CEE reads 75 in 2013 ~ Thread 3

Where did our driveway go? Through the trees somewhere.


Ron's going to look for it! My hero :-)


The balcony FULL of snow...


The stairs Loki refuses to trust...


Knife edge of Mt Katahdin on our back deck.

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

FEBRUARY 2013
#10 Above All Things by Tanis Rideout (5 stars)
#11 The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey (4.5 stars)
#12 Tigana by Guy Gavriel Kay (4.5 stars)
#13 War for the Oaks by Emma Bull (4 stars)
#14 The Wee Free Men by Terry Pratchet (4 stars)
#15 Graceling by Kristin Cashore (4.5 stars)
#16 Cornelia and the Audacious Escapades of the Somerset Sisters by Lesley Blume (4.5 stars)

MARCH 2013
#17 The Bird Artist by Howard Norman (3.8 stars)
#18 Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel (4.5 stars)
#19 Fever: A Novel by Mary B Keane (4 stars)
#20 Life After Life; A Novel by Jill McCorkle (4.5 stars)

Currently Reading:

Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia

Bitterbrush Country by Diane Peavey

A Concise History of Greece by Richard Clogg

So... from the last thread

Gail -
We lose our power quite often throughout the year. We get a lot of wind events. Wind + Trees = Wires down
Thank goodness, not this time. It's so cold out there, even with a generator it would have been a bit miserable since we don't run the generator at night. We were comfy, cozy this time around :-)

Linda -
I love being able to watch the wildlife. I felt so sorry for the poor, brave birds today. The wind was so strong it must have taken them more energy to fly to the feeders than they got from the seeds they managed to eat.
The wind has died down a lot now. I will put more out for their dining pleasure tomorrow morning.

Go Ron! Go Ron! You should be in heaven up there with all your fluffy white glory! Great photos! Hugs!

ETA- Congrats on the new thread!

Wow! Thanks for sharing your snow, Cee! So beautiful - of course I can say that because I don't have to shovel it! And congrats on the new thread!

Happy New Thread, Claudia. That snow looks beautiful but I'm glad it's in Maine and not in Idaho. ;)

Ah, yes, Mark -
I don't know if everyone is in heaven - but I am!
The stairs had been cleaned off many times, i.e. every time Loki needed to attend to the call of nature. He needed freshly swept stairs!

Mamie -
Ron spent a long time clearing the driveway and a path in the front yard while I shoveled the front steps (again) for Loki. I think I made out the best - but he does love that snow blower!

oops!
Thanks Pat -
I'm glad too!

That's a lot of snow. Glad you apparently have power now! Did you lose it during the storm?

Wow at the snow! It is beautiful!!

From the last thread, I loved your review of The Snow Child. I'm off to give it a thumbs up!

OMG
Its snowing!
Wow, that is a lot of snow. It wouldnt last a second here, and I know where you'd rather be!

Happy new thread Cee :)

Your photos of the snow are beautiful.

And, your list of books read in January and thus far in February is amazing.

Cee, I know it can be treacherous but I think that mound of snow is lovely! I used to love getting dumped on like that when I lived in Wisconsin. It makes everything so pretty and quiet, and it feels like Mother Nature saying something like: "you humans think you're so powerful. Let me show you what I can do!!"

Stay warm and safe inside with a book or two or three......

Great snow photos! I hope you all coping with it OK!

Okay, those are the best ever snow pics!!!!
FABulous new thread!
Thank you so much for sharing the snow bounty :)
It does look beautiful.. is it possible to use the roads yet??
Did Ron manage to not get called out?

Hi Lori -
This was a great snowstorm as we did NOT lose power (even with all the wind). There must have been sorcery involved - lol We rarely get away that easy.

Thanks, Tina :-)
Re snow - I'm not much of a photographer - but you get the idea. Would you like some?

Oh Megan,
I thought of you when I was taking the pictures and so wished I had your talent for photography. There are beautiful patterns in the snow from the wind that would be cool pics if I wanted to slog through a couple feet of snow to get there. Actually I could use snowshoes today!

Linda -
Thanks. And I am very satisfied with my reading so far this year. Have loved every book ;-) Yay for LT recommendations!

Ellen -
What I love about tons of snow is it makes the world slow waaaay down and take a look around.
I do feel bad for service workers who do not get a break and are faced with an enormous challenge of getting to work and back safely. But I have been there too - the adrenalin rush kept me going and there was a good feeling when it was over.

Hi Rhian -
We are all fine, thanks. The sun is shining and detailed cleanup is in progress by my meticulous hubster... though I would be happy to leave the snow where it is and work around it (except of course for the driveway).

Ahh Kath,
You are so easy to please.
Roads are now passable.
There was one call during the storm for a tree down on wires. Firefighters were snowbound, but trying to get out. Since no one was being threatened or hurt - and no fire, the emergency manager in town cancelled the fire call and dispatched the road commissioner (who was plowing) to take care of the scene. Don't know the details, but glad the firemen were not all risking life and limb. I think most of them would have found it impossible anyway.
Ron would have spent a good amount of time trying to clear a huge 4 foot drift across the driveway... and about 3 feet down the length of it... to get out. The road was not cleared at that point. So he would not have gotten far.
Other than that - no real emergency calls. Thank the goddesses!!!
And thanks for your "no call mojo". It worked like a charm!

Hope everyone is having a restful or playful Sunday!

Gorgeous snow pictures, Cee! I hope that is enough snow to make you happy! Maybe you should get Loki a sled for the stairs and save yourself the bother of sweeping them clear of snow when nature calls. It's great that you didn't lose power. Enjoy your quiet Sunday in Winter Wonderland!

Cee ....those pictures are wonderful....I thought I was seeing double because that is exactly the same view we have on our deck. Bob just finished shoveling a small trail off the deck so we can get out....Front door is impossibly blocked. We also cleared away from the garage door so when plow guy comes we can get the 4WD out.

Lovely today with no wind, gorgeous sun and POWER.

Wow, Cee, you really got hammered. So glad you kept your power. We got only about 7 inches, but wasn't that wind something else?

Pictures are lovely, but I am a snow coward so as much as I like to look at pictures of it, I don't want any in my yard!

You might have a chance to be happy again next weekend. Isn't there another storm headed your way?
Maybe? Yikes!

I'm glad to hear that Ron was able to hunker down with you, and not have to race off in the blizzard to save someone :)

Why, yes Donna!
That was indeed enough snow to make me happy :D
Sled for Loki? Or... maybe he could suck it up and plow through the snow like every other silly dog ... le sigh
It's strange how an average windy rain storm can put us out of power for days and a blizzard not :-\

Tutu Tina -
I'm guessing the snow faeries were building mini-Katahdins all over the place! I was sad to see Ron shovel off the deck - but it was rather heavy.

Lucy -
That wind WAS something else - strangely though we lost very few trees in town. Maybe the snow was so deep they couldn't fall over??? lol
Must have been a very hard few days for the small animals and birds :(

Judy -
A "snow coward"? Say it isn't so!
ok. I promise not to ship you any snow... no sense in wasting it ;-)

Kath -
I did hear another storm might be coming next weekned. Perhaps we should check the European radar and forecasts. They were the first ones who picked up on the last storm when our weather forecasters were oblivious.
We're supposed to get mixed precip and rain tonight. Just enough to ice things up, I imagine, and make the snow heavy.

Ron and a few of the firemen were checking on old people this morning and shoveling them out where necessary. I love this town.

I thought of you when I was taking the pictures...
Aw shucks Cee, :)
They capture quite redolently the snow shapes, I think! Anyway, my camera being kaput, I am now using my Fuji Instamax, a polariod type snapper and I love its complete simplicity! My brother (a professional photographer) laughs at the camera as it is so large and bulky, yet so light and basic :)

Wow, that sounds like it was some snowstorm. Society would completely break down if that happened here as we are so unused to that much snow.

Truly Megan, I don't think it's the camera as much as the photographer that takes great pictures. Though when you have a combination of both - Shazaam!

18... Yes, please! I would like a little of the white stuff here!! :)

So glad that you kept your power, Cee! I can't imagine freezing in the dark without power!

WOW!! *goes back to gazing out my window at green grass after yesterday's huge snow melt* -

Hope it is a wonderful day and hoping that all goes well :)
Loved catching up with you.. hugs

Tina!
You're my kind of gal! You like snow too???? A little at least.
Strangely, this is the fastest I have ever seen snow disappear. I think it may be the dryness and it is evaporating. We're down to about a foot.

Deb -
We would never freeze under our down comforter with dog and cat to generate additional heat. It does get real dark though when the power is off!

Lynda -
Green grass? What's that? Don't remember.
Oh, wait! Is it that stuff they have in FL???

Kath -
New vet = more confidence, more information and seemingly much more knowledge plus way better communication. Dr spent an hour with us/Loki and made a lot of sense. He was gentle and sure. Loki, Ron & I like him so far.

*Moving from ID to Wellness (duck and sw potato diet) Loki LOVES it!!! He loves most anything, but I wasn't sure he was gonna leave the bowl! Maybe I should let him loose out back where there are at least 100 ducks! (but no sweet potatoes)
*Pepcid for a few weeks.

Possible diagnosis to keep in mind if future relapse:
*chronic pancreatitis
*IBS
*Addison's
Will not do any further tests until/unless he has symptoms.
They do many more tests on site than previous vet.
Owner of Portland Specialist practice and one other of their vets comes to Brunswick weekly.

The new vet sounds great, Claudia. My dog also loves duck and sweet potato. Hope things continue to go well.

Good.

I'm glad you're happy with your snow CEE. Whatever makes you happy. Add books and a roaring fire and I'd be happy too:-)

I'm another lover of snow. The more snow that falls, the more I love it.

I'm glad for the new vet, Cee. I have tried to get my cat to eat duck and sweet potato (supposed to be good for them, as well) and she turns her nose up at both. She'll eat everything else in the bowl and leave the sweet potato behind. Oh well.

I am yet another lover of snow Cee but from the benefit of a few thousand kilometres away! Gosh those steps look treacherous - I don't blame Loki for his reticence in the least. Congratulations on your new thread my dear. x

#12 Tigana by Guy Gavriel Kay (4.5 stars)



An excellent book with complex characters, ethical struggles, full fledged fantasy, and a beautifully woven plot with an astonishing ending...

It seemed overly long at times and the first half felt a wee bit disjointed. Admittedly, it might have been my own sense of urgency to make things happen. Once all the characters and subplots were introduced the story took off!

Lord of the Rings is still the gold standard in fantasy for me. But Tigana is certainly a silver medal contender.

There are some excellent reviews on the book profile page.

Hi Pat, Kath, Bonnie, Ellen and Paul
Thanks for stopping by...
I need to run out for PT. This might be my LAST visit. I hope, I hope!

So glad to see the positive review of Tigana, Cee. I still have not gotten to it, but it is on the radar for this month. And thrilled to hear about the new vet! Hooray for that! How lovely that Loki loves the new diet. Crossing my fingers for you that tonight is your last PT visit.

