Maggie1944 and her two dogs in Spring, 2013

Thia is my 4th thread this year in this group.

I am still reading Buying the Farm: Peace and War on a Sixties Commune which is fascinating to me, but maybe because I knew some of the people involved; and I certainly lived through those times when idealism was in such ascendancy. Oh, how we have aged.....

Next up: Sonia Sotomayor's My Beloved World.

Finally! I bought a new Nook HD in part because they offered $50 to spend at Barnes and Noble. I bought the bugger at the end of February and they just now (3/25) put the $50 at my disposal!

And dispose I did: (all books for the Nook)

1. The Brutal Telling book 5, I think, of Louise Penny's series
2. Hood book 1 of a series by Stephen Lawhead, about a re-imagined Robin Hood
3. Twisting the Rope by R.A. MacAvoy, follow up to Tea with the Black Dragon
4. Coroner's Lunch by Colin Cotterill, to start on this fine, much praised series
and just so no one thinks I've completely converted to a reader of fiction alone, I also bought Understanding Close-Up Photography by Brian Peterson, much recommended.

Pretty good haul!

I am almost finished with the Fels book about the commune. I'm loving it and I recommend it to any one who would seriously like to know what those crazy hippies, political radicals, were thinking back in the 1960s and then what became of them. It is a very thoughtful book by one of them and is not sensational. A nice analysis of what happens when Ideals and Reality collide.

Hooray for Nooks!

Books Finished during 2013

1. The Last Unicorn finished on 1/21/13
2. Muhammad Ali's Greatest Fight: Cassius Clay vs. The United States of America finished on 1/29/13
3. Prisoner 88 by Leah Pileggi, published 2013 Charlesbridge Publishing, Inc.
Here's the book's page: http://www.librarything.com/work/13472337/summary/93697111
4. The Truth of Me by Patricia MacLachlan, published 2013, Harper Collins Publisher, Katherine Tegen Books
Here's the book's page: http://www.librarything.com/work/13456843/summary/93570131
I have no idea where The Secret Scripture by Sebastian Barry came from. How can The Truth of Me lead there?
5. Don't Let's Go To The Dogs Tonight by Alexandra Fuller, and,
6. Anna Karènina by Leo Tolstoy
7. Dead Money by Steve O'Brien *wrong touchstone! ER book!
8. Cairns: Messengers in Stone by David B. Williams. Finished reading on 3/21/13
9. Buying the Farm: Peace and War on a Sixties Commune by Tom Fels, finished on 3/25/13

Oh, my, did any of us in 1967 imagine whee we would be in 2013? We were all so sure that the world's ills could be healed; peace could be forged; war could be ended; and that love was all that we needed. Participatory Democracy!

I very much appreciated this book. It does tell the story of the idealism I lived; and it does dissect the failures. I think in the end we are all given the gift of knowing that ideals are alive, and we each can continue to live them to the best of our abilities, and in the end it will never be perfect. There is magic, and it fades, and blooms on schedules we can not know.

We have two Nooks - the basic e-reader and a tablet. Love them both. Enjoy yours.

I also have two. I have a Color Nook, and an Nook HD. I can read my books on either, and on my MacBook Air; and soon, on my phone. If I care. Much enjoying continues.

Someday when I have the money to spare, I'd like a new ereader. I have an older Sony ereader that works fine but it feels like it takes more work to press the buttons than to turn physical pages. Also, with how quickly I read (and therefore how frequently I turn pages) the battery runs down pretty fast.

It's still nice to have it, though.

Lovely new thread here, Karen! Just reserving my spot.

Bluesally, you are working now...yes? How is it going and will that let you save some money for a new ereader?
Thanks for stopping by and saying hi.

And Mamie, thank you, too. You are always welcome here.

Hi Karen - lovely new thread. Really like the trees at the top and loved the pictures you posted on your last thread.

Congrats on the e-reader and the books:)

Thanks for stopping by. I do enjoy the Nook and am looking forward to reading those books. Meantimes, I've started reading the Sotomayor memoir and so far it is very enjoyable.

