Shannon at Rocks in my dryer is hosting its weekly Works-for-me-Wednesday, and I decided to take part with a really nifty trick I learned recently.

I don’t know about you, but one of my pet peeves is the caps lock key on my computer. I don’t mind that it is practically useless (Let’s face it - unless you are really into abbreviations you hardly ever need it). What is a bit of wasted space on the keyboard; I have dozens of keys on mine that I neither use nor even know what they are for. Those don’t bother me a bit. Live and let live, I say.

Unfortunately, the lock-caps key is different. It doesn’t like being neglected. Even if you don’t (intend to) use it, it will find a way to see some action. Depending on your typing style and the lay-out of your keyboard that may be a very minor issue - or not. With my new computer it actually isn’t that bad. On the old laptop I would constantly push that key by accident. If you are in a hurry (and which mom isn’t when finally finding a moment to write a post) you end up writing several words (or more) in all capitals. Unless you just happened to be typing SOMETHING OF MAJOR importance, that means you have to go back, delete and retype. Grr. Just thinking about it is a nuisance.

Wouldn’t it be great to just get rid of that silly caps-lock key? Well, now you can. I recently found a website where you can download a small computer program that will get rid of the dratted key for you. Of course, the key will still be there, but it will be mercifully dead.

If you are getting excited at the idea, here a small caveat. First, I am not a computer expert. I used the program, it got rid of the caps-lock function for me and no disaster happened. However, I can not guarantee that your computer won’t go up in smoke if you try the same. It is a reputable website and I think the gain is worth the small risk you have whenever you try a new program on the computer. But it is of course up to you.
Also, the website is in German. That needn’t bother you though as it is quite easy to install:

1. Go to the CHIP online website and click on the blue rectangle that says “Zum Download” (You have to do this rather quickly as the website will otherwise change=
2. Install the program as you would any other.
3. Run the program. You will see an interface with various options to choose from. Click on number 8 to completely disable the caps-lock function
4. Reboot your computer.

And there you have it - no more nuisance caps-lock key. Presumably, you can run the program again and by choosing the first option regain the caps-lock function. Just in case you can’t live without A LARGE NUMBER OF CAPITAL LETTERS.

Well, we left it too late and now there isn’t really time to get any new costumes for Halloween. Luckily, both boys seem quite happy to wear the ones from last year and the year before (and the year before and the year before in the case of J.).

I am extra happy about that, because making the costumes was quite a bit of work - especially the bear costume (you can’t tell on the picture but it is an overall). I am not a very proficient seamstress - as a matter of fact, these costumes are pretty much the only things I have sewed in the last five years or so. Actually, I was about ready to throw the sewing machine out the window while wrestling with the bear costume, broken needles and all. Luckily, they turned out okay, inspite of my less than professional sewing skills.
Anyway, looks like I am getting my wish and we really get quite a bit of use out of these costumes.

Last week I posted some ideas on books that might make good Christmas gifts for kids. So I figured I would follow it up with a post on grown-up books.
I have to admit that my reading taste runs to the fairly mundane. Don’t get me wrong, I can read a highly respected novel and do a first rate discussion on it (my English teachers loved me) but it just isn’t something I would do for pleasure. Largely, I think, because I really hate it if there is no happy-end. And the more worthwhile a book is, the less likely is it to have a truly happy end in my experience. Not sure what that says about life in general.
I am hoping that one day my taste will change to truly appreciate great literature. However, in the meantime I would choose a good romance or exciting mystery any day.
Here just a quick run-down: As you may remember if you read my post about Children’s books, I have a thing for series. The books on this list are mysteries I truly enjoyed but tastes are different so if you buy one of these and hate it: Don’t sue me! I nixed a couple of books that I love but that are not currently available. I mean, what’s the point of a Christmas gift idea that you can’t easily get?

If you are a true mystery buff there might be a book on my list that you missed. But as most of these books are fairly well-known, my recommendations will probably serve you best if mysteries are not your regular fare but you need one for a present. Instead of standing in front of rows and rows of books at your local bookstore without any idea which one to choose, you could use this list for a starting -point.

