sjmccreary reads in 2011, pt 1

I'm looking forward to a fresh new start in the new year, and lots of great new books to read.

Sandy, I am so glad to see you here.

What Stasia said.

Another year, another bloated wishlist....

Welcome back, Sandy. May your new year of reading be filled with 5-star books.

Hi Sandy. Wishing you lots of great reading in 2011!

Hi Sandy, so glad to see you here. This is one busy group! The day after Christmas I am going away for about 10 days - to my Mom's - and won't be on the internet till I get back. I can imagine how big this group will be then! I've got you starred so I can find you again.

Popping in to make sure I can keep track of you in the new year!

I'm going to try to do a better job of keeping up with your thread this year!

Hi Sandy: Welcome to 2011.

Lots of good books for all of us, I hope.

Hi Sandy, hoping you'll have lots of great reading in store for 2011 :)

Welcome, Sandy! Good to see you here!

I have you starred, Sandy!

Merry Christmas, Sandy!!

Welcome back!

Happy St. Stephen's Day! Or Boxing Day! Whichever you prefer, Sandy, may it be a happy occasion filled with good memories and beloved souls all around you.

So glad you're here sandy.....Since I'm not doing the 11/11 challenge, I'll still be able to keep track of all the great books you always come up with.

I'm not hard to find, Tina. Just don't forget to let us know where YOU will be!

Happy New Year, Sandy. We had about 10 inches of snow on the ground and yesterday's 40s and today's 50's have melted it all.

I hope you've got a great year of reading ahead.

#19 I hope so, too!

The last couple of days I've been thinking about what to read in January to kick off the 11-11 challenge, and was just now perusing the January TIOLI challenges to see if I have anything that will fit over there, too.

It was in the 60's here yesterday. Normally, I don't like such unseasonably warm days in the winter, but it was welcome this time. We spent all day moving my very-frail 88-year old MIL from an assisted living facility in one town to a full-care nursing home in another town an hour away (closer to my BIL). The warm, sunny weather allowed us to prop open the door at the old place while we moved her stuff out, transport it all in open pick-up trucks without worry of damage, and then spend the rest of the day in BIL's garage sorting through all the boxes.

We're keeping our fingers crossed that she is able to recover from the move. She didn't want to go. She was sick in the car on the way, so we took her directly to the new home, rather than to BIL's for lunch as we'd planned. After we had our own lunch, the "guys" (my husband and his brothers) went to check on her but she was sleeping. Different people called or drove over all day and evening, but she never woke up. The staff at the home said that is normal, but, in light of what we've already been through this month, we're all very apprehensive.

>20 sjmccreary:. Well, God bless, those moves are hard on everyone. My 85-year-old mother is in a very independent living situation in Denver, and I'm concerned about her, but I was overruled by a brother who lives in Denver (I'm in Missouri). My 90-year-old MIL was in an independent living place, but her daughter spent loads of time with her so that she was able to stay there. She died there last year, and we were all very grateful that she didn't have to make the move into the nursing home, although she should have been there, based on her status. All of this is so darned difficult. What I've decided is that there is no one "right" answer. I hope things go well.

Just stopping by to wish you all the best in the New Year!
--BJ

#21 Evidently, the nursing home people know what they are talking about. After a VERY long night's sleep with oxygen (something she didn't get at the old place), MIL was alert and lucid today. A bit confused about being in the strange place and asking if she had to stay there. They pulled out some of her old photos from the dresser drawer - right next to her bed - and she was able to look at them and identify everyone. It sounds like it was a very good day for her. What a relief!

We're spending the evening with friends tonight, and I'm looking forward to good food and even better company, with much laughter. I wish all of you a safe and happy New Year.

I'm glad that turned out okay!

I am relieved to hear that the move turned out OK for you MIL, Sandy. I am sure you are relieved as well :)

starred :)

My family is all in Kansas--Abilene and Topeka and Olathe, and they all used the warm weather to take down the outside Christmas decorations. Now you all are frozen again, although you missed the transition tornadoes, thank goodness. Best wishes for a Happy New Year, Sandy.

Sandy - it is amazing to me how many of us are now facing these issues with aging parents. Cheli and I (and our other two sisters) are trying to gently suggest to our 86 year old Mom that she might be happier in an independent living place run by the Lutheran Church (she's a life long member) where she'd have people to talk to all day, have everything on one floor (she's in a 3 story town house now with chair glides) and where she could go to church without having to drive, get a ride to the grocery store, etc etc etc. Our sister who lives closest to mom, and who does the majority of the toting, errand running, and mouse-trap emptying is insistent that Mom wants to be where she is... in the house my father bought for her when they were 25 and 23 years old--they paid a whopping $8000 for it!

And she's probably right. Those of us who live out of town want so much to not have to worry about her falling, or being lonely (she doesn't read!!! ---Ok, do magazines count?) but we forget that the ability to see oneself as an independent capable human being may be the best medicine for any other aches and pains that old age brings us. Let's all say prayers that our care-giving this year bring positive solutions to all we come in contact with, and that those decisions we make or influence are best for all concerned.

Off to play with (and read on) the NOOK.

>28 tututhefirst:: Tina, that sounds familiar. My parents are in their mid-70s and probably don't need to move yet, but my brother and I both wish they would. Or at least get on a waiting list ... it would give us peace of mind. So far, they have not taken action. And it's quite surprising to me, because my dad managed this situation for his own parents, and then served on the board of a Presbyterian retirement community for several years ... he's certainly not lacking in knowledge.

Your point that "the ability to see oneself as an independent capable human being may be the best medicine for any other aches and pains that old age brings us" is one I need to keep in mind.

Book #1



The Lumby Lines by Gail Fraser

My first book of the year, and the first book I've finished in nearly a month - it feels really good to be posting this.

This book is the first in a series about the small town of Lumby, which I assume is located in Washington or Oregon - Pacific NW, in any event. It is a nice, pleasant book about the different residents in the community, their often strange behavoirs, and the different ways they interact with one another. The focus in this book is the purchase of an abandoned monastery by an "east coast" couple who plan to convert the old abbey into an inn. While many residents are happy about the plans, many others are suspicious of the newcomers from far away. Delightful. 4 stars.

Hey Sandy, glad the first book of the year was a good one -- especially because I have a copy sitting here, on loan from Stasia!

I'm not surprised that your MIL slept her way through day one in the new place. The stress of moving is incredibly high at the best of times. Hopefully she'll adjust quickly to the new home!

Sandy....I love the Lumby books. I finished the second one last week, and have #3 here waiting for one of those times when I need a jump start to my reading. I know they won't disappoint.

#30 Sandy, glad you liked the first Lumby book. I really like them, too.

Ivy did a little research on where Lumby might be located and I think we decided that it's farther east than we thought. I recall a discussion on my 1010 thread about this, late summer, when I first read it. I'll have to see if I can find it.

I need to get back to the Lumby series. Thus far, I have only read the first one. Thanks for the reminder, Sandy!

Hi Sandy - well your first book and already I'm adding to my wish list! I noticed a lot of people reading this book last year over on the 1010 Challenge, but I resisted it's pull but can no longer hold out.

Aha, I knew it. See messages 71 through 76 or so of: http://www.librarything.com/topic/93967 for some insights on Lumby's "location." I remember thinking it was in Oregon or so.

