Book ~ "Scout" (2007) Ellen Miles

From Goodreads ~ Charles and Lizzie Peterson love dogs and couldn't be happier to finally have Buddy - their very own puppy. But when Scout, an adorable German shepherd puppy, suddenly has no one to adopt him, Lizzie and Charles are determined to take him in and find him the perfect home. 

Scout has a special talent for finding missing things - can the Petersons find him a home that makes the most of his skills?

Lizzie and her younger brother, Charles, are in elementary school. They have a puppy named Buddy plus foster dogs and help them find homes.

Their father is a fireman and Meg, one of his colleagues, does search and rescue with her German shepherd, Casey. Meg has been called to picked up a German shepherd puppy named Scout and deliver her to her new adoptive family. Unfortunately the family can't take her after all. Lizzie and Charles' family foster Scout until a new family can be found and while they do, they start training her to become a search and rescue dog like Casey and she seems like a natural!

 

Though this book is a quick read and directed at elementary-aged children, I found it entertaining. There is a learning experience and a puppy tip at the end. It is written in third person perspective and first person from the dogs' points of view. It is the seventh in the Puppy Place series, which currently has 64 books in the series, and works as a stand alone.

Book ~ "Creep" (2011) Jennifer Hillier

From Goodreads ~ If he can’t have her ...

Dr. Sheila Tao is a professor of psychology. An expert in human behavior. And when she began an affair with sexy, charming graduate student Ethan Wolfe, she knew she was playing with fire. Consumed by lust when they were together, riddled with guilt when they weren’t, she knows the three-month fling with her teaching assistant has to end. After all, she’s finally engaged to a kind and loving investment banker who adores her and she’s taking control of her life. But when she attempts to end the affair, Ethan Wolfe won’t let her walk away.

... no one else can.

Ethan has plans for Sheila, plans that involve posting a sex video that would surely get her fired and destroy her prestigious career. Plans to make her pay for rejecting him. And as she attempts to counter his every threatening move without her colleagues or her fiancé discovering her most intimate secrets, a shattering crime rocks Puget Sound State University: a female student, a star athlete, is found stabbed to death. Someone is raising the stakes of violence, sex, and blackmail ... and before she knows it, Sheila is caught in a terrifying cat-and-mouse game with the lover she couldn’t resist - who is now the monster who won’t let her go.

Sheila is a professor, who while dating a banker named Morris, has an affair with Ethan, her much younger teaching assistant. When Morris proposes, Sheila breaks it off with Ethan but Ethan isn't going to make it easy for her. He threatens to publish a video of them and tell everyone about their affair. Eventually Sheila realizes she has to be honest with Morris about it and hopes he'll understand and still want to marry her. When Ethan discovers she's done this, he decides that if he can't have her no one can and arranges for Sheila to disappear. Morris can't believe she would leave like that and suspects something has happened to her and doesn't give up looking for her.

I've liked other books by this author and thought this one was okay. It is written in third person perspective with a focus on where the action was. I thought some of the actions were extreme and unbelievable but went with it ... like how Ethan got away with what he did and that Morris could perhaps forgive Sheila after all that had happened. There were a lot of addictions, which was excessive ... I thought picking one would have been enough for the story. As a head's up, there is swearing and violence.

Man of Kent, Toronto, ON

Gord and I had supper this evening at Man of Kent on Ossington Avenue. It's the first time we've eaten there.

I had a beef and ale pie (with mash, mushy peas & gravy).

Book ~ "You Knew Me When" (2013) Emily Liebert

From Goodreads ~ Best friends forever ... until life got in the way. Katherine Hill left her small New England hometown in pursuit of a dream. Now, twelve years later, she’s a high-powered cosmetics executive in Manhattan and a much glossier version of her former self, unrecognizable to her family and old friends. Not that she would know - she hasn’t been home in over a decade.

Laney Marten always swore she’d never get "stuck” in Manchester, Vermont. No, she was destined to live out her glamorous big-city dreams. Instead, she wound up a young wife and mother. That was when her best friend ran out.

