A Perfectly Ketchup Life Hack

Can you believe it is already Wednesday?? I know, right! Harley started Basketball camp today so we were up really early to make that trip to the school, took Darian to work, came home and waited for it to be time to pick-up Harley and then came home for a nap!! No kidding. I took a nap before noon! Every year since Richard's father died (in 1973) we have bought red geraniums and covered his grave. His mother joined him in 2000 and we continued with the tradition. It was one of the things I promised Richard I would carry on for him. Harley and I took a big pot of geraniums out on Saturday with a plan to return to pick them up today. This is what we always do. And they are always there. But not this year. This year they were gone. It makes me so mad to think someone would steal flowers off of someone's loved ones grave. It has happened at the cemetery where my angel baby is buried. But never at this cemetery. Harley's attitude was good. "Well, someone must have needed them more than we did." Just pisses me off. Do you go back and bring your flowers home after the holiday?  

And here is this week's life hack. I used to do this for my kiddos when we went to McDonald's and they wanted ketchup for their French fries. This was before they have the little cups and the huge pump containers they have now. We rarely ever go into a fast food restaurant to eat anymore. But this would still work for kids and their ketchup. Do you have a nifty life hack you use at a fast food restaurant that you would care to share with us today??  

Eleanor & Park-A Book Review

Overview From Barnes & Noble

#1 New York Times Best Seller!

"Eleanor & Park reminded me not just what it's like to be young and in love with a girl, but also what it's like to be young and in love with a book."-John Green, The New York Times Book Review

Bono met his wife in high school, Park says.
So did Jerry Lee Lewis, Eleanor answers.
I'm not kidding, he says.
You should be, she says, we're 16.
What about Romeo and Juliet?
Shallow, confused, then dead.
I love you, Park says.
Wherefore art thou, Eleanor answers.
I'm not kidding, he says.
You should be.

Set over the course of one school year in 1986, this is the story of two star-crossed misfits-smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try. When Eleanor meets Park, you'll remember your own first love-and just how hard it pulled you under.

Oh my gosh! I have been hearing about this book for a while now. Recently I found it on BookBub for $1.99. It has been on my reading list so I hurriedly went off and downloaded it. I knew it would be a quick read. Well quick, for me. Which means less than a week. Probably a fast reader could read it in a day!

This book is written by Rainbow Rowell. I love saying her name. I think it is her first novel. I haven't checked that fact to be sure. But I think it is. And what a first novel. WOW!

I love both Eleanor and Park. What a love story. So tragic! Park is half-Korean and Eleanor is the new girl at school. She is big, red-headed and dresses weird. Just the kind of girl high school kids will make fun of. Bully! And this happens to Eleanor. But Park falls in love with her anyway. The real tragic part of the story, though, is not about bullying. It is about what is going on in Eleanor's home. A mean, nasty step-father. Lots of kids all crammed into one bedroom and a spineless, tormented mom. The book is about first love. Young love. And how a half-Asian boy saves a quirky girl.

This book is given 5 stars. ***** It deserves even more. But 5 is the most I give.  

Memorial Day Life List

LOOKING OUT MY WINDOW....

The sky is getting cloudy. The A/C is on. It is very humid. So much rain recently!

AS I PONDER....

Today we ponder Memorial Day! Memorial Day is an American holiday that is celebrated on the last Monday of every May. This holiday originated in the years following the Civil War and was originally called Decoration Day. It became a Federal holiday in 1971. I grew up calling it Decoration Day. The holiday is meant to honor the lives of the men and women who died while serving in the military. My family always celebrated this day by visiting the cemeteries and decorating the graves of those family members who had passed before us. That is how I still celebrate this holiday. We put a tub of geraniums on Grandma and Grandpa Beale's graves (Richard's parents) and took white roses to my little angel-baby Elaine. We will release some bright pink balloons for Papa.  Many years in the past we followed up the visits to the cemeteries with a huge cookout. This year we are having a "Make Your Own" Taco Bar with refried Beans and a Sopapilla Cheesecake! 



WHAT I AM LEARNING...

Our Do Not Depart group is taking a break for the summer. I am going to continue with one of the old chapters they had memorized before I joined: Ephesians 1:1-23

WHAT I 'M CREATING...

Yesterday I took the girls shopping at Hobby Lobby. They want to create something! I bought them some canvases and paint with brushes. I'll share pictures of their creations. I am not creating, at the moment. 

WHAT I'M READING....

I am reading Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell. I simply love this author's name!!
(*I finished this book. Stay tuned for my review later this week)

WHAT I'M WATCHING...

