Carmenere’s(Lynda’s) Home for the Tipping Tower of Tomes – The Fourth Floor

October Group Reads

Tortilla Flat Steinbeckathon

Up and Coming Group Reads

Tortilla Flat - October
Travels with Charley - November
The Pearl - November
The Team of Rivals - November http://www.librarything.com/topic/140664
Sweet Thursday - December

September TIOLI hopefuls

#1 War Horse Read and hand off a book that is on someone else's wishlist

#4 Catching Fire Read a book with the word anticipation or patience (or any variation thereof) found within the first five (5) pages of chapter 1

#9 In Dubious Battle Read a book with 9 words in the title or a word in the title or author name that is 9 letters or longer

#10 Fifty Shades of Grey Read a book by an author who commonly published using his or her initials

Beginning 8-10-12 READ 10 OFF MY SHELF BEFORE I BUY ANOTHER

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
The Red Pony
Fifty Shades of Grey
War Horse

September Series & Sequels
A Fatal Grace#2 - Louise Penny
Bring Up the Bodies #2
Fifty Shades of Grey #1

Currently reading:







Books completed in the first half of 2012
January:
1) The Awakening - Kate Chopin - 4/5
2) Matterhorn - Karl Marlantes - 5+/5
3) Stories I Only Tell My Friends - Rob Lowe 4/5
4) Cannery Row - John Steinbeck 4.5/5
5) Seriously...I'm Kidding - Ellen Degeneres 2.5/5
6) My Seinfeld Year - Fred Stoller 2.75/5

February:
7) The Ledge: An Adventure Story of Friendship and Survival on Mount Rainier - Jim Davidson 4/5
8) The Wayward Bus - John Steinbeck 4.75/5
9) All My Life: A memoir - Susan Lucci 3/5
10) The Zen of Steve Jobs - Caleb Melby 4/5
11) The Night Bookmobile - Audrey Niffenegger 1/5
12) Finding Sarah A Duchess's Journey to Find Herself -Sarah Ferguson 2.5/5
13) The Tales of Beedle the Bard - J. K. Rowling 4.5/5
14) The World of Downton Abbey - Jessica Fellowes 5/5
15) Inside Out & Back Again - Thanhha Lai 4/5

March:
16) The Last Gunfight - Jeff Guinn 5/5
17) Shockaholic - Carrie Fisher 3.5/5
18) The Wall Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtin - Peter Sis -3.75/5
19) Trust Me, I'm Dr. Ozzy - Ozzy Osbourne - 2.75/5
20) The Winter of Our Discontent - John Steinbeck - 4.25/5
21) Into the Wild - Jon Krakauer - 2.75/5
22) The Quants - Scott Patterson - 3.25/5
23) Everyman - Philip Roth - 5/5

April:
24) Tibet: Through the Red Box Peter Sis 4.5/5
25) Lifeboat No. 8: An Untold Tale of Love, Loss, and Surviving the Titanic Elizabeth Kaye 3.5/5
26) Da Vinci's Ghost Toby Lester 4.25/5
27) The Moon is Down John Steinbeck 5/5
28) Leap of Faith Queen Noor 3.75/5

May:
29) The Gamma Girls of Chagrin Falls #1 Lillie and Rose - Janet Kuivila 3/5
30) Jane Eyre - Charlotte Bronte 5/5
31) The Man in the Picture - Susan Hill 2.75/5
32) The Tree of Life - Peter Sis 3/5
33) The Buddha in the Attic - Julie Otsuka 3.9/5
34) The Unbearable Lightness of Being - Milan Kundera 3.75/5
35) The Stewart/Colbert Effect 3/5
36) The Gamma Girls of Chagrin Falls #2 Lillie, Rose and Irisa - Janet Kuivila 3/5
37) Mommywood - Tori Spelling 2.9/5

June:
38) The Old Gringo Carlos Fuentes - 4.75/5
39) On Chesil Beach - Ian McEwan - 4.95/5
40) The Glass Menagerie - Tennessee Williams - 3.90/5
41) Goodbye, Mr. Chip's - James Hilton - 5/5
42) Stephen Hawking's Universe John Boslough - 3.99/5
43) Still Alice Lisa Geneva - 4.5/5

Books completed in the second half of 2012

July:
44) Sea Glass Anita Shreve - Tioli Challenge #15 2.5/5
45) The Boy in the Striped Pajamas John Boyne Tioli Challenge #6 3.95/5

August:
46) Inukshuk Gregory Spatz 2/5
47) The Third Eye Lois Duncan
48) A Tree Grows in Brooklyn Betty Smith 5/5
49) The Red Pony John Steinbeck
50) Still Life Louise Penny 3.5/5

September:
51) Forgotten Bookmarks 2.75/5
52) Fifty Shades of Grey 2.5/5
53) War Horse 3/5
54) A Fatal Grace Louise Penny 3.75/5
55) Bring Up the Bodies 4.5/5
56) In Dubious Battle 3.5/5

October:
November:
December:

Well I just caught up on most of your last thread - now I can lift my head and start anew :-)

You had a great vacation month! I have yet to get to Quebec but our passport renewals are in process. We will be going to Nova Scotia for sure this year - and driving.

Glad to hear your Mom's operation went well and that you are feeling better. Hope you get a chance to rest awhile now??

Swinging by for a quick peek before heading out for a mini-vacation of my own. Happy August, Lynda!

Lynda - signing up for your August parade.

Also grabbing a spot in your August parade! Nice new thread, Lynda.

Lynda- Love the new thread! It looks like it's a fun place to be. I think I've decided to get to A Tree Grows in Brooklyn sooner than later, since I also have it saved on audio.

Found your August thread. Hope you and yours have a great month. Very colourful start to the thread:)

*Waves* Hi Lynda! It's been awhile since I dropped by...I was probably attracted by the fried dough. *Drools*

Woo Hoo! Visitors parading through my new thread! what a nice way to start the day!

#3 Glad you've caugt up, Cee! We'd love to go to Nova Scotia and PEI too but I will not attempt to drive there with my throw the GPS out the window husband. If we do go, we'll probably fly, then rent a car over there.

#4 and happy August to you, Ellen. Enjoy your mini-vacation!! Safe travels!

#5 Duly registered, Paul! Will you be wearing a funny hat or walking on stilts? I really need to pay a long overdue visit to your parade.

#6 Glad you've got your spot, Mamie!

#7 Fun?! My place?! If it is, I've learned from the best, Mark. *wink wink*
Go for it! ATGiB thread is if full swing.

#8 Glad you've found me, calm. Now, if I can only keep myself in sight. :0}

#9 *faint* Stephen is that you?! I thought you were abducted by the huge following of women known to have perused your thread. Here, let me share an Elephant Ear with you, powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar or au natural?

OK, last visit to Main Campus of Cleve Clinic today for second cataract surgery. I'm not fretting so much this time around. If only Cleveland would use street signs to indicate where you are, what a novel idea!

Have a great day, friends.

Nope, I wasn't abducted by women. Ummm, you don't think there is any risk of that happening, do you? *Frightful whimper* No no no, I'm sure it's fine, I'm safe, they would never do that. *Nervous laugh* Oh! Cinnamon sugar please. *Schlurp*

Staking my place on your new thread. :)

Glad to hear you had a wonderful vacation and I can't wait to see what other great reads you will be doing this year!

Needed help finding you ... but did!

Hi Lynda! Marking my spot on your new thread :)

Lynda- I had to come over and give you a hug! I am head over heels for A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. This is going to be one incredible read.

#11 I do owe your thread a visit, Stephen. I'll be there soon, so have the lemonade ready.

#12 Ditto to Valerie as well. Blame my lack of involvement on sheer real lifeness.

#13 Glad you found me, Kath

#14 Chelle, I need to locate your thread again too. I've got to catch up on all your goings on.

#15 Awe, shucks, Mark. I'm really happy to know that your enjoying ATBIB. I am too.

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UGH! the US women's swim suits are the most godaweful atrocities I have ever seen in my life! Bluh!

Gots to run and take mom for follow up appt with eye guy. Surgery went well yesterday but now we've really need to concentrate on her leg. I don't like coloration of her foot at all.

I'll soon post my review of Inukshuk. Have a great Friday, folks!

Hi Lynda, just checking into your August thread. I love the opening and especially love the line "Squeezing the juice out of summer like a ripe lemon"!

I hope everyone who is reading A Tree Grows in Brooklyn enjoys the book, it totally blew me away when I read it last year.

#46-2012
Inukshuk
Gregory Spatz
ER 2012
220
2/5

Author, Gregory Spatz must have thought of writing this book for a very long time. It seems that every idea he ever wanted to explore was put into this particular book. Bullying, drug use, coming of age, missing child, single parenthood, the return of long lost loves, obsessive-compulsive behavior and the real life tragedy of Sir John Franklin's disasterous expedition to find the Northwest Passage. It's a daunting task to cover such information in 220 pages.
Spatz tries to juxtapostion Sir Franklin's mid 1800's adventure with modern day high schooler Thomas Franklin's teenage angst. Trouble is there is too much going on to truly appreciate the Expedition or a teenagers alienation. The man can write but a few less angles may have made for a stronger story.

Wow, that is a lot of stuff to put into a book that is less than 300 pages. Hopefully your next read will be better, Lynda!

I don't know about the women's swimsuits, but the men's bodies are jaw dropping. They all look so tall and fit!

but the men's bodies are jaw dropping. They all look so tall and fit! You noticed that too, Valerie!
I'm not a swimmer but a sinker, yet they make it look so easy. Why can't I do that?! :}

Lynda

Thinking of you and stopping by to wave hello

Hi Lynda - I love the images at the top of your thread! Sorry your last read was a bit of a mess.

ETA - Edited my message, because you're not the one who is reading Go Tell it on the Mountain this month. Oops!

I wonder if having a six pack helps with the not sinking. If that is the case, my hopes are pretty much slim to none. Oh well, I'll settle for some eye candy nonetheless. ;)

#21 Waving back at cha, Linda! Hope you're doing well and reading an excellent book!

