Showing posts with label ♥ puppies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ♥ puppies. Show all posts

8.01.2026

finished reading

This is the 33rd mystery featuring reluctant lawyer Andy Carpenter and his intrepid team of investigators.

What I especially enjoyed was Andy's wise-cracking, seemingly glib approach to the law, which masks a thoughtful and thorough examination of the case. I was also relieved that there wasn't a high body count this time around. The usual gang was all there assisting Andy--though the Rugelach Brigade was absent for this one.

As usual, the audio narration was wonderful!

From the publisher:
It’s defense lawyer Andy Carpenter’s dream to retire. That goal is once again thwarted when he gets a call from Lou, an old friend who he simply cannot refuse, asking for a favor. Lou runs a rehab center, and when one of his patients, a homeless vet, is charged with first degree murder, he needs Andy's help. And of course, Andy will also be called on to care for the accused’s dog, but that’s okay, what's one more dog?

The man that Jason Maddox is accused of stabbing to death is none other than billionaire Paul Vincent, an eccentric businessman and inventor. Bickert dedicated a great portion of his life to philanthropy, with a soft spot for dog-related causes. This led him to befriend Jason, a physicist and war hero, whose life fell apart to the point where he ended up on the streets with his dog, just trying to survive.

But why would Jason possibly have wanted to kill him? Well, for one thing, he was to receive a fortune in Vincent's will. That, coupled with the fact that Jason was at the scene, his fingerprints were on the knife, and Vincent's wallet was in his jacket, made it a slam dunk arrest.

Once again, Andy is enmeshed in a puzzling, twisty case. But in order to reunite a man and his dog, Andy will have to untangle it all.

6.18.2026

three on thursday

Thing one:  being on vacation is wonderful.  Being with my sister, in Virginia, is wonderful.  Not a lot of side quests this week, mostly lying low and playing our 40-year-old grudge match of spite & malice.

Thing two:  I have already lost track of the date, time, and day of the week.

Thing three:  dogs.  Gus is my first love.  Saphira (I'm not 100% on the spelling) is my niece's dog that we're watching this weekend.  Dogs.  DOGS!

11.26.2025

finished reading

I look forward to the annual holiday read from reluctant lawyer Andy Carpenter and his crew.  This featured the dogs more than the last few have, and I'm here for the dogs!

From the publisher:
Reluctant lawyer Andy Carpenter can't wait for Christmas. He doesn't care much about the season, unless it's football season. Andy's excited to finally relax and watch the games. But when there's a murder related to an old case in Paterson, New Jersey, Andy puts the games on pause.

Two years ago, a gas leak in an office building led to a tragic explosion that killed seven people. Jeff Wheeler was there to pick up his girlfriend and ran into the building to help. All he heard was the barking of a dog, Rufus, and was able to save him. The pup was the sole survivor and Jeff was named a hero. Initially, Rufus went to the Tara Foundation since his owner had died in the accident. But Andy met Jeff and liked him, respecting his courage and allowed him to adopt Rufus. Since then, Jeff and Rufus have formed an unbreakable bond.

The accident never sat right with Jeff. He believed that one of the building owners was responsible for the tragedy. Now that owner has been murdered and Jeff is arrested for the crime, Rufus is left with Jeff's sister, who begs Andy to take the case. Andy remembered Jeff's tremendous bravery and with the lingering Christmas spirit, decides to help reunite the two.

With David Rosenfelt's signature humor and hijinks, it's time to close this case for good and bid it a good night.

10.29.2025

60th birthday meme

This has been a birthday for the record books!  All day, students and colleagues showered me with birthday wishes, and after school, I have been fielding texts and messages from friends and family.  Every class coordinated to bring in treats (and were conscientious that it wasn't all sweets or junk).  The handmade gifts and cards make me feel appreciated and seen.  

