First Fire

Fire: LadyD Books

At sunset, here is a look at our first fire on the West Coast.

Fire: LadyD Books

Kind of an eery feeling, seeing many birds take flight for their lives.

Fire: LadyD Books

Enticing detail to observe the silhouette of avocado trees.

Avocado trees: LadyD Books

No more blue skies but soon there will be a clearing.

Smoke View: LadyD Books

And indeed, the smoke blows out to sea.

Fire Smoke: LadyD Books

And over the eastern mountains, the smoke was heading south.

Smoke View of Fire: LadyD Books

 Our first fire of the season started the other day on a nearby military base. The warm summer winds, throughout the day, fanned the flames and filled the skies with smoke. It's so dry here in Southern California that it just doesn't take much to set off a wildfire, like what's happening in Colorado right now. Everything is all right now and no one was hurt, nor property damage. We were lucky this time. How is it where you are?

For more photos from all around visit, Skywatch Friday.


Caldecott Honor Book

One Morning in Maine (Picture Puffins)

This is a delightful, heartwarming story... so childlike. Written by Robert McCloskey, he beautifully conveys life's everyday pleasures and his intimate knowledge and deep appreciation of the Maine Islands. I've been to Maine and it is charming and magical.

Jacket Flap

"One morning in Maine, Sal woke up. She peeked over the top of the covers. The bright sunlight made her blink, so she pulled the covers up and was just about to go back to sleep when she remembered 'today is the day I am going to Buck's Harbor with my father!'"


From a book reviewer:


"This book, along with Blueberries for Sal and Time of Wonder, by the same author, were some of my favorite books as a child growing up in Maine. I loved them because the children did things I did---dug for clams, picked blueberries, took boat rides to get ice cream, played on the rocky shore and on and on! I loved the pictures because they are so detailed and realistic. This book in particular was a favorite because it was about an older Sal than in Blueberries for Sal, dealing with the universal excitement of losing a first tooth. I love her relationship with her younger sister Jane, who is drawn as one of the most adorable toddlers around. If you are looking for a calm and wholesome in the best way book for your child, this might be one you want to consider." 

 The Page 56


"Well, look who's here!" said the Mr. Condon who kept store.
"I have a tooth out!" Sal shouted, returning Mr. Condon's greeting.
 Be sure and visit other book bloggers at Freda's Voice. 

If you have the time, lady photographers, you might want to check out Lori's anniversary giveaway at Photograph4life

Blessings and Happy 4th to you!
 






“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis
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Everyone Has to Ask for Help Sometime

Granddaughter Sweeping: LadyD Books
Wordless Wednesday

Granddaughter: LadyD Books
Rednesday

 My lovely granddaughter wanted to sweep our kitchen floor, bless her heart! I knew the big wooden corn husk broom would be to large for her to handle. The push broom in the garage was gigantic and there were no little 'pint-size' toddler brooms to be found. Then little Missy discovered this one in the closet and went to work immediately... sweeping! In her frustration, although she gave it her best shot, the broom was just too large for her to handle, so I came along side and we swept the kitchen floor together. You see, everyone has to ask for help sometime! 

 

Book Review: Back to Front And Upside Down!

By Claire Alexander

It's the principal Mr. Slipper's birthday, and while the rest of the class gets busy writing cards for the occasion, Stan becomes frustrated when his letters come out all in a muddle. Stan is afraid to ask for help, until a friend assures him that nobody's good at everything. And after lots and lots of practice, Stan's letters come out the right way round and the right way up.

This delightful book deals with a common childhood frustration and will remind readers that practice pays off and that everyone has to ask for help sometimes.

Visit Claire's website at www.clairealexander.com

My Thoughts



Another beautifully illustrated story by Claire. Her writing is touching and inspirational. There's plenty of action at the beginning because it's Mr. Slippers birthday (the principal) and the class busily writes cards for him. I adore Stan, the main character, who feels so insecure about his handwriting, especially when he compares his back to front and upside down letters to his classmates, Lucy and Tommy. Within his personal struggles of feeling like he's the only one who cannot write, he confesses his fears to a friend who encourages Stan to ask the teacher for help. Along the way, he discovers he's not alone. With courage and lots of practice, Stan accomplishes his goal and feels such personal joy, in writing a card 'all by himself.'


I love this story and believe it would be a great addition to your library for your children and grandchildren. If we are truly honest with ourselves, at one time in our youth, we have felt like Stan and in the present... well, we must all learn to ask for help sometime.  A great lesson for everyone. ***** stars!

Back to Front and Upside Down


Blessings,

 



“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis
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Fly Fishing in Bishop

Forks Camp: LadyD Books
Forks Camp for Skywatch Friday

Husband and son returned from the snow-capped mountains in early June. Temperatures were pretty cold at night but the daytime was perfect for fishing conditions. Plenty of trout were caught.


Lake Sabrina: LadyD Books
Lake Sabrina

They pretty much had the campground to themselves because the school wasn't out yet. There's another favorite part where they like to stop, Greys Meadows.



mountain fishing: LadyD Books
Bishop, California


fly fishing in the sierras: LadyD Books
Fly Fishing
 Truly, a beautiful place!

Rabbit Hill


The Friday 56

"Georgie," he burst forth, "I'm a-goin' to do it, yes sir, I'm a-goin' to do it. You know, women folks is funny like and particular about some things and your maw is extra particular. I dunno how many dingblasted years it is since I've done it, but I'm a-goin' to do it now." -- Robert Lawson
Rabbit Hill

 I know you are all wondering what on earth is he going to do... Remember it's a children's book! lol

"Georgie, -- I'm goin' to take me a bath!" 

* 2 Special Announcements*

#5 Grand baby is coming in January!
LadyD Books was featured for Talk of the Web:
  http://pocketchange.become.com/2012/06/best-of-the-web-no-69.html.

For more great happenings, visit these fine folks,

InLinkz.com

Blessings,





 “You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis
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