#22 Kerri, I think the August reads I have line up will certainly clean up the mess left behind by the past few books I've read, literal Hefty paper towels!

#23 I wonder if having a six pack helps with the not sinking That, I'll never know, Valerie and my husband wouldn't either ;0}

OW! Finally, my patience has paid off. Donna and Josh! West Wing! Finally! Yes!! They teased us just like Mary and Cousin Matthew in DA. But seven years, come on! Absolutely, has become my favorite show pushing back my past two fave's Lost and Northern Exposure. Everything, the acting, my music, storyline. Too bad the series ended like five years ago :0(

Many are zooming along in ATGiB but the snail in me has me on Chapter 10. Very much enjoying catching the references to life in NY in the 1930's. Brings back stories which my mom as told me over the years.

I'm headed for a bar-b-que wedding reception this afternoon. Looks like the rain showers are moving out so it should be nice to see family I haven't see for ages. Hope you guys have something fun planned today!

Lynda - Northern Exposure;now there was a great and quirky show. Janine Turner gave me many sleepless nights at the beginning of the 90's.

Hi Lynda, I like your thoughts about August in the opening message. I've always been partial to my birthday month. When I was a kid, I looked forward to the beginning of school and August was full of back-to-school shopping trips. Once a nerd, always a nerd! ;-)

I'm waiting a few days before I pick up A Tree Grows In Brooklyn as I know it will consume my life once I begin. Did you convince your son to read it?

Have fun at the barbecue wedding reception. Sounds like the groom got his way!

Hi Lynda!
I'm so glad you like summer. Someone has to - LOL
BBQ wedding sounds like fun - if you can dress down.
We went to an outdoor summer wedding once (dressy affair) and when dusk arrived I was attacked by mosquitos! Had to go inside - had to. Every once in awhile I would get a visitor bringing me another drink and company. Not too shabby ;-)
The lobster bake (before the mosquitos) was fabulous though!

Hope you have a nice day :-)

Two really good tv shows being mentioned here :) I wonder if we will ever have good ones like that again?
I was so disappointed that the new Aaron Sorkin was on HBO.

Oh well.. I make do with a few dramas, NCIS is good.. both of them.
and a comedy or two.. like Big Bang Theory.. I hate trasy ones like Two Broke Grows..

#25 Hi there, Paul. Janine Turner: I mightily agree with you there. Any woman who can where her hair that short and is still hot has got to be gorgeous.

#26 Hi Donna, Funny! I was a school supply geek too! I still get high sniffing pencils freshly sharpened pencils :0}. Said son will not be in the GR he's in the middle of The Third Eye and his next independent read will be a book on Putin. BBQ wedding was nice. It really turned out to be a little BBQ and Vietnamese. His wife got her way too, i guess!

#27 Mmmm, Lobster bake sounds yummy. Mosquitos are evil!
I always dress down when I see BBQ. I attract sauce like a magnet.

#28 I've only caught glilmpses of Big Bang when my son watches it. I'll need to start paying more attention. There's a really good line up we enjoy; The Middle, Suburgatory and Modern Family.
Yeah I was sorry to see Sorkin's new show on HBO too. I haven't heard much buzz about it though.
--------

Off for a speed walk on this beautiful morning catch you all later :0)

I share your love of both West Wing and Northern Exposure! I own the complete series of both those shows because I loved them so much.

Also loving A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, so thanks for the nudge.

Morning Mamie, I'm seriously thinking about buying the West Wing, but I own LOST and never, ever watch it. So I'm waivering. I'm loving ATGiB too! I had to snicker with the mention of "Sweet Adeline". My dad told me that he and his buddies would stand around a light post and sing that song after a night on the town. My mom has stoop stories and memories of the game Potsy she also lived in a tenement in Manhatten which my grandfather kept clean. He had many odd jobs, cleaned a theatre, had a five and dime, etc in order to feed his family. So in some ways this story is my families story too.

I've made a couple additions to my butterfly garden. Hubsters and son surprised me with a Talavera bird bath and I bought a Black eyed Susan. I'll need to stake the butterfly bush because it's growing so well.

Off to change for a speed walk. My doc says I have a touch of arthritis in my hip and walking seems to help. I'd love to buy a bowflex for the winter but I need to clean the basement in order for it to fit. Have a great day everybody!

Checking in, Lynda!

Hi Lynda - Popping in to say hello! Do you do the official speed walking thing with the arms and all? Because that's pretty cool.

I think the "Newsroom" was a disappointment. We gave up on it, after 3 episodes. So don't feel to bad.
Thanks again for the nudge on A Tree Grows In Brooklyn. It was an absolute pleasure. You know, I checked on Netflix and the original '40s film is not available on DVD. What?

#32 Greetings, Stasia! So good to see you've got a little window of time to post.

#33 What I've been doing, Kerri, is walking very fast while carrying 3lb weights in each hand and the hands are moving as vigorously has the legs. So if that's an official speed walk, I don't know. But it feels good.

#34 I'm sorry that "Newsroom" didn't do it for you, Mark. We don't have those premium channels so I was a little ticked "Newsroom" wasn't on locally. Serves them right :0P
Glad my nudge for ATGiB worked! I went to the library yesterday to pick up the movie version and the librarian said "ahhhh, you know this is VHS, right?" yeah, I knew when I placed a hold on it, but, I had no choice as, like you said, it's not available on DVD. but I do have an available VHS player, yeah!
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Well, I've been fighting off a cold for the past couple of days, but last night the cold won. So me, my horrible cough, achy body and diminished ability to talk above a whisper are taking it easy today. Cuddled up in my library throw, yes, it's a blanket with all my county's libraries stitched into it, and read, sleep and listen to the gentle rain which is gracing us with its presence this morning.

Sorry to hear about the cold Lynda . Hope cuddling up with a good book will make you feel better soon.

This is an actual garage door in California. "Like"

That is too fun!

Hi Lynda, I hope you are feeling better. I got hit with the dreaded summer cold as well and was feeling pretty miserable for a couple of days. The worst thing was that I couldn't concentrate long enough to do any reading!

I feel like I'm going to end up spending the bulk of 2012 trying frantically to catch up on other LTers threads! That said, here's an August wave for you...

and a question -- are elephant ears the same things as beaver tails sold in Canada in winter -- fried dough with cinnamon sugar on 'em?? Yum....

Boo to your cold - hope you feel better soon.

#36 Thanks calm. It helped a little, though, one more day of cuddling is sure to do the trick.

#38 Hey Mamie, all it needs is a roaring fireplace and two comfy chairs in front of it. Who needs to keep a car in a silly garage anyway?!

#39 Morning, Judy. The voice is coming back but now the nose is dripping and tummy's not happy. Another day of reading on the couch is called for :0)

#40 Waving back at you, Suzanne! For some reason I'm having a tough time keeping current as well, perhaps because my number of friends here has increased *happy dance*
Yes! Beaver Tails = Elephant Ears! Heaven from a vat of hot oil. Mmmmmm

#41 Thanks Heather. Cold came just when it started to rain over here. So I don't feel guilty not doing anything.
-----------------------

I'm excited!

40: I googled them and they do look similar, just shaped differently.

Pictures of elephant ears.
Pictures of beaver tails.

Thanks for those links, Stephen! Something unique (at least to me) in Ottawa is squirting a little lemon juice on the tail. OMG! is it good!!

Book Porn! That door is awesome! I can imagine people doing a double take when they see that one. Too bad it wasn't real books. *Wipes slobber* ;)
I hope you are having a great weekend, Lynda.

Sorry to hear you aren't feeling well. Hope you heal up quickly!!
#37 love that door!

Love the garage door! I want one! I can not believe A Tree grows in Brooklyn is not available on DVD! 'Sup with that?

Hey Valerie, Chelle and Mark! Thanks for stopping in, glad you were rewarded with that desireable garage door.

Hey, I have a quick question. I'm sitting here watching a movie called "Hamburger Hill" with my son. I mentioned to him that I read a very good book , "Matterhorn", and how this movie has many similarities to the book. Does anyone know if Hamburger Hill is indeed Matterhorn or are they just similar yet different battles?

Cold ---> DISLIKE

Hi Lynda!
Hope you are feeling better. Summer colds are the worse :P
Do we get a picture of the butterfly garden??? Pleeeze?
I want a beaver tail! YUM!

Hi Lynda - hope that the cold has gone and that you are having a good day.

No idea about the answer to your question:(

But a bit of googling says that they are probably different battles just a few months apart.

#49 Me too, Ellen. The cold has seen the exit door and is on the way out.

#50 Hey Cee, I'll snap a photo just as soon as a fresh batch of blooms burst forth.

#51 Thanks for checking, calm. Sadly, it seems there were just too many different yet similar battles. You'd think that if a strategy didn't work once, it wouldn't be tried again. Lack of communication, ya think?

Well, so closes another Olympic Games. London did it in grand style. Please tell me, I must have blinked and missed Elton John and Duran Duran. Surely they must have been there.

Lynda, I was wondering the exact same thing about Elton John. When he didn't make an appearance in the opening ceremony, I thought they must be saving him the closing ceremony. Makes me all curious as to why he wasn't there since pretty much everyone else was, even the Pet Shop Boys!

Hope you're still on the mend, Lynda!
I agree that London did themselves proud with the Olympics. I enjoyed them even if they did put a crimp in my reading.....

#53 That's what I was thinking too, Valerie. At the least I thought they would feature some of his music like Bowie *shrug* He did perform for the Queen's jubilee so perhaps he's just out doing stuff.

#54 Feel grrrrrreat, Ellen. But this cough still has me sounding like a fog horn. I'm going through olympic withdrawel as well. I found them to be more entertaining than most of the other programs on today.

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Finished ATGiB and should have my review ready tomorrow. Watched the movie too and although I thought it pretty good, I found the book to much better. The movie didn't play up John's drinking problem and Sissy's John was called Bill. Probably changed due to the era it was made.

