CEE reads 75 in 2013 ~ Thread 2

Late-afternoon break ... on the beat-up family room couch where everyone is welcome!

JANUARY 2013
#1 Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami (5 stars)
#2 The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie (4.25 stars)
#3 Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo (4 stars)
#4 Speaking From Among the Bones by Alan Bradley (4 stars)
#5 The Fault in Our Stars by John Green (5 stars)
#6 Enslaved by Ducks by Bob Tarte (3.75 stars)
#7 The Hidden Life of Deer by Elizabeth Marshall Thomas (4 stars)
#8 The Sisters Brothers by Patrick deWitt (4.25 stars)
#9 Island of Wings by Karin Altenberg (4.5 stars)

FEBRUARY 2013
#10 Above All Things by Tanis Rideout (5 stars)
#11 The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey (4.5 stars)

Cee, that is a wonderful opening picture. I hope Loki is still feeling better!

Hi Ellen!
Yeah - it's the real us. The picture is kinda grainy. Maybe we'll try for a better one - maybe not.
Loki???? Who knows? We'll have a better idea about noon tomorrow (when the vet closes for the weekend!).

Well, my fingers are crossed for the little furkid.

Thanks, Ellen. BTW - I take it your flight was uneventful???

ETA: Just checked your thread... I see you made it just fine! yay!

Uneventful flight = good thing.

Hi Claudia. Just getting caught up. I love the picture of you reading with your furkids. It almost makes me wish I had a cat to curl up on my lap. You've read some really good books this year and it looks like you're off to a great start.

I really hope Loki is feeling better.

Hi Pat -
I have to say, Pat, I have curled up with a fleece throw and having a cat on my lap is much warmer. Her little body generates enough heat to keep all of me warm.
I'm really happy with my books so far this year. Of course, I have LT to thank for that!

Awwww, what a terrific picture!!! I love it!!

Hugs & pets for Loki....and sweet looking kitty.

Well Cee we can still only see one arm but I take it both are working fine. Good of you to keep Loki's feet warm too!
Congratulations on your new thread and I hope you are starting a wonderful weekend.

Such a cute picture, Cee! I was reading on Kath's thread that your shoulder is still not back to normal. Hang in there girl. A shoulder is a big thing to break - a lot of different bones. When I broke my wrist, though I had pretty good function back after 2 - 3 months of physio - I still did not have much grip strength or full flex of my wrist. They told me it would take up to a year to for me to know just how much I would get back. I don't have full function, and I've got a nerve compression in elbow - but my grip strength really came back and a greater range of motion. Hang in there! I remember when I would go in, there was a lady I met and she had broken her shoulder by slipping on oil or something in her garage, looking for Christmas decorations. She was brave but I could see it was a pretty bad injury to have. Hang in there Cee! Big hugs and it will gradually improve.

Morning Claudia- I love the top photo! Very cozy! And it looks like you have kicked off the year with some fine reading. Let it continue. Enjoy the weekend.

OMG. This is the best thread topper yet! It should be a painting over a fireplace! All the beautiful CEE family cozy and happy. Well, okay... not Ron.. but he was probably talking on the phone while taking the picture!
Thank you for posting this :)))) You are beautiful! All three of you. Such a cozy room! And as for :

We'll have a better idea about noon tomorrow (when the vet closes for the weekend!).

Too true! I hope he stays well :(

So, what book is in your hands?

I wish I could get my dog and cat to lie happily in each other's company like that. They only really interact first thing in the morning when Ruby (cat) wants feeding. Otherwise Ruby keeps as far away from Daisy as possible.

That is so sad! I have always had several cats and a dog...at least I have for the last 25 years. They have always gotten along beautifully. Maybe you need another cat? :)

#18 Seeing my cat's reaction to other cats as well as dogs I don't think that would work! Basically the cat swipes Daisy if she goes anywhere near her. Daisy is bouncy but not unfriendly with her, but Ruby's not having any of it.

Hi Cee - I love your picture. You're starting the year off with some great reading. Our book group is reading Kafka on the Shore, so I'm happy to see it's a five-star read for you.

Thanks, Tina!

Paul -
Arms are still a bit uneven in flexibility and strength - but I'm almost there. Hope you are having a good weekend too!

Deb -
I forgot a book to read the other day when I went to PT so they lent me a text book to read while I was icing. There's a lot going on in the shoulder! Depending on how many more sessions I have left, I might get to read about other parts of the body ;-)
Last week I noticed a woman (in a sling) timidly coming in to PT to make her first appt. I told her it wasn't all that long ago I was in her position and "look at me now" as I waved my arm around a bit. She broke into a big smile and thanked me for saying that.
Thanks for the hugs and encouragement.

Thanks, Mark! A lot of that reading was at your recommendation ;-)

Kath - I just needed a quick picture for a topper cuz I knew I wasn't gonna make it all the way through Jan on one thread.
Ron sits across the room in his recliner when he is reading. Sometimes it all breaks down into a sunset and we all wind up napping til Loki gets hungry.
Although this picture looks like a nuclear explosion outside - the sun must have been angled just right to glare off the door. Or maybe a bomb did go off - dunno. I was reading.
Not sure, but I think I was reading Behind the Beautiful Forevers.

Rhian -
Many times Loki wants to play with Woolly - and tries. She bats him around a bit and he thinks it's the greatest! The real message is supposed to be "leave me alone!" but Loki doesn't get it. I guess dogs and cats do NOT speak the same language. Poor Woolly! Loki is really the one who needs a playmate - but Ron doesn't want 2 dogs. And frankly, I don't think we could afford the vet bills!

Beth -
Thanks... I can't picture my book group of little old ladies reading Kafka! LOL Not sure they would go for the magical realism, though they might enjoy the sex.
Someone did suggest a graphic novel for April - Persepolis. I'm curious to see how that goes over ;-)
Maybe I underestimate those sweet elderly women ???
**************************

Windy today! When I opened the storm door to let Loki in this morning a gust caught it and whipped it right out of my hand - almost broke it off on top. Needs a bit of repair now :(

Love the pic up top, Cee! Loki looks like a good helper. What a great start to the reading year you've had, packed with 4 and 5 star reads.

Persepolis would generate a good book group discussion, I would think.

Hi Cee! I love the picture up top. It makes me want to get up off my less-than-comfortable computer desk chair and curl up with my book, too. But then I would miss out on my friends here. So I am going to suck it up for a while, keep shifting from one bun to the other, and THEN I am going to copy you. : ) Happy Saturday!

#7 The Hidden Life of Deer by Elizabeth Thomas (4 stars)



Being interested in the natural world, especially that which is little known, this book called to me. Thomas is an extremely observant lay person who lives in the natural environment of deer and various other wildlife in New Hampshire. She shares her sharp observations and personal interpretations with the reader and this became conflicting to me. Much of her thinking is clear-minded and informed. Unfortunately, she loses credibility for me when her writing occasionally becomes almost completely speculative.

I think the first half of the book is excellent. The second half goes off in tangents and the original intent seems to get lost in conservation and hunting issues. When someone writes a book they can, of course, write whatever they want. Overall, I found this an interesting book and was glad to learn more about deer.

ETA - Thanks to Lucy for recommending this one ;-)

Hi Joe -
I too think Persepolis would be good for discussion. It's the graphic format that makes me wonder what the reaction will be.

Hi Kim!
Well, if you look in the foreground of the top picture (on the bottom left) you will notice I am not too far from my laptop - lol. So, my LT friends are always nearby. *grin*

Well, clearly I need a laptop then! I have a big screen on the desk and I have to fight the kids and their games in order to get on in the first place. ; )

:) I did notice the laptop! LOL

I too, will be interested in how the GN works for your book club :)

I worked like mad today.... glad to be home.

Oh cee, I love love love the photo of you on the sofa reading with your reading aids.

I'll have to go see what I thought about the second half of the Thomas book, I can't remember.

Hi Cee! Love the picture of you and your fur kids!

Great picture, three very comfortable looking creatures!

>22 -Cee-: When I opened the storm door to let Loki in this morning
Storm door? Is that an extra outer door to protect the inner one in strong winds or snow? Wow, Ive never heard of one before. At lest it didnt jar your elbow!

Great thread topper- looks a perfect situation you got yourself there!

I love the picture, Cee. Your beat up family couch doesn't look in the least bit beaten up and you and Loki look wonderful comfy.

I have still got to get to Behind the Beautiful Forevers. I keep meaning to but that's the problem with having a rather full TBR Tower ... so many other books call out to me at every visit.

How's the shoulder today?

Hi Claudia!! #7, looks like you are on a roll. I just finished The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating and liked it.

I saw on your last thread you liked Enslaved by Ducks. I was thinking about reading Kitty Cornered.

Love the photo of you and the furkids!!! :-}

I think Cee might have fallen asleep on that couch today :)

eta.. I have had Kitty Cornered on my WL for a bit, too. I will definitely read it, as I liked his other two...

I love your photo at the top Cee. You look so comfy surrounded by your fur friends. And you January reading looks spectacular. You go girl!

Hi All!
Busy day today. Up early and out to breakfast with some former co-workers. Of course, that took all morning.
Decided to go shopping. No new books but I did buy a bunch of new socks!

oh, Kim!
You MUST get a laptop of your very own. I hemmed and hawed for a long time but finally got one. I thought I was the last one on the planet to get one.

Kath -
You sure worked for your day off this week! Hope it was a good one.

