Keeping In Touch

(Sunshine) Hello everyone. I hope that everyone had a good week. Cathy, how is your arm doing? Carolin, how are things with you?

I feel as though we haven't seen each other in so long.

We are still getting over this long lasting flu in our home. Most of us are starting to feel better but its been a long haul. Miss Teen Sunshine has it now and she has missed two days of school and a day of work. No fun at all.

Summer is fast approaching and I can't wait to be sitting outside and enjoying the hopefully nice weather.

(Cathy) Sunshine, thanks for setting up the post. I guess I am slipping up. I am sorry to hear that you are all still feeling sick. I thought we were a bit under the weather here, however, it is just allergies. I am wondering with this up and down weather if allergies will be worse or better this year.
The arm is the same and that is worrisome. We all thought by now it would be showing signs of improvement. I think I am in for the long haul. 

See you all later.

I am SO in Love

Remember New Love, the anticipation of being together, the constant wonder of discovering something new each time you are together. The first thought when you wake up and the last as you fall asleep. Well that me and it is amazing, its all I can talk about, I go through my daily chores so looking forward to be together, it's like a drug and I am an addict. My family is making fun of me but I don't care they are just jealous. Because I am so happy i spend my time convincing others about how wonderful my new love is.

Who or what is this magical thing that has captured my heart you ask? Only because my new love will get better the more I share, I am will to let you in on my happiness.

Are you sitting down?

Ready?

My new love is Pinterest. http://http://pinterest.com/

Every time I go to the site there is something new, it is amazing. I am not an overly crafty person but this site makes me want to run to Michaels http://www.michaels.com/ and go crazy. String Easter eggs, melted crayon canvas, paper flower wreathes. I tell you it is simply amazing. Don't even get me going on the all the recipes. Peanut butter everything!!!, Then there is fashion , gardening, home design and decorating, and on and on and on. I am totally addicted and in love.

The teenager has been making fun of me as I am constantly calling her to come see this and look at that and wow this is so cool. She laughs at me and says I am OLD. "Mom it's like you just discovered the Internet"

Carolin

Catch Up Fridays

(Sunshine) Hello to everyone. I hope that everyone is doing well. Its a busy time around here as my sister is getting married in about 7 weeks. We are in full wedding preparation mode. Its been a long time since I have been so involved in such a big and important event. Its kind of exciting. I am getting excited about all things that have to be chosen. There are so many more options since the Internet, availability is so accessible. (Carolin)Have fun planning the wedding. I am sure it will be a fun day for all. (Cathy) Did you get those dresses?
I can't believe that we are already here, January 2012. Is time really passing by so fast or does it just seem to go faster as we get older in life? Faster as we get older!

Miss Teen Sunshine is hoping to go for her licence by the end of this month. I hope that she passes. Tell her she will beat the older one. I told him about Miss Teen Sunshine and that he only had a few days left if he wanted it before her, lol!

Little Miss Sunshine is finally clear of the flu and the congestion. She was practically sick for the entire month of December.

(Carolin) Glad to hear it, though since we got together Wednesday night for coffee I have not been feeling great. I feel cramping and nausea's on and off all day but mostly at night, so my sleeping is interrupted.

Mr Sunshine is travelling, travelling, travelling. We may see him a few days here and there throughout the month of January. I know that there is travelling on his schedule for February as well. I am just too scared to ask how much.

School starts back on Monday and so does work. I have very much enjoyed my two weeks off and for the first time am not looking forward to going back to work. I have work I am supposed to do over the break and procrastinated so much it is only half done. Hopefully once I am back in the swing of things I will feel better.

I am officially teenage free! Yes, the teenager turned 20 on January 2nd, and the little one does not turn 13 for 14 months. The husband and I have time to replan, regroup and recharge before we have to go through it again. I can't call the teenager, 'the teenager' anymore so I need a new name, any suggestions? (twentysomething?)

