kath/ mckait 2012 ~ thread #3 ~

5 * star - loved it, breathtaking, keeper, will re-read. Possibly life changing!
4.5 * star - very good, possible keeper
4 * star liked a lot
3.5 * star - very satisfying
3 * star a solid read, nothing extraordinary, worth 1 read
2.5 * star- failed potential but somewhat engaging
2 * star A mixed bag not worth reading unless desperate
1.5 * star It was a book
1 * star Fail ! A bunch of words cobbled together




You have your way, I have my way. As for the right way, the correct way, and the only way, it does not exist. - Friedrich Nietzsche



Reads for 2012 begin here..

1. Camptown Ladies by Mari SanGiovanni 4 stars
2. Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer 2 stars
3. Come In and Cover Me by Gin Phillips 4 stars
4. The Truth of All Things: A Novel by Kieran Shields 2 stars
5. Mourning Gloria by Susan Wittig Albert 3 stars
6. Defending Jacob: A Novel By: William Landay 4 stars
7. Seriously . . . I' m Kidding by Ellen Degeneres 3 stars
8. Curse of the Narrows: The Halifax Explosion 1917 by Laura M. Mac Donald
9. Ashes to Dust by Yrsa Sigurðardóttir
10. A Heartbeat Away by Michael Palmer
11. A Place of Secrets by Rachel Hore
12. Gunn's Golden Rules Life's Little Lessons for Making it Work by Tim Gunn.
13. The Thirteenth Child by Patricia C. Wrede
14. The Harp of Imach Thyssel: A Lyra Novel by Patricia C. Wrede

8. Curse of the Narrows: The Halifax Explosion 1917 by Laura M. Mac Donald

Almost finished with this one.. will post my thoughts later today.. but I can tell you it is a fantastic read.

I don't promise to keep up, but at least I'm here at the beginning! I don't know any of your authors except Foer and SW Albert and ED. Good grief!

Thread #3... OY

I made it over without having to swim through 100 posts!

Hi Kath - love that tree. Hope you are having a good day.

Nice to be an early poster! Hope you have a good day, Kath.

Beautiful tree pic.

Have a good day.

Wow, that was fast! Thread 2 just flew by. Good morning, Kath--although it is afternoon where you are.

Hi three-peater!

Hey Kath! I love the pic--Spanish moss. It's so beautiful. I was sad to find out that it kills the tree.

Hope you are having a lovely day!

Sandy K

LOVE the tree. Looks like home.
12> I don't think it does kill the tree. Does it?? I grew up in Central Florida with lots of Spanish Moss-covered trees and they seemed to do just fine.
Now, Kudzu. Well, that's a different story.

On December 6, 1917 in the Halifax NS Harbor, due to a series of misadventures, bad luck and simple
mistakes an explosion occurred when two ships, the Mont Blanc and the Imo, that more or less leveled Halifax. Not a window was left unbroken, many homes and other buildings were either leveled in the first explosion or burned in the aftermath.

8. Curse of the Narrows: The Halifax Explosion 1917 by Laura M. Mac Donald 4 stars
read and reviewed

Lizzie, Cee, Caro, Calm, Joe, Chelle, Karen, Roni, rd, Sandy and Ellen... Welcome!
Make yourselves at home, please..

Comcast is the devil.

for the review Kath - sounds like a very interesting book. There was something about it in The Birth House and this looks like a good one if I ever want to learn more

I have got to read The Birth House again.. I loved that book.
I have no memory of this being mentioned... see? I do have to read it again..

thanks for the thumb :)

Comcast IS the devil. Rotters.

Uh oh, I just got hit. Sigh, it does happen a lot around here.

I thought Comcast was the devil, too, until I moved into a house on a block that can only get Broadstripe. I've actually longed for my old (conflictual) relationship with Comcast! Maybe it's cable companies as a class.

a little bit ago I looked at my cable box to find out the time . It said it was 1:69 does that mean it's later than I think or what?? comcast cable service is the devil.

oh and Sorry Ellen :(

Waving Hi!

21> does that mean it's later than I think or what?? Oh, I am truly laughing out loud.

I don't think of cable companies as stretching the space-time continuum much, but Comcast may have mastered the art.

Paw-waving cat very cute.

found you :)
just tired
headache
stressed
but I found you :)

hugs to you, kara my friend.. thanks for finding me.. I wouldn't let you be lost for long though..

I know jade.. I think so too :)

Ellen, I am happy to hear that Spanish moss does not kill the tree! After I read your post, I googled it, and it turns out that the moss can stunt the growth of the tree by reducing the amount of sunlight that the trees leaves absorb, because the moss is covering the leaves. I thought the moss was a parasite, but it is actually a bromeliad, like orchids. Learn something new every day!

Sandy K

I like that we learn and share here !

Hi Kath- Thread 3? Krazy times! Looks like I'll be ready to start mine too. Krazy!

Oh my, I just did a ton of skimming here and on your previous thread.

Beautiful tree!

I have to find Curse of the Narrows. Great review!!

Have a great weekend, Kath!

Thought I remarked on your review - but I don't see it here.
Looks good!

Looks like I missed you tonight...
catch ya later - sleep well (unless Owen decides to join the world!)

Hey, I am checking in early on this thread - before this one is gone too!

Popping in to say "Hello" while I can get a word in edgewise!

Kath - note that your thread is in overdrive mode. Have a lovely weekend and cook up something tasty that you can tell us about later.

Ohhhh Curse of the Narrows goes straight to my WL. Thanks for an excellent review Kathy:-)

Hi Mark... I love that we are so chatty... no better company than the 75ers..
Joanne.. it was quite a book...
Hi Cee... I usually try to sign out around 8 pm and read or watch tv ...
Sorry I missed your note!
Stas! good to see you :)
Terri..always welcome edgewise or full on.. lol
Hi Paul! this weekend it is going to be haluski and stew.. one pot
meals that provide leftovers. A must have right now... as monday and tuesday will be busy days..
Bonnie.. you won't be sorry... People can be amazing....

eta

did I mention that I had to shovel about 6 inches of snow from around the house?
they said 1-3 but my guess is 6. And it is heavy...

and cold

brrr

Thanks for the thumb, Kath! Thankfully we had our snow melt away yesterday!! Boy, miss on day on LT and you've really got to get your blue googles on - or at least I do!!! Had a great birthday with my kids and sisters and husband and all - chocolate cake, chocolates and lots of fun!!! :) Took me away from my reading!! Tsk tsk tsk to me!

Can't believe how much bad service you're getting from Comcast, Kath. This is 2012 ... how can they still blame the weather for disrupted service?!!

Good review of Curse of the Narrows .. definitely adding that to my obese wish list.

Was it your birthday Deb? I missed saying Happy to you? Well in that case I wish you a Happy year instead!

Caro.. that is what I keep asking.

so

What does frostbite feel like ? yipe!

Who has frostbite? You? Wear socks!!!

the socks were fine..
musta been the crocs

and I fell on my tookus.. good thing its padded

Oh dear, Kath is becoming Caro0ized, falling and freezing and what-all. TWO klutzes to worry about. Oh dear oh dear.

Save me some crapooshki or whatever. It always sounds so good.