When Katherine receives word of an inheritance from former neighbour, Luella Hancock, she reluctantly returns home to the people and places she left behind. Hoping for a second chance, she’s met by an unforgiving Laney, her former best friend. And there’s someone else who’s moved on without her - someone she once loved.

Tethered to their shared inheritance of Luella’s sprawling Victorian mansion, Katherine and Laney are forced to address their long-standing grudges. Through this, they come to understand that while life has taken them in different directions, ultimately the bonds of friendship and sisterhood still bind them together. But are some wounds too old and deep to mend?

Kitty and Laney were best friends and neighbours since Kitty moved the neighbourhood when they were about 10. Kitty's mother had been killed when she was hit by a car and Laney's mother along with Luella, an older woman who lived in the house between theirs, became surrogate mothers to Kitty as she was growing up. Laney was more of the leader and had their lives planned out ... they were going to go to university and then move to New York.

But that all changed 12 years ago and it was Kitty (now known as Katherine) who ended up moving to New York alone and with Luella's connections ends up working in the cosmetic industry. She now has an important job but all she does is work. Katherine is not a warm and fuzzy person. Laney ends up staying in their small town, married and a mom, working in a spa. Because of a rift (which we don't find out the details until towards the end), they haven't spoken in all those years and Katherine hasn't been home since. Luella has passed away and Katherine and Laney are in her will. They must work together in order to receive their inheritance. 

This is the first book I've read by this author and I liked it. It is written is third person perspective when the focus is on present day and first person present tense in Kitty and Laney's voices when it went back in time (the chapters are labelled). As a head's up, there is swearing.

Book ~ "Maggie and Max" (2008) Ellen Miles

From Goodreads ~ Charles and Lizzie have helped lots of puppies find homes. But then they meet a Saint Bernard puppy with an unusual friend: a helpless kitten! And this pair needs to stick together. 

Will Charles and Lizzie find a way to keep these two together forever?

Lizzie and her younger brother, Charles, are in elementary school. They have a puppy named Buddy plus their family fosters dogs and helps them find homes.

Lizzie loves dogs and volunteers at an animal rescue. Around Christmastime, a box is left outside the rescue with a kitten named Max and a St. Bernard puppy named Maggie, who Lizzie and Charles foster. Lizzie and Charles are able to find a home for the kitten but not the puppy ... and Maggie and Max are so attached to each other that there's no way they can be split up.

 

Though this book is a quick read and directed at elementary-aged children, I found it entertaining. There is a learning experience and a puppy tip at the end. It is written in third person perspective and first person from Maggie and Max's points of view. It is the tenth in the Puppy Place series, which currently has 64 books in the series, and works as a stand alone.

Happy Boxing Day!

Merry Christmas!

Book ~ "Pugsley" (2008) Ellen Miles

From Goodreads ~ Lizzie and Charles Peterson love puppies. Even though they finally have their very own puppy, Buddy, Lizzie still can't get enough time with dogs. She helps her Aunt Amanda at her doggie day care center as often as she can.

At the doggie day care, Lizzie meets a pesky but lovable pug named Pugsley. Pugsley is adorable but he didn't earn the nickname Mr. Pest for nothing and his owners decide he's too much of a handful to keep! 

Will Lizzie figure out how to get Pugsley to behave and find him a forever home?

Lizzie and her younger brother, Charles, are in elementary school. They have a puppy named Buddy plus foster dogs and help them find homes.

Lizzie loves dogs and volunteers at an animal rescue. She is very excited when her aunt and uncle move to their town and open a doggy daycare, where she helps out. There are lots of dogs, big and small, young and old. Pugsley is a rambunctious pug puppy (aka Mr. Pest) who attends the daycare. He is cute but a handful and his owners eventually decide to give him up to the rescue. Knowing how overcrowded the rescue is, Lizzie offers to foster Pugsley and find him a home, which she discovers is probably going to be an impossible task.

 

Though this book is a quick read and directed at elementary-aged children, I found it entertaining. There is a learning experience and a puppy tip at the end. It is written in third person perspective and first person from Pugsley’s point of view. It is the ninth in the Puppy Place series, which currently has 64 books in the series, and works as a stand alone.

