bohemima's bibliography, part 3

I feel so very blessed and fortunate to have made good friends here on LT.

Yay, I'm first in line for the good friends category I guess. ;-)

I'm number 2!!! (I feel a little like "The Prisoner.")

Hi! Found you again!

# 3 So good to see someone make a reference to The Prisoner and not to the YA book I Am Number Four! The Prisoner aired a long time before I was born but my mom was so vehement in criticizing it that I went ahead and watched some re-runs. I liked it better than she did actually. I guess we are more used to weirdness now than we were, say, forty years ago. After all my childhood memories consist of Twin Peaks (kind of inappropriate for a kid though) and The X Files and of course the more recent Lost. ;-)

Checking in to the new thread!

Nice tidy new thread :)
Hope your day is a cool and happy one..

Whoa! All of you here already! Thank you for taking the time to check in.

Interesting reference to "The Prisoner" ancient t.v. show. My Dad got me involved in watching it--he found it fascinating and wanted to talk to someone about it. I loved it too, and have considered getting it on dvd. But...I would hate to lose an illusion and discover that now I don't like it.

Hot, hot, hot, but not as hot as Ilana in Canada. Now how weird is that?

Found your new thread Gail! Hope you get some cooler weather your way soon.

Oh yes. I guess *The Prisoner* is ancient. All I have to do is look in the mirror and see that it's so, but sitting here and typing, it doesn't seem that long ago. I was a *Twin Peaks* fan too. I seriously thought about trying to watch it again on Hulu if they still have it, but I don't want to spend that much time on it.

Hi Gail...just stopping by to say hello and let you know I'm thinking of you. As you have noted, the weather this week has made life too much to deal with above the basic survival level, but glad to hear things are looking up for you. Hugs.

Hi Gail. I've had the Prisoner DVD on my library list for ages. I remember liking it but don't remember a whole lot else about it. One of these days I'll actually bring it home and watch it. (And, I also balk at the idea of thinking it's "ancient." It doesn't seem that old to me but maybe that's wishful thinking on my part.)

Hello, Tina! Glad you're aboard here.

Pat, maybe "classic" would be better. I remember it as creepy but intriguing, with a sort of cliffhanger plot every week. I think there was a sequel program that was very similar in tone and idea. Not sure about that; I'll have to look that up. I think it was "Secret Agent Man", a dumb name for a pretty good concept.

In library news: I've lived here four years. I believe, although I've never seen it, that there's a public library in our county seat, about 25 or 30 miles from here. There's a quite small but serviceable P.L. in the next county, about 5 miles from here. Fee for out-of-county users is $3.00/year last time I checked. The really nice library is located about 12 miles away, in a different state. Until this year, membership was free to all in about an eight-county, two-state area, because of the local military base. Now there's an annual out-of-county fee of $35.00. It won't kill me, but it surely must be hard on some people. Just seems kind of staggering to leap from free ot $35 in one jump.

Ouch. I know that libraries are hurting, but that does sound steep. I guess though, that people who can't afford the $35 don't have any way to get 12 miles away either. Very sad.

It's "only" 99 degrees today.

I don't remember The Prisoner, but then we didn't really have a TV when I was growing up and if we did we only received a handful of channels and I was discouraged from watching the shows at night. Not a bad thing if you ask me.

The library situation sounds quite dire. I guess $35 is the equivalent of 3-5 new books (or less), so for some people it isn't a big deal but yes, for those who need it most it's a big expense.

Just peeking in and dropping off a star. $35 is a wee bit expensive but here in Alberta (where libraries can charge for membership for local citizens) an out-of-zone card can be even more expensive. For example, in Edmonton, a regular library card is $12/year for the first adult and $8 for any additional adults in the same household. For a non-resident of Edmonton, it's the regular membership fee plus a $60 non-resident fee (i.e. $72). Of course, libraries make reciprocal agreements. The suburb that I live in, just outside Edmonton has an agreement with Edmonton meaning that I can get a card for the Edmonton public library for a reduced cost compared to the $72. We also have the option of getting The Alberta Library card, a cooperative program for a bunch of libraries (public, academic, and special). Once you have a library card from any participating library, you can get a TAL card for free and use it at any other participating library. However, with that card you are severely limited in what and how many items you can check out.

Sorry for the long blurb. I spent a lot of time discussing stuff like this over the past two years while I was in library school. Hopefully it's some interesting context for you anyway. :D

When we first moved to Sherman, I checked into the public library. Because we were outside the city limits, the fee was $40 per person annually. No way could we afford that. When we bought our house, we were finally inside the city limits and could use the local library :)

Hi Gail. Just sayin' that......
I work for the state of Washington, my partner works for the city of Seattle --- public entities have really been hit hard this past 2-3 years. Our library system is still vibrant but I worry that this is one of the things that will get cut in the next year or so. I remember hearing (reading?) that libraries are the foundation of democracy because they make information and ideas accessible to all for no cost..... might we lose that? How sad and how scary.

Okay, time for me to go to bed......

Hang in there with the heat.....
~Ellen

# 12 Actually The Prisoner was sort of an 'unofficial' sequel to Secret Agent (original name Danger Man in the UK) but the connection was never explicitly mentioned. People were left to draw their own conclusions. (Information courtesy: my mom!).

Libraries around here have never been vital or well funded.
The local high school shut down their new library.. changed it into a weight room
( or possibly a meeting room). They ditched the librarian of course.
I am not sure how they are using the room, but I AM sure that it is no longer
a library. Very sad and very telling.

Chiming in as a huge fan of The Prisoner - v. weird but in a really good way. Ancient? I'd say timeless instead. :)

Hi Gail, just checking in. I am still away from home, but visiting my Mom, and although she's 90, she still thinks she has to take care of me! Hope life level is on the upswing, hugs to you!

>19 mckait: That is the very worst! I thought our school was bad when the principal chose to hire an assistant soccer coach rather than another Spanish teacher - but no library!??! Is your community so affluent that kids don't need it?

A school without a library sounds all wrong to me, but I hear that a great many schools now, even when they do have libraries hardly have any books anybody wants to read.

Looking at this discussion, I really feel blessed about our library network. It's fairly recent, because used to be every library served only certain districts, but now I think we have over 40 libraries to borrow from in the Montreal region. I complain whenever they don't have something, which happens fairly often, but from now on, I'll just be happy that they have as much as they do and stop grumbling.

Can't seem to assemble enough thoughts to do a real posting; will be back either tomorrow or Tuesday to update with books and library chitchat/opinions. Thanks to all who stop by; it means so much to me.

Hi, Gail! Hope you've had a decent weekend with a surprisingly good week coming up. So there.

24> No worries, Gail. You have a strong following and we love this thread for the enlightened and enlightening conversation --- but you are *always* allowed to take a day or two (or three!) off from you book thread. I hope your weekend was good and that the coming week is even better.

That happens to me all the time. Just take whatever time you need and post when inspiration hits you. After all, this shouldn't feel like a chore... Be well!

Life Level: Bleah.

Reading Level: Perfectly satisfactory

On libraries: I grew up in a smallish (pop. 25,000) town with a marvelous free library. Some of my happiest childhood and adolescent memories are centered on it, along with the fun of introducing my daughter to library delights there. Then we moved to Florida, with a small but still free public library, again with many pleasant memories.

Then we moved here. I was amazed and then pretty disheartened by the whole library situation. I completely understand failing/smaller budgets and the need to conserve, and certainly have no problem paying money to use a library in a different state. But...that library system is somehow a subsidiary function of (don't even ask) the public school system in the county in question. As has been mentioned, the powers that be manage to find money for weight rooms, oodles and oodles of athletics, but not for the library. The plus is, of course, that the system remains free for those who live within the county. We on the west side of the river must go begging for our library services. It's just maddening. I will say that the same county has a celebration for academics a couple of times per year, which indicates progress, I hope.

Book #60: Twenty-five books That Shaped America
by my favorite extra-university teacher, Thomas Foster, is a great, easy-to-read book discussing (good grief) 25 books from Ben Franklin to Louise Erdrich. Foster chooses books based on the impact they've made on U.S. culture and literature, and a good assortment it is. Worth reading to be reminded of some forgotten classics that might deserve a second look, and for Foster's quirky, funny style. Highly recommended.

Book # 61: Does My Head Look Big in This?
This was a pretty funny, but a little too pat, story about a 16-year-old who Muslim who decides to wear the hijab full time. Pretty preachy and sort of lightweight, but a nice way to pass the time and maybe good for 12- or 13- year-olds. Really not enough conflict to satisfy the reader.

Currently reading The Golden Compass--why I waited so long to get at this is beyond me; Emma, which is getting better as I go along but still kind of light, and The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin. And of course a few others that I just kind of look at.

Gail, I started Emma last night and yes, it's kind of light (well, it is Jane Austen) but I'm enjoying it so far. It's a good foil for the creepy mystery novel I'm reading.....

I read Thomas Foster's How To Read Literature Like a Professor a couple years back. I will give Twenty-Five Books that Shaped America a try if I can get my hands on it.

((Hugs))

Really? The Golden Compass? I will keep this in mind.

hi Gail-- enjoying your thread. I, too, have read one of Foster's books about books. My favorite literature appreciation work is definitely Beowulf on the Beach--(I remember the bit on the Old Testament cracking me up!). For some reason I found Book Lust by Nancy Pearl to be a total disappointment.

>29 EBT1002:: Ellen, I agree; Austen makes a good in-between read for those times when we're reading heavier, or scarier work.

>30 alcottacre:: Stasia, I've read all three of Foster's books and enjoyed them. He's not patronizing and not overpowering; just informative in a relaxed sort of way.

>31 mckait:: Yeah, Kath, I'm surprised too. I didn't think I'd like it, but so far--maybe a hundred pages--it's really good.

>32 GCPLreader:: I've got the Beowulf on the Beach on the WL now. I was disappointed in Pearl's first book but liked the second one better. I think I had anticipated more in-depth talk about books rather than what she had in mind: tiny bits to encourage one to seek out new stuff. Since I knew what to expect when I read the second volume, I wasn't disappointed. That said, I'm not sure how useful her books are for me.

I'll be out of town until Friday late, so will return here then.

Item in a letter to the editor today: "We say we value education, but the highest-paid individual with any connection to education in the entire state is the head coach at Tuscaloosa. The situation in Georgia is similar."

No need for me to add to that.

I hope you have a good trip, Gail, and get some rest!

Hi Gail, I just saw your note on TIOLI about The Golden Compass. Too bad it didn't resonate with you any more than that. As you must know, I loved that book and thought it was quite wonderful, though after finishing the trilogy must say that the part about the daemons is what captivated me best.

Hope your trip went well and that life level has improved at least somewhhat.

>34 alcottacre: and >35 Smiler69:: The trip was fine, really; we had a good time and no arguments or difficulties. I can remember when 600 miles in a day was nothing; now we take two days to see a night ballgame 80 miles away. Still, a good chance for the old retired folks to get out of the routine.

>35 Smiler69:: Ilana, I really wanted to like Pullman's book, but it just sort of died on me. I kept wanting more backstory, and some character development. I had a feeling that the author had been lazy and hadn't developed an entire story and its necessary world in his head before he went to press. Just my opinion, of course; I know that you and many, many others loved it. But that daemon idea...now that was great: new and intriguing.

Oh, so, Kath, The Golden Compass petered out on me after about a hundred pages or so. Too bad; I had high hopes.

Book #62: Emma
is just as good as I remembered it. When I was near the end, at the unwinding of Emma's love life, I found myself just smiling away at the story. There's something to be said for a book that can make me smile after a long day. The biggest drawback to me was Emma's snobbery; other than that, she's very likable and really does show growth and development. Quite funny, too, in spots. I think it's my favorite Austen of the four I've read. A nice book to read for a comfort level.

