Chelle's 75 in 2012 Challenge (take #5)

Welcome to April folks!

Here are a couple pictures of the area I am now living in. My goal is to learn more of the area I am in here in Nova Scotia and to take lots of pictures! Here are a few that I took and really liked


Jackson swimming in the Bay of Fundy


View of the Annapolis Valley from our mountain top. This was taken while walking the pooch, about 5 minutes from our home.


View from our seat at the Port Williams Pub. View of sunset at low tide (I think... I haven't quite figured out the tide schedule yet)

Currently Reading:



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




Books Read in 2012
April
33) If You Ask Me: (And of Course You Won't) by Betty White (audio: 2:17) 4*
34) Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie (533 pages, 3.5*)
35) The Night Eternal by Guillermo Del Toro & Chuck Hogan (371 pages, 4*)
36) The Moon is Down by John Steinbeck (188 pages, 4*)
37) I'm Starved for You by Margaret Atwood (74 pages ebook novella, 3*)
38) Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel García Márquez (4*, 348 pages)
39) We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver (eBook (no page count), 5*)
40) Heat Wave by Richard Castle (Audio, 6 hours 23 minutes) 3*
41) The Calling by Kelley Armstrong (326 pages, 3.5*)
42) The 39 Clues: Cahills vs.Vespers Book One: The Medusa Plot by Gordon Korman (Audio, 5 hours 22 minutes, 2*)
43) Guilty Pleasures by Laurell K. Hamilton (3.5*, audio 9 hours 46 minutes)
44) The Mask by Dean Koontz (140 pages novella 3.5)
45) The Shawshank Redemption by Stephen King (Novella, audio 3 hours 57 minutes, 4*)

Pages Read in 2012

Books Read in 2012
January

1) Lord John and the Hellfire Club by Diana Gabaldon 3* (ebook, novella, 73 pages)
2) The Tiger's Wife by Téa Obreht 4.5* (338 pages)
3) Hurricane Story by Jennifer Shaw 3.5* (92 Pages) (ER book)
4) The Drop by Michael Connelly 3.5* (388 pages)
5) Kill Alex Cross by James Patterson 4* (364 pages)
6) Dead Cold by Louise Penny 4* (405 pages)
7) Eragon by Christopher Paolini 3.5* (ebook, 509 pages)
8) The Hangman by Louise Penny 3* (ebook, 99 pages)
9) Cannery Row by John Steinbeck 4* (ebook, 301 pages)
10) The Inheritance of Loss by Kiran Desai 2* (324 pages)
11) The Cruellest Month by Louise Penny 4*(454 pages)
12) The Murder Stone by Louise Penny 4* (422 pages)
13) The Brutal Telling by Louise Penny 4.75* (384 pages)
14) Bury Your Dead by Louise Penny 5* (470 pages)
15) A Trick of the Light by Louise Penny 4.5* (339 pages)

February
16) A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle 3.5* (232 pages)
17) Hells Angels: Into the Abyss by Yves Lavigne 3.5* (339 pages)
18) Bay of Fundy: A Natural Portrait by Scott Leslie 4* (167 pages)
19) The Wayward Bus by John Steinbeck 4* (261 pages)
20) Blood Red Road by Moira Young 4* (459 pages)
21) Dissolution by CJ Sansom 3.5* (400 pages)
22) 77 Shadow Street by Dean Koontz 2.5* ( 451 pages)

March
23) Darkest Powers Bonus Pack by Kelley Armstrong 3* (eBook, 3 novellas 287 pages)
24) I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore 4* (440 pages)
25) The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley 4*(304 Pages)
26) Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Jane Austin and Seth Grahame-Smith 3* (319 Pages)
27) A Century of Policing: The Ontario Provincial Police 1909-2009 3.5* (128 Pages)
28) The Power of Six by Pitticus Lore 4*(406 Pages)
29) Night of the Living Dead by John Russo 4.5* (144 pages)
30) Return of the Living Dead by John Russo 3.5* (161 pages)
31) Dark Fire by CJ Sansom 3.5* (384 pages)
32) Cinder by Marissa Meyer 3.5* (387 pages)

Morning Chelle- Love the New Thread! And love the photos. It looks very beautiful there! enjoy your day.

I love the photos, too! I also loved the star stats that you posted at the end of your last thread - so interesting to see the books separated according to the ratings you assigned them.

OH Chelle such beautiful Pics.. Thanks for sharing with us.. I wanna hug Jackson, though my laptop and my work desktop do not appreciate it.. LOL :)

Good morning, Chelle! Catching up with shorter threads so I can feel that I've accomplished something. I love your pictures. Absolutely gorgeous!

Happy Sunday, Chelle! Love the photos. You're sure in a pretty part of the world.

33) If You Ask Me: (And of course you won't) by Betty White
Audio: 2 hours 17 minutes
Read for 75 books in 2012, 12 in 2012:Category #3) The Real Deal: Non-Fiction/Biography

I think Betty White is adorable and completely hillarious. While I have seen some of her TV shows and interviews I haven't read any of her books before. This one is a short telling of some of her life experiences and read by her. She had me laughing out loud and trying not to cry, all in the span of 2 hours!

I preferred the beginning and ending sections of the book that described stories from her life in acting. The middle portion of the book revolved around her passion for animals. It was interesting but I found the stories revolving around her acting more so.

Short read and worth it.
4*

Is there an extra seat at that pub? It looks like a lovely area to which you have moved, Chelle. And it seems that Jackson is settling in well enough, even if the bath situation is not to his exacting specifications.

Wow! Beautiful place - i'd love to visit that area someday.

What great pictures! I hope you are enjoying getting to know your new area!

Love the pictures -- it's a beautiful landscape. I hope you'll continue to share them with us Chelle!

Hi Chelle! Wow, such gorgeous pictures!!! Lovely new area that you are in!

Such an adventure, exploring a new place!

Annapolis Valley! Port Williams Pub! Fundy!!!

Ohhh, the nostalgia, it aches...........

Glad to see you're enjoying your explorations of the land... keep those photos coming! :)

Love the low-tide shot...still reading the Rushdie? I still have it on my this year list :)

Hi Chelle, your pictures are beautiful and it sounds as if you are settling in nicely. Have fun exploring your new province!

Such beautiful photos.. you landed in a gorgeous place!

Your new location looks beautiful in the your pictures, thanks for sharing!

lovely, lovely, so good to live in a beautiful place.

Chelle, I love sharing the beauty of your new area through pictures. Keep 'em coming! That's also quite an impressive lineup of books for the first quarter during a very busy time in your life. Ah, to be young and full of energy again!

Beautiful pictures Chelle!
glad the move went well and every one is settling in nicely :)

OH, thank you for the pictures, Chelle! What a beautiful place right now, and how interesting it's going to be through the change of the seasons!
(I loved Midnight's Children - was completely blown away, so I hope it's taking you the same.)

Add my admiration of your pics to the pile, Chelle! Also glad you enjoyed the Betty White book. She is definitely what I want to be like when I get old. :)

I've wanted to go to Nova Scotia since I saw the film The Shipping News. However, I recently found out that it was filmed in Newfoundland, rather than Nova Scotia, so none of this makes any sense. Oops! Close enough, I suppose. Anyway, the photos are lovely.

#1 Jackson in the Bay of Fundy - wow! He is just the right size and color... photo is dramatic!
#2 Annapolis Valley - gorgeous! All that beautiful Canadian land!
#3 Ah, yeah. Definitely low tide. Beautiful shot!
Aren't you just bursting with happiness?

Chelle - a belated hi to you from a travel weary but happy me. Love the selection of shots of New Scotland, especially the one looking out from your watering hole as it reminds me I'm in need of some libation myself.

Hi! The photos look gorgeous, you're in a lovely part of NS. Glad to see that you're settling in and mostly unpacked. You're not the only person confused by NS recycling - when I first moved here, I declared that you need a degree in physics to figure it out. Thankfully the HRM now lets us recycle all plastic, not just ones with certain numbers on, although I don't know what your area does on that front.

Looking forward to seeing more photos as you settle and explore :-) I really must get up that way at some stage.

Wow, thanks to all the visitors! I started the thread and then proceeded to neglect it! I've been trying to put up my book shelves and put away my books, turns out I have a lot!! I've also been trying to finish Midnight's Children and I'm almost finished! Should be able to knock out the last 50 pages tonight.

I took Jax for a few kilometer walk yesterday and took a couple more photos of the Valley. I really need to bring my real camera next time instead of just using my iPhone.


Welcome #1 Mark! I tried a new beer a few nights ago and I thought of you and all your beers that you post about. It was just a local brewed stout (I think) but it was pretty good

Hi Mamie! I saw someone else post their star ratings like that so I thought I would check and see what mine were like. I think I may be a little willy-nilly in the way I rate them, I found I had a lot of 3.5 and 4 stars

HI Monica! I'm sure Jax would appreciate any hugs he can get! He is currently mad at me because I don't want to spend the day outside in the snow! This is one of those times I wish we had a fenced yard. The sunny days I don't mind sitting outside half the day reading while he plays, but it's chilly today and I'd rather not.

Thanks Terri! I know how hard it is to keep up with all the interesting threads! Thanks for visiting :)

Thanks Joe! I can't wait until the days warm up a little more so I can start exploring!

HI Ellen, there are tons of seats at the pub so let me know when you are coming ;)

HI Jim! We knew we would love it here after vacationing here a few years ago. It's an amazing place in the warm seasons (pretty but cold in the winter). If you get the chance to vacation out this way jump on it! It's worth it

Hi Amy! I've gotten to know a bit of the area but not enough! I think we will do a bit more exploring this weekend when Nate has some more days off. I tried to visit the library today but it was closed :(

Thanks Laura! I'm going to try and remember to bring my camera with me when I go out. So far I've just been using my iPhone, which is good but doesn't have the greatest zoom.

Thanks Deb! we got very lucky with our first military posting! I'm almost afraid to see where they will send us later in life!

Hi Roni! Yes it is quite the adventure and a lot of fun!

Hi Faith! I will for sure post more photos, I just need to talk the weather man into giving us some warmer days for exploring

Thanks Megan! We were at the right place and time for that shot. I was so happy when we got a window seat in that pub, as they were so busy I wasn't sure if we were even going to get a seat at all!
I am almost finished Rusdie, thankfully!! Hopefully I can finish it and review it tonight and then I am giving this evil book away! I think it's taken me well over a month to finish this stupid thing. Do you already have a copy of it? If not PM me your address and I'll send it to you

Thanks Judy! It's starting to feel like home now! Once I can finish putting my books away I will be happy :)

Thanks Kath! We are rather fond of it :)

Thanks Marie! I am looking forward to everything start blooming here, it's still rather brown right now

I agree Lucy! I've always lived in a big city so this is a very nice and beautiful change of pace!

Thanks Donna, I will for sure post more once I explore a bit more!
I think I did most of my reading in the first quarter while I was at work! Now that I am unemployed and actually have things to do around the house my reading my slow down. BUT my new library does have some pretty good audio books so I might start using them more while I clean or walk the dog.

Thanks Kara! We are settling in nicely :)

HI Peggy! I am excited for the seasons to actually start changing, we seem to be stuck on winter still
I wish I could say Midnight's Children was blowing me away, but unfortunately I can't seem to love it. It is interesting but probably not really my cup of tea. Have you read anything else by Rushdie? I wonder if all his writing is similar or if his books are very different?

Thanks Micky! If I live to see 89 then I would totally like to be like Betty White! She is probably more active at 89 than I am at 30!

