Never too many books

I love picture books! My collection is bursting out of its bookshelf, but I can always use more. I came across a website today, lookybook.com (thanks, Kris Abel), that may just satisfy my urge to collect more of these wonderful books. Maybe for a little while.

The site is worth a look, as it lets you take a look into each book. And not just a look! You can read through the whole book, save your favourites, and of course buy the books you really need to hold in your hands (Amazon is a dangerous invention!).

I've used my favourite from this site (so far) to showcase the website. Click on the pair of eyes to open this book on the lookybook site, or simply read it here in my blog.

Hmmm... I may just need to buy this book and its sequel, Poor Puppy.

Happy in Heaven

Dear Auntie MaryAnn,

I am so happy to know that you are now happy in heaven. No more pain, no more sadness, no more suffering, no more tears. No more sickness, no more death.
I will miss your warm welcome, your patience and permission for anything we wanted to do at your house. I will miss the addictive games on your computer. I will miss the always ready cup of tea and the yummy waffles with pudding. And I will miss your hugs.
One day we will be able to pick up again where we left off. I look forward to that day.

Anatomy of a birthday bunny

I've sometimes wondered if birthdays were worth celebrating after the first 30 years or so, but this weekend reminded me that they are worth celebrating. There is something very important and blessing-full about having family and friends remind you that you have value and that you are loved. Thanks for doing that for me this year.

From afternoon tea and bookstore browsing, to angel food cake and hugs from my nieces, this has been a birthday to remember.

Colleen, you surprised my socks off!

Just to prove that I enjoyed my birthday, here is documented breakdown of one of my gifts!

(ok, so I cheated and sampled an ear before taking the first picture)

Light show

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Originally uploaded by Auntie Kangaroo

So this is a bit out of focus, but I love the colours and the shadow cast by Mount Baker. In celebration of a memorable sunrise...

Christmas decorations

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Originally uploaded by Auntie Kangaroo

I think I'll be keeping my Christmas decorations up all year. Mr. Knightley has found a new favourite perch. Maybe it has something to do with the warmth from the fire just below him. Or maybe he likes to sit where he can keep an eye on me.
Meanwhile, where is Emma? Oh yeah, I think she's sleeping under my turned-over bed quilts, her favourite new haunt.

And for those who have been waiting with bated breath (ok, I guess that was just me), I finally got my car back just over a week ago. Yeah!

Still waiting...

Merry Christmas to all! Such a hectic season, and I don't know where all the time goes. It seems like December just started, and now Christmas is practically over. But in between, I did have time for reflection and wonder, that the God of all the universe would come to our world as a vulnerable, dependent little baby. When did He know that He would suffer and die on a cross? Did the thought that He had come to bring salvation to this world bring Him joy when He was a child?

I didn't get Christmas cards out this year, but a big thanks to everyone who sent me one. Maybe I'll be more organized ('cause I won't be less busy) next year.

Still waiting for my car, nearly a month later...

It's Alive!

They say that everyone will have, on average, one major accident in their lifetime. If that's true, I hope this is it, because it wasn't that bad. A bother to deal with, but no injury or loss. And that's something to be very thankful for. I have been blessed by much encouragement and support from friends and family. And that ends my acceptance speech.

So here's what happened... A dark (and not stormy) night... I was stopped in the midst of a right turn, and a big green monster (an F350) scrunched into the back left corner of my car. $6,000 worth of repairs, a write-off scare, and I should have my car back in about a week. So much for that new CRV that I couldn't afford anyway.



My poor sick little green bug!

Vegas!

Here's a taste of what Kendra and I did in Vegas! Check out my Flickr page for some more pictures.

In a nutshell, it was hot, dry, and sunny. The casinos were noisy and smoky, but some of the resorts were amazing. The main highlights were the rollercoasters, Mamma Mia!, and the Star Trek Experience, not the usual thing when you think of Vegas. I guess we're just not very good gamblers or high-fashion shoppers. But we had a fabulous time!

Seasons of change

For those who asked, and because I feel like celebrating good changes, here at last is a picture of me with new glasses and shorter hair. Ok, so I didn't take a full auto-portrait. I'm not used to being the focus of my own camera, and in Harry Potter-ish fashion, am trying to sneak out of the frame. But I do love my new glasses! I also highly recommend getting a proper hair-cut more frequently than once every couple of years.

Surprised by Indy

Hi Folks! I thought it was time to share a few photos from my recent trip to Indianapolis. I was very pleasantly surprised by this friendly city. If you want to see more pictures, please visit my Flickr page (Indy 2007 set).


My hotel was right on Monument Circle. It's basically a giant war memorial, in a city full of reminders of past (and current) military history.



The US Post Office is celebrating Star Wars' 30th anniversary. Cool!




I spent my free time on Sunday and the following Friday at two of Indy's attractions: the zoo and the Children's Museum - apparently the largest in the world. The second picture here is one of the many I took of an incredible blown-glass exhibit at the Museum.