Now I'm looking forward to August reading; finally going to tackle some modern literary fiction that I've been neglecting, hit a couple of old classics that are sitting around, maybe find something else as well. Should be a good month, I think.

Gail, I'm reading Emma right now and finding it quite enjoyable (or, as our heroine would say, it's a very amiable story). Her snobbery does bother me but I try to remember that Austen was providing some social commentary on her own time. I've not read it before (and I think I like Sense and Sensibility better).

Hey, Ellen. I now have Northanger Abbey and Persuasion as my two unread Austens. I plan on finishing the Austenthon this year. Certainly these six books are an important part of the development of the novel in Britain and the U.S.

Reading The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie which is delightful if a bit farfetched in parts...I mean, occasionally Flavia will show an adult point of view that she doesn't show somewhere else in the book, usually with a bit of off-color humor or sly remark. Still a great, funny, entertaining, easy read. Perfect for the summer or for the troubled mind.

# 38 Oh how I love both Northanger Abbey and Persuasion! Persuasion is my second favourite after Pride and Prejudice.

I read and reviewed The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie last year. I had trouble with loving the character of Flavia but it is overall an enjoyable book.

Glad to hear the trip went well Gail. I came round to Emma after finding the first third hard going.

Have you read these? I am mulling them over..

The Magicians: A Novel
by Lev Grossma

The Magician King: A Novel
by Lev Grossman

>39 Porua: I'm with Porua: *P&P* first and then *Persuasion* close behind. I'm going to be due for a rereading of all of Austen in the next year or so. I'll probably have Mansfield Park first or last since it is my least favorite.
Glad the trip was good. I wish I and mine got out sometime, but no. He says and means, "I have everything in the world I want right here. Why would I go somewhere else?" Luckily, I knew this before I married him.

>39 Porua:: Porua, your review is excellent, earned a tiny thumb. I'm looking forward to seeing how I like the last two Austens on my list.

>40 souloftherose:: Heather, I disliked Emma the person very much at first, but came to really like her in the end. Don't know if I'd want her for a friend, though--probably she wouldn't be a friendly type: note that she befriends Harriet in the desire to "improve" her lot in life, but really doesn't like or want to be friends with Jane, who is much more nearly her equal socially, and her superior in several accomplishments.

>41 mckait:: Kath, I've never heard of either of these or of the author, but they look pretty good from the reviews and synopses. I might give them a try myself.

>42 LizzieD:: See, Peggy, your hubby and I feel more or less the same. I've got books, music, movies, reasonably good food...DH has always been the instigator of trips. I wouldn't have dreamed of suggesting another cruise; all his idea. Not that I didn't enjoy it the first time...Of course I would go to see the children.

Book #63: The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie
This book is not something one can classify. The narrator, an 11-year-old girl, at times seems very realistic: the single-minded study of a subject that becomes an obsession; the secret mental plots of revenge, most of which don't come to fruition; the concentration on herself as the center of the universe.

In other ways she is completely unrealistic: too knowlegeable in too many areas, even for a precocious person; perfectly tuned in to lewd refrences one moment and completely innocent at another; too detached from what's left of her family.

Still, I enjoyed this thoroughly. Flavia is very funny in a poisonous sort of way, and the book was a terrific evocation of a time when children could be left to their own devices for long stretches of time; of course it's exaggerated in the book, but how nice it was to be able to discover myself, by myself, and to explore all the weird stuff I was interested in, with no one hovering over me.

Currently trying to choose among Old Filth, Shalimar the Clown, and Prague.

#43: I am not a Flavia lover. I expected to thoroughly enjoy the books but did not. I know I am in the minority though :)

>44 alcottacre:: Stasia, I often find myself holding a minority viewpoint. Books are so personal, I think; every reader brings his/her own background, life experiences, belief systems, etc. to each book. That's something I really love about LT: no matter how firm my own opinion about a book, I always learn something new and see a different vista when I read others' reviews or impressions of any particular book.

I've started Shalimar the Clown and am completely drawn in by the excellent prose, the very intimate feel of the novel, and the, well, the oddness of it all. Of course I'd heard of Rushdie, but wasn't compelled to read anything by him until I saw an hour-long interview on C-Span. He's an impressively suave, sophisticated, and knowlegeable man. Next time I was in a bookstore, I picked up the only work available. I think the idea of Midnight's Children is intriguing, too.

I have yet to read *Shalimar* and wish I were in a position to read it with you, but I have so much on my current list that I'd be foolish to start something else (unless I just can't help it) . DO get and read Midnight's Children and The Moor's Last Sigh if you enjoy his writing. I am a great Rushdie fan!!!

Life Level: Sad but Serene

DH went to grocery store on his own, got confused and couldn't quite find the way to the front. I am so, so glad he doesn't try to hide any of this from me, or to cover it up. I take it from his description that he became a bit uneasy. He fully realizes that any place new, or any place more than a very few miles from home, on a perfectly well-known route, is out of the question if he's alone. He says we're working through it together, and I guess we are. I know some other folks in similar situations where the affected party doesn't see the problem, or denies it. But he's always been the epitome of trusting confidence with me, ever since we first dated. Which of course makes one very careful of how one behaves, as to betray that kind of trust would be really quite unthinkable.

Reading Level: Wow!

Peggy, Rushdie's writing in this book is amazing. I could kick myself for not getting to his work sooner. On ot the WL go the two books you mentioned.

Gail, I think that's wonderful there is so much trust between you and your husband. My mother was a very untrusting person most of her life and it caused her to hide things from everyone in the beginning which made it much harder to help her. Sorry about the "sad" but "serene" sounds good.

I read Midnight's Children for a book group a couple of years ago and had to hold on for the ride most of the way. It's very confusing at times but I ended up loving it and am so glad that I "had" to finish it.

I'm so sorry, {{{{{{{{Gail }}}}}}}}}

Gail, I'm sorry to hear about your husband's troubles, and also sorry I hadn't been following your thread earlier so don't know what the background on that is, but whatever it is, I'm sending you my best wishes.

I started reading Midnight's Children a few years back and mostly liked it, but for some reason gave it up before the end. Really couldn't say why, and I do intend to finish it some day. Hope you continue enjoying Shalimar the Clown.

Dear Gail, what a gift his honesty is! I know that you cherish each other.
And I'm DELIGHTED that you're enjoying *Shalimar*. Rushdie and Arundhati Roy! What is there about Anglo-Indian English that produces two such pyrotechnical writers?

What Peggy said about your hubby, Gail. I am glad that he is willing and able to place utmost confidence and trust in you.

Just checking in, Gail. Great to hear that your reading level is at the "Wow" level. Sorry that you and your husband have to deal with so many on-going situations. As was said above, it's good that he confides in you. I am sure it is better for you to know exactly what is going on. Sending hugs.

How sweet to hear from Pat, Kath, Ilana, Peggy, Stasia, and Judy!

It probably seems odd that DH and self have this close, close relationship after 25+ years; maybe it's because we married as adults and were relieved to have found one another at last. Anyway, whatever it is, works for us. In many ways we're complete opposites, but that's helped to make us a more balanced couple. We had a good day today, so yay!

Ilana, DH has vascular dementia, a fairly rotten condition but better than some things are. It's a rough ride for both of us, but what can one do? We just keep muddling through somehow, at least so far.

Yesterday I walked out to the mailbox and somehow managed to turn my foot sideways, so that the outside of the foot was on the ground, and then put my full, not inconsiderable, weight on it. Yikes! I could feel the tendons tearing all the way up to my knee. Urg. Hadn't done that in years, but was immediately brought back to my childhood, a great deal of which was spent with ankles wrapped in ace bandages. Pain was intense for a while but has passed off some. Don't know what causes that, but wish it wouldn't.

On the book front, sticking with the Rushdie which is complex but marvelous. And I must agree with Peggy: love the Anglo-Indian books. Talk about a different perspective on the world...

Yikes is right! Hope the ankle heals quickly.

Gail, I figured it was something of the sort. Just had a quick look on wikipedia about it. I'm really sorry for both of you that you have to go through this. It is inspiring to see that you are so close after so many years. It's rare, but it's known to happen in some couples, and you're proof of that.

Sorry to hear about the ankle. Sounds really painful. Hope it heals nicely soon.

Oo, sorry to hear about the ankle! Want to borrow my boot?

How lucky is your husband to have someone so close and caring to help him through this. And how blessed are the two of you to have found what you've found with each other. My parents are the same way, and they met after both had gone through divorces, so maybe it is true that meeting a bit later in life works. Sending healing thoughts ankle-ward...

# 43 Thank you so much for the thumb! You are very kind my friend. :-)

So sorry about your ankle. Hope it mends super fast!

OMG Gail.. how painful .. I know.. I have done it 2 times or more on each ankle..
I am so sorry.. it takes way too long to feel better :( and causes considerable damage.

ouch ouch ouch! sending healing thoughts..

Life Level: Uneven

Reading Level: Outstanding

Good news: the ankle is better. Much, much better. Walked with no pain yesterday.

Bad news: Just got a cold sore/fever blister/whatever you want to call this plague/ to the clearing-up point, and have now developed another quite close to it. Dang. I use the Abreva cream, which is the best thing I've found anywhere for the outer symptoms, but I'm all out of Valtrex for the inner, blasted-to-the-nether-regions virus itself. So very painful, and of course embarassing, as it's on my upper lip and runs from a small swelling, into a huge swelling, into a big ol' blister, then scabs up...hideous. I know you all will be surprised, stunned even, to be told that stress is a major factor in outbreaks of this.

So anyway, I'm still reading and loving Shalimar the Clown. I've also been reading in a negligent, skip-around fashion the hysterically funny, incredibly informative A Night at the Opera. I own and have read quite a few books on opera, but this is definitely the best one I've ever seen. Anyone who can make reading about Wagner's Ring Cycle not only interesting but laugh-out-loud funny must be quite a man. I know that opera has a somewhat limited appeal, but I do really love it, and absolutely love this book. Oh, and I got my E.R. book, Wicked Autumn, which so far looks like a winner as well.

cold sore etc

apply honey a few times a day.

glad reading is treating you right, eve in life is a bit bumpy~~~

Ah-hah! Honey! Have jars of locally-produced right in the cupboard; thanks, Kath, for the tip. I'm a firm believer in honey; I understand it never spoils!

Glad to hear your ankle is so much better Gail.

I've known several people who've suffered from cold sores, and I sympathize with you. I get the equivalent inside my mouth, which, while there's not the embarrassment factor, is really painful. I won't go into detail about it because it can get pretty gross. Stress, being overtired and too much sugar trigger it in my case, and as it happens, those are three things that are pretty much constants with me! lol.

Never heard about honey as a cure, but hope it works for you.

Learned from a Portuguese friend of mine.. lots of tips passed down to her from her grandmother..
Honey is a great healer :)

Tastes good, too, unlike some of the more "modern" healing agents. I've had a couple of them in my mouth--the kind on the tip of one's tongue are particularly special--and sympathize.

agreed.. Honey should really be a bigger part of my diet..
I drop the ball in summer and don't drink tea and honey.

Niacin is a good thing to take regularly if it is a persistent problem..
That is not from anyone's grandma.. but is from a class I took I think?

Glad to hear about the ankle. My boot is safe :)

Hope Kath's cold sore cure works for you!

I'm glad that the ankle is better, doggone it, and sorry about the cold sores. Honey is great! Natural, raw, unheated honey is --- give me a minute and I'll come up with the word --- anaerobic and hydroscopic. (It both has some anti-bacterial function and sucks the water out of organisms.) (DH was a bee-keeper for years. He remembered the "hydroscopic" and I remembered the "anaerobic.") Now I would suggest that anybody who is interested should do some research.

