Mamie's 2013 Madness (Page 4)

Today would have been my Dad's 87th birthday. He loved to laugh, so I will try to do a lot of that this month.

Currently Reading


January
1. Dreaming of the Bones by Deborah Crombie (4.25 stars)
2. Between, Georgia by Joshilyn Jackson (4 stars)
3. Alice in the Country of Hearts by QuinRose
4. A Bride's Story by Kaoru Mori
5. The Sisters Brothers by Patrick deWitt (4 stars)
6. Maus I by Art Spiegelman (4.5 stars)
7. Black Hearts in Battersea by Joan Aiken (4 stars)
8. In the Woods by Tana French (4.5 stars)
9. Volt by Alan Heathcock (4 stars)
10. Emma by Karou Mori (3 stars)
11. Maus II by Art Spiegelman (4.5 stars)
12. Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy (4 stars)
13. The Beggar's Opera by Peggy Blair (3.75 stars)
14. Case Histories by Kate Atkinson (4.5 stars)
15. The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie (4 stars)
16. Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin (5 stars)
17. The One Hundred and One Dalmatians by Dodie Smith (5 stars) - this was a reread, I am leaving the previous rating that I assigned it in place

Okay, so I have been working on my list of January possibilities, and here's what I came up with. I am going to really try this year to reduce the number of unread books on my shelves, so I did join the ROOTs challenge (Read Our Own Tomes), and my thread for that challenge can be found here: Mamie ROOTs for the Home Team. It's a bit spartan at the moment.

January Possibilities

Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy GR thread here: Anna Thread (TILOI #3) - ROOT (audiobook) - COMPLETED

Between, Georgia by Joshilyn Jackson (TIOLI #7) - library book - COMPLETED
Dreaming of the Bones by Deborah Crombie (TIOLI # 2) - ROOT - COMPLETED
Round Mountain by Castle Freeman, Jr. (TIOLI #9) - ROOT - Reading
Howl's Moving Castle by Dianna Wynne Jones (TIOLI #14) - ROOT
Black Hearts of Battersea by Joan Aiken (TIOLI #6) - ROOT - COMPLETED
The Pale Criminal by Philip Kerr (TIOLI #8) - ROOT
The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie (TIOLI #11/shared) - ROOT COMPLETED
Case Histories by Kate Atkinson (TIOLI #9/shared) - Christmas Gift: Thank you, Stasia COMPLETED
Sacred by Denis Lehane (TIOLI #1/shared) - ROOT - Reading

Hey, Wait a Minute... These Weren't On the Original List!

A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin (TIOLI #2/shared) - ROOT COMPLETED
In the Woods by Tana French (TIOLI #11) - library book COMPLETED
Maus by Art Spiegelman (TIOLI #1/shared) - ROOT - COMPLETED
Alice in the Country of Hearts by QuinRose (TIOLI #22) - ROOT - COMPLETED
The Sisters Brothers by Patrick deWitt (TIOLI #13/shared) - ROOT - COMPLETED
A Bride's Story by Kaoru Mori (TIOLI #22) - Abby's book - COMPLETED
Volt by Alan Heathcock (TIOLI #1) - library book COMPLETED
A Literary Guide to Flannery O'Connor's Georgia by Sarah Gordon - library book Reading
Maus II by Art Spiegelman (TIOLI #1) - ROOT - COMPLETED
Emma by Karou Mori - ( TIOLI # 22) library book - COMPLETED
The Beggar's Opera by Peggy Blair - Early Reviewer Book (TIOLI #2) COMPLETED
The One Hundred and One Dalmatians by Dodie Smith (TIOLI #17/shared) - ROOT COMPLETED

Because I am completely insane, I am also trying to complete a pyramid challenge for the Lucky 13 Challenge, so I will picking my possible reads each month so that I can also fit them into the pyramid that Abby (my 16 year old daughter) and I created. We used a game show theme, and here are the categories we came up with:

The Categories:

1. Truth or Consequences - nonfiction
2. What's My Line? - biographies and memoirs
3. Beat the Clock - time travel
4. Let's Make a Deal - I agree to read four Manga books and Abby agrees to read four mysteries - we are each trying a genre new to us that is a favorite of the other.
5. Name That Tune - books set in or about Georgia, our new home state
6. Treasure Hunt - graphic novels
7. Hollywood Squares - books made into movies
8. Queen For a Day - historical fiction
9. Joker's Wild - right now it is anything goes, but Abby and I will each choose our own category for this
10. The Price is Right - books found on sale, at a used book store, or borrowed from the library
11. Match Game - books in a series
12. Press Your Luck - authors new to each of us
13. Pyramid - books published in 2013

You can find our Lucky 13 Challenge thread here: Crazymamie's Lucky 13

Checked It Out: (books that I have out on loan from the library)

The Women of Brewster Place by Gloria Naylor
The Polysyllabic Spree by Nick Hornby
A Literary Guide to Flannery O'Connor's Georgia by Sarah Gordon
Before Midnight by Rex Stout - Julia recommended this one
Arrow of God by Chinua Achebe
The House on Dream Street by Dana Sachs
Book of Haikus by Jack Kerouac
Paris in the twentieth Century by Jules Verne
A Room of One's Own by Virginia Woolf
When She Woke by Hillary Jordan - Kim recommended this
420 Characters by Lou Beach - Richard recommended this
The Five-Forty-Five to Cannes by Tess Uriza Holthe
Welcome to Bordertown by Holly Black and others

*And yes, I am completely insane to think that I could possibly read these all on top of my current plans...

Books Purchased in 2013:
1. Sandman, Volume 1: Preludes and Nocturnes by Neil Gaiman
2. Dog Stars by Peter Heller
3. Snow White Must Die by Nele Neuhaus
4. The Fairest Beauty by Melanie Dickerson
5. Nightbirds on Nantucket by Joan Aiken
6. In the Woods by Tana French - because I loved it so much
7. Tigana by Guy Gavriel Kay
8. Cat Among the Pidgeons by Agatha Christie - collecting these covers
9. Taken at the Flood by Agatha Christie - collecting these covers
10. The Clocks by Agatha Christie - collecting these covers
11. Third Girl by Agatha Christie - collecting these covers
12. The Little Bookstore of Big Stone Gap by Wendy Welch
13. The Likeness by Tana French - the book store had the hardcopy edition on sale for $6, how can I resist that?
14. Raylan by Elmore Leonard - Craig and I will both read this
15. Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel - I read this on Kindle last year, but wanted a physical copy of it
16. The Red Queen by Philippa Gregory - book store had this on sale for $3, recommended by Chéli
17. The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCollough - I read this forever ago and loved it, today I found a lovely edition with deckled edge pages, enough said!
18. Old Filth by Jane Gardam - my very first Europa edition!
19. The New Moon With the Old by Dodie Smith
20. One Good Turn by Kate Atkinson
21. A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin - I read this on Kindle, but wanted a physical copy of it for my shelves
22. A Clash of Kings by George R. R. Martin
23. A Storm of Swords by George R. R. Martin
24. A Feast of Crows by George R. R. Martin
25. A Dance of Dragons by George R. R. Martin

2013 Stats (I shamelessly stole this from Cee!)

Total Books Read: 17

ROOTs books (off my own bookshelves): 11

Fiction: 15
Non-Fiction: 2

Male authors: 7
Female authors: 10

US authors: 6
Authors from other countries: 11

Living Authors: 12
Dead Authors: 5

Medium:
Hardback: 4
Paperback: 8
ebook: 4
audiobook: 1

An idea stolen from Heather (souloftherose), who borrowed it from Liz (lyzard): ongoing series that I am actively reading. This doesn't include series where I have the first book in my TBR pile (i.e. series I haven't started reading yet aren't included). An asterisk (*) indicates a series where I already have a copy of the next book. A pointing finger (☛) indicates a series where I am waiting for the next book to be released.

1. African Trilogy by Chinua Achebe: Next Up: Arrow of God (3/3)

2. *Charley Davidson by Darynda Jones: Next Up: Third Grave Dead Ahead (3/4)

3. Chief Inspector Armand Gamache by Louise Penny: Next Up: A Fatal Grace (2/8)

4. *Commissario Montalbano by Andrea Camilleri: Next Up: The Snack Thief (3/15)

5. * Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor: Next Up: Days of Blood and Starlight (2/3)

6. *Divergent by Veronica Roth: Next Up: Insurgent (2/3)

7. *Dr. Siri Paiboun by Colin Cotterill: Next up: Slash and Burn (8/9)

8. Duncan Kincaid/ Gemma James by Deborah Crombie:Next Up: Kissed a Sad Goodbye (6/15)

9. * Dust Lands by Moira Young: Next Up: Rebel Heart (2/3)

10. The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan: Next Up: The Dead tossed Waves (2/3)

11. *Harry Bosch by Michael Connelly: Next Up: The Narrows (10/18)

12. *Harry Hole by Jo Nesbo: Next Up: The Snowman (7/9)

13. ☛ The Ibis Trilogy by Amitav Ghosh: Next Up: ? (3/3)

14. *In Death by J. D. Robb: Next Up: Glory in Death (2/44)

15. *Inspector Sejer by Karin Fossum: Next Up: He Who Fears the Wolf (2/9)

16. Jack Taylor by Ken Bruen: Next Up: The Dramatist (4/9)

17. *James Bond by Ian Fleming: Next Up: Live and Let Die (2/14)

18. *Kenzie and Gennaro by Dennis Lehane: Next Up: Sacred (3/6)

19. *Jackson Brodie by Kate Atkinson: Next Up: One Good Turn (2/4)

20. *Lady Julia Gray by Deanna Raybourn: Next Up: The Dark Enquiry (5/5)

21. *Matched by Ally Condie: Next Up: Crossed (2/3)

22. *Millenium Trilogy by Steig Larrson: Next Up: The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest (3/3)

23. *Philip Marlowe by Raymond Chandler: Next Up: The Little Sister (5/8)

24. *Raylan Givens by Elmore Leonard: Next Up: Raylan (3/3)

25. *Sookie Stackhouse by Charlaine Harris: Next Up: Dead in the Family (9/12)

26. *Song of Fire and Ice by George R. R. Martin: Next Up: Clash of Swords (2/5)

27. Temperance Brennan by Kathy Reichs: Next Up: Grave Secrets (5/15)

28. Vish Puri by Tarquin Hall: Next Up: The Case of the Man Who Died Laughing (2/3)

29. *Walt Longmire by Craig Johnson: Up Next: Kindness Goes Unpunished (3/8)

30. *Wine Country Mysteries by Ellen Crosby: Next Up: The Chardonnay Charade (2/6)

31. ☛Wolf Hall Trilogy by Hilary Mantel: Next up: ? (3/3)

I'll take it if I may then Mamie my dear. Didn't keep up as well as I normally do on your last thread so at the very least I can be promptly onto this one. You are firmly in third place in the posting league thus far and the leading lady - between the two big girl's blouses the ubiquitous Mr. Derus whose erudition and energy constantly astounds me (but don't tell him) and mine own self.

It is lovely to see you cutting a swathe this year and hard to imagine what it was like here before your splendid mix of warmth, welcome, winsomeness and wonderment.

Good morning Dear Mamie!!!
I can't wait to see how this thread shapes up...

My daughter told me to root for the Patriots because they don't like the other team.....
So, tell me... who won? Is it just the superbowl now?

It is going to be 6 degrees here overnight.. yikes! The south is sounding better and better!

I hope you get loads of laughing in today, Mamie!

Paul - You are first, my friend! Always so lovely to see you! you edited your message, so now I have to edit mine to say thank you ever so much for those kind and generous words. I have loved every minute of my time on the threads and cannot imagine what I did without all of you!

Kath - Good Morning, sis! The Ravens won yesterday (they are the team that beat the Patriots). And yes, just the Superbowl left - the 49ers will play the Ravens. And 6 degrees does sound yikes! Maybe you better come down for a visit and warm up!

Stasia - Thank you! I am reading Case Histories and really loving it - the sarcastic humor in the writing is wonderfully done. Thanks again for getting it for me.

oh no... The Ravens won? poop

Sorry, Kath! But it made Rae very happy, if that's any help.

Well that's good :) Happy Rae is good. Nic photo of your dad who is no doubt smiling down on you today :)

Right - Happy Rae is good! And thanks - I think he is smiling down on me today, too.

Mamie- Congrats on the new thread! Love the photo of your Dad. I like a good laugh too. It's a terrific trait to have. Enjoy your day.

Thanks, Mark! Good humor is so essential in life, I think. Wishing for you a day full of fabulous!

Morning Mamie. What a lovely tribute to your father.