Lucy -
My "reading aids" - lol
On the deer book, for example - I liked the way she approached the NH Fish and Game advice, policies, philosophies, etc . She seemed to be the voice of reason both pro and con. But then... she went hunting? She would do everythng in her power all year long to keep deer safe and people away from them. Yet she gave her tag to another hunter so he could kill two??? Doesn't make sense and is illegal.
Don't want to get into the pros and cons of hunting. I'm rather opinionated. But that really turned me off.
I still liked the book. I was amazed by much of what she shared.

Awww. Thanks, Chelle!

Judy -
LOL yup, we are all creatures of habit ;-)

Megan -
You got that one right. And... by lowering the window on the top half of the door, it becomes a screen door. Don't you have that?
Some of the older houses also have storm windows that go up over the regular windows (on the outside) for the winter and come off for the summer. We have newer windows that are double insulated so don't need them.

Thanks, Caro -
Shoulder is fine - very fine ;-)

Hi Tammy,
Glad you liked the Snail book. I love the title Kitty Cornered. Will have to look for that one.

Bonnie -
January has been a great reading month for me. The couch and furkids help me get into the mood.

Supper time!

Sorry to be so late getting here, Cee. I LOVE the photo that you posted up top! I also love you running list of stats for 2013 - I might steal that! So clever to keep it up top where you can update it as you finish each book! What terrific reading you have done already this year - keep up the good work!

Oh I love your cozy sofa - what a great picture! I can't quite read the titles on the spines of your books, however... :(

Hope you're feeling better!

Mamie -
I stole that stats list from somebody and now I can't remember who??? But I do like to use it where I can update it as I finsih each book. I can already see I need more female, foreign, and deceased authors. But I'm doing pretty good between F and NF - so far.

Joanne -
The titles on the spines... authors L thru N. Does that help? lol
My shoulder is wonderful and despite the fact that I hacked up a lung last night, I feel great today :) I always get a winter cough. It goes away in the spring. Still. I love winter.

Huh. No storm doors here. Just planks of wood with hinges. And sometimes panes of glass :)
I like the idea of the top half of a door that opens independently of the bottom half. That would be good for air flow and child retention! I have never seen one of those on a house here, or anywhere actually. In my mind a screen door is a mesh one that is inside the main door, and it keeps out bugs.

I enjoy my storm door... for the screen it gives me n those perfectly warm and breezy days..
I open my windows and watch my curtains float on the breeze that we often enjoy here on the top of this hill!

Hi Cee.. so what kind of socks did you buy? Any red nes? blue? yellow?
I want details :) I am about to put on a second pair today.. cold cold cold and getting colder.

And have you made a travel decision?

Hi Megan -
I guess I didn't do a good job explaining the storm door. It is one solid door that opens normally (not half and half). But, half the door is made up of insulated glass and the other half is a screen. Then there is a third half (haha) that is glass and can either cover the screen top or not... by sliding it up or down. Up in the winter to make a fully insulated glass door (storm door); down in the summer to expose the screen and let the air but not the bugs thru. I think I just made the explanation worse :(

Kath -
Socks: 6 pr thick white sport socks to wear around the house and 4 other pairs of lightweight ones beige, brown, grey and black... simple and soft to wear with flats. Nothing exciting. They were on sale. I can't find any good red socks. What's up with that? I should go to the alpaca store. I bet they have some good ones.
Travel decisions: No decisions of any kind today. It's a holiday! lol

Morning Cee! I hope you're enjoying your new socks this morning. It's real treat for me to buy wool socks from Eddie Bauer - they have the ability of warmng every inch of my body. Go figure.
Hope you're enjoying the holiday and some snuggling on the couch with Loki and a book are on the schedule :0)

I'm glad to see other people like to buy socks. I no longer have a sock drawer. I have four open bins on the built-in closet shelves that hold white, black, brown, and various shades of blue socks. Nope, not a red one in sight. You may have to take up knitting, Cee!

Love the picture. I might have to revise the rule of no dogs on furniture. I could use a good foot warmer on cold winter evenings.

I have no plain white socks, I have thick warm ones I bought at Costco 2 years ago, and they are in various colors. Blue, brown and dark pink....I have a few medium weight that are sort of heather-ish and I have some lightweight ones, none plain. Either they have holiday thingies on them or cats, dogs etc. I have no flats that fit. I bought a great pair last spring, but they are now too big. hmm. Boscoves is in my future.

Chicken soup for dinner/lunch... I just popped a half dozen eggs in the oven to bake... bedclothes in washer.. the day is in progress :)

I love socks too. They always fit and there are some fun patterns out there although I have to be careful not to get too crazy or I won't wear them.

Claudia, I'm stopping by to let you know I finished Indian Creek Chronicles and rather than turning into a reflective book about the meaning of life and nature it's mostly an action book and includes alot of hunting scenes so I'm thinking you might not like it. The author wasn't cruel but he talks about more animal deaths than I expected. I ended up giving it 4.5 stars because of the writing, the Idaho connection, and a peek into a way of life I'd never attempt. Not so sure you'd be happy with it though.

I am thrilled with the latest trend amongst kids, which is to wear mismatched socks. So I have a big bin and I throw all their socks in there and each morning they come make up a "pair!" I still match mine. ; )

Our daughter wears funky socks with characters and designs. Now her pre-school students are telling their parents they want to have socks like hers. :-)

Socks are a hot topic, I see. I'd love to buy all the crazy, colorful ones for myself - but the ones I really love a lot are pricey. So, I buy them for everyone else as gifts. I think they wear them!

Lynda,
I love wool socks too - and luckily I can wear them (no allergy). I have some ones from LL Bean. And I do experience the warm feet phenomenon. If my feet are hot, the rest of me is too!

Donna -
I love your sock storage idea. Socks sure fill up drawers awfully fast. I actually have been on a half-hearted hunt for red socks since before Christmas - no luck.
I don't want them bad enough to knit them though :}

Kath -
You may be the sock queen... but it looks like you have some competition. I went to visit Mom today and she kept complaining about the socks she had on. I finally told her to take them off and throw them away. She has 2 big drawers full of socks - plus more she doesn't know about. (I may have bought her too many.) So she did! Threw them right in the wastebasket and went to get a new pair - bless her heart.

Supper time! Be back ...

Hi Claudia

I have to chime in and say I love your picture up top as well.

On the socks topic - Renys has great socks!! As a fellow Mainer, I have to put a plug in ;) I bought some nice wool socks with great designs from Renys for Christmas gifts. I don't know if they had red though...

Pat -
I love to shop for something that essentially "always fit". So few things can be trusted in that regard.
THANKS for the warning on Indian Creek Chronicles. I try to avoid getting my blood pressure up and stay away from discussions on hunting. Believe me, I know all the arguments - inside and out. I think I will steer clear of this one.
So - what should I read about Idaho??? Need another suggestion.

Kim -
I love it! Mismatched socks! Don't know if I could do it myself though. Ya know - my training began over 60 years ago!

Joe -
LOL - PRE-school??? Just shows how influencial your daughter is as a teacher. And obviously full of fun!

***************
Was doing great on Wolf Hall and now I find I'm getting a bit bogged down on Part Three. Can't read it when I am tired - getting to hard to keep everyone straight.

I'm also reading The Sisters Brothers. What a hoot! I know. It's violent and disgusting - but funny! The conflicts between the pyschopathic and sensitive behaviors - too much!

Popping in to catch up & say hello!

Claudia, hopefully I'll have another Idaho book to recommend soon. The discussion groups at our library go on through the end of February and we'll be reading five books in all. I just started the next one--Bitterbrush Country--which is a series of essays written by the author after she moved to Idaho in the early 1980s. She married an Idaho politician that owned a big sheep and cattle ranch just east of Sun Valley. Coming from the east, it was a totally new way of life for her. I'll keep you posted!

JESS!!!!!
Oh, I'm so glad you are here! I looked at your baby's pictures on your profile. Owen? What a sweetie! How old is he now? I lost you for a long time there - but I'll stop over on your thread later.
Haven't been to Reny's lately - will have to make a trip :-) I don't know why red is so scarce ???

Hi Tina!
Pop in any time! Do you have any red socks?

Pat -
I will be waiting patiently. But if Bitterbrush Country is about politics, that might not appeal either. Geesh! You'd think I was picky.
Thanks for your help. I'll trust your judgement ;-)

Claudia, as far as I can tell Bitterbrush Country is not about politics but then I also thought there wouldn't be as much hunting as there was in Indian Creek Chronicles. Hopefully, we'll find the perfect Idaho book for you!

I have red socks. They go with my red cowboy boots, which are only ankle-highs. I always get compliments.

"...we'll find the perfect Idaho book for you!"
*grin* appreciate it!

Kim -
Luckeeeeeee! Red socks AND red cowboy boots!
We need a picture!

Lol, no red socks for me! Plenty of onesies / loners / lost boys though!

Cee, I'm glad you're enjoying The Sisters Brothers as a good counterpoint to Wolf Hall. I think you're in the lull section of WH; it picks up again if I recall correctly.

We have a storm door much like yours and we love it!

Mismatched or out of season socks don't bother me a bit. I also wear random colored socks with
whatever I'm wearing... such as purple socks when I am wearing nothing else purple.... Yay for mom tossing her ouchie socks. I keep saying that I am going to toss ragged undies and so on.. but I forget...

What is Renys?