I was having a conversation with my 20 year old (that doesn't have the same feel to it), we were discussing skin care. We were talking about how dry our skin gets over the winter months. I find that it doesn't mater how much moisturizer I put on parts of my face get dry and ashy looking. So we have decided to try a new line of products. I bought a bunch of stuff from Arbonne. http://https://www.arbonne.ca/. The facial line for the 20 year old and a similar set of products for myself (the mature women). I started using it yesterday, and noticed that by the end of the day my face (mostly forehead) did not have a heavy greasy feeling. And again this morning when I woke up my face didn't feel heavy like I needed to wash it right away. The daughter said she was going to start today with her products and we will see how they work over the next three months. They were more expensive then the stuff I usually use but if they work then I think it's worth it. The only things I am doing different (then I have in the past) is I am supposed to exfoliate my face (gritty cleanser) twice a week and I now use a day moisturizer and a different one for night. I think I can handle that. Also I will starting taking a pack of vitamins made for women, again hoping to help keep my spirits and energy up over the winter months. Do any of our fellow benchers use the Arbonne products? And if so what is your opinion compared to cheaper drug store lines?


I use nothing special on my skin but I do try to drink more water than tea and I find it hard to do. Thanks to Sunshine for setting up the blog. We went skiing on Saturday and the weather was great but the snow conditions were slushy. So, I wiped out, (first time in years) and actually hurt myself. I have "neurapraxia" on/with/in??? my left arm. I am typing with one finger with my right hand. I am off work because I cannot type onehanded fast enough and everything at work needs two hands and arms. I hope it doesn't last too long. Not a great way to start the new year.

Have a great weekend everyone!!!

Catch Up Fridays

(Sunshine) Hi everyone. Its been a busy week. Christmas is almost here and everywhere you look you can fell the hustle and bustle and sometimes the panic. Its kind of exciting. I am finally putting up our Christmas tree today. Have a wonderful week and try and remain calm amid all of the chaos. (Cathy) Putting up your Christmas tree means carrying it upstairs, right??? (already still decorated from years past, lol!)

(Carolin) Another week passes us by. I was feeling stressed this past week but after this weekend I feel much better. The teenager was able to get the little one's gifts all wrapped. I got all the laundry and house cleaned on Saturday. The little one and I even were able to get the basement cleaned! Today (Sunday) the husband, little one and I went to the new Loblaw's grocery store that open a few weeks ago. I had wanted to check it out and was very impressed. Loblaw's had bought the iconic Maple Leaf Gardens http://loblaws.ca/60carlton/ a few years ago and have turned the famous Hockey/Rock Concert Venue into a very impressive upscale grocery store. They did a good job and have kept the history of the Gardens with pictures on the walls and on tables. At first it felt weird walking into a building to pick up some coffee cream. The husband and I had our first date in that building back on May 7th 1982. We saw Brian Adams and Loverboy in concert it was very surreal being there. The first time I was there that I can remember was for one of those , "on ice" shows. I was very young. The next time was when I was in high school and my girlfriends and I took the bus after school and went to our first concert! The Village People!!! It was fun!

After our grocery shopping we then headed to the Lowe's Christmas Market at the Distillery District.http://torontochristmasmarket.com/. It was very enjoyable but like all things in Toronto the crowds take some of the enjoyment out of it. It was a nice afternoon and then to top it off we stopped by my Mom's for a little visit. So all and all it was a great weekend! We would love to go to the Christmas Market, especially at night. I'm surprised it doesn't stay open until after Christmas. The weeks that it is open are always busy and no one is able to go after work during the week. Maybe next year.

Oh Yeah I forgot to mention the little one and I went to see, "Arthur's Christmas" http://www.arthurchristmas.com/ Friday night. The movie was OK (a little dull) except the part where Toronto is featured. Of course they could not say Toronto but kept calling it Tor-On-Toe. I am not a big fan of 3D movies and that seems to be all they make now adays. If I had realized it was 3D I wouldn't have gone. This new fangled movie technology is not for me. I know I am old, the teenager keeps telling me that I am not 'old' , I am 'OLD'. Oh well that's me and I am learning to embrace my old.