My first butterfly visitor enjoyed my butterfly bush this afternoon. I snapped a pic so hope to post that soon too.

;-) Waiting!

Hello Lynda - just a drive-by visit - admiring the garage door!

Here ya go, Cee

Hi, Prue! Waves as you zoom by------>

#47-2012
The Third Eye

Lois Duncan
1984
254 pages
2/5

Humdrum and predictable young adult novel regarding physic experiences and young romance. Nineteen year old, Karen Connor , has had the ability to find lost or missing children since she was a young child, she just didn't realize she had the ability. It's not until her late teens that this gift is manifested in a manner which grabs the attention of the local police department. She becomes persuaded by young and handsome new officer, Rob Wilson, to assist the department in solving cases. This leads to an off the record and personal problem concerning Officer Wilson.
Not a bad book but I found it to be unrealistic and the characters to be one dimensional. My third eye tells me that fourth or fifth grade girls might find some enjoyment in this type of novel.

Humdrum and predictable doesn't sound like a fun read! Hope your next one is better, Lynda. :)

#61 Hope your next one is better
Oh, it was Valerie. Very much so as you'll see in the post to follow :0)

#48-2012
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
Betty Smith

1943
493 pages
5/5

Being close to the last reader on the planet to read A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, I finally decided it's more than about time to discover why this novel seems to be such a beloved book.
Taken at face value alone this is the story of young Francie Nolan, the oldest child of scrubwoman Katie and sometime employed singing waiter, Johnny. In the early years of the twentieth century, along with brother Neely, they share in the struggle to make ends meet, put a meal on the table and clothes on their backs. Despite these difficulties, the hardest to accept and the least understood impediment is Johnny's struggle with alcohol abuse which hampers their ability to financially advance. Their days are enriched and made lighter with assorted aunts, uncles, grandma and assorted local characters which provide color and amusement.
Author Betty Smith, who turned her memoir into this beguiling novel , artistically breathes life into an era that is long gone and the slums of Brooklyn, New York which may not be familiar to many a reader.
But that's not the end of the story, if you look beyond the Nolan's daily struggles, beyond the passé storyline and relentless hardships, you will find, what I believe to be, the stuff which makes this story timeless, beloved and relevant through the decades. It is the undying love of family and country. It is the ability to persevere in the face of poverty, injustice, addiction and loneliness. It's never giving up, never succumbing to a tough life, never accepting that life will never improve. It is the hope that despite all of the nasty things that life throws your way, there is always a chance that things will change for the better.

Lynda - enjoyed your take on A Tree Grows in Brooklin - a much read and invariably enjoyed book this month. Must see if I can find it in Malaysia.

Hi Lynda - Lovely photo in #58 and great review of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. I always come to the conclusion that I should have participated in a group read after the fact. Oh well.

Lynda- Great review of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. You nailed it perfectly. And thanks for organizing the G.R. It was a perfect excuse to finally read and enjoy this "classic!"

I am still making my way through the last half of the book, but I greatly enjoyed your review of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn - interesting that they wanted her to change it from a memoir to a novel don't you think? Today I think they would want to market it as a memoir!

Great review of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, Lynda. I read it last year and was totally enchanted with Francie and the Nolan family. It's truly an American Classic.

If you are close to the last person, than I may very well be the last? I don't even have a copy of the book yet! I probably should remedy that as soon as possible, right?

Have a great weekend, my friend!

Oh! Sweet! Love the butterfly garden with visitor :)
great shot. Thanks

Hi everyone! It warms my little heart to see so many visitors!

#64 I haven't seen a negative review yet, Paul. I hope you find it some day!

#65 Well Kerri, this book would have sat on my bookshelf for years if it had not been for the keen interest of some 75ers to give it a go and to all of them I am so thankful!
Otherwise I don't do GRs all that often unless it's something I have but have put off reading. I've joined A Team of Rivals in Nov for just that reason.

#66 Thanks Mark. It was great to have you aboard.

#67 I think you are right, Mamie. I think In todays, it's all about me culture, ATGiB would surely be a memoir.

#68 Truely is an American Classic Judy and a great snapshot of that era.

#69 I would gladly send you my copy, Valerie but I bought it used and it's in poor condition but PM if you're interested.

#70 I've made some changes to the butterfly garden already, Cee. The corner across from it was an ugly patch of pachysandra and unruly lilies so I pulled them out, lots Of spider bites later mOved birdbath there replanted lilies placed my new garden statue of cat with binoculars in the direction of where birdfeeder will go. Still work to do but it's shaping up nicely.

See ya all later, iTouch is just about pooped out.

Thanks for the offer, Lynda! After writing on your thread, I discovered a used bookstore here that may become my favourite place to shop and guess what I found - a copy of ATGiB. :D

Just saying 'Hi' for now, and a belated 'welcome to the 4th floor'!
LOVE that garage door pic!

Hi Lynda, I have been posting notices all over the 75er's threads tonight and this is the last one:

The September Series & Sequels is up and running. Hope to see you there.

Not caught up.. but Mamie pointed me here again.. !

>63 Carmenere: I wont be in time for the Group Read, of course, but I still really want to read this one. Great review!

Hola everyone! I've been rather negligent lately but RL's been pretty busy. I'm taking mom for a vein mapping today. Seems like a bi-pass in inevitable to allow better blood flow to her right leg. After all everyone's tried to stimulate healing of the nasty wound, it hasn't improved and my only get worse.

Now MIL is getting set up for cataract surgery so we've been doing a juggling act.

#73 Excellent Valerie! Glad you were able to find it.

#74 Hi Nathalie. Thanks for stopping by. I'll be visiting you soon :0)

#75 Caught up is not in my vocabulary this year, Kath. Glad Mamie led you to my place.

#76 Thanks Megan, hope you get to it someday.

I'm reading Still Life, finally and loving Three Pines. Finished the Red Pony and I'll make comment on that soon.

Hi Lynda, sorry to hear your mother's wound still isn't healing. It must be a big worry for both of you. At least your MIL's eye surgery will be quick and improve her vision. Are there other siblings in the area that can help you out with the juggling?

Thank you for the lovely review of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. I wrote a few short comments on my thread. I wish I had copied your last few sentences. You stated what I intended so well. Thanks again for hosting the GR and getting more people to read this wonderful book.

#63 "Being close to the last reader on the planet to read A Tree Grows in Brooklyn..." I'm at least one person closer Lynda :-) I've skimmed your review for now because I've only just started the book but I wanted to stop by and let you know that I have started it.

Sorry to hear the news about your mum's wound and the potential juggling act. You're a trooper to take such good care of both mums.

Oh, Lynda... I love the cat spying on the birdbath in your garden. I have what I call a "bird room" (actually my sitting room) - sketches, sculptures, etc of birds scattered around - and I have asked one of my artist friends if he would sculpt a cat in repose for me. The idea of a sleeping cat with birds all around it tickles me. ;-)

Actually, Lynda and Rose, *I* am the last reader on the planet to read A Tree Grows in Brooklyn ---- well, and I still haven't started it! Your review and the comments of so many others have made me add it to my wishlist. You know, that itty bitty little list that hardly has anything on it? Yeah, that one. :-)

So sorry to hear about your mum. It sounds like a stressful set of events. It's weird being in the space of taking care of our parents, isn't it?

We have several neighborhood cats who come around and check out our bird feeder. I fear that they have occasionally succeeded in taking "gifts" home to their humans. Our Abby doesn't go outside, but she still enjoys watching the Robins, especially, take baths. They splash with so much enthusiasm!

Oops! #75 sorry I skipped you, Judy. Thanks for giving me the nudge I needed to continue on with another Three Pines.

#79 Hi there Donna, I'm an only child and my husband has a sister with a job too good to request alot of time off. And naturally since we're both retired it falls to us. Ya gotta do what ya gotta do.

#80 Yeah, Heather. I hope you're enjoying it!

#81 Ya know, Cee, your sense of humor tickles me. I'll post more pics when the bfly bush bursts forth with its latest buds.

#82 Don't worry, Ellen. Even the last one to cross the finish line will be assured of feeling victorious after you read ATGiB, no matter how long it takes.
I've been known to spend an hour or so just sitting outside beside the butterfly and bird gardens with camera ready and waiting for something to happen. Not much does..........until they see I've walked into the house and all the butterflies and birds swoop down. Such is life.

------------
Mom is scheduled for an arterial bypass on September 14th. She's not sure she wants to do it and looks to me to decide. How can I?

Already the mornings appear golden here. Fall is on the way for sure but the mornings and evenings are so delightful, they're like soaking in a warm bath.

I've gotta go for coffee with the ladies so I'll check back later and tell you about my son's English teacher.

I met and love my son's English/Language Arts teacher, she's been teaching for 37 years! She is allowing them to choose and read five independent books in any configuration just so long as they choose 1 NF and 1 F. My son's happy as a clam in sand! He'll be choosing 4 NF's and 1 F, probably Hunger Games. Their class reads will include: A Christmas Carol, A Tale of Two Cities, The Five People You Meet in Heaven, The Diary of Anne Frank and Night. Should be an interesting year with interesting conversations. Some of the parents at open house were in her classroom years ago. I could tell she's very enthusiastic and hopefully her enthusiasm will be contagious.

Sorry to hear about your mom's continual health worries, Lynda! I'm sure your presence must be very reassuring to your her. Will continue to pray for you as you guys figure out what the next steps will be.
Great English teachers are rare, but they rock when you are lucky enough to get one! :)

RL can be a real interruption to LT participation! Hope your mother's health improves -- but great news about your son's English teacher -- sounds like a gem!!

#83 Sorry to hear about the bypass for your mum and the tough decision ahead...Sounds like your son has a great English teacher at the moment - I'm bowled over by the fact that his class will be reading Night!

Oh good for that teacher! She knows how it should be done. Those are some great choices for class reads, too.

Hope things sort out quickly and smoothly with your mom.

Sending caring vibes your way as you help your mom through this time.
And I think your son's English teacher sounds like a gem!

Oh, Lynda, so sorry to hear about your mom's health issues. Take care.

