The Love of My Afterlife by Kirsty Greenwood

 

The Love of My Afterlife had potential to be a cute, quirky read, but the forced humor dragged it down. The author's attempts at being funny felt more exhausting than entertaining. Gave it a 5/10—some charm, but ultimately not worth the time.

We Finished Another Book!

 

Teri and I finished another novel, and this one was just as enjoyable to read to her as the last. This time, we read James Patterson's Cross Justice. He's one of my favorite authors, and his writing style is easy to read aloud.

Cross Justice is a fast-paced thriller that takes Alex Cross back to his roots, uncovering long-buried family secrets in his North Carolina hometown. The novel blends intense action with a deeply personal investigation, as Cross juggles solving a brutal murder case while confronting painful childhood memories.

Patterson’s signature short chapters keep the momentum high, making this an easy page-turner. The dual storylines—one focusing on Cross’s family and another on a disturbing trial—intertwine cleverly, leading to shocking twists. The emotional depth adds weight to the narrative. The revelations about Cross’s past are particularly gripping, offering fresh layers to his character.

Patterson’s skill at crafting suspense keeps readers hooked. Fans of the Alex Cross series will appreciate the mix of psychological drama and high-stakes action.

Overall, I thought Cross Justice is an engaging thriller that delivers both surprises and emotional depth. While not the strongest in the series, it’s still a must-read for longtime fans and a solid entry in the Alex Cross saga.

The Things People Believe...

Miguel has a co-worker with a great sense of humor. A couple days ago, two of his students asked his co-worker where he worked. He told them he was a bottomless pit inspector. It's a classified job, and he is often on call. 

They believed him! 

He strung them along for two days. And no, these weren't little kids. One of the students is 20 and the other is 35, one going to school to be a PA and the other to be an environmental scientist. 

I worry about our future...

The Family Tree Restaurant

Good food and good company are a tough combination to beat. Recently, I had the pleasure of dining at a restaurant I’d never visited before, and it turned out to be one of those afternoons you wish you could replay. I had a blast with Sue, Dan, Mike, Suzanne, and Lynn.

The Family Tree Restaurant is known for their classic Greek cuisine, but they also offer a variety of other dishes. I really enjoyed their Western Sandwich. But the real star? Their custard caramel. Creamy, rich, and topped with just the right amount of whipped cream, it was the kind of dessert that makes you consider sneaking back for seconds. Or thirds. 

The prices were as satisfying as the food. It’s not often you find a place where you can indulge without breaking the bank. Add a table full of friends, lots of laughs, and lively conversation, and it felt like a recipe for happiness. 

The Role of Technology in Education

Technology is reshaping education, breaking barriers, and creating opportunities for learners worldwide. From online learning platforms to virtual classrooms, educational technology is transforming traditional systems, making learning more accessible, interactive, and personalized.

Online learning platforms like Khan Academy, Coursera, and edX have revolutionized how students access knowledge. These platforms offer courses on virtually any subject, often free or at a fraction of traditional costs. Students can learn at their own pace, revisiting materials as needed, which is especially valuable for those balancing education with work or family responsibilities. This flexibility allows education to reach individuals who might otherwise be left behind by conventional systems.

Educational apps have also become game-changers. Apps like Duolingo for language learning, Photomath for solving math problems, and Quizlet for study aids make learning engaging and convenient. Gamification—adding elements like badges, leaderboards, and levels—motivates students to practice skills in a fun and interactive way. These tools can complement classroom learning, catering to various learning styles and preferences.

Virtual classrooms have taken center stage, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. Platforms like Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams enable teachers and students to connect in real time, regardless of location. Virtual classrooms often include features like breakout rooms for group work, screen sharing for presentations, and integrated quizzes for instant feedback. This blend of synchronous and asynchronous learning creates a dynamic and versatile educational environment.

However, these advancements come with challenges, such as the digital divide, where not all students have equal access to devices or the internet. Teachers also need training to effectively integrate technology into their lessons.

Despite these hurdles, technology continues to democratize education, empowering learners and educators alike. By embracing these innovations while addressing their challenges, we can build an inclusive, adaptive, and future-ready education system.

Mexican Chocolate Chili

 Seriously good chili for cold winter days! 