Gail
I'm way behind on your thread. I'm sorry for all the stress you are experiencing. What an angel you are to patiently understand your husband. I hope your ankle is better today.

Cold sores=NO fun at all. I find that taking vitamin E on a regular basis helps keep them at bay. And, of course, you are right..stress plays a big factor in an outbreak.

I wish I could wave a magic wand and heal all the parts of your life that call for mending. But, please do know I'm thinking of you and sending hugs.

Adding my hopes into the mix that the honey works wonders, and sending healing vibes your way.

Ahh that elusive magic wand... too bad we can't all get one once we gain the wisdom to use it judiciously..
but then, who would decide what that point is?

still......

It was so good to get that (((((Gail)))) from you, I came to leave one FOR you!

Thank you, Kath! I'm feeling under the weather myself; dr. appt. tomorrow to see if we can get this sorted out. Ptui.

But...Wicked Autumn is turning out to be great. Love to get a new mystery.

More tomorrow, one hopes.

Gail, hope you feel better soon and that the doctor can be of help.

I don't usually get cold sores, but I'm a big believer in the healing benefits of honey. I need to go back to my daily breakfast of a whole wheat English Muffin with honey. I think it helps with my arthritic hip and knee; and, if it doesn't, at least it's a mighty tasty way to begin the day.

I want to read more Rushdie books. I loved Midnight's Children. In fact, I've been thinking of doing a reread of it - right after I read Shalimar the Clown and some of the others I've missed.

Be well, my friend, and eat some honey!

Amen to honey! And Amen to good doctors! And while I'm amen-ing, Amen to Rushdie too!

I'm going to go with the honey route in some tea and on the morning cereal or toast, muffin, or biscuit. That was a pattern in my youth, too, with honey in lemon juice for coughs or, warmed up, congestion. My daughter uses honey to sweeten her coffee, which seems a bit over, but she swears it's good.

This may seem silly, but I was so glad my own dr. was too booked to see me. Instead I got the head of the clinic who immediately said, "This and this for the cold sore problem; you seem tense, perhaps some atavan to help with this bad patch?" May the sun shine on him. My own dr. isn't for me, I don't think, but it's a bit of a hassle to change over. Anyway, got plenty of the anti-viral to take at the first twingy sign of a breakout in a bolus dose, and enough lorazepam to last until time for my next checkup. I so rarely see dr.'s myself since I'm no longer working, it seems strange to go there.

Thanks, Ilana. I think things will both look up and calm down now.

Donna, I'm dying to try Midnight's Children as I read The God of Small Things and was mightily moved and pleased by it. Thanks for the good wishes.

Peggy, I can only second the "amens" right now. Just being acknowledged as having a justifiable problem can make all the difference in the world.

You know that phrase "It's all in your head?" Well, hell yeah, where do you think I live?

Amen to Atavan

Gail: Feel better.

Serendipity at the very least!
I just went through changing doctors last year, and I'm very thankful that I did. Of course, I had to move out of the old clinic to do it, but that's fine. Amen again. And no wonder we head-dwellers have such a happy time here!

I take Ativan when I've had trouble sleeping for a few days in a row, but I'm really careful not to take it for more than just a few days because I'm so afraid to ever get addicted to it. But yes, it does help calm the nerves, and I have been known to take a half pill or even a whole one once in a while when my nerves were on edge. I have to be careful with meds because some of them affect me really strongly in even the smallest doses.

I sincerely you get some much needed relief.

#78: I am glad that the doctor has given you some help, Gail! I hope that the meds do the trick for you.

popping in to see how things are today :)

Glad the doctor's appt was helpful Gail and I hope the honey and meds help things improve soon. I'm always nervous about going to the doctor's - a good, sympathetic doctor can make such a difference and it may not be that they actually give you a different treatment but the extra few seconds they spend acknowledging that what you're dealing with is problematic can make all the difference.

Ah, here are all of you! So good to see Kath, Beth, Peggy, Ilana, Stasia, and Heather!

Life Level: Cranky and Blue, but Improving

Reading Level: A bit scattered, but all good

The meds have taken care of the lip (imagine shingles on one's upper lip---yucko), and the Ativan is helping to calm things down. Ilana, I see what you mean about cutting them in half: I felt pole-axed, although so cheery and relaxed, after taking a whole one. I mean, I want to be calmer, but not precisely out in the stratosphere floating around. I used the honey as both a sort of lip salve and a sweetener; quite soothing in both roles.

Anyway, we are making it as best we can. I'm a bit concerned about some foot swelling--c.h.f. probably, and not too alarming at this point. I mean dh's not mine; typically I'm boringly healthy and hearty.

On the book front, dh read and loved Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand about an American prisoner in a Japanese p.o.w. camp. He's always been compelled to share all the good bits of what he reads, so I thought the book was pretty good too, though I've no idea of the writing style. I'm still with Shalimar the Clown--wow! what a story! and reading The Master as well. Both are excellent.

Still broilingly hot here, but cooling just noticeably. A good bit of rain has really helped. I'm going to try to finish up at least one book and get a review written of it and of my latest ER tomorrow afternoon.

And a happy Sunday to all.

Hi Gail

I'm stopping in to say I'm thinking of you and sending hugs your way.

Hi Gail, the first couple of times I took a whole Ativan to sleep I found it almost impossible to wake up the next day, and then I was stoned for the next 24 hours, which is why I decided to go with the half. But then, one builds a resistance to them awfully fast, which is part of the reason they quickly become addictive.

Still, I'm glad to hear it was helpful. Hope all is ok with DH.

I've been wanting to get my hands on The Master for the longest time, but was waiting to read some Henry James before I did so. In the meantime, I read Tóibín's Brooklyn and wasn't all that enthralled, so yes, I look forward to discovering The Master...

Hi Gail. Cutting the Ativan in half sounds like a good idea (not that I'm a doctor, mind you). I don't know how I'd live without my Ambien, but a half-dose is definitely enough to do the trick. I hope you're feeling better soon and that the world cools off just a bit for you....

I really must get to Unbroken soon!

Glad that you found the honey to be soothing... there is something about it imo...

cheery and relaxed ? That sounds good to me! But you know what is best for you..
so ... if that means half... so be it :)

Nothing at all new in my world yet..
cory has an interview on tuesday.. crossing crossables for that.

Hi Gail, sorry to hear your feeling somewhat cranky and blue. Well, I think you are more than allowed to feel cranky now and again. I just hope the Blues clear away. Have a lovely Sunday and stay cool.

*waving* at Gail

*Waving and calling hello*
to all who visit here: Linda, Ilana, Ellen, Kath, Stasia, Judy and anyone else lurking around...I love ya all.

Welcome back, Ellen1 Hope your trip was terrific.

I've been off and not posting on my own thread (oh, the shame) but have been reading others' threads and occasionally leaving a brief message and/or star.

I don't think I've ever read a book as dense as Shalimar the Clown, at least not lately. It's terrific, but not something one just whips right through. Lots of stuff about Kashmir and a culture that's different enough to make me have to pay close attention.

On the other hand, I read
Book #63: When the Fat Lady Sings
and a bigger waste of time I've never seen. I should have known better, but of course didn't. Just terrible, not funny, not informative, just yuk. No stars, not recommended.

Maybe I'll read a mystery. Not that I'm giving up on the Rushdie. It's way too good for that. It just takes time. And I've been dipping into one or two other things and spending lots of time with the music. The ativan is helping, mostly.

No stars eh? Wow, that must be some sucky book. When I really hate a book, I give it a half or one star, just so I remember how much I've disliked it at a glance. I consider that to be quite an insult, so I'm really careful when I hand those out.

I think alternating Shalimar with a mystery, or anything on the lighter/easier side is a good idea. Personally, I always like to mix it up and almost always follow up dense literature with something like crime fiction or children's/YA lit, graphic novels, etc.

There's no shame in not posting on your own thread or anywhere else, though I'm sure your visits are always appreciated, wherever they may be. I do hope you feel better soon. Is the Ativan still helping?

No stars? I like that!

Take a stand against Blah books!

Unfortunately, if a book is rated with no stars, LT just sees it as unrated. You have to rate a book at least 1/2 star for it to be figured in the overall rating.

I trust your next read will at least rate 1 star, Gail!

Gail....good grief.....I lost you! Somehow, my 'star' came off and it suddenly occured to me that I hadn't seen your thread pop up for awhile. I promise to stay more in touch. So glad you and DH have been able to cope with things so far...I think the episode #47, while scary, should give you both a boost of confidence knowing that you are coping together, and he is comfortable confiding and depending on you.

I do hope the honey and all other remedies both holistic and pharmaceutical can bring you some relief. Stay off the ankle, settle back and grab a silly cozy mystery.

Big giant Hugs..........

Stopping by to leave a stack of good wishes :)

Hope you and dh are ok Gail.

Life Level: Tired. Sad. However, a few laughs are still available.

Reading Level: Calming down after two marvelous reads.

Hello to all. I've been, um, depressed, down in the dumps, lousy company and so have not posted. Truth be told, I just didn't have the energy to post; you all have been most kind about all our little difficulties. Anyway, the downhill slide is evident and sort of crushing, if you know what I mean; but we still maintain as best we can. Kidney dr. visit tomorrow. Dh had an acute aortic anyeurism some time ago--we are extremely fortunate that he is in the less than 10% who survive such an episode--and the whole mess caused some kidney damage, which has remained perfectly stable for over two years. But it has to be checked every six months or so, just to make sure. He's developed a couple of odd-ish symptoms to mention to dr.

Finished the amazingly complex and yet enjoyable
Book #64: Shalimar the Clown,
review right here. I was very impressed by this, my first Rushdie. The similarity of, and the unfamiliarity of, the names was a bit difficult at first, making the work go slowly for me. But that last third or so just rushed on to the conclusion. An intriguing work, but one which requires some effort on the part of the reader.

Then went on to read something completely different: Old Filth, an equally enjoyable book. I've not done a review yet, but will soon. Currently reading Heart of Darkness and also trying Fingersmith, but I don't seem to be in the mood for that right now. May go back and finish The Master instead, as I'm trying to read some more current fiction this month...what's left of it.

Oh, and I didn't use my laptop for about four months (I know, conspicuous consumer of unneeded items, thy name is bohemima) and it took a couple of hours to get all the updates downloaded and installed. A little anxiety going on there too--what if I broke it???? But all is well now. I think in about 5 years I'll get a tablet sort of thing...maybe.

I hope this finds all of you well.

Hi Gail... I think of you so often..
there is so much on your shoulders..
I can't help but wish there was some way to ease your burden..
Sorry that you are not enjoying Fingersmith.. hope it works for you someday..
I love her books so much... It is about time for a new one, I think.. I will have to investigate ..
in the meantime

hugs to you :)

You have my sympathy Gail, you've obviously going through some very difficult things which would wear down anyone.

As for conspicuous consumerism, you can count me and the majority of the Western world in too.

Thanks, Kath. Just knowing that you and the others are here is very helpful. I know that the Winters book will draw me back to it; I think I'm afraid of too much drama right now.

*basks in hugs*

Ilana, I disgust myself sometimes; I mean what on earth is the matter with me? I need nothing...literally nothing. I've enough books right in the house to last me for several years, dvd's ditto. Shoes...enough plus. We eat well. I really should walk away from buying. I'm trying. But it is hard.

Heard a great interview with J.A. Jance this morning on the iPod...first time I realized she's a she! Felt dumb. Listening to authors discuss how they work and what motivates them is fascinating.