All of my favorite shows are now in re-runs. Since I didn't miss many episodes during the winter months I am on the look out for new shows. Any recommendations from you guys?

WHAT I'M HEARING...

I am listening to a re-run of Blue Bloods right now!

WHAT'S ON MY CAMERA...

WHAT I'M DRINKING....

Along with discovering my love for lemon water I have taken a liking to infused waters with other vegetables and fruits. My favorite is lemon and orange. But I also love the light, crisp taste of cucumber with mint leaves. You can go here to read all about infused waters. 

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE KITCHEN...

 Monday...Tacos, Refried Beans, Cheesecake

 Tuesday...Breakfast 4 Dinner

 Wednesday...Ham & Cheese Sandwiches, Chips

 Thursday...Goulash

 Friday...Tropical Summer Pasta Salad

 Saturday...Salmon, Creamy Cucumber Salad, Grilled Zucchini

 Sunday...Salisbury Steaks, Mashed potatoes, peas

A QUOTE I WANT TO SHARE...

We need to take the time to remember this!









LOOKING FORWARD....


Today we will release a balloon (or three or four) and remember Richard! We will let him know we are moving forward and we are all doing okay!! Keep looking down on us, dear!


HAPPENINGS IN MY BACKYARD...

The grass needs mowed and trimmed. With all the rain we have been having the grass is growing. Maybe we can get on that this week. More birdies are flying in and finding their ways to the feeders. And we still have a variety of rabbits and squirrels stealing whatever they can find on the ground. I have spotted the red fox lately. Or the deer. And it has been a bit since Polly, the Opossum has paid me a late night visit. 


A PEEK INTO MY WEEK...

The business of summer starts this week. Tuesday-Friday Harley will have basketball camp and weight training each morning from 6:30 a.m. until 9:30. I will be driving. YAY me!! On Wednesday evening their high school Sunday school class is having a pond party. I know that Harley will go! She goes to anything that is social. We will see what Darian thinks. He is working full time now and just wants to shower and rest when he gets home. Thursday he will have Poolee PT with the Marines. And then the weekend will be here again. 




A FINAL THOUGHT....

I love a visit to the nursery. We only bought a pot of geraniums and left them at the cemetery. But Harley took pictures. She is like her Papa..he, too, loved to photograph flowers.

Thursday's Question

Time for this nosy old blogger to ask you a question! One that might make you think a bit! Or one that you know the answer to straight off the bat! I just like to hear your answers.







If you were given a choice between being given great wisdom or great wealth, which would you choose?

A Book Review-The Husband's Secret

Overview From Barnes and Noble

At the heart of The Husband’s Secret is a letter that is not meant to be read...

My darling Cecilia,
If you’re reading this, then I’ve died...

Imagine your husband wrote you a letter, to be opened after his death. Imagine, too, that the letter contains his deepest, darkest secret—something with the potential to destroy not only the life you have built together, but the lives of others as well. And then imagine that you stumble across that letter while your husband is still very much alive…

Cecilia Fitzpatrick has achieved it all—she’s an incredibly successful businesswoman, a pillar of her small community, a devoted wife and mother. Her life is as orderly and spotless as her home. But that letter is about to change everything—and not just for her. There are other women who barely know Cecilia—or each other—but they, too, are about to feel the earth-shattering repercussions of her husband’s secret.

I finished this book last night. Just before we lost power due to a very powerful thunderstorm. (I remembered to unplug the computer as I haven't yet gone out and purchased that surge protector). I am a bit familiar with this author as I have read her book What Alice Forgot, which I really enjoyed.

This book involves the lives of three women: Cecilia (a successful Tupperware lady married to John Paul), Tess, (a young mother whose husband falls in love with her cousin) and Rachel (a middle-aged woman who cannot get past the murder of her young daughter, which took place 20 years in the past). The letter, written by Cecilia's husband, ties all of these women together in one way or another. I don't think I could have kept the secret (or stayed with the man) and what Cecilia does with the secret was interesting.

And appalling, as far as I'm concerned.  In the end this book's lesson is once Pandora's box is opened, chaos ensues. Or the lesson could be that everyone has secrets and what you do, or don't do, with them can send your life into different directions. I didn't think the characters were likable at all. I found all the women to be rather pathetic for one reason or another. I have read many reviews on this book and people thought the secret was predictable. I didn't find that to be so. The secret is told early in the book. Dealing with the secret is what the book is all about. And in the end Karma sucks!! Big time for one little girl!