Nice pictures of the storm! It was very exciting here too. Tigana has been on my wish list for some time. I hope to get to it as soon as I ca be done reading text books! I agree with you that LOR is gold standard, "classic" fantasy for me as well. I would like to re-read the Hobbit some day soon, as we recently saw the movie.

So....last visit? I hope?

Hi Mamie!
Well... heavy sigh... one more PT appt next week. I think maybe they will miss me so, one more time - LOL Maybe for my last visit I will request a massage :D

Jess -
I know what you mean about getting past text books. That was frequently on my mind while in school. You'll get there!
And I actually have been thinking I should re-read LOR. I wonder if I would find it even better on the second time around.
****************

I signed up for a class called "Greece: Country in Crises"
8 week course - starts in March
I know next to nothing about Greece... hopefully, that will change :}
yikes. What did I dooooooooooooo??????

Hi Kath!
Sorry I missed ya - took me 1/2 hour to do the last message.

Nope. Not last visit :P One more.

See? You hung in there with Tigana and you ended up loving it. You even gave it a slightly higher rating than I did. I agree that it was long but at least it was self-contained and a stand-alone. Are you going to try to read another FF book?

Hi Mark -
I just finished Snow Child. I think that counts :)
Also I ordered Galore and am waiting for it to come in the mail.
I'm also working on War for the Oaks which will take awhile since it's the one I read at bedtime and I keep falling asleep. Not because of the book - just tired.
Oh - I have Wee Free Men started on my Kindle. Love Pratchett!
I at least have a couple weeks left... I'm thinking I might just extend FF to a year of fantasy ;-)

I have to snag a copy of Galore too! Although, it's very doubtful I'll get to it this month. Do you think you would give Kay another try?

hmmm... good question, Mark. I might.
Wasn't there one about Lions? or something?

Tigers, Bears? Oh My!

Well... maybe not real lions???

Yes, I believe Bonnie is planning on reading it soon! She is such a trend-setter, isn't she?

Fake Lions?!?!?

The Lions of Al-Rassan

Oh! LT Oracle says I probably won't like it! Yay! That means I WILL

ETA: Oh dear. If Bonnie is reading it I should too... maybe

I once had The Fionavar Tapestry , but gave it to Cory... *shrug*

Did you read it first, Kath?

OK... I have been fighting with the internet waaaay too much. I'm about to give up. All NY and Maine were down this afternoon (Fairpoint). It's still having a lot of trouble - very spotty.

Will try again tomorrow. Going to bed and do some reading.
Sweet dreams!

nope

sweet dreams back at ya!
hugs

*waving* at Claudia

>42 -Cee-: great idea doing a short course! I want to do an evening course this year, the University usually does a mid year (winter) set of courses, based on which lecturers are available it seems. There are a mish-mash lot of courses on offer so Ill have fun choosing.

Cee --- I'm on board for a full year of fantasy! :)

Sorry to hear about the internet woes. I hope you like your class. I also know next to nothing about Greece. I'm currently taking a class on contemporary Egypt and it's very interesting.

Yes I will be reading The Lions of Al-Rassan after I finish the book I'm now reading CEE. I also thought Tigana was overly long but it's probably because there were so many characters to try to get straight and all the threads to weave together but once that was done it all flowed together so nicely.

I'm trying to catch up - LOVE your snow pictures!

And very glad the new vet is helping with Loki!!

Good morning to you :)
So when does this class start? I am not about to start improving my mind....
my next venture is to improve my life :P Kudos to you!

So, what big plans do you have for today and the weekend? Anything good... ? Fun? Exciting?

Hi Cee, just stopping by to say hi! I'm afraid I'm not much of Fantasy reader, so I'm at loose ends this month -but not really, since I can always find a book to read!
Even though I don't personally like snow, your pictures are lovely!

Internet server seems to be better today...

Hi Stasia! Waving back! Any snow in Texas this year?

Megan -
When on earth do you have the time for school right now? Oh wait. On second thought - GOOD idea! A chance to hear grown-up talk and rest from all that toddler energy...

Tina -
Some would say I live in a world of fantasy 24/7. I don't think that is entirely true though.

Pat -
I'm wondering if the Greece course will include reading - or mostly lecturing??? This is given by a history professor. In my experience that means it will either be super great or painfully boring.

Bonnie -
Seems like you feel the same way about Tigana as I did. I believe I may have given it slightly too high of a rating - but damn! the ending was really good! I'm not going to quibble with myself over a fraction of a point - this way or that.
I'll be interested in what you think of the Lions.

Thanks, Joanne...
What I like most about the new vet is he has intelligent, sensible ideas and explains it all instead of being condescending, vague and questionably knowledgeable.
If a vet is going to be expensive (and they all are), then I want to get something for my money... like good healthcare for my dog. We'll see.

Kath -
The course starts March 14th.
I am not trying so much to improve my mind as to see if there is anything left of it :(

Today going to visit Mom to bring her candy and flowers (the kind of stuff I never seem to get and she probably won't care about). Errands and maybe dinner out depending on how I feel.
This coming weekend???? Good grief! That is light years away.

Thanks, Deb...
Not too many people do actually like snow which is one reason I'm glad I live in Maine. At least up here there are a few who do and I don't feel quite so odd. I would like to break up the winter with a warm vacation though :)

Hope everyone's heart finds some bit of extra happiness for Valentine's Day...
if not, go buy a book! (hehehe)

I like snow, Cee. Really.

Hope your Valentine's Day plans work out...funny how the chocs and flowers are the go-to for V. Day and Mother's Day; I myownself would prefer something different, oh, say, maybe a book?

Hi Gail -
I know... you are a good snow friend ;-)

I don't feel guilty buying myself a book. That's a necessity.
But flowers and candy??? Seems frivolous.
I actually buy Mom flowers and candy oft times (usually not together). She loves them. I think I got that gene.

Nice Valentine books, Cee!
I'm sorry you have yet another PT appointment; I know they are a drag. Hopefully, that one will be your last.
The course on Greece sounds interesting. I wonder if some Greek novel-reading will emerge from it. I, too, know next to nothing about the country and its history. I hope the course ends up being just what you need! (or just what you want)

For some reason our internet service is having issues. Totally frustrating and driving me nuts! So... I may not be keeping up here until they get sorted out. It's been two days now and i am tired of fighting it. Grrrr

Anywho... hope everyone has a nice Friday :-)

Stopping in to wish you a lovely Friday, Cee. Sounds like you need some good internet mojo, so I am sending you some! And Valentine's books - what a fabulous idea! I think Valentine's Day should be about treating yourself to a small indulgence - a book, a latte, a jammie day - whatever you love best. Forget all the commercialism, and remember that it's not about how others feel about us that makes us who we are, but how we feel about ourselves.

Happy week-end, Cee. I hope all the computer problems get sorted soon.

Wow Cee, you guys got a lot of snow too eh! We are supposed to get another 20cm this weekend :(

So glad to see that you thought Tigana was a silver medal read compared to Lord of the Rings! I have always loved LoTR and The Hobbit! I just started Tigana last night and plan to read more tonight

Ellen -
Everytime I remember I signed up for a course on Greece I wonder what I was thinking???? Oh. Maybe I was thinking it would be a nice place to visit :-))

Mamie -
Thanks for the internet mojo! It seems to be doing something good for the moment. I don't care for commercialism of all our holidays either - but valentine chocolate???? um, I DO love that! My frugal compromise: will check for half price dark chocolate valentine candy when I go out. lol

Gail -
Hope your weekend is relaxing and enjoyable!

Chelle -
Yeah, we are supposed to get some more snow tomorrow. We'll see. Won't be all that much by comparison.
Tigana - hope you enjoy it! Could have been a couple hundred pages shorter, I think. But what do I know about writing? Nuthin'.
The ending is the best, imho.

Hi, Cee! I'm just getting to your latest thread. I love the snow photos! Glad you didn't lose power.

Good to hear that you like the new vet. Sounds like a good one.

I hope you enjoy your class about Greece.

So glad you liked Tigana, so far it is my favorite Kay.

Stopping by to check in and say hello, Cee! Here's hoping you have a relaxing weekend and can get your internet service back running smoothly!

Hi Terri, Lucy and Tina!
The internet gods are allowing me a few minutes again...

Deep into War for the Oaks and getting to like it much better. It seems this month I don't care for the first half of books. I'm wondering if it's a fantasy thing or what??? It seems to take too long for things to get going. Maybe it's just coincidence.

Out to breakfast with the ladies (former co-workers) today.
Later.....

I hope you had a nice time with your friends :)
What did you do? Where did you go? what did you eat?
Did you shop? Were there books?

Hi Kath -
We did have a nice time... at the Starlight Cafe
I had a cajun scramble - the others had various omlettes.
Then we bought a BIG cinnamon bun, had it warmed and shared it :)

I did go the the used book store nearby and bought
Graceling
Have you read that one? There's a prequel to that book called "Air", I think. I'm wondering if I need to read that one first? I don't think so.

Oh! I also bought Beautiful Creatures on my Kindle. Deal of the day :-)

#13 War for the Oaks by Emma Bull (4 stars)



Started slow, predictable, but fun to read.
Urban fantasy - Minneapolis.
War of faerie magic and the power of human mortality.

I loved Graceling! and Bitterblue ...
Fire is the Prequel.. You could read it first... it was written last. I loved them all!

oh and I also loved Beautiful Creatures!

ok, good. I wanted to read Graceling first.
Oh, yeah. FIRE! Ha... no wonder I couldn't find it under Air.

I know you loved Beautiful Creatures, that's why I got it. There are 3 or 4 other books that go with that. But, I only got the one for now.

I have the other two from the Beautiful creatures trilogy on request from the library... but book 2 is overdue ( 5 days ) and book three is out until the 21st...

Beautiful Darkness
Beautiful Chaos
Beautiful Redemption
are the next three... all are $2.99 as Kindle deals today.

Whatever happened to the $.99 ebooks?

Have seen that movie once too many times :(

Hi Cee
How's the weekend? Still got snow cover?
We have just been to a family fun day at the local school, 6 kids of bouncy castles and one 30 foot high air-filled slide that looked precariously lop-sided at one point. I mentioned to the guy in charge of it and he went and put himself up top on the other side from all the kids to balance it out, and then they started limiting the kids entrance.

We werent looking for a carnival disaster this weekend, so that was good :)

Never saw Gone with the Wind. But did see a house in Perth that was built in exact replica of the one in the film. (some people have too much money!)

Cee.... I think we got your snow. Two or snow inches... maybe three.. and still falling. BOOO!
Well, I don't have to go out in it today, but I will have to clean off the car. le sigh.

Megan,Gone With the Wind is a movie everyone should see at least once. I read the book and saw the movies, too. In fact I think I have seen the movie 3-4 times... just coming across it on tv? know i've seen it more than once. I wouldn't have the patience for Scarlett anymore.