Old Favorites

1. Devil’s Waltz by Jonathan Kellerman

This is an early (though not the first) entry in the Dr. Alex Delaware series that I really enjoyed. This series features a child psychologist who gets involved in various crime investigations either through his job or through his friendship with gay police officer Milo Sturgis. In this specific book Alex is confronted by the mystery of a little girl whose constant mysterious illnesses give rise to the suspicion that they are caused on purpose. Throw in some brutal killings and various dark family secrets and you have a thrilling read.

2. The Dark Room by Minette Walters

A young woman awakens with part of her memory missing after an alleged suicide attempt. Her best friend and her fiancé have been murdered and she is the prime suspect. But did she really try to kill herself? And how can she defend herself of a murder charge if she doesn’t remember anything that happened?

3. The Crime at Black Dudley by Margery Allingham

The first book in the Albert Campion mystery series, this book is quite different from the last two books on my list. An older book set after the First World War in England, it features Albert Campion, a mild-mannered sleuth with a brilliant mind. During a weekend house party (is there anything more nostalgic British?) the host is murdered and the entire group of houseguests is held hostage by group of thugs. One of the most entertaining aspects of this book for me is the picture of a different era that it paints (yes, of course I realize that life in 1920s England wasn’t all about fancy parties, spies and daring - but still).

4. A Man to Die For by Eileen Dreyer

One of my all-time favorite mystery novels. Trauma nurse Casey McDonogh has enough personal problems of her own. So she really doesn’t need the extra stress of being the only one to realize that the adored new obstetrician working at the hospital is a real psychopath. When people start turning up dead she has no other option than to take her suspicions to the police. But can she convince them that the respected doctor is a serial killer? A great read!

5. Artists in Crime by Ngaio Marsh

Ngaio Marsh is one of the grande dames of mystery and I have very much enjoyed her Roderick Alleyn series. This is another book that enchants with the portrayal of society in a different age (Okay, I’ll admit I have a bit of a weakness for stories about aristocratic sleuths in the early part of the last century. And the only reason that Dorothy Sayer’s Lord Peter Wimsey didn’t make it on this list is that I figure EVERYONE has read those books.) Another plus, at least for me, is that this novel is the one where Roderick Alleyn first meets Troy, his future wife, and their courtship begins. Actually, Troy is not instantly enamored by him and the fact that one of the models in her painting studio gets murdered and Roderick is sent to investigate further complicates their relationship. A great book for anyone who enjoys old-fashioned detective novels.

6. Cry Wolf by Tami Hoag

After a shattering divorce that leaves her life in shambles, Elizabeth Stuart and her son move to a small town in Minnesota. The idyllic peace of the Amish farmlands is shattered when dead bodies start to turn up. And who would have expected the sparks that fly between Elizabeth and the local sheriff? A romantic suspence with emphasis on the love/relationship between the protagonists this is definitely a good read.

7. Track of the Cat by Nevada Barr

The first of the Anna Pigeon novels is set in the wilderness of West Texas. Anna works as a ranger for the National Park Service. On a hike through the dry canyons her enjoyment of nature is abruptly interruped when she finds a dead woman. Even worse, Anna is soon convinced that the death is only faked to look like it was caused by a mountain lion. Is there a murderer loose in the wilderness?

Books on my Wishlist

The following books I have NOT read. Still, based on reviews and my knowledge of the author I feel pretty confident in recommending them. Actually, these are all books that I am hoping to get for Christmas myself. If you are looking for a present for some mystery buff and don’t have any idea what is already on their bookshelves, it may be best to go with a new book to improve your chances of getting one they don’t yet have.
1. Strangers in Death by J.D. Robb

I have read all of the entries in J.D. Robb’s (who is even better known as romance writer Nora Roberts) Eve Dallas series and have pretty much enjoyed them all. The series is set in future day (2060) New York City and tells the story of a hard-nosed cop, her crook-turned-billionaire husband and the latest crime sprees. In this installment a business man turns up dead, apparently the victim of some kinky sex. But is that really the case or is there another motive behind the crime? While the mystery aspect of this series is generally enjoyable, it really is the relationship between Eve and her husband (as well as their interesting collection of friends) that make the book so fun.

