For the 1st time in what seems like a long time, I actually feel good this morning. The nasty headache is finally gone, and so is the cough (knock on wood). Hoping none of you are sick. It seems to be running rampant almost everywhere.
Hubby and I are starting our 'once a month date' again. We were going to start this month, but he was already ill, and then I got it, so that was that. We live in the middle of Memphis and Little Rock. It is exactly the same mileage either way (minus 1 mile). When we first moved here to AR, we would go to Little Rock one month, and to Memphis the next month. We eat out, and shop or go to a movie, or both. On Feb 2, next Saturday we are heading to Memphis for breakfast. I follow a blogger who lives there and reviews local eateries on her blog every week. So we are going to eat breakfast at a whole in the wall called Bryant's. (http://bryantsmemphis.com/ ) They are famous for breakfast and that is all they serve. Can't wait. I am the type person that I need something to look forward to.
A big Thanks to Sandee for the three books she sent me to read. I haven't started because I haven't felt like reading, but am going to read the first one today. Looking forward to it!
My son's church did a video advertisement for craft night to go on their you tube page. My son's family was chosen to do it. Here they are with all 4 girls. From left to right- Kelsi, Kenzie, Dennis, Regina, Lily and Maddie. LOVE it!!!!!
Til tomorrow, Sandy
Friday, January 25, 2013
Sunday, January 20, 2013
A Little Better
HI, I'm a little better today. Of course it's 7am and I haven't been to bed yet, lol, but I slept almost all day yesterday. Still coughing, but no fever this morning.
I hit a milestone this morning. I've not been as serious as I should be about my diet, but have been working hard on it this week. I am NO LONGER over 300 pounds, and NEVER WILL BE AGAIN!!!!!!! My next goal is 289.
Hope you all have a wonderful Sunday. Hopefully will feel much better tomorrow. Misses you, Sandy
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Crud
I've been attacked by the crud, or whatever Robert has had all week. Fever hit 102 last night. I hate being sick. Bed is the best place for me. Wil try to post tomorrow. :(
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
So ready for warmer weather....
It is SO cold here and the wind makes it worse. I am ready for flip flops and shorts. I LOVE summertime. Before I got fat, I used to stay in the pool. Again, maybe next year.
Hubby still sick, but feeling a tad better. Thank God he was off today, so he got lots of rest. Back to work for him tomorrow. Since he has not been eating, the diet has been good. Not cooking, eat oatmeal in the morning, a small salad for lunch (when I eat lunch), and something simple for supper.
Not weighing again til Saturday though.
My caretaker Carolyn isn't here this week either. Her Mom is in Little Rock in the hospital. I didn't realize what all she helps with til she's not here.
We are trying hard to meet our goals for this year, and have started off well. The weight loss has not been given the push it needs, but it has started. We have saved money out of each of his weekly checks, and my monthly check. All bills for the month are paid out of my check and what he makes is saved and used for things we want, or extras, like taking the dog to the vet, etc.. Plus we set up extra savings for our car account. We have to either get another car or have a lot of work done on this one. slowly but surely... that's how we roll, lol.
I've always wanted a pair of Prada shoes, which these are. What a shock! Not the Pradas of my dreams, lol.
Til tomorrow..... ~Sandy~
Monday, January 14, 2013
Crazy Weather
Wow, two days ago it was 70 degrees here in AR. Today the high is only 33 and it's 27 right now at 10 AM. The wind sounds crazy out there. No wonder everyone is sick. Hubby has the crud. He feels so bad. I don't think he slept at all last night coughing and freezing and moaning. But he still went to work this morning. Pray I don't get it. My immune system is so low that even the crud (which is what we here call a nasty cold that feels like the flu) can put me in the hospital.
I'd love to be on the boat with Sandee or even on a cruise with the Empress Bee about now. Warm weather is something I love. I have never been a cold weather girl.
I'd love to be on the boat with Sandee or even on a cruise with the Empress Bee about now. Warm weather is something I love. I have never been a cold weather girl.
The tooth fairy paid a visit at my son's house last night. He gives $5 now. Geez, he only brought me a quarter and I thought that was great back in the day.
