Summertime and the Reading is Easy

What selections are on your summer reading list - are you reading something new or a great classic? Do you read while at a hot sandy beach with waves lapping against the shore in the background? Relaxing in a deck chair next to a busy pool with the sounds of summer serenading you - hot tunes, splashes, kids laughing and the smell of coconut oil? On the patio with a tall, icy glass of lemonade? While sunbathing on the deck with a Diet Pepsi? Or in your favorite chair under the cool breeze of a ceiling fan? Personally, I’ve read in all of those places and love them all the same. 

Here’s a list of what I’ve read or am reading this summer (only one month left!):

• The current edition of People magazine - cover to cover!
• The Girls from Ames - recommend;
• Knit Two - the next book after Friday Night Knitting Club - recommend;
• Looking for a Love Story - just purchased and haven’t started yet but sounds good!
• The Pioneer Woman Cooks - a super-cool cookbook with yummy delish recipes and great photos - highly recommend!
• Everyday with Rachael Ray - lots of good recipes, party ideas, tips, fashion - it’s a hip, fun mag;
• Somerset Life - inspiring, creative - everything I like to look at and wish I was talented enough to do!
• The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - intriguing.

So, what are you reading?

4th of July

We had a busy 4th of July weekend - it began with a super-busy day at work Saturday. That evening we enjoyed small firework displays in our neck of the woods (or more appropriately our neck of the cornfields)! Sunday morning we were praying for sunshine and no rain so everyone could enjoy the 4th of July parade in Coralville. Once again, the credit union had a festive float, complete with four "old guys" (their words-not mine) who played fun music on the route. "In Heaven There Is No Beer" and the Hawkeye fight song were crowd faves. Later we barbecued.
Monday, we didn't do too much - some tidying up, baked a cake, visited with my friend Betsy, Marvin and their son, Landon. But the look on Ellie's face pretty much sums it up - we are pooped and ready for a little rest. She's a little blurry - it was a quick shot and I wasn't steady and was trying to capture her face before she moved.   xo - Em

Sock monkey!

Look what I found at Walgreen's in the pet section - a squeaky toy sock monkey for dogs. Ellie LOVES it! She has proudly removed much of the stuffing and had it altered to her liking but adding holes in the monkey. Silly dog! Right now it's her toy of choice when playing. Will see how long Monkey can survive.