Happy Tibb's Eve!

"The eve of Christmas Eve in Newfoundland, a day for mummering, drinking your face off and generally making an ass of yourself with your friends before the family partying begins and Santa comes to town."

Knitted scarf

I just finished knitting another scarf with Bernat Baby Velvet Stripes yarn.

I used 4.5mm needles.  I cast on 40 stitches and did garter stitch  until the end.

The scarf is about 5.5 feet long … soft and cozy!

JOEY Eaton Centre, Toronto, ON

I had lunch today with my pal, Kelly, at JOEY Eaton Centre.  

 Complimentary bubbly was provided as I was waiting for our table.

I had Chicken Parmesan (spaghetti pomodoro, mozzarella cheese and fresh basil) and she had a California Chicken sandwich (spicy mayo, aged cheddar and smoky bacon). Both were good. 

 

 

Book ~ "Patches" (2007) Ellen Miles

From Goodreads ~ Charles and Lizzie Peterson love puppies. They have a puppy of their own named Buddy but they also foster dogs that need help finding new homes.

Charles and his friend, Sammy, are on their way home from school one day when they hear a puppy crying. His name is Patches and he's tied up in a garage all by himself. His owners seem to care ABOUT Patches but they don't know how to care FOR him. And it's up to Charles and Lizzie to show them!

Charles and his older sister, Lizzie, are in elementary school. They recently got a dog named Buddy and still foster dogs and help them find a home.

Charles and his friend, Sammy, get their nerve to go visit what is supposed to be a haunted house. When they get there, they hear a noise but discover it is a puppy named Patches tied up in a garage next door. They untangle his leash and give him some water and attention. They want to help Patches but don't know how so turn to the director of the rescue where Lizzie volunteers for advice.

Though this book is a quick read and directed at elementary-aged children, I found it entertaining. There is a learning experience and a puppy tip at the end. It is written in third person perspective and first person from the Patches' point of view. It is the eighth in the Puppy Place series, which currently has 64 books in the series, and works as a stand alone.

Coconut Candle Company - Winter 2022

My winter Coconut Candle Company subscription box (full size) arrived today.

Our subscription box is the best way to experience our hand poured coconut wax candles. Each themed box has a surprise selection of unique candles that we've never released before.

We have two different boxes available, the full size subscription box with over $100 worth of candles and the mini subscription box with over $80 worth of candles. The full size box also contains a gift from another local business.

Shipping is included in the price of the boxes.

Treat yourself or a loved one to an aromatic journey throughout the year!.

It's always a fun box to receive!

Book ~ "Muffin But the Truth" (2022) Ellie Alexander

From Goodreads ~ Ashland is known for its Elizabethan charm and touches of Shakespeare around every corner but the surrounding Rogue Valley draws adventure enthusiasts to its outdoor wonderland of high alpine lakes, mountain ranges, and pristine rivers. 

Jules Capshaw and the team at Torte have been hired to cater a weekend getaway on the mighty Rogue River. Jules is going to have to put her culinary skills to the test while baking gooey chocolate chip skillet cookies over an open flame and preparing extravagant feasts under a canopy of stars. 

The executive team at a big city firm will be rafting the Rogue’s rapids and gathering around the campfire for spooky stories but their dysfunction quickly begins to show. Between constant bickering and heavy drinking, Jules wonders how the team can accomplish anything. She’s happy for a brief reprieve when they zip up their lifejackets and head out in their boats but the serenity of the scene quickly vanishes when Jules discovers one of the execs floating face down in the water. She’s going to have to uncover the truth before she gets pulled under.

Juliet (aka Jules) was raised in small town Ashland, OR, which has a Shakespearean theme. She grew up helping her parents in their bakery and went on to culinary school. After working for many years on a cruise line, where she met her Italian husband, Carlos, she moved back home to take over the family bakery, Torte. Though she shares ownership of it with her mother, who is married the local head of police, Jules does the day-to-day running of it. Carlos runs the winery they have majority ownership of. Ramiro, Carlos' son from a previous relationship, is in high school and spending a year with them.