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Hey
I am sorry for not posting. Been in a crappy mood and no one wants to hear you when you are depressed and feeling bad, but I'm better now.
Question for you- What was your first car? This was mine and I thought she was a beauty. Paid $600 for her in 1972 when I got out of school. She was already 6 yrs old but I loved this car.
Question for you- What was your first car? This was mine and I thought she was a beauty. Paid $600 for her in 1972 when I got out of school. She was already 6 yrs old but I loved this car.
1966 Dodge Dart, baby blue
(not my car, but a picture just like mine)
Will visit everyone tomorrow.
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Bubble Baths and more
One of the things I miss most because now I'm too fat, is taking bubble baths. I can't get up and down out of the tub. I LOVE to soak in the tub with candles everywhere, music playing, lights out, and something cold to drink in my hand. LOL, sounds like one of those meet up ads, huh? But it's true, I just find it the most relaxing thing in the world. All my troubles go away for about half an hour. Motivating myself with a mood board of things I look forward to doing after the weight loss. Bubble baths are at the top of the list.
Are you bath or shower person?
Relatively slow day Monday. I cleaned my desk area, but still have a little more filing to do. I'm sure Caroline would help me do this, but I'd rather her not know my business when it comes to finances, etc. There was a marathon on of "Switched at Birth" so I caught up on several that I missed last season. Does anyone else watch it? I really enjoy it. Then watched Biggest Loser. These people beg for the opportunity to be on this show, then all they do is complain. Maybe I'm just tired of it after so many years.
Elvis would have been 78 today. Geez, I'm getting old. Think I'll put on an Elvis cd and write in my journal.
My Dexter sleeps with a baby- always. -
Under the Summer Sky by Lori Copeland
I am posting this for FIRST Wild Card for a book they sent me to read and review. I loved it and recommend it to everyone. Great story.
It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!
You never know when I might play a wild card on you!
Lori Copeland is the author of more than 90 titles, both historical and contemporary fiction. With more than 3 million copies of her books in print, she has developed a loyal following among her rapidly growing fans in the inspirational market. She has been honored with the Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award, The Holt Medallion, and Walden Books' Best Seller award. In 2000, Lori was inducted into the Missouri Writers Hall of Fame. She lives in the beautiful Ozarks with her husband, Lance, and their three children and five grandchildren.
Visit the author's website.
After a man named Jones rescues Trinity Franklin from a river, they find their destination is the same: a small town in North Dakota. A seemingly coincidental beginning comes to a delightful and charming ending when orchestrated by the One who can put the pieces of any lost and broken life together.
Product Details:
List Price: $13.99
Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers (January 1, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0736930205
ISBN-13: 978-0736930208
AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:
Near Piedmont, South Dakota, 1893
“Don’t put me in that barrel!”
“Do you want to die, woman?”
“No! That’s why you can’t put me in the barrel—I can’t swim!” She had gone to the river for a simple bucket of water when this beast had swept in and captured her. She loved the good Lord, but she wasn’t ready to meet Him face-to-face. The sound of rushing water overwhelmed her senses as iron hands gripped her waist. War whoops filled the air as three riders poured over the hillside. She pounded the solid wall of flesh that enveloped her. “Let me go!”
“I’m trying to save your life, lady.”
The stranger heaved her over to the barrel and unceremoniously dumped her inside, stuffing her head between her knees before he slammed the lid down on top.
“I can’t swim!” Her muffled voice echoed in her ears. Was he deaf ? Mad? What kind of man would put a woman in a barrel and send her over the rapids when she couldn’t swim? She banged on the wooden sides. “Let me out!”
All bedlam broke out, and even through the barrel Trinity could hear grunts, shouts, and the sound of bare fists meeting flesh. Her heart hammered in her chest. She willed herself to be still, but she could feel the barrel shifting underneath her, teetering at the water’s edge. “Don’t let me fall in, don’t let me fall in,” she whispered. A flour mill sat downstream, but if she reached it she would be too late. A few minutes in the turgid waters and she would drown.
Grunts. More fists.
Please, God. Please, God.