Hi Kath. Just de-lurking to say I gave a thumb to your review of Curse of the Narrows, too. I'm in the process of reading Blizzard of Glass which Joanne recommended and it's a good introduction to what happened in Halifax in 1917 (it's a YA book) but I definitely want to read more about the explosion. Those poor people. I haven't gotten to the part yet where everyone rushes in to help. I'm glad you had a positive takeaway from the book.

Stay safe out there!

LOLOL Caro I love that one ... tee hee..

rd... seriously... I have to admit that caro notwithstanding.. I have been a klutz for years..
I just don't get out as much as she does and fall privately most often. I did wonder if I might get run over
by a sliding car while I was trying to get up off the road.. :P I will save you a great big bowl, rd

Thanks for the thumb Pat.. I wasn't really going to write a review.. just put down some thoughts..
but I figured I would paste in in the review spot after all.. lol

Hi Kath -
Finished punishing yourself with the snow shovel yet?
Don't I recall you getting Dan a snowblower for Christmas a year ago? Wake him up! He's missing all the action! :)

I'll take some babooshkis too! Sounds warm and yummy for a wintery day...
Don't you ever get tired of spending all that time cooking and then watching the food disappear so quickly? :(

I don't know how to work it.. and Dan is not home.
He is stuck in the plant .. he left yesterday at noon and won't come home.
He is sleeping there and will be home tonight.
I had to clear for the mail carrier and the fire hydrant needed dug out..
AND I had to dig out the car in case I need it..

But let me tell you, I was thinking about that snow blower..

Wow, that's some serious snow, Kath. I hope you stay warm and get to enjoy some reading time.

I need to stay off LT. It's hard to whine about my thin sheet of ice with all your multiple inches of snow making me feel lucky. I want to be mad, dang it!

well, it was over 7 inches... could have been worse..
and Terri.. ice is worse than snow..

>50 tloeffler:, 51 It sleeteth here. HATE ICE. HATEHATEHATE it.

Be careful out there today, Kath!

I'm with Richard in regard to ice. The worst.

Nice tree. Love your review of Curse of the Narrows.

My husband went out trying to clear a path to/from our door and came back discouraged by impenetrable ice. Ugh.

Sorry all your cable companies are evil. I love our DISH most of the time.

rd.. ewwww sorry~ stay in.

Hi Joanne :) yep.. ice is evil!

Terri...My TV service is always fine...
it is the phone that is the biggest problem and occasionally the internet..
Fie on them.

I am reading an LTer Ashes to Dust and trying to stay awake, which may or may not
have to do with the book.. decision later. I will say one thing about it.. the names are a biatch for
me to contend with, like Hortenvortinsoissinison or something .. yeesh!

kath, the snow sounds horrid and I'm thinking you need to stay inside next time you get dumped on like that. I'm generally with richard in hating ice, but i usually love snow. still, it can be treacherous stuff (and it can turn into ice.....)

Sleep well, deary.

Ummm.... i think you all forgot the part about asking the weather gods not to dump snow on MA between Jan 19 - 29? I heard we had about 6" yesterday ... oy... I hope the temps rise some during the week to melt most of it away otherwise I'm going to come home to frozen tundra with car and house snowed in.

Kath, I'm cold just reading your thread. btw what is haluski?

>58 PaulCranswick: Cabbage, onions, and egg noodles. Sometimes with cottage cheese stirred in before serving. It's divine...I made some a week or so ago to use up a package of noodles (we're more pasta eaters than noodle fanciers) and there were no leftovers to speak of. An entire head of cabbage, a pound of egg noodles, two onions, and a pound of cottage cheese gone in two meals. Don't tell Kath, but I caraway-seeded my cabbage. Caraway = kryptonite to Miss McKait.

Oh I am naughty....

Richard described Cabbage and noodles... and it is yummy...it is not haluski

Paul, haluski is potatoes, cubed and boiled, egg dumplings made tasty with whatever you like
to use for flavor ( I use Mrs Dash Table Blend) all mixed with cabbage cooked in butter and onions.
And butter .. with butter.

I use caraway..... in sauerkraut.. love it in kraut...

Caro, you are absolutely right, and I am guilty of forgetting the no snow for your house thing! oops

Ellen.. I don't mind a little shoveling.. but I was cursing Dan with each shovel full for not getting the
snow blower ready to go .. srsly.

I had a weird dream last night... Cee.. you were in it.. you were visiting me.. and we actually lived in the same town and there was a hotel run by two nice women who did not speak english.. lol

***AAAHHHHH**** I lost you! So glad I found you now!

I don't like the icy-snowy stuff we got yesterday. Oh well.

Sending a hug your way - just 'cause.

aww thanks! hugs are good :) made my morning you did!

*Waves* Sorry I've been doing such a horrible job of keeping up, Kath. (I know I say that every time.) I'm still thinkin' about you though! *Hugs*

crapooshki got potatoes okay got it no coffee?

I have coffee.. just got my second cup..
whatsa matta you out?

And dumplings... it has dumplings!

egg dumplings to be precise.

Mornin'
It does seem to visit you (and actually meet you) would be a dream - but where were we? What language were those women speaking? Was it French? Were we in Three Pines? :)

Sunny day today - outside every creature is highly active, inside every creature is snoozing... me being the one exception.
I love this quiet time... ahhhh

Morning Kath- Wow, looks like you got hit with some snow! And heavy stuff too! Yuck! We were lucky, our 7-9 inches was of the lighter variety. It supposed to get to 40 today, so I'm hoping for some melt-off.
I hope you enjoy your day, my friend!

I have no idea where we were Cee... and what was more odd..
the Hotel.. well it seemed that we both lived at different ends of the building
and it was our houses.. but the hotel was in the middle...

It didn't feel like we were in a foreign country.. more like
they were? dunno.

Mark.. ours was pretty wet and heavy.. getting warm here too, though.. yay!

Egg dumplings??? I think I know what they are...probably what my Grandma made...how do you make yours?

I'd love to be in a Hotel somewhere, right now...not worrying about Ice and Cold

;-}

just flour... eggs .. salt .. a skoch of garlic and onion powder.

I keep trying to remember the ratio, but never pay attention. I think it is about 2 eggs to 1 cup maybe?
You need a good stiff dough.. then spoon it into boiling... water in this case.. Chicken broth or beef broth in other cases :)

I have a beef stew cooking right now.. beef, beer, carrots onion and potatoes.. very basic..
I want a couple of days worth of leftovers from yesterday and today .. Owen is to be born tomorrow..
and I will be busy babysitting Oliver.

love the dream, Kath ... sounds like a fun one. Did the women feed you well at this hotel? Perchance did you eat much cabbage the night before? ;-)

You can make up for forgetting the no snow on my house thing but now speaking really sternly to yon weather gods to raise temps in MA so the snow melts by the time I get home on Sunday night next. Many thanks.

Yeah, that's my Grandma's "recipe", though she never used one

I made veggie soup yesterday with some leftover pasta sauce...and beer...to go with the meat loaf I made on Friday...i won't be cooking for a while either

Good luck with Oliver....and Owen-when-he-arrives

;-}

Wow! That's a lot of snow, Kath! I'd loathe it! It's pretty to look at, but oh so inconvenient!!!!