Mamie - Your picture of your Dad crossed with my editing my own post. Very touching way to start off proceedings - you have his eyes. Isn't it a shame no-one wears hats anymore?

Thanks, Reba. He has left me with so many wonderful memories and the blessing of knowing that I was deeply loved.

Paul - What a lovely thing to say - I DO have his eyes, actually. My Dad had grey eyes which Abby and I both share. He had six daughters, but as my Mom has brown eyes, four of them got her beautiful brown, my oldest sister Cindy has blue, and only I got the grey. I know that the photo above is not in color, and so you were referring to the set of his eyes, which, to me, is an even nicer compliment. And yes - it is a shame that no one wears hats anymore. I would love to see them make a comeback.

Great pic of your Dad, Mamie, and I love that hat, too. I used to try to wear a fedora here in Chicago, but my head shape couldn't keep it on in the wind here. After finally losing it in a muddy puddle, I gave up.

Happy Memories - I sense you had a close family growing up.

LOL about the hat, Joe! I bet you look very handsome in a fedora, but it would be hard to keep it seated in those Chicago winds! I actually come from a very dysfunctional family, Joe, but I am very close to my sister Julie, and I absolutely adored my Dad. I focus on the happy memories because I feel that focusing on the others would serve no purpose.

Happy New Thread, Crazy! Keep it up girl. : )

Hi Mamie, I was afraid this would happen--that you'd start a new thread before I could get caught up with the old one. But I will go back and get caught up because I'm sure there's something fun I missed.

I love the picture of your Dad and your comment: He has left me with so many wonderful memories and the blessing of knowing that I was deeply loved. I was surprised to read you came from a dysfunctional family but when I read: I focus on the happy memories because I feel that focusing on the others would serve no purpose, I thought what a wonderful inspiration you are.

Hope you're enjoying the day and I promise to do a better job keeping up with your thread.

My Dad always wore a hat too and, you're right, it was nice. He also always made me feel loved and respected which is a wonderful thing for a girl. Sadly, he died when I was 23 so I don't have as many memories of him as I would like.

OK I completely gave up on keeping up with your last thread Mamie but I'm bound and determined to keep up with this one. Love the picture of your Dad. Mine wore hats like that too.

My dad wouldn't leave the house without a hat, Mamie. I always thought he looked just like Bing Crosby when he wore it and if he happened to have his pipe with him, well that sealed it.
Thanks to you and your dad for allowing me to bring back memories of my good ole dad.

BTW: I just remembered, I stole my dad's favorite hat from my mom's house when she downsized. I love wearing it putting it on when the mood hits me. ETA: No, I do not look like Bing :0)

#7 And I shamelessly stole this from someone else. But I'm bad at documentation - so I don't remember who????
Are you out there???? Whoever you are, THANKS!
I have to say, I'm loving keeping these stats.

Nice new thread, Mamie... Your Dad was a handsome man who helped bring up a wonderful daughter ;-)

I wear hats (well, caps). . .does that count? :)

Since I opened the hats discussion I would hasten to add that I look terrible in them so self-promotion was not in my mind at all! I am sure that Stasia looks delightful in her cap - evidence?

Oh Mamie, I read The Women of Brewster Place years and years ago (I think I was in grad school at the time). I don't remember in detail, but I recall liking it a lot.

Love your new thread.

I'm thinking I should probably try to develop an off-my-shelves challenge......

My father would not wear a hat (just his Dr. Zhivago hat), but my grandfather would have considered leaving the house without his, akin to leaving the house stark naked. He had the kind of fedora your dad is wearing in the picture up top and then he always had a straw fedora for summer. And his John Deere cap for when he was working on the farm. It was his hair (or rather the lack thereof). He went bald as a rather young man and it bothered him. He always considered a man's hair the epitome of handsomeness. Even if he saw a guy who was as homely as a cartload of a**holes (as my dear uncle used to say) he would pronounce the guy with a full head of hair "a handsome man".

I am using my lunch break to finally, finally catch up again with your threads, Mamie. Great discussion on grocery shopping in the last thread. I love doing it, always end up with too much stuff, but usually it's fruit and vegetables because they are displayed so invitingly in the markets here.
And that pool will be so wonderful!

Dads and hats: my dad almost always wears one, but only to cover his bald head. :-)

Congrats on finishing AK!

Good Morning! What a treat to log on and find so many wonderful visitors to my thread! Thanks, everyone for stopping by. Not too much exciting on the schedule for today, but I do have to return a couple of books to the library which means that I will have to knock out a couple of reviews today before I have to give the books back - I am guessing they will want me to remove all of my stickie notes. I have finished several books and am behind in my reviews - it was ever so lovely to be caught up with them for that short span of time. Here's what I have finished and not yet reviewed: In the Woods, Volt, Emma (the manga, not the Jane Austen), Maus II, and, drum roll please, Anna Karenina. I will probably do mini reviews for some of these. I am currently still working my way through Game of Thrones, which I am loving, A Literary Guide to Flannery O'Connor's Georgia, which is very interesting, Case Histories, loving the sarcastic humor in the writing, and The Beggar's Opera, which is the ER book that I won from the November batch - finally arrived yesterday afternoon and I am about one third of the way through it and really liking it. The Mysterious Affair at Styles is on deck, which means it is next up. I think I will finish all of these this month, but you never now - life is funny that way!

All that blue in one single post! oh my goodness :)

I have had Case Histories forever! I haven't gotten to it yet. I have to get busy and get to some of my books off the shelf.. ( ha!)

I have an LTER that seems good but I was distracted this weekend. And it seemed so short!
Back to work today, so doubt if I will read much today, tomorrow evening maybe? I hope :P

Is everything soft and cozy there? Hope so. If you have anything to say about it I bet it is :)

Thanks, Kim! I will try to keep it up - or perhaps I should say I will try to keep up!

Pat - So sweet of you to go back to the old thread to catch up! I never mind if people just start fresh because I know that time is fleeting. Thank you so much for your kind words. My family is a crazy mixture of things done wrong and things done right. Of words not spoken that should have been and words that should have be left unsaid. For me, as an adult, I needed to leave that baggage behind to free up my hands and my heart for things that I wanted to carry through life - like humor and compassion and kindness. It's a conscious choice, one that in the beginning I had to focus on and rechoose each day, but, like learning to ride a bike or drive a car, soon it became as easy and as natural as breathing.

I am so delighted that you are following my thread, and I look forward to getting to know you better.

Reba - I am so sorry that you did not get more time with your Dad. I am glad that he made you feel loved and respected - those two things are so crucial in life. My Dad loved hats - he had a really funny Elmer Fudd one that he wore in the winter with those ear flaps that fold down. Somehow on him it looked just as respectable as the fedora - but when it was sitting on the table alone, it always made me laugh.

Bonnie - So funny that you say that because I was feeling the same way about your thread, which has been running away from me! I caught up most of the way yesterday and should be able to finish catching up today. It's always fine to just begin again here - I am always thrilled to have you! So glad you liked the photo.

Lynda - Isn't if funny how other people's photos and memories can jog your own? And how fabulous that you have one of his hats - I wish I had one of my Dad's. I think I would choose the black Elmer Fudd one because it always made me smile.

Cee - I love keeping the running stats, too! So glad I saw it on your thread because I would not have thought of it on my own! So I'm thankful to whoever you stole it from, too!! And thank you for your kind words - you always say the nicest things!

Stasia - Yes, that counts! I like to wear hats myownself. And Abby and Birdy both like to wear hats. Such a fun accessory! I am loving Case Histories, by the way and am planning on reading World War Z next month. The last one I am saving because I know I will absolutely love it.

Paul - You don't look good in hats? I don't believe it! Perhaps you just haven't found the right one yet.

Ellen - That is good to hear. It was sitting all by itself and looking ever so lonely at the library, so I brought it home with me. I read the opening chapter, and it is charming, so I am squeezing it in this month. Glad you like the new thread! And whoa there, sister! An off the shelves challenge - let's just make sure we don't go completely crazy and tie the challenge to, say, the purchase of new books! I'm keeping an eye on you, Ellen!

Fourpawz2 - I can't remember my Dad ever leaving the house without a hat on. He was also mostly bald - just a fringe of hair around the lower third of his head. I don't think his baldness ever bothered him, though. He came from a big family - nine children - and all of the sons had that same exact hair, or lack of it. It makes me sad that your grandfather thought his lack of hair made him less handsome - today he would be so stylish as a lot of men choose to be bald!

Nathalie - Lovely to see you! I hope you are feeling better. And how sweet of you to take the time to catch up with me! I love the produce section of the grocery store, too! I cannot resist buying red potatoes that are fresh with their skins so smooth and free of blemishes - even if I don't need them, I just have to buy them! Luckily, all of us love potatoes. It's my grocery store weakness. And the pool is coming along swimmingly - okay, just couldn't resist that. The Paver Guys said they will be all done in the next 72 hours. I am not sure what the next step is, so I'll have to ask Craig. I am excited to see that decking down.

I wish the wearing of hats would come back - for my Dad's generation that was just something they did without thinking about it. When you went out, you wore a hat. And thanks on the congrats for finishing AK - it will not make my list of favorites, but I am so glad that I read it.

I posted this photo over on Cee's thread because there is much conversation about red socks over there, which reminded me of this photo of two of my nephews.



The boys are young men now - ages 33 and 24, both married and living in separate states. They are cousins, not brothers - the sons of my sister Cindy and my sister Julie.

Book #8: In the Woods by Tana French (4.5 stars)
Category XII: Press Your Luck - authors new to me



I really loved this book. The writing is beautiful, the characters are interesting and three-dimensional and flawed, and the story line is very interesting. It's not so much about mystery although there is plenty of mystery in it; it is more about the psychology of the crime. The prologue takes you back to the main character's childhood and it is so beautifully rendered that the writing reminded me of Ray Bradbury - pure magic in the imagery and flow of words.

"Picture a summer stolen whole from some coming-of-age film set in small-town 1950s. This is none of Ireland's subtle seasons mixed for a connoisseur's palate, watercolor nuances within a pinch-sized range of cloud and soft rain; this is summer full-throated and extravagant in a hot pure silkscreen blue. This summer explodes on your tongue tasting of chewed blades of long grass, your own clean sweat, Marie biscuits with butter squirting through the holes and shaken bottles of red lemonade picnicked in tree houses. It tingles on your skin with BMX wind in your face, ladybug feet up your arm; it packs every breath full of mown grass and billowing wash lines; it chimes and fountains with birdcalls, bees, leaves and football-bounces and skipping-chants, One! Two! Three! This summer will never end. It starts every day with a shower of Mr. Whippy notes and and your best friend's knock at the door, finishes it with long slow twilight and mothers silhouetted in doorways calling you to come in..."

Chapter one takes us back to the present day where we learn that the narrator of this story is a detective in Ireland assigned to the Murder Squad. His life is about to be shaken up by a murder that will send him back to the deep mystery that is his childhood. If you love mysteries, like I do, and you enjoy the process of trying to figure out on your own whodunit, then you might be disappointed with this book at first because you will quickly be able to discern this particular truth. But keep reading because what you will find is that the story itself will keep you on your toes. It is like a Columbo mystery, except that the reader is Columbo - you are waiting for the detectives on the case to catch up with your logical conclusions, but in the meantime you are being treated to a story that is all about peeling layers away and exposing what lies beneath the surface. It is beautifully and breathtakingly done.

"I remember that moment because, if I am honest, I have them so seldom. I am not good at noticing when I'm happy, except in retrospect. My gift, or fatal flaw, is for nostalgia. I have sometimes been accused of demanding perfection, of rejecting heart's desires as soon as I get close enough that the mysterious impressionistic gloss disperses into plain solid dots, but the truth is less simplistic than that. I know very well that perfection is made up of frayed, off-struck mundanities. I suppose you could say my real weakness is a kind of long-sightedness: usually it is only at a distance, and much too late, that I can see the pattern."

*back to add a quick note of thanks to Dee, who assured me that I would enjoy this book.

Happy fourth thread Mamie! I love the photo of your Dad, I hope you can spend some time remembering him and laughing this week.

I'm thrilled that you enjoyed Black hearts in Battersea and have ordered Night birds on Nantucket. I've just ordered the next couple of books from that series myself and feel very happy in anticipation of reading them :-)

Thanks, Heather! That series is just such great fun, isn't it? I am so glad that you and Dee introduced me to it!