She swallowed back the urge to shout. Calling out would mean certain death. Her brother, Rob, had written tales of rebels, both Indian and white, banding together to plunder and commit unspeakable acts, but never in her wildest dreams would she have thought to encounter one of the lowlifes. A gunshot—then another. Trinity’s heart crowded her throat as the fighting grew fiercer. The barrel shifted again.
Don’t let me fall in. Don’t let me fall in.
A deep rumble. A shove. Trinity’s heart sputtered. She was close—too close. She could almost smell the cold, rushing water. She heard the shuffle of men’s boots—though now it sounded as though there were fewer of them. Maybe two? Against overwhelming odds, the stranger appeared to be winning.
Rapids rushed in the distance. Relax. That beast of a man is strong. He still faced formidable odds, but it sounded as if he were besting the enemy. Trinity felt the tension draining away from her. The ruckus would be over soon and he would release her from her wooden prison.
And then she would demand to know who he was and how he’d had the audacity to risk her life!
Locked in a duel, the men’s groans filled the air as they strained against one another. The sheer force in their tones made her cringe. Then—the unthinkable. A boot caught the edge of the barrel and sent it toppling into the churning water.
Trinity screamed as the current caught the barrel and bounced it downstream. Terror-stricken, she watched the water seeping through the cracks in the wood. The rapids were only two hundred yards downstream—she had to be getting close.
She was going to die. Rob had perished far too young, and now she was going to join him. And it was all her fault. She should never have left her nice, safe café job in Sioux City and come to this rugged land. She had refused to accompany Rob a year earlier when he’d pleaded with her to join him and help him settle Wilson’s Falls, the plot of land their family had owned for generations. She should have held to her belief that no good would come of her visiting this remote country for even a short time. No amount of money on earth could keep her safe now—not even the handsome sum the railroad was likely to offer for the family’s parcel of land.
The trip was supposed to be brief. Never once had she thought her journey would end at the Pearly Gates.
W
Jones whirled when he heard the barrel hit the water. The man locked in his grip took advantage of the distraction and landed a blow that took Jones to his knees. He swung wildly, landing a punch that momentarily staggered his opponent.
His eyes swung back to the barrel. Only a few moments before it went over the rapids. The other thug came at him and he managed a hard right and then his signature left, the knock-out blow. His opponent slumped to the ground and Jones took off running down the bank. His boots thrashed through a heavy thicket as his eyes followed the bobbing container. When he reached a wide spot, he dove in and surfaced just within reach of the barrel.
“Hold on! I’m here!” he yelled.
The girl’s reedy voice came back. “I can’t swim! Get me out of here!”
“I’m trying!” He lunged, his hand brushing the barrel in vain. Charging again, he only managed to hurry the barrel along. It flew over the rapids and he heard her screams until the roar of rushing water snatched them away.
Shoot. She was going to be mad as a wet hen.
“Are you still there? I can’t hear you!”
He couldn’t imagine why not. She was yelling loud enough for them to hear her all the way to Canada.
“I’m here! Just hang on!”
“I can’t swim!”
Like he hadn’t heard her the first eight times. Closing his eyes, he dove under the swift current.
W
The thin wood split as the water and rocks smashed the barrel into kindling. Trinity gasped for air, her breath lodged in her throat. The wind and water whipped wildly about her. Where was he?
Anger churned with panic as she bumped along. Objects blurred as she choked, struggling to right herself. She went down, down, down, thumping and bumping over rocks. This was it. This was the end. She’d never done anything worthwhile in her nineteen years. Nothing but wait tables and serve others—but that was good. To her knowledge she’d never caused anyone an ounce of trouble, so she could meet her Maker in good faith.
Now she would draw her last breath—gurgle it, more like—but…she broke the waterline, choking. A strong hand latched onto her hair as she went under again.
Pain blinded her—pain the likes of which she’d never experienced. Her very roots were being ripped out. She struggled to break the fierce hold, and did, momentarily, but then something snared her and yanked her back to the surface.
“Stop fighting me!” a male voice demanded.
She saw him then—the man who’d stuffed her in the barrel. At the moment it didn’t matter what he’d stuffed her in; he was an anchor in the storm. Her efforts ceased. She wrapped her arms around his neck and held on tight.