Hi Kerri! You should totally visit NS and Halifax if you ever get the chance. It's definitely worth the trip! I haven't been to Newfoundland yet, but it's only my list of places to visit! I've heard it is has some pretty amazing scenery too

Thanks Cee!I think the beach pic is my current favorite! And I am pretty happy actually! I have never lived in such a beautiful place or been unemployed! It's like a vacation right now! At some point I'll have to start looking for a job, but no rush!!

Hello travelling Paul! I hope the people down under have been treating you well! Have you learned any of the local slang yet?

HI Kathy! I was amazed at the recycling and composting actually, Ontario's program isn't half this great! They finally delivered our Green box yesterday. It's weird to get excited about something so silly! lol
Nate and I will be coming to take a trip into Halifax at some point this summer. I love walking the boardwalk so we need to come in on a nice day. Let me know if you ever decide to venture out this way, I could meet you for coffee or ice cream somewhere

>31 ChelleBearss: you're so kind to offer to give me your copy! I already have a copy so you get to keep yours :) Thanks you so much for such a generous thought.
I would love to visit your area *one day*....sigh, one day indeed.

Hi Chelle, what wonderful photos of your new home! I hope you are settling in and enjoying your new surroundings.

Megan it is worth the trip, but at the same time I would love to visit your side of the world again! I've only made it to Australia so far but I would love to visit New Zealand at some point.

Thanks Anne! I am starting to feel very at home here. Once I figure out the area a little better it will be great (I got lost yesterday, so thankfully for the gps that I then dug out of my glove box)

News: I have FINALLY finished Midnight's Children hooray!!

34) Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie
Read for 75 books in 2012,
12 in 2012:Category #1) Birthday Books: From the year of my birth 1981,
1001 Books to read before you die

Saleem Sinai is born on the stroke of midnight. No, not just the stroke of midnight but also the stroke of India's independence. The Indian government has declared that any child born on the stroke of midnight at the hour of India's independence will be a special child. This sets the stage of Saleem's life, a special child who forms a group with the other special children, The Midnight's Children. These children turn out to be more special than the Indian government would want and Saleem's life is a tumultuous event from beginning to end.

Saleem tells the tale of his pathetic, turbulent life; a life he needs to tell about before he breaks into pieces as he can already feel the cracks forming. He tells the tale of a half deaf, cucumber snot nosed boy living someone else's life. For almost thirty-one years he rides the waves of India's political ups and downs and those of his family as well.

I can't tell you if I like this book as I still don't know. Too many times I wanted to put it down and walk away completely but then I would think about it again and pick it right back up. It is a difficult read, very dense and written in a way that made me reread sentences before they would make any sense.
It is hard to like Saleem, I found him rather whiny and his childhood nickname "snot nose" suits him in more ways than one, but not hard to want to find out where his life takes him and what the ending will be. There were parts that I laughed at and parts that made me cringe. I guess that's the sign of a good book when you feel strong emotions like wanting to hurl the book across the room but at the same time need to know the ending.
3.5*

ETA
As I was reviewing what I wrote I ended up realizing that not only was the book written in the year of my birth but the main character Saleem is my current age while he narrates the book. Odd.

Chelle- Good review of Midnight's Children. We had similar reactions to the book. I really wanted to like it more, a lot of the writing is amazing but in the end it came up short. I'll HAVE to try Rushdie again at some point but I am not rushing.

You are probably feeling almost giddy about finishing it - I know exactly what you mean about reading a book that makes you want to hurl it across the room, but that at the same time makes you feel compelled to finish it.

Good for you, finished Midnight's Children. That's not an easy read, especially during this time when you're up to your ears in so many other things.

After your reference to Newfoundland, I found myself humming "I'se the bye that bilt the boat and I'se the bye that sailed her...." Terrifying.

*grin*

A friend of mine grew up in Digby NS and told me tales of dressing up as a giant scallop for Digby Days or some such event. He went onward and upward, dressing as a killer tomato for Hallowe'en during his first year of grad school in DC. He got stuck in the subway turnstiles...

Thanks Mark. I've heard a lot about The Satanic Verses but I think I will wait a long time before starting anymore by Rushdie. It's on my sooner or later list though

Thanks Laura. I'm not sure if I would have liked it more if I wasn't reading it in the middle of this transition. Either way it's over, yahoo! ;)

Suzanne that's pretty awesome! I can't imagine dressing up like a vegetable as an adult (or is tomato a fruit?), although as a child (with a father from the maritimes) my mom made me a lobster costume! It was pretty hilarious! I should find that picture, I don't think Nate has even seen that one yet

Hi Chelle, last track of you for a couple of days. I said on Bonnie's thread, too, that I keep missing these thread continuations. I'm sure it's just me! LOVE the pics of the Annapolis; so delighted you're there, settled, and enjoying. Thumbs up to Betty White!

Good review of Midnight's Children, and good for you for finishing it. I don't know whether I'll ever read Rushdie, but your review helped me better understand this book.

Hooray for finishing Midnights Children! I wont read the review as I want to read it with fresh eyes, when I eventually do!

1, 30: Wow! That is quite the location!

Congrats on finishing Midnight's Children. I too had a real sense of accomplishment when I finished it, Chelle, though I think I liked it better than you did. I was born in the same month and year as India's independence so perhaps I identified with the characters in that respect. What's your next challenging book going to be?

Today has been an awful day and I can't wait until it is finished!

This afternoon I had my headphones in listening to an audio book while I put away my bookshelves and I noticed the dog hadn't come downstairs in a while. I took a break to find him and get a drink and when I got upstairs the front door was wide open. The cat was sitting on the front porch and the dog was no where in site. We live on a main highway with high speed limits so of course I was freaking out.

I ran outside and searched our property and Jax was gone. I made Nate wake up (He is on nightshift) and we started to search. After 5-10 minutes of screaming his name I finally saw him running full tilt across the hay field next door. He had wandered all the way down to the end of the hay field near the neighbours house (almost a kiliometer away!) Thankfully he had stayed on our side of the road and hadn't tried to cross. I don't think I have ever been that scared, I was shaking. Poor Nate got woken up from a dead sleep and had to come help without even a chance to wake up. I think I scared him as much as myself!

I got Nate to look at our stupid front door and it turns out the weather stipping is very thick and if you don't pull it completely tight so it snaps into the lock then it could appear closed when it isn't. Of course of all days we are having a bit of a winter snow storm and we have had very high winds so the wind blew the not-closed door open. I am going to have to be extra careful to make sure the door is closed and locked at all times so I won't run the risk of the escape artist dog wandering away again!

*****
Hi Nancy! It's not just you, I lose people all the time. I find it's worse when I have read all the new posts on a thread and then it gets continued, so it doesn't show up in my "your posts" tab anymore. I rarely check the "starred" tab, though I should really check it more often

Thanks Joe! I think I would like to try and read him again to see if his writing style changes from book to book ... but I won't be reading anymore anytime soon.

Thanks Megan, I am glad I finished it! I will keep an eye out for your thoughts on it

Hi Katherine, I am rather fond of the area too :)

Hi Donna! I just finished The Night Eternal, though while not challenging it is really freaking me out since I am home alone tonight and my baseboard heaters are creaking and moaning like crazy!
I think I am going to try and join in on David Copperfield which will be a big challenge for me, as well I am behind on the Steinbeckathon.
What are you reading these days?

35) The Night Eternal by Guillermo Del Toro & Chuck Hogan
Read for 75 books in 2012,
12 in 2012:Category #10) It's a whole new world: Apocalyptic/ Post Apocalyptic/ Dystopian
4*

The Night Eternal is the third and final book in The Strain trilogy. Set two years after the initial outbreak of the vampire virus, Dr Ephraim Goodweather and gang are still resisting the current state of the world. After a mass extermination one third of the world's population is gone and a large portion of the rest are living or working in Blood Camps. Food is rationed to those working and complying and freedom is a thing of the past.

After many nuclear explosions there is a mud like film over the earth's atmosphere that now blocks all light except for two hours of weak light each day. The rain is a thick black substance and the animals and plants have started to die out. Life on earth has become a miserable existence for humanity at the hands of The Master and his race.

Eph and his gang are still trying to decipher The Lumen, an ancient book which holds the key to the destruction of The Master and the only way to rid the world of the vampires. He has not seen his son in the two years since he was kidnapped by The Master and Eph is desperate to find a way to get him back and kill the master once and for all.

This was another excellently creepy book but I was very sad to see the end of this trilogy.
4*

48: Yikes. Just the cover would be enough reason to keep the light on all night. I wouldn't dare read it.

Ohhhh my light be will on all night anyway! Between the wind that sounds like it is trying to knock my house down and the creaking/thumping/moaning of my baseboard heaters, I will be up for a while anyway.

I had lived alone for many years before Nate moved in, and then for the last year while he was away on training and I have never been afraid to be home alone before. This new house and it's creepy noises are really testing me! I think I will pick up a happy cheerful book next ... which might difficult because I'm not sure if I actually own any ;)

Ohhh big hugs, Chelle! I'm so sorry to hear that Jax got lose and I am thankful that you found him. Oh - so sorry that your new house is testing you with the big wind and all of the noise and the creaking. I'm sure once you are more settled, you will get to know the neighbours and feel safer, plus summer is on it's way, with the short nights and better weather, which I am sure will help you settle into your new home more easily. I know even where I live in the middle of a city , when the wind gets blowing in the middle of the night, it can feel creepy!

Big hugs Chelle!

Glad to hear Jax is okay! I know I've had those moments with Shyanne, it's definitely not fun.

I agree with Stephen: not fun. Tuppence disappeared one day for about half a day, and this was when I was pregnant and super-emotional. I sobbed the entire time she was missing, and then, after about 4 hours, she just sauntered back into the yard, like nothing had happened. Sigh.

OMG... I am so sorry! What a terrifying experience for you :(
My heart is pounding after reading about it..
I am so glad it had a happy ending..
(((((Chelle))))))

That book looks good :) I like creepy :)

Scary about Jax and I'm glad he's OK!

OMG Chelle, I am so happy you found Jax and he wasn't hurt. My heart was pounding reading your post. I hate that feeling when you can't find your furry babies.. Thank goodness everything worked out.

Creepy house noises on top of that. You will finally get used to those eventually and not even notice them, hope you get used to them sooner than later though. :)

I am so glad that you found Jax, I'd be terrified if one of my cats got out!

I live right on the ocean so it's normally a bit windy out here, but the last couple of days have been fairly bad. My house creaks and rattles when the wind is like that and I spend half the time trying to calm down my Kate cat and the other half checking to make sure I haven't lost my siding!

Ohhh I would be scared too, glad Jax didn't go too far!
hugs for all of you

36) The Moon is Down by John Steinbeck
Read for 75 books in 2012,
12 in 2012:Category #8) Such a Rebel: Banned Books
4*

Another great reading experience brought to us by Mr Steinbeck
This novella was written in 1942 and is based in an unnamed town in Europe during an unnamed war. The town is taken by an invading force with surprisingly little resistance, at first. The townsfolk do not like being conquered and are willing to fight for their freedom. While there is not much they can do without weapons or an army of their own the townsfolk find ways to resist. That's basically what this novel sums up to: resist. Every person can help resist. Every person can play their part and make a difference.

Anyone can read between the lines and see Nazis and WWII here. Steinbeck doesn't name Hitler direct, but references to "The Leader" make it somewhat obvious. This isn't Steinbeck's typical work and it is said that he wrote it as propaganda for the war effort. While the book was quite popular in Europe, it was also banned. The punishment for being caught with it was death.

This was a short easy read with a big message. Worth the read in my opinion.