Jules and the Torte team have been hired to cater an outdoor glamping outing for executives of a firm from the city. It's supposed to be a teambuilding adventure but Josie, the boss, is always being rude to the execs which has everyone on edge. After a night of them eating, drinking and being degraded by Josie, Jules welcomes the quiet the next morning as she heads to the river for water ... until she sees a body in the water. She jumps in but it's too late. While the investigation goes on, the team isn't allowed to leave Ashland and strange things keeps happening to them.

This is the sixteenth in the Bakeshop Mystery series (I've read them all) and I thought it was okay. The whodunnit came up rather quickly and I didn't think the reason justified the murder. It's written in first person perspective in Jules' voice.  It was a quick light read and is a "cozy mystery" so there is no swearing, violence or adult activity. It works as a stand alone as there is plenty of background info provided.

Be a Santa for a Senior Holiday Gift Drive, Toronto, ON

Last week I donated 26 pairs of mittens and four 9-foot soft scarves I knitted this year for the Be a Santa for a Senior Holiday Gift Drive program run by Gwen (she's in my 'hood) along with 37 cotton dishcloths I’ve knitted the last few years. Gifts donated go to recipients of the Meals on Wheels program run out of West Neighbourhood House (Ossington/Dundas W). Most of these men and women are over 55 and live alone. I'd found her last year and had donated 28 pairs of mittens and a hat I'd knitted that I'd wanted to donate somewhere.

My donation to this year's drive:

Gwen posted today that the bags are ready to go and be picked up by Meals on Wheels. Ta-da! What a fabulous undertaking that is sure to brighten many people's Christmases!

And then the 119 gift bags were picked up and delivered by the amazing staff at West Neighbourhood House.

Jack Astor's Bar & Grill, Toronto ON (Yonge/Dundas)

I had supper tonight with former colleagues Baljeet (who I haven’t seen since September) and Helene (who I haven’t seen since 2010) at Jack Astor's at Yonge/Dundas.

 Here we are! It was lots of fun to get together and catch up! 

Me, Baljeet and Helene

I had Chicken Parmigiana (it's what I always order at a Jack Astor's), Helene had Naked and Afraid Chicken Fingers and Baljeet had Asiago Chicken Bow-Ties. All were good, though the pasta was cold. 

Jordan was friendly and took good care of us.

Basic Beanie with a Cuff

I finished knitting an adult basic beanie with a cuff today. I found the pattern here. I haven't knitted a lot of hats and I think it turned out okay.

Sizes: Prem [0-3, 6-9, 12-18, Child, Adult, XL] 

To fit head: 30 [35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 61]cm 

Yarn: 4ply weight yarn

Needles: 5mm circular needles or double pointed needles to work in the round and for crown shaping 

Using circular needles, cast on 60 [70, 76, 90, 96, 104, 116] sts, join for working in the round, making sure the work isn't twisted, and place the stitch marker to mark the beginning.

Ribbing: (k1, p1) to end.

Repeat until cuff measures 2 [2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4, 5]cm from cast on (straight cuff), or 4 [5, 6, 7, 8, 8, 10]cm from cast on (folded cuff), or desired length.

Sizes 6-9, 12-18 and XL: kfb, knit to end. 1 stitch increased. (- [-, 77, 91, -, -, 117]sts)

Now knit every round until hat measures either 5 [6.5, 8, 9.5, 12, 13, 16]cm from cast on edge (straight cuff), or 7 [9, 11, 13, 16, 17, 20]cm from cast on (folded cuff), or desired length.

Crown Shaping

Decrease round: (k8 [8, 9, 11, 10, 11, 11], k2tog), to end. 6 [7, 7, 7, 8, 8, 9] sts decreased.

Next round: knit to end.

Repeat these two rounds, working 1 less stitch before the k2tog in each new repeat, and still decreasing the same number of stitches each time, until you have 18 [21, 21, 21, 24, 24, 27]sts.

Next round: (k1, k2tog) to end. (12 [14, 14, 14, 16, 16, 18]sts.)

Next round: k2tog to end. (6 [7, 7, 7, 8, 8, 9]sts.)