2 T olive oil

1 onion, diced

1 t chopped garlic

2 lbs lean ground beef

1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies

1 packet taco seasoning mix

1 can diced tomatoes

1 jar (16 oz) Ortega Thick & Chunky Salsa

2 c water

1/2 c semisweet chocolate chips

1/2 c slivered almonds

1 t ground cinnamon

1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained

Heat oil over medium heat in large pot until hot. Add onion and garlic. Cook and stir until unions are tender, about 3 minutes.

Add beef, chiles, and seasoning mix. Cook and stir about 5 minutes or until meat is browned. 

Stir in tomatoes, salsa, water, chocolate chips, almonds and cinnamon. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low. Simmer 45 minutes stirring every 15 minutes. Add beans, heat 15 minutes longer or until beans are heated through. 

Makes 8 servings. 

Garnish with crumbled taco shells, shredded cheddar cheese, cilantro and diced tomatoes

Prep Time:  15 minutes

Start to Finish: 1.5 hours

The Teacher by Freida McFadden

(a.k.a. the reason I didn’t get any sleep last night)

You ever start a book thinking, “I’ll just read a few chapters before bed,” and next thing you know it’s 2 a.m., you're side-eyeing everyone in your life because trust no one? Yeah. That’s what The Teacher did to me.

Freida McFadden clearly sat down and said, "How many twists can I throw at this poor reader before they start talking to themselves?" The answer: all of them. Every single twist. I think I pulled a muscle in my neck from whipping my head around every time something insane happened.

The setup seems simple at first: a teacher, a troubled student, some secrets. You think you know where it’s headed. You don't. You really, really don’t. Just when you think, "Oh, okay, I see what's happening," BAM — McFadden dropkicks your theory straight into the sun.

And the ending? I’m not saying I sat there blinking at the wall for a full five minutes afterward, but I’m also not not saying that. It was so brilliantly unexpected, I almost wanted to slow-clap in my living room.

If you love fast-paced, twisty thrillers that make you question your own ability to read subtle clues (or blatant ones, honestly), The Teacher needs to be at the top of your TBR. Just… maybe don’t start it at 10 p.m. unless you enjoy the feeling of being a very tired but very satisfied zombie the next day.

Five stars. Would let Freida McFadden absolutely destroy my sanity again.

Teri's Sibs

Barbara, 1949

Teri, 1951

Ken, 1952

Marian, 1955

Steven, 1956

Patrick, 1957

Dorene, 1959

Shirley, 1961

Anita, 1963

John, 1964

Roberta, 1966

Jennifer, 1970

The Silent Corner - Dean Koontz

When I visit Teri in the nursing home, I often read to her. Her vision troubles have made it difficult for her to enjoy books on her own, and she deeply misses the joy of reading. She says my reading feels like listening to an audiobook, which she finds comforting and engaging. Sharing these stories together has become a special way to connect with something she loves. Recently, we finished Dean Koontz's The Silent Corner.

Dean Koontz’s The Silent Corner is a gripping thriller that introduces Jane Hawk, an FBI agent investigating her husband's suspicious suicide. As Jane uncovers a chilling pattern of other "voluntary" deaths, she stumbles upon a sinister organization using advanced mind-control technology. This discovery propels her into a high-stakes battle against extraordinary evil.

Jane Hawk is a compelling protagonist, blending intelligence, determination, and vulnerability. Her courage and resourcefulness make her relatable and admirable as she faces betrayals and deadly encounters. Koontz’s prose is dynamic and descriptive, creating vivid scenes and maintaining relentless pacing with short, punchy chapters that keep the tension high.

While the mind-control technology’s intricacies and philosophical implications might slow the pace for some readers, the story’s action and suspense outweigh these moments. The villains, though exaggerated, serve their purpose in creating a clear divide between good and evil.

As the first in a series, The Silent Corner effectively sets the stage for Jane Hawk’s ongoing battle while delivering a satisfying conclusion. Fans of fast-paced thrillers with strong female leads will find this book an engaging and exhilarating read, showcasing Koontz’s storytelling prowess.

 

And We Settled Down for a Long Winter's Nap...

 

My Mother's Wedding Dress

I ran across these when scrolling through my photos. This is my mother's wedding dress, worn on February 9, 1957, yellowed with age. 

 

Verity by Colleen Hoover

 

Verity by Colleen Hoover is a gripping psychological thriller with a twist of romance. The novel follows  a struggling writer who’s given the chance to finish a series of books by the famous but ailing author named Verity Crawford. If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers that keep you on the edge of your seat, Verity will not disappoint. The twists, dark atmosphere, and complex characters make it an unforgettable read. Just be prepared for some serious moral dilemmas—and don’t expect a comfortable conclusion.

