Roni Opens a New Year: Books and Crafts II

La Jolla Cove
















Best Fiction Books of 2012

Night Circus
Ready Player One

Best Children's Book of 2012

The Mysterious Howling by Maryrose Wood
(This is the first of the series The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place but it's the only one I've read so far.)

Best Series of 2012

Paladin's Legacy series by Elizabeth Moon
Toby Daye series by Seanan McGuire
Connor Gray series by Mark Del Franco

Best YA Series of 2012

Seven Realms by Cinda Williams Chima

Best Non-fiction of 2012

The Closing of the Western Mind by Charles Freeman
James Tiptree, Jr.: The Double Lives of Alice Sheldon by Julie Phillips

Find my final 2012 Thread here

Goals for 2013:

To read 150 books.

To read 50,000 pages.

These two are at a comfort level for me--I almost always go past them, but I don't want to make reading a chore.

To acquire fewer books than I did last year (95).

I've been making this goal to acquire fewer than I read, but I think that is being too generous. This will be more of a challenge, and includes all books, including gifts and trades, except those free Kindle books.

To read 40 books off my own shelves that were there prior to 2013, and of those 40, 25 must have been in my library by 1/1/12.

I failed miserably on this goal last year, only reading 16 of the 30 I aimed for, but I have joined the ROOT group and want to prioritize reading my own books. This will be about 25% of my total reading, so I should be able to do it if I set my mind to it..

To pass as many books as I acquire on to others through donations and swaps--in other words, they left MY house and went elsewhere.

I was doing pretty well on this one until the last month!

Books read in 2013

* indicates re-read, # indicates library book, + indicates Kindle book, % indicates Book Off The Shelf (BOTS)

January

1. Seven for a Secret by Elizabeth Bear (128 pp.)%
2. Adam, Eve, and the Serpent by Elaine Pagels (154 pp.)%
3. The Social Conquest of Earth by Edward O. Wilson (352 pp.)+%
4. Unveiling Islam by Ergun and Emir Caner (234 pp.)%%
5. The Becoming by Jeanne Stein (295 pp.)%
6. Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson (652 pp.)%%
7. Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore (288 pp.)
8. The Gray Wolf Throne by Cinda Williams Chima (517 pp.)#
9. The Cookie Book by Maritza Breitenbach (167 pp.)
10. The New Moon's Arms by Nalo Hopkinson (323 pp.)%
11. Reflections: On the Magic of Writing by Diana Wynne Jones (362 pp.)%
12. Necessity's Children by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller (336 pp.)+
13. Motel of the Mysteries by David Macaulay (96 pp.)%%
14. Infinity's Hold by Barry B. Longyear (281 pp.)%

February

15. The Hidden Gallery by Maryrose Wood (313 pp.)#
16. The Lathe of Heaven by Ursula Le Guin (175 pp.)*
17. Jhereg by Steven Brust (239 pp.)*
18. The Crimson Crown by Cinda Williams Chima (598 pp.)#
19. Etiquette & Espionage by Gail Carriger (598 pp.)

March

April

May

June

Books acquired in 2013

This will be only dead tree books and books for which I actually paid money on my Kindle. All the free Kindle books don't count.

January

1. Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl (kindle, Amazon, 1.99)
2. Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan (gift)
3. NurtureShock: New Thinking about Children by Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman (kindle, Amazon, 2.99)
4. The Cookie Book by Maritza Breitenbach (ER)
5. Blood Maidens by Barbara Hambly (kindle, Amazon, 1.99) Already read, copy for my library
6. Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld (PBS)
7. Cast in Shadow by Michelle Sagara (PBS)
8. Necessity's Child by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller (kindle, Amazon, 9.99)
9. Etiquette & Espionage by Gail Carriger (Amazon, 9.77)
10. Alien Tango by Gini Koch (B&N, 6.79)

Welcome!

Why, thank you ma'am. I can't believe that I'm first. Of course, that's the only way that I would have only 5 unread messages on your thread! I'm looking forward to it!

Here to visit :) Happy Reading

What is the ROOT group?

Read Our Own Tomes, used to be the Books Off The Shelf group, Lucy. Here is this year's group.

http://www.librarything.com/groups/root2013readourownto

Happy new thread, Roni! I love your pic of La Jolla Cove. My dad was born in La Jolla, but ended up in the Midwest before he was very old. We're hoping to get out that for a visit sometime soon!

Hi Roni - happy new year, hope you enjoyed the holidays!

#1 Firstly, YAY for "Night Circus" as best fiction of 2012 ;o)

#2 "To acquire fewer books than I did last year (95)" - me too. My guess: not going to happen for either of us. Mwah ha ha ha haaaa.

#3 Brandon Sanderson. He's the bloke who's finishing off Robert Jordan's WoTW books isn't he? I have a bit of a complicated relationship with them. They irritated me beyond belief, badly needed editing and the series should have finished several books earlier than it did. However. Although I managed to ween myself off when I got to the end of the paperbacks Jordan had written, I was completely addicted. I decided not to read the co-written post-Robert-Jordan's-death-ones until the series was finished as I'm almost certainly going to have to read them all again first to remember what on earth happened (filtering all the rubbish about what people are wearing, naturally. probably anything with Elaine in too.), but I'm not sure if I'm going to like Brandon Sanderson's style any more than I like Jordan's style. But I need to know what happened. Worth trying do you think? Have you read them?

I loved your teapot from last thread! Seriously, you make the most delightfully colorful crafts. I can't wait to read and see more from you! *hug*

Roni, I'm amazed that you've already gotten 17 books out of the house! Kudos, my friend!

ROOT looks like fun, Roni. So far I'm doing all right just reporting on my progress here, but it's nice to know it's there if I start slacking.

Just popping in to say Hey, Roni!

Hi Roni! That La Jolla Cove photo just squeezed my heart. Such great memories. We have GOT to get back there! Hope you're having a good week!

Ohhh - a shiny new thread! Congrats!

Roni

I think most of us here in the 75 group accumulate books because they make us feel good. A nook or a kindle cannot provide the comfort that looking at a tangible item can do.

Man's Search For Meaning is a wonderful, wonderful book. I'll be interested in reading your comments after you have read it.

Hi Roni - nice new thread. This group is moving fast this year:)

Hello, hello to all my visitors! Welcome indeed. May I offer you Earl Grey or Imperial Caravan Black Tea, French roast coffee, or a nice red Zinfandel? A light snack?

Peggy, you were here so fast, I barely had time to blink!

Melissa, thank you for coming by.

Lucy, I had a second and responded to your question quickly yesterday. I didn't participate in the group last year, although I had in previous years, and did so miserably (16 books off my own shelf that had been there prior to 1/1/12) that I figured I needed the extra boost this year, beyond the reading goals posted above. Of course, it's easy at the beginning of the year--even so, I've already read 2 of my 8 books that are not Books off the Shelf (BOTS).

So, Amy, your dad and I are mirror images--I was born in the Midwest and ended up out here. I hope you'll let me know when you visit.

Yay, Fliss, you finally showed up at the party! Thumbs up on best book, but oh ye of little faith on the book acquisitions. Although, the 5th book just came in this morning, so I'm setting a dangerous pace so far. I have not read Jordan's series. I did read the first book and was not impressed, therefore never went on. However, many people who have read the whole series to date have been very happy with Sanderson's work there.

*hug* back at ya, Eris! I'm so glad you are here.

Ah, but I'm sending the 20th book off today, Laura! PaperBackSwap makes it so much easier to let go of my babies. But this big rush is because I FINALLY got the books I weeded out LAST January posted on the PBS site. Still, it would be nice if I could keep up this rate, right?

Hey back at you, Kathy!

Anne, glad to bring back the memories. Next time you are here, you've got to let us know.

Dejah, glad you found me!

Linda, you are so right. That said, however, I know there are books I can let go without disturbing that good feeling, and I'm trying to be better about that. I look forward to Frankl's book--I have a couple of nonfiction in front of it at the moment but hope to get to it soon. I appreciate your recommendation.

Calm, yes, the group is moving super-fast. I'm glad you made it by and hope your hands are feeling better.

So, today so far I got out my jigsaw and sawed an 8 foot board down to 6-1/2 feet to put on the braces I got last week for my Elfa shelf system in my office. My husband got a new loveseat for his office, so we moved his old one into my office, and moved my older one, which was scratched down to the wood on the front of the arms, out of the house and out of our lives. My old one was overstuffed and I kept half of my tbr books stacked on its back, up to where the Elfa book shelves started. This couch is smaller--which means I have more room on either end and that is nice in a small room--but is not thick enough on the back for the books. So I put a small shelf (6") right above that back so I could still stack my tbr books there. Shelf placed, books taken back out of the two boxes I put them in last week and placed on the shelf.

I also assembled a particleboard & veneer storage cubby that we bought at Target yesterday. This involved dowels and glue and cam locks, all familiar from when we did our laundry room cabinets some years ago, and I have a very nice looking 4 cubby piece of furniture behind the bedroom door for my husband to keep his clothes in. I would have another stacked on top of it, but one of the boards is damaged so we'll have to exchange it before I can finish that project.

I went outside, where it is 74 degrees right now, and planted a new round of beets and carrots. I still need to find my lettuce seeds.

And I wrapped up my 20th book out the door to drop off at the post office later when we go to exchange the storage cubby. And updated my tickers.

Very productive day, Roni! But you're killing me with the 74 degrees. We've barely made it out of the teens in what is approaching weeks. Will there be pictures of your projects? I remember loving looking at your bookshelves last year.

Wow, you're really having a productive day. We're about to head out to a restaurant week lunch with friends. Lazy me lol

Quick fly-by.

>1 ronincats:: More beach photos, yay! (I used to thing it was spelled 'La Hoya'!)

>11 flissp:: I've been a bit wary about reading Sanderson's continuation of WoT; but I do want to finish the series, and other people who have read it seem to think it's good. I'm planning a group read of WoT, starting about mid-year (when I can get my hands on my own copies, and cuddle up comfortably with them)

>20 ronincats:: Ooh, tea. Earl Grey, please - unless you have Lady Grey. Although I see mention of a Duchess Grey over at the café that I wouldn't mind exploring. Wow, you did a lot of work; hope you had a good reading session afterwards, to reward yourself. According to my car's dashboard, we hit 48 yesterday. ºC, that is. (which is ... 118F?)

