Summer Date Night Ideas

Happy Weekend!

I love summer so much. I wish it could be this temperature and this beautiful out all year round. Today is a perfect day! The sun is shining, there is a nice warm breeze and no rain in the forecast.

It's a wonderful day for a trip to a farmer's market or a picnic in the park, not to mention a swim at the local pool. A great date afternoon! What do you and your significant other do in the summer for date days/afternoons/nights?

Dennis and I don't get many dates since we are both so busy and probably will get even fewer once the little guy arrives soon but when we do they are pretty simple in the summer.

Here are just a few:

Go swimming.

Grill dinner.
We made chicken and potatoes this week on the grill. So much better than cooking or eating inside!

Garden.

 

(Pictures from our urban gardening adventures two years ago. Looks pretty similar this year, except we only did sunflowers and veggies to freeze and puree for baby food.)

Attend a Pirate game.

(Picture from a game last year. We made it to two already this year and were hoping for a third but those seats are not comfortable when you are in your third trimester!)

Get ice cream.
Dennis introduced me to Glen's Custard in Springdale this summer. Amazing! It's probably my new favorite ice cream place. There is miniature golf there too but we haven't tried that yet; although that is another typical summer date for us.

Play disc golf.

Play golf or go to the driving range.

Watch Apollo 13 or The West Wing.
I'm not gonna lie this is basically all we watch if there we are both home (which is rare) and there isn't a Pirate game on (which is also rare). We watched West Wing this week and Apollo 13 last week.

So, why not enjoy the beautiful weather and have a date this weekend!

Happy Summer!! Enjoy it!

Throwback Reads to Summer Camp Summers

I love summer books. I love friends books. And this summer I discovered I love books about summer camp and that there are quite a few young adult books with that theme, so I decided to read a few before Labor Day. I probably love them so much because of my fond memories of my camp days. The only difference is that I didn't spend the entire summer there even half the summer but a week to my dismay and I also went with people I know, which was great but I would have loved to have camp best friends like the girls in some of these books.

So, here are two reviews of some summer camp titles. I was hoping it would be three but the third one wasn't that great and after 60 pages I decided to stop. Enjoy!

Five Summers

I loved this book and wanted to sign myself up for summer camp there, especially because half of the book is reunion weekend, so there are adults at camp as well. The story is about Jo, Skylar, Emma and Maddie. Four girls that met at Camp Nebodoba as ten-year-olds and return together for the next five summers. Each year brings new and old traditions, including making a pact and rules for the four best friends. After the final summer, they all agree to return as camp counselors but only two do for reasons that readers find out as the story progresses. After a few years of little to no communication, the girls return for their first reunion weekend. Each has their own expecations of how the weekend will go and secrets they are not ready to share but all four girls have the same goal of rekindling their once inseparable friendship. Five Summers is a great young adult book that truly emphasizes how important friendship is, how hard it can be and how true friends overcome to remain friends.

Proof of Forever
Well, I thought I loved Five Summers but this one was 10x better! Again, the story is about four girls coming back for a reunion but this one has an element of time travel. When the time travel happened, my thought was I'm out. I don't do science fiction/fantasy; however, it was almost just like a sentence, a what if not a whole chapter about time travel. Luce, Joy, Zoe and Tali have grown apart and the summer before freshmen year of college they decide to reunite at the summer camp reunion. Each has a different reason for returning to the reunion and obviously after two years of not seeing each other or talking to each other after the fall out there is some tension. Each one is thinking about a second chance at rebuilding their friendship and after a trip to the photo booth transports them back the last week of camp two summers ago they just might get that. There are surprises throughout after the time travel and the girls ultimately think if they replay it exactly as is they will get back safely. But naturally things do not go as planned and in the long run it might be better that way. Read this book to relive some of your summer camp memories and I guarantee you will laugh, cry and remember how wonderful those summers were.

Happy Reading!

Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall!

I'm a summer girl. I pretty much hate when its less than 80 degrees out and the sun isn't shining. And I won't lie, it depresses me an awful lot come fall when the weather starts I getting cooler. It's already too cold out for me. I thrive on humidity. There are some things that excite me about fall and I've been thinking about it more and more since everyone seems to be posting about pumpkin ales and coffees. I can't say I like either of those but here are some things I'm looking forward to:

Fall Road Trips

Fall is my busy time at work for travel, so I'll be heading to Penn State once and Hershey twice for conferences and meetings. Of course there will also be a trip or two to Lakeside, which I love just as much in the shoulder seasons and we are still planning our "big" trip in November.