Gosh, I am trying not to think "old". Hubby and I have noticed that there is finally a generation gap between us and the boys. I have no idea when it happened. The energy is just not there the same as it was years before. I even find myself listening to the classical music station at times because it is just so calm and peaceful!


Carolin, do you work up until Friday? I think you already told me but I forgot. And, hey Sunshine, what is happening with the job??????? Are you still working at the camera store in the group of stores up by where we all used to live??? (hint, hint)


Merry Christmas everyone!


p.s. I am just started to read Dicken's "A Christmas Carol". I have seen the movie but have never read the book. So far, it's great!

Requiem for a Dream

(Cathy) Our oldest son came to us last night and asked if Hubby and I would like to watch a movie with him. It was titled: "Requiem for a Dream". I had never heard of it so I Googled it. It was a highly rated movie from the year 2000. It deals with addiction in a very real way. It is very, very disturbing. It is a great movie, worth all the praise and stars it has received. It is very hard to watch. Hubby and I are very glad we watched it with our son. We had a nice chat afterwards discussing our thoughts and opinions on addiction.

I think this movie should be required watching for all parents and their kids. It would never be able to be part of a high school curriculum due to it's "R" rating. There are disturbing scenes, but they are meant to be there. They tell the story. The movie tells the tale of four individuals and their fall into addiction and how it affects their lives. Some fall without even realizing it and that was scary! This is a movie that will stay with you and this is good for that means the message was received loud and clear!

There are many good links and reviews; take the time to read the link I provide here as it does a very good complete review.

Review: Requiem for a Dream

Catchup Fridays

(Sunshine) Well its the home stretch and summer is almost over. I can feel that dark cloud approaching fast. I am so not looking forward to going back to work, but I know that I am very lucky to have been off for the last nine weeks. It was a very quick summer but it was also a good one. We have a family picnic on Sunday so I am preparing the food for the picnic. I am making coroche, peppers and potatoes and some pies. Little Miss Sunshine has made cupcakes and she wants to have a lemonade stand. I told her that its not polite to sell lemonade at a family picnic but she can give it out for free if she wants to. She said that was fine and then she asked me if she could have a tip jar. (she is one smart cookie :) I had to laugh and I told her that she could if she wanted to and I would definitely give her a tip. Miss Teen Sunshine is working all day so she will be missing out. (Carolin) Is know one else bringing any food?

Yes the summer is coming to an end, I can feel it in the air but no smell it as I have a nasty head cold. I could feel something on Thursday while at Sunshine's as the girls swam. By Friday night it was a full fledged head cold. Wow do I hate them I haven't had a cold in over a year but still they are not fun. I guess I should be thankful I didn't have it during the busy wedding/family staying with us or in another week while I have to be back at school prepping for the coming year.

What a busy few weeks, my sister and her family (6 kids) and a girl friend of a nephew, and a friend of my sisters who had never been to Toronto all stayed with us. Yes that was an extra 9 people! My brothers wedding went well we all had a great time. The wedding was to be outside but the weather wasn't cooperative so though it was still outside we were under a large tent. Just as the bride was to enter a torrential thunderstorm let loose. I was in the second row and it was hard to hear the minister. But just as bride and groom said I do the rain stopped and the rest of the day and evening was humid but nice.

The little one was very anxious about being a flower girl but she pulled it off and did great. After walking down the isle she sat beside me and said "Well that wasn't to bad. And how come I didn't get a car like the ring bearer." The ring bearer is only three and my brother (the groom) had a toy car that was used like a carrot to keep the three year old on track. Funny!

Well the fun part of the summer is over and now it is back to routine. I like routine but perhaps cause I am not feeling great this time around I don't want the summer to end.

Cathy is away in Calgary so I don't think that we will be hearing from her this week.


Have a great weekend everyone!!!!!

