Candy Apple Red

One of the genre of murder mysteries followed by everyday, plucky women that find themselves in a situation with the curiosity and means to discover who committed the murder du jour, Nancy Bush's Candy Apple Red introduces odd-job worker and Oregon resident Jane Kelly. Using the knowledge gained from criminology courses she took to fawn over a now ex-boyfriend, Jane dabbles in tasks such as bearing the bad news of a 72-hour eviction notice to their recipients. By association, she is brought into a slightly different job, one that concerns an infamous local tragedy. Jane goes through her tasks with an irresistible sass and wit, taking plunges more hesitant people wouldn't dare, getting drinks on the house while schmoozing with Lake Chinook's best, and finding herself getting more and more involved in a mystery that blooms to bigger and bigger proportions. The book moves at a good pace, with several humorous asides and subplots that wind their way into allegories and unexpected revelations -- or that just provide a moment of amusement.

The Locket

The Locket by Richard Paul Evans was an intriguing story. The book is essentially a flashback, with the prologue and epilogue being "present day". It tells the story of Michael Romney, a Utah man struggling to keep on his feet and make ends meet taking care of his terminally ill mother, a duty he forfeited his college education for. Michael takes up a position at The Arcadia, a nearby nursing home. Michael's relationship with his coworkers, the residents of the home, and his girlfriend, Faye, intertwine in ways that grab the heart and keep one unable to put the book down. A twist midway through shows the effect of relationships and personalities, eventually bringing the book to an immensely satisfying ending. The writing is heartfelt and connects deeply, bringing characters to life almost as though it is a stylized biography.

A's @ Yanks, Yanks Pound A's

I really wish I'd watched the game last night. Thanks to the wonders of the internet, I got to see the incredible nine-run inning. A three-run homer, two forced runs, and finished off by a grand slam by Teixiera. Wow.

Derek's 3000th

I know this is late, I've been neglecting this blog, I suppose. :/ But I wanted to leave a short blurb to congratulate Derek Jeter, again, on his 3000th hit. What a milestone, first Yank to do it. And he did it with a bang - a home run! That moment was amazing...

Japan Wins Women's World Cup

The game was really intense, from the peripheral view I was able to get. USA scored, then Japan caught up. Rinse, repeat. The penalty kicks were what it came down to, and Japan outmaneuvered USA there for the win - in great part thanks to Japan's goalie, the USA penalty kicks missed, while Japan made the requisite scorings. Congratulations to Japan and the USA both, it was a great, great game.

Women's World Cup Finals

I will be honest, I wasn't REALLY paying attention, just peripherally hearing what was going on, but the finals might have to be watched. Japan vs USA. That...is going to be really interesting, it sounds. Gonna have to pay attention there.