#30 and others: just bought The Lumby Lines and will be interested to get a "take" on location. Read the messages, Linda (71 through 77). I lived in WA and OR for over 30 years, and normally we thought of the Pacific Northwest as those 2 states, and the Northwest as including Idaho--but never Montana. However, it's always jarring to me when I read Civil War histories to find out that Illinois and neighboring states were considered the Northwest then! so it may be some holdover from that era.

I did like Lumby Lines ! I have to remember that my sister has that series ....
I would like to read more.

Count me in with those concerned about aging parents. My stepdad fell over the holidays and broke his nose. His entire face is swollen and black and blue. His eye blood red. This is not his first fall... He is stubbornly refusing a LifeAlert.
He is in his eighties.. and a cruiser.. he gets into his car early in the morning and drives around until my sister wakes up so he can go there to visit.

:-/

Re: aging parents, Sometimes I half believe they do it on purpose just to get back at us for the trouble and worry we put them through growing up! Seriously, though, it must be really hard to give up the independence that we spend most of our lives seeking and savoring. How much I admire my Grandma who made her own decision to move into an apartment in a retirement community at the age of 86, following my Grandad's death. One advantage was that they offered every level of care and she would be able to stay there throughout the rest of her life regardless of her health. (She had been responsible for finding appropriate places for Grandpa as he declined the last years of his life and knew how hard that was.) But she was still in that same independent-living apartment when she died at age 92. She had, however, stopped trying to cook and took most of her meals in the communal dining room the last year or two. I am dreading the time when this will become an issue with my own parents, who are (thankfully) both still very healthy and active in their early 70's.

Getting older with all the aches and loss of independence is not for sissies, as they say. I hope I can be like your grandmother, Sandy, who made the tough decisions for herself thus relieving the family of guilt. My dad had a wonderful time in his independent living center the last few years of his life...surrounded by adoring women who liked to play cards!

Sandy, I'm so glad your first read was a good one. I've heard good things about this Lumby series. Now that I've run out of Three Pines books to read, I'll have to check it out. Thanks for the review and reminder.

Mary's mother made the same decision, although with reluctance, after Mary's father died. Anita had everyone terrified in the winter, because she insisted on driving--and was in no real physical condition to drive in good weather, never mind on winter-slicked roads. But she, too, was reluctant to give up living in a house that had become too big for her but represented a way of life she didn't want to give up. However, she moved into a very nice assisted living space, where she can play bridge every Wednesday, and has all the social life she wants. Mary's sister does take her to her old church on Sundays and she does go out for holidays to the grandchildren's houses. She's 97, not in the best physical shape but very good for her age, and sharp, although she is deteriorating somewhat in that area. However, I keep her supplied with jokes!

I am constantly amazed at how good she is for her age and only hope that we can be the same.

#40 Donna, I've heard so much about the Three Pines books that I'm almost reluctant to try them for fear of being disappointed! They're on my list, and I'll get to them sooner or later.

Stories like your Dad, and Joyce's about Mary's Mom give me hope that I can still choose to grow old gracefully. I am clinging to the belief that, at any age, our happiness is ours to accept or refuse - regardless of our situation. I hope that I will choose to be happy and not a burden to my family.

And, since I chose to use my husband's first day back at work to read instead of something more productive, I have finished Book #2:



Not Yet Drown'd by Peg Kingman

This was a wonderful book set in the 1820's, first in Scotland, then at sea, and ending up in India. Catherine, a young Scottish widow has been caring for her step-daughter since her husband's death when a very pushy woman from Virginia shows up claiming to represent the family of the girl's dead mother and announcing her intention to take the girl back to America right away - to her "real" family. Another thread features Annie, the American woman's slave girl who has accompanied her to Scotland. Annie is anxious to find work in Scotland and escape her enslavement. While waiting at an employment agency, Annie meets a young Indian woman who is looking to return to India as a lady's maid. Catherine's brother is preparing to leave for India on business, to be gone 2 or 3 years, when she receives a package from her other brother - her twin - who was killed in India the year before. Details in the package convince her that he didn't die as reported, but is still alive, and she decides suddenly to take her step-daughter and go with him - escaping the attempt by the girl's American relatives to takeher away, and giving her a chance to learn the truth about her beloved brother for herself.

Lots of information about the politics of the East India Company, the China tea trade, the opium trade, and life for Britons in India during the early 19th century. I enjoyed it very much. 4 stars.

Wow, Sandy, both books in the New Year sound like big winners! I've read The Lumby Lines and liked it very much, and have never heard of Not Yet Drown'd but have now wishlisted same.

I don't think I'll visit here any more. Dangerous to the book budget, I can see. Bye now!

Richard, I'll share my magic words with you re book budgets. Public. Library. They let you read as many books as you want. For free. You pay the taxes anyway, you might as well get the benefit of them. So there's no reason to run away - it's really very safe here.

Sadly, in Illinois, we have no money. We're lucky we still have libraries.

My neighborhood library closed for renovations on the 30th so I have to drive about 15 minutes to the next nearest one but at least I have a great system that allows me to put them on hold and just pickup - otherwise, I yhave every book in the library screaming 'PICK ME! Pick ME!'

Still trying to decide what books to buy with my B&N gift card from Christmas. Any suggestions?

#46 Have you read My Reading Life yet?

I've got a nice balance on my Borders card and on an Amazon e-card and still haven't make my decisions yet.

Sandy....two winners already!! I've already read Lumby Lines but not your #2--i've just put it on my "look for in the library" list.

I won My Reading Life in contest on Tina's blog. I'm planning to read it sometime this year.

Hi Sandy

You are very much on my mind. I send gentle hugs to you! I hope to meet you in 2011 as I aim to be at the Joplin, MO meet up if finances and schedule allow.

I currently have three books in the works and The Lumby Lines is one of them. Thanks for your excellent comments.

I've also added Not Yet Drown'd to the tbr pile. This one sounds great.

I'm in luck. I checked my local library site and was able to reserve Not Yet Drown'd.. Thanks for the recommendation.

What Linda said -- two copies, both available!
Oddly, none of the Lumby books are in the Brooklyn system, according to the catalog...

#45 "Sadly" is right - the economy is playing havoc with many things. It's too bad when it affects something so relatively inexpensive and universally beneficial as the public library. I am a huge fan of public libraries, in general, and they will always be my preferred source for books. We are fortunate to have an excellent system which, so far, has not had to cut back on services.

#46 Cheli, that is what I do, too. I remember when our neighborhood branch was closed for about a week for installation of new carpet. I stocked up in advance so that I wouldn't have to drive the 10 miles to the next nearest branch. I don't know what I'd do if they were closed longer for a more extensive updating.

#50 Thanks for the hugs, Linda. We're doing a little better, day by day. It would be wonderful to meet you in Joplin this year, I hope you can make it!

#51, 52 Yay for the library! Very strange about the Lumby books, though. I had to get a large print edition, the only version in the catalog. Could it be that no one outside LT has discovered this series yet?

Not having done much reading for most of December, I am now on a roll - finally finishing up everything I've had in progress.

