Morphy Moseys through 2013 - Year 1

Morphy (Age six months)

This is my third 75 Books Challenge. I read about 250 books a year, so I'm not worried about meeting the challenge!

I mostly read fantasy, preferably urban, but also enjoy general and genre fiction, historical romance, classics, popular non-fiction, and will honestly try any genre at least once.

I prefer story over language and my favorite books are the ones I just want to hug after I'm done.

I don't so much review books as leave some sparse comments.

I have more challenges and lists than I know what to do with and am not going to list them here except as notes to the books I've completed.

Books Read in 2013: 59

My best book of 2012 was:

The Fault in Our Stars by Green, John

My best books of 2011 were:

The Forgotten Beasts of Eld by McKillip, Patricia
Bridge of Birds by Hughart, Barry
Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood by Wells, Rebecca
Garden Spells by Allen, Sarah Addison
Soulless by Carriger, Gail
What I Eat by Menzel, Peter and D'Aluisio, Faith
Ready Player One by Cline, Ernest

My favorite books from the last five years are:

Essential Spirituality by Roger Walsh
Ex Libris: Confessions of a Common Reader by Anne Fadiman
The Stand by Stephen King
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
Katherine by Anya Seton
Sweet Liar by Jude Deveraux
84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff

Morphy's Mighty Monthly Reads for 2013 (Green Dragon Group Reads)

January (1001 Fantasy) - The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle

February (111 Science Fiction) - The Lathe of Heaven by Ursula K. Le Guin

March (50 Mystery) - The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith

April (111 Nonfiction) - The Great Influenza by John M. Barry

May (1001 Fantasy) - Till We Have Faces by C. S. Lewis

June (111 Science Fiction) - A Fire Upon the Deep by Vernor Vinge

July (50 Mystery) - Gorky Park by Martin Cruz Smith

August (111 Nonfiction) - The Complete Maus by Art Spiegelman

September (1001 Fantasy) - Nine Princes in Amber by Roger Zelazny

October (111 Science Fiction) - The Day of the Triffids by John Wyndham

November (50 Mystery) - The Nine Tailors by Dorothy L. Sayers

December (111 Nonfiction) - Never Cry Wolf by Farley Mowat

Group Read Links: http://www.librarything.com/topic/146136

***

The LT Green Dragon Book Club's next meeting is at the Ridgedale Barnes & Noble on Saturday, February 16th at 2pm. We are reading Deerskin by Robin McKinley.

13 in 13 Challenge (5/91)

1. New to Me Minnesota Author
2. Complete Lois McMaster Bujold Bibliography
3. Graphic Novels (1/3)
4. Second Book in Series (1/4)
5. Book to Movie
6. Around the World
7. 2011 TBR Code List
8. Cover Color (1/8)
9. LT Recommended (1/9)
10. If You Like...
11. Paranormal Creatures
12. Green Dragon Lists (1/12)
13. LTers Choose from the Ultimate Reading List

Thread: http://www.librarything.com/topic/147584

I stole this from someone else at LT and tweaked the last few ratings. I can't give credit because I don't remember who I copied it from! Since I started using this I've noticed I've been handing out more 6's and less 7's.

My rating system:

10 stars - The book completely enthralled me. Could not put it down. Got something more out of it than just entertainment -- it enlightened or educated me in some way. Can definitely see myself reading it again. Will keep forever and never loan it out.

9 stars - Not quite perfect but almost so. I will actively push this book on my friends and family.

8 stars - A really great book in all respects with perhaps some minor flaws. Highly recommended.

7 stars - Better than average but with some flaws. Recommended.

6 stars - Average. An entertaining read but probably forgettable. Will not reread. Recommended for entertainment value to readers with similar interest.

5 stars - Slightly lower than average. Some aspects of the story, characters or writing troubled me. Probably will not recommend.

4 stars - Finished but did not like. Would not recommend.

3 stars - Had some redeeming qualities or else I couldn't have finished it. Nothing to recommend it though.

2 star - I can't believe I finished this book. What am I? A masochist?

1 star - No book ever gets this rating. If it's a 1, I can't finish it.

Places I've read through 2012:


visited 14 states (6.22%)
Create your own visited map of The World


visited 28 states (56%)
Create your own visited map of The United States

I did all five quizzes due this week yesterday - wheeee! I pulled all my accounting textbooks to reference and did better on them. I got two 100s, two 93s and an 86. I'm arguing the 86 as something went wacky and the answer I gave was not the answer that registered. I'm hoping to get credit for it. Today I'm working on artist trading cards for an alphabet swap. It's the end so I'm doing a Y, Z and & card.

Calories: 1881

Are you open for business, Morphy? I missed you whole first thread, so I need to go back and catch up, but I wanted to drop in and let you know that I was here. Do you keep a running list of what you have read so far this year, or no?

Hi, Morphy. I like the rating scale. Mine is similar, except instead of 1-10 I use the half stars and a 1-5 scale.

Found your new thread!

>6 Morphidae: High grades and low calories! What a day you had yesterday!

Yay! New thread! Good job on your quizzes! It's a nice sense of accomplishment, isn't it?

Looking forward to seeing what you read next :)

So many congratulations are coming your way - for your quizzes, your calorie count and your new thread!

I think ATCs are very, very cool. Mind you, I've never actually made one, but I occasionally drool over books with lots of pictures of them....

Love the baby photo up top, Morphy - what a happy wee thing you were!

Morphy I've realised that I completely missed out your entire first thread. Caught up (hurriedly) now and glad to see that the news for Mr Morphy is sounding more promising.

Quote of the Day:

"It is better to light a single candle than to curse the darkness."

I need to make that my new motto.

Congrats on the excellent grades for your quizzes, Morphy! That's excellent news.

Rooting for you on your calorie challenge. :)

Love the quote Morphy, love the new thread.

Hi Morphy! Your map is filling in nicely. Cute baby photo!! And congrats on the new thread.

>7 Crazymamie: Mamie, yes! When I start a new thread, I quick load up all the first posts I need. I think I use five. So by the time someone notices, I'm up for business. Although if they are really quick. all they may see is "post 1," "post 2," etc! I keep a running list of what I read in a database but don't like to post it here because it gets sooooo long.

>8 rosalita: Julia, yeah, I have to "translate" back to five stars to rate in LT. Sort of a pain!

>9 thornton37814: Lori, yay! Does that make me "It"?

>10 norabelle414: Yeah, but the calories were a close thing yesterday, Nora. Whew!

>11 The_Hibernator: Rachel, yes, it is. But my 4.0 GPA is on the line this semester, I think. It's making me nervy.

>12 Kassilem: Melissa, at the moment it's Eona which while well-written is filled with constant trauma and action. I like a bit more character development in my fantasy.

>13 Dejah_Thoris: Dejah, come over to the dark side.... bwhahahaha.

>14 scaifea: Amber, I know! That grin is about splitting that chubby face in two.

>15 SandDune: Thanks, Rhiannon, both for stopping by and the well wishes.

>17 MickyFine: Micky, thanks. I need all the cheerleading I can get! I'm finding that by telling my LT friends it's keeping me on the straight and narrow for sure.

>18 PaulCranswick: Paul, it's all shiny and new! I saw that quote yesterday on SparkPeople and it really hit a chord with me as I was feeling very down.

>19 Berly: Thanks for stopping by Berly.

***

Today I'm off to the senior center for chatting, crocheting and I believe tator tot hot dish for lunch. I have my music player refilled with music (I still had Christmas tunes on it) to play for the ladies. I'll be having a banker stop by for me to sign some papers. I'm the bookkeeper for an organization and they need my signature so I can sign checks. Whoo hoo! My first bookkeeping job - even if it is unpaid!

Meanwhile, I had 2414 calories yesterday. A tad high. Not totally under my control as I had a meal from Meals on Wheels yesterday for lunch. But I'm still good so...

My mom tried to teach me how to crochet but I never did manage to pick it up. But once in a blue moon, I'll do cross-stitch. :) Hope you have a great day, Morphy!

Uber Cool Nerd Queen?! Awesome, Morphy :) You seem to be very well-rounded.

Love your baby pic, Morphy.

Loved the Nerd Test and tried it. I'm a Slightly Dorky High Nerd. :-)

>21 MickyFine: Micky, my neighbor taught me to crochet. I also cross-stitch!

>23 Esquiress: Esquiress, in more ways than one. LOL!

>24 cameling: Caro, well, we knew that. :D

***

Calories were good yesterday: 2044



Yet again on a day I'm headed out, Maia pulled out her entire bed of toys and strewed them throughout the living room. Of course, in order to get out the door, I have to put them all back! I know it's just nerves on her part - she doesn't like it when I leave - but it's still a bemused annoyance. She only does this about 15 - 30 minutes before I head out the door!

I'm a mere cool nerd queen. never got into the comics stuff. sigh.

I bow to your uber coolness! I am a Cool History/Lit Geek

>25 Morphidae:. Morphy, you crack me up!

>27 ChelleBearss:. Cool beans!

I'm a cool nerd. :)

Congrats on the new thread, Morphy! Enjoy your weekend.

I'm still a Nerd Queen.

>26 majkia: Jean, I'm not into comics either. I think the science fiction bumped me up in that section.

>27 ChelleBearss: Chelle, how could you be cool? You are hot Hot HOT from your Cuba vaca!

>28 Esquiress: Es, I'm in shape, you know. Round is a shape!

>29 MickyFine: Micky, well, we knew you were a nerd! Hee hee.

>30 msf59: Mark, you, too! We are just trying to stay warm. It's been a deep freeze!

>31 ronincats: Roni, and you always will be!

***

Calories yesterday were a bit high because of Jimmie John's for lunch, but still in line: 2416



It will be a quiet weekend. Will read a little (Eona, The Lathe of Heaven), watch a little DVD - Chariots of Fire, Game of Thrones, cross-stitch, a few little projects I've been putting off. That type of thing. And trying to stay warm. Ugh, so tired of this winter already!

I don't mind a quiet weekend myself! My husband works the weekends as often as not, so I've gotten used to it. Brr so cold there! We have a few buds on the tulip magnolias coming up and a few crocuses! That's my kinda climate! :)

Oh, there you are, Morphy. Somehow, I missed the continuation to this thread; sorry.

Since I'm so far behind, I'll just offer blanket congratulations for all your achievements.

And now I've forgotten what I originally came over for ... *wanders off, searching for lost memory*

>32 Morphidae:. You're funny, Morph :)

Congratulations on your calorie counts, Morphy, from a mere Cool Nerd Queen.

I hope you're having a wonderful weekend.

I like the Christmas pic of you as a tyke. :)

>33 vancouverdeb: Deborah, I used to live in that sort of climate (Florida) but I much prefer the change in seasons here in Minnesota. However, the month of February can be a tough one.