Gail, don't be too hard on yourself. As I sit here, I'm typing this on my new MacBook Pro, which I can't afford, but justified buying because "if I get it now, I can sell the old one while it's still under warranty and get more money for it". Meanwhile, no one has responded to my ads for it, and I could really use the money the new laptop is costing me to take a trip to France and see my mother I haven't seen in what will soon be a decade (even though I don't feel well enough to go father than a couple blocks from my place yet). So I think I win this particular contest, when it comes to the buying disease.

eta: come over and help me with a fun little challenge I posted about just now, when you get a chance.

Hi Gail, sorry to hear things are somewhat difficult right now. Thank heavens for good books to lose oneself in. Thinking of you and sending hugs.

Yep. I know what you mean. When life is pressing down hard, I run for the light reading.
After the last year, I am only just thinking about picking up something more intense. I want to reread
Hummingbird's Daughter before the sequel comes out.. So I am hoping to do that in Sept.

You did remind to check for new books of hers though, and it looks like nothing is in the offing.. sad that :(

I hope that today brings you some little magics here and there...

keep on basking by the way, I am sure that I am not the only one sending you little thought hugs now and then during the days..

You're in my thoughts!

((Hugs))

Hugs Gail.

Hi Gail! Just stopping by to say hello and I am thinking of you.

I read on your previous thread that you had attended a support group for caregivers. Are you still doing that? I've had a hard time finding anything like that around here.

take care

Sandy K

Dear Gail, I think that you are not dealing with a "little difficulty." I do think that you're dealing remarkably well, better than I could do. When our trials come, I hope I deal half as well.
So here's another hug from N.C. and wishes for your well-being and hopes that the kidney issues are nothing much.
You have me eager to read *Shalimar.* Can't do it now though.......

Ilana, Judy, Kath, Porua, Heather, Sandy: Hi! Thanks very much for the kind words and cyber hugs. Very important to me right now, as I am low.

>110 sandykaypax:: Sandy, yes, I went to a meeting on Tuesday. I happened on the group by the sheerest chance: I was reading an article about a retiring minister in a local church, and the group was mentioned. A place to check on such groups might be your local hospice; they have lots and lots of information. This meeting wasn't as helpful for me, but it did show again that this isn't an uncommon problem. And did you happen to see that Pat Summit, the great women's basketball coach at Tennessee, has been diagnosed with early-onset dementia? She's 59, I think. So it's becoming more commonly acknowledged, I think.

It was suprising how much damage the quake in the D.C. area caused. And now they have the hurricane to add a little worry to their lives. Maybe that will pass them by, though.

Still reading The Master. I read the reviews here, and some said nothing happens--that there isn't a plot. Well, no. In that sense, David Lodge's book moved along fairly briskly. But this seems to be more of, I don't know, almost an imagination of what James's autobiography would have looked like, had he written one.

Weather remains hot, but getting signs of cooling in the early mornings.

Sorry to hear you're feeling low Gail. But then, I probably would too if I were in your shoes. Sending you more hugs.

I'm liking the sound of The Master. I'll just have to pick up another Henry James novel or two before I read it so I can fully appreciate it.

Gail, I did see the news about Pat Summit. What a brave woman. She is a fighter. My heart goes out to her.

thanks for the tip on checking with local hospice, I will do that.

Sandy K

*waving* at Gail

Just stopping by to say hello..
I am sorry this is a rough time for you..
but glad that at lease we can help as far as to keep you in our thoughts..
and in our hearts..

sending good energy mojo your way daily!

hugs

Glad to see all the comments of support for Coach Summitt! We had a "wear orange" day today in East Tennessee to show our support of her as she goes through this new challenge.

skipping through... ( yeah, right.. can you just picture that? ) to say hello!

*Dusts * & *fluffs pillows and puts a pitcher of lemonade in the fridge*

Hi Gail, just thought I'd drop by to say it was nice getting a sign of life and thanks for the great book choice. Hope you're doing ok.

Hi, Gail! Just stopping by to see how you've been. Sending warm thoughts your way!

Me too. I have been a long-time James reader and have a copy of The Master waiting for me. Since I loved Brooklyn, I know it will be good. It's just a matter of getting to it. I think I have to live forever and have eyes and a brain............
Find ways to laugh, my friend, and remember that hugging is good.

(((((((((((gail))))))))))

Hello to Sandy, Stasia, Kath, Lori ( is this your first post here at my thread? Welcome!) Ilana (hey!), Terri, Peggy, and a special thanks to kath for dusting and getting that lemonade ready. With a bit of vodka added, it was just right, as Red Riding Hood said.

Life Level: Angry, annoyed, irritated, not liking myself because of all of those.

Reading Level: Sinking into comfortable this month.
Doing lots of series, working them into TIOLI; doing a bit of Judaica reading (thanks for the very gentle push in that direction, Stasia), which has been an interest of mine since I was 13; perhaps touching a couple of the classics--shorter ones.

I struggled last month both with myself and with my reading, the result being a very disheartening month. Finally decided that The Master just goes on too damned long, but it's probably a very acute portrayal of James, and thus worth the read. Toibin perfectly captures a long-vanished time and attitudes with a magical hand.

I listened to another author Monday, the man who wrote the Artemis Fowl books. Very interesting. There have only been a few authors I've skipped over after a couple of minutes in their interviews; most are really interesting, even if I haven't read their books.

I'm going to organize my two or three reviews and get them up this week. Oh, and now I got a notice that I will be receiving an ARC from the August list. No memory of that one...hmmm....

It was 64!!!! this morning when I went out to garden. Yippee! Maybe we will have an autumn after all!

Gail, have you by chance come upon Author! Author! another fictional account of H. James by David Lodge? Somebody here recommended it, and I bought it but haven't read it.
64!!! We were at least in the upper 60's this morning, and I thought that was good.

Oh, yes, Peggy, I read Author! Author! first, about a year ago, maybe, and liked it much better. That would be, perhaps, a minority opinion, but it moves faster, involves other characters on their own, rather than through James's eyes, and just seemed a more interesting book to me.

well.. it was 65 this morning here.. but near 90 today and 90 expected tomorrow.
skeptical about autumn. :-/

#124: thanks for the very gentle push in that direction, Stasia

You are most welcome. Most of my pushes are not that gentle :)

Sigh. Once again the good resolutions have been abandoned and your correspondent has simply rolled over and let the Book Demon have his way...

Still. It was all for charity. Newly acquired (I never, but never, can spell that word):

West with the Night, autobio. by Beryl Markham, a fascinating woman

Spring of Violence, an old mystery by Dell Shannon; brought back sweet memories of my mum, had to get it

A Knight at the Opera, autobio. by Sir Rudolf Bing, an old favorite, adding to opera collection

Funeral Games because I need to read more Mary Renault

The Bull from the Sea, ditto

The Gastronomical Me, I tried another book by her, didn't like it too much, this is a second chance to see what the shouting's about

Charlotte's Web, how can I not have read this book?

Giants in the Earth, because I believe in self-discipline, sometimes

Good Morning, Midnight I like Reginald Hill mysteries

Kissing the Gunner's Daughter, I like Rendell, her stuff is creepy

Going for Gold I love Emma Lathen mysteries and didn't own a single one

Miss Smilla's Feeling for Snow, I want to see what others see

Kane and Abel, an old favorite potboiler, why not? for those low days

The Dreaming Suburb, same as above, but historical

Dubin's Lives, I've only read one Malamud and loved and hated it at the same time

Maurice, A Novel, the only Forster novel I didn't own

Lady Sackville: A biography, goes with my "Things Relating to Virginia Woolf" stuff

The Magnificent Century, an old favorite and a good addition to the Medieval shelf

and last: Get Shorty, because I've never read a Leonard book and this looked good

Good stuff! I don't read lots of bios or autobios (if any), but West With the Night is one I'll get to eventually.

Congratulations on a fine haul!! You have lots of good reading ahead of you with this list, and truly, you were pretty restrained for a big charity sale. As far as I'm concerned you get points for contributions and points for not bringing too much home.

Wow, wow wow!!

well done :)

Well, it was a goodly amount of books for only $15--the guy was only going to charge $12, but that seemed just unfair, since two of them are hardcover, and rare-ish.

So, even though I kind of went overboard, I was only there an hour--the amount of books is just overwhelming and too much of a good thing, almost. I'd say, conservatively speaking, there were at least 20,000 books available, which is, um, a lot.

You got some great books, I agree you can never read enough Mary Renault, and I love mysteries by both Reginald Hill and Ruth Rendall. West With the Night is also on my wishlist. I think you really got a great deal!

Great haul! Wish I was there!

While I contemplated the sudden additions to my library, I realized I needed to write a couple of reviews.

Book 65: Wicked Autumn
is an ARC I was lucky enough to receive. It's a good mystery, reviewed here

andBook 66: Old Filth
one of the most original and best books I've read this year, is reviewed right here

I closed my eyes to all other reviews before I reviewed them and must remember to go back and look at others' opinions later today.

>125 LizzieD:-6: > Thanks for that reminder about Author, Author. I had completely forgotten that it was about Henry James. I liked this poem that was heading "The Writer's Almanac" today:

"Poor Mr. James," Virginia Woolf once said:
"He never quite met the right people."
Poor James. He never quite met the
children of light and so he had to invent them.
Then, when people said: No one is like that.
Your books are not reality, he replied:

So much the worse for reality.

He described himself as "slow to conclude,
orotund, a slow-moving creature, circling his rooms
slowly masticating his food."

Once, when a nephew asked his advice
on how to live, he searched his mind.
Number One, be kind, he said.
Number Two, be kind and
Number Three, be kind.

"Henry James" by June Beisch, from Fatherless Woman

I hope life is kind to you today, Gail. It looks like The Book Demons were kind enough to add some good (and cheap) books to your library. Great haul!

I would love to steal that and put it on FB.. would you mind, Donna?

Thanks from me too, Donna. That's very nice.
Hi, Gail!

#129 Hooray! Since you posted about your haul on Stasia's thread I've been looking forward to seeing what you got. West with the Night is one I've heard of before and sounds very interesting.

#136 I don't think I've heard of Jane Gardam before and she was awarded an OBE a couple of years ago. Obviously I need to rectify my omission! I've put Old Filth on my wishlist.

>138 mckait:: Why not, Kath? I stole it from The Writer's Almanac.... and it does credit the author and book it came from.

:) thank you !

Oh, loved the James poem, thanks for posting it here, Donna. Good to see you here again.

Hi, Porua, Peggy, Heather, Kath. What's up with all of you?

>140 souloftherose:: Oh, you have to give Gardam a try. She's unique and not so serious or weird that one is just confused by her work...only speaking for myself, there.

Some time ago I found an absolutely wicked parody of James's speech by Virginia Woolf, who, no matter how much I admire her work and ideas, could be both difficult and unkind. Of course I lost the quote and never could find it again. But I've decided I like the poem better anyway.

I forgot one book on my recent compulsive spree: Day of the Dead by J.A. Jance. I got it because I've never read one of her books.

I don't seem to be sleeping well...carefully calculating my hours last night, I slept about 3 hours and 45 minutes. This is lousy, to be frank. I get crabby and excessively tense when I don't sleep a good 6, or even better, 7 hours a night. This is an old problem, though, and an inherited one: mother, both brothers had the same difficulty. Dad, of course, could have slept on a picket fence. I'm awfully sleepy tonight though, and didn't nap or even lie down today, so perhaps I can catch a good amount of zzzzz's...

Hi Gail! Old Filth goes on the TBR list with about a zillion others. Spent about an hour catching up on your thread and apologise for having missed you earlier. Very impressed by your recent purchases (#129) 19 books was it? Only read the Peter Hoeg and the Elmore Leonard so will be interested to see what you make of the rest.
What happened to The Master? Have you given up on it or are you savouring it slowly. Toibin is a delicate writer but was Henry James life interesting enough to fictionalise?

