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

Chagrin Falls, OH December, 2012







December Group Reads
Sweet Thursday Steinbeckathon
A Tale of Two Cities
The Team of Rivals (continued)- http://www.librarything.com/topic/140664

Up and Coming Group Reads

December TIOLI hopefuls

Challenge #1: Read a book for a tag round robin: Catcher in the Rye (banned books/teen angst) - J. D. Salinger & *A Tale Of Two Cities - (classic/Paris) - Charles Dickens

Challenge #6: Merry Christmas, A Rolling Challenge: Read a book that starts with the next letter available in the word "Christmas": *Sweet Thursday - John Steinbeck

Challenge #10: Read a book with a photograph on the cover : *Team of Rivals - Doris Kearns

Challenge #12: Ring out the old: Read an old favourite or something for an old TIOLI 2012 challenge (which you didn't manage for that month) : The Shadowy Horses (TIOLI November & October) - Susanna Kearsley

:0) (denotes completed)

Damn! I did it again!
This should be the Fifth Floor
***t Oh! what difference does it make anyway!

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:
57) Short & Shivery: Thirty Chilling Tales
58) Coraline
59) Dracula

November:
60) Have You Seen Marie? 3.75
61) Tortilla Flat 3.80
62) The Pearl 4.00
63) Travels With Charley

December:

Lynda - quick edit your first message and you should also be able to edit the title.

I don't see how, calm. When I edit all I see in the box is my first post message.

Sorry I'm not entirely sure how it works - I just know that if you edit your first message within the first ten minutes of starting the thread you should also be able to edit the title. Never tried it myself:(

Happy new thread any way:)

Thanks anyway. I don't know what's wrong with me this morning. It must be the altitude :0}

I went searching for the "how to" but haven't managed to find any detailed instructions. The closest so far is in this thread - http://www.librarything.com/topic/132004. Not sure where else to look:(

Hope you are having a good weekend, sounds like yesterday's football game was a good start.

Hopefully your mom will be able to get in the car easily soon. It must be hard to adjust to using your body in a different way.

Morning Lynda- Congrats on the 4th, I'm mean the 5th Floor! As far as I know you can not change the topic heading, unless you do it immediately. Hope you have a great weekend, despite the altitude.

Lynda - I think Mark is right. I have had the same problem previously. In any even I'm on board for the next floor up. Have a lovely weekend.

The apple festival sounds wonderful, Lynda. What a great start to a long Fall weekend!

Mmmm, apple festival. What a delicious way to celebrate fall - and your anniversary. Have a wonderful week end, Lynda!

Morning, Lynda!

No worries, I did the exact same thing. We will still find you no matter what with this whole star continuations thing. :)

Hi Lynda, no point in trying to hide by mis-numbering your thread - your loyal fans and stalkers will still find you!

Have fun at the Apple Festival.

Oh, hi! I landed on the fourth floor but heard everyone up on the fifth floor - so I just came on up!

#1 Yes, yes! October is for presents! Or did I misunderstand that? lol

Nice new thread, Lynda! You have only ten minutes to edit your thread title - if you click on the edit button of your very first post within that time, you will see the title also appears in a separate text box (I want to say the box is pink, but I am not certain about that). Anyway, you can edit it then - I wish they gave us longer, say 30 minutes.

Lovely new thread for October, Lynda.
I'm still trying to decide what image I want to use on my thread for this month (guess I'd better get on that or I'll be working on my November thread!).

Hi Lynda, Nice new thread you've got here. I know of at least one person who contacted Jeremy and he was able to fix their thread title Lynda. I think he goes by jbd1.

*waving* at Lynda

Hi Lynda! This Ohio State game is pretty intense. Never would have imagined a score this high at half time. :x

#57-2012
Short & Shivery: Thirty Chilling Tales

Robert D. San Souci
1987
170 pages
3.5/5

This book is a retelling of thirty short stories gathered from across the United States, Africa, Iceland, Japan, the UK and Jewish folklore, just to name a few. Great collection to read aloud alongside a bonfire or in a darkened room. Generally for young readers, some stories may provoke a sleepless night or two but for older children and adults there's not too much here to cause little more than a mild shiver.

Now to responses.......

#8 Calm, thanks for coming to my aid but I fear I was too late to amend. I'm sure it will happen again so I'll have another chance to try it out.

#9 We did have a great weekend, Mark, my altitude problem was quite brief and all proceeded well. Saturday was a gorgeous day in Western PA. I'd post a couple of pics but I'm having computer issues.

#10 The thing is Paul, I had put in the correct floor with my first attempt but that post was deleted when I did a book check before posting it. Duh! Double whammy Dunce. That's me.

#11 It was a delightful day, Pat, apples and funnel cakes, what's better than that?!

#12 Topped off with a mouth watering dinner, Donna! Yum!

#13 Hey Valerie, At least with you and Paul I'm in good and otherwise intelligent company.

#14 Ahhh, you caught on to my secret, Judy! Let's just keep that between you and me, K? ;0)

#15 The walls are indeed thin, Cee.
PS I'm glad you have the presence of mind to understand all the meanings of presents! Whaa?!

OH my so many visitors, yippee!

#16 Thanks for the tip, Mamie, but I'm afraid that 30 minutes would still not be enough time for me as I usually discover mistakes while I'm asleep so perhaps 24 hours to make a change to a thread title is more appropriate for moi. :0}

#17 You'd be pretty safe with colorful leaves and pumpkins for both October and November, Ellen. I'll be watching to see what and when.

#18 Thanks Bonnie, but in the scheme of things, it' s not all that important and wayyyyy to much work for this retired old body to bother with.

#19 Like Granny from the Beverly Hillbillies, I wave back to Stasia.

#20 I was trying to see a score while dining in PA but it seems that all things O H I O are forbidden on local tv, so I missed the score. What is with these guys? Hot red ants in their tight tight pants? One can only hope it continues. Ahh but to what end?

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I managed to type responses to all your wonderful posts, despite the fact that my fingers are going to break off like icicles. Of course on the coldest night since February, our furnace igniter hasn't kicked on since yesterday and repairman won't be here till 10am. Soooooo, off for another cup of java andf another kleenex. Thanks to all of you for warming the cockles of my heart, at least for a short time.

I hope the heater repair guy gets there sooner than expected, Lynda! Drink lots of hot stuff and take loads of hot showers in the meantime!

I hope so too, Stasia! Just enjoying thw warmth and goodness of a bowl of hot oatmeal.

Our house is getting cool and Ron keeps reminding me it is after Oct 1st - so we can turn the heat on! But after 3 years of sub-tropical heat in here (for Mom) I am soooo loving the fresh cold air! Even my cold feet (still no socks) are happy! I'll have to give in soon. Poor Ron.

Hope your furnace is all fixed. Warm hugs.

Hi Lynda! Re the thread title, you can just claim you were switching to the UK (i.e. correct) way of counting floors for your new thread? I think the US fifth floor is the UK fourth floor (because we have a ground floor for your first floor). Are you even more confused now??

Re the final instalment of Wolf Hall, I think it was three years between the first book and ButB so perhaps we will get the final instalment in 2015. Good thing I have lots of other books to read :-)

#22 I hope your heating gets sorted out soon! We've had a couple of chilly days recently too. I love the beginning of autumn when I can snuggle up in thick socks and cardigans but it's no fun if the heating isn't working.

#25 To borrow a line from the sexiest Eagle, Glen Frey, "The heat is on, The heat is ooon".
Feels just right in my house now, Cee. It's just nice to know that I can turn it on to chase away the morning chill whenever I want to. Too much heat makes it hard for me to breath so I try to keep it about 68ish. Those hugs were much needed and appreciated yesterday. Thanks

#26 OK Heather, UK it is!
2015 sounds good to me too, I've got way too much to read and will most likely add to that many times over, but for Mantel I'll find the time to slip in a new one.

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Just started Coraline, so far so good.
Still working on Shadowy Horses and Dracula. I like them both and I'm enjoying the Halloween reads so much I may need to take them into November.

Is your furnace fixed yet?

We had that last year as well. Right in the middle of a cold snap, our heater decides it wants to quit on us. Me and the monkey were huddled in a corner with a space heater and a blanket when the repairman came to our rescue. :)

Glad to see you have the heat on. Love and miss the seasons but I suffer in real cold these days and shudder just thinking of your numbed fingers.

