Finally read it, Treachery in Death by J.D. Robb (aka Nora Roberts). It was pretty good, but not what I expected. In this one, I got the impression from the preview in the last paperback that Dallas' partner Peabody was going to get more play.
Instead, we finally see Dallas's feelings as she helps Peabody deal with the issue in the main plot of the book. She is changing and Roberts put in bunches of ooey, gooey sentimental bits.
Dallas puts down the evil doer, again not as I expected, but it was good. She did more this time than say, "You're under arrest." A couple of books ago I was disappointed in the calm ending especially after several of her earlier books when Dallas or her hubby Roarke were hanging by a thread.
Finally there was an interesting little development with some minor characters. I'm interested in seeing how that will play out. All in all, decent In Death.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Sunday, June 26, 2011
TV: What Killed Me...
The end of the TV season coincides with a very stressful time period at work. I have done everything I can to move projects around just so I could enjoy the finales, but to no avail. So here it is a whole month later and I'm finally getting around to my impressions. Here's my take:
SPOILERS!
First on some shows I don't watch unless another family member is...
Dr. Who: Figured out as soon as River said "He finds out who I am." I knew.
Castle: He says he loves her?
Justified: Now what. She's dead. They're almost all dead. Is Dickie going to be one angry little revenge seeker? No one else saw the handshake you know.
And then my favs...
House: I knew something was up with all the previews being so dramatic so I wasn't as surprised that House would do something whacked out. The driving the car into the house was a little "Whoa," but that he ended up where he did - not so much. Though I'm definitely curious as to what the team is going to be doing come fall.
Chuck: I really thought they'd leave us hanging with Sarah on her deathbed, but that would have been so obvious, right? So instead we have to wonder what the heck they're going to do with Morgan. I mean the show is called "Chuck." That the dynamic duo owns the BuyMore and will run their own organization also not much of a surprise.
Fringe: More shocking was how they made the two worlds coexist on Fringe. I loved how they made it so the worlds didn't have to be destroyed. Really didn't expect Peter to just wink out of existence. So does Fauxlivia still have a baby? Why do Walter and Walternate hate each other if there was no Peter? More questions...
Bones: O M G! I wasn't expecting that until the moment before she opened her mouth. B even said, "That isn't right. You can't know that fast can you?" The answer is yes, but it was still unexpected. I was even thrown off by Booth's reaction - I expected a shocked look not a smile. Can't wait until premieres. This is the one that killed me.
SPOILERS!
First on some shows I don't watch unless another family member is...
Dr. Who: Figured out as soon as River said "He finds out who I am." I knew.
Castle: He says he loves her?
Justified: Now what. She's dead. They're almost all dead. Is Dickie going to be one angry little revenge seeker? No one else saw the handshake you know.
And then my favs...
House: I knew something was up with all the previews being so dramatic so I wasn't as surprised that House would do something whacked out. The driving the car into the house was a little "Whoa," but that he ended up where he did - not so much. Though I'm definitely curious as to what the team is going to be doing come fall.
Chuck: I really thought they'd leave us hanging with Sarah on her deathbed, but that would have been so obvious, right? So instead we have to wonder what the heck they're going to do with Morgan. I mean the show is called "Chuck." That the dynamic duo owns the BuyMore and will run their own organization also not much of a surprise.
Fringe: More shocking was how they made the two worlds coexist on Fringe. I loved how they made it so the worlds didn't have to be destroyed. Really didn't expect Peter to just wink out of existence. So does Fauxlivia still have a baby? Why do Walter and Walternate hate each other if there was no Peter? More questions...
Bones: O M G! I wasn't expecting that until the moment before she opened her mouth. B even said, "That isn't right. You can't know that fast can you?" The answer is yes, but it was still unexpected. I was even thrown off by Booth's reaction - I expected a shocked look not a smile. Can't wait until premieres. This is the one that killed me.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Miscellaneous: Amusement Parks
We recently went on vacation. To Disney World. And Universal Studios Florida. $$$$$ and $$$$$ and $$$$$. I'm still calculating how much money we spent.
