Thursday, April 23, 2009

Spring Snow In Southern Alberta

I took these pictures of our side yard just a few minutes ago. The snow flakes are rather large and appear to be blotches on my lens.

Yesterday, believe it or not, the day was so warm that I ran my truck's air conditioner for several hours. For the past few days, our furnace has not even needed to run. The great outdoors has lured us with an abundance of short-sleeve weather. Late last night, however, a storm front came in. I hate it when that happens! Mother Nature never has consulted me - I guess I should stop waiting for it. Now all that remains is damage control. I hope my snow shovel is lost under a drift!

Saturday, April 11, 2009

“The Deep End” by Traci Hunter Abramson

Book Review

I recently listened to Traci Hunter Abramson’s book, "The Deep End", on CD and quite enjoyed it. The narration is abridged, but since I’ve not perused the pages of the actual book, sadly, I can’t articulate any differences. On the CD however, the narration begins with character introduction before rapidly plunging into a plot thick with intrigue and action. I quickly found myself absorbed in the imaginative saga. The story shelters several unexpected twists and turns, and I thought Traci did a fine job of protecting the surprises―unveiling them at just the right times. Occasionally, when I sensed predictability forming in the plot, Traci sent my notions into wild tailspins. I especially liked the emotional rhythm of the story. On the downside, there were some minor moments when I thought the tale would have benefited from a little more development, but after all, it was the abridged version I listened to. Overall, Traci’s book was richly entertaining. “The Deep End” gets a big round of applause from me!
You can check out all seven of Traci's books on her blog.

Friday, April 3, 2009

Extreme Sports Or What???

I was doing a bit of surfing this morning and came across some very wild sporting events. “Outlandish, amazing, over the top and crazy” are only some of the words that came to mind as I gazed onto my screen! (I think my mouth is still hanging open!) Here are the websites. Feel free to enjoy a good laugh too!!

Swamp Soccer & Snowshoe Soccer – Finland- make sure you look at the photo gallery (Just in case you need to know, the scroll tabs come up along the upper edges of each photo when the mouse cursor passes close enough.)

Wife Carrying – Finland, USA, Australia, Ireland

Mobile Phone Throwing Contest – Finland – top throw was 85 metres (279ft)

World Bog Snorkeling Championship - Wales

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

"Faith Of Our Fathers" by N. C. Allen

Faith Of Our Fathers” is a four-book series written by the talented hands of author, N. C. Allen.

A year or so ago, I listened to Nancy’s first two books on CD, but never got around to enjoying the final two volumes until recently. A visit to my public library found me signing out volumes two, three and four – I thought I’d better re-listen to Volume two.

Over the past three weeks, I devoured the remaining bulk of the saga, enjoying each and every minute of it. I thought I knew about the American Civil War. In my Canadian schooling, I studied it in depth—or so I thought. By the time Nancy Allen’s powerful tale was told, however, I realized that my knowledge was painfully superficial. Nancy took me where my studies had never ventured—into the hearts and minds of individuals on both sides of the conflict. In listening to the narration, I saw and I heard, but most of all, I felt. Nancy’s unforgettable characters let me experience the fear of furious and oft-times senseless battles, to weep with the oppressed, to rejoice at the uncountable acts of valour, and to celebrate the ultimate triumph of the noble cause of freedom—a cause that cost so very much more than I had ever realized!

Thank you Nancy for your amazing contribution to the literary world! Thank you for your contribution to my own understanding!

N. C. Allen’s Series: Faith of Our Fathers
Volume 1 - A House Divided
Volume 2 - To Make Men Free
Volume 3 - Through the Perilous Fight
Volume 4 - One Nation Under God

N. C. Allen’s Blog