What I'm reading

Well, I finished all the China Bayles mysteries and found the Darling Dahlias mysteries by the same author. The book jacket describes the genre as 'cozy'. The mystery is not as scary but the plot is still interesting. These stories are set in a small town in south Alabama during the 1930's. It reminds me of stories my mom told about her childhood during the depression.

Most of the book is accurate but there are some parts that don't sound southern to me. Some of the plants (yes, plants are featured in these books) don't grow well in middle Mississippi and I'm doubtful they grow in south Alabama. Otherwise, I'm enjoying the time travel via these books.

What are you reading?

I'm looking forward to a new China Bayles in April. Stephanie Plum has a new adventure but the library's copies are all checked out. I have one more Darling Dahlias to read. Looking for suggestions.

One left to read

I have read all but one of the China Bayles Mysteries by Susan Wittig Albert.

I looked for it at the library Saturday. The online catalog said it was available. But when I looked it was not on the shelf.

So I asked the helpful young lady at the checkout desk. She looked online and on the shelf-same thing-no book.

She requested a copy from another branch. Now I wait.

Not sure if I really want to read the last book. I have had fun reading these mysteries. I feel like China and her friends are my friends, too.

Well, this isn't really the last book. A new one is to be published in the spring.

Have you read a series and not wanted it to end?

Now I will be looking out for another author to stalk-read- and enjoy.

Happy reading!

Mystery with recipes and plants

I have been reading the China Bayles mysteries by Susan Wittig Albert over summer break and into the fall. I read some other books by this author but just started this series this year.

The first one I read was Cat's Claw published in 2012. Then I decided to start at the beginning and read them in order. I went to Susan's website and printed a list of the China Bayles Mysteries. I have been methodically reading them in order for about five months. I went to our local library website and found which libraries had which books. Then I knew which library to visit to check out each one.

I have six left to read. (There are 23 books with a new one expected in April, 2016.) I really enjoy reading a series because the characters become like friends that I am visiting. I catch up on the news from Pecan Springs, Texas each time I read one. The main character is very companionable and has lots of friends. It's a place that is always welcoming and accepting. The conflicts move the plot along and every thing turns out okay in the end.

I alternate reading some of China's stories and some of Stephanie Plum's adventures. Stephanie is funnier but China is more like someone I would have as a friend.

Do you have a favorite author or series that you like to read?

Grass at last

The yard redo is practically finished.

Grass has been replanted.

Here...

here...

around here...

and here.

Up there...

and over there.

The gate section of the fence has to be replaced and then we will write the final check.

We are very pleased with the work. Now we, and by that I mean Martin, will plant hardy plants around the outer edges of the yard and in the beds between the patios.

Nearing the finish

We are getting close to the finish on the backyard project. The flagstone has been laid on the lower patio. They will work tomorrow on filling the spaces with sand.

Looking to the south.

Need a little grass on the slopes.

A little grass here.

Can't wait to set up the table and chairs on the upper patio.

Lots of grass needed here.

Hope the tree will make it. We love its shade.

Yard Makeover phase 2

Lots of photos today. Pretty self explanatory shots of the work.

The upper patio is finished.

The steps and retaining walls are finished. Just the lower patio and replanting left to do.

We are very happy with the new space. Can't wait to sit outside and enjoy the fall weather.

Yard make over phase 1

Finally the workers have come to make over our back yard. They took out the small patio and prepared the new patios and steps.

They dug up the boxwoods and placed them to the side for later. They saved the sod that was taken up for the new patios. Hope that can be used, too.

Concrete was poured Wednesday. It rained Tuesday evening but not enough to cause problems.

Steps and footings for retaining walls was poured.

The lower patio will be laid on crushed stone, not concrete.

Jane the cat inspected everything.

She looked over the footings.

All good!

Flagstone upper patio in progress.

Looking forward to good times outside soon.