He was a strong swimmer, but she was dead weight. Dragging her through the water, he reached a ledge and paused to catch his breath. Paralyzed with fear, her heart threatened to pound out of her chest, and for the first time in her life she couldn’t find the words she wanted. His arms around her were powerful, and the feel of his prickly dark beard against her cheek brought a blush to her face. She’d never been this close to a man before—except Rob, of course. When she poured coffee at the café she bent close, but never this close. She could smell him, hear his ragged breath in her ear.
“Sorry I scared you,” he said, swiping his face to clear the water out of his eyes. “I didn’t mean for the barrel to go over.”
She nodded, still not able to find her voice. She was in the middle of a rushing rapid, standing in the arms of a stranger, finding her brush with death very difficult to comprehend.
“Hold on.” He hitched her up and swam the remaining distance to shore. Throwing her on the bank like a landed carp, he crawled out and collapsed beside her. For a moment they lay in the warm sun, gasping for breath. In a novel the moment might have been romantic, Trinity thought. Instead it was wet and cold and ghastly.
“Who are you?” she asked, finally finding her breath. Since she could speak she should probably thank him—it was only polite—though at the moment she wanted to throttle him for putting her life in danger in the first place.
“Doesn’t matter. I’m just passing through.”
“What’s your name?” She had the right to know who’d almost killed her, didn’t she?
“Jones.”
“Jones what?”
“Just Jones.” Rolling to his back, he stuck out his hand. “Are you all right?”
Trinity stared at the proffered hand, stultified. “Why did you stick me in that barrel?”
“I saved your life.”
“You could easily have taken it. I don’t…”
“Swim. So you’ve said.” Struggling to his feet, he removed his left boot and dumped out a stream of water. “Sorry I upset you, but those men would have distressed you more.”
Her gaze fixed on the tall stranger. She knew she should feel nothing but gratitude, but he’d scared the wadding out of her. “Well, before you stick a lady in a barrel and send her downstream, you might want to make certain you can save her.”
Jones dumped the water out of his right boot. “Don’t figure there’s any reason for me to apologize for saving your neck.” He glanced up. “What are you doing out here alone, anyway?”
“I was doing my wash.” She pushed to her feet and brushed the wet hair out of her eyes.
“You live around here?”
“Not live. I’m staying here for a while. I’m in the process of selling my land, and once I do I’m going back to Sioux Falls.”
“Nice town.”
“You’ve been there?”
He nodded, shoving his foot, wet sock and all, back into his boot. “Couple of times. Do you want me to walk you back to your place?”
“No, thank you.” She’d had quite enough of him for one day.
Nodding, he set his Stetson on his head and adjusted the band. “You might want to keep a close eye out for the others. The men scattered, but they’ll meet up again.”
Trinity swallowed, trying to retain her composure. She’d get home, and then she wouldn’t rest until she’d sold the land and left this godforsaken place behind her forever. “Thank you. I’ll be careful.”
“You think you can handle these wilds?”
She lifted her chin. “Of course I can handle myself.” Granted, he had caught her in a bad circumstance, but chances were that the men were only passing through and she’d have no more trouble with them.
“Do you have a gun?”
“My brother left one.”
“Do you know how to use it?”
The chin rose higher. “I do—if necessary.”
He paused, a slow grin starting at the corners of his mouth. Dark curly hair, penetrating brown eyes, and skin browned by the long hours in the sun. He was handsome, no denying it, but Trinity had more important things on her mind. “I see you’ve got things well in hand.”
She nodded coolly. He had every right to suspect that she was one of those helpless simpering females, but she was far from vulnerable. She’d been on her own since Rob had left to work this land, and she’d learned to care for herself nicely.
He started off and then turned back. “By the way…”
She pushed another lock of soggy hair out of her eyes. “Yes?”
His gaze drifted down. “You lost your skirt in the water.”
Gasping, she looked down. She was wearing nothing but her bloomers! And he hadn’t said a word until now.
When she looked up, he was gone. Drawing herself up straight, she sniffed. And a good riddance it was.