I finally caved. Our heat is on at 64 and hopefully will stay there - unless we have company in which case we will have to crank it up a bit.
I feel like a bad hostess when everyone is wearing lots of layers - including fleece and down.

Getting our gas fireplace warmed up for the next nine months....

eta: we also keep our heat around 64F. That's what fleece is for. :-)

You have done a lot better finding good October reads than I have. I have failed so far...I do enjoy Kearsley.
I have given up and have just decided to read ....and not find chillers... sigh.

Ellen.. I agree.... fireplace and fleece, and some days, strategic cooking :)

eta..

whatever the weather, I don't turn on the furnace until Nov. 1, aside from a test on a weekday morning just to be sure it will be there when I want it :P

Hi there folks! It seems, lately, I've been a bit lax on LT. So much stuff in the way. All the same thanks for visiting and keeping my threadd on life support.

#28 It is fixed, Valerie. But wouldn't ya know as soon as the repairman arrives the beast kicks on!! He believed the problem was not the igniter bit some do dad that apparently jiggled loose and replaced it with a new do dad. All's been fine since he left. Yeah!!

#29 I am very thin skinned, Paul, and I do not suffer cold weather well. I insist the stork was instructed to drop me south of the Mason-Dixon line but drew tired and dropped me a little bit south of Lake Erie instead.

#30 Yeah, Cee, I'm sure there are some who prefer ice in their drinks rather than their eyelashes. You are a very accomodating hostess. :0)

#31 I love my fleece and flannel, for sure, Ellen. Nothing comfier. In fact, I used to tell family to line the casket with flannel, if I should kick the bucket, now I just want to be scattered in Bryce Canyon.

#32 Not till Nov. 1st, in PA?! Kath, you are a brave and strong soul! Those PA nights and mornings could get pretty darn chilly.
Check out my next post for my latest chiller, I think everyone else has already read it .

Have a happy Saturday everyone, I'll be doing some much needed grocery shopping today and decorating ghoulishly, bla ha ha :0}

#58-2012
Coraline

Neil Gaiman
176 pages
2002
5/5

Loved this creepy story of Coraline, a bored explorer who often feels alone and neglected by her very busy parents.
As she explores her huge home, one very dull day, she discovers a door which leads to a world where her other mother lives. An other mother who has time for her, who cooks her favorite meals and wishes to keep Coraline with her forever and ever. But what kind of mother is this who wants to sew black buttons on her eyes?! What mother would have stolen the souls of other children and keep their hollow bodies in a dark closet?! Coraline, understanding what her fate would be if she stayed makes a deal with the other mother to win her release.
Very imaginative tale and highly recommended.

Ahhhh Coraline. I saw the movie...... not sure if I would read the book.The movie was good..... I am in a weird frame of mind where no books are appealing to me. Frustrating. grr

Haven't seen the movie, Kath, maybe a good one for Halloween night (off to check library)
Hope the weird frame of mind desolves with an enticing and appealing read.

ETA: checked out, I'm the only one on wait list.

Good. It's an older film.. at least a few years? MyCory made me watch it and I was glad he did :)

Aaww - I had that book on my WL since I read about it the first time I think on Ilana's thread. Now there's a Kindle version and I bought it right away (dangerous, dangerous one-click option...).
This will be my next Halloween read and I will start it tonight.
Thank you for bringing it back to my attention!

Edit: finished it already - what a wonderful book!

Hi Lynda! I hope everything is going well. Coraline sounds wonderfully creepy. I've not read any Neil Gaiman yet. Have a lovely weekend!

#37 Surprise, surprise, Kath. Coraline came in over the weekend but I've been too busy to watch. Soon.

#38 I'm glad you enjoyed the book too, Nathalie! Have you seen the movie?

#39 This was my second Gaimen, Kerri, and I will definately read more of him. Amazing storyteller.

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I've spotted a record three woolybears this autumn! I love the little creatures. By the look of them, it may be a fairly normal winter. Narrow brown band in the center indicates a harsh winter and the bands I've seen are on the large side, although I wouldn't mind being snowed in for 3 months and not need to go anywhere.

Well I'll be doggone award goes to.............The Cleveland Browns! FINALLY won their first game of the football season!

Off to bible timeline this morning although it looks like the perfect jammie day I must head on out. Have a good one everybody.

Glad to hear that your heater repair was a relatively easy fix, Lynda!

What is Bible timeline? It sounds interesting. Have a great Monday!

Pleased you liked Coraline - I still need to watch the film.

Don't know what a woolybear is or anything about American Football but it sounds like both are good things to hear:)

Hope you have a good day and can get a jammie day soon:)

I really like Coraline as well, Lynda! I kept thinking that if I read the book as a kid, I'd be a bit freaked out since I found it rather creepy even reading it now as an adult.
I have The Graveyard Book on the list to read for October and I'll be interested to see how they compare with each other.

#41 Stasia, Bible Timeline is a DVD series which was created by author Jeff Cavins and explores the old and new testaments 1. as an historical account of the formation and journey the Israelites traveled as the chosen people and 2. a foundation for all christians who wish to gain a further understanding of the Bible. Many, like me, have tried to read the Bible cover to cover and may have only succeeded reading 4 or 5 books and then getting lost in laws and geneology. Cavins explains it with humor and his deep understanding of the text. As he is a born again Catholic he relates some of the info to their catachism. This is my second time taking the course and I'm still learning.

#42 Calm, here's a little Americana for you #1 The Woolybear -
Isn't he cute?! He'll be a moth in the spring, but for now he is a predictor of the coming winter's weather. Of the three I've seen, they all agree that the winter will be mild.
#2 American Football -
Isn't he cute?! He's like our 500th quarterback in the past decade. IN the Spring, he may be on the unemployment line. The Browns have not won a championship since 1964. Cleveland is desperate for a winner, not only in football but baseball and basketball too.
Is it any coincidence that the Browns and the woolybear are so similar?

#43 OOO, yes! I really want to read The Graveyard Book someday, Valerie. Everyone raves about it. BTW: I think Coraline would freak out my 13 year old too, cause I only read it when other people were in the house :0} *Shiver*

Hi Linda, we're also suffering through another meh season with the Bills this year. They won yesterday but the two losses before that were so incredibly one-sided that people just won't forget them anytime soon I'm afraid.

#45 Hey Buffalo Bonnie! Over here the powers that be are starting to discuss the idea of building a dome over Browns stadium. I spose that is so the fans can be disappointed in comfort.

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Mom's being discharged from rehab on the 25th so I've got to meet with her sr. facility today talkj about her needs and the level of care she will require for awhile. Also need to pick up some accessories that she will need. Plus a dr's appt for me. Busy, busy, busy.

Oh, looking forward to the town hall debate tonight. I'm so addicted to election entertainment. A cozy evening with a fire, cinnamon rolls, Mitt and Barry.
Have a good day one and all!

Lance Armstrong! How could you not believe in your own abilities that you would put your achievements and reputation on the line. Ah, another example for kids to believe in yourself and not emulate others!!! Where are the Jesse Owen's of the world?!

Sorry, had to get that off my chest.

Still reading Dracula and Shadowy Horses. But I will finish both within October halloween reads. The spooky tales this month inspired me:

This morning's sunrise:

EMERGENCY - EMERGENCY- EMERGENCY!!!!!!!!

Hi Everybody! Will needs your help for a school assignment. He is doing a survey and needs your responses by 9pm tonight. Thanks and here are the questions:
1. Do you or anyone in your family use the post office?
2. Would you be affected if the postal service ended?
3. Do you write letters or contact people electronically more?
4. Would you use the postal service more often if postage cost less?

1. yes
2. yes.. I send things to friends and family, and the odd bill needs to be paid by check, and mailed. Also, my dog would miss "chasing the mailman away" every day.
3. mostly electronic these days .. I admit it.
4. I would use it more if they were more reliable. Over the years I have received poor service and had more things lost by the postal service than by UPS. I wish they had a tracking system like UPS and other delivery services have. As it is now all you can do is send it into the wild and hope for the best.. until you get a signature.

I never liked Lance Armstrong... but, apparently he wasn't the only one on his team to cheat. They all did it. Shame on them all. One more reason we should be teaching our kids to find other heros than those in the sports world. Like their Grandfathers, or the the guy who runs the soup kitchen... etc.