A Haiku

Music plays softly
Crocheted threads weave through stillness
In peace I find strength

An Overview of Leading AI Systems

In the world of AI, there are a lot of tools out there. The leading AI systems are ChatGPT, Claude, Copilot, and Gemini. Each of these comes from a different company and serves a unique purpose, but all of them are designed to make our lives easier in different ways.

ChatGPT, created by OpenAI, is a general-purpose AI that can do pretty much anything—answer questions, write essays, generate code, you name it. It’s like a jack-of-all-trades. Whether you're looking for a quick answer or need help brainstorming ideas, ChatGPT is there to lend a hand. Its ability to generate human-like text makes it useful for everything from customer support to content creation.

Then we have Claude, developed by Anthropic. Claude’s main selling point is safety and ethics. The team behind Claude has designed it to be more careful with the responses it gives, reducing harmful or biased output. It’s built with the idea that AI should align with human values, which makes it a great choice for high-stakes or sensitive environments where you want to be extra sure the AI stays on track.

Next up is Copilot, a collaboration between GitHub and OpenAI. If you're a developer, Copilot is a game-changer. Powered by OpenAI’s Codex model, it helps generate code, suggest improvements, and even debug. It’s like having a personal coding assistant that can autocomplete lines of code, saving developers tons of time. It works in a variety of languages, making it a go-to for anyone writing code.

Lastly, Gemini is Google’s latest offering from DeepMind. It’s designed to handle both text and images, making it a more advanced, multimodal AI. If you're looking for something that can analyze text, generate images, or do both at the same time, Gemini is the tool to turn to. Google is clearly aiming to push the envelope with this one, integrating it across their suite of tools for an all-in-one AI experience.

In short, while ChatGPT, Claude, Copilot, and Gemini all offer powerful AI capabilities, each one brings something different to the table. Whether you're chatting, coding, or looking for something more advanced, there's an AI for you.

It's a Little Warm in Here

The temperature in my classroom. I thought I was going to faint.

Advancements in AI in 2024

In 2024, advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have reached unprecedented heights, fundamentally transforming industries and daily life. One of the most significant developments is the improvement in natural language processing (NLP), enabling AI systems to understand and generate human-like text with remarkable accuracy. This has led to the widespread adoption of conversational agents in customer service, education, and healthcare, enhancing user experience and accessibility.

Moreover, generative AI models have evolved, allowing for the creation of highly realistic images, videos, and music. These tools are not only revolutionizing content creation but also fostering creativity among individuals and businesses alike. In fields like marketing and design, companies leverage AI to generate innovative ideas and streamline workflows.

Another crucial advancement is in the area of machine learning algorithms, which have become more efficient and capable of processing vast datasets in real time. This efficiency is enabling breakthroughs in predictive analytics, allowing businesses to make data-driven decisions with greater accuracy.

Ethical considerations have also taken center stage, prompting the development of frameworks to ensure responsible AI usage. Transparency, bias mitigation, and user privacy are now integral components of AI systems.

Additionally, collaborative AI, where humans and machines work together, is gaining traction, enhancing productivity across various sectors. As AI continues to evolve, its impact on society will only deepen, offering both exciting opportunities and challenges that demand careful consideration. The trajectory of AI in 2024 exemplifies its potential to reshape our world in profound ways.

For My Friend, Teri

 I could not have done this, and definitely not so quickly, without Mike's help. 

My friend Teri had a stroke on June 20th that necessitated a craniectomy and left her partially paralyzed. On July 10th she was moved to sub-acute rehab, and on August 29th was moved to long-term care at Elderwood Nursing Home. I'll have more to say about Elderwood later, but for now I asked her what her favorite color is and got my big brother on the phone. 

Mike coordinated the colors and purchased the yarn, and I crocheted this in record time. It is big enough to cover a hospital bed, which is unfortunately just what Teri needs right now. 

I am hoping desperately that she will have some recovery after a cranioplasty. What she is doing now is not 'living' by any stretch of the imagination. 

Doing the Laundry

 

For Damari's Mom

 

My Baby Got Married

 

I don't think they slept the night before... Welcome to our crazy family, Sarika. 
Miguel is a very lucky young man.