Hi Gail, I've added Old Filth to the wish list too. I borrowed 3 Europa books from the library recently, and was considering that one too—my #1 criteria was that they had to be short books! All the same, I have no idea how I'll fit them in. Maybe have to cut back on LT? The horror!

Sorry to hear about your sleep problems. I usually need a good 8 hours, preferably 9 even, and I know what you mean about feeling crabby and whatnot. I'm not fit to be among civilized people when I'm in that state.

#137 I LOVED the poem too Donna, in fact, I'm going to share it with my 3 blog readers! :-)

I dare not pay attention to blue text..
( types with eyes closed)

Just came to say that I hope all is well with you :)

( tries to ignore J A Jance book)

In all seriousness.. I hope that you can get some better rest very soon..
It is not good when you can't sleep enough. NOt only tiredness, but the things
that go through your mind! The dark of night might be cozy and relaxing...
as long as it isn't hours that you should be asleep.

#143 Oh Gail, I'm so sorry about the lack of sleep. Not getting enough sleep is the most debilitating thing (I find). I especially hate that worrying about not sleeping often seems to be a self-fulfilling prophecy with me but even though I'm aware of that I can't always seem to turn the anxiety off. Last night was a prime example.

Took an ativan and slept like a log. DH had a wakeful spell, got up to read; I didn't even here him, very unusual for me. Got about 8 hours and felt much better today.

Paul, Welcome! To answer your questtion, I finished

Book #67: The Master toward the end of last month.
It was well-written--delicate is a good descriptor for Toibin's style--and while I enjoyed it, eventually it came to feel claustrophobic. The constant going back over previous events became a bit wearing. It's a good book, and I think James is a good subject for a novel. That said, the book left me dissatisfied in some way. I know others think it's an outstanding work, but it just sort of petered out during the last third. 3.75*'s

Ilana, Kath, Heather: Thanks for the kind words and wishes. Sleeplessness is an ongoing problem, but I usually manage to keep it under control in one way or another.

Also finsihed last month was
Book #68: Heart of Darkness. Very weird, very atmospheric, just an odd experience. This short novel has sort of been co-opted, of course, by the Coppola film, "Apocolyspe Now", an updating of the story to the time of the Viet Nam war. It was good, the book I mean, but just has an awful, sort of nasty effect on the reader. 3.5*'s

Book #69: Death at the President's Lodging
is an atmospherically fantastic book with a lame, silly plot. The storyline was so convoluted that it became farcical. I didn't read Innes in my earlier detective-story-reader life. This is the second book of his that I've read; not too impressed with either one. I've a couple more around here somewhere, but they can wait.

Currently deeply involved in The Redbreast, which is becoming more and more depressing, but still excellent.

I am on a medication that I have to take at night.. it does help me to fall asleep.. but I wake
early and feel... agitated. This is probably not what this particular med is meant to do. I feel
so antsy all the time... argh!

Sorry about book 68 lol... I hate when that happens :)

glad that you got some sleep. Ativan is very useful...

Hi Gail, what a great thread. I just finished West with the Night and thought it was fantastic!

And, Beryl had quite a romantic life outside of her hum drum lion-stalking, warthog-hunting, elephant-scouting, comrade-rescuing, horse-racing and Atlantic-crossing.

Glad about the better sleep. It's necessary to break that waking-up cycle, and I'm glad that you've got one good night under your belt. Hope tonight will be too.
I have a sentimental feeling for most of the Innes Applebys - don't know quite why. DH also enjoys them; what he likes always surprises me. I haven't read any Conrad in years and need to, also Old Filth, also The Master. Didn't somebody say something once about books and time?

I too am glad you got a good night's sleep. I keep Ativan around to break cycles when I get too wound up for a few days at a time. Sometimes I just get on a high that lasts several days and sleep just won't come. It's fun while it lasts, but then I can go for weeks trying to recuperate.

#150 Beryl had quite a romantic life outside of her hum drum lion-stalking, warthog-hunting, elephant-scouting, comrade-rescuing, horse-racing and Atlantic-crossing.

Loved that sentence! West with the Night has been on my wish list for a good while. I'll get to it eventually. Sounds like a great read and a really fascinating woman.

Just stopping by to say hello, Gail! Sorry to hear that you've not been sleeping well. My husband suffers from insomnia, he hates it. I am quite a good sleeper, never really have had a problem falling asleep, but I used to have terrible nightmares as a child. I need 8-9 hours of sleep to feel normal.

My sister Diane really loved West with the Night. I've never read it, maybe I should give it a try and then she and I can talk about it. She just seems to read mysteries now, so it's hard to discuss those without spoiling.

Hope you have a good day!

Sandy K

# 148 I bought Heart of Darkness for my 'Thingaversary'. But I am intimidated by it. It may turn out to be a difficult book for me.

>154 Porua: I have a couple of books like that :) Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Prophet, Martyr, Spy being one of them.
Mind you I want to read it, but someday .. not right now.

Gail... sounds like you have a good weekend plan ( from my thread ) hope it works out,
and is even better than you expect.

Life Level: Unsure. Seems to be be improving...but shhhh! Don't tell anyone!

Reading Level: Instructive.

Steve: Great to see you here! I loved the remark about Beryl. I have another book about her, hmmm...but I don't think it does her justice. Lots of people love West with the Night, I can see, so it will be moving up the TBR Soon stack.

Peggy: Yep, I think I'll run out of life before I run out of books. Which is, to my mind, a sort of paradise on earth.

Ilana: Hey! I don't have too many of those highs, although I used to when younger. Now seem to be stuck in low-to-medium mode.

Porua: H. of D. is so short that it's a fairly quick read. Nothing difficult about the writing, but the subject matter is...well...problematical.

Kath!: My weekend so far has turned out more or less as expected:
Partly shopping with a chance of laundry.
Of course, we are rewarded with all sorts of good food. And marvelous weather this week-end as well.

The instructive part of the reading is thus:

Book #70:The Redbreast
is that great new mystery/police procedural/suspense novel from Norway that everyone's talking about...well lots of people, anyway. Although rather hefty at over 500 pages, I couldn't detect much fat in it. It was eye-opening to learn of the sympathetic attitude toward Nazis among some Norwegians. If it hadn't been for that recent crazed, awful case a few weeks ago, I would have presumed that author Nesbo was using some justifiable literary license to exaggerate what is obviously quite a problem. The main character is convincing, the villain complex and believable, the background atmosphere engaging, and the plot drives fast enough to keep a jaded mystery reader clicking along. Really a good book, 4*s.

Now for the instructive part.

Book #71:The Mephisto Club
is a quite serviceable suspense/police procedural/mystery in the Rizzoli and Iles series. This is the first in the series I've read, just as the Nesbo book was the first of that series to come my way. Reading one right after another points up clearly the difference between a "Uh-huh. Been here, read this, seen it on t.v., just-a-way-to-pass-the-time" book and a truly interesting, well-written novel of that genre. It's not that I didn't enjoy the Gerritson book--but it's very ordinary. Nesbo's book is something special.

Apologies to all Gerritson fans whom I have now irredeemably insulted.

My sister asked me to go back to Costco with her today. I agreed and then halfway there remembered it was saturday. EEEEK! It was insanity on speed. I almost made it out without more than anxiety.. but on the way out the door got rammed with a shopping cart. sigh. I am bruised but fine.

I bought some cheddar cheese there the other day and wanted to get more.. delish!
And I got some beef on sale to crock pot tomorrow. But as you say, some good food.. I also got mandarin
oranges.. a nice big bag full! yum!

Hi, Gail! I have a couple of months wait before the first Nesbo comes in for me at PBS. You make me want to forget the queue and go ahead and buy it. I won't though - at least, not right now.
Kathleen, I just downloaded the Bonhoeffer bio to my Kindle last week (one of their Kindle Daily Deals), and I'm looking forward to it when I finish several biggies that I have going now. If you can wait a month or so, do you want to try it with me? DB is certainly one of my heroes!

Thank you so much for the invite Lizzie! I am way too much of a mood reader to plan
anything, and have never committed to a read with anyone, for fear of letting them down.
I am pretty sure that I won't be reading Bonhoeffer that soon... but I do appreciate the thought :)

Waving to Gail!

*waves to all*

My goodness. Sunday is my favorite day of the week. No commitments except church; we go to early service, so are out by 9:30 and then a day of relaxation, reading, contemplation, just easy fun of whatever sort. A soothing end (I'm aware that it's actually the first day of the week, but...) to any week.

Zipping along now with Founding Brothers and Outwitting History, and of course a mystery on the side...

Kath and Peggy have heightened my interest in Dietrich Bonhoeffer; of course I've heard of him, but only vaguely; must look him up.

A good week to all: less pain, more serenity for everyone.

Glad things are running smoothly for you, Gail. We've had a hectic weekend of babysitting the grandchildren, and as much as I love them, I am eagerly awaiting their parents arrival to pick them up and the peace and quiet that will result!

Heya Gail! What's the good word? *hug*smooch*

*faints*

Welcome, Rdear. The good word for today would be HATE as in "I hate doing business with the government." Or it could possibly be "reading"--no explanation needed.

Difficult time filling out forms, made an error (no surprise there) and of course now must wait eons to reach a live person. Bleah.

Forms are the devil. You have my total and complete sympathy.
:P~~~~

Ah, geez louise...now must go in person...pooh...maybe Wednesday. I can read, and you know, spell and stuff, and do know the information...poop.

Anyway, still reading up a storm and loving the Outwitting History. It makes me smile and almost weep. A great book. On a completely different level, also enjoying A Touch of Frost which is snarky and coarse and fun to read. Actually, that sounds a lot like large portions of my family, bless their weirdo ways. It's always so crazy and loud and full of laughter when we (all too seldom) get together. Sigh. Miss the fun a LOT. Getting old is not all beer and skittles, really.

Frost sounds good..

going in person totally does not .. ugh!

(((HUGS))) Gail.

Bureaucracy IS hell, I'm sure of it.

The good news is that unlike hell, once dealt with, we can move on to more pleasant things, like reading and LT friends. :-)

>168 Smiler69:: Excellent point! I anticipate one meeting and then that will be done with. Whereas hell could go on and on and on...

LT friends have helped through an awful lot of sturm und drang this year...I owe you all a lot.

Oh, and do seek out Outwitting History, Ilana, if you haven't already read it. Wonderful.

Founding Brothers is not so hot. I remember some sort of scandal about Ellis...others' research, plagiarism, something of the sort. Well, my main complaint is that so far his writing is kind of boring. And it's hard to make the Burr-Hamilton relationship dull. Never mind. Perhaps the book will pick up as we go along...

Oh Gail....you sure hit the nail on the head about Ellis. I think Founding Brothers was one of the most boring books I've read about that period of history, and I generally enjoy books about that era. His bios of Jefferson and Washington are equally dry. I don't remember a scandal, but I think he's much more academician than writer. Hope you can find something more interesting and soothing soon.

Oh gee. Bureaucracy! I'm sorrier than I can say that you're mixed up with them in person although in person you can keep your body there until they satisfy you - and you can take your book to read while you wait. I hope it's *Frost*! I need to get to the last one that I own. I love him, but I caution you not to quote him when dealing with bureaucrats!

Chiming in to grouse about Ellis: I read his Washington biography and found him to be very pleased with himself indeed (and for no discernible reason). Ugh.

Wow, Tina, Peggy, and Amber! Glad to know it's not just me who finds this author dull as dishwater. While reading last night I remembered the sad little story: he claimed that he had served in Viet Nam, when in fact he'd not done so. Not sure why anyone would do that when it's so easily disproved. I'm on the chapter about Jefferson and Madison now and the book continues to be a slog. This is a period of history I'm both familiar with and interested in, so it would seem that the fault lies with him; besides his tedious writing style, he reaches conclusions not supported by available data, and has a smug attitude as well. One odd turn of phrase that is cropping up repeatedly: "The picture was congealing in his mind." Unless his mind uses oil paints, I'm not sure that "congealing" is the best choice of words. I'll probably finish it, but it will be moved on pronto.