Thanks Deb! Unfortunately we don't really have many neighbours. Our closest neighbour on our side of the street is almost a kilometer away and there are a couple houses across the road but not close like in the city. I am much better tonight though but the wind isn't as strong. (Plus I stayed away from the scary books tonight!!) Thanks for the hugs, they help :)

Thanks Stephen, definitely not fun at all! I have been double and triple checking the doors when I come in. We really need to get our lawn done this month so we can get our electric fence dug in. Once that is in I will worry about him less. (even then we won't leave him outside alone though because I have heard rumours that there are coyotes around, but I haven't seen any)

Oh Amber that must have been horrible being scared like that while pregnant! I was very lucky that Jax came back when I screamed for him. I think he thought it was play time! I've never seen him run so fast though

Thanks Kath. It was definitely the start of my grumpy mood (Which I am hoping is gone when I wake up tomorrow, two days of moodiness is enough)
If you like creepy then you should read that series. The first one is The Fall and all three books were great

Thanks Laura, we were very lucky that he likes the hay field so much and didn't wander across the road

Thanks Monica! I am hoping that once it is warm enough to turn of the heat the creaking will stop, as I'm pretty sure it is just the baseboard heaters that are making that noise. Nate is going to have to inspect them on his days off and see what is up with them. Pretty sure they shouldn't sound like that

Kathy, I had no idea it would be so windy here. I didn't know if it was because of our location on the mountain or if it was from the ocean, but either way it's crazy windy! Today has been better than yesterday thankfully! I am soooooooo looking forward to summer!

Thanks for the hugs Anita! I will be watching him like a hawk from now on!

Hmmm, may have to try that Steinbeck. I do tend to prefer his journalism to his novels, so maybe this will be a good read for me.

So glad Jax is OK. Tigger the terror cat tries so hard to escape (even though he doesn't go very far when he runs out the back) and he's so feisty that he doesn't "do" fear, that I worry one day he'll get out the front and end up flattened by a passing car. Jasper used to love to disappear into the neighbors' gardens; we joked he was off to the Kit Kat Klub.

scary day Chelle, now you know about the door, you can be extra careful. Here's to a better day tomorrow!

So glad your scary night is behind you! Sleep tight, Chelle!

Hi Chelle! I'm so glad everything worked out with Jax. Take care.

Chelle... I hope you woke up cheerful and stay that way for a long time to come !
I am definitely going to look at that series.. thanks !

I added The Fall to my WL - I LOVE creepy!

*edited to say that it says The Strain is the first in the series and The Fall is the second - is this correct?

you are lucky to have a dog that comes back when you call!
my Boxer will look then keep going, for that reason she is kept on leash unless it's the dog park :)

I need to get back to that trilogy. I read The Strain last year? I think. now that all 3 are out I might do a back to back read starting at the beginning again ;)

Chelle- I'm glad the Jax story had a happy ending. Sounded scary. Good review of The Moon is Down. I read and loved it last year.

So glad alls well that ends well for Jax, Chelle. Hope you have a fantastic Happy Easter weekend!

First holiday in your new home!

Hi Friends!
So I've been feeling a little crappy this week and I think it's been a combination of being bored, cabin fever and a little lonely while Nate has been working and I don't know anyone here. So today was Nate's day off and we hit the road to explore. Helped boost my mood and took away my cabin fever, plus it was a nice sunny day!
We drove the coast and looked at some lovely scenery. Took the dog with us and he was somewhat well behaved. Forgot my camera at home (again) but thankfully I had my phone with me
Here are a couple pics I took



Hope everyone has a great weekend!!
***

Thanks Suzanne. My cat likes to escape as well but she is scared of her own shadow so she usually stops just outside the door. Have you been joining in on the Steinbeck group read? I've actually read a couple of his now that I probably wouldn't have read if it wasn't for the group read. I had only read East of Eden prior to this year

Yes Megan I will be super careful now. I'm a little scared to wear my headphones in the house now since I didn't hear the door open so I think I'll be putting my audio book on the stereo instead of my ipod now

Thanks Deb! Last night was much better but I also wasn't reading anything scary! Nate is home tonight so I will sleep much better

Thanks Kerri, all is well now :)

Well Kath I didn't wake up cheerful but Nate picked at me all day until I cheered up. I've never been unemployed or lived in a different place before so I think I have a small case of cabin fever. We got out of the house and saw some more of the area today so I'm feeling better now.

Mamie you are totally correct! The Strain came first and then The Fall, and they should be read in order. Hope you love them, but try not to read them around midnight like I did! ;)

Kara he only listens when he wants to or when he thinks he is going to be in trouble, so he either had enough outside time or he knew he was in big poop for escaping!
He was good at the beach today though, didn't go in the water and came back after the fourth time I yelled at him lol

Thanks Mark, we were definitely scared at the time! He has been hit by a car before and it was terrifying and I don't ever want to deal with that again.
I'm still behind on the Steinbeck group read. I need to finish March's book still but I haven't gotten it from the library yet

Thanks Caro! Happy Easter to you too!!

Hi Again Kath! :) Happy Easter!

Chelle - Those pictures are beautiful. Look at that sky! Glad you are feeling cheered up. It's hard to have so much new to deal with all at once. Sending good thoughts your way!

You are in a beautiful part of the world. So sorry to hear that Jax scared you but at least he is safe. Hope that you get used to your new home and all its unexplained noises soon.

Have a great weekend with Nate.

We used to have a dog that would try to bolt out the door. Thankfully all but one time she didn't get far before we got her back in the house. That one time I spent a few fruitless hours driving around the neighborhood looking for her. I got home and left the door open. One time I thought she was coming back in the house, but it was a raccoon! Eventually she sauntered back into the house.

Thankfully our current dog doesn't try to bolt - she just runs around in circles near the door when someone leaves/arrives!

The dog I had before Duncan.. Jess... was a runner. I adopted her at age 5 knowing that.
I figured I would work with it. She ran three times.. Two times it was after I as in bed and my husband and or son let her get out ( at night) and she ran. Thankfully, she was back safe before I knew about it. One time, just after I had knee surgery.. and her last run ... she slipped out the door when I was trying to get her on her run. I was clumsy and had a cane to deal with and off she went. There was about 8 inches of snow. Thankfully, she only ran around my back yard and the neighbors yard. Adam was home at the time, and he went out after her.. she just ran madly around for about 5 minutes then came cheerfully back. I only had her for about 5 years... she injured herself trying to go after a cat.. and eventually died
as a result of her neck/back injury.Her story was a sad one, before she came to me.. I take comfort in knowing that in her last years she was loved and content. She was so quiet and unassuming.. I have friends and family who barely remember her :(

Hey Chelle - Just trying to catch up.... I'm glad Jax is safe and sound - silly dog! Those photos are gorgeous! I've always wanted to visit the Atlantic coast of Canada - just beautiful!

Hi Chelle, sounds like you've had a tough week. I'm so glad your dog returned safe and sound, and I hope you can find a solution to your door problem! Scary.

Hi Chelle - getting caught up with your new thread! Love the pics, glad to learn the disappearing Jax was a temporary event and that you are settling into your new surroundings.

glitter-graphics.com

Hi Chelle, hope you get to meet some locals soon. Will you be looking for work there? Or joining any clubs or groups? Surely the library :) ?

Happy Easter, Chelle! Hope you are having a nice holiday weekend!

Oh yeah... library! What is the library like there?
Curious minds.. and I am sure that in the days to come you will be signing up and sharing :)

Happy Easter everyone!
I hope you all get to spend some time with your loved ones this weekend whether you celebrate the holiday weekend or not. I had a lovely two days with Nate exploring the area and hanging out.

Yesterday we escaped again and drove up the coast east from our house. We stopped at Black Rock and saw the small lighthouse there and took some pictures. It was a nice sunny day but the wind was chilly.
We then drove up to The Lookoff, which is basically a parking spot at the top of the mountain where one can take pictures of the inlet of the Bay of Fundy and the Annapolis Valley. We drove to the point at Scot's Bay and got to see the top end of our area and then we stopped in Port Williams for fresh cheeses at a local dairy farm and then off to The Port Williams pub again for nachos
It was a great day!
Today Nate has to work so I will get some cleaning done and then read tonight.

Here are my favorite pictures from yesterday




It's funny that yesterday was a bright sunny day and today we are now having a winter storm! I woke up to about a foot of snow on my porch and some super strong winds! I tried to open the patio door to let the dog in and the wind was so strong I couldn't get it open!
This picture is my front yard (and Jax) this morning with all the snow. It had stopped snowing but it has now started again. This will be my first time driving my truck into town down our mountain in the snow. I need groceries or else I would just stay inside bundled up

Thanks Mamie! I was feeling fine until he went back to work and then I was cooped up in the house alone for 5 days. It was enough for me and I needed out! Just a bit of light exploring was all I needed to cheer up, and of course hanging with cheerful Nate always helps :)

Thanks Calm, I am find out many more beautiful places every time we venture outside. And I think I have figured out most of the repeat noises, it's just the random wind related ones now that are weird

Hi Morphy! I never thought Jax would be a bolter as he usually rushes to the door and wags his tail until you let him outside, but I guess an open unwatched door is too much of a temptation!
That would terrify my if a racoon tried to follow me inside!! I don't even know what I would do

Aww Kath that's a sad little doggy story! But at least you know you helped the pup have a better life, even if it was a short one!
I'm lucky that Jax usually comes when he is called. Although today it is snowing and he LOVES snow and didn't want to come in. Actually made me put on boots and go out and get him, grrr

Thanks Katie! He definitely fits the silly dog category!
Hopefully you will have the opportunity to vacation out here sometime! Pick a summer month though because today is chilly and gross lol

Thanks Anne. I think my only solution is for me to just pay attention and make sure it shuts behind me. we were thinking about putting in an underground electric fence for Jax at some point but we can't do that until this summer when the lawn landscaping is finished. I'll just have to be extra careful until then

Thanks Lori! I am for sure starting to love the surroundings here!

Happy Easter to you too Kara! Enjoy the rest of your weekend

HI Megan! I actually got to meet a couple of Nate's new friends last week. We went out for dinner and drinks with one of his coworkers and his girlfriend. Nice couple. We will probably be seeing more of them
I haven't met anyone on my own though, it's not really my strong point. Takes me a long time to meet and become friends with anyone. Although I have been looking for a place to start volunteering for the summer so maybe I'll meet people then.
I will be looking for work at some point, but I haven't seen anything listed that I would like yet. Not in a rush though really.
And yes, I have already joined the library and am waiting for two holds to come in. It's very small but it's attached to the rest of the libraries in the valley so the selection is pretty good but I have to wait for books to arrive from the other libraries.

Happy Easter Mark! Hope you enjoy your weekend!

Hi Kath! see my post to Megan about the library ;)

Hi Chelle. Happy Easter! How scary to hear your story about Jax - I'm glad he came back safely in the end. And good to hear you have a local library :-)

I can empathise with feeling like it takes a long time to meet and get to know people - it's something I struggle with too when I move to a new area. But it will happen.

ETA: Snow?! Woah. Drive safely!

Happy Easter, Chelle!

Chelle, so glad you are exploring some of the Annapolis and the NS coast. Love the pics! Keep them coming! My sister said yesterday they'd spent the day outside at their lake property in the gorgeous sunshine, but that it was supposed to snow today. Looks like that happened!

Just dropping in to wish you a Happy Easter, Chelle. Love the new pictures you posted - the one with the lighthouse looks like it could be a postcard or a book cover - GORGEOUS!!

HAPPY EASTER, CHELLE! (pls send snow)

Chelle, I am SO glad that Jackson is alright! As I read your story, I was filled with empathy and concern --- and relief once I knew that you had found him and he was (is) safe. Yep, that door will find itself being pulled shut hard in the future!

The pictures of your adventures, exploring the area surrounding your new home, are really nice. It seems so peaceful and rural (said the somewhat restless city-dweller).