Football

I'm so excited to start watching football games again and reading about the Raiders kicking everyone's butts! I'm ready for some Packers games too. Oh yeah, and Steeler games too, which we are hoping to go to a Thursday night game in September.

Friendsgiving

Not gonna lie, I'm probably looking forward to this the most. What could be better than friends, food and football in the park? And this year, I'm not injured so maybe my football game will be better!

Fires

Would you believe that we haven't had one fire the entire summer? Well, I guess we kind of had one at the very beginning of June. The beginning of summer was too wet, then it was too warm and we were really busy. Tonight would have been good for that.

Of course, I'll hike and play golf and maybe some tennis but fall really isn't my season. These will get me through to the holiday season but I'm already mourning the end of summer.

Goodbye summer! I know you aren't over yet but I miss you already!

Summer Fun: Guyasuta Days Festival

Looking for something to do this week/weekend, why not come to Kennedy Park in Sharpsburg for the Guyasuta Days Festival?

I'll be the first to admit that I'm not a fair or festival person. I don't play bingo. I don't play carnival games. I don't do raffles. I don't ride carnival rides, except I did do the slide one year. I don't really eat fair food with the exception of a walking taco or cheese fries. I guess you could just say I'm cheap and boring. Dennis would say I'm cheap. Yet, I've been roped into the Guyasuta Days Festival and I enjoy it. Why you might ask?

Well, aside from the delicious walking taco made by the festival commitee and cheese fries from the fire department, I love the people watching. It relaxes me to just sit and watch from the sidelines everyone enjoying themselves. I love the camaraderie of the event - everyone coming together in a show of community - churches, civic and community organizations all working together. I love that it benefits multiple community organizations - fire department and library are just two that are important to me. I love that it also supports the future of the community by presenting a scholarship to a resident that meets the academic and community involvement standards. Those are just a few of the reasons.

So, I encourage you to stop by the Guyasuta Days Festival this week. There is something for everyone at the festival. Lots of good food, including the above mentioned fries and walking tacos but there is also chicken tenders, pierogies, funnel cakes and halushski for those of you who are fans of that (and you can probably tell how much I eat it because I can't spell it). There is a band every night. There are games and rides and bingo. Sometimes there massage people or you could buy penny candy from the library.

Check it out! It's a perfect summer evening activity!

Summer Bucket List: Progress?

Summer is not even close to being over but it is the end of July and I want to make sure I get everything in on my summer bucket list for my epic summer. It's been a great summer so far, but I definitely haven't done as much as I had expected considering I ended up being a lot more busy with meetings, trips and life.

Well, here's what I have done so far this summer.

** Host parties in the backyard. **

Silly me thought I would have time to have people over once a week! Was I crazy! Must have been on all those painkillers I was hyped up on. Needless to say I have managed two parties - basically one per month. I'm not thinking any more parties this summer but maybe just having a few people over here and there to enjoy the summer evenings in the backyard.

** Spend time with family and friends. **

Amanda was here in June and we had such a wonderful time even if we didn't get to play tennis. My friend Courtney got married, so it was awesome seeing her family and of course two Lakeside trips to see friends and new babies!

** Go on vacation.**

Williamsburg was fabulous and so was the boat show weekend at Lakeside. The June week not so much. Talk about a hurricane on the lake. Needless to say my vacations are done for the summer and I'm a little sad.

And lots of other adventures:

In August, I still want to try some new restaurants, make ice cream and go to the drive-in. Oh yeah, and definitely work on my failing golf game!

Happy August! Let's get together if we haven't already and enjoy the beautiful weather finally!

Merry Christmas in July!

We all know how Christmas obsessed I am, so it is no surprise that when I saw that Christmas in July was on a Saturday that I needed to have a party. I came to the conclusion a bit late though and being out of town three times in the last few weeks meant that it was a hastily thrown together party. Christmas in July is often overlooked and I have such fabulous memories of celebrating as a kid at Lakeside when they had a live nativity the one summer and then later when I worked there going to Put-In-Bay for the evening. I wanted to have more Christmas in July memories, so party was scheduled and guests were invited!

Of course when it came to food and drink, my first thought was that we have to have Jingle Juice. I love Jingle Juice. In addition, some of the other festive food included a veggie tree and peppermint s'mores. Had more people come, I would have made more, including mistletoe jello shots and cut out cookies. There was also pepperoni rolls, buffalo chicken dip and Rita's. Oh and shredded chicken sandwiches that I kind of bombed! Christmas in July is tricky because you want to have themed food but if you think about it do you really want to be in a hot kitchen with crock pots and the oven going or spending hours making sugar cookies? Yeah, I didn't want to be doing that because I wanted to spend as much time that afternoon as possible at the swimming pool.