OK - better get some food into the boys. Hoping to make it for a play - Peter Pan.

Sounds like a lot of work there, Roni! Do we get to see the new setup? ;)
Have a happy weekend!

Yes, pictures, please, of the new digs! I love productive days like that and am happy for you for yours.

Wow Roni you have been busy - tiring work it is indeed reading of all your DIY activity. Let's see the results soonest.

Congratulations on your new thread and wishing you a lovely weekend.

Good beautiful Saturday morning, Roni!! We're off to take neighbors to the airport and then to walk on Shelter Island :-)

Loving the picture of La Jolla Cove, Roni. *sitting back and waiting for the pics of your productive day*

Hi Roni! The ROOT group looks like a great idea! I also have a plan to read off my own shelves but I'm incorporating that into my 2013 category challenge. I'd love to join the ROOT group but the thought of trying to maintain another thread is just too much

Hello, Visitors!

Pat, I was not going to put up pictures because *hangs head* I'm only allowed 250 pictures on LT and I'm at 222 right now. But what the heck! Pictures at the bottom of this message. It was 76 degrees today, downright warm!

Reba, it looks like we aren't doing Restaurant Week this year--the DH isn't enthused and funds are low. I hope you had a delicious lunch.

Nina, for you I have Lady Grey! I like it too.

Kathy, shelf picture is below, along with new pottery and cats.

Thanks, Amber. Pictures follow, by popular request.

Thank you, Paul. My weekend today has been watching my Jayhawks come from behind to win, putting down the newly cleaned dining room rug and putting the furniture back, and going to pottery class.

Loved your Shelter Island picture, Reba. I know that spot well.

Wait no longer, Caro! Pictures are coming.

Hi, Chelle. I use the same ticker I have for my own books read here, and just copy my lists there--don't try to have conversations.

Here is the new book shelf, just under the craft supplies shelf and above the sofa back.



compared to the old setup.



And here is the pottery I brought home today. Won't have anything next week (I threw 6 items today, no glazing) but should be able to glaze my casserole dish with lid then.



Finally, here are the demon cats all together this evening on the bed--I couldn't resist.

Excellent Roni - what a lot of stuff you have! Looks like the white shelves will take another row of books in front but you may need a couple more cantilever brackets. x

Love your shelves, love your cats and absolutely adore the blue pot on the left. Love the rim.

Hi Roni, I hope you are having a lovely weekend. Your cats are beautiful and obviously are smart as well, since they seem to have found a very comfortable spot to relax in.

I would be a very rude houseguest as you would probably not be able to drag me away from your bookshelves!

Hi Roni, congrats to another brilliant thread. As always, I love the pictures especially the pottery and cat ones. I had to LOL at your shelves and had to think straight away about Richard who always says that there shouldn't be anything else than books in them. However, my shelves don't look any different.

I just saw that you are going to set up a group read for Jhereg, great! I managed to order a second hand copy via amazon.de. I you believe it or not, I couldn't get a copy on amazon.co.uk.

Wish you a great remaining Sunday!

Roni - Your feline friends are beautiful! And I am, as always ever impress by your organization and artwork.

I'm starting to really look forward to Jhereg....

Lovely photos, Roni. The middle cat looks particularly fearsome.

Roni, I am not sure which of your photos I like more--the new bookshelf set up, the gorgeous blue pottery, or the demon cats. Thanks for sharing!

I don't think I'm planning to formally join the ROOTS challenge--group overload--but I am trying again to read books from my own shelves! I failed pretty miserably last year but so far this year 4 of my 4 books read qualify. I suppose it's relevant that all the books in the house on January 1 were there before 2013, even the ones I got for Christmas, so I'd have to go out of my way to fail this early, but still...I'm optimistic.

Hi Roni, thanks for posting the pictures. The shelves look great and I have to admit I'm a fan of stuffed animals but most of mine are on a shelf in the closet. I also love the blue bowls but especially the one on the left. And I had to smile at the pictures of the cats. I keep seeing references to that book "How to Know if Your Cat is Trying to Kill You" and your picture made me think of it.

I had no idea that there was a limit to how many pictures you could post on LT. Is there a place where you can check how many you've posted or is it just the number in your gallery?

Paul, I could have put a wider shelf down below, but I didn't want people (i.e., the husband) to hit their heads on the shelf when they sat down and leaned back. I only have about 2-1/2 to3 inches in front of my books on the shelves, not enough for another row.

Thank you, Kerry and Judy. Judy, you would be bedding down on the hide-a-bed in the couch, so you would not have to tear yourself away!

Bianca, you notice that the shelves are completely filled with books BEFORE anything extraneous is put on them. That is a key point. Although Richard would undoubtedly not care for the fact that it is mostly cats sitting on the shelves in front of the books...

Thanks, Dejah. I'm looking forward to a group read of Jhereg as well, and set up the thread for it for Fantasy February here:

http://www.librarything.com/topic/148667

Darryl, the middle one is my snuggle puss, Zoe. She is the cuddliest and sweetest thing ever. She does keep the boys in line though, mainly by licking them.

Anne, yes, it is really nice at the beginning of the year, isn't it? Nearly everything is a book off the shelf.

Pat, all I know is I started getting a warning message after I had 200 photos on LT. When I go to add another picture, the warning appears saying there is a limit of 250 pictures and telling me how many I have now.

#30 Love the new bookshelf - looks much tidier than the old system, the pots - especially that shade of blue and the demon cats!

I'm afraid that photo does make Zoe look rather fierce but I'm sure she's really sweet and normally looks that way. What a beautiful day again. Going to grandson's 8th birthday at Chuck E. Cheese in a bit -- probably should take ear plugs lol Hope you're enjoying your day.

Ooooh, love the new couch and setup! It looks so organized.
Your furbabies are asking for snuggles! I do love a pudgy grey tabby; I think he might be my favorite. :D
And the blue-- lovely color, also my favorite!

Very nice new shelves! I only wish I could read all your titles...LOL! Love the beautiful blue pottery too.

Thank you, Heather.

Reba--definitely take the ear plugs!

Thanks, Kathy.

Heidi, your wish is my command. Heck with limits!

Holy Moly, so you're a carpenter, too? Will your talents never end, Roni? I know with our temps and lack of ocean we can't tempt you to live at our place, but we sure could use you here.

And kudos on the bookshelves, ceramics and demon cats.

Definitely not a finish carpenter, Joe, but in this case it just involved sawing a board off at the correct length. Thanks.



Book #9 The Cookie Book: Breitenbach by Maritza Breitenbach (167 pp)

This Early Reviewer book is not a cook book. Basically an ode to women's genitalia, Our Bodies, Ourselves it is not, more of a lite version. But the photography and art, oh, the art, makes this a delightful little (6-3/8 by 6-3/8') book nonetheless. Many gorgeous photos of blossoms as well as great art of women make this a pleasure to browse through. A complete glossary, bibliography, and index add to the usefulness of this book.

Hah, that's Elfa - and old Elfa at that. At least, my local Container Store doesn't carry the screw-in omegas (the clippy shelf things that are shaped like a U with flat extensions on either side) any more. I've got a lot of Elfa, old and new, but most of it has wood shelves - I can't quite bring myself to buy the melamine ones, too pricy. Let's see, I think I have an Elfa picture on LT already...No, but I added a couple.


This one is my bedroom - note the desk tucked into it on the left. The topmost shelf has a few stuffed animals and a lot of Breyer horses (mostly because it's too high to easily reach books on it).


My living room now-ish - well, one wall of it. You can see just a corner of the sofa in the lower left. The topmost shelf has (though you can't see it) jigsaw puzzles and music stuff like a keyboard and a record player on it. And a Billy bookcase at right angles.


Better picture of the sofa, but this is an old one (I took it for the very first ReadaThing, and I was deeply amused by my struggles to convince my camera's self-timer to actually work). The shelves are still in process, but the shape of the edge is about the same - they don't extend much past the tip of the lamp. Directly above the sofa is open...and I've been trying to work out whether it's worth filling them in with shelves or not. Looking at yours is increasing the temptation!

The opposite wall in the living room is solid Elfa of books (and a shelf of CDs). I really like that stuff - sturdy enough for book overload, but so easy to hang!

Um. I hope it's all right I'm posting pictures in your thread. I was overcome with admiration at your Elfa shelves...

Ooh, love the shelves and the new pottery, Roni! Many thanks for sharing!

Ha! I recognize the book you are holding. I read that just last month.

Book porn is always welcome on my thread, Jenn! Yes, definitely Elfa. My wood bookcases are in the front bedroom--last January's project was finally to stain and seal them. There are 2 3' cases and my paperback case is 6.5'. This is the picture of the latter I posted last year.



Glad you came by, Amber and Morphy!

I love the pictures of your three cats cuddled up! I almost never see mine cuddled together!

Hi, Rachel. The boys were ferals, brought up under our front porch and lured into the house as youngsters. I think they've adopted Zoe as mom--plus all of them like to sleep on the bed.



Book #10 The New Moon's Arms by Nalo Hopkinson (323 pp.)

I've wanted to read Hopkinson since she burst upon the scene and won the Locus Award for the best new writer in 1998 with Brown Girl in the Ring. As a woman of color, born and raised in the Caribbean, she was reported to have a unique voice on the speculative fiction scene. Sometimes I'm a little slow. But finally, I picked up The New Moon's Arms last November.

Calamity Lambkin is burying her father when we first meet her. Her adjustment to this, her relationship with her daughter and grandson, her daughter's father and his partner, an old enemy/friend, and two new men in her life are worthy of a book in itself. But we also have a strange boy found on the beach near her house who may or may not be a creature of legend, and the return of Calamity's "finding" ability which is returning objects from her childhood home on a neighboring island which was completely destroyed by a hurricane many years ago. And there are the multinational corporations that are taking advantage of the island nation's debt to move in and possibly destroy its fishing ecology. Plus interspersals of local legend and quotes from "Uncle Time" by Dennis Scott. (Scott was one of the most significant poets writing in the early post-independence period in Jamaica, and his first published collection, Uncle Time (1973), for which he won the Commonwealth Poetry Prize, is marked by an effective literary use of the vernacular, or "nation language". He has been regarded as one of the main influences for modern Jamaican poetry. --wikipedia)

This is a rich and earthy story. Calamity is not a particularly likable character, but she is a very interesting one and her story read quickly and fluently. I like Hopkinson's use of language and imagery a lot. She definitely has a unique voice.

