Chelle's (Gogs81) 75 in 2012 Challenge (take #2)

Welcome friends and thanks for visiting!!


(Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia)

Currently Reading:


"He who fights with monsters should look to it
that he himself does not become a monster.
And when you gaze long into an abyss, the
abyss also gazes into you."
Friedrich Nietzsche ~ Beyond Good and Evil

My Threads:
12 in 2012
Orange January/July
1001 Books to Read Before I Die




Books Read in 2012
January

1) Lord John and the Hellfire Club by Diana Gabaldon (ebook, novella, 73 pages)
2) The Tiger's Wife by Téa Obreht (338 pages)
3) Hurricane Story by Jennifer Shaw (92 Pages) (ER book)
4) The Drop by Michael Connelly (388 pages)
5) Kill Alex Cross by James Patterson (364 pages)
6) Dead Cold by Louise Penny (405 pages)
7) Eragon by Christopher Paolini (ebook, 509 pages)
8) The Hangman by Louise Penny (ebook, 99 pages)
9) Cannery Row by John Steinbeck (ebook, 301 pages)
10) The Inheritance of Loss by Kiran Desai (324 pages)
11) The Cruellest Month by Louise Penny (454 pages)
12) The Murder Stone by Louise Penny (422 pages)
13) The Brutal Telling by Louise Penny (384 pages)
14) Bury Your Dead by Louise Penny (470 pages)
15) A Trick of the Light by Louise Penny (339 pages)

February
16) A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle (232 pages)

Pages Read in 2012



Wedding Countdown :)

Hi Chelle,
Just want to offer my belated congratulations on the posting, it all sounds so exciting. I had to look it up on google maps to be sure I knew where you'd be heading.

Wow, Chelle! Already onto a second thread! :) I love your wedding countdown! :)

Hi Chelle. Thank you for visiting my thread. Now it's my turn to catch up with yours and what fantastic news about Nova Scotia! Ever so, ever so pleased for you and your fiancé!

Wow! Amazing image to open your thread. That place looks stunning. Is it close to where you will be based?

Hey Chelle! Awesome pic and your wedding ticker is such a great touch! Glad we'll be counting down with you and Nate.

Chelle- You are on Thread 2! Yah! I also love the photo at the top. Nice.

So, I may have missed this in your other thread, so forgive me if I did, but when will you be moving?

Congratulations on your posting! That's a beautiful area and within a fairly easy drive to Halifax :-) We'll have to arrange an LT meet up in the city when you're settled.

I sympathise with the need for something fun and fluffy. That happens to me a lot ;-)

Hi Chelle. Good luck on finding a new career path! I thought I would mention that in the U.S., library support staff are typically paid most dreadfully (I recently convinced my niece not to take that route.) Maybe it's different in Canada though. Driving a bookmobile would indeed be cool. I'm mostly referring to book shelvers and that sort of thing.

New Scotland already makes an appearance! Cracking pace being set on your threads this year Chelle.

I'll second Paul's remark re "cracking pace," Chelle! Delighted you are enjoying some mind-candy books! They are sometimes just the ticket!

>10 DorsVenabili: For adult pages and library assistants, the wages aren't great but they aren't too bad either.

However, if you don't want to pursue being a full librarian, Chelle, you could take a look at library tech programs. They're usually only 2 years, and while you won't be paid as much as someone with an MLIS, you do get more of the skills to go beyond just shelving books. :)

#13 - Everything is better in Canada! Can you guys sponsor me to come up there and live? Actually, I looked into it once and it was a complicated process, so I gave up.

>14 DorsVenabili: Well, once you have your MLIS, Keri, librarians are one of the professions covered by NAFTA so it's slightly easier to cross the border. Not that I've tried it. :)

Chelle, I had fun figuring out where you'll be living and will definitely have to read some Nova Scotia books for my Canada challenge (which has followed Murphy's law of challenges...as soon as I start a thread for it I will stop reading those books). Is there a boat that goes from NS over to Maine? I didn't realise how close you were to the US!

#2 Hi Kerry! You found me first! :) Thanks for visiting!
It is exciting, but it's starting to get nerve wracking for me too! I've never lived out of London before and now I'm moving 1700KM away! Eeeeck! ;)

#3 Hi Deb! Thanks, I found that wedding countdown last night while I was trying to stay awake at work. Kept me entertained for all of 5 minutes lol

#4 Thanks Dee! Come visit anytime!

#5 Hi Calm! That picture if of the lighthouse at Peggy's Cove, NS. It is about 2 hours away from where we will be living and it is one of my planned day trips for this summer. Since we have no idea how long the military will let us live in one place I have decided that we need to make time for sight seeing! I plan on learning lots about the province that we move to

#6 Thanks Lynda! It will be an exciting year, so many changes!

#7 Thanks Mark!! I can't quite keep up with you, Joe and Paul but I guess I'm not too far into your dust ;)

#8 Hi Amber! Nate will be moving when his course is finished at the beginning of February and I'll be going out for a "vacation" to house hunt. I'll probably be able to move as soon as we have a house, so hopefully early March

#9 Hi ArcheryGirl! please forgive me but I can't seem to remember if I ever got your name? You are so lucky to living in Halifax, one of my favorite places! Nate and I will be taking a trip into town as I want to go back to The Old Triangle pub! Last time we were there the students were just back and it was lined up outside, but I could hear this amazing Celtic band playing and I so wanted to go in!
That and Maxwell's Plum are on my to-do list! Oh and an LT meetup too!

#10 Hi Kerri! I really need to do some research into possible career paths, but I'm pretty sure my first order of business is time off and some reading by the beach :)

#11 HI Paul! New Scotland is here and quickly becoming reality! We started looking online for houses, eek! It's hard to house hunt from 3 provinces away!

#12 HI Nancy! I actually managed to knock off two fluffy(ish) books in two nightshifts, so I am feeling better. Plus I got the 2nd Louise Penny book in the mail today so that will be my reading pleasure tonight!

#13 Thanks Micky! I checked after you mentioned that and NS actually have a community college in Halifax that offers the Library Tech two year course online. That could actually be an option as we are two hours away from the school so I wouldn't be willing to drive in for classes, but online is do-able!

#14 Kerri, Everything IS better in Canada!! ;)

#15 Hi Cushla! I actually had no idea so I googled it! Looks like the Ferry is an hour from our house and travels to St John New Brunswick, which is a little over an hour from the Maine border. See, now I'll have an excuse to visit Maine for the first time since I'll be closer!

****
Soooo last night shift worked for a while (yay!) and now that I am actually awake and not a zombie I have to start on my to-do list!

To-Do list:
Wake up
Become less Zombie Like
strong Coffee
Organize storage unit in basement
sand walls and wash bedroom walls for painting day tomorrow

Read Dead Cold by Louise Penny

Hi Chelle! Love the wedding countdown and the books coming up. Do not envy the last things on your to-do list. Except for the Louise Penny book, of course! : )

Found you!!
nice picture at the top and how clever to add a wedding countdown :)

#4 on the to do list.....done?
can't you skip 4 and 5 and just jump to 6 ;)

Hi Kim! I don't want to do my list either!! Louse Penny will be my before bed relaxing, and since I'm coming off nights and won't be able to sleep at a decent hour I wouldn't be surprised if I stay up too late reading it!

Hi Kara!!
#4 is done!! Ugh! We have too much stuff! At least I managed to make sure anything that is in storage is actually something we need to keep (ie: Christmas decorations, photo albums, etc) I managed to get rid of 4 boxes worth of crap that we don't need and never use.
Anyone need a toaster that's never been out of the box? (stupid christmas present!)

#5 is going to have to wait until I catch my breath!

Hi Chelle, Im sheepishly sneaking in after near-neglecting your last thread, hoping to do better on this one :)

Hi Chelle! I just caught up on all of your good news and popped over to your profile to see your beautiful quilt. Organizing the storage unit seems like good progress for one day!

Just checking into your new thread. Love the picture of Peggy's Cove. My Dad was in the Military and we spent a number of years in Halifax when I was young and we would often drive out to Peggy's Cove. Of course, at that age, I mostly remember that we stopped for ice cream cones on the way.

Found your new thread. How ambitious you sound!

Well, it sounds like things are going well for you, Chelle: good reads, a wedding countdown --- life is good!

Your to-do list sounds a lot like mine.

Drink a lot of coffee
Give a massage to my elderly neighbor
Eat lunch
Clean out and reorganize my bathroom closet
Do some laundry
Finish reading a book

How'd your list end up - all finished?

#21 Hi Megan! Don't worry, the first thread went by quick. I'm this one will move at a more leisurely pace :)

#22 Hi Amy! Thanks! I wish I could quilt like that! Yesterday was a whole day of cleaning and organizing, I'm pooped!!

#23 Hi Judy! I am excited to go to Peggy's Cove this summer! I'm hoping we can get to Cape Breton too. I'll make to stop for ice cream on the way!

#24 Hi Roni! I wish I didn't have to be ambitious, but I want to get this house sold quick. Believe me, I'd rather be reading!

#25 HI Ellen! Life is good! Hope yours is great as well!!

#26 HI Laura! My list did get completed yesterday, and I only have 40 pages left in Dead Cold tonight so I'll have to find another one for later today!
Your list sounds full too! Today's list consists of just as much unfortunately


Chiropractor (ow!!)
Buy paint supplies
sand second coat of wall mud
wash walls and vacuum room
paint bedroom 1st coat
paint hallway 1st coat
nurse sore muscles
find new book to read
review Dead Cold

Break time over, back to work I go :(

Wow Chelle I got behind on your thread. Your books are very interesting however no Book bullets yet because I have most of them. However I believe before to long you will end up hitting me with some.