Decorating was much easier than I had expected considering that some of my Christmas decorations were readily available in the office turned storage space. I grabbed a small tree for the deck and the Charlie Brown tree for the kitchen. Of course there is always the famous Elf poster and than a canvas painting that my sister made for more decor . We already have Christmas lights on the deck, so that worked perfect and I had some holiday plates and napkins from a gift to use. I didn't want too much, so I think it worked out well.

I put on the invitation that there would be a White Elephant exchange but I didn't do that great of job reminding people, so it was a small one. We also had a snowball fight (water balloons) at midnight, which was awesome since it was still like 80 degrees and consisted more of us throwing balloons at the garage. I had also planned on showing Elf in the backyard but people were in and out and seemed content just hanging out and talking.

All in all it was a nice relaxing evening! Merry Christmas!

My Favorite Books: A-Z (Part 1)

Vacation season is upon us, so have you picked out some books to read while you are traveling? Need some selections for book club? Why not try one of these? 

I'm always getting asked for book suggestions, so here are my favorite books from A-Z (Part 1). There is a good variety here and I tried to mark the genre of each book.

There are summary paragraphs and links to my reviews for some of them. Some were so much harder than I thought to pick just one, so there are more than one for most! And of course I'm probably forgetting some!

A

Anne of Green Gables - L.M. Montgomery (Children's, Classic)

Anne of Green Gables is the classic story of a young orphan girl who is adopted by a brother and sister who never married on the beautiful island of Prince Edward Island. Anne has a wild imagination and is always creating tales and assigning clever names to the island’s landmarks. She becomes bosom buddies with Diana Berry. Her other classmate Gilbert teases her about her hair, which is as red as carrots. The delightful story chronicles Anne’s life on PEI and the adventures she and her friends embark on. The movies are also fabulous!

Astronaut Wives Club - Lily Koppel (Nonfiction, Book Club)

Check out my GoodReads review here. The TV show is great as well.

Others: Angry Housewives Eating Bon-Bons (Beach Read, Fiction, Book Club), Apollo 13 (Nonfiction), All the Summer Girls (Beach Read, Fiction)

B

Bloom:Finding Beauty in the Unexpected--A Memoir - Kelle Hampton (Memoir, Book Club)

Check out my blog post about this title here.

Others: Burn for Burn (Beach Read, Teen), Bridget Jones' Diary (Fiction)

C

The Castaways - Elin Hildebrand (Beach Read, Fiction)
The Castaways starts with the death of Greg and Tess, a couple trying to recover from some marital problems. After leaving their twins with friends, the couple sets out on a sail for Martha's Vineyard, drowning on the trip. The rest of the book details the summer following their deaths and how the three other couples that Greg and Tess are friends with deal with the loss. The books is full of surprises that anything else written would give away the plot twists! This is an enjoyable beach read that reminds readers to treasure friendships and the time spent together because life is short. Fans of The Castaways should also read Summerland and Summer People by the same author.

Commencement - J. Courtney Sullivan (Fiction, Book Club)
Check out my GoodReads review here.

Others: Cheaper by the Dozen (Memoir)

D

Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood - Rebecca Wells (Fiction, Book Club)

E

Engagements - J. Courtney Sullivan (Fiction, Book Club)
Check out my GoodReads review here.

F

Forget-Me-Not Summer - Leila Howland (Middle Grade, Beach Read)
Check out my blog post here.

Others: First Lady from Plains (Biography), From Love Field: Our Final Hours with President John F. Kennedy (Memoir)

G

Girls from Ames - Jeffery Zaslow (Memoir, Book Club)
Check out my GoodReads post here.

Glass Castle - Jeanette Walls (Memoir, Book Club)
Check out my GoodReads post here.

Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society - Mary Ann Shaffer (Fiction, Book Club)
Check out my GoodReads post here.

Others: Grayson (Memoir), Great Gatsby (Fiction, Classic, Book Club)

H

Hurricane Sisters - Dorothea Benton Frank (Fiction, Beach Reads, Book Club)
Maisy is the family matriarch in The Hurricane Sisters. The story begins with an hilarious scene where Maisy’s daughter, Liz and son-in-law, Clayton are bailing her out of jail for walking a llama down the street. Maisy is full of spunk and passionately in love with her chauffeur who is much younger and was hired by Liz and Clayton to drive her around. The story unfolds through the voices of each of the main characters but is the story of the women, the hurricane sisters, that shines through. Liz is struggling with the homosexuality of her grown son, the infidelity of her husband and the immaturity of her young daughter, Ashley. Ashley, an aspiring artist, and her roommate, Mary Beth, are living rent free in Clayton and Liz’s beach house trying to struggle with achieving their dreams or coming to terms with reality. The theme of domestic violence is woven through the story as Liz works for a domestic violence organization and Mary Beth is a survivor after witnessing her father abuse her mother growing up but when tragedy strikes within the family, they pull together and support each other with love and encouragement. The Hurricane Sisters is a beautiful story of family and the low country of South Carolina. In the end, no matter how crazy family is, the characters realize that they do need each other more than ever.