Just getting caught up with you Lynda. I guess everybody who reads ATGIB pretty much loves it so I thank you for giving me the nudge so that I would not be the last person on earth to read it. I'm sorry to hear about your Mom's health issues. Sending up prayers for her (and you).

Sending good wishes to your mom and you, Lynda.

Me too! Sending good wishes and healing energy for both of you. It isn't only the patient who needs strength and positive energy at times like this...

hugs

Lynda - hope everything is going well. At least your son's teacher sounds like a good one.

Ooops! I didn't realize I was away from my thread for so long. We had friends over on Friday evening and between the 4 of us we finished off five bottles of wine in 4 hours which included what we brought back from Quebec and what they brought from a local winery. Very good stuff but blah, I won't be doing that again anytime soon. I don't bounce back like I did in my younger days.
Thank you all for bearing with me and keeping my post alive. Since I've been here, it's been recommended by my mom's vascular surgeon that she have a arterial bypass to save her leg. It's a huge procedure, possibly 3-5 hours. He'll first see if her artery will accept a vein and if so he'll proceed, if not he'll close up, end of surgery. He vows to do everything in his power to save her leg and that's what she prefers to do. Scheduled for September 14th.

#85 Thanks for the prayers, Valerie. She needs them more than ever. Re: my son's english teacher, she plans to take them to see a terrific production of A Christmas Carol which is, annually produced in Cleveland. She said it's already sold out but she bought the tickets in May so they're in. Also will take them to meet a Holocaust survivor. I assume that is after they read Night. What a learning experience!

#86 Thanks Suz! Much appreciated!

#87 I was surprised by the inclusion of Night as well, Heather. But it's so important that kids know that it was real and not some made up story. Since that generation is dying out, now is the time to impress that on young people.

#88 Yes, Kath, Will always seems to luck out in the english teacher lottery. I hope he appreciates her....and thank you.

#89 Thank you for those caring vibes, Ellen. I want and recommend that she have the procedure but there's so many what if's.

#90 Thanks Kerri!

#91 I'm so happy to know that I nudged you into reading such a terrific book, Bonnie, but actually it was all the interest shown by 75ers who had not read it that propelled me to start the GR. So I need to thank all of you!!!
And thanks for the prayers, they are so appreciated!

#92 Thank you Nathalie

#93 Thanks, Kath. We could use all the positive energy that you can muster.l

#94 Yeah, calm. At least the teacher sounds like a winner.

----------
A recent development is that my mom's home care nurse has learned of a new wound care procedure which promotes rapid healing. Sounds too good to be true but I'll meet with them on Thursday to find out more. Mom will still need the bypass, most likely.
Anyway, have a good evening everyone!

Oh yeah, I also won an ER - Forged: Why Fakes are the Great Art of Our Age

Hope the new wound care procedure helps your mom.

The ER sounds interesting - hope it arrives quickly:)

49-2012
The Red Pony
John Steinbeck
1932
120 pages
3.5/5

If I had known the layout of this book prior to reading it, I believe I would have appreciated it more than I did. You see, this book is not one story about a boy and his pony but rather a collection of stories that at first read appear to have little relationship to the first story, that of the red pony. It was through a second reading and invaluable information gotten from a Group Read that enlightened me as to what Steinbeck's theme for this book actually centered upon. The four short stories shich make up The Red Pony deal with a young man's emotional wakefulness. Entering his teenage years Jodie is introduced to love, death, birth, responsibility, aging and yearnings for, what is at this time, unattainable.
Again, Steinbeck artfully describes his beloved California landscape with micro details and then when that is done explodes in macro fashion to expose the entire landscape and its inhabitants.
Certainly, not my favorite Steinbeck but definitely worthy of your time and reflection.

Hi calm, sorry I missed your post this morning, I had to scurry out the door.
We're not sure if we'll try the new wound care, cost is a factor as it is a relatively new procedure and not covered under most insurance plans. We meet someone in the know about this procedure tomorrow so I've got tons of ?'s. Probablity is she'll need the bypass but that's one of my questions.

----------
In other news, I'm almost finished with Still Life. Now I know why so many LTer's enjoy this series. As I read I think the murderer is one person then another and so on.
I've already picked up Fatal Grace from the library and ready to roll with it for September S & S. I also have Catching Fire beside me for September and of course In Dubious Battle for the Steinbeckathon. Just for fun I'd like to finally read my birthday present from March Fifty Shades of Grey and perhaps even read the other two in the series.

Already have my spooky October reads lined up and November will be consumed by Team of Rivals GR.

Lynda- I think we felt pretty much the same way about the Red Pony. Decent Steinbeck, but not great and sh*t I forgot about In Dubious Battle. How am I going to bookhorn that one in, Huh? September is already packed solid.

Can't wait to see what you think of Fifty Shades of Grey. ;)

*waving* at Lynda

#99 Hey Mark! The copy of In Dubious Battle I borrowed from the library is absolutely ancient! I would love to know the last time anyone withdrew this book. I'm getting a foreboding about the book already.

Lucky number 100! Truth be Told, Valerie, I've already perused some interesting portions of FSoG but to give it a fair chance I really should read the entire book. My friend just finished the series and her poker face gives away nothing but the twinkle in her eye intrigues me.

#101 Waves back to Stasia. How's the heat down Texas way? Any rain in the forcast? Back to school?

-------------------
Since I have learned that butterflies normally visit between 11am and 3 pm I naturally go out to look at the garden at 3:15pm. Honestly! I must have scared the little fella away because as soon as I get to the spot I see a beautiful yellow spark flutter skyward and away. Crushed I turn away and vow to get there sooner and softer the next day (today).

The mornings look downright golden lately. So gorgeous, I'm putting my TIOLI watch on hold, dressing, grabbing my weights and heading out the door for a walk. Then the aforementioned wound meet up. Have a great day my book buddies!

Good luck Lynda with getting good info on the new healing procedure. You and your Mom are in my thoughts and prayers.
A very trying time for you both. Hugs.

btw, interesting news on butterflies... would 11 - 3 be applicable in Maine also? I really am getting psyched about having a butterfly garden (or at least one attractive plant) next year. Hope I can do it.

Hi Lynda. I, too, am signed up for the November GR of Team of Rivals. Laughing that I've planned (in July!) what I would read in November.

I hope things are going okay with your mom's progress, decision-making (oh yes, those what ifs!), and hopefully healing....

#102: We were supposed to get some rain last night, Lynda, but it never materialized. I am still hopeful that we will get some over the weekend!

Yes :) What Valerie said in 100

Lynda - I am finally caught up with your thread! I am sending my thoughts and prayers your way for your Mom's upcoming surgery. I was so happy to hear about your son's English teacher - how wonderful! Those are all great books, and I love even more her parameters for independent reads - that really encourages them to dig in and not feel defeated before they start. Good for her! Nice review of The Red Pony - I am reading that now. I hadn't realized that is was connected short stories and not a novella before reading LT comments, so I am glad to know that going in, as I feel it will help. Good luck catching those butterflies lingering in your lovely garden.

#103 Oh Cee, the new wound procedure was a bust! My mom's wound is long and narrow but not deep. So guess what? This procedure is only done on deep wounds because the doctor needs a well like opening for this grafty thing to work properly. Needless to say, mom was crushed. So it looks like arterial bypass is a go for Sept. 14th. Her doctor said he will do everything in his power to save her leg as she wishes.
Not sure about the butterfly adgenda in Maine but I've seen them here as early as 10 amish and as late as 4pmish so I think part of it is just luck.

#104 LOL, I know Ellen, isn't it silly? I've only just recently started planning like this but it's fun.

# 105 Sending rain mojo your way, Stasia and when you're done with it end it back to me as we're pretty parched here as well.

#106 I"m starting Fifty Shades today, Kath, so you'll find out soon.

#107 Thanks for the prayers, Mamie. Mom's gone through so much and tried so many procedures, I just don't know what the outcome will be if this doesn't work :0(
GR are great! I've learned things about books I wouldn't have normally had I read them alone.
I'm so looking forward to curling up in November with Team of Rivals. Are you joining in on that one?

------------------------
County fair was nice as usual but I don't remember it ever being as hot as it was yesterday. 93F! The animals looked exhausted, the workers looked wilted and you know it's got to be hot if we didn't even feel like buying elephant ears.

Completed Still Life late last night. Thanks Heather for urging me to read the series now and to read in order.

I've been streaming Mad Men on Netflix lately. Has anyone watched this series? It's quite good and surprise, surprise, President Bartlett's daughter Zoe from The West Wing has a main part.

On tap today or tomorrow a drive to Pres. Rutherford B Hayes' home in Fremont, Ohio. Since Will sleeps and eats history he's sure to enjoy and since it's located in the heart of Ohio Wine Country mom and dad will enjoy too. Have a great weekend, everybody. Toodles

Lynda- I'm a devoted Mad Men fan and have enjoyed all 5 seasons. You have some fine television ahead of you. Have a great weekend.

Hi Lynda - Sorry to hear that the wound procedure was unsuccessful. My thoughts are with you and your mom.

On another note, I'm a huge Mad Men fan as well and the high quality pretty much keeps up through all five seasons. It's a good one.

Well, 56-10 ain't bad, I say... :)

Bummer on the new procedure! Well, at least you looked into it with an open mind. You have to check everything out to be sure. Hope the surgery works for your Mom - you/she have been through so much already.

Ohio outing sounds like just what you all need ;-) Have fun!

Hi Lynda! Sorry to hear that your Mom needs surgery. I am sending her good thoughts that everything goes smoothly!

Just keeping up here, Lynda. I am joining in on the GR of Team of Rivals - I have had that one on my shelves since it came out, so this will be great to finally push me to get to it. Hope you had a lovely holiday weekend.

Lynda, disappointing news from the doctor. We'll all be thinking about you on 9/14!