Hi Megan!
Oooo... dangerous 30 ft slide!!! Good that you said something.

Our snow was disapperaing fast (yes Spring is in the air) - but - it's snowing and blowing again. If winter thinks I'll get sick of it, well it'd better think again! Oh why didn't I study to be a scientist in Antarctica? lol

Hi Kath -
I have no problem sharing snow. After all, I can't keep all the joy for myownself!
Was the book of Gone With the Wind better than the movie?

I was watching that Sunday morning show (with the big sun) this morning (forgot the name of it).
They were talking about Prez US Grant.
He wrote a memoir that is supposed to be quite good - published by Mark Twain. Grant wrote it at the end of his life suffering from throat cancer to make his family financially secure. He was dying and broke. Anyway, it's free on Kindle so I got it. Supposed to be very readable and a lot on the Civil War from an insider's pov. Sounds like it might be good.

Hi Claudia- Just checking in with my Maine buddy! Glad you snagged a copy of Graceling. I liked it too and have been meaning to get to Fire. You are on a nice little fantasy roll.
Sadly, I have never read Gone with the Wind but have wanted to for over 20 years. I NEED to get to it. I do LOVE the film, although I haven't seen it in quite awhile. Did you know, the 1st time I saw the movie was at a theater, for a special presentation? It had the intermission and everything. What a great experience.

Stopping by to say hi, Cee! I've never watched Gone with the Wind. Dreadful, I know. I'm not much for old movies. The only old movie that I can remember watching - gasp - was Doctor Zhivago. It was during my pregnancy with my second son and I had to be on bedrest for about 14 weeks. My dad brought it over, and well, I was desperate. Actually, that brings back fond memories of my dad. When I was forced to be on bedrest with my second son, my dad dropped over and brought us our first VHS player and some movies to watch - all since I was laid up. I so wish he was still here - he passed away just 7 years ago of cancer, at the age of just 65. Too soon.

BRIGHT, cold, and windy today. Feel like I need sunglasses in the house!

Mark - Not only did I find Graceling when I wanted it... it was only $2 and in very nice condition. If I don't get Galore in the mail pretty soon, I'll start it. Loving FF! What's up for March?

Hi Deb -
Dr Zhivago... I saw that when it first hit the theater. I was in early high school and my Mom took me. Quite an event for me as we rarely went to see a movie. I loved it.

So nice you had a great Dad to pamper you when you needed it. He was way too young to pass on. Sorry to hear that.
I was only 15 when my Dad died of a stroke. He was 64 with heart problems. Again - too young. And doing the math - no, my Mom was not in her late 40s when I was born. She was 23 years younger than my Dad. A widow at 40.

So, President's Day! Who's buying a car??? Anyone?

Dr Zhivago was actually on TV yesterday... I was tempted to watch it, but turned off the tv instead to continue reading..

No new car here!

How are you today? Any plans?

Happy Monday Cee. Greece course looks interesting , mind if I tag along

Kath -
I started watching Dr Z on tv once. Just wasn't the same :(
No plans for today - just need to figure out what to make with ground turkey for supper. Nothing appeals.

Lynda -
Well sure, you can tag along. They always have the best treats for the break :) Maybe you can even explain all that Greek to me. I'm really concerned that just talking about Greece with a few pictures thrown in would make me crave a vacation there. Then again, since it will be about the crises in that country lately, maybe not.

HI Cee! Hope winter leaves NS but stays with you for as long as you want it!
We got a blizzard over the last two days and it's snow, blowy and gross here! The dogs and I are hiding inside where it is warm!

Is it traditional for people to buy a car on President's Day? (Or am I missing something?)

I will probably see Gone with the Wind some day. Id like the chance to sit down for that long straight! That's for sure. :)

Poor Chelle -
But you need to enjoy the snow now - your next assignment could be tropical? One of my daughters just got a black lab puppy. So dang cute! Thought of you and your two :)

Megan -
There are traditionally tons of sales on cars over the President's Day Weekend. That's when I got my shiny new red Celica (years ago). When I went to pick it up it was snowing. I had about a dozen heart failures on the way home wondering if I was gonna make it. I did! That turned out to be my fav car ever.
"Id like the chance to sit down for that long straight!" LOL!

Claudia- Funny, I just snagged a copy of Galore online. I should get it soon but I'm not sure if I'll be able to bookhorn it in until next month.
Of course I have a slew of books to read in March but I am also doing The Big Rock Candy Mountain Group Read. Interested? Have you read Stegner?

Can't wait to see what you think of the Cashore books. You've probably seen that I loved Graceling & am listening to Fire now. Yay for finding a new favorite author!

Are you going to try to read Beautiful Creatures for FF?

Internet woes have returned :(

I look forward to your thoughts on the Cashore books. I love them.
So, more snow coming here today. Work. And it's tuesday. gak!

Hows by you?

Mark -
I do love Stegner's writing. I read Angle of Repose - very excellent. Doubt I will join the GR this time for Rock Candy Mountain, but I will get to it sometime.

Tina -
Lots of good vibes out there for Graceling, etc. I'll no doubt love it too. Since Feb is coming to a quick close, I can't possibly read all the fantasy books I want to get to. But here's the good news... March is coming and I can read whatever I want!!! My own rules for retirement ;-)

Kath -
I feel your pain with internet woes. We are having trouble too and it is making me crazy. (Well, crazier) It kills me that we are paying for a faster internet speed but can't even get on half the time.

Sending you Tuesday pain-reliever hugs.

Good Morning

Here is a photo to make you smile. Lilly had her first birthday on Sunday. The breeder sent this lovely photo wishing Lilly a happy 1 year old birthday.

This is Lilly's mom and Lilly. Lilly is the puppy left most in the photo, hanging out on the heating pad.



Happy Day To You.

Is the injection still helping you? Are you relatively pain free?

OMG! What a sweet picture. How nice of the breeder to send that to you. Thanks for sharing.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Lilly!!!

Injection still working. Yay. Still have discomfort at the outside limits of ROM. Hoping that will resolve itself over time. I have many moments of memory re the pain I was in at first and am so thankful for the almost complete recovery I've made. What an ordeal!

I'm hoping your operation continues to be successful and you are "relatively pain free"?

Hello Cee! I'm hopelessly behind, and seeing the list of books you've read so far this year I don't have much to say as I have not read any of them. But I'm hoping to get hold of a copy of Tigana soon, and I do have an ebook of Snow Child waiting, so I'm glad to see you liked that one.

Glad to hear you have much less pain.

Hi Cee, just wanted to say the I am a big fan of Guy Gavriel Kay with The Lions of Al-Rassan being my favorite of his so far. It's well worth a read.

#14 The Wee Free Men by Terry Pratchett (4 stars)



A wonderfully delightful book! Silly humor and quite a story of sorting out what is real for a witch in training.

Hi Genny!
Life is good. Glad you found a bit of time to stop in. You are a very busy lady! I know.

ok Judy -
When things slow down a bit, I will consider the Lions book. If I see it on sale, I will nab it ;-)

Cee, just skimming through. I haven't seen Dr. Z in a looong time and would love to watch it again.
The cover of The Wee Free Men and its title are very appealing. Even though I didn't love Guards! Guards!, this might be an opportunity to see another side of Terry Pratchett. So many readers enjoy his work.

I hope the pain is continuing to ease and that you have a wonderful week!

Oh wouldn't that be lovely if our next posting was tropical!! :)

What did your daughter name her puppy? My two have been good company since Nate has been away. They slept on Nate's side of the bed last night and hardly snored at all ;)

I've added The Wee, Free Men to the tbr pile.

I'm glad you are feeling better. Fingers crossed that the injection continues to work magic.

Hi Cee! I've never read Terry Pratchett - The Wee Free Men sounds like it might be a good place to start.

>103 Whisper1: How sweet Linda! Happy birthday to Lilly!

Joanne, There were four puppies in Lanie's (Lilly's mother's name) litter, Lilly and three others. Sadly, one puppy did not thrive. If you look closely, you will see another tiny puppy snuggling beneath her mother's fur while nursing. Her little tail and the tail of the other puppy are entwined and you can see tiny little feet.

It was wonderful to spend time with Sue, the owner of Lanie. She obviously cares about her dogs and their puppies. We did not have pick of the litter. Rather, Sue picked the puppy to match the person(s) who were interested.

She knew that Lilly was the most affectionate of the litter and she knew Will was retired and home during the day and thus Lilly would thrive in his company.

Happy last day of PT~~~ Celebrate with a new book? Lunch out? A pedicure??? I want a pedicure ... sigh.
We could go together! Wait .. no we can't .. well, have one anyway :) Get red!

Morning Cee, Last day for PT? That's wonderful! I'm sure your positive attitude helped out quite a bit. How's Loki feeling these days?

oops! got a wee bit behind here...

Ellen -
I haven't read Guards! Guards! myself. So I don't know how it compares to The Wee Free Men. I do like Pratchett though.
No pain today! Yay!
And this was the LAST day of PT!!! Double yay!

Chelle -
LOL! Hope they don't get too used to sleeping on Nate's side of bed. Nate might feel a little put out when he gets home :(
Wendy's puppy is called Hopper. Personally, I think it's a stupid name... but he IS a cutie by any name!

Linda -
I am always amazed at how comfortable and accepting mama dogs look while they are nursing.
Your story about Sue is interesting... that she is so connected to the puppies and concerned for their future. I guess it would be hard not to be. The little ones are so sweet.

Joanne -
Actually, The Wee Free Men ARE a good place to start as it is the first of four in the Tiffany Aching group - if you want to read any of the others.

Kath -
Someday I WILL get a pedi. It only makes sense as I go barefoot a lot. Today, I took Mom out to lunch. No book shopping this time. But, I did get an ER book today: Life After Life by Jill McCorkle. I think it's about old people in nursing homes and their stories? I'm hoping it's humorous rather than depressing.
If it's good, I'll pass it on to Mom.

Lynda -
LAST DAY of PT! Yes! I'm a little disappointed that they did not give me a party or a t-shirt! Oh well. As long as I never have to go back... I'm happy!
Loki. Well... we're keeping our fingers crossed.

Oh! I got Galore in the mail today - but it will have to wait as I already started Graceling and I love it too much to push aside. :-)

I have been holding my breath over Loki.. hoping that it just goes away. fingers crossed....

Claudia- You are on a fantasy roll, my friend. I really enjoyed Graceling and NEED to get to the next book. Did you receive a copy of the Burgess Boys?

Yay you will soon be reading Galore CEE. I hope you like it as much as I did. I hope I didn't over-sell it but it was just so darn good.

And also yay for PT being over. It serves its purpose but it's just so time consuming.

Hi Cee... well with a mass of good things being said about Tigana.. I will read it. I am really struggling to get my reading mojo back in order.. so hard. But I have Beautiful Darkness now, so.. maybe it will help. I am struggling so much with reading right now. Maybe my new schedule will help...