And ... I may be a reformed winter lover. I think I am now a winter hater... just saying..

Socks, you say! I try so hard to keep my socks so that I don't end up with mismatched socks. However, despite my best efforts, I too will where mismatched socks without compunction!

Tina -
Common... you know you WANT red socks!

Ellen -
I would just push through this section of Wolf Hall w/o trying too hard, but I'm afraid I will start losing it if I don't "get it". Do you think I can just keep going and not worry about it? Or do I need to understand all parts to put the story together? I just turned back a block of pages to re-read and try again... not that I really want to. It's the political stuff that is not holding my attention.

Kath -
If you are wearing tattered undies right now - take a break and go toss them out right now! No time like the present ;-)

Reny's is a small chain in Maine that sells all kinds of stuff for somewhat cheaper prices. Some good quality brand names. But it's kinda a hit or miss place.

You are only a winter hater right now because it is not 100 degrees. As I have noticed with my Mom, the older you get the narrower the comfort zone.

Deb -
Didn't realize there were so many mismatched socks out there. I'm gonna start paying attention and see what's up with that!
****************

I started reading another book last night. I didn't mean to, but I had to charge my Kindle so I had to find something else to read in bed. I chose Island of Wings and got through the first part which is setting the scene mostly. I love descriptions of islands - and Altenberg does a nice job.

Morning, Cee! All this talk of red socks got me to thinking about a photo of two of my nephews that always makes me smile. Hope you don't mind me posting it here. The boys are now 33 and 24, so it's an oldie but a goody!

All this talk of socks, and guess what I bought yesterday - socks! Sorry to say mine are all in shades of black and grey. Not a pair of red socks in my drawers, mostly all in neutral shades. Good luck, Cee, with your quest to find red socks.

Thinking about storm doors...googled it and now your explanation makes perfect sense. :) Thanks.

I have just prepared potato salad to go with the yummy fritata that will be delivered to me this afternoon by a kind friend. Im so lucky to have friends who bring food! I remember your kids arranging that for you too.

Hi Mamie!
Post any pictures you want over here! I love pictures!
And the red socks look great - lol

Judy -
I'm pretty amazed with all the colors in the world that most sock makers and shoppers stick to the neutrals. Maybe I'm not shopping in the right places. Not that Maine has a lot of shopping choices. I'll be making a trip to CT soon ;-)

Megan -
I know, huh? Family and friends that cook for you are the best!
"...potato salad to go with the yummy fritata..." DROOL!! I'll be over...

Wow, Claudia! You are on a perfect reading roll! Now, you are enjoying the sisters Brothers? I loved that book. You'll have to get to Doc then. It's even better.
And you are joining us on the Tigana G.R.! Halleluiah! Halleluiah! My heart swells! (in a good way!)

Hmm....I see no mention of fleece socks as yet. Poor fleece socks. Nevermind .. I'll be the staunch supporter of lovely warm, colorful, fleece socks which I wear all the time in the winter.

Checking in on the new thread, Claudia!

Hi Cee, So glad to read that I'm not the only one with a large sock collection. No mismatched socks for me - that'd just feel weird... But with two large dogs with messy water bowl habits on a cold tile floor, I love my Lands End quilted slippers. No more cold feet!

Your storm door sounds exactly like mine.

I adored The Sisters Brothers - have FUN!

Just checking in :) I am on the run this morning...Caro I love fleece socks! I wear them in the house all the time :)

Morning Cee, hope you are having a brrrrtiful day!

#8 Sisters Brothers by Patrick deWitt (4.25 stars)



What does it say about me that I LOVED this book? It was simply funny, violent, and tender. An easy read. Totally irreverant. From eeeeooooo! to hahaha! Never a dull moment - rolicking bad fun.

I'm so glad you loved it, Cee! I did, too!

#74 Another thumbs up for The Sisters Brothers from me.

Loved it also, Cee. Not sure what to say about it, though. Fascinating and quick, told in a great voice, I thought. Besides, I love books that are unexpectedly funny in understated ways.

Marvelous pic. at the top.

I am all for the easy read every now and then, or frequently, depending on the state of my world.

Hmmm... moving Sisters Brothers up the WL if you laughed out loud! ;0)

Hmmm. . . a fly by visit from Cee... Is everything okay?

Everything is fine. Just a busy day - out and about.

Mark -
Doc is waiting on the shelf. And... yeah, I guess I am in the Tigana GR
btw, Nice rendition of the hallelujah chorus ;-)
Hope you are thawed out from your trek around Chicago today.

Caro -
Fleece socks are very warm with exciting colors and designs! I would melt if I wore them... that's how warm they are. My Mom has a bunch of them.

Hi Stasia!!!

Joanne -
"...with two large dogs with messy water bowl habits..."
I know what you mean. My daughter has 2 large dogs... etc. I'm always surprised with wet socks over there.
So, not only do we have the same taste in books - but also in storm doors! lol

Kath, Kath, Kath -
You wear fleece socks in the house but go barefoot outside in arctic temperatures? Nevermind. Don't try to explain. It'll only get weird, I fear.

Lynda -
A brrrrtiful day indeed! With the wind chill - NICE!

Mamie, Rhian, and Gail -
I was surprised Sisters Brothers was that good. I got it as a Kindle deal but wasn't sure when I would read it. Not sure why I picked it up now, but glad I did :-)

Kim -
No struggling with dry or slow segments in this book. It keeps moving. The end was a wee bit weird, I thought.
************************
OK -so now I am down to reading only 3 books at the same time. Still one too many.

Tenatively planning again to go to CT this weekend. Would be nice if I could make a decision!

Got some kind of electro-treatment on my shoulder at PT today. It felt funny. I think it was meant to confuse my brain into forgetting about pain and substituting the perception of waves of tingling through my shoulder. Never let it be said I resist 21st century technology!

Hi Claudia- I wanted to stop by and say hi but I didn't want to get scolded either. Is it safe?

I wouldn't want to get the fleece socks wet.....I wait til I come inside to put them on..

Scolded, Mark? What did you do now??? Did I miss an opportunity there?

OIC! LOL You funny, Kath!
Well, at least you have warm-up plans for those frozen toes.

You were not pleased with my "silly" comment, which I will retract, since our friendship is way more important, than one ummmm...silly word.
BTW- I have only had one beer, so don't even go there.

Oh THAT! Well, my friend, I may be a wee bit literal - but some people think fantasy IS silly.
Not me, of course! I choose fantasy over RL anyday.

I don't know where I'm going with this - but NOT scolding. I think we both need a beer! I'll let you pick ;-) Could I have a kitty with my beer, please?

Yes, you may! Hugs!

:-) Thanks!
{{{Mark}}}

Man, I have really got to get my hands on a copy of The Sisters Brothers!

OMG, Stasia. YOU could knock this off in an evening! lol
And then, maybe you could explain the ending to me???

Ok, I'll read the book if Stasia explains it to me, too.

Good morning, Cee.... isit a frozen tundra outside your door? ( it sort of is here...)
It snowed overnight..le sigh. So I have to get out there and sweet=p for the mail carrier..and clean off my car. It has warmed right up to 14 though, si it's better than it has been by a few degrees.

What is the plan of the day? Anything fun? I am planning on doing as little as possible, once I get home tonight :) And it's thursday, so Larry day. yay!

Kim -
Most of the book is easy to understand. Just a couple of killers nonchalantly doing their job and looking for love. Oh! I may have just figured out the ending! Thanks, Kim!

Kath -
Good morning...er probably good afternoon when you read this.
Why yes. It is white, bright, and frozen everywhere :D The tide will break it all up when it comes in and we'll have icebergs.
I have determined that woodpeckers are the hardiest birds that visit our feeders. They come first by a long shot while the others (I imagine) are still tucked in all their feathers and fluff waiting for the sun to do something.
Today's plan is to wash, cook, water plants, and pack so I can zip down to CT tomorrow morning to visit the kids for the weekend. I predict that means my reading streak will come to an abrupt halt. At least for the next few days...

A little extra warmth for my visitors.........

Stopping by to say LOVED Sisters Brothers and love Reny's for socks. I decided to have a "holy" sock drawer and wear those under the wicked ones. Extra layer of protection is definitely needed these days....at least until our Maine temps climb back into the 20's.

Love the stove too...don't know what we'd do without ours.

Cozy! Thanks for the warm fire.. Safe trip and happy times to you... come back soon...

Stopping in to catch up, Cee. Hope you have a wonderful time in CT!

>89 alcottacre: Man, I have really got to get my hands on a copy of The Sisters Brothers!
You said it Stasia!
I have been saying it too......one of these days it'll jump out at me from the library shelf and Ill be ready with open arms!

>93 -Cee-: The tide will break it all up when it comes in and we'll have icebergs.
WOW- that sounds incredible! now I know what that brazier os for, brrrrr. Shorts and Tshirt again for me here, but its breezy so not too hot.

have fun on your family visit, is CT Connecticut?

Have a great weekend with your family, Claudia!

Safe travels, Cee. Hope you have a wonderful time!

Miss ya woman!

Glad that you enjoyed The Sisters Brothers. It was a 5 star read for me. I couldn't turn the page fsast enough, and it was so hilarious! and yes violent and all that - the perfect mix!

Everyone does seem to be loving The Sisters Brothers - not normally the type of book I like, but I'm wondering...... the exception that proves the rule....