It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!
You never know when I might play a wild card on you!
Today's Wild Card author is:
and the book:
Harvest House Publishers (January 1, 2013)
***Special thanks to Ginger Chen for sending me a review copy.***
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lori Copeland is the author of more than 90 titles, both historical and contemporary fiction. With more than 3 million copies of her books in print, she has developed a loyal following among her rapidly growing fans in the inspirational market. She has been honored with the Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award, The Holt Medallion, and Walden Books' Best Seller award. In 2000, Lori was inducted into the Missouri Writers Hall of Fame. She lives in the beautiful Ozarks with her husband, Lance, and their three children and five grandchildren.
Visit the author's website.
SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:
After a man named Jones rescues Trinity Franklin from a river, they find their destination is the same: a small town in North Dakota. A seemingly coincidental beginning comes to a delightful and charming ending when orchestrated by the One who can put the pieces of any lost and broken life together.List Price: $13.99
Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers (January 1, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0736930205
ISBN-13: 978-0736930208
AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:
Near Piedmont, South Dakota, 1893
“Don’t put me in that barrel!”
“Do you want to die, woman?”
“No! That’s why you can’t put me in the barrel—I can’t swim!” She had gone to the river for a simple bucket of water when this beast had swept in and captured her. She loved the good Lord, but she wasn’t ready to meet Him face-to-face. The sound of rushing water overwhelmed her senses as iron hands gripped her waist. War whoops filled the air as three riders poured over the hillside. She pounded the solid wall of flesh that enveloped her. “Let me go!”
“I’m trying to save your life, lady.”
The stranger heaved her over to the barrel and unceremoniously dumped her inside, stuffing her head between her knees before he slammed the lid down on top.
“I can’t swim!” Her muffled voice echoed in her ears. Was he deaf ? Mad? What kind of man would put a woman in a barrel and send her over the rapids when she couldn’t swim? She banged on the wooden sides. “Let me out!”
All bedlam broke out, and even through the barrel Trinity could hear grunts, shouts, and the sound of bare fists meeting flesh. Her heart hammered in her chest. She willed herself to be still, but she could feel the barrel shifting underneath her, teetering at the water’s edge. “Don’t let me fall in, don’t let me fall in,” she whispered. A flour mill sat downstream, but if she reached it she would be too late. A few minutes in the turgid waters and she would drown.
Grunts. More fists.
Please, God. Please, God.
She swallowed back the urge to shout. Calling out would mean certain death. Her brother, Rob, had written tales of rebels, both Indian and white, banding together to plunder and commit unspeakable acts, but never in her wildest dreams would she have thought to encounter one of the lowlifes. A gunshot—then another. Trinity’s heart crowded her throat as the fighting grew fiercer. The barrel shifted again.
Don’t let me fall in. Don’t let me fall in.
A deep rumble. A shove. Trinity’s heart sputtered. She was close—too close. She could almost smell the cold, rushing water. She heard the shuffle of men’s boots—though now it sounded as though there were fewer of them. Maybe two? Against overwhelming odds, the stranger appeared to be winning.
Rapids rushed in the distance. Relax. That beast of a man is strong. He still faced formidable odds, but it sounded as if he were besting the enemy. Trinity felt the tension draining away from her. The ruckus would be over soon and he would release her from her wooden prison.
And then she would demand to know who he was and how he’d had the audacity to risk her life!
Locked in a duel, the men’s groans filled the air as they strained against one another. The sheer force in their tones made her cringe. Then—the unthinkable. A boot caught the edge of the barrel and sent it toppling into the churning water.
Trinity screamed as the current caught the barrel and bounced it downstream. Terror-stricken, she watched the water seeping through the cracks in the wood. The rapids were only two hundred yards downstream—she had to be getting close.
She was going to die. Rob had perished far too young, and now she was going to join him. And it was all her fault. She should never have left her nice, safe café job in Sioux City and come to this rugged land. She had refused to accompany Rob a year earlier when he’d pleaded with her to join him and help him settle Wilson’s Falls, the plot of land their family had owned for generations. She should have held to her belief that no good would come of her visiting this remote country for even a short time. No amount of money on earth could keep her safe now—not even the handsome sum the railroad was likely to offer for the family’s parcel of land.