Book #9: Volt by Alan Heathcock (4 stars)
Category X: The Price is Right - books bought on sale or used, or borrowed from the library

Thanks to Richard for bringing this amazing collection of short stories to my attention. I say amazing because these stories are dark and disparaging, and yet it is not depressing to read them. They capture so exquisitely those moments of tragedy that are part of every community. I used to live in a small town that was mostly farms, and these stories that are anchored by their location, the fictional city of Krafton, ring true. It is important, I think, to read them in the order in which they are presented, some characters appear in more than one story and sequence becomes valid here, adding depth to their presence. All eight stories are good, but The Daughter was my favorite, and Lazarus was my least favorite. Dig in - I do not think you will be disappointed, and you will have food for thought long after you have closed the pages.

"'I wish I could take my brain and put it inside your head,' Winslow said. 'Just for a moment. Then you'd know what all I can't find how to say.'" - from The Staying Freight

"'Ever feel like your mind's set funny?' Hep said. 'Like ain't a person in the world could understand you? I think I'm crazy. I really think I must be.' Walt watched Hep's face, flushed in the mercurial light. 'Sometimes I wish I was in the movies,' he said. 'Not to be famous or nothing. I just wish I was made of light. Then nobody'd know me except for what they saw up on that screen. I'd just be light up on the silver screen, and not at all a man.'" - from Fort Apache

"The crop whispered, the corn swaying.... The sky hung a black cloth sprinkled with luminous dust." - from The Daughter

"Things vanished. People vanished. Clouds gave way to sun gave way to night. Only feelings, like spirits, endured, branded to the back of our eyes, laced into our marrow. Miriam lifted a sweater to her face, blue and soft and threadbare at the elbows, still holding a hint of her mother's scent. Try as she might, she couldn't imagine her mother on streets of gold, washed in ethereal light, couldn't even imagine her wearing this sweater, which had been her favorite. Miriam could only recall her mother as she'd seen her that day at the morgue, a sheet to her chin...She considered this life and the next, decided Heaven and Hell were just where the living chose to put you once you passed..." - from The Daughter

Have no fear, Mamie, I will NOT repeat my failed challenge of last year, tying the purchase of new books to the completion of owned books. Clearly, I'm not cut out for that level of discipline and I use the library too much.
But it does seem like I could come up with something ----- maybe just to say that I'll read thirteen books that I owned as of 1/1/13?..... Surely I could accomplish that.

Must learn to set sights a wee bit higher.....

That sounds like a good challenge, Ellen! I am trying to read 40 books off of my shelves this year - we'll see, but I have read 7 so far, so I am feeling pretty good about it. Now that I have access to a really great library system, I can see why you had so much trouble with your challenge last year - already all the terrific books I can get from the library is impacting what I think I am going to read!!

>43 Crazymamie: Oh goody good, Mamie, you liked it! *whew* After Darryl disliked Damascus so very much, I was concerned that my mojo was going.

*smooch* to you for a happy Tuesday!

Morning Mamie (it is still moring here!). Great review of In The Woods, I find her work pretty amazing and it's interesting to wander around LT and find so many people who love her writing. They all pick different books of hers as their favorites, so I guess it's simply a matter of which one speaks directly to you.

Great pic of your dad, Mamie! Being able to remember the good and throw away the bad is a wonderful gift.

Richard - Yes! I really liked it, and I like that you keep thinking about the stories even after you are done with them. They stay with you. *smooch back*

Judy - Thank you! I liked it so much that I ordered a copy of it for myself. I have requested the next one in the series from the library, so I'm waiting for it to come in.

Julia - Thanks! It took practice to throw away the bad, but it was so worth it. And just to clarify, no bad memories of my Dad, it's my Mom that is the problem.

Hi Mamie - you made Into the Woods sound so good that I immediately ordered it for my Kindle -- thanks for the great review

Oh excellent, Reba - I hope you like it! And thanks for the compliment!

Nice review of Volt, Mamie! I liked the excerpts you picked, too. I've got it on order from the library.

Oh thanks, Joe - I think you'll like it!

Trying to catch up with you Mamie! Your review of In the Woods was superb! :)

Thumbs up from me!

Great reviews of In the Woods and Volt, Mamie. I have a copy of Volt somewhere, I just need to find it. Up to now, for some reason, I wasn't interested in reading In the Woods but your review changed my mind. I'm going to put it on my library list.

I love the photos you post.

You wrote a wonderful review of In The Woods. I'll try to read this soon.

Tina - Thank you so much!

Pat - Thanks! I was not interested in In the Woods at first, either - the blurb on the back of the book made it sound like it was not for me. I'm so glad that Dee assured me that it was! I really hope you like it when you get to it - the writing is wonderful.

Linda - Thank you, dear! Please give Lily a scratch behind the ears for me.

That's a very nice review of 'In the Woods', Mamie. I really liked it as well.

Thanks, Julia! Have you read the others in the series?

Mamie- Excellent review of In The Woods. It sounds like you are an immediate French fan. Volt landed on the WL, right after RD's glowing review. And now you loved it too! I've got to get my cold, chapped paws on that one.

Thanks, Mark! I did love that first book - I am anxious to see what I think of the next one. And yes, you poor, poor baby, you need to get your cold, chapped paws on a copy of Volt. Is tomorrow going to be any warmer?

About 20! It gets a little warmer each day!

LOL! Don't pull those shorts out yet!

I have enjoyed Tanya French's books too, Mamie. I am glad to see she has found another fan!

Happy that you are enjoying Case Histories so much. I hope you enjoy the other books just as much.

I think I'm going to have to give In the Woods another shot. When I first picked it up a couple of years ago, I lost interest very early on in the book and tossed it aside. But since then, everyone I know who's read it has posted rave reviews, yours included. I must not have been in the mood for her writing when I read or tried reading it the first time. That was also the first Tanya French book I tried to read, so who knows ... perhaps I missing out on works by a phenomenal writer. This book is still in my house, ... so maybe it's time I dusted it off and tried again.

Shorts and glowing white legs will not return until early May, maybe late April. I can't wait.

Mamie, I've read the next two, The Likeness and Faithful Place, but I am still waiting for my local library to get a copy of Broken Harbor. The other two I have read are just as good, if not better, I think!

Stasia - It was such an interesting book - completely different than what I was expecting. And what fully-fleshed characters she creates! And Case Histories is also very good - I really am liking Jackson. I am sure that I will enjoy the other books just as much - both of them seem right up my alley.

Caro - It's not a regular mystery - it's more about the why than it is about the how. It could be that you weren't in the right mood for it - that happens to me a lot, and if I think it is just my mood then I will set it aside to try later. If you still have it sitting around, I say give it another shot.

Mark - LOL! Sending you warm wishes in lieu of warm weather.

Julia - I am so happy to hear that! I have been trying to catch up on your thread - some very great discussions going on over there. I am a fan of ebooks, but I also LOVE my real books. I like the convenience of ebooks for travel and reading outside, but I am head over heels for the feel and the look and even the smell of real books - especially if they happen to have deckled edge pages! I will delurk over there tomorrow when I have finally caught up (see how hopeful I am?!).

Popping in to echo those who like Tana French :) I am a bit rushed this morning.. but didn't want to
leave withought hitting a few threads . Hard to type, Angus lap again...lol.

Morning Kath - A kitty on your lap is a wonderful thing! Thanks for popping in!

I'm glad you enjoyed In The Woods. I've read all 4 of that series, and they're all quite good.

Hi Carol! Yea, another vote for all of them being good! That's so great when a series holds up. I'm looking forward to the next one.

The series does hold up, but I hope you know that it's not a traditional series in the sense that the main characters are the same in every book. Each book focuses on a different member of the Dublin Murder Squad at various points in time, and previous main characters may figure in barely or not at all. If you go into the second book knowing that, you may avoid the initial disappointment I had (which I overcame because the story was just so good, but I wish I'd known beforehand).

Great news that you loved In The Woods, Mamie. The Likeness is also excellent. I think I'm up to the third one, which I must try and track down...You must be excited to have the pool paving nearly done - not long now till you'll need those little cocktail umbrellas!

Julia - Thanks for that. I did know it because I think there was discussion on your thread about the narrators changing. And you're so right - if you didn't know that going into the second book, it would be so disappointing.
You'll be happy to hear that I have requested two Nero Wolfe books from the library - just waiting on them to come in. I asked for Before Midnight and Some Buried Caesar. So thanks for your recommendations!

Susan - I am just thrilled that everyone keeps saying the next books are good, too! And the pool - the foundation layering for the pavers is all done, and today they start placing the actual pavers down, so very exciting stuff! Can't wait to see it!

I've been listening to The Likeness for eons. I enjoy it when I listen, but that's not my primary medium for books, so it's taking literally months. Still, I like Tana French's way of creating suspense.

Morning, Ellen! I know what you mean - only certain books work on audio for me. So far, the best ones are historical fiction where the narrator can breath new life into old words and make the story work for me. Also ones where the narrator is just fabulous and takes the book to a new level - such as Kenneth Branagh reading Heart of Darkness - not to be missed! But it does take much longer to listen than to just read it - and I have to be careful or I tend to zone out. And I like French's way with suspense, too - she is very good with foreshadowing.

I have said this before Mamie but I could see me going for audio books but I am a little concerned at the ease of purchase and possibility of spending the family budget on aged classics on Audible. I think you make a good point about the importance of the narrator. The kids used to love me telling them/reading them stories when they were small bacause of all the weird accents and the fact that I was often as excited as they were with CS Lewis or Roald Dahl or Mary Poppins reading them for the first time with the tribe.

Oh, yes! More Wolfe books on your reading list. I'll look forward to your reviews to see if you like them.

Hi Paul! I think the narrator is the most important thing with the audiobook. I like listening to the old classics because we just don't talk that way anymore, and so I get so much more out of it by listening to someone who knows how to read the sentence correctly adding in those inflections and nuances that convey so much more than just the printed word. For example, last year I read Cranford for the first time and found it delightful, but part of the reason for that is that I listened to it on audiobook as I followed along with the text - the narrator brought the story to life for me. I don't think I would have enjoyed it nearly as much if I had just read it - I would have missed some of the context and humor. But I hear what you are saying about the price of audiobooks - most of the ones we have, we bought on sale. In Georgia the library system has a lot of them that we can just borrow digitally, which is marvelous. That is how I was able to listen to Cranford. The library lets me download it with access to it for two weeks, and then it just magically goes back. Not an option for you, I know, and it was not available to me when we lived in Indiana, but so very fabulous for those who can take advantage of it. That being said, not all books lend themselves to the audiobook format - I find it hard to listen to books that jump around in time. I want the print version so that I can flip back and forth through the chapters if I need to. I tried listening to The Night Circus on audio first, and it was very confusion even though the narrator was wonderful. The jumps in time made it hard for me to keep track of everything in my head to keep the timeline straight, but once I had the print version I was fine. Now that I understand the timeline, I could listen to the book with no problems, making the audio version an ideal way to revisit the book.

I'm just waiting on the library system, Julia - it says they are "in transit". WahHOO!

How do Mamie dear, on my rounds so visiting to *smooch* on you.

I do so love good company! Thanks for stopping by, dear one! *smooch*

For those of you who, like me, love to live vicariously through the thrill of others' purchases, here is my latest splurge:

The Little Bookstore of Big Stone Gap by Wendy Welch
In the Woods by Tana French - yes, I know I already read this, but I wanted my very own copy
Tigana by Guy Gavriel Kay - Bonnie raved about this and then it became a GR for Fantasy February, so how could I resist?

Third Girl
The Clocks
Taken at the Flood
Cat Among the Pidgeons - All of these are by Agatha Christie and feature Hercule Poirot. My daughter Rae and I are reading through these books in order this year (we have read most of them before, but not in order). I have nice hardbacks of these, but Rae loves them, so I am letting her have the hardbacks for her personal library, and I am collecting these lovely trade paperbacks which I fell in love with a few years ago.

A patron who returned Broken Harbour the other day told me that Tana French has become her favorite author. I just smiled when I thought of how many fans she has here on LibraryThing.

Mamie - By the way, I'm looking forward to seeing what you think of Welch's book. It's on my radar.

Hi Lori! I can't believe that it has taken me so long to discover her, but the good news is that I don't have to wait for the next book to come out! I plan on getting to the Welch book soon - probably not this month, but hopefully in February.

I love the red sock pic of the cousins reading. Lovely!
Eta: its so nice to see older kids taking younger ones under their wing and teaching them things. I guess later on they were scrapping or play -fighting, but this shot is too sweet :)

Megan - So glad you loved the photo! I really love moments like that, too. When Birdy was little, she followed Dan everywhere, and he would explain everything to her. He was never impatient with her which always surprised me. Now, of course they are teenagers, and so there is less sweetness and more bickering, but still, although she knows that he did not actually hang the moon, she is willing to give him credit for it.

Nice haul Mamie. Read all of Miss Marple and Poirot. Terribly dated nowadays as it no doubt is, still always an enjoyable read.