How is Loki today? Has it passed? Poor baby...

I hope that today is all full of happy for all of you! Any snow expected?

Hi Kath -
Not bad news, but not good either, re Loki. More vomit last night (just a little). Not right. Just not right. So for the last 2 nights, he has unswallowed at 8:30 (3 hours after eating). And the poor thing seems to feel so guilty about it. He knows it's not right. We try to reassure him... but who knows what goes on in the mind of a dog?

Mark -
I did not request Burgess Boys since I really did not like Olive. I may read it someday... but too much I want to get to first. And yes, I love fantasy. Great escape reading ;-)

Bonnie -
You don't need to worry about over-selling to me. When people rave about a book, I still reserve judgement til I read it for myself. It's just that when everyone raves, it's a temptation. A good one.
And yes. PT is indeed time consuming. I'm thinking now that it is over, I could get a part time job. Nah.
***************

Another trip to CT this weekend :-) Just because.
Snow expected but my traveling will be before and after. I must be getting cabin fever. So - looking forward to some grandkid fun. Leaving tomorrow morning... back on Monday or Tuesday.

Happy Thursday everyone!

Hi Claudia. Have a wonderful time in CT this weekend with your grandkids. I'm sorry that Loki still isn't 100%. But he does sound better than he was.

#15 Graceling by Kristin Cashore (4.5 stars)



At last! A thrilling fantasy that didn't take a couple hundred more pages than it needed. This story has a few well developed major characters with a solid supporting cast. Fast paced. Seamless transitions. Easy flow. Crashing end with an open door...
;-)

Hi Pat!
Thanks...
Yes, Loki is soooo much better.
I just want him to be ALL better. We keep our watchful eyes on him and our hearts plummet every time he throws up :(
But he is a happy boy for now.

Now... what to read next???? So many choices. Plus I still have to finish up Wolf Hall but fantasy reading is taking over :D

116 does the puppy hop?
Nate will be gone for two weeks so he may have some retraining to do with the dogs when he gets home as they are getting awfully used to sharing the bed with me :)

Have a great trip this weekend!

Glad to find that you are taking a trip to see the kids :) Hope you are having a good time, and also hope that Loki is doing well.. safe travels!

Glad to see that you loved Graceling, Cee. The whole trilogy is excellent and I am eager to see where the author will go next.

Yay, Graceling! Her others are good, too, Cee. Like Judy, can't wait to see what's next.

Crashing end with an open door? You leave me guessing Cee!
Glad you had a great read, I had a 4.5 read just now too. Always a pleasure to report on the god ones.

Great review of Graceling. This book is on my tbr list since 2009. Your comments prompt me to read it soon.

Oh! Glad that you are finished your PT!! Nice to be free of that! I agree, it almost like a p/t job!

Safe trip home, my friend....

I need to get to Graceling - Craig read it and liked it, but I have not gotten to it yet. You are rocking through the reading, Cee! What great books you have read so far! Wishing for you a fabulous week and for Loki, good health.

#16 Cornelia and the Audacious Escapades of the Somerset Sisters by Lesley Blume (4.5 stars)



I know. This is a book for 10-12 year old girls... or even grandmothers who love to read ;-)
Apparently I bought this book for my granddaughter last year (I don't remember) and Sam loved it so much she insisted I read it myself. It was that good for her! I loved it too. This book was a nominee for the Rebecca Caudill Young Readers' Book Award 2009.

A young girl, Cornelia, lives the lonely life of only child to a famous pianist mother. With her mother constantly traveling, and no father or friends, she took solace in reading and her love of words. A new elderly neighbor moves in, the storytelling begins, and a true friendship blossoms which changes everything.

If you need a book for a young girl, this is it. Highly recommended.

I'm home!

Spent a nice weekend with Bridget's family. I could get used to this. They spoil me so. If only gas were cheaper :(
After all my debating on what book to bring, it turned out I didn't get to my own book at all. Sam insisted I read her book (above) about Cornelia. So, what else could I do???

While I was gone we had another snow storm and the power went out. Ron was able to start the generator all by himself! LOL He didn't even need to call me. ha Pretty whiteness to welcome me home. Power back on :)

Chelle -
Does the puppy hop? I don't know. I thought that was bunnies that did that. They usually let the kids name the pets - so the name could have come from anywhere :-}
I think it's only fair if Nate leaves you alone - you need the dogs to keep you warm!

Kath -
All traveling smooth and incident free :)
While Ron was watching Loki coughing/choking/vomiting one night, he realized it would be hard to explain it to the vet. So he got out his flip video recorder and by the time he got back Loki was fine. As he also was the next night, and the next.
So the Flip works for more than recording! It heals dogs.
Anyway, if Loki does it again, we'll get it on video. Maybe that will help.
We've been giving him Pepcid and that might be helping.

Hello Cee - love the puppy pic! And the snow photos almost made me feel cool - a welcome change from what has been almost two weeks of days tipping past 30 degrees Celsius (that's high nineties to over the century mark). Today we finally had some rain - I can almost hear the garden sucking up every dr9op.

Some great reading you are getting through - though personally not much for fantasy...

Judy -
It does look like I will have to finish the Graceling trilogy. I gave this book to my grandaughter. I think it's perfect for her.

Joe -
So is Cashore working on another book? She is an excellent writer. Probably can't stop her now!

Megan -
I'm thinking we LTers are all suffering from the same thing - we're all stuck reading GREAT books lately! What a wonderful predicament to be in, huh?

Linda -
Graceling seems to be a lengthy book but it reads quickly... especially since it is hard to put down :-)

Deb -
Right. No more PT... here's the best part - I had a massage this past weekend and it was recommended that I get a weekly massage for a few weeks on my arm/shoulder/etc to complete the healing process. I agree ;-) The focus needs to be on the soft tissue now that the bones and muscles are doing well.
After all the work, now I get pampered :)

Mamie -
Thanks for stopping by and for your good wishes.
As you can see from others, Graceling is worth the reading. Have your daughters read it?
********************************

Somehow I have to figure out a way to catch up on my LT friends now.

Hi Prue,
You poor, poor dear! Ack! So hot! We got more snow yesterday and I would love to share it with you. Glad I can at least post pictures.

I love fantasy. Always have. But now that Fantasy February is winding down, I have some other serious reading to get to... fun is over for awhile, I guess.

Hope you get more gentle rain - and enough to satisfy that parched garden. Which reminds me... I need to water my indoor plants!

Glad you had a good visit with your family, Claudia. And enjoy those weekly massages!

Hi Pat -
I have Ron convinced it's all necessary for a full recovery. Well, shoot! I'm convinced myself ;-)

In 2001, I started to have problems with repetitive strain injuries in both arms from using the computer. It was really bad for a couple of years because I wasn't getting the right treatment. A big part of my problem was that my muscles were really tight. One of the things that keeps the problem at bay is a weekly massage. Luckily I found someone great out here that I pre-pay for packages of 12 massages. That way it comes out to about $35 for an hour and I love every minute of it. Worth every penny and more as far as I'm concerned. Hope you can find a way to keep it going.

Wow! Great price.
I'll just go with 1/2 hour sessions - I think it will be worth the price. It took me a second to fall and break my shoulder. Four months later - well.... still working on getting it all back in shape. *sigh*

I had a massage this past weekend and it was recommended that I get a weekly massage
Which would be great, if we could all afford to have a weekly massage. I know Id love one. But they are quite pricey around here, for a good one anyway.
If you see benefits from it, then it is so worth it!

Well, Megan, my weekly massages will be much shorter and focused - so less expensive than a whole body massage. It is something of a luxury, but I'm thinkng also a necessity. I still have a lot of tightness in the soft tissues and discomfort because of it. I will try 3 weeks and see what happens.

Glad you had such a great weekend CEE. That's almost as good as a massage, isn't it;-)

Welcome back, Claudia- Sounds like you had a great weekend! Good for you! And stop reading great books, will ya! It's getting very old! shuffles away...

Oh good, safe home for Cee!
I'm glad to hear that you had a wonderful time, and also that you will have some massage...
I hope it helps get you back in shape :)

So, now that you are home.. what is on the agenda?

Hi Bonnie -
Actually my weekend did include a massage - and it was so very awesome. The massage therapist in CT is unbelieveably good and it's always a calming experience.
"The Girls" also had a tea party at a tea house with yummy little desserts :-) mmm...mmm...mmm
Then it was back home to discuss snakes (in great detail) with grandson. Apparently, I am about to acquire a slithering new grandsnake. eeeeeooooo
Always an adventure in that house...

Hi Mark -
I remember when every book YOU read was highly rated and we were all teasing you. Remember? Sometimes you just get a nice long run of great reading :-) I blame LT for that!
Can't be helped right? *shrug*.

Hi Kath -
Your last dreadful Tuesday. I will be thinking of you today.
Today - haircut and visit Mom
Looks like nasty weather coming for the next few days so have to get all the errands done today.

I am needing to finish up Wolf Hall - book club discussion is next Tuesday. Also started The Bird Artist based on another book Norman wrote that I loved. This one is a bit weird. Just started.

Ceeeeee, so glad to read that you had a nice weekend away.
My "friend" , a certified masseuse, offered to give me a massage for $35 for 30 minutes. I thought that a bit expensive. Am I just being a tad too frugal?
I can't believe I'm telling anyone this but, hope nasty weather is headed your way and all your errands are completed.

Hahahaha! Bring on the nasty weather, Lynda!

The massage I got was supposed to be for one hour - $70
However, it lasted an hour and a half. Alycia is certified in all kinds of things, teaches, and is in great demand. She is so gifted and a very sweet person. I only get about one massage a year. So, I consider it a treat.

One thing that happened this time... as she was massaging each part of my body I was overcome with the feeling of gratitude for all the parts that DO work. It was a transition in my thinking from focusing on the broken part to reuniting with the working parts.
I think that was a big step in my recovery. Dealing with an injury that significant affects more than bones and muscles. There's a mental/emotional component too.

I do ramble on. But $35 once in awhile??? Do it! You will love yourself for it :-)

Hi Cee! Hope YOU get the snow this weekend and it doesn't make its way to me!!

I have a script from my doctor for massage therapy which Nate's benefits cover most of the cost for. I need to find a place around me that does that and get an appointment. My back pain went away so I stopped thinking about it but I guess a few massages would help make sure the pain doesn't come back ;)

Hi Chelle -
Um, if I were you... I'd keep that snow shovel handy. It's very possible it might only rain here on the coast.

See? Canadians are smart to include massages as a medical treatment. Good therapists are very knowledgeable about the anatomical aspects of the body and know how to treat them.

Hi there Cee! I've fallen behind here but am caught up now. I too loved Graceling! Read "Fire" too; it's just as good!

I got Life After Life as an ER too. Hope we both enjoy it.