>34 humouress: They say the memory is the second thing to go, humouress. I forgot what the first thing is...

>35 Esquiress: I'll be here all week, Es! Try the veal!

>36 Dejah_Thoris: Dejah, us Nerd Queens gotta stick together! I am having a good weekend. Staying warm and reading books. How about yourself?

>37 jadebird: Renee, I just love the smile on that girl's face!

***

Calorie count was right in line yesterday: 2131



Today will be another quiet one. MrMorphy is making his famous Irish Stew so we'll be chopping lots of veggies this morning to toss in the crockpot along with the lamb and a bottle of Guinness but otherwise we'll be lazing about.

>38 Morphidae:. Not so much on the veal, but I'll gladly listen to you anyway :)

25. Envy by J. R. Ward

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Notes: TIOLI #1 (no duplicate letters), next in series, Paranormal Creatures (13 in 13, angels)

Summary: A cop fears he'll become like his serial killer father. Archangel Jim and Internal Affairs Officer Sophia help show him the way.

Opinion: I don't know. I'm not feeling it like I do with the Black Dagger Brotherhood. This series is too rough and too crass and has too little emotional impact. It works as a stop gap while I wait for BGB books, but that's about it.

Rating: 6

26. Eona by Alison Goodman

Genre: Fantasy

Notes: TIOLI #1 (last numbered page includes 7)), next in series, Paranormal Creatures (13 in 13, dragons)

Summary: Eona flees from the bad guys, tries to control her powers and falls in love with the emperor

Opinion: Eona just barely escapes being a "bad guy" herself. She makes poor decisions, hurts her friends, trusts nobody and learns little. Even her friends start turning away. The action comes thick and fast and the drama and trauma never stops. I won't be reading anything else by this author.

Rating: 5

27. Magic's Promise
28. Magic's Price
29. Oathbreakers by Mercedes Lacky

Genre: Fantasy

Notes: TIOLI #8 (limited series)

Summary: Rereads

Rating: 7, 7, 6

Happy new thread, Morphy! I see what you're doing! Duh! Lightbulb! You're counting down the year through your baby pictures. Right?! Cute pic. I had a horsey like that one too.

Congrats on Day 7. A whole week down! Good job.
Have a great week :0)

Woo Hoo! Day 7 down. You are doing great, Morphy.

Hi Morphy! Just catching up and running through with a "You Go Girl" for you and your calorie count, and some ((hugs)) for Maia. :)

>42 Morphidae:: I read those Mercedes Lackey books a while back; a former student lent them to me. I got surprisingly wrapped up in them!

---

Have you ever read Marie Brennan? I've read a few of her books, and I've thought they were excellent.

Well done Morphy you have inspired me to get back into a diet plan of sorts. I am taking something of a multi-vitamin supplement in it to stimulate by sleepy metabolism and hoping to keep my cals down to similar levels as you are doing whilst at the same time doing plenty of walking. TQ for being an inspiration.

Just catching up and dropping in to say hi. I've had all sorts of cravings today as I've heard people talking about the super bowl, but I've managed to keep my intake reasonable.

*waving* at Morphy

>43 Carmenere: Lynda, yes, I am! I'm pretty sure I have pictures through age 16 or 18. After that, it peters out.

>44 EBT1002: Thanks, Ellen! It helps to be accountable here. I lost 8 pounds this week. Whoo hoo!

>45 UnrulySun: Kathy, I gave Maia a snuggle just for you! Right now she's plastered against my right thigh.

>46 Esquiress: Es, no, I haven't tried any Brennan, but I shall!

>47 PaulCranswick: Paul, it is my pleasure. It's one of the reasons I share my journey. #1 Because it helps me. #2 So it perhaps helps others.

>48 thornton37814: Lori, who won the Bowl anyway? I pay absolutely no attention and have no cable.

>49 alcottacre: Stasia, thanks for stopping by.

***

Calories yesterday: 2389 - right in line



My challenge is obviously working as I lost 8 pounds. Okay, it's the weight I put on the previous week when I had a major binge, but I'll take it!

Today will be busy, busy. I have five quizzes again for homework this week plus dispatch for WeCAB this morning. I have to start doing the monthly reporting for WeCAB as well as for Telecare (telephone outreach for seniors for my church.) There is a counter full of dishes to wash, "my country's 500th anniversary to plan, my wedding to arrange, my wife to murder and Guilder to frame for it; I'm swamped!"

Wow! Down 8 pounds! Bravo Morphy!

Yay, Morphy!

I'm enjoying your pictorial journey, too. Great smile, at the top.

>47 PaulCranswick:: Paul - how about weight lifting on Fridays? One bag of books on each side. :0)

Morning Morphy. Way to go on losing the 8! Good luck with your busy day. Whew!

>50 Morphidae:: Brennan has some good ones. I've read Doppelganger and Warrior and Witch (depending where you are, they may have changed the titles to Warrior and Witch, respectively, but they're the same books. I also read Midnight Never Come, which was very different from the other two, but really cool.

congratulations on your weight losing progress, Morphy.

Congratulations on keeping to your daily calorie goals, Morphy, and wow, what a great result for this week!

Hi, Morph! Finally found your thread! Don't know why it took me so long. What an adorable baby! That smile makes me smile. Congrats on the weight loss. Maybe you'll inspire me to get back to it. (It was a very rough holiday season for me, which always translates into bad food choices.)

Anyway, now I've got you bookmarked, so see you again soon!

>50 Morphidae:: Get some rest, Morphy. If you haven't got your health, then you haven't got anything.

>51 vancouverdeb: Deborah, thanks!

>52 humouress: Thanks, humouress. I'm trying to find fun pictures at each age. I think I'm remembering me on a throne at 2 years old. That should be the next one!

>53 Berly: Berly, I didn't get near everything done. But today is another day!

>54 Esquiress: Es, I've put Doppleganger on my list!

>55 cameling: Caro, thanks! It's a long road but a successful one so far.

>56 ronincats: Roni, easy on, easy off! This next week should be more telling.

>57 Storeetllr: Mary, thanks so much for stopping by! I struggled a bit during the holidays, too.

>58 scaifea: Amber, as you wish.

***

Calories yesterday: 1955



Today I'm off to the rehab pool for the first time in months. I'm really looking forward to it. Also, it's going to feel absolutely balmy today with a high of 27F/-4C! Especially after the recent frigid temps.

>59 Morphidae:: We're seeing a new side to you, Morphy!

>59 Morphidae:: All RIGHT! I found it very absorbing, so I hope you do too.

>50 Morphidae: Is this a good or bad thing, humouress? :D

>61 Esquiress: Es, I'll let you know what I think.

Calories yesterday: 2119 - I'm a third of the way through my challenge!



***

Well, yesterday was frustrating. I went to the rehab pool for the first time in months and unknownst to me, they changed the open pool hours. I got about 20 minutes of pool time before I got kicked out. Considering I'm dependent on MetroMobility to get me there and we were expected for dinner at the in-laws afterwards, I had no way to change my schedule to let me stay to get back in after the hour of "break" they now have scheduled from 4pm to 5pm. Argh!

Oh Morphy, that's so frustrating! Sorry that happened. But WahHOO for you on the eight pounds - I NEED to do that, too! And congrats on completing the first third of your challenge.

Mamie, thanks! Yeah, but the visit with the in-laws after was lovely. It always is. They are really salt of the earth type people. Getting elderly and frail now so we visit them when we can. Dinner wasn't much, just some frozen pizza, but it was nice to visit with them.

Calories yesterday: 1863

Calories yesterday: 1929



I gave blood yesterday for the first time in like 25 years. When I'm in the hospital, they have a heck of a time drawing blood, but these people had no problem at all getting a full pint. Go figure!

Great job with the calories, Morphy! And the blood donation, too.

Your rehab pool sounds like a good idea (minus the annoyance of the change in hours!)
I noticed my back pain was gone when we got home from Cuba and I'm wondering if that could be from the swimming that we were doing.
Good job on the 8lbs lost!

>66 SylviaC: Sylvia, thanks! I think I need to start an exercise program. Not so much for weight loss, as for energy level. As much weight as I've lost, I have no additional endurance. Something's got to change!

>67 ChelleBearss: Chelle, or it could be that lovely warm water whisking the pain away!

***

Calories: 2019



Today the PCA is coming over so MrMorphy has his monthly "free day." I also have homework to do and reporting for WeCAB (my volunteer job.) This afternoon I'll watch Waiting to Exhale and read a fluff novel, The Inconvenient Duchess. I'll also read a chapter of The Space Between Us now and then. I really don't like it but it's for my book group that meets on Thursday and I like to give it my best shot. The writing is fine, but the story is so freaking depressing.

Yeah, exercise is hard to get going on, and to establish into a routine. I have no significant health or weight problems, but my stamina is very low. My brain knows that all I need is to improve my fitness level, but my body doesn't want to start. When lack of energy is the issue, it's hard to find the energy to get going.

Considering all you've accomplished so far, with weight loss, your course, and all your volunteer work, I'm pretty sure that once you get an exercise program established you'll have the willpower to keep at it.

I love "Day 10: Fie On You."

You're doing great!

YOU CAN DO It! You're making great progress Morphy.

>70 EBT1002: Ellen, sort of reminds me of the song from the musical, Camelot. "Fie on goodness, fie!"

>71 Carmenere: Lynda, I certainly can with all the wonderful support I get here on LT!

***

Calories: 2060



Today will be a quiet though MrMorphy will be running lots of errands - grocery shopping, laundry and... shoveling. We're going to be hit with a big snow storm though not as big as the one in the Northeast. We'll be seeing 4 to 8 inches of snow and sleet.

Morning Morphy- Good luck with the snow-storm! We will only get rain later on, since the temps are hanging in the 40s. Whew! I want this ice to be washed away.

Good morning Morphy :) I am finally back on LT and very slowly work my way through the threads.

I was absolutely horrified by the responses on your blog you puplished on your last thread - such idiots, there brains are probably not any bigger then a pea . However, I am glad that you don't let this kind of people get under your skin.

You have done so fantastic so far and don't let anyone else tell you anything else :).

In regards to City of Ashes Lol - I had to laugh about your comments. Sooooooo true, however I still enjoyed them, because I didn't mind these teenage moods and angst at that time. I think you have to be in a particular mood to read these books.

Before I hit rock bottom with my illness I finished the two books my collegue lend to me by Alma Katsu The Taker and The Reckoning they are paranormal historical/modern romances. I enjoyed that they were quite detailed and that they go backward and forward between times. They are not the usual paranormal romance fare, sexual exploits are hinted at, but not described as in most books we know. All in all I thought they were a very interesting read and I definately will give the third book a go as well.