This book gets a solid *** stars from me. A good book; just not a great book. 

Kitchen Scissors Life Hack

I like doing things the easy way! Who doesn't? Something I learned along the way was how handy a pair of scissors are in the kitchen. I don't go out and buy those special kitchen scissors (have you seen them?) I just put my old scissors in the kitchen cutlery drainer when they don't cut paper well anymore. And throw away the old pair that's already there.

I use scissors, in the kitchen, for lots of things. I cut open packages. Much easier than following that little "tear Here" nonsense. I use them to cut up chicken into bite size pieces. Just be sure to wash them really well with soap and hot water after you are done. I use scissors to cut up bread, hot dog buns, hamburger rolls, and throw the pieces out back for the birds.

But my favorite use of my kitchen scissors is for salads. I don't have the  patience to doing all that fine chopping that is necessary for a good chopped salad. So I use my kitchen scissors. I buy bagged salad most of the time. And they cut it into big pieces. I like my salad more chopped. So I dump it into the bowl and start chopping with my scissors. I cut up the onions, peppers, and even the tomatoes with my scissors. Yep, I do.

Do you use kitchen scissors? How do you use them? Please share!

My Life List

LOOKING OUT MY WINDOW....

It is Sunday evening at my house. I would like to say it is quiet. Justin and Paige left a couple hours ago and the kids' boy/girlfriend arrived. Harley and Josh are hanging out in the reading room and Darian and Kat are watching a movie on his laptop in the other room. I don't know about this life! I wish we could skip the whole dating scene. No, I really don't wish that! It is just different and I will get used to it. Maybe! Anyway back to looking out my window. It is cloudy. Looks like rain. We haven't had but seconds of sunshine all week. I hope this coming week brings more sunshine!

AS I PONDER....

Recently I was on the blog of a friend, Life & Faith in Caneyhead, and she was talking about the number of posts she had on her blog! I never knew where to look (at the top of the dashboard). I am shocked to find that I have 1746 blog posts. Wow! I have had a lot to say! Also, I recently learned from another blogger friend, Lynda Grace An Hour Away, about a place you can use to print your blog, Blog2Print. I plan to spend some time on that site seeing what I can come up with. Wouldn't it be fun to see some of your blog posts gathered into a little book?

WHAT I AM LEARNING...

This is the final week of memorizing Matthew 6. I have kept up pretty well. I think I can recite it all (with some little hints). I have truly enjoyed memorizing this verse. And I am keeping this old brain of mine active.

Matthew 6:33-34

"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."

WHAT I 'M CREATING...

I need to make a trip to the plant nursery so I can create some flower pots to take to Grandma and Grandpa's grave sites. I promised Richard I would carry on with this. My mom and step-dad were cremated (and so was Richard) so we have no graves to decorate. We usually do a balloon release for them on Memorial Day. And on their birthdays. And other special days when we want to remember them. So off to get some bright red geraniums this week. Richard's favorite!


WHAT I'M READING....

I am reading The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty!

WHAT I'M WATCHING...

We are watching Billboard Music Awards! And Harley is in heaven! She loves these music awards. (boyfriend went home).

WHAT I'M HEARING...

Unfortunately I am hearing Justin Bieber! What a spoiled brat boy singer!!

WHAT'S ON MY CAMERA...

This weeks pictures came from Harley's camera! They are a fishing excursion she went on with Darian at the nearby Dillon's Nature Center (just across the road from us)

WHAT I'M DRINKING....

Right now I am drinking an ice cold Pepsi. I don't have pop very often but tonight we had pizza for dinner and a Pepsi sounded good.


WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE KITCHEN...

Monday...Chicken Pot Pie

Tuesday...Breakfast Casserole & Toast

Wednesday...Elvis Burgers & Fries

Thursday...French Onion & Chicken Casserole

Friday...Pizza

Saturday...Chicken Kabobs & Rice

Sunday...Salisbury Steaks & Mashed potatoes


A QUOTE I WANT TO SHARE...

This is very hard to do. But I am sure it would be worth the effort to practice!





HAPPENINGS IN MY BACKYARD...

The birds are coming! So far I have seen Orioles, Blue Jays, Cardinals, Robins, Doves (a couple of varieties) and black birds. We also saw a red fox this week. In the daylight! Wonder where he is living!

A PEEK INTO MY WEEK...

This week will be pretty much the same everyday. Get up early and drive Darian to work. On Monday he wants to go to the bank and open his checking account. Then I will pick him up each day as well. Harley and I will begin to clean out his closets so we can start the painting process. (The one I have been putting off for almost two years).

