Year: 2022

Free and bargain books November 07, 2022

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Tomorrow is a big day in the US. Election day. Are you all getting out to vote? Awesome.

So, this is a good day, we have a couple of FREE books. BookBub and BookRunes have let us know about them. The first is an author we see regularly, the second is brand new to us.

Last Taste of Freedom (Chevalier Protection Specialists Book 1)

The fight is coming home.

For trophy daughter Nora Gladstone, life isn’t as perfect as it appears. When her only ally is suspiciously killed the truth of her father’s treachery leaks through the cracks of the facade that is her whole world.

Zander O’Connell and his team of former soldiers and spies accept a mission from the director of the Department of Clandestine Services. A quick search of the objective before they destroy it reveals a sinister picture.

Determined to bring her father down, Nora may be the key to the question at the core of Zander’s existence. But when a man thought dead resurfaces, the threat becomes far more dangerous than any of them expected.

Unless they survive, this will be their Last Taste of Freedom.

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Keatyn’s Journey: Seeds of Faith

Journeys of Life
Tragic events caused Keatyn Rae Griffin to leave home and become bitter. Over the years, she’s managed to push everyone but her brother, Alvin, out of her life. Everyone, including God.

A turn of events causes Keatyn to travel home to Pensacola Beach. Home to the place where her life fell apart.

Gareth Davenport left his past behind and now lives a life obedient to God. When he crosses paths with Keatyn, he’s determined to help with her pilgrimage back to God.

Will Keatyn’s journey bring love and forgiveness back to her life? Most importantly, will her journey help her turn back to God?

Or will secrets from the past drive Keatyn further away and cause her to harden her heart forever?

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One more interesting read showed up in my time spent browsing, it’s a bargain collection and I’ve read and enjoyed the first book in the series. Now I’m looking forward to the rest.

A total change of pace, historical fiction, cowboys and prairie brides.

Prairie Brides Box Collection One: Books 1-4

Prairie Brides Box Collection 1 introduces the town of Clear Creek and the Cooke brothers. Three English gents who tame the west with their fists and impeccable manners! Enjoy these sweet, clean and wholesome stories of family, friendships, and love set in the old west! Included in this boxed set are:

His Praire Princess: When Sadie Jones, the daughter of cattle baron Horatio Jones, set out on her own in search of her dying birth mother, she got more than she bargained for. She never dreamed the stage would be robbed and she herself taken along with the rest of the loot! After all, being kidnapped was the last thing on her mind that morning. Unfortunately, it was the foremost thing that afternoon.
Harrison Cooke, raised by his English mother to be the perfect gentleman, simply went to get the mail, not rescue a damsel in distress! But here he was, attempting to rescue the most beautiful woman he had ever seen, and of course, not get them both killed in the process.

Her Prairie Knight: Belle Dunnigan hadn’t expected Clear Creek to be so remote. It was a far cry from Boston society and she soon learned how hard life out on the Oregon prairie could be. But it wasn’t prairie life that was hard. It was living with her Aunt Irene! The woman ruled with an iron fist and hated everyone. Especially the Cooke family. And unfortunately for Belle, the only decent men of the marrying kind within a hundred miles, WERE the Cookes! With spinsterhood starring her in the face, what was she to do? Even worse, she was terribly attracted to Colin Cooke, the one man her aunt hated most of all.

HIs Prairie Duchess: Duncan Cooke had a problem. A really BIG problem. As the next Duke of Stantham, he would have power and position, a wealthy estate and the means to take care of his family for years to come. His father and mother could only dream something like this would happen to their eldest son and now their dream was a reality. So what was the problem? He had to get married in the next thirty-eight days or lose it all. Unfortunately, Duncan lived in Clear Creek. A place where there wasn’t a single female around for hundreds of miles.
Except one.