Love the red sock photo of the cousins. And, of course, that they were reading a book! Great reviews and I haven't read any Tana French, so I will be on the lookout for her works. The clincher was you bought your own copy of In the Woods after you read the book. Nice haul by the way and thanks for allowing me to live vicariously through your purchases.

Hooray for book purchases and Agatha Christie. I love the fact that you and Rae will both have your own copies :-)

Paul - Thanks! They are dated, but I just love Poirot and how much he loves himself - I get the biggest kick out of his peculiarities.

Kim - Glad you love the photo! And yes, it is telling that I purchased my very own copy - I did that with The Night Circus and The Grapes of Wrath and The Color Purple, too. I love to reread books, and that is one that I know I will revisit. And you're welcome - I'm happy to let you live vicariously through my purchases anytime!!

Heather - Thank you! Rae really loves those hardbacks, and she reads books over and over again, so the hardbacks hold up to that better. I am thrilled that she loves them so! All of my kids have their own copies of the books that they have loved, so that they can take them with them when they leave. So yes, we have five sets of the Harry Potter books - they each have their own bookshelves in their rooms. I wish I had books from my childhood, but almost everything I read came from the library, so it's really important to me for them to have the books that they have loved.

Just catching up to say hello, Mamie! :)

Hello, Tina! Thanks for catching up!

So hard to catch up.....sigh. It looks like all is well in mamieland, I'm tired, sis. And my back hurts...
but it was a busy, fast, crazy kind of day. i had fun at Owens party, and he did too :) He opened his gifts and played with them. I adore that boy :)

ps

angus on my lap again :)

Thanks for stopping by, Kath! You poor baby! I'm sorry that your back hurts and that you are tired. Hoping that your busy, fast, crazy kind of day was also good. Was today Owen's birthday? Happy Birthday, Owen! He's so cute - glad you had fun at the party and sounds like Owen did, too. He's so lucky to have someone like you who loves him so much. And now a kitty on your lap again - sounds like a successful day! Hugs to you, sis!

Hi Mamie- Congrats on the book haul! I think owning In the Woods is a perfect idea. It's one of those titles, that if you meet the right person, you can lend them that book and blow their mind. I own the 1st 3. I have Broken Harbor saved on audio. Hopefully, I can get to it in the next couple of months.
So you are reading Tigana too?

Nice haul, Mamie. Count me in as a fan of Tigana! I hope you enjoy it when you get to it.

Thank heavens January isn't over yet - I lost you somehow in the changeover from 2012 to 2013!

I am hoping to read 8 books off the shelf per month -- . It's gotten so out of hand that I find it a bit depressing, as I like to think I really am going to read them all. The problem is that I also like the mystery of not knowing everything I'm going to read...... nothing if not contradictory, that's me.

Love the photos, it's wonderful to see you.

So glad you liked In the Woods. It's definitely a keeper, as is Case Histories.

Re: parents - I have the opposite problem wherein all my memories of my mom are positive and it's my father who is the problem. He is currently not speaking to me :-P

Good glory, Mamie -- over a hundred posts on the new thread already!

Excellent reading and reviewing. And a great book haul!

Glad to see that the approval rating for In the Woods is practically 100% as I have a copy sitting in the other room that I have yet to read. I SO want to snatch it up and do just that, but there are so many others that I feel the same way about that ought to come first. There.Is.Never.Enough.Time.

Angus lapped again this morning... I fear I have to dislodge him to get more coffee...
Have a wonderful day, sis!

Mamie -

I just saw that you added The 101 Dalmatians to TIOLI #17 - hooray! I hope you find it as entertaining as I do. It's hard for me to believe that the same woman wrote I Capture the Castle, but clearly she was versatile! I can't wait to hear what you think about it.

Morning Y'all! I'm guessing our little, and I do mean little, cold snap is over as it is supposed to be 69F today and tomorrow. It is bright and sunny today and the Paver Guys are hard at work - I will be SO glad when this part is finished because it is very noisy. The pavers that we chose are looking gorgeous though, and I will try to post some pictures later today to give you a peek at the progress.

Mark - Lend the book? Just kidding, I do lend books out quite often with just a quick rundown on the proper treatment of my books and a blood oath that the book will be returned. I purchased Tigana for the FF GR - wasn't that a good excuse?! I already had it on my WL after Valerie and Bonnie raved about it. Gotta love that one click shopping!

Stasia - Thank you! And hooray for another endorsement of Tigana - Craig and Dan love to read fantasy, so I am hoping that they will read it when I am finished. And thanks for those good wishes - how could I fail to enjoy it now?!

Lucy! Oh Lucy!! - You have made me so happy! I thought perhaps you had decided not to follow my thread this year. And I haven't finished reading all of Tolkien's works or explored Iris Murdoch in depth, so how could I possibly manage without you? Thank you so much for finding me! I am trying to read more books off of my shelves, too. t's hard with so many lovely suggestions for books that have not yet found their way to my shelves. So glad that you loved the photos, and so very thrilled that you are here!

Katie - Agreed! I am loving that Jackson Brodie! Sorry to hear that your Dad is not speaking to you. As you know we talked about my Mom on last year's thread, and we have not spoken in years, but it is not an anger thing or a punishment thing, we just don't have a relationship - too much work for too little gain. Sometimes you have to let go of relationships that bring you nothing but hurt - it's just not healthy. Hoping that you and your Dad can work it out, but also completely understanding if you cannot. Keeping you in my thoughts.

Dejah - I know. I know! I have been blessed with so many lovely visitors, but also probably half of the posts are my own! I guess I'm chatty!! Thank you for your kind words - and there will be more books because I am just logging them in and revealing them after I have them in my hot little hands. I still have a few more in transit.

Fourpawz2 - I feel exactly the same way! I make a nice neat plan for reading each month, and then get distracted by other books, which is why my list of possible reads for the month is ALWAYS outdistanced by my "hey wait a minute, this wasn't on the list..." section. When you are needing a book that has a bit of mystery, fabulous characters, and beautiful writing, that is the right time to go straight to your shelves and pick up In the Woods.

Kath - I hope you are giving that kitty some loving for me. I hate making the fur babies move to get up and get something; they always seem so relaxed and peaceful, and it seems a crime to disturb them - always makes me feel guilty even though I know they will settle right back into their comfy position as soon as I return. Ah well, unconditional love is no small thing. Wishing you a wonderful day as well, sis!

Dejah - You snuck in there while I was posting! I added The One Hundred and One Dalmatians to the TIOLI after visiting your thread and seeing that you had listed it. That is one of my all time favorite books - I read it many, many times when I was young, and it never got old. Recently Richard reread and reviewed it, and that got me thinking that I should revisit it soon, and then I saw it listed on your thread - a serendipitous moment! So I can tell you that I will love it because I always have. I didn't know that she wrote other books until last year. That's when I read I Capture the Castle - what a great narrator that book has! I would like to read some of her other books if I can find them - I think some of them I can get on Kindle.

Here's a profound but jolly observation: We have read the same number of books so far. Last January I chewed my way through 14. I think it was my 'best' month in that regard.

I am way ahead of myself this year, Lucy - last January I read a total of six books, so already I have doubled that! I think the most books I read in one month last year was April with a total of 16 books. Of course, I also had October with a total of zero books!

Mamie, you are so right about too much work for not enough gain. In the past year, I've come to the realization that relationships that are all work on my part and no effort on anyone else's are detrimental to my sense of self and my well-being. So I can let them go and that's ok.

Hope you have a day full of fabulous (to steal a phrase from a favorite LT friend ;-) )!

Morning Mamie- I am very selective on lending books out but I can't help myself sometimes. Spreading the "reading joy" is just as satisfying as the books themselves. That's why this place is so darn "SPECIAL"! Can I have an AMEN?

Katie - That is just exactly it. Not all relationships are healthy ones, and sometimes letting go is the best gift that you can give yourself, not with anger or with bitterness, but just with the realization that you need to let go in order to be happy and healthy. And thank you for your kind words and wishes - I'm sure to have a fabulous day now! Hugs to you, Katie.

Morning Mamie -- can't wait to see the pool progress at pecan paradiso

Morning Mark! AMEN! I always give people the benefit of the doubt the first time, but I do not continue to lend books to those who do not return them or who return them in poor condition.

Reba - I promise to posts photos later today. It's looking really good!

...who return them in poor condition
Aaargh! I am horrified to see books returned in poor condition. I always have my dad on for not using a bookmark in books he has borrowed off me. He leaves my books opened, face down to mark his place. He does it to annoy me, and I respond suitably. I gave him a stack of bookmarks once, we always laugh about it.

Hi Megan! Oh no! I hate that - no broken spines or dog-earred pages for me. I am a bit of a nut about my books, so if you can't follow the rules, you can't borrow my books. It's like Mamie's House Rules - they are not really negotiable. I always say this is a dictatorship, not a democracy! *gives cheeky grin*

Okay, as promised, here are the pool progress pics:


The foundation is ready for the pavers.


The pavers start to go down.


The pavers are placed in the T pattern.


The edging is done in a soldier line.


The paver process is almost done. Just a bit more to do, then they will be "grouted" with a sand/concrete mixture which will hold them in place, cleaned and sealed - they're pretty dusty right now.

I love pavers and they're safe to run on (as kids will) even when wet. It looks wonderful and it's fun to follow your progress. What furniture will you choose? Will there be landscaping around the paving? Can't wait to see :-)

Thanks, Reba! That's one of the things that we liked about the pavers, too. We already have really nice tables and chairs and one chaise lounge that we bought just a few years ago for our deck in Indiana. We did put in umbrella holders at specific spots around the pool, so that we can create more shade when we need to. There is also an umbrella holder on the first really large step of the pool so that you put put a chair there under an umbrella and sit with your feet in the water. We will probably purchase several more lounge chairs this summer. There will also be landscaping eventually, but not this first season - we have a multi-step plan to create the outdoor area that we want. So there will be a pool house (please refer to this as a Pole Barn as I promised Paul that we would) and an outdoor kitchen area.

I love the pattern for the pavers — it's got a lot of visual interest without being too random.

Thanks, Julia! They actually had a lot of patterns to choose from - who knew? So you pick out the color tone, the pattern, whether or not you want the soldier line around the edge, and whether or not you want them tumbled (ours have been tumbled, it gives them that rounded edge). I had no idea that there would be so many decisions involved once we decided to use pavers as the decking! It's so cool to see it all coming together, though.

Hi Mamie! It's so much fun to watch the progress of your pool. No matter how many times I see it, I love that grove of pecan trees.

Ok, Mamie .. you've convinced me. I am actually looking at In the Woods as I type this note, so I will bring it with me for my weekend trip. I've just started My Dog Tulip which I already am starting to really enjoy, but since that's non-fiction, I will start a fiction read tonight as well and take it with me tomorrow. If I actually end up injuring myself on the slopes, I will have something good (I hold you to this... haha) to read apres snowboard or apres ski by the fireplace. :-)

Love watching the pool process. I love the paving tiles you've chosen.

We do, too, Pat. That is a really big part of why we bought this property - I just couldn't say no to those pecan trees in the background. They are just so beautiful! Here is a picture that Abby took a while back that shows their magic:

Hi Caro! I hope you like it this time around! But please do not get injured in order to have more reading time. LOL! Have fun and safe travels - speaking of travel, I need to travel over to your thread and catch up with you. And thanks - we are really liking the tiles, too - it's hard to visualize what they will look like on an entire patio when you are only looking at a few of them.

I love the touch of fog around the trees in that picture Mamie. Do the leaves all turn yellow in the fall?

#124 > Oh gosh, I haven't thought about 'My Dog Tulip' in ages! I loved that book, although I must admit that before I read it I didn't know what kind of dog an Alsatian was (that breed is called German shepherd in the U.S.). Enjoy your skiing trip.

Looking at the pool in progress is making me shiver as I think of how cold it would be at the moment if it were located in my backyard!

I love the look of the pavers around the pool, Mamie. I am glad to see progress is being made.

I love that you put in umbrella holders - especially the one where you can sit in the shade with your feet in the water. I'm betting you'll really appreciate that in the middle of a Georgia summer.

Hello dearie, wafting through. xo

Just enjoying the thought of weather warm enough to sit outside under umbrellas...

Mornin' Mamie - I hope you have a wonderful weekend planned! The pool photos are gorgeous - I'm jealous....

I'm not really caught up... but, the pictures look great! I'm sure you're all looking forward to summer.
( I am.. sort of )

I' have only skimmed. So sorry.. but wanted to wish you a great friday :) I know you like them :)

Pat - The leaves pretty much stay green. They are looking kind of yellow in that photo, but it is a trick of the light. The grove has many faces depending on the time of day and the weather - it's just beautiful.