Book #3



Flying Too High by Kerry Greenwood

This is the second book in the Phryne Fisher series, set in Australia in the 1920's. I wasn't wild about the first book - mostly because I just didn't care one way or the other about the main character. This book was a little better, but I think that is because there was less focus on Phryne and more on the plot. Phryne Fisher, we learn in the first book - it is not explained in this one, is the daughter of a wealthy Englishman who came to Australia to search for the missing daughter of a friend of the family. Evidently she decided to stay. She is a pilot. She does private investigations. She is a liberated woman. She is immoral.

The cases in this story were nothing special - a man is accused of killing his unlikable father, and the child of a recent lottery winner is kidnapped. However, the police are portrayed as buffoons and Phryne is able to walk in and solve the crimes with little or no effort. This would be alright with me, if the book was especially well-written (it wasn't) or the main character especially enjoyable (she isn't). I'm trying to decide whether to give the series one more try - and if there is anyone who has read more of it than I have, I'd be interested in knowing your opinion. It's not a bad book, it just doesn't have anything to interest me. The best I can say about it is that it's short. 2-1/2 stars.

PS - I thought of another good thing to say about the book - I love the cover art!

#54 That Kerry Greenwood series is weird for me. I've loved a few of them and disliked some others that I put them down a bit of the way into them.

I haven't read one in years. At some point, maybe I'll pick one up again.

The last one I finished, I think, was the third one, Murder on the Ballarat Train.

Sandy,
My library is supposed to be closed for nearly 18 months - they are re-wiring and expanding, adding new parking, in other words, a complete wipeout and rebuild. I'm goong to have to visit the other branch. Darn!

Awhile back, maybe 10 years ago or so, ours was closed for expansion and they relocated it in an old Zayre store in a neighboring town, which was really weird.

It's a hassle but nice when they reopen.

I remember years ago before we moved here and our town's library was undergoing a major rennovation and expansion. They kept portions of the building open as long as possible during construction, but the time came when they had to close it to the public completely for about 6 months. They rented a small storefront on Main Street and moved only a few things. Weird, indeed. In some ways it was easier to choose a book, since there was so little selection. But there was so little selection! We moved away before the library re-opened, but I made sure to go see it the next time we visited. Beautiful - well worth the inconvenience.

I hope my local library never closes. I will be dead in the water if it ever does!

So glad to see you enjoyed Lumby Lines, Sandy. I'm planning on starting my mom on that series when she completes the Mitford books. She hasn't read a book for so long but these series has really awakened something in her.

Speaking of libraries, I noticed that our public library has started showing how much you've saved by using the library -- both on the individual trip and for the year -- on their date due print-outs. I will confess that I use the public library less than I should. When I moved here, I was used to having all the advantages of one of the nation's best public library systems -- and the books to go with it! I got a library card right away when I moved here, but I never could find the books I wanted to read at the library. It was a matter of their not being owned rather than their being checked out. Needless to say, I became discouraged. I ended up buying books that were not in the college library where I work rather than double-checking to see if they were available at the public library. I'm now trying to correct that by using the public library more. The libraries of East Tennessee are very sadly underfunded in comparison to the libraries of Ohio where I had been. I know that hard times have fallen on all libraries, but I do miss having a really good public library system.

#59 Stasia, don't you use about 3 different libraries? Surely they wouldn't all close at the same time. In that case, I think you would be justified in activating your WWBF survival measures.

#60 Lynda, that is very neat about your mom finally finding something that has sparked her interest in reading again. I'm sure she'll like Lumby. And how nice of you to take the time to notice and find something for her. I would be very worried about my mother if she ever stopped reading. This is a woman who introduced me to the public library at such an early age that I don't remember it. She used to bring home armloads of books to read. For herself. I don't remember her borrowing books for me. She bought books for me. And I still have many of them.

Pausing to think about this - it is striking me odd that she bought books for us kids, but not for herself. I don't remember our library even having early childhood books back then. I don't remember using the public library for myself until about 3rd or 4th grade. Beginning chapter books. This would have been mid-to-late 60's. In the late 80's and early 90's, when my children were small, there were lots of picture books and easy readers available at the library. Did something change in the meantime, or am I totally off-base here?

#61 Lori, our library had a calculator on their home page for a while where you could compute how much money you saved by using the library instead of buying books and renting DVDs (they added new release feature movies to the collection a couple of years ago). Interesting, but not quite accurate. The simple fact of the matter is that I would not read as much as I do now if I had to BUY all my books. Even used, I can't afford it.

>44 sjmccreary: *tentatively peeps in* The thing about liberry service is, if I want to read it, so does every-livin'-body in Nassau County! I'm *still* on the list for Room! I shall lurk. I shall be MOST cautious about reading the pretty blue words....

>54 sjmccreary: I gave up on that series, Sandy, because of issues similar to the ones you raise. I read 5 of them, the last one something about mills, and decided I wasn't the best audience for them.

>62 sjmccreary: Did something change in the meantime, or am I totally off-base here? More and more liberries caught on that, to attract mummy and deady to their hallowed precincts, it was wise to offer materials of interest to Puglsey and Wednesday. And building life-long customers became more of a priority as the competition became stiffer. Or so I heard from my oldest-living-librarian friend when I was quite young...she had long chats with my mother about books, and I sat listening. She was 80-plus at that time, and didn't die until she was over 100! Lucy Warwick, that was her name! Just popped into my head.

I would be in financial deep do-do if I didn't have a library to access. As sweet and understanding as my hubbie is, I don't think that he would appreciate hundreds of dollars being spent on books every month. But then again, he spends that on golf.... maybe I'm safe to spend some money to buy books....I'll have to test this out.

**leaves to get started on internet book shopping. Where's my credit card?**

Hi Sandy- I don't think I've made it over here yet! Happy New Year! I saw you were currently reading The Fugitive Wife. I really liked that book. Interesting enough, when I read The Outlander awhile back I was reminded of that one. And my current read is Tenderness of the Wolves, which also has a similar feel.
Good luck with your reading year. I'll try to stop by more often.

#62: I actually have access to the holdings of 4 different libraries, but all of those books come through to the Sherman Library where I pick them up.

#64 Ah, Richard, you make an excellent point. And you may notice that I rarely read current best sellers - for just that reason. Still, in my mind, a small price to pay for the treat of otherwise unlimited free books. As far as the Phryne Fisher series goes, I'm glad you took the time to comment. I read the review you wrote about this book and it seemed mostly complementary. I've decided to give the rest of the series a pass. I've gotten similar comments from others who've read it. You get the prize for finishing 5 books. I think the others who commented had only read 2 and 3. It makes me wonder who the target audience really is.

#65 Cheli, I'm interested in the results of your test!

#66 Hi, Mark. I haven't actually started Fugitive Wife yet, but it is the very next one up. I'm looking forward to it, and I've got a note which indicates that it was you who provided the recommendation. I'll let you know how I like it. Come back anytime!

#67 Stasia, I'd somehow imagined you driving around town, going from one library to the next picking up books! I'm glad you're able to get them all at one location, and I will keep my fingers crossed that nothing ever happens to the Sherman Library. But now I'm curious. Are the other libraries close by, or in another town? They are college libraries, aren't they?

#68: Two of them are college libraries - one here in Sherman, one in Denison. The other is the Denison Public Library.