Wow, new digs already, that's impressive! And a nice review for the Hopkinson book -- I've read her short fiction, but not much of her longer stuff, so I will be checking this out. :)

Oh my ... Roni, if ever you want a home project reorganizing shelves of books and stuff, maybe even building some new ones, please look no further.... come to my house! I promise not to feed you any Spam and you will get to visit with your old camel friends.

Thanks for posting the higher resolution photo Roni. I see a lot of Jim Butcher in there. I love the Dresden files but have not yet read the Codex Alera (?) ones.

Wow!! I popped in to catch up & see I've missed SO much :)

Your shelves are a-mazing! And the demon kitties are cute... I've got my own so I see through those demon eyes!

We'll have to figure out your picture problem bc I love seeing all your crafty things. Gorgeous pottery too, btw!

Cross-posted from the Fantasy February thread regarding my projected reads for next month:

I have so much to choose from, but I am trying to read at least 25 books this year that were on my shelves prior to 2012, so this is a good chance to advance on that goal next month. After looking through my books, my shortlist is:

Jhereg: reread of a favorite in a group read
Tigana: been on my shelves since 4/09, also group read
The Killing Moon: an ER book from May, 2012
Wildwood Dancing: pre-2011 (first year I kept track of acquisitions)
Falcon: on shelves since July 2008
Goblin Moon: on shelves since June 2011
The Clockwork Three: lent to me by my sister in 2011
Magic To the Bone: also pre-2011

I have 11 others on my longlist, should I run out of reading here. Of these, Jhereg, Goblin Moon, and Falcon are pretty short. The Clockwork Three and Magic to the Bone should be fairly light reads. That leaves Tigana, The Killing Moon and Wildwood Dancing as more involved reads.

So if I succeed here, I'll have added 6 books to my BOTS goal of 25 books pre-2012, plus 1 book to my overall goal of 40 books acquired prior to 2013.

ETA I guess I should take my list of library books I've placed holds on into account for February as well, as most of them should come in during that time. I'd forgotten about them. Those would be:

Shadow of Night: this is the sequel to A Discovery of Witches and the longest of the lot
The Hidden Gallery: this is the second in The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place series.
The Crimson Crown: this is the fourth and final book of Chima's Seven Realms series, and there is no way I am not going to read it as soon as I get it. If you've been following my thread, you know how much I've enjoyed the first three books.

Sarah, how can I be not talking to you when you come by and say such nice things on my thread? (Sarah just went to a science fiction convention and saw and talked to and got books signed by all these wonderful authors--see her thread, beserene, for details!) So I'm talking to you now, but I'm STILL green with envy.

Caro, trust me, if ever I wanted to engage in such projects, your cooking would ensure that you would be first on the list. Just send tickets.

Heidi, since this is a TBR shelf, I haven't read those Codex Alera books either, just accumulated them! I've read the first two Harry Dresden books--those are #3 and 4 of that series on the shelf. I may add Harry if I run out of fantasy in February.

Hi, Tina. What I need to do is go through and toss some of the old pictures that were put in threads 3 or 4 years ago that no one will ever go back and read. But that takes foresight, planning, and work! Undoubtedly I will do it when I approach the limit--like within the last 5 pictures!

I've had to break out the humidifier today. Our warm (75º) air comes with a price; humidity is at 16% and the dry air is breaking capillaries and giving me a headache. I've got it up to 34% now.

The inauguration was practically over by the time we were up and about out here in Pacific time, so I didn't get to see the actual ceremony, but watched a lot of the later activities, and heard about the speech and all. A day to be proud of as an American!

Ha! My nefarious plan worked! And now you are talking to me again. Oh good. :)

We went to an inauguration party this morning. Hostess had DVR'd it so we watched the swearing in and address -- while sipping champagne and nibbling on wonderful food. I stayed in a festive mood all day :-)

Ha! SOME people know how to party! I'm envious of you too.

Nice review of The New Moon's Arms, Roni!

Playing catch up here (it's amazing how some threads grow after just a weekend away!) and I have to tell you, your pottery is just BEAUTIFUL! I wish I could be that talented.

And your shelves look great! Good job!! =)

Hi Roni! Love the kitty picture! Do they normally sleep all together on your bed?
I usually end up with a cat on my right side, a dog at my feet and a dog on my left side. Makes rolling over rather a pain sometimes!

Wonderful and enticing review of The New Moon's Arms...the blue pots can come right to me...the shelf set-up is a good'un...and *smooch*

I think that covers it.

Nice review for NMA. It was sometimes difficult due to Calamity's unlikeability, but I want magical powers when I get to menopause now. I wasn't sure how well the ordinary and magical elements of the story meshed together, but you couldn't cut out parts.

Goblin Moon--wasn't as memorable for me as Edgerton's Green Lion trilogy, which I loved. Victorian with goblins? I have good memories of Falcon.

Hey, Darryl, David, Chelle and Richard, welcome! I'm late onto the threads today after being up most of the night with stomach flu--my body is completely purged and this is the first time I'm been able to get up without feeling queasy.

Chelle, the cats don't sleep with us when the small dog does, but as soon as she is out of the bed, they migrate up with us.

*smooch* but be careful, I don't want you to catch anything.

Tigana is really good! Maybe even my favorite Kay.

All your new pics are really nice. I made a scarf. :)

So sorry you got a bug. Hope it's well and truly gone now.

Tigana seems to be a lot of people's favorite Kay. I started back with The Fionavar Tapestry, his first books, and although flawed, they will always hold a special place in my heart. Lucy, what is this I hear about temperatures going to drop 75º tonight in Maine? Take care.

Ren, I'm going to your thread to look for a picture. Don't disappoint me!

Reba, I'm still fragile, you could say. But my husband, who had it first, recuperated enough to get to the store tonight and pick up some sports drink to replace those electrolytes, and that does seem to be making a difference. We've been sleeping a lot, and doing very little else. I'm going to be way behind on the threads for sure.

QQ, I missed you--we must have cross-posted. Yes, I would love to have gotten magical powers along with my hot flashes! I commented to my real-life book club partner with whom I read this that just the personal and family relationships in themselves would have served as a full novel, but the magical realism certainly added a certain fillip.

I also have that trilogy by Edgerton in my tbr pile--I picked up Goblin Moon and the last two books of the trilogy through PaperBackSwap or BookMooch year before last, as I only had the first book, Child of Saturn. But it's been so long since I read it that I remember nothing except that I obviously found it worth keeping in my collection. I thought for Fantasy February I'd go with the singleton book, especially since a lot of people have commented favorably on it as well, but I certainly plan to read the trilogy later on.

Hope you feel better soon Roni!

Oh no! Stomach bugs are not fun. Hope you're feeling better!

temperatures going to drop 75º tonight in Maine

They plummeted here in NJ. We're down to 10° here for the next few days before warmer air comes in next week.

I have the same warm spot for The Fionavar Tapestry for the same reason but, actually, I love all of his stuff to one extent or another. The Lions of Al-Rassan might be my second favorite, just because I loved the setting so much.

Sorry to hear you were down, but glad you're recovering. Keep warm!

Glad you're feeling better. Looks like we're heading for another cool spell so you can cuddle inside with a good book and totally recover.

Well, somehow in all the conversation, it looks like I completely forgot to post book #8.



Book #8 The Gray Wolf Throne by Cinda Williams Chima (517 pp.)#

This is the third book in the YA tetrology I've been reading, the Seven Realms series by Chima. As I've mentioned with earlier books in the series, this series reminds me a lot of Megan Whalen Turner's Thief series, but even though it shares a lot of elements, Chima's characters and world-building make this a highly original world that I'm enjoying a lot.

I hope you are feeling lots better by now Roni. I am in Maine and the thermometer said -3 F this morning at 6AM. With wind chill tonight it is supposed to be -30 F...brrrr....not fit for man nor beast.

*waving at Roni*

Loving all the bookshelf pictures!

Boo to flu!! Miss you here and on my thread! Hope you are well soon!

Nooo not another person down with the flu! Ugh, get some rest and get better.

Love the photos of your shelves / pottery / cats way up the thread! :)

Having a relapse this evening, very hit or miss on the threads, I fear.

I'm so sorry about your relapse, Roni! I hope you're feeling much better soon.

I'm really looking forward to Fantasy February - I may join you for more than just Jhereg from your list. We'll see!

Oh no, not a relapse!! Hope it goes away quickly.

Oh no! Sorry to hear that. Hope you get better soon. Curl up under a cozy duvet with a nice warm book, and forget the world outside (except for us!).

I'll have to look out for both the Thief series and Seven Realms series. Not quite a book bullet, because I'm so riddled with holes already.

Flu, flu, go away! Hope you are feeling better today Roni.

Since I am heading up to Iowa to see family next week, I'm grabbing a couple of books off your thread to take with me - Jhereg (Brust is a new author to me) and Tigana (I love Kay, but haven't read this one).

Hi Roni, I hope you are feeling better today. I'm ready to put dreary January behind me and get on to the chocolates and fantasy of February!

Wow, that flu is making the rounds! Hope you are feeling better soon, Roni!

Adding my 'get better' wishes to everyone else's!

Me too -- feel better soon!

Thanks to everyone for the good wishes. I've not had any vomiting since the wee hours of Tuesday, but the diarrhea goes on, unfortunately. I had my first solid meal for supper last night, which is good, but I am up in the wee hours of PST with stomach acid, which is not. I have not been able to concentrate very well so have not been on the computer to speak of for the last 30 hours or so. It's funny--I felt much better Wednesday morning and even got dressed and cleaned up the kitchen--and went strongly downhill as the day progressed. Our local news reported last night (a little late) about a highly contagious stomach flu norovirus that is going around, with symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea. Doh! My husband, who is leading me by about a day, was feeling better yesterday, so hopefully I will today. Again, you all have cheered me up--thank you!

