Sylvia's Simple Shots

The Heart of an Angel - Henry K. Ripplinger.  This is the seventh and final book in this series.

Henry is again facing a life and death decision.  Jenny lies in a coma but very pregnant with their child.  A little girl who has been named from the very beginning.  With complications in the pregnancy Jenny was advised to terminate it but absolutely refused.  She risked her life to give this baby a chance to live when delivered premature. With Jenny unable to respond, Henry must decide.  The father of Julean (Henry's first wife who died) a pastor was very helpful. 

The baby is delivered premature and survives and fortunately so does Jenny.

Father Engelmann is nearly finished the love story book he is writing about Henry and Jenny. He knows the end is near. 

This has been a very heart warming, encouraging, tearful at times series. A wonderful series that promotes Christian beliefs and at times quite Catholic practices.

The embroidery scissors I bought on sale when Fabricland was closing one of its stores spend time on the sewing machine.  There cutting surface tends to be at the end so not always great.

They have been relocated to the embroidery box along with the other bits and bobs which I have accumulated to support my slow stitching habit.

There was a great coupon at Michaels this week and I was thinking what high priced item could I splurge on with a 50% coupon?

I decided to buy a pair of scissors for the sewing machine.  I did buy the more expensive pair that are all steel because they remind me so much of the pair my Mom had at her sewing machine.

I miss her a lot.   I am grateful that she taught me to sew which I very much enjoy in retirement with more time on my hands.

A red sun due to forest fires in the province and further a field.

There have been some evacuations again this year.

This maybe a contributing factor to having to use allergy drops for my eyes again this year.  In general, only my eyes are affected so it is better to use a targeted solution.

My aunt and I headed to the tea house for lunch this week.

This is a place we try to visit at least once a year and more if possible.

It is run by volunteers and business had been slow so they were very happy to see us.

Of course, the fact that you can choose a real porcelain tea cup means I am all in.

I did not turn it over for a trademark but it was a lovely blue floral pattern.

The crumble was a treat all home made.  With cutting down on sugar, we still have to enjoy the simple pleasures.

Sylvia's Books Read

 A Year by the Sea - Thoughts of an Unfinished Woman by Joan Anderson.   Finished this book March 03 24.

A book about the author's journey to redefining and discovery herself following the departure of her children into adulthood.

Her husband gets a new job and expects her to follow him as she has before.  She chose to retreat to their family cottage on Cape Cod.

She enjoys her surroundings and gradually discovered her life was full of possibilities.  

Out of that magical, difficult, transformative year came this book. A record of her experiences in a year by the sea.

A good read.

The House Where Angels Dwell by Henry K. Ripplinger is book 6 of the Angelic Letters Series. Finished on Mar 21 24.

After decades apart, Henry and Jenny are finally married and living on Henry’s acreage situated on a hillside overlooking a beautiful panoramic valley. They couldn’t be happier. While Henry is finding fulfillment painting landscapes in his studio, Jenny is leading Bible studies as they relate to marriage and family with small groups of ladies in the city.

The only thing that could make Jenny happier would be to bear Henry a child. Although her age and the fact her body was ravaged by cancer is working against her, Jenny prays with Father Engelmann for another miracle in her life. Will God answer Jenny’s heartfelt wish and prayer?

Ever since Father Engelmann was miraculously healed from his near death experience, life at the care home was never the same. He is felt called to withdraw from the on-going hustle and bustle of the city to the prayer house beside the pond in the valley on Henry’s acreage. In the quietness and serenity of the small chapel in the prayer house, Father continues to offer up his prayers and Mass offerings for his flock.

Let it Shine by Josephine Cox was finished on March 30, 2024.  

She is one of my favorite authors.

Ada Williams believed that money and power would bring her happiness.  But now, she is all alone with a greedy and bitter son Peter who is just waiting for her to die.

A few miles away the Bolton family may be poor but the love they share, the friendship of neighbours, means they can overcome almost any adversity.

The twists and turns in this to discover the connection of these families so far apart.

Great read.

The Longings of Wayward Girls by Karen Brown.

This book is presented in different timelines but not very linear which I understand is done to dramatic effect.

A story about teenage girls and the angst of wanting to belong, being a clique, excluding others your social circle, being interested in boys and sometimes being mean.

I did finish the book but it was not a great read for me.

Sylvia's Simple Shots

I visited the St. Albert Botanic Park with my aunt this week to see the peonies in full bloom.

Gorgeous big flowers in so many colors.

This is the third book in the Angelic Letters Series by Henry K. Ripplinger.  The Angel of Thanksgiving.

Henry and Julean are happy with their new daughter, a new home and Henry's new job.  He still cannot forget Jenny his first love.  Julean hears Henry talk to Jenny in his dreams at night and is troubled about it. 

Father Englemann has returned from the seminary and is as popular as he was as the grocery store owner.  He is now the parish priest still dispensing his lessons of love, forgiveness and thankfulness for all things.

Jenny accepts James' marriage proposal but puts the date far in the future hoping that Henry will be in touch.  Jenny and James eventually marry and Jenny has a son. She now lives on an estate with beautiful grounds and the flowers and nature and the gazebo are her solace. 

The angel her father commissioned before he passed eventually makes it's way to Jenny and is placed near the gazebo which brings her much comfort.

My aunt are just a few years apart in age and both celebrate our birthdays in June so we decided to treat ourselves to Delux Burgers - mushroom and sweet potato fries for lunch.  They were super delicious!

She had a pecan tart for dessert while I had a slice of tiramisu.  I saved the Nanaimo bar for supper.

The insects were a buzzing and flitting at the Botanic Park.  On the left is an Ashy Mining Bee - I had not seen a black and white bee before, the Ferris Ruddy Copper Butterfly just perched itself on the edge of the leaf for just a bit - I managed one shot, a Hoverfly on a pale purple Aster. 

It was a good week!

Sylvia's Simple Shots

 

It was a good week for birds.  I finally found American White Pelicans at Heritage Hills Wetlands in Sherwood Park. The Junco and the Waxwing were on my morning walks.

When I have to walk and exercise inside I found walking meditations which combine 2 things I want to start my day with.

Gratitude is always a good thing.  

I heard this a couple of days ago.  What if you only had today what you thanked God for yesterday?  That is a sobering thought.

I really appreciate being to view these on my TV so I can appreciate all the beautiful scenery that is included in the videos.

Another Angel of Love - Henry K. Ripplinger

Henry continues to get support from Mr. Engelman at the grocery store.  He is still holding out hope that Jenny will be in touch but so far not a word.

Life goes on as it must.  Things are getting better at the store as renovations take place.

Henry meet Julean Carter who comes from a different background than him.  Her family heritage is the Mormon faith.  This will play a role in the future of this young couple.

Henry and Julean marry, buy a house, have children, and still Jenny is part of Henry's thoughts and dreams.

Good clean reading in another great book in this series.