Hello Sandy, my first visit to your 2011 thread.
I like the sound of Not Yet Drown'd - will add that to the wishlist.
And re libraries, I have been using my local one a lot more in the past year, first because they introduced the possibility of reserving and renewing online, which helps me keep on top of things, and also as a result of being able to catalogue on LT. I've always liked to have the books I've read still around me, as a physical reminder of the experience of reading them, so this was a problem with library books. Now that I can catalogue them on LT, even when I've returned books to the library I still have them in one of my collections so it's much easier to keep track of them. Long live public libraries!

Book #4



The Serpent's Tale by Ariana Franklin

This is the sequel to Mistress in the Art of Death, and generally takes up where that book left off. In this book Adelia is taken to determine the cause of death and the person responsible for killing Rosamund, the mistress of King Henry II. It seems that someone is trying to make it appear that Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine is responsible in an effort to incite civil war.

A rousing good read, but probably no more historically accuate than the first book. 4 stars.

edit to insert a better cover image

#70 Hi, Genny! I'm glad to see so much interest in Not Yet Drown'd - I hope you will like it as much as I did.

One of my main objectives for LT was to keep track of the books I'd read. Since I've always read primarily from the library, I would often forget I'd read a certain book and get it again, or I'd forget where I'd left off in a series and either repeat a book or skip one. I know I could have just kept a paper journal, but that never seemed to last for long. It's wonderful now to be able to, not only remember WHAT I've read, but to actually remember details about each of the books.

#71: I have already read that one, so I get to dodge that particular BB :)

Re aging parents: My parents decided at around age 75 that they'd seen too many old people too attached to their homes to leave, so they moved to a retirement community with a range of care options, the initial of which is their own home except somebody else deals with maintenance. They said the move and adjustment were very tiring, physically and emotionally, but now several years later they are settled and comfortable. My brother bought their house, the house we all grew up in, lessening the sentimental loss. So many of my friends (I'm in my 50s) are coping with parental fading (e.g. a friend is sorting through decades of accumulated possessions such as furniture and books, some valuable enough to require consultation with experts, so her parents will even be in a position to move if necessary; a friend makes daily phone calls to his mother so she doesn't get mixed up about her medications, and accompanies her to medical appointments to make sure he's in the loop, this after a crisis resulting from confusion nearly killed her), that I am continuously grateful for my parents' pragmatism. They are nearby, so visiting is simple, and we can focus on socializing rather than caretaking.

Sandy- I've had Mistress in the Art of Death sitting in the stacks forever! Maybe someday! That's our motto, isn't it?

*peeks over snowdrift* Hi Sandy!

#74 Your parents sound wonderful - this is what I'm hoping mine will do - this is what Mom promised to do I doubt any of us will buy their house - they've only lived there about 15 years and none of us grew up in it. Since there is less sentimental attachment to that house, and since they've moved twice since I left for college, hopefully my Mom and Dad will have an easier adjustment than yours did when going into a retirement community. I think the hardest thing for them will be giving up their hobbies. Dad does workworking and furniture building, and has a very large shop filled with tools. He will have to leave that behind when they move. Mom will be able to continue quiltmaking, but may have to downsize her very large workroom. Until they are ready to give those things up, I don't expect them to seriously consider moving. So, I continue to worry about them. Just like I do with my children!

#75 Maybe someday! That does seem to be a recurring theme around here. But let's be a little more optimistic, shall we? Definitely someday, maybe soon! I'm looking forward to your Fantasy February read, and am still leaning towards doing my first ever J R R Tolkein.

#76 Hi, Richard! Our snowdrifts aren't very high (darn it) but at least we finally have snow covering the ground. (And the driveway, since my kids did a lousy job of clearing it, despite my explicit instructions.) It's bitterly cold here today, and there is no school for the 3rd day in a row. Friday is a scheduled day off (for the MLK holiday - they get a 4-day weekend - why is that?), so they might as well cancel tomorrow, too, and let everyone have a nice long break before going back next Tuesday. I hope you're staying warm back there.

Warm as toast, thanks! It's 27 out there now, so we're in for a nice, warm day. The snow is all powdery and pretty...no breeze to mound it up too terribly high.

FOUR days for MLK?!?! I wanna go back to school! I got gypped, we got *one* crummy day and they called it Robert E. Lee's birthday (same day).

27 sounds balmy compared to our forecast high of 5 - at least no wind today.

We never even got a day off in January, besides New Year's, that is. We had to wait until February when we got a day each for Washington and Lincoln.

Wow, that was a gyp...BUT remember we got BOTH Lincoln on the 12th and Washington on the 22nd off! None of this ripoff "President's Day."

Sandy-

I'm so pleased to see you. I thought of you often over the holidays.

If you liked The Serpent's Tale, run don't walk to your wonderful public library and get the next in the series Grave Goods which was even better. My fave of all of them so far.

Give up your worry and try Three Pines. I have a feeling you'll be hopping on the bus with the rest of us.

>78 sjmccreary:: Hi Sandy. My daughter tells me there is more snow up your way than we have here but the bitter cold is firmly entrenched in all parts of Missouri. I'm happy to be able to stay home today and look out on a beautiful snowy landscape.

Alas, no one here to even do a poor job of shoveling the driveway. Hubby is enjoying some balmy southern CA weather for a few days. He hopes his Jeep isn't a solid block of ice when he returns to KCI tomorrow.

Not Yet Drown'd looks like something I would like. I'm writing it down in my Dream Book, but it may be awhile before I get to it. Didn't somebody say something about "too many books..."?

#83 Being the curious sort, I wonder what is considered "bitter cold" in KC. Okay, 10 degrees just after noon is bitter cold in my book.

So odd, too. It's 27 here and we are almost never that much warmer than you all.

#81 Richard, you must remember that I grew up in Kansas. There is NO WAY they were going to observe Rob't E Lee's B-day! Better to have no holiday at all.

#82 Nancy, I'm definitely planning to read Grave Goods. Actually, that is the very first book I checked out from this series. When I realized that it wasn't a stand-alone, I took it back unread. I'm glad to know that it's even better than the others. Three Pines - I'd almost forgot about that series. When does the bus leave? Do I still have time?

#83 I talked to a man from St Joseph yesterday - about an hour north of KC - and he said they have even more snow than we do. I guess we got about 6 inches on our side of town. After spending the week in southern California, a Jeep-popsicle would be no more than your husband deserves! Just kidding - I hope he doesn't have trouble getting it started after sitting out in the cold and is able to get back to Springfield safely. We are also driving to Springfield tomorrow evening. Our "guy" has his first court appearance Friday morning and the prosecutor's office specifically requested that someone from our family be present. Since we have to be there at 8:30 in the morning, and with the weather being a little iffy, we decided it would be best to go down the night before. I'm not looking forward to this trip.

I think you would probably like Not Yet Drown'd - I hope you can get to it fairly soon. "Too many books" is what everyone says, but I think the real problem is "too little time".

#84 It was 10 degrees at noon here? That was warmer than they predicted yesterday. I see that it got almost to 15 this afternoon, but is back below 5 now. Tomorrow we are supposed to be in your upper-20's range. I'm glad that you weren't colder than us - I always worry about the people farther north from here when it gets that cold, because I figure it must be even worse there. Hopefully, you won't get it tomorrow.