Movie Review The Answer Man

Last night the husband was at work, the teenager out with friends and the little one was content playing in the basement. I had nothing to do (WOW) so I got comfy with a blanket, snacks and an ice tea and watched a movie I got from the library. I borrow all kinds of movies from the library, some are not bad, a few are good but most are boring. The good thing is since they come from the library I get them for a week and they are free, as long as I remember to return them on time.

So I started watching a movie called, "The Answer Man." Firstly, let me say I have never heard of it, and all along I thought it stared Lauren Graham (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lauren_Graham) and I thought it was Alan Alda .http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alan_Alda Whom I really like but thought it was odd he would be in a romantic comedy as he is much older then Lauren Graham. But who am I to judge and keep it mind it is a film festival movie. I start watching the movie and notice Jeff Daniels http://www.jeffdaniels.com/index.asp(Dumb and Dumber) is in it. I am about a third into the movie when I realize that it is Jeff Daniels on the cover of the DVD case and not Alan Alda. Oh well, I am enjoying the movie anyway.

It is a typical romantic comedy (not so much comedy) boy meets girl. I am a sucker for a good RC (romantic comedy) and this one is good. The characters are believable and not perfect. Both have their quirks and the supporting cast are all likable and believable. The story takes place in Philadelphia and is about a chiropractor (Lauren Graham) who has recently moved to the city and set up a new practice. Jeff Daniel's character is an eccentric writer who throws his back out and needs her help. The dialogue is witty and smart, the supporting cast are funny and enjoyable and Jeff Daniels is outstanding and though I have always liked his acting I think this movie he really out does himself.

I also liked the scenery of Philadelphia and the soundtrack was enjoyable. I found the simple piano soundtrack enhanced the feeling of the movie and wasn't overpowering at anytime.

I would rate The Answer Man 4 1/2 out of 5.

Because this is a 2009 Sundance film festival movie I don't know if the neighbourhood movie rental would have it. But our local library does and it's free to borrow.

I did a quick Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Answer_Man_(film) search and read what it had to say. Of course the review from critics were negative. But over the years I have realized that if the critics don't like it then I will and vice versa.

The Real Canada

I finished reading a novel last night titled, "Two of a Kind by Mina Ford." The cover of the book said it was funny (not), poignant (not really sure just what that means) and unforgettable (well, I hope it's forgettable).

The book is about two sisters (twins) who have drifted apart over the years. One lives in England and the other lives in Toronto. What caught my attention when looking for a book was the fact that one lived in Toronto. Wow, a book about my city, cool! Also, of course the book was marked down to $2.50. A book about my favourite city and it's cheap, can't go wrong there, can you?

I have never written a book but I have read thousands so I know a little about books. If a woman read this book (let's face it, it's a chicklit book, no guy is going to read it) she would get the impression that Canadians (Torontonians) love their coffee and donuts. That is true we are passionate about Tim Horten's for a great real cup of Joe with a maple glazed donut. But as far as I know nobody in Toronto or even Canada would ever buy a 'caramel macchiato' from Tim Horten's. Can you imagine someone waiting the 20 minutes in line to get to the counter and ask for a Caramel Macchiato, the cashier would look at them like they have two heads, Mr. John Deer wearing cap guy behind would scoff in scorn and the rest of us would look at you like you were some kinda freak. If you want good straight up coffee cheap, go to Tim Hortens. You want anything crazy go elsewere.

Later in the book they all head up to cottage country for a week. The sister from England loves it up in Muskoka. Of course who wouldn't, it is beautiful up there. But what she really enjoys is lying on the beach and watching the breeze rustle the leaves of the palm trees. That's right folks, palm trees. Either fictional characters from England can't tell a pine tree from a palm tree or this writer got a little mixed up and thought it got warmer the further you went north instead of south.

Now back in Toronto in the middle of July she talks about the heat and humidity but has one sister tell the other to make sure she brings a coat as the temperature plummets at night and it gets very cold. So all of you who complain that you can't sleep cause of the heat at night are just a bunch of fakers cause didn't you know it is flannel pj's at night in the middle of the summer!