Julia - Now you have me curious about that book Caro is reading! I'll have to look it up.

Lori - It would be pretty cold if it were located in our old back yard in Yorktown, Indiana, too - where it is 18F and snowing right now! Here, however, it is 45F and going to 70F today - yesterday I wore flip flops as I was running my errands!

Thanks, Stasia! I can't wait to see the final product - and to not wake up to the sound of men working in my backyard!

Reba - That was an afterthought! We were so happy that we thought of it in time to make it happen with no fuss. I think we will be os happy that we did that.

Richard - Morning, darling! *smooch for you*

Kim - I love that time of year, too!

Dejah - Good Morning! Craig is on call all weekend, so it will probably be a quiet one for us, but I love those. And thank you for your compliments to our pool - don't be jealous, come visit when it's ready!

Morning, sis! I'm looking forward to using the pool, not sure about looking forward to the whole summer - we'll see how I do with the intense heat. Skimming is fine - no need for apologies. Thanks for coming to wish me a happy Friday. You're right - they're my favorite! Yesterday felt like Friday to me, so it is like I get to have two of them this week which makes me feel as if I have won the lottery! Hoping that your Friday is full of FABULOUS!

Okay, here you can see the true color of the pavers:

And even better, here is the sunset that we were treated to tonight:





Abby took the photos.

Great photos, Mamie. That sunset is spectacular.

Thanks, Pat!

Those photos are awesome! I especially like the top one! My Mom always told me that pink clouds meant we were going to have a good day tomorrow - so I hope your Saturday is good one!

Thank you, Brit! I had not heard that about pink clouds, but I like it! Hoping that you have a fabulous weekend!

I love those spiny branches against the gorgeous sky! Nice pics indeed. And isnt it crazy how different the paving stones look once grouted and wet. Looks like the place to be this summer! *booking a spot by the pool*
(lucky for you my lovely other just bought a new pair of togs, as his last ones kept falling down!)

Abby has such a gift for photography! Stunningly beautiful skies...

Beautiful sunset, Mamie! And I like the pavers even more than before. There's something about the color variations and especially the uneven/rounded off edges that makes the whole thing look very natural and pretty.

Abby is a wonderful photographer. Great pictures!

Amazing sunset shots. Red sunset saying has two versions: red sky at night, sailor's/shepherd's delight -- red sky in the morning, sailor's/shepherd's warning

Beautiful pictures! And then those pecan trees! Btw this might be a stupid question, but are you going to collect and sell those pecan nuts? I've never seen that many nut trees of that size on a private ground, so I am just interested. If this is a pecan region (really, I have no idea) you sure can get pickers?
Maybe this was already answered on a different thread, but I don't remember.

Wow. Your property and everything about Georgia is appealing. Nice.

Oh I'm excited to see that you are reading The Beggar's Opera! Canadian author! I read it last year and very much enjoyed it. Something a little off beat but quite interesting I thought. I hope that Peggy Blair will write another book. Love your pictures!

Ah - I see that you are thinking about the star value for The Beggar's Opera. I shan't try to influence you, but it was her debut novel...;)

Abby has a real gift with the camera and the material to work with is great. My favourite is the photo of the pecan trees refusing to bow to the dictates of the seasons. Your updates on the work for your pool and deck is, given my job of course, very interesting. They seem to have done a decent job quite quickly but it would appear a bit cool for skinny dipping just yet.

Have a lovely weekend at the Pecan Paradisio. x

Day off at the Mamie house!!! Will there be waffles?

It's so nice to see the updates on the work, Mamie, and you have some beautiful photos again. Have a great weekend!

Wow! What a lovely bunch of visitors! Thanks everyone, for taking the time to visit my thread! Today is Saturday, and Craig is on call, so he is off to the office. Everyone is still asleep except for Birdy and me. No workers today, which I am excited about because I will be able to use the screened in porch - WahHOO!

Megan - That sunset reminds me of that scene from Gone With the Wind - "As God is my witness, I will never be hungry again..." I don't think I would make a good Scarlet, but it might be fun trying! Abby just keeps getting better and better - she has taken sone really cool photos and is getting to be clever with framing her shots. And yes, it is amazing how different the pavers look now that they are grouted and all cleaned up - I'm really happy with them. We have you poolside chaise lounge reserved - and I'm assuming togs are the same as swimming trunks?

I think so, too, Kath! And that sky last night - I looked outside and said, "My word, would you look at that sky!" and Abby took off running for her camera. Hoping that your day is full of fabulous even though you have to work. I'll be thinking about you!

Julia - Thanks! I had seen the finished product, so I knew what was coming - the beautiful surprise under all of that dust! Still, color variations vary - I am loving the final result and so happy that we went with the tumbled pavers. I agree that it makes them look more natural than the perfectly shaped ones.

Thank you, Stasia! I will pass on your compliment - Abby will be thrilled!

Reba - I had heard that one before, but I can never remember which way it goes! Now I will remember the rhyme and keep it straight!

Nathalie - Thanks! I love those pecan trees, too! We have a total of four pecan trees on our property, and yes we will collect the pecans and keep what we want for our own use, the rest we can sell. That grove that backs up to our property is privately owned, and harvesting the pecans is professionally done. I will take photos as they do it this year, so you can see the process - they basically have trucks with arms that grab ahold of the branches and shake them so that the pecans fall to the ground. Then a different kind of truck sweeps around the tree - it has a rolling mechanism that sweeps up the pecans. It's time consuming and creates a ton of dust, but the pecan is a very lucrative crop and one of Georgia's biggest. They harvest the pecans multiple times - I will keep track this year and explain as I learn the process. What I didn't know before moving here is that there are different types of pecan trees - just like apple trees, and each produces its own type of pecan with unique qualities and flavors.

Ellen - Thank you! We fell in love with this property when we first saw it- it was the first one that we viewed on our daring tour of properties last Fall. I just couldn't get those pecan trees and that stunning view out of my mind - when we narrowed our choice to two houses, the pecan trees were pretty much the deciding factor for me.

Deb - The Beggar's Opera was a November Early Reviewer book that I won, but it just arrived a few days ago. I loved the beginning - the first half to three-quarters of the book is well done, and I thought I was headed towards a solid four star rating. But, she gets a bit wonky before the ending - maybe just tried to tie things up too fast and too neatly. So then I was thinking 3.5 stars, but she redeems herself a bit in the very end, so now I am torn. I think maybe I will give it 3.75 stars for my personal rating which would give it 4 stars (I always round up) for the LT rating. I think the premise shows great possibilities, and I think her writing and character development would improve in a second book because of how she set the stage at the end of this book. I would definitely read her next book. I will probably knock out my review this weekend.

Glad you loved the photos!

Paul - I could not agree more with you! I had never seen pecan trees before coming to Georgia, so they will forever be linked to my first impressions of this lovely state. I think they are proud trees, and they speak to me. And yes, it is still a bit cool for a dip in the pool, not to mention the lack of water! It has been a warm winter here, though, as it will again be in the seventies today. We are working hard to ensure that Pecan Paradisio lives up to its name! Thanks for your lovely wishes - wishing you a wonderful weekend as well. x

Kath - No waffles today, but we do have banana muffins which are fabulous with a cream cheese icing. All of it homemade, of course. And the coffee is fresh - come on in and sit a spell!

Diana - How are you?! Thanks for stopping in and for your kind words. Wishing you a wonderful weekend, also.

Beautiful sunset and I love the pics of the pool construction and pavers.

Do you have pecan waffles? pecan pancakes? *drool*

Thanks, Morphy! I can whip you up some pecan pancakes - I love those, too! Sadly, my waffle maker is dead. I need a new one. Four teenagers will do that to a waffle maker - it died a valiant death, giving its all to the service of family and good food.

I had no idea there were different varieties of pecans, Mamie. I can see I'm going to learn all sorts of cool new stuff from you this year!

It's the least I can do, Julia, after all, you introduced me to the fabulous Nero Wolfe! I have recently picked up Some Buried Caesar from the library, and I am greatly looking forward to dipping into it!

Great to see the pool and the pecan grove - and brilliant sunset.

Important to read as many books in a quieter month as one can, to store up for those inevitable 'dry' months.

Thanks, Lucy! And so true about the reading - I don't know if I'll be able to top this month for reading, but it sure has been fun!

First, let me say that Abby’s pictures are gorgeous – I’ve been trying to take sunset photos but they look nothing like hers!

May I chime in on the pecan discussion? When I used to make the drive from Tallahassee to Atlanta I’d pass huge groves of pecans – I thought they were so beautiful. I can’t say that pecan trees were on my list of requirements when I was looking for a house in the South, but it was a big bonus that what is now my place has them.
I read somewhere that 20 – 30% of the U.S. pecan harvest is from non-commercial groves, like your four trees and my fifteen. Small groves are usually harvested by hand and last Fall I had quite a few strangers come up and knock on the door, offering to harvest my pecans for a split – I know of two places within a few miles of my house where I could sell pecans. A few years ago, the Chinese discovered pecans and have become a huge importer, disrupting the market and jacking up prices. It’s good for folks in Georgia and other part of the South, but no one is sure how long it will last.

The nuts are nice, of course, but I love the trees. I’m going to plant some more – I’m investigating varieties.

Dejah - Thank you - I will pass along your compliment! And Yes! Always feel free to chime in on any discussion! We are very lucky because the manager for the grove behind us has offered to shake our trees for us for free if we so desire in return for letting their truck make a u-turn on the very back corner of our property - not sure if we'll take him up on this because as I am sure you know, it also makes a huge mess. I did not realize that 20-30% of the harvest came from non-commercial groves - so interesting! We have a place just down the road that buys pecans also, so we can sell our extras there. And I also did not know about the Chinese impact on the pecan market - I am still just beginning to learn about the crop. I'm with you, though - I am a fan of the nut, it's actually my very favorite, but the trees themselves I am absolutely head over heels in love with.

The lot beside us is still for sale, and if I were rich I would buy it and plant more pecan trees - it would protect our property and they would be lovely to look at. You'll have to share what you learn about the different varieties of pecan trees - I know that three of our trees are different varieties, but I do not know their names yet.

The non commercial groves are apparently called 'wild groves' in the trade, which cracks me up! There's nothing particularly wild about my trees - while not as regimented or closely spaced as the commercial groves, my lovely trees were clearly planted with care in an orderly manner!

Sadly, I don't know what varieties of pecans I've got and no one has been able to tell me so far. I'm pretty sure I have at least three varieties representing early, mid and late bearing. BTW, has anyone warned you that a pecan tree will bear heavily one year and then lightly the next? It's a good thing the nuts freeze so well.

I found a good source for pecan tree seedlings, but I'm blanking on the name of the company. I'll pass it along when I find the catalog or simply remember....

I know what you mean about wanting more property. I have plenty, but there'a a ten acre strip that runs along the edge of mine that I'd love to add (the owner wants to sell.) I have no need for it, I just want it. Of course, I may want a pool more!

Mamie, the pool and paving is really coming along! I love the pavers you chose, and the tumbled finish is great. Hope you're enjoying your quiet weekend.

That sunset reminds me of that scene from Gone With the Wind - "As God is my witness, I will never be hungry again..."

What a perfect quote for the sunset pictures!

It's so interesting learning about the pecans. I didn't know there were different types nor that the Chinese had something to do with the prices being so high. I remember buying bulk pecans from our local coop store a couple of years ago without looking at the price and when they weighed them it was something like $17!

Enjoy your nice warm weekend. We'll finally be getting above freezing today. Yay!

>167 phebj:

A few years back (2009?) there was a bumper crop of pecans and the resulting glut on the market dropped pecan prices lower than that of walnuts, which was apparently earth shattering. A trade commission convinced buyers in China to try the now cheaper pecans in addition to the walnuts they were already importing. Apparently walnuts became an overnight culinary sensation and China has gone from importing virtually no pecans to 80 million pounds a year. In the U.S., that means that wholesale prices for pecans have doubled.

It won't last, though. Although it takes 8-10 years for pecan trees to bear, there are supposed to be substantial commercial groves in Mexico coming to maturity and Australia and Brazil are entering the market. Grocery store prices will come down again, eventually.

This has been my agri-nerd moment for the month.

Thanks for the info, Dejah. I love pecans and it's really interesting to hear about the reasons for the price fluctuations. And "agri-nerd" is a new word for me!

Dejah - That is too funny about the 'wild groves'. Craig is just home from the office, and he says that all four of our pecan trees are different varieties. We have a Desirable and a Stuart, and he does not know what the two others are. The Stuart gives us our favorite pecans - they are smaller in size with a softer shell, but have more oil so they taste sweeter. I did not know that they bore heavy one year and then light the next, but Craig did - he is the one who talked to the manager of the grove behind us, the manager is also the one who told us what two of our trees were. I would love to have the name of that company when you come across it. LOL about the pool versus more property - obviously we chose the pool!

