ManitoulinGirl

I enjoy nearly all music, but particularly enjoy smooth jazz and R&B. I also love rock music (most of the time), but can take or leave most country music.

I love cook books, craft books & gardening books. My favorite novels are usually mystery books. Top mystery authors at the moment are Giles Blunt, Kathy Reichs, Elizabeth George and the "Blue Shoes & Happiness" series by Alexander McCall Smith. I also love books which make me think - For example, Secret Life of Bees; Memory Makers Daughter; To Kill a Mockingbird...

I have a lot of interests in crafts, but am a master of none. Am trying to learn patchwork, knitting and sewing simple items. I do love to cook & like trying different types of cuisine. I host theme dinners for my friends every month or so.

I am married to a wonderful guy and have a 19 year old son. We live on Manitoulin Island - the world's largest freshwater island. (Northern Lake Huron close to Georgian Bay) I love to travel. My husband and I own a trailer and have been across much of Canada and through quite a lot of the U.S. Love to see new things and meet new people.

I love chocolate, especially dark (no fruit - fairly plain), note cards, vintage or interesting buttons and fabric, teabags (herbal or regular wrapped), ribbons. I'm crazy about dogs and cats and other animals - I am especially fond of dachshunds (wiener dogs). I love hiking and canoeing. I putter in my vegetable garden and flower gardens in the summer. My favorite colours tend to be jewel tones & "happy colours" but I'm not picky.

Just a note to let you know that although I think I live in a wonderful country, the postal system is dismally slow. If things are slow getting there, please email me and I'll let you know when it was sent.

I find as I grow older that I am increasingly in love with our earth and concerned about the way we treat it. I also find myself becoming more gentle with people and more open to new ideas and philosophies. I am trying to do something creative every day and also want to try new things. For reasons beyond my control my career life is most likely over, so I am finding new ways to measure my worth. Hope that makes some sense to you.

I enjoy watching American Idol, Canadian Idol, Amazing Race, Survivor, Criminal Minds , House and the Food Network. My husband doesn't cook at all, but loves to watch the Food Network with me. I am starting to convince him to help out with some cooking, so I'm glad that he is being inspired.

APRON SWAPS: I am "vertically challenged". I'm only 5' tall and of medium build. In the stores, my size is about a size 8. In sewing patterns, I am about a size 14. I think I would prefer a full apron (because food inevitably lands on my chest) , but will be happy no matter what. I love vintage 40's style and I love modern looks, but again I'm not picky!

RECIPE SWAPS: I would love to receive my recipes on 81/2 X 11 sheets of paper instead of recipe cards. I find it easier to organize my recipes in a binder.

A big thank you to Artistic and to Kaiwiopele who both Angeled for someone who didn't send out their swap and they sent me their Reading Log 2010 (last quarter). Very much appreciated!

I will not be participating in swaps until April 2011 because I will be doing some travelling. All of my swaps will be sent out, but I may not be able to rate you if I haven't received your package by mid Feb. I will rate later - I promise.