I noticed on Cee's thread that you made mention on a dog rescue book that you have to review for LT eventually. I reviewed back in December 2011... I hope you enjoy it more than I did.... ;)

As far as food goes, I've had FAR too much chocolate due to my birthday. I love chocolate!!! Back to healthy eating!

Yeah.. deb.. bet it's the same one.. what was I thinking to request it?!?!?

Jude... egg dumplings make anything better. They are the carb version of bacon..
I am so excited to meet Owen!!! Also, interested to see what they have decided on for
his middle name, which will begin with A.

Caro.. nope no food in the dream, and actually I had about a cup of the haluski yesterday..
and that at noonish.. I will work on the sun thing..

*waving* at Kath

Crap. If you're getting snow, then I will too. UUCHHHHH

Have fun with Oliver tomorrow!

investigating haluski on various recipe sites. butter. yum.

Don't be fooled by the pretenders.....
cabbage and noodles is not haluski... it is cabbage and noodles.

Oliver tomorrow.....I downloaded 3 app on my iTouch..
angry birds and 2 Disney ones... I packed fritos for him.. I am ready.

Oliver, Tomorrow..is good for you

It's Kim's job from there on...

Your sister....give her a chill pill

sorry if i've offended

;=)

Hey, Kath!

There's a freezing rain advisory tonight in our neck of the woods. We're having homemade pizza for supper, with a garlic crust. (Hubby made the dough in the bread machine.) Good, but I think your haluski sounds better.

You didn't have Angry Birds already? o.O

lol.. nope.. I had word Jong and another word game.. not words with friends.. another one Bookworm!
And Bejeweled and Quell..

Terri.. I hear it will be bad here too.. I may not be walking down the hill to Kim's
Keith might have to get me.
\
Walter has reached a new level of being problematic...
Could not get off the toilet the other day.. could not get out of bed this morning.
Today told Debbie that if Bob doesn't bring his stationary bike upstairs for him
that he ( Walter) will go down to use it . He refuses to see a doctor...
...he can't breathe... argh!

Debbie injured her arm.. refuses to see a doctor ..

yeesh!

Anyway... I don't know when I will get online tomorrow..

No! Debbie? That paragon of good sense and reason, lost her mind?! Get outta here!

/irony

Sometimes family can be a real pain in the . . . neck.

83 & 84

sigh...yep!

*sigh*

Like constipation, this too shall pass.

I know.. I know....

...aaand you get Oliver to yourself all day tomorrow! w00t!!

nope. They are picking him up to take him to the hospital as soon as Owen is born..

>89 mckait: ....
.....
.........
.............no...not REALLY....
.
.
.
Goddesses.

grrr

All y'all who are dinPinterested don't know what you are missing...
there is some very cool stuff out there to be looked at..

Nope - not falling in to pinterest, or whatever it is. LT is more than enough for me... ;-)

Tension is high in your family right now. Excitement and worries all mixed together.
Sending you good energy to play with Oliver and wish an easy and safe delivery for Kim...

I'm a little miffed! No one ever took me out to lunch to make up for having a sister! :(

LOL Cee... no kidding.. Tension is high right now is truly and understatement..

Yes, thanks to you, Kath, I'm a Pinterest addict! I've been checking the website everyday for some new cool things. *half-hearted grumble*

>82 mckait:

Family be family...i have Xanax to spare

Your sister is your sister...like it or not (I know you love her)

I don't know enough about Walter to comment

I love you, sis

;-}

Do you have boards caro? Do you need an invite?
back at ya jude, my friend!

Yep, I agree with Jude --- family be family
and yours is hard to keep up with!

xo

Have you seen the "sleek wristwatch/cellphone"?

It's Dick Tracy's "two-way wrist-radio" from the comics!

Ellen...they are indeed

I pinned it there rd!

oic

told you that you are missing good stuff..
click on Everything and it has a drop down menu..
select technology..

I haven't started a board yet, Kath. I'm just lurking my way around the place for a spell before deciding if I have anything at all worthwhile to put on a board.

stop me before I pin again yeeeeeeaaaaaarrrrrggggh

See? This is why I think I need to refrain from setting up a board ... i can see myself going absolutely berserk with it

Yay! Connected to the 'net...listening to Oliver sleep.
Brought nook to play with. Niece is probaably getting ssettled in....
Owen expected 8:30 or so. Anxxioss alreaady, though.

I will just lurk in the threads this morning.....

*smooch*

9. Ashes to Dust 2.5

waiting....

Coming....

Hope all goes well with Owen's arrival. Have a great day:)

Finally Owen arrived about hour ago.
8.10
Pic on fb. Cant post here til later

YAY! Nice weight.... hope all are well....

Congratulations to Kath!
Welcome to Owen! Have a wonderful life!!!!!

Happy birthday, Owen! Many many happy returns of the day!

Congratulations, Kath! Welcome to the outside world, Owen!

Thank you everyone for the wonderful sentiments!!

I am tired... won't see the new Owenlet til tomorrow.......so happy!!

Wow, Kath, that's great news about the arrival of Owen. Have fun spoiling him with books... and Haluski - when he gets older.

Awwww, what a doll. Thanks for the pic. I want to give him a cuddle and smell that new baby smell!

Cee.. that is very fancy and VERY cute! How did you do it ?

Please forgive the group acknowledgment.. I am so tired!
Whew!

TGFiPod

My current read is on nook and is a political thriller..
The Inside Ring

Congrats Kath!! I must have missed it, but is Owen your new Grand baby?

Happy Birthday to him :)

Sadly no, Chelle...
He is my nieces son..
I babysat his brother Oliver today.. got up at 4:30 zzzzzzzzzzzzz
That Oliver is a trip! I can hardly wait to get my hands on the baby..
so excited to see him :)

So would that make him your great nephew? ;)

yes :)

or as I call them, my nephlet.

Oh such a cute, young Owen!!! I guess you are most eager to see him IRL. He's just a darling!! BTW - I just thumbed your review of the Yvvs Siggradottir? - spelling is all wrong. I read a book by her late last year and I felt as you did. There was too little mystery and the sleuth - was it Thora? was far to interested in getting into bed with her lover and worrying about her kids instead of solving the minor mystery in the book. I thought it has so much promise and I very much like Arnaldur Indridason, another Icelandic auther, but not her!

Whew! Thanks Deb... When I read the other reviews, I started to doubt myself..
but I always post what I feel. It is great to have some back up though :)

Hi Kath- Congrats on the new addition! Very exciting!

:) thanks Mark.. I am in love...

Lovely photo Kath ~ and a great and much underutilised name. Super addition to your extended family and I'm sure you'll all spoil him rotten.

Well.. if his older brother Oliver is any indication.. we will indeed spoil him...
I am still waiting to hear if Dad got away with naming him Own Aragorn..
or of his Mom won with Owen Andrew :)

Congrats on the new nephlet for you!!
reddish hair?
Owen Andrew I like...it is a strong name :)
smooch!

Welcome to the world, Baby Owen! May his days be as bright and trouble-free as possible.

And the same for you, my dear Kath. Try not to stress...

Ooooo, Just caught Owen Aragorn; perfect name.

dark hair I was told...

I know Gail...I would love that :)

Kath,
ya done good today!
Now get some rest :)
Sweet Dreams

Congrats on the new nephlet, Kath!