I'm glad you enjoyed The Sisters Brothers. I may have already said this, but Doc is (imo) even better.

#90/91: I cannot even get my hands on the book, let alone explain it to anyone!

Add me to the list of people who loved The Sisters Brothers Cee. I haven't got much to say about socks. Mine are either white, black or brown. Very unexciting I'm afraid. It's been bitter cold here all week too.

Huh....I guess you're still away then? hopefully having a great time indeed.

I'll check back later just to make sure you made it back safely, no more broken bones please!

Hmm. I do miss you, but I'm hoping that the silence means that you are having such a good time with the family that there is no time or desire for the internet. Keep up the fun work :) and safe home when the time comes.

Home safely! Had tons of fun and my heart is back up to FULL.
Visited everyone- all my kids and grands. Got home before the storm I didn't even know was coming... snowing now. Perfect.

My oldest turned 40 and there was a BIG party. My granddaughter's bday present from me was a bird feeder and all that goes with it. So we set that up and the birds started coming within a few hours. Spent half my weekend gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free, egg-free, etc and the other half eating left-over party food!

Very busy weekend - now I have to face the catch-up :}

Wow! Lots of everyone liked The Sisters Brothers!

Ahhh, Tina (in Maine) -
You sound like a true Mainer - continuing to find a use for 'holy' socks. I turn Ron's into dust rags and mine are too thin so they get thrown out.

Kath -
It was a wonderful trip. Everything went well. Got home, unpacked, and took a nap. Those kids wear me out :-)
I missed you too - and I saw you have about a thousand messages on your thread that I need to read.

Tina V -
I forgot what state you live in. So, you will be Tina V. When I get back to your thread, maybe it will pop out at me. Dang.
Haven't been to CT in so long - it was soooo needed.

Megan -
"The tide will break it all up when it comes in and we'll have icebergs."
I DO take a little poetic license at times. Don't picture Antartica, but we do get huge chunks of ice that get broken up, pushed around by the tide, and stand on end or on top of each other when the water goes back out.
Anyway, enjoy your summer!
And yes, CT is Connecticut ;-)

Welcome home, Cee! So thrilled that you had such a good time and that your heart has been filled up. What a great gift you gave your granddaughter - now every time she sees birds at that feeder, she will think of you. The other Tina is from Georgia, my new home state.

Thanks for the good wishes, Pat and Mamie! All these good wishes did the trick! It was great.

Deb -
The Sisters Brothers was indeed a perfect mix. Not something that called to me right away - not sure why not. I'm glad I waited though, cuz I got a good deal on the Kindle version.

Lucy -
You have a wonderful sense of humor. I'm sure you will like The Sisters Brothers. "...the exception that proves the rule....." - I think so

Ellen -
I have Doc on my shelf calling me. It won't be long now.
Ron is reading - and liking - The Sisters Brothers now. Almost finished. I'm curious to see what rating he gives it.

Stasia -
If it was a real book, I'd send it to you. But I can't send my Kindle :(
I'm sure you will come across it somewhere, some time.

Bonnie -
I'm sorry about your drab socks. Now that you are retired, you NEED to spice things up. Red is good. I did manage to find some SmartWool socks - turquoise and red. Beautiful patterns! And so comfy. Makes for 'happy feet'.

Oh! and Megan - My shoulder behaved admirably.
NO more broken bones! YAY!
Well, maybe just a few on the yummy wings we had the other night :-)

Oh. That's right, Mamie! Tina V is in Georgia!
I knew there was a reason I should have remembered that!
Thanks.
I think the whole family will wind up having fun watcing the birds... including the (indoor) cats!
They live on the side of a mountain and have all kinds of fine feathered friends. I did warn them to watch out for other animals that might come looking for seed spills on the ground. I hope I don't regret this as they do have bears. Right now, it's all a cautious experiment.

Hi Claudia- Welcome home. Sounds like you had a blast with your family! Good for you. I'm glad your DH is reading the Sisters Brothers. Let us know what he thinks.

Cee - Looks like you had a splendid time - I love the phrase "my heart is back up to FULL."
I had a kids weekend pretty much myself after catching up with some nasty work.

Welcome home, Claudia. What a great visit and you found some beautiful SmartWool Socks too!

Mark -
Thanks. I did have a blast!
Ron just finished The Sisters Brothers and he did like it. He rates it 3.5 - but I have to tell you, he is the toughest on ratings! So for him, that is pretty good. You have to keep in mind he married ME. He has VERY high standards ;-) LOL

Paul -
Sounds like you might have had an exhausting weekend. But then, you do seem to have unlimited reserves of energy.

Pat -
Yup... a double play! And it was a home run weekend.
I agonized for so long about going at all... glad I finally came to my senses.

I love the opening photos of Loki, and now to see the both of you is double enjoyment.

For me, there is no better dog than a sheltie, so loyal, so loving and so very comfortable in sharing space.

Thanks, Linda!
shelties - not to mention, absolutely beautiful!

#9 Island of Wings by Karin Altenberg (4.5 stars)



A beautifully haunting description of life on the northern edge of the world in the early 1800s. A newly wed couple arrive on St Kilda as missionaries to an ancient community who live by superstition and ritual. The minister and his wife struggle with their mission as well as their own marriage and family building.
This is a highly fictional account based on real people and events.

This novel was written for my enjoyment.
An island lifestyle in an extreme location with themes of friendship, marriage, ancient beliefs, value of evangelical efforts, and raw emotional struggles are some of the things that make this an achingly interesting story.

Recommended debut novel. I will look for more from Karin Altenberg.

CEE, Here is a photo of Lilly on the couch...her favorite place to be other than chasing the deer out of the back yard.

The photo was taken earlier when she was still puppy like.

Sweet girl!

And I bet she takes her job of deer chasing very seriously. Is your back yard fenced? Mine is not.
If I did not keep Loki on a lead, he would probably take off into the woods almost every night. And I am NOT chasing after him in the dark, dark woods! Too dangerous for both of us.
sigh :{

Hi Cee, welcome back.
That's all for now :)

Welcome back, Cee, sounds like you have a busy, fun time. You've come home and managed to hit me with a book bullet, Island of Wings written for your enjoyment, sounds like I might enjoy it as well!

Ohhh so glad that you enjoyed Island of Wings, Cee! That was one of my favourite reads last year!!! :)

Glad you had a wonderful time with your family!

Yay for family time and feeling well!

I've had Island of Wings on my short list (which is actually rather long) since somewhere around the time Deb read it. Glad you liked it! I need to get to it!

I'm glad you are safe home!! I am not glad that you made me want to read Island of Wings...I do not need
another one on the short stack. sigh.

So you had a good time? Fantastic, I hoped you would. And good timing on the return home.
We had snow, then ice then it started to warm up.. and it will be 60F tomorrow. yeesh.

I hope you enjoy your snow and a new book and some food of your choice today :)

.

Hi Megan, thanks!
That's all for now :) lol

Judy -
Perhaps "enjoyment" is a misleading word. The book was at times bleak and sad. But I "enjoy" that kind of stuff. Weird, huh? Anyway, if you try it - hope you like it. It was hugely interesting.

Deb -
It was at your recommendation that I picked up Island of Wings. I knew when I read what you wrote about it that it would be something I would love too. Thank you so much!!!!

Joanne -
I had a long dry spell - not seeing my grandkids and struggling with my shoulder recovery. I didn't realize how much it was getting me down until around Christmas time. I finally got my fill and the trip did not set me back at all shoulder-wise. I'm a happy camper.

Kath -
My drive home was watched over by my guardian angel, I think. Not only did I just miss the snow storm, but Ron told me there was a nasty accident on a highway I was driving about 1/2 hour after I went through. They had to close the highway down. If I had left at my usual later time, I would have gotten stuck.
I think our weather is supposed to get up to 50 sometime soon and rain. *heavy sigh* That's ok. I got the book The Snow Child from the library today. I can always get lost in that snow :)

Had supper at the pub tonight. Good grub! Finally gave up on the beer and got a wonderful glass of cabernet.
*****************

Currently reading:
Above All Things by Tanis Rideout ER book about George Mallory's third attempt at conquering Everset. Very good so far.

Wolf Hall - about halfway, still liking it a lot.

Oh good.... Glad youhad a nice meal and a CELL PHONE Yay!! .

Shhhhhhhhhhhhh.... don't tell anyone! Geesh!
Too much will be expected of me - ack!

okay..... shhhhhh

I;m just glad that you have one and that it will be there if you need it. Remember to charge it!

Oh Cee, I think you will really like The Snow Child.

Right - if I need it, etc. It can be convenient at times too, I imagine.

Mamie - I think so too, but now I can't remember who rec'd it or what it is about. But it gets 2 stars just for having 'Snow' in the title ;-)

"Finally gave up on the beer"! WTH! *heavy sigh* Claudia, Claudia, Claudia!

I loved the Snow Child, sighs again, I hope you do too!

me I think? I read it last year...
It was wonderful@@@

LOL! Just wanted a nice treat tonight, Mark. Never sure how beer is gonna strike my taste buds. Usually - :PPPPPPPPPP
Now, it's true. I do have exceptions to that rule.
But tonight was not in an experimental mood. Just chillin'

So many loved Snow Child - I don't think it will be a big risk for me ;-)

hmmm... maybe it was you Kath. I neglected to make a note, but I remember you did love it.

So glad your guardian angel did a good job in keeping you safe during your drive home, Cee.