Oh, yes, the important stuff. I did get some reading done yesterday finally. Finished a book of Diana Wynne Jones essays and started a new Liaden Universe book by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller.

I read an article about the virus, Roni. It being fairly new in North America, few people will have any resistance to it, but at least it's not proving to be any more dangerous than most stomach viruses. I doubt that will prove any consolation when you're feeling miserable, but at least it means you won't end up in the hospital!

I hope you and your husband both feel better quickly and that you have quiet weekend of recovery.

>88 DeltaQueen50:: CHOCOLATE! Did someone call my name?

Good to know you're improving, Roni. Hope you're finally getting better for good.

Glad you're feeling better and hope this time it's for good. My grandson had something that sounds like this for a couple of days last week but was better in time for his birthday party on Sunday. Whew!

De-lurking here to say that I always enjoy your threads.

Hope you feel better soon! My husband and I had that same norovirus a couple of weeks ago. Didn't get as much reading done as I wanted to, but I did clear some stuff off of the dvr!

Sandy K

Sorry to hear about the stomach norovirus Roni. That sounds like no fun at all. Hopefully, it will be gone very soon!

I'm glad you are improving, but I'm sorry it's at a slower pace than we'd all like!

Keep taking care of yourself!

I just read an article about that virus, and here you are, suffering from it. I'm so sorry. I hope it lets you be soon. Misery.

I do seem to be feeling much better today, although I am only cautiously optimistic after my experience Wednesday. However, I am now on solid food, which should help. Many thanks to Heather, Amber, Tad, Nina, Reba, Heidi, Kathy, Tina, Faith, Dejah, Ardene, Judy, Lori, Stasia, Sandy, Pat and Lucy. I love our community here. I do feel a bit badly thinking there may be someone else who has been feeling as poorly as I, who I am not supporting because I've not been out on the threads. I'm not going to manage individual feedback to everyone, but especially appreciate the multiple visits by Nina and Reba and Dejah. I know how hard it is to keep up with the threads and post even once.

As I noted earlier, at least I felt enough better yesterday to get some reading done.



Book #11 Reflections on the Magic of Writing by Diana Wynne Jones (362 pp.)

This is a selection of talks and articles given over the years by DWJ, who died last year. I worked my way through them during this last week, the format of short articles matching my concentration well. I found them fascinating. There was some repetition, as she spoke to different audiences at different times, but her character and voice came through strongly and I loved how she analyzed writing.



Book #12 Necessity's Child by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller (336 pp.)

I was so delighted yesterday when Jennifer (jjmcgaffey) posted that she had finished Necessity's Child--I immediately checked Amazon, and found that the Kindle edition was already available, a week in advance of the hardbound edition (2/5/13), and about $5 cheaper. I immediately bought it and started it, having just finished the above book, as that kind of comfort book was exactly what I needed.

I love Lee and Miller's Liaden Universe books. They develop such great characters and it is always interesting to read about them. This was no exception and it was exactly the kind of book I needed right now. That said, this book in some ways feels like they have settled into a formula. We encounter a new, previously hidden culture on Surebleak. Miri, Val, Anthora, Pat Rin, Nova all put in appearances. The social reconstruction of the planet's society is moving along. An Agent of Change has nefarious plans. We have some great characters. Maybe it's because the main characters are youngsters, delightful though they are. Or some doubt that the agents would have such open access at the end to their target. Or maybe just that I am below the weather.

Which incidentally is gentle rain all day today--a nice change from the 16% humidity earlier in the week. A good day to stay inside, ensconced on the couch under a throw with pillows behind my back and recuperate.

Hi Roni, glad to hear you're feeling a bit better. Solid food is a good step, lol! Keep warm and happy. :)

Thanks, Kathy!



Book #13 Motel of the Mysteries by David Macaulay (96 pp.)

This is a long-time Book Off the Shelves. I got this book from PaperBackSwap in 2009 after Stasia reviewed it. In this slender archaeological record of notes and drawings by amateurs Howard and Harriet Carson, their analysis of the ruins of Room 26, miraculously preserved over 2000 years after the catastrophe burying the North American continent in various pollutants, is presented in great detail, from the Great Altar in front of the Ceremonial Platform to the white sarcophagus and sacred urn found in the inner chamber. Slight but amusing take-off on archeaological pretensions.

WOW, WOW, WOW, seeing all these book cases make me happy to have book addicted friends.

Alas, I don't have a large book case in our house. I have a few cases scattered here and there. How I wish I had a larger space wherein I could put all my books together.

Naturally, I scanned the titles in the photos. It feels like I'm visiting some lovely libraries.

So glad you're doing better and glad you had so much great reading right at hand :-)

102> I _love_ Motel of the Mysteries. It was a favorite growing up, and I just found a copy recently...which I haven't actually read. Hmmm. Yes, it's fluff, but it's fluff with a message - and I have never, since I first read it, been able to read "we believe this to be a ritual object" or the like in an archaeology book/report/article with a straight face.

Thanks for coming by, Linda. Yes, I could not rest until I had created substantive bookshelves in my home, wherever I've been.

Reba, thanks. I am much better tonight.

Jenn, I agree with you. I think by fluff I mean that Macauley pokes fun at archaeology in a light-hearted comic book, for all intents and purposes, but his message comes through loud and clear.

Sorry to see that you haven't been well! That norovirus thing has been extremely bad in the UK this year. It's been going through the schools like wildfire - I think most people I know have had at least one person in their family affected. As you say, not dangerous but very unpleasant while it lasts. I love your book cases from further up the thread - we're currently looking at new bookcases too but as we have no DIY skills at all, ours will have to be ready made.

Hope you continue to get better! I love the pic of your demon kitties :) With the drop in temperature here, I find myself cat-pinned at night. They each stake out one side of me and this is much grumbling if I dare to shift during the night.

HI Roni, sorry to hear that you were struck down by a stomach bug - meh not good at all. I hope you are fully recovered now. I still feel also a bit weak after being struck down by a flu most of the week. Still feel a bit weak, same as you but I am definately on the mend.

Well, I think the next time I come and visit your thread I have to wear armor to protect myself from all the book bullets hitting me. Thank you for some wonderful reviews and additions to my wishlist Roni. :)

And I wish you a more settled and comfortable weekend with your DH *smile*

Oh yes, I remember enjoying Motel of the Mysteries -

My spousal unit is on a massive Liaden jag, how am I going to keep the new one from him until his birthday in April?????

Glad you are getting better.

Rhian, I think I'm definitely better today, thank you. I don't know if you have Elfa in the UK--you do, but it looks like Chester would be the closest store. That's what the white shelves are in message 30, but you can buy the shelves in wood tones as well. The beauty of this system is that you level and anchor one metal bar at the top of your wall, and everything else simply hangs from it. You hang vertical standards every two to three feet, then choose brackets and boards to match what you want, and end stops so the books don't fall off at the end. It can be a little pricey, but they have 30% off sales twice a year, with January being one of the months. http://www.containerstore.com/shop/elfaSale/bestSellingSolutions/officeSpaces?pr...

Michelle, I am also familiar with the situation of being cat-pinned! Thanks for coming by.

Bianca, I'm sorry I haven't been by your thread this week either--just didn't have the energy to spend time on the computer. I'm glad you are feeling better too.

Lucy, your only hope is to distract him so he doesn't realize there IS a new one out! Thanks.

Sorry to hear you were feeling poorly. Glad you're on the mend. Best wishes.

I have Elfa in my closets and can attest to how easy, strong and handy they are.

Roni -- so glad you're feeling better. We're looking out at the fog/rain and thinking about running some errands. I want to go to Kensington Video and get No. 1 Ladie's Detective Agency since we can't stream it on Netflix. Have you read them or seen the HBO?

Thanks, Paula!

Reba, I have the first book in my TBR pile, but haven't read or seen any of them yet. I'm getting ready to watch the KU Jayhawks basketball game, and then go to pottery class later today to glaze my casserole.

Glad to hear you're feeling up to an outing. Go Hawks!!!

Hi Roni! Thanks for the book porn (Jenn too!), and now I know that I should get an Elfa system should my current shelves suddenly fall apart. Keep feeling better!

My mom loves the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series. I haven't read any of them, and I didn't know there was a show...hmmm. Have to tell her about that.

Glad you're feeling better, Roni. I had norovirus the first part of December and sympathize highly. It ripped through the nursing home my father was in. They had to quarantined the place after 50 patients and staff were infected. DF had to be hospitalized--and somewhere along the line, I picked it up.

Motel of the Mysteries sounds like fun. Have you read A Canticle for Leibowitz? I read that one many years ago and may have to revisit it, too.

And a book bullet.... I ordered Jhereg from the library for the group read. At this rate Planet TBR is going to do nothing but grow this year. ;-)

117: The show was on HBO several years ago. Only one season, but brilliant and beautiful.

Roni, hope your day was relaxing and kittyful!

Hi Roni!Glad to hear you're feeling better. I think I'm caught up now. Lovely pottery, cats, crochet, and a great review of The New Moon's Arms, which I'll put on my recommendations list.

Glad you are feeling better. Knock on wood, but the Morphy family has managed to stay well this winter.

I'm glad that you're feeling better, Roni. I've seen a few kids with viral gastroenteritis this month, who I suspect have norovirus. We don't have a rapid test for it, though.

Here's the harvest from the garden today. You may notice that I snuck in another shot of my teapot, which was brewing Earl Grey for my husband and me at the time. It really keeps the water hot for a long time!

We had 1.5 inches of rain in the last two days--lovely soft gentle stuff that made my trees and plants very happy. If you want to see our weather today, just tune in the golf tournament a few miles away at Torrey Pines.

Thanks to Reba, Laura, Jenn, Janet, Kathy, Kerri, Morphy and Darryl for stopping by my thread over the last day. I'm feeling practically completely recovered. We went out for breakfast. I didn't go to pottery class yesterday as I still wasn't feeling quite up to it, so didn't get my casserole glazed. :^(

Reba, the Hawks did indeed GO and beat Oklahoma handily.