Thanks Cee...

one last pic of nephlets one and two

Oh. Goodness me. That's...eloquent.

Oh, poor big bro. Did you completely tire him out or is he unhappy about sharing the limelight? LOL

Owen looks so little in this pic... and looks like a wee monk still in touch with the other side :)

Precious...

Congratulations, Kath. The pictures are wonderful. And, I love the word "nephlet." :)

Awww! Congrats, Kath! :)

Well look at those two sweeties! Lovely.

Love the photos, Kath! And congratulations to the family on the arrival of little Onie .. hope Ollie's as pleased being a big brother.

Congrats on the new great nephew, Kath. What a cutie! Nice photos.

Welcome to the world, Owen!

I think Oliver is going to be fine.. seriously rd..
Cee was right.. Oliver was beat.. long night before..
busy day, trust me. The pics on FB are great. I think he
just didn't want any more pics. he hadn't had his dinner..
lunch was a bust. ( my fault) I asked if he wanted his pizza cut .. he said yes..
then he wouldn't eat it..sigh

Thanks Pat, Joanne and Bonnie.. I think Owen looks like Oliver.
Terri and Caro... Thank you.. he is quite a doll imo... not that I am biased in any way..

Gail they wouldn't tell Debbie the middle name yesterday. This gives me hope.. lol
It still could be Andrew.. or Aragorn or who knows? Deb went from lobbying for Robert
to Lobbying for Walter... I think Owen Walter is way too heavy a name for a little one!
I will let you know

Stas.. I missed you earlier.. I was popping in quickly sorry and Thank you !

I was ridiculously tired yesterday. I am more or less caught up now..
I am not sure what time I babysit today. Since Kim's surgery was pushed
back due to this and that .. the special lunch was shelved .. but it
is going to happen today .. so I hear. So?

I am sort of on call...

I think Owen Walter is way too heavy a name for a little one!

Don't worry about that, Kath. Middle names are for when they grow up and need something impressive to put on the office door. The only time they get used in childhood is when parents call them out in that tone of voice when they're in trouble (you know the one I mean!) and any name sounds heavy in that context! ;)

True... but I still like Owen Aragorn better..
I know it will be an A name... like Oliver's middle name.

In Keith's family all sibs are named K names..
they like that sort of thing..

ok.. well nothing more to share right now..

Owen is beautiful and healthy! Even if his middle name were Schlamazo and I don't think you would mind.
Hugs to all

Very true Lynda..

Angus just pushed his dish of cat food off of the small counter where I put it after they
finish eating in the morning I have a small counter.. a rolling one.. that I keep under the window..
it is where their fountain lives.. and I put their food up there so Duncan doesn't get at it.
Every day for 2 weeks now.. he has been pushing it off. And yes.. they do have the little dishes with the rubber on the bottom so they don't slide.

sigh

Yay for nephews! Congrats kath!

Go slow today, Kath. All this excitement is tough after all the holiday/birthday celebrating. Ah, yes! Another January birthday... well, why not?

Congratulation on the New Nephlet!

****I thought Ashes to Dust was a bit of a slog at first....but, since it was a translation I gave it the benefit of the doubt..and, too, I'd never read her work before so had no comparison. I couldn't get over the comparison to Stieg Larsson, though...how "off base" can you be??? The names didn't bother me..I assigned each character a number, in my head..easier for me to keep 'em straight. I have two other books of hers..I hope I like them****

The cat's acting up because he knows "something" is going on...just not what, exactly...he's jealous!

;-}

awwww what a cute picture!

Boy you can't tell they're related can you!?! :)

welcome baby Owen, he's gorgeous, as is big bro :)
Congratulations Kath.
*melt melt*

A friend named his son Owen Aloysius ... and the kid who's now 7 has requested a name change to Tim. ;-)

Caro..Cory Matthew.. my youngest.. requested a name change at age 8. He wanted to
be called Mike. I told him no. I was a mean mom who told my kids what to wear to
school until they were old enough to dress appropriately, and made them do as I said, go to
bed early and do chores every single day. Probably these days that is considered abuse. lol

Still no word on the name..

Megan.. Owen looks so huggable doesn't he? Big Bro had a rough day yesterday, but it had nothing
to do with his little bro..

Kara, I know! they look so much alike! It will be so much fun to watch him grow ..

jude... I thought of you when I wrote the review.. I know you liked it more than Idid..

Cee.. I know.. another birthday for this month.. 1/23/12 is a good date to be born though :)

and Tom? Am I right ? is it Tom?... I know.. yay!

I watched the state of the union address last night. Boehner had such a look of
contempt on his face I wanted to slap him. Out of self defense I took a break and watched some
Big Bang Theory.

Thanks for the pictures Kath and welcome to the world Owen.

Hope you have a great day.

Checking to see if you're back from Cloud Nine, Kath.

Hi calm! My pleasure.. consider yourselves lucky that I didn't post more.. lol

Lynda.. I think it will be a while.. I have been so excited for this one to be born..
I was happy about Oliver.. but for some reason.. more excited for Owen. Maybe
because I already knw it would be wonderful? or ?? I can hardly wait to hold him in my arms ..
but on the other hand, I feel just so relieved and satisfied that he is here and sound and
will be home .. at the bottom of my hill.. soon.

Congratulations once again on the new nephlet!! They are both darlings! Great picture! Owen is a lovely name!! Both middle names are wonderful - I guess we'll have to wait and see exactly what the middle name is. As for names.. well, I gave our sons three names before our surname. Long names.;) That is fairly traditional in our family - the three names before the last name. Anyway, my now nearly 22 year old son legally dropped his third name when he was 21. I did not mind. He said he disliked the name and that he did not like having so many names. He wanted to get rid of it before his gets his university graduation papers this spring. We did not mind.

As for Sister I think I recall you reading it -and that's maybe what prompted me to pick it up. How many stars did it get from you - just so I can know what to expect...

Have a great day !

I think I gave it 4?
I just bought the Gunn book.. I will read it
and send it to my daughter.

sigh

Oh yeah , I read My Soul To Take: A Novel Of Icelandby Yrsa Sigurdaodottir, and while it was okay, I was disappointed that it was not more scary and it focussed to much of domestic stuff - aka - worrying about the children, her boyfriend etc. For me, my mom is of pure Icelandic background, so the names in Icelandic books and many nordic books are very familiar for me. I just make up a pronunciation for myself if I find that a book has a lot of names that I am not familiar with.

Oh, a 4 is good!! Thanks for that. I think I gave My Soul to Take 3. 5 stars . It wasn't that bad. Just not up to par!;)

I made up names too.. lol
I felt the same about the peripheral blah blah in her book..
Just not my cuppa :)

Hi Kath!
How is Kim doing? Is she nervous about taking care of 2 kids now? Of course, if Owen needs a soft lap or warm arms - great auntie's got it covered! ;-)

123/12... sorta like waltzing into the world :)

Hi Kath- I was out last night, so I missed the State of the Union. How was it, despite the puss on Boehner? It sounds like Obama has come out swinging. The Republicans do not like raising the taxes on the super rich. No no no!

It was good.. sincere and pretty quiet an on point imo

I just got back..
I got to hold the baby..