Hi Tina!
I'll read the rest of the Graceling trilogy eventually - but I have a few other books to catch up on now that FF is about over :(
I gave Graceling to my 13 y/o granddaughter. I think she'll love it too. Katsa reminded me a little of my Sam in many ways. No. Sam did not kill anyone - yet. Of course there is her little brother - lol.

I didn't start Life After Life yet. Did you?

So, how are you today? Winding down from the trip? How is Loki? And your mom?
Are you going to read Bitterblue and Fire ? ( The correct answer is yes! lol)

I didn't read at all yesterday, hopefully I will tonight. I needed to do errands on my way to work yesterday..
and home late. I was fighting falling ice coming home. Not fun. By the time I ate and sat back to relax.. I was too tired to read... fortunately a friend called and gave me a verbal hug.. which I needed :P

Woke up feeling miserable. Fed dog (he's doing good) went back to bed. Slept til 10.
Generally winding down, doing laundry, tending plants, looking for gluten free/dairy free recipes. Chicken in the crock pot. Laying low. Will read later, I hope.

Yes... I'll read Bitterblue and Fire eventually. Correct answer!

Sorry for your long, hassled yesterday. Hopefully things will be better from now on.... Always nice to get a hug from a friend :-)

Mom is fine. She seems to be participating in more activities at Sunnybrook. It's nice to see. I went to see her yesterday and she was in a discussion group about something or other to do with education in Maine (I think). She was looking very attentive and contemplative.

I haven't started it yet... I'm still finishing Neverwhere for FF. I have two other ERs that I received first. Not sure when I'll get to it, but I'll get there eventually!

Feel better soon! I'm glad your mom seems to be adjusting some. That's fantastic news! :)

*wave* ouch. This library stuff ain't for sissies...

Ouch???
Gentle hugs {{{{{Kath}}}}}

I'm glad you got to visit your family this weekend and share in a book! That was so sweet that Sam wanted you to read it, too. Cornelia and the Audacious Escapades of the Somerset Sisters sounds charming.

I hope you're feeling better.

LT has a "very high" prediction that I will like #16 Cornelia and the Audacious Escapades of the Somerset Sisters. It is now on the tbr pile.

I hope you are feeling better.

Thanks Cee. I got a real workout yesterday, up and down from the floor. IT was good though.
I work today until five.. and then hopefully off until Monday. Candy's daughter is about to give birth any second, and she is scheduled to work Saturday, so I am not sure who will get the call. If it's me, I'll take it, but that will make 3 Saturdays in a row :(

So what is your plan for the day? Anything fun?

Hugs back to you...it's nice to get a hug now and then :)

Hi Joanne,
I am better. Just had an off day, I guess.
Sam has the reading gene and loves to share. I imagine she will be on LT in years to come.

Hi Linda,
I definitely agree with the LT Oracle in this case. You will like it.
The Oracle is not always right though - lol It has been saying all during Fantasy February that I will NOT like all the books I read and loved! Ah, well.

Hi Kath,
oo! oo! A weekend for you, maybe??? All possible crossables crossed for you. Sounds like you are digging in and getting that library sorted out! Yay! Good exercise! (easy for ME to say)
Comforting hugs!

*****************************
I am trying to finish Wolf Hall. I think someone snuck in an additional 100 pages when I wasn't looking! Arrrgh!
Still have over 100 pages to go. *le sigh*

Then it was back home to discuss snakes (in great detail) with grandson
lol
I have been discussing Pirates (in great detail) lately.
"what are Pirates made of? when one dies another one does he poke him with his sword? But isnt it so so not nice to do that? Do they only make died the bad ones? How do they canon the ships? What do they do then?....." on and on and on.
Of course I have an answer for everything, turns out my mum was right, mothers DO know everything!

eta: I plan to read Wolf Hall and Bring up the Bodies before Sept 30. Its on my list of 38 things to do before I turn 38, so I have to :)

Hi Cee. I just saw up there that you said you didn't love Olive Kitteridge. I thought I was the only soul on earth who didn't love it. It was okay, mind you, but I have never understood why it has been so loudly lauded.

Your review of Graceling is irresistible. It's going on the wish list.

#164 "what are Pirates made of?" - very funny!

Happy March Cee! Hope all is well with you and Ron and Loki. I know what you mean about Wolf Hall, it gets to the point where you just want it to end. Are you any closer to the conclusion?

Well, hope you have a nice chilly kind of day and a snowy weekend too.
ACK! Grandsnake?! *runs away in terror*

Oh good! Another soon to be fan of Graceling..
Well done CEE!!!!!!!

I have to get out of this chair and out the door.. so just a quick hello...
Sorry to fade on you yesterday :(

What will you do for Cee today?

Oh my, you must post a picture of your new grandsnake Lucky you! Aren't grandkids a hoot? Mine collect toads in the yard to play with. We always release them afterward and then gather the poor things up again. I do like toads better than the worms they used to play with!

Have a great week end, Cee. Maybe you will finish Wolf Hall.

Happy March!



A sign of coming spring in my house. My beauteous Clivia plant! Blossoming! Ahhh - she's such a sweetie.
And the little red balls are seeds from last year's flower. I'll need to plant them soon.

Hi Megan -
Love your pirate story! I love pirates myself - but your little one is right. They tend to be "so so not nice" at times. LOL
Good luck with that planned reading before Sept 30!

Ellen -
I know. Everytime I hear the raving about Olive, I feel like I surely missed something - but have no desire to go back to find out. OK-ish - but not worth a re-read. So, there are two of us ;-)

Rhian -
Megan's boys are not just cute - they are curious and funny! She has her hands full.

Lynda -
All in our household are well.
I'm slowly but surely getting on in Wold Hall. I like it... good book. Just a bit loooong.
Oh - you don't have to "run away in terror" quite yet. It's not "due" till late spring - or so. I'll let you know. lol

Kath -
You fade very nicely, my dear. No apology ever necessary :-)
Out to Sam's today to stock up on grocery stuff.
Very light flurries all day - no accumulation. Pretty day!

Hi Donna -
I'll post a picture of my new grandsnake when it arrives...

Greg (grandson) expressed an interest in snakes when we visited the nature center where Bridget volunteers. The guy in charge said they usually get too many calls from people wanting to give up their snakes and are looking for a place that will take them. So, the deal was.... if Greg studied up on how to take care of a snake and learned more about them, then had a successful discussion about them with this guy, the next call he got from someone looking for a snake home he would refer them to Greg. Bridget agreed :{
Gram is not uber thrilled - but pretending I can love a snake too! eeeeeoooooo I will NOT be playing with it.

Ohhhhhhhh CEE I love your beautiful Clivia. I'd love to have one of those. And it blooms every year at this time??

Bonnie -
I kid you not! EVERY year that beauty comes thru for me and I do not have any kind of green thumb. My only explanation is - I must have gotten lucky and put it in the right spot? I gasp everytime I see the buds starting to grow. It's still unexpected to me after 3 years.

That is a beautiful flower, Cee.

That is indeed a lovely plant... I used to have a fabulous christmas cactus.. it was huge and bloomed faithfully for me each thanksgiving. I took it to the vet clinic to live, and Judy took it home from there..
This is a plant free home, these days.. to many munchy cats. Since I would rather have cats than plants, it isn't a problem. Glad that Wooly isn't a muncher. You have some really nice looking plants in the photos I have seen of your home :)

Enjoy your saturday :)

Lovely Clivia bloom!

I think we have Graceling around and about - maybe in my daughter's bookshelves..... I must go and investigate.

Ellen -
Yes it is! No credit to me though.

Kath -
I'll tell you a little secret if you promise not to tell anyone.
If I have plants in my home that look good, it's because non-performers get tossed or given up for rescue elsewhere. I've found over the years, some plants can take care of themselves if they are in the right location. And for me, that's a matter of sheer luck.
I love flowers in the house since I cannot grow them outside. And Woolly is a very good girl to leave them alone. She prefers tissue and bills to munch on.

Thanks, Lucy.
I know you read a lot of sci-fi now. I love it too. But do you also like fantasy? I'm thinking February is a good time to read fantasy - a bit of a cure for cabin fever.
Graceling was a good one for me.

#17 The Bird Artist by Howard Norman (3.8 stars)



Setting: Coastal Newfoundland, Canada 1911
Norman creates a very strong sense of place and time in a story simply written. But the emotions and actions of the characters are not simple. Tension builds in the lives of the nearly isolated villagers until there is a murder. We know who did it. It doesn't seem to matter all that much though. There is little sympathy for the victim and little condemnation of the murderer. And yet, the earth has shifted for the entire village. Strange ending after all that happened.

ETA: Although there was a murder, this was not a mystery. So... not really a March Mystery entry.

Hi, Cee! A Happy March to you. I love your plant. Clivia? Hmmm . . .

Glad to hear that your mother is settling in and becoming active at Sunnybrook.

I'm really impressed with your blooming Clivia plant, especially since you say you don't have a green thumb. Neither do I but I would love to have one like yours. I'm going to have to look into that!

Your Clivia plant is just gorgeous, Cee!What a burst of colour on these dark dreary days! Hmm - your last read, The Bird Artist sounds quite interesting!

I had missed the comments about your mom and the discussion group...
That is fabulous! I hope that trend continues and she is happier and more active there...

The last book you read sounds intriguing..

Not much going on here, today ( yay) just phone call day..so? My plan is to talk to kids and read and do nuthin much! How about you ?

Hi Terri, Pat, Deb, and Kath!
I haven't seen a Clivia for sale in the usual plants-for-sale places. I got mine from the fire department plant sale a few years ago donated by a woman in town who had several. It takes years to grow from a seed before you get a flower. It is a wonderful late winter burst of color. I love it ;-)

Today: Dunno. No plans. More Wolf Hall.

Oh! I started reading Fever: A Novel (an LTER book) in bed last night. I was pretty tired and figured I would only read a little and crash early. This is a book about Mary Mallon (Typhoid Mary).
It sucked me in from the get-go and I read about 80 pages before turning off the light! Good book!

Happy March Cee! That Clivia plant is lovely! What a nice way to bring in spring in your home!

Glad to hear that you enjoyed your LTER :)

I'm glad to know that I'm not the only one to have never heard of that type of plant.
I have a paper muncher kitty, but she also munches plants and so does Angus ... the little twerp.
Mine run amok I guess :) Spoiled brats is what they are..the darlings. I do love them.

Hope today has been good for you...

Getting all set for company? Sending Hang in there mojo!

Hi Cee-
just catching up and movin' on (for now)
Off to collect biggest little one from kindy soon, and littlest little one has just pee'd on the driveway. I knew it was happening as he stood still for more than 2 seconds straight, which is an oddity ;)

#164, Megan
Recently my nine year old grandson asked me about the neck fusion surgeries I've had. Specifically he wanted to know what was used to fuse the joints together...super glue?
When I mentioned that I have three cadaver bones in my neck between the joints to provide height so the nerves are no longer pinched, he looked at me very seriously and asked if I had "thanked the person who gave up his life so that I could have the surgery."