Susan - Thank you! I need to come catch up on your thread, so I'll be by later!

Pat - The sunset through those trees always reminds me of that scene! I am loving learning about the pecans, too! And they are expensive, aren't they? Hooray for above freezing! It is currently 66 here, but kind of overcast. I'll take it!

Dejah - We cross-posted. That is so interesting! I was so surprised when I first learned how long it takes before the trees bear pecans. I did not know that before we moved down here. Keep those agri-nerd moments coming!!

Pat - That's a new word for me, too! I'm adopting it!

*smoochiesmoochsmooch*

I had no idea there were different varieties of pecans. The things on learns in Mamie Land!

Richard! Thank you, darling! *smooches back to you*

Hi Reba! I learn new things from all of you all of the time, so I am happy to share the wealth of knowledge!!

I wonder if different varieties of Pecan trees make different varieties of pecan pie.
(Who knew there were different varieties of pecans??)

I did not know that there are different varieties of pecan trees either. I have a pecan tree in my front yard. I wonder what kind it is?

Hi Ellen! I certainly didn't know until I moved down here. I guess we won't know for sure about the pecan pies until we have tasted one made with each variety, huh? It's a tough job, but...

Hi Stasia! I have no idea how to tell the trees apart or the pecans - except that the Stuart ones are smaller, and the shell is not as hard.

Mamie, let me know when that research project is underway. I doubt I'll be able to participate, but I will be very interested in reading the results.

*sheepishly wipes drool off chin*

LOL!

>155 Crazymamie: and I'm assuming togs are the same as swimming trunks?
yup! That's it indeed. Togs are for swimming in.

Pecan discussion-wise? I was made some beeee-yuuu-tiful pecan chocolate....I cannot for the life of me think of the word, but they are like muffins, only smaller and with almond meal instead of flour.....and they were deeee-lish-isss with the pecans on top all crispy and flavoursome.

Just dropping by to say hello, but nothing much to contribute as I don't think I've ever seen fresh pecans in my life - just in little bags at the supermarket!

Thanks for all the pecan information, Mamie! Like Rhian, I also only know them from supermarkets, and then usually as part of a nut mix, with much other cheaper stuff and about 5% pecan.

I love pecans but they are so expensive. Therefore, when I buy nuts I get my second favorite - cashews. Almonds are also good. I find walnuts a bit too bitter for my tastes.

Megan - That sounds so amazingly yummy! Now I want those - will have to do some research...*hint, hint*

Rhian - The shells are actually kind of pretty, I think. I'll post a pic of what they look like.

Nathalie - That's the only way that I had ever seen them before moving to Georgia. It's probably why they seem so fascinating to me - plus, they are delicious!

Morphy - You're right, they are incredibly expensive. I would not put them in so many things if I didn't have my own source right in the backyard. And I love cashews, too - and almonds, but those (the almonds) I only like in things, I don't like to eat them just by themselves. I cannot eat walnuts - I am allergic to several different nuts because of their oil. So, no walnuts or Brazil nuts for me. That's one of the cool perks about pecans being a big crop down here - people tend to use pecans instead of walnuts for baking and cooking with. I usually have to be so careful about things like chicken salad and brownies and banana bread because in Indiana they would have walnuts in them, but here they use pecans instead - I still ask, of course.

Good morning Mamie. I skimmed through your thread. I love what you said to Joe way up there that your family growing up was dysfunctional but you choose to concentrate on the good. That is the journey in my house and when my Mom came to live with me this time (there was a time before) she chose this journey as well. It is a great way to live. I have never felt so free. What a blessing you are passing on to your children.

I can't remember if you are/were reading Agatha Christie? I am listening to The Mysterious Affair at Styles. I LOVE David Suchet. I already knew he portrayed Poirot on Masterpiece Mystery but he does the other voices so well.

The pool is looking fantastic and you will be using it before you know.

Happy Sunday!

Morning Mamie- Just checking in! Hope you have a perfect R & R Sunday. I am looking forward to getting back into Mr. Penumbra. You would love this book.

Good Morning, Roberta! Thank you so much for your kind words. And you're so right about how freeing it is to let go of the negative stuff and chose not to pick it up again. It makes each day feel like a blessing, and I try to make a conscious effort to always look for good - in people, in things, in moments. It has made all the difference. Speaking of blessings, you have been a big one for your Mom - how very lucky she is to have such a thoughtful and caring daughter who is looking out for her. And yes, I am reading The Mysterious Affair at Styles - just started it this morning, and will probably finish it today as it's a short one. I bet David Suchet does do a marvelous job reading the books - I'll have to check and see if my library has any of them narrated by him.

So glad you're liking the look of the pool area - I cannot wait to see it completed. I am so in love with the pavers that we chose, they really make an impact and define the area nicely. A very happy Sunday to you!

Morning Mark! The day is off to a fine start - we enjoyed Big Breakfast this morning and are slowly venturing into our day. What a joy it is to have a slow leisurely start every now and then. Mr. Penumbra is on my WL - it does sound like a book I would enjoy! I just finished Case Histories, which I absolutely LOVED! I have ordered the next in the series!

Skimming through, focusing on the good....
On your thread, that is easy, Mamie, as you seem to keep a cheerful demeanor so much of the time. I sometimes call myself "pathologically optimistic." It's not pathological at all, but it is persistent. And I'm glad it's the outlook I have/choose/create.

The pecan info is so great. They are my favorite nut by miles.

Mamie, trying (and mostly failing) to keep up with you! Thanks for all of the snaps - the pool area is going to be totally beautiful when it's all done and the pecan trees are loaded up. :)

My daughter and I both are Dame Agatha fans, Mamie. I've read almost all of them, and I think she has read them all. We just watched The Peril at End House with David Suchet while eating a cheese and onion stuffed pizza. Good way to spend a freezing rain Sunday afternoon.

Ellen - I LOVE that phrase! So stealing that!

Lucy - So thrilled to hear it! *adds Lucy's name to the prefers pecans Pecan Paradisio patrons list*

Laura - Great to see you here! Thanks for trying to keep up and for your kind words!

Joe - That IS a good way to spend a freezing rain Sunday afternoon! My oldest sister Cindy ADORES Agatha Christie, and that's how I got started - by reading through her beloved collection of battered books when I was a teenager. Her favorite sleuth though, is Miss Marple, while Rae and I prefer Hercule Poirot. I have read almost all of them at one time, but it has been years, so it will be fun to revisit them. I keep trying to get Rae to read the Tommy and Tuppence books, but so far she just reads Poirot!

I like Tommy and Tuppence, Mamie, so good luck getting Rae to try them. I got started because of an older sister, too. And then she gave her collection to my daughter, and now she's the biggest fan of the three of us. My daughter favors Poirot like you and Rae, and I lean a bit more toward Miss Marple.

Thanks, Joe! Isn't it great how everyone has their own personal favorite? That's so cool that your sister gave her collection to your daughter - what a great gift!

Okay just a bit of a reminder for myself here - I have fallen behind on my reviews and want to put some thoughts down on these books before the month is out:

10. Emma by Karou Mori (3 stars)
11. Maus II by Art Spiegelman (4.5 stars)
12. Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy (4 stars)
13. The Beggar's Opera by Peggy Blair (3.75 stars)
14. Case Histories by Kate Atkinson (4.5 stars)



Book #10: Emma by Karou Mori - 3 stars
Category IV: Let's Make a Deal - I read 4 manga, Abby reads 4 mysteries

This book would have faired better if I had read it before reading A Bride's Story, which is another manga by the same author/illustrator. Emma is a much earlier work, and it shows. The storyline falls flat and the illustrations while quite charming are not nearly as detailed or as sophisticated as the gorgeous ones found in A Bride's Story. What the story did have that worked for me was setting. The main character in Emma is a maid in an upperclass household in Victorian England. For those who love shows such as Downton Abbey and Upstairs Downstairs, this is a similar premise - a look at both sides of the coin. Not much happens, however, and the dialogue does not ring true. Since I borrowed this book from the library, I would be interested in borrowing the next volume in the story just to see if the story develops into something more readable.

*waving at Mamie*

Hi Stasia! *waves* Thank you, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for the gift of Case Histories! I absolutely LOVED it and have already ordered the next in the series.

I'm glad to see you as another Jackson Brodie convert. :-)

Hmmm..... editing seems a bit wonky tonight.

I think I love Miss Marple and Hercule equally

Good to see another vote for Case Histories. Someday, I will get to it!
Hope all is well... Not much going on here, today. My plan is to read read read.
And maybe I will read.

What's your plan?

Ellen - I had never heard of Jackson Brodie or Kate Atkinson before LT - this is a book that I would probably not have found on my own, and if I had found it, I probably would not have been tempted to read it because I had not been a fan of books that alternate viewpoints from chapter to chapter. Now I know that in the hands of a really talented author, that devise can work smoothly and effectively. I loved the snarky humor and the fact that she didn't feel like she needed to tie everything up neatly at the end.

Reba - Some of the Miss Marple books would make it into my top ten Christie favorites, but Hercule stands alone for me - he is just such a fussy, funny little man. Definitely quirky!

Kath - How are you feeling today? I was so sad to see that you fell yesterday - poor baby. I like your plan for the day! And what will you be reading? I need to decide what's for dinner - which shouldn't be hard as the fridge and freezer are stocked after this weekend's shopping. Maybe grilled chicken and salad. Other than that, just the same old samo today - pay some bills, do some laundry, and taking care of some paperwork. And reading, of course. No appointments, although I do need to make some - our dogs are needing groomed again and the boys need to go to the vet for their yearly stuff which means I need to find a vet. May your day be full of fabulous, sis!

Stopping by to say hi! I'm very glad that you enjoyed The Beggar's Opera by Peggy Blair. I agree with you.. some things did not hang together perfectly - but I enjoyed the book well enough to be eager to read another mystery set in Havana by her. You know my dreadful weakness for promoting Canadian writers!:)

As for pecans - oh Pecan Paradiso!

Ah! A new Jackson Brodie Fan!! Once I read Case Histories I think I ended up reading all four in the series nearly one after the other!Enjoy!

Hi Deb! I would definitely read the next in the series, and I loved the setting. Promote away - you find some very good stuff, so I am always happy to listen. And Jackson Brodie...*sigh... yes, I have already ordered the next in the series.

Was simply scanning through as there is no chance of me catching up - I'm forcing myself out of my duvet-lined black hole and back into the world!

But your comment about your Dad, his baldness and his need for hats struck a cord. My dad was also very bald (think Patrick Stewart bald) and often wore a flat peak hat. I was the only child at school whose dad wore a hat. It's something I associate very strongly with him now.

My grandfather didn't really wear a hat in winter, but in summer it was straw hats all the way.

Hi Jenny! So lovely to see you - I have missed you! My Dad's entire family wore hats - I think that generation just did. And all the different styles were just so fantastic. I wish men still wore hats - Craig wears a Panama Jack type of hat when he does yard work, and it always makes me smile. Something so very dapper about hats.

Morning Mamie- This looks like a great year, so far, on starting terrific crime series books. First, In the Woods and now Jackson Brodie. One Good Turn is also excellent. Actually all 4 are very good. See if you can find the PBS adaptations for the 1st 2 books.

Good idea to try the next one in the Emma series from the library, Mamie. The series caught me up, so maybe it will you, too. There's a dvd of it, too, although it may be hard to find now. If A Bride's Story is more polished, I should take a look at that one.

Mark - The PBS adaptations for the Brodie books? There are PBS adaptations?!!

Joe - I have requested it from the library just because I'm curious to see where she goes with it and if the story picks up. I love the setting and the premise, so it does have potential for me. I am also still just getting used to the manga format which means that the story and the plot are not going to be as highly developed because there is less time in which to do so. And do try A Bride's Story - the story is definitely more polished, and the artwork will blow you away.

Yes, my friend. There is: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/casehistories/

It stars Jason Issacs, who is very good in the lead and properly hunky, or so I am told.

I'm so impressed that you're reading all this magna, Mamie. I confess it does nothing for me. Last year or the year before I tried Emma and gave up on it pretty quickly.

I think the PBS adaptations of the Brodie books are quite well done. A bit darker than I think of the novels as being.....

Did someone say Jason Issacs, properly hunky? Indeed! I'm off to watch tv when I should be reading!

Oh, thanks, Mark! I'm so excited!!