I cried.. he is so beautiful

Hello my dearest, sending a harassed *smooch* your way...dealing with politicians today.

I have faith in your ability to handle the vilest and least caring among them with
wit and aplomb.

Afternoon, Kath. Hope all continues well with Baby Owen and his very tired Big Brother. I'm so glad you've had an opportunity to say "hello" to Baby and have a tiny weep.

Much love to you.

>171 mckait: I think your vote of confidence tipped the scales. Success is in grasp...possibly even a check before too long. Sacrifice something you hold dear and precious for me...maybe Rosie? No, Morgan...and put it over the top!

xoxo (even to Rosie and Morgan)

Being Turkey Lurkey over here....gobble.

Sandy K

Welcome to the nephlet and congrats to you! I'm a great (grand?) aunt and I love it. Owen is very, very cute and Oliver will, indeed, be fine.

I share your confidence in Richard.

Enjoy the new connection, kath!

rd... no comment. crossables crossed for you anyway.

Hi Sandy.. lurk anytime, but dew drop inn sometimes....

Ellen.. it is as close as I will ever get ( apparently) to being a grandmother.. so I take advantage of it.

My sister is livid about the whole thing because she wants them to name him after either her husband or dad...

That's so...absurd. How can she be upset because someone won't name their baby what SHE wants? It's not her child! I can't imagine...

OMFG That woman! Please please please let me hex her? Please? I'm really good at it!

I vote yes.

177 > It's mystifying what family members can get hung up on sometimes, instead of remembering that they love each other and that's enough.

157 > Yep, it's Tom. And yay for Owen home!

I hope Kim and Keith stand up for themselves and their new family... your sister will get over it eventually. There are more important things in life than arguing over a name. I'm not sure why that subject is so emotional and touchy???

Hope you have a great day :)

Just stopping by to say hello, Kath!

I have been so excited for this one to be born..
I was happy about Oliver.. but for some reason.. more excited for Owen.
I think you and he will have a special connection :)

OAK....their reasons are cool IMO!

>176 mckait: are people allowed to be livivd about the choices other people make about naming their own kids? I can say that as I named our littlest after my mums grandfather and father.
Although one of those was by mistake ;)

I'd like to meet your sister, in the interest of research...oh, and I might discuss phone calls with her also.

Hope your evening is smooth and sweet, with some reading for you...

.

A day away and look at all I missed? Caught up now.

So ....
Glad you finally got to hold the newest nephlet
Sorry the naming wars were causing tension between your sister and the parents of little Owen.
I second Richard's offer to hex her ... perhaps we can drop her on her head to knock a little sense into her, and stop her calling you whenever you're reading or sleeping? (killing 2 birds with one drop, so to speak)
I LOVE the reason why they want OAK as their kids' initials. *cheers for the name Andrew*

Feet up and resting, Kath? You do too much sometimes .... take a little 'me time' for yourself and let the furkids sit around you and take some of that stress away.

sorry to hear about the Walter things...
Andrew is a good solid middle name. (imo)

Hope things are calmer in the morning, Kath!

Owen Andrew. nice!

I like Aragorn, myself! Glad Owen is safely here, Kath.

Hi Caro...
he is adorable. I am so lucky :) I got a bit of reading done.. I like the OAK thing, too.

Megan.. thanks.. it got worse last night, and I think it is going to be a not good day.

Hi Joanne.. couldn't resist posting more pics...

roni.. me too.. sigh. I will get over it :)

Things got worse with Walter last night. The doctor refused to put him into
the hospital yesterday. He is sending him for tests today. The doctor said it is healthcare restrictions.
I will not comment on that. He fell again when my sister was there. I will not elaborate further..except to say that if she called an ambulance he wouldn't let them take him.
but. . . he is scheduled for tests early this morning.. I told my sister to take him in through the ER
since she will need a wheelchair anyway. He can't walk more than a few feet. I also told her to then get him admitted any way she could. He can't breathe .. heart failure.. can't walk, weak.. falls asleep
while talking to you.. every few minutes. He nearly feel asleep talking to the dr yesterday ..cross fingers he can get admitted today..

I am not going with.. I offered to drive and was told no thank you.. so.. I will cross fingers too.

Oh, Kath, I'm so sorry about Walter. Usually CHF to the extent he seems to have it will result in an admission through the ER. So, crossing my fingers as well...and thinking of you and your trials, my dear. Remember that there manny here who love you...

{{{Kath}}}

soft back-pats and hand-holds as well.

*smooch*

Here, have a G&T. You need it!

Thanks Gail and rd..

Well.. deb texted. She called his dr this morning.
Dr refuses to admit him through ER.
WTF?
He said bloodwork is ok.
I guess breathing, eating and standing for more than a minute is optional

Ummm... this Dr .... he DOES have a real certificate to practice medicine, right? WTF is right, Kath! It does sound too incredibly irresponsible of him not to admit him through ER. Can she just do it anyway without his ok?

I'm sorry to hear about Walter. Is it possible to get him on hospice care?

Thanks so much for posting the pictures. They brought a big smile to my face.

That Owen is one big beautiful baby :)

Walter has been sitting ( on bedsores) in a wheelchair, in a hallway for 5-6 hours
at this point, waiting to be admitted. They had a room for him and were waiting for it to be cleaned ....
they said.. hours ago.

It doesn't sound good. I wish they would get him into a warm bed already..
:(

oh Kath, it all sounds heart crushing. I hope they get their A's into G and start looking after him.

They have now been told that the woman in the room refused to leave.
Unbelievable. However, I believe that they are now, finally getting him settled
into the room. I imagine that my sister is exhausted, too.

CT scan found a mass on his esophagus.. I just found that text from earlier..
Have I mentioned that I am not a fan of texting :(

Oh my dear...eldercare ain't no picnic, but this whole shootin' match sounds positively Dickensian.

*smooch*

{{{Kath}}}

More hugs, pats, hand-holds, and lots of loving thoughts headed your way, Darling Kath.

I saw on FB Kim's post about her grandfather. I am sorry to hear that Walter is so unwell. ((Hugs)), Kath.

Chiming in on the name discussion, I remember when I was about 8 wanting to change my name to Jerri. My parents would not let me. When I was 24, I did go to court and legally change it - although not to the same name I chose at 8!

Sorry to hear about Walter, Kath. Terrible situation. ((hugs))

Kath- Love the photos! What a nice looking family and "big brother" is really adorable, even when he is pulling a face.
Sorry to hear about Walter!

{{{Walter}}}

Thanks rd, Gail, Stasia, Joanne, Mark and Kara.. Did I get everyone?

He is in a warm bed.. finally.. filled with hot liquid foods..
and will be able to sleep.. hopefully. At least he won't be
spending the night in a chair all alone.

Lots of things going on.. but he is warm and comfy for tonight..

Kath - photos of family and Owen smileworthy - congrats Auntie.

Sorry to hear about the travails of Walter - hopefully he can get the healthcare he needs.

Owen is adorable.
Sorry about Walter.
I can't keep up with your thread.

11. A Place of Secrets by Rachel Hore

read and reviewed 4.5 great big stars.

sounds very good and the local library has it - so onto the wishlist:)

Sorry to hear about Walter, hope that being in the hospital will bring him (and the family) some good.