I wish you and Mr Morphy a lovely remaining Sunday.

Your on a roll! Good luck with everything, including that snow.

>73 msf59: Mark, we didn't do too bad. It certainly helped that two neighbors with snowblowers stopped by when MrMorphy went out to shovel to help out!

>74 drachenbraut23: Bianca, glad to see you back. Actually, I do let aggressive commenters get under my skin. It's hard not to, but after all your support, it's easier to let it go. I looked at those books by Katsu and they seem a little dark for me.

>75 Kassilem: Thanks, Melissa. We got about 4 to 5 inches. So not too bad.

***

Calories: 2175 (Breakfast - Oatmeal, Lunch - Chef Boyardee (the shame!), Dinner - Chicken, Angel Hair, Salad)



And I lost 6 pounds this week for a total of 184 pounds lost!

I gave blood on Thursday and was exhausted for three days afterward. Enough so that I thought I was sick and coming down with something. Anyone else have that experience?

wow, way to go Morphy!

Good for you, Morphidae!

WahHOO for you, Morphy!

Incredible weight loss! Way to go!!!! congratulations.

Another great week, Morphy! Yes, blood loss can have that enervating effect. I don't donate, though, because it is very hard to find my veins.

Morphy, you are just rockin' it.

roni...yet another thing you and I have in common...veins that are hard to find...or, in my case "spidery" and they "roll."

Truly, it is the part I hate the most when I'm in the hospital...the pain of many sticks trying to find a workable vein. When the tech goes "digging", I say enough already.

>83 Whisper1:: One of my hospital visits, I was refused water for hours, and then they tried to take blood. None of my veins would cooperate, and I had two fully bruised inner elbows to prove it by that evening. I was begging her to please stop, sobbing into my husband's arms, as she tried to let my heartbeat push the blood into the vials.

In short, it sucked.

She finally gave up, and they let me have some water. She came back half an hour later and still bruised me, even though I was no longer dehydrated.

It was not a pleasant experience.

Thanks for the cheers, Jean, humouress, Mamie, Linda and Es! I'm pretty happy about it.

>81 ronincats:/83 Roni/Linda, they typically have a hard time taking blood from me too because of my size. I've been hospitalized several times because of skin infections and they have a heck of a time getting IVs going and keeping them going. But I asked a tech at the blood drive and she took a look at my veins and she thought it would be okay. And sure enough, first shot and she got it! I did run a little slow, but otherwise it was fine.

>84 Esquiress: Es, that sounds awful. I remember one time the office had such a hard time getting blood - neither two nurses nor a doctor could get blood, they finally took it out of my wrist. I near ripped the doctor's balls off with my free hand it was so painful.

***
Meanwhile, my calories were good - 2193. And I checked my average for the first 15 days and I'm running right in the middle of my allowed range. My range is 2000 to 2200 and I'm averaging 2096!

*big smile and a wave* well done Morphy! All fingers and limbs crossed that you can stick to it. :)

>85 Morphidae:: Owie. Unfun.

>86 drachenbraut23: Bianca, in some ways it's getting harder, I'm really craving some calorie heavy foods like pizza and alfredo. In other ways, it's getting easier, I don't want to mess up my streak!

>87 Esquiress: Es, very unfun! I'll probably be having some unfun today. I have a doctor's appointment. Nothing big, just a med check. But she'll probably want blood drawn. So I'm trying to get nice and hydrated to make it easier.

***

Calories: 2099

This one made me smile:



Do you have a nickname? I saw a discussion on another thread - can't remember where now - and someone had a list of unusual nicknames and I wondered how the person got them all. I didn't get a nickname until I was an adult. My stepfather called me it once - Norabear. It's from my first name and he added the "bear." I loved it so much that I've kept it. I've used it here and there as a user name but mostly just he and Mom call me it.

My Mom's nickname was Turk. She got hers as a little baby. Her mother was washing her in the sink and said she looked like a trussed up turkey. Therefore, "Turk." Almost up until the day she died, my grandmother called her that.

>72 Morphidae: LOL! Fie on Goodness, indeed! Except that you are doing so good (as too many of our college students would say). Loud cheers and encouragement from this sister Floridian. :-)

Congrats on doing so well with the weight loss, Morphy!

Nickname: Al, which were my maiden initials. Given to me in grad school by my grad school friends. Garnered strange looks in public places, which was fun. Those friends still call me Al, which is nice, since the new version wouldn't be very complimentary.

>76 Morphidae:: Good for you donating, Morphy. I can't, because I grew up in the UK during the 80's (mad cow disease - did you never wonder?), which is fine for me, because I hate needles (I also grew up overseas, and needed injections every time we travelled).

>83 Whisper1:: Oh, Es; why on earth would they try to take blood after refusing you water?

Having hypothyroidism, I've got to have blood tests every so often, and my veins are hard to find, too. When I lived in the tropics, the doctor's office would have the air-conditioning going full blast, and I'd have to sit in the waiting room for ages, first (and I've always had bad circulation). When I finally got in, of course the blood supply to my extremities had started shutting down, and the doctor would start tapping away (hard) all over my wrists and hands (which is apparently what you're not supposed to do) to try and get a vein to pop up. It didn't put me in the best mood.

Then when we moved to the States, we had to have blood tests for insurance paperwork, which I dreaded. I thought 'This guy isn't even a doctor", but he said "Don't worry, I always get it in first time" - and he did! He told me 'Always ask for a butterfly needle if you've got small veins - it's what they use for babies".

Here in Australia, my doctor's clinic also has a lady who's attached to the path. lab, and she's pretty good. She usually gets it first go - as long as I remember to hydrate first. And now, with all these thyroid tests, I seem to have a vein that's quite easy to get to in my elbow. Thankfully, since I have to give that one vial every so often. Far too often, for me ;0)

Any hoo:

Go, Morphy, go!!

>88 Morphidae:: Nicknames... Never really had one when I was little, because my full name is already nicknamey to start with (people always ask me if it's short for something). I taught at a camp and went by "Miss Kris" for a while, permutating my name around what everyone else was already called at the camp. College brought me "Norm," because of my maiden name (how much did I *love* walking into a room and everyone yelling "NORM!" just like they did on Cheers!). Then as a teacher I got "Riss" or "Miss Riss," even though I was married by then. I miss it sometimes, but I like my LT nicknames - Es and E :)

>91 humouress:: The only explanation I can give you is that the people working the ER that day were dinks. That was just one small part of a horrifying 10+ hour stint in the ER that day...

>89 EBT1002: Ellen, so why did you leave Florida? I met my husband-to-be online. We were probably the first wave of online dating back in 1989! We met in a chat room on Commodore 64s on 1200 baud modems. Remember those? Where to connect online you had to put your phone on a cradle?

>90 scaifea: Amber, As, huh? Hee hee.

>91 humouress: Yeah, I made sure to drink LOTS of water ahead of time, humouress. And it was so nice for them to take it from the elbow. It's a lot less painful than from the hand. Just a pinch!

>92 Esquiress: Es, oh! I had a young cousin who called me "RaRa" because he couldn't quite pronounce my name.

***

Calories: 2231



The next monthly read I'm doing for Morphy's Mighty Monthly Reads is The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith. The non-spoiler thread: http://www.librarything.com/topic/150009.

Today I'm focusing on getting the accounts set up for WeCAB in QuickBooks. I'll be going to the first board meeting next Friday and I'm now the bookkeeper and treasurer. Oof.

> 88 Yes, I can imagine that it is like a "two-sided sword" on one side it is harder and on the other hand you carry on and eventually it becomes easier. However, I seriously admire how much you managed you already, which shows how much willpower you have got.

nicknames - well, I have quite a few. My first ever was "Püppi" - I think that could be translated into dolly - and what always cracks me completely up a lot of "older" well people > 80 years who know me since I am a child still call me that. The funny thing is that some of them call me now by my nickname but also use the formal version "Sie" before that - I think our "Sie" is equivavelent to your formal Sir or Madam :). Some people call me "drachen" (dragon) because of my fiery temper, my dad started to call me Stan since I started to wear my hair very short and some people just call me "dwarf", because I am quite short. However, most of my family and close friends call me just "Bibbi" short for Bianca *smile*

I like Bibbi! How is Püppi pronounced? Is it an "oo" sound for the ü or something else?

I had a doctor appointment yesterday and she told me that I've lost more than anyone she's ever known without weight loss surgery. The most she's known of without weight loss surgery is 100 pounds and I've lost 184. Go me!

Also, because of all the weight I've lost, she needs to reduce my high blood pressure medication. My blood pressure is too low!

The bad news is because of a symptom I told her about, I need to have a colonoscopy. NOOOooooOoOooooOo!

Oh Morphy, don't worry about that one :) I have had one twice already - not that bad at all. Both times I got an injection with "happy juice" - which worked fine for me and both times the people who did it were very nice and supportive.

Woah, that's so great, especially as you can finally start to reduce your blood pressure medication.

About the weight loss surgery - that is very interesting. I didn't know that, so you are 84 pound above that. Woah, that's even better Morphy. There is soo much you can be proud of.

It's not the procedure I'm worried about. It's the prep. Mostly having to drink the nasty stuff. I don't know how I'm going to choke it down. And I have a phobia about vomiting. I'm already nauseated just thinking about it.

Aaargh, you are right Morphy. You know what, I think I purposefully forgot about that part. Well, I remember when I had to drink it I kept retching the whole time :(. I can't even give you positive advice on how to combat the horrible taste of the prep.

For a straight colonoscopy I don't remember having to drink anything particularly grim? You just stop eating x hrs before (varies) and go on low-fibre foods and allowed a bit of black tea and water. Unless you mean the short dose of laxative?- that is only a small glass of salty, orange water, normally not that bad.

Barium meals are horrid but that is for upper GI problems not colonoscopies. Tastes horrid and you have to drink pints of the stuff.

I had IBS for 20 years so those investigations both potential coeliac investigations (upper GI biopsy) and polyps removals (colonscopies).

... always the chance I've just totally wiped out my memory of that part of it though!
Hope you get through it easily.

>94 drachenbraut23: Biana, sheer determination. "Never give up, never surrender." It's taken years for me to lose this much and will take years more to get where I want to go.

>95 rosalita: Julia, I agree. I like Bibi the best!

>99 drachenbraut23: Biana, well, I talked to the office and expressed my concerns. I get to do the optional prep which involves mixing stuff with 64 ounces of Gatorade. I can handle that a lot better. Then it's just 10 ounces of the nasty stuff in the morning.