Her Prairie Viking: Andel Berg came to Clear Creek under the guise of becoming the new blacksmith, but little did the townspeople of Clear Creek know that he was so much more! Madeline Van Zuyen came to Clear Creek for a new beginning and the chance to start a new life. Little did she know that SHE was so much more!
Mr. Berg had a duty to perform. Find the Princess Madelaina at any cost, retrieve her, and deliver her to Count Rudge, one of the most despicable men Andel had ever known. Not an appealing task for a Captain of the King’s Guard but unfortunately, Andel had no choice. If he didn’t deliver the princess Count Rudge would kill his father and Andel was prepared to do anything to keep that from happening. But Andel hadn’t counted on falling in love.

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Another interesting Kit Morgan collection showed up and I want it too. I’ll use another post to share it with you.

Soon.

Happy Reading.

Free book November 06, 2022

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Sunday is a slow day for book suggestions but we do have one that could be interesting. The authors are new to me and they are still new to having books published it seems, the selection is still small. One thing they do have in their favorite is their impressive involvement in the publishing industry. Editing is in their resume and I know they will be making sure their books are well taken care of in that department. I wish I could say the same thing about my current read where the editing is hit and miss and leaves much to be desired. At least the story is well thought out.

So back to BookRunes free suggestion. This is a published series with three books and we have the first one.

Picture Imperfect (Roseville Romances Book 1) 

Can a struggling career woman and a procrastinating artist save a beloved nonprofit?Aspiring novelist Caroline Penn expected a promotion, not a picture book assignment. But when her employer, the non-profit Helping Hope, runs into financial trouble, this book might be the solution. With the company struggling to stay afloat, she and the illustrator will need to collaborate on a strict deadline—no problem for a workaholic like Caroline, right?

Andy Jackson, a “starving” artist, pays the bills by taking on graphic design gigs, but his perfectionism gets in the way. If only he could focus on a project for once, perhaps he could achieve his dream to make art for children for a living.

When the two are thrust together to create a book, Caroline can’t seem to write for children, and Andy can’t meet a deadline to save his life. As time ticks down to release day, the two must face their pasts and insecurities. If they can avoid strangling one another for long enough, they may just bring to the table what the other is missing.

If not, the fate of their careers—and a beloved nonprofit—hangs in the balance.

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That’s all there is for now but I will keep my eyes open just in case.

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I have two current reads. . . half way through each of them. I’m enjoying the stories but I’m not sure what happened here.

The problem with the first one is sloppy editing. Much of the book, so far, is well edited, it’s the sections with no discernible editing that are derailing the reader’s connection to the story. Could it be that the polished version was not the one published? Certainly seems possible.

The second story is a good read, as usual for this author, but there are some triggering sections that have me taking a break.

I will finish them both in time, never fear.

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It’s a cloudy day with cool temperatures, a perfect day to curl up with a warm drink. a good book, and a cozy blanket

Happy Reading y’all

Bargain books part two November 05, 2022

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Closing things down after today’s part one post another irresistible collection showed up. 10 books.

Love and Hope in a Small Town: Ten sweet, heartwarming small-town romances

Sweet, clean, wholesome romances, each with a happily-ever-after! Love blossoms between unlikely couples in this tender, heartfelt collection of ten small-town sweet romances! A single-dad cowboy ex-player enters a marriage of convenience; a spunky plus-size cowgirl reluctantly gets a makeover from a city slicker; a struggling single mother reunites with a man whose heart she broke; sparks–and cakes!–fly between two competing co-chefs, and much more.

Book 1: Show Me a Marriage of Convenience
An ex-player cowboy with a little son, the boy’s shy plus-size aunt, and a reluctant modern marriage of convenience only the boy is excited about…

  • marriage of convenience
  • plus-sized heroine
  • single-dad cowboy hero


Book 2: Show Me a Second Chance
A single-dad cowboy, a woman with a secret who left him, and a second chance at love neither of them expects…

  • reunion
  • going home
  • single-dad cowboy hero
  • woman in jeopardy


Book 3: Show Me the Boss
When a weeklong cowboy with a son becomes the three-day boss of an outspoken plus-size veterinarian, these opposites might attract-or combust.