Thanks calm. I was just off looking at Amazon for more of her books.
I really enjoyed this one, and wouldn't mind visiting the area again :)
It doesn't look as if the author does sequels, and I suppose that is a good thing.
I always tend to enjoy British authors... they have a more gentle way of story
telling, imo.

As for Walter.. me too.. and thank you !

Just checked her out - looks like she has written 5 books so far and the library has the first 4 of them (even if one is only available in large print) so, if I like her writing, I'll be able to get hold of them:) I quite like the fact that she isn't writing series or sequels - a good standalone novel from a good writer is fine by me:)

I agree... there is too much of the trilogy and beyond thing...
but her characters are so pleasant and likable!

Hello Kath! I just had to stop by your thread after being gone for so long! I'm sorry to hear about Walter.

Very pleased to see you Ms Britt!

Great photos of the nephlets, Kath!

I'm sorry to hear about Walter's condition, and the barriers and red tape that you have all had to experience. I don't quite understand where that doctor is coming from, particularly his comment about healthcare restrictions. For us, it usually doesn't matter whether a patient is directly admitted to the hospital, whether from the ED, a pediatrician's office or home. However, there are a few things I need to know before I'll accept a new patient for admission. The first question for me is: does the patient meet inpatient criteria? In other words, does a patient need a therapy (e.g., IV fluids, supplemental oxygen, surgical intervention, radiological studies or lab tests to guide management, etc.) that cannot be done at home, or cannot be done promptly, or has the patient's condition deteriorated to the point where he can no longer be safely managed at home. Without knowing Walter's condition in detail (and knowing far less about adult and geriatric medicine than pediatric medicine), I wonder if this is what that doctor meant, although your description of his condition makes me think he would meet inpatient criteria. There are other factors to consider, but this one seems to be the most germane to Walter.

I hope that he gets the care that he needs, and that he, you and the rest of your family can have peace of mind.

BTW, what is your closest hospital? Is it Passavant? Is it still called Passavant (or by its less than flattering nickname), or has Lord UPMC taken it over?

Walter was not on oxygen therapy. He had been diagnosed with heart failure and
refused to have a device implanted. Despite his difficulty breathing.. no oxygen until
yesterday.

He has fluid in his lungs, congestive heart failure.. and an inability to stay awake. He was
even falling asleep while sitting up on the doctors exam table. Yesterdays tests have shown
that he may have a mass on his esophagus, which would explain his inability to swallow at times.
More tests today. He also has a very difficult time using his hands .. and he is very weak. This combination makes it difficult for him to get in and out of bed, or use the toilet. His Raynauds is very bad
and he is always freezing cold.

:( Oh and he is in Heritage Valley Sewickley

Morning Kath
Love the pic of the three guys together.
Don't love the fact that walter's gotten such a run around. Back in November I took my mom to ER around 10 pm by midnight they told me she's ok, call her doc in the morning. Uh uh, I told them I felt umcomfortable taking her back to her apt. Finally they admitted her. one has to stick to their guns, even though it is exhausting. I'm glad W is in hospital where they can run all kinds of tests and get lined up for some home health care etc.

Names. Since our last name begins with Z I wanted to name our son Xavier Yuri. Initials XYZ. I couldn't sell the idea to anyone.

I would guess that the esophageal mass was seen on an OPMS (swallow study), an UGI (upper gastrointestinal) series, or a CT scan of the chest. Will he get an upper endoscopy to get a better look at it?

It sounds as though he has acute medical issues that need to be addressed (CHF, hypoxemia, respiratory distress, dysphagia) first. After that, would he be a candidate for an inpatient rehabilitation unit?

ETA: Sewickley is a well to do community, right? I don't think they would let any grubby and clueless Pitt medical students go out there. ;-)

LOVE the name idea :) too bad it wouldn't fly in the family... lol

I am glad he is in the hospital too..
Part of the problem was him, prior to his doctors appointment.
No matter how many times he fell ( many) or what he had to do
to manage with his restrictions, and believe me, you don't want to know..
I didn't want to know.. he wouldn't allow my sister or anyone to take him to a
doctor or hospital until he was ready. We were sure that when the doctor got a look at his bruised face
and body and saw that he couldn't stay awake or breathe properly that something would be done..
AT LEAST oxygen. But the doctor refused to even give an RX for a hospital bed ..
Walter quit sleeping in his bed weeks ago, because he can't get in and out. He only confessed
the night before he went to the doctor.

The only thing the doctor did promptly is tell him no more driving.
Thank the goddess!

CT scan Darryl....oh and yes endoscopy today
I am hoping for the inpatient rehab!

And yes.. wealthy and snobby..

Sigh. That sounds very typical of men who grew up in the Depression era: tough as nails, stubborn as mules, and hard headed as coconuts, men (and, to a lesser degree, women) who wait to seek help or go to a doctor until it is too late, or nearly so. My father's two brothers, unlike him, fit that mold; unfortunately, their stubbornness led directly to their early deaths 15-20 years ago.

Poor Walter. Poor family.

Dr.'s can be so very irritating--apology to Darryl, I know it's not all dr.'s, and he certainly exemplifies the best; but nervous, worried relatives need just a bit of the dr.'s time to explain the ins and outs clearly...We consider ourselves the luckiest of people to have found a g.p. who specializes in geriatrics; he's been a (mental) lifesaver on more than one occasion, even if he's only saying, "This is a normal part of the disease/condition."

Sorry to hear that Darryl.. Glad your dad has better sense!

Walter fits that description to a T
He is 83 now.. and has been hale and hearty until the last 2-3 years
when was misdiagnosed with both lupus and diabetes. It took over a year to get that sorted out
but afterward, it was a downhill slide .

>223 mckait: Wealthy and snobby sounds right; is it worse there than in Mount Lebanon and Upper St. Clair (Rick Santorum country)?

I hated Santorum when he was a Congressman when I lived in Pittsburgh. He is a pompous, small-minded, racist and squirrelly #&%^!!!, who doesn't seem to have changed any in 15+ years. It is both laughable and abhorrent to me that he is a serious contender to be the Republican nominee for the Presidency.

Agree wholeheartedly about Santorum. To say he is pond scum is to denigrate pond scum..

and Sewickley is at least as bad as those others

>225 Matke: Dr.'s can be so very irritating

Oh, I agree completely. I've had a couple of personal physicians who were that way, and I've encountered others who took care of my older relatives. Two years ago, I took an emergency flight from Atlanta to Newark to see my mother's oldest sister, who was in an ICU in our old home town of Jersey City and clinging to life, thanks to the arrogance and stupidity of her internist, who failed to consult the other physicians who were involved in her care. He unilaterally decided to stop her anticoagulant without discussing this with her hematologist. As a result, she developed a pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the pulmonary blood vessels) that nearly claimed her life. Fortunately she recovered, although she isn't as strong as she was before this happened, and she is no longer able to live independently.

On the other hand my parents' GP is excellent, and I'm very grateful for that.

To say he is pond scum is to denigrate pond scum..

Perfect! Part of me hopes that he does become the Republican nominee, as Obama would (or should) trounce him in the general election. On the other hand, if he does win the country is in deep trouble.

ooops Gail I missed you while typing I think?
So sorry :(
I have to agree that these days many doctors are not worth the powder to
blow the them hell.. imo

I am always grateful to find one that is decent. I have always loathed Walters doctor. He is the same one who found a lump in my moms breast and never told her. He just recommended a mammogram.
She cluelessly canceled it 2-3 times due to her moms illness.