>100 C4RO: Caroline, it seems much more involved now. Three days of low fiber. One day of clear liquids only. That night, oral laxatives plus 64 ounces of Gatorade + Mirolax, the next morning 10 ounces of nasty stuff.

***

Calories: 2397 - A little high but the shrimp alfredo last night was yummy.

Yay, congratulations on the medication reduction! It's great to hear about how your weight loss is making a difference even beyond the weight itself.

Morphy, I've had one of those nasty colonoscopy things too and it's not nearly as bad as they make it out to be. Just be sure you have plenty of reading material that day of prep. And schedule the procedure for in the morning! you don't want to have to wait that extra half-day with no food in your tummy.

I left Florida to attend grad school in the midwest. Kept moving north and west after that, following jobs..... I don't miss the heat and humidity.

>102 Morphidae: Zoë, thanks for stopping by and the congrats!

>103 _Zoe_: Ellen, oh, I never go anywhere without a book. And now I never go anywhere without a book and my Nook! My appointment is at 10:00am. I have to take the final laxative 4 hours before the procedure and I get up at 5:30, so I asked for one right about 9:30 - 10:00. I don't miss the heat either. I love the seasons.

***
Today is book club with The_Hibernator and eeblue! We'll be discussing Deerskin by Robin McKinley at the Minnetonka Barnes & Noble. I've calculated my calories and massaged my menu for today so I can get a cup of soup.

Yesterday's calories were ooooh sooooo clooooose - 2484 - but I certainly enjoyed Jimmie John's Freaky Fast Delivery for lunch!

Hi Morphy, I hope you will enjoy your book club meet with Rachel. Please would you be so kind to pass on some nice greetings from me?

I wish you and Mr Morphy a wonderful and relaxing weekend *big smile and a wave*

Howdy Morphy! Good news on your weightloss and improving health, that's inspiring!

I'm just cruising through... Happy Weekend Morph. :)

>106 drachenbraut23: Ooops! We got talking so fast that I totally forgot to send the greetings, Bianca! I told her him a PM this morning. Sorry!

>107 UnrulySun: Kathy, you have a fabulous weekend, too! It will be a quiet Sunday here today.

***

Calories: 2440 - I was cold and had too much soup to keep warm but still under 2500. My temp was actually down to 93/94 F!

Morphy, I'm so glad you're under a drs. care and monitors your vitals as you shed the pounds . You're doing great girl!
Yeah, the colonoscopy prep is yucky but if you don't dwell on the fact that what you're drinking is horrible and just pour it in, it's really not so bad.

Hi, Morphy ~ I'm a little late with the congrats on your weight loss, but it's none the less heartfelt! Hope you're having a great weekend!

30. The Chronicles of Downton Abbey by Jessica Fellowes

Genre: Nonfiction

Notes: TIOLI #10 (Country of Origin - Britain/Betty)

Summary: Character studies for the television show

Opinion: Delightful accompaniment to the show. Each character gets a review both from a cultural and actor standpoint. Lots of pretty pictures. About the only complaint I had is that at the end of each chapter was a page or two of props and there wasn't near enough information provided about them.

Rating: 8

31. The Lathe of Heaven by Ursula K. Le Guin

Genre: Science Fiction

Notes: TIOLI #1 (last page with 7 - 175), GD Lists (13 in 13), Family Science Fiction (12 in 12)

Summary: A man's dreams become reality in the near future

Opinion: As I've said before, if I don't like the characters, I don't like the book. George's, the main character's, only interesting quality is his ability to dream reality into being. Otherwise, he's a boring milquetoast of a man. Heather is a one-dimensional ball-buster. Huber, the bad guy, is a slimy, egomaniac with delusions of grandeur. Add in some psychobabble, a meandering plot, and some deus ex machina aliens. I have to say I really didn't like this book at all. Thankfully it was short or I wouldn't have been able to finish it. I'm done with LeGuin. I've read several of her books and the only ones I thought were any good were her Earthsea series.

Rating: 4

32. The Inconvenient Duchess by Christine Merrill

Genre: Romance

Notes: TIOLI #21 (Valentine's Cover - couple)

Summary: Forced to marry or she will be "ruined," an impoverished woman and a cranky duke fall in love

Opinion: It's a Harlequin. It's fluff. She's competent, he's kind. The bad guy wasn't so terrible. It worked as brain cotton candy for a couple hour's reading.

Rating: 6

33. At Grave's End by Jeaniene Frost

Genre: Contemporary Fantasy

Notes: Check for TIOLI 8 - A, next in series

Summary: War breaks out between the vampire factions

Opinion: I'm not sure what I like so much about this author and this series. Perhaps because there is a kick-ass heroine with a sense of humor, a heart and who screws up now and again without getting too terribly angsty about it. Perhaps because there is no love triangle. Perhaps because the love between the couple is so real and emotionally engaging. Perhaps because the secondary characters have a life of their own, warts and all. Add in lots of action and writing that zooms you right along. Good stuff.

Rating: 8

34. The Space Between Us by Thrity Umrigar

Genre: Fiction

Notes: WCC Book Club

Summary: The story of a woman and her servant and their families in modern day India

Opinion: The writing is well done and the characters were relatable but it's what I call "literary fiction" - miserable people being miserable. Nothing good happens in this entire book. There is no humor and no hope. Adultery, spousal abuse, classism, violence, abortion, alcoholism, poverty, betrayal - it goes on and on.

Rating: 4

35. Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Genre: Science Fiction

Notes: TIOLI #9 (last name entertainer)

Summary: The factions and factionless continue to battle

Opinion: Perhaps not *quite* as good as Divergent but still yummy enough. The YA characters struggle without being angsty and I find the world interesting. I can't wait for the last in the trilogy.

Rating: 8

At Grave's End looks really good! I'll have to check out the series.

ETA Wow! You're on a roll! I'll also have to check out Divergent, though I think I had it once from the library and wasn't able to get into it. Or else maybe it became due so I had to return it before I got very far into it. Anyway, I'll have to give it another shot.

36. Deerskin by Robin McKinley

Genre: Fantasy

Notes: TIOLI #20 (author "of"), 1001 Fantasy, LTGD Book Club

Summary: Retelling of the fairy tale

Opinion: I found the fairy tale writing style a little off-putting and the heroine was a little wimpy. She didn't do anything really strong until the next to the last scene in the book. There was a character that I suppose you could call a fairy godmother that helped about a third of the way through the book, but it felt jarring - more of a plot device. The story itself kept me interested but I've read better McKinley's.