Howdy do, everyone! We did manage to drive out to the residence of President Rutherford B Hayes in northwestern Ohio. Very interesting tour, very Victorian home. Interesting factoid. Hayes had important people touch a tree on his property and then pinned a plaque on it with their name and position. Nice museum as well with many artifacts from his political life.
The wineries we stopped at on the way home had no Sunday sales, so that was a bust but lots of veggie stands.

#109 I'm looking forward to catching up with all five season of Mad Men, Mark. Hate that it takes a bite out of my reading time.

#110 High fives another Mad Men fan. Isn't it amazing hou the workplace has changed for women, Kerri? I've found that some men were still stuck in the 60's when I started out in '79. Some peope will never learn

#111 Too good to be true, Stephen. I'm not expecting much from the Bucks this year but I would be nicely surprised if they continue on like this.

#112 On a bright note, Cee, today'a appts were promising so mom's a little bit more optimistic today.
One of the Monarch's you sent my way landed on one of our evergreen trees! The little rascal shrugged off my butterfly garden. I got a pic of him that I'll post when I'm not o lazy. Lot's of queen bee's visit.

#113 Thank you so much, Chelle!!

#114 Yup, I know what you mean, Mamie. My son and hubsters bought it for me years ago and though I've gazed at it several times I just didn't have the motovation to start it. A GR is just what I need.

#115 Thanks so much, Ellen it is greatly appreciated and I'll pass on the thoughts to my mom.

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I'm off to do a little ironing and watch the DNC. I watched the RNC last week and I find both just as entertaining as the olympics last month.
In my breaks it's back to Fifty Shades of Grey.
Night all and have a pleasant tomorrow :0)

Well, we did not get any rain, Lynda, so I am sorry to have to report that the mojo did not work and I cannot send any rain back your direction.

Sorry, I see that you're battling some pretty droughty temps. We did get some rain yesterday, and lots of it. I'll try redirecting some towards you.

#50-2012

Still Life
Louise Penny
2007
336 pages
3.5/5

Finally! I finally had the chance to see why so many people love this series. Three Pines, Quebec isn't even on the map but it's nestled in the woods south of Montreal and although in its own Oz it is not without devious thoughts and murder. Enter Chief Inspector Armand Gamache of the Surete du Quebec who is taken with the town and its residents. Together and with the aid of assorted officers they piece together the details of the untimely demise of one if its beloved citizens.
A good puzzle of a book with many suspects, after choosing your murderer you will change your mind many times you may, at the end, find that you knew who the murderer was all along, but did you quess the motive?

Thanks to all 75ers who have pointed me in the direction of Three Pines and Heather who most recently set me straight and told me I must read in order.

Lynda, I'll save a spot for you on the bus to Three Pines! At this rate, we'll have to have a caravan coming from all directions full of LT fans.

Your mother's surgery sounds scary but also necessary. Rest assured that prayers will be going up the week before and after September 14. It's just one thing after another, isn't it?

I saw my first Monarch the other day, too. Our perennial garden (with three large Butterfly Bushes) can be seen from the kitchen, family room, and deck so I get to enjoy butterflies, dragonflies, bees, and hummingbirds throughout the day. I'm kind of a lazy naturalist so I planned it that way. ;-)

I just picked up a copy of Still Life when I was down in the States this past weekend for $7! :)

I read that earlier this year and fell in love with Three Pines. I need to get to the next one.

Hi Lynda, I hope there's a spot on the Three Pines bus for me. I have read Still Life and need to get going with the next one. I hear that the series just keeps on getting better.

Still Life is next up for me too Lynda - thank you for setting the secene so adroitly.
Wishing you a splendid weekend and especially all my love and prayers to you and your Mum for the coming 14th. My mum has her histerectomy next week.

Lynda, I started reading The War of the End of the World today and so far I love it. I will need to get your address via a PM sometime (don't worry; it will take me several days to read this) so I can send it to you and successfully meet Madeline's TIOLI challenge for the month!

Morning to all! Mittens started pawing the dresser mirror pushing it against the wall making a godaweful banging noise, he wanted breakfast, don't a know. Sigh, I love that cat, I hate that cat. Can't he see I'm sleeping. Well, coffee is brewing now and I'm getting there so it's a good time to catch up on LT.

Since the evenings are getting cooler and darker earlier, it's time to rent weekend movies. Got lucky and saw two recommendable films. On the light side is We Bought a Zoo. Sweet and heartwarming and Scarlet Johanssen is in it, need I say more. But I will. Cutest little girl plays the daughter as well. She's made for the movies!
Second movie, much more intense and mezmerizing was My Way. Japanese and Korean marathon runners, who start out at odds with each other, are thrown together in the Japanese Imperial Army and confront action on the front lines of WW II.
A perspective of the war that I've not seen before. Don't let the subtitles scare you away.

Wordy today, aren't I?

#120 I can just picture the Three Pines Caravan, Donna! What a wonderful sight!
My mom's inbetween a rock and a hard place. It's dangerous if you don't do anything, it's dangerous if you do. But something has to be said about being pro-active. It's just she looks so content in her apt however, Docs won't do another skin graft until she's got better circulation. Thank you so much for your prayers.

#121-124 Ooooo, lookie more passengers on the bus. I think we'll need a group of quadruple decker busses.
- hope you enjoy your find, Valerie!
- yes, Mamie, do please get to the next one. A Fatal Grace is proving to be just as good and witty as the first.
- Of course there's a spot for you Judy! Climb aboard!
- Look forward to your Still Life thoughts, Paul. Thanks and sending love and prayers back to your mum as well.

#125 You're so nice, Ellen! I'd gladly accept it but hate to see you pay the postage. If there is someone closer to pass it on to, by all means, go ahead, I think that would fulfill the challenge. If you have no luck with that, then let me know.

Have a great Sunday everyone!

Morning Lynda! Sorry about your early morning wakeup call. I will be keeping your Mom in my thoughts and prayers this week as she heads towards her surgery.

My kitties are early risers too...#WorthIt!

It does sound like your mom is in a rough spot.. I am so sorry to hear this.
I guess that you will just have to abide by any decision she makes ? I can't imagine, it must feel terrible and helpless.. ((((Lynda)))

Lynda, thanks for sharing your thoughts about the two movies you saw. I feel the same way about this time of year, as the days grow shorter. Tonight we're looking forward to the next installment of Wallender on PBS.
And I want to send the book to you, Lynda. I will send it book rate, so no worries about the cost of postage. Mark has sent me a couple of books, and I'm happy to send this one to you in the interest of "keeping it going" or "paying it forward." I'm still early into it, but loving it so far.

Great review for Still Life which I now want to read immediately! 336 pages sound manageable... carefully moving it towards my maybe-in- October-reads.

I will be thinking of your mom and you and I hope all goes well!

#127 Thanks so much, Mamie.

#128 Somebody forgot to give the kitties the memo that school starts a 1/2 hour later, thus allowing us to sleep an additional 1/2 hour. Must remind them.
That's the prob, Kath, my mom's horrible at making decisions so it kinda falls to me to weigh the options with her. Sometimes, I just don't have the answers either. Put's me in a very sad place.

#129 Oh! and we watched another movie last night, Ellen. The Artist. Well, sometimes you watch a movie and think, well, this was an award winner and you keep watching and waiting for what it was that made it one. It was a bold movie to make, I admit and the main characters were engaging. But simple storyline kind of left me wanting. Glad I didn't pay $9 + popcorn and beverage to see it.
BTW: Oooooo, a book! I'll PM you Ellen. No need to rush through it! Thanks bunches :0)

#130 Ha, ha, I gotch ya, Nathalie!! Yes, it's a doable size book and moves rather quickly.
Thanks for keeping mom in your thoughts.

I've got to say, my mom finds it incredulous that people I have never personally met are thinking and praying for her as she approaches yet another procedure. She thanks each and every one of you..................and so do I. :0)

PS. I've just discovered Spotify! Where have you been all my life!!

#51-2012
Forgotten Bookmarks

Michael Popek
2011
182 pgs
2.75/5
Compilation of things people have used as bookmarks over the last couple of century's. Get personal with the drama of unknown lives with letters of love, letters of joy and letters of despair and hatred. Take a trip with plane tickets, bus tickets, movie tickets. Lists? Lots of them. Grocery lists, class lists of students of bygone days. Of course there are receipts and occasionally, believe it or not, an actual bookmark.
Popek includes pictures of each so called book mark and the book from which it came from.
Mildly entertaining.

Oh dear that sounds like it should have been more interesting. Hope your next book is better.

Still sending positive vibes for your mom and {{{hugs}}} for you.

Hi calm! Yes, it could have been better written, shoot, there could have been more writing all together. Some background as to how the book was obtained or if any research was conducted to discover more info would have made it a far more interesting book.
Speaking of interesting books, the next one was ahem more interesting.
PS. Thanks so much for the positive vibes!

#52-2012
Fifty Shades of Grey

E L James
2011
514 pages
2.5/5
I had very little expectations for this book. I did not even have any intention of writing a review. Surely, this book will be poorly written. Surely, the characters will be one dimensional creations pulled from some middle age writers wildest fantasies . All sex and no substance, certainly that is what this hyped up book is all about. WRONG!
Anastasia Steele is drawn into a relationship with billionaire Christian Grey, a relationship which happens to be her first, a relationship that is hard to explain for, Grey a man of mystery and intrigue is psychologically messed up and carries allot of baggage which finds him, for lack of other words, demanding and perverse. Steele, a beautiful and intelligent college graduate believes there is much more to this man and is determined to discover where and when his life took on these dark hues. Sure, some sections of the book may not be described as melodic prose however, just like Anastasia, the reader becomes curious and stretches the limits and is urged on to discover what comes next. At the conclusion the reader is left hanging with only partial resolve and must make a date to read the second in the series, Fifty Shades Darker.

Lynda, so glad you enjoyed your first trip to Three Pines :-) I found that I enjoyed the books in that series more and more after the first couple of books so I hope you do too.

I'll also be keeping your mum in my thoughts and prayers this week.

