And the winner is...

Thank you to all who commented on my book review and give-away from July 16th for the book Love as a Way of Life by Dr. Gary Chapman.

As promised, I gathered all the names from the post and asked my husband to choose one out of a hat (o.k., it was a bowl) . So...the winner is...(long pause)

...my old friend (but not as old as me) Allen Lyle. Just a little background on Allen. I met him when I worked for a residential construction company in Valencia, CA. I think it was about 15 years ago, but really can't remember exactly the year. It was a high stress job doing customer service for new high-end homes in a very hot market and everyone in the customer service and construction departments became best of friends because we all worked very hard and depended on each other to get things done. I'm still in touch with many of them even now. I was looking thru photos the other day and came across this one from a Valencia Company Christmas party. Allen is the one on the far left. (notice the Alabama sweatshirt) and that quartet did an amazing job!

Allen was only in So Cal a few years, then decided to move back to his hometown of Mobile, Alabama (yes, he has a southern accent).

Since moving back we touch base about once a year or so and he has enjoyed much success in many areas. He is now the producer and co-host of an Emmy-nominated TV show called "Today's Homeowner". I'm very proud to say that I know him! Congratulations Allen, on the Emmy nomination and on winning the book drawing (which is just about as important).

And guess what everyone? I decided that I would give away a 2nd copy of the book too! Terry drew and the second winner is Jenni D. I also know Jenni from So Cal. We met at Placerita Baptist Church and enjoyed many wonderful times together as friends and families. We also had such fun being aunt and uncle to their kids, Noah and Danni, since their extended family was not nearby. Now, I'm sad to say that I looked for a photo of them and could only find this old one that doesn't include Danni. It's pretty embarrassing to say that I have probably dozens and dozens of photos of them and can only find this one. Of course, there are at least 15 boxes of photos to search thru that are obviously not organized at all. (That project is getting moved up on my list.) So Jenni, if you show this to the kids please tell Danni I'm sorry that I don't have her picture here and tell Noah that I realize that he's a much more grown up young man than we see here. You and Dave look great, so no apologies there.

The books will go out this week. And by the way, stay tuned because sometime in the next month, I'll be reviewing (and giving away) some children's books that would make great gifts for kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews, etc.

And don't forget, you can't win if you don't play!