A FINAL THOUGHT....

Just in case you did not see this on the Internet this past week, I am going to share it here. Harley and I found it to be so hysterical and I can't quit laughing. I think we all need a good laugh as a final thought today. 

Dear Friday

Dear Friday:
I am sorry to tell you this, but for the next few months you won't be as important as you used to be. School is out. Everyday will feel like Friday to us. (We are sorry Darian, we mean us girls) But I will be looking forward to get reacquainted with you come September. Love, Granny

Dear Family and Friends:
Thanks to all of you who made Darian's high school graduation special. To those of you who drove a distance (Oklahoma) to those of you who drove across town to share the day with us. To all of you who sent him cards with gifts and well-wishes. To all of you here on my blog who offered him your congratulations. This part of his life (and mine) is now in the past. On to the future! A great big world out there for him. Love, Paula

Dear Car:
You are my one and only! Yep, the only car I have! So you have to be reliable. And on Wednesday this week you weren't. No problem when I took Darian to work at 7:30 a.m. But when I went to pick him up at 4:30 p.m. you wouldn't start. Just click, click, click. I was pretty sure the battery was dead. A quick call to Darian and he found a ride home. Another quick call to Marvin (adopted son-in-law) and he came over. We couldn't find the battery. Not under the hood of the car. Grabbed the car manual and found that it is located under the back seat. I think I remembered this from an episode years ago. Something Richard handled and not me! One of those things he probably wanted to teach me, but I didn't want to learn. Anyway, battery removed (discovered it was purchased in 2008) so Marvin recommended just replacing it. And off he went to purchase one for me. Yikes $140.00 for a battery! I was thinking maybe about $75. You start now!! But, what the heck is that whining noise you are making????
Respectfully, (not going to say love tonight) Paula

Dear Weekend:
WE still love you! But now it feels like most everyday is a weekend day. Well, to Harley and me it does. Darian is a working man now. From &7:40 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. This Friday (today) he is taking another trip to the MEPS (Marines) in Oklahoma City. This time for what they call a Moment of Truth! Time to fess up if they told any lies on their paperwork. Dumb!!! Boys games at their best, I say! Have fun and a good weekend to all.

This was taken at Piper's Graduation from 8th grade

on Monday evening!!

Thursday's Question

If you know me then you know I like to ask questions. That is how I get to know you. And believe me I want to get to know you. And you! And you! So, every week, on Thursday I like to ask a question. And you, my friend, get to give me the answers!! Okay!

Are You a Rule-Follower?

Or do you like to bend them?

Or break them?

Extension Cord Life Hack

I love life hacks!

life-hack

"noun-a strategy or technique adopted in order to manage one's time and daily activities in a more efficient way"

We all use life hacks everyday, don't we. Now we just need to share them and make sure everyone knows!!

This is one of those magical little things I learned from my dear husband, Richard. I was outside using our electrical leaf blower one day, getting very frustrated with how many times I had to stop and go back to plug it back into the extension cord. When coming to the rescue was "Super Husband" to show me what to do. So simple! And I never had it become unplugged again. I use this 'life hack' all the time! Do you do this?

And for those of you who are wondering what became of our Whole 30 you can check out my other blog OUR ADVENTURE INTO WHOLE 30 AND BEYOND.  We are currently on a tiny break and then we will start into our next phase to see where it will take us!

Blonde-A Book Review

Overview from Barnes and Noble 

One of America’s most acclaimed novelists boldly re-imagines one of America’s most enduring icons in Blonde—the National Book Award-nominated bestseller by Joyce Carol Oates. The legend of Marilyn Monroe—aka Norma Jeane Baker—comes provocatively alive in this powerful tale of Hollywood myth and heartbreaking reality. Marilyn Monroe lives—reborn to tell her untold history; her story of a star created to shine brightest in the Hollywood firmament before her fall to earth. Blonde is a dazzling fictional portrait of the intricate inner life of the idolized and desired movie star as only the inimitable Joyce Carol Oates could paint it.

I did not read this book. I listened to the audio version. (does that count towards books read?) After I finished the story, I found out that this audio version is an abridged edition. That means it is shortened. Dang!! I don't know that I will get out the book and read it. I, now, know a lot of the story. And the book is over 900 pages. I just don't think I can do another huge book right now! Maybe later.