2. Laughter of Dead Kings by Elizabeth Peters

Though I am a great fan of the Amelia Peabody series by this author set in historical Egypt, it is really the Vicky Bliss series that I like best. I loved “Nighttrain to Memphis” and have been waiting for the next book in the series forever (it HAS been 14 years!). Vicky is an art historian with an on-again/off-again relationship with John, a (fairly nice) art thief. Even though John has given up his life of crime, he is the prime suspect when King Tut’s mummy is stolen. I can’t wait to see what Vicky and John are up to this time and it sounds like they will once again travel to Egypt, a big bonus for me as I have always been fascinated by that country and its history.

3. Crouching Buzzard, Leaping Loon by Donna Andrews

I actually have just started reading the books in this series and this fourth installment is next on my list (if you are looking for the newest one though, you should get Six Geese A-Slaying ). This time the heroine’s brother is suspected of murder and it is up to her to find the real culprit. What sets the Meg Langslow series apart (other than the bird theme) is that they are really funny and wacky. If you are looking for a mystery that will also make you laugh, this should be a good bet!

I hope you found a book here that sounds interesting. As I was getting the links from Amazon.com I noted that they have a special promotion where you basically get four qualifying paperbacks for the price of three. Several of the books on my list qualified (that’s how I even found out about the promotion). So if you are a voracious reader like me, that might be a promotion to check out!

Just a quick note for those of you who have friends (or whatever) overseas that you want to send something to for the holidays. Here you will find a chart to tell you when international mail is due at the post office.

Last week I promised some more recommendations for children’s books that would make good Christmas presents. It has taken me a while, since I have been very busy (attending class five mornings a week in town really takes up a large amount of my time right now), but I am finally ready to deliver on that promise.

Books for early readers

1. Dr. Seuss Books

No big surprise here. And, yes, I know my book recommendation run towards the traditional. But the fact is, that those books are so well-know for a reason. And no matter how well known, we do not always think of them when it is time to buy the presents.
By all accounts, the easiest of the Dr. Seuss books for beginning readers is
Hop on Pop Book & CD (Dr. Seuss). We do not have that one (yet) but I am thinking of getting it. J’s favorite is The Lorax however that might not be the easiest one to read. Two good choices that we enjoy a lot are Green Eggs and Ham
and The Cat in the Hat. These are all entertaining books that I think should be fairly easy to read (I think J. is almost there to read those by himself!).

2. A Fish Out of Water

Another easy-reader that we truly enjoy. It is the story of a little boy who ignores the pet store owner’s advise and feeds his fish too much (which little boy wouldn’t). To his despair, that generosity makes the fish grow and grow and grow and grow. The fish even grows too big to fit in the bathtub. Can the police and fire department help or is all lost?

3. Frog and Toad Are Friends

Gentle, easy to read stories about two friends who have various adventures. We have this book, but I have never read it to the boys because I am hoping that curiousity about the story might provide some motivation for J. to read it by himself. However, I do like the book myself and hopefully, so will he.

4. Amelia Bedelia

Okay, not only do I enjoy classic children’s books, but I also have a thing for series. Call me lazy but it is just so convenient to have a whole bunch of similar books available if you discover one you really like. There are a whole bunch of Amelia Bedelia books available (I have only seen the first one myself though) so you won’t run out of reading material if you enjoy these books. This book is easy to read and entertaining because of the literal-minded Amelia who does EXACTLY what she is told to.

Books for Kids who read well

1. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

Probably there is no one out there who DOESN’t have this book but it is still worth a recommendation. I will pass on giving a summary as it is unlikely that you don’t know the story yet. Some of the later Harry Potter books were a bit dark and scary for me personally and I definitely wouldn’t recommend them for younger children. But the first book in the series should be fine for most kids even though it is very exciting. This is the perfect book to motivate a reluctant reader!

2. Magic Tree House

Another series par excellence that will provide reading material for the longest time. I have to admit that we do not yet have a single book of the series (They are on my to-buy-for-Christmas-list though). However, I am a frequent reader of various message boards and it seems that this series is almost universally liked.

3. The Magic School Bus Lost In The Solar System

Another series. However, we DO have many of these books and my boys LOVE them. They are some of the most popular books in our house. The wacky adventures of Ms. Frizzle and her magic school bus (that will turn into anything from a lizard to a rocket to a time machine) are loads of fun - and educational to boot. Many science topics are covered (body, dinos, space, ocean, electricity etc.) so no matter your child’s interest there should be one available to cover it. There are also several Ms. Frizzle books about history (we enjoy the castle one a lot) and chapter books (something I will have to look into). If you know a child with an interest in science you can’t go wrong with one of these books.