I haven't yet read The Snow Child even though it's sitting patiently in my TBR Tower. Not sure what I'm waiting for, really but I'm a little afraid to read it after everyone's given such raving reviews. I'm afraid my expectations are a unreasonably high right now and I'm going to be disappointed. I think I'll wait a little while longer and be the last to read it. :-)

>127 -Cee-: I was very close to getting the Snow Child at the second hand shop the other week, but refrained. I was worried about the fantasy aspects of it. Im so chicken when it comes to genre-hopping! I hope you like it though, will await your thoughts on that one!

I also loved The Snow Child.

CEE, our yard has a fence at the back separating our yard from a large hill leading to woods.

Many nights we watch the deer jump the fence and bump their noses against the bird feeder. Will goes to the local farm market and buys bags of apples.

Each night before dusk he cuts them in 1/4 and scatters the pieces on the lawn.

We watch and laugh, thinking we have our own Mutual of Omaha Marlin Perkins nature show.

I was hesitant to read it too, Cee. I ended up loving it.. but who knows? We are such a mixed bag here ...
you may not love it ( but I think you will ) I am going to read Fever Devilin later.. and that makes me happy!

Linda.. that is so sweet! My dad used to feed the deer and the foxes ....I know they missed him when he passed...

Hi Caro!
I know what you mean. You hate to have expectations so high the book can't live up to it. Luckily, that is rarely a problem for me. That's ok. As you know, books are patient.

Megan -
I need to make a trip to the used book store soon. Haven't been in awhile. Usually, they do not have recent books... probably cuz those who volunteer there snap them up as they come in??? Maybe I should volunteer. lol
I had not realized this was a fantasy. I guess it will fit in nicely with FF ;-)

Linda -
I kinda wish we could have a fenced in area for Loki - but it's a bit hard digging into granite! It's lovely living on a ridge and in the woods, but the lack of dirt creates a few problems. It's all very superficial and don't ask me how the trees survive and grow.
You and Will have quite a set up there. Great entertainment.

oops! Mornin' Kath!

Loki is not having a great morning. (Almost) dry heaves and diarrhea again. He still wants his breakfast though. Oy!

:( so sorry to hear that. Poor Loki :(

Sorry Cee, I've been neglectful. Doesn't mean I'm not thinking about cha. Hugs to dear Loki!

Morning Claudia- I see you are up bright & early. Sorry to hear about poor Loki. Bummer. I hope he recovers quickly.

Lynda -
I do not tag anyone neglecful. No apology needed - ever.
You are here and I'm happy to see that anytime.

Loki thanks you for the hug. He seems to be feeling a bit low this morning. I don't know if his distress is the unwanted eruptions from both ends of his digestive track - or the fact that I am not feeding him. He keeps looking at me as if to say "Didn't you forget something this morning?" Poor boy.

Hi Mark
Yeah. I did get up early - but it isn't bright. Warm and rainy.
Bummer is right. I keep hoping Loki's problem will all go away and fade into the past... but this whatever-it-is keeps popping back. I don't think he will recover til we find out what it is. Spending over $1K hasn't produced any diagnosis so the next step would be a specialist. I shudder at the expense there.

anyway - hope your day is a good one ;-)

Hi Cee! I'm so glad to see you had a fabulous time with the family. I think the phrase "my heart is full" is an incredible way to say that!!

Glad Mamie could help you out on my home state but I'm ok being just TinaV. I would even answer to "the other Tina" if need be :)

I hope you get some answers about Loki. I know that is hard & must cause you to worry. :(

Just swinging by to say hi! Glad you had a lovely trip to CT and that the traffic angels were with you! I always say a prayer to my guardian angels when I drive for a safe, uneventful journey.

Sorry to hear about your doggy troubles. It's so hard to see our pets suffering especially when they can't tell us what's wrong.

Sandy K

Sorry to hear that Loki is still dealing with these problems. Poor boy!

:( Poor Loki :(

Tina -
I went blank on Georgia. I do like to place a name with a face and a place ;-) I'll remember it now. I hope.

Hi Sandy -
It still amazes me that I got up early and out early. I am not a morning person. This time it made my day. Love those guardian angels!

Pat -
Loki is messing with my mind... though I don't think he's having a good time himself.

Kath -
I know :(
He seems a bit better tonight. Sorry I keep setting off the alarm everytime he pukes, etc. But he was SO sick last time I'm pretty nervous about a repeat performance.

Well, here is something cool. The Vet specialists that you rec'd in Portland work with the primary vets around here. Not that I care for the one I am going to in Bath. BUT... the specialists have a "sister" vet in Brunswick (next town over - where Loki is groomed) and I'm seriously thinking of switching primary care to them.

I can be Georgia Tina if you'd like... Better yet, as I'm not a huge fan of the backwoods of Ga, you can think of me as Atlanta Tina :)

Good morning Cee... how is Loki this morning?
I think changing to the other vet is a sound idea.
Hope all is well with all of you today :)

I am trying to steel myself for going out in the cold brrrr *wimp wimp wimp* but BRRRRRR

Tina -
OK. I have a few choices there. Will latch on to one when I need to ;-)

Kath -
Loki is holding his own this morning. I think his mission is to make me a nervous wreck - and he is succeeding. Maybe I'll get used to this over time???
We are getting the warm weather today and the wind is ferocious! I have to go out in it and will call upon my guardian angel to keep falling trees off me.
Last day of January! *sniff* bye-bye January...

Morning Claudia- Glad to hear Loki is stable for now. You need a break. I see you are reading Wolf Hall. I will be the last one on the LT planet to read this one. How bad is that.
I will not miss January. Don't let the door hit you in the bum. Come on Spring!

I couldn't do it. I would want to know what I was dealing with and if there was something I could do. Too much stress for me :PPP

Wind wicked in a lot of places I hear...

Waaay up there (I am so far behind) ---> he married ME. He has VERY high standards
*big smile!*

Poor ol' Loki (and poor Cee!) -- he does give you reasons to worry, doesn't he? It goes without saying that I'm sending good and healthy vibes his way.

I also liked (but didn't love) The Snow Child. I liked it a lot.

Cee.. if it helps TinaV from GA can be Tina and I can be Tutu....I'm always confused when I see Tina in a thread and think people are talking to/about ME. So maybe Tutu would be easier for all. Either way.....

Hi Cee! Sorry to see that Loki still isn't feeling better. Hope the vet can figure it out without you having to spend much more money!
Jax and Tempe send Loki some doggie hugs!

Just poppin in again to see what sort of day y'all had....
hope it was good!

GREAT NEWS :-))))
Went to the Ortho Dr today and....
drumroll, pomp and circumstance, etc...
I graduated! This was my last visit!
Dr was very happy with my results - and I think surprised a bit. She knew I was getting waaaay depressed with all the pain and was pleased the cortisone was so effective.
Then I went to the PT and she was checking off all my goals set in the beginning and refining/updating them. I guess she thought I would only get to about 75% recovery.
I am now about 90-95% there! WooHoo!!!
So I have a few additional and higher goals
with about 3 more weeks of PT to build strength.
All in all, a happy health day for me!

I spent some time at the GHS setting everything up to mail out the TIDE newsletter tomorrow.
Ugh... gotta be there before 9 am. Why does everyone like getting up early in this town???

Loki is holding his own today :-)

Wow, congratulations on graduating from the Ortho doc and having the end of PT in sight. Mainly though congratulations on having 90-95% recovery. That's excellent news.

Glad to hear it was good day for Loki too. :)

Mark -
I am actually liking Wolf Hall a lot. It's a lot easier to read than I was led to believe... and interesting to boot! I have a big decision to make. My RL book club is breaking this book up in two parts for Feb/Mar. I don't know if I should really wait to read the second half till later. Kinda afraid I will forget all the characters... but if I read it all now, I'll forget the details by March. It's tough to get old :PPP
Also, I noticed it was still light at 5 pm today... Spring is coming. Cheer up ;-)

Kath -
I know what you mean. But, everytime I am ready to call the vet he improves. This is like a see-saw... hope/despair, hope/despair, etc. It's definitely stressful. There is nothing I can do unless and until I have a diagnosis. Right now I don't want to spend a lot more money and still be in the dark.

What do you think about Giardia (sp?) He might have been infected at the kennel while we were on vacation. Do those symptoms come and go? Maybe the antibiotics helped when he was acutely sick but not completely??? I'm reaching here.

Ellen -
Loki thanks you for the "good and healthy vibes"!
The Snow Child - if there is snow in it, I'm happy. If they are tricking me with the title, well... there will have to be a heck of a story to make it up to me.

Tina/Tutu -
OK. If you are fine with either, be prepared! I could go one way or the other!!! I'm crazy like that ;-)

Chelle!!!!!
Are you home? Are you happy? Are you all tanned and thawed out??? I have to go check your thread.
Pls thank Jax and Tempe for the doggie hugs for Loki.
Maybe Loki has been looking for extra attention? *sigh*

Heading over to see how your day was, Kath.

Oh, thanks Pat!
I told my PT right in the beginning that I would NOT be happy with a C (75% recovery). I don't think she believed me. She does now! We both worked hard.

night...sweet dreams...

>163 -Cee-: Woohoo!
Great news on being in the 90th%age of full recovery. That is pretty close. And I bet those strengthening exercises will do a lot to get you even closer (dont stop them now).

Congratulations on a long recovery.