Would I recommend this book? Well, if you have nothing to read and are not so into fiction that holds a little bit of facts - go for it but don't you dare get ripped off like me and pay $2.50 for it. Way too expensive, wait until you find it at a rummage sale for .25 a soft cover. Then go for it.

So, that book is done now it is time to start reading, "The Senators Wife," by Sue Miller. This is our latest book club read. So bloggers if anyone wants to join us head over to your local library and get a copy.

I know Cathy you have your copy, I have mine, Sunshine's is pending, I haven't heard from Louise so not sure if she has her copy yet.

Also benchers, I can't find my black fall coat. Have I left it at one of your houses?

Bench Talk - Is this Hot Toronto Weather a direct result of global warrming?

(Sunshine) The heat wave is on. It was a high of about 38 degrees Celsius today and the rest of the week looks to be just as hot. Is global warming the reason for such warm temperatures? Our summers and winters have changed and sometimes the fall and spring seasons seem to be much shorter then I remember. I love Canada and the four distinct seasons that we have is one of the things that I enjoy most about where we live. (Cathy) It's funny that as we get older we talk about how much the weather has changed from when we were young! We all do it! I start many conversations by saying, "I remember when I was young the summer (or winter) was ... I do believe the world weather patterns have changed. I have read that as weather patterns have only been tracked for about one hundred years, it's not known if this is a change or just a normal cycle of weather. O.K., here goes, I remember summers when I was young when there was not one soul outside except us kids. We would build tents out of old bed sheets and clothes pegs and lawn chairs. Someone's mom would make us a lunch of peanut butter and jam sandwiches and milk with an apple. We would play with our Barbies or read comic books or play cards. We were outside all day. I think we would even fall asleep in our tents for an afternoon nap! Can you remember the buzzing sound when it was super hot out? I used to think it was the power lines vibrating, however, and I think it was Sunshine who told me, that it's actually the cicadas making the noise.
Summers were hot and long and simple. We ate lunch at whomevers home we were closest to. We ate homemade popsicles made from kool-aid and splashed in a blowup pool to keep cool.

So, is this heat we are experiencing a result of global warming? I'm sure the pollution in our atmosphere has a lot to do with it. I'm just glad we are actually having a summer and not a long wet spring like last year. (I hope I didn't just jinx it!).

Rick Hillier A Soldier First - Book Review

I just finished (Sunday) the bio by Rick Hillier http://www.generalhillier.com/. I will be honest and admit I didn't really know much about him but that he had been the outspoken Chief of Defence for Canada.

I found the book very interesting and informative. Though at times when he spoke about military stuff it was way over my head! What I really liked reading was how he rose as a true leader without ever losing his Canadianism or losing sight on what was most important to him, his wife and children. Also, that he was able to do so much in his career and rise up through the ranks without ever losing his ethics. That alone is a huge accomplishment. I also found myself frustrated along with him while he dealt with Canadian bureaucracy and at times with other countries representatives. I cried when he talked about soldiers dying serving our country. He also talks about the emotional but amazing support from the Canadian people as each of our soldiers who have sacrificed their lives to save others have come home along the stretch of highway 401 renamed, "Highway of Hero's." I have written about my experience witnessing the "Highway of Hero's" http://conversationsatthepark.blogspot.com/2009/07/highway-of-heros.html and wondered at the time if there was any other country that did this. After reading General Hillier's book, I am even more proud and blessed to see this display of respect. From what I understand there is no other country in the world that honours their soldiers this way.

Through the book he tries very hard to explain the complexities of war. Also, his disdain of the UN and his frustration with NATO. For years the public has been fed the line that our military were only peacekeeping soldiers without being told just what that entails. Really, if you think about it, aren't all soldiers (in democratic countries) peacekeeping, isn't that their ultimate goal? Now to be honest I don't know if we (the public) have had the issues of Bosnia, Afghanistan, Serbia/Croatia etc. explained in a way that the general public could understand or if I was just too into my life to be overly concerned about others in far away countries. I remember back in 1999 a coworker and friend who was from Croatia tried to explain to me what was going on at that time with the fighting. And even then I don't think she totally understood it, so though it gave me a little bit of insight, I still really didn't get it. And many times I would say, "why can't everybody just get along?" Read Rick Hillier's book and you will see why that was never an option and just how fortunate we are!

