Sarah's Key

Sarah's Key by Tatiana De Rosnay- 5 out of 5 stars and very highly recommended. This is the story of the Vel' d'Hiv roundup in France in July of 1942 of French Jewish citizens that were herded into the Velodrome by the French police and then transported to their deaths at Auschwitz. I had never heard of this event prior to reading this book, sadly. Now it is something that I will never forget.
This brilliantly told story goes back and forth between Sarah in 1942 and Julia in Paris, France 2002. As the French police bang on Sarah's family's apartment door to gather them up she locks her young brother into a secret cupboard to keep him safe for now, to be retrieved shortly. What follows is a heartbreaking story of losses that are too enormous to even comprehend.
The story of Julia, an American living in Paris with her husband and daughter takes place in 2002. She is a journalist assigned to cover the story of the 60th Anniversary of the Vel'd'Hiv roundup where she learns of Sarah and their connection. One that will change her life forever.
I really could not put this book down and will always remember and pray for these innocents, most of them were children.

flower chick

Cute Easter decorations made of styrofoam forms and paper flowers. I am going to try making these myself with the Stampin' Up three flower punch.

Interlake HS Band

Last week at IHS for the high school preview and band performances that the middle schools check out each February. It was great fun to see them perform with the older kids and felt like just yesterday when we were there doing this. Next we'll be looking at colleges!
The IHS band is really huge. Billy is in back with the percussion section.

Pottery Barn tablescape

This is a lovely Easter tablescape display at the Pottery Barn that inspired me to start planning for the holiday. Much prettier in real life! I loved the pussywillow branches with crystals where the buds should be, the pastel egg ornaments, glass cloches with bunny on the grass, lots of white dishes, pastel and green accents. So classic spring!

President's Day

A comprehensive biography about our first (and best, in my opinion) President. This is an extremely long book but I would highly recommend reading it to really appreciate the miracle that was the founding of our American democracy. Enjoy your President's Day weekend and may God bless America!

Chronicle

Family movie night was Chronicle, something I had not even heard of prior to going to see it. Sort of spur of the moment.
It is set here in King County, Washington with lots of shots of Seattle, which made it more enjoyable for me. Three teens come across an alien object that transmits some unique abilities to them. It had the feel of Greek mythology set in present day, of mortals trying to harness a power that is far greater than they can handle well. It definitely held your interest throughout and the kind of movie that is much better seen on the large screen.

The Hunger Games

I finally finished all three books in The Hunger Games series and am very glad that I did. I had to find out what all of the buzz about these books was about. I often read Young Adult novels if they get excellent reviews, a good book is a good book after all. It's nice to see that there are alternatives to vampires and witches.
Several months ago I picked up the first in the series and read a chapter and said Huh? This is just too weird. I tried again a couple months later and was hooked after a few chapters. The story takes place in a future post-nuclear world where the population is divided into Districts with very specific rules and functions all headed by The Capitol. Each year a male and female from each District are chosen to participate in The Hunger Games where they fight to the death until only one remains. The story is told by Katniss Everdeen, who volunteers in her sister's place.
I loved the first two books much more than the third. Mockingjay went on just a little too long and the gruesome details began to be a bit much by the end of it all.
Highly recommended, 4-5 (out of 5) stars.

Happy Valentine's Day!

To my favorite mohnkeys!
Everyday is Valentine's Day for our family but I think tonight I will prepare some ribeye steaks or filet mignon for a nice dinner in since our dinner out at Palomino was an epic fail. Maybe something decadent and chocolate-y for dessert.
Fun fact: My grandmother's maiden name was Valentine!
Hope you all enjoy your day and tell those around you just how much you love them today and every day.

Learning Italian

One of my 2012 goals is to learn a new language and I chose to start with Italian. Jim, Billy and I would love to go to Italy some day, especially Tuscany, Rome, and Venice.
I love our King County library system, it is truly amazing. I love the little audio players that they carry, a perfect way to listen to books while I am doing my chores. Our library was voted Busiest and Best in the US last year by the Library Journal. The King County library system was a big selling point in getting me out here to Washington from NJ initially :)

Pretty as a Peacock

Point Defiance Zoo, Tacoma, Wa.

Day at the Zoo

What a glorious, warm, and sunshine filled day! We headed down to Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium in Tacoma.

Billy at zoo entrance.

A nice, clear view of Mount Rainier or Tacoma Fuji as some call it.

A Siamang Gibbon female just hangin' out.

Aww, shucks. I AM a pretty cat.

Such a magnificent creature.

Camouflage. Following behind a peacock.

Timon's family siesta.