#135 I can't say that's one I'm going to read but I'm glad you found it better than you'd hoped. Were you brave enough to read it in public? :-P

I've been wanting to read more about Lincoln since enjoying Lincoln's Melancholy so much last year - I might check out that group read...

#136 Thank you, Heather. Your thoughts and prayers are much appreciated.
- LOL, NO! I read FSoG in the privacy of my home with hubsters and son pre-occupied. I took War Horse with me whenever I left the house. Which reminds me, I was getting my car serviced and got all teary eyed in the waiting room. I couldn't look at anyone.
- I hope you do join in Team of Rivals I've heard only good things about it.

I'm re-taking Bible Timeline because I feel I missed so much last year. So off do to some homework. G-Night all!

I am glad to hear that you are on the Three Pines bus, Lynda! You are in for some very good reading!

Hi Lynda- So, will you be reading more adventures of Christian Grey? I give you credit for trying it out. I KNOW I won't.
Thanks for the film recs. I will see if they have the film "My Way" on Netflix.

Lynda, interesting review of Fifty Shades of Grey. You gave it 2.5 stars, which I would think is not a resounding endorsement, but it sounds like you're curious enough to read the next one?

We watched We Bought a Zoo two weekends ago and thought the exact same thing as you. That little girl is just too adorable. Especially the part where she so honestly, but sweetly states, "Sir, everyone here thinks you're a dink. I don't know what a dink is, but I don't think you are..." Or something along the lines..haha!

So will you be continuing on with the Fifty Shades series??

Thinking and sending my thoughts for your mom. *Hugs*

My husband also is surprised when I told him, people he has never met or talked to are hoping he feels better soon. Love this group.

#138 I'm truly enjoying my sojourn to Three Pines. As we were up that way this summer I feel I have a sense of the area and the kinds of people who live there. I'd gladly go back any time, Stasia.

#139 I'm number 22 on the hold list, Mark. I hear the second book is pretty good while the third gets rather old. I'll check them all out despite the feelings of others. I hope you enjoy My Way as much as we did. I didn't check netflix for it we picked it up at Redbox. Do you have those in Chicago?

#140 To tell you the truth, Ellen, I struggled with that rating. I initially gave it a 3/5 but I fear (probably needlessly) that if some men should read this that women like to be painlessly brutalized., I think the book sends a wrong message. So it's message not author's skill that have it 2.5.

#141 So will you be continuing on with the Fifty Shades series??
Yes, I am Valerie. Even at 51, I still have lots to learn. :0}
Thanks for thoughts and hugs! and YES 75er's are an amazing group of people.

I'm almost done with War Horse and then I'll move on to the Steinbeck of the month In Dubious Battle.

Lynda- Yes, they have Redbox here! I enjoyed War Horse. I hope it worked for you too! Wasn't crazy about the film though.

#142: I am jealous of you getting to make a trip to Three Pines territory, Lynda. I would love to go! :)

142> Interesting dilemma in choosing a rating, Lynda! I like the way you settled that for yourself.

#143 Mark, I'll probably rent War Horse just to see how the book was adapted but I'm so into the book that I think it would be hard to top it in a movie version.

#144 Even though I was in Three Pines territory, Stasia, it's so well hidden that I couldn't find it. Loved the French Canadians I did find. I can just imagine Gamache, Clara and all the rest.

#145 Well, Ellen, I hope that the success of FS0G doesn't produce a bunch of copycat s&m books. Blah :0P

---------Well, I caved. It was so easy, I didn't even think twice. My new policy, as many of you have, read ten then buy more. Me? Uh, I read three OTS and bought 4 at the library booksale. But how could I pass up.............
Cutting for Stone
The Mysteries of Udolpho
The Ghost Stories of Edith Wharton
and Palace Walk
All for $1.25.

Whoa! For 1.25, I'd trash whatever agreement I made as well. :)

Great books for that price as well. I fully endorse your breaking of your original policy if you are able to cash on such a great deal!

#147 Thanks for your endorsement, Valerie. It was too good to pass up. However, no more booksales this year..........honestly!!!

-----------------

Feeling kind of blue this morning. On a large scale our world is in turmoil. Can't we all get along? Why can't the world discover what they agree upon and work from there?

Closer to my home and heart is mom's surgery yesterday. As they were prepping her for arterial bypass the dr. once again examined her wound closely and what he had to work with and everything that's been done to attempt to heal it. He then weighed in with the fact that he feared it would not be successful and it would be unkind to have her go thru 5 hours of surgery only to loose the leg anyway. So after some discussion and tears we decided to do the amputation and start the healing process now and put her on the road to a better quality of life. It was so hard and all the way home I second guessed our decision, but naturally what's done is done. Although she wouldn't admit it, I keep on telling her she's a tough New Yorker and we'll get through his together. She looked well when I left her last night and she's got a pain med pump to keep her comfortable. I just feel like I've failed her.

I'm sorry to even bring it up, but I feel I can talk more freely with my friends here than anywhere else. Besides face to face, I just start to sob, my voice gets screechy and nobody understands what I'm saying. Please, bear with me a little bit. Thanks

#146 Wow - $1.25 in total or $1.25 each? Either way, a bargain!

Oops, cross-posted. So sorry to hear the news about your mum's leg. You haven't failed her - if the doctors' thought they would have to amputate anyway then it sounds like she's been saved some more stress and waiting and another procedure, I know it must be hard to believe though. Hugs to both of you and please don't worry about bringing it up here. I'd actually popped over to ask how things had gone in any case.

Sorry to hear that amputation was the only option, but you have made the right decision. May your mom's healing be quick and as pain free as possible.

{{{Hugs}}} for you.

hmmm I might need to rent that movie today.. I meant to when you first mentioned it and then must hav forgotten.

As for your mom. I think that you made a good decision, under the circumstances. Now it will be healthy areas that begin to heal, and as awful as it seems now, once healed, it will become simply a way of life for her, and for all of you. I'm sorry that it came to this, but it will turn out to be fine. Your mom is lucky to have a good support system and that matters.

Loved that you considered Fifty Shades mildly educational! If your tongue is not still firmly lodged in your cheek I trust you will have a lovely weekend despite everything. Thanks so much for the kind thoughts and wishes for my mum, especially given your own travails with your mum. It must have been heartrending to have to decide that - I pray that the healing process has already started!

So sorry about that tough decision, Lynda. You expect to make tough decisions in life - school, marriage, children, career, finances, burial - vs - cremation. But I know I never thought about making health decisions for my mother in her old age.

As you know, we are not in control of our mothers' mental or physical health. Decisions/actions are often the choice of going with the "lesser of the evils" of aging. It's all emotionally difficult. Then we have to figure out how to give them the support they need while we are hurting for them. Not knowing the answers makes everything even more difficult.

You, your Mom, and the physician did the best possible with what you had to work with. That's all you could do. Now you somehow go forward from here and deal with what life indescriminately handed you.

Having said all that... I understand your dilemma and hope the recovery is smooth with minimal pain. You are doing soooo much for your Mom. You have not failed to be a good and loving daughter.
I have so many of my own doubts and agonizing moments over making decisions for my Mom, too. I feel your pain.

{{{{Lynda}}}}

*Hugs* to you Lynda!!

I'm so sorry to hear about the difficult decision you had to make for your mom. I'm glad we are a group that you feel that you can share that journey with! I hope you aren't too hard on yourself. You did the best thing for your mom given the circumstance and you will be there for her during the recovery and as she adjusts to a new life and that will mean the world to her... Sending many, many, healing, and supportive thoughts your way. Have peace today, my friend.

Oh, Lynda, I'm so sorry. That must have been so heartbreaking for both of you. But, you did not fail her - all we can do is our very best with the circumstances that life gives to us. You tried everything and were supportive and encouraging every step of the way - that is not failure, that is success. Your Mom must be so very proud of the strong and courageous, caring and compassionate daughter that she raised. She knows in her heart how much you wanted for things to turn out differently for her. This will be hard, but it will not be impossible.

Sending positive thoughts and prayers your way for both you and your Mom. Take a deep breath, put one foot in front of the other, and you will get through this. We will be here every step of the way.

Morning Lynda- I'm so sorry to hear about your Mom. What a tough decision. Sending you all the best, during this difficult time. Gentle Hug!

I am so sorry for you and your mother, what a tough decision to take! I am with the others Lynda, you are both doing great, and you are a wonderful and caring daughter. And as you said yourself , it means 'putting her on the road to a better quality of life'.

Sending you (((hugs))) and positive and supportive thoughts!

Heather, calm, Paul, Kath. Cee, Valerie and Mamie. Mark and Nathalie. I can not begin to tell each of you how moved I was to read your encouraging thoughts. The road ahead is certain to have its ups and downs and we still continue to question our decision, as mute as it may be, but there's no turning back now and we will press forward as best we can. I told my mom yesterday, we'll have her walking into the church for my son's confirmation in May. That's our goal. It was previously decided that Will would choose my dad's name (Stephen) as his confirmation name so it means alot to my mom. I know she'll work very hard to be there.

I'm still reading War Horse, listening to A Fatal Grace and listening to Bring up the Bodies. Oh yeah, and I've started In Dubious Battle. It's all your faults 75er's! I never read more than one book at a time before I met you. You've created a monster! ;0} And I'm enjoying every minute of it!!

Gorgeous day here and I'll work out side a bit and take a book for breaks. Hope you're all enjoying your Sundays.

So sorry to hear about your tough decision. I hope your mom starts to heal quickly

Oh Lynda, I'm so sorry to hear about the tough decision you had to make for your Mom. But I'm sure it was the best decision and considering all you've already gone through trying to get the wound to heal I don't see how you could have reached any other decision. Prayers are winging their way to you and your family. Hugs.

#159 I hope so too, Chelle. Yesterday was not a good day for her. Full of pain, regret and remorse. It's very difficult to try to keep strong for her and tell her better days are coming.

#160 Catching those prayers with a butterfly net, Bonnie. Thanks.

Hi Lynda, so sorry to hear about your mother's operation and to see you in such a predicament. But you made the right decision to follow the doctor's advice. It's very tough and heart-wrenching for you though. My thoughts are for you to get through this.