💎 The 60th Birthday Meme: Wisdom and New Horizons

Reflecting on the Journey (The First 60)

1.  What is the proudest moment or greatest achievement of your life so far? having former and current students tell other people (who eventually tell me) that I'm their favorite teacher
2.  What is the most valuable piece of wisdom you've gained over the past six decades? "This too shall pass."
3.  Who is one person who profoundly changed your life  (and how)? I don't really know who to choose, there have been so many!
4.  What is the  most memorable vacation or adventure  you've ever taken? most memorable adventure was my college abroad in Cork, Ireland. It was a life-changing experience, and I cherish the memories and friendships
5.  If you could go back to any decade of your life just for one day, which one would it be and why? I would go back to my first decade to spend time with my mother

Lessons and Legacy

6.  What is one lesson you wish you learned earlier in life? oh, this is a toughie--just one??  I'll go with the gem "accept people for who they are and not who you want them to be"
7.  What's the best compliment you've ever received? my sisters each call me their best friend
8.  What is your favorite memory involving your family or closest friends? when my family was gathered to celebrate Dad's 80th birthday, we got to fiddling around with Snapchat filters and made some absolutely hilarious videos, especially of Dad, and we all laughed so hard it hurt
9.  If you could pass on one piece of advice to the next generation, what would it be? it's okay to not know everything--but it's not okay to not learn
10. Which historical event that you witnessed stands out most vividly in your memory? the Challenger explosion--I remember specifically where I was when I heard about it and immediately started planning a community memorial ceremony that linked the university with the nearby military base; it was my first attempt at community building and organizing an event

Looking Ahead (The Next Chapter)

11. What is a new hobby, skill, or passion you're excited to pursue in retirement or this next stage of life? I'm hoping and planning to volunteer or work at the public library, and I just can't wait!
12. What is one big adventure you still dream of having? my financial planner and I are including three big trips in my future (and I mean first class-ish)
13. What are you most excited to spend your time doing in this next decade? not working
14. What does "happiness" mean to you at this point in your life? having good health, good sleep, and dear friends
15. If you could have a theme song for your 60s, what would it be? Queen's "Don't Stop Me Now"




10.13.2025

finished reading

This is the origin story of Andy Carpenter's career as a defense attorney and life with the world's greatest dog, Tara.  I enjoyed this look at the early days of Andy's career.  And finding out how the different characters became part of the regulars. 

From the publisher:
Andy Carpenter has spent the three years since graduating law school working as a prosecutor in Paterson. But having seen how the system never looks out for the little guy, he leaves to start his own practice as a defense attorney. His office might be a little bit of a dump, but he's excited to make a change.

Andy goes to the shelter to adopt a dog, where he meets his beloved golden retriever, Tara, for the first time and feels an immediate connection. The shelter is crowded and Tara's been sharing space with a dog named Sunny; Andy hates to break them up and so asks to take Sunny, too, but since there's a pending criminal case involving the owner, he'll need to get written permission for temporary possession.

Andy discovers that Sunny's owner, Frank Tierney, has been arrested for the murder of his ex-boss. But he takes an immediate liking to Frank and his clear dedication to his dog, and ends up with his first case along with the two dogs.

This prequel to the long-running and perennially popular Andy Carpenter mysteries is a gift for fans and a terrific entry-point for newcomers.

3.02.2025

sunday stealing

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Put Your Questions In The Box

 

1. Where were you three hours ago? sleeping

2. Make a confession.
on Sundays I hurkle durkle

3. Bad habits?
I'm a lazy housekeeper

4. Favorite color?
earth tones, especially brown and green

5. Can you drive?
yes

6. 3 pet peeves. 1) people driving in the passing lane when they are driving slowly; 2) students asking if we're doing something fun in class today/asking what we're doing in class today; 3) making decisions about every meal every day

7. Last person you hugged.
a student who asked for a hug

8. Something you miss.
playing games--cards or board games

9. What song is stuck in your head at the moment?
"Put the Message In the Box" by World Party

10. Favorite quote. 
"Let it be."

11. Favorite band.
U2

12. Something you're excited for.
both of my school's basketball teams won the State Championship tournaments yesterday!  It's been since 1983 since the girls team won states

