Sandra's Place

Friday, June 6, 2025

Weekend Wishes

Wednesday, June 4, 2025

IWSG Wednesday and Did You Know Thursday

The first Wednesday of every month is officially IWSG day. IWSG was formed by Ninja Captain Alex Cavanaugh. Members post about their doubts and fears, discuss struggles and triumphs, and offer words of encouragement to others who are struggling.

Twitter handle: @TheIWSG

Hashtag: #IWSG

The awesome co-hosts for the June 4 posting of the IWSG are PJ Colando, Pat Garcia, Kim Lajevardi, Melisa Maygrove, and Jean Davis!

Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.

Remember, the question is optional

June 4 question - What were some books that impacted you as a child or young adult?

I read every horse story I could get my hands on: INDIAN PAINT, FROG THE HORSE THAT KNEW NO MASTER, BLACK STALLION, etc. BLACK BEAUTY broke my heart.

May/June Reviews in no particular order.

* Disclaimer. If I run into an occasional typo, I ignore them and don't factor them into my review.

THE HILL OF SACRIFICED SOULS by RC and JP Carter

Book 35 in the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles focuses on the paranormal. The authors themselves actual paranormal investigators, part of a team out of FL.

A young woman, much loved by the community goes missing, abducted and killed by a ritualistic serial killer. Hoping to prevent the killer from striking again and harming anyone she knows, the victim Eliana Espinosa contacts her friend, paranormal investigator Maureen Donovan, in a dream. A dream that sends Maureen and her husband Mike racing to Magnolia Bluffs hoping to discover and stop the killer before he strikes again. Tension mounts as another young woman is kidnapped, while beings on both sides of the veil try to prevent another murder.

This will especially appeal to those drawn to the paranormal and are curious about how an actual paranormal investigation work.

Available at Amazon

THE GENIE EFFECT by MK Alexander

What happens when a celebrity chef finds a lamp with an actual genie in it?

Celebrity Chef James Carter is on vacation in Morocco when he discovers a lamp in a tourist shop that he just has to have. Imagine his surprise when he rubs it to clean it and a genie appears, an attractive one at that.

After Azar emerges in a whisp of smoke James’ life becomes one big adventure filled with fun and romance. But not everyone is as enamored with genies as James is with his. An ancient wish has created a brotherhood whose sole purpose is to wipe out every genie in existence. And the brotherhood has nearly succeeded.

How will James and Azar get out of this dangerous coil they find themselves in? You’re going to have to read their story and find out for yourself. Grab your beverage of choice, put your feet up and settle in for a fun read.

M.K. Alexander worked for the New York Times for over ten years.

Available at Amazon

FRANKLIN PIERCE, America’s 14^th President by John DiConsiglio

Franklin Pierce was not a well-known president or one that was very well liked. He tried to strike a compromise to keep the Southern states from seceding and ended up making both sides furious.

He also lost a beloved son two months before his inauguration. His wife was devastated and refused to attend, believing it was a sign from God that Pierce shouldn't run for office.

Pierce spent most of his time in office without a VP AND appointed his friend Jefferson Davis Secretary of War. He was also the only president to place his hand on a law book instead of a bible when he was sworn in.

It’s not a known fact but there is speculation he was an alcoholic. And given his life it would hardly be surprising. I found this book to be informative, but sad.

*This is part of a young person's presidential encyclopedia set, but also suitable for adults.

Available at Amazon

AND

Did you know, June 4th is

Tuesday, June 3, 2025

Ketch-Up Day

How are you? What's going on in your neck of the woods?

Does your mail look like this? Bills and donation requests? One of my pet peeves is giving to a charity and them selling your name so everyone can ask for a place in your wallet.

In the Garden

The Butterfly Bushes and day lilies are starting to bloom.

The hydrangeas are still blooming (This pic is for you, Andrew.)

The blackberries are ripening

And I found some baby grapes on the vine:)

The Critters

Nori, Frank, and Callie

Louie and Maisy

And in the news

I studiously avoid politics on this blog because A. I feel very strongly about them. And B. I have friends on the other side of the fence that feel just as strongly about their beliefs and I seriously doubt if we are going to change one another's mind. This one though hit close to home and I'd like to share it. Our nephew is one of the scientists who lost government funding. He works on brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease and other neurological issues. He recently took part in an AP interview and because of that he has been getting hate mail from the opposing party, which I find to be so very sad. (And to be perfectly fair, my side of the fence can get pretty raw too. It's a bad situation all around.) He is truly a kind, gentle soul whose goal in life is to make the world a better place.

The article itself, I found to be well-written, informative, and thought-provoking. What in it incited hate mail is beyond me. If you'd like to read it, here is the link.

Scientists have lost their jobs or grants in US cuts. Foreign universities want to hire them.

LINK:

https://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory/scientists-lost-jobs-grants-us-cuts-foreign-universities-122172965