Others: An Hour Before Daylight (Memoir)

I

In Her Shoes - Jennifer Weiner (Fiction, Beach Read, Book Club)

Others: The Island (Fiction, Beach Read), I Love You, Ronnie: The Letters of Ronald Reagan to Nancy Reagan (Memoir), In My Time: A Personal and Political Memoir (Memoir)

J

Jackie, Ethel, Joan: Women of Camelot - Randy Taraborelli (Biography)

Others: Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis: A Life (Biography), Just Kids (Memoir, Book Club)

K

Kate: The Future Queen - Katie Nicholl (Biogaphy)
Check out my GoodReads review here.

Others: The Kennedy Curse: Why Tragedy Has Haunted America's First Family for 150 Years (Biography), The Kennedy Women: The Saga of An American Family (Biography)

L

Lean In: Women, Work and the Will to Lead - Sheryl Sandberg (Memoir, Business)
Check out my blog post here.

Others: The Last Summer of You & Me (Fiction, Beach Reads), The Last Lecture (Memoir), Leeway Cottage (Fiction, Book Club), Letters from Skye (Fiction), Life as We Knew It (Teen, Book Club), Light Between Oceans (Fiction, Book Club), Little Earthquakes (Fiction), Love Lucy (Biography)

M

Maine - J. Courtney Sullivan (Fiction, Beach Reads, Book Club)

The Memory Keeper's Daughter - Kim Edwards (Fiction, Book Club)

Others: Marley & Me: Life and Love with the World's Worst Dog (Memoir), Moon Shell Beach (Fiction, Beach Reads), Mrs. Kimble (Fiction), My Dear President: Letters Between Presidents and their Wives (History), My Father, My President: A Personal Account of George H. W. Bush (Biography)

Happy Reading!

Book Review: The Forget-Me-Not Summer

The Forget-Me-Not Summer was absolutely fabulous! Granted, it was a children's book but I couldn't put it down and I was so disappointed when it ended. I wanted to have a summer on Cape Cod just like the Silver sisters. Enough of my gushing, here is some real information about this book!

I had read somewhere that Leila Howland wrote a children's book. I'm a huge fan of her two teen books, one of which I reviewed earlier in the summer. I wasn't quite sure what to expect from her in terms of a children's book but I was pleasantly surprised and thoroughly enjoyed it.

The Forget-Me-Not Summer is the story of three young sisters from California who are spending three weeks on Cape Cod with their aunt when both of their parents have to go out-of-town for work for an extended period of time. Marigold is an aspiring actress who thinks that missing an audition for the latest movie version of a popular series of books is then end of her short career after just scoring an agent. Zinnia is a typical middle child, trying to impress and be just like her older sister while finding her own way in the world. And Lily is the baby who has never really been away from her nanny and who is terrified of the ocean. 

During their time on the Cape, the girls get to know their aunt; learn that there is more to life than the iPads, cable TV and fancy gourmet foods lifestyle they are used to in Los Angeles; and surprisingly realize that they enjoy life on the Cape and that together they make a great team. 

I think this book resonated with me because I love stories that are set somewhere like Cape Cod but also because it is about three sisters. Even though it is a children's book, I would highly recommend this to anyone that loves a good beach read - just keep in mind it's meant for a fifth grader.

Happy Reading!

And Apparently Lightening Does Strike Twice

Yes, lightening does strike twice - at least in my world. This weekend my bike was stolen...AGAIN!

Many of you might remember the first time the bike was stolen and I fully admit that was all my fault. I was at an exercise class at Lakeside and putting full trust in my beloved gated community, left my brand new, very expensive bike unlocked outside the Pavilion. An hour later, the bike was gone. Panicked I called Lakeside Security and spend endless golf cart rides looking for my bike on the grounds to no avail. I left Lakeside that year completely disappointed and without a bike but in the middle of winter I received a call from Lakeside Security that my bike had been found in the woods behind the schoolhouse.

After that, I learned my lesson. The bike was constantly locked. I would even go so far as to take the seat off, so that even if you did take the bike you wouldn't get far. Well, for almost three years the bike has been chained without incident to the deck in the back yard (it's titanium and doesn't rust, which is why I can keep it there). Until now...