4. Samantha: An American Girl

I’ve read these books years ago and really enjoyed them. There are several titles available for each of a number of girls. Each girl lives at a specific time in American history and her life is (more or less) typical of that era. These books probably appeal more to girls because of the main characters, so I am not sure if I will get them for my boys. However, they are a great choice for any little girl on your Christmas list.

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The other day I got this nifty catalogue in the mail, with lots of great toys, clothes and craft materials. Unfortunately, I do not think they deliver to the US, but if you are interested anyway you can take a look here at

Jako-o.

I really liked the look of the arts and crafts project you see on their site (at least you should see it if you clicked on the above link). Now, money being somewhat tight, I was too cheap to buy the kit, but I did use the idea for some inspiration. You can easily do the same thing and make some of these “fake gingerbread cookies” from readily available material (which is all to the good because as I said before I don’t think the company delivers overseas).

Here is what you need:

• Pieces of felt in brown, tan and whichever other colors you like
• Puffy paint for decorating
• Glue, scissors, cardboard, some sort of ribbon

And now for the instructions:

1. Make some cardboard templates for the decorations. The idea is to make them look like gingerbread cookies so hearts, rectangles, rings, circles etc. work good (and are easy to make). If you have some fair-sized cookie cutters you could also use these to trace around.
2. Trace the above templates on felt, cut out and paste together in layers. If you happen to have fairly stiff felt that should do it. If you are afraid that your felt is too thin you can always glue in a cardboard layer to make the ornaments more sturdy
3. Use pieces of felt or puffy paint to draw on “icing” and other decorations.
4. Put a ribbon through the top for hanging up.

As you see it is a really easy craft project that can be shared with the kids. It is inexpensive (All you need is a bit of felt and if you are like me you probably have that lying around somewhere anyway) and looks kind of nifty.

Oops, I got to go. The kids are doing a science experiment and are trying to make a magnet out of a magnetized needle floating in a bowl of water. Unfortunately, the needle seems to be pointing due west (?) I’d better go and find out what is going on (wish I had paid more attention back in physics class).

I have a fairly lengthy post sitting in my draft folder about the need to take a step back and cut down on outside obligations. The draft is a couple of weeks old and things have changed too much to use it now. Instead, I will give a quick rundown.

Mostly, I have found myself over-extended by loads of volunteer work that I did for the boys’ preschool. It had gotten rather out of hand and I found myself spending most mornings working on all the associated stuff (payroll, contracts, financing etc). Anyway, it took a lot of sould searching but finally I did get my act together and stepped down from the office I held. Hopefully, by next week I will be out of the loop completely. My only obligation will be to take B. there in the morning and pick him up on time. Though I am a bit sorry to leave that job, I mostly feel vastly relieved.

However, if I was hoping that I would now have more time to spend on various projects (this blog for one) I was mistaken. With B. now in preschool I have started looking for a job which unfortunately is not going so well (no part-time jobs in my field available, definitely not for a single mom of two small kids). For a while now I was supposed to start some training the Unemployment Agency will pay for. The classes repeatedly rescheduled until I wasn’t really expecting to attend anymore. However, now I will start TOMORROW.

Yikes! My feelings are mixed. I will get some extra money (the UA will pay childcare and commuting expenses) which is nice. On the other hand I am rather doubtful whether the training will really help me to gain new skills (most of the points on the class schedule do not look too challenging) and doubt that passing the class will help me find a job (I will still be a single mom with two kids looking for part-time work). Still, I will have to see and hopefully, the training will be more useful than I anticipate.

One thing is sure. I will have even less time available for doing other things. I will definitely make this blog a major priority but of course the kids have to come first. I will update everyone on how it is going as soon as I find a minute but in the meantime, I do apologize if the posts do not appear as regularly as I had intended.

I knew exactly what I was going to write for Family Moment Monday this week. It was going to be a bunch of very nifty Columbus Day activities that are a tradition in our family. Due to time constraints (also known as having to go to school) we were going to do all of it on Sunday, which would work out especially well as I would have plenty of time to write this post about it.