((Hugs)) to you, Lynda. I know you and your mom are going through a tough time right now. I hope she recovers quickly from her surgery and learns to deal with the amputation just as fast.

Richard posted this and I stole it from calm's thread,

It's international book week. The rules: Grab the closest book to you, turn to page 52, post the 5th sentence as your status. Don't mention the title. Copy the rules as part of your post.

It was just the idea of riding a horse again that terrified the life out of me.

(anything inside quotes counts as one sentence for this meme)

Lynda- "You've created a monster!" Welcome to our LT World! LOL. I love the hoarders poster. Perfect.

#163 Thanks you for your kind words, Manuel. Thoughts like that empower me in some way and help me feel a bit more confident. :0)

#164 Thank you, so much Stasia. I hope so too. We're all there for her and she lives in a great senior facility where they value and care for their residents. I anticipate the day she can return there, see her friends and learn to live again. I never thought of myself a a huggy type of person but lately I value them. They offer so much strength.

#166 At the very least, Mark, I am now an organized hoarder.

Sorry to hear your mom had a bad day. Sending positive thoughts for a quick recovery.

{{{Hugs}}}

Love the hoarders picture ... too true:)

#169 Those hugs just arrived on a westward wind, calm, thanks bunches. Another frustrating day but tomorrow's procedure will be the last one before we get down to healing and rehab and hopefully less pain meds. She's so groggy and talking nonsense, I want my mom back. Whaaaa.

My neighbor passed me Fifty Shades Darker today, so I have some juicy reading material for the hospital tomorrow.

LOVE the hoarders poster. That pretty much sums up how I feel about books... :)

Sorry to hear about the not so great day, Lynda. Hang in there! You are right, better days are definitely ahead. Just focus on the goals and take it one step at a time. *Hugs*

Lynda, I'm here to express sympathy to you and your Mom. I`m so sorry that today was difficult, but like Valerie says, better days are definitely ahead. I am sure it is a great comfort to your Mom to know that you and your family are right there with encouragement and strength to help her through this.

#170: Sending some extra-fast {{{Hugs}}} ad positive thoughts over the ocean

Adding my hugs to the next west bound wind.

Just checking in to see how you are holding up :) Hope you and your mom are well.

# 171 I think hoarding is something we can all relate to, Valerie. But what's wrong with bring home a few more friends every now and then. Thanks for the hugs :0)

#172 Judy, I've decided instead of sobbing and feeling like we've done the wrong thing, I've got to keep repeating it was the right thing to do. There's no turning back so we've got to be forward thinkers from here on out.

#173 Wow! I got them already, Nathalie! Those hugs and positive thoughts put a smile on my face.

#174 I got them Heather, I think they joined Nathalie's on the same current. Thanks!

#175 Truthfully, we are not well, Kath....not now at least, but it WILL get better.

#52 War Horse
Michael Morpurgo
1982
165 pages
3/5

A good story for young adults, both entertaining and educational to some extent. A tear jerker of sorts so keep the tissues at arms length.
What caught me most was the perspective from which it is written. Loved it!
I've rented the movie for this evening so I'll give a little feedback about that in a future post.

{{{{Lynda and Mom}}}}

I'm sorry this is so hard right now and you were not spared.
You both tried so hard and did so much.
Stay strong. Praying for you to get your mom back soon.
Pain meds do a number on older patients.

Lynda, I'm so sorry I haven't checked in earlier and am just now reading about your mom. I completely trust that you did, indeed, make the right decision and, as you say, now the road to healing and a better life can begin. How challenging this has been for you. And you are brave and strong --- and your mom is brave and strong.
And yes, it will get better.

On a lighter note, the 75ers have made a read-more-than-one-at-a-timer out of me, too. In my 50s. Not too old to learn new tricks.

Take care, Lynda. Take time for you.

Lynda, you and your mom have been very much on my mind today. You have been through so much and done all that could be done to save her leg. I hope she heals quickly and isn't in too much pain. You will have your 'real' mom back soon I'm sure. {{Hugs to both of you}}...

#178 Pain meds and older People - I'm seeing the results of that right now, Cee. She's making no sense, at times, and that in itself is scary. She's off the pain pump so that's a step in the right direction. Should be transferred to rehab Saturday.

#179 Hi Ellen, the pathology report said her bone was infected to it was just a matter of time for further complications to set in.

#180 Thanks Donna. Seems like the worst is over, now we just need to be patient and give healing some time. Both mentally and physically.

------------------------
My son reported to me this morning that The Five People You Meet in Heaven is the best fiction book he has ever read.

#175 finally contains my thoughts regarding War Horse
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My mom is coming back to her old self. More alert and sharp. A little concerned about the future but she's willing to try her hardest to live a normal life despite everything. She'll be released to rehab tomorrow.
Thanks to all of you for keeping her in your thoughts and keeping up my spirits during this most difficult week. Hugs and a shot of tequila all around!

Haha, how old is your son, Lynda?

That's so great to hear about your mom. One small step at a time. There will be good days and some bad days, but hopefully the good days far outweigh the bad ones. Have a great weekend!

Lynda
The hoarders poster could be describing my reading room.
Kudos to your son - at least he didn't pick Twilight or Fifty Shades of Shit or whatever that sex laden nonesense is called.
Bravo also to your mum and her determined positivity.
To her, your son and your lovely self I am wishing you a lovely weekend from a tropically moist Malaysia.

Hi Lynda and hugs for getting through a difficult week. Glad to hear your Mom is so determined, that and her positivity will be a big plus when she's in rehab.

Thanks for the tequila! Have a great weekend.

Time does heal, in more ways than one... so onward is a good direction....

I had an interesting talk with my Keith ( married to my niece Kim) yesterday about the Fifty Shades book.
He has a lot of women clients and it has amused him hearing the good, the bad and the ugly about that book :)

Take care :)

So glad to hear that your Mom is getting back to her old self - continuing to keep her and you in my thoughts. Wishing her the best of success with the rehab process - and if she is willing to try her hardest, like you mention above, then that is more than half the battle. Good for her - and how wonderful that she has you to help her through this time.

#183 Will is 13, Valerie. He dislikes all the YA fiction he's been fed so The Five People was a real treat for him. NF is usually his favorite genre.

#184 Ah, as autumn approaches in my neck of the woods I am thoroughly enjoying the all too brief tropical moisture you've sent my way, Paul.

#185 Ah, a drinking partner, care for another shot? Hope your weekend is going well too, Judy.

#186 Yup, Kath, Fifty Shades is circling the neighborhood, but most are keeping mum about it. Personnally, it's not a book I care to discuss.
Keith isn't a gyn, is he?

#187 And how wonderful it is for me to have the husband and son I have, Mamie. They've been understanding and caring. and let me not forget the absolutely over the top care she has rec'd and will rec. at rehab. What a reassuring feeling! When this happened to nana 40 years ago, there was NO support for my mom.

Here's a quickie review...................

#53-2012
A Fatal Grace
Louise Penny
2007
320 pages
4/5

Thanks 75er's for showing me the way to Three Pines! I enjoyed this even more than Still Life. Penny's wit is beyond reproach. Although I still correctly guessed the murderer, the story held me capitive till the end.

Glad to hear your mum is feeling a little better Linda and that you're still enjoying your Three Pines journey :-) Take care of yourself.

Hi Lynda - I'm just getting caught up here and I'm so sorry to hear about your mom, but glad to hear that she is so strong and determined. Hugs as well.

On a book note, since I'm reading mysteries now, I suppose I should try one of these Louise Penny novels.

So glad your Mom is on the hopeful road to recovery. If she is determined - with you by her side - I expect good reports!
Cheers!

#189 Thanks for stopping in, Heather. My hold for The Cruelest Month came in at the library. Will pick up today, oh, but to find the time with all my awesome October reads!

#190 There's always room on the bus to Three Pines, Kerri. Hop aboard!!

#191 My mom's been a little confused lately. Doc attributes to anesthesia, but it's troubling and I'm hoping it's very temporary.
Glad to see you rec'd War Horse, Cee, Enjoy!!

Thinking I need a change I may opt for a shorter haircut today.

Still sloughing through In Dubious Battle.

Mom may at last be transferred to rehab today. Docs were watching for infection.

Nice rainy day here. Glad I laid down grass seed where needed yesterday.

Hi Lynda, I have missed so much on your thread! Sorry for the leave of absence.
Dont beat yourself up about the choice that had to be made, you did what I think anyone would do, and I bet it will be for the best. (the other choice had potentially terrible consequences, lets face it)
Glad your mum is on the mend, its a slow road I guess.

In Dubious Battle not an easy read huh? I was about to dash to the library and get a copy, but the only copies available are at libraries that are too far to drive to with Little Lenny today, he wants to be walking about, not confined in the car.

Give your mom time... she will come around. Pain meds play hell with older folks... try not to worry ...

Checking to see if you had news of your Mom - did she get moved to rehab? Still sending positive thoughts and healing mojo your way. Hang in there, Lynda. Hugs.

Hi Lynda,
Hope today shows progress - however slight.

Please let me know if a thread ever gets started exclusively for reading a book on someone's WL and passing it on to them. i love that idea.

Lynda - here's wishing you a wonderful weekend especially with hopefully positive news about your mum. x

Lynda, I just finished reading this thread and was saddened to learn your Mom's leg couldn't be saved. Although it wasn't the outcome anyone wanted, it sounds like it was the best decision under the circumstances. And now, hopefully, you can look forward to things getting better.

From what I can see you deserve a Daughter of the Year(s) Award so I hope you can let go of feeling like a failure because you've obviously been a huge support for her.

On a lighter note, I was interested to see there's going to be a group read of Team of Rivals. I have a copy of that sitting on my shelves waiting to be read. Has a thread been set up for the GR yet?

ETA: Just found the GR thread!

#193 Megan, so nice to see you here again. Mom's FINALLY @ rehab. Now the learning begins and I know each day will bring a new challenge and a new accomplishment.
RE: In Dubious Battle - I need long spurts of time to read this book, only then to I like it. Something is lost in short reads.