In other news: in an attempt to avoid face-to-face meeting(s), I tried the national toll-free number, only to receive this message: "If you'd like directory assistance" blah, blah, blah. Will try the local toll-free after 9, but I'm not optimistic.

Oh, and ladies: After six long, long months, the hairdresser, who is truly off the rails of any train that could be considered normal, has got the haircut where I want it. The addition of a simple product to control frizz, and at last I've got something I don't hate. Progress.

>171 LizzieD:: I will try my best, Peggy, not use his language when talking with the lovely helpful well-trained people at the gov'mint.

I think that sometimes, some are reluctant to say that they dislike a book, or an author that
someone else likes, lest another LTer or the author or someone.. have their feelings hurt. I do
not have that problem myownself.. as I honestly think.. we are all entitled to an opinion. I love Luis Urrea, rd does not. This does not hurt my feelings and probably not Luis' feelings either..

I CANNOT listen to a book.. I can't understand how anyone can.. but they sure are
entitled to love it ! What difference does it make that I don't like it? none, of course.
Well.. I try to be straightforward without hurting feelings.. which would be easier if more
people were straightforward but?

Fingers crossed with the "lovely helpful well-trained people at the gov'mint.". I will send positive energy your way until it's over :-/

>174 mckait:: Kath, thanks for expressing those feelings. I often find myself on the wrong end of the popularity train, or in fact steaming in the opposite direction. While I may think for a nanosecond, "Oh, why didn't you like that book?" when someone dislikes something I love, it's just momentary and really, what could be more personal and idiosyncratic than opinions about books? There's a mountain of books out there that I can't abide, while others love them. So what? I'm not compelled to read them.

However, as someone pointed out to me recently, if people get so very excited about books and disagreements regarding them, it's no wonder that wars are/have been fought about religion. What bothers me is the uproar that results when I epxress a negative or neutral opinion of a popular work. People get really hot and bothered, flatly contradict what I've said--how can one contradict another's opinion?--and leave the distinct impression that one is at best illiterate and most likely stupid as well. Often I downplay my thoughts so as to avoid confrontation. Other times, I just "damn the torpedos, full speed ahead." Certainly my last motive would be to hurt someone's feelings. One thing that made me laugh recently was the use of a modern movie version of a book to prove that I must be wrong and the other person correct. Hmm...A Scarlet Letter comes to mind as a movie travesty of a fine novel.

Oh dear. This obviously bothers me more than I want it to. Moving on...

Contacted gov. agency; they reassured me that all we be easily taken care of. Hope so.

And, I'm still on the fence with audio books. I'm not sure that they will ever work for me the way I want them to. Maybe I'm just too old to change from the visual reader I've always been.

That is part of the problem with the human race, these days.
Everyone ( many , at least ) think that they are right about
everything.. books, religion, government, how to travel.. lol.

Since most of it is out of my hands.. I just do what I can.
really, what could be more personal and idiosyncratic than opinions about books?
True statement. Same goes for many things... and I have let passion take hold
of me a time or ten here.. but keeping it to books..

I think it too ~ How can you NOT love The Sparrow or Hummingbird's Daughter, when clearly they
are two of the best books ever written :) But as you say, it is momentary, and I let it go. NEVER ever will I read a book due to its popularity or appearance on some random list.. at least, not unless it appeals to me. That would make me read it, not some laudable whozit saying I should, no matter what worldwide renown the list enjoys.. lol. Give me the recommendation of a friend or fellow reader that I trust, and different story. Please NEVER EVER let someone else stop you from sharing an honest opinion, becasue they are delusional enough to think they are right. So wrong. YOUR opinion, or mine, is as valid as theirs no matter WHO they are ( or think they are) Bah! ( lol)

I try not to avoid things on principle lest I miss out on a good read just because it is popular...
but chances are I will at least wait until the furor dies down.

Glad the gov'mint thinks things will sort easily.

Audio "books" .. to be honest, I can't even think of them as books.. lol.
But that is my own personal issue, and if people "read" audio "books"
bless them and more copies of "real" books for me.. lol

Speak up, speak out and sometimes.. if you want to SHOUT it from the rooftops of your thread.
Rule #1 Say anything you want in your own thread.
Rule #2 Your opinion is as valid as ANYONE elses.
Rule #3 Remember rules #1 & #2



hugs

I know this is a little late, but my friend told me to try taking the Ativan sublingually. I found that it both decreased the intensity and worked a little faster. Both pluses in my book.

I think when we find our partners as adults we are more equipped to cherish them. It was true for my parents, and I hope true for me and mine.

Y'know, I try very hard not to take others' opinions personally, but I **know** that Kath only says she likes that ridiculous snoozefest of a Urrea book to irk me. Like she does with that no-talent goofball writer, what was his name...Bohjalian! That was it. Just says that she loves 'em to watch me squirm. Yeup. Just know it.

Have you read A Trick of the Light yet?!?

Bohalian is Pffffft! when it comes to writers like Urrea and MDR

like his books tho

Bohjalian can't hold a candle to Mary Doria Russell, true. Urrea? They're on a level, to me. In My Opinion. (heeheehee spiked her gun snort giggle)

*covers ears to try to keep steam from flowing *

*smiles sweetly*

*reconsiders the sandwich*

*sighs and tries to be nice to the poor misguided rdear*

LOLOL

WHAT?! NO SANDWICH?! *weeps*

you know you can have a sandwich. I am physically and emotionally incapable of seeing someone who is hungry and not trying to fix it and you know it. dabbit.

LOL I know, just applying some guilt to the situation. Guilt is such a piquant sauce, no?

you know I am so gullible

I do indeed know that. And use it mercilessly. *evil Muttley laugh*

you do.. I need to work on that ..
*note to me * no more being gullible!!!!!

We are using up Gails thread :-P

Sorry Gail! *smooch* of apology

me too.. it was >>>>>>>richardderus fault!

Ummm... hi Gail. :-)

You know I always encourage you to share your opinion. And yes, it must bother you that you feel you can't since it seems to come up a lot.

A good haircut and the right hair products can completely change my perception of life. But then, maybe I'm just superficial.

And I don't see why audiobooks wouldn't be considered books. It's just a different way of reading. I used to be prejudiced about that too. Now I've found I like being read to as I go about doing things that normally wouldn't allow me to do any reading at all otherwise. But that's me.

Hugs!

Darn, I missed the party! Story of my life. Never mind, y'all are always welcome to play in my yard, even if I have to be absent for a bit. Kath and Rdear, now you play nicely, please. Oh, and no, I haven't read A Trick of the Light as of today. I've been holding off on ordering it--why???? Probably will go do that right now. I can't recall when a mystery made as much of an impression on me as The Brutal Telling, which was the first Penny I read.

Nancy: Wonderful to see you here. Welcome to notes on books and assorted whatnot. Thanks for that tip on the Ativan. I'd never have thought of the sublingual method on my own. It would be great for those awful social occasions when I might, oh, you know, speak to people I hardly know. And yes, I agree about meeting one's life companion as an adult. One is so grateful to have found someone to share life, good and really crummy as it gets.

Ilana, you are so right about hair and its effects on one's life attitude. Smooth undercut bob, and I'm confident and don't give one other thought to my appearance. Anything else and I'm a self-concious idiot. I am fimrly convinced that 95% of women (don't know about men; do they think about hair at all, other than when they don't have any?)want hair different from that they are naturally gifted with. Thus, with my very wavy, fine hair, I want smooth, straight, thick hair.

Also, I'm working on the audio book idea. I've mastered listening to short stories in the car (I've got a collection of classic shorts), and will try some of that Roald Dahl disc set tomorrow as I walk around the incredibly boring but air-conditioned indoor track at the Y.

Still hot here, but not quite like before. The plants are about bloomed out...did I mention that in the middle of the front borders a lovely pink-with-barely-a-tinge-of-lavendar lily bloomed last week? Didn't even know it was there; what a pleasant surpirse. It produced five or six individual blooms Very pretty, although scentless.

Hi, Gail. Good luck with the bureaucracy! And pleasant dreams to you.

As for opinions on books, I always say that it would be awful if everyone liked the same thing. I like to think that a wide variety of tastes and sensibilities helps to spark the production of a wide variety of books.

As for audio books, I only started doing them recently. It's a way to fit more books into my schedule -- and, in some cases, to "read" some books that aren't readily available to me in print. The right book, with a really good narrator, can suit me better than the paper kind. I always loved being read to as a kid, and sometimes that's what audio books feel like to me if they are done well. But it certainly doesn't work for all books, and I wouldn't expect it to work for all readers -- each one of us processes information in his or her own way.

Hoping today is another soft and gentle one for you Gail..

Hi Gail, I like to visit a lot of different threads here on LT just to see the differing opinions on books. I've even been known to change my mind on a book or an author (e.g., Ernest Hemingway).

I listen to audiobooks on long roadtrips. I can't read in the car so I have to dust off my auditory skills and do the best I can. They do help make a long trip more bearable.

I have little to add about the hair problem... mine is of the smooth, straight variety and I just try to keep it trimmed and clean. That's it! Now... back to lurking....

Did a little dusting and cleaning on my threads for this year, as my notebook totals (I know, I know, compulsive) weren't tallying up. Got all numbers reconciled now, and must add
Book #72 :
Kosher Chinese, which I talked a lot about, reviewed, but failed to add to the list somehow.

>193 tymfos:: Terri, you made me laugh out loud. Finding out that the narrator can make all the difference to an audio book. More on that next post.

>194 mckait:: Thanks, Kath. So far, so good.

>195 Donna828:: Donna! Smooth and straight...my daughter has hair like that. Beautiful. Not so lucky, myself.

Have to run, as we have an appt. I was amazed at the amount of time it took me to straighten up my accounts here.

And Book #73:
A Night at the Opera

which is a huge, detailed, informative, and that same time very very funny book. Author Denis Forman details 100 operas, with one-line intros, plot synopses, lots of information on the music of each opera. Separate sections have musical terms and performers identified and discussed. Well worth reading, even if one does so off and on or in spurts, if one is at all interested in opera. Although extremely knowlegeable, Forman doesn't take himself, his readers, or opera too seriously. 5 *'s.

Just dropping by to say Hi Gail. I keep seeing recommendations for Outwitting History everywhere I go at the moment.

Hello, Heather. I certainly can recommend Outwitting History; it's a delightful book.

I went to the bookstore today, as DH wanted a basketball magazine...guess what I saw (and sort of bought) in a beautiful dark blue cover? Hold that Three Pines train just a minute while I grab a toothbrush...

I hope you enjoy your stay in Three Pines as much as I did :)

Night at the Opera sounds right up my alley - I'd love to learn more about opera (more is not exactly to proper term, since that implies at least some previous knowledge), and this books sounds like a lovely way to do so. Onto the wishlist it goes.

199 Sort of bought??? ;)

95% of women want hair different from that they are naturally gifted with. Thus, with my very wavy, fine hair, I want smooth, straight, thick hair.

You and I are in the same boat there Gail. And I'd say you got the percentages just about right. If I could afford it, I'd get my hair 'done' every week by my hairdresser, who is the only one that seems to be able to get my hair tamed just right. But as it is, I just walk around with a ponytail most all the time because have no patience to try to fix it up myself. I just wish I had the guts to cut it short and be done with it, but she (my hairdresser) keeps reminding me that whenever I've gone that route, it made me miserable. She's right of course, so we just keep cutting it long enough so's I can do it up in said ponytail. *sigh*

Oh, hair. It's been the bane of my life ever since I can remember. An early pixie/Sassoon cut worked from age 5 to age 7. That was it. Before that, Mother dealt with heavy wavy yet baby-fine hair...finally she said, "Arrrggghhh...." and forced my grandmother to take me for said short, short cut. Mother, of course, cried when I came home.

