I've been to Israel four times and it's one of my favorite countries in the world. I hope that you have a wonderful time! We've been once in April and the weather was lovely. I don't like doing laundry in hotel room sinks. That's just me. We have only stayed in Haifa, and there are drop-off laundries all around. They weigh your laundry and you can pick it up sometimes the same day, sometimes a day later. I do this every time we travel, wherever we go. Other places might have laundromats, but I far prefer dropping-off and picking up. You've received great tips so far. I started using packing cubes last year for our trip to Italy. Love them! I have some fun-looking packing videos on YouTube that I plan on watching. I can share those if you or anyone is interested. Here are my notes from Rick Steves books and a packing e-book I read last year: The measure of a good traveler is how light she travels. Remember, in your travels you'll meet two kinds of tourists — those who pack light and those who wish they had. If you won't wear it more than three times, don't bring it! Bring 3-6 outfits per person that will layer comfortably. If not sure how many outfits to bring – do the rule of 3 - A Lonely Planet travel writer shares the ultra-light packing list he has used on multiple trips to Europe. His top tip is the Rule of Three, where he packs no more than three of any item of clothing. He writes with his iPad and keyboard and uses his iPhone as a camera. BASIC WOMEN’S PACKING LIST - this includes what you will wear on the flight A more thorough list is here 5 pairs of underwear (silk, lace, or micro-fiber dries quickest) 1 extra bra 1-2 cardigans or sweaters 1 hat 1 nightgown 5 pairs of socks Swimsuit – if needed Toiletries Theft-Proof Bag – for some destinations 1-3 pairs of shoes – no more! · A pair of flats · Sensible heels or something a bit more dressy · Athletic shoes if needed

Kindle book on sale today - biography.

Not sure how old your dd is, but it may not be appropriate for all audiences - nothing very graphic, that I recall - just thought to let you know.

Kindle books on sale today. The Hundred-Year House (historical fiction) Outrage, Inc. (politics) Why We Make Mistakes (psychology)

This reminds me of this one that we saw in the Anne Frank House when we visited Amsterdam a few years ago.

I've read the one on Peter the Great. I can't wait to read more.

This is all so lovely!

Robin, thank you, as always, for this wonderful thread! I read Catherine the Great: Portrait of a Woman - 4 Stars - This was such an enjoyable read and I felt that I learned so much. I barely knew anything about Catherine the Great and Russian history before reading this. She was born to a minor noble German family. She married Peter, the only living grandson of Peter the Great, when she was fourteen. The story takes off from there. She was an incredible ruler and truly wanted what was best for Russia and its peoples. She improved hospitals and revised a code of laws. Her hours were intense – working from six in the morning until the late hours of the night. Robert Massie truly has a gift for making figures in history come alive. His writing is engaging and his research is superb. Since I’m not interested in too many military and political details, those parts of the book did get a bit overly detailed at times, more towards the middle. I loved all the rest, however, am so happy that I read this, and I look forward to reading more by Massie. This book is an enjoyable read for anyone who loves history. Finally, I was shocked to learn that the guillotine remained a form of execution in France until 1977! My favorite quotes: “She softened imperial presence with a sense of humor and a quick tongue; indeed, with Catherine more than any other monarch of her day, there was always a wide latitude for humor.” “Books were her refuge. Having set herself to learn the Russian language, she read every Russian book she could find. But French was the language she preferred, and she read French books indiscriminately, picking up whatever her ladies-in-waiting happened to be reading. She always kept a book in her room and carried another in her pocket.” “Supper was served, but Catherine never ate, and at ten she withdrew. When there was no official court reception, she entertained privately in the Hermitage. The company listened to a concert, watched a French or Russian play, or simply played games, performed charades, or played whist. During these gatherings, her long-standing rules remained in force: formality was banned; it was forbidden to rise when the empress stood; everyone talked freely; bad tempers were not tolerated; laughter was required.” “I have had to endure much, and have only been able to endure it because I have always laughed whenever I had the chance.” How she wished her grandchildren to be brought up: "they are to be honest and courageous, be courteous to servants and elders", "grow their own gardens", "sufficient walks/exercise daily, bath every day". MY RATING SYSTEM 5 Stars The book is fantastic. It’s not perfect, since no book is, but it’s definitely a favorite of mine. 4 Stars Really Good 3 Stars Enjoyable 2 Stars Just Okay – nothing to write home about 1 Star Rubbish – waste of my money and time. Few books make it to this level, since I usually give up on them if they’re that bad.

Robin, that's one of my favorites. I've read it twice and am sure that I'll read it again at some point.

Andrea, thank you for starting this thread. Reading everyone's posts is definitely encouraging. The first half of 2018 was good and I lost more than 20 pounds, only to gain it all back and more after our wonderful trip to Italy, not going back on WW, and just letting loose completely. Not good at all. Now I'm back on WW and feel far more motivated. As far as exercise goes, the older I get, the more gentle I prefer and seem to need. I love Jessica Smith, some Fitness Blender, Classical Stretch - all sorts of things. Lots and lots of You Tube workouts. I also love swimming, but haven't done that in a while. Skin care is my passion and I could go on and on about that, but have no time right now. There was a recent skin thread and I shared some of my routine there. I am 50 and plan on scheduling my first mammogram soon, as well as all the other stuff. Overall, my goal is to try to be content, worry less, and enjoy life as much as I can.