Laura, I'm glad to be of use! The beauty of the system for the do-it-yourselfer is that the only "hard" part is leveling and solidly anchoring the top bar to your wall studs, as EVERYTHING else then just hangs off of that. Keep your braces close together for books--mine are either 24" or 30"--and you can pick the width of your shelves--mine are only 10" as I didn't want them to loom over the small room.

Karen, that sounds like a miserable time for your dad's nursing home--that appears to be exactly the environment the norovirus loves. Since you've already had it, then you know exactly how miserable it is, and since misery loves company...not sure where I'm going with that, but thanks for coming and sharing mine. Sure I've read A Canticle for Liebowitz--absolutely adored it as a teenager! I reread it a few years ago and it has aged--when I read it initially, many of us were still expecting a nuclear holocaust in the near future, and that certainly affects the impact of the book. But still a classic. And welcome to the Jhereg group read! Delighted to have you. (Here's the thread for anyone who is interested-- http://www.librarything.com/topic/148667 )

Kathy, definitely relaxing, with kitties tucked in behind my knees on the couch.

Kerri, glad you are caught up here (but no more!) and that a book bullet found you.

Morphy, you all have had enough health issues to deal with. I hope you can avoid all this!

Thanks for stopping back, Darryl. Hope your shoulder is recuperating as rapidly as my digestive system.

Hey Roni --

I'm glad to hear you're feeling better! I hate being sick - except for the extra reading opportunities, of course.

If there are supposed to be photos in your post above (123) I'm not seeing them.

I actually turned on the golf tournament a little while ago - great weather, indeed. I wish we were getting some rain, though.

Do you have any camellias in your garden?

ETA: What variety of snow peas are those?

Book #14 Infinity's Hold by Barry B. Longyear (281 pp.) read 1/26/13 acquired 3/3/2009

I picked up this 1989 book nearly four years ago because I already had the books The God Box and City of Baraboo already on my shelves, with generally positive vibes being what I remembered about them. Now, through the miracle of Wikipedia, I can tell you that Longyear was a triple winner in 1980 with Enemy Mine (which I have NOT read), getting a Hugo, a Nebula, and the Locus Best New Writer award. I also now know that City of Baraboo is the second in the Circus World series, and that there are two more books following Infinity's Hold, this book.

A number of science fiction authors have played with the notion of a prison planet, a world where convicts are basically dumped with basic supplies and left to work out their own destinies. In overburdened societies, this frees up resources for their (usually) over-populated planets. Pournelle, Anthony, Weber, and many more did it; Heinlein did an adaptation of it in Coventry. It sets up interesting dynamics for social adjustment.

In Infinity's Hold, Earth has finally decided to join a confederation of other planets sending their "unrehabilitatable" prisoners to the planet of Tartaros. Bando, our narrator, is a mid-20s Hispanic in a maximum security prison in the US. Dumped on Tartaros with basic survival gear in the middle of a desert in groups of several thousand (the capacity of a ship), most new arrivals are quickly ambushed, murdered and looted by already resident gangs. But Bando's smallish group, including most of the women on the ship, manages to survive and even, over a week's time, to evolve some basic law that even hardened criminals can see sense in, as they deal with conflict both within the group and with the existing gangs.

I was very nearly completely turned off at the beginning of the book by the excessive use of unfamiliar (perhaps created?) prison slang. Fortunately, after the first chapter the incidence of such language dropped to manageable levels. The characters were a completely multicultural mix and women were given strong and convincing roles. There was a lot of violence, but not without cost to the individuals doing it. Longyear has to have been an idealist, but I think that somewhere in all the drops in all the years, there probably is the possibility that one group will develop a proto-democratic structure. A few plot points didn't make sense. At the end, Bando makes a journey at night across the desert looking for someone who has left the camp. We've already established that he can't track, the desert is huge, and he only has a rough idea of the direction the person went. What are the odds he's going to stumble onto her in the middle of the desert? Oh, well--this is fiction.

Basically, this is an interesting thought experiment that was undoubtedly much more relevant at the time, but I'm not sure it's a good enough story to recommend to anyone who does not love to fill in their reading of older science fiction. It would have made a good book for the February social justice thread, though.

Sugar Snaps and Melting Sugar snow peas, Dejah. No, I don't have any camelias. Too much trouble for me.

Hi Roni, I must be craving green vegtables as your peas looks so good that I am practically drooling! We have a camelia in our garden, but here they need to be in very protected spot as the slightest breeze can bruise the flowers. When the bush blooms it is beautiful, ours is a pale pink.

#111 Thanks for the recommendation Roni. We do have Elfa in the UK, but I hadn't come across it until your recommendation. At the moment we are looking for something a bit more decorative for our sitting room - my idea is that we move the paperback book storage elsewhere, but I can see that the Elfa system could be useful in some other spots in future.

After you mentioned that the omelets are Chicken Pie Shop are big I thought "she must be feeling better" -- glad that is true. Do you ever use a tea cozy? With mine I can keep a pot good and warm for a couple of hours.

I have and have read the whole Circus World series, but I don't think I've read any other Longyear. I may look for that one (or that series) - yes, unrealistic, but fun. Same as Anne McCaffrey's Freedom series - which started as a soft-porn (yes, really) short story and grew into four books (on a similar subject - victims of alien kidnapping rather than prisoners, but dumped on a planet and grow a solid society). Fluff, but fun fluff. Every time I haven't read it in a while I think I'll get rid of it...but then I read it/them again and remember the good parts.

Hi, Roni. I'm delurking to say - glad you're feeling so much better now.

Woo hoo for your teapot! I don't know about you, but if I made something that performed over and above the call of duty, I'd be well chuffed.

You make Infinity Hold sound intriguing, though it's not my usual fare. So many books, so little time ...

Admiring the book porn. There's a picture limit?

Roni, I am so glad you are feeling better. No more relapses I hope. I would put that awesome teapot in the background of every picture! The peas look good too.

Just wanted to check in & see if you are 100% yet? Sorry you have been feeling so poorly!

*waves hello*

I liked the review of Infinity's Hold - doubt I'll read it, but good to know it's out there.

Beautiful green, those peas, and I can almost smell the earl grey perfume from here.

Stopping by to see if you are feeling better.

Gently Hugs!

#100 - That book of essays by DWJ sounds up my alley! I love books about writing, and it sounds like it would be pretty thought provoking. Thank you, Roni!

I hope you're feeling much better today, Roni. ((hug)) Lovely peas by the way! My family is starting to get our garden going again (and my mom and I are plotting about getting chickens, but don't tell my dad!).

Good evening, all! 15 minutes to game time, and I'm checking in to see all my visitors. My sincere welcome and thanks to Judy, Rhian, Reba, Jenn, Nina, Katherine, Donna, Tina, Dejah, Lucy, Linda and Eris for checking in to say hi and see how I'm doing. I think I'm all the way back! I've been doing laundry and general putting away of the clutter that built up while we were ill. But I made a quick trip to the library to pick up three books that had come in for me: Curse of the Pogo Stick (Dr. Siri #5), The Hidden Gallery (Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place #2), and The Crimson Crown (Seven Realms #4). And the exercise was good for me too.

Judy, the peas are excellent! Around here, camelias tend to be white fly magnets, and I have enough trouble with them already.

Rhian, I hope your shelves work marveously. Are you waiting to buy them until the decorators are done?

Reba, my pot only holds two cups worth of tea, so I'm not sure a cozy would make much difference. I've actually never had a cozy that did work too well--is yours quilted?

Jenn, I'm glad to hear you've enjoyed Longyear as well.

Katherine, I was amazed at the number of pictures I was being able to put in my member gallery, actually, but yes, once I reached 200 pictures, I started getting a warning each time I added another one. I think I'm at 232 pictures right now. Room for 18 more and then I'll have to prune.

Eris, the DWJ book was very enjoyable. Most of it was talking about her own life and approach to writing to a number of different audiences, but her technical analyses of LOTR and Fire and Hemlock were superb.
I've considered chickens as well, now that they are legal in the city. Fresh eggs sound good, but the daily upkeep, especially as we want to do some more traveling over the next few years, does not. I should try to find a neighbor who raises chickens!

I've started Lathe of Heaven which is NOT my favorite Le Guin. Very dry at the beginning and I'm skipping a lot of the psychobabble, but some very astute prediction of environmental and societal conditions!

#139 Roni I'm now having a rethin about the shelves. I've found a company where you can design your own shelving system at quite a reasonable price either open shelving or solid bookcases, and we might look at that. The only problem is it needs to be painted. If we did that we would probably go for open shelving on one side of our fireplace, say about 1.6m wide and perhaps a smaller bookcase behind the door, which is a bit of a dead space at the moment. We're replacing the carpet as well, so there's no point in putting bookcases in until that's done.

Here is the bookcase page:
http://www.jali.co.uk/products/bookcases/bookcases.cfm

>139 ronincats: Ew, that's not making me look forward to start reading The Lathe of Heaven. I HATE psychobabble.

Yay, Liaden! I'll look forward to reading that new one, Roni. I also enjoyed Motel of the Mysteries way back when - very funny!

Roni, so glad to hear you're feeling better now. :-) And your teapot looks very good brewing some lovely Earl Grey.

I definitely want to get to DWJ's Reflections this year. I was also planning on reading Lathe of Heaven too, although I'm a bit unsure about the psychobabble...

All this Liaden talk is making me want to do a re-read!

#130 I love the McCaffrey Freedom series but I did not know the series started as a soft porn short story! Oh the things you learn on LT!

How lovely to see peas
We've had a spell of icy, cold and then grey days,making me long for sunshine.

Peas and teapot pic very nice! Glad you are feeling better (and reading lots).

I read Enemy Mine several years ago (after seeing the movie), and thought it was a good novella. The ending was different, and more realistic/hopeful/complete, than in the movie. But I didn't feel inspired to read anything else by him.

I tried listening to one of the Ladies No 1 Detective Agency as an audiobook, and just couldn't stand the way the narrator (who I believe was South African) would stretch out the Mma's. The tv version was good though.

I'm likely going to wait on the Liaden book for it to come out in paperback. I went through a recent Lee & Miller binge already. I'm still working on the DWJ book.

Keep getting better. I also keep hearing rumblings about gastroenteritis from the community.