My dream job is to have my own travel show. Maybe it could be a literary travel show of some sort. Hmmmm ... .

Meet you in Peggy's Cove! (on my nonexistant travel show)

Hi Chelle, stunning shot at the top of your thread, its easy to see why you are excited to move there. Very beautiful.

Aw man am I ever behind! A whole new thread... this group is just too much fun. Wish I could figure out a way to be everywhere at once! ;-)

Your to do thread for today is exhausting me! lol

oooh, I love lists

do 2 loads of washing
bring in dry washing that's been on the line since yesterday
hang out 2 loads of washing
meet friend for coffee
do dishes
make dinner
finish North and South
bring in 2 loads of dry washing
start finishing The Greatest Show on Earth :)

uh-oh, that's a lot of washing and a lot of reading I MUST get done, what a day of domesticity.

Love the lists Chelle but as a listomaniac I maybe better not get started on mine! Quite appropriate that only half of it ever gets crossed through....never finish the whole list before making another one!

Hi Monica! I'll see what I can do to find some book bullets for you! ;)

Ohh Jennifer a travel show would be fun!! Let me know when you show comes to Nova Scotia and we will have a mini LT meetup!

Thanks Leonie! We are getting excited! Although I think Nova Scotia is probably covered by snow - but yet Ontario doesn't have any so it's possible that NS doesn't either. What a weird winter!

Megan I wish I could trade you lists! I have baskets of laundry that I can't put away because me bed is taken apart and blocking my access to my dresser! I'll be happy when my bedroom is back together! Enjoying finishing both your books! I haven't heard of The Greatest Show on Earth so I'll have to check that out!

Oh Paul, lists are taking over my life! It's becoming a tad ridiculous! But I have so much to do that if I don't write it down then I will forget!

Today's list is slowly progressing.


Chiropractor (ow!!)
Buy paint supplies
sand second coat of wall mud
wash walls and vacuum room
paint bedroom 1st coat
paint hallway 1st coat
nurse sore muscles
find new book to read
review Dead Cold

ETA: list finished!!

Ah, the beauty of lists, as long as they are realistically accomplishable.

I fear I set my goals too high and then become disappointed in what I did not accomplish.

Now that was funny!

Linda, mine are all pretty accomplishable, but my back has had enough for one day!

#36: ??

6) Dead Cold by Louise Penny (published as A Fatal Grace in USA)
Read for 75 books in 2012, 12 in 2012:Category #12) Look, a Moose!: Books by Canadian Authors

Chief Inspector Armand Gamache is very quickly becoming one of my favorite lead characters! This is book #2 in the series and I found this one to be more enjoyable than the first.

It's Christmas in beautiful Three Pines, Quebec. The town is set with decorations and lights to take your breath away and the towns people are celebrating and cherishing Christmas time with one and all. Three Pines is a loving small town where neighbours know each others names and stop by for coffee and Christmas parties, until CC de Poitiers moves in at least. CC is an insufferable women with history in Three Pines and she is bent on spreading pain and discourse in the town until she meets her end at a curling funspiel in front of most of the residents of Three Pines.

Chief Inspector Armand Gamache and his team are called in to try and work out how a woman can be electrocuted on a frozen lake in front of an entire town, while no one notices it happen! Meanwhile there are two other story lines going on behind the scenes and Penny does a great job of blending them all seamlessly.

I love how Penny can write about murder, deviant behaviour and all around unpleasantness but at the same time write such lovely things about the beauty of the town and the kindness and love that takes place in the town.
The only thing I did not like about this book was the fact that it has two names. Published as Dead Cold in the UK and Canada, and then published as A Fatal Grace in the USA. I actually prefer the USA title after reading the book, it just fits better.
4*

I just read the first in the series, so I skimmed over your review of number two, because I don't want to know too much, and rushed to the end to see what you gave it...a 4! I can live with that. And about lists, I am really good at making them, not so good at finishing them!

Hi Chelle - Just cruising through, trying to catch up!

Hi Chelle! Happy Friday! I always find the title-changing thing strange, especially when it's the same language.

Hi Kim! I think you will like this one, it was more action filled than the first.

Hi Katie!

Kerri I thought it was odd, but either way the book was good :)
***

PAINTING IS DONE!!! Hurray!

Now I just need to put my house back together and clean it ... oh goody.

Panting from trying to catch up I've been taking too much time visiting everyone, and I had to read all your first thread and now 40 messages to get to here. So glad you all got a posting you like. I know from my hub's years in the Navy, that we always got nervous when he started negotiating for orders because we were so afraid he'd get an icky job. We weren't as much concerned about the where as the what, because I knew that I could be happy just about anyplace as long as he was in a job he liked. We were quite lucky in that we always landed someplace fun.

Now for Nova Scotia.....that is so awesome. We here in Maine feel like the province is a neighbor since we share so much of the scenery, and weather. Looking forward to your reports on getting moved in and settled.

Congrats on finishing the painting, Chelle!! Oh goody, indeed!
And -- Still Life has been sitting on my TBR shelf for several months now. Your review of Dead Cold makes me want to "get to it."

I am hoping to get to Dead Cold this year, as I did like the first book. And what a beautiful cover as well.

Painting seems never to be done at my house. Only 2 rooms finished so far, and 3 in progress. Arrgh! I commend your ability to finish!

I'm so late to the party, Chelle, but I wanted to say congrats on the new post! Nova Scotia - how lovely!

#43 Hi Tina! Thanks for visiting!
We are quite happy with our posting! Nate is Military Police so any base we go to he would have the same job, the only difference would be the amount of work as smaller bases have less policing to do. A big base would keep him busier. Greenwood will be a somewhat slow base for him, but we are happy to be going somewhere so scenic!

#44 Hi Ellen! You really should get to it! ;) Although we fore warned that once you start the series you won't want to stop until you finish them!

#45 Hi Judy! It is a lovely cover and a good read. I think you will enjoy it

#46 Hi Jeanne Those rooms have sat unpainted for the last year, the only reason I got motivated was because we are putting the house for sale next week. Otherwise I would have unpainted walls but more books read ;)

#47 Hi Joanne! Welcome to the party! Thanks, we are excited!

*****

I am pooped!! All the painting done and more organizing done and I am ready for bed!
Cinnamon pecan bread in the breadmaker and I'm finally sitting on the couch!! Just waiting for Nate to get home for the weekend

Great review of Dead Cold , Chelle! Wow, what a to do list!! I loathe moving and painting and all that goes with it! My heart goes out to you. We've had to sell twice and it's always a nightmare, it seems to me. Of course, both times we had young children -and it's really difficult to keep a place neat and clean with little kids. Mind you, I am naturally messy myself!;)

I am sure you will very much enjoy your new place once you get there. Peggy's Cove is beautiful! I have a friend who's two now university aged children have chosen to go to Nova Scotia for their university educations. Both of the kids LOVE it there and say if they can, they plan to stay in Nova Scotia after graduation. One is at Dalhousie, which is in Halifax, and the other is in Antagonish - ST Francis Xavier's , I think.

We could never afford to send our kids away so far , so they have had to be content with UBC and Kwantlen here. :) And I love having them close - our younger son still lives at home - still at UBC.

Isn't it funny how, when you have to sell your house, so much more of the home improvement gets done than when you were just living in it? We felt that way last year, getting our old house ready to sell - when we were finished with the improvements, we were jealous of the people who would be buying it! We wish we could have lived in it looking that good. Ha!

Chelle - must get round to some Louise Penny. Good review. Well done on the painting especially if it was all your own work. Colour scheme?

Found your second thread and stopping by for a quick hello! ***waves***

Well Hi Chelle, I see you liked the Penny book. I guess you could do like I did and just power through them all and sit anxiously waiting for a new one (which will be in the fall!). Or then again you could do what I planned to do and stretch them out.

I didn't read all of your review of the Louise Penny book because I have the first one on my Kindle. I did see that you liked it more than the first one though, which makes me happy - I started the first one and made it through 1 chapter before I put it aside. I'll try again soon because of her many, many fans on here, but it needs to get better quickly!

Hi Chelle!
Hope you and Nate are enjoying a relaxing weekend in your spiffy-newly-painted place! :)

>50 scaifea: Totally agree with Amber! A few times I have wished I had done for us what I did for the new owners. So, when we got to this house (hopefully our last), I decided not to wait. We did lots of stuff to make the house ours - but now it needs it all over again!
Spring is coming! :P

Hi Deb! I don't think your kids will have much to complain about, from what I hear BC is very beautiful too! I'm sure I would have loved living there if that's where we had been posted

I'm not a big fan of painting, so even though it was only 1 bedroom and a hallway it actually felt like I was painting the whole house! lol Glad that is over ... at least until we move and redecorate our new place

Amber, I know what you mean! Our house looks the best it ever has! Oh well, hope it makes the new owners happy ... once someone buys it I mean!

Thanks Paul! My mom came and helped me cut in while I did the roller work. It goes so much better with a helper! We painted the bedroom a cream colour to try and open it up and look bigger. And the hallway is a light grey.

Hello Lori!

Hi Bonnie! I would have probably powered through them all, but chapters has other plans for me. I ordered the books online all at the same time. So far I have had the last book and the second book delivered, the rest are still enroute. I guess I must be patient and wait for them

Hi Cushla! Sorry to hear you didn't much like the start of the first book! The second is better, although I did enjoy the first quite a bit. Maybe try again when you are in the mood for something light?

