friend and when he learns Ben-Hur never had a trial determines to look into the matter. Before he can the ship is sunk in battle. Ben Hur saves Quintus Arrius' life and when the Romans rescue them, Quintus Arrius adopts Ben Hur. After Quintus Arrius' death Ben Hur returns to Judea. He discovers that his Father's bound slave Simonides has managed to save some of the Hur fortune. Simonides has been tortured by the Romans but has refused to reveal the information they sought. He is now crippled and confined to a chair. Sheik Ilderim is Simonides friend and promises his help to Ben Hur. A letter comes into his possession showing the plot between Gratus and Messala to destroy the Hur family and take their fortune. Ben Hur prepares to race Sheik Ilderim's horses against Messala in the Circus. Ben Hur beats Messala in the chariot race and Messala is crippled in an accident on the track. Because he wagered heavily on the race Messala in also now broke. He hires two assassins to kill Ben Hur. One of the assassins is Ben Hur's old teacher, Ben Hur kills the other assassin and makes a deal with his former teacher, to lie to Messala and tell him that Ben Hur is dead. Ben Hur goes into the dessert with Sheik Ilderim and they plot to help the Jewess Messiah. Gratus is replaced by Pilate and many political prisoners are released including Ben Hur's Mother and Sister. Unfortunately they were exposed to leprosy while imprisoned and are forced to leave the city. Amrah ( a Hur servant) finds her mistress and Tirzah and takes them food each day, she promises not to reveal their whereabouts to Ben Hur. Amrah overhears Ben Hur telling Simonides and Sheik Ilderim about Jesus healing the lepers and that he is on his way to Jerusalem. She hastens to her Mistress and Tirzah with the news and they go to the roadside where Jesus heals them on his way into the city. Ben Hur is reunited with his now healed family, but has to accept that Jesus' Kingdom is spiritual.
2. Deep Freeze by Lisa Jackson -Famous actress Jenna Hughes and her two daughters (Cassie & Allie) moved to Oregon to get away from the Hollywood lifestyle, but an obsessed fan with ties to the small community followed her. The fan is obsessed with collecting all the characters Jenna has played over the years and plans for Jenna and Cassie to be the final additions to his collection. Sheriff Shane Carter figures out the stalkers identity but has to climb the frozen falls that claimed his best friends life to save Jenna & Cassie.
3. No Mercy by Sherrilyn Kenyon - Samia (Dark Hunter Amazon Warrior) hooks up with Dev Peltier (Arcadian Bear) but their romance is anything but smooth. First Stryker wants Samia (Sam) to tell him how to undo his Father's curse and what his Father's weakness is. Unfortunately there is no way to undo Apollo's curse and his one weakness is get this the son (Stryker) he doomed to die a horrible death or turn Daimon. In order to protect Sam and those Sam loves Thorn sends Dev to retrieve Hippolyta's Girdle (Sam goes with him as a spirit). Thorn and Savitar have a run in over Thorn's interference with Dev & Sam. And when Acheron is unable to retrieve Sam's soul from Artemis, Nick does.
4. The Pirate King by R. A. Salvatore - Captain Deudermont determines to overthrow the power behind the pirates in Luskan and with Drizzt, Guenhwyvar and Regis' help overthrows the lich Arklem Greeth. Deudermont is then made Governor of Luskan and discovers that keeping the peace in Luskan is more difficult then overthrowing a lich. Especially with the mysterious "voice" (Jarlaxle) directing "The Crow" and manipulating the Five High Captains. Regis, Drizzt, and Guenhwyvar visit Icewind Dale and find Wulfgar on the tundra.

Alasandra's Reading List ~ March (Haven't been reading much)

1. Son of Rosemary by Ira Levin - Rosemary comes out of a 27 year coma induced by the coven. Her son a grown man is a charismatic individual with world wide influence. Is he planning to destroy the world like his Father (Satan) wants or was it all just a bad dream.
2. Tick Tock by James Patterson - Michael Bennett is called away from his vacation to catch a copy cat killer, but when the killers identity is revealed the case takes an even more bizarre turn. A turn that could cost Bennett his life. On a personal note Bennett has to choose between the Irish Nanny Mary Catherine and FBI agent Emily Parker.
3. Ford County by John Grisham - A collection of short stories. Would be great for an American or Mississippi Literature Class. Truthful portrayals of small town Mississippi life.
4. Theodore Boone kid lawyer - 13 year old Theo makes sure a killer is brought to justice. Great book for pre-teens, teens and adults. Full of humor and teen angst.
5. Treachery in Death by J. D. Robb - When Peabody overhears some dirty cops discussing murder in a run down gym she heads straight to Dallas with the evidence. But Renee Oberman has her Daddy's name, plus dirty cops in strategic areas to protect her. Can Eve with the help of those she trust bring Renee down before she kills again? Possibly one of the best books in the series and Peabody really shines in it.

My Review of Butterfly Meadow 7 - Piece Pasta / Salad Set

Originally submitted at CSN Stores

Artist Louise Le Luyer sets butterflies free on this porcelain serving set. Scalloped edges and floral accents give each piece its graceful look. The Butterfly Meadow 7-Piece Pasta/Salad Set is crafted of dishwasher and microwave-safe Lenox white porcelain and includes serving bowl and s...

Butterfly Meadow 7 - Piece Pasta / Salad Set

Greeting Spring in Style

By Alasandra from Ocean Springs, MS on 3/28/2011

5out of 5

Lovely china pattern adds the perfect touch to a Spring table.

(I received a credit toward the purchase of this product)