Anyway, this is fiction based on truth. Joyce Carol Oates wrote a fascinating story based on what we all knew about Marilyn Monroe. The story is sad. Norma Jean had so much to live for, yet, she chose to live loosely and dangerously. I think she was taken advantage of by many people. Because she was beautiful. 

The book (and this audio version) tracks her life from childhood until death. She is portrayed in a good light and in a bad light. In the end we get to decide. All Norma Jean (or Marilyn Monroe) really wanted was to be loved by someone. She tried to get the love from her mentally ill mother, from a father she never knew, and from all 3 of her husbands. She wanted the public to love her, the studio to love her, everyone to love her. And she died trying to get love from someone!! Anyone!!

I give this audio book *** three stars. It was a good story. But it just wasn't that great!! Will I read the book? Maybe!

MONDAY'S LIFE LIST-May 16, 2016 Edition

LOOKING OUT MY WINDOW....

Today, as I look out my window, I see puddles of rain water everywhere. We have had a steady drizzle since last night. Just the kind of rain that has been needed. Everything will grow and bloom and we will soon be into full summer. 

I AM THANKFUL...

I am thankful the rain held off for our graduation party on Saturday. We had a beautiful, but cool, day. Perfect for the party!

AS I PONDER....

Now I ponder the summer before us. Harley has a full day of school today and half a day tomorrow. Then she is out until August. Darian started his new full-time job this morning! So, while I'd like to believe we are going to be on a slower, more laid-back, lifestyle I doubt it will be. 


WHAT I AM LEARNING...

Matthew 6:30

"Therefore do not be anxious, saying 'What shall we eat? or 'What shall we drink?" or "What shall we wear?" For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father know that you need them all."


WHAT I AM CREATING...

I am thinking about my summer mantle and how I want it to look. We decorated it for graduation with the banner being "2016" and pictures of the Marine Corps. Now onto summer!!

WHAT I'M READING....

I finished "reading" Blonde. Actually, I listened to it. Made it easier for me to get ready for a graduation celebration. I will post my review this week. Now I am reading The Husband's Secret by Lian Moriarty. Have you read this book.

WHAT I'M WATCHING...

Last night I watched another episode of The Family on ABC. Sadly, I just learned there will not be a season 2. I enjoyed this show. It was a crime-drama mystery and I guess we will never know how it was to end. I hate when shows I really like get canceled.

WHAT I'M HEARING...

I am currently listening to The Chew. I really enjoy this daytime show. I've gathered some fine recipes from watching. And I plan to sit here today and catch up with My Feedly reader. I have so many blog posts to read! And leave comments on. So the TV will be my background companion on this dreary, rainy, afternoon. 

WHAT'S ON MY CAMERA...

WHAT I'M DRINKING....

As I sit here at the computer, I am sipping a cup of hot coffee laced with French Vanilla Cream. Ah, how I missed you my little creamy friend!

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE KITCHEN...

Monday...Leftovers
Tuesday...Hot dogs
Wednesday...Celebration at Church
Thursday...Shredded smoked chicken
Friday...Chopped Southwest Chicken Salad
Saturday...Shepard's Pie
Sunday...Green Bean Soup (For Paige)

A QUOTE I WANT TO SHARE...

HAPPENINGS IN MY BACKYARD...

When things dry out, we will continue with our removing the raised beds Richard built years ago. And the ever and ongoing raking and picking up leaves and twigs. That chore never seems to end. Then I need to contact the plumber to see what we are going to do about an outdoor water faucet. So many things to do. So little energy to do it with! 

A PEEK INTO MY WEEK...

This week will be mostly about winding down the school year. Getting Harley signed up for basketball camp which starts on May 31th and then taking her and picking her up 4 days a week. Plus getting Darian to and from work and Harley too and from work (if she gets a job!!) I will have a busy summer of taxi-driving. How much do you think I should charge them??

A FINAL THOUGHT....

Darian is now a high school graduate. It doesn't seem like it was that long ago when he and his sister arrived at our house. He was just finishing the 5th grade then. I never dreamed the years would fly by the way they have. I am very proud of the man he has become. (I still choke on that word "Man" as he will always be a little boy to me). There were some ups and downs for him on his special day. More ups than downs I am happy to report. We had an awesome family/friend get together. On Sunday Uncle Justin took him to the gun range and they spent the afternoon firing a variety of guns. Major excitement for Darian! And I expect for Uncle Justin too. The girls and I went shopping. Today is Paige's 16th birthday. I always take her shopping on her birthday. She gets to buy what she wants. She got an adorable dress and sunglasses and make-up! Just those important things a 16 year old girl needs. Then last evening we had dinner at the Olive Garden for her celebration. We will have Birthday cake this coming weekend. 