I didn't want to laugh at him, or to tell him that if someone gave up his/her life, then there would be no sense in writing to thank them because they wouldn't be able to read the communication.

I so enjoy my grandchildren. It is wonderful to see the world through the eyes of children.

CEE, what a beautiful plant. And, re. message 163, I've found the same, ie that there were books I really liked and LT gave a high probability I would not like them.

Woohoo!!!!
I finished Wolf Hall! And not a moment too soon - as I have my RL book club tomorrow morning for discussion.
I did it - I finished!!!!
It doesn't even matter what I thought of it - I finished!
My eyes are bleary and my body achy from sitting - but - I finished!!!!
Whew. Actually, it was much better than I thought it would be.
I'm all done in.

GOOD for you! Well done Cee :)
I give serious kudos to anyone who reads a book someone else chooses and reads it until the end..

Have fun at book club! And think of things to tell me about how to have one at the Library. Iam clueless!

Congratulations on finishing Wolf Hall. Cee. It always feels so good when you finish a chunkster, I am looking forward to that feeling when I finish The Count of Monte Cristo eventually.

Hi Claudia, looking forward to hearing what your book club thought of Wolf Hall. I have a nice hardcover of it that I find intimidating because of it's size and subject matter.

Congrats on finishing WH, Cee. I've not read it yet, but know it's a bit of a chunkster!

188 - I love the story of your grandson, Linda! Very sweet. :)

Hi Claudia- Congrats on finishing Wolf Hall! You did it! I still hope I can finally get to it, in the next couple of months. We will see.

Chelle -
Thanks! Sounds like you could use some indoor flower color right about now too. Get a couple of tough little primrose plants...they are cheap and keep flowering. Your grocery store might have them.

Kath -
We are ready for our company. I see there is a slight chance of getting snow here on Thursday... the day my Mom is coming over. Just hope they are kidding and Mom doesn't end up spending the night too! If so, she sleeps with her sister.

Megan -
LOL! Better you than me!!!! Your turn... with littlies ;-)

Linda -
Great grandson story! I just found out today my grandson passed his snake test... so the next snake to come into the nature center is his :(

Judy -
Thanks! All in all, Wolf Hall was a great book but the more I read the longer it seemed to get. Now I am looking at the decision to read Bring Up the Bodies - part 2. But I can't think about that now.
I LOVED The Count of Monte Cristo!

Pat -
I have the nice huge hardcover version of WH too. And yes, it intimidated me a lot. I also thought it would be long, dry and complicated. I'm not a big fan of English royal family history. BUT - this book made it easier to take. Mantel humanized it and many times used a bit humor.
The only thing that I would complain about is all the names! There was a helpful list of characters and a royal genealogical chart in the front that I referred to constantly.
I do recommend it :-)

Tina -
Thanks! All accolades gratefully accepted!

Mark -
I did. I did it :-) So now do I do the next one? Hmmm.
and
What??? YOU haven't read WH yet? What are you waiting for?

hmmm, so you didn't like Wolf Hall? You could be the first if that is true....I ll have to wait and see I guess!
Have fun at book club- I have mine tonight too :)

All caught up here, Cee! That Clivia plant is GORGEOUS - what beautiful color it has! O had never seen one of those before, so thanks for sharing. And congrats on finishing Wolf Hall - WahHOO for you! I would encourage you to read Bring Up the Bodies when you feel up to it - it goes much faster than Wolf Hall in my opinion, and it is less confusing, so easier to read. Very good, and very worth the time.

Yeah I did, Megan! I liked Wolf Hall. I gave it a 4.5 and I recommend it. What did I say to make you think I did NOT like it??? Oy... I'm getting too tired I guess. Long day.

Hi Mamie -
You're welcome and thanks! Good to hear encouragement to keep going on Bring up the Bodies. Maybe soon. I do want to see what happens next. I don't know much about this era of English history and this is a good way to get it.

Well, I hope you found the right menus and I hope that the company is pleasant and wise enough to spend some time away and off on their own!

Cee, I'm glad you liked Wolf Hall. That is a chunkster to read and discuss at a book group. Like Mamie said, Bring Up the Bodies is a much easier read...and so worth it.

Enjoy your company...and more snow!

Hi Linda! De-lurking before I miss my chance on this thread. Sorry I haven't commented much. Life should slow down to the normal busy after this weekend. Hugs!

I really liked The Bird Artist, Cee. I agree, I've never thought of it as a murder mystery, although there's a murder. Well-written book.

I thought Wolf Hall was pretty good, but not easy. I'm glad to hear Bring Up the Bodies is an easier read.

Cee, Way to go on finishing Wolf Hall. I loved it but it was long...however, Bring Up the Bodies is much more compressed, both as to the real time involved and the story itself; it goes quickly.

Love the Clivia. Want.

Oh, and The Wee Free Men! Yippee! Loved that book. Not like the other discworld things at all.

I second the assessment that Bring Up the Bodies is an easier read than Wolf Hall and wonder if that only occurs because once you've finished WH, you are immersed in the setting, and used to the author's way of writing about it. At any rate, do give it a try when the time is right. It didn't seem nearly the chunkster that WH did but it does require a certain investment of time. Perfect for the next winter storm.

>199 -Cee-: It doesn't even matter what I thought of it - I finished!
My eyes are bleary and my body achy from sitting - but - I finished!!!!
That is what made me think you might not have liked Wolf Hall, but then in the next sentence you say you did like it, so *woops*!
YAY that you liked it, and enough to rate it 4.5 stars! This bodes well for when I finally get to it. Maybe when Im recuperating from my next surgery which I am really not looking forward to. *groan*

Cee - Congrats on finishing Wolf Hall. It's a tome but a really well-written one. I also agree with the general consensus here that Bring Up the Bodies is a much easier read in comparison. So now that you've gotten that heavy lifter out of the way .. what's next?

xo from a weary me

Dear Cee - very remiss of me for not keeping up better this last few weeks. Glad to see you battled through Wolf Hall and emerged unscathed and having enjoyed it. x

One more day right? miss ya!

Stopping in to wish you a Friday full of fabulous!

Me too - I haven't tackled Bring Up the Bodies yet, and I don't usually like historical fiction all that much, but Mantel is a master of the genre, isn't she?

Stepping up to say that after polishing off Wolf Hall you really should jump on Bring Up the Bodies which you will fly through. I can just about guarantee that CEE. Or you can do what I am going to do when the third book of the trilogy comes out and read all three, one right after the other:-)

I'm baaaack...
Ok. That was a full 4 days. Company gone. Visit successful - including all the gluten-free, dairy free menus. Glad I don't have to give that much attention to cooking all the time. Must have been good as they requested about 4 of Bridget's recipes that even I managed to pull off.
Back to quiet and reading :-)

Kath -
Thanks for popping in occasionally to keep my thread warm. Hope you have had a chance to get over weary.

Donna -
Thanks for the additional vote to read Bring Up the Bodies. Enough of you all have mentioned its worthiness - so I'm convinced but I don't have the book yet. Someday.

Kim -
I guess it's nice to be super busy sometimes, but I hope your life has quieted down some. Thanks for stopping by!

Hey Joe!
You read The Bird Artist too? Wow... I wasn't sure anyone had ever heard of it. I just got it cuz I loved another book Norman wrote - My Famous Evening about Nova Scotia.
I agree. It was well written.

Hi Gail -
If you ever buy a Clivia plant - get an adult plant. It takes the seedlings years to grow.
I skimmed your thread and I know you have a dr appt coming up with DH. Hope all goes well and traveling is easy.

Hi Cee, Glad to see your universe is getting back to normal. The Clivia is beautiful and that is exactly why I will not buy one. I'd kill it for sure. I'll let the folks who get along with plants buy them and enjoy them. I'll just admire pictures.

Tutu Tina -
It looks like we missed this past storm that hit south of here. Ah well... I do have to accept that winter is most over.
I did think that reading Bring Up the Bodies would be easier now that I have a sense of who's who, but I don't actually have the book right now and I have so many others that have been waiting.

Megan -
Oh! Ok. Well... my previous comments are just age complaints. Sorry 'bout that.
So, when is your next surgery? Do you have a date? Are you getting psyched? or... not

Caro!
Good to see you over here.
I am reading an LTER called Fever: A Novel about Typhoid Mary. Great book! Not such a chunkster - almost done :-)

Paul,
Having been busy entertaining company for several days I have to wonder how many threads of yours I have missed. I'm afraid to look :(
It was good of you to stop by - thanks! x

Mamie -
Thanks! Now what the heck was I doing on Friday? Oh yeah - one thing was we went to see the movie "Quartet" with Maggie Smith. It was pretty good. She is a great actress.

Lucy -
You don't care for historical fiction???? Huh. Why is that, I wonder? Yup. Mantel is a wonderful writer... much better than I expected.

Bonnie -
I used to be able to read a trilogy straight through - no matter how long. In fact, I preferred doing it that way. But I find I have to stretch them out a bit more now. I think it may partially be cuz I have so many books clamoring to be read NOW! It's always "Pick me!" "Pick me!" arounfd here! Sheesh! LOL

OK... I think I am caught up here. Sorry no real pizzazz... I'm pretty tired. Hope to get to other threads sooner or later.
Wishing all a great weekend!

No you are not caught up Miss Cee! It's me, it's me! we cross posted, you get back here young lady :0)

Oops... Hi Lynda! Cross posted.
That's exactly what I would have said about any plant. I guess I got lucky this time. I gave the four seed pods that were on it from the last blooming to my cousin to take home. She has ten green digits, I think. She does landscaping professionally. So, I know I gave those babies a good home. lol

ETA: YOUNG lady? Hahahaha...

Cee - hahaha, no new threads for a while now.

So, when is your next surgery? Do you have a date? Are you getting psyched? or... not
Um, that would be a NOT. ;)
I can scarcely face the Xray and appointment I have on Tuesday, considering that I will have Lenny with me. The last appointment I had to wait 2 hours just to see the guy for 2 minutes, and all that time in a waiting room with automatic doors opening on to a road, with Lenny? *deep breaths* We'll see how it goes!
I should be placed near the top of the waiting list after this appointment. I am looking forward to the surgery, but the recuperation will be tough, now I know that.

I used to be able to read a trilogy straight through
Ive always had to have a break between similar books. Too much of a good thing!

Hi Cee, I read The Bird Artist years ago and remember liking it but not much about it. I'm glad to hear you like Fever: A Novel. I read Mary Beth Keane's earlier book, The Walking People and loved it.

#19 Fever: A Novel by Mary B Keane (4 stars) LTER



The early twentieth century saw many medical discoveries and advances. It was a learning process… slow and riddled with mistakes and the unknown. One of the issues concerning the medical community was the person at large who was healthy and unknowingly carried a disease – like typhoid - which spread to others. The story of Fever: A Novel is that of Mary Mallon. Typhoid Mary.