:(

She died of breast cancer

oh and to amend my post in 225.. Walter is tough and stuborn, but up until this year always had a yearly check up early in January.. this year he refused. He was just afraid to go...I think?

Kath, I am shocked by what happened to your mother! Disgraceful. Why in the world would that doctor not tell her about the lump in her breast? I am flabbergasted. This guy sounds like a horrible doctor.

Walter is so lucky to have you and your sister as his advocates.

Santorum won't get the nomination. It's between Romney and Gingrich at this point. I predict Romney will be the candidate, even with all the talk about how no one in his party is that excited about him. But, politics, bah! I come here to get away from it, what am I doing?

Sandy K

Ohhhh big hugs ((((((((((((((((Kath)))))))))))))) , so sorry for about Walter. I'm so glad that he is finally in a hospital.

So glad that you have the happiness of your new little nephlet!

Great review - thumbed!

Yeah...Sandy.. and we know about it because he told my sister.
I can't remember how or why.. it was 20 years ago.. still..

I predict Romney will be the candidate, too.. he is the only one who
is even partially acceptable. There is a thing going around on FB
with pics of the Republican candidates, and it is captioned..
Committee to re-elect Obama. funny :)

okay...

11. Inside the Ring 3 stars

This is a typical political thriller. Some parts were way too gory..
I think that takes away from the story. This is a series, I read one other one I think..
but I am pretty dismal at keeping up with putting nook books into my library.. so I can't recall which.. and I am too lazy to research it.

I might read another
or not.. hard to predict :)

Hi Kath - Sorry to have been absent the last couple days. RL.

It's so sad that at the end of life, seniors have the hardest time getting what they need - including respect and understanding.
It's important for the family to be proactive and supportive - and yours is that.
I hope Walter stabilizes and finds a way to live out his last years in relative comfort and peace.
It must be a hard contrast to be dealing with the geriatric and the pediatric at the same time - but life doesn't always take into account what we are already dealing with when it throws in something else. I'm not making much sense here... but...
Hugs to you for this ongoing stress and worry you must suffer...
{{{{Kath}}}}

*smooch* for darling dear one

*thwack* for Walter's goddamned stubbornness

*cringe* for Rachel's last name...srsly needs to change it...I mean, Hore?! Ew.

Kath, sorry such difficulties getting Walter the care he needs; so glad that he's finally in the hospital and they seem to be taking appropriate steps now. (I remember dealing with my Mom's doctor toward the end of her life; it was a very unpleasant experience.)

Your little nephlet Owen is adorable! Great photos.

I'm trying to ignore the blue text . . . the one with the 4 1/2 stars . . .

Loved the comment about pond scum! I'm off to get some Mommy time while my kidd-o attempts a nap! Hopefully I'll be back later!

Oh, one other thing (I forgot as I was stewing over that doctor of Walter's . . . .)

About kids wanting to change their names? I had an uncle who, early on, decided he did not like his given name of Elden. (Can't say as I blame him.) He decided he was going to be Nick because Nick was a cool name.

Well, the legal name stayed Elden. But everyone, and I mean everyone, eventually called him Nick. The only reason I knew his "real" name was from addressing the family Christmas cards.

Hi Cee.. company for the weekend? Good Does it mean that you will get some Cee time
since they are visiting your mom?

rd... thinking of you.. reading Gunn's Golden Rules
and I giver her props for keeping that terrible name.. lol

Terri.. I know.. but I am glad he is in now, and being sorted out as best they can.
Seriously, the thought of him sleeping in the chair was driving me to distraction. I
love my bed! I can't imagine sleeping in a chair.. lol.. a little OCD maybe?
Oh, and the blue text.. that is the one I mentioned had Lovalls in it, too..
you need to read it. oh and I have to agree.. Owen is delicious !
Funny story about Uncle Nick :)

Hope you get some mommy time Brit!

Kath, sorry to hear about Walter. I hope he (and the family) are getting the help and comfort that is needed. Lupus? I did not know males could get lupus. Interesting.

About your mom: that is just infuriating and maddening :(

Im glued to your conversations about medical care and politics, its scary and fascinating at the same time.

>227 kidzdoc: ....both laughable and abhorrent to me....
Politicians like that are very scary, just when you think they couldnt possibly get even one vote, they get in and you just ...cant...believe...it

Dr's are humans too aren't they, some get bored I guess and just stop doing the right thing. But it's lives that are at risk so it is very different from when someone like an office worker gets bored on the job. :(

Hope Walter's comfy now and can have his needs seen to even if he cant /wont say what they are.

I do not enjoy printers ( scanners/ copiers/ whatever incarnation they are using at
the time . ) They are inherently uncooperative and mean.

That's all

Kathy & Darryl - I also do not like Santorum. Did you see one of the later videos, with him on the campaign trail and he's talking to a woman, obviously an Obama hater and she's ranting how horrible Obama is as president and it's shocking how he got into office being foreign-born and Muslim. And Santorum stood there smiling and did not say a word.

12. Gunn's Golden Rules Life's Little Lessons for Making it Work by Tim Gunn

3.75 stars. I have never watched Project Runway. A review by? Deb? Sandy?
Sorry, I don't remember.. but a review made me think this might be an interesting read.
It was. It was also entertaining.. I think I would quite like Mr Gunn.

No review.

Hi Kath!
Loooong day today. No me time - nope. nada.
Have to entertain relatives visiting - they are not demanding, but three of them doubles the number around here. *Heavy sigh*

I have to get the Tide ready to mail out on Monday - so will be doing labels, calling volunteers, setting up, etc. tomorrow late afternoon, I guess. Then early up on Monday morning to lead the troops, keep them straight, and cheer them on. Need an energy pill.

Hope you get good sleep tonight - for awhile anyway, it looks like Walter and Owen are where they need to be and comfy. :)
Hugs to you, my friend!

Sorry to hear that things are hectic in your little corner of the world ..
You do need an energy pill! Any hope of getting any?
:)
Terrible to have a day with not even a little Cee time :(
Hope that rights itself soon!
hugs

kath - just driving by. very sorry to hear the news about Walter. I hope things get better.

*gazes at the vanishing point that was Ellen and waves weakly*

Ok.. what do I read next? Can I make 13 by the end of the month??

Mornin' Kath -
Wishing you peace today....
:)

Mornin' Kath.
Hope Walter is doing all right; a good day to you, darlin'.

Good morning, Kath. Tim Gunn seems like a good guy. I'm glad he came across that way in his book.

13. The Thirteenth Child by Patricia C. Wrede
14. The Harp of Imach Thyssel: A Lyra Novel by Patricia C. Wrede

Hi Cee, longish day... not bad, just long.

Gail .... Went to see Walter today. He is well enough to be cranky ... V cranky..
Still V weak though and will be going to rehab as Darryl suggested he might.

and Joe.. He did.. recommend the book.. even if one does not watch the show..
it is a good one. Quite interesting and down to earth.

I don't think I will be visiting any threads tonight..
I am all in.

Feel hugged, my friends.. all of you !