And I appreciate your review of Midnight's Children. I started it a couple of years ago and didn't get very far. I keep thinking I will/should/want to give it another try. Your review was validating in that it was such a dense read. And yet, it seems to have captured quite an avid following. Perhaps I'll try again, or perhaps I'll give another of Rushdie's works a try. He seems like an author in the category of "as an educated person, I 'should' have one of his books in my completed library."

Sunny and warm(ish) here in Seattle. Odd to see pictures of snow! :-)

Great, great pictures! Esp the snowy one!

So happy Jax is back safe & sound. What a scary experience. :{

"...have to wait for books to arrive from the other libraries."
Me too - better than nothing!

Hi Chelle, I'm finally checking out your new thread and I'm happy to learn you've found a nice pub to relax at after a day of unpacking.
Hope you had a nice Easter!

ETA: Oh the Betty White book looks great. I must check my library for that one.

I'm glad you are all signed up with the library..
Maybe that is where you will meet some local folks?
Such beautiful pictures!
Have a safe and happy day !

HI Chelle, bummer about the snow.. but I love the other pic's.. I love lighthouse's and that was a beautiful pic you got of that one. :)

Chelle - great that you and Nate spent a happy few days exploring your (new) local area.

Exploring your new area looks like fun, Chelle. And what a difference a day can make this time of year... From sunny blue skies to grey skies and snow! Lovely pictures, though, no matter what kind of weather.

I hope Jax got his wanderlust out of the way. Lucky is a rescue dog and there is no way he is going to take a chance on losing out on the good life he wandered into! He is definitely a stay at home kind of guy.

Looks beautiful where you are, Chelle. Scary story about Jax! A few years ago I was walking home from the train (we live in the city, where the houses are close together) and found a spaniel plopped down in the middle of a fairly busy back street, in danger from heedless drivers. No owner anywhere, and no id on her. I scooped her up and took her home. My much better half had the good idea of walking her around where I found her, and eventually her head lifted up and she made a beeline for a house. Sure enough, "Princess" had found a hole in construction they were doing to the back of the house and had gone on an adventure. The young husband and wife at first couldn't figure out why we were at their front door with their dog. They didn't realize she had snuck out!

Ah! All caught up again. Thanks for sharing all the lovely pictures of where you live. Gorgeous!! I am glad Jax is ok--scary! Best wishes for lots of happiness in your new house and keep the great book reviews coming. : )

Gorgeous pictures! I'm not good at moving. It takes a while to feel at home and get know people. I'm sure that better weather will help. Enjoy yourself - I hope you soon find a library and some sort of small group - or maybe neighbours at a distance, but still friendly.

wow wow wow, your part of the world is amazing looking. I want to come see! I guess I'd have to bring a torch and some Everest style warm clothing!

All those pictures you've been posting of your new home look so beautiful! I was mentally trying to figure out how I could afford to move to Nova Scotia. Then I read about a foot of snow out of nowhere and saw the last photo, and now I'm feeling OK about living in Iowa again. So, thanks! You've saved me a ton of money. :-)

LOL @ >101 rosalita:

just keeping up

Chelle - finally catching up - see you are settling in. The pictures are gorgeous - remind me of tutu's place in Maine.

I agree with Mckait - the library is the place to go to make new friends - volunteer there - you'll be sure to find people who like to read!

Stopping by to say hi! Hope all is going well, Chelle!

HI Guys!
I haven't been around much, kind of in a book/LT funk. Not much reading going on, but lots of tv watching (bletch!) We've become obsessed with trying to plan the wedding (possibly for August here in NS now) and I've been spending mass amounts of time on the internet trying to find locations and ideas.

I've read about 100 pages of Love in the Time of Cholera and I'm really enjoying it. Only reading it a bit before bed each night though so it's not going quick.

85 Hi Heather! The snow has melted thankfully! It's been warm for the last couple days. Nate took me to the beach at sunset a few days ago, it was quite nice!

86 Thanks Marie! Hope you had a good holiday as well!

87 HI Nancy! Yes the weather here is a tad odd. 19 degrees one day and snow the next. Today it's just starting to get sunny, was cloudy and rainy this morning.

88 Thanks Mamie! Hope you had a good holiday too!
We will be going to Peggy's Cove in the next couple weeks to look at a wedding resort there and I hope to get some good photos of the light house there

89 Thanks Cee!! Did you get the snow I sent you? ;)

90 Hi Ellen! I'm glad to see that I'm not the only one who thought Midnight's Children was a difficult read! I've seen so many reviews about how amazing it is I was beginning to wonder what I missed. It is a good read, but not spectacular.

92 Hi Lynda! I've heard that some of Betty White's books are a bit better, this one was rather short but I thought it was pretty good!

93 HI Kath! The library here is quite small so I don't know about meeting people there. I'm sure I will meet people through Nate's work too once we start getting out a bit more.

94 Thanks Monica! I have shaky hands though so it takes me about 5 shots to get one decent one! I'm trying to learn to take better photos

95 Hi Paul! Glad to see you are back online! Hope your holiday was amazing!

96 Hi Donna! I think Jax would still sneak out if he found a way. He wants to spend everyday all day outside. We took him to the beach again the other day and he got to swim and play with another dog on the beach so he was happy, smelly but happy! We need to figure out and outside dog washing station for the summer! It's quite the process to give him a bath now

97 Wow Joe, they are lucky that you found the pup and were kind enough to bring it home! A lot of people wouldn't take the time to do that!

98 Thanks Kim! Not many more book reviews coming any time soon, but hopefully some more pictures :)

99 Thanks Deb! I'm not good at moving either, still have a ton of boxes to find homes for. I've kind of given up for the time being as I've run out of places to store things. We need to get a garage or shed soon so I can get all Nate's tools and equipment out of the basement

100 Hi Megan! You could come visit without the warm clothing this week, it's decent out now ... but who knows what tomorrow will bring! The weather seems to change every 5 minutes lol

101 Hi Julia! Sorry to burst your bubble about NS, but maybe a vacation instead of moving house would work better for you ;)

103 Hi Cheli! Maine is someplace I would like to visit at some point, I've heard it's quite pretty and peaceful feeling there too!

Chelle- I hope you beat the book funk soon! TV watching wears out it's welcome pretty quickly. Good luck.

Can't wait to hear more about your wedding planning, Chelle. So many beautiful spots in NS!

Good luck with the book funk, and I, too, can't wait to follow along with you on the wedding planning adventure!

A book funk is understandable. So much change, so much done and left to do..
much of it more interesting and urgent than a book, which will wait patiently for you..
Enjoy the other stuff ... the books will be there :)

Have fun with the planning, Chelle. Don't worry about the book funk - it happens to everyone, and the books and everyone at LT will still be here.

38) Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel García Márquez
Read for 75 books in 2012,
12 in 2012:Category #7) Morbid thoughts: 1001 Books to Read Before I Die. (Read 2 of 6),
1001 Books to read before you die
4*

How long would you wait for love? A few years, or a lifetime?
Florentino has loved Fermina since the first day he met her but after years of professing his love in the most romantic letters possible she has rejected him and married another. Now he must wait until she is a widow and only then hope that he will get a second chance at love.
Could you wait a lifetime for love?

HI Mark! I am back to reading, although it took me forever to finish this last book. Nate and I are almost through with our Dexter marathon so I hope to get back to reading while he watches silly guy shows (his latest is something called Mantracker? guys chasing people in the woods ... not my cup of tea!)

Hi Nancy! I will hopefully be able to start looking at places soon. Some are starting to open for the season and Nate has a week off at the end of the month so hopefully we can pick a place. A few have responded to emails saying they have openings in August, yay! :)

Thanks Amber, I think the funk might be lifting. I've been feeling under the weather today (stomach thing) so I laid around reading, it was nice to be lazy again

Thanks Kath, I always feel bad thinking of all those books just waiting to be read ;)

Thanks Mamie, I know all my LT buddies are here and understand RL and book obsessions

Glad you enjoyed Love in the Time of Cholera, Chelle. I also really enjoyed the story, and I remember that Marquez's vocabulary was absolutely exquisite - sent me to the dictionary on several occasions.

Sad to say that is one of the books waiting for me! lol.
I swear, I do read! Why am I always saying oh yeah... That one is waiting to be read?

Oh well.. I hope you have a nice time exploring your new neighboring a bit more this week..
I do hope that you will post more pics of your adventures!

Chelle- Hey, you finished a book and a reported classic! Yah! Believe it or not, I have not read Marquez. Bad Mark. But I do have a copy of this one calling my name.

Could you wait a lifetime for love? That is such a great question, isn't it? I have been wanting to read that book - I made it halfway through his One Hundred Years of Solitude last year, but it just wasn't what I was in the mood for and so I abandoned it. But I LOVED his writing. Maybe this year I'll try Love in the Time of Cholera.

Hi Chelle!
Well I have both Marquez books waiting for me... and the day will come for each!

Good luck with the wedding plans!

Book funk - I have had a touch of it this year too when my reading slowed alarmingly, but I got my mojo back in New Zealand - hopefully New Scotland will do the same for you. Moving there and starting a new life obviously takes up a little of your time but when it settles down you'll be flying for sure!

Hi Chelle. I really want to give Love in the Time of Cholera a try. Nice review you wrote.

Are you able to read in the same room where Nate is watching his "silly guy shows"?
("Mantracker"?? Really???)

Hi Chelle - I've got to get to some Gabriel García Márquez at some point too.

At least Mantracker doesn't sound as bad as Doomsday Preppers (Do you get that one in Canada? Please say no.) I still can't get over the fact that it's a real show that real humans watch!

Hi Chelle! While reading The Detour, which I am still doing, I thought of you! :) The woman is living in a somewhat isolated area of Wales, and initially she finds the distance from anyone somewhat disquieting.

It sounds like you are doing just great!

Take and hugs!

Did someone say Mantracker?!?!? Seriously guys -- don't knock it until you watch an episode. :)

It's actually a lot of fun, and I've learned a lot about tracking, wilderness survival, and the various types of landscape around North America. It's less of a "hunt" and more of a race to the finish line before you're found!

And the guy who is the "mantracker" (I can't remember his real name) is a really nice guy as well -- a friend of a friend who knew him got a hat signed for my sister for Christmas several years ago... she loves the show too.

The show has been on for years now, and it's still going! I'd probably audition if I didn't have a chronic knee injury that prevents me from running. It looks like a lot of fun and a great experience!

Hi Chelle, sounds like things are going well in Nova Scotia. Great news about a (maybe) August wedding in Nova Scotia. I can imagine that would be taking up plenty of your time.

Re: "Mantracker" - it's one of my grandson's favorite shows so I have seen it when babysitting. I agree with dk_phoenix above, it's actually quite interesting.

But I am glad to hear, Chelle, that you are shaking off your book funk!

114 Hi Nancy! I had a hard time putting that book down, but there was so much going on that I had no choice! It was a good one to help bring me out of my funk though!

115 Hi Kath! I think you would like Love in the Time of Cholera so maybe bump it up the list?
Nate's in training this week and the puppy cut his paw pads on a rock while exploring last weekend so I think it will be a stay at home week. Lots of time to read and sit in the sun!

116 Hi Mark! I'm very surprised that you haven't read that one, you usually read everything before I do!

117 Hi Mamie! I haven't read one hundred years of solitude but I will add it to the list now that I have finished Love in the Time of Cholera.

118 Hi Cee! I know how it feels to have books to read that just sit there. Hopefully you will get to it sooner than later as it was pretty good!

119 Hi Paul! I think I am back in the groove. I'm almost done We Need to Talk about Kevin and I finally started David Copperfield last night. I didn't realize is was such a doorstopper!