The weather has been so rainy in Pittsburgh lately, so I haven't been on my deck as much as normal. That was the case Friday night. Saturday morning we were in and out of the apartment cleaning and taking the trash out but I didn't notice anything different until we came home from Home Depot. The bike was missing and the spliced lock was under the deck.If you have been to our apartment, you have seen how the bike is stored. Only people walking or driving up the ally or who are actually in the yard would have noticed it. I was in so much shock I think that it happened TWICE that I couldn't really comprehend.

Unfortunately, the bike has not reappeared. I called the police and filed a report right after the incident. Then on Sunday I filed a claim with the insurance company. I've been trying to look in people's yards as I ride through the neighborhood - creeping. I'm not holding my breath that it will show up but I was even more disappointed because I was allowed to start running.

So, for now I have to just wait and see if it appears or if insurance will cover it. No more bike riding for awhile.

Book Review: Island Girl

It never fails. Summer starts and all I want to read is books perfect for enjoying poolside or on the dock. Typically these books take place in summer destinations I have visited and feature a group of friends. Elin Hilderbrand's books fit these requirements perfect.

I added Silver Girl to my summer reading list because I knew it would not be complete without one of Elin Hilderbrand's titles. The book was published in 2011, so its older but I'm not sure how I missed it. I treated myself to a new book a few weeks ago and this was the choice - mostly because it was a bargain book at Barnes & Noble.

As with all of Hilderbrand's books, this one takes place on Nantucket. Even though I haven't been to Nantucket in more than 10 years, after reading all of these books I feel like I visit every summer. That's because Hilderbrand gives such a wonderful tour of the island.

Island Girl follows two former best friends who retreat to the island as an escape - for one that is an escape from grief and another it is an escape to safety. Meredith Delinn has spent the majority of her adult life as a wealthy New York socialite. She served on numerous charitable boards and enjoyed a life of luxury with houses, clothes, cars and memberships to prove it. She, as well as many other investors, thought that her husband was an economic genius, making millions and billions when it seemed impossible for others. Suddenly, the luxurious lifestyle comes to an abrupt end when Freddy Delinn is accused of running a very elaborate Ponzi scheme. Soon Meredith and one of her children are also accused of being in on the cheating that lost hundreds of investors billions of dollars. Not knowing what to do when her husband is sentenced to life in prison and the press are constantly at her door, Meredith turns to her former best friend for help.

Connie and Meredith grew up together in suburban Philadelphia but as the women age Meredith's wealth and husband start to pose challenges for the friendship. Connie, a widower, is shocked to hear from her best friend and cautiously agrees to help. She herself is going through her own troubles - grief at the loss of her husband and sadness at the thought of her estranged daughter. Escape for both Connie and Meredith includes a summer at Connie's house on Nantucket. Throughout the course of the summer, the women attempt to repair their friendship and prepare for life off island come fall.

Head to the library this weekend and check out this book. Find out if life on Nantucket provides the happiness and safety these women crave.

Here are some other Hildebrand titles and reviews that I have enjoyed:

The Island

Summerland

The Castaways

Beautiful Day

Summer People

Happy Reading!

Summer Tunes

I love listening to music all year long but even more in the summer with the sunshine, warm breeze and perhaps a cold drink in hand. I love to have the music blasting in the car with all of the windows down. To me, it's another sign that summer is here!

The first summer that I lived at Lakeside, Annie and I made CD mixes for each week we would be at the lake. Each one had at least 10 songs that were fun, upbeat and perfect for summer. The trailer has this great speaker system so we could listen to it on the deck or while we played ladder ball in the street. We always "debuted" each one on a Friday normally while we were preparing for a night out at the JT or the islands. I have so many wonderful memories of those summers at the lake and one of them is definitely the music we listened to.

This year, I wanted to do something similar but considering I haven't made a CD mix in awhile I thought I would make special Pandora stations for summer from my favorite songs or artists or ones recommended for top summer songs. Here are my new stations and the first one is fabulous because I started listening to it this weekend.

1. Sweet Caroline (Neil Diamond)

2. Gin & Juice (Snoop Dogg)

3. Cecilia (Simon & Garfunkel)

4. Beautiful Girls (Sean Kingston)

5. I Love It (Icona Pop)

6. All Summer Long (Kid Rock)

7. Summer of '69 (Bryan Adams)

8. Party in the USA (Miley Cyrus)

9. Blurred Lines (Robin Thicke)

10. Call Me Maybe (Carly Rae Jepson)

11. Dancing Queen (ABBA)

12. The Beach Boys

13. Bruce Springsteen

What are your favorite summer tunes?