Clothes are another problem. For another day.

Finished a few more books, but it's time for bed. More tomorrow.

Glad to hear a sign of life from you Gail. I was wondering about you. Hope all is alright and that you are well. Have a good night. xx

Gail I always worried about the fact that I greyed at the temples at only 30 until my wife told me that it was those distinguishing marks that gave me the heads up! Be interested to see what you've been reading.

I lost you for a while!

Hair.. mine used to be thick and frizzy curly... poodle-like really..
after menopause it tamed down less curl, softer and grey ...
Clothes. Jeans and sweatshirts or sweaters do it for me.. with sneakers
or clogs.

Thinking of you. Enjoyed your comments on my thread today. xx

Just popped in to wish you a good day!
I love it when you visit my thread :)

Hey, Paul, Kath,and Ilana.

Paul, it just so unfair that men become more and more distinguished and attractive with age (young men look so unfinished), up to a point, of course, while women simply become older.

Kath, I read your post on clothes a bit too quickly and thought you said "with sneakers or dogs". Heh. Of course dogs make marvelous accessories...

Clothes are usually jeans and tees for me; shorts around the house in summer, with tees; mostly just the jeans thing, though. BUT, there are times when I'd just as soon wear a dress. Being beyond 30--well beyond, like 32 years beyond--I hardly think the current sleeveless trend, coupled with skirts so short I wouldn't wear them unless they had attached shorts underneath, is suitable for my rather mature figure-type. I'm not after a Kim Kardashian look, nor do I want to pass as Miss Marple. Anyway, after much internal stress, I did manage to find three dresses that sort of work. They are the first dresses I've bought in at least 8 years, although I do have a couple of nice suits. Not sure why we now find exposed bra straps to be a suitable fashion trend at any age, either. I was a considerable clothes horse in days gone by, what with a decidedly French mother and a sadly-now-gone great figure. (Heavy sigh for lost pleasures)

*Rant offcially over*

*Back to books*

book #74: A Touch of Frost
is the first in this series about a crass, cranky, but extremely clever and compassionate detective inspector. It's well-done but I'm not sure how many of them I'll want to read...at least in short succession. 3.25 *'s

Book #75: A Trick of the Light
The one I "sort of bought", is so much more than your ordinary mystery. Full of the complexities of friendship and love, lots of information on art and artists, some really funny lines here and there...typical Penny. I loved this and rate it second only to The Brutal Telling, one of the best mysteries I've ever come across. 5 *'s

Finished Outwitting History but not ready to write about it yet. It's on the top four for this year.

Congrats on hitting the magic number!

Thank you, Micky!

I usually read @100 books in any given year, so I would seem to be more or less on target this time. I'm thinking about cutting back next year to read more big books, or more serious books, or something...I've been thinking about the 12/12 challenge. Obviously I'm not going to read 144 books unless something radically changes in my life, so I'm trying to figure out just how to work out a challenge that will be, well, challenging, and still something I can accomplish. The one thing I really want to try to keep up with is Madeline's challenge every month over on TIOLI. Her whole set-up there has exponentially increased the number and types of books I'm willing to at least try reading.

Book # 76: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, my first long audio book. Read by the author, it was a delight. Perfectly paced, plenty of expression and yet completely unforced. Nice. I'm listening to another by the same author now.

Congrats!

Thank you, Dr.! One forgets that you are everywhere on the 75'ers, taking care of us all. Thank you for that, as well.

Gail, my uniform has always been mostly jeans and Ts as well. They were largely what I wore when I was working too, though I did make more efforts to look pulled together and classy and to have a different look every day (my job title sort of made it necessary), but now that most of my outings are to walk Coco, what's the point?

For most of my life, I was completely miserable not to have been born into the body of a waif, first because I wanted to be a ballerina (until the discipline proved too much for me), then because I thought (and still do) that most clothes look so much better on a clothes hanger, but have had to just accept that I have a curvy womanly body and just be glad I'm not grossly overweight even though I eat sweets like mad and hardly do any exercise. A blessing of course, especially since my mum has always been on the obese side. I've never had what you call "good" legs—too thick and muscular—which never looks good in short skirts, and now that I'm over 40 there's no getting away with them at all. I'm so glad that knee-length skirts are making a comeback—I do most of my shopping at J Crew online nowadays, and finally there are longer skirts to be had. I'm always on the lookout for good dresses—the right one makes it so easy to looked pulled together with no effort at all, but you're right, they're not easy to find. Visible bra straps are in such poor taste at any age, but then... so much nowadays is in poor taste, so why stop there?

I was at the hospital this week, waiting to see a surgeon for hours (nothing serious, no worries) and was glad to have an audiobook and plenty of people to look at, and for some reason, was incredibly sensitive to how awful our sense of dress is in this century. No elegance, no refinement, or if so, they're the exception rather than the rule, so I amused myself by trying to imagine what the same people might have looked like back in the 30s and 50s. Made everyone look a lot better, that's for sure.

Congrats on reaching 75!

Ilana! How right you are about dress in this century, although I hadn't considered it from that point of view. Not sure what the next trend will be...hard to see how it could be more sloppy or less discreet. Well, never mind. I'm glad for the jeans. I found the dresses at Coldwater Creek, which I then found out has been aimed at "older women", whatever that may mean. And don't you love the clothes from that 30's to 50's era? Charming and attractive for the most part. I'll look at J Crew for the skirts, see what might be appealing.

I was pretty happy with my body image as a teen and young woman, although I occasionally yearned for that swan-like neck of the ballerina...age has done the inevitable, however. Fortunately I don't dwell on that part. What I have discovered that is odd is how invisible one becomes as one ages. Very, very disconcerting.

I completely forgot that I read
Book #77: Invisible Man
which is a really strange book. Written in 1948 or so, it's an account of what it was like to be a black man in America then. It was fascinating, kind of horrifying, and informative, all at the same time. But it's written in this sort of surreal form that takes some getting used to. That was for the TIOLI 5-word or less opening sentence challenge. 3.75 *'s

Looking over my books, trying to decide on categories and such for next year. Considering the pyramid idea--whoever came up with that, I'm sorry I forgot exactly who it was--it's a brilliant way to break something huge into something achievable. Tentative areas would be, as of this second, Madeline's challenge, Jewish studies, Evelyn Waugh and friends, Nobel winners, maybe Mitford set as well. This will definitely require thought and pencil and paper work as I add/delete/change/abandon etc.

Too much I want to add to your comment, so will have to come back. Or maybe take it to PM next time?

Invisible Man sounds interesting. Not at all the same of course, but in the same line of thinking, my gf Kimmy and I often talk about how any woman beyond her 20s basically becomes invisible. It must be something to do with biology—woman at her most fertile, all that. I've been lucky enough to look about 10 years younger for the past decade or so, so until a few years ago, still felt like some people took notice when I made an effort, but now I really do feel like I don't exist anymore. Same for Kimmy, and it's a bit shocking when you've been used to get a fair bit of attention most of your life. You know you've lost your mojo when even other women don't take notice of you anymore. But then again, these days I'm mostly grateful to be treated like a wallflower because whenever someone takes notice of me, I figure I must have something on my face or have forgotten to put on pants or something mortifying like that.

Ugh! I always go on and on... don't I! Gotta go!

Well done Gail for 75 and beyond.

Congratulations on 75 in September!!!! I'm thinking you should get to 100 this year with no trouble if that's what you want!
I will not even begin to comment on then vs now in the figure and looks department. I once was tall and thin. I'm not anymore. I once had limp, straight hair. Not anymore!!! That is the strangest thing that's ever happened to me: my hair is now curly everywhere but in the very front...no chemo - I have no clue.

Congrats on book #75! :-)

I am nowhere near my target, thanks to my job, but I am too tired even to fret over it!

Congratulations on reading 75 Gail!

Book #75: A Trick of the Light

Perfect for 75, eh? It is such a great read, I rate it my favorite of the Penny's so far with
The Brutal Telling a tight second :)

How was the Creole dinner?

Thanks to Paul, Peggy, Porua, and Heather for recognizing the "75" mark here. Although of course I'm glad to get there, I find the 75'ers group to be the most interesting, stimulating, and fun group here at LT, so the number is not a make or break for me. There's also the added comfort of knowing that I've always read more than 75 books a year. Of course that could change if I choose more challenging, longer books. Maybe.

Heather, how odd about your hair. Although I must admit mine is wavier than it used to be, a trait I am constantly beating down in nefarious ways.

Ilana, I sent you a PM, but never worry about chatting away here. I enjoy it, getting others' views, just sort of communicating in a very relaxed way.

Kath! Yes, A Trick of the Light was a perfect #75; it's so sad when the 75th book is kind of a dreary, middle-of-nothing read. I'm in perfect agreement about The Brutal Telling being its rival in the series so far, except that I reverse your order. One hopes that her next will be as pleasing, but really, how long can one woman go on producing these thoughtful books?

The shrimp creole worked fine. I made about 50% more than I usually do, because of an excess of shrimp--I should always have such problems--used lots of bell peppers, onions, garlic, wine, tomatoes; it's a bit labor intensive with all the chopping and mixing, but it's a great taste and one can freeze it, being careful not to overcook the shrimp on the second go-round. Served with white rice cooked in chicken broth, and a very cold, crisp tossed salad. DH was most pleased, and I didn't mind it too much either.

Now I'm at a complete loss for tonight. Never mind, something will occur. Must expand my repertoire, as I'm getting bored and need a change of pace.
*Or there's always pizza*

Book #78: Outwitting History could have been a disaster as an episodic tale about a rather obscure subject. For the lucky reader, it is no disaster but instead a fine, moving, interesting story of one man's effort to prevent the loss of an entire literature. Author Lansky traces thirty years of very successful efforts to rescue Yiddish books from the ash heaps of history. His encounters with people who own or who have helped to locate these books are often very funny and occasionally quite moving.
But what is really special about this book is Lansky's ability to make the reader see how a thousand years of a full, vibrant, complex culture was wiped out. You'll weep when he visits Lithuania and Russia. Incredibly sad, but still hopeful at the end. A great book, one of my top 3 or 4 this year, 5 Full Stars.

Dinner sounds yummy :)

The book sounds good too!

Agree that quality and enjoyment beat quantity any day. Also agree that this is THE discussion group on LT to the extent that I rarely view the others these days - so many pals on here to keep up with.

As discussed I have started a thread for a noble nobel month of prize winning reading. Gail I hope you will join me in my struggles

http://www.librarything.com/topic/124174

Hi Gail, thanks for stopping by my thread yesterday. I enjoyed catching up on yours! Congrats on reaching 75 books - I don't think I'm going to make it this year. Too much work. I chuckled at your description of Coldwater Creek (for "older women.") I like that store - and if I have to shop at stores aimed towards "older women" in order to find good quality clothes with some personaility, more discreet lines, and that actually fit, so be it! :-) I haven;t bought a dress in probably a decade and sadly even pants are getting harder to find.

I'm going to go look for A Trick of the Light - sounds like a perfect addition to my TBR.

Life Livel: Blue

Reading Level: Sunny

Just back from a dr. visit with dh. Dr. called for bloodwork and a return visit in 3 or so weeks, at which time he'll discuss memory issues. He emphasized gentleness and a very careful approach because given dh's personality type, a poorly-handled approach can make the risk of suicide skyrocket. Well, I hadn't thought of that, but surely had known that a too-blunt or too-bleak approach would result in depression for dh, something that he doesn't handle well. So very sad to see a quite brave, proud, and self-reliant man put in this position. Of course all this was discussed just between dr. and myself while dh was sent out of room. Dr. also prescribed an anti-depressant for me and (surprise!) a book: The Thirty-six Hour Day, and mandated that I must take time--relaxation time, not going to the grocery store or running errands time--for myself starting immediately. Now to just find something I'd like to do...