Stopping by and dropping a star! :)

10 Maggie - it didn't last long, so I'm job hunting again (out in the wilderness, stalking the elusive jobs as they hide away). Someday is a long way off, especially since I need a new car and other stuff like maybe furniture at some point too.

Thanks to you both for stopping by. Good luck to you, Bluesally! May you find the perfect job for you, right now!

Karen--I am so enjoying seeing your photographs. They are beautiful--keep them coming! Where is the class you are taking?

I'll be traveling (again) for the month of April, but perhaps a meetup in May?

Oh! A Meet-Up in May could be great fun! I am glad you like the photographs. I know they slow down this thread for some people, and there is a absence of book talk, but it is what I'm into these days, I must confess. But I am reading, too. Sonia Sotomayor's bio is quite remarkable and a good read. Gives a little more drama to the Supreme Court stuff going on right now....

I am starting a collection of photographs I am calling White on Green:

Hi Karen- I like the Spring-like feel to the new thread! We need more of that around here, including the real thing.
Do you believe I missed out of the Michigan Booktopia? Registration started today at noon, eastern time. My wife, was kind enough to respond for me, online. At just an hour later it was sold out. I am on the waiting list. Sad Mark.

Thanks for stopping by, Mark. I like the idea of Spring, too, and am looking forward to a weekend with some yard work. Still reading Sonia Sotomayor's bio and loving it!

Are the cattails 'bleached' due to winter or cold weather or...?

Don't know. Just spotted them. They were white. And the background was green. And I pounced.

>18 maggie1944: Nice start to the white-on-green series.
I'm still enjoying your photographic pursuits.
Aloha.

Books Finished during 2013

1. The Last Unicorn finished on 1/21/13
2. Muhammad Ali's Greatest Fight: Cassius Clay vs. The United States of America finished on 1/29/13
3. Prisoner 88 by Leah Pileggi, published 2013 Charlesbridge Publishing, Inc.
Here's the book's page: http://www.librarything.com/work/13472337/summary/93697111
4. The Truth of Me by Patricia MacLachlan, published 2013, Harper Collins Publisher, Katherine Tegen Books
Here's the book's page: http://www.librarything.com/work/13456843/summary/93570131
I have no idea where The Secret Scripture by Sebastian Barry came from. How can The Truth of Me lead there?
5. Don't Let's Go To The Dogs Tonight by Alexandra Fuller, and,
6. Anna Karènina by Leo Tolstoy
7. Dead Money by Steve O'Brien *wrong touchstone! ER book!
8. Cairns: Messengers in Stone by David B. Williams. Finished reading on 3/21/13
9. Buying the Farm: Peace and War on a Sixties Commune by Tom Fels, finished on 3/25/13
10. My Beloved World by Justice Sonia Sotomayor, finished on 3/29/13.

Justice Sotomayor's biography, or memoir, was a very enjoyable read. She writes movingly of her struggles in childhood with a father battling alcoholism, a mother struggling with lack of education, and poverty, and her extended family and neighborhoods (and the struggles in both) in New York. She benefited and suffered through Catholic education and was truly liberated once she was able to gain entry into "higher education" at Princeton, and then at law school at Yale. It was obvious to me that she was brilliant to be able to overcome her deficits while attending Ivy League schools. She did gain entry through Affirmative Action, and was questioned about her competence during one job interview with a prestigious firm; however, she has more than put questions to rest with her very accomplished career.

I enjoyed the book because she wrote in a way which made me feel like her friend just listening to her tell me about her life up to being appointed to the Supreme Court. She admits failings and successes equally and I would love to be her friend. One comment I will carry with me was when she wrote that she was always willing to look to see what a person might be able to teach her.

I started reading The Searchers: The Making of An American Legend last night. It started out by grabbing my attention. Good sign.....