144> It's in Get Off the Unicorn - The Thorns of Barevi. Basically it's the first scene in Freedom's Landing, except she doesn't clonk him and try to dump him - he gets his way. I'd read it long before the Freedom books happened, so was highly amused at Freedom's Landing...

147> I got Necessity's Child as an ebook. I get a lot of Baen books as ebooks - though that's going to drop a bit in the future, now that they're selling on Amazon and the prices have gone way up. Still, I like having both the paper and the ebook - I can read however suits me (doing it now, with On Basilisk Station).

Roni, I got so far behind, I have only had the chance to skim - but I paused at every picture of your teapot in its different stages to admire that. You are clever!

>139 ronincats:: Lathe of Heaven is certainly not my favorite Le Guin either. Are you reading it for the first time or a re-read...if the latter, why?

In reverse order!

Tad, I am following along with Morphy on some of her year-long reads on Morphy's Mighty Monthly Reads for 2013 (Green Dragon Group Reads). It had been so long since I had read Lathe of Heaven that I had no memory of it whatsoever. My Avon paperback is exactly 40 years old, and that's probably when I last read it. Now, why Morphy chose this of all possible Le Guins, I have no idea. The chapters are fairly short--I think I'm just going to read a chapter a night.

Genny, thank you, you busy, busy woman, for stopping by!

Jenn, Get Off the Unicorn was supposed to be Get of the Unicorn but the publisher made a typo at a crucial point! So I'm sure I've read that story, as I've read that book several times, but didn't realize it served as the opening chapter in the other book. I also, as I said above, got Necessity's Child as an ebook from Amazon as soon as I realized it was available--aaah, instant gratification!!

QQ, I may try to locate a copy of Enemy Mine, given its awards. I'm going to read the Ladies No. 1 Detective Agency in a couple of months for a group read, since it is already sitting in my tbr pile. Thank you, I am much better now.

Thanks, Ren. I'm better, and enjoying both my teapot and the peas.

Lots of sunshine here, Linda. Wish I could share it with you. Should be around 70 tomorrow on the coast here. Peas are delicious!

Heidi, talk of Liaden ALWAYS inspires me to want to do a reread!

Thank you, Heather. Have you read other Le Guin? This isn't one I would want to start with. Have you ever read her Earthsea fantasies?

Joe, thanks for dropping by. Can I offer the cafe master some refreshment?

Morphy, there IS psychobabble. Just skim it. But how DID you come to choose this Le Guin?

Rhian, those shelves look nice. Are they adjustable?

A friend who used to teach in one of my schools, but who moved away nearly 20 years ago and now is in a Chicago suburb, was back in town to visit her mother, and we spent today together. We exchanged our birthday and Christmas presents, which netted me three new books (see below), and then went to have lunch at The Hash House (spinach salad with salmon--delish!) and to stroll around Balboa Park and Spanish Village for the afternoon. Lovely way to spend a day. I didn't buy anything, but Rebecca got a fimo cube bracelet and we may set up a class on fimo on one of her return visits. Saw LOTS of neat crafts and great ideas.

Books received as gifts today:

The School for Cats by Esther Averill
The Cats in the Doll Shop by Yona Zeldis McDonough
The Beaded Edge by Midori Nishida

Our circles seem to be closing in. Hash House is two doors down from casa mia!!

Get off the Unicorn is a brilliant title. Just sayin'...

#151 I read and loved the Earth sea books many years ago - have been meaning to reread them but also have The Lathe of Heaven in Mt Tbr. I may put it as a tentative next month. How does it compare to Always Coming Home? - I found that one a bit difficult too.

I remember Fimo!

This particular Le Guin was chosen from the 111 Science Fiction Books to Read Before a Super Nova Kills Us All list created by the members of The Green Dragon. Late last year I put up a selection of books from that list that I hadn't read yet to get suggestions for group reads in 2013. It was one them.

Clear as mud?

Reba, I should have waved at you!

Fate at work, Eris.

Heather, I think the Earthsea books are Le Guin's best story-telling. Some of her others are major concept books. This one is an interesting thought experiment--I'm still only about half-way through. It is completely different from Always Coming Home. Linear, unemotional.

Morphy, that is actually very clear. Checking out the list, I see I have 41 of the 111 in my library. And I've read almost all the rest. None of the three by Michael Crichton. Very interesting results. I'd love to see the votes tabulated by decade of birth.

I'm off to work on my January stats now.

January Summary

Books Read

14 books, 4183 pages read. Average book length 299 pages.

All 14 were new reads. 1 was a library book, 10 were books off my shelves, and the other 3 were brand new books that I read immediately.

Genre:
3 science fiction
6 fantasy
5 non-fiction

Gender of author:
8 female, 7 male (one book was by both)

Nationality of author:
11 USA
1 England
1 South Africa
1 Jamaican, now living in Canada

Year of Publication:
1 - 1979
2 - 1989
1 - 2002
1 - 2004
1 - 2007
1 - 2009
1 - 2011
5 - 2012
1 - 2013

Books Acquired

8 books total
1 hb as gift
1 tpb from ER
1 tpb and 1 mmpb through PaperBackSwap
4 Kindle books, for a total of $16.96

1 science fiction
4 fantasy
3 nonfiction

3 read, 1 already read but acquired for my library, 4 unread

Books Out the Door

22 books out the door

21 sent through PaperBackSwap, one gifted to a friend

3 nonfiction, 4 science fiction, 2 mysteries, 1 romance, 10 fantasy

Very successful month, Roni. A good start to a very promising reading year.

Hi there, Roni!

I don't think I stopped by yet to say hello, so now I'm going to.

By the way... I see Dejah used a strikethrough in post 124. The normal HTML code for strikethroughs (open with caret s caret w/o spaces, then close it like normal) doesn't seem to work for me. Is there something special to put in for it?

Thanks, Judy!

Hey, Esquiress--nice new name. For the strikethrough here, use "strike" instead of the "s" and it will work. Glad you stopped by.

Thanks a mill, Roni :) I like the new username too. Now I know how to strike, and knowing is half the battle!

Talk to you soon.

Birth year or year published?

This is the list sorted by year published:

http://www.librarything.com/wiki/index.php/111_Science_Fiction_by_Year

LOL! Neither, Morphy, although I am just now realizing how ambiguous my statement was. Birth year of the voters!

Glad to have been of help, Es! That's one someone passed on to me when I was stuck myself.

Good morning Roni. Hope you have fun plans for this beautiful day.

HI Roni. Great stats for January! Your year is off to a great start

Ah, no. I doubt SurveyMonkey still has my survey data.

Good day, Reba! Not so much outdoor plans today, except that the weather makes bathing the dog opportune.

Thanks, Hannah. I'm glad you are joining us for the Tigana read.

Morphy, I expect the age of the voter to affect the books voted for. Someone who has 50 years of reading in the field might perceive books differently than the twenty-something voting. I know there are recurring discussions in the Science Fiction Fans group about the "best" science fiction.

I'm going to repost my book goals for Fantasy February.

My books
Jhereg: reread of a favorite in a group read
Tigana: been on my shelves since 4/09, also group read
The Killing Moon: an ER book from May, 2012
Wildwood Dancing: pre-2011 (first year I kept track of acquisitions)
Falcon: on shelves since July 2008
Goblin Moon: on shelves since June 2011
The Clockwork Three: lent to me by my sister in 2011
Magic To the Bone: also pre-2011
Library books
Shadow of Night: this is the sequel to A Discovery of Witches and the longest of the lot
The Hidden Gallery: this is the second in The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place series.
The Crimson Crown: this is the fourth and final book of Chima's Seven Realms series, and there is no way I am not going to read it as soon as I get it. If you've been following my thread, you know how much I've enjoyed the first three books.

So, my first book for Fantasy February has been completed.



Book #15 The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place: The Hidden Gallery by Maryrose Wood (313 pp.)

This is the second book in this children's series about the young governess Penelope Lumley and her three charges, the wolf-children. This is a Lemony Snicket type series, with outlandish adventures in each and a big mystery with little mysteries attached toward which we progress in small increments. The trip is a lot of fun, but don't be wishing for much resolution in any given book.

Habitues of my thread may recall that a couple of weeks ago, before we got sick, I had started to put together two stackable storage cubbies. However, one had been dropped and damaged a key front edge of a board. We finally made it back to a store that carried it today, and I finished the project this afternoon after the dog bath. This isn't a great picture (ignore those ugly wires at the side) but it gives you the general idea. This is for my husband's casual clothes which he usually piles up on a convenient horizontal surface.

Morphy discovered this quiz, which made the rounds here a couple of years ago, so I went back. They've changed the questions quite a bit, but I'm still a Nerd Queen!

Just stopping in & catching up. Infinity Hold is now swimming in the Someday Swamp. Thanks for the review!

>170 ronincats:. Nerd Queen... all hail :)

I went searching in SurveyMonkey and my computer and sure enough the survey info is long gone. The Green Dragoneers tend to be a bit older than in the 20s though.

You win. Beat me in almost every category.

Thanks to both Steves for stopping in. Scvlad Steve--for the Nerd Queen or for January stats? I'm thinking Nerd Queen.

Ave, Es!

Thanks for checking, Morphy. Yes, I'm sure there's a range, and given some of the older books on the list that aren't really THAT good but that were first loves for many of us as teens, I'm sure there are a fair number of older readers in that group.



Book #16 The Lathe of Heaven by Ursula K. Le Guin (175 pp.)

This 40-year-old book is a fascinating thought experiment, if not perhaps a completely riveting story. I was impressed early in the book with how accurate some of the predictions about climate and society were today.

Putting Le Guin into her time, it is also relevant to note that in 1971 she was perhaps the first writer to make the psychological and sociological aspects central to science fiction. Although we have many of the elements of classical science fiction here in the tale, they arise from the human brain rather than being physically discovered. For me, this is one huge "what if" exercise, exploring reality rather than space, totally science fictional, but somewhat dated in terms of style and language.

I'm looking forward to The Crimson Crown myself!... and just passed on the first three to my daughters daycare teacher who is loving them..... I picked up the first one because I liked the cover.... and I have also enjoyed them.... I actually have the book in my Nook but keep forgetting to charge it and then get wrapped up in a different book... but I will read it this month for Fantasy February!