A FINAL PICTURE THOUGHT.... 

In the words of Scarlett O'Hara...
"After all, tomorrow is another day!" Isn't that the truth! I will think about this tomorrow.......

Dear Friday

Dear Mother Nature: Please, please don't rain on Saturday. That is Darian's graduation day and our party following. I would like to set up some outside tables. 
Love, Paula


Dear Battery-Operated Weed Eater: 
I love you so much. So much more than the electric one with the long, long extension cord. And so much more than the gas powered one which I could never start! But, dang you died on us too early today. Back to finish those weeds tomorrow.
Love, Granny& Harley

Dear Darian:
No more high school! No more looking back. It is all looking ahead now. Early morning graduation practice and then to the grocery store. Once more you need to vacuum the living room for me. Then Monday begins your job until you ship out in November. Isn't this adult life wonderful??
Love, Granny

Dear Justin:

Very proud of you and the award you won last night! Even with that beard you are the most handsome man I know. And I love this picture with my beautiful granddaughter!!

Love, 

Mom

Thursday's Question-What Would you Wish For?

Do you ever sit around wishing? I wish I could have this? I wish I would have said that! I wish I could see _______ (fill in the blank)! We all do it, don't we. Now I am going to ask you the question for this week.


If you could have one wish, only one, and it was guaranteed to come true, what would you wish for? Dig deep!

Gone With the Wind-A Book Review

Overview From Barnes and Noble

Margaret Mitchell's epic novel of love and war won the Pulitzer Prize and went on to give rise to two authorized sequels and one of the most popular and celebrated movies of all time.

Many novels have been written about the Civil War and its aftermath. None take us into the burning fields and cities of the American South as Gone With the Wind does, creating haunting scenes and thrilling portraits of characters so vivid that we remember their words and feel their fear and hunger for the rest of our lives.

In the two main characters, the white-shouldered, irresistible Scarlett and the flashy, contemptuous Rhett, Margaret Mitchell not only conveyed a timeless story of survival under the harshest of circumstances, she also created two of the most famous lovers in the English-speaking world since Romeo and Juliet.

What a ride! An 1100 page epic tale which I think could have been told in fewer words. Would it have been the same? I'm sure it would have. Margaret Mitchell wrote with such flourishing phrases and descriptions so that I felt I were right there in Atlanta, as the city was burned and pillaged by the Yankees! I could almost feel the pain from the blistered hands of Miss Scarlett. I know I tasted the salt of her tears more than once.

I have known about this story my entire life. My mom used to talk about the movie. She was a mere girl of 15 or 16 when the movie was released. She said her mother would not let her go to the 'picture show' to see this movie because it was so "trashy". Too much violence and sex for such a young girl. Almost sounds like they were still living in the times of Scarlett O'Hara, doesn't it?

And the many, many, many times it has been on TV,I have never watched the movie. Never had a desire. I thought I knew the story. And I have never been a great fan of "love stories". Boy was I surprised to learn this was much more than a love story!

There were times I hated Scarlett and times I loved her. She definitely was not the quintessential Southern lady.  She was a strong-willed and able-bodied woman who did not let the fact she was a woman stop her from saving her family and Tara, the family's plantation. She did all the things a man of those times would have done. But she was a woman! And this was looked down on by her society back then.

Then there was Rhett Butler. He was everything a Southern gentleman was not! He was greedy, cunning, and had no scruples. No one liked Rhett Butler for most of the story. He was wealthy and handsome and a cad! Everything Scarlett wanted, yet, she longed for Ashley Wilkes. Ashley , a Southern gentleman who was married to Melanie. The story takes place in Georgia during the years of the Civil War and the times as the city became reconstructed. Hard times!

I enjoyed the book. I felt this story told of another side of the slavery issue. Here we learned that the slaves were loved and cared for by their owners. And many of the slaves had a loyalty and love for their masters which made them part of the family. We have always seen the stories of the beatings and the hangings. The horrible side of slavery. Little of that was pictured in the book. These slaves loved, even adored, their masters. But, then, the story is told from the perspective of a plantation owner.  

The ending of the book was a huge surprise and very sad. (I won't give it away here just in case there is one other person who might not know the story. Although, I doubt there is.) It is enough to say that Scarlett waited so long to profess her love to Rhett that he just no longer "gave a damn". But, as we all know Scarlett will not think about it now. For tomorrow is another day. 

This will be a book I won't quickly forget. I give it a strong four stars****!