Hi Cee! Thanks, we are having a good weekend ... although most of today was spent organizing and cleaning. The realtor comes tomorrow to talk to us eeeek!! The move is becoming real now!

7) Eragon by Christopher Paolini
Read for 75 books in 2012, 12 in 2012:Category #4) Oh to be young again: YA Lit

Eragon lives with his uncle and cousin in a modest farm house. They lead a simple, poor life until one day while hunting Eragon finds a jewel in the woods. When he attempts to sell it to get money to feed his family no one will buy it as they do not know what kind of jewel it is or what it could be worth. Eragon keeps the jewel and is awoken one night to find it cracking open. What was thought of as a jewel turns out to be a dragon egg. Quickly Eragon finds himself thrust into a world of dragons, magic and violence.
Once a farm hand without much future, Eragon now realizes that life has other plans for him.

This novel reminded me quite a bit of The Lord of the Rings but aimed more towards young readers.
3.5*

Wow -- you had a busy week! Hope you can relax a bit and enjoy your weekend.

Popping in to see what you're up to - reading and doing -- very very busy. I've got the last Paolini around someplace, I've ended up enjoying the series more than my daughter who is more the right age, oh well.........

HI Anne! I wish I could relax, but alas I still have more work to do.

Hi Lucy! I will probably continue with the next book later this year. Looks like it could be a good series!
***

In other news, house is now for sale!! Realtor just left and the house will be on the system by Friday! Eeek! I have 4 days to get it staged perfect to start showing. Wish I didn't have to work the next 4 days!

Oh boy, selling a house. I well remember the daily cleaning, tidying, hoping, fearing... and hoping some more. Good luck to you on this endeavor, Chelle! I hope it sells with lightning speed!

Thanks Ellen! I am very lucky that my mother just lives around the corner and is willing to come over and pick up the dog and tidy a bit if we get any showings while I'm working!
I'm hoping it sells quick!

8) The Hangman by Louise Penny
Read for 75 books in 2012, 12 in 2012:Category #12) Look, a Moose!: Books by Canadian Authors
3*

I found this quick novella on Kobo by Louise Penny and since she is my current author obsession I snatched it up. At only 99 pages it was a quick easy read with some of the same characters as the other Three Pines books. While it is not the same quality as the others it was still enjoyable.

This is the blurb from her website about the creation of this novella:

A brand new novella, with Chief Inspector Gamache and set in Three Pines, is now available through the publishers, Grass Roots Press. It's written as part of a programme called GoodReads Canada, which was created by national literacy organizations to publish books aimed at emerging adult readers. So, THE HANGMAN is written at a grade 3 level, for adults. Very clear, very simple. Not really the most complex plot or style, for obvious reasons.

Oooh, looking forward to getting my hands on a copy of Hangman!

Hey Chelle - Lost you for a bit, but I'm glad I found you again!

Hi Chelle- Good luck getting the house in shape! Things are hopping in your part of the world.

Only got a few minutes, but wanted to pop in with a hi, best wishes on the wedding and good luck on the house sale!

Oh, good luck with the house-selling! I hope yours sells as fast as ours did this last year - within a month of it being on the market!

Oh Chelle, I hope your house sells very fast. We've been the same as you - our homes never looked better until we decided to put our place up for sale! ;) In our first home, we redid everything, but I decided that I could live with the a few avocado green appliances - maybe the stove ? Of the course the minute we decided to sell, we rushed out and purchased all matching appliances! ;) LOL! In our second home, we had pretty much everything done -except my husband had never put down all of the baseboard! :) Once again, what do you think we did just before we sold ? At least the second place only took two weeks to sell! Yeah!

Sending positive house selling karma to you, Chelle. Looks like you gussied your place up a bit so that's a step in the right direction.

I sure would like some of your organizational skills! You go girl!

Chelle good luck with selling your place.

I hope your house sells quickly, Chelle. I always hated the idea of people walking through my house with their noses in the air! That's why we don't move very often. I think Amber said it so well somewhere upthread... something about getting your house in such good order that one hates to leave it. I see Deb has done much the same thing. Maybe I'll pretend our house is going on the market, thus making me do all those little things I keep putting off.

I also like the idea of posting a list and crossing things off. Great accountability idea. I hope things slow down for you soon. At least you've been able to get some reading time in. It's a great sanity saver. ;-)

>#63- Why haven't I heard of the Hangman love the Three Pines series. Can't find it on the nook :'(

Hi Laura! It was decent, but very quick and easy. Nice for a short story (or novella) though

Hi Brit! Thanks for visiting!

Thanks Mark, Can't wait until they slow down! Oy am I tired!

Thanks Cheli! Hopefully I'll be able to post pictures once everything happens :)

Thanks Amber! The quicker it sells, the quicker I get to take our house hunting trip! So excited!

Thanks Deb! I vow to decorate and make pretty our new house, instead of waiting and putting it off. But I'll be unemployed so I should be able to find time!

Thanks Lynda! I wish I could be this organized all the time! :)

Thanks Paul! :)

Hi Donna! I am happy to be almost done my lists and go back to reading and relaxing at night! So sleepy!

Hi Susie! Not sure if it is available in the states or just through Kobo because it's from the GoodReads Canada program. Does the Nook use Adobe Epub format? if so you could try buying it through kobo's website?

I'm also hoping that your house sells quickly, you've certainly put in a lot of work on it lately.

passing through!
good luck on the staging....it's a crap shoot isn't it trying to figure out what potential buyers would like or want?

Thanks Cheli I'll give that a try!

Hi, Chelle. I'm green with envy re; Nova Scotia. How lucky.

Otherwise, I'm just *lurking*.

Thanks Kerry! Keeping my fingers crossed!!

Hi Kara! Thanks, I'm hoping that someone, anyone really, loves it! I love it, but it's in the wrong province ;)

Hope you get it susie! If not let me know and I'll try and send you a copy of this one ... although I'm not 100% sure how to do that yet lol

Thanks for lurking here Gail! Come back anytime :)
***

So it's pouring rain here today and +2c. So much for winter, this is almost spring like!! I want the snow back, I hate wet dog smell in the spring weather. Although I did buy Jax some puppy spray that is basically leave in shampoo. He smells purdy right now ... let's see how long that lasts ...

My Alan Bradley books came in the mail today! yay! Finally I can start The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie sometime soon! :) Now if only the rest of my Louise Penny books would arrive then I'd be one uber happy chicka!

Happy Monday folks!

Enjoy the Alan Bradley books..... they are fun entertainment! Sounds like you are experiencing a westcoast winter right now. Apparently, snow has decided to pay the west coast a visit.... just for a change of scenery don't ya know! ;-)

Good luck with selling your house Chelle!

Chelle, so much going on! And so much for me to catch up!! Wow! Sell the house! Move! Visit Peggy's Cove, my Ma Peggy's favorite place that she ever visited as a tourist! Get married! Read another book! Read another book! Read another book!
As one of the old marrieds here (41 years in December), I won't presume to give any advice. We're still working on it. The good thing is that we both still care to get it right.
I also meant to say that I've just started The Tiger's Wife and like the first 30 pp. Also, I just finished and adored Fall on Your Knees set largely on Cape Breton Island. It's definitely not for everybody. I was in the love it camp, but I can see why other people hated it.

Good luck selling the house, Chelle! You reminded me of all the painting we need to do. We bought our house almost two years ago and still have mostly white walls.

Hi Lori! I am excited to start Sweetness, but first I have to make myself finish The Inheritance of Loss - although I'm only 40 pages in, waiting for it to get good

Thanks Brit! Hopefully I'll have some good news quick!

Hi Penny! 41 years, wow! Congrats! I think anyone who is willing to still work at a marriage after 41 years needs a medal! Good job!
Hope you love The Tiger's Wife!

Thanks Kerri! White walls are soothing to me, so I'd be ok with that! My bedroom went from a light brown to a cream color and Nate and I were both amazed at how bright our room is now! I think we will pick light colors in the next house
***

Only working a half day today. My supervisor agreed to let me go home at noon so that I can work on the final touches to the house. The military's appraisal people are coming tomorrow and the house goes for sale on Friday. It's all starting now!

Hopefully I'll get to relax and read a bit tonight after working hard around the house all day

eta: touchstones fixed

I think Alan Bradley is just about right for someone in the middle of selling a house.

I'm interested to know how you like "The Sweetness..." and The Inheritance..." as they are two books on my TBR list. I'm not too familiar with Louise Penny,I'll have to check her out. I usually listen to mysteries on audiobook or Playaway. Do you have Playaways at your libraries there?

Ellen, have you read all of his Flavia series? I'm looking forward to starting the first one

Hi Mary Beth. I'll post a review for Sweetness when I finish. I'm currently reading Inheritance and I'm not sure about it yet. Not far enough in to understand where it's going, if it's even going anywhere
I've not heard of Playaway, but my library does audiobook through overdrive media. Is that the same thing?
***

Well my half day of work went well. Then I came home and did the final painting on the laundry room wall, and tiled my utility room floor (just the sticky tiles though, I'm not good enough to do the better kind)
But I eff'ed my back up now :( Currently sitting on the couch feeling my back twitch! Oy
Hot bubble bath with a book night, me thinks!!

Hi, Chelle, just keeping up...