An excellent and interesting account of a woman living on the edge in New York City is based on research and fleshed out to portray a life of struggle, strength, love, trauma, and abuse at the hand of the Department of Health. Mary Mallon had a gift for cooking and loved the work which paid well and gave her a sense of value. However, many suspicious cases of typhoid outbreaks were traced back to her, directly, through the preparation of food by her and consumed by her clients.

This was a new theory. It was frightening and incredible. Mary was caught in the middle of the evolving medical controversy. Author Mary Beth Keane evokes the emotions and crisis in the life of a woman on the run. Mary’s life of poverty in NYC is portrayed in detail, colored with the hard decisions and actions of a woman alone. Enlightening, heart-breaking, and engaging read… recommended.

This book reminds me of The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks in a way. A story about a woman in the crosshairs of the law and medical ethics.

Hi, Cee; welcome home/back. I'm discovering the same sort of thing: used to devour series or sagas/trilogies/tetralogies/whatever as fast as I could possibly lay my hands on them. Now, not so much. I need a break in between. It would be interesting to find out why that is. Surely not because we're, um, more mature.

The Typhoid Mary looks good; thumb for the review.

Nice to see you, Cee...and glad you liked the book :)

Paul -
Take another look. You are still blasting through the threads! I've taken to lurking since by the time I get to comment on something, it's "message old"... even though it might only be a day gone by. I have no adrenalin leftover from my youth. Used it all up, I'm afraid :(

Megan -
I recall spending a crazy amount of time in a waiting room with 2 toddlers. Not fun. By the time I got in to see the doc, I was livid. I blasted him with "my time is valuable too", "I don't appreciate waiting over an hour in a room full of sick people with 2 little ones", "your staff needs to learn how to make appts", etc. I was there for one of the kids to have her ears checked - 2 minutes. When the doc was finished he felt so bad he went to the receptionist and told her not to bill me for the visit. Ha! So, I don't envy you. Been there myself :P

Joanne -
Ack! What are you doing to me? More blue spilled on my thread??? *sigh* I guess I will have to look into The Walking People since it is you that loved it.

Gail -
Thanks for the thumb. I HAD to write a review as it was an ER book. When I finished and looked at the other reviews I felt maybe I didn't do such a great job. Most of the others were long and involved. But I don't worry about that anymore.

Kath -
You were up kinda late last night for someone who has to work today! What's up with that? Not sleepy? Party ran late?

Oh Cee, your waiting room visit sounded horrible! i have had only one like that with kids. It is a nightmare.
My appt with the surgeon was this morning, and last night I chickened out and rang my mum and asked if she could come in to take him away if it was a long wait. So she drove half an hour in, and then- wouldnt you guess it- he was on time today! No 2 hour wait, I was in the rooms at 1 minute after my appt time, and was seen 10 minutes after that.
*typical*
But I got to talk to the surgeon without the distraction, (even if he was backing out of the room while we spoke!!?!), and then have a coffee with mum after.

Daylight freaking savings time keot me up... wah!!!

more later...

Megan -
That worked out good with your Mum!
A similar kind of thing happens to me too.
If I remember to bring a book, my appts are right on time. If I forget - well, you know.

Kath -
OIC. "Daylight freaking savings time" !
Hate it!
I'm still adjusting, too. Luckily my company wore me out enough that I had no trouble getting to sleep at night - but my mornings are messed up. Ahhhh... nice to be retired ;-)

*********************
Today - waiting for Lucy's POURING rain to reach here. Good day to read... I'm hoping. Maybe I will re-organize my recipes.

Cee, Congrats on completing Wolf Hall!! I, too, plan to read Bring Up the Bodies but have not yet gotten to it. I think I'm waiting until it's available in softcover.
Your brief review of The Bird Artist is appealing. I believe I will add that to my wishlist.

Even though the mornings are darker, I love DST. I like the light in the evenings.

Yay! We've got someone who loves DST!
Had to be someone, somewhere ;-)
I do like darker mornings, but it won't last long. Soon the sun will be up at 4 am.

I read a bunch of books recently that are 1 of 3 . Now, I'm in a pickle since book 2 of all of them are supposed to be as good, if not better! Oy! Why did I do that?

DST is killing me too!!

I'm so impressed you kept up with such demanding dietary needs! Kudos to you, my friend!

The Typhoid Mary book sounds pretty darn interesting. In off to give it a thumbs up!

Ok, so I had to come back to say a few things. One, I added Fever: A Novel to ye ol' wish list.

Secondly, you already had several well earned thumbs!

Lastly, the other reviews you referenced are too dang long for me to want to read. Yours is concise, well done & fully makes me want to read the book. So, can you be a little nicer to yourself dear??? I love your review... It's perfect!

Just a few unsolicited opinions here ;)

See,Cee? told ya.
So have you chosen a book 2 yet?

The suspense is building....

What Tina said.

*Waiting to see which Book 2 Cee chooses.*

Hi Tina!
Really? hm. I hate writing reviews and am convinced they are not so good. I write them either because I am obligated for the ER books (I'll do just about anything for a free book) or sometimes because I just can't help it.
Well, I have always been a fan of short and concise. It's easy to do when I don't want to give anything away and spoil the book for a prospective reader.
Thanks for the unsolicited opinions. It makes me feel better :-)
Oh... and no. I probably will not be any nicer to myself. Built-in low self esteem :(

Ah Kath -
ok, ok. You did tell me. Perhaps you are a little right, sometimes. lol

Mamie -
Thanks. ;-)

Ellen -
I wonder which book it will be too!
I was toying with Bring Up the Bodies and Bitterblue. Both are still too expensive to buy and kinda lengthy to take out of the library. Due dates make me nervous.
So, for now, I will keep my eyes open for a deal and hope when I find one I'll remember what the first book was about.
Or maybe I will order both from the library and see which one comes in first... dunno?

Taking Mom to the Dr today.
Have my first class on Greece tomorrow.
Meeting with a contractor (kitchen renovation) on Friday.
Life is just full of adventure in RL and between the covers!

You should give yourself some credit, my friend!

Seeing as how I'm a member of the low self esteem club, I totally get it. So, let your friends here remind you how fantastic you are!

Cee - now you know full well that I would agree with Tina that you are certainly held in high esteem in these parts. Good luck to your mum and you today on the Doc appt.

Hmm, Fever : A Novel sounds rather interesting, CEE! Great review and thumb up! I'm always anxious about writing review, Cee - but you do a brilliant job!

Busy day today... new class and stuff.
New kitchen? Fabulous ! Definitely jealous!
Have fun :)

Both are still too expensive to buy and kinda lengthy to take out of the library. Due dates make me nervous.
I absolutely understand and agree! For me, this is the best reason in a very long list of reasons for purchasing books!

Due dates make me nervous

I used to feel the same way, but I am working on getting over it :P

Tina -
You can keep trying, but I doubt it will ever sink in.
Thanks for your kind words :-)

Paul -
You are a man of sweet words and "silver tongue". How can you go wrong? Dr appt was great - in and out, no problems!

Deb -
This is starting to feel like a flash mob in kindness ;-)
Thank you for your compliments. Many of us must have had less than stellar experiences in school on writing book reviews. We seem to carry over a negative view of them to adulthood. I don't like formal reviews so much - but I do like to hear what others think.\

Kath -
Don't be too jealous yet. We are only in the preliminary talking stage for changes in the kitchen. This has been pondered for 14 years and we have lots of ideas. In reality, it won't be what I really want to do - knock down walls, extend the back, switch out window, etc. But if I wait to do all that - it will never happen. So, I want to see what CAN be done (that is affordable) to make the kitchen more user friendly.
I had an AWFUL thought last night. If we go ahead with stuff, we'll have to pack up the entire kitchen! ACK!!!! That in itself might be enough to discourage me *very heavy sigh*.

Ellen -
I guess I still rebel against rules. I would have no problem reading a book in 2-3 weeks (with possible renewal) if it were mine. But when I know I have to get it back to the library, it makes me crazy.
********************************

So today was my first class on Greece. I went in knowing nothing. So when I got home:
Ron - Tell me something I don't know about Greece.
Me - They had a war of independence around the time of the French Revolution.
Ron - Oh. Independence from who?
Me - The Ottoman Turks
Ron - oh yeah...
Did I ever learn that in school? If so, I must have been daydreaming... Of course I picked up much more than that today which I will be reviewing when I start to read the book on Greek history. A Concise History of Greece by Richard Clogg - hope it is easy as well as concise :}

We haven't gotten into the modern crises of the Greeks yet, but the history lays a foundation of corruption.
Oh! Sorta like what's happening to the US, huh? (my opinion)
The professor commented right in the beginning of class that corruption is the same world-wide. All that differs is the degree and style.

Hi Cee! Congrats on finishing Wolf Hall! Glad to see you enjoyed it!

I don't mind daylight savings now that I don't work as early. I love having more light in the evening since I am hardly ever up early to enjoy the mornings!

Hi Chelle!
LOL Enjoy your quiet mornings now ;-)
Hugs ...

The professor commented right in the beginning of class that corruption is the same world-wide. All that differs is the degree and style.
I can see that being true, sadly.
NZ was shocked to hear, a few years back, that our first politician was jailed for fraud? decpetion? something like that. He had "helped" some Thai people get residency and they had "helped" him paint his house, and rental property. OK. I call that corruption.

Hey Cee, for me nothing says Spring like DST. I like not wanting to fall asleep at 5:30pm, I just wish that the weather were co-operating and allow me to be outside and enjoy the evenings. Oh that will come............maybe in June.
I've always wanted to travel to Greece but don't know much about it after the ancients. I'll look forward to your continued updates.

DST is killing me. Between work yesterday ( have to tell you that one .. too much to type) and DST I had to force myself out of bed at 8 am. Unheard of.. 8 O Clock!!!

Glad you are liking ( ?) the class :)

Tell us more!

Giraffes and rice krispie treats

*Constantinople fell to the Ottoman Turks on May 29, 1453 - a Tuesday. Greeks still think of Tuesday as a bad luck day.*
I may be focusing on unimportant info - but I thought that was interesting... lol

Megan -
Yup. Exactly. Your example is indeed corruption. Greeks were able to buy their way into positions of power when the Turks ruled... and so the corruption started a long time ago for Greece.

Lynda -
Hope you get some really great weather long before June.
All I ever learned about Greek history was the classical/ancient stuff. All I know about modern greece now is it looks like a nice place to vacation.

Kath -
Wow... 8am! What a sleepy head - LOL!

I think I will like this class - BUT I am reserving judgement a little longer. One class just begins to set up where he needs to go. I'll see how it proceeds.

Yawn.... ah giraffes ;-) Time for bed.