I'll be praying for you tomorrow - it will be tough, but try to be strong. Also, don't forget a hankie!

What Cheli said, Sandy!

Hugs and prayers for you, Sandy.

You know, Sandy, that we're all with you on this, emotionally if not physically--God bless.

Let me echo what Cheli, Stasia, Linda, and Joyce said. You will be in my thoughts and prayers, Sandy!

Thinking of you today, Sandy.

Hang in there, Sandy. We've got your back.

*hugs* to Sandy and Chris and your family

Thanks for the support, everyone. The hearing this morning didn't really amount to much. However, we were very upset to discover that the conditions of the guy's bail have been lessened again. He posted a cash bond just before New Year's and got out of jail. At that time, he was given instructions to go to the "pre-trial" office, a department of the court that has responsibility for supervising defendents who are out on bail. He was supposed to have a GPS tracking bracelet attached to his ankle and surrender his passport. He is an international student who has only been in the country for about a year. He has no family or other connections here and the prosecutor (and us) consider him to be a flight risk. Well, he never showed up at the pre-trial office. The jail never notified them that he'd been released. Today he showed up and the pre-trial officer was surprised to learn that he wasn't still in custody. No ankle bracelet was ever applied, and his passport was in his pocket. The judge did confiscate the passport, but decided that - since he actually showed up today - he really isn't the flight risk the prosecutor has claimed him to be. "Electronic shackel is waived." We couldn't believe it - too angry for tears.

I am speechless.

I'm not. I'm never surprised anymore when things like this happen.

So he was rewarded for not showing up at the pre-trial office. Ugh.

Our court system is (1) overburdened and (2) out of touch with reality. Thank goodness they nabbed his passport.

Sandy, sorry it's happening this way. It's going to be a long, long process, with lots of ups and downs. Hopefully, in the end, justice will prevail.

Does he have his own attorney or a public defender?

"Ugh" is right, Nancy. We had a chance to meet with an attorney yesterday - we are still trying to decide whether to file a civil suit - and in the course of the conversation we told him about what happened in court. We asked him what the best course of action for us would be if we wanted to "file a complaint". He suggested sending letters to the prosecutor and the judge and also to the state legislators from both Springfield and our home district. We may do that. I've been composing letters in my head ever since he said that. If I get wound up enough, I might even send a letter to the newspaper or call the TV stations. So, Donna, if you see something in the news there about a crazy lady making a wild report about the inept county justice system, it will probably be me!

#95 Never thought I'd see the day... ;-) Seriously, though, I was hoping that you'd have something to say, since you're in the business. I'm still having trouble wrapping my brain around the whole situation.

#99 Linda, one interesting thing I learned yesterday, that I had not realized before, is that if you are able to get out on bail then you do not qualify for a public defender. Maybe that is just a Missouri thing?

Sandy, here in Texas we have GPS trackers on drug dealers and multiple DWI offenders, which is why I am shocked that, for such a serious accident involving multiple charges, he is not going to have the tracker, especially since he is (IMO) a flight risk. Obviously the judge does not think he is.

"If you are able to get out on bail then you do not qualify for a public defender. . ." That is not the way it is here in Texas, so I suspect that it may just be a Missouri thing.

(((Hugs))) and prayers as you go through this, Sandy.

>100 sjmccreary:: If I get wound up enough, I might even send a letter to the newspaper or call the TV stations. So, Donna, if you see something in the news there about a crazy lady making a wild report about the inept county justice system, it will probably be me!

Sandy, if you decide you want to picket the courthouse, I'll start making the signs and join you!

Can I come too?

#103, 104 You guys are the best! Thanks for the laugh!

#102 Thanks, Caty. Right now, prayers seem to be getting more done than the justice system. Wait. That's not quite fair. I know the system works slowly and it hasn't been very long. I'm just worried and nervous because I don't know what to expect and it seems like this judge isn't taking it as seriously as I want him to.

Sandy- Just swinging by to say hi and give a little support. Keep that chin up! I hope you had a nice weekend.

#105: I will have you know I was serious! :)

#107 I have no doubt that you would be there if I said I was organizing a picket of the courthouse! It's just that I can too easily imagine picket line filled with LTers - each with a sign in one hand and a book in the other, shuffling up and down the sidewalk, bumping into one another because our noses are stuck in our books and we're not watching where we're going. Or, instead of chanting protest slogans, we'd be huddled together talking about the latest books we've been reading. And talking about where to go for lunch. :)

#108: talking about where to go for lunch.

Yes. Definitely.

Sounds good to me! When we gonna do this?

Ha - I can see that - and we'd reading over each others' shoulders to see what everyone else is reading, and then organizing a group read right there on the steps of the courthouse.

#110: Readathon in real life! I like the idea :)

#110: Hysterically funny and probably right smack on the button! LOL

Sandy,
Tina and I wouldn't run into anybody, we'd have our audiobooks playing so that we could watch out for the rest of you!

This all sounds like a lot of fun, but as an effective means of protest it is somewhat lacking, I think. :-) Maybe we should just skip the courthouse and go straight for the book store.

Finally,

Book #5

Small Fruit and Vegetable Gardens by Jacqueline Heriteau

Truthfully, I'm more of a wanna-be than a serious gardener, but I still love reading gardening books and seed catalogs in the winter and dreaming about the lush plants I might have in just a few months (of hard back-breaking work in the hot humid summer). I found this book in the library's catalog while I was searching for something else. Overall, I thought it was quite good, but not without faults: Published in 1975, it is very dated. It does not have even the smallest picture of the USDA hardiness zone map (which has been in existence since 1960), nor does it ever refer to the USDA zones. It seems to assume that readers will all be living in the eastern part of the country. All references to "north" and "south" are given in terms of eastern places (e.g., Vermont, Florida, Washington DC). The only real acknowledgement that gardening happens elsewhere is in the list of recommended varieties of potatoes where folks in the plains and Pacific northwest are allowed to plant something different than that which the New Englanders will prefer. It assumes that chemical fertilizers and pesticides will be preferred over organics, even while acknowledging that organic fertilizers are generally superior.

On the other hand, it is a compact book which manages to effectively address the topics of soil preparation, site location, and plant selection in general as well as including an extensive list of vegetables, fruits, berries, melons, and herbs with specific planting, culture, and harvesting guidelines and suggested varieties. Special attention is given throughout to plants and techniques which are best suited to small gardens and containers. It is an excellent reference that I would love to own. 4 stars.

Hi Sandy. Who knows, maybe you'll get it from Santa Thing. Though personally, I'm doubting that I'll ever get my books.

#114: You sound like me, Sandy - a wanna-be gardener. Unfortunately, my knees are definitely in the 'Don't wanna-be gardener' category!

#115 Well, I DID ask for gardening books, so maybe... if they ever come... (although I imagine this one is out of print)

#116 I have knee pads. It is my back which protests most painfully when I try to do too much. I need to get into better shape. *sigh*

#117: Knee pads would not help in my case. The problem is just bending the knee.

#118 Ouch! I remember now that you've commented before about your bad knees. I think in that case, I'd probably give up even trying to garden. Although I imagine a low wheeled stool combined with narrow raised beds might work for those whose love of gardening supercedes bad knees.