I'm glad Walter's situation is straightening out...and that he's going to Inpatient Rehab......I think every body will benefit from that!

Big hug to you, tired lady!

;-}

Enjoyed catching up Kath. Hope Walter is not too stubborn to get the treatment he needs. Glad to see Megan's realisation that Doctors (well some of em anyway) are humans! Darryl is of course exempted from any jibes he has been more than a honorary human as soon as he revealed his reading likes!!

Hey, Kath, hope you get a good night's sleep. The Thirteenth Child is not my favorite Wrede, although it is very interesting, but The Harp of Imach Thyssel, the third of the Lyra books, is a good one imo--hope you liked it. I don't know how it presents if you haven't read the other Lyra books first.

Hi Kath, so sorry to see what Walter had to go through, most of it quite unbelievable. Thankfully he's finally in the hospital. Love the pics of the little guy and his new brother! Adorable!

Hi jude... me too. relief. I don't know what will happen in two weeks..
my sister is making herself sick.. she pretty much refuses to leave the hospital at all...
She needs a break.. all those great nurses to take care of him... I almost had to drag her, but I did get her to leave at 3:30 yesterday. He said about 8 times while I was there that he just wants to sleep... not have company.

Paul. I appreciate Darryl's input... he was spot on too..

roni.. I read a sample of a book previous to Harp.. and decided I don't care if I read the previous ones
or not.. :P I think it was free or .99 for nook? I have read so many fantasies over the years.. I was fine just reading that one. I think I like Thirteenth Child better. It is clearly an HP wannabe sort of book, but I like it. I will read the next one ... I just wanted something lightweight.. and When I realized I had book #3 coming up, and a lightweight book called The Thirteenth Child.. well.. I figured it was a good fit. I also picked up my nook and there was Harp.. so I was reading that in my room at night.. :)

Bonnie thanks.. all's well that ends well I guess.. and yeah.. pretty boys there .. lucky me :)
they are sweet too..

Did I mention that they came to fix my recliner on Saturday and after 6 weeks of waiting, brought the wrong part? Yeah. Great customer service from a Family owned store. sigh. disheartening.

Funny Walter story :

Yesterday, he appeared to be sound asleep while waiting for his lunch to arrive.
Deb and I were both reading. A stunninly beautiful African American woman came in to
refill the antibacterial foam doodad.. we just smiled.. keeping quiet for Walter.
He sat straight up in bed and said raspingly "OPHELIA!"

Well srsly. Who is named Ophelia?

"Ophelia!" He said again.. then "Peaches!" Well.. I just thought he had been dreaming or something..
but it was amusing.. my sister looked at the beautiful woman who was staring at Walt.. her mouth open..
Debbie sort of waved and said .. don't worry.. he is just.......?

Beautiful woman. or.. Ophelia ran over to the bed and hugged Walt and kissed his cheek.. WALTER!!!!
she cried! By this time I was laughing... he said Peaches! Still got sexy legs huh? Ok so I am laughing out loud..

Ophelia, nicknamed Peaches.. and her mom and grandmother all worked in housekeeping when
Walter worked there. He used to driver her mom to work sometimes. They had a nice catch up.. talked
about how much they liked that job.. how it was like a big family there.. and how much they missed it ..
( it closed )

She promised to visit and pray for him.. :)
Walter went back to sleep.

Oh and please cross crossables that we can get him a bed at St Joseph's...
it is right down the road from my house..

Great Walter story, Kath. Hope you, Deb and Walter are all doing well today!

I

Love the Ophelia/Peaches story, Kath. Sorry Deb is being such a doofus.

Wow!.....they let people with cold/flu symptoms visit in the Hospital there? They don't around here...Debbie told me there was a big kerfuffle last week...some people wanted to visit a family member at the Hospital where she works...two of the women were sneezin' and coughin' and weren't allowed in the hospital wing...had to stay in the big "cattle pen" waiting room....mad as wet hens!

The nursing/rehab centers here are the same...you have a cold or suchlike...you can't get past the front desk...lots of angry, sneezy relatives, I'm sure...but viruses go through these places like wildfire, and so many of the patients are too frail to begin with

Doesn't your sister realize this?? (Rhetorical question)

{{{Hug}}} for Kath....

OMFG THAT WOMAN MAKES ME SO GODDAMNED MAD!!!!!!!!

Having screamed my fury, I must now go die. Chest and throat so sore I can't believe I'm not actually dead.

Maybe I am. LT in the afterlife makes the whole thing a lot more bearable.

Oh dear .. rd is that you??

or or or...wait... is this you???

nevermind.. I am pretty sure that you haven't joined your friends in the afterlife yet.
Sorry to know that you are still sick.. can you get some abx ??

Share Stella's

So far she hasn't gone in. I am trying to keep it from happening.
Walter will be fine, and if she insists that someone go.. I will
He keeps saying just leave him alone... he wants to sleep..
with the tests ( just ultrasound today ) and PT/OT and
his bad heart etc.. he is tired.. I say let him be for a day..
dunno.

Will see..

Visiting a man with CHF is just *mean* and should be punishable by law.

I suspect I'm in hell, because I'm so cold.

:(

sorry

I keep reminding her that she said that when she is in hospital she wants no visitors..
it makes her mad. She went to the Dr and was given ABX

Of course...let the poor man Rest if he wants to...jeesh! i mean, he finally has a chance to get some rest, and not worry about falling or any other horrible thing. Can I FedEx your sister some Xanax...or horse tranquilizer?

Richard...you probably have a fever, and belong in the Horsepistol with Walter...or at least in the Horsepistol....but, i'm not there and can't drag your carcass....sorry...

Antibiotics for a cold/virus?????

Well! Such a commotion over here ;-)
Ye Gods! You are right to leave Walter be - if that is what he wants. He could use the rest... and freedom from
being exposed to viruses :P
Great Ophelia story! LOL
Hope he is feeling better :)

How are Owen and his family doing? Don't let him get too big!

Take it easy today. Hugs..l

*glub, glub* struggling to stay afloat on your thread after not being on LT for2 (yes, only 2) days

LOL @ Miss Piggy

http://youtu.be/Y8YhED4IgQA

I know Caro.. I have been there lol
cute gif

ooops Cee.. I see you!
Hope you didn't work too hard today.. ?
Tide all sorted?

I haven't seen the kids in a few days.. maybe tomorrow? maybe?
They are going to try again to fix my chair
had the wrong part on saturday.
sigh

The TIDE is out! :)

Hey Kath - I have the muppets video you posted queued up to watch as soon my boy goes down!

I've been thinking about you even though I haven't been around much! I'm trying to catch up!

Geesh! Calm down kiddos... I said the TIDE is out!
That means low tide... no surfing! ;-)

Drive-by hi, Kath!

Hi Kath, A belated star for your review of A Place of Secrets. Sounds interesting!

Hope everything's going as well as possible...

ok Cee.. we are done now.. no more shenanigans in this thread!
Promise

Hi Terri!

Joanne, I liked it. I would read more by that author :)

Looks like I scored The Gods of Gotham
by Lyndsay Faye from LTER

Well another day... another shot at getting my recliner fixed so it will recline...
then, see what is going on with Walter..

I have got to start adding my ebooks to LT.....