I just looked over the Bellingham Booktopia schedule and it looks like it will be a good deal of fun! I am getting really excited! And it is weeks away! Weeks. I have ordered three books and am awaiting them: On Sal Mal Lane and The Enchanted Life of Adam Hope and Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving: A Novel. In addition to being able to sit in on conversations with these three authors, there also will be a talk on owning a bookstore (what an idea!) and a gift exchange (kind of a white elephant game). Oh, boy!

You know, you've read some good books this year. I need to see if I can find that commune book.

Thanks, DrNewt, for stopping by, and I hope you find it. It is interesting to see how even really really smart people can not completely pull off being purely idealistic. Human nature does come to play.

The Justice Sotomayor book was excellent, too. I'll bet you would like it.

Kaua'i is still magical.

oh, thanks for the flowers. I can smell the air in my memory banks. I am very jealous and am thinking I need to figure out a way to go to Kaua'i twice each year as my friend Robin does. I love going on vacation to a place I know well, and in this case, to a place where it is so easy to live.

Those are GORGEOUS flowers!

I swear I want to retire to this island. That may be 15 years in the future, but a girl can dream (and plan?)!!

Plumaria! Warm breezes! retirement!

sigh

Here: 8 1/2 inches so far this year, less than normal, rain! Dry for the next couple of days, 40s and 50s; low clouds moving in from the coast. Couple of showers in south cascades. I might break out the camera and see what sun rise looks like, but I'll have to wear my winter clothes. Well, maybe I might not.

Morning, Karen! Just stopping in to check on you. Hope you had a lovely Easter weekend. LOVE your green on white theme!

Me, too, but even with watching all over the place yesterday as I drove about I have not found picture 3. I really need at least 3 of these photographs!

So, Tim has changed the time piece of our site. Now when I post my comment I see it as my time, the time it really is to me, in my time zone. Whoo hoo!

A FB friend spotted these pictures. If you'd like to see the other 6 go to Flickr and search "coyote, mountain lions, USFSWS" The initials stand for United States Forest Service Wildlife Service, maybe.... I don't know for sure. The pictures are really special.

38> Love that photo.

The two young mountain lions were being stalked by coyotes.

Booktopia small group sessions - Rhonda Riley who wrote The Enchanted Life of Adam Hope; Ru Freeman who wrote On Sal Mal Lane; and Jonathan Evison who wrote Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving: A Novel. I am excited! but it is weeks away. Much to do and read before then.

I'm about half way through The Searchers and I am loving it.

Me, too Karen. I signed up for something every session--if I don't go to them all, well too bad.

I'm currently listening to West of Here by Evison and reading A Disobedient Girl by Ru Freeman. The original small group times I wanted were already full--so I'll have to PM my schedule and we'll see how it worked out.

Would you be interested in a spot of whale watching? I'm thinking of doing a one day cruise to Friday Harbor.

Oh! That does sound like a lot of fun. I'll have one dog with me, so I think a day long cruise is probably not in the cards this time. Dang. Plus I may not get to Bellingham until Friday evening. I don't know .... I'll have to coordinate with my niece, and her kids schedules.

If you would consider helping to provide some financial support to Morphidae while her husband is battling a diagnosis of cancer, and while they are struggling through a period of bad economics, please consider doing so. Go see this thread: http://www.librarything.com/topic/152543

There are also one and a half to two hour sunset cruises which would fit into Friday's schedule. Perhaps the meetup should be shipboard?

Here's a sunset cruise my daughter especially likes since it also gives sailing lessons if you want them...

http://www.gatoverde.com/PageID/145/default.aspx

They look delightful, however, it looks like they do not start until after June 1. Or can you "charter" them before then? It can be wicked cold on the water in the evenings.

I don't want to sound like a wet blankie but I am thinking we will have time to chat during some of the events, too.

Oh dear, I may get shut out of some of the sessions. I have emails for Booktopia sent to my work email address and I have not been checking that while on vacation..... Last I checked, I had almost 400 unread messages. Surely at least one of them is from Booktopia.

Oh well. It will be what it will be. As P says, a weekend in Bellingham is nothing to scoff at, book sessions or no.

