So it's been a while since I posted anything. A few points of interest:

Sew, Sew, Sew Yer Boat
I bought my first sewing machine a few weeks back. Unlike EVERYONE ELSE IN MY FAMILY I'm not very talented at sewing -- I'd have more luck making the fabric than sewing it together. So, when I finally broke down and bought one, I almost felt like Walmart security was going to stop me at the checkout line. "Excuse me ma'am. Do you have your sewing license?" I was like quickly walking to my car before anyone could stop me. I've been happily sewing bad seams ever since. The main purpose for getting it was to mend and darn. I tear through socks they way I wear through shoes. I'm tempted to try some quilting, since my mom-in-law likes it so much, but I'm also tempted to get a pattern and see if I could make something. Now I'm just debating what that would be.

duet in G
Found a willing and able violin to play beethoven with me last week. I think we both had a lot of fun. It's a good thing because I don't think either of us really has much free time to join a group, but its something to practice and probably disturbs my neighbors, it must be good. :)

book update
I'm a bit behind updating my reading list. I recently finished:

Mercy by J Picoult +++**
This one follows what I'm beginning to recognize as the pocoult pattern, similar to the Pact and Plain Truth. On one hand it means all her books are the same, on the other its probably going to be a good travel author, since you always know what to expect. Good round trashy novel I think.

Dark Force Rising by T Zahn +++**
Reading these books is like watching Star Wars deleted scenes. It's just that much more time with the characters you love, though the bad guys don't alway have a good reason for doing what they do, it all works out in the end. Go Team New Republic. I think I will be bummed after i finish this triology and am faced with the yards of not so good SW fiction. Might need a guide.

I gave up on A Man of the People by Chinua Achebe +****
I really liked reading "Things Fall A Part" but I just can't get into his more modern pieces. This one read like a Confederacy of Dunces to me.

And I really enjoyed HP & Goblet of Fire by JK Rowling. +++**
I agree it is darker than the previous books, but I kind of like it better for that. I've always found it a bit disturbing how often Harry's relatives get the short end of hte stick when he leaves for school, this book just kind of extends that "bad things happening--no reversals or quick-fixes" theme that was lightly touched on in the earlier books. I'm trying very hard to be patient and borrow my mom's copy of the next novel in Oct.

Trip 2
My dad is lined up for his second surgery in October, so I will be traveling to FL once again to house sit, pet sit, sue chief and generaly worry in company of family in a few weeks. Fortunately I think work will be all nicely wrapped up when that happens, due to a change in scheduling of projects we've made recently. Here's hoping anyway.

we'll call him mini-me...
I also ran into someone who had two bettas...maybe I'll get a new fish soon. Guru is just laughing at me for that one.