There were four of us, and we got a discount (listened to someone's spiel about time shares) on tickets for two of the 4 major parks at Disney World - $500 ($659 without discount). That's two each day with no park hopping ($879 for park hopping between the big four parks). Parking each day you go is currently $14 so even if you spring for the extra park hopping tickets you still have to pay for parking each day. Food for four runs about $35 a meal, times two for lunch and dinner if you stay at the park all day. You can bring in your own food, but no coolers so bring non-perishables. We brought in water bottles and transferred the ice after our lunch. We also tried to take advantage of the Fast Passes when we could. Fast Passes don't mean extra money at Disney...
But they do at Universal. To get their quicker line deals you have to pay more and parking costs $15. However, the park hopping is better with only two parks ($20 more per person). Two day park hopping tickets for 4 (3 adults and 1 child) were $569. The meals and food were about the same as Disney, however they did have a special on the Harry Potter Butterbeer mugs - buy the mug for about $10 and get all soft drinks with that mug for only $0.85 instead of $2.19. Look for any of those deals. Just as a note the Universal in Florida has something called City Walk (read Night Life) and many stay after the parks close for this.
Going to amusement parks now is sooo much more than when we were younger. Find any way to make your costs cheaper. Go off season, get package deals if at all possible, take food into the park (which is much easier when the park is near your home), wear decent shoes (walking every day for 4 days is killer on an old bod'), wear a hat in hot weather (one that can easily attach to a belt loop so it doesn't fly off on the rides), bring in your cash and card (ATMs in the park have extra charges), and don't forget sunblock. You don't want to have to buy anything inside the park if you can help it.
I didn't include souvenirs, lodging, food outside the parks, car rental, gas, and airline tickets (in our case). I'm sure I'm forgetting something. What I'm trying to say is think carefully and plan well. Then enjoy :)
There were four of us, and we got a discount (listened to someone's spiel about time shares) on tickets for two of the 4 major parks at Disney World - $500 ($659 without discount). That's two each day with no park hopping ($879 for park hopping between the big four parks). Parking each day you go is currently $14 so even if you spring for the extra park hopping tickets you still have to pay for parking each day. Food for four runs about $35 a meal, times two for lunch and dinner if you stay at the park all day. You can bring in your own food, but no coolers so bring non-perishables. We brought in water bottles and transferred the ice after our lunch. We also tried to take advantage of the Fast Passes when we could. Fast Passes don't mean extra money at Disney...
But they do at Universal. To get their quicker line deals you have to pay more and parking costs $15. However, the park hopping is better with only two parks ($20 more per person). Two day park hopping tickets for 4 (3 adults and 1 child) were $569. The meals and food were about the same as Disney, however they did have a special on the Harry Potter Butterbeer mugs - buy the mug for about $10 and get all soft drinks with that mug for only $0.85 instead of $2.19. Look for any of those deals. Just as a note the Universal in Florida has something called City Walk (read Night Life) and many stay after the parks close for this.
Going to amusement parks now is sooo much more than when we were younger. Find any way to make your costs cheaper. Go off season, get package deals if at all possible, take food into the park (which is much easier when the park is near your home), wear decent shoes (walking every day for 4 days is killer on an old bod'), wear a hat in hot weather (one that can easily attach to a belt loop so it doesn't fly off on the rides), bring in your cash and card (ATMs in the park have extra charges), and don't forget sunblock. You don't want to have to buy anything inside the park if you can help it.
I didn't include souvenirs, lodging, food outside the parks, car rental, gas, and airline tickets (in our case). I'm sure I'm forgetting something. What I'm trying to say is think carefully and plan well. Then enjoy :)
Monday, June 20, 2011
Friday, June 17, 2011
Chocolate: Hershey's Air Delight - Take 2
I tried it.
The only thing that was different was the texture - creamy. It's like you get the melty chocolate taste immediately without having to let it melt in your mouth.
But, other than that, nothing different. It still tastes like a Hershey bar. B says, "The air does nothing. Seems pointless." It reminded me of a 3 Musketeers.
Here's another review.
Which mentions another of Hershey's "pay for air" products. Since I wasn't impressed, I'm in no hurry.
The only thing that was different was the texture - creamy. It's like you get the melty chocolate taste immediately without having to let it melt in your mouth.
But, other than that, nothing different. It still tastes like a Hershey bar. B says, "The air does nothing. Seems pointless." It reminded me of a 3 Musketeers.