1. Do you or anyone in your family use the post office? Yes, mainly to send packages and buy stamps.
2. Would you be affected if the postal service ended? I actually look forward to getting the mail everyday. Occasionally I get a piece of personal mail and sometimes a book (I participate in PaperbackSwap). I'd miss that if the postal service ended. I guess I'd switch to one of the Postal Annex/UPS Store type of businesses to buy stamps and send packages.
3. Do you write letters or contact people electronically more? I contact people mostly electronically but love getting a letter or card in the mail and for important occasions, I try to send letters or cards through the mail rather than electronically.
4. Would you use the postal service more often if postage cost less? I don't think the postal fees are that high so I don't know that this would make a difference to me.

Thanks Kath and Pat! Will rec'd 15 responses from various sources. I think this extra credit will assure an A. Have a great night!

Darn it, I took a day off yesterday from LT and missed out on helping Will with his assignment. I'm glad he got enough responses to give him extra credit. Lynda, I love your Halloween decorations. I have a pretty motley assortment of things around the house. It would probably look better if they were all grouped together. I'll probably be doing more decorating for the different holidays now that Haley is a frequent visitor. She notices everything. There's nothing like a 2-year-old to brighten up a life that was getting in a rut!

Like Donna, I missed the day. I send postcards pretty regularly --- my attempt to keep alive the old fashioned receiving of real mail. I would miss the postal service if it disappeared. I think it's an amazing service and I hope we don't lose it.

Lynda, of course I cannot comment on the US Postal Service other than it seems to have made a major gaff in sponsoring Lance EPO Armstrong for all those years but employs one of my favourite LTers in Mark.
Postal service over here sucks if that helps any!
Have a wonderful weekend.

Lynda - I am caught up here now. Sorry that I missed out on helping Will with his extra credit - we use the post office all the time, and I will be deeply saddened if into longer existed.

I was glad to see that you enjoyed Coraline - we read that all together in our home school the year that the movie came out and then went to see it in the theatre together. Loved the book - they did a good job with the movie, but we thought the book was better. We liked the ending in the book much better! I have The Graveyard Book in my TBR stack - the audiobook is read by Gaiman himself, so looking forward to that.

Continuing to keep your Mom in my thoughts - hope she is doing well.

#53 Yup, the assignment was spur of the moment, Donna. Will was just squeeking through with 90.2% so I convinced him to give it a try.
I really didn't get into the Halloween thing until Will was born. You're right a little one changes EVERYTHING!

#54 I find that I'm sending cards less and less every year, Ellen, even though I think sending greetings through facebook is rather a lazy and impersonal way to do it. For special people, I do still send cards.

#55 Hi Paul, I think the PO is one of those things that we take for granted and believe it will always be there. However, the current event which Will chose indicated that the PO has met its debt limit...........Unless the gov't increases it, and since both candidates are talking cost cuts, who knows. I agree Mark has my "stamp" of approval too.

#56 I can't find a family member to Coraline on DVD with me so I guess I'll just need to pop a big bowl of popcorn and sit with the cats.
Thanks for thinking of my mom, her spirits are improving and she's becoming more mobile. Looks like they'll extend her stay at rehab until her leg muscles improve and she'll be able to support a prosthesis.

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I'm 56% through Dracula and am finding it very suspenseful.

My presidential candidate's sign was ripped out of our lawn and I found it in our ditch. After a quick clean up it was back out front again. Obviously, not everyone believes in freedom of speech.

Have a good week my friends :0)

Happy Monday to you Lynda!
Glad to hear your mom's going to be discharged soon. Sending you lots of good energy vibes so you don't feel overwhelmed, my friend. :)

Hi Lynda, I'm still catching up after being away last week. Very glad to hear that your Mom is going to be discharged.

I just finished Dracula and I really enjoyed it. I admit that even though I have seen every movie that has ever featured Dracula, this was my first read of the book. I thought I knew everything there was to know about the story, but there were some parts that were a surprise.

#58 Hi Valerie, happy Sunday to you! Mom's discharge date has been changed. She'll probably remain in rehab for another week or two. The want to make sure her muscles are strong enough for pushing her wheelchair and her prosthetic. Thankfully, not feeling so overwhelmed at the moment.

#59 I finished Dracula this morning, Judy. I liked it as well though maybe not as much as you. I've got the movie with Bela Lugosi from the library. I can't remember much of it so I'd like to see how it was adapted from the book.

Busy, busy weekend here. Rain is expected everyday til Thursday, perhaps even 3 ft of snow in some portions of OH as a result of Sandy the perfect storm.

One more halloween read to finish then on to November reads. So looking forward to the Team of Rivals group read.

Have a good day, my friends :0)

i'll send you my address if you want to get rid of any excess of snow!
take care.

Right now, Cee, we're on our 3rd day of rain and clouds. Tonight 50 mph winds are forecast. Word is the snow will stay well to the south of me.

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And...........a short review

#59-2012
Dracula

Bram Stoker
368 pages
1897
3.5/5

Finally, I finally read the classic Dracula by Bram Stoker which has spawned a genre onto itself!
Very atmospheric novel which begins with Count Dracula preparing for his departure from Transylvania and his arrival to London with the help of young solicitor Jonathon Harker. The reader doesn't quite know all that transpired while Jonathon was trapped in Dracula's castle but it left him a scarred man.
Once he's back in London and recovering in the care of his loving new wife, Mina, Dracula, once again rears his otherworldly head and preys on the one Jonathon loves.
I found Stokers characters, for the most part, strongly defined. Although, at times, Jonathon and his friends seem like the Keystone Kops as they attempt to capture and defeat Dracula and there is more verbage than action, I can see how Victorian readers would find this novel titillating. I certainly recommend this novel, not too ghoulish, gorey nor frightful.

Coraline, from way back up there somewhere....looks like a very cool, odd, interesting read. I will track it down i think. Thanks for the hot tip!
Dracula, I think Ill pass on that though.

Just a quick hello :)
Tired,behind.. ouchy :(

pls forgive ?

#63 I think you'd like Coraline, Megan. Glad I was able to stear you to it.

#64 Hey Kath, why are you ouchy? OH, TODAY WAS YOUR first day on your new job! Does that have anything to do with it?

70 mph winds here. School system just called, classes are cancelled tomorrow.
I made a huge pot of ham n bean soup today And canheat on grill if we lose power. All the laundry is done too so looks like tomorrow will be the jammie day I've been waiting for, yippee!

Jammie day! WahHOO! I LOVE those! Looks like you're in good shape. Be careful and stay safe - 70 mph winds?! YIKES! Glad school is already cancelled so you don't have to worry about it.

*Kath hurt her ankle the other day, then she had to stand on it all day at work, so ouchy!

I just wrapped up Dracula as well Lynda! I completely agree with your review. :)

A jammie day sounds perfectly blissful and it looks like you are all prepared for whatever comes your way. Hope you and the family stay safe!

I read Dracula last year Lynda and really enjoyed it, more so than you did I guess. The wind is really howling here right now but we still have power and I'm not even sure that its raining anymore. Maybe we lucked out although a bunch of school districts have already closed for tomorrow. Close on the possibility of bad weather? Why not wait until tomorrow to decide? Oh we'll, not my problem....anymore.

Grrrrr, fat cat woke me up, wanting breakfast.
Fixed a tall glass of chocolate milk for me and back to bed, but first a big thank you to my visitor's THANK YOU!

#66 Hi Mamie, thanks for the Kath update - I'll go visit. Wind is still howling.

#67 Jammie Day, Yeah! Should be a national holiday.

#68 *in a very low whisper, so as not to disturb the power mojo* So far, so good. Think it's because I'm prepared. *crossables crossed*
I agree, Bonnie, all could be better by morning, why waste a day off when we still have a long winter ahead of us.

Back to bed :0)

Hi Lynda! I've seen a couple reviews of Dracula lately. I suppose because Halloween is tomorrow... I'm glad you enjoyed it - nice review. This all reminds me that we have to buy candy for tomorrow. Thank you.

Hi Kerri! Yes, quite a few people were reading Dracula as part of the October Halloween reads thread. It was fun and I hope to join in again next year. Still have one more to finish but it won't be done iby 10-31. *shrug*

OK Jammie Day Report.
slept till 8am - that's late for me.,
changed into sweats and cleaned the first floor for Halloween guests tomorrow.
Didn't stress - broke up cleaning with viewing Dracula with Bela Lugosi.
The movie was rather campy but I like what the screenwriter did with the storyline. Renfield's character made a lot more sense and the Keystone Kop effect was gone.
After movie, proceeded to make a pot of Hungarian Ghoul - ash for said Halloween guests.
Now, a little bit of reading

Tomorrow mom's getting measured for prosthesis and stiches are removed. Moving along :0)
However, I can spit nails. Mom sustained another wound at hospital on the amputated leg on the knee due to gauze abrasions. She's on antibiotics and they're keeping an eye on it daily , but it slows her progress a bit. *Grrrrrrr*

It is many moons since I read Dracula but I too enjoyed it. What I do recall is the strength of the female characters - they were more memorable than the male characters for me.