Painting is not high on my list either. My daughter begged me to help paint her room last year. I grudgingly obliged. : ) Hope the bath helps your back.

*smooch*

9) Cannery Row by John Steinbeck
Read for 75 books in 2012, 12 in 2012:Category #7) Morbid thoughts: 1001 Books to Read Before I Die (Books from this list that I DO NOT already own.), 1001 Books to read before you die

I have had a pretty busy month and although I wanted to join in on the Steinbeckathon I just didn't think I was going to be able to fit it in. Thankfully I read some of the reviews from the group read and realized that it was a pretty short book, so I decided to give it a shot. I am SO happy that I did as this was a really great read!

What I loved most about this book was that it didn't tell a big story, nothing huge happens really. It's a group of residents living in a poor area but living the way that makes them happy. Some squat in an old fish building and some squat in an old furnace that they have gutted and made into a home. They all could change their situation, but they are all content with the way things are

Cannery Row tells a lot about human nature, without preaching. It's a simple book where not much happens, but I found I didn't want to put it down anyway.

"It has always seemed strange to me...The things we admire in men, kindness and generosity, openness, honesty, understanding and feeling, are the concomitants of failure in our system. And those traits we detest, sharpness, greed, acquisitiveness, meanness, egotism and self-interest, are the traits of success. And while men admire the quality of the first they love the produce of the second."

4*

Hi Jade! :)

Kim, I would be happy if I never had to paint again. Ever. Never ever. But alas, I am not rich enough to pay someone to do it and Nate hates it as much as me so I can't even pawn the work off on him

Smooch back atcha Richard!!

Ohh I'm so happy for you that the Alan Bradley books arrived for you! I so enjoyed my " Flavia -a- thon in December! ;) You have lots to look forward too! Enjoy! I got a small order from Amazon today, partly gifts for my sons gf - I have started calling her my daughter in law, because they have been dating for 4 years - but anyway, she is giving a student led seminar on the history of food in Canada in her fourth year of university, so I got her - surprise! a book called What's to Eat?: Entrees in Canadian Food History which is a sort of historical look at Canadian Cuisine. I also got her some baking things - like a three tiered cookie cooling rack etc -but I ordered myself a copy ofWhat's to Eat?: Entrees in Canadian Food History and Amazon ca forgot to send my copy! Anyway, they are sending out a second copy today -but it take a while to get here. It's the first time I've had trouble with Amazon ca, but they were very quick with there customer service, which was wonderful!

Hope your house sells soon!;)

#91 - Good review, Chelle! I'm glad you liked it. It's a favorite of mine, but it's been a long time since I've read it.

Hi Chelle, I'm in the Steinbechathon thing too but I've not had much time to read it as I want to finish Matterhorn first. Maybe by tomorrow I'll be able to get back to Monterey!

Just delurking Chelle to say hi and note that the Cannery Row unanimously positive reviews continue. Good review.

Chelle, I've only read the first. I enjoyed it but have not yet been willing to commit the time to the rest of the series. They feel to me like good summer reads, although I vicariously enjoyed Deb's Flavia-thon in December.

Chelle, nice review and excellent quote selection from Cannery Row. Got it at the library, as I'm seeing so many positive reactions and surely it can't take too long to read.

Like Ellen, I've only read the first Flavia book, but I really enoyed it. Something to look forward to!

Chelle, I'm glad you posted the link to your Cannery Row review on the 'Beckathon thread, because I fell so behind in the last few days since I visited that I was intimidated to try and catch up again. I love that quote you included. It was one that really caught my attention when I was reading too; I went back and read it over a few times, because of course it's such a great truism and so well put.

I enjoyed your review of Fatal Grace too. I didn't fall in love with the first book either, but I've been encouraged to go on by many fans who say the series just keeps getting better. They have all the Armand Gamache books at the library, and I couldn't find this one because of the stupid title change, but sure enough, I finally located it when someone suggested I look under Dead Cold.

Hi Deb! Your daughter in law is a lucky lady, I would love those gifts! I have a couple decent cooling racks for my baking but a three tierd one would save so much counter space! That book sounds interesting as well!

Sorry to hear your amazon order was messed up. I don't know what's up with online orders these days, but my Chapters order was messed up too. I ordered all the Louise Penny books and two came, three are on back order and the other one never arrived even though chapters thought it did! They have to send me another copy.

Thanks Kerri! I was pretty impressed with it! Looking forward to reading a few more from him this year

Hi Lynda! Hopefully you can get back to Cannery Row! It's not very long but it's a treat

Hi Paul!

Ellen I hope to read the first one sometime very soon, but I'll probably save the rest until after I move. Depends on how quickly I get to leave I guess

Hi Gail! I read it on my ereader before bed and it took me two nights. Once night I put in a few hours when I couldn't sleep. It's a pretty easy read but pretty good

Hi Ilana! Don't ever worry about getting behind on threads, I can always find you on your thread! :)
The first Louise Penny was good, but the second was MUCH better! I can only imagine what the third will bring!
Love the video of Coco that you posted! Tres adorable!
***

Well I am at work tonight for a 12 hour nightshift on no sleep! But the house is finally finished! I got everything finished last night and this afternoon and the appraisal guy came today! So now I just have to keep it clean and dog hair free until after it sells!

Hopefully I'll be able to stay awake at work tonight and play on LT, Pinterest and read if my brain doesn't hurt!

Happy Wednesday all!!

Hi Chelle- Sounds like you've been a busy gal! Good job getting the house in order. And nice review of Cannery Row. Everyone seems to be quite fond of it. The only reason I didn't join the club, was I've read it a couple times, although now I'm thinking I should have just sucked it up and read it with everyone else. I am ready for The Wayward Bus!

HI Mark! I need to find a copy of The Wayward Bus still. It wasn't included in the book of 6 steinbecks that I bought
I have only read East of Eden so I will probably skip that one that month. It's quite long and although I liked it I don't think it warrants a re-read
***
saw this tonight and had a chuckle. Oh Pinterest.com I loath and love you at the same time!


ooooh and this too!! *drool

Sooooo far behind here, Chelle. I am, however, enjoying this thread for several reasons - not the least is which your reading news :) I too loved Flavia's escapades! Enjoy...

I'm wondering if the real estate market is better in Canada than here in USA? It's pretty bad here - not much moving. I really hope you get your house sold soon - then onward!

Love the room above! Lots of light, neat and roomy...lots of books. Maybe you could copy this in your new place ;-)

#102: I want one of those pins!

#104: Me too!!!!!

I love the second-level library!

I told Nate that we need to buy a house that has high enough ceilings so we could make that library above a living room, he seemed to think I was kidding! ;)

Claudia, I think the market is doing ok, but not like it used to be. I remember when I bought this house 6 years ago every house I looked at got sold before I could put an offer in. Now houses sit a bit longer, but they are still selling if they are priced right. Since the military is paying our realtor fees we decided to price the house a little lower than we think it is worth, in hopes of selling quick

Sign went on the lawn today, goes up for sale officially tomorrow. Crossing my fingers, toes, legs and arms that it sells soon :)
***

In book news, I am struggling with The Inheritance of Loss. I should have known to stick with light and fluffy while I have so much going on, I can't seem to concentrate and so far I don't see what all the hype is about this book. It's won like 3 awards or something, but I don't see why. (yet)

I might put it aside for a couple days and read something fluffy at work tonight.

Sounds like a job for Flavia!

Thought you were kidding? About a library? Even one that requires very high ceilings? What? hehe

10) The Inheritance of Loss by Kiran Desai
Read for 75 books in 2012, 12 in 2012:Category #7) Morbid thoughts: 1001 Books to Read Before I Die , 1001 Books to read before you die, Orange January/July
2*

I won't be posting a review about this novel as I didn't enjoy it. I can see why others would like it and I can understand why it won the awards that it did; interesting story, strong characters, insights into human nature, love and violence, etc. However, all that said I just did not like it.

#107 - I feel like I'm intimately acquainted with the Canadian real estate market, because I watch all those home shows from Canada. I used to be hooked on Property Virgins, especially when we were house-hunting. Ha!

Good luck with your house sale, hopefully it all goes through successfully and stress free :)

Gosh, Chelle, your non-review has me so curious about the book!

drive-by hug

Hi Chelle, interesting that Louise Penny published the novella. I hadn't heard about that literacy program. Good luck selling your house. In NY houses are not selling much at all. The market is completely stagnant.

Sometimes we find with certain writers that no matter how clever and well written their books are they simply irritate. Found exactly the same problem with Arundhati Roy's Booker Winner which I just didn't like. I also don't really enjoy Anita Desai. Maybe it is Indian lady writers in general because RK Narayan and Rohinton Mistry are among my favourite writers and I have so many Indian friends that I am certainly not predisposed not to like them. Have a great weekend Chelle and I'm not sure that I really make any sense above.

The Inheritance of Loss didn't work for me either. I read it before my LT days but think I had problems with the characters or the characterisation or maybe both! The book never really came alive for me anyway.

Ooooo I like that pin!

>102 ChelleBearss:: Haha... that is definitely the pin for me... I still owe my university library upward of $80, six years after graduation. Every few years they send me a "threatening" letter, which I promptly set aside and forget about. Honestly, I should never be allowed inside a library. EVER. The books will never find their way home!!!

>102 ChelleBearss:: I feel like the woman with the huge stack of books. And what a unique use of space for a library. I love the look of it, but fear I would have a vertigo attack up there! Thanks for posting those great images, Chelle.

Can you tell us why you didn't like The Inheritance of Loss?