Hello Summer 2015!

For an active person, spending nearly two months cooped up in the apartment recovering was terrible. All I wanted to do was enjoy spring in Highland Park, ride my bike on the North Shore Trail and of course train for the half marathon. The first two will happen and I'm still learning to come to terms with the absence of the last. With that being said, now that I am almost healed and preparing for my pending graduation from physical therapy, I'm planning an epic summer of adventures to make up for my failed spring.

Besides trips to Lakeside, shooting fireworks and attending weddings, I'm looking forward to a summer spending time outside with friends and family. Here are my plans for summer 2015! Who wants to join me?

** Host parties in the backyard. **

Thanks to all of my time spent in the recliner, I had plenty of time to look at party ideas for the backyard. I want to make lifesize Scrabble and show a movie on the garage wall. I'm sure the neighbors will love both! Of course there will be lots of fires, s'mores and dinners on the grill.

** Spend time with family and friends. **

In June, my dear friend from college, Amanda is coming to visit from Florida. I'm excited to see her. It's hard since my closest college friends are literally all over the world. Tennis used to fill our time - not sure if that will happen with my knee but there will definitely be some trips to our old stomping grounds - good old La Roche and Tennis Village. 

With three weddings, Lakeside weekends, family visits and graduation parties, there will be plenty of time to enjoy family and friends.

** Go on vacation.**

Aside from almost a week at Lakeside in June and the boat show weekend in July, Dennis and I are going to Williamsburg in July. He's never been there, so I'm excited to introduce him to another one of my favorite places.

And lots of other adventures:

Try new restaurants (there must be outdoor seating). Make ice cream and Popsicles. Go to the farmer's market. Attend outdoor concerts and movies at the city parks. Play disc golf. Learn to golf and spend lots of time at the driving range. Go to the drive-in. Have a picnic in the park. 

Happy unofficial start to summer! Hope to see you this summer!

2015 Summer Reading List

Every year I make a summer reading list - this year is no different. The last few months I've been so busy and exhausted from my surgery/medicine that I haven't done much reading. This is my chance to catch up on my reading goal for the year! These are either books I own and need to read, recommended beach reads, old favorites and book club selections for the summer.

Here's my list for the summer...

Nantucket Red - Leila Howland

Landline - Rainbow Rowell

Siler Girl - Elin Hilderbrand

East of Eden - John Steinbeck

Things A Creative Bird Told Me: Confessions of the Creative Mind - Biz Stone

The Heiresses - Sara Shepherd

Since You've Been Gone - Morgan Matson

The Zookeeper's Wife - Diane Ackerman

I Always Write Back - Caitlin Alfafranka

Prep - Curtis Sittefield

The Crazy Ladies of Pearl Street - Trevian

All the Light We Cannot See - Anthony Doerr

Longbourne - Jo Baker

The Secret Garden - Francess Hodgson Burnett

The Sisters: The Saga of the Mitford Family -Mary S. Lovell

What I Know for Sure - Oprah Winfrey

A Star for Mrs. Blake - April Smith

If You Could See Me Now - Cecilia Ahern

The Girls from Ames: A Story of Women and a Forty Year Friendship - Jeffrey Zaslow

So, what will you be reading pool side this summer? 

Happy Reading!

Labor Day Marks the End of My Summer Bucket List

Well, I kicked off summer anticipating hot weather, which I didn't get; reading on the deck, which I did a lot of on weekends during the day; swimming, which I didn't do much of because of the weather; and trips to Lakeside, which I got two but the weather sucked. I wanted to accomplish a lot this summer but I didn't anticipated a busy schedule that included job switching, lousy weather and a busted knee.

COMPLETED:

* HAVE A CAMPFIRE *
Well, we tried last Friday and it was going well for about 10 minutes before the clouds opened up and it started to pour. So much for our campfire...but fall is an awesome time to have a campfire too!

*  Go on a HIKE.  *  
I had hoped for more but I got some hikes in at Highland Park and Dennis and I hiked the trails at Squaw Run.


*  Have a PICNIC in the PARK.  *  
We love Squaw Run. So we had a picnic there at the beginning of the summer.

*  Got to at least 10 different PARKS.  *  
 I had such high hopes for myself with exploring more of the city and county parks but unfortunately I only managed almost half - Highland Park, Squaw Run Park, North Park and East Harbor State Park.

*  Go to an OUTDOOR CONCERT.  *  
Well, I had wanted to go to some of the concerts in Highland Park, which I still might on Sunday; Hartwood; and Point State Park during the Arts Festival but I was either busy or the weather was bad. I did listen to the concerts every night of the Guyasuta Days Festival and they were all fabulous!