Hi Lynda, I have not been around LT for quite some time but was wondering how is your mom doing now. I hope she's getting better and your life is getting back to normal.

oh crap! i'm upset too!
your poor mom - i hope this clears up quickly for her

sounds like a great (and well deserved) jammie day

i downloaded dracula on my kindle hoping to read it this month - but... didn't happen yet

Oh, dear, I do hope your mom gets better soon.

#72 Oh yes, Paul, I agree. I found Mina a very intelligent and foreward thinking woman, something I was not expecting, and very refreshing.

#73 Manuel, how nice of you to stop in and enquire about my mom. Still in rehab, surgeon told us yesterday it will be another 6 weeks before he removes the sutures. It's a slow heal and he doesn't want more problems. So prosthesis is about 7 to 8 weeks away meaning that she'll return to her apt. without it. It's exasperating, to say the least.

#74 On the bright side, Cee, at least Dracula isn't taking 3 inches of bookshelf space as it was for me. So............save it till next October.

#75 Linda, I'm sure you can relate to the idea that the body is such a frustrating assemblage of atoms. It heals in it's own good time, and there's not much we can do but wait.
Hope your well and back to full power!

ETA: So, another dark and rainy day, I think it's the 5th or 6th straight day of rain. Thank goodness we have power otherwise our basement would be flooded. All hail the might sump pump!!!
Halloween was rescheduled in our township till Sunday. Just as well. Some little kids might have gotten sucked up in the muck that used to be grass and drainage ditches that now look like rivers you could kayak on.

Just to remind me what it looks like when it returns

Hi Lynda. Hope you get some of that sun today. I remember those days of being reliant on a sump pump to save our basement in big rainstorms when we lived in NY. I can't even imagine what Sandy has done to our old house.

I hope you get a nice day for your delayed Halloween.

Lynda, sorry to hear about your mother's newest wound. Hopefully, this one will heal while it's small. Will she be able to go back to her own home when she's released from rehab?

Halloween was postponed? Too bad about all that rain, but it will be more fun on the week end. I always hated those Halloweens that came on a school night. You and Will have fun!

such a happy sun! it's out here today - and lookin' good
hope your sky is sunny ;-)

Stopping by to say I know you have a lot on your plate right now. I admire your fortitude, your caring, your kindness and your other directedness.

Lynda - Stopping in to wish you a lovely weekend. Agree wholeheartedly with what Linda said above.

I am sorry that things are not going as well as hoped for mom.. I hope this newest problem is quickly dealt with and that you can have some peace and downtime!

Lynda- Love the Big Sun! We've been getting some sunshine but it's also been cool, high 40s, with a chilly wind.
Is that a Corona Light in your profile photo? Lynda, Lynda. Isn't that redundant? That's like Coor's Light! I thought I taught you better than that!

So sorry to hear about another bump in the road for your mom, Lynda! Hang in there and hopefully the sun starts to shine for you again, and soon!

Sorry to hear that your mum is not doing as well as expected. Hope that this latest setback is cleared up soon.

Hope that everything else is going well.

Hi Lynda, I hope you are having a relaxing weekend and that the rain lets up. Out here on the west coast we are having heavy rains but fairly mild temperatures. So sorry to hear of your Mom's ongoing problems, and I sure hope this wound does heal in a timely manner.

Lynda, sending thoughts your way for your mum and for a break in the rain. Of course, it's raining and raining out here in Seattle but we expect that in the fall!

I think I would like to read Dracula sometime.

Hope your mum is fine Lynda and that she overcomes the latest setback with the stoicism she displayed earlier and that you are coping with all that the fates seem to be conspiring to throw at you. x

Ooooo, Mr. Sunshine has brought out so many friendly visitors, I may make him a permanent part of my thread!

#78 Hi Pat! I saw a glimpse of the sun on Friday morning for about 3 minutes, ooooo did it look nice. But then a cloud enveloped his yellowness and he hasn't returned. Yesterday marked our 7th straight day of rain.
Tonight we'll celebrate Halloween, and I can't say that I'm pleased. I want these Halloween decorations gone and the turkey stuff going up.

#79 Yup, mom's going back to her apt after rehab. She'll have daily wound care and therapy there, and extra assistance while she needs it. That costs an additional amount of money that she's not so happy with, but I think it's great motivation to becoming independent again.

#80 Totally enjoyed my three minutes of sun, Cee. Hope you're having just the kind of weather you like, Brrrr.

#81 Thanks for the kind words, Linda. My body's on automatic pilot and I just do whats I got to dos.

#82 Thanks Mamie, I hope you're having a great weekend too, basking in that Georgia sweetness.

#83 Hey Kath, well the wound was not ready to be destitched. Doc, says another 6 weeks to be on the safe side. So that puts prosthetic on hold. New wound has been given wonderful care and is on the mend.

#84 Mark, Mark when national drinks are a buck in Cancun how can I say no. Besides when a generous amount of time is spent partaking in the national pastime cerveza light keeps a girl slim and trim.
BTW: I'm just not going to mention that the mountains are turning blue on the Coors light I have in the frig right now. Again, more than a couple will be enjoyed as I pass out trick or treat candy tonight. (slim and trim, remember)

#85 Thanks Valerie. I'm, metaphorically, trying to take the bumps at high speed and enjoy the little bit of air time. :0}

#86 Hi calm. Thankfully, the doc has put my mom on some sort of happy med. It really helps a lot.

#87 Hi there, Judy. In Cleveland, we really do expect the next 5 months to be virtually sunless and it's customary that a Clevelander complain about it. Hope you are doing well and enjoying the mild temps and of course you have all that spectacular scenery too, lucky you.

#88 Oh Ellen, I hope you do read Dracula. I think you will be pleasently surprised.

#89 Hey Paul, we've got our battle armour on are determined to get my mom back to a new normalcy. She doesn't think she is stoic, but after all she's been through in the past year, I think there's no better word.

----------
Yes, it is 3:26 on Sunday morning but I needed a glass of chocolate milk and couldn't wait a minute longer. I'll head on back to bed now and get a couple more hours of sleep in.

We are rather excited today because our presidential choice is having a rally near our town and we've got tickets to go. Have never been to anything like this before, so it should be rather interesting.
And if you've seen me mention how much my son is into politics, you will know that when I told him I got tickets, he looked as if I told him he could play xbox 24/7, He's walking on air!

Have a great Sunday, my friends :0)

What a frustrating time you have had, but glad the wound is on the mend, and hopefully it will continue that way. Have fun with trick or treat :) and finally this Horrid Halloween will be over..

You'll have to let us know how the rally went! Very nice.

Glad to hear things with your mum are slowly improving Lynda although frustrating that she got another small wound. Will keep you both in my thoughts.

And yay for Coraline and Dracula! I really enjoyed them both and thought they made great spooky reads.

Hi Lynda, I'm sorry to hear your Mom is having continued wound problems. How frustrating for her! We don't get much sun here in the winter either, as you know Lots of seasonal affected disease (SAD) that makes people, well, sad.

#91 Yeah Kath! Halloween was celebrated and we can now move into November! For me it felt like the longest October 31st on record! Crowds appeared to be smaller than usual, but that's cool with me, more Snickers bars to snack on.

#92 It was really awesome to be at the rally, Mark. Exciting, crowd was pumped, candidates were on time and it was a great experience for Will.
All presidential and vp candidates were circling OHIO yesterday. It's rather crazy around here.

#93 Thanks Heather. I"m thinking next year I'll include Frankenstein in my Halloween reads. I hear it's a tougher book to make sense of.

#94 So right, Bonnie! Dr's around here are prescribing Vitamen D because of the lack of El Sol.
Are they pushing D around Buffalo too?

------------
Off to bible timeline this morning, then mom, then start a pot roast dinner.
Have a good one everybody!!!!