The trip was supposed to be brief. Never once had she thought her journey would end at the Pearly Gates.
W
Jones whirled when he heard the barrel hit the water. The man locked in his grip took advantage of the distraction and landed a blow that took Jones to his knees. He swung wildly, landing a punch that momentarily staggered his opponent.
His eyes swung back to the barrel. Only a few moments before it went over the rapids. The other thug came at him and he managed a hard right and then his signature left, the knock-out blow. His opponent slumped to the ground and Jones took off running down the bank. His boots thrashed through a heavy thicket as his eyes followed the bobbing container. When he reached a wide spot, he dove in and surfaced just within reach of the barrel.
“Hold on! I’m here!” he yelled.
The girl’s reedy voice came back. “I can’t swim! Get me out of here!”
“I’m trying!” He lunged, his hand brushing the barrel in vain. Charging again, he only managed to hurry the barrel along. It flew over the rapids and he heard her screams until the roar of rushing water snatched them away.
Shoot. She was going to be mad as a wet hen.
“Are you still there? I can’t hear you!”
He couldn’t imagine why not. She was yelling loud enough for them to hear her all the way to Canada.
“I’m here! Just hang on!”
“I can’t swim!”
Like he hadn’t heard her the first eight times. Closing his eyes, he dove under the swift current.
W
The thin wood split as the water and rocks smashed the barrel into kindling. Trinity gasped for air, her breath lodged in her throat. The wind and water whipped wildly about her. Where was he?
Anger churned with panic as she bumped along. Objects blurred as she choked, struggling to right herself. She went down, down, down, thumping and bumping over rocks. This was it. This was the end. She’d never done anything worthwhile in her nineteen years. Nothing but wait tables and serve others—but that was good. To her knowledge she’d never caused anyone an ounce of trouble, so she could meet her Maker in good faith.
Now she would draw her last breath—gurgle it, more like—but…she broke the waterline, choking. A strong hand latched onto her hair as she went under again.
Pain blinded her—pain the likes of which she’d never experienced. Her very roots were being ripped out. She struggled to break the fierce hold, and did, momentarily, but then something snared her and yanked her back to the surface.
“Stop fighting me!” a male voice demanded.
She saw him then—the man who’d stuffed her in the barrel. At the moment it didn’t matter what he’d stuffed her in; he was an anchor in the storm. Her efforts ceased. She wrapped her arms around his neck and held on tight.
He was a strong swimmer, but she was dead weight. Dragging her through the water, he reached a ledge and paused to catch his breath. Paralyzed with fear, her heart threatened to pound out of her chest, and for the first time in her life she couldn’t find the words she wanted. His arms around her were powerful, and the feel of his prickly dark beard against her cheek brought a blush to her face. She’d never been this close to a man before—except Rob, of course. When she poured coffee at the café she bent close, but never this close. She could smell him, hear his ragged breath in her ear.
“Sorry I scared you,” he said, swiping his face to clear the water out of his eyes. “I didn’t mean for the barrel to go over.”
She nodded, still not able to find her voice. She was in the middle of a rushing rapid, standing in the arms of a stranger, finding her brush with death very difficult to comprehend.
“Hold on.” He hitched her up and swam the remaining distance to shore. Throwing her on the bank like a landed carp, he crawled out and collapsed beside her. For a moment they lay in the warm sun, gasping for breath. In a novel the moment might have been romantic, Trinity thought. Instead it was wet and cold and ghastly.
“Who are you?” she asked, finally finding her breath. Since she could speak she should probably thank him—it was only polite—though at the moment she wanted to throttle him for putting her life in danger in the first place.
“Doesn’t matter. I’m just passing through.”
“What’s your name?” She had the right to know who’d almost killed her, didn’t she?
“Jones.”
“Jones what?”
“Just Jones.” Rolling to his back, he stuck out his hand. “Are you all right?”
Trinity stared at the proffered hand, stultified. “Why did you stick me in that barrel?”
“I saved your life.”