Rating: 7

37. Children of the Night
38. Knights of Ghosts and Shadows
39. By the Sword by Mercedes Lackey

Genre: Contemporary Fantasy, Contemporary Fantasy, Fantasy

Notes: TIOLI #4 (common SFF word), reread

Rating: 6, 7, 7

~~~~~

Currently Reading:
Downbelow Station by C. J. Cherryh
The Blue Fairy Book by Andrew Lang
Long Lankin by Lindsey Barraclough

On Deck:
Deathless by Catherynne Valente
Fifty Shades Freed by E. L. James (Yes, you heard me!)
An Illustrated Life by Danny Gregory

#114 - I will never be able to look at covers like that again with a straight face after seeing the cover Jim Hines did to protest the ridiculous poses for women on fantasy/sci-fi covers of books.

*Image removed because it's too big, here's the link: http://www.sff.net/people/jchines/Pics/Grave.jpg

Glad to hear it's a good book though, I might even try it one day.

Here you go, MrsLee.

Morphy I like how you tell it like it is! I really enjoyed The Space Between Us, but often times literary fiction is miserable people being miserable! That got quite a chuckle from me! :)

>109 Carmenere: Lynda, the stuff I'm getting mixes with Gatorade so shouldn't be too bad.

> 110/117 Mary, it was quiet but nice. MrMorphy and I watched Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure for the first time. What a silly movie! From what I've seen of what you read, I think you'll like Frost.

>121 MrsLee: I didn't know you did the vampire thing, MrsLee! If so, yes, this is one of the good series.

>123 vancouverdeb: Deborah, my mood is strongly influenced by what I'm reading and I've had depression and anxiety for over 20 years. I just can't handle overly depressing books with no hope or positive feelings in them. They make me feel blech!

***

Calories: 2468



No weight loss this week. Meh. Probably because I keep pushing the 2500 mark rather than staying between 2000 - 2200. I'll work harder on that this week.

I am pretty picky about my vampires, but I do like them, just so long as there aren't laughable sex scenes in them. That is a very subjective thing, so, I only know it when I read it. :) I'm more inclined to like very evil vampires I can hate rather than the ones I'm supposed to feel sorry for. I like Jim Butcher's vampires, and Dracula, and Terry Pratchett's (they aren't evil, but aren't sex machines).

You probably won't like these vampires then. The male lead is a sexy vampire though you hardly feel sorry for him! He helps fight against "bad" vampires.

Morphy- You are knocking out the books, my friend! Insurgent fell a little flat more me. I began to get impatient. I really liked Divergent. I hope the 3rd book really picks up the pace.
Did you know they are making Divergent into a film?

I'm glad you enjoyed The Chronicles od DA. I thougt it was well done and had some great pictures.
Happy day 22!

Hi Morphy, delurking to congratulate you on your continuing weight loss. You are very brave and disciplined to keep track of your calories for each day. Keep up the good work. And I know it is work to be so strict with yourself. Your improved health will thank you. ;-)

How cool that you and Rachel are in a book group together. I really liked The Space between Us but then I like 'literary fiction' aka "miserable people being miserable." I got a good chuckle out of that description! I like visiting here because you always have lots going on and fun ways of saying things. Have a good week up there in co-oo-old Minnesota.

I know it is frustrating when you don't see weight loss for the week, but you've done so well the previous 2 weeks. If you keep up with your calorie count, I'm sure you'll get past this little plateau next week.

Morphy, your music choices over on my thread (the Ellen's away and the cats must play party) were awesome. I think we could very happily listen to music together for many hours.

>127 msf59: Mark, I can see how Insurgent might have been a little annoying. It was a "low" 8 versus a "high" 8, almost a 9 for Divergent. But there is something about Roth's writing that just yanks you through the book and makes it hard to put down.

>128 Carmenere: Lynda, wasn't it lovely? And I loved the thick shiny pages, too. Do you like the sensuality of books like that?

>129 Donna828: Donna, thanks for delurking! Tracking my food has been my number one tool for weight loss, for sure. "Miserable people being miserable" is funny because it's so true. LOL!

>130 ronincats: Roni, I'm also going to be more careful this week to stay within the 2000 - 2200 range. Although yesterday's calories were a tad low. Heh.

>131 EBT1002: Ellen, glad I could add to the festivities. I'm thinking about adding some music content to my thread. Playlists or videos or something. Music Mondays?

***

Calories: 1732 - A wee bit low but I was satisfied (steak and potatoes, shrimp lo mein), so I'm not going to worry about it.



A funny aside on these pictures. When I google "Day ##," I keep getting pictures of cervices. It's a little disconcerting.

Congratulations on your continuing calorie streak and weight loss, Morphy! I confess I find your efforts motivating - I hope you don't mind being my weight loss hero?

Your comment on literary fiction cracked me up. I also feel that most 'literary fiction' is miserable people being miserable - I'll pass!

I have to add that By the Sword is a favorite of mine. I've reread it many, many times - I don't know if I'll fit in a reread this month though.

Take care!

BIG congratulations on your weight loss and your fortitude!

HI MORPHY!!

Lmao @ cervices. But wow, 23 days already? It seems like just yesterday you started the challenge. I'm proud of you for being so disciplined. :)

Hi Morphy, I haven't read very much by Mercedes Lackey yet, but I didn't realize that she writes Urban Fantasy as well. I see that you rated it a six so it must have been ok. However, what is the plot about?

>133 Dejah_Thoris: Dejah, I don't mind in the slightest. I'll be your hero!

>134 Whisper1: Thanks, Linda.

>135 UnrulySun: Kathy, it's pretty icky looking at them each morning. I mean, really. Ish. :)

>136 drachenbraut23: Bianca, I've read Children of the Night and Knights of Ghosts and Shadows multiple times now. The bloom is off the rose, so I'd probably rate the books higher if it had been the first time I'd read them. Children of the Night is about a female magic worker in New York City against some bad guys who suck the life force out of people. Knights of Ghosts and Shadows is about a busking musician who finds out he's a magical bard and helps out some elves in Southern California.

***
Calories: 2334



I was going to go to the senior center to day but it's too bloody cold. It's -8F/-22C. Plus I have lots to do at home today. Nothing major just a lot of putzy stuff that I've been putting off while I concentrated on schoolwork. Things like reading MrMorphy's re-write, finishing the baby blanket I crocheted by weaving some ribbon in the edges, write penpal letters, print off reports for the WeCAB board meeting on Friday, get caught up on dishes, etc.

- 22C? Oh mei, I cry already when it is about -6C here. Wise decision to stay at home. Wow, the baby blanket sounds cool, you have to post a pic once you finished it.

LOL, that ARE a lot of things to do. I wish you a great day Morphy :)

Thanks for the info on the Lackey books, they do sound like the kind of fare I do enjoy.

"literary fiction" - miserable people being miserable.

I knew there was a good reason I don't really read that kind of fiction.

Minus? MINUS? Ugh; that's cold! I'd stay under the covers!

I've been lurking, and haven't said so, but well done on the weight loss front. I seem to have started climbing back up again :0(

When I google "Day ##," I keep getting pictures of cervices.
ROFL!!! It makes complete sense but it would, indeed, be disconcerting.

I'm loving your day-count, by the way, and I think Music Mondays would be fun!

>137 Morphidae: -22C is a bit on the nippy side. Hope you enjoy all your putzing. :)

>138 drachenbraut23: Bianca, that list was more like guidelines. I didn't get near all that done. Though since I'm home sick today, I may get more of it done.

>139 humouress: It's cold even for me, humouress. I was in my warm nightie and under two blankets.

>140 EBT1002: Ellen, I'm pondering themes for every day. Music Mondays (current music - 90s to 10s), Talk to Me Tuesdays (question of the day), Wacky Wednesday (jokes), Tunes Thursday (oldies music - classical to 80s), Flicks Fridays (movie clips.) What do you think? :D

>141 MickyFine: Or as MrMorphy and I naughtily say, Micky, "It's nipply!"

***

Calories: 1964



Not much chat from me today. Had to cancel my visit to the senior center because I'm sick. MrMorphy came home early from work yesterday with it and I came down with it this morning. The worst part is my chest hurts already and it's just beginning.

Oh, yuck. Sorry you're not feeling well. Hope it's out the door soon!

>142 Morphidae: *giggles* It would be that also. ;)

Sorry to hear you've succumbed to one of the bugs going around. Wishing you a quick recovery.

So sorry to hear that you and Mr. Murphy are both sick!

Hope you get a good night's sleep and feel better in the morning.

Oh no! I'm sorry to hear you're both sick. Stay warm!

Hello Morphy, I am so sorry to hear that the winter bugs got you and Mr. Morphy as well. Stay warm, drink plenty of hot drinks (will help with your pain in the chest). I send a huge wave of positive healing vibes your way.
I hope that you are going to feel better soon.

Thanks for the well wishes, Amber, Micky, Roni, Sylvia, Dejah and Bianca.

***
Calories: 2420

Feel better quick Morphy!

Hoping you're starting to feel better already!

Hope you and Mr.Morphy are feeling better. If not, and a sore throat or tummy upset is involved, try some fresh ginger tea. Amazing stuff!

Thanks for the additional well wishes, Chelle, Es, and Mary. Still have the cold. Seems to be a chest cold rather than a nose cold. MrMorphy is on the mend though and is making chicken soup for me this afternoon.

***
Calories: 2332

Hurrah for a spouse who can make you chicken soup! And continued good work on the calorie count.

Wow, day 27! I hope you feel better.

Roni and Renee, thanks for caring. I'm on the mend. Chicken soup does wonders.

***

Calories: 2211



HA!

Just popping in to catch up and cheer you on! Hope you've been able to read a bit while feeling down... it helps. :)

40. Long Lankin by Lindsey Barraclough

Genre: Contemporary Fantasy

Notes: TIOLI #10 (Country of Origin - Britain/Betty), LT Recommended (12 in 12)

Summary: Two girls are left with an elderly aunt who doesn't want them there because it will awaken a monster

Opinion: I almost Pearl Ruled this book at page 48 out of boredom but gave it until the end of the chapter and there was enough of a hook (a friend called it a "Barbie fishing pole") that I was able to finish it. It's obviously a debut novel as it needed a lot more tightening up and the story needed more depth.

Rating: 5

41. Deathless by Catherynne Valente

Genre: Contemporary Fantasy

Notes: Calico

Summary: Recreation of a Russian fairytale about Koschei the Deathless set after the Russian Revolution

Opinion: Valente can tell a good story but this book is too bleak, depressing and violent plus the characters were unlikeable. The things they did just turned my stomach.

Rating: 5

42. Fifty Shades Freed by E. L. James

Genre: Erotica

Notes: TIOLI #1 (last page with 7 - 579)

Summary: Conclusion to the smutty tale of Ana and Christian

Opinion: What can I say, I've enjoyed the entire trilogy despite the nay-sayers. No, it's not fine literature but it is fun. I laughed, I cried, I got a little hot. Whoo hoo!

Rating: 7

43. Winds of Fate
44. The Lark and the Wren
45. Elvenbane by Mercedes Lackey

Genre: Fantasy

Notes: TIOLI #5 (only 4 vowels - u), TIOLI #24 (music or musicians), reread

Rating: 7, 7, 7

~~~~~

Currently Reading:
Downbelow Station by C. J. Cherryh (pg 142)
The Blue Fairy Book by Andrew Lang (pg 120)
Jinx High by Mercedes Lackey

On Deck:
The Twelve by Justin Cronin
Casa Grande by Jude Deveraux
Real Murders by Charlaine Harris

>157 dk_phoenix: Faith, sometimes when I'm sick I don't feel like reading. This wasn't one of those times, thankfully. Though I did stick with light rereads. Thanks for checking in!

***

Calories: 2010



Down 4 pounds this week for a total of 18 pounds during this challenge. Wow!

Just staying in and warmly snuggled on the couch today as I continue to recover from the the dregs of the chest cold.

Yay, Morphy!

And I'm glad your cold doesn't look like it'll hang on too long.

Music Monday

We Are Young by .fun won Song of the Year at this year's Grammy Awards. I was introduced to the song via Glee. So that's the version I've got here.


http://vimeo.com/45279065

Tonight,
We are young
So let's set the world on fire
We can burn brighter
Than the sun

Oh, we love that song, Morphy! I think your theme idea sounds like a lot of fun - and who could resist Music Monday?! Hoping that you get well soon.

Music Mondays -- What a wonderful idea.

I hope you feel better today.

And, congratulations for reading 45 books. You are making incredible progress, both with your weight and your reading.

HI Morphy, glad to see that you are a little bit better and how fantastic that Mr. Morphy made you a chicken soup.

Hooray, for the wonderful weightloss as well.

I am curious what you will think about the latest book by Justin Cronin, as I was extremely dissapointed last year.

And I love, love, love that song Morphy. :)

I was interested to see your thoughts on Valente's Deathless - I was riveted by it, but couldn't enjoy it for the reasons you mentioned. Still, I admire her admiration, writing, and the texture of the whole thing. Her interweaving of Russian myth was awesome, I thought.

I've just finished The Girl who Circumnavigated Fairyland and I've been wondering what Valente's adult stuff was like. But I struggle with violent, so maybe Deathless isn't the one for me.

I'm glad to hear you're doing better! And your weight loss - WOW! How long will you keep the Challenge going?

The Lark and the Wren is my favorite of the Bardic Voices series. Is it yours?

Woo hoo, Morphy, on the weight loss this week!!!

Thanks for music Monday!

I'm glad you're feeling better.... are you getting the snow or is it staying to the south of you?

Are you feeling any better today, Morphy? I am hoping that you are! And congrats on the weight loss! WahHOO for you! Today is the final day of the challenge, right?

>164 SylviaC: Sylvia, yeah. I think I'm over most of it. Just the chest heaviness and lethargy left now.

>166 Crazymamie: Mamie, I'm going to have a theme each day! Check out my next post for today's.

>167 Whisper1: Linda, thank you. I'm glad you like the idea. I'm hoping to make my thread about more than my weight loss. Ha!

>168 drachenbraut23: Biana, I'm enjoying The Twelve so far - it feels familiar to The Stand which is a favorite of mine. What didn't you like?

>169 Cynara: Cynara, I agree. The Russian myths were well done and not seen all that much. I enjoyed Googling the various creatures.

>170 SandDune: Rhiannon, I would give Deathless a pass for sure if you don't care for violent.

>171 Dejah_Thoris: Dejah, see below about my challenge. My favorite Lackey book is The Fire Rose. My favorite series would be either Arrows or Storms.

>172 ronincats: Thanks, Roni!

>173 streamsong: The snow is staying south of us for the most part, Streamsong. Mostly we're getting melting and re-freezing over night at this point. Makes the steps all icy. Ish!

>174 Crazymamie: Mamie, yes, it is! See below!

***



Calories: 2275



I completed my 30 Days Under 2500 Calories Challenge! I averaged 2166 calories. Right within my 2000 - 2200 range.