Oh dear, I know I read Lathe, but it has somehow erased itself completely from my mind - that is the one with the dreamer? Usually if I physically handle a copy it'll come back to me but I think I read that one from the library on the Cape. .... Even reading about the plot didn't really bring it back, yet I gave it 4 1/2 stars, so obviously I liked it a lot.

Hey Roni!

Love January stats - I'm far too lazy to work up my own stats, but I love reading everybody else's!

I've still got to read The Killing Moon, too. I've got it in Challenge #4 - come and join me! We've still got to get Jhereg in somewhere....

BTW, nice new unit you put together. I've got several bookcases to put together - you inspire me.

Think if I put up one of those storage units the piles of paper in my house would organize themselves on it? Probably not. I expect Lathe of heaven will be waiting at the library for me when I get home next week. I'm following some of Morphy's reads this year too, and decided I'd reread that one to see what I think of it as an adult.

Woke up with a boomer of a headache this morning, but I think I've pretty well knocked it down for now.

Jennifer, I've just started The Crimson Crown. I've found the world-building and characters in this YA series very absorbing. Glad you found it too.

Dejah, yes, The Killing Moon is an ER book from last May and I really need to get it read and reviewed. I've never figured out the TIOLI challenges thing, so don't know how to join you.

Ardene, I wish!!! I'll be interested to see what you think of The Lathe of Heaven.



Book #16 Jhereg by Steven Brust (239 pp.)

My second re-read of the year (the Le Guin above was the first), this is because I've strongly encouraged a few other people to read it for Fantasy February, so I figured I should refresh my memory. Although this series has been uneven overall, I love the world-building and the regulars and the relationships between them. The difficulty is in not immediately going on and reading about how Vlad and Cawti met (Yendi) or how Vlad and Morrolan entered the Paths of the Dead through Deathgate Falls (Taltos).

Oh, yes, there were no pots this week. My casserole had not come out of the kiln yet, so also no pots next week. But here are my most recent scarves.

I like the scarves, Roni, and the two critters who are helping display them.

Roni, although I'm primarily a fan of your pots, I must say that those scarves are quite lovely. The look very soft.
I also enjoy the pictures of the shelves. Ah the fun we have, figuring out how to keep and display our beloveds.

Are the poms on the ends, or are those pull-through scarves? I like the colors! And the little kitty hiding on the left. :D

Cool scarves!

Really fun scarves! Glad your headache is better.

Scarves are beautiful, Roni, I loe those soft shades of blue. I'm thinking of maybe working up a couple of scarves for my next project.

I love the scarves, Roni! I hope the headache didn't come back.

*smooch* as I whirligig through

Interesting scarves, Roni. Did you just crochet single thick strands and then make a pompom at the ends by combining all the 'ends'?

>190 cameling:: Yes, I'm curious about that too.

I always liked the Lathe of Heaven, although not as much as some of her other books. I don't know enough about Taoism to see how it affected the story (I'm assuming she was a Taoist back then) but I always looked at that story as a great example of 'get off the wheel'. Also of unintended consequences.

Thank you for all the scarf love, Joe, Ellen, Kathy, Es, Reba, Judy, Susan, and Caro. First you crochet a large flower, any type really, as long as you leave a 2" or more radius hole in the middle. After single crocheting two rows around the inside of the flower, yes, you chain 120-130 stitches, single chain it to the inside of the flower, and chain the same number again. Do that 7 times. To wear, place the flower at your throat, pull the chains around your neck, under and through the middle of the flower.

ETA with bulky yarns (5 or 6) you can use a single strand. With worsted weights (3 or 4) use double strands. The flower should be at least a double, as well.



*smooch* back at Richard as he spins through on his way to reset his boiler!

QQ, yes, you definitely still see the background of anthropology and sociology along with that wholistic orientation. I just love her most when all that doesn't get in the way of the story.

I don't know what the problem was last night, but I had major insomnia. I did not fall asleep until around 5 in the morning, and slept until 10 PST. All we had on the schedule to day was a trip to Costco to stock up on necessities, so that has been accomplished, and I hope to get some reading done this evening.

Well, I made up on the sleep last night, fortunately! Today is laundry and light housecleaning. But first, I finished a book!



Book #18 The Crimson Crown by Cinda Williams Chima (598 pp.)

I just turned to the last page to get the page count, and had to read the ending again. Just perfect.

Okay, this is the fourth and last book in the Seven Realms series. Although I could see Chima going back to this world for more stories, they wouldn't be this one. Actually, it is such a rich world, it would be a shame if she didn't use it again. As I have been saying all along, I really, really like this world and its characters. In her first series, The Heir Chronicles, I liked a lot about the setting (modern) and how magic fit into it, but the teen angst just got to be too much for me. In this series, even though the two main protagonists are teens, it's all bigger than just them, and the angst is at a realistic but minimum level. The plot is complex overall, with several layers running through it, and I just love how Chima balances it all and ties it all together at the end. Highly recommended for fantasy lovers.

Perfect day for work inside. I'm at my desk looking out and can't even see the mountains for the fog/marine layer/whateveritis.

i am so glad you didn't need a spoiler alert to read that review!.... i haven't even reached pg 100 yet.... :( but so far i'm loving it too! glad that the ending is going to be perfect! woo hoo! i might just get off the internet and go get my nook and start reading again!

oh and I love the scarf too! I might try one of those when I finish my superman blanket and sock monkey pillow

The sun tried to peek through at mid-afternoon, but it's long gone now, Reba.

Jennifer, I predict you will enjoy the ending as well. And thanks for the scarf love.

*hrrmmmmmm* *shuffles feet*
Well, my plan had been to start Tigana today after finishing The Crimson Crown. Yes, my plan...and then what should show up at my door an hour ago but a lovely new copy of Etiquette and Espionage! What's a girl to do? Maybe tomorrow, Tigana.

I looked up the Seven Realms series after and it looks a lot of fun. Is it something a thirteen year old boy might enjoy do you think? I'm always on the look out for new series for J. I can see that it's labelled YA, but that covers such a wide area.

I just looked up Seven Realms too! I've added it to my library wishlist as I may - ahem - have used up all my reserve slots at present.

>199 SandDune: i think a 13 yearold would enjoy the series..... another he might enjoy is Fablehaven by Brandon Mull

I was looking at my copy of Crimson crown and it only has 448 pgs.... guess the e-book version has less pgs? Do you think?

Rhian, I think he would probably enjoy all the action. There are two main viewpoint characters throughout the series, a girl who goes from 15 to 17, if I recall correctly, and a boy who goes from 16 to 18. There is no inappropriate content for a younger age--one side character is known to sleep around a lot but no details. What makes this stand out for me though, and what I'm not sure he'd be old enough to appreciate, is the character development and the maturity and complexity the characters come to display over the story arc. Which is not a reason for him NOT to read it, just that if he then reread it later he'd have more to appreciate.

Susan, as I've said before, I put this at the same level as Megan Whalen Turner's highly popular Attolia series, and it may even be a little better. You won't regret it.

Jennifer, Amazon gives the page count for both hardback and Kindle editions at 608 pages. They must count the title pages and acknowledgments and everything. The story ends on page 598 and that's always what I count. But I don't see why your page count is so much lower.

Book #19 Etiquette & Espionage by Gail Carriger (307 pp.)

Oh, this was a lot of fun! More over-the-top characterizations in the alternate universe of the Parasol Protectorate but about 20 years earlier. Very limited interaction with werewolves and vampires (only one of each, mostly background), but lots of mechanicals and a delightfully warped boarding school atmosphere.

And I have been good and have finished the first two chapters of Tigana this morning.

#175 That's a really helpful review of The lathe of heaven Roni. I don't think I will read it this month but I'm sure I'll find your comments helpful when I do.

#180 I am looking forward to Jhereg - less so to starting another long series...

I love the scarves too (is that a third cat hidden under one of the scarves?).

#198 I've started E&E too and I'm loving it.

Sigh, also wishlisted The Crimson Crown series...

I really need to get myself some Gail Carriger.

OOOO, that sounds good ... Etiquette and Espionage I mean. Do you need to have read the other series it is based on first though?

No, Tina, you don't. You could start fresh with this one. However, the first series of 5 books is complete. This is the first of the second series and you'll have to wait for the others to come out a while, as this one only came out yesterday!

Kriti, I think you'd enjoy them.

Heather, I'm glad my review was helpful to you. Don't worry about the Brust series--you can space them out! I'll be looking forward to your take on E&E. And yes, you will enjoy the Seven Realms series. I was fortunate to find them all at the library, but I'm afraid you may not be so lucky over there. One good thing about the library here is that it seems to get plenty of copies of the YA fantasy series that are out.

I've added the Seven Realms series to my WL.......you are dangerous.

Hi Roni, I've went to add the Seven Realms series to my wishlist and found it already there as recommended by you previously. Now I just have to move it up closer to the top.

I'm excited about Etiquette and Espionage as I love her other series.

#202 Thanks for that information Roni. I've added the Seven Realms series to my own wishlist, but might try it for J as well. A lot of the books that are marketed for his age group have too much romance in them for him, so I'm constantly on the lookout for new series that would work.

Hi Roni!

I really enjoyed Etiquette & Espionage as well. I think Carriger may need one more book to really hit her stride as a YA author, but for a first venture into that territory, I think she did a great job! I'll definitely be picking up the second book, Curtsies and Conspiracies, when it's released in November.

And I'm hoping we get more vampires and werewolves in the next one! I was actually really hoping for a Lord Akeldama appearance. I adore him. =)

Ah, gee. I finally gave up keeping up, Roni, but I'm glad you're well and I love the scarves and could even do them if I had any drive. I'm a bit under the weather myself at the moment with a sore throat that can't decide whether to be a cold or laryngitis. Or it could just be my normal reaction to high atmospheric pressure and I could be 100% tomorrow.
Anyway, thanks for increasing my fantasy options.....
(Loved Motel of the Mysteries could never finish A Canticle for Leibowitz although I've tried many times.)

*waving out the window* -- Morning Roni. Hope you have a fine day.

Lucy--but of course!!

Judy, you'll enjoy them.