*  Go to the ZOO.  *  
Went to the zoo on probably one of the hottest days of the summer! We had so much fun with Dennis's parents and our niece, Ada.






*  Play DISC GOLF.  *  
Ever since Annie and Dalin taught Dennis and I how to play disc golf I've been hooked. Dennis got me a set for Christmas and we finally got to play a few weeks ago at East Harbor while we were at Lakeside. Well, we are no Annie and Dalin. They are disc golf superstars and we suck. Two holes in and I lost my brand new driver in the pond. No one told me they sink. Then Dennis got one stuck in a tree. Thank God we did manage to get that one down. We only made it through the front nine. We need lots of practice and now a new driver.


(Disc stuck way up in the tree.)

*  TIE DYE.  *  
I have lots of tie dye shirts from my days as a teen librarian, so I decided to try something new. Bleach tie dye on an old Gap shirt! Turned out pretty great if I don't say so myself!



*  Hang out with all of my FRIENDS. *  
I tried to at least see them all this summer. It was hard though with busy schedules.

*  Make POPSICLES.  *  
I made Popsicles with Naked juice, which was really good and then with yogurt, which was really gross.

*  Go to FLEA MARKET.  *  
We went to the Aspinwall Flea Market on THE RAINIEST day of the summer. It was a fast walk through while everyone was running to escape the approaching storm.

*  Ride BIKES. *  
At the beginning of the summer I biked a lot on the North Shore Trail and when my knee gets better I will start again.

*  BBQ with friends.  *  
Finally got some use of the electric grill and got to spend time with some fabulous friends.

*  Play MINI GOLF.  *  
Went to Wildwood Highlands for our traditional post-synod assembly date.

 *  Meet NEW friends.  *
Not sure what I hoped with this goal but I started a new job and I have some wonderful, new coworkers.

*  Make ICE CREAM.  *
Made the best mint chocolate chip ice cream and it was healthy!

  *  Go to a FAIR.  *  
Hello Guyasuta Days! I spent entire week at a fair enjoying amazing food, good company and great music.

*  SHOP for honeymoon.  *
Started to get some stuff. I'm waiting till after Labor Day to get some steals.

RELAX!!!
It wasn't easy but I did. I read a lot. I tried not to stress out. I swam. I spent time with friends and family. I learned to relax a bit.

NOT COMPLETED:

*  Go to a DRIVE-IN MOVIE.  *  
Well, another summer come and gone and I've still never been to a drive-in movie!!!

*  Spend all day at a BEACH.  *  
Well, I attempted to spend entire days at the dock but it rained or it was cold. If it doesn't rain, I'm going to Moraine still this weekend to do nothing but lay on the warm sand and read.

*  Go FISHING.  *
 This didn't happen. I don't have a fishing license in Pennsylvania and I didn't have time in Ohio.

*  Go to a FARMER'S MARKET.  *
I never made it to a farmer's market but I intend to this week hopefully.

* Play TENNIS.  *
The first summer I didn't play tennis AT ALL!!! Thanks to my shoulder at the beginning of the summer and now my knee. I'm introducing myself to some low impact sports so that I can enjoy tennis and running again but sparingly.

*  Have a summer CRAFT NIGHT.  *  
What happened to summer? I was so busy. My Pinterest buddies were so busy. No craft night. I have some stuff to do this weekend but its not the same without my Pinterest pals.

*  Go to a DRIVING RANGE.  *
Hopefully we'll get there this fall!

 *  Go to an AMUSEMENT PARK.  *  
Got the tickets, now we just need a completely free day or evening!

*  Take a ROAD TRIP.  * 
I don't think Lakeside counts as a road trip.

I'll miss you summer, especially since I'm still craving hot weather and lots of swimming but that's why I have the Caribbean in a month!!!

Reviews from my Summer Reading List

It's so hard to believe that summer is over. I might have spent too much of it with my nose in a book on the back deck, poolside or on the dock but I definitely read some fabulous titles. Unfortunately, I did not read all of the books on my list but I read others to make up for those ones.

Here's my recap of the books I read this summer...some of them don't have a full review.

The Fault in Our Stars - John Green
Three Stars - Not that Impressed
Read my blog post and Goodreads review for more.

Island - Elin Hilderbrand
 Four Stars - She is my favorite author for summer reads!
Here is my review from my post for Lakeside's blog.

The Island is great summer read by Elin Hilderbrand. The book tells the story of Birdie Cousins and her daughter and their time spent together with family.