WahHOO for you, Cee! That is really great news! So, so happy for you - good work!

*And just so you know, there is snow and lots of it in The Snow Child - no trick.

Claudia- Congrats on your medical break-through! Gentle hug! We have to be careful.

Excellent news on your recovery, Cee. You've put in a lot of hard work so it must be rewarding to see such good results. I hope Loki is able to continue to stay healthy as well.

Yaay for an A grade on your road to full recovery! The end is finally within sight!

But poor Loki! I really hope he's feeling better. Copper and Skye both send their best doggie hugs. And a hug from me to you!

You're reading Wolf Hall and The Snow Child? I have them both on my short list!

Great news Cee - no more one-armed bandit gags from me!

Great to hear about your good recovery. I would definitely read Wolf Hall all at once. I hate putting a book down for any period of time.

I knew you would heal up fast.. you're a tough cookie!
Now don't go and spoil it by doing too much or falling on the ice....
like some other old broad you know...lol

I love the visual of you pushing out the Tide ..lol

Mornin' Kath -
Hope you got a good night's sleep. Methinks you were a wee bit tired. Have a good day off! (Hope I have that right!)

Thanks, Megan.
Yup. A bit more work on getting that left arm to reach up my back and back over my shoulder for a seat belt - some strengthening work. Almost there :-)

Mamie -
Thanks! And woohoo - there really is snow in the book!

Mark -
Thanks for the gentle hug (I always like gentle). But here's the beauty of being recovered - I don't have to be protective and careful of my arm anymore! Except if I see ice or slippery conditions - my brain still freaks a bit!

Judy -
For a long time I was worried I wouldn't make it and getting depressed. I was afraid everyone knew something and they weren't telling me. A little shot of that cortisone and the world started to spin on its axis again :-)

Joanne -
Thanks for all the hugs - Loki is doing ok today. Crossing fingers and what-all that it continues.
Funny we are working on the same books - I wonder if we have similar taste in books? (hehehe)

Paul -
I have learned a lot of empathy for those with limbs that will not function - or are completely missing them. It really knocks the wind out of your sails to be so handicapped. And, truly, I got off lucky compared to many. Now... to keep everything intact. The challenge of growing older??? eek

Rhian -
I think you are right about reading Wolf Hall all at once. I don't really want to put it down for a month anyway. I think we could have done this whole book in one month actually.

*************************
Have to push the TIDE out today! It'll be a bit harder as it will be against the wind :PP Just hope my little, elderly TIDE ladies don't get blown to smitherenes!

Hope everyone has a nice day. It's Friday!

Kath,
I'm not all that tough as much as stubborn! And no worries! I am probably the most careful baby boomer on the planet! It's a new role for me.
I do hope you will soon learn to take better care of yourself. There's no shame in slowing down a wee bit ;-)
Have a good one!

ETA: I DO like exclamation points... don't I?

!!! I do too!!!!

and :)

too

right.
:-) too !!!!

Morning!!!! It's going to be a COLD one here today. Only a meager 11. Glad I can stay in. I have to decide when to finally bookhorn Wolf Hall in. This month is already jam-packed. Oh, sorry: already jam-packed!!!

Congrats on your recovery news!! Yay :)

I am home and I'm cold but happy. Not tanned but I am a very bright shade of red! I burn very easily and my back is quite painful to lean on too much but it is starting to fade thankfully!

#10 Above All Things by Tanis Rideout (5 stars)



Excellent, excellent book!
I have to write a review for ER. I'll give it a shot tomorrow. Too tired now.

Claudia, I've just started Above All Things but I'm loving it. I also got it as an ER book. So glad to know you loved it too. So did Peggy and Suzanne.

Sleep tight!

Mark!!!
Glad you got to stay warm today.
I'm not worried at all. You WILL find a way to squeeze in Wolf Hall. I know it.

Chelle -
Thanks.
It's a good thing you did not get more sun than you did. You know, I remember getting a nasty burn on a very cloudy day on a cruise in the Pacific. I never felt any warmth from the sun at all - till that night! So even in the rain and clouds - you have to be very careful.
Sorry you have pain :(
Hope it turns to tan.

Pat - I tried to think if anything could have been better about this book. I decided it was great just the way it was!
And this was a debut novel!
Glad it is so well received. I think you will love it too.

I'm so sorry to hear that Loki is not 100%. I am glad that you are way beyond your goal and making incredible progress.

Here is a recent photo of Lilly. She looks like Loki..I think!

There is snow in The Snow Child, Cee. No fooling this time.
I'm very glad to hear about the effectiveness of the cortisone and the PT. Congrats!! Excellent news.
Still sending good vibes to the Loki-pup.

Lilly and Loki would make a great photo pair!

hmm Maybe there should be a meetup with furkids :)
Ellen is right.. lol, snow in Snow Child
You should be here.. more snow coming... or do you have your own?

So how is Loki today? How are you? Whats the plan? Any fun or shenaigans on the calendar?

Is that your hot water bottle? I did not think they used those babies anymore!

So glad that Above All Things was a 5 star read for you, Cee! . I look forward to your review/ comments. I have seen that book in the bookstore so often, but never really looked at it!

Linda -
Lilly does look a lot like Loki... Love the picture. She has that white streak down the middle of her face though (which Loki does not have) and I think it makes her look prettier. Our last sheltie (Charlee) had that white marking and I loved it.
Lilly is a beauty. Right now she looks cleaner than Loki as he needs to visit the groomer. It's been so very cold though. We are holding off.
Hugs for the sweet girl!

Ellen -
Well, I started reading The Snow Child in bed last night. No snow so far - but I didn't get too far as I was falling asleep. I'll believe you though. There's something about the anticipation of snow....
Good idea - Lilly and Loki photo shoot :-)

Kath -
Wouldn't that be great? A furkid meet-up? LOL
It would have to be here though. Loki hates to travel anywhere.
I LOVE to travel - anywhere, anytime. So, how did I get stuck with a DH and dog that are total home bodies? If I want to run away, I can only count on Woolly to come with me.

Loki is OK. In the cycle of mental abuse, he is now building a false sense of security in me. When he gets sick again it will come out of nowhere and slap me down into worry-ness. Right now he has found a sunny spot on the stone tile and looks innocently contented.

No fun today - except for out-for-pizza tonight... or maybe a greek special. Snow - tomorrow night.

Mark -
You are a dear friend... but you are a lot like my husband when it comes to communication. I never know what you are talking about. You both drive me nuts. Perhaps it is me. Nah. Can't be.
WHAT hot water bottle??? I do remember using them in bed from when I was a kid. But we have electricity now (!)... so the electric mattress pad has replaced them.

Deb -
Looking at the rating on the book profile page for Above All Things I think one would get a misguided idea of what readers thought about the book (rating wise).
There are higher ratings scattered in the reviews than showing on the rating graph. There are at least six 5 star ratings and the graph only shows one. The average rating at the top is 3.8. Not very accurate at all. Too bad, I think.
I have to work on that review today.

Claudia- Now, you sound like my wife! LOL. The blue toy in Loki's photo, looked like the old fashioned hot water bottle, but a blue one. I do get ahead of myself, sometimes, I will admit.

Ah, Mark. The blue toy in #186 belongs to Lilly (Linda's sheltie). The two shelties do look a lot alike. But, no. No hot water bottles here.
I should look for that toy for Loki though. I think he would like it!

Boy, I need another cup of coffee. DUH! See, mouth ahead of brain...once again. Have a good day, my friend. I knocked out my Bean Trees review. What a good read!

That's OK, Mark. You're on vacation. You shouldn't be pushing your brain. I loved Bean Trees too. I'll get over to your thread to read your review ;-)

#10 Above All Things by Tanis Rideout (5 stars) LTER



Excellent, excellent book!

I wasn’t sure I knew enough - or cared enough - about mountain climbing to be able to enjoy this story, but I was counting on the adventure to sweep me away. It did just that with a bonus. This is not a dry, technical account of man vs mountain. Rather, it is an impassioned journey into the psyches of a man who must conquer the impossible whatever the cost, and a woman who must support her husband’s love affair with a killer mountain to have any piece of him to call her own. This story is about George Mallory, early 1900s Everest adventurer, and his wife Ruth who unwillingly bore the cost of self sacrifice and deep loving. Both voices are strong and compelling.

Beautifully written, this historical novel does take some license with the facts. In my opinion, this does not impair the flow or intent of the historical event. In fact, as Tanis Rideout explains in her author’s notes at the back of the book, the deviations from reality are meant to be symbolic, relevant, and ease the technical aspects. It is a powerful account of a time when mountaineering was an adventure for fame and country. The descriptions are astonishing, heart breaking, tender, and painful.

“George collapsed in the snow, turned his back to the weight of the wind, and lowered his head into the hollow space between his legs and chest, searching for a still spot to breathe in. His body thrummed with exhaustion.
They’d establish their last camp here, then tomorrow he and Teddy would push for the summit. George searched for the towering peak of it but couldn’t see it for the snow that was screaming sky-ward off the ridge above them, a curling wall of it, like the blown silk of Ruth’s wedding gown. He stared, hoping for a glimpse, until Teddy knocked him on the arm, held out his ice axe to him, and pointed with gloved hands at the snow.
They had to get the tent up. Quickly. This high up the temperature plummeted to unbearable lows with the sun. The altitude, the lack of oxygen, amplified the cold. He bent over the tight, dry snow, swung his axe into it. One knock per breath.”