Something I have come away with again and again is Education. If we are ever to stop wars and human rights atrocities then these countries need help in educating their young. And the education has to be of a kind that does not promote war or spread more lies. Though General Hillier never mentions Greg Mortenson http://www.threecupsoftea.com/ he preaches the same sermon when it comes to helping the people of Afghanistan. We need to help them, not take over, and the children need to be educated that is the foundation of destroying the Taliban who feeds off the desperation of people. Think about this if a father cannot feed his family, he gets desperate and if he does not have the basic education to create work or to know how to farm his land to produce crops to sustain his family and sell to others... then he and his family become prime targets for the Taliban and other insurgents. The Taliban need only to provide food and then they are free to spread their propaganda! Also, if a man who in his heart of hearts knows that the Taliban is evil but the only way for his family to eat is to work with them then he really has no other option.

This book was very informative and enjoyable to read. I finished it knowing more about the global issues our country faces. Also with a deeper appreciation for the people who serve our country. I would recommend this book to anyone, not just Canadians. It explains our military relationship to the US, something that the media I feel has not done effectively. It also goes beyond the headline hunters and educates us on what was really going on after Sept 11.

If anything this book made me one more time, Proud to be Canadian!

Carolin

P.S. I have Sarah Palins book waiting for me at the library. I look forward to seeing just what she has to say.

My Anger while reading Stones into Schools

Wow two post in one day, I must not have enough to do.

So I almost finished my latest book and I am so frustrated that I start taking it out on the teenager. Asking her why, Why, WHY, WHY!!!! She looks at me then quickly takes off to her bedroom. What has got me so worked up you ask? Well, even if you haven't I am going to tell you cause I need to take my frustration out somehow and I won't know if you tune me out and switch to a different blog.

I am just about finished 'Stones into Schools' by Greg Mortenson http://www.stonesintoschools.com/. Two summers ago I read his first book 'Three cups of Tea' http://www.threecupsoftea.com/ and thoroughly enjoyed it. I found it eye and heart opening. Since then I have followed Mr. Mortenson's (not stalkerish but in a polite curious way) career and hoped someday he would be speaking in my area so I could tell him just how proud of him I am. But by the time I find out he is in the Southern Ontario area the events are already sold out! Good for him but to bad for me. Anyway, I digress.

So his latest book picks up where the first one finished not much after the war started. This man has taken the time to really get to know the people of Afghanistan and Pakistan and his passion to educate girls is amazing. I commend him and all the people who also support him.

But my frustration and maybe he has explained it but I am just too dense to get it is.... Why do the Taliban so fear educating women? Why such a hate on for girls? What are they so afraid of, that we might do what???? I am so frustrated cause I just don't get it!

And my frustration doesn't end with only the Taliban it extends to all these men who won't educate the females in their family because???? What are you so afraid of??

I am finding the older I get the less patience I have and especially with ignorant men. I am finding I no longer will bite my tongue and let them just spew stupidity. I have had enough and am calling them on it. Now my poor husband has had to listen to my rants about Afghanistan and the Taliban for over 13 year now. I first read about their treatment of women way back when Sally Armstrong http://nsb.com/speakers/view/sally-armstrongwrote articles for Homemakers magazine about what she was witnessing in Afghanistan. I can remember my husband coming home from work and me being angry and slamming pots around, he had no idea what the problem was. I would toss the magazine at him and yell at him that men were stupid and this needs to be fixed. Now all these years later and I am even more angry (he is hiding in the basement) and I don't know if it is practical for me to go to Afghanistan and I would probably get myself killed. But I can't just keep getting frustrated, something needs to be done!



But what, WHAT, WHAT, WHAT???????