***

That woman with the stack of books looks very familiar...

Hi Chelle- It's funny, I loved The Inheritance of Loss. It's been a few years since I read it but it really spoke to me. It must be the type of book that either pulls you in or pushes you away. Sorry it didn't work for you. Hope your next reading choice is a winner.
BTW- I love the button too! Is there a guy version?

shhhh I once incurred a fine of $160 dollars at the library. I paid it immediately, as it was two DVD's that I thought I left behind in a shopping centre. Three years later I found them in a bag in my house. Now I'm very conscientious about my library fees! ;) Even the librarian felt sorry for me...

I don't mind at all if you don't like a particular author or book, no matter how popular. I agree with Paul - for whatever reason, some authors work for us, others don't. Such is the mystery of life ;)

I'm on board with what Deb said - sometimes I just don't like a book. May not be able to put my finger on why - I just don't like it! Appreciate your honest remarks, Chelle.

Hi, Chelle! I hope to be able to find a copy of Louise Penny's novella. I am such a fan of hers.

And you've convinced me to put Cannery Row on my list. I KNEW I should have stayed off the computer today.

Love the pin. A friend of mine gave me one that said "I cannot be trusted in a book store with a credit card." Although I don't need it. They can see it written on my forehead the minute I walk in.

Good luck with the house! Fingers crossed!

I'd never heard of the Pinterest site before, but I've just had a look and it's great!

I thought that at certain point the library just asked you to pay the replacement cost? $160 in fines?? Yikes! Off to check off the Pinterest site...

111 Kerri You probably know more about the Canadian house market than I do then, I don't want any reality TV at all. I just know what the realtor told me, and that's very little lol

112 Thanks Megan! It's been up 3 days and we have had 3 people through. Hopefully we get more next week

113 Sorry Ellen, guess you will have to read it and see how you like it! I really hope you enjoy it more.

114 Hugs back atcha Richard! Hope all is well in your world!

115 Hi Bonnie! Stagnant eh? That kind sucks for New Yorkers. I hope our market is doing better, but I guess I'll find out soon enough

116 Paul you make perfect sense, as always! I don't know if I've ever read anything by an Indian writer, either male or female. Thankfully though I'm not the type to hold a grudge, I would read another Indian writter again no problem.

117 Dee I think that is a good way to describe it, didn't come alive for me. Good way to put it. Something just bugged me and I couldn't wait to finish it

118 Me too Lucy! I thought it was hillarious, another Pinterest find ;)

119 Faith That's hillarious! I guess you should not have a library card eh! $80 is a big amount! I remember a long time ago taking books out, never reading them and forgetting to take them back until I got the nasty phone call. There were a few times I owed at least $20 until I learned to keep track of due dates!

120 Donna I think that would be perfect for me. I don't have any issues with heights and it would keep our living space from having too many books taking over the room! I really really don't think I could talk Nate into building one. Although he did mention how he likes the look of the built-in shelves ... so maybe if I cross my fingers he will build me one someday!

121 Morphy I really wish I could describe what made me dislike that book so much! I found it very unlikable, and I don't know if it was just the characters (none of which I liked, and I couple I really disliked) or the way the story jumped time lines without clear lines, or the inconsistency of the author. I found one part of the book where it mentioned two sisters who had no hydro at their home and had to boil chicken right away to eat for the week so it wouldn't go bad. Then later in the book it says their hydro went out during a story (or war, I don't remember) and they had to eat all the food from their fridge before it went bad. I went back later trying to find the original spot where it said they had no hydro but I couldn't find it. It frustrated me that it was inconsistent like that, and it frustrated me that I had to waste time looking for the original quote. I think the book in general just didn't work for me so I was nit-picking things I wouldn't normally notice or care about.
If I book is enjoyable for me I don't really bother to fact check or watch for inconsistencies.

Wow that was long ;)

122 Hi Mark I'm glad you liked it. I think you are right and it's one that you either love or hate. Unfortunately I am in the wrong group there
Sorry, I only saw a female version of that pin, but I bet one of our techy LT peeps could make one

123 Wow Deb $160 bucks! Hope you really enjoyed those movies!!
I think because everyone is sooo different that not everyone can enjoy every book. That's what makes LT so cool, so many people can talk about what they liked or didn't like and it's OK. No one really judges, but can just discuss. Super!!

124 Nancy, I had a really hard time trying to figure out what I disliked so much. It took me quite a few days of thinking about it to realize what the things were that bugged me

125 Hi Terri! Sorry to add to your list, but Cannery Row is worth the read! The Louise Penny novella is short and sweet and very easy, but I enjoyed it. It's not often that I like short stories but because I already knew the characters I found it was a pretty decent read.

126 Hi Susan It's my latest addiction!

127 Watch out Kim, you'll become addicted!!

Whoa, i've been away from LT for too many days! This weekend was crazyness! Too many things jampacked into one weekend, but I am finally sitting down with a nice cup of tea and able to try and catch up on LT!

Today I took my bridesmaids shopping for their dresses. So much fun! I was able to surprise them and tell them today that Nate and I had decided to buy their dresses for them since they are paying to come south with us! They were all so happy and we picked out a beautiful dress!!

We picked out this one: (But in a very dark hot pink, very tropical looking for our Jamaican wedding ;)

(And yes, it had pockets! ;)

I'm going to try and catch up on everyone and then get back to my book, I started reading the third Louise Penny The Cruelest Month.
Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Super cute dress and pockets make it even better! :)

Cute dress!

Love the dress, Chelle!

All dresses should have pockets! Love the dress, Chelle, and I think I would like the dark hot pink. Nice!

Love the bridesmaids' dress - but what are the pockets for? Tissues in case they cry? or extra pieces of wedding cake???

Starting to feel more real - thanks for the picture! You and Nate are good to pick up the cost when you'll have so many other things to pay for! I think that was very sweet :)

but what are the pockets for? Tissues in case they cry? or extra pieces of wedding cake???

lol Cee. If the bridesmaids are as yummy as the one you posted Chelle, I'll be giving SWMBO the slip and holidaying in Jamaica, with or without the pockets.

Yes! Exactly!

Ohhh so gorgeous!!! I love the style and I love the thought of a hot pink! You know, for my wedding nearly 29 years ago - I decided on a fairly hot pink colour for my flowers and my bridesmaids. Well, my maid of honour, while a lovely person , was very decided. She told me that she and the other bridesmaid simply did not look good in hot pink. Well, rather than argue with her I said fine -have a royal bue for your dresses -and yes we paid for them -but I told her I am having hot pink for the flowers and everything else and I guess it will have to be a very colourful wedding. LOL! And it was. Lucky thing I don't hold grudges either.

Oh that Paul- trying to give his beautiful wife the slip! Paul, you are such a card!

Deb - I'm only saying it because I know that there is no way I would get away with it - she is far too observant!

Hehehe, Paul!! :) you are a pile of fun! I know you love Hani very much! Far too much to give her the slip!!!;)

Chelle, your bridesmaid dresses are lovely. How many people are in your wedding party?

Very cute dress, Chelle and I love that it has pockets .... always so useful. I was a bridesmaid and wished I had pockets for when I was suddenly entrusted with the bride's lipgloss, spare hairpins (or some dropped hairpins), a button off the groom's shirt (don't ask) and a flowergirl's spare panties (apparently the little darling was prone to accidents when she got too excited). I ended up stuffing bits and pieces into my bridesmaid's little bouquet. (yes, including the little spare pair of undies)

Oooh, lovely dress! So exciting!!

I love the pockets! How very practical. Makes perfect sense.

Thanks Marie, Katie, Nancy, Ellen, Claudia, Paul, Deb, Judy, Caro, Amber & Faith!! I let the girls try on whatever they wanted and we came to an agreement in the end. It was a toss up between colors but everyone loved the same dress!

haha Paul you could just bring Hani, I'm sure she would love a vacation to Jamaica, who wouldn't!

Deb that was nice of you to pay for your bridesmaids dresses too. Mine gave me a hard time about it, but Nate and I decided that since they had to pay for traveling to the wedding, we didn't want them to pay for much else.

Judy, I have three girls and Nate has three guys. I have my bestie, a good friend from highschool and my sister. I had another girlfriend that I wanted but her husband is struggling with cancer and they didn't think he would be up for traveling. If they decide to come last minute I will rush order her a dress

Wow, Caro You really did need pockets! That's a lot of stuff!!

I'm unqualified to talk about bridesmaids dresses, Chelle, but I hope you have a good week. Exciting times!

Dresses with pockets are the greatest invention ever in the history of time. Nice choice!

If I wore a dress it would totally have to have pockets, that way people wouldn't make fun of me for carrying a man-purse.

Nice dresses, Chelle. My younger brother is getting married this summer so I get to hear all kinds of things about wedding planning. Hope it's going smoothly for you. :)

>148 Ape: Nope. We'll just make fun of the boy in the dress. ;)

passing through to say Hi Chelle!
cute dress.....big thumb up for the pockets :)

Hi Chelle- Love the bridesmaids dress! Make you sure post plenty of pictures of the gals trying them on and taking...okay let's not forget LT is family friendly.

Thanks Joe! You as well!!

Thanks Nora! the girls actually picked that one out, they made a great choice and it looks cute on all of them

Stephen, I'm sorry to say that I would probably make fun of you less for carrying a murse than I would for a wearing a dress ... you might want to stick with the murse, or even a satchel ;)

Thanks Micky It's slow going but things are starting to come together. I picked up my wedding dress from the seamstress today. Now I have to find a place to hide it where Nate won't peak at it!