120 HI Ellen! I can read while he watches tv usually, but sometimes he tries to tempt me with reruns of shows I like and then I find my attention wandering! If he is watching something manly then I can usually ignore it!

121 Hi Kerri! Thankfully I have not heard of Doomsday Preppers ... and I won't be mentioning it to Nate! I don't think we get that here. We have enough silly shows!

122 Hi Deb! Hope your group read is going well! We are having a beautiful sunny day here and Nate is working so I threw on some shorts and went exploring with the dog. It was quite nice :)

123 Hi Faith! I guess you are a mantracker fan eh! We did watch one episode that I liked, it was based in Northern Ontario and was kind of cool to see. But most of the time I try and tune it out! especially when he finds an episode (reruns probably) at the crack of dawn! I can't watch that before I've had coffee!

124 Hi Judy! We are hoping for August and crossing our fingers that everything goes smoother this time around! We have appointments next weekend to go look at two places. Wish me luck!

Re #60: They didn't warn you about the epic storms, gales and occasional near misses (and rare landfalls) with hurricanes that we get in summer and fall, did they?

Summer is gorgeous, beautiful...and a time when I keep a close eye on the weather forecasts just in case.

Hope the Peggy's Cove trip works out. It's gorgeous out there and I can imagine how amazing wedding photos would look :-)

Wishing you luck and crossing my fingers for you! How exciting! I am sooooo happy to hear that you haven't started David Copperfield yet because everyone keeps saying that they are finished and I am only 1/3 of the way through the 880 pages. I have read it before, but it has been a really long time, and I didn't care for it much so I am hoping to like it better this time around. I do see humor that I think before went over my head, still editing could make this story much better.

*Your Nate sounds a lot like my Craig with the tv shows. Craig is also a big reader, but lately he has been so busy with work that by the time he gets home he just wants to veg.

126, Hmmm no one mentioned summer hurricanes ... crap! I guess I should do some research and find out what I would need to do! (Top of the list is buy a flashlight instead of scrambling around trying to light candles in a blackout ;)

127 Thanks! I may end up needing all the luck you can send!

I am about 20 pages in and I plan on trying to read a few chapters every night before bed. (I think my edition has about 700 pages of teeny tiny writing!) I was actually surprised to see that I had bought that book 13 years ago! I always write my name and the year in the front of every book I buy and that one was from 1999! It definitely needs to get read, poor lonely book!

Hi there...I was lurking through this group and I saw mention of Peggy's Cove. Just thought I'd say I hope you get to see it...it is quite beautiful!

Oh and summer hurricanes...you know what they say about Nova Scotia weather? Wait five minutes because it will change!

#128> It's not too bad. I was without power for 29 hours after Earl a couple of years ago, but that's been the worst since I moved here. Make sure your cell phone is charged before the storm arrives (my usual downfall) so that you can call NS Power to find out when power will be restored if it goes out. Get in lots of heavy-duty flashlights and batteries. I have a booklight as well so that I don't get bored during power cuts :-) Make sure you've got food around that isn't reliant on power to prepare and I usually fill a thermos with hot water before the storm starts, just in case. The grid around my house goes out at the first sign of a breeze, I swear.

There are usually a few nasty storms between late July and early October and every five or ten years we get a close call with a hurricane. After the disaster of Juan about ten years ago, the province is incredibly careful about giving tons of warning about anything that might come anywhere close to us. Most of the warnings amount to nothing, but it's good to know with a day or two notice that it's time to check the supplies and maybe rearrange any roadtrips if you were planning to be out and about on a bad storm day.

I liked Love in the Time of Cholera a lot, too, Chelle. That one I read just last year. I read One Hundred Years of Solitude in my teens and thought it was amazing. I should probably re-read it some time and see how I like it now. I also thought Autumn of the Patriarch was very good.

*waving* at Chelle

You polished off Love in the Time of Cholera pretty quickly! And now David Copperfield and We Need to Talk about Kevin! Two chunksters, but great ones from what Ive heard. Looking forward to your thoughts on Kevin, and how it might affect any plans you may have to have children one day :/

I'm glad you have gotten back in the groove.. I seem to have fallen out of it :P
such is life :)

Hi Chelle - just dropping by to say that I really like your pictures. We had a holiday in Nova Scotia in 2008 and it ranks as one of all time favourites so they've brought back some really happy memories. A few days in Lunenberg and then Annapolis Royal before going on to New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Cape Breton Island. We did see a coyote on the outskirts of Kejimkujik National Park - is that anywhere near you?

Chelle, I love the photos that you've shared. You live in such a beautiful area. I think I could sit and stare all day for weeks ...and be fired for not being at work. ;-)

I'm so glad you enjoyed Love in the Time of Cholera. It's one of my favorite of his books.

Chelle - one of the wisest things I ever got around to doing is purchasing a nightlight/ emergency flashlight. I purchased a couple , one for upstairs and one for downstairs. You can get them at hardware stores, big drugstores, Canada Tire. They function as a light sensitive nightlight -and because they are always plugged into the wall, they are also constantly charging as a flashlight in case of a power outage. In a power outage, they automatically turn on and you can pull them out of the wall as a flashlight and then chase around for you candles and matches!

We rarely have a power outage here, but this past winter we had two long outages in a row in the evening and it quite startled me! So after the first outage I made sure that I had the two nightlight/ flashlight combo. That way I won't be freaked out in the dark! :)

39) We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver
Read for 75 books in 2012,
12 in 2012:Category #11) Grape Vine: Books found from recommendations on LT,
Orange January/July
5*

It's always amazing when you pick up a book and from the first page in you don't want to put that book down. It's even more amazing when the book covers a horrible ugly topic that would make anyone want to shy away from that book, but yet it still somehow draws you in. This was the way I felt about We Need to Talk About Kevin.

Told in epistolary form with Eva writing letters to Franklin about their life and their family and how it all went wrong. Eva wasn't sure if she wanted children and after she had Kevin she realized that she felt nothing. Even moments after his birth when she was given Kevin to hold she realized that she didn't feel the feelings that she should have ... and the feeling was mutual from Kevin. From day one he was a screaming, plotting nightmare of a child. But could she have known what he would eventually become? Could she have prevented murder?

This book is torture for anyone who wants kids, isn't sure about wanting kids or has children that aren't grown up. Recommended to those that can handle tough, gritty situations and not recommended for pregnant women!!

129 Hi Lita, thanks for visiting! I see you are in Dartmouth. I haven't been there yet but hopefully in my travels sometime! We will actually be making our way to Peggy's Cove next weekend, I am very excited! Hopefully I'll get some good pictures!

130 Hi Kathy! Thanks for the tips! I thought we were going to get a storm today as it was 25 degrees and sunny at home and by the time the pooch and I made it to the beach it had dropped at least 15 degrees and the sky was dark gray and there was tons of fog coming off the Bay. Nothing came of it though surprisingly!

I will have to learn to check the weather channel when I wake up. I have a terrible habit of being in my own world when Nate isn't home. I like it quiet around the house so I don't usually have the tv or radio on unless I am cleaning and the stereo gets cranked!
I was actually surprised when our power went out last week, it was a bright sunny day so no lights were on but I was doing dishes and my water stopped!! DUH no power = no well pump! I have a lot to learn about living in the country!

131 Hi Joe! Looks like there are not many people who have said negative comments about Love in the Time of Cholera! I'll have to check out more from Márquez!

132 Hiya Stasia! Glad to see you about on the threads :)

133 haha Megan it's funny you say that about having kids ... poor Nate has been bombarded with random questions tonight about kids and attitudes. I think he went to bed early just to get away from me! poor guy!
It is funny though how becoming a parent is such a natural thing that you don't really think about the "what ifs" (what if my kid hates me, what if my kid is a psycho? etc)

134 Sorry that you have fallen out of the groove Kath! My funk took about a week, so I hope yours is quicker!

135 Welcome Rhian, thanks for visiting!
We had also vacationed here before we moved here and just loved it! Such a beautiful place
I believe the Kejimkujik National Park is about 3 hours from us. Do you think it would be worth our drive to visit it?

136 Hi Caro! I believe I have you to thank for Love in the Time of Cholera, such a lovely Christmas present!
Maybe you could talk your bosses into sending you to Nova Scotia for your next big trip?

137 Thanks Deb, that is a great idea! I'll have to take a trip out to Canadian Tire and find myself one of those nightlight/flashlights! The power outage wasn't that bad since it was the middle of the afternoon and I had natural light, but I would have been a little freaked if it had been at night since Nate had been working. No flashlight and only candles! I would have been a nervous wreck!

#139 Kejimkujik is definitely worth visiting. It was pretty much our favourite place in our whole Canada trip. I remember we found this really tiny little beach on the lake where you could swim out to an island - lovely warm water (this was August!) - I think it was called Peter Point or St Peter's Point or something like that. I think we woud give the prize to the nicest town we visited to Annapolis Royal - the place we stayed had the best breakfasts in the world as far as I was concerned.

Chelle - interesting that you were so positive about the Lionel Shriver. She is quite divisive as I recall and I remember some comment about her being absolutely obnoxious in RL. All this of course means I'm looking forward to reading her too. The pregnancy part also doesn't worry me - I just look pregnant, my gynae assures me that I have nothing to worry about!

Yeeeaaaah, I'm staying clear of the Kevin book. Even without it, I spent most of my pregnancy worrying about all the possibly ways I could accidentally screw up my child. Or worse, worrying that he wouldn't be a reader! *shudders*

#139> "If you don't like the weather, wait five minutes and it will change" applies so well to the Maritimes! I always have the radio on to wake me up mainly for the weather forecast and I tend to check the CBC website for the weather as part of my morning routine. Of course, I grew up in the UK where the weather was equally changeable so I'm used to it.

Keji is definitely worth the drive. I'd planned to go down last summer but we got foul weather every weekend. Hopefully this summer will be much better so I can take a drive out and do some hiking :-)

Glad the Kevin book worked for you... I don't have any intention
of getting anywhere near it :)

I am so happy for you...you seem happy in your new home. That is a goodness...

Nice review of We Need to Talk About Kevin, Chelle! I see that we felt similarly about it.

Wanted to unlurk to let you know how much I love your thread. I"ve spent a good chunk of this morning writing down my wishlist of books and enjoying your pictures.

Thank you!!!

Chelle- Great review of Kevin. This is truly an unforgettable book. I really need to read more of Shriver's work.
Post your review and I'll Thumb ya!

> 138: I like your review, but will pass We need to talk about Kevin...

Um, ditto.

*we have those nightlight/flashlight things that Deb is talking about and they are awesome. We also have a well with a pump and so no power, no water. Might want to think about a few gallons of bottled water kept in the basement for when the power goes out unexpectedly, and eventually invest in a small backup generator to be able to power the water if you lose power for more than 24 hours - we learned that the hard way after a big ice storm several years ago that left us without any power for 9 days. UGH.

Excellent review of We Need to Talk About Kevin, Chelle. I'm still undecided about this one, but you push me closer ...

Chelle, Like the reivew on We Need to Talk About Kevin sounds interesting, might have to add it to my wish list.

Hi Guys!
Today Nate and I went and spent the afternoon at a small zoo near our house. They had some great animals and I was pretty impressed with the health of the animals and the large amount of space they had to move around.
We followed around the owner during feeding time and got to see all the bigs cats have dinner. We also got to give some treats to the black bears. The owner let us into the interior fence (there were two fences) and she let us give the bears some treats through the second fence. Nate opted to just watch but I got to feed one and it licked me through the fence. Highlight of my week!