Dejah - Abby LOVES manga, and so I am really wanting to explore the genre and understand what it is that she loves about it. The artwork, I know, because she is very artistic and creative, and that shines through in any of her endeavors. I want to make sure that I give it a fair chance before deciding that it is or is not for me - I do think it has limitations, but I am also amazed by what can be conveyed with so little space for dialogue and character development. And it's fun to talk about the ones I have tried with the girls - Birdy and Abby are both big fans. Rae and Dan prefer graphic novels, which I would guess is where I would end up if I had to choose right now.

Ellen - Who knew? Well, okay, obviously you and Mark knew, but I had no idea. *does happy dance*

Roberta - I'm right behind you!

I definitely prefer Graphic Novels - which I've read is a term that covers Graphic Nonfiction, too - to manga. Although I have to admit even then that I'm still not a devoted fan. I'm still impressed you're giving it a shot.

Thanks, Dejah!

Hi Mamie, looks like I need to try A Bride's Story as well. I quite liked Emma at the time.

I am a big fan of Agatha Christie, and for years it was all about Poirot for me. But in the last few years I have grown to appreciate Jane Marple. Perhaps since I've gotten older myself, I can relate to her abilitiy to stay in the background observing and listening. Of course now I've started with the Tommy and Tuppence stories and I love them as well!

I hope you get to enjoy Jason Issacs as Jackson Brodie - very well done, indeed!

I hope you don't mind that I now have one of your sunset photos as my desktop background...lovely, simply lovely.

Hi, Mamie! Trying to (sort of) catch up. Lovely photos! You've done lots of great reading this month. I've not read so much lately. I, too, really enjoyed In the Woods when I read it. I wasn't as big a fan of The Likeness as some folks; seemed implausible to me. But I plan to read Faithful Place. And you've reminded me that I must get to Case Histories, which is waiting patiently on the shelf.

I just remembered they were called friands- and they were hazelnuts, not pecans. Looks like I mucked the whole thing up, but hey, nobody's perfect! lol
They were delicious!

Good morning sis! The week is well begun. I Have the usual anxiety that precedes my Tuesday...
but I will survive. Tuesdays are the worst... ( Saturdays are no fun either) .

I am trying to read threads with my eyes closed to avoid blue text.. hard to do!
Hope you have a lovely day :)

Morning, Mamie!

It's the warm day of the week in middle Georgia, so I'm guessing it it for you down there. Do have anything exciting on the schedule? I'm afraid I'm limited to work, rehearsal and a haircut.

Morning Everyone! Can you believe that January is almost over already? I'm in shock wondering where it went. Today is it supposed to be 82F here, and hopefully no work being done today so that we can enjoy the screened in porch and the deck while the weather is so awesome. I was supposed to take Dan to get his hair cut this morning - yes, he can drive, but I wanted a latte from the coffee shop in the same strip, so thought I would hang out there while he got his hair taken care of. It was not to be - Dan accidentally left interior lights on in the car after he came home, so dead battery. Such a bummer because I was all primed for the latte - and Dan REALLY needs the hair cut! Hopefully, if Craig comes home for lunch he can give us a jump, and we can reschedule the appointment this afternoon - the lady who cuts my hair, Melissa, said she was not busy today so just call back if we get the car started.

Judy - Yes, try a Bride's Story - I think you will really like it, especially since you liked Emma - our library does not have any more of the Emma manga, so it looks like I am out of luck as far as seeing how the next volume compares. That is such an interesting point that you make about Agatha Christie's sleuths - now I am wondering if Poirot would hold up as my favorite if I were to revisit the Marple books - guess I'll have to check that out by rereading a few of those! Tommy and Tuppence are great fun - I wish she had written more books featuring those two. I checked Netflix for the Jackson Brodie series, but they do not have it - luckily, our library system does, so I will wait until I have read them all and then request the series. I am very excited about that!

Linda - Steal away! What a great compliment - Abby will be so thrilled that you liked her photo well enough to use it as your desktop background!

Terri - I am planning on getting to The Likeness next month, so we shall see. And yes, bump Case Histories up in the line! I just started Sacred, and am greatly enjoying being back with Kenzie and Gennaro - I really love this series and Lehane's writing. I know that you like it, too. Have you read anything else by him - the only other thing that I have read is Shutter Island, which I absolutely loved, and I would like to read some of his other stuff.

Megan - How is that foot coming along? As soon as I am finished here I am off to look up friands - never heard of that before. And hazelnuts?! I LOVE those! I make a biscotti that has toffee and chopped, toasted hazelnuts in it that is delicious.

Kath - Sorry about the anxiety that precedes Tuesday (trying to think of a clever name for that, but it is not coming to me). Sending you calming Tuesday mojo. And I will be thinking about you today, and wishing for you inner strength to combat the anxiety. I am laughing about you trying to read the threads with your eyes closed - how is that working for you?! If you figure out how to do it, let me know! Thanks so much for your lovely wishes - sending mine back to you for a day full of fabulous! Hugs to you, sis!

Dejah - Is it gonna be gorgeous today or what?! I am hoping that getting my car battery recharged is on the schedule! Luckily, we didn't have anything more than a hair appointment planned. I need to work on my February reading possibilities, and I am watching like mad for the TIOLI to go up. I have just a few more books that I would like to finish this month - The One Hundred and One Dalmatians, Game of Thrones, and Sacred. I would also like to get my reviews caught up. Ah well, one can dream...

Wow, 82!! We haven't seen that for a while (at least not at the coast). We're having lovely sunny weather but in the low 70's not 80's. Enjoy that porch!

At least finishing The 101 Dalmatians should be quick - I'm not so sure about the other two, though.

I'm watching for the new TIOLI, too, and not very patiently!

Enjoy the beautiful weather - and hope for rain tomorrow!

I should be out running errands, but afraid that Madeline will post the TIOLI's while I'm gone! So looks like a day spent lurking on LT.

LOL, Judy I just know she'll post it while I'm at rehearsal....

Reba - Well, we made it - it's 82F right now! Talk about a perfect day - warm and sunny with a nice breeze. And no workers - Hooray for an outdoor day!

Dejah - I will for sure finish The 101 Dalmatians and Game of Thrones this month. I have less than 150 pages to go in the latter, and I am totally hooked. Sacred is the one that I just started, so not a sure thing because it has over 400 pages. I guess we'll see - depends how much reading time I get! And I will hope for rain tomorrow - we sure could use it!

Judy - At least I am in good company with my impatient waiting! I noticed the RandomCats challenge over in the Lucky 13 Challenge groups - how does that work?

Dejah - LOL! It always happens the minute you step away!

Mamie darling, I send hugs and smooches and apologies for being neglectful. I'm finding bureaucracy still in my way with the boiler repair contract problem I'm currently dealing with. It will resolve itself, of course, but in the meantime I'm grayer and balder than I was before.

Waaah poor me, at least there's heat!

Richard, darling! So sorry to hear about your woes in dealing with the Boiler Out of Order Bureaucracy. Is the heat coming from the boiler or directly out from your ears? I am hoping from the boiler because then at least it would seem that repairs have been done. I hate when things are harder than they have to be - sending good mojo your way along with a vat of G&T. *smooches and hugs to you*

More like 68 here but sunny and wonderful (at least for moving around outside...probably better inside for reading)

Reba - Sounds like you got a lovely day as well. I was able to read out on the deck for most of the afternoon, and it was perfect weather for it. We are going to finish out the last of the daylight by grilling some steaks for dinner. All in all, a Tuesday well embraced - I love days like this!

Sounds wonderful -- enjoy. I'm off to a meeting at 5:00 (who picks these times, anyway?!?) so hubby is making spaghetti while I'm gone...I'd rather have a steak :-)

A meeting? Sorry about that, Reba! And spaghetti is Rae's favorite - she would eat it everyday of the week if we would let her!

Mamie - Kyran, like Abby is a devotee of Manga and invariably buys a couple on his rareish trips to the books store. Kinokuniya has an impressive array of them. He has ambitions to be a cartoonist when older and I must say to my trained eye he has a bit of talent for it.

Mamie, the Cat Challenges are new this year. Last year we had a group challenge to read a book connected to the month of the year in some way. This year we wanted to do the something like that and since we couldn't decide on a single topic it evolved into three separtate challenges. They are called Cats which I believe stands for Categories and Themes in order to keep them separate from the TIOLI challenges which many of us also do, although they work somewhat the same way. Each month there is a designated AwardCat, in which we are challenged to read a book (or more) that have won or been nominated for the awards we are featuring that month. January Awards were Orange Prize and Spur Awards. Secondly we have an AlphaCat with two letters every month being used. January's letters were A and M, so books with Title Words starting with A or M, or authors initials of A or M counted. Finally we have the Random Cat which has a different host every month and the host comes up with the challenge. I was the host for January, and I went with the simple "Read a new-to-you Author". If we hit upon a book that fits all three CATS in a given month, we have a Cat-trick and get a special shout out for this. These challenges are strictly on a take-it-or-leave-it basis, but they are fun and encourage lots of conversation.

Hi Mamie!
I... I, ah, got a whole lot behind. Sorry I missed so much :(

That pool is looking great! They are doing a fabulous job.
Abby's pictures are awesome.
And your January reading is a pretty cool mix. I love to see how much you are enjoying your new house and the fine Georgia weather.

At least I managed a message before your thread changed over to a new one. Have a wonderful week!

Paul - Abby would LOVE to write her own Manga. She is currently working on a story that I personally think is really cool - I might be slightly biased, but she shows great promise I think. Abby loves to go to the bookstore and could spend hours in the Manga section, but she also loves Jane Austen, YA and fantasy. She draws her own Manga characters -I should ask her if I could post one or two of her drawings which I think are fabulous. What is Kyran's favorite Manga?

Judy - Thank you so much for that thorough answer - I did not realize that they were new this year. They look like great fun, so I think I will try participating in February - can you use books that you used for TIOLI or do they need to be completely different?

Cee - I LOVE to see you, dear, don't worry about if you are behind or not - it doesn't matter to me. I am always thankful to see you! I am so pleased with the pool progress, so I am happy that you are liking how it is shaping up so far. And yes, Abby just keeps get better and better with that camera of hers - she works at it, so that makes sense. She has a good eye I think, and I am liking how she is framing her shots. Reading wise, January has been an awesome month of reading for me, and I am not expecting to have such fabulous results in February - everything clicked, and I had a lot of reading time this month. And Georgia - I am loving Georgia and the new house so very much - I feel like I have come home. I am planning on hanging onto this thread until February, so you have a few days yet before I launch my next venture. Thanks so much for visiting! Wishing you a week full of wonder also, dear!

You can use the same books, Mamie, as the challenges are not connected. So if you find a book that fits one of the TIOLI challenges here, that same book can be used for the CATs if it fits.

Challenges make my head spin...

I hope that this streak of very happy continues for you :) not to mention the streak of good reads...
Enjoy your day :)

Thanks, Judy! That's what I figured, but I wanted to make sure. Trying to make a Cat-trick is what would suck me in every time - too fun!

Morning Kath! What I like about the challenges is that you can take them or leave them, so I just participate when I feel like it. And thank you for your sweet wishes. This has been an excellent month, I'm still in shock that it is almost over. Hoping that today is kind to you and filled with good things- and you made it through Tuesday, so hooray for that!

Morning Mamie- I love being able to casually visit my LT pals each morning. I could get used to this. Are you nearly finished with Game? Are you an instant fan? I see you are joining us for Tigana. Yah! I hope to start it tomorrow.

Morning, Mark! Um...yes, yes, and yes! I am really loving GOT - will probably finish it today, and I have already acquired my very own copy of Clash of Kings so that I can just keep right on reading (actually also acquired a hardback copy of Game of Thrones, if truth be told, since I am reading it on Kindle - wanted the hardback for my shelves. Okay, you got me! I ordered all five of the books that are out in hardback, and they should arrive today. There, now I feel better.) And absolutely I am joining you for Tigana. Who knows, this could be the Year of the Big Books in Mamieland!

Yah, for Mamieland! And yes it looks like you are already a diehard Song of Fire & Ice fan. I hope you have a chance to watch the HBO series now, while it's fresh. I think they did a great job.

Mark - Craig's nephew was here the other weekend, and when we got to talking about books he said that the Martin series is his very favorite. He is reading them again for the third time! I will hunt down the series as soon as I finish the first book - the first season equates to the first book, right?

I don't know if I could read all the Martin books in a row. I'm going to give several months in-between. They are just so long, dark and violent!

Morning Morphy! I don't know if I will read all of them in a row, but I am definitely going directly into the second one. Then we shall see. I don't mind long, dark and violent as long as I am also reading something lighter. Since I like to read multiple books at a time, I try to pair the heavier ones with some lighter fair. I need to come see what you're reading!