  • makeover
  • plus-sized heroine
  • opposites attract
  • single dad


Book 4: Love Me
The biggest disaster of her life or the beginning of something wonderful?

  • second chance at love
  • beach setting
  • almost-forty
  • single dad


Book 5: Hold Me
Can she win the heart she shattered?

  • childhood sweethearts
  • reunion
  • single mom
  • beach town setting


Book 6: Season of Romance
When an affluent businessman becomes a single father to a sick nephew, he needs help from a shy small-town paramedic next door. But the beautiful neighbor harbors a painful secret.

  • single father
  • fish-out-of-water


Book 7: Season of Love
Feuding co-chefs have to put their differences aside before Christmas to give their siblings a great reception. A ruined wedding and failed business are not on the menu. But romance just might be…

  • opposites attract
  • Christmas


Book 8: Season of Amor
A workaholic doctor injured in an accident is helped by a local nurse – but he thinks she’s a homeless drunk! When deadly threats start, will they find love or danger together?

  • woman in jeopardy
  • doctor
  • mistaken identity


Book 9: Season of Affection
A celebrity in peril and the small-town boy who crushed her heart years ago. Can a Christmas reunion bring them a second chance at love?

  • Christmas
  • second chance
  • woman in jeopardy
  • bodyguard


Book 10: Rapsodia (Rhapsody)
A risk taker with a crushed spirit and a control-addicted businessman with a crushed heart… Can they surrender themselves to healing love?

  • opposites attract
  • healing from grief


Bonus novella: Season of Faith
Meeting the high school sweetheart this small-town girl left nearly a decade ago opens old wounds—and rekindles old feelings.

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OK, this time I’m done for sure. I’ll close my laptop so I’m not tempted again and change channels. I’ll go accomplish something in the way of chores.

Happy Reading

Free and bargain books November 05, 2022

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We have a new book! I’m so excited about this one. I love the cover, the story hook has my attention and I definitely want this as my next read.

BookBub is behind this suggestion.

Line by Line (Love along the Wires Book #1)

Alice McNeil resolved at a young age to travel through life unencumbered by love or marriage, free to make her own decisions. A seasoned telegrapher, she’s recently acquired a coveted position at an important trading firm, but when the company’s ambitious junior director returns to London, things begin to change in ways Alice could never have imagined.

For Douglas Shaw, years of hard work and ingenuity enabled him to escape a life of grinding poverty. He’s also determined to marry into high society–a step that will ensure he never returns to the conditions of his past.

He and Alice form a friendly relationship based on mutual respect, but anything deeper is not in their plans. However, when Alice accidentally raises the ire of a jealous and vindictive coworker who’s intent on ruining her life, Alice and Douglas are forced to confront what is truly important in their lives. Will their growing bond give them the courage to risk finding a better way?

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Browsing, I came across this FREE book. We read two of her books in 2021 and she is on my good author’s list, which means it will be good, right? The story line seems familiar, maybe it was in a collection somewhere but I’m hoping not, I’m hoping for another new read.

The Bachelor’s Wife: Small Town Bachelors – Book 1 

She was going to lose it all… unless she took his help
A year ago, Rose Sallow became a widow. A few days ago, she found out she no longer owns her business, and it’s being sold. Rose has always been a fighter, but should she let this one go and take a new job that offers her a new way of life?

On top of it all a man from her past, Grayson Chance has come home. He’ says he’s looking for a fake fiancée. He says he’ll pay her, and she can decide if she wants to fight for her business or not. Rose jumps on the opportunity.

Time has a funny way of making you see the truth, and this fake relationship is feeling very real to Rose. Can she trust another man with her heart?

He was going to have it all taken from him…unless she helped him.
Grayson is home to settle his mom’s affairs. Apparently, his mother wasn’t done settling his. He needs his fiancé to move into the house the only problem is there is no fiancé. He knew Rose Sallow. They are both in a pickle, but this plan will work.

The problem with plans are things no one plans for.

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Well, we only have two but they both look like winners, what could be better than that?