Hooray! Go Morphy!

Talk to Me Tuesdays

What shall we talk about? Today I'm asking you to tell me a story about a book from childhood or about reading in childhood.

I have two little stories.

I don't have a lot of good memories about my dad - he was pretty abusive. However, one that I do remember is when I was young, perhaps 10 or 11. We had recently moved to Florida from New York. It was a big change for me but both my parents were from the area. I believe I had been sick and was pretty much bedridden. My father would come in each night and read one chapter to me from The Lion's Paw by Robb White - a book that he remembered from his own childhood. It was an adventure about three children searching for a special shell in Florida and was very thrilling. My father was very firm that he was going to read just one chapter per night, no matter how much I begged. Plus he would take the book with him so I couldn't read ahead. He knew me too well.

***

My mom was great about taking me to the library. We'd go often and I could take out whatever I liked. The only rule was that I could only check out what I could carry. Well, ha! Just imagine a kid with a book pile from curled fingers all the way up to under the chin. That was me! I could squeeze a good 20 - 30 books in there, easy.

Great achievement. Well done!

Just imagine a kid with a book pile from curled fingers all the way up to under the chin.

I was a junior bag lady, with shopping bags full of books. Plastic bags were stronger back than.

Childhood book stories—what a good idea!

My parents were blind, so reading to us was a bit of a challenge. My father was the story teller, sharing all the old fairy tales and making up exciting exciting new stories about Bugs Bunny and Popeye. My mother was a voracious reader, and had a few picture books for us which also had the words in Braille. But most of our picture books just had regular print, so whenever we had sighted visitors, we swarmed them to get them to read to us. My parents' friend Bob was one of my favourite readers, and I can remember him reading Hurry Up, Slowpoke. There's a line where the mother mouse yells at her children, so Bob read with great expression, "CHILDREN!" — and my mother called from the next room, "Bob, if they won't behave, stop reading to them."

Hmm... a story about reading.

Well, when I was growing up my mom would read us stories and my dad would tell us fairy tales. But no one in my family liked to read as much as me. It got to the point where my mom would kick me out of the house to play instead. On at least one occasion, I brought the book out with me, climbed a tree, and kept right on with my reading. (I'm pretty sure she caught on to that pretty quick, though...)

One of my stories about a book from my childhood is actually from my pre-literate days. One of my favourite books as a kid was a Little Golden Book version of Beauty and the Beast with illustrations from the Disney film (my favourite then and now). I remember pretending to read the book and turning the pages in the right spots because I had actually memorized the entire thing.

I'm in the US and my dad read me so many British kids books that I couldn't understand why everyone said "color" was such an easy word to spell and I was always getting it marked wrong "colour."

>176 norabelle414: Thanks, Nora!

>178 SandDune: Rhiannon, I'm feeling pretty pleased with myself. I have an appointment with my weight loss doctor today. She'll be happy, too!

>179 SylviaC: Sylvia, oh, no. I wasn't allowed bags. Lucky you! Ha! Great story. Reminds me of how my brother and I would tease my mom by "fake fighting." She was an only child and didn't get it when we squabbled. So sometimes we'd do it on purpose just to annoy her.

>180 bell7: Mary, my mom didn't mind me bringing a book when she kicked me out of the house, as long as I went! I'd climb trees, too. I'd also sit on top of the swing set and the roof of the house!

>181 MickyFine: Micky, my mom still doesn't know if I was reading really early or if I had just memorized the book as I would correct her if she skipped words.

>182 cammykitty: Katie, was "colour" the only word? How about favourite?

***

Love the stories so far. I hope to hear more. Meanwhile, we'll move on to...

Wacky Wednesday

EXCERPTS FROM A DOG'S DAILY DIARY

8:00 a.m. Oh boy! Dog food! My favorite!
9:30 a.m. Oh boy! A car ride! My favorite!
9:40 a.m. Oh boy! A walk! My favorite!
10:30 a.m. Oh boy! Getting rubbed and petted! My favorite!
11:30 a.m. Oh boy! Dog food! My favorite!
12:00 noon. Oh boy! The kids! My favorite!
1:00 p.m. Oh boy! The yard! My favorite!
4:00 p.m. Oh boy! The park! My favorite!
5:00 p.m. Oh boy! Dog food! My favorite!
5:30 p.m. Oh boy! Pretty mums! My favorite!
6:00 p.m. Oh boy! Playing ball! My favorite!
6:30 p.m. Oh boy! Watching TV. with my master! My favorite!
8:30 p.m. Oh boy! Sleeping in master's bed! My favorite!


EXCERPTS FROM A CAT'S DAILY DIARY

Day 183 of my captivity: My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre
little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while I am
forced to eat dry cat food. The only thing that keeps me going is the
hope of escape, and the mild satisfaction I get from ruining the
occasional piece of furniture.

Day 184 of my captivity: Tomorrow I may eat another houseplant. Today,
my attempt to kill my captors by weaving around their feet while they
were walking almost succeeded. I must try this at the top of the stairs.
In an attempt to disgust and repulse these vile oppressors, I once again
induced myself to vomit on their favorite chair.

Day 185 of my captivity: I decapitated a mouse and brought them the
headless body in an attempt to make them aware of what I am capable of,
and to try to strike fear into their hearts. They only cooed and
condescended about what a good little cat I was. This is not working
according to plan.

Day 186 of my captivity: There was some sort of gathering of their
accomplices. I was placed in solitary confinement throughout the event.
However, I could hear the noise and smell the food. More importantly, I
overheard that my confinement was due to my power of "allergies". I must
learn what this is, and how to use it to my advantage.

Day 187 of my captivity: I am convinced the other captives are flunkies
and maybe snitches. The dog is routinely released, and seems more than
happy to return. He is obviously a half-wit. The bird, on the other
hand, has got to be an informant, and speaks with them regularly. I am
certain he reports my every move. Due to his current placement in the
metal room, his safety is assured. But I can wait. It is only a matter of time...

My co-workers and I were discussing how really we subject our pets to a bizarre form of Stockholm syndrome, in which we take them home with us, never let them leave, and want them to love us. ;)

Hi, Morphy; I've been away, so I didn't realise you've been sick. Sorry to hear that - hope you've completely recovered by now.

Well done on your calorie count challenge!

I'm a bit late with it, but my childhood reading memory : it's a bit naughty :0(
Whenever my mum bought birthday presents, including books, for us to give to friends when we were invited to parties, she hid them in a cupboard. I confess I discovered them, and used to sneak in to read them. Nowadays, I'm finicky about books that I buy for myself being brand new!

Love the dog/cat diaries.
Darby Conley, the guy who writes Get Fuzzy (my favorite comic strip), has a funny bit about how when the cat does something like fall off of a raised surface or accidentally run into a wall or some such thing, our first instinct is to laugh at it, but when the dog does something similar, our first reaction is to run over and make sure that he's okay. Ha!

>184 MickyFine: Micky, it's true! We even restrain them with leashes and kennels and such.

>185 humouress: I'm not quite up to par, humouress. It's dragging on, but my doc says I'm fine. It's just the remnants. You were a naughty girl but I have one better (worse?)! I learned about the birds and the bees from sneaking in to read (gawk at) at my parent's copy of The Joy of Sex and my mom's Delta of Venus.

>186 scaifea: Amber, I have to admit, I'd laugh at both. Does that make me a terrible person?

***

Tunes Thursday

The summer I turned thirteen, I had a devastating loss. The Shaun Cassidy concert got canceled! I had a major crush on him. I would spend hours listening to his two (!) records. I had boxes of pictures torn out of Teen Beat. I even had our first child named - Rebecca Lynn Cassidy. My mom, along with the concert tickets, had bought me a Kodak camera to take pictures of my future husband.

But my mom made the best of day. She took me and her teenaged half-sister to the beach to frolic in the Florida sun and on the way home we drank lemon ices and sang this song at the top of our lungs along with the radio...



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXWvKDSwvls

Life's Been Good - Joe Walsh

My Masarati does one-eighty-five.
I lost my license, now I don't drive.
I have a limo, ride in the back.
I lock the doors in case I'm attacked.

I'd laugh at both, too, likely, but I'd be laughing while running over to coddle my dog, while I'd just laugh at my cat.

What always makes me laugh about my cat is how in mid play she can accidently whack her head hard against a wall (hard enough to give a human a concussion), but she just looks slightly cross eyed and then keeps chasing the string or whatever. Tough skulls cats! Or no brains to scramble ;)

CONGRATULATIONS on completing your thirty-day challenge!
Morphy, I love that song by Joe Walsh. It reminds me of the summer I graduated from high school. I won't go into the specifics (ahem) but suffice it to say that the song brings back some good times.

>188 scaifea: Amber, well, true. I wish I could have a cat. But I'm severely allergic. Like call 911, put me under oxygen allergic. I can pet them at the vet's office. Just can't live with them.

>189 infjsarah: Sarah, my dog is the opposite. All you have to do is look at her cross and she yelps.

>190 EBT1002: Ellen, thanks! I know what you mean about some songs. We *were* teenagers after all!

***

Film Friday

This is one of my feel good movies that I like to watch over and over. I wish I had those aunts and, oh man, I WANT that house.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=stQ31X8COWw
Practical Magic

And this is what comes from dabbling; I mean you can't practice witchcraft while you look down your nose at it.

I hope you had a happy Friday, Morphy - enjoy the weekend!

I hope you're having a wonderful weekend, Morphy!
Here is a virtual cat for you to pet. This one won't cause life-threatening allergy attacks.



Okay, it is a bit hard to pet a cat in the snow, but he was just so darn cute, I couldn't resist!

>191 Morphidae:: "You put de lime in de coconut, you drink em both togedder..." Love that movie, too.

46. Shadowheart by Laura Kinsale

Genre: Romance

Notes: TIOLI #4 (Common SFF word)

Summary: Historical romance set in 14th Italy

Opinion: More historical fiction and intrigue rather than romance. I never did understand what the two saw in each other. This is my third Kinsale and she doesn't appeal to me. Her characters are uninteresting if not out and out unlikeable, she gives little sense of place and her plots are plodding. No more.

Rating: 5

47. The Twelve by Justin Cronin

Genre: Science Fiction

Notes: Paranormal Creatures (vampires - 13 in 13)

Summary: Post-apocalyptic vampires are harvesting what's left of the US population

Opinion: This tries really hard to be The Stand and doesn't quite make the grade though it's still a good read. I like stories told through several different viewpoints though you don't connect to the characters as well as you do with King's especially when it comes to Amy. Those chapters seemed too whoo whoo and confusing. Perhaps the final book will clear things up.