Yes, the first 2 seasons of GOT follow the 1st 2 books but the 3rd, (it's a big one!) will be split into 2 seasons, which will be perfect.
Did I mention to you that they will be making Divergent into a film, which will of course be filmed here?

Thanks, Mark, that's what I thought. And yes about Divergent - I'm excited about that! And of course t has to be filmed in Chicago! Fun! I still need to read the second book, which I hear is not as good as the first. Have you read the second one?

This is Shailene Woodley. She will be cast as Tris. Did you see The Descendants? She was excellent and nearly stole the film from a terrific cast.
Yes, the 2nd book was not as strong as the first but I would still recommend reading it.

Mark - I did not see The Descendants, but I have seen clips from it, and so I know who she is. What a fabulous choice! I will definitely be reading the second book - trying to decide if I want to reread Divergent first because it's been a while. I read it when it was hot off the presses, and I remember the experience so well because I finished it in two days and immediately handed it to Abby, who read it and handed it to Rae, who read it and...Don't you just love when that happens?

Thanks girlfriend! You are the best. ;)

Any time!

Mamie, I just came from Darryl's thread where he's had gripping reports about the bad weather near Atlanta. Just wanted to make sure you were OK. Of course, I have no idea where you are in the State of Georgia.

Hi Mamie...I tried something today that you should know about: I made pecan pancakes and, for toppers, zapped some pineapple preserve in the nuke with 1/4c brown sugar stirred in, then butter to my taste added (half a stick), and the resulting warm goo poured on the pancakes.

It was scrumdiddlyumptious! Heartily recommended, for shore.

Pat - We have high winds and rain right now - it looks nasty out there, but we are fine. The storm is supposed to be here around 6pm, so we'll see - we do have tornado warnings. We live barely outside of Albany, Georgia (we live in Leesburg technically, but Albany is just five minutes down the road), so we are south of Atlanta:



Richard - That does indeed sound delicious! I will certainly have to give that a try! Thanks for sharing!

Mamie - I also saw the news reports about the weather in Georgia and Tennessee and thought I'd chime in with a keep safe message. Hope those pecan trees are fine!
RD when we meet up I reckon a share of pancakes is in order.

Hmmm bad weather in Atlanta? Must run and check on Adam.

Glad to hear all is well in Mamieland :)

Ok, we're through the worst of it. The tornado warnings for our area have expired - thanks for keeping us in your thoughts, everyone. No damage to report, so it's all good.

Paul - The pecan trees are just fine, no worries!

Kath - I think Atlanta was hit first, so by the time it got to us, the worst was already over for them. Did you get in touch with Adam? Hoping you did so that you won't be worried.

So glad you came through safe and sound, Mamie!

We got high winds and lots of rain. The rain we needed - the wind, not so much....

Whew! Glad to hear it! Go Mamie! Go Mamie!

So happy you have dodged the bullet. Are you in a tornado zone? Of course, anything goes these days.

We are expecting high winds and rain tonight - but no tornados!

Glad you are joining us in reading Tigana ! I'm anxious to start it, but have another book to finish. Can I wait?

Glad you're well and without tornado warnings now. Please stay that way.

Julia - Thank you!

Dejah - Same here. It was weird how it got dark so suddenly, wasn't it?

Mark - Thank you! And cheering! Bonus points for you, my friend!

Cee - I don't think I'm in a tornado zone. *makes note to check whether or not Pecan Paridisio is in a tornado zone* It was so warm here yesterday - 82F and tomorrow the high is supposed to be 58F, so I think what happened was the two fronts coming together. I don't know that for sure, but that's what I would assume.

And I am very excited about reading Tigana with all of you - how fun!

Reba - Thank you! I will do my best to "stay that way".

*And drum roll, please. I have finished Game of thrones. I am giving it 5 stars.

I think the entire Midwest and south are in tornado zones. We had thunderstorms yesterday and snow today here in Missouri. And it was 74 degrees on Monday.

Mamie, your pool is shaping up nicely. It won't be long before you will be posting pictures of pool parties. Congratulations on completing Game of Thrones. My daughter loves that series.

Hi Donna! This is crazy weather, huh? And thank you for your pool compliments - the fencing people were here today to take measurements. It's so exciting to see it all coming together.

And thanks for the congrats on finishing Game of Thrones - what a ride! I loved every minute of it!

Glad to know you're OK Mamie. And thanks for the map. Now I'll know where to picture you. :)

Mamie, Congrats on completing Game of Thrones! Five stars. Wow, that is right up there.....

You are much further south in GA than I had realized. You're practically in Florida! :-)

I think you liked GoT a little more than I did. It was just so darn long! Not sure I want to wade through more pages to find out what the characters do. And I am mad a certain character was killed off...Maybe if I read a few quickies in-between!

So glad you are safe and sound Mamie.

What Roberta said!

You're welcome, Pat! Thanks for checking on me!

Ellen - Thank you! It was the perfect book at the perfect time for me. And yes, we are pretty far down there - very close to Florida!

Kim - It didn't feel long to me because the story sucked me right in, and I know what you mean about a certain character, but I knew that was coming. That's part of what makes it special, though, I think, no characters are sacred. That's how real life works, too. Just because you do everything with a heart that seeks truth and honor does not mean that you will win. I think it also helps that I always read multiple books at the same time - so when one gets heavy or feels too dark, I can turn to a lighter one and take a break from the heaviness.

Roberta and Stasia - Thank you so much!

I know. It wasn't exactly a surprise, the offing. But still. Sometimes I want my fantasy to NOT be like real life! Okay, I am done whining. And I am sure I will read more in the series. Let me know when you are up for book two?!

Um...NOW!

Glad you liked GoT, Mamie. I'm hoping to get to the third one for Fantasy February.

Hi Katie! I really loved it - I will be reading the second one for FF. And Tigana - are you going to read that one?

GOT spoiler (without names):
I also read GOT this month and that character had it coming. I liked the book a lot (4 stars), but that person was a bit too much for me. I usually prefer the complex characters where you can't be sure on which side they belong and find both the all-good and all-bad ones not easy to tolerate, they just make me nervous.
GOT spoiler end

Glad to read you're not in the tornado zone, Mamie.

I have zero to add to any discussion this morning. Woke to a disturbing and very weird dream :PPP
Befuddled :P

Adam was fine :) thank goodness. I'm glad all is well with all.. or mostly all, in your ( and his ) neck of the woods. Nothing much going on in my world today...work, cook, read ( I hope)

I hope the day goes perfectly, for you ...

Nathalie - LOL! GOT SPOILER ALERT I thought he had it coming because he was naive about political corruption, and he shouldn't have been. END OF SPOILER Like you, I love a character that walks that fine line, so that you are never quite sure what he or she will do next.

Kath - I had a very strange dream last night, too! So glad that Adam was fine. Work, cook, read, huh? Eerily similar to what I will be doing today! Except that I don't have to GO to work - just some work to catch up on around here. Craig did laundry yesterday and now we have a few items with blue spots on them - lots of blue spots. I will halfheartedly attempt to get them out, but I am not overly hopeful because he already dried everything! And of course it's my stuff!

"Darling, I love you dearly, but please, please promise me that you won't launder any of my clothing again." (Notice I was specific about the "my clothing" part in order not to confuse him into thinking that he should never attempt the laundry again.)

Morning Mamie- I think that's why I loved GOT! The way the characters evolve. Tyrion and Jamie especially. Many shades of grey, but of course the good kind.
I will be starting Tigana in just a little while!

Morning Mark! I am itching to dig into the second one. I also liked how accessible the story was from the very beginning - in other words, I didn't feel like I was struggling just to keep everything straight and learn how the characters fit together. Martin just sort of steeps you into it, so that you are gradually absorbing that world.

I just set Tigana out - I'll probably start on it before too much longer.

*For those of you who participate in the TIOLI, I listed Tigana in challenge #10.

I am trying to decide now between Tigana and A Storm of Swords. I own both, but if I decide to go with the Martin, I am buying it for my Kindle because the mass market paperbacks are just too fat! The problem with reading it on the Kindle is I tend to flip around a lot to see the maps at the front and the lists of characters at the back...

Hi Katie! I love Kindle for the big books and also for taking notes and highlighting passages, but, like you, I want to be able to flip around in books where you want to refer to the map or the characters - that's why I purchased them in hardback. I read the first one on Kindle because I already had it - bought it as a Kindle deal a few years back, but I really wanted the maps to be easier to see. Then when I got the book and realized that there were those character lists in the back, I was drooling (they are there on Kindle, I just didn't realize it since they are at the end of the book). I went with the hardbacks because I am pretty sure that Craig and Dan will read them, too. You could buy it on Kindle, and bookmark the maps and appendix before you start which would make flipping to them much easier and faster.

Yeah, but I still find having to seek out the bookmarks and things on the Kindle a little annoying. But I really don't want to hold the 1100 page behemoth!

I know. Believe me, I hear you.

We LOVED the Jackson Brodie rendering on the teev -

I wonder if they will do the Tana French books?

Albany might just be on our driving trajectory to Sarasota if we ever have the time to drive not fly down there..... (loads of stuff in our garage waiting for that day, believe me!)

Hi Lucy! So good to hear about the Jackson Brodie series - I can't wait to see it. And I would love to see them do it with the Tana French books - I am hoping to get to the second in each series this coming month. Let it never be said that I can't bite off way more than I can chew!

If you ever do get to drive to Sarasota, I would LOVE to meet you!!!

Hi - just chiming in that I have really enjoyed Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings and A Storm of Swords despite them being far beyond my "normal" reading material. I love the politics, the complexities of the characters, and all the radical surprises Martin throws around. Less thrilled with the "magical" pieces such as the dragons. I borrowed the first season from the library and thought it was a terrific adaptation, very true to the book and wonderfully acted (particularly Sean Bean as Ned Stark.)

Also...Jason Isaacs as Jackson Brodie is perfect. I was glad to get the Lucius Malfoy image out of my mind and replace it with Brodie!

Cheers me lurve, swooping through

Hi Vivian! I'm so happy to hear that! It's nice when a series holds up - and I liked the complexity and the unpredictability, too. I don't mind the magical stuff. And I am really wanting to watch the first season - I have heard good things, and I adore Sean Bean. And the Jackson Brodie you liked, too - so excellent! I am laughing because I did not even realize that he had played Lucius Malfoy - talk about looking completely different!

Thanks for swooping through, Richard!

Did we do a good job or what??

We make a great team! "This could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship..." You and Katie were da Bomb!

I heard on Darryls thread that your area was tornado free- phew. But came to see anyway. A little late it seems at that was so yesterday right now ;)

Game of Thrones is way out of my genre comfort zone, but oh boy does it have a high average star-rating! And another 5 from you- glad you loved it!

I have to keep stopping over there and seeing what everyone posts. It's a riot! She is going to freak when she opens her homepage!

Megan - I'm so glad that was so yesterday! Our first tornado warning in our new home...I would be fine with it also being the last one, but that is SO not going to happen. And GOT was such a fun ride!

Mark - Me, too! Everyone is so funny! I just love this group!

Just stopping by to say goodnight...
( yikes to the blue spots )

Goodnight, sis. I know - I could not get them out.

>293 msf59:
You guys did an Excellent job! I knew I had just been there recently and was stunned at the number of unread messages. Very entertaining *giggles*

Thanks, Cee!

I think it would be fun to do that to one person's thread per week. Go have a post party!

LOL! Morphy, I like how you think!

>302 Morphidae: YES! Hopefully next time I won't be captive at work! LOL!!

Mamie and company, You made my week!

You'd have to know the person though so you could time it for when they won't be at the computer for a few hours. Bwhahahaha.

GOOD Morning! And it's Friday! Hooray!
And it is NOT Craig's weekend to work, right?
And it is superbowl week right?
( to me, that means hot wings... except not this time .. lol )

Better get busy stocking up on football food and beverages :)
Are any of your teams playing?

Ellen! So very glad that we made your week - we were aiming for a belly laugh and a lightened heart, so hopefully you got those as well. And yes, next time you have to participate in the shenanigans!!

Morphy - So true! It makes it more fun if it's a SURPRISE party!

Kath - GOOD Morning, sis! It is indeed Friday, which I love. And great memory - Craig is not on call this weekend. Yes, Superbowl weekend! Kind of sad because then there is a very big gap before football season starts all over again, so it's a bit of a downer for me. None of our teams are playing. We will be rooting for the Ravens because that is who Rae would like to see win. I have made a football fan out of her - I'm so proud. In even bigger news, tomorrow is Abby's 17th birthday, so we will be celebrating. There will be cake! Real, normal cake - wish you could be here to eat some with us!