13. Favorite movie. 
today I'll go with Moonstruck

14. What type of phone do you have?
a smart one

15. Favorite animal.
puppies

10.29.2024

ten things tuesday

Birthday Meme

  1. How many candles are on your cake today? 59--and it's fun that my students did not believe me
  2. What's the best birthday gift you've ever received? all of them are the best!
  3. If you could teleport anywhere for your birthday, where would you go? it would be fun to spend my birthday in a big city with lots of restaurant options and events to attend
  4. What’s your go-to birthday dessert? chocolate cake
  5. Who's the funniest person you want at your party? a dear old friend from childhood that I was able to reconnect with at our 40th reunion in June
  6. Have you ever had a surprise birthday party? yes!  it was sort of a surprise
  7. What's your most memorable birthday moment? celebrating my fortieth birthday with forty days of fun was a blast--and it was private moments of joy and celebration
  8. What's the silliest birthday tradition you have? buying myself a present
  9. If you could have any celebrity show up to your party, who would it be? George Clooney
  10. Cake or cupcakes? cupcakes


8.30.2024

finished reading

Another great installment in this series, Andy takes on his latest client as a favor to Marcus.  I liked learning more about the secondary characters--and the return of the elderly computer whiz characters.  And the dogs were characters, too!

From the publisher:
Retired lawyer Andy Carpenter has run the Tara Foundation—the dog rescue organization named after his beloved golden retriever—for years. It's always been his calling, even as Andy's pulled into representing clients in court. His investigator, Marcus Clark, has been at Andy's side for a long time. Even though they've known each other for years, Marcus keeps his personal life a mystery.

So it’s a shock when Marcus arrives at the Tara Foundation with two strangers in tow. Turns out Marcus takes disadvantaged young men under his wing, gets them jobs, a place to live, and a chance at a different life. And they want a dog. Andy’s specialty. One of the young men, Nick Williams, instantly falls in love with one of the dogs, Daisy.

When there’s a mass shooting at Nick’s work, leaving six dead, all signs point to Nick. Marcus, who's never asked Andy for anything, asks Andy for help. Despite Nick's troubled background, Andy trusts his friend and takes the case. 

#52bookclub prompt 29: Published in a year of the Dragon.

5.02.2024

three on thursday

Thing one:  there is petty drama at school and I am caught in the crosshairs.  Several emails have been sent that besmirch my reputation.  I am going to pretend I didn't see the emails.  I don't know if responding to them will result in anything other than fanning the flames.

Thing two:  this is a busy month, filled with birthdays and trips.  I hope I remember to stay present and not get too caught up in the hype.

Thing three:  I had a very special guest at school


1.07.2024

sunday stealing

 
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My favorite


1. Favorite food: today I'll go with pizza
2. Favorite color: brown or beige
3. Favorite Animal: dogs
4. Favorite thing to do on a cold day: stay inside
5. Favorite vacation spot: my sisters' in Virginia and Pennsylvania 
6. Favorite TV show: Friends
7. Favorite Mythical creature: the leprechaun
8. Favorite fairy tale: I don't think I have one
9. Favorite thing to draw: I'm more of a doodle-er
10. Favorite scent: sandalwood
11. Favorite mode of transportation: planes, trains, and automobiles
12. Favorite vegetable: spinach
13. Favorite candy: Reese's
14. Favorite sport: knitting or reading
15. Favorite weather:  not windy or snowy

11.30.2023

three on thursday

 
Thing one:  I started knitting a dog-sized Santa hat for my friend's doggo.

Thing two:  I am also knitting a pair of mittens for my friend--we crafted for each other, which was a good trade.

Thing three:  Christmas packages are arriving daily!

11.12.2023

finished reading

This is one of my favorites in the Andy Carpenter series.  I loved Tara and all the dogs.  I loved the courtroom action, cleverly witty dialog, and the fact that it wasn't multiple bodies piling up.

Unfortunately, there isn't enough Christmas in this book.  I need more holly jolly!