Hi Lynda. I can't even imagine what it must be like to live in a swing state at election time. No one seems to doubt Idaho will go Republican so we've gotten virtually no political commercials which has been nice. I've never been to a political rally so had no idea you got tickets to them. Hope your son enjoyed the experience.

I'm glad to hear your mother's wound is healing better this time. Those hyperbaric treatments are a major commitment of time.

#96 It's funny, really, Pat. I just read that between the prez and vp cadidates and their wives, they've made 141 trips to Ohio. The number of tv advertisements are mind numbing.

Of course, I'd like my guy to win as I'm incredibly concerned about our debt to China and what could happen if they call us on it, I just hope that whoever wins, it is decisive and not devisive and both parties will put down the armour and start to work together.
Shoot even pass a budget! When I worked for the city, it was imperative that we pass a budget or bad things would happen to us via the state and our 20,000 residents, I just don't get how the US can go without one for 3 years, where's the oversight. (humbly steps down from shoebox)

Anyway................I'm doing the happy dance, cause this is almost over

Aaaaaak! chaos at Cleveland Int'l Airport. Romney's plane, Ryan's plane, o my gosh here comes Biden's plane. This is down right crazy.
Fortunately, hubbers and I voted early, took a drive through the countryside and enjoyed the first sunny day here in over a week. Then a relaxing lunch at cozy local cafe.
Home for the evening with a six pack or two and some election result snacks. I'll be reading Team of Rivals during the commericals.

ETA: Mom got her marching orders today, she'll be discharged from rehab on Saturday. Yeah........but a little scary too.

#60
Have You Seen Marie?

Sandra Cisneros
100 pages
2012
3.75

A short story with a dash of magical realism which describes the struggle of a middle aged woman dealing with the death of her mother and the void it leaves in her life even at this stage in her life.
Wonderful illustrations by Ester Hernandez.

glitter-graphics.com

Lynda, back up at 97, you said: I just hope that whoever wins, it is decisive and not devisive and both parties will put down the armour and start to work together. Amen to that! Both of them sounded last night like that's their intent. I hope they hold true to it. We are all in this together; we'd better figure out how to work together. They should use LT as a model for respectful, intelligent, thoughtful dialogue!

I'm getting ready to start Team of Rivals and looking forward to joining the conversation.

They should use LT as a model for respectful, intelligent, thoughtful dialogue!
I could not agree with you more, Ellen. I like to think we are a group of intelligent, open minded adults. We all have our reasons as to who and why we vote for the people we do and although I chose Obama in 2008 I just could not do so this year. But...I'm over it, licked my wounds and ready to move on and get back to the business of reading!

The discussion for TOR has been great and I look forward to your input :0)

I just hope that whoever wins, it is decisive and not devisive and both parties will put down the armour and start to work together. Amen to that! agreed.
also They should use LT as a model for respectful, intelligent, thoughtful dialogue!

I hop you enjoy TOR.. I did.. I want to see the film about Lincoln that's coming out this week :)
I doubt I will before it's on tv though.

#103
Yes! to the movie, Kath! You know my son's becoming a great history buff so he's all geared up for it, his parents are looking forward to it as well.

Third cup of coffee as I contemplate cleaning the basement. Ugh, then other things to do. Where is my island?????!

Just stopping by to say good morning, Lynda. I need to get back to Team of Rivals. I'm enjoying it but the last two days have been busy in RL and I haven't made any more progress. I've been hearing good things about the movie so I'm looking forward to seeing it though I think I'll wait a few weeks before going.

My son just saw that kitty picture you posted and can't stop saying "meow meow"?? I think that will be our word for the evening. That, and "taki" which is his version of chopsticks. :)

See you tonight, sweetie.....

LOL!
haha, have a good date you two!
:)

Does you husband know?

Lynda - hahaha Mr. Bond looks like he's getting ready for you too! I'm sure that you will enjoy the movie - we saw it last week and it is one of the best Bonds. Start of a wonderful weekend I trust.

Roger Moore was on Morning Joe today, and he said that before Skyfall, he would have said that Sean Connery was his favorite Bond, but after seeing the latest film he knew that Daniel Craig WAS Bond. A big compliment indeed! I can't wait to see it!

Night all, we'll chat in the morning :0)

Hey, I've recovered from my evening with James and I'm ready for what ev er! :0)

Greeting Pat! I've recently read a few reviews regarding "Lincoln" and they're saying it's a masterpiece and how D-D-L is bound to receive an Oscar. I'm so looking forward to the movie and hopefully I'll have a few more chapters read by next weekend. Yeah that RL business is a real time consumer!

So cute, Valerie! So the picture of the kitten I posted made "meow" the word of the evening for Caleb. By the end of the night, you probably could have wacked me on the head with a taki!

OK, in all fairness the pic on post 107 had me saying meow too!

Megan, All I'm willing to say is he was quite a gentleman. ;)

LOL! Manuel, my husband actually encourages it.

Hi Paul, James certainly knows how to please a girl.

That is a huge compliment coming from Roger Moore, Mamie! Since, Connery was my first, he'll always be my favorite. HOWEVER, for me, Craig is the second most perfect, Bond, what he lacks in Connery's aloof sauveness Craig makes up for in sensitivity and bodily sexiness. *Meow*

Allow me one more, my friends

Glad you liked the movie :)
Not a bond fan.. have no idea who this guy is.. ( not a movie buff... )
but, good that you had a good time with it !

Sorry, you are not familiar with the guy holding his pistol, Kath. Good entertainment, which takes me away from the pressures of RL.

Hi Lynda- I'm glad you liked the latest Bond. Skyfall & Lincoln are my next 2 film choices. Craig makes a great bond but like you Connery will always be the best.

My husband wants to see the Bond movie and I've been dragging my feet about going but no more!

We're on board to see Lincoln next weekend, Mark. Can't wait!!

Pat!, stop dragging your feet (unless your toe hurts) and get yourself and hubsters to Skyfall. It's a little slow in the middle but I think you'll find Javier Barden's character worth the trip.

Had a nice little dinner at one of the local fooderies and now I'm off to cozy up to Lincoln and pals. sleep tight all!

hi lynda!
glad you enjoyed Skyfall - we'll probably catch it when it gets to tv. don't remember the last movie we saw.

good wishes to your mom for a strong recovery.
hugs to you for being such a great daughter and a fun lady :)

Hi Lynda! I'm glad you liked the movie. He is kinda hunky, isn't he?
I look forward to seeing it. I really like seeing Bond movies on the big screen.

#107, 113 - he's so purdy!! ;)

Hi Lynda!

Gotta love, James Bond, and I totally agree with you Lynda. My love of Sean Connery will always place him first in my heart, but Daniel Craig comes a very close second.

I see you are in love, Lynda. ♥♥ I'll just leave you two alone. ;)

Glad you enjoyed Skyfall Lynda! I think Daniel Craig is one of my favourite Bonds.

#119 Hi Cee! Right back at cha, great daughter and fun lady!!

#120 Hey Ellen, I normally need to watch a Bond move 2 or 3 times to get the gist of the storyline or the double entendre's but this one clicked pretty well. LT making me smarter? I think so!

#121 Hi there Chelle! Your secrets safe with me ;0)

#122 Here's one for the Sean lovers, Judy

#123 Dim the lights as you leave, Valerie ;0)

#124 It was an interesting angle, Heather. Quite unexpected. I see Craig has signed on for at least two more Bonds :0)

------------
I've finished Tortilla Flat and will have a little review up tomorrow.
Sweet dreams everyone!

I really don't see why you all get so excited about Dennis Craig (is that his name?). What's the fuss about?

lol, of course you wouldn't see what the excitement is about, Manuel, ahem and it's Daniel.
It is hard for me to pinpoint his hotness. Could it be the clothes making the man? Is it the man of mystery and high lifestyle that makes the imagination work overtime? He's hardly the best looking man I've ever laid eyes on so it must be one of the aforementioned.
Perhaps one of my LT friends can offer some insight.

I have no car today. I actually like it like that. I'm not obligated to go anywhere or do anything. My car bumped into one of those stupid, unnecessary parking poles! Yes, it was painted bright yellow with red stripes, Yes, I was behind the wheel, yes, I was in a hurry, no one was hurt except the auto and now my pocketbook.
So today, I'm sorting legos and putting them in the sets to which they belong. Will has grandiose ideas of selling them on eBay for big bucks.
Making phone calls and reading round out my day.
Mom goes home on Friday.
Have a great Wednesday my friends!