I often check out authors in my downloads on Amazon to see whether, or how often, they’ve been read. Next, if I don’t already know, I check my journal lists to see where an author lands, good or bad, or if they even do. Then I check the file where cover pictures are saved for upload. While I was fixing a title typo before upload I noticed the file size. 300 covers in 2022. That’s a lot of books y’all. And we still have the better part of two months to go. It would be nice if there was a feature allowing me to see the number read in 2022, I would love to have an easy way to know how I’m doing.

Final word…

Current enjoyable read.

Lethal Betrayal (Vanishing Ranch Book 5)

Happy Reading, have a great weekend.

Another book read November 04, 2022

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Another read and an almost read

Both of these were in recent posts. I have a bad habit of reading all the best stuff first and then when they are all gone I’ll go back through the list for the next read. Until new books show up and it starts all over again. That’s why I’m slow to share sometimes because it’s probably only been a day or two since the download, It’s too soon to be seeing those covers again. Too much deja vu.

These were both enjoyable, pleasantly so.

It Came Upon a Midnight Crime: Squeaky Clean Mysteries, Book 2.5 (a Christmas novella)

Someone is intent on destroying the true meaning of Christmas—at least, destroying anything that hints of it. All around crime-scene cleaner Gabby St. Claire’s hometown, anything pointing to Jesus as the “reason for the season” is being sabotaged. The crimes become more twisted as dismembered body parts are found at the vandalisms. Who would go to such great lengths to dampen the joy and hope of Christ’s birthday? Someone’s determined to destroy Christmas . . . but Gabby St. Claire is just as determined to find the Grinch and let peace on earth and goodwill to men prevail.

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I’m almost finished this one.

Pleasantly surprised too.

First Kisses: A Collection of Sweet & Inspirational Romance Series Starters

HEART LAKE #1: Winds of Change
The cowboy who broke her heart and the career opportunity that brings her back to the small town where they first fell in love…

BORN IN TEXAS: HOMETOWN HEROES A-Z #1: Accidental Hero
After a bad breakup, former Army Ranger Matt Romero is on a new mission — to remain single. Rescuing a lovely cowgirl from a highway collision is definitely not in the plan. Neither is the unexpected attraction it sparks.

COWBOY CONFESSIONS #1: Mr. Not Right for Her
A scarred cowboy determined to remain single and the klutzy new ranch hand who trips up his carefully laid plans…

BLACK TIE BILLIONAIRES #1: Her Billionaire Boss
When the CEO of a mega corporation hires the rebel youngest daughter of his family’s biggest rival to serve as his personal assistant…

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It has been a good reading day.

Must go finish.

Happy reading y’all

Free books November 03, 2022

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It looks like it is shaping up to be a good new-book day. BookBub has a FREE suggestion from an author we’ve seen recently but I’ve not read, yet. Checking out the first chapter in today’s book collection, so far anyway, I’m liking the authors writing style and I’m hooked, needing to know what happens next. Sounds like there is a good chance this will be the next read. I’m hoping that PDA will not be the overriding theme. Strong story is definitely the preference for me.

First Kisses: A Collection of Sweet & Inspirational Romance Series Starters

This set includes the first books in Jo Grafford’s top fan-favorite series — full of faith, family fun (and sibling rivalry), laugh-out-loud humor, and happily-ever afters.

HEART LAKE #1: Winds of Change
The cowboy who broke her heart and the career opportunity that brings her back to the small town where they first fell in love…

BORN IN TEXAS: HOMETOWN HEROES A-Z #1: Accidental Hero
After a bad breakup, former Army Ranger Matt Romero is on a new mission — to remain single. Rescuing a lovely cowgirl from a highway collision is definitely not in the plan. Neither is the unexpected attraction it sparks.

COWBOY CONFESSIONS #1: Mr. Not Right for Her
A scarred cowboy determined to remain single and the klutzy new ranch hand who trips up his carefully laid plans…

BLACK TIE BILLIONAIRES #1: Her Billionaire Boss
When the CEO of a mega corporation hires the rebel youngest daughter of his family’s biggest rival to serve as his personal assistant…

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Sadly, that’s it for book suggestions today but at least we have four in this one. That’s awesome.