Yes, I am looking forward to a weekend there. I'll take Benny with me, and leave Greta Garbo with Katie and her puppies. I think that will work best. Greta loves Katie, and Katie loves Greta. I'm not sure Benny would adjust.

Oh, enough from the social engineering side of Karen and her dogs.

I think I am caught up with my class, more or less, and so I should be able to do some good reading of The Searchers today. Schelie is picking me up at about 9 am and we are going to a session of "how to start a vegetable garden". I can't imagine how she thinks she will have time but I know her Mom was like this, too. Willing to try anything especially if it might help with the health of her kids.

Maybe I can help with the weeding during the days when I'm there and the kids are doing well at entertaining themselves.

I am looking forward to the next three days..... free time. Although I'll probably do some working ahead in the class.

Oh, no pressure. I'm just excited to go and spend time in different part of the world and want to fit in as much as I can. (happybounce happybounce) The June 1st date for the daily tours is perfect--they start the week before Booktopia. I appreciate the reminder to bring a heavier coat for evening sails--living in Montana I have lots of cold weather gear (and maybe more tolerance of cold weather). I'm still making lists of possibilities. DD graduates in May and has a job offer with the starting date not yet set, so I'll have to see what's up with her coming along before I get serious about hard reservations.

That's good news, DD's new job! More shall be revealed evidently about what can be done while in Bellingham!

Stopping in to wish you a lovely weekend, Karen!

Thanks for the stopping in, Mamie. Weekend has resulted in my buying two lovely patio, comfy with cushions, chairs! Higher end, got them at a discount at a local "fair"... still spent too much money on them, but I'm going to love sitting in my back yard as soon as the weather gets good.

I am under the impression that if I don't get some of this fun stuff now, it will be too late. I don't know how much longer I can handle keeping and big house and yard by myself. When I move to a place without a yard, I'll give these chairs to the Niece and her family. They will appreciate them, I'm sure, too.

Mount Rainier from the Bay of Tacoma, 1874
- Sanford Robinson Gifford

Can you imagine before the cities were started.... what it must have been like....

Reading the book about Edward Curtis and his photographs of natives; and then, now reading The Searchers, more about natives certainly sets my imagination going....

I think you'll be glad that you splurged on the chairs, Karen. That's one of my favorite things to do - sit outside and read. And if you're going to read, you're going to need a comfy chair! And I love that picture in post 53 - WOW!

Yes, exactly! That is what I was thinking. And of course, if I have one comfortable chair, I must have two because I like visitors.

Yes, the picture is delightful. It was posted on FB by a retired TV broadcaster who I follow. How nice that I could snap it and bring it over here to share.

I am happy to announce that the fund raising effort to support Morphidae is going really really well. People are stepping up and contributing to the funds which will go to pay for the medical bills. I am so touched by everyone's generousity.

Goal has been increased to $7500, and the deadline moved back to May 31st.

I need to go back to studying....

Ah! I just bought Blood of Dragons for the Nook. I love Robin Hobb's series and I'm looking forward to some relaxing reading this weekend. I cancelled a trip to the Tulip fields with my camera because I've reached my quota of "out and about and running around". Need to go to a meeting tonight, and plan for a pot luck on Sunday. Too much. Need. To. Relax. A good fantasy read is just what is needed.

Booktopia. For the most part, i was able to sign up for sessions I wanted. Mostly, i just want to be there.
The session called "this gift card is burning a hole in my pocket" got my attention. Just an opportunity to spend our gift cards at the bookshop?

I think it is also an opportunity to talk about books, which to buy, which one might wait on buying... and such.

When I can let myself put down my textbook, I've been dipping into Robin Hobb's newest book, the last in this "Rain Wilds" series I think: Blood of Dragons: Book Four of the Rain Wilds Chronicles. I really like the series because there is a lot of tension built due to there being more than one species in positions of power. Fascinating. Also, of course, how could I, a bone fide resident of the wet and rainy northwest corner of the USA, resist a book about Rain Wilds?