Cut yarn leaving a long tail. Thread this tail through the remaining live stitches using your yarn needle, taking the knitting needles out as you go, and pull to close. Fasten off, and weave in both ends.

Book ~ "Rascal" (2006) Ellen Miles

From Goodreads ~ Lizzie and Charles Peterson love dogs, especially puppies. So it is perfect that the Petersons are a foster family for young dogs. They will adopt a pet of their own one day but now they are happy to help puppies find just the right home. 

The Petersons' newest foster puppy is Rascal. He is a Jack Russell terrier and his name fits him well. He may be small but he can cause big trouble. Lizzie and Charles are in for a challenge. Will they be able to find someone who will care for this pesky little puppy?

Charles and his older sister, Lizzie, are in elementary school. They have been bugging their parents to get a dog but their mom is a cat person and has said no. She agrees to let them foster dogs so they can see what it's like having the responsibility of having a dog. 

Their mother's co-worker arrives one day with Rascal, a Jack Russell terrier puppy. She has three young children and Rascal is way too hyper for their family. She knows the Petersons foster dogs and is hoping they will be able to find a home for him. Realizing Rascal needs more training than they can provide, Lizzie and Charles take Rascal to puppy training classes. Adding to Lizzie's stress is her friend trying to entice her to go horseback riding but she's afraid of horses.

Though this book is a quick read and directed at elementary-aged children, I found it entertaining. There is a learning experience and a puppy tip at the end. It is written in third person perspective and first person from Rascal's point of view. It is the fourth in the Puppy Place series, which currently has 64 books in the series, and works as a stand alone.

Book ~ "Buddy" (2007) Ellen Miles

From Goodreads ~ Charles and Lizzie Peterson are very good with puppies. They want one of their own but their mom has never been ready for them to have one full time. For now, they help take care of puppies that need to find a new home. 

Lizzie helps out at the local dog shelter and the shelter's newest arrival, Skipper, has a surprise: three newborn puppies! The Petersons decide to foster all four dogs. 

Will they be able to find just the right home for all of them and can Mrs. Peterson resist even these adorable pups?

Lizzie and Charles, her younger brother, are in elementary school. They have been bugging their parents to get a dog but their mom is a cat person and has said no. She agrees to let them foster dogs so they can see what it's like having the responsibility of having a dog. 

Lizzie volunteers at an animal rescue which is overloaded with dogs. Since Lizzie and her family foster dogs, she meets Skipper, a new dog, and she gets a surprise ... not only does Skipper need a foster home but she also has three young puppies. Lizzie's parents agree to foster them and give them names. They name the only male puppy Buddy and he needs a bit more help as he's the runt. Lizzie and her family organize an adopt-a-thon at a local bookstore to raise awareness of the bookstore but also to find homes for the dogs in the shelter.

Though this book is a quick read and directed at elementary-aged children, I found it entertaining. There is a learning experience and a puppy tip at the end. It is written in third person perspective and first person from Rascal's point of view. It is the fifth in the Puppy Place series, which currently has 64 books in the series, and works as a stand alone.

Book ~ "Flash" (2007) Ellen Miles

From Goodreads ~ Charles and Lizzie Peterson love puppies. They have a puppy of their own named Buddy but they also foster dogs that need help finding new homes. 

Charles and Lizzie are visiting their cousins in the country when a young border collie is abandoned at their feet. Flash loves to run and chase so Charles and Lizzie know not just any home will work for this puppy. Can they find a forever home that's just right for Flash?

Charles and his older sister, Lizzie, are in elementary school. They recently got a dog named Buddy and still foster dogs and help them find a home.

Charles and Lizzie are visiting their cousins in the country when a car pulls up, drops off a puppy named Flash and then takes off. While they are trying to figure out who abandoned the puppy, they discover that Flash has lots of energy and an aptitude for agility training so start training him along with their own dog and their neighbour's dogs. Happily they find the right home for Flash in the end.

Though this book is a quick read and directed at elementary-aged children, I found it entertaining. There is a learning experience and a puppy tip at the end. It is written in third person perspective and first person from the dogs' points of view. It is the sixth in the Puppy Place series, which currently has 64 books in the series, and works as a stand alone.