#194 Well, Kath, two weeks since the procedure and she's using far less percocet than she did before. Step in the right direction - so many side effects. Still grumpy, depressed and irritable. 1 day @ a time!

#195 Hey Mamie, mom was fighting an infection in the hospital so they needed to do tests in order to treat it properly. Now she's in a rehap facility 10 minutes from my house. She needs to straigten out her knee which seems to have atrophied over the last year or so. A prosthesis needs to attach to a knee that is flexible in order to function properly. So she's got some work to do.

#196 The dressed her in street clothes and she looks like she' coming back into the real world.
I certainly will, Cee, I think it's a terrific idea too!

#197 Thank you Paul. We're having a spectacular weather weekend here and the trees are magnifico! Sending you crisp evenings, rustling leaves and the lovely aroma of burning leaves and bonfires xx

#198 Pat! I'm so happy to see you making the rounds again. Yup, we can't say we didn't try, 60 hyperbaric treatments, 3 angiograms, daily wound care - but without proper circulation nothing will work. Time to move on with her life and enjoy it again, just as soon as she accepts. I've learned there is a grieving period for loosing a limb so sometime to work that through is needed.
I'm really looking forward to ToR too!! It will be so nice to read this chunkster with friends. Glad to see you're joining in.

--------
Have a great Sunday everyone, I'm almosst finished with In Dubious Battle so a cup of coffee a cozy corner is what I'm headed for now

Pleased to hear your mom is in rehab and hopefully will feel more like herself soon.

Hope you have a good day.

Hi Lynda, I hope that your mom is adjusting and feeling better. Thinking of you because of the tremendous burden that you have had to carry- I sympathize with you.

#200 Hi there, calm! Long road ahead and includes some bumps but she's trying.

#201 Manuel, thanks for stopping in, I know you're a very busy man. Mom's frightened as to what her future holds and the trials and tribulations that await her. I've spoken to the director at her senior community and they are so supportive and ready and willing to modify her apt. to fit her needs. She's very fortunate to live in this wonderful environment and it is very comforting to me.

--------------------
By the way: Today marks my 19th wedding anniversary! Hard to believe 1993 was so long ago.

#55-2012
Bring Up the Bodies
Hilary Mantel
Audio
2011
4.5/5

Mantel continues the story of Thomas Cromwell with such astute clarity that the reader feels as if she is there at every twist of the screw and as each nail is hammered into his coffin. What an incredibly large and complex spider web he is creating. The next installment of TC can not come fast enough.

#56-2012
In Dubious Battle
John Steinbeck
1936
343 pages
3.75/5

Steinbeck can paint a landscape of California like no one else. Again, he starts his book in a small place, a hotel room, and a small character, Jim and then explodes the scenes to follow with amazing sunsets and glorious apple orchards. To make the picture complete he adds characters which surely must be drawn from his life experience. The reader may sympathize with some characters and may find others viral for the subject matter, the creation of labor unions, is one in which sides are divided and lines are drawn. Steinbeck uses his characters to add reflections to the ways of mankind that act, once again, as a pause for further contemplation. Consider this quote from Doctor Burton, "There aren't any beginnings.....nor any ends. It seems to me that man has engaged in a blind and fearful struggle out of a past he can't remember, into a future he can't foresee nor understand. And man has met and defeated every obstacle, every enemy except one. He cannot win over himself. How mankind hates itself." .......And how I love Steinbeck's prose.

Thanks for the aromas Lynda just as enticing as your review of In Dubious Battle which, had I not read it so recently, I would want to repeat the feat.

Good to hear from you Lynda. Some great reads there ... must get to that Mantel someday.

Happy anniversary ... hope you and your husband have a great day.

Happy Anniversary, Lynda! Hope you get to do something fun just for you. And so glad to hear that your Mom has made it to rehab. Thinking of you and of her and sending healing thoughts your way.

Very nice reviews there. I have not gotten to In Dubious Battle yet - started it last month and realized that it needed more focus that I could summon at the time, so I set it aside until after the move. I am looking forward to getting back to it, though.

Hope today is a good one!

Happy Anniversary, Lynda! Any special plans to celebrate?

I hope your Mom starts feeling more confident about her new circumstances once she realizes how much help she'll have.

Did you read Wolf Hall before Bring Up the Bodies? I own both books but haven't read them because I'm a little intimidated by them but sooo many people love them.

Happy Anniversay Lynda!

I've been away from LT for some days again, and I've often been thinking of you and your mom. I am glad to read that she is in rehab now and getting back to her old self.
And that senior community sounds indeed wonderful.

Sending {{{hugs}}} your way!

****
Your reviews for ButB and In Dubious Battle are spot on. Mantel makes Cromwell's character development so believable, I can't wait to see how she might turn us against him in book 3.
That quote of IDB is one I highlighted as well. My life as a reader has been so enriched by the Steinbeckathon experience.

Happy anniversary Lynda! Hope you and the husband manage to celebrate together somehow.

"The next installment of TC can not come fast enough." Amen!

Happy Anniversary, Lynda! I hope you and your hubster are still out celebrating.

I'm glad your mother's rehab facility is close to you. I know she'll need your support more than ever.

Have you begun the maple syrup process yet?

Hi Lynda
There are a lot of books out there that only seem to work when read in long spurts. I get more blocks of time now when I read as Im not so completely zonked out at the end of each day and I can usually manage 30 minutes at least. And about that on pre school days too :)
When the kids were teeny tiny (less than 1) I had to resort to short and /or easy books in between the heavy, as it was getting too hard.
(edited for using the less than symbol and it eating half my text!)

Thanks for the Happy's everyone! Just a day like any other but this weekend we're planning on a drive to Pennsylvania for the Apple Festival and dinner at one of our favorite restaurants in PA, The Iron Bridge.

#205 Glad you enjoyed the autumnal aromas, Paul. Next I'll send you some leaves, how about that?! We've got lots to share.

#206 Ack, Ack, Ack! Get thee to a library, Miss calm, and find the time to read Mantel. I think you'll like.

#207 Yes, Mamie, wait till after the move when you have your nice comfy corner arranged and then delve into IDB, much better when you can lose yourself in it.

#208 Hi Pat. Yes, I read Wolf Hall back when there was a TIOLI challenge to read a book with a red cover, lol. I love the series and I think you will too!
I need to take mom to her vasc. surgeon's office next week to check on the wound so both she and I are learning how to transfer safely from wheelchair to seat of car. She's crying, she doesn't want me to get hurt, for goodness sake she's only 96 lbs. I'm sure I can manage - actually she does most of the work and I'll have the use of a strap to stabilize her.
Sorry TMI.

#209 Thanks Nathalie, I really need some warm, fuzzy hugs.
My life as a reader has been so enriched by the Steinbeckathon experience I couldn't agree more. I can't wait to see which author will enrich our lives next year!

#210 What do you think, Heather? Next installment in 2014?

#211 No, we don't need to do anything at this time of year. The maple syrup process in solely in the hands of mother nature. All of our work begins in February. Hope the season lasts a little longer next year. It warmed up too quickly this spring and our production was way off so now we need to resort to Aunt Jemima (shudder)

#212 Oh, how well I remember those days, Megan. I'd put Will to bed, crawl into mine with high expectations of reading a good portion and find in the morning that I fell asleep before turning the first page.
LOL, yeah, watch out for those symbol eaters, they're hungry little pests :0)

-------------------
Okie Dokie, folks, I've started Dracula and love it. Another example of a book best read at long spurts and I'm reading a short story from Short and Shivery every night. This October/Halloween read thing is really great!

Catch you all later! :0)

Hi Lynda - hope you and your mom get the getting into the car process sorted.

Apple festival and going to one of your favourite restaurants sounds like a great weekend.

I'm still waiting for Bring up the Bodies - the library has several copies ... but they are all on loan and there is still a long reservations list. As each borrower gets four weeks to read it I doubt if I can get hold of a copy until the beginning of next year! Or I might spot a second hand copy during one of my book hauls ... you never know:)

Hi Lynda, belated Happy Anniversary to your and your hubby.

It seems that a lot of people are reading and raving about Bring Up the Bodies right now, I was planning on waiting awhile before reading it, but I may have to cave on this one.

I am going to read Dracula later on this month for the October theme, sounds like I have something to look forward to.

Lynda- Good review of In Dubious Battle. I loved my re-read of that one. One of Steinbeck's best. I have still not read Wolf Hall. Ridiculous, I know.

Belated Anniversary wishes for you and the hubby, Lynda! :)
I hope you guys were able to do something special to mark the occasion.
Great to hear that your mom is starting rehab. The road to recovery begins and my thoughts and prayers are with you and the family!

popping in to catch up and wish you and the family goodness and happiness...

Happy Anniversary celebration this coming weekend! Hope your weather is fabulous.

Hugs

#214 Hi there, calm! My mom's got a great incentive to get this car thing down. She wants to get out of rehab and get back home........the only way to do so.........learn to get in the car. Shall I say mind is willing but the body weak :0}

#215 Hey Judy, I highly recommend the audio version of BUtB if you can get your hands on it. The narrator was fab-u-lous!

#216 OMG, Mark! You of all people! Please save a block of time to read Wolf Hall you won't be sorry!

#217 Howdy Valerie! Today is the apple festival. Perfect fall day for it. Misty, chilly and gloomy. Hope to bring home tons of apples for applesauce, pies, crumbles ah Apple bliss!

#218 Thanks for popping in Kath and the good wishes.

#219 Hi Cee. Looks like it will be very Mainelike today so I guess that's fabulous weather. Hugs back
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Went to our school system's football game last night. Our first! Why, you may ask? Will's eigth grade band performed with the High School marching band at halftime. Sort of an initiation for the kids to know what to expect next year. Will was on the fence about joining the Marching Band but now found it to be so much fun he's definately in. Great night with friends, hot chocolate and our kids on the field. Big time fun, oh and the FB team won too!