Nate decided to play with a llama (or possibly an alpaca, not sure how to tell the difference)

***

140 Thanks Rhian! I guess we will have to add that to our daytrip list!

141 Paul I'm sure you will like it in a "love to hate it" type way that I did. It was horrible but a great at the same time! (I won't be getting pregnant any time soon though!!)

142 haha Amber, I think we are all scared that we won't get readers! Or even worse (for me) sports players! gah! I don't think I would make a very good hockey mom, I've heard they have to get up at 5am for games eeek!

143 Kathy I'm trying to get into the habit of checking the weather on my phone when I wake up.
Hope you get some better weather and manage to get a trip in this summer!

144 Don't worry Kath, Hopefully I can add some reviews for books you will like!

145 Thanks Nora! Glad that you agreed!

146 HI Arden13! Thanks for visiting!

147 Hi Mark! I think that is the perfect way to describe it, uncomfortable!

148 Thanks Anita, I don't blame you for skipping it - it's a tough one

149 Hi Mamie! I guess we will have to pick up some bottles of water too. I guess I shouldn't have been surprised when the water stopped during the power outage, I guess I am a city girl!

150 Thanks Nancy! I hope you like it if you decide to read it.

151 Thanks Monica! Glad I could help your wish list grow!

Love the pictures!!

Oh and I agree... the nightlight / flashlight thingies are fabulous.
I have tw.. and I bought two each for each of my four kids.
Costco loves me at Christmas.. always buying things in fours.

Chelle, those animals are so adorable ... but err.. is that animal's head really that small?

The bear looks cuddly! Chelle

Thanks Kath! We don't have a costco membership, I'm not sure if there is one around here actually. I just go to Canadian Tire for that kind of stuff. I should make a trip there sometime soon.

haha Caro, ya it had a tiny little head. It was in the petting zoo part but the thing wouldn't sit still for me to pet it. That picture is Nate trying to entrance it with his waterbottle so it would stand still so I could pet it! And it worked! So soft and fuzzy!

Paul Smokey was a grumpy old bear. I think the zoo keeper said he was 20 years old. His bunk mate Blueberry was younger and friendlier, Blueberry was the one that licked me. I think Smokey probably would have taken off one of my fingers!

Love the pictures! That llama-alpaca thing looks like it would be very soft and cuddly.

Hi Stasia! He was so soft! Not very cuddly though, he wouldn't stand still until Nate played with the water bottle. He was totally in awe of the water sloshing around the edges. odd but it gave me a chance to pet it!
***

Sooo not really any reading going on here. Yesterday I spent the day getting crafting supplies (including a nice new printer) and then I spent the evening setting up a template for our wedding invitations. We have originally decided on a nice teal colour but the craft store didn't have enough paper so I am doing some teal and some a nice pink (to match the dresses)
I have been driving around the area like a crazy lady trying to find starfish (or replicas) to use on the front, but I can't find any. I may have to resort to using regular seashells instead.
Here is what I've come up with. Opinions please! :)

This is the box they will be delivered in. The B is for Nate's last name (which I will be taking after the wedding)


This is the view of the invitation when you open the lid of the box. I really hope to change that shell to a starfish, and I'm changing the ribbon to a thinner one.


This is the actual invitation. (I will change the wording once everything is finalized)


So obviously I have a lot of work to do in the next few weeks as the venue needs to be booked and the invitations have to be out by the end of May. So I'll be surprised if I finish any books in the near future.
Anyone want to help fold boxes?? ;)

Beautiful wedding invitations Chelle! Very creative!

Impressive, Chelle! Love the starfish theme: how fitting for your new Maritime life! You go!

Those are beautiful. Even with the shell! Good job!

A big Thumbs Up from me too, Chelle. Beautiful invitations and a perfect theme for you and Nate. One of my daughters had a beach wedding held at Parksville on Vancouver Island. They go back there pretty much every year to celebrate their anniversary.

I like your invitations, too. Very creative!

Lovely invitations. I wish I was that creative!

I love those invitations! Nice seaside theme too.

Beautiful invitations...
I can't imagine having the ability to do something like that!
I have not an ounce of creativity or craftiness in me.

Ohh lovely invitations, Chelle! shhh - but I make home made cards as a hobby - don't sell them though, as the amount of time one puts into them is beyond $$$. They are simply lovely! Hmmm- Bazzil Glimmer cardstock? ;) At any rate, just gorgeous!

Count me in for folding boxes! Uh, then again perhaps I'll just send happy thoughts your way. I love the personal touches of doing things yourself. The invitations are beautiful! Love is written all over them!!

Hi Chelle, sounds like you and Nate had a ball at the Zoo.. I love Zoo's and all the critters especially if they are well cared for, Love the invitations they are beautiful, hope all your plans fall into place and everything goes well. :)

Love the invitations, Chelle. My favorite part of our wedding planning was picking out invitations and designing the program!

#152 Great pictures... I think it is a llama (we have those around here too). Llamas and alpacas are very similar. So soft.

#159 SUPER great invitations! Were you thinking of real starfish to glue on the front? If you can't find them in your local area, you might be able to order some on the internet???

Well, that does it! I can't stand it much longer!
I'm going to NS!
Maybe helping you with folding can be my excuse reason!

Adding my 2 cents - we also have those plug-in lights that auto-on when the lights go out. Love 'em!
We also have a flashlight hanging at the top of every stairway...
If you lose your power frequently, you will get used to it. Being on a small island, it has happened to us enough that we finally got a generator. But when we lose power, it tends to be for days. Gets tiring. I love candles and oil lamps - but after the first day, it's a pain. Espec for reading ;-) Generators are life savers!

Love the invitations, the starfish look cute on the inside!

And glad you loved We Need To Talk About Kevin, it was a 5 star read for me too. I want to re read it soon as well, and I hardly ever re read books.

Yay, glad everyone likes them! I was worried when I planned it but once I finished the template I think they look pretty nice! And I even got Nate's help with them!

Thanks to Lori, Nancy, Terry, Judy, Mamie, Rhian, Laura, Kath, Deb, Lynda, Monica, Katie, Cee & Megan for the positive comments :)

163 Judy that is a great idea to go back every year for their anniversary. A couple resorts that we have been looking at offer a free one night stay for the first anniversary.

168 Deb that's a fun hobby eh! My mom does cards as well and my parents actually own a rubber stamp company called High Hopes Stamps. I never really got into card making with her, but her knowledge came in handy when I decided to make these invitations. She really helped me with ideas

169 Cee I will get the guest room ready for your arrival ;) You are in luck as I am almost done folding boxes!

170 Megan I'm not sure if I would re-read that one, but it definitely was worth the first read!

***
So thankful for audiobooks! Today I managed to get all the external invitations cut out and a portion of the boxes folded, and I managed to finish an audio book! I had been putting off listening to the book as the last time I did was when the door was left open and the dog escaped ... since then I haven't really been in the mood to listen. So today I broke the book out and played it on my ipod out loud instead of using headphones.
Worked pretty good. I might play the next one tomorrow on Nate's surround sound!

Had my first "living in the country" freak out today when I was petting Jax and found a rather large bug eating his ear! Turns out it was a deer tick, and it was huge! I ended up finding another one in his other ear. GROSS! I'm going to have to start checking him every day when he comes in from outside as I spoke to the vet and ticks are pretty common here, but thankfully Lyme disease is not!

the joys of country living!

40) Heat Wave by Richard Castle
Read for 75 books in 2012,
12 in 2012:Category #15) Oooh something shiny!: Books I randomly pick up
3*

Randomly picked from the library's audio section, Heat Wave is the promotional first book from the television show Castle. Nicki Heat is a detective that has been assigned a pain in the butt ride along names Jamieson Rook. While investigating the death of a wealthy man who has either jumped or been pushed off his balcony, Heat is forced to deal with Rook and the added drama that he brings along with him.

This was a good fluffy mystery to listen to while working on a project. Interesting but didn't require my full attention, which is what I needed

41) The Calling by Kelley Armstrong
Read for 75 books in 2012,
12 in 2012:Category #4: Oh to be young again: YA Lit
3.5*
Kelley Armstrong is one of my favorite paranormal writers, not only because she is Canadian and lives less than half hour from my hometown but because she writes some awesome books. They are not even close to literary fiction and the book snobs would probably never read them, but they are perfect for a relaxing afternoon. While I prefer her Otherworld novels, the YA books are pretty decent as well.

The Calling in the second book The Darkness Rising series. It is pretty impossible to give a plot line for this book without giving information about the previous book, The Gathering.
I won't give anything away and just say that if you like paranormal books and don't mind YA books then give this series a shot. It's a nice easy read and pretty entertaining

Interesting reviews - interesting choices, too, Chelle. I like the idea of an audiobook that doesn't require my full attention. I tend to listen to classics on audio, but my mind will wander off ... and then I have no idea what's going on and need to rewind (or whatever that's called on an iPod!).

Zooming through. Love the pics of the day at the zoo, love the story about the bear! It would have been the highlight of my week, too! I think Nate's friend is an alpaca, but I'm not sure how I can tell. Maybe the little head to which Caroline referred. The wedding invitations are lovely. It sounds like you're having fun in the planning stages; I know that's not always the case.

I really want to read We Need to Talk About Kevin; I almost purchased it on my recent Powell's excursion, but it didn't hop into the basket (this time). Your review cracked me up. But: Not pregnant. Don't have kids. Don't want kids. Couldn't have them now even if I wanted to. Whew, I'm safe to read it. :-)

You are one busy young woman! And happy, too.. it shows..
:)

Chelle, I love Kelley Armstrong, I haven gotten away from reading some of hers not because i don't like them just reading other stuff. Your review makes me want to read some of her books again. I think my problem was I was all caught up until the next book came out had to read something else and didn't get back to the series again, that happens alot, maybe I read to many series.. LOL ;)

HI Nancy! I'm going to try a classic soon, once my hold at the library comes in. I'm going to try listening to David Copperfield as well as read it, it's a long one!

HI Ellen! I think the planning is fun and stressful! I think next weekend will be a hard one for us as we have to visit three resorts and decide on one. One is our price range but we won't have access to a beach. The other two are much more expensive but we could have the wedding the way we want it. Money or beach, that is the question lol
Let me know how you like Kevin when you finish it!

Hi Kath! Busy busy busy! Today it's rainy and gross out. The dog is hibernating, Nate is sleeping for nights and I'm debating on either lounging on the couch reading or working on some more boxes.

Hi Monica! I love Kelley Armstrong's Otherworld series, especially the books with Elena and Clayton. I don't think she has written a new werewolf novel in a while though :(

Hi Chelle, I too Love the Other World Series.. Ahh alas now I need a Kelley Armstrong Fix.. LOL

Those invitations are amazing-looking! And I think it's fantastic that you're making them yourself. Lovely touch.

Living in the country will surely throw up some other curveballs for you! Im sure you'll manage them though, I guess its all part of the deal.
Ticks hey, do they bite humans too?

Hi Chelle- It sounds like you guys are settling in just fine. Kevin is a book that will stay with you for a long time. It may never go away. Yikes.

42) The 39 Clues: Cahills vs.Vespers Book One: The Medusa Plot by Gordon Korman
Read for 75 books in 2012,
12 in 2012:Category #6) Who?: Authors I have not read before
2*

Another random library pick and not my best pick ever. Only a 2 star read for me but I am starting to wonder if I missed something in the telling as all 12 of the posted reviews on LT give this book 4 & 5 stars.

Book 1 in the Cahills vs Vespers war, the vespers kidnap 7 people from the Cahill family and task two remaining members with a challenging mission and only once that mission is complete will the family members be returned.

Amy and Dan must attempt a heist that no one else has ever managed to pull off before, and with only one day to plan it. I found it hard to believe that anyone could pull of a high stakes caper with only one day to prep.