Rating: 7

48. Casa Grande by Jude Deveraux

Genre: Fiction

Notes: TIOLI #9 (plants on cover), to complete bibliography

Summary: Family saga centered around a woman in 1930s - 50s Southwest

Opinion: Not Deveraux's usual forte plus it's one of her earlier works and it shows. The plot has no depth and her characters lack their usual charm. In fact, the woman are for the most part cold and bitchy. Meh.

Rating: 5

49. Real Murders by Charlaine Harris

Genre: Mystery

Notes: TIOLI #21 (different styles/genres - mystery/fantasy)

Summary: Cozy mystery with a librarian in a small town

Opinion: Oh, this was fun. I liked all the characters and it was a quick, easy read. I smiled through a lot of it even though there were several violent murders off scene. There were some scary moments but mostly it was about the various characters and relationships. I love that type of thing. Only reason it didn't rate higher is because it lacked depth. But that's a failing of cozy mysteries not this particular book. If I had to rate this against other cozies, I'd probably rate it an 8 or 9.

Rating: 7

50. Jinx High
51. Born to Run by Mercedes Lackey

Genre: Contemporary Fantasy

Notes: Reread

Rating: 6, 7

~~~~~

Currently Reading:
Downbelow Station by C. J. Cherryh (pg 142)
The Blue Fairy Book by Andrew Lang (pg 120)
Voices of Dragons by Carrie Vaughn
The Valdemar Companion by Mercedes Lackey

On Deck:
A Country Doctor's Casebook by Roger Allan Macdonald
Cast in Shadow by Michelle Sagara
Ever After by Kim Harrison

Charlene Harris wrote some really good mysteries before she found such tremendous success with Sookie. Don't get me wrong; I love Sookie! But it's nice to know that the popularity of her paranormal books has made it easier to get a hold of her earlier works.

Hi Morphy- I loved the Passage but was very disappointed in the twelve. I am glad it worked for you. I'm not even sure if I'll read the next one.
A friend of mine saw a doc on the Eagles, that is showing on cable and it mentioned Joe Walsh. He was a crazy guy back in the day. I always liked him, especially "Rocky Mountain Way".

Well done for completing your 30 day challenge but I'm sure you don't need me to remind you that that is not the end of your journey it is the precursor to the continuance of it.
I remember you saying never again when you made it to 300 books last year. So far 51 books in 62 days = pro rata 300.24 books (?!)

>192 Dejah_Thoris:/201 Dejah, it was a nice quiet weekend. I also liked the Shakespeare series. I'm glad to finally get to the Aurora books.

>193 EBT1002: Ellen, love it! Especially love the tail. I was thinking it would have been even funnier if all you saw was the tail.

>194 scaifea: Amber, it's a fun one.

>202 msf59: Mark, can you tell me why you didn't like The Twelve? I'm curious if it's the same reason I didn't rate it higher.

>203 PaulCranswick: Paul, no, this is a long hard road. I've lost 190 pounds and have another 200 - 250 to go. The "never again" was to make it a *goal* to read 300 books in a year. If I do it "naturally," that's just fine.

***

Music Monday

My husband and I have been married for over twenty-two years and I still adore him. This is my most recent love song for him.

Just the Way You Are by Bruno Mars


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjhCEhWiKXk

When I see your face
There's not a thing that I would change
'Cause you're amazing
Just the way you are

Morphy, I love the mash-ups that use this song in the movie Pitch Perfect!

Congratulations on your Anniversary! Best wishes for many, many more! :) I've only just discovered Bruno Mars and I enjoy several of his songs. Happy things.

Morphy, congrats on your Anniversary and your successful 30-day challenge!

Oh, I missed it!

Happy Anniversary!

I just felt the Twelve got muddled and unfocused. And it always bugs me when an author introduces those interesting characters in those opening chapters and then abandons them. Grrrr! I was disappointed.

>205 Esquiress: Es, I haven't seen that movie yet. Is it fun? I do love Glee.

>206 MrsLee: MrsLee, it's not our anniversary! Ours isn't until June. There seems to be some confusion. LOL. I also like The Lazy Song. Have you seen the video with Leonard Nimoy? It's a stitch.

>207 tymfos: Terri, it's not our anniversary, but thanks!

>208 humouress: No, you didn't, humouress. Not sure why everyone thinks it's my anniversary!

>209 msf59: Mark, yeah, the disappearing characters did sort of bug me, but in a way they continued. You notice that Alison was a descendant?

***

Talk to Me Tuesday

A couple of weeks ago my mother told me she had just found out about the death of an old boyfriend. They had kept in touch over the years and spoke four or five times a year, especially around her birthday in July. She hadn't heard from him in months and had left several voice mail and email messages. She went searching online and found out that he had died, along with his two daughters (17 & 22), in a landslide while in their home. You can Google Johnsons Landing slide to see pictures and video.

So my question of the day is, do you know someone personally who has died in an unusual fashion?

I also had a uncle who died when a tractor fell over on him.

Probably my most unusual (and in some ways saddest) death connection is a childhood friend who was murdered. She was a couple of years older than I, and I frequently received hand-me-down clothes from her. She was stunningly beautiful. I was in college when my mom called me and told me that V had been murdered, apparently by a stranger, while walking her dog on a New England shore. I don't believe they ever found out who had committed this terrible crime and I know that V's mother never recovered. How could she?

Well, I didn't mean to bring a downer to your thread, Morphy. Sorry about that. This happened about 30 years ago so it has only a mild emotional loading for me, but I do realize that it's a very sad story.

Okay, on to Tuesday and some good reading, I hope!

I've been very lucky in life and have personally known very few people who died of anything other than cancer/old age/Alzheimer's. Yes, there are a couple of exceptions, nobody I was close to.

So that's something to be happy about. :p

>210 Morphidae:: It was a lot of fun. I think DT recommended it too. There's a little bit of childishness in it, with a vomiting thing that happens a few times, but other than that, it was cute. The music was great! We bought the soundtrack immediately after the movie was over.

>211 EBT1002: Ellen, well, I wasn't expecting *good* stories with the question. And that's a horrible way to go, for sure.

>212 The_Hibernator: Rachel, same here. I'm just glad none of this happened to someone I was emotionally close to.

>213 Esquiress: Es, I don't think I can handle the vomiting thing. Just the sound can nauseate me.

***

Wacky Wednesday

This made me giggle. Especially as I heard it in my head.

*snerk*

>214 Morphidae: Love it.

Hi Morphy ---
Was it you that wanted the link to the kitten in the snow?

Also a belated Happy Anniversary from myself Morphy - my own is also in March (23rd) - this time number 17 so we'll never catch up to you lovebirds.

For the second time... It is not our anniversary. No idea where people got that idea. Our anniversary isn't until June!

>215 drneutron:/216 Jim & Micky, glad you enjoyed it.

>217 EBT1002: Nope, Ellen, wasn't me.

>218 PaulCranswick: Paul, see above post.

***

Tunes Tuesday

This is my favorite dance around the house, feel good tune from the 80s.

Walking on Sunshine by Katrina & the Waves



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPUmE-tne5U

I'm walkin' on sunshine, woh-oh
I'm walkin' on sunshine, woh-oh
I'm walkin' on sunshine, woh-oh
And don't it feel good?
Hey, all right now
And don't it feel good?
Hey, yeah

Oh Morphy! I couldn't stop laughing as I read excerpts from a cat's diary. My cats wouldn't have written that diary, Peanut is cute but not the brightest bulb in the carton and Mittens is handsome, fat and content. They both think they're dogs and follow me around accordingly.

Congrats on completing your 30 day challenge! High fives, low fives and knuckle punch!

Calm down, Morphy! When you mentioned how long you've been married, people assumed you were marking the day specifically, and then I jumped on the band wagon, too. :0) (Of course, I won't remember in June, so you'll have to remind me then)

My songs of the moment (of necessity) are a couple from our panto that I'm trying to get my son to practice, too. There are a couple of rapid lines that I just can't get (and remember the choreography to, as well).

Oh, I'm calm. Just chagrined. Seemed like no matter how many times I said it wasn't our anniversary, I kept getting congratulations! Figured I had to make it more obvious somehow. :D

Happy not-your-anniversary!

(it's not mine either.)

"A very merry un-birthday to you! to you!"

>221 Carmenere: Lynda, and sometimes I think our dog, Maia, thinks she's a cat, the way she demands pets, butts our hands and curls up on laps! I can almost hear her purring!

>224 SylviaC:/225 Sylvia & Amber, HA!

***

Film Friday

Another one of my favorites. It might be dark and violent, but it is also filled with humor and hope. It's adapted from the novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption by Stephen King and is one of the rare cases where I think the movie is better than the book.

The Shawshank Redemption



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gt75VjvRW34

I find I'm so excited, I can barely sit still or hold a thought in my head. I think it's the excitement only a free man can feel, a free man at the start of a long journey whose conclusion is uncertain. I hope I can make it across the border. I hope to see my friend and shake his hand. I hope the Pacific is as blue as it has been in my dreams. I hope.

Shawshank Redemption is one of my favourites too Morphy.

And definitely one of my favourites too. Have a good weekend, Morphy!

I love your daily celebrations, Morphy. The dog and cat diaries were so funny. Your animals write very well! Shawshank Redemption is one of my favorite movies. I haven't read the Stphen King novella and probably won't now after your comment. I don't see how it could be better than the film. Have a great week end!

Howdy Morphy! Loving the daily themes. Congrats on your challenge too!

I'm sorry to see you didn't like Deathless better. I thought it was brilliant and was one of my favorites of last year. I've just picked up her latest book and as it's gotten a lot of amazing hype I'm hoping it holds up to her other work. She's one of the few authors I can confidently call a "favorite".

I'm having a Do Nothing But Read Day tomorrow and I'm not even going to turn on my computer. So see ya'll on Sunday!

I still haven't seen Shawshank!!! It's Jerome's fav movie, so I'm surprised I haven't. I've heard it's great.

Enjoy your DEAR day. (Drop Everything And Read)!

Hi Morphy- I love "Walking on Sunshine". Did you see High Fidelity? there is a great moment in that film, with Jack Black, playing that song: http://movieclips.com/TFUy-high-fidelity-movie-walking-on-sunshine/

I am also a big fan of the film, Shawshank.

Have a relaxing Saturday. I'm getting ready to start The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency tonight. The thread is way down the list--I'll have to search it out.

>227 SandDune: Rhiannon, Morgan Freeman just makes the movie, doesn't he?

>228 wilkiec: You, too, Diana!

>229 Donna828: Donna, thanks for letting me know you like the daily themes. I've been doing them two weeks now and wondered.

>230 UnrulySun: Kathy, I'm going to try another Valente before making judgment. The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making is on Mount TBR.

> 232 Katie, be warned. It is disturbing and violent. After all, it is set in a prison. But it also filled with humor and hope, as I said.

>233 msf59: No, Mark, I haven't seen High Fidelity. Should I give it a shot?

>234 ronincats: Roni, I hope you enjoy it. I did!

***

Tomorrow is MrMorphy's two month follow-up at Mayo for his eye. He's been a mess the last week. Not sleeping, depressed and angry. It's been stressful. If there is no change, he'll go back in four months. Please keep up in your thoughts and prayers tomorrow.

Best wishes for MrMorphy. Keep us posted.

Done, Morphy.

>236 SylviaC:/237 Thanks, Sylvia & Roni

***

Music Monday

I've been introduced to a lot of new music and musicians through the TV show Glee. I used to get new music by listening to the radio but since I don't commute anymore, that's no longer an option. I was introduced to Rumor Has It by a mashup on Glee of Rumor Has It and Someone Like You. I don't care for songs about cheating but the percussion is great and her voice is amazing.

Rumor Has It by Adele



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ti3t7MAwaaM

Bless your soul, you got your head in the clouds
She made a fool out of you and, boy, she's bringing you down
She made your heart melt but you're cold to the core
Now rumour has it, she ain't got your love anymore

Love me some Adele. :)

52. The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith

Genre: Mystery

Notes: TIOLI #3 (Ultimate Reading), Around the World (Botswana - 13 in 13), 50 Mysteries, Ultimate Reading List

Summary: The first woman private detective in Botswana, Africa opens for business

Opinion: Less of a mystery and more of a character study, it's a collection of vignettes about various problems and a large cast of characters. The mysteries are so easy even I could solve them. Sometimes before the mystery was even fully explained! But it's very charming and made me smile. I've gotten the next book from the library and have ordered the DVD of the TV show from Netflix. I'm hooked.

Rating: 8

53. Voices of Dragons by Carrie Vaughn

Genre: Contemporary Fantasy/YA

Notes: TIOLI # 17 (7th book), to complete bibliography

Summary: A young adult novel of an alternate history where dragons are real

Opinion: Meh. If I weren't working on completing Vaughn's bibliography, I'd stick to her Kitty books. That's where she really shines. I liked the premise of the story. Just after World War II dragons appeared in the world. After many misunderstandings, a treaty was made giving dragons land to which they retreated and humans and dragons have not spoken since. It's now sixty years later and a young girl and a dragon become friends. However, the author seemed to think that because this was a YA that she had to put stereotypical teenage tropes into it. The first half of the book had far too much teenage angst (fighting with best friend, should I or shouldn't I go all the way?) It wasn't until the second half of the book that it got into a true fantasy groove.

Rating: 6

54. A Country Doctor's Casebook by Roger MacDonald

Genre: Nonfiction

Notes: TIOLI #9 (plant on cover), WCC Book Club

Summary: Stories from a country doctor set in Northern Minnesota during the 1950s

Opinion: Two complaints. The stories themselves were too short, sometimes just two or three pages. I prefer a story I can get more absorbed in. And the book was too short! Heart-warming and then heart-breaking, I wanted more. The stoicism of some of the patients was both amazing and head-shaking baffling. Great book.

Rating: 8

55. Cast in Shadow by Michelle Sagara

Genre: Fantasy

Notes: If You Like (13 in 13 - C. E. Murphy)

Summary: A young woman in a police force in a multi-race world must find out who is ritualistically killing children

Opinion: Another one of those dark and dreary fantasies, there no humor here and little hope. But the writing and world-building are well done. When I'm in a decently up mood, I'll try the next. The main character might get annoying real fast though. Depends on how long her rebellious attitude continues. She acts more like fifteen than twenty.

Rating: 7

56. Seduction in Death by J. D. Robb

Genre: Mystery

Notes: TIOLI #4 (already started series), next in series

Summary: Eve must discover who is killing women with overdoses of a date rape drug

Opinion: It's book thirteen. Love them. Not much more to say.

Rating: 7

57. Castle of Deception
58. Winds of Change
59. Winds of Fury by Mercedes Lack

Genre: Fantasy

Notes: TIOLI #21 (two genres/styles - Adult/YA & Novel/Short Stories), reread

Rating: 6, 7, 7

