More Book Reviews

Good thing I love to read! Please check out my latest reviews on my book review page here:  http://jeanettemorris.wordpress.com/book-reviews/

And thanks again to Thomas Nelson Publishers and Zondervan for the review copies of these outstanding books.

Book Review of Fearless

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Today is the official launch of Max Lucado’s newest release, Fearless. Click on my Book Review tab to read my review. Thanks to Thomas Nelson Publishers for selecting me to be one of their book review bloggers and sending the free copy of this outstanding book.

Remembering Max

Four years ago today, this world lost one of its finest citizens, and the next world–the eternal one–welcomed him. I shouldn’t have been surprised at the tears that popped up and out as I wrote this post. My brother-in-law Max always filled the room with joy. He didn’t know a stranger nor did he have an enemy. To honor his life, I thought I’d “reprint” the eulogy I wrote, which was read by Max’s sister Janet at his memorial.

LAWRENCE CHARLES “MAX” MAXFIELD 

Larry “Max” Maxfield stepped into eternity on Friday, July 29, 2005, in Corona, CA, following a joyous time with friends and family and a warm-evening ride on his 2004 Honda Shadow. He left us smiling. 

Max was born on March 5, 1953, in Victorville, CA, to Roy and Annette Maxfield. He was a graduate of Rolling Hills High School in Palos Verdes, and subsequently served our country in the U.S. Air Force, honorably discharged in 1974.  He then received his BA degree in Fine Art from Cal State Fullerton in 1980.  Shortly after leaving the Air Force he met a BIOLA College co-ed named Janine Atwood.  She was a quiet, gentle, Christian girl—not exactly what people would have called “his type.”  But Max was attracted to her life, her sweetness, and her faith, and she to his big, generous heart. They were married on May 17, 1980, and began their life together in Tustin, CA.  That life was defined by their two children, Jessica and Nicholas, their church, and by Max’s ever-widening circle of friends and hobbies.  In 1987, they purchased their first home in Corona, and recently celebrated their 25^th wedding anniversary on a cruise to Mexico. 

People have described Max as “quirky.”  Not too many adults have collections of comic books, Star Wars memorabilia, and Barbie dolls.  Max loved board games, but being frustrated with the small size of the board and the pieces, created his own “super-sized” versions. Family Thanksgivings would not have been fun at all without Max and his games.  Then there was the magic-trick phase, the paper models phase, and the ship-building phase.  He was created to create.  And he did it well. 

Max was a gifted artist and used his talents not only to support his family, but to bless and provide enjoyment for friends and acquaintances throughout the community.  His murals and illustrations grace the walls of the Corona Library, Heritage Park, and many homes throughout the Corona area.  He was most recently employed as a graphic designer at American Bath Factory of Corona, but also worked for Ford Aerospace, Hughes Aircraft, McDonnel-Douglas and Boeing as a technical illustrator, and at Gateway Computers in Lake Forest.  

Max had a passion for life and touched people with his enthusiasm and contagious optimism wherever he went.  He especially loved working with children, and recently received his 15-year pin as AWANA Commander at the Corona Evangelical Free Church, where he and his family are active members.  

Max was preceded in death by his mother, Annette Maxfield, and is survived by his father, Roy Maxfield, of Anaheim; his wife of 25 years, Janine; his children, Jessica and Nicholas, his brother, Lance Maxfield; his sister Janet Green of San Jose and his sister Julie Winger, many nieces and nephews, father-mother-sisters and brothers-in-law, and a great host of friends and neighbors. 

Max was a person who lived life to the fullest and was a person who let Jesus shine through him.  He never judged, never condemned, he accepted everyone, and poured himself out.  Whether he was scuba diving—watching his daughter dance—taking his son camping—playing poker with the guys—or dancing at a costume party—he was Max, and he was happy.

——-

Back to the present…we can’t forget the newest addition to Max’s family – his grandson Luke Ryan Porsley born in January to Jessica and her husband Ryan. You can see by her smile that Luke brings great joy to my sister Janine (who, by the way, is my hero).

Max – you are not forgotten, and never will be. No one who loved so much can be forgotten, because what you gave remains here with us.

More recipes

I’ve added more of my favorites to the recipe page. Have a look!

New Blog Page – Russian Recipes

If you are interesting in having the recipes for some of my favorite Russian dishes – check out the new page on my blog. I’ll be adding to it often. Keep checking back.

Fish On!

Finally!  We limited out on trout today from our rented pontoon boat. So there’s fish in the freezer now and we’re excited about our success. Guess who caught the biggest – a 2 3/4 pounder?  Moi! Kinda fun to out-fish the men once in a while.

Dick caught the most...many nice ones like this

 

Ken waited quite a while for this beauty

 

Jeanette is happy with her trophy catch! Gloating actually

Beauty and the Bugs

Crater Lake National Park is truly a wonder. I’m going to let the pictures speak for themselves.

 

Another busted fishing day. We swatted lots of insects–including the dreaded mosquito. But I slather myself with 100% Deet repellent and don’t have any problems. Tonight the little critters banded together in an attempt to storm the screen doors of our RVs. But we managed to keep them where they belong–outside!

We also took a short side trip to see Clearwater Falls. Oregon has some incredible natural wonders.

Are We Having Fun Yet?

The cloudless sky and clear water couldn’t be more picture perfect. Then why aren’t the fish biting?

Diamond Lake, Oregon

No worries. Ken provided today’s excitement by slipping on a rock and becoming the trip’s first human casualty.

Ouch!

 

Fishing for sympathy?

So, I guess you could say we are still in the “fixin’ business. Ice, elevate, Advil. He’s nearly good as new.

Fixin’ to have fun

In the South, people use the word “fixin’” to mean getting ready to…as in “I’m fixin’ to go shopping.” In our case, we’re fixin’ to be fixing. Yesterday it was Dickie’s RV that had an issue. One of the stabalizer legs broke. So that needed “fixin’”. Today it was our toilet. Too much TP and not enough water? Who knows. But it took a couple of hours, two hard-working guys and a borrowed electric snake to finally dislodge the clog. On the positive side, it’s the perfect day for fixin’ because it’s too cold to fish. When we woke up this morning, it was snowing. YES! On June 21. So…we’re fixin’ to start this vacation soon.

While we’re waiting…I can share a few more photos I took along the way.

Mt. Shasta

 

Lodge pole pine forest in Oregon

Serendipity along the way

Have any of you ever seen the Living Memorial Sculpture Garden along Hwy 97 in Northern CA? We “accidentally” stopped there to fix a door handle that didn’t get closed and discovered an amazing, moving tribute to our men in uniform.  Here is a link to their website: http://www.weedlmsg.org/  or you can enjoy some of the pictures I took below.

Wall of Remembrance

 

The Greatest Generation

 

Korean War

 

POW/MIA

You are not forgotten

Wounded Warriors