From the publisher:
In National Bestseller David Rosenfelt’s ‘Twas the Bite Before Christmas, all through the Carpenter house, five dogs are stirring, and not even Andy can get out of working this latest case at his door.

Reluctant lawyer Andy Carpenter is at the Tara Foundation’s annual Christmas party. The dog rescue organization has always been his true calling, and this is one holiday tradition he can get behind because every dog that’s come through the rescue—and their families—are invited to celebrate.

This year’s party is no exception. But before the stockings can be hung by the chimney with care, homicide detectives ruin the evening. Derek Moore, one of the foundation’s best foster volunteers, is arrested for murder.

Andy discovers Derek—whose real name is Bobby—is in the witness protection program after giving evidence against his former gang. The police believe Bobby murdered a member. But Bobby swears to Andy he didn’t do this. He’s built a new life, a new business, has two new dogs after being a double foster-failure.

There isn’t much Andy likes about this case, but he likes Bobby. If he’s innocent, Andy wants to help. Before Andy can settle down for his long winter’s nap, he has a client’s name to clear, a murderer to catch, and two new dogs to look after: a golden and a Dalmatian. Andy’s golden retriever, Tara, will have to adjust to not being the only golden at the house while Andy gets to the bottom of this one…

8.21.2023

finished reading

Andy's snark is on point!  He and his team defend Jenny Nichols, Andy's high school sweetheart.  There wasn't the body count that typical books in this series have, which I really liked--because come on, how many deaths can one small city have?  It kept me guessing until the end.

From the publisher:
Dog rescue organization the Tara Foundation’s phones are ringing off the hook, and retired lawyer Andy Carpenter is irritated at his newfound popularity. He should be thrilled to find forever homes for so many dogs in need. But these calls are from fans wanting to adopt from the same place famous actress Jenny Nichols—and Andy’s high school girlfriend—got her dog, Mamie. The Miniature French Poodle is now an LA starlight in her own right.

Andy doesn’t hold it against his friend. In fact, he and Laurie have dinner with Jenny while she's in New York filming her next big hit. But after their goodbyes there's a plot twist none of them see coming in the form of Jenny's one phone call. Her co-star is dead, she’s been arrested for the murder, and Mamie's on her own. First, Jenny needs Andy to collect Mamie. Second, she needs him to prove her innocence.

While Mamie becomes reacquainted with Tara, Andy’s golden retriever, Andy digs into the lives of the rich and famous.

7.11.2023

ten things tuesday

Ten things in no particular order. 

1) I need to call Expedia about my luggage. I ended up getting charged for the suitcase even though I already had paid for it. 

2)  I fly back to Maine Friday night. But I have a late arrival so I’m staying at a hotel. 

3)  I can’t believe my time has flown by so quickly!  But this is my third week. 

4)  My sister has been knitting a sweater and should be done soon. I’ve knit a pile of dishcloths. My favorite mindless knitting. 

5)  I’m preparing to go to central Maine on Monday for a two day Department of Education workshop to revise the learning results for social studies. It’s a great opportunity to collaborate with other teachers from around the state. 

6)  I have to register my car. (Adding to this post so I don’t forget)

7)  I’m supposed to meet with my Breakfast Club friends Saturday, I hope we can reschedule for Sunday. 

8) I’ve been texting with my Virginia nieces. I need to more often. I miss them. 

9)  Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to get to Pennsylvania to visit my sister.  But we’ve FaceTime chatted a few times. 

10) 

The daily Gus!

7.04.2023

ten things tuesday

Ten things about my trip to Virginia. 

1)  My Virginia sister and brother in law are excellent hosts. 

2). Gus (the doggo) loves me. 

3)  We’ve been shopping 🛍️ 

4)  We’ve been to the movies 🍿 (Indiana Jones was great fun)

5)  We’ve had excellent meals and conversations. 

6)  I’ve relaxed. 

7)  We took a ride on the Blue Ridge Parkway and it was gorgeous!

8)  

9)  


10) We’re binging Harrison Ford movies.