Unfortunately, this oh-so-practical-and-fun plan got vetoed by the kids. I think it was the idea of walking to a neighboring village, the nearest place to find a small stream, that didn’t go over well with J. today (B. didn’t mind but then he gets to ride in his stroller). He insisted that we would do it tomorrow instead (”It isn’t even Columbus Day until tomorrow, Mom.”). And who knows, if the weather stays nice we might really do it tomorrow. In which case you can read all about our Columbus Day tradition sometime this week.

But for today, we skipped it. I figured there wasn’t much point in doing a major family excursion if I had to force the kids into it. Luckily, J. not only torpedoed my original plan but also provided me with a new idea for Family Moment Monday so I guess he is forgiven.

I may have mentioned before that J. is a very artsy-craftsy kid. He has little interest in most toys but can not pass by a pile of junk without finding several treasures. He is especially enamored of cardboard boxes. There is hardly ever a trip to the grocery store that doesn’t end with my son lugging home a new box he absolutely needs. Now, I am getting a bit tired of living in a house that has piles of boxes everywhere but I do have to admit that cardboard boxes can be some of the best toys ever. We have turned boxes into rockets, racecars, boxes, dollhouses, etc.

Today, J. and his grandfather used cardboard boxes of various sizes to build a robot. They did it while I was washing B.’s hair. Actually, we had a major breakthrough here. This was the FIRST time ever that I managed to get B’s hair washed without him crying/screaming hysterically. I am so proud of him. I made the same experience with J. He was completely terrified of getting his hair washed until he was around three and finally really understood that cooperation was the best way to get it over with. Hopefully, we can wash B’s hair a bit more often now. I always felt so bad for him that we did it only very rarely.

Anyway, by the time I had washed and combed B’s hair (apparently one of the other kids at preschool thought it would be fun to put some GLUE in my son’s hair) J and Grandpa were pretty much finished building their robot. I was so impressed. Using a couple of boxes, masking tape, a piece of wire and some other “junk”, they built a really nice robot.

Building something like this together is a great way to spend quality time with kids. Especially boys who often don’t like “traditional” arts & crafts (though I definitely can’t say that about my son) and often talk more freely when engaged in a building project. The result doesn’t have to be a robot either, any vehicle, animal, thing would be fun - whatever your kids (or you) are interested in. Because of that I decided not to include any detailed instructions for this project (The robot picture is pretty self-explanatory anyway). All you need to make your very own work of art is a number of different cardboard boxes, paper towel rolls, tape, glue, wire, other odds and ends - and your imagination!

Being a book worm myself, I can’t think of a better gift than books, books, books. Even if you or your kids are not quite as enamored by reading as I was (and am), a book is still a nice, not too expensive gift. So I thought I would write a couple of posts with recommendations for books. Most of these books we actually own. Some of them we might not have but have heard lots of good things about.

Let’s start with books for the little ones:

Board Books

1. Rabbit’s Nap

This is a lift-the-flap book that my little one loves! Bunny is tired, but everyone is too noisy (something my kids can identify with) to let him sleep. Will he ever find a place to take his nap in peace? This is actually part of a series, so if you like the book there are more you can get.

2. Guess How Much I Love You

Pretty much everyone knows this story of little nutbrown hare who tells big nutbrown hare how much he loves him only to learn in return that his father’s love is even greater. Still, if you do not own this book yet it is a great one to snuggle up with.

3. My First Word Board Book

A dictionary-like first word book with the crisp, brightly colored photographs you would expect from DK. This too is one in a series. There are similar books about animals, vehicles etc. Great for toddlers to look at, point at and increase their vocabulary.

4. Goodnight Moon

Another classic. I do like the rhytmic text, the rhymes and the slowing down of activity in this book. A good choice for a bedtime story.