Hi Kara! I think the girls are really going to appreciate having pockets, they probably won't need purses now!

Thanks Mark! I'll post pics of the wedding day, we actually didn't take pics at the dress shop, either pg or R rated ones ;)
***

I've officially done NOTHING today! It's been glorious! The weather here is horrible, raining heavily and very windy, so I have been hibernating today. Read half of The Cruelest Month, surfed pinterest.com and watched two episodes of Downton Abbey (must thank Mark and Ilana for recommending my latest addiction! ;) Going to cruise the threads for a bit and then maybe watch more or read more in bed. Night all!

Catching up, Chelle: Love the bridesmaid dresses (hot pink is about the only shade of pink I can tolerate), love the idea of the 'do nothing' day (I really need to have one of those!), and one of these days I need to get to Downton Abbey.

Love the dress and hope you have had an enjoyable day of officially doing nothing! LOVE those kind of days.... they just don't happen often enough.

Hi Chelle,

Great bridesmaid dress! I love the color.

A day spent with Loiuse Penny and Downton Abbey is a good day!

I'm so hoping my DVR hasn't suffered a glitch while I've been away because if I go home and find that it didn't record Downton Abbey, I don't know what I'll do. I caught the first of the 2nd season and then had to travel the day after, so I should have 3 episodes to catch up on?

LOL at Mark's comment that LT is " family friendly!" hehehhe!

Chelle, the bridesmaid dresses are lovely and should look very striking in Jamaica mon!

I wanted pockets in my wedding dress but everyone thought I was crazy! Well, I am, but I didn't want to walk around with those string purses they were selling. I didn't get the pockets but I did realize what a maid of honor is used for.

Hey Deb, I hope they named the new wing at the library after you. $160 fine, Yowzaa!

I would love to see Peggy's Cove!

Morning all! Up way to early on my last day off because we have two people coming to see the house this afternoon. Gotta do some tidying and remove the dog from the home. Hopefully I'll be able to go back to doing nothing for tonight ;)
***

Morning Stasia! Hopefully when school slows down a bit you can get a Do Nothing day!

Hi Lori! I can usually fit a Do Nothing day on my days off, but it was so busy trying to get the house ready for sale that I haven't relaxed in weeks. This one was well needed!

HI Joanne! I really have nothing to complain about eh! I finished my book and immediately wanted to pick up the next one! I'm officially addicted to Louise Penny!

Caro I hope your PVR was well behaved and all your shows are waiting for you when you get back! When do you travel home?

Lynda Pockets are quite common these days, I think. A few of the bridesmaids dresses we looked at had them, and my sisters wedding dress has them too. My wedding dress is lace and pockets would have shown, good thing my bridesmaids have pockets so they can hold all my stuff! ;)

Kath I hear it's beautiful! I hope to visit this summer

Peggy's Cove is absolutely beautiful! Enjoy, Chelle!

Do Nothing days is probably about the only thing I miss about being unemployed. Reading and Downton sounds like a delightful way to spend one. My mom and I are recording all the new episodes on the PVR and then we'll probably binge on them all. Sometimes, it's nicer not to have to wait between them. :)

Nice to hear you've joined the "addicted to Louise Penny" group, Chelle! See you in Three Pines!

>126 susanj67: $160 for 2 dvd's Deb? Is that for real? Or was it a deterrent type fine.

>130 ChelleBearss: nice dress! And pockets are very useful, I wouldnt be without my skirts with pockets (although maybe your bridesmaids wont be lugging around a baby their hip so be in need of an extra bib or two, or somewhere to put their car keys....) As Caroline mentioned in #142, pockets are just useful :)

Are you and your bridesmaids planning on sitting down together and watching the film, Bridesmaids? It's so funny and if you havent already, I recommend it.

Sorry you didnt like The Inheritance of Loss, I have just WL'd it, so will have to wait and see if I ever get to it :)

Thanks Nancy, I'm excited to get out there and start exploring!

Micky that sounds like a great way to spend some time with your mom!! There are only 7 or 8 episodes in the first season so you could totally waste a Saturday together!

Joe Do you think there is a real place like Three Pines out there somewhere? I hope so, because it sounds like a lovely place to live! (other than all the murders of course ;)

Megan I actually watched that movie with Nate! We both thought it was hillarious!
I think the girls and I might wait and do a little girls day party once we get to Jamaica on the resort

I hope you enjoy Inheritance of Loss, there was just something that bugged me but I'm sure others would probably love it.
**

So we had two showings today between 1-3. I came home around 330 and started baking some cookies. At 350 a realtor and a couple showed up, turns out they were about an hour behind because they had already looked at 8 houses today! So the dog and I went outside to wait while they looked around and ate all my cookies!! Seriously, the dude ate like 4 or 5 cookies! Hope they loved the cookies and it makes them want to buy the house ;)

Hi Chelle!
When we were looking at houses in Maine, our realtor showed us a house and while we were there pulled out a bag of chips (owners were not home) and offered us some. I declined. Ron indulged.
But... we wound up buying the house! (the one we are in now and love.) So... maybe that couple will buy!
Ya gotta hope your cookies were magic! ;-)

ETA - oh, and if they ARE magic, I will need that recipe . LOL

Adding my vote for pockets here! Why do so few women's clothes have pockets in? I envy kangaroos with their built-in pouches!

Ah, how I love that vicious circle! "Women don't need pockets because they carry handbags." Women carry handbags because their clothes don't have pockets!! :)

>165 ChelleBearss: Oh we've watched the first season. We're waiting until all of the second season has aired on PBS before getting into it.

Hey Chelle, they say that the smell of baking induces people to buy - now, if they ate your cookies ( rather rude of them ) I hope you have a sale on your hands!! I'll be waiting to hear!!! Waiting to hear! Isn't that the horrible part of selling a house!!! Ugh! I remember the ups and downs - may you have a quick a easy offer right quickly!

BTW - the $160 fine was the actual cost of the DVD's!!!! The librarian said she would even just put a stop to the late fees in case I found them, but I just wanted to get the worry off my back. They were DVD's from England and for some reason especially expensive - perhaps because they were each part of a set? I don't know!

Fingers crossed the couple buy Chelle!

#167 : Genny, but kangaroos are always pregnant with a joey in their pouches ... doesn't give you much room to keep your other stuff ... with a joey inside potentially nibbling away at your wallet or keys. ;-)

The smell of fresh-baked cookies is supposed to 'help' people decide to buy the house, no? Hope it works!

Shoot, now I'm hungry for cookies... What kind did you make?

I love the style of the bridesmaid's dress you chose, Chelle. I'm a hot pink kind of girl, too.

I think pockets should be in everything. I hated to see the new trend in women's dress slacks sans pockets a few years ago. I suppose they're going for a more streamlined look? I'll continue to wear my old ones until the trend changes. I would also love to find a jacket with inside pockets. I may start shopping in the men's department!!!

haha Claudia I don't know about magic cookies, but the feedback notes today were positive. It's just a waiting game now. but there are more people looking at it today so my fingers are crossed!

Genny kangaroos are very lucky to have pockets, but having them full of baby-roo all the time would be rather annoying after a while

Liz I always try and stuff Nate's pockets with stuff so I don't have to carry my purse but he isn't always receptive to that.

Mickey I just finished the first season last night. I am excited to watch the second!

Deb I can't decide what is worse: the waiting for an offer or the constant need to keep the house 100% IMMACULATE! I love having a clean house, but the need to keep it completely perfect does get on my nerves. Cuts into my reading time ;)

Thanks Paul!! How is kitty feeling?

Hi Amber! I made plain old peanut butter chocolate chip, and then I proceeded to eat about 10 of them

Thanks Donna! I hate having pants without pockets! I refuse to buy jeans that don't have pockets on the bumm. My winter jacket came with the pockets sewed shut, rather annoying to sit there and pick out the stitches. I will never understand why companies sew pockets shut.

Sounds very promising that you are getting so many viewers to the house, Chelle. The more people who come to see it, the greater chance of the perfect buyer finding it.

Regarding pockets being sewed shut, I think that is so that the garment doesn't get pulled out of shape before someone buys it. I definitely agree on the importance of pockets - EXCEPT when someone doesn't check them before going in to the washing machine and leaves kleenex in the pocket. Ugh!

I agree with you. Both keeping the house 100% clean plus waiting to hear about offers is very stressful! I think I did a touch up cleaning of the bathrooms every day... took out the garbage as soon as we got a call that someone was coming to view -and I even bought a couple of light smelling fragrance things - and I I vacuumed and swept every day!!! Argh!! I hope it will sell very soon! My sister and husband sold their house the day they put the sign up!!! How lucky was that!!!! And I don't like keeping house!!! Stay sane, my friend!

I know it was a couple of days ago, but I've officially done NOTHING today! It's been glorious! does sound pretty darn delicious!

I'm chuckling at the number of comments prompted by the pockets. I know I expressed my approval of pockets in dresses. I think I was harkening back to my 1980s feminist sensibility - when we believed that pockets (along with comfortable shoes) meant self-definition and empowerment. Ahh, if it were only so simple.

But pockets do make life a bit easier, eh?

Besides, they make for a cool look. :-)

nothing yet?
they say to either bake cookies or an apple pie prior to showing a house....makes everything smell so homey like :)

Both sounds good to me!

