Now Playing: "Moon Over Buffalo"*

Moon Over Buffalo opened to a full house and lots of laughs at the Historic Town Hall in Elk Rapids last night. The Elk Rapids Players performed Ken Ludwig's adult comedy with a mixed cast of veteran and first-time actors. The show included slapstick humor, some sexual innuendo, and lots physical humor at the expense of George Hay, played by Ron Schmidt. Set in a Buffalo, New York theater in 1953, some of the references may be lost on younger audiences, but the acting and delivery help the meaning come through.

This is only the third show by the Elk Rapids Players. Though they've been gaining support throughout the community, they weren't prepared for the sold out show Thursday night. With almost 100 people in attendance, they had to add extra chairs for the overflow.

“We're thrilled,” said Karen Kaspas, a founding member of the Players and lead actress for Moon Over Buffalo. “We have such wonderful community support here,” she said. “We're so thankful.”

Schmidt, who was last seen in Barefoot in the Park said he felt good about their first performance. “This was as good an opening night as I've been around,” he said.

The play continues this weekend and next, April 28-30 and May 6-7 at 8 p.m. at the Old Town Hall. Tickets are $12 per person.

There will be a special Mother's Day matinee on Sunday, May 8. Tickets are $32 and include a full, buffet-style meal catered by Chow Bella. The menu includes stuffed pork tenderloin, crusted whitefish, roasted vegetables, potatoes au gratin, and dessert. Lunch starts at 1 p.m. with the show at 3 p.m. Seating is limited to 50 people.

Advanced ticket purchases are encouraged. Tickets are available by calling 231-620-0415. For more information on the Historic Elk Rapids Town Hall, visit www.ertownhall.org or send an email to info@ertownhall.org

.

*From the Elk Rapids Progress.

Easter Weekend

Matt and I just got back from Vegas, and it was a great trip. We especially enjoyed our overnight stay down state with my College Bud and her boy, Matthew. We spent Saturday night with Big Matt and Little Matt watching movies and eating pizza (this is downtown Milan, where we got our pizza).

Sunday morning, Little Matt got some Legos from a giant bunny. He and Big Matt worked hard to put everything together.

One of their creations ...

After breakfast and Legos, Big Matt and I headed to Canton, Michigan for Big Matt's first ever Ikea experience.

Matt with his brand new Tim Horton's travel mug (which doesn't get you any type of discount ... blah), our new(er) car, and the store!

Matt loved this, but I wasn't up for spending $450 on it, so we settled on the $15 pillow.

I didn't realize until we got home that his hand was in front of the food! :) His first Ikea Swedish Meatball dinner. He's a fan!

Pudding Cup Photography

Sorry it took so long to get these posted - it was a fun-filled adventure in Vegas! We didn't take as many pictures as we usually do because we were just too busy to pull out the camera. That didn't stop Pudding Cup, though. She managed to get a few pictures for you to enjoy. It starts with the portraits, then goes to still life :)

Close up of Aunt Karin, post-swimming

  

Babcia at the magic show

PC snuck up on Big Sister...

Big Sis really did enjoy herself :)

PC tried to get a photo of herself with Babcia and Aunt Karin, but with the zoom on, this is what she got!

Still life - she has such an eye for these sorts of things...

Showing off her pruney post-swimming fingers.

Book Review: Tea for Two by Trish Perry

Counselor Tina Milano has been visiting Milly’s Tea Shop regularly for the past several months. She has many friends but no steady man in her life. Zack Cooper is a local farmer who provides Milly with fresh fruit and vegetables. As a single parent, Zack is doing his best to raise his teenage son and daughter on his own.

When the kids get in minor scrapes with the law, Milly gently encourages Zack and Tina to work together to draw the teens back before their rebellious natures land them in even hotter water. At first Tina sees the relationship in only a professional capacity, but soon her friends notice the luscious scent of romance in the air and decide to help things along.

Tea for Two is a faith-filled novel that explores the delight of second chances, warm friendship, and unexpected romantic encounters.

---

This book delivers exactly what it promises - a faith-filled novel of second chances, friendships, romance. It's a fun, light-hearted love story full of miscommunications and reconciliations.

As engaging as this story is, however, if you've read any of Perry's other books, as I have, this might disappoint a bit. Something was missing - it didn't pull me in the way her other books did. I felt more like an observer, whereas her other books made me a participant.

My pickiness aside, "Tea for Two" truly is an enjoyable book...but all of the talk of shortcakes and finger sandwiches will definitely give you the munchies!

*I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in return for an honest review.

---

Now it's YOUR chance to read "Tea for Two"! Leave me your name and email address. On May 1 I'll pick a winner!!

Book Review: Tomorrow's Garden by Amanda Cabot

Harriet Kirk is certain that becoming Ladreville's schoolteacher is just what she needs--a chance to put the past behind her and give her younger siblings a brighter tomorrow. What she didn't count on was the presence of handsome former Texas Ranger Lawrence Wood--or the way he slowly but surely claims her fragile heart. But can Harriet and Lawrence ever truly put the past behind them in order to find happiness?

This is book three of the Cabot's Texas Dreams trilogy. I have not read the first two books, but that didn't matter. This story picks up with a different character while giving a glimpse as to what happened in the first two books.

I admit that it took me a few chapters to really get into the story, but once I was hooked I had to know what would happen next. Cabot spares no detail in describing the characters, town, and situations that draw Harriet and Lawrence together. "Tomorrow's Garden" is a heart-warming historical romance, full of intriguing characters and intricate detail. If you enjoy Lori Wick's western romances, I think you'll enjoy "Tomorrow's Garden".

---

In an effort to share the experience, I'm going to give away my copy of "Tomorrow's Garden". Just leave a comment and an email address. KEEP READING!!

I noticed that I still have two other historicals that I reviewed but did not give away, so I will actually be picking THREE winners this time! The first person gets "Tomorrow's Garden", the second get "Kaydie", and the third will receive "Love on Assignment". I've linked the reviews so you can see what I'm giving away. 

I'll pick winners on May 1 - good luck!!

Book Review: How To Be God's Little Princess by Sheila Walsh

What does it take to be a princess? Sheila Walsh has some important answers to share for every little girl. This trendy design features black & white line art and a two-color pink and black interior. The art will tie to each how-to topic in the book—how to make the best pink cookies, how to wear a tiara, how to earn money at home, how to care for a royal dog, how to be respectful, how to use good manners, how to help Mom, how to follow Jesus, how to act like a princess when things go terribly wrong, and many more.


This is a cute book, but I'm not really sure for whom it is written. I got it with my 4 1/2 year-old niece in mind, who is very into pink, purple, and princesses, but a lot of the tips are more appropriate for my 11 year-old niece. The thing is, my older niece is "over" the princess thing, so even though there's good tips, I don't think I could get her to read this book.

As far as the tips and suggestions, I appreciate the Scripture verses, and Walsh's constant reminders to consult with "royal advisors" (parents). The interactive quizzes are nice, but, again, they're too old for my young niece, and too pink for my older niece. If nothing else, it gives adults a lot of good ideas on how to talk with their daughters about certain things. Definitely a good way to introduce younger girls to manners and etiquette.


I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 

It's a Hairy Mess

Guess what's now available on Blu-Ray?! To be a part of the Beery Movie Library by the end of the week!