Sorry to hear about the car but pleased that you weren't hurt.

Good news that your mom has a date to go home.

Hope that you have a great day:)

Ah, I love the photos of Daniel Craig. I think he is the best bond!

Glad you are not hurt from your accident...Sending positive thoughts and hugs your way...

#128 Hi there, calm. My car is still at the bodyshop so the hubsters and I are sharing his.
I'm taking mom back to her apt. tomorrow and her dr appt today had good results. So everything if progressing nicely. May still be about 2 months before she's ready for her prosthetic but she's been functioning well in the wheelchair and she'll have some assistance at home. *fingers crossed*

#129 Thanks, Linda. I need some positive thoughts and hugs. It's been a yucky week.

However, I've finished two Steinbeck's............

#61-2012
Tortilla Flat

John Steinbeck
audio
3.8/5

I abandoned this book years ago and hesitated picking it up again but so happy I did.
I understood the humor in it this time around and that is partly due to having read Cannery Row earlier this year. Again we have a band of Monterey rascal's who enjoy their wine, a little too much at times but good meaning characters none the less. Steinbeck really gets into his characters and seems to understand them. He must have spent hours observing his subjects to capture them so well.

#62-2012
The Pearl

John Steinbeck
1947
97 pages
3.95/5

The "all that glitters is not gold" premise is a tale often told but non have been as poignant as this story involving Kino, his wife Juana and their infant son Coyotito. When Coyotito is stung by a scorpian, his parents are turned away by the doctor's servant because they do not have the means to pay him for his services.
Distressed, Kino does the only thing he is capable of, diving for oysters in the hopes of finding a pearl large enough to pay for the doctor.
The unimaginable occurs when he discovers "The pearl of the world". The song of family will never be the same again.

Lynda, I was glad to see that your mom is getting back to her apartment and begin to have a more normal life. It has be very stressing for you assisting her. Sorry to hear about your auto accident but the good thing you were not hurt.

Hi Lynda! So glad that Mom is going home, but sad that you bumped your car.

I do have to read more Steinbeck, but the group reads didn't work out for me this year. Tortilla Flat is on my radar, as I loved Cannery Row.

Have a lovely weekend!

Hi Lynda. I just finished Travels with Charley (which I recommend) and I'm definitely planning to read The Pearl this month.

Ouch the car, but glad all else is going pretty well :)

I'm stopping by to give gentle hugs. I'm so sorry so many things happening in the last months. I admire you and the way in which you walk the journey with your mother. Speaking from experience of being the primary care giver for my beloved grandmother, I know it is very exhausting.

Take care.

#131 Yup, Manuel, Things are finally getting back to normal around here and mom is adapting well. She's been welcomed back to her apt with hugs and kind comments and a helpful and caring staff. So nice to exhale.

#132 Hi Kerri, The car was a stupid thing! A $500 thing! Oh! when I think of the books I could've purchased instead! Oooooh!

#133 As you know, Ellen Team of Rivals is such a huge tome it is nice to have Mr. Steinbeck to break up the contentions of slavery. I'm reading TwC now and since I love travel I'm really getting into his story.

#134 Kath How I hate driving around with a dent in my fender. I feel as if all eyes are on me for all the wrong reasons. Trying to slow down and pace myself so this will not happen again.

#135 Thanks Linda! Seems like you can be exhausted but so busy you don't notice it until it begins to manifest in other ways. Hopefully, we're on the right track. Mom seems to be getting through this pretty well. From 8 pain killers a day down to 1. Yeah, cause those little guys can trigger more issues. Hugs back to you for your cheery outlook on life despite all you've been through.

-----------------------
I seriously would not mind being snowed in for three months!
I'm finding sorting Legos to be very therapeutic. Legos, glass of wine,
a book nearby and the guys watching tv (in another room) make for a stress free day.

BTW: Doris Kearns Goodwin looks so familiar. I think I've seen her on tv but why? Is she a sometime commentator? Anybody know?

Love this!

Lynda, it's good to hear your Mom's doing well and funny that sorting Legos is so therapeutic!

Doris Kearns Goodwin is on TV alot, often as a commentator on the Sunday morning news shows or on any news show for that matter. She's been on more lately I think because the movie just came out.

Love the cartoon!

The Old Farmers Almanac


On this day in 1863, President Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address. It said, in part:
"...It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us--that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion--that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain--that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom--and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."

Hi Pat, thanks for setting me straight on DKG. I'm glad I flipped the book over this morning and noticed the photo.

Today I have become the proud owner of my third library card.! All from different counties. I should not have a problem locating any book at any time :0)

Sorry to hear about the car incident, Lynda. I made a big boo boo with our car just after a month of buying it, but I'm forever grateful to a husband who loves me more than his toys... :)

Ah, punctuation humor. Love it! Lynda, I'm so sorry your handsome new car has an ouchie. Better it than you! I think your Lego therapy sounds great. I just finished shelving the 25 or so books I've recently bought at library book sales. Alphabetizing is my therapy.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. That's good news about the reduced pain mess for your mom. Hope things continue to improve for all of you.

A few years ago we took the kids to Gettysburg National Park and spent several days going through the museum and the battlegrounds - an incredible experience. And then we went to the Gettysburg National Cemetery and stood where Lincoln delivered those famous lines that you shared above, and we could feel the moment, if you know what I mean. Goosebumps. A shared experience that will last a lifetime.

Sorry to hear about your car misadventures, but glad that you are non the worse for it. Wishing you a wonderful week of Thanksgiving!

#142 Yes, Valerie, The things the wifester expect the hubster to go nuts over, he doesn't and the smaller things he does. Ugh, Men! So unpredictable. *Shakes head in disbelief*

#143 I think, Donna that there is a certain rythem to sorting legos and books that makes, what some believe to be a chore, very relaxing to others.

#145 I know exactly of the spot your referring to, Mamie! We've been there! So serene! One could almost imagine the echo of Lincoln's voice, the sobs of the audience. Will is going back there this year as part of their 8th grade trip. It will be interesting to see what he thinks about it now that he is older and knows more about American history.

---------------------------
Just a thought. I'm so enjoying Team of Rivals. As I read about the birth of my party, the Republican Party, I can't help but wonder how and when they lost their way when their intentions, at their start, were so noble and their cause so just. I think the leaders of this party need to be reminded, and in so doing remind others, that this is the party that believed all men were equal despite the color of their skin and everyone has a right to be free. Let's get back to the basics RP!

Thanks for that momentary dialog with myself!

Speaking of thanks.................

As Thanksgiving Day approaches, I wish to thank all my visitors, frequent and infrequent, in the US and those beyond its borders, that I appreciate each and every one of you. Thank you for enriching my life in so many different ways. Although I've never met any of you, your voices are as clear and important to me as my next door neighbors.
Happy Thanksgiving to all of you.

Happy Thanksgiving, Lynda!

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, Lynda.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, Lynda!! :)

Lynda, I have set up the first thread for the December Group Read.

A Tale of Two Cities

Looking forward to seeing you over there.

Lynda - What a lovely message. Thanks so much for that - I feel the same way! Hope you and your family have a lovely Thanksgiving holiday.

Happy Thanksgiving, Lynda! I hope you and your family have a great day tomorrow!

Happy Thanksgiving Lynda - hope you and yours have a great day.

We don't celebrate it over in this neck of the woods but Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours Lynda.

Happy Thanksgiving, Lynda!

Thanks, Judy, Pat, Valerie, Mamie, Mark, calm, Paul and Kerri for all of the Thanksgiving greetings!

My family and my husbands family met up at the senior community where our moms reside and enjoyed a delicious and stressfree dinner buffet. I love all the people who had to work today and put their celebrations on hold so that family's like ours could enjoy it with our parents. Special prayers for them tonight.
Tomorrow, we are taking a little excursion to Columbus because Will wants to tour our state's capital.
Googled some bookstores for the area, so perhaps we can squeeze in a stop. Author James Thurber's house and museum is also there so maybe.
Hope you're all home safe and sound and enjoyed the day, yes even my foreign friends, Paul, calm and Valerie!
I'm taking Travels with Charley with me so maybe I'll finish it this weekend. Night all!

Happily started my Black Friday Christmas shopping this evening. All Online! Love it! I wouldn't tussle with those crowds for anything.

I hope you enjoyed Travels with Charley, Lynda. It's my second-favorite Steinbeck so far. Part of that is because of Charley. He's a great dog.