The tension builds while you are reading until your muscles are aching and your breath is quickened. You strain for the summit of Everest with George while your heart is breaking for Ruth. Alternating between their personal and moving inner struggles pulls you forward; sometimes in frustration, and other times like a roller coaster ride.

Highly recommended.

ETA: The cover is just beautiful - very artistic and I hope they don't change it.

thumbs up from me! What a great review. The book is now on the TBR pile.

Excellent review of Above All Things, Claudia, and big thumbs up from me. As soon as I get off LT, I'm going to continue reading my copy. I'm at about page 80 and George and the other climbers are still in Base Camp and it's only 7:00 in the morning in Ruth's day.

a big old thumb from me :)

Hope all is well in your world... I am happy to be home!

Well, if you liked it Cee, and Peggy liked it and Suzanne liked it then why wouldn't I like it? Onto the teetering tower it goes. Thank you for one terrific review.

And congratulations on your excellent progress in your recovery. Good job!

Thanks, Linda. I do think you would like it.

Thanks to you also, Pat. Be careful climbing :-}

Kath - Your thumb is not big or old... but thanks! Did I ever tell you how literal I tend to be? Bridget says I am. Ron is still trying to figure out the obvious. *sigh*

Really, Bonnie? Really? It only took three of us to tempt you? You are one tough lady! Still, I think you'll like it too. Just wish there were pictures ;-)
And thanks!

Thumbs up for your great review on Above All Things, it has been added to my wishlist.

Thanks, Judy.
When I finished I immediately thought I would give it 5 stars. Then I thought - well 5 is a lot of stars. I need to re-think that. Was it really that special? Oh yeah.

Hi Cee,

5 star ER book- go you!

And I was just pondering, we dont seem to have Shelties here. At least Ive never seen one. I wonder if we do? Are they mainly Nth American dogs?

>196 -Cee-: ....and a woman who must support her husband’s love affair with a killer mountain
These are the unsung heroes of mountain climbing I think. The mountain climber father/husband is, imo, a fairly selfish person. The chances of death are so high, and the family so often abandoned.
This book sounds like a great take on the whole experience.

I'm sorry Tina/TuTu... Did not intend to cause trouble! I will answer to just about anything (anything that is kind of nice, I mean) :)

Hi Megan -
I think you can find shelties (Shetland Sheepdogs) all over the world pretty much - but they are not one of the most popular. They are herding dogs and although sweet and loyal, some are excitable and noisy. It's all how they are trained - and they are usually easy to train. But a lot of people don't want to take the time or effort for that, I think. If you talk to a sheltie owner, you will get nothing but praise and obvious love for the dog.

You hit the nail on the head re mountain climbing and family. It's what this book is all about.

Tina -
No problem. Really. You and TuTu Tina are both easy, friendly, lovely ladies. I promise to be nice to both of you ;-)

I don't generally care which team wins the super bowl, but my daughter (who volunteers at a nature reserve feeding the raptors) wants the birds to win. She has a point. Birds are good!

Great review of Above All Things - might be an ER winner. Peggy liked it too.

Such great news about your shoulder.

Hopefully, Loki is just a bit more delicate from being sick, taking awhile to fully recover, and nothing more.

Adding Above All Things to the BlackHole. Thanks for the recommendation and review!

Great news about your shoulder. I am glad to hear that you are doing so well.

Fingers crossed that Loki is back to his old self soon.

Great review of Above All Things! Glad Loki is doing better and that your trip to CT was a good one.

I love the idea of a furkidz meet-up. Abby, however, does not. :-)

Shelties are just lovely dogs, I think, Cee! I know my vet owned one, and she loved her dearly,but she did say that she found her somewhat excitable - as was her Cairn Terrier -which I grew up with - Cairn Terriers, and West Highland White mix , as well as a Rat terrier named" Trixie". Growing up with cats and dogs ( we had one cat that my brother named " Barracuda"), is a lot of fun! For many years I thought that a Barracuda was an animal like a cougar or something, rather than a fish. Oh that brother of mine! :)

Happy Monday, Cee! Great ortho news! And you are sooo funny! you are the only person I know who was actually sad to see January end. LOL. We've got tons of snow which I will shovel in your direction, er I don't do shoveling, better yet the snow plow will push it your way.

Lucy -
"Hopefully, Loki is just a bit more delicate from being sick, taking awhile to fully recover, and nothing more."
Oh. I love that thinking. I hope that's it! Just wish I knew what caused all this in the first place. Just seems very "suspicious" that it followed a stay at the kennel. Whatever. (yes, I do love and use that overworked word)

Stasia -
I'm always surprised to see you here and everywhere. How do you find the time? You are doing your homework... right? Of course, you are :-)

Thanks, Kim.
The trip to CT perked me up considerably. I was missing my family pretty bad. I'll have to remember - if I am ever in any kind of a bad way in the future - get a cortisone injection and visit CT! Whatever ails me. lol

Ellen -
That is sooo funny and exactly what my furkids are thinking :-)

Deb -
We have had 2 shelties. They turned out to be quite different personalities. Charlee was mellow and Loki is in need of a sheep farm to siphon off his exuberance. Each beautiful, sweet, loyal, smart, lovable and a strong work ethic.
Funny story about your brother & Barracuda. I didn't had a cat or dog growing up - nor a brother. I made up for it as an adult on both counts. (I found out after my Dad died that I had 5 half brothers and 2 half sisters. I so happy to know them now.)

Lynda -
All snow gratefully accepted. Looks like we'll be getting a bit more soon. Windy and bitter cold today. NOT a beach day - even for a short walk. Brrrr

Cee, I think I lost you for a while. I'm not exactly caught up, but want to say hi -- and congrats on exceeding the medical experts' expectations! And Lily is lovely.

Above all things sounds good. Great review!

Thanks, Terri.

I have to admit, I am losing myself lately. Reading fantasy is a great February activity and I am loving
Snow Child
and
Tigana

I only wish I could bring myself to read The Lord of the Rings again as it seems to be the gold standard in fantasy for me. But... that's a lot of reading time and there are so many others to get to.

Morning Claudia- I am so glad you are enjoying your fantasy reads, especially Tigana. I am loving it too. And should wrap it up on the weekend. It's great when we read out of our comfort zones and are dazzled. It's a good feeling.
I think you should read the Hobbit at some point. It's lighter and faster and a good place to start.

Hi Mark -
I've read The Hobbit and loved that one too. I was a big fantasy reader years ago... still love that genre.
It's just that I rarely read anything more than once... and really I probably should... at least selectively. I think.

I anxiously await your review of The Snow Child. I believe it was Mark who mentioned this book and his raves made me go to the library asap and obtain a copy.

Regarding Lilly's blue (not a water bottle) toy, my daughter gave it to Lilly for a Christmas present. She told me she found it at Target.

The wonderful traits of shelties are so aptly mentioned in your comments -- loyal, friendly, intelligent. But, as you know, they can be excitable. Lilly wore a path in the grass/snow in her efforts to chase the ground hogs away from the bird feeder.

Even though they are no longer in our yard, still, she does her usual run, out the back door, down the desk steps, and then runs like crazy to the back of our neighbor's shed. She still remembers the ground hogs from summer and that they ran away from her and hid under the shed.

Happy Wednesday!

Cee, it looks like snow is going to be heading your way. Congratulations. Personally, I am enjoying the milder weather we're having this week after some very cold weather last week.

Yup, that book about Mallory is looking better and better. Lovely review.

Oh crap, crap, crap!
I never should have done it. I almost never do :{
I read a few reviews of The Snow Child to see what others thought of it. I was getting a bit conflicted about it myself.

Anyway, there was one super spoiler review that said waaaay too much.
I don't want to know :PPPPPPPP~~~ I'm not done yet.
Too late. I should have known better... but this was uncharacteristically blatant and I didn't see it coming.
Ah well.

Linda -
Your description of Lilly chasing after groundhogs fits Loki's actions to a T. Only he does it to squirrels and chipmunks - same movements and attitudes every time. They are too funny!

Hi Donna -
Very funny - congratulating me for a coming snow storm LOL!
I'll take it :-)
Thanks for your kind words.

Oh darn, Donna beat me to it. I wanted to congratulate you on the upcoming blizzard Cee. Oh well, better you than me haha.

As far as the spoilers go, LT is better than a lot of places but nothing's perfect. Don't ever read a professional review---they don't care if they reveal the whole darn book. I'm sorry you had to see that one though and ruin the book you're reading.

Hi Bonnie,
Well, I never - hardly ever - read professional reviews. I love most LT reviews - but I usually avoid them til I've finished the book. My own darn fault.
At any rate, the book is not ruined entirely. Just took the surprise out of it. I have to admit, I had no idea where it was going. Now that I know the end, I'll just have to see how they got there!

And I just fervently hope we DO get this promised snow. We'll see.

Ooooo, looks like you'll be living in a snow globe shortly. Got Milk? seriously, going out for provisions may be a good idea and if that's not an excuse to stock up on books I don't know what is.
Keep warm and safe

Lynda is very right.. stock up on comfort food and good reads , and maybe #RedSocks

Lynda and Kath -
We have enough food around here to last a month (if necessary) and I don't care if I never have a drop of milk for the rest of my life. :P
Also - not to worry - plenty of books that still need to be read. Always prepared in the winter on an island... even though there is a bridge, we do sometimes get cut off.
We'll be fine. Thanks for your concern though...