“You could easily have taken it. I don’t…”
“Swim. So you’ve said.” Struggling to his feet, he removed his left boot and dumped out a stream of water. “Sorry I upset you, but those men would have distressed you more.”
Her gaze fixed on the tall stranger. She knew she should feel nothing but gratitude, but he’d scared the wadding out of her. “Well, before you stick a lady in a barrel and send her downstream, you might want to make certain you can save her.”
Jones dumped the water out of his right boot. “Don’t figure there’s any reason for me to apologize for saving your neck.” He glanced up. “What are you doing out here alone, anyway?”
“I was doing my wash.” She pushed to her feet and brushed the wet hair out of her eyes.
“You live around here?”
“Not live. I’m staying here for a while. I’m in the process of selling my land, and once I do I’m going back to Sioux Falls.”
“Nice town.”
“You’ve been there?”
He nodded, shoving his foot, wet sock and all, back into his boot. “Couple of times. Do you want me to walk you back to your place?”
“No, thank you.” She’d had quite enough of him for one day.
Nodding, he set his Stetson on his head and adjusted the band. “You might want to keep a close eye out for the others. The men scattered, but they’ll meet up again.”
Trinity swallowed, trying to retain her composure. She’d get home, and then she wouldn’t rest until she’d sold the land and left this godforsaken place behind her forever. “Thank you. I’ll be careful.”
“You think you can handle these wilds?”
She lifted her chin. “Of course I can handle myself.” Granted, he had caught her in a bad circumstance, but chances were that the men were only passing through and she’d have no more trouble with them.
“Do you have a gun?”
“My brother left one.”
“Do you know how to use it?”
The chin rose higher. “I do—if necessary.”
He paused, a slow grin starting at the corners of his mouth. Dark curly hair, penetrating brown eyes, and skin browned by the long hours in the sun. He was handsome, no denying it, but Trinity had more important things on her mind. “I see you’ve got things well in hand.”
She nodded coolly. He had every right to suspect that she was one of those helpless simpering females, but she was far from vulnerable. She’d been on her own since Rob had left to work this land, and she’d learned to care for herself nicely.
He started off and then turned back. “By the way…”
She pushed another lock of soggy hair out of her eyes. “Yes?”
His gaze drifted down. “You lost your skirt in the water.”
Gasping, she looked down. She was wearing nothing but her bloomers! And he hadn’t said a word until now.
When she looked up, he was gone. Drawing herself up straight, she sniffed. And a good riddance it was.
Monday, January 7, 2013
Be NIKE= Just DO it!
Happy Monday!!!!
I am going to clean and organize my desk area today. The dust bunnies are taking over and I have begun to let things pile up. Little pieces of paper are everywhere with notes to myself, or phone numbers. My receipt box (where I've paid bills) is full and needs to be filed. I'm such a procrastinator, so today, one of my new starts is to just get up and DO something. Today is clean up the desk day.
Is your desk area clean or cluttered?
I have a new supporter for my diet. My elderly neighbor, Mr Bristol, knocked on my door last night and handed me a pack of ID peppermint gum He said it was for when I got hungry that I should chew a piece of gum instead of eating a snack. How sweet of him!
Have an amazing day..... ~Sandy~
Sunday, January 6, 2013
How is your weekend?
Went to Wal Mart yesterday and found a few great deals from leftover Christmas. We have a fake tree we use ever year that is 6' tall, just right for our small apartment. I bought it at Target about five years ago fot twelve dollars after Christmas. Well, last night I bought a pre-lit 6 1/2 ft tree for $9.25. I love a deal!!! Also bought 8 rolls of wrapping paper for 24 cents each.
Today is National Cuddle Day (for real) and I plan oon doing just that. Cuddling up in my recliner with a book I am reading this afternoon while hubby watches a ballgame on tv. Making homemade vegetable soup today, and cuddling up again after dinner with hubby and the tv.
How is your weekend going?
Friday, January 4, 2013
Tidbits
A few Sandy tidbits of info!