Just popping in to catch up as best I can... Love your Thanksgiving card and quote :)

LOL I just rec'd a comment that I've won an ER book. It's entitled Take Your Time: The Wisdom of Slowing Down by Eknath Easwaran.
Well, if that's not perfect for me, after the car incident, I don't know what is.

I'm enjoying Travels with Charley very much, Ellen. I've just slowed down on my reading productivity. Stuff like today, pulling out the Christmas decorations, takes up so much time.

Hi Kath. It's nearly impossible to catch up at this time of year. Hope all's well with you.

K. now to check if Dec. TIOLI is up yet and then back to work. Have a great day everybody. 28 days til Christmas!

Isn't that what they call putting salt in a wound? Slowing down? to you?

It is indeed, Manuel. But it's something I really need to do, so if I can take away one good piece of advice from this book it will be beneficial.

Forgot to mention, we had a great weekend in our states capital, Columbus, Ohio. Our hotel was directly across the street from the statehouse and we went there twice, once for the guided tour and then on our own private walkthru. Lincoln traveled by train to the capital twice. Once on his way to his inauguration and again on the way to his final resting place, laying in state in the statehouse rotunda.

OSU was victorious over their arch rivals, Michigan State so the restaurants and bars were really hopping and alot of fun.
Visited The Book Loft in German Village. With 35 rooms of books, you'd think I'd buy a bunch but I surprisingly did not buy one book. Could it be the lure of my local library's fab sale this coming weekend put a damper on buying, I'd say so. :0}

Still working on Legos, Travels With Charley, Team of Rivals, decorating and planning my 2013 reads and thread. Shoot, no wonder I'm so exhausted.

You do sound very busy Linda! Your trip to Columbus sounds great and I'm glad there were connections to Lincoln. I don't know why I'm struggling to read Team of Rivals so much. At the rate I'm going, I'll finish it in 2013.

Can't wait to hear what you pick up at the library sale.

I'm still working on Team of Rivals and Travels With Charley, too. So nice to have company! Hoping that you have a fun and relaxing weekend, Lynda.

Stuff like today, pulling out the Christmas decorations, takes up so much time.
Yes indeed-y.

As I said over on "the" thread, I'm still working on Team of Rivals. I was thinking I'd try to read one chapter per day until I finish, but then I read three chapters yesterday. But then I got engrossed in The Samurai and I have a couple of library books that need reading..... Heh.

I think I'll have to give in and get a copy of Team of Rivals - I keep thinking about doing so but I shy away everytime I remember its heft. Even though I am taking vacation now and have some free time, it's taken in catching up on other reading. Especially since my return from China, where I purchased several China history books that I started reading- but which I read slowly because they are in Chinese. Being history, there are a lot of characters and names that I am not familiar with, and that I have to resort to the dictionary to look them up a lot-- very slow reading indeed. But fun.

164> It's a long one, but it's worth it.

#63-2012
Travels with Charley
John Steinbeck
1962
277 pages
4/5

I enjoyed this book, but I thought it bittersweet. Steinbeck was "In Search of America" and he did discover both the beauty and ugliness found in America in 1960 but I couldn't help but feel that he was searching for his youth and hoped to discover it in his old stomping grounds. He was a stranger there, however, old friends saw him differently and rehashing old memories only lasts for so long.

Like most trips I've been on that seem to go on just a little too long, it seems both Mr. Steinbeck and I had the same feeling about his journey. Let's go home already!

Charley was indeed a wonderful traveling companion.

Morning Lynda- Good review of the Steinbeck. Yes, it is bittersweet but it's a pretty special book by one of our best writers. Enjoy your week.

#161 Hi Pat. I'm not sure if I would call what I'm having with ToR a struggle. When I do read it I'm enjoying it but I've got so many shorter books lined up, which I mistakenly believe I"ll whip through in no time, I tend to put it on the back burner and simmer till I consider myself caught up. That never happens though, does it? :0} I certainly hope I can finish it by 12/31.

#162 LOL, When it comes to finishing Lincoln's story, Mamie, we are a ToR's aren't we!? Team of Readers that is. Have a great week!

#163 See, That's just what's happening to me too, Ellen. I get engrossed in other books. I hope you have a little spare time to just sit and read ToR for, like, 3 hours straight...........for 3 straight days..........and then I'll really make a good dent in it.

#164 I hope you get the chance to read Team of Rivals, Manuel, I think you would enjoy it. A good book to read in retirement :0). Ellen in #165 is absolutely correct!
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I'm excited to be volunteering at the Middle School book fair today. So hope all of you have something exciting planned today as well :0)

#167 You are certainly correct, Mark ! In TwC, I feel I've come to learn more about Steinbeck the man rather than Steinbeck the author. This has been a fascinating year of Steinbeck and the Steinbeckathon has brought me to appreciate this national treasure of ours.

Hi Lynda - have fun at the book fair.

Hey Lynda, so I'm so late in visiting. Can you believe the year Ohio State had? Geez, I really and truly didn't think they would have a winning record with the team they had. Even if the Big 10 was soft, it was pretty amazing. I thought the team was in shambles, but I guess Urban Meyer proved me wrong. :)

Hi calm, I did spend an enjoyable hour browsing and buying at the library booksale. I tried to show some restraint as I only had $6.00 in my pocket. So here's the damage:

To Have and Have Not - Hemingway
In Our Time - " "
Listening Woman - Hillerman
The Dark Wind - " "
A Thief of Time - " "
Talking God - " "
Dance Hall of the Dead - " "
City of Glass - Auster
Reading the Bible Again for the First Time - Borg
The Unconsoled - Ishiguro
The Human Stain - Roth
The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle: A Novel - rec by calm and others
The Finkler Question - rec by Stasia
Gilead: A Novel - rec by Stasia

Total $3.50 :0)

Hey Stephen, I'm way behind in visiting my LT pals. I 'spose I'm trying to finish some books before year-end. The Buck's have had a phenomenel year! Although we didn't attend the Michigan game, we were in Columbus that weekend and enjoyed sharing the win with others at bars and restaurants. Grey and Red as far as the eye could see.
Perhaps their good fortune is rubbing off on the Browns - I think they've had three consecutive wins.
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I've been busy doing time consuming stuff but also trying to slip in time to read A Tale of Two Cities and Team of Rivals.
Hardly have time to even lurk, so I hope you're all doing well!

Hi Lynda. I'm with you in trying to find time for A Tale of Two Cities and Team of Rivals. We saw the movie last weekend so I've mostly been concentrating on ToR.

You got some great books at the library sale. The only one I've read is The Windup Bird Chronicle which I'd also recommend. I started Gilead but it's a very quiet book and I put it aside. I really need to try it again.

Hope you're enjoying your holiday preparations and that your Mom is doing well.

Wow Lynda you managed to get all those for less than 4 bucks! Hope that they contribute towards a lovely weekend.

#172 That's a good haul for $3.50! Gilead was one of my favourite books this year so I hope you enjoy it.

Morning Lynda- That's a terrific book haul for 3 bucks! Nice going. Enjoy your weekend.

Brilliant book haul Linda:)

Hope you have a great weekend.

#173 Hi Pat! It's tough trudging away at not one but two books. I think a New Year's Resolution will be to go back to my old ways of reading one book at a time.

#174 It will be awhile until I get to these books, Paul but I do enjoy this particular booksale which takes place twice a year. I really have a good plan to get through all the TBR's on my shelves in 2013.

#175 I've heard so much about Gilead, Heather that I really look forward to reading that one soon.

#176 Hi Mark, It's a lot of fun to leave with a bag full of good reads for so little. I feel as if I'm ripping them off but I wouldn't tell them that.

#177 If that library were not out of my way, calm I would certainly go back today for bag day. Thank goodness it's in the wrong direction.

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Yesterday I needed to join Amazon Prme in order to get a Christmas gift in time for the big day. So now that I'm in Prime, please offer me some reasons as to why I should pay them $79 a year to keep it. Thanks for your comments, everybody and have a great weekend.

Off to do some Santa duties.

Lynda, we've done Amazon Prime for a couple of years now. We order a lot of things from them (not just books) so it makes sense for us.

One of the other things we've done through them is share it with two other people--one is my husband's brother in Oregon and the other is his sister here in Idaho. So they get the free two-day shipping without having to pay for it. You also get free movies although we haven't used this feature (this you can't share).

Anyway, we love it and sign up again each year.