Birdie Cousins finally has the opportunity to plan the dream wedding of her older daughter, Chess. Everything is coming together perfectly until Chess unexpectedly and without reason, unbeknownst to Birdie, the rest of her family or Chess’ fiancé, calls off the wedding.

Hoping some time away with family will be the cure, Birdie and her family return to the family summer home on Tuckernuck Island, off the coast of Nantucket.  Tuckernuck has no phones, electricity or a grocery store – it is a place for solitude and an escape from all of their troubles. The broken engagement, however, is just the first in a summer of upheavals and revelations for Birdie, Chess, her other daughter Tate and Birdie’s sister, India. Secrets are shared, old loves rekindled, new loves found and the importance of family is rediscovered while on the island.

This is a wonderful beach read!

The Hurricane Sisters - Dorthea Benton Frank
Five Stars - Loved It!!
Here is my review from my post for Lakeside's blog.

Maisy is the family matriarch of a crazy Southern family living in Charleston, South Carolina in The Hurricane Sisters. The story begins with a hilarious scene where Maisy’s daughter, Liz, and son-in-law, Clayton, are bailing her out of jail for walking a llama down the street.

Maisy is full of spunk and passionately in love with her chauffeur, who is much younger than her.
The story unfolds through the voices of each of the main characters but is really the story of the women, “the hurricane sisters.”

While Maisy stoically harbors past ghosts, including the untimely death of her other daughter, Liz is struggling with the homosexuality of her grown son, the infidelity of her husband and the immaturity of her young daughter, Ashley.

Ashley, an aspiring artist, and her roommate, Mary Beth, are living rent free in Clayton and Liz’s beach house trying to struggle with achieving their dreams or coming to terms with reality.

The theme of domestic violence is woven throughout the story as Liz works for a domestic violence organization and Mary Beth is a survivor after witnessing her father abuse her mother growing up.

When tragedy strikes within the family, they pull together and weather the storm (literally and figuratively), supporting each other with love and encouragement. The Hurricane Sisters is a beautiful story of family in the South Carolina Lowcountry. In the end, no matter how crazy family is, the characters realize that they do need each other more than ever.

The True and Outstanding Adventures of the Hunt Sisters - Elisabeth Robinson
Three Stars - Again, not that impressed.
Read my blog post or GoodReads review. Both are pretty similar.

Summerland - Elin Hilderbrand
Four Stars - If you haven't read Elin Hilderbrand, put it on your booklist!
Read my blog post about the title.

Nantucket Sisters - Nancy Thayer

Three Stars - This book is predictable.

Dune Road - Jane Green

Four Stars - Not bad even though I think most of her books are predictable as well.

Palisades Park - Alan Brennert

I'm still reading this one but so far I love it.

Where'd You Go Bernadette - Maria Semple

Hoping to start and finish this book over the long weekend. My last summer reading list book.

Open House - Elizabeth Berg

Three Stars - It was OK. Not really a light summer read.

When You Reach Me - Rebecca Stead

Two Stars - Probably would like it better if I was 10!

Here is my review from my post for Lakeside's blog.

Miranda is an average middle school student until her life becomes a puzzle, starting the day her best friend, Sal, is punched.

Life gets kind of strange after that. The apartment key that Miranda’s mom hides for her goes missing. And then mysterious notes start arriving at home.

With each note, Miranda realizes that she is the only one that can prevent a tragic death? But whose death? And who is sending the notes? Miranda struggles to answer these questions and solve the mystery before something terrible happens.

The Starboard Sea - Amber Dermont

Four Stars - It's like Prep with boys as the main characters.

Here is my review from my post for Lakeside's blog.

Jason Prosper is finishing his senior year at Bellingham, a prep school for misfit wealthy kids who have been kicked out of the notable boarding schools in New England. A competitive sailor, Jason is still mourning the loss of his best friend, roommate and sailing partner – Cal – when school starts. Cal committed suicide and Jason blames himself. The novel follows the school year and illustrates the class privilege, sexual desire and teenage recklessness. By graduation, Jason learns to forgive himself and accept love but it is not an easy journey.

Readers who enjoyed the book Prep, by Curtis Sittenfield, will enjoy this boarding school novel. Similar themes are present, only The Starboard Sea is from the male perspective.

The Matchmaker - Elin Hilderbrand

I am so looking forward to this one and I just got it on audio!!

I also read Last Night at Charteau Marmont (Four Stars), The Julian Chapter (Five Stars), The Summer I Turned Pretty (Five Stars), The Great Gatsby (Five Stars), Major Pettigrew's Last Stand (Two Stars) and To All the Boys I've Ever Loved (Three Stars).

So, what did you read pool side this summer? 

Happy Reading!