~~~~~

Currently Reading:
Downbelow Station by C. J. Cherryh (pg 142)
The Blue Fairy Book by Andrew Lang (pg 293)
The Valdemar Companion by Mercedes Lackey (pg 123)
Ever After by Kim Harrison

On Deck:
Earthborn by Orson Scott Card
The Duchess War by Courtney Milan
Mr. Penumbra's 24 Hour Book Store by Robin Sloan

I was going to try reading The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency if I have time this month...but it's looking less and less likely that I will! I'll get to it someday, certainly.

Downbelow Station is wonderful. I hope you're enjoying it!

>247 The_Hibernator: Rachel, I certainly hope you do. It's a delightful read.

>248 jillmwo: Jill, no, not particularly. It's been on my currently reading pile for months now. It's not bad enough to totally set aside, but not good enough for me to finally get through it.

***

Talk to Me Tuesday

In 2004, an ALA panel came up with the most re-read books. The list included The Lord of the Rings, A Christmas Carol, To Kill a Mockingbird, Shakespeare's collected works, The Great Gatsby, Pride and Prejudice, the Harry Potter series, the Little House in the Prairie series, Winnie the Pooh, and The Color Purple.

Looking over my database, I've read the Meredith Gentry series by Laurell K. Hamilton five times over the last seven years and the Black Jewel Series by Anne Bishop four times.

Beyond that, I know I've read the cover off two copies of The Fire Rose by Mercedes Lackey.

What book or books have you reread the most?

I've been dithering over whether to try the Cast books, and based on your comments I'll try to find them at the library. I'll have to see if I too find the heroine annoying before I decide to spend money on the books.

The blue sword and The hero and the crown by Robin McKinley are two of my most-reread books. Also Frederica by Georgette Heyer, Robin Hobb's Assassin trilogy and Jane Eyre. Since my tbr pile has grown so huge I find I reread less than I used to, which is a pity in some ways.

I've read Frederica a fair few times as well! Heyer books are always my comfort reads.

There are so many! I have always done a lot of rereading, although, like Sakerfalcon, lately I've been focused on catching up with my TBR pile.

To keep this reasonable, I'll limit to one book per author. Some of the old favourites that I practically have memorized are:

One Night in London by Lucilla Andrews
The School at the Chalet by Elinor M. Brent-Dyer
The Corner Shop by Elizabeth Cadell
The Dark Is Rising by Susan Cooper
The Toll-Gate by Georgette Heyer
From Anna by Jean Little
The Changeover by Margaret Mahy
Dragonsong by Anne McCaffrey
The Blue Sword by Robin McKinley
Busman's Honeymoon by Dorothy L. Sayers
A Town Like Alice by Nevil Shute
The Four Graces by D. E. Stevenson
Dawn's Early Light by Elswyth Thane
Dear Enemy by Jean Webster

The ones I've discovered since joining LibraryThing, and have already reread at least once are:

The Sugar Queen by Sarah Addison Allen
Winter Solstice by Rosamunde Pilcher
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer

I'm a re-reader too, but I'll only list my most-multiples!

LOTR, of course. I'm down to only once a decade now.
Lois McMaster Bujold: her Vorkosigans and Chalions
Terry Pratchett: especially Good Omens
Robin McKinley: especially the Damar duology
Susan Dexter: especially The Winter King's War trilogy and The Wizard's Shadow
Georgette Heyer: her romances
sharon Lee and Steve Miller: all the Liaden books
Jane Austen: all of them
Susan Cooper: The Dark is Rising series
Diane Duane: her The Door Into... series
Patricia Wrede: her Lyra series and Enchanted Forest books
Nina Kiriki Hoffman; especially The Thread That Binds the Bones
Patricia McKillip: especially Od Magic
James H. Schmitz: especially The Demon Breed
Joan Vinge: especially her Psion series
Elizabeth Moon: especially her Paksenarrion series
P. C. Hodgell: her Kencyrath series, especially Godstalk
Connie Willis: especially Bellwether and Water Witch
David Brin: The Uplift War

Oh, I could go on--but I won't!

I do a fair bit of re-reading (last year I think about a quarter of my reads were re-reads). The biggies are any of Jane Austen's novels, Gone with the Wind, and the Harry Potter series.

I do a lot of re-reading, too; that was the excuse I used to justify buying books (since I can never give them away again, even ones I'm not keen on). I started to re-read my entire collection, and fit them in to TIOLI challenges, about 3 years ago; but being on LT has increased my acquisitions, and therefore, TBR pile. And, sometimes, libraries don't carry the books I want to read.

But I think my most-re-read list is similar to Roni's. I'll also put in a word for Simon R. Green's Blue Moon books. There are loads more, of course, but that one just popped into my head.

Hi Morphy! I haven't been on the threads much lately, so I wanted to pop by.

The rereads question is tricky - there are so many! And the list changes - what I compulsively reread in the 1980s or 1990s isn't necessarily what I reread now. It's amazing how many books I have in common with other folks who've answered.

Robin McKinley - particularly The Blue Sword and Beauty
Georgette Heyer - it used to be Arabella and These Old Shades, but more recently it's probably been Frederica. Oh and The Nonesuch has always been a favorite.
Lois McMaster Bujold - All of them, I suppose, but particularly the Vorkosigan books.
The first 7-8 Honor Harrington books.
A bunch of Mary Stewart's - My Brother Michael, Wildfire at Midnight, Nine Coaches Waiting.
For mysteries, many of the Elizabeth Peters books
A few of Carla Kelly's Regency Romances.

Oh this is too hard - there are so many more!

>250 Sakerfalcon: Sakerfalcon, yeah, I'd borrow the first Cast book rather than buying it.

>251 SandDune: Rhiannon, Frederica seems like a popular re-read choice. I think I'll have to add it to Mount TBR.

>252 SylviaC: Sylvia, I've read Dragonsong and Dragonsinger a lot, too. I've read The Sugar Queen too recently for it to be a re-read yet but I can see it being a favorite.

>253 ronincats: Roni, oh, The Curse of Chalion is another major re-read for me. Georgette Heyer seems a popular re-read choice. I really need to get to her one of these days.

>254 MickyFine: Micky, rather than re-read Harry Potter, I'm doing them in audiobook this time.

>255 humouress: I'm lucky, humouress, in that my library very rarely doesn't have a book that I want. In the last year, I think it's only been once or twice.

>256 Dejah_Thoris: Dejah, yeah, there are many more books I re-read than I listed. I just mentioned the ones I've re-read the most!