I finished the first of the books I'm reading for Bellingham: Ru Freeman's A Disobedient Girl. It's one of my favorite reads so far this year. One of these days (now that I ALMOST am done with taxes), I'll get a review done on it. I'm trying to curb my book buying so I had borrowed a copy of this from the library and pre-ordered On Sal Mal Lane. But A Disobedient Girl was so good, that I've now ordered a copy of it, too.

Morning Karen- Just checking in. Love the Mt. Rainier painting. That mountain range is so beautiful. Have a wonderful Sunday.

Streamsong, I have ordered On Sal Mal Lane, too. And I signed up for her session. I am very excited to do this!

Mark, thank you for checking in. The mountains all around Seattle can bring tears to my eyes when they are visible and dramatic. And that is after having lived here most of my 67 years. Sunday is good: school work, cooking, some yard work (setting up the green house), and Game of Thrones tonight! Whoo hoo. I'm cooking Pork Pies and thinking of Sam when he was on The Wall.

59> That sounds great. It sounds like what we all do all the time. :-)

Yup, just face to face.

I'm just sayin' - LT makes avoiding school work easy!

Amen to that, Karen. Other kinds of work, too. :-)

Hope you're having a good weekend.

Yes, I am. And the sun is shining. How could it be better?

OK, the Pork Pie.... from the A Feast of Ice and Fire cookbook, based on the Game of Thrones series and TV show. I asked the butcher counter for ground pork. She asked me if I wanted the Italian sausage, and I said no, plain ground pork. Since when does plain ground pork have little red flakes in it? Red peppers those are!

So, I follow the recipe. Ground pork, egg yolks, honey, ginger, currents, dates... and expect a sweet meat pie. Oh, no, I got a sweet, spicy pork pie. I'm sure Sam, while on The Wall, would have gobbled it up regardless. I'm jst disappointed I did not get to try the sweet pork.

It was good, don't get me wrong. I loved it. But it was spicy. Sadly my pot luck buddies all ended up not being able to come over, so I ate it all by myself. Waiting for the show...in a little less than an hour.

Then...I'm going to do some pleasure reading. I've had enough of the text book for one day!

Yay for pleasure reading!

I am enjoying Blood of Dragons and it is putting up stiff competition with the school work. Hobbs has drawn a believable, multifaceted world filled with a fine variety of interesting characters. The main story line has young people working at understanding what becoming an adult means, and they have some very interesting challenges in surviving. Dragons are not exactly helping, but they're not enemies, either.

Today is a day of several deadlines, and fortunately I am not with kids today.

Morning Karen- Did you end up finishing up GOT? It was a terrific episode, right?

I really did not get engaged for some reason last week and I feel sad about that. Looking forward to really getting into it next week. Also, I think I may have to own this series so I can revisit it multiple times. The stories are so rich.

I think I am just in a period of having too much on my mind and I need to focus on simplifying again! Perhaps I'll wander about without purpose, camera on my shoulder, today.

Not all those who wander are lost...

Sigh. Did not get out with the camera. Been doing school work, and when not doing school work, I've been doing work for the Board of Directors. I am definitely looking for a break in the stream of "things to do" which has been pouring over my life in the last couple few weeks.

I have been reading a page or two at a time in Robin Hobb's newest book, Blood of Dragons and I think it speaks highly for the book that I keep wanting to get back to it. The Searchers: The Making of an American Legend has been put aside for now, but I think of it often, too, so I'll get back to it. I'm about 1/2 through it. i also just received Neighbors at War: The Creepy Case Against Your Homeowners Association which appears like it might be an enlightening, and maybe even interesting, read. But I do have to finish my class first.

I'm very good at over committing myself.

OK! The week of school work finished on Friday, and the special meeting I was tasked with running was over on Saturday. Meeting went very well, I received many compliments for having run it competently. It has been a long time since I've done a complicated and challenging adult task with skill and I am happy it went well, and I am happy it is over and done! Whew.

Today, I am going to Do Nothing But Read excepting an occasional break for food and some moving around activity. It can not sit still for the whole day without making my body angry at me, and she is very good at taking revenge. So, there may be a trip to the grocery store in there too but for the most part - no obligations! Hip hip hooray!