I have dropped hints to my family how I would love one of those but they didn't bite. Now, however, my neighbors maple tree blocks the afternoon sun and I haven't had any luck with tomatoes, my primary crop. So...no cart, no sun, no garden.

Just catching up on your thread...

A suggestion, if this dolt is still not electronically shackled. Pick one TV news station in your area, or your son's area. Call the news editor or news director (or have a family member do it.) Offer them an exclusive. It's a story about how a tragedy has been made even worse by a well-meaning (hey, don't need to piss them off royally just get 'em off their butts) justice system. I hate to sound cynical and please don't think for one second that I share this view, but an exclusive interview with a grieving mother in this rather horrible era we live in will attract viewers and make the news station happy. Importantly for you, that means they'll give it time, attention, and be willing to follow up to make sure something gets done. They could end up treating like a cause. The downside for you is that you'll end up with these people coming to your for comments down the road as the case moves through the system, and possibly also if there are other, similar cases that occur (heaven forbid...) The upside? You're not just on the receiving end of information any more; you're using what power you have to shape outcomes that are as good as can possibly be hoped for in the cirumstances.

#121: YAY and God bless you for such a terrific suggestion! "Justice" is a peculiarly American concept and really doesn't exist, as far as I'm concerned. The problem with laws is their enforcement which too often depends on money or fame. Chattebox's suggestion is a GREAT way not to feel helpless, not to stand by and feel like a victim. and there's nothing against it morally, legally, or as far as I'm concerned, spiritually.

Good for you, Chatterbox! Good for you!

Several things:

1. A couple of days ago I spent an evening acknowledging all the profile comments that I received after Bill died. They provided so much comfort to me and I wanted to be sure I let each person know. As a result, I've been bombarded with responses to my thank yous - even more wonderful and supportive comments. I'm not going to respond to these individually. Suffice it to say that LT people are the greatest, and I'm so glad I've been able to witness that first hand when I needed it the most.

2. I actually have been trying to read. Since I haven't finished anything lately, I'll post the in-process books, just to have something on-topic to talk about. I've been working on Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov for the 11-11 Challenge group read. I'm about 1/4 finished and I have to admit that I'm not loving it yet. However, after complaining to the group about it, I received several helpful comments about how to read it, so I'm guardedly optimistic that I'll be able to finish. I've also started my ER book from October, The Network by Jason Elliot. It is supposed to be about an under-cover operative inside Afghanistan before 9/11. The author's intention was that it be fast-paced from page 1, but I'm just finding it frenetic and chaotic, not action-packed and suspensful in any pleasing way. It is not holding my attention and I haven't picked it up in about 2 weeks. Yesterday, in an effort to find something easy and entertaining, I picked up Hypothermia by Arnaldur Indridason - the latest American release in the Erlendur series. I like this series quite a lot, this book included, but the dark melancholy tone wasn't the best choice for me right now. Still, I made it half way last night and will probably finish it in a day or two. Then today I picked up an ILL book at the library for the MO Readers Group - Nobody Said Not to Go, a biography of Emily Hahn by Ken Cuthbertson. I started it right away since I can only keep it for 7 days. It's too soon to tell...

3. Note to Suzanne and Joyce, I appreciate your suggestions about talking to the press regarding the fiasco with the bail terms on our "defendent". It's something that had already occured to me. An attorney had suggested that writing to the prosecutor, the judge, and to the state legislators would be a good way to bring attention to the situation. He didn't say so, but I also realized that going to the newspaper or TV stations would make sure that the general public would become aware of the situation. I worry less about the attention that would be focused on us than the potential for harm that might be done to the prosecutor's case. We haven't decided not to do it. I wrote a draft of a letter that we are pretty happy with and will be sending it to someone - we just don't know if the press will be included.

** 3 hours pass **

We got a call from my BIL that my husband's mother passed away late this afternoon. Not unexpected, but not welcome - especially right now. Everyone in the family lives within a 4 hour drive, except one nephew in Phoenix. Depending on whether he will be able to come, and when, we are planning to have the funeral on Thursday. Exactly 7 weeks after Bill died. In the same cemetery. This is going to be hard.

They say bad things happen in 3's. My husband lost a cousin in September - she was exactly the same age as him and had no health problems or unhealthy habits. She died pretty suddenly after contracting a weird virus that attacked her heart and then her brain. It hit him pretty hard. I think the entire McCreary clan is ready for the bad things to end.

When I started this message, I had a 4th comment I planned to make, but I don't remember the last one anymore.

Oh Sandy, I'm so sorry about Chris's mother. Your family has had to undergo so much sadness in a short time. I'm not a superstitous person, but for your sakes, I hope the rule of 3 is in place and that this is the last of your woes for a long, long time.

Saying a little prayer that the rest of 2011 is uneventful for you, Sandy. You've certainly had your share. My sympathy to your and your husband.

I'm so sorry Sandy.

My sympathies to you and your family. The "three thing" has worked itself out in my life many times. Honestly, I don't know what that is, but may the rest of the year go smoothly for you. I'll be thinking of you on Thursday.

Sandy, I'm sorry to hear about your MIL. I hope that this is the end of the turn of bad things--your family has really had to bear a lot in the last half year.

Sandy, at times there are no words, except...your LT friends love you and we are so sorry you are going through all this.

Oh, Sandy, I am so sorry.

Sandy, condolences to you and your family. Hopefully things will take an upturn soon.

I trust this is indeed the third horrible event, and that from here on, you'll be able to move forward with a degree of peace. May the funeral pass in a painless blur for you. Condolences...

It's beyond rationality that this sort of thing does happen in threes and then whatever it is goes away. I do most earnestly hope that's the case for you and your family. What's fortunate is that you appear to have a very close family immediately present or within a short distance, and I hope that will help. You have the very best wishes of a great many people with you.

Sandy, I am so sorry to hear about your mother-in-law. (((Hugs))) I will keep you and your whole family in my prayers, and especially so on Thursday.

I'm so sorry. My continued thoughts and prayers to you and your family!

I'm sorry to hear your family has experienced another loss. I'll keep you all in my prayers.

My sympathies on the death of your mother in law, Sandy. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

It always does seem like one thing on top of another.

Hopefully things will get better for you and yours.
(((hugs)))

Just a quick hug.

Book-related: While the Jason Elliot book you are reading does indeed sound kind of frenetic, I loved his An Unexpected Light which helped me feel connected to the people of Afghanistan in a way that wasn't simply about war.

So sorry to hear this, Sandy. You all are in my prayers.

Sandy, so very sorry that your family has suffered yet another loss. I'm offering warm thoughts and prayers!

Sandy,

The loss of a loved one is always heart-wrenching whether it is a young person as in your son or a parent as in your MIL. Their love has enveloped you and your family for many years and now, though they can't tell you, it will be there for you in a different way. I know that when ever I feel lonely I rub my cheek because that is what my Dad used to do so I feel him with me. Remember what your loved ones did to show their love and grab that to you when you need them. They're there, you just have to reach out for them.

Thank you, everyone, for the kind and comforting words. Maxine and I were never especially close, but I still have 30 years worth of memories of her. She drove me crazy on a regular basis. She was meddlesome and bossy. But, she was a wonderful grandma to the kids and she raised 3 of the most amazing men I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. And she was there for me, too, whenever I needed her - which was pretty often at times - no questions asked. I'm going to miss her.