Enjoy your upcoming Armstong fix Monica! I might go back and read some of the Elena books this summer, I miss her character. The last few have been about Savannah

Thanks Amber! I am hoping to save some money this way. Although my fingers are getting sore from my paper cutting knife!

Unfortunately Megan they do bite people! And they carry Lyme disease, but thankfully there hasn't been any reported lyme disease in this area for years. Nate and I are going to have to check the pets and each other for ticks! Gross!

Mark you are right, that book will stay with me for a while! Thanks for suggesting it though, I believe it was your thread I saw it on last year

Chelle: Invest in a rotary cutter (found in the quilting section of fabric shops), and it will save your fingers! Plus, they're wonderful tools to have around the house.

There is a lot to learn in the thread of a crafter...

http://www.amazon.com/Fiskars-45mm-Contour-Rotary-Cutter/dp/B000B7M8WU/ref=sr_1_...

I can only imagine the damage I could do with one of those... lol

Hi Chelle. Beautiful invitations! We made our own too (although not nearly as lovely), and I know how much work it is.

Yes , I'd get a rotary cutter, or a die with that template. I remember one Christmas cutting out rectangles from about 25 Christmas cards with a hand held craft knife. Man, was my hand sore after that...

Chelle, Thanks unfortunatley it may have to wait at least a book or two I have a couple of ARC's that need to be read and reviewed, before my Armstrong fix. I will get there eventually, you made me want to read them more.. is all :)

FYI, we have plenty of Ticks in Northwestern Pennsylvania, and I have picked a few off of my Angel (Lab/Golden Mix), Our vetrinarian here sells flea and tick medication there are different varieties such as Advantix/ Frontline/ Vectra. Maybe check with your vet and see if they can prescribe one of these for your handsome Jax. Here we put it on one time per month and it protects for a month. It is a little on the expensive side, but well worth the protection from fleas and ticks. I love it, I haven't seen a tick on Angel since I have been using it.

Chelle : a little ditty of nonsense just for you

When you find a new house
With a soon to be spouse
And your ticks have no tocks
Then its insects not clocks.

my next couplet should be:

When the wine leaves the glass
Then pissed is the lass

but since it is as impertinent as it is inappropriate I thought I would stop there and drop it!

Well we are on day 3 of craft attack here in NS. Last night I spent about 7 hours cutting out boxes and I still have 15 left to make! I've been alternating between listening to Stiff and Guilty Pleasures.
I'm off to the vet with the beasties soon and then home to continue my crafting.
****

Amber I actually do have one of those, but I didn't want to dull it as I use it for my quilting. Plus I need to be able to cut in corners and the round cutters don't work. I don't mind using the regular old knife, but my index finger on my right hand is wishing I had splurged for the new cutting board!
http://www.michaels.com/Martha-Stewart-Crafts%E2%84%A2-Paper-Trimmer/ms0018,defa...
I just couldn't justify spending money on a new board (my old one broke) when I could just use my knife and ruler (metal edged) for $0! (Unemployment is making me cheap! )

haha Kath, they are pretty sharp so try not to hurt anyone K!

Thanks Kerri! I actually like having something to do, I was a little bored with just cleaning and reading while Nate was working. It's nice to have a project!

Well Deb if you remember how your hand felt after 25 cards, imagine this:
60 paper invitations, with two pieces of contrasting paper in each. 60 boxes (top and bottom), 60 response cards and 60 envelopes (I couldn't find black so I have to make them) and 60 resort description inserts, plus the monogram design for each box.
OUCH!

Thanks Monica. We are actually going to see our new vet today. Both the dog and cat will be getting put on the flea and tick prevention meds. I also have to get a quote for the kitty as she needs to have two teeth pulled :( Poor kitty

HAHA Paul that was great!! I needed that laugh as it's raining and very grey looking here! I didn't realize you were a poet in your spare time ;)

Chelle - I don't have any spare time!

Beautiful invitations Chelle and home made is a lovely touch - so much more personal:)

Eeks on the ticks - horrible things. At least there is a preventative.

Hope you have a good day and that the vet visit goes smoothly.

Chelle: I keep a separate blade for paper crafting and one for my quilting. But, yes, the blades are pricey.

Chelle, eeks on the teeth pulling for Kitty, hope it isn't to costly and that it goes well.

I have a very Evil kitty who I wish needed his teeth pulled. He likes to bite Angel for no reason, she will be sound asleep and he will creep up on her and bite her. He has gotten her good a couple of times to where she has had small infections. Uggghh... He also, stalks my feet and bites them at times as well, so hard he draws blood, and I will be just walking through the room not even paying attention to him. He has many other bad habits, some friends and neighbors say I should get rid of him, but I have had him for 9 years and it is hard to part with him even though he is evil. The only way I could get rid of him is to put him to sleep because I couldn't give him to someone withough forewarning them, that just wouldn't be right of me. Sigh.. What to do..

HAHA I am laughing today! I just got home from the vet and was amazed at the difference in service levels between here and Ontario! Some of you will remember a few threads ago I mentioned my cat needed some teeth pulled and others cleaned and the vet in Ontario gave me a quote of $1200.
I am sooooooooooo glad I waited and got a quote here instead! They quoted me today $350 for the same thing!! Plus they gave me a free $100 bag of dog food because someone had just returned a bag of the same hypoallergenic food that I buy, so they asked me if I wanted it for free. Yippee! Today makes me smile!

Paul I'm sure SWMBO gives you some free time? Maybe a little?

Thanks Calm! I made two practice invitations (with a fake resort info) and sent them in the mail to both our parents today for opinions. I'm mostly concerned that they will get crushed or the seashells break. Crossing my fingers that they make them to Ontario in one piece!

Amber that's a pretty good idea. I didn't realize they blades come off (duh!). I got mine for Christmas and have only used it on one quilt so far. Maybe I'll have to buy a couple extras when I see them on sale. The craft store here Michael's sends out 40% off coupons in the mail frequently so maybe I'll grab one when I get a new coupon

Oh Monica your cat does sound evil! Mine hates the dog but pretty much ignores him and doesn't bite. I would hate to see your kitty get put down because of that, does your vet have any suggestions on ways to stop the evil biting?
We had a cat when I was quite young and it hated my little sister. It would wait on top of a recliner chair near the doorway until my sister walked through and then it would jump and hiss at her. Only her, didn't do that to anyone else. Of course I thought that was hilarious but my sister didn't see the humour in it ;)

Chelle - I snatch my free time when she's asleep! It is approaching 6:00 am here and judging from the dulcet tones emanating from the duvet I have a little while longer.

Chelle, That is awesome about your freebies and the lower prices at your vet. So happy for you.

I have talked to my Vet about his bad habits some of which I did not mention in here previously, he thinks the bathtub is his litter box at times, and the carpet and the linoleum pretty much anywhere he feels like then on his good days he will use his litter box. On top of that the biting issue, he will bite me, my step daughter on occasion if he doesn't want to be petted, he actually bit my mother one time when we were away and she came to let our dog out for us and he tried to get out to so she pushed him back in with her foot he drew blood and it got infected. He has bitten my dad too when he is just petting him, he pretty much will bite anyone except my Mother in Law so far. There are times I will be sitting in my recliner reading or watching TV and he will just jump up on me for attention I think and if I touch him with my hand he will litterally attack me, now this is not every single day but several times a week. I hate putting him down, however I don't see other options. Any suggestions are greatly welcomed. Oh BTW the vet said that it is just bad behavior and once they start using anywhere to go to the restroom it is impossible to correct that as well as the biting. They say cat's bite more when they are declawed and he has been declawed in the front when he was about 7 months old, but he didn't start these bad habits until my step daughte rmoved in 5 years ago, it got worse when my ex husband moved out, and now again my step daughter is going to be moving back in with her mother in June when school is out. So it will be just me and my ex mother in law and the dog and cat, I don't know if he will change again or not, but it is almost like any significant change in the household he develops a new bad behavior like he cannot handle the change.

Wow, I just realized how much I typed and I feel like I am hijacking your thread.. Sorry.

Ooooh, Michael's - I'm a fan. And waiting for a coupon is a great idea. I did that same thing on Monday - I had a "20% off your total purchase" one for Joann's, so I went a little crazy, but did get a couple of new blades for my cutter while I was there.

Chelle, I've got your Man- Candy date all arranged with Mr. Cruise! :) We are having plenty of fun with it all! :)

Chelle, sounds like you are being very productive lately with listening to books while you do the work on those outstanding invitations. Seven hours of cutting? Just how many invites are you sending out?

You sure found a good vet. Quite a difference in pricing. I'm pretty sure we spend more on our dog for checkups, etc. than on my husband and me combined! Ah, we love our pets on LT, don't we?

Just stopping by and catching up. WahHoo to your savings at the vet - incredible! I do not envy you with all your creative tasks but the result is lovely. Greatly enjoyed Paul's poetry, but would like to see the finished version as I am a big fan of impertinence. And I have not read anything by Kelley Armstrong, but will check her out as she sounds like an author my daughters and I could enjoy together. There, caught up for at least five minutes! Hope you're having a great day.

*Um, don't forget to take pics of your date with Tom

I love the inviations!

City vets are often expensive, when we moved to this place we first went to a vet here in the city, then we found an other one in a village near by, so much nicer and much more reasonable prices.

I was so impressed with our vet when our last dog Lulu was run over. Despite the fact that we had to call the emergency vet out on a Sunday afternoon, they didn't charge us anything at all. Needless to say, we're definitely sticking with them for our new puppy.

Love getting free stuff! And excellent downsized quote for Vet work. Bills from vets can be ridiculous I reckon.
And love the poem Paul wrote for you! It's great! You could put it on your wedding invites!? :0

We've been with the same vet for almost 20 years. They are reasonably priced and allow us to make monthly payments if we have to. Glad you can get your kitty's teeth take care of.

Hi Chelle! I'm so glad you've found a high-quality, affordable vet. We're still looking for one, since we moved out to the suburbs. We currently go to one in town, but he's not wildly impressive.

200 Wow Paul awake at 6am just to catch some free time? I'm not really a morning person so that wouldn't work well for me!

201 haha no worries Monica, no hijacking done. Sounds like your cat is having an issue with all the changes going on in your house. I know there are some medications that you can give to cats that help with attitude issues. After my divorce about 7 years ago one of my cats didn't react well to the changes (leaving the house, moving in with family temporarily, moving back in with my parents for a year and then moving to my own house) so she started peeing outside the litter box and around the house. The vet gave us some antidepressants and that helped her stop peeing outside the box. Maybe those sort of pills would help your kitty?

202 Don't you love coupons so those sorts of stores Amber! I saved so much money on my wedding invitations by making them myself and then saved even more by buying most of the supplies at Michael's with coupons. And the store manager happened to be there when I bought a huge stack of paper and she asked what it was for and then let me use my coupons and gave me the teachers discount. I was so impressed!

203 Thanks Deb! Those are some pretty good connections you have!

204 Hi Donna We are actually having a pretty small wedding, I think the count is 120 people invited. I am cutting so much as I had to make all the boxes and envelopes by hand as well as the invitations because I couldn't find what I was looking for in stores. It's my own fault for being picky! But I actually put Nate to work cutting pages out, so that lessened my work load!

205 HI Mamie! If you decide to read some Kelley Armstrong I suggest starting at the beginning of the series. All the books would stand alone fine but there is some back story and history that will make a little more sense if you read them in order. Bitten is the first one, and it includes my favorite character Elena! Let me know what you think if you try them!

206 Thanks Anita! I think if we move back to a city ever I will be looking for a vet outside of town. I don't understand how they justify the prices!