Rhian, there is romance in the series, but not the kind of blatant fixation on it that you see in a lot of teen novels.

David, I'm a big Lord Akeldama fan too. However, as all the action in E&E takes place far from London, I wasn't really expecting him yet.

Peggy, I certainly hope you do feel better! I get those "responses" to pressure gradient changes too. I had the advantage of reading A Canticle for Liebowitz as a young Catholic teen during the hottest part of the Cold War--it resonated as few books have ever done as a result. But I can see that it hasn't aged that well.

Mornin', Reba. Beautiful if chilly day. We are down to Best Buy in a few to learn how to navigate with Windows 8 on my husband's new computer.

Read up through Chapter 6 in Tigana last night.

Love the scarves, and lots of good books being read, I see! Hope you're doing well today, Roni, and it sounds like you are.

You're a Nerd Queen? Lucky! I'm just a History/Lit Geek. :/

Hi Roni! Just wanted to stop in and thank you again for the recommendation on Warbreaker. I started reading it this morning with breakfast and didn't want to put it down to go to work. I just *liked* the last Sanderson I read but I can tell I'm going to *Love* this one!

BTW, Roni... do you sell your scarves online. If so, can you post a link for me? I can knit, but I definitely cannot crochet a flower like you can! I think those are so awesome looking.

I am doing well, thanks Laura. It is good, being Nerd Queen.

Heidi, I'm delighted you are enjoying it so much. It was my first Sanderson.

Not yet, Es. If I can build up enough inventory, I'm going to either try a craft show around here or Etsy at some point. I would assume that if you loved one of them enough, we could do a private deal, friend to friend, but don't really know all the ins and outs of the business end yet.

>218 ronincats:: Or we could trade scarf for scarf if you like the ruffle ones :) I've got plenty of colors to choose from!

Oh, do you have a pattern for them? Probably a knit one--I'm experimenting with different crochet patterns to try and find one I like.

I don't have a pattern. I learned on YouTube. All you need is "ribbon" yarn like Starbella or Sashay and a set of size 9 or 10 needles, and you're off to the races. In the yarn, there is actually a top part of the ribbon itself that you knit through. Easier seen than explained verbally.

Here's the video I used: Premier Starbella Ruffle Scarf

Jealous of you (and all the others in the group) who've already managed to read Etiquette and Espionage! My Thingaversary is coming up in March, I'm hoping I can hold off until then and have a "reason" to buy it...

I have a ball of yarn on my desk and plan to go on-line to review the mobius cast-on when I finish here. Hope I like it better this time.

Well, I have a dilemma. You remember on Tuesday, when I received my copy of Etiquette & Espionage from Amazon. Well, with E&E was also a hardback copy of Necessity's Child, which I had evidently preordered last fall as well. Yes, that same Necessity's Child that I gleefully bought for Kindle on January 24 and immediately gobbled up. So--do I return the hardback to Amazon, or go ahead and keep it since all my other books in that series are in print?

Also, I have to confess that while we were out yesterday, I stopped by Barnes & Noble with a 15% off coupon. I really couldn't find anything I had to have, so I picked up the second in Gini Koch's Alien series, Alien Tango. The first was pure froth but kind of fun so I thought I'd try a second before deciding whether or not to continue the series.

I didn't get any reading done yesterday, but finished Part 1 of Tigana this morning.

Es, thanks for that link. That looks like my level of knitting, and a bit easier to handle than the same pattern in crochet, which I have tried here, in the purple. The red pattern is not full enough for my tastes, but I have one more crochet pattern to try along those lines.



Faith, I don't think I could hold out, but I'll cheer for you to.

Reba, hope this try works out.

Sun is shining at the moment--we've been alternating between showers and sun all day! Radar shows it will be continuing like this through the night.

Roni:

Sometimes fullness depends on the number of stitches you use. For example, my mom really likes the way I make my scarves; I use 7 stitches, myself. I tend toward Sashay yarn, and that makes to scarves fuller too.

With Starbella, which is what the red at right looks like, I've gone as low as five stitches to get a certain fullness to it.

I like the purple one for sure :)

Thanks for the welcome! I see that I'll have to check your thread for suggestions as well.

#203 - Super excited to see my library has the Gail Carriger books. I now have one on reserve!

The scarves are so pretty - but they wouldn't work where I am!

Oh, no, Lucy! You would want the one on the middle cat in message 181.

Cheri, I'm glad to hear it. The first 5 starting with Soulless are in order. E&E is the first of a new series in the same world, and you can start there too.

Es, I'll dig out some knitting needles today.

>228 sibylline:: They wouldn't work where I am, either. (Can't knit / crochet myself, so I'll admire from a distance.) Yesterday, it went up to 36ºC (that's .... hang on .... 97F?). I had my first tennis class in almost a year, and was hoping to get out of it, but nothing doing. Apparently, they only stop playing if it goes over 38ºC.

>224 ronincats:: Roni, if it were me, I'm a completist (and somewhat possessive, if it's already considered 'in my library'), so I'd keep it. But anyway, I'd never get around to posting it back, so it would be academic, anyway.

Turned out the shorter circular needle I had was TOO short so got a longer one today and will try again tonight. Have been out running errands all day but now the tea is done and the book is calling...

I'd probably never wind up mailing it back either! So I vote keep. :D

My ARC of E&E hasn't arrived yet, and may not ever. If it doesn't it'll probably be ages before I get to it because Mt TBR is so large. But if it does turn up one day I'll squeeze it in. Reviews have been lukewarm, so I'm not in a panic to get it (which is disappointing because I thought I would be).

Roni, in #225 I'm trying to understand the yarn-- does it come already tatted like that, or did you do all those teensy chains yourself?

Keep cool, Nina!

Reba, hope the new needle works when you get to it.

Kathy, it's a new type of yarn called a mesh yarn that comes already tatted like that! Isn't it crazy? And I DID enjoy E&E a lot.

Etiquette & Espionage by Gail Carriger sounds interesting. I will look for that one. I like your frilly scarves. I'm working on a soft blue one.

I checked out the knitting lesson on Youtube and now I want to head off to the wool store and get some of that strange stuff and try knitting a scarf. They make it look so easy in the video, but I'm sure I will mess it up somehow!

I love the purple scarf! You are so very talented.

Ruffle scarves are really easy. I mean, I knit them while playing D&D :)

I love making them. Pictures of my creations are over on my thread. My thread

Got the right needle today, cast on and started knitting this evening. I think this one is going to be OK. It's MUCH shorter and I"m doing it in seed stitch which will lay flat.

when I joined library thing couple years back I never thought I find people who love crafting as much as me too.... I am enjoying your pictures of crafts as well as esquiress.... woot woot... I LOVE LT

Hi Roni! I'm finally all caught up - I got a bit behind and then missed the switch to a new thread! I'm only now finding out about the drama of you being sick! So glad you are feeling better. It's interesting that the norovirus has only just made it to North America. I think it's been around in the UK for several years now. Despite working in schools, one of the places it seems to go around like wildfire, I've never actually caught it -touches wood multiple times- but I have heard terrible survivors tales from those that have - poor you!

I think referring to me as a "crafter" or "person who loves crafts" is hilarious, because I used to be COMPLETELY uncrafty. A friend bought me a little kit to build a penguin AND bought me the glue to put it together with because she knew I didn't own craft glue! Then I started knitting, and my uncrafty shell just flew off :) I've made coasters, glittery Xmas balls and other ornaments... Now people call me crafty!

Okay, this is Starbella on 10 1/2 needles, 7 stitches.

NOTE: I'm replacing this picture with the final product in message 246.

This is my type of knitting. No worries about casting on or getting the right tension on a stitch, just simple garter stitch all the way through.

It really is easy, Judy, so give it a try.

Ren, I hope you'll post your scarf.

Linda, thank you, but really, this yarn does all the work.

Es, thanks for posting your thread link. I'd lost you when you switched threads! Great scarves there.

Jennifer, there's lots of us here. Check out Amber (scaifea), Nittnutt and Luxx.

Hannah, glad you found this new thread. Luckily, we're all better now.

Es, if you are selling handmade stuff on Etsy, you ARE crafty!

Saturday *smooch*

You've inspired me, Roni. I will have to slip into town and pick up some wool and give one of those scarves a try. Yours turned out beautifully.

I've added Soulless to my wish list, Roni! I may start there... at some point in the much anticipated future when I've read more off the shelf. ;)

Okay, here's the finished product.



*smooch* back at Richard. Would he look grand in one of these? And maybe one for Stella too?

Judy, go for it!

Tina, the Carrigers are quite enjoyable.

Very pretty Roni. I did a couple of those scarves last summer and was most impressed by how quickly they knit up. I especially like the colors in yours.

*blush* I guess I'm crafty after all :)

>246 ronincats:: Lovely! Is that Starbella Plum Preserves?

I finished The Crimson Crown!.... and I did love it!... I would like to see more stories from the series.... like a cat and dancer story.... or a amon story.... and maybe a story for mellony.... maybe a prequel and the actually story of alger and hanalea filled in with all the details! there are many possiblities for these characters.... or new characters in the seven realms!

#170 - All hail the Nerd Queen! I love that quiz so much. Apparently I am a Cool Nerd Queen. I used to be an Uber Cool Nerd Queen, but my coolness factor has gone down as my dorkiness goes up. Huzzah!

I am in awe of your crochet skills! That purple wonderful! The kitty looks very pleased to be showing it off. I recently got a crochet hook and attempted to learn how to crochet, but it isn't going too well. My fingers aren't used to it. I'll keep at it, but I am still fond of knitting. :)

Eris, the last scarf IS knitted, so you might want to check it out. The link to the YouTube instructions is in message 221.

Jennifer, glad you loved The Crimson Crown as well. I think Amon's story has been told, as well as Alger and Hanalea, but could see stories for Dancer or for Mellony developing. I do hope she uses that world again, but where she ended this story arc was just perfect for me.

Es, yes, it is indeed Starbella Plum Preserves.

Thanks, Reba. What yarns did you do your scarves in, if you remember?

Okay, looks like it's time to start another new thread. It won't be completely built for another couple of hours, but I'll put in placeholders.

Yay, a knitted scarf! I shall check that video out.