Maybe something else will show up later too, you just never know what can happen as the day goes on.

Happy Reading.

Emptying the read folder November 02, 2022

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It has been a good week for enjoyable books and it was a delight to spend time with them.

They have accumulated quite nicely. Probably because they weren’t terribly long, which was nice for a change. The count adds up rather quickly and pumps up my sense of accomplishment.

The View from Coral Cove: A Sweet Contemporary Romance 

Not Until You: A Christian Romance (Hope Springs Book 3)

Sunburst (Sky King Ranch Book #2) 

Of Pens and Ploughshares: Hearts Unlocked

SCARS: Contemporary Christian Romantic Suspense (Spiritual Warfare Series, Book 4)

Sealed with a Christmas Promise: A K-9 Romantic Suspense (Called To Protect Book 7)

There are more but I will save the for next time.

I hope you are feeling inspired.

Happy Reading

More from Christy Barritt November 01, 2022

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As promised, we have several more attractive bargains from favorite author Christy Barritt.

Swept Away: A Squeaky Clean Honeymoon Novella (Book 11.5) (Squeaky Clean Mysteries) 

Finding the perfect place for a honeymoon, away from any potential danger or mystery, is challenging. But Gabby’s longtime love and newly minted husband, Riley Thomas, has done it. He has found a location with a nonexistent crime rate, a mostly retired population, and plenty of opportunities for relaxation in the warm sun.

Within minutes of the newlyweds’ arrival, a convoy of vehicles descends on a nearby house, and their honeymoon oasis is destroyed like a sandcastle in a storm. Despite Gabby’s and Riley’s determination to keep to themselves, trouble comes knocking at their door—literally—when a neighbor is abducted from the beach directly outside their rental.

Will Gabby and Riley be swept away with each other during their honeymoon . . . or will a tide of danger and mayhem pull them under?

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The next one looks fun too.

It Came Upon a Midnight Crime: Squeaky Clean Mysteries, Book 2.5 (a Christmas novella)

Someone is intent on destroying the true meaning of Christmas—at least, destroying anything that hints of it.

All around crime-scene cleaner Gabby St. Claire’s hometown, anything pointing to Jesus as the “reason for the season” is being sabotaged. The crimes become more twisted as dismembered body parts are found at the vandalisms. Who would go to such great lengths to dampen the joy and hope of Christ’s birthday?

Someone’s determined to destroy Christmas . . . but Gabby St. Claire is just as determined to find the Grinch and let peace on earth and goodwill to men prevail.

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Checking out some of the ever present suggestion strips, there were books that I wish were at bargain prices. I would love to read them. It’s taking a fair amount of self discipline to keep from giving in.

I have a budget for a reason. To keep me from going overboard, ordering more books than I can possibly read.

It’s a good thing the fiscally responsible side of me balances out the ever present desire for more. It cringes over books bought but not read and fans into flame my guilty conscience for indulging.

Thanks goodness for a hard line price range, I don’t feel guilty very often. I hate the feeling and that is a deterrent right there

It’s funny how easy it is to quickly read the inexpensive books while dragging my feet on the full priced books. Maybe it has to do with expectations. They are much higher as the price goes up. It seems disappointment happens more readily too with unmet, probably unreasonable, expectations.

That’s why I like free books. They make it easy to lower expectations. And, they help soothe what could be a guilty conscience over the many unread books still in my library.

I wouldn’t change a thing. I still love books and always want more.

It’s time for lights out and I wanted to read. I’ll sneak in a chapter or two.

Thanks for working your way through my late night rambling.

Happy reading!

Bargain books October 31, 2022

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Today may be a good book day. Lots of suggestion emails this morning. We will see if it works out or not. Maybe, hopefully.

This book wasn’t in one of the emails, instead it showed up in Amazon suggestion strips as I checked out email suggestions.

This is the next book in a series we’ve been following and I’m excited to see it.