Here's another review.
Which mentions another of Hershey's "pay for air" products. Since I wasn't impressed, I'm in no hurry.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Books: Anne of Green Gables
A's reading issues from this past year have had me looking at a lot of classics or like classic books lately. One I thought A might find interesting is Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery. I read the book when I was about 9 years old after a summer trip to Nova Scotia in which we visited the National Historical site at Prince Edward Island (very cool!).
I felt that Anne was nothing like me, but it didn't stop me from reading about her misadventures. I think I went on to read at least 2 more from the series, but I either can't remember or have blended them together.
In case you didn't know, there is a cartoon about Anne and while I think they really tried to capture the spirit of Anne and the time period, the show is extremely annoying (imo). I say this even though they really try to teach lessons with each episode.
I'm thinking at the very least I'll be able to get A to read it in the fall. Maybe.
I felt that Anne was nothing like me, but it didn't stop me from reading about her misadventures. I think I went on to read at least 2 more from the series, but I either can't remember or have blended them together.
In case you didn't know, there is a cartoon about Anne and while I think they really tried to capture the spirit of Anne and the time period, the show is extremely annoying (imo). I say this even though they really try to teach lessons with each episode.
I'm thinking at the very least I'll be able to get A to read it in the fall. Maybe.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
TV: New Fall Shows
While I'm not a fan of E!, they have a plethora of fun TV related info (Watch With Kristen). They put up an article about the new fall shows and a few look like a lot of fun...
Once Upon A Time
New Girl
Terra Nova hmmm...
Okay, this one is a little scary 2 Broke Girls
But this one is scarier Apartment 23
Both still interesting although 2 Broke Girls might not last long. Check them out :)
Once Upon A Time
New Girl
Terra Nova hmmm...
Okay, this one is a little scary 2 Broke Girls
But this one is scarier Apartment 23
Both still interesting although 2 Broke Girls might not last long. Check them out :)
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Miscellaneous: Barbie Craze
A & M love the Barbies. A probably wouldn't win any friends if they knew she still played with them, but I remember playing with them when I was her age. The two like to play with them like they're a family, school & work. There's no overblown drama about Barbie's figure and how it doesn't portray a normal looking female, she's just a mom who rocks her little baby Barbie to sleep and goes to work in the morning.
When they're playing and the Barbies are working, A & M like to go to work themselves. They will pretend to be teachers or get on the computer. When the family goes to the movies, they are suddenly lined up on the sofa watching something on TV.
Ah, those days.
This was brought to my attention lately 1) because they've been playing every weekend and 2)because someone posted something on Facebook about Tuesday Taylor. Remember her? She's the one whose head top swiveled so you could get blonde or brunette. Mine was suntan and could get tan lines wearing a white bikini and a swirly orange coverup.
I still have her.
When they're playing and the Barbies are working, A & M like to go to work themselves. They will pretend to be teachers or get on the computer. When the family goes to the movies, they are suddenly lined up on the sofa watching something on TV.
Ah, those days.
This was brought to my attention lately 1) because they've been playing every weekend and 2)because someone posted something on Facebook about Tuesday Taylor. Remember her? She's the one whose head top swiveled so you could get blonde or brunette. Mine was suntan and could get tan lines wearing a white bikini and a swirly orange coverup.
I still have her.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Men: Damon Wayans Jr.
Name: Damon Kyle Wayans Jr.Best Known For: TV, Happy Endings
Year of Birth: 1982
Status: Single
Height: 6'1"
Fun Fact: Went to school for fine arts and animation
Didn't even know this one existed! I'm used to seeing goofy "dad." I like this Damon better ;) So I'm looking at some new TV shows (another post) and I see he filmed a pilot called New Girl. However, Happy Endings was picked up for next season so his part is being recast. I may have to look into Happy Endings...
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
S U M M E R
S is for sleeping in.
U is for the umbrella - for sun!
M is for Minecraft
M is also for movies, specifically Harry Potter.
E is for eating ice cream and popsicles.
R is for relaxing and reading.
U is for the umbrella - for sun!
M is for Minecraft
M is also for movies, specifically Harry Potter.
E is for eating ice cream and popsicles.
R is for relaxing and reading.
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