OK... one more historical fact...hope y'all are taking notes!
Only kidding... no quiz!
When the Greeks were fighting for their independence they were so scattered they couldn't get it together. For example, when the southern Greeks went north to recruit help against the Turks - those northern Greeks thought they were being invaded and fought against their own countrymen.
Finally, *Intervention by the three great powers (at the time) Britain, France and Russia led to Greek independence in 1829.*

So that's as far as I got. Wonder if and how the three great powers divided the spoils???
Stay tuned :-)

Hi Claudia. Just getting caught up. Fever: A Novel sounds interesting. I'll have to keep my eye out for it in the New Books section at the library. And I love your comments about your class on Greece. I also know nothing about Greece so I'm curious what you'll be learning.

Wow this is sorta like a continuing saga where you leave us with a cliffhanger after every class CEE. This is great!

I'll tell you a secret. I would love to go to Greece, see those beautiful beaches... I have thought that for y.e.a.r.s. It won't ever happen, but I would love to..

work today. Gotta love Saturdays. Last week 5 people came in. Of course it was 70F and no one wanted to be indoors. including me. It is sleeting out there now. Last weel I worked with Candy. Today with Sara. I haven't worked with Sara ... she usually workes 1.5 hours during the week ( evenings x 2 ) Mysteries at the Library.

Hi Pat -
I hope Fever: A Novel spreads to all libraries fast. It's so readable.
Oooo... when I was looking for the touchstone for this one I saw a book called Chocolate Fever (actually there are several) - ooo yum! Those sound interesting, too!
I'm curious what I'll be learning about Greece too. lol

Bonnie -
I have no idea why I don't know anythng about Greece or why I signed up for this class. Glad I did though. I always thought of Greece as a few sunny isles in the Mediterranean. I suppose that's like thinking of the US as a few islands in the FL keys. Ha!

Kath -
Me too! Me too! I wanna go to Greece too! Shoulda thought of that a long time ago. Too late now I imagine. We can dream, right? See you on the beach tonight!
Hope there is an uncanny flood of patrons at your library today! If that doesn't actually happen - then I at least hope you get clear sidewalks to walk home :-)

Today I have to deliver books to book club members, send out membership reminders for the GHS, decide what color to do the kitchen (cabinets and walls), get rid of my headache, and read more about Greece. Oh - and laundry. Out for pizza tonight. If my headaches goes away I can have wine with it (and probably get another headache :P~). If I have to take meds, then no wine. Again :P~ Pizza is just not the same w/o wine. *sigh*

Hope everyone has a great day!

Hi Cee, I sure hope you were able to get rid of the headache and have wine with your pizza. Your busy day had me tired just reading about it! I'm another one who has dreamed of going to Greece but realizes that probably isn't going to happen, so I am enjoying learning facts about the country through you.

Add me to the list of dreamers of an eventual trip to Greece... It just looks so beautiful and magical!

(Cee -- you rock!!)
Just a friendly reminder ;)

Hi Judy,
The wine was not to be :( I barely ate any pizza as the Excedrine I took for the headache got my tummy all upset. Poor choice on my part. Still had a decent time as we were with fire friends. One of them is going on a Carnival cruise and is getting very nervous :{

Hi Tina,
You're too funny! Thanks for the reminder :-)
I know, huh? Greece looks so lovely but I have a feeling it is very poor - and not romantically poor. You are certainly young enough to believe you will actually get to visit that gorgeous country :-) Hope you get there.

Top 'o the morning to all!

Hi Cee... I was here this morning and could swear that I posted... is it me? LT ? whatever.

Sorry your pizza night didn't go well. Blasted headaches. Well, at least it gives you and excuse to do it again soon. As for wine and pizza... I prefer mine with Guinness :P but no surprise there !

Hope today is a happy one for you
hugs

Hi Kath -
May a rainbow appear over your house today with a keg of Guinness at one end and a pot of gold at the other ;-)

Spent some time today starting to prime the kitchen walls. Eeeeoooo! Looks like crap right now. White primer over dark red walls. Needs another coat. Then we'll get a sample can of paint in moss green and see how it looks - for starters. If that doesn't work, it's back to the drawing board. Looks bad enough now that we're definitely committed.

Ron is watching the race now so I'll probably do some reading.
good luck shamrock hugs back....

Hi Cee - New kitchen in the works sounds good. Packing everything up for the renovation, not so good. But hey, think of all the meals that can't be cooked at home. It might be nice to get tired of eating out!

I think I'm going to like learning more about Greece. Especially those details like unlucky Tuesdays. Those are the kinds of things I tend to remember!

#20 Life After Life; A Novel by Jill McCorkle ER book (4.5 stars)



I just don't know what to say - yet.

Waiting with great anticipation for when you do know what to say :)

What a great wish you sent my way.. can I cheat and send it back atcha?

Painting.. hate it. :P love the after, though....

No visits today? Hope all is well....

Just popping in to say hello, Cee.

"May a rainbow appear over your house today with a keg of Guinness at one end and a pot of gold at the other "

You didn't mention that one to me. I could use both of those too, thank you very much!

How are you, Claudia? Hope all is well. Miss seeing you around.

All is as well as can be expected, Kath. We did a lot of errands today - incl buying some paint samples for the kitchen walls. Tomorow is supposed to snow, so we'll get to slapping those colors on the walls then. Not 100% sure of what the heck I want for color in there. It's going to look worse before it looks better.

Donna -
So. When Greece won it's "independence", the great powers decided there should be a king and also decided to choose this monarch from somewhere other than Greece, England, France, or Russia. Not really sure why, but they chose King Otto - 17 y/o son of the king of Bavaria. OY! A teenager in charge!
Story has it that one day there was a clamor outside the palace by a crowd that wanted a constitution. King Otto came out in his pjs and said OK... go ahead and draw up a constitution.
This is what our professor told us - I have not researched this any further.

Hi Terri -
Thanks for popping in. Good to "see" you!

Go King Otto! I'm going to remember that one too. A teenager in charge...love it. Thanks, Cee.

260: If Stephanie Meyer wrote Life After Life, what is Jill McCorkle's name doing on the cover? That is also the name of Kate Atkinson's new book. No wonder you can't write a review of it. I'm confused too!

Hi Mark!
Same wish for you! Rainbow, beer and gold!
Wouldn't that be a happy state of affairs if everyone had that rainbow in their yard? Or maybe that would be too much free floating beer... Thanks for stopping in ;-)

OMG! Thanks for catching that, Donna. I went back and corrected the author. Sorry to confuse. Maybe now I'll be able to write a review. Sheesh! Have no idea where Stephanie came from!

Hi Cee, any thoughts on your 4.5er yet? A tantilising tidbit you left in post #260.
I hope you're well and that choosing paint colours is going better than it would be if I had to choose them *grimace*

I'm also curious as to what you have to say about Life After Life. I looked on the main page and looks like it could be a heartbreaker. I often enjoy books about older people - but this one sounds like it could be difficult. Do let me know when you post a review - I'm interested in the book!

Okay, Cee, you've got me with Life After Life. Onto the wishlist it goes.

Haven't started it yet, but it's my next ER book. Please warn me if you include any spoilers. :)

Checking in to see what you're thinking and doing and stuff...
Not much to say :) trying to get myself going, I need to vac and shower and I am very slow getting started today. Better get to it...

oh !

Story has it that one day there was a clamor outside the palace by a crowd that wanted a constitution. King Otto came out in his pjs and said OK... go ahead and draw up a constitution. Interesting! Sounds very teenager-like :) and good that he knew that he wasn't up for it!

HI Cee! How's the painting process going?
Your greek course sounds very interesting! King Otto sounds hilarious but probably not what I would want in a leader!

#20 Life After Life; A Novel by Jill McCorkle ER book (4.5 stars)



NO SPOILERS
At first I thought a reader’s age would determine, at least partially, their reaction to this book. However, as I think more about it, I realize there is an enormous age range of characters in this book – each with a unique personal struggle in life and with death. So, the appeal is wider than what would be expected at first glance.

The first half of the book was difficult for me to keep the characters straight. This annoyance was slight and eventually straightened itself out. Another bothersome occurrence was McCorkle’s occasional writing about something that assumes the reader knows something that has not yet been presented. With patience that too becomes clear as you keep reading. It becomes a mental exercise.

Chapters alternately focus on individuals from various viewpoints. The main character, Joanna, is a hospice worker with a heartbreaking story of her own. A strong, likable person who reaches out to others, she tries to make sense out of her relationships and her own purpose in life. This book is rich in its portrayal of people who come across very realistically.

Events are interwoven among the residents in a small southern town where everyone knows everyone, and revolve around Pine Haven - a retirement home. It felt like the center of a small universe. So much emotional depth… my heart was wrung out by the end of the book.

I did not find much humor in this novel. Personally, I felt more pain and sorrow flowing throughout and most of that feeling came from recognizing the struggles in all of us. Not a book of joy, it was nevertheless saturated with love, contentment, and giving. Many end-of-life accounts and speculative inner thoughts from deathbeds are scattered in the book. McCorkle handles them with great sensitivity and thoughtfulness.

I did not like the ending at all which seemed ill fitting to the rest of the book. It did not take anything away from the body of the story – too abrupt and not quite right. I would not consider this book a tear-jerker. It is more like the recognition of life’s troubles and how they are individually resolved. Or not.

*************
It seems I can not give this book justice in a "review". I don't want to sound too negative about the things that annoyed me. I thought this was a great book.

I'm wondering if this is a continuation of a series - and possibly with the intention of writing more. That would explain why I didn't seem to know some things as quickly as I would hope and why the ending is weird - like an opening door to another book.

I know I need to start a new thread, but I don't have the time right now. I'll repeat this review and answer individual messages on the next one...

A review is meant to be what you think of a book... so doing the book justice isn't the point.
Just putting some thoughts together is good enough for a tough review... Hope today is playing out well..

Very nice review, Cee, and I think I know why you wrote down Stephenie Meyer as the author earlier as Donna had pointed out - for some crazy reason that is where the touchstone leads!! I was going to thumb your review, but I ended up on the book page for Twilight- how funny is that?! Anyway, I hunted it down and gave it my thumb - you might want to fix the touchstone because I have the feeling that even though you don't think that you write very good reviews, a lot of others are going to think that you do. Sharing your thoughts on what you liked and didn't like, on what worked and what didn't work for you, is exactly what I want to see in a review. You do an excellent job of that!

So, Kath, a good review occurs when you set your own standards??? LOL The best review of the book can be found in the editor's description on the cover. But since this is an ARC, that may not appear on the final publication.

Mamie - Thanks! I did go back and change the touchstone and I see what you mean.

Thumb for your review, Cee. I think I'd like to read it, but it sounds like a difficult read. Thanks so much for the review!

>249 -Cee-:
I don't know that it's not important information. I'm just glad to be though another Tuesday safely!
I do hope you enjoy the class, overall.

IMO when I have a book to review, it isn't my job to say how well it was written, as I am not qualified to judge that. I feel that it is more important to say how it made me feel and why. But that's just me..