Lynda, will this be the first time you've read the Hillermans? If so, I believe you are in for a treat. That is one of my favorite mystery series of all time.

#179 Thanks for your insights, Pat! We tried it out last night and the hubsters is abit pieved that we'd need to pay for the programs excluded from Prime. Just can't please some guys :0}. I plan on watching Into the Wild today. It is free on Prime and since I read the book last year I'm very curious to see how it was taken to the big screen.

#180 Actualy Ellen, I started reading Hillerman off and on for the past ten years or so, since I saw them for sale at the Grand Canyon Gift Shop. I love the west and enjoy Hillerman's descriptions and his respect for the community. So sorry he's not with us any longer, but there are quite a few I haven't read so I'm set for awhile :0)

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I rec'd my ER yesterday, the one that's perfect for me..........Take Your Time: The Wisdom of Slowing Down. Early Reviewers must be reading my threads because they must have seen my need for this book.
I read the forward and Chapter One last night. I think I'll take my time reading his one, perhaps a chapter a day to apply Eknath's ideas to my life. Eknath died in 1999 at the age of 89. This book reworks his earlier teachings to fit the hectic lifestyles many people live today. He reads a little like Tolle, who I read a year or two ago but it's still to early to say for certain.

Slow down today, my friends and stop to enjoy something special you may have overlooked in the past. :0)

Lynda - That is quite a book haul for your $3.50!! Impressive! We have Amazon Prime, and have had it for years - it makes sense for us because we would spend more than that in the shipping each year because we order tons of stuff from them. I like getting my stuff in two days. I also watch a lot of old movies, and the Prime offers a lot of them for free. We had the Prime service long before they offered the free streaming, so for us that was just an additional bonus.

I'll be interested to hear how you like your ER book, Lynda. At this time of year, I feel like I got on the fast track and can't get off of it!

Hi Lynda!
NICE bookhaul for an amazing $3.50!
I loved Gilead... have not read any others there, but some on my tbr. Enjoy!

@182 Mamie, I watched Into the Wild yesterday on Amazon Prime. Started off with some streaming issues but I'm thinking it was our internet connection. It was fine after about 1/2 an hour.
The movie, directed by Sean Penn, was, and I don't say this too often, better than the book. The outcome was the same, of course, but the guy who played Chris McCandless, Emile Hirsch, was engaging and likeable.

@183 OK, Pat, here are a few comments from Eknath Easwaran drawn from the first two chapters.
Many of us probably suffer from polyphasic thinking during the holidays. It's not just trying to do many things in too litle tme, but tring to think about several things at once. Ouch, that hit home.

"The Buddha says, our constant hurring is often a kind of anesthesia. It's not convenient to stop to ask big questions; it can even feel threatening. So long as we keep moving, we can put it off."

When I think of all the times doctors have made us wait in their waiting rooms, I realize now that they must not have heard this from Gandhi - "Gandhi considered it a mark not only of courtesy but of mastery to be on time wherever he went. Time was precious to him, other people were precious to him, so he treated their time and his own with the utmost respect."

On his first visit to Gandhi, Easwaran discovered that Gandhi had learned to live in the moment, always 100% present. Many years later Easwaran came to the understanding that "a calm mind sees deeply, which opens the door to tremendous discoveries; r
ich relationships, excellence in work, a quite sense of joy."

Through teachings such as these he will begin to develop his Eight Point Program "based on the practice of meditation."

@184 Hi there, Cee! My bookshelves are overflowing again! Yikes! This is a good time to mention that I've joing the books off the shelf group again for 2013. Last year it was known as BOMBS. The name has been changed to ROOTS (Read Our Own TomeS).
This is my thread in case anyone is curious http://www.librarything.com/topic/145823

I don't talk about the Browns to much here because they are usually fairly abysmal. However, they've won three straight and it appears they're reading the instruction manual again. So a simple shout out

Just a quick hello... hope all is well in your land...

Wow, what a fantastic book haul, Lynda! :)
Hope things are going well for you and the family with all the busyness of the holiday season. I feel like I'm barely able to keep my head above water. @.@

Lynda, thanks for those quotes from your ER book. I think they actually tie in with my recent Meaning of Life class--especially this quote: "a calm mind sees deeply, which opens the door to tremendous discoveries; rich relationships, excellence in work, a quite sense of joy." I'm going to try and make sense out of my notes and post something about it on my thread but am not sure when I'll get to it.

Hi Lynda! That is a great book haul! I recently checked out the audiobook of Dance Hall of the Dead. However, seeing your list of Hillerman books, now I fear it's in the middle of a series. I'll have to check on that. I would really like to read The Unconsoled too.

I'll be back later to respond, my friends, but just had to pop in to say I've just downloaded my first library loan to my Kindle, Gone Girl. I don't have time to read it, but at least I know I can do it. :0)

ETA: I watched Hugo as I did my ironing and found it to be a wonderful adaption of the book!

What a great book haul!

And, I've added your recent ER book to my tbr pile. It sounds perfect for me. Slowing down is difficult.

Hugs

I didn't realize you hadn't seen the movie of Hugo. I loved seeing that movie at Christmastime last year. Hope you like Gone Girl. It's a page-turner!

"Gone Girl. I don't have time to read it, but at least I know I can do it."
LOL - you're too funny!
I'll be checking out ROOTS ;-)

Hi Lynda! I hope you can make some time to read Gone Girl! ;)

Lynda - I just downloaded my first library loan, too! An audiobook - What I Saw and How I Lied. I was laughing at your post because, like you, I did it more to see if I could actually do it than with thoughts that I could actually accomplish also reading the book! At least now we know that we can use the digital library!!

#191 Hi Linda! I look forward to this particular booksale twice a year, so much so, that I pretty much avoid all the other library sales in town. I guess I'd call it booksale snobbery :0}

#192 I can see where Hugo would be a great holiday movie. Since Gone Girl is on my kindle I guess it would be a real bottom presser/page advancer rather than a page turner.

#193 I see you have your own ROOTS thread, Cee. I can't wait to get started.

#194 I hope so too Chelle, but I'm thinking it ain't gonna happen.

#195 High fives Mamie! Mmm, mmm, mmm aren't we technologically advanced - book and busy-ness burdened but definately techies :0}

Love this exercise routine:

LIKE!

Very much enjoy the holiday workout cartoon. It will be a dry holiday for me .... no wine because I'm still taking vicodin for pain. Lehigh University party was today and it looked like a lot of alcohol was consumed, but no one was over the top with their consumption.

I forget to come back to repond to some, so a 1,000 apologies:

#186 Busy, busy, busy, Kath - but it's all good!

#187 I feel like I'm barely able to keep my head above water. @.@ I agree with you, Valerie - there doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day to do what needs to be done - glub, glub, glub

#188 Hey Pat, Yup, Easwaran's suggestions are so simple but we need to be reminded often 'cause it's so easy to slip back into chaos. I'm really trying to apply his ideas and constantly remind myself "stay in the moment".
I'll need to stop over and check out your comments from your class.

#189 Well Kerri, Although reading a series in order is optimal, I really don't think you need to fear jumping in to Hillerman as that is what I did and bring myself to accept any changes in the lives of Detective Leaphorn and Chee.
I loved Ishiguro's writing in The Remains of the Day so I jumped at the table when I saw The Unconsoled so I think I'm in for a good read.

#197 :0)

#198 Yes,Linda, under your circumstances it's best to lay off the alchoholic beverages.
So, I'll toast you and a painfree new year for you!

Lynda, I love 196. We enjoyed a bottle of Champagne this evening, companionably reading by the fire. I'm still working my way through Team of Rivals.

Happy and Peaceful Sunday to you.

Hi Lynda, I showed your Holiday Workout post to my elder daughter and now we are planning an evening of Holiday Workouts and present wrapping ourselves one night this upcoming week!

#200 Your Saturday evening sounds perfect. I have not picked up Team of Rivals since November and doubt that I will finish before the year is out. I'll pick it up again, soon, I hope.

#201 Ah, Judy, another Lter who knows you have to put down the books now and then and do a little exercise. Enjoy!

---------------I'll be posting my final thread for 2012 shortly, I'd like to end the year knowing that I'm on the correct floor in my tipping tower of tomes. Have a good day everyone.

LOL @ graphic :)

#203 lol, I resolve to get more exercise in the new year, Kath :0)

Based on the image in 195 I now understand the meaning of your "tipping" tower of tomes. It makes sense.