Today, PT for me and dr appt for Mom. I will also be trying to sneak over to the used book store for some retail therapy... LOL

I just bought a pair of red socks (SmartWool) with a very pretty flower design. All set there, Kath.

Wishing everyone a streak of happiness today ;-)

Cee...glad to hear you are ready to hunker down. I am usually skeptical of the weather-guessers as to total snow, but I have a gut feeling this time they have it right. Bob (as Selectman) and I (as library Director) are busy getting "town" stuffed rigged for stormy seas as they say. But we are both looking forward to a couple of quiet days in front of the fire cut off from the world.

scratches head as she wonders how quiet things will be with hurricane force winds blowing up against our 30 ft wall of glass!........returns to nice cuppa tea....and sunny sunny sun room.

Cee

Please keep us posted re. the snow. It sounds like you are ready to settle in.

How are you feeling these days? Has the injection continued to help ease the pain?

TuTu Tina -
I'll believe it when I see it. And if they are right - you know it's gonna be great ;-)
I only worry if Ron gets an emergency call. Hopefully everyone will behave - incl the trees!

Linda -
That miracle cortisone injection is still working - or it took care of the inflammation completely. At any rate, I'm still feeling pretty good. Thanks.

Bought a book today :D
Yoga For People Who Can't Be Bothered to Do it
And when I bought it, don'tcha know the sales woman had to tell me about a new yoga class starting up. I told her she needed to re-read the title of the book I was buying. LOL

I'm glad that the injection helped.

LOL at book story :) Were you in a book store?

No snow there yet, huh? Keep your friends posted and keep safe....
( sending no call mojo for Ron)

Glad that you are feeling better, Cee! LOL at the book store story!:)

Hi Cee
Looks like you are going to get the same snow that we are due for tonight. Keep warm and hope you have a great book set aside to read! :)

#11 The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey (4.5 stars)



Four stars for the touching fairy tale story of hardship, courage, and a wide spectrum of love/friendship PLUS 1/2 star for the abundance of snow!

Written by a native of Alaska, the descriptions of the mountains, fields, rivers, and woods wrap securely around the reader in a blanket of reality. And those elements are shaken up by strong overtures of magic and ancient folk tale qualities.

This story of a grieving older couple, childless and trying to start a farming life in Alaska, meanders into unexpected paths of discovery. The slow journey through their emotional despair is wrought with struggles of the heart, mindful revelations, and encounters with a wilderness child 'born' of snow.

The pace of the plot seems to drag in spots, but this is compensated by the incredible descriptions of nature and wildlife. Still thinking about the ending... somewhat strange. But then the whole book was other-worldly.

Well, we already have about 5 inches of snow and the big storm will not arrive til this afternoon. No wind yet - it's a winter wonderland :-) Blizzard warnings for tonight/tomorrow. Waves 20-30 feet! (not in our cove, of course lol) Quite cold. Astronomical high tides, too! If only I had a nice fireplace to go with my good books. Oh well. I'll have to snuggle up with the generator I imagine - once the winds start and we no doubt lose power.

Thanks for the "no call mojo" Kath - hope it works.

Yes Chelle - it's coming your way too... do you have blizzard warnings? You must be sooo excited that you get to shovel again!

Hi to Linda and Deb!!

A Winter Statistic:

98% of Americans say "Oh shit!" before going in the ditch on a slippery road.
The other 2% are from Maine, and they say, "Hold my beer and watch this!"

I second all of Cee's comments about the snow in #235 -except we do have a fireplace. I'm sorta surprised it's accumulating this early...we'd been expecting just a couple inches until tonite. We're a couple peninsulas up the road from you, and fairly protected from tide surges, but those winds are gonna be wicked! Stay warm and happy reading.

Hi Claudia. Great review of The Snow Child. I didn't realize you'd have snow already. That storm must be moving fast. Stay warm and toasty!

I loved the Maine joke at #236. :)

OK! I see it. I believe it!
We got a clipper (pre-blizzard) that dumped about 8 inches throughout the day. The predicted classic Nor'easter is just starting and winds are blowing but not yet howling :-)
My only regret is that it is dark now and I'm gonna miss seeing it til morning. I'll be up early!

Tina -
I imagine you piled up your wood in a nice dry, accessible place for hours of delightful warmth. Enjoy :-)

Thanks, Pat.
re the storm - we got an extra one
The big storm is supposed to move slowly and leave us tons of snow. Woohoo!
I feel sorry for people trying to go on vacation. All flights are cancelled and it'll be awhile before things clear up.

As far as I know, my kids and grands are home and safe.

Claudia- Good review of the Snow child. I liked that one too! Enjoy the "tons" of snow. I am sure I would not be happy with it! Be safe, my friend!

Mark -
I am sorry you did not get the snow gene - especially since you live in Chicago. That's ok though. Some of my best friends are missing that gene. Halfway into winter - which means halfway to Spring... depends on your perspective.

Cee,,,,we have a "current" woodpile in the garage. Bob brings it inside in batches....the supply we have right now will last 2-3 weeks if we burn it big and solid. That wind has really kicked up now, so stay safe now my friend.

You also, Tina. Best we both stay hunkered down for awhile ;-)

A little further south and more inland and we are covered in snow! The winds have recently picked up. The roads were not great today, it came earlier than expected which is okay with me because it brought a snow day! Is it wrong that teachers get just as excited for snow days as the students?

Hi Claudia, I have yet to read The Snow Child but your excellent review has pushed it up. We're only going to get a few inches out of the storm. We're really not in its path and there's no wind.

How far are you from Tina?

I know you love snow, Cee, but I hope you don't get more than you can handle. Stay warm and cozy.

Hi Cee, glad to see you're still able to post. Sleep tight and by morning, hopefully, it will have all passed through your neighborhood.

Thumbs up for your wonderful review of Snow Child.

Today was another day of grey, grey, grey skies. We had flurries that the rain washed away.

Now tonight, the snowing is coming down, down, down. Already, we have many inches. Looking out the window of my reading room, I see trees. cars, roof tops, driveways covered in snow.

Our plans for tomorrow to visit the Barnes museum in Philadelphia will be cancelled.

>206 -Cee-: I think you can find shelties (Shetland Sheepdogs) all over the world pretty much
You know, Cee, the thing is, I saw one today.
I actually nearly swerved the car in surprise! I was a little bit shocked to see a sheltie, just when I was spouting how I never have. I bet its one of those breeds Ill see everywhere now! lol

>234 -Cee-: ooooh, maybe I do need to read this after all! Great review, and it has worked its magic and gotten me to place it on my library WL.

*adopts school-marm voice*
Im sorry but I'll have to demote you one point for your use of "other-wordly" as I have a pet hate for that word ;)
*returns to normal friendly Megan voice*

:)

Hoping you are safe and warm, Cee, and that your family is safe and ready to shovel! Lots of snow in Connecticut !

Hi Jess -
It went further inland than predicted. I see where you got slammed too! Cool, huh? I think teachers should be even happier than students for snow days. And if that's wrong, you don't wanna be right as they say ;-)

Bonnie -
I thinking you are happy with a few inches of snow - enough to make everything look pretty.
Tina is about 50 mi up the coast from us. We get essentially the same weather. Only difference really, is she has a fireplace! Ah well.

Judy -
Haven't seen a snow storm yet that I can't handle. Here's what I do... stay inside!!! Haha
At this point we are truly snowbound. Even with a truck, we could not get out of our driveway - wherever THAT is. Winds are too wild right now to do any clearing. It would be totally useless.

Lynda -
Not much sleep last night. The wind was howling - very noisy.
Still snowing and blowing. Snow should move out by late afternoon but I fear the wind may not. We'll see.

Hi Linda -
Thanks for your kind words... I don't really do real reviews but sometimes I feel I have to give my opinion about what I read and felt.
With all the snow we are getting it looks like we'll be hit with a rain storm in a couple days. Too bad. I'll revel in the white stuff as long as I can. Loki, on the other hand, has absolutely no interest in going outside right now. Smart dog.

Normal Megan -
Glad you got to see a sheltie in NZ. Shows your country has taste lol.

Marm Megan -
I'm sorry to be using a word that you hate. But, well, what other word should I use? Snow Child certainly seemed like some "other world."

Kath -
Everyone is safe. But CT really got hit too.
Wendy opened her garage door this morning and the snow was about 2/3 covering the opening. They don't know where to start.
Bridget is having a sledding party for the neighborhood since no one can go anywhere.
And here's the amazing thing - we still have power (knock wood)!

Hope everyone has a great Saturday!

Hope you're still loving the snow, Cee. The t.v. pics are beautiful. I loved it myself as a child and teen, but the thought of driving in it, not so much. Do you lose power often over a winter? That would be the only problem from my point of view, now that I'm retired and can just stay inside, reading and marvelling at the view out the windows. Every time it snows here, I run out and take pictures and sit on the back porch, just loving it. No snow last year *sobs*.

A couple of great reviews here, as well as a couple of bb's that got me right between the eyes.

Enjoy yourself and stay safe.

p.S. *Happy Dance* for good work on the PT!

We did not get as much snow as you probably did. The deer in the woods in the back of our house are hungry. As I write, there are six at the bird feeder and seven up on the hill behind our house.

I've never seen this many together in our yard. There are five red cardinals in the trees. It looks like we have our own Marlin Perkins Mutual of Omaha nature show.