Carolin

P.S. If there is any ex-Taliban out there please explain to me why the 'hate on' for women. You know what, you don't have to be an ex-Taliban, just intelligently explain to me why you hate women so much, but don't kill me cause I still need to finish raising my children (girls) and educate them so they in turn can kick your ass with their intellect!

Review of The Book Of Negores

I thought I would share this email I received from Mr. Hills secretary in reference to my blog reviewing his latest book.

Thanks very much for your note about The Book of Negroes, which I have passed on to Larry. He thanks you for writing a blog about the novel, and he is pleased that after your initial hesitation, you seem to have come to be a peace with the title. It was always been his expectation that a reader who travels all the way through the book will discover and be fascinated by the historical origins of the title. In fact, a "Book of Negroes"was kept by the British navy as it recorded the names of the Black Loyalists fleeing Manhattan for Nova Scotia at the end of the American Revolutionary War.

Cool Eh!

Originally posted August 7th, 2009.

As part of my summer reading I recently read the book by Lawrence Hill called The Book of Negroes. Back in February I saw the book at our local Chapters but in my usual frugality I did not buy the book but wrote the title down with many other books that interested me and then went to my local library and put them on hold. It has taken some years and alot of wasted money to realize I don't need to own every book I read. With a book costing around the $30.00 mark I get very upset with myself if I don't like it after reading it. So anyway I digress.

I read the back of TBON (The Bool of Negroes) and thought to myself "I don't think I will like this, southern states slave trade has been written, movied, tved to death". But like a trouper I told myself I would read the first two chapters and make a decision after that. Well let me say in that one sitting I read four chapters and then within a week had read the entire book. Yes the book was about American slaves but also so much more. It started in Africa with a young girl and it then tells her life story. The geography in the book is immense as we read about Africa, USA, Canada and Britain. The story is well written and as you move through this women's life you get a sense of just what she and others went through.

While I was reading the book the teenager said she also read parts of the book in her grade eleven American History class at school. Though it does have real historic people and places mentioned, it is still a book of fiction. The reader is not overwhelmed with historical dates and facts but is educated about a time in history in context to the characters.

While I was writing this review I went on the author Lawrence Hills website and noticed he has written other books which I will put on hold at our local library. I was thrilled with the fact that Mr. Hill is a Canadian and just lives in Burlington which is a feeder city to Toronto as is the city I live in. I also noticed that The Book of Negroes is published in Canada, Great Britain, South Africa and India. But to publish in the USA, Australia and New Zealand the book title was changed to Someone Knows My Name. I would love to know the story as to why the book title was changed and if Mr. Hill was OK with it or felt he had to compromise to get his book out to a wider audience.

I will admit that I was a little hesitant to take the book out in public in case someone took offence. But then I figured I didn't write the title and hopefully the title would encourage dialogue. While at the doctors office trying to get an appointment for the teenager when she was sick the receptionist asked about the book and said she had heard it was good but was a little concerned with what people would say if they noticed the title. When friends would ask what I was reading, they as well, seemed alittle taken back by the title. I guess even after all this time the word Negroes is still a contentious word.

I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to others. Happy Reading!


http://www.lawrencehill.com/index.html

The Ugly Truth movie review

Last night the husband and I went to the late movie and saw The Ugly Truth, staring Katherine Heigl and Gerard Butler. To be honest I had never heard of this movie till Sunshines teenager told me about it and said it was very funny especially the restaurant scene.

Well Teen Sunshine was right, it was a funny movie lots of laugh through the whole movie, and yes the restaurant scene was hilarious. The casting was good including all the supporting roles, you may even recognize the character Colin from the tv show Brothers and Sisters.

I would recommend The Ugly Truth as a fun easygoing night out.


Now for my rant, cause you all know by now that I can't let anything go without voicing my opinion.