First, I'll read all the stuff here on the computer that I read each morning; and, then, I'll read some fiction! Blood of Dragons is up first.

Karen- I hope you enjoy your Sunday and get plenty of reading in. I have not read Hobb yet. I'll be watching for your thoughts.

Enjoy your Sunday! My husband is out of town for the weekend so I've been reading like a maniac. Finished The Interestings, There Was An Old Woman and Picture This. Trying to decide whether to start Life After Life or get dressed finally!

All caught up here, Karen. Hope you are enjoying a relaxing and rewarding Sunday. I love reading about what you are making from your GOT cookbook. Sorry about the spicy instead of the sweet.

Well, OK, then; tonight we plan to make "Buttered Beets" - oil with olive oil, wrap in foil, bake from 45 to 60 minute. Cool, peel, slice into 1 inch slices and sauté in butter and minced parsley, salt, pepper, 5-10 min. and then for the coup de grace, sprinkle with balsamic vinegar, and serve.

The cookbook authors cite an ancient recipe which is just like this. Sounds yummy, eh?

Believe it or not, I have never had beets!

I hope my friends here will forgive me for trying to promote a friend's book. I lifted this paragraph from his facebook posting about the publishing of his first novel. I intend to read it, it is set in Seattle, so that will be fun!

from Richard C Kelley's FB posting - "A Name To Die For is the first mystery thriller in my Detective Miken Larsen series. It was published this week in paperback and kindle editions. You can buy your very own copy of either on Amazon under Richard C. Kelley, or you can buy the paperback version from my website, which is a hoot and worth the trip by itself. richardckelleybooks.com . I think you will enjoy Miken Larsen- she is the sexiest female detective since V.I. Warshawski, and she gives a Washington wine tour that is, well, to die for."

I'm going to go get a Kindle version right now, I think.

Happy Sunday, Karen! How great to have your friend publish a mystery novel. Look forward to hearing what you think of it.

It did get it and am well into it. It is crime detective story and it grabbed me in the first few paragraphs. In part, because I know the author knows Seattle like the back of his hand, and knows cops, and so I trust that the book feels very authentic. Exciting!

Hey Karen -- I've been in a beet mood myself over here. Will try your recipe.

Peg, my pot luck supper fell apart and I did not make the beets. I need to get to them before they are too old. I hope you enjoy, and I'll let everyone know how I do, too.

Mmm... roasted beets. Have you tried them with goat cheese?

Local TV show just did an interview with Mary Roach. Fun. I may just have to fall for them, those books about sex, poop, and death....

And, oh, boy! My copy of The Enchanted Life of Adam Hope has arrived. First book to read for the June Booktopia! I am jazzed! But first I must I must I must go read that textbook which is sitting on my desk, up stairs.

bye
bye

*waving* at Karen

"sex, poop, and death." It's what makes the world go around. Of course beer and books should be added too.
Yah, for the Booktopia book!

The academic semester ends soon and I'll have more time to visit here regularly. I love the photos you post.

Stasia, hi! Nice to see you!

Mark, yes, life goes on... and yes, I can't stand it. I need to finish A Name to Die For first, and then I must finish Blood of Dragons and then I must finish The Searchers: The Making of An American Legend. I can't believe that I have so many good books sitting around waiting for me while I read the most boring text I've ever had to deal with about early childhood development. The topic is fun, and interesting, but the book is not written in any kind of an entertaining way.... sigh.

Must go read now. Then the Booktopia book: The Enchanted Life of Adam Hope. Ah, and May is just around the corner. mysteries. more Booktopia books.

I do love to read. And Linda, I'll look forward to seeing your posts.

Karen

I remember well the boring text books both on childhood development and adolescent psychology. Certainly, text books should be more interestingly written.

It sounds like you have a plethora of books to read.

Good luck with your class.

Linda, thank you for your kind good wishes. And I am sitting in an "embarrassment of riches" when it comes to good reading! (except for the text of course)

I