Lethal Betrayal (Vanishing Ranch Book 5)

Emily Holcomb never thought working for a nonprofit would endanger her life. But when she’s abducted by ruthless men, it’s clear someone has an agenda they don’t want exposed. She manages to escape, only to find herself at the mercy of another man. But is he her oasis or a deadly mirage?

Former Mexican federal police commander Mateo Garcia wants to leave his painful past behind. Vanishing Ranch offers him a fresh start. When he stumbles upon a mysterious woman in dire need of help, he realizes something about the woman seems familiar. He’s certain of one thing—Emily didn’t end up at Vanishing Ranch by chance.

Even though Emily and Mateo don’t trust each other, they’re forced to work together. With danger closing in, the answers they need are buried deeper than the desert sand and clothed in betrayal. Can they discover the truth before their search becomes lethal?

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I decided to take the time to check out more of Christy’s books since the other suggestions were not working out well for me. I’m sure they would be worth while to someone maybe, but not to me. And since I get to decide what to pick, since it’s my blog, well. . . you get the idea.

I did find more bargains on her site, books that I don’t already own, and I own quite a few. Let’s see, it looks like I’m up to 67 including today’s purchase. Christy is a writing machine. There are others that I don’t own, not yet anyway.

The next bargain I found is also next in another series I’ve recently started following. I’m up to book two and enjoying it. I’m not a big fan of cutesy, the thing the little dog on this cover would suggest. In this case the cover is very cute but the story is not, the lapdog plays a minor role.

Book four is next up for purchase.

This is a continued story so it is good to read them in order but not really necessary. Each book follows a different crime, their relationship status is the continuing story.

Bound by Trouble (Beach Bound Books and Beans Mysteries Book 4) 

With the grand opening of Beach Bound Books and Beans, Tali Robinson’s dreams are finally coming true. She hopes to now put the past behind her and start a new chapter. When a suspicious stranger mysteriously shows up at her celebration, her hopes disappear faster than a bestseller at a book signing.

Mac MacArthur is ready to solidify his relationship with Tali. But mending their differences is easier said than done. Then someone sets their sights on Tali—and wants to put her out of print . . . permanently.

With trouble brewing, Tali and Mac have no choice but to dive into the chaos of the past. However, as more answers are revealed, the danger increases. The truth will come at a great cost . . . one that will bind them together or drive them apart.

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The first three.

There are several more bargains from other series but they will keep until the next post.

Happy Reading y’all.

Nostalgia October 29, 2022

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I miss the mountains. I lived my whole life in British Columbia Canada up until 2012 when I moved to Manitoba Canada. Where the land is flat. Not perfectly flat but much flatter than I was used to. I miss them everyday.

That’s why I like to follow a YouTube channel I discovered close to 2 years ago when they had major flooding in BC. There is a major highway running north and south through the rugged mountains and the damage was severe. The highway follows the river running through the tight valley and the overflow took huge chunks of the highway and some of the bridges along with it.

I’ve travel this highway many times over the years and the scenery is amazing. Flying over the area gives a whole different perspective, one I’d never had until now.

This is an update video showing us how the highway has been repaired and traffic is flowing again. If you check out their channel there are lots of videos showing the original damage and subsequent efforts to get traffic moving again.It’s amazing the way they’ve managed to get it done so quickly. Many predicted it would be many years, construction in the mountains is no small feat.

The truckers are pretty happy to have it fully open, a least parts of it anyway since it is a major truck route. They did manage to have one half of the highway open to two way traffic fairly early on but two separate parts is so much better with the heavy traffic this route experiences.

Enjoy this update on the newly opened portion. Be sure to check out their other videos as well. They are an adventuresome bunch and they are entertaining to listen to. They live in the area so they are familiar with the good sights and can show us things we would never experience without them.

I’m still not sure what an atmospheric river is but I gather it’s a big storm that could bring flooding with it. Parts of the highway are about down at river height and flooding could be an issue with more damage. Fingers crossed.

Enjoy.

No books today, sadly.