207 Wow Rhian That's great that they didn't charge you extra for a call out, but crappy that your dog got hit! Anymore new puppy pics??

208 haha Megan not sure if Nate would approve of that poem for our invites, he doesn't really get LT lol.

209 Your vet sounds great Morphy!. Monthly payments would be a good thing if we needed some big surgery or something. Thankfully we got doggie health insurance when Jax was a pup because his breed is prone to leg issues that could require surgery. The insurance has come in handy a couple times now

210 HI Kerri Hopefully you find a better vet soon! Crappy expensive vets suck!

Huh Chelle, Antidepressants for Kitty's.. Never thought of that.. I will have to call my vet and ask about this. I have told them the majority of the issues and they have never suggested this before. But, maybe they will respond if I ask them about it. We shall see.. Just the other night I was going to bed and he chased me down and bit my foot, for no apparent reason. Sigh.. I need to do something..

Thanks for sharing suggestions.. I appreciate it. I do love my kitty but he is such a pickle right now that I just don't know how much more of his antics and evilness I can take.

Hopefully your vet can help you with some mood drugs to stop the biting. do they make muzzles for cats like they do for dogs that bite?

43) Guilty Pleasures by Laurell K. Hamilton
Read for 75 books in 2012,
12 in 2012:Category #6) Who?: Authors I have not read before
3.5*
First in the Anita Blake vampire hunter series.

Anita is a zombie animator and licensed vampire executioner. She has been contacted by the police to assist in hunting down a murderer that has been killing vampires. Unfortunately the master vampire is also seeking Anita's assistance, but she is not as nice to work for as the police. Being hunted by vampires, zombies and ghouls Anita has to protect her life and hunt down a murderer.

This was a random library choice and unfortunately I enjoyed it very much. Unfortunately because there are 20 more books in the series and I need another series in my life like I need a hole in the head! I will be continuing with this series though

Well, Chelle, I'm delighted that you've found a a library and Guilty Pleasures too! :)

As for antidepressant for dogs or cats, our little Daisy was a rescue dog and she was 8 years old when we got her. She barked non - stop, and was very highstrung. Our vet suggested an antidepressant and while that did not entirely turn things around, it sure helped! We have kept her on the meds. Dogs are just so different. Our first dog, a terrier, was so mellow, but not Daisy! :)

Hi Chelle!
In my own experience I have found country vets much cheaper and more accomodating than city vets. btw, we have always used Frontline for our dogs and it is remarkably effective in keeping off the tics. We use it all year long now instead of just the summer months.

Don't know if I missed it or forgot... did you set a date and place yet for the wedding? Seems so if you are doing the invitations.
ETA: just did a little re-reading above and realize you mailed the "fake" invites. No firm plans yet, I guess.

Chelle, I am not sure if they make muzzles for cats or not for sure, but I would hate to have one on him at all times pretty much. I am going to keep watching him and see what he does, maybe just maybe he will calm down after my Step daughter moves out, but then again it may make it worse. Sigh.. I am going to call the vet next week and see if they have any drugs to put him on and how much that will run me and so on. I dread having to try to give him a pill or something, I will get bitten to high heaven.. Alas, I will let you know what happens.

WE FOUND A WEDDING RESORT!!!
Oh I am so very excited! We looked at two places and cancelled on the third place as we realized it was just too expensive and too far away. Today we looked at an oceanside resort and I fell in love!! The resort is small and the amount of guests we are having will sell out all the rooms so only our guests will be on the property for those two days. Every cottage or room has at least a partial view and the wedding ceremony site is beachside overlooking large rocks, islands and a light house. I was amazed at how beautiful the property was and how affordable it was considering the location!
We are just waiting for the owner to email us the menu options and pricing and then Nate will confirm his vacation with his work on Monday and then we can book. I'm so excited!

The resort is just outside of the town of Peggy's Cove so after the viewing we drove into town for lunch and some photos. It's a really beautiful area. Today was cold, rainy and windy so the ocean was a little angry, but it made for good pictures! This is the lighthouse at Peggy's Cove


****
Hi Deb! Our current dog Jax is really mellow. Laziest dog ever and I love it! I am not made for a high strung, walk requiring dog. Jax loves walks but is perfectly fine not going if I am not up to the current weather.

Hi Cee! I will probably keep Jax on the flea/ticks meds all year round as well unless it gets super super cold and then it's not necessary. I'm not sure what to expect for the winter so I guess I will have to wait and see.
I guess I answered your other question in my post above. I have all the outline pages done and the boxes and envelopes. Once we confirm the booking this week I will be able to finish the invitations and send them out!

Hi Monica. I wonder if after he bites if you put the muzzle on him for 15 minutes, maybe he would get the hint that biting is bad? Dunno, just spitballing here. Hopefully the vet can help you out with meds or at least some suggestions
Good luck giving it a pill though, maybe crush it into some wet foods instead of putting your hands in it's mouth lol

Congratulations Chelle on finding your wedding venue!

Congratulations, Chelle! A resort near Peggy's Cove sounds lovely, I can already see how beautiful the wedding pictures are going to be.

Your wedding location looks seriously amazing Chelle, i bet it'll be perfect for you.

Great news, Chelle! Peggy's Cove is so beautiful, I can only imagine that any resort nearby is also beautiful!

So excited for you! Sounds like a fabulous match for what you want. And I agree with Judy, the photos will be gorgeous. Congratulations!!

Peggy's Cove.... sigh! So happy for you!

So glad you found the perfect spot, Chelle! I know that's a big load off your mind.

Yay!

#218: I want to live there! Me and tons of books :)

It looks like a lovely spot for a wedding resort, Chelle!

Well done Chelle - honeymoon sorted! I agree with you on the use of my little ditty - tics and tocks don't make for the most attractive way to pull people towards your festivities!

Congrats on finding a wedding spot! What a beautiful setting.

#218 - Beautiful!

Chelle! I'm so happy and excited for you and Nate!! It's going to be beautiful !!!!

How great, Chelle! That sounds and looks like a terrific and memorable location.

Thanks everyone, we are getting excited!

I'm taking a lazy day today because my hand pain has been acting up. Probably due to the invitations that I was working on. Some meds and laying around on the couch with Nate will make today better
Hope everyone is enjoying their Sunday!

Great that you found a venue. Sorry that you are hurting. Hope you have a restful day with Nate.

I'm in awe that with all the wedding prep, you're still able to read, Chelle!

Congratulations on finding the wedding venue you love. Peggy's Cove has been a place I've been wanting to visit for some time. A friend of mine was there (also for a wedding) and her photographs made me fall in love with the place. I'm determined to make it out there some summer

Hope your hand feels better soon.

wow Chelle, that place you found looks good!

Well done! You found the perfect place!
Can't wait to see pictures of it and YOUR WEDDING!!!!!
It's going to be so very lovely.

Things are going great - keep it up.
Rest the hand and smile :D

Gah Chelle, somehow I've been "ignoring" you. I blame it on fat fingers on the iPad. I'm caught up now and have to say the wedding invitations are just gorgeous as is the venue for the wedding. You live in such a beautiful area. I'm actually pretty jealous.

Oh, I'm so excited for you!! The location looks wonderful!

A resort near Peggy's Cove sounds perfect!!! You'll be able to get the most amazing photos on the rocks at the Cove, if that's what you choose to do. Ocean in the background... oooh, yes...

Thanks Calm! Nate doesn't really get the idea of resting and pestered me into doing our workout. I guess I should want to look my best for the wedding but I would have liked a day of couching instead!

Hi Caro! I few of those books were audios thankfully, or else my reading would have been less this month. Invitations are really cutting into reading time!
You should definitely add Nova Scotia into your travel time! Although given the chance I would love all the trips to Australia that you take, it's awesome there too!

Thanks Anita! I can't wait until we can book it!

Thanks Cee! I'll for sure post some wedding pics ... once I find a photographer! That's next on my to-do list!
Hand is feeling a bit better but I think a doctor visit is due soon :(

Thanks Bonnie, glad you found me again!

Thanks Amber! I'm getting more excited every day! I think Nate and I are going to go sometime in June or July and spend a night at the resort. I can't wait!

Yes Faith, I think that is exactly what we will do! The resort has some pretty great spots for photos, but with Peggy's Cove just down the road I think we will have to take a quick trip into town and get some pictures there too!

44) The Mask By Dean Koontz
Read for 75 books in 2012,
12 in 2012:Category #1) Birthday Books: From the year of my birth 1981

Written over 30 years ago you can tell that this is one of Koontz's earlier works.
Paul and Carol can not have children and are going through the process to adopt. While at the lawyers office a large storm breaks out and an extreme lightning show starts and shatters the window that Paul and the lawyer and standing in front of. This is one of many bizarre events that will make Carol believe that someone is trying to stop them from adopting.
When a young girl comes into their life after an accident with amnesia Paul and Carol want to help her until the police can locate her family. Little do they know that by letting Jane into their lives they could be inviting in the end of their lives.
Short and interesting novella, but definitely not the best work by Koontz.
3.5*

Beautiful and wild-looking spot for a wedding, Chelle. And I'm glad you got a (much!) more reasonable quote for the dental work! I think animal medical care is getting more expensive just like human medical care is doing. Part of it, I think, is due to greater technologies that allow for treatment we never could do before. But all those high-tech interventions don't come cheap. We have a new vet (she purchased the practice from the former guy when he retired) and she won me over when she was able to soothe miss Abby last time we took her in. She picked Abby up and kissed her on the top of her little head, and Abby purred. I was shocked. And pleased.

Hi Ellen! Glad to hear you also found a great vet! I can't believe the differences between offices. No idea why one place needs to charge $800 more for the same service?

***

45) The Shawshank Redemption by Stephen King
Read for 75 books in 2012,
12 in 2012: #8) Such a Rebel: Banned Books
4*

This was an amazing movie and the story is just as great. One of the few movies that hold true to the book.
Narrated by Red, he tells the story of Andy Dufresne over the course of their life together inside prison. Andy was incarcerated for the death of his wife and her lover, a crime that he did not commit.
I won't tell much about the story as it isn't a long one and should be experienced by the reader in full.

One of the things that Stephen King does best is write horror without the obvious aspects. No one jumps out and goes BOO, no one gets murdered and there are no ghosts or ghouls. What Stephen King manages to do is show the horror of being an innocent in prison, showing the full weight of day after day and year after year. The horror of being raped and spending time in solitary for someone else's crime. The horror of wasting your life away inside when you know that you don't deserve to be there, and the horror of knowing there is absolutely nothing that you can do about it.

Oooh, I've never read The Shawshank Redemption, but it has to be one of the best movies of all time!

No idea why one place needs to charge $800 more for the same service?
Because they can, I expect! If there aren't any cheaper places close by, they sort of have pet owners over a barrel, so to speak. It's unfortunate, but at least you have escaped!

Nancy it is a great read and a great movie! Made me want to watch the movie again!

I guess that's it eh Rosalita, they can. Country vets are more reasonable thankfully! even if we move back to a big city again I think I will seek out a country vet instead of paying silly huge prices for the same services

April 2012 Reading Statistics

Number of books read: 13
Average rating: 3.57
Number of pages: 1980 + one ebook with no page count
Audio time: 27 hours 45 minutes

Fiction/Non-Fiction:
• Fiction: 12
• Non-Fiction: 1

Owned/borrowed (from human)/library:
• Owned: 8
• Borrowed: 0
• Library: 5

Format:
• Print book: 5
• Ebook: 3
• Audiobook: 5

Length:
• Short Story/Novella: 3
• Full Length: 10

Author country:
• United States: 8
• Canada: 3
• British: 1
• Columbian: 1

Author gender:
• Female: 5
• Male: 8