A Kind Note Found In a Book I Bought

I like to buy used books and always appreciate if there is some clue in them to a previous owner. I bought Lucky Jim by Kingsley Amis at the near by Goodwill used book store. A blogger mentioned this book and then I read that Amis is compared as a comic writer to my favorite comedic author, P.G. Wodehouse so I grabbed the book. Not out of someone's hands, ha ha.
Isn't this note kind? "Geoff, Thanks for all you do. It's been a stressful year, so I hope you can unwind a bit with Lucky Jim and start the New Year on a happy note. To 2011. Mike."

Below is the snowman on the cover of the note.

Have you found intriguing inscriptions in used books you have bought?

For Unto Us a Child Is Born and my sweet lamb a friend made

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a son is given; And the government shall be upon his shoulders And his name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.
Isaiah 9:6-7

Below is my new addition to the nativity scene, a faithful white clay sheep made by a friend.

Isn't the sheep Diane made a cutie? The name I might give him is Happy. Or do you have a suggestion for a name?


At this holy season may God quiet you with his peace, comfort you with his presence, and bless you with his love.

Merry Christmas and Ho Ho Ho to All.

Christmas Beauty at My House

Do You Have Any Cooking for One Ideas

I can use some ideas for cooking dinner for one. This is new to me after 45 years of marriage and raising a family and cooking for four.
I had a good idea a few days ago; I bought a game hen from Trader Joes. I rubbed it with melted butter, stuffed it with a few lemon slices and fresh rosemary and a couple grapes, and put it in the oven on a baking sheet. It was done in about an hour. Actually I went out and took Bounce on a walk, and overcooked it a bit. The directions said done when temperature reaches 165 degree F, but it was 200 degree F. when I returned from our walk and took the game hen out of the oven. Still, it was moist and tasty.
I had the game hen that evening and the next night too, with asparagus. Bounce had plenty of hen tidbits to nibble on too.
I would appreciate if you have any other good ideas for cooking for one you would share here in the comments.
P.S. 12/12/18 Starting Over mentioned in her comment Hello Fresh. My son comes over after work once a month with either Hello Fresh or Blue Apron and he cooks us gourmet meals for three days. I like these services, but it would be too much food for one person, I think. I like Hello Fresh and Blue Apron a lot. The choices are fantastic, twice now we chose the grilling cheese meal with sweet potato, red onion, tomato and avocado.

Christmas Book I Wrote: A Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts: Stories to Warm Your Heart and Tips to Simplify Your Holiday

"A Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts: Stories to Warm Your Heart and Tips to Simplify Your Holiday" is the first book I wrote. It is available on Amazon here 
A Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts


This book was a joy to write and it shines through in the words. I met my co-authors online, three of them live in Ohio and two in Texas, and me here in California. It contains snippets of cheer and time savers, recipes, Scripture about the birth of Jesus, family fun ideas, and faith-filled hints. We include outdoor activities, how to create a quiet place in a busy home by having a Santa chair, green thumb tips for Christmas and true stories of our Christmas firsts. One of us shares about the siblings she adopted and their first Christmas in their new home. I share about camping in the Everglades at Christmas.

Here is a review I read posted on Amazon; I don't know the reviewer but love what she wrote about my book:
"When I first saw this book I thought it would be something I would read in a few minutes. Instead I found myself lingering over the stories, enjoying the little known Christmas facts, and promising myself that I would try all the recipes. And yes, there are recipes. Truly a bonus. The pages are filled with personal stories that will touch your heart, and there are interesting facts that will have you thinking, "I never knew that." I've always loved the song about chestnuts roasting on an open fire, but I didn't know until I read this book that Mel Torme, who originally sang it, also wrote the song in forty minutes during a 1945 summer heat wave. I'll remember that every time I hear the song from now on.
This is a great book for any time of the year, and a perfect addition to any bookshelf."

This is a hardcover book with pretty illustrations on each page. If you buy a copy or already have a copy please review it on Amazon. Your reviews help.