Picture Books

1. What Do People Do All Day?

My boys are great fans of Richard Scarry’s books. I would have to say they are probably their all time favorites. I can’t tell you how often I had to read them the story of Abby Bunny’s trip to the hospital, Building a new road or Baking Bread (and no - adding oodles of yeast won’t really puff your bread up to the size of a truck - we’ve tried!).
My 3-year old is really into firefighters at the moment. Maybe because we visited the fire department’s open house recently where they (the firefighters not my kids) proceeded to lift a car over 40 feet up into the air, let it fall down with a loud caboom, dismantled it and then set fire to it, causing tremendously stinky black smoke. Anyway, we have read Huckle’s rescue by the daring firefighters many times lately.
Anyway, for those of you not familiar with the stories, Scarry depicts anthropomorphic animals (which may not be to every adult’s taste but are generally loved by kids) doing everyday jobs in fairly small detail. They are fun books, especially for little boys who are interested in how things work. Other books by the same author that are popular in our house are Busy, busy Town, Best Storybook Ever, and Day at the Airport.

2. The Quiltmaker's Gift

This book tells the story of a quiltmaker who makes the most gorgeous quilts and a greedy king who craves one of her creations. The quiltmaker does not sell her quilts though, but only gives it to those in need. What will happen when all the king’s threats do not change her mind? I love the illustrations in this book. They are very detailed and there is always something new to discover (which my boys love). I also enjoy the quilting theme as I used to do some quilting myself (before I had kids that is). One of the favorite books of my six-year old. Our copy is getting so worn that I am actually considering buying a new one.

3. Tikki Tikki Tembo

Another classic. In accordance to Chinese tradition the older boy in a family has a very long name while his brother is called Chang. But when an accident happens the long name causes great difficulties. I have to admit, the main reason I love this book is that name. What could be more fun than reading about Tikki Tikki Tembo-No Sa Rembo-Chari Bari Ruchi-Pip Peri Pembo?

4. Corduroy

Maybe it is a bit sappy, but I love this book. The little teddy baer is so cute and I love the way he braves the unknown parts of the store to look for his lost button. For me, this is just one of those “feel good” books that we all enjoy.

This post is getting a bit long (and here it is getting quite late). I will write a second post soon on Children’s Books for older kids that would make good Christmas gifts.

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Yes, I know. I promised I would post more regularly (after all, don’t you hate to stop by someone’s blog just to see the same old experiment/craft/lament/book review etc. AGAIN?) and I have failed badly. It has been a very busy week but as good as that is in some respects (can you say money, money, money) I feel guilty for neglecting this place.

Anyway, I thought I would post at least a short update on what is going on around here:

- The classes I was scheduled to attend starting next Monday were cancelled - again. I would be more upset about that if I hadn’t already been worrying how I could possibly fit it into my crammed schedule.

- B. enjoys going to preschool again. I think the clingy behavior I saw a little while ago was mostly due to the change of being there without his brother and to the fact that he had to stay late there so much at the end of the last school year. B. really enjoys many of the new kids at the preschool who are about his own age (last year most were kindergarten age).

- So far J. loves school. Having to get up while it is still dark and spending almost two hours daily going to the bus stop, waiting for the bus and riding in the bus are not so good but otherwise he enjoys it. He is into Space at the moment after brief interests in Moldau (music/river) and skateboard ramps (yes, he felt we desperately needed one and was only dissuaded by the argument that spending $6000 on a skateboard ramp if we don’t even own a skateboard is not in the cards). He has been playing some of the fun games at Nasa for Kids and also drew a chart with all the planets (including Pluto because “even though it isn’t any longer a planet it is still there”). J. really likes to use his budding writing skills to label and enhance his projects now.

- After volunteering fairly extensively at the boys’ preschool last year I had to face the facts and admit that I could no longer continue to hold my office and do a good job with it as it just ate up too much time. Luckily, it was fairly easy to find a replacement, and we are now in the transitioning phase. Hopefully, I will be mostly done with it by the end of next week and by the end of the month I should be completely free of it. Hurrah!

- I volunteered (do you see a pattern here) at J’s school to make some crafts for the Christmas market stall. Hopefully, I can get started with that soon and let you have pictures/instructions for the decorations I am going to make.

- The house is a complete mess (if you thought this blog was a low priority in my life you haven’t seen what our playroom looks like). The weather is very fall-like and quite gorgeous at times.

Ooops - if I am starting to comment on the weather it seems I am running out of material for this post. At least now you have some idea of what’s been going on around here and the next post shouldn’t be too far off (still hoping to stick to my Christmas post on Saturday Schedule).