Well, I didn't plan on reading all of the Louise Penny books in one shot, but it looks like it could happen!
❤❤❤❤❤ these books!! Completely perfect for a stress free night!!


11) The Cruelest Month by Louise Penny
Read for 75 books in 2012, 12 in 2012:Category #12) Look, a Moose!: Books by Canadian Authors ,
4*

I really enjoyed this book but I had a hard time getting completely wrapped up in it. As much as I love fantasy and paranormal books, I know that all that is fiction. I have a hard time believing that there are people in the world who believe in ghosts and afterlife, psychics and séances, even though I know that is very closed minded of me. This book had some great back story on Chief Inspector Gamache and the secondary plot line was great, however the main plot was based around a séance which I had a hard time believing in a murder mystery. I prefer to keep my murder mysteries seperate from my paranormal novels. Either way it was still a great read! I'm officially hooked on Ms Penny.


12) The Murder Stone by Louise Penny
Read for 75 books in 2012, 12 in 2012:Category #12) Look, a Moose!: Books by Canadian Authors
4*

This was by far the best read so far out of all the Penny books. I loved how she brought them out of their element, Gamache is on vacation with his wife when a murder happens and it doesn't take place in Three Pines. Only part of the team is brought in to investigate. It wouldn't be the same if most of the characters weren't there though, so she managed to mix in a little Three Pines time within the story. I was shocked to find out the final outcome, it was someone that I had not even thought of. Completely wonderful and I didn't want to put it down.
I want to continue with the next book, but I know I will be soooo sad when I run out of books in the series!
Such a dilema!

Thanks Judy, we are getting lots of positive feedback but no real bites yet. Hopefully something soon

Deb, I don't much like "keeping house" either. Nate knows this about me and loves me anyway, thankfully! I would love to have a maid for the odd jobs like dusting and vacuuming, but it's not really in the budget lol

Hi Ellen! My do nothing days have ended, 5 12hour shifts this week now, yuck! Oh well, not much longer and I will be unemployed and missing the paycheques! lol

Kara, nothing yet. Lots of people through but no offers. I wish I knew how to bake an apple pie! I should make more cookies saturday morning before the next people come though! I've been making coffee before each visit, someone told me that smells helps too

Joe, If you ask nicely Kara might make you some pie ;)

**

I am beat! Worked days yesterday and today and I need my bed! I'll try and make some rounds of the threads this weekend and visiting everyone.
Happy Reading folks!

Welcome to Three Pines!

good trick doing baking to lull the buyers into a sense of homeliness. Not that it was intentional- but as Deb said, its meant to be a deal clincher! Good luck.

Chelle I do need to read Louise Penney. Inspector Gamache sounds a great creation and the book covers look outstanding!

Chiming in to echo what Paul just wrote! Thanks, Chelle!

Inspector Gamache had me at "Bonjour". I love that series.

Joe, If you ask nicely Kara might make you some pie.

OK, I'll give it a try. Kara, may I please have some pie? (Why do I feel all Charles Dickens-y now?)

Chelle, why don't you buy a frozen pie at the grocery store and bake that? You know, from the freezer section--Mrs. Smith's or similar brand. Or Pepperidge Farm makes frozen turnovers and apple dumplings that you bake.

Are the Three Pines books graphic? Or are they more cozy style? I've been thinking about trying them, since so many in the 75ers like them.

Sandy K

Oooh, Sandy has a great idea with the frozen apple pies! Or, if you have a slow-cooker, you could get some apple cider (or juice), add some spices, and have that going during showings...

I'm so glad that you are enjoying The Three Pine Series! I can't say the same, I got weary of them after a couple of them- but I know when you get hooked on a great series, it's a lot of fun! Me - it was my Flavia - thon in December!;) I hope the house sells soon!

Glad to hear you're loving the Three Pines series. This is my favorite mystery series of all, right now.

I think the 2012 installment is set away from Three Pines.

Chelle, I'm scrambling a bit to keep up (aren't we all), but I think I've done a decent job of it here. Add me to the fans of pockets on dresses (on just about everything actually—gives you something to do with your hands!), and I love the one you've picked up for the bridesmaids. Must be so exciting planning all these little (or not so little) details out!

Glad to see you're enjoying Louise Penny so much.

You've reminded me I've had The Inheritance of Loss on my shelves for way too long now and that I should consider reading it this year. I just hope I enjoy it more than you did!

Hello Dear LT Friends! Thanks for all the lovely posts. I'm sorry to report that I will be off the grid for a bit. I'm working my set of 6 12hour shifts, while cleaning and showing the house, my dad's 60th birthday party, a few more shifts and then Nate's graduation from Military Police College is a little over a week away!! I'm going to be crazy busy for the next two weeks and I feel that my time on LT will be taking a hit. I'll be popping in from time to time and try to visit everyone, but I probably won't be around much. I'll make up for it when I'm unemployed and have mass amounts of free time ;)

The day after his graduation we are planning on driving out to Nova Scotia together for a bit of house searching (and "planning" is still the operative word, we don't have permission yet) so I may end up off the grid for a couple weeks.

Hopefully I'll have some good house news soon! I'll post pics of his grad!
***

184 Thanks Joanne, Three Pines is a great place to hang out in!

185 Megan, I was actually just craving cookies! lol But it does seem like a good idea to make the house smell yummy!

186/187 Beware Paul & Nancy they are addicting!

188 Joe I just love them! Gamache especially, but all of the characters! Yesterday I was laughing to myself at work while reading The Murder Stone. I love the sly humor

189 Sandy that is a wonderful idea. Maybe I'll pop in at the grocery store on my way home from work in the morning and buy a frozen pie. I can't imagine Nate would be too put out if I bake a pie for him to eat ;)

I don't find the Three Pines books graphic. They are about murder of course, but generally they don't discuss anything too graphic or gross

190 Amber, funny enough but if I made hot apple cider in my house Nate would sleep in the garage. He hates the smell it, and I just love it! I have to drink it when he isn't home lol

191 Deb I think I am going to hold off on Flavia until I have a bit more downtime. Perhaps once I run out of Louise Penny books ;)
Hopefully you go back to Three Pines eventually. They do get better as they go along, the last one I read was great!

192 Ohhh Linda does that mean there might be a new one soon? I only have 3 left to read :(

193 Hi Ilana! I have give up on trying to keep up! In the next few weeks I'm going to have sooo many threads to catch up on, I'll probably new a few hours!

I hope you like Inheritance of Loss more than I!

Hey Chelle! Just catching up as I make my way back on-line.

You do have a busy couple of weeks planned, Chelle. Congratulations to Nate on his graduation.

So busy here! Good luck with the house..
and yeah... Penny does suck you in doesn't she?
I do love Three Pines..

Good luck Chelle with the house hunting and all of your other endevors. :)

#194 I think that the new Louise Penny books come out each year around late August/early September. Always something to look forward to, I feel.

I'm doing Trick of the Light now.

Chelle- Good luck with your busy week! We'll be here when you get back. Hugs!

What Mark said!

HAVE TONS of FUN, CHELLE!

We will be here waiting to hear all your great news...
birthday! graduation! checking out NS! house hunting! :)
Cleaning house, working :(
More :) than :(
good balance!
Send pictures when you can - safe travels

Just stopping by to say hi and wish you well in all of your many ventures and changes, Chelle! Congragulations on Nate's upcoming graduation!

Passing through - some great reading going on the last while, even though you're very busy.

Hi Chelle, so gladyou'll be joining us on the bus to Three Pines. You've got so much going on in RL that I'm not sure how you have any time for LT.

I shan't tell you my horror stories about selling a house while moving, in case it jinxes yours -- shall instead keep my fingers & toes crossed! After all *musing* it has been years since I was in Nova Scotia, and I do have some college friends settled there...

Hey, you could write a new series of mysteries & become the next Louise Penny while you're there -- perhaps a series involving a military policeman???

Thanks to everyone who has visited! I'll be trying to visit on my days off, only one more shift to go tonight and then 3 days off :)

I am currently reading the second last Louise Penny book, Bury Your Dead. It's wonderful and I'm almost through and completely sucked in!
I found this quote and immediately thought of LT ;0

He was like an addict before a fix. Book freaks are like that, and not just old guys. Look at kids lining up for the latest installment of their favorite books. Stories, they're addictive." (page 278)

Bury Your Dead is probably my favorite Louise Penny book. You do, however, need to be sure to read The Brutal Telling first so that you don't miss the backstory.

Great quote, Chelle : ). Ha!

13) The Brutal Telling by Louise Penny
Read for 75 books in 2012, 12 in 2012:Category #12) Look, a Moose!: Books by Canadian Authors
4.75*

Nope. No way. There is no way he did it. I don't believe it. I refuse to believe it.
Gah, must read the next one and find out what I'm missing!

(Thanks Caro (cameling) for this great book, great choice for a Christmas present!!)


14) Bury Your Dead by Louise Penny
Read for 75 books in 2012, 12 in 2012:Category #12) Look, a Moose!: Books by Canadian Authors
5*

*Sigh* Tres Amazing.
I can't write right now, I'm too busy wiping away tears. Must dry them so I can start the last book.

Just when you think Louise Penny can't outdo herself, she does. The next one is called The Beautiful Mystery and it's due out on Aug 28th, I believe.

Thanks Linda!! I'm not gonna lie, I'll probably run out and get it on release day. Totally and utterly addicted.

*sigh* I just want to go live in Three Pines, Chelle.

>211 ChelleBearss: That was exactly my reaction to the ending of that book, Chelle!