Hi, Mary Lynne; good to see you here. I love Coldwater Creek and find some of their clothes have quite a bit of, as you put it, personality, without being in the least bit garish or gaudy. Nice accessories as well.

I'm reading No Wind of Blame, a very funny Georgette Heyer mystery; one of her best. If you like screwball comedies at all, this is right up your alley. Very witty dialogue, engaging characters, frothy plot with a victim who sort of deserved to die; it's a treat.

Gail.....a wise doctor indeed. Time for you is essential, and his recommended reading looks to be a good one. I notice there is a new edition coming out in two weeks that may be worth the wait. In any case, please take care of yourself so you can continue to take such loving care of dh. We're all praying and pulling for both of you.

#227 Oh gosh, Gail. I'm glad the doctor has given you some advice and meds for you as well. I know it can be hard to think of fun things you'd like to do when you're feeling low on energy but it sounds like good advice.

Are you still meeting with the carers' support group you mentioned before?

Reading-wise, screwball comedy sounds just the thing at the moment - I'll look out for that one.

As Tutu said, we 're praying and rooting for you both. Hugs.

Gail, what a great book to read for your 75th. I recently read and loved A Trick of the Light. I was surprised to learn so much about art in a "mystery" book. But the Penny books are so much more than mysteries, aren't they?

I read everything I could get my hands on when my mother was diagnosed with AD 15+ years ago and thought The 36 Hour Day to be the best of the bunch. Hmmm... I wonder if it's been revised since then. It seems like there have been some strides in medication since then.

>234 Matke:: Oh, thanks, Tina. You answered my question about the revised edition. I'm glad I glanced upthread.

>230 Donna828:.. I have been driving myself crazy looking for message 234....
Have decided to stop :P

Gail.. sorry that things are so rough for your husband.. thus for you.
I hope the meds and the book help a little.. and that you find something to do
for you little get aways, that you will enjoy :)

hugs

Tina, Heather, Donna, Kath: Thanks very much for the kind words and wishes. You can't imagine how much they mean to me. Really, you can't.

Finding something to do...hmmm....library visits--ALONE--could read kiddie lit in the kiddie room; could volunteer at our local no-kill shelter, PAWS, but I'd want to take all the animals..well, the small dogs and all cats..home; an afternoon movie at (gasp!) the theater. We have a museum here and some art galleries as well; visiting those would be nice...

Unfortunately the support group is not workable right now. Maybe later, but not now.

Sometimes this feels like being at the bottom of an especially slippery well.

The book continues to be both fun and funny. I've got a Caroline Graham in the wings, too, and Diary of a Nobody.

Oh, and any of you out there: what, precisely, is a "British warm"?

Gail just stopped by to wish you and your husband all the best - hopefully your Doctor can be of help - keep your chin up. Best wishes Paul

Thank you, Paul. His dr. is a wonderful man and a specialist in geriatrics.

Hi Gail, just want you to know I thought about you all day and wish you the best.

Gail, this is completely out of the blue, but I just noticed that you hadn't picked again for my 2012 selections. You had picked The Koran for me if you remember, and I wasn't quite ready to commit to that one. I'll narrow down the selection and let you pick again if you're willing?

Hi Gail, your doctor (and other posters above) is right about the 36-Hour Day, I also highly recommend it as the best book you could read, to help your husband but also to remind yourself to keep your own well-being top priority as well! Thinking of you.

I'm keeping you in my thoughts, Gail, and I'm interested to find out what 'Gail-time' activity you choose...

Congrats on passing the 75 mark already, Gail!

I'm very glad to see that the doctor is looking out for your well-being as well as your husband's. You're in my thoughts, and I hope you find something wonderful to do for yourself in your "Gail-time."

Ilana, Mary Lynne, Amber, Terri: Hi!

It seems incredible, but I can't remember the last time I could say, "Well, looky here; I've got to have some time to myself and don't even think about pointing to your watch...or calling me to look at somthing..."

DH and Mother were precisely the same in this regard: we want all of Gail's attention, all the time...oh sure, you can read, but be prepared to drop that book...or knitting...or daydream...or gardening trowel...instantly if we "need" you. It was really funny (in a bizarre and slightly twisty way) when Mother was alive and each would give me quite a lecture about my allowing the other to take up so much of my time.

The world needs its Martha's too, I guess.

Hmmm...glad the spammer has been removed.

We're going on a bit of a trip to FL to see one of the daughters, so I won't be on LT for about 5 or 6 days, probably. Kind of looking forward to getting away fro a few days, although not away from LT. Be nice to see daughter No. 1, and to do a bit of easy driving.

Reading a Caroline Graham mystery with Inspector Barnaby and Sergeant Troy. I really like her books.

Taking the Nook with me...and probably one actual print book, just in case...

Hi There Dear One

Congratulations on reaching and surpassing the 75 challenge goal. You are on my mind each day and I want to reiterate how much I admire you.

Hope you have a wonderful trip Gail.

Hope you have a lovely time visiting your daughter Gail.

Hi Gail, I just returned from my 10 day road trip and was sorry to read that things have been a little rough for you. I guess you are away on your trip now, hope you have a great visit with your daughter.

I see you read A Touch of Frost sometime ago and I agree that you don't want to read the Frost books too close together, they can be a bit repetitious, I try to read just one a year. I do enjoy the twisted humor of these books.

Congratulations on reaching the 75 mark!

Hi Gail! I bought The 36 Hour Day about 3 years ago when we first moved in with my mom. I did find it helpful in many ways, especially in learning that many of my responses were normal--even though I still beat myself up from time to time.

I find that when I am able to take a 15 minute walk by myself that it calms and recharges me. Sometimes that is all the "me" time that I can do.

Have a good and safe trip to Florida! Hope the weather is pleasant there...chilly and rainy here in Ohio today. Good hot tea and reading weather, though.

Sandy K

Getting ready for your return :)

Linda, Ilana, Heatehr, Judy, Sandy: Hey! Back from Florida, which was problematical, as follows in a bit. I appreciate as always, any and all kind wishes.

Kath! Ready to recline and sip a...
Wait...
Umm...Kath?
The spiders? In the drinks? Um...Holy Horror! And the little bouncing person can sit with me on the cushions and we'll read for a bit while sampling the mulled cider to calm down.

Anyway, back home. The actual visit was okay, but dh had one of those inexplicable downturns, the last day of the visit and the first day of the drive home; nightmarish, really. He's much better now, a couple of days later.

On my return, I found a package of four books (willpower, thee has deserted me utterly): Bitter Lemons, The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making, Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, and The 36-Hour Day. Upon the most casual perusal of the last book, I saw mention of fluctuations in ability, which can occur for many, or for no, reason. Why yes, I thought, and how did you know about our vacation? A very difficult situation which managed to resolve itself, as they all will eventually, I guess.

Finished up Book #79: No Wind of Blame, one of Heyers' better efforts, very funny dialogue and a pretty good mystery as well. Those of you who like the classic 30's and 40's mysteries but haven't yet tried Heyers should really give it go. Easily available in recent p.b. reprints.

I read a Caroline Graham mystery on the trip:
Book #80: Written in Blood.
It was pretty good. I enjoy her series featuring Inspector Barnaby, which has been televised as Midsomer Murders, which I've not seen yet. They're funny and light and a great way to pass the time on a trip.

And I also read Book 81:
Definitely Dead, my first and probably only Sookie Stackhouse book. Just had to see what was up with them. Okay, but not for me.

I'm now reading two books by Nobel winners, an easy Kipling and a Faulkner. And listening to Sherlock Holmes short stories as dramatized (sort of) by John Gielgud as the great Holmes and another famous British actor as Watson. Gielgud may not be the physical picture one has of Sherlock, but his vocal rendering is superb.

Glad to hear you are safely home again, Gail. My daughter loves the Sookie Sackhouse books and so I read the first three, but they are not for me either.

I decided on an easy Kipling for one of my Nobel reads as well. I am going to read Kim.

Welcome home Gail. Sounds like you had an... interesting time. Thanks for your note by the way, to which I do intent to respond in kind soon.

*smooch* to dear Gail and an especially big *hugglesnuggle* for being upbeat and seeing the world as a good place full of books (well, what else could make it a good place?)!

Welcome back! :-)

Gail, nice to see you back on the posts hope and trust that you have recovered from the trip - long journeys by road are arduous at the best of times...

Good to see you back here and to know that home has made things better. Keep reading and posting!!

hot toddies.. anise... lol

oh well.. next time I will stick with wine :)
and ice cream!!!

Judy: I read the Sookie to please the daughter, but really wasn't pleased myself. Which is completely okay, considering the staggering number of books I've got on the Wish List or already here in the house, begging to be read. Oh, and I love Kim, a great story.

Ilana: Hope that you are doing better today, too. Just read and really liked your review of Memento Mori.

Rdear!: Hello and welcome. Thank you for the kindness. Of course books make my world...

Porua Hi! Just picked up, for free, that marvelous oldie, And Then There Were None by Christie. Haven't read it in a dog's age; time for another go.

Paul: Thanks, it's good to be back. The trip down is 565 miles, more than we want to do in one day any longer, although in an absolute pinch I could manage it. We used to love road travel, went all over the country, visited about 44 states by car...no more. DH keeps thinking we can do it, but it's really not feasible to take long trips now. And I'm really into the Faulkner now, crazy as it is. Something about his work just draws me in and won't let go.

Peggy, my Dear!: Nothing can keep me from reading, even if I'm reduced to old mysteries and audio books. Speaking of which, I had a crummy sinus headache yesterday, the Holmes audio proved to be just the thing...no eyestrain or pressure. The Watson on this particular set is Ralph Richardson. The set is completely faithful to the stories, with no extraneous or omitted matter.

Kath!: Star anise? Oh dear. Hope that you could see how I might have thought it was fake spiders...Halloween and all...still, I love hot toddies and rum punch, which I've not had in a dog's age.

So, bridge as usual this p.m. We did really well, DH played great. He has a fondness for taking my bids of One Something and raising them to game quite quickly. Fortunately that works out about 85% of the time. I will say that it keeps me on my toes, concentrating and (gasp!) thinking.

Came home to the Jumblies from Bookmooch. Beautiful illustrations.

LOL I admit I tried to find a two cup photo ( you and DH) with no star anise.. but no luck..
it looked weird to me, too :)

Gail, have you heard of the podcast "Books on the Nightstand"? They're wonderful to listen to. This coming June, the BOTNS crew is having a book retreat in Oxford, Miss.! Not all that far from you! And according to them as went to this year's retreat in Vermont (couldn't go myownself, auntie was dying at the time) it was a great time. Think you could slither off for a weekend with this much advance warning?

This coming June? 2012? Yes, I think I could make that. What fun! I download and listen to them at my leisure. If you'd like to hear something really interesting, try Barnes and Noble Meet the Author podcast, the one featuring Gene Wilder. An amazing, wonderful man. It's a terrific interview.

Gail I will have to revisit Faulkner.

I will have to seek out the Gene Wilder podcast... sounds good :)

Wouldn't it be great if you did manage to go to the retreat?
You have to sign up ages in advance, but that could be a good thing!
Fingers crossed that you can do it if you want to :)

I haven't missed a hop to a new thread have I ??

NEW THREAD

This goes to a new thread, even though it says "book 3", while this one says "part 3".

Thanks for the reminder, Kath, I meant to do this earlier today.

whew ! glad I didn't just lost you :)