I think that I'll be okay with what the LIW family went through also. Such is life and so many families go through things. "Winter Solstice" is lovely, but may be enjoyed more near Christmas time. I remember loving "The Shell Seekers". I remember enjoying most of her books - sweet, comforting, although predictable, but enjoyable nonetheless. GWTW is probably among my all-time favorites. Few books can compare. I cannot wait to read "Lonesome Dove", hopefully soon. Kathy, I saw that tour also! It sounds like a dream!

Melissa M, again, thank you so much for sharing those photos of your gorgeous library. I can definitely dream! Kathy/Lady Florida, I was never a fan of the LIW books either. I didn't like them as a child and my dc didn't like them either. We loved the TV series however, and have seen most of them. I also loved Nellie Oleson's memoir that she wrote several years ago. I have heard that this book is often a bit difficult for those who are fans. Not sure when I'll get around to reading it. My reading list is so long.

I finished Winter Solstice - 5 Stars - It’s been almost thirty years since I read anything by Rosamunde Pilcher. I remember reading most of her books during my early twenties and liking them at the time, most especially “The Shell Seekers”. I’d like to read them all again eventually, since I don’t remember them at all. This book was perfect for me and beautifully written. Yes, it was a bit predictable at times, but it was all part of the charm – a cozy Christmas read. The Scottish setting made me want to be there. Although Rosamunde Pilcher has now retired, I almost wish that there was a sequel or an epilogue. I loved the characters that much. They seemed so real and ending the book felt like leaving old friends behind. Some of my favorite quotes: “And the wicked thing is, that when we're really upset, we always take it out on the people who are closest and whom we love the most.” “Life is so extraordinary. Wonderful surprises are just around the most unexpected corners.” “The only way to make disasters bearable is to laugh about them.” “Was she good at the piano?” “Not very.” “Was she good at lessons?” “Not very.” “What was she really good at?” “Living. That’s important, isn’t it?” MY RATING SYSTEM 5 Stars The book is fantastic. It’s not perfect, since no book is, but it’s definitely a favorite of mine. 4 Stars Really Good 3 Stars Enjoyable 2 Stars Just Okay – nothing to write home about 1 Star Rubbish – waste of my money and time. Few books make it to this level, since I usually give up on them if they’re that bad.

This is way beyond beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing!

Kindle books on sale today. Dreamland: The True Story of America's Opiate Epidemic Prairie Fires: The American Dreams of Laura Ingalls Wilder

Melissa, your library is an absolute dream. Seriously. I'm downloading this image to share with the rest of my family. You say that it's part of your library. Do you mind if I ask how big is it? I see that it goes to another room. Do share details, if you wish. I would love to hear more about it, and/or see more pictures. Sorry to be so nosy, but this is just heaven. I've been thinking and dreaming about this for days.

This is wonderful and inspiring. Good for you! Sorry to hear that, Dawn. So sorry. Life can be so hard at times. Hopefully, it'll be easier soon. Moderation is hard for me also. I'm trying. Weight will forever be my challenge. I hope that your year will be easier also.

Yes. This is me also. I'm so glad to see this thread. I thought that it was just me.

This is me to the "t". I agree. I have successfully lost with WW, and you said it perfectly: "It works if you work it". So far, and I've gone through so much when it comes to weight loss and maintenance, WW is my favorite diet plan. I fell off the bandwagon for a while, and just started again. I have a lot to lose, but I also have hope. It will be a lifetime thing for me. There's no WW near me, so I only do it online. Good reminder. I tend to eat too much fruit. I wonder if one can eat too many vegetables? I doubt it, or at least, I hope not. I guess the key point is to know and recognize when one is satiated and not stuffed. This is what I love about WW. I considered THM for a while, but that wouldn't work for me, I don't think. WW is simple, neat, and user-friendly. I love Jessica Smith! Like you, it's too hot here where I live also.

I'm embarrassed at how behind I am on reading up on all the posts and threads here. This thread is a year old, but I still need all the info. Thank you for the book suggestion, and even more, thank you for the blog recommendation also. Looks like a site that I'll be visiting regularly.

Happy New Year to all! Kindle book on sale today (historical fiction).

I hope that everyone had a wonderful Christmas. Kindle book on sale today (spy thriller/espionage/biography)

I reached them. Mostly Italy. Beyond the Pasta - loved this - I still think about it, not just a recipe book. Beach Music Life's That Way Beyond the Pasta Beach Music Life's That Way The Girl with Seven Names My favorite books this year.

Kathy, thank you for forwarding that. Hoping and praying that her husband is better very soon. I read A Redbird Christmas - 4 Stars - I read this book more than seven years ago, but barely remembered it. I was in the mood for a comfort, Christmas read, and this was perfect. This story touched my heart, as pretty much all Fannie Flagg books do. Yes, they often are a bit predictable and a bit like a “Hallmark” movie, but sometimes that’s what we need. Reading them makes me wish that I lived in that world – full of southern charm, where people are genuinely hospitable, caring, and compassionate. MY RATING SYSTEM 5 Stars The book is fantastic. It’s not perfect, since no book is, but it’s definitely a favorite of mine. 4 Stars Really Good 3 Stars Enjoyable 2 Stars Just Okay – nothing to write home about 1 Star Rubbish – waste of my money and time. Few books make it to this level, since I usually give up on them if they’re that bad.

I enjoyed that one.