We went to a Famous Players theater close to our home and while in line waiting to order our popcorn and drink we were looking at the menu trying to decide if we should get the combo one or combo two. Both combos said we would save just over a dollar buy ordering either of them. We were trying to figure out what would be cheaper, ordering one drink and large popcorn a la cart or ordering the combo. Guess what Famous Players does not want you to know which is cheaper as they do not show the price of the combo's, only what you will save.

We then questioned what the price would be for a either of the combos we were told we could only know that after we ordered it! Needless to say we did not order any of their combos.

Next on my rant list is the Scene card. It was Louise last year who convinced me to get a scene card. As every time you go to the movies and show your scene card you get 100 points and when you accumlate 1000 points you can cash them in for a free movie. It cost nothing for the card and you also get 10% off your food purchases. Sounds good so far but here is my rant: if you and your child go to the movies and you use your scene card you get 100 points for your ticket and 50 points for the child's ticket. But when you cash the points in it will cost you 1000 points for your ticket and if you again are taking your child and want to use points for there ticket it will also cost you 1000 points. So though you are only getting half the points for a child ticket it will cost you a adult ticket in points for them to go free. Also the scene card can only be used for two transactions a day. So if you and your husband are going to the movies then you have to buy your tickets individually to get the 100 points each. If you buy them together then only one of you is getting the points. I think the scene card is a great concept but with everything you need to know the ins and outs of the program so you don't get yourself frustrated.

As of now everyone but the little one has a scene card so we can take advantage of the points.

Movie review "Coraline"

There has been so much hype about the release of the children's movie Coraline. Some of my kids friends had watched it at the theatre and absolutely loved it. When we were at the video store a few weeks ago we pre-ordered a copy and we have been anxiously waiting for its release. Well we finally watched it this week. It was a very strange story about a little girl who feels under appreciated and ignored by her parents and then enters a world where she has a set of other parents who are just like her actual parents only they have buttons for eyes and they tend to her every want and need. This world is filled with replicas of her actual life which have been altered to make them as she would want them to be. I won't give away any more of the story but I will say that it was a little strange. My kids both fond it to be interesting. My younger one would like to watch it again. My older one says that she didn't like it, it was too weird for her. For me, once was quite enough.

Harry Potter #6 "The half blood prince"

Last night we went to see the newest Harry Potter. I have read all of the books and the DVD series are a favourite in our home. The special effects were amazing and the movie was great.

IT is so cool to see those young actors becoming young adults right in front of our eyes. There are some amazingly talented kids and adults in these movies. My 9 year old was also with us and I can tell you that it was not at all scary for her. Well maybe only one small part but really I jumped more than she did. There is a touching seen between Harry and Hermione that really shows there acting skills. It was so believable and it brought tears to my eyes. So much happens in this movie that will make us question the outcome. Will good win over evil? With all that has transpired it is not very clear. The ending is shocking if you have no knowledge of the story line so be prepared. As with all of the Harry Potter movies so far I have got to watch it on DVD when it comes out to really appreciate it. That must be because I have read the books it takes a while to visually let the movie replace the visual story that already exists in my mind.



It is a great movie and I am sure that it will become one of my families favourites as are the other five.

Restaurant Review (Cora's)

On Thursday morning I went to Cora's restaurant for breakfast with a friend. I had never been before and I must say that I was pleasantly surprised. It was such a cute and homey place. The staff was all wonderful. The menu is colourful and so varied. It encompasses so much more than just your typical , bacon, eggs, toast and home fries breakfast. There are choices that are extremely healthy and so beautiful that you really need time as a new comer to make a selection. The kitchen and food prep is exposed to the public so can see what is being prepared. The food came and the presentation was true to the picture and so beautiful. The true test is taste. It was so delicious. It was a good portion and really it kept me quite full all day long. If I would rate Cora's I would give it an 8 our of ten. The only thing is that I know that you can get a breakfast for $3.99 with a portion of your standard foods from most greasy spoons but it would be up to you as to weather or not you would spend the extra $7.00 for something a little nicer and definitely a lot healthier.

For me it was worth the extra money and it was very enjoyable. I would definitely go again.