Her funeral Thursday will be even harder than it normally would have been just because it is so soon after Bill's. This will be our first trip back to the cemetery since Bill was buried, not far from where Maxine will be, beside her husband. This funeral was pre-arranged a couple of years ago, when her health began to get very poor. One of her requests was that her grandsons serve as pall bearers. I don't know who will take Bill's place.

Oh, Sandy. I'll be praying for you and your husband and Maxine tomorrow. I'm sorry.

Ok, back to the books.

Book #6



The Face of Death by Cody McFadyen

This is the second in the Smokey Barrett series about a team of FBI agents who specialize in tracking down the wiliest of the serial killers in southern California. This book, as did the first one, includes graphic descriptions of gruesome crimes. There are also strong elements of child abuse and torture in this one, so it is definitely NOT for the squeamish. However, for those who aren't bothered by blood and guts, this series features a team of flawed but dedicated people who have an almost super-human ability to solve difficult cases. I'm sure it is not very realistic, but it is pleasing to think that we really do have such people out there hunting down the bad guys.

Books like this aren't sweet enough to be considered brain candy. They're more like brain potato chips. 3-1/2 stars.

I own Shadow Man and have a first in series category in my 2011 reading. Looks like a match when I need a potato chip (or two).

You know that blood and guts don't faze me. This would have been added to my wish list, but it's already there!

I had the same problem that you did with the Jason Elliott novel. I picked it up and couldn't keep reading. Put it down a few months ago, with not even a chapter read, and have had no interest in picking it up again!

Sandy- I'm wishing you all the best! Hope things begin to level off for you. Hugs!

So sorry to hear about your mother in law. Wishing and hoping that the bad times will be over soon and you can have some peace...

Adding my prayers for your family in the loss of your mother-in-law. I am so sorry. God bless.
--BJ

((Hugs)), Sandy.

Sandy, I came in to say hi and see what you'd be reading, and was so sorry to see your news about your mother-in-law. I hope the funeral goes well and you have no more new sadness for a long, long time.

Sandy, my deepest condolences for you and your family. May God grant you peace.

Sandy - I am sending thoughts and prayers to you and your family today.

Thinking of you and your family today, and sending prayers and warm hugs your way!

{{{Sandy}}}

{{{Chris}}}

Thank you for all the prayers and good wishes. The funeral today was easier that I was afraid of. The weather was beautiful and friends and relatives came from miles around. It was nice to have a chance to see everyone. The church ladies fixed a delicious home-cooked lunch for us and we sat and talked for half the afternoon. Exactly what you expect from the funeral of an elderly person who had been in poor health for a long time.

Bill didn't haunt us as much as I worried about. But it did hurt to read Maxine's obituary and see that she had been preceeded in death by her parents and her husband, and her grandson William. My youngest son insisted that we stop on the way to the church this morning and pick up flowers to place on Bill's grave - which we did.

In some way that I don't quite understand, I feel better than before. Maybe it was going back to the cemetery. Or maybe it was having another funeral. Whatever it is - Bill's passing feels more like something I can move on from now. Sad, but necessary - just another part of life. At least that's how I feel tonight. I'm sure that won't last forever. But we were able to laugh today when someone quipped that Maxine, who had Alzheimer's and would forget she'd seen you as soon as you left, probably got to heaven and saw Bill and, forgetting that she'd gone to his funeral just last month, demanded to know what HE was doing there!

Sandy,

So good to see a post from you re. today. Warm, gentle hugs!

#158: But we were able to laugh today

I am sure that made the day easier for you than it might have been.

((Hugs))

Glad to hear the funeral went well and you're doing okay. (((Hugs))) Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

God bless. I was thinking about you yesterday and hoping you would be OK. My MIL died last year at the age of 90. I was never her favorite, and every year on our anniversary, for 37 years, she said to us, "And they said it would never last." I truly believe she was the "they" of that statement--heh. She also used to call me "Betty" (my name is Becky) at least once every time we saw her. Geraldine was very, very smart and also very passive-aggressive. I still miss her, even so. Someone who is a part of your life for that many years leaves a mark in their passing.

>158 sjmccreary:: Sandy, I'm happy to hear things went better than expected and even brought you some healing. Hugs.

>158 sjmccreary:: In some way that I don't quite understand, I feel better than before.

Prayer works, although its ways are mysterious as are the ways of grief. I'm glad you had a reprieve yesterday. Maybe Maxine's timing wasn't so implausible after all.

Grief is such an uneven process. Here's hoping that the "ups" start becoming more frequent and last longer than the "downs."

Laughter is wonderful medicine.

Sandy,

Now that you're back from Maxine's funeral, I'm sure that (she got to heaven and saw Bill and, forgetting that she'd gone to his funeral just last month, demanded to know what HE was doing there!) it is easier and that you are healing when you can take such a humorous outlook to her passing and smile a bit knowing Bill is smiling too.(?) Since you're looking at an ice in the weather forecast, maybe Maxine knew something and wanted to make sure that she was buried before the ground froze and before there was any risk to another member of her family? Anyway, take care of yourself. Be sure that you stay off the roads until they are safe. We all worry about you and your family.

I'm very behind om all the threads, but I just want to add my sympathies and let you know that I'll be keeping your family in my thoughts.

Sandy just dropping by to hope that you stay warm and safe through the big storm that is coming your way. I am definitely feeling guilty since we here on the Pacific coast have had a fairly mild winter and you and many others are really getting hammered. Hope you are able to curl up with a good book and a blanket.

#159 right back at ya, Linda!

#160 Laughing is my usual response to stress - the fact that I wasn't able to laugh for as long as it was is very unusual.

#161 Thanks, Caty

#162 I think I'm glad I got Maxine for a MIL instead of Geraldine! We weren't close, but there was no intentional antagonism between us either. And she always remembered my name. Well, until the last year or so, anyway! Of course, Maxine didn't have any daughters of her own. Things might have been different if she had. But there was an affection between us, and I will miss her.

#163 Thanks, Laura

#164 After the past 2 months, I am a firm believer in the power of prayer. I've never felt so propped-up before, when I just didn't have the strength to keep standing.

#165 I'm beginning to have more good days and fewer, shorter bad times. Thankfully.

#166 Whether there was any divine intervention into the timing of Maxine's death and funeral with the weather or not, I don't know. But I'm glad that it was last week and not this. Now that I'm safely ensconced inside my own house, I don't even want to drive the mile down to the grocery store and library!

#167 thanks, Amber

#168 Judy, I'm so sorry that you didn't get to enjoy the winter weather that most of the rest of us have had this year. Let it snow, let it snow! I spend most evenings with a book and a blanket - we keep the thermostat set pretty low at our house. Winter is actually my favorite time of year. I hate the heat we get in summertime. You really ought to feel guilty about your mild summers!

I appreciate everyone's kindness and concern. I've been feeling rather battered and bruised these last couple of months. The love and support I've gotten here has been the best kind of balm. However, I do feel guilty at taking up so much space talking about not-books. I've been trying to read, but it's coming slowly. As are my other usual activities. However, I'm determined not to let my grief change me into someone different. A lot has changed for us, and I expect that we will all be changed in some way because of it. And I am looking forward to that. But I'm still me, and I refuse to be defined by my losses. However, my brain doesn't seem to be in charge much of the time, so it will take a little while longer to get there. Thank you, all my friends, for your indulgence and your patience.