I love and miss working. I was a supervisor for a major telephone company. I had twelve people in my department. We handled about 100 calls per day from customers. I LOVED that job so much. It was in Los Angeles. I am still good friends with many of my coworkers. One was Sentoria Green who is now a radio host of The Green Room on WDBL. Follow her on Facebook. -Sentoria Green. But the doctor says No to working after all the complications after my transplant, so no more for me.
Many years ago I owned my own Craft Store. I took in consignment crafts, and I gave painting lessons. Yes, people, Sandy paints. I closed it after two years because I felt it was taking away from my family, and it was. My boys were 10 and 11 then.
I could live on fruits and veges with no meat, but hubby thinks that's anti- american, lol.
Without my transplant, I would have died 4 years ago. I DO believe in miracles.
I am completely debt free, not counting basic monthly bills. :)
I never learned how to swim.
I have a hairy chihuahua named Dexter. He is my baby. He is almost 4.
I am addicted to sweet tea. It is a habit I intend to break soon, very soon. I don't drink soda anymore.
I've never had a passport. getting one next month.
Because of hubby's ex job, we have lived in 5 states in 10 years- CA, NV, AZ, GA, and now AR.
I have a brother I have never met and cannot find. My son Dennis has taken over the search.
Til next time......~Sandy~
I love and miss working. I was a supervisor for a major telephone company. I had twelve people in my department. We handled about 100 calls per day from customers. I LOVED that job so much. It was in Los Angeles. I am still good friends with many of my coworkers. One was Sentoria Green who is now a radio host of The Green Room on WDBL. Follow her on Facebook. -Sentoria Green. But the doctor says No to working after all the complications after my transplant, so no more for me.
Many years ago I owned my own Craft Store. I took in consignment crafts, and I gave painting lessons. Yes, people, Sandy paints. I closed it after two years because I felt it was taking away from my family, and it was. My boys were 10 and 11 then.
I could live on fruits and veges with no meat, but hubby thinks that's anti- american, lol.
Without my transplant, I would have died 4 years ago. I DO believe in miracles.
I am completely debt free, not counting basic monthly bills. :)
I never learned how to swim.
I have a hairy chihuahua named Dexter. He is my baby. He is almost 4.
I am addicted to sweet tea. It is a habit I intend to break soon, very soon. I don't drink soda anymore.
I've never had a passport. getting one next month.
Because of hubby's ex job, we have lived in 5 states in 10 years- CA, NV, AZ, GA, and now AR.
I have a brother I have never met and cannot find. My son Dennis has taken over the search.
Til next time......~Sandy~
Thursday, January 3, 2013
The Naked ( well not really) Truth
Regina is in her mid thirties and Mom to my four girls- Kelsi, Kenzie, Lily, and Maddie. To me, she looks like a teen. I love her like she was my own.
Grateful:
5. for my grandchildren whom I love with all my heart
6. for my DIL Regina
7. for hubby cooking dinner tonight (baked potatos and baked pork chop).
8. for finally getting new renters insurance
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Surprise!
Remember a few moths ago when I told you I was going to be a grandma again? Well, we found out on Christmas by eating into cupcakes that were blue or pink, and, I am happy to say after 5 granddaughters.............
We are so excited. His name is Conner James ____ and he will arrive around the first of May. Something wonderful to look forward to.
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Happy New Year!!!!!!
This is going to be a great year. I just feel it! I'm not making resolutions this year, because I give up on them after a few weeks. I am going to make small goals, so that I will be able to keep them.
I do however have a WORD for 2013 - "MORE". I want to lose MORE weight. I want to learn MORE about health and improving my lifestyle in all ways. I want to visit my kids MORE, and read MORE. I want to blog MORE and be a generally all around better person, because I am having trouble liking who I am right now. So 2013 is a year of MORE for me. Much more!
Christmas was great, and even though there was no snow in AL, we came home to three inches in AR, but it melted quickly. The heater went out in our car on the way home, and it was a cold ride.
My hope is that you all have an amazing 2013. It will be a good one. I just know it!
Greatful for:
1. that I woke up to see another year.
2. for my wonderful husband.
3. for the opportunities ahead.
4. for the big bowl of homemade soup that our friend Sandy Gail brought to us last night.
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