Chelle, I am sold on Louise Penny! Woot! Thanks for the tips!

Hah! You already hit me with the Penney books over on the 12 in 12 but happy to see the comments over here! I am behind with my good home sale wishes, congrats on Nate graduation and best wishes home hunting during your trip to Nova Scotia!

Okay okay okay, I give in. I'm putting these Penny books on my wishlist, even though I try hard not to get myself involved in even more series books. Sigh.

Any news on the house-selling front?

Hi Chelle. Just stopping by before heading to work. I'm now in the 10-hour days part of the academic cycle......

I recently read Still Life and enjoyed it. You certainly got hooked! I've heard others say the second is better than the first, and the third is a let-down. Certainly your comments suggest I should persist with the series.

I'm currently reading The Inheritance of Loss and I'm having a tough time getting engrossed. It feels uneven. I'll read a bit that I love and then I'll get lost in the rambling prose. I might need to go back to something as straightforward as Louise Penny or one of my other mysteries.

Fingers crossed for you on the house-selling front.

Wow, you've really been burning through the Penny's!!!

#214 Caro I actually was looking at houses in Nova Scotia yesterday and found myself wondering what cute small towns they have and if any could possibly be as good as Three Pines! What a pipe dream eh!

#215 Claudia I think I may have actually sighed out loud when I finished each of the last three!!

#216 Nancy I hope you love them, because I think they are wonderful! Let me know what you think if you start them!

#217 Lori You make me sound violent! I would never hurt a book by hitting a person with it ;)
Thanks for the well wishes!

#218 Hi Amber! no news yet :( I've had people through almost every day and two people said they loved it but had just started looking. Hoping something happens soon!
I also have way too many series on the go, but since I read through these 7 books in record time I have now run out. I have to wait until August for the next installment.

#219 Ellen Sorry to hear you are struggling with Inheritance of Loss as well. I hope it starts to work better for you, but unfortunately I did not get better for me.
You should definitely stick with the Three Pines series. They do get better and better!

#220 Lucy I've burned through them all now :( Sad that I have to wait for a new one to be written, but they were perfect for my busy life and wacky state of mind right now!

15) A Trick of the Light by Louise Penny
Read for 75 books in 2012, 12 in 2012:Category #12) Look, a Moose!: Books by Canadian Authors
4.5*

During this book one word kept popping up over and over again and I think not only does it describe Clara's art, but I think it describes Louise Penny's novels very well. "Chiaroscuro" defined by dictionary.com states: the use of deep variations in and subtle gradations of light and shade, especially to enhance the delineation of character and for general dramatic effect. Literaly meaning is bascially "light-dark" and I think Penny has managed to write these novels with so much dimension and contrast, showing the darkness of murder and secrecy while showing the goodness of others and the belief that people can change for the better.

These are more than just plain murder mysteries, she writes these novels with such deep thoughts and adds in poetry and quotes from literary masters. Chief Inspector Gamache deals with the worst people, murderers, but he can still see the best in people. In each novel while explaining how he came to know who the murderer was he not only figures out the "who" but he also figures out the why, the emotions that start the ball rolling towards the final act. While not condoning murder, he comes to understand what brought each person towards that act.

I especially enjoy the fact that these are so intricately written and complicated that by the end of the book I am usually surprised to find the "who dun it" was not who I expected! I love it when a book surprises me and is not predictable!

#223 - Nice stats, Chelle! I hope all is well. It's quite the Louise Penny festival over here!

Chelle darling...so there with you on the Three Pines novels, and the next one won't be ready for our grubby little paws until SEPTEMBER or maybe OCTOBER!! And that's if someone we know scores an ARC!

While Nate is off militarying, why don't you head to the Provincial Governor's Office of Tourism Development and lay out a plan to lure crazy American mystery fanatics by building a facsimile of Three Pines on the island? I'd *totally* move there. In, like, seconds.

great breakdown Chelle, you are going great guns this year

Another great review, Chelle. I am officially sold on this series by Penny! LOL at #225 - too much!

Hi Chelle, catching up and I see you are enjoying the Penny series, I must try them one of these days.

Nice review of A Trick of the Light, Chelle! You're right, they're more than mysteries, but she still manages to surprise us with "whodunit" and why.

Sorry folks - Three Pines SPOILER:

#211 - I know how you feel. I was horrified when Olivier went to prison. Just horrified. It really took me two books to recover. I can't wait for the next one!

#225 - RD, will you be the B&B, Olivier/Gabri facsimile? I will come and stay...

Wow, you really tore through those Three Pines books! They really are wonderful.

The next Three Pines book will be available in the US and Canada on Aug 28th. (I happened to get her newsletter this morning).

Thanks Kerri! The festival has been put on hold until the next one comes out in August *sigh

Richard I think that is a wonderful idea!! You can open the B&B and I'll be Myrna and open the book store slash lending library! Fantastic!!

Thanks Megan. I'm trying to keep my house tidy and the only way to do that is sit and read and not touch anything else in my house! lol Plus I gobbled up the Louise Penny books. I'll slow down now, haven't read much in the last couple days

Nancy glad I have you talked into the series! Let me know what you think when you have read some

Oh yes Leonie, you definitely should!

Joe, I just love that she usually tricks me in the end.

Jenn, I didn't believe it. Not for a second! I had to start the next book right away to find out what I missed
(fyi: probably a good idea to mark "spoiler" on a post like that ... I know there are quite a few people that haven't read that book yet :)

Terri they really are wonderful! I didn't understand why soooo many people were reading this series before I started it, now I completely get it!

Thanks Joanne! I'll be getting that one as soon as it comes out! I'll have to save my book allowance that month ;)
***

I'm pooped today! I've been running around like crazy. I had to go shopping to get something to wear to Nate's grad and I couldn't decide so of course I bought two outfits. Hopefully I can make up my mind that day! I got my hair cut and dyed (grey hair at 30, horrible!) and I've been helping my mom for the rest of the night with her new business. My dad and her bought a rubber stamp company and I've been helping her sort out and label stock. My eyes are crossed now from looking at the tiny little picture!
Time for bed soon! I'll try and get caught up on more threads tomorrow but I fear it's a lost cause at this point!

Gorgeous stats!

thanks Lucy!
***


16) A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
Read for 75 books in 2012, 12 in 2012:Category #4) Oh to be young again: YA Lit Fantasy February

Meg Murray and her brother Charles Wallace are different than other kids. Obviously brilliant but unable to see that in themselves, they feel odd and left out. Their father is a scientist that has been away for far too long on assignment and while people in town enjoy to ridicule them that he isn't coming home they know that he will return one day.

One day Charles meets a woman who can only be described as magical, and she enlists Charles, Meg and a boy named Calvin to undertake a very important and dangerous task that could help save the world and bring their father home.

This is a wondeful tale full of hope and love and is worthy of a read by all! It is an easy read and won't take much of your time ... unless you read the whole series ;)

Thanks to my Santa Thing buddy _debbie_ for this wonderful book!
3.5*

I loved A Wrinkle in Time when I was a wee lad, Chelle. I read somewhere recently that Meg was a role model for a lot of little girls interested in science. You might enjoy reading When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead some time. It's a good YA time travel book that frequently references A Wrinkle in Time.

L'Engle's writing was important to me as a teen, she seemed to offer something more than a good story, a kind of richness of inner life and the importance of ethics, although that sounds so boring when I write it out that way!

I need to get back to that series - I've only read this first one!

>238 scaifea:: me too! I loved it as a kid but could never get my own kids to read it :/

I read A Wrinkle in Time last year and liked it, but I think you enjoyed it more than I did, Chelle. The L'Engle book I really enjoy is Troubling a Star, which I read multiple times when I was a kid.

I can't remember the number of times I tried to read A Wrinkle in Time as a teenager. Never got past the first couple of chapters. I wish I could see what everyone else does, but I'm now very reluctant to even try again.

you sound busy, I hope you got that rest you were after.
Am checking in now before you disappear into your next thread ;)

Hi Chelle!! Whew, you have been away from LT just as I have. Don't you hate when RL gets in the way? : ) I just finished book #2 in the Three Pines Series. I am so glad to see that you loved them right up to the end and are eagerly awaiting the next. That means I have some great reads ahead! Good luck with the whole house thing. Ugh. And love the dress! I have not read Troubling Star but just read A Swiftly Tilting Planet last year and enjoyed it too. Hugs.

Hi Joe! I wish I had of found that one as a youth, it would have been more enjoyable - but I still enjoyed it as an (almost) adult
Thanks for the rec. on When you reach me, I've added it to the ever growing list! :)

Lucy that didn't sound boring, that sounded like something I would have wanted to read! I think I'll grab the rest of the series (at some point ..)

Hi Amber! Maybe once your kidlet gets bigger you could read the series to him!

Hi Laura! How old are your kids now? I'm 30 and not too old to read it so maybe they still will get to it?

Thanks Micky, I'll have to add that one to my list too. Funny enough I had never heard of L'Engle before getting A Wrinkle in Time for Christmas. Clearly I've been missing out

Luna I think I liked it so much because it was a fun easy read during a hectic time in my life. Gotta love books that are read at the perfect time and just "fit".

Megan I am crazy busy! This next two weeks is going to be nutty! Thanks for still visiting me though even though I haven't been able to visit your (and everyone's) thread much

New thread to come ...

Eta Hi Kim! I missed you when I posted!
Glad you are enjoying Three Pines!! They were super right up until the end! the Brutal Telling and Bury Your Dead were my faves!