#169: I do feel guilty at taking up so much space talking about not-books

Do not do that to yourself, Sandy. This is the best support group you can have outside of your immediate family and friends. Please use us as you need to. We are here for you.

ditto.

Sandy, I hope all is well with you in KC. The guy on the Weather Channel was just broadcasting from there and it looks horrible.

Ha--they also said we're used to snow, we're a hardy people but the Groundhog Day Blizzard will test us.

#170, 171 Thanks

#172 Here, they're calling it the "Blizzard of Oz" - ha.

However, I'm determined not to let my grief change me into someone different. A lot has changed for us, and I expect that we will all be changed in some way because of it. And I am looking forward to that. But I'm still me, and I refuse to be defined by my losses.

You inspire me. If this is the kind of thing you feel and share with us rather than talking about books, you should know that it is the opposite of something to feel guilty about. We are truly blessed to have you among us.

>>173 sjmccreary:. Please avoid any Yellow Brick Roads during the Blizzard of Oz. Especially if they are icy and you notice flying monkeys.

Edited to clarify message 173 reference.

Dear Sandy, I was just thinking the same thing, what Nancy put so well at #174. You are a blessing to this list.

Messages 170--175: I agree with them all! I think you are paying it forward by your lovely and honest sharing--what you are going through and talking about is going to help some of us one of these days to cope with our own losses. Never feel guilty about using this thread to do that, please.

I don't mean to sound like an echo -- but Nancy said very well what I would have liked to be able to put into words. Your presence in the group is a true blessing, Sandy. (I like the Yellow Brick Road comment, too! :)

If we can provide some support in such a rough time for you, I know I am glad we're able to help!

Everyone ha already said it, but I want to add as well--never, ever feel guilty about sharing with those who care for you.

At this writing, the Yellow Brick Road is covered in 4" of snow, I hear! :-)

I'm one of those who is always glad to listen to you, Sandy, no matter how you're feeling.

We all need support and listening ears. Always remember you are among friends and we care. That's what makes this group so special.

Hi There

I'm compiling a list of birthdays of our group members. If you haven't done so already, would you mind stopping by this thread and posting yours.

Thanks.

http://www.librarything.com/topic/105833

Book #7



Hypothermia by Arnaldur Indridason

The latest in the Inspector Erlendur series (for English-speakers at least). Number 6, I believe. Erlendur and his team are called out to a reported sucide - a woman was found hanging in her vacation home. However, Erlendur isn't willing to accept that it was, in fact, a suicide and begins investigating on his own. Since this isn't an official investigation, we see nothing of the other investigators for the rest of the book. What we do see, however, is more of Erlendur's obsession with missing person cases. Ever since the disappearance and presumed death of his younger brother when Erlendur was only 10, he has been fascinated by accounts of missing persons in the wilderness areas of Iceland. In this book, he is looking at a cold case involving a missing teenager when the boy's dying father makes a final inquiry. Another solid installment in the series. 4 stars.

What an ironic book title, Sandy! I hope you are staying nice and warm while you're reading. My hubby and I have been shoveling out this morning. We usually let Mother Nature take care of our driveway, but with the minus zero temps in the forecast, it may be awhile before she does her job!

#174-180 Thanks. I'll do my best not to take advantage of your willingness to listen. And how nice of Roni to make it sound like I'm the one doing the favor for someone else!

#183 All the Erlendur books are cold - it's the Iceland setting. But this title doesn't mean what you think it does.

Hope you took it easy with the snow. I worked out there twice yesterday and again today and now my whole body is sore. Who needs the gym? But the sun came out and now everything is dry, so it was worth it.

Hugs to you, Sandy!

Sandy, the Inspector Erlendur series sounds interesting. Adding Hypothermia to the wish list. I'm so glad you are part of this group. You truly are an inspiration and blessing here.

#185 & 186 Thanks, Richard and Regina. Just 2 individuals out of the crowd of wonderful LTers.

I actually finished a book the other day, but really don't have much interest in making comments about it. Not sure why... I liked the book. I'll at least put up the title and a cover image in a few minutes.

But first, I want to crow about my new toy. Last evening, my husband attended a charity auction (benefitting Children's Miracle Network, the same organization we chose for Bill's memorial fund). He usually comes home from this auction with an armload of goodies (one year it was a wii) but I didn't see him carrying anything. I finally asked what he'd bought and he handed me a slim white box. Not jewelery - better than that. A Nook! Hesitantly, I asked him whether this was for me, or for him, or for the 2 of us to share. He's been talking about e-readers quite a bit lately so I didn't want to assume he bought it for me. He said that, since I read so much more than he does, probably I would be the one who used it more. But I have to share it with him sometimes. (Which I would have done regardless.) So! :-) I just spent an hour and a half exploring it and playing with it and figuring out how it works. What fun!

The book I finished Saturday -

Book #8



Forty Words for Sorrow by Giles Blunt

I've seen several people mentioning this book lately, and giving it positive reviews. I liked it, too, but really don't have anything I want to say about it. Another gruesome serial killer, this one set in northern Ontario in February. The first in a new-for-me series. I think I gave it 3 stars.

I'll pass on the book regarding a gruesome serial killer, but I am intrigued by the book Hypothermia. This looks like a good series and I'm adding book #7 to the tbr in 2011 list.

Hugs to you my friend!

Congrats on the Nook! What a sweet husband. :-)

#187: I love my Nook! I am glad to see you have on too, Sandy!

I too love my Nook....It has been wonderful on vacation, but I find it's particularly nice to read in bed....not so heavy to hold up. Enjoy it Sandy, and let us know how it goes sharing it with the other half!

How cool. Enjoy the Nook, Sandy.

Have fun with the Nook Sandy. I got a Kindle recently and I am trying to ignore the lure of it in order to clear our more "real" books from my shelves, but it is a fun gadget and hard to resist!

nook has been good to me...I am liking it..

That was quite a surprise, Sandy. What a great way to support a wonderful organization and get something you need (want?) at the same time. I'm beginning to think I might need/want a Nook or Kindle...something I swore I'd never use.

I like the bookmarking feature and the way you can reference a word or phrase. I'm constantly thinking things like: "Now where was that part about the monkey eating the paperclips in that book we're reading for the Missouri Readers?" See what you missed by not finishing the book? ;-)

What a sweet hubby! I love my Nook and I hope you love yours.

I agree with everyone else - you've a sweetie of husband and I'm lovin' my Nook! I think the part of the Nook I like most is on those cold winter nights when I want to read in bed, I only have to have one hand out from under the covers, so that the rest of me stays warm and toasty!

ETA - Plus traveling is great - had 6 books with me without overstuffng my luiggage!

The thing that I have been loving about my Nook is reading in the dark. I change the background color to black so the printing is white and I turn the brightness all the way down. I have been reading now with the black background all the time, just changing the brightness. It seems easier on my eyes.

I'm excited about the Nook, but still haven't actually read anything on it. It looks like downloading books from the library is a possibility that I'm anxious to get figured out. My husband is definitely one of the good ones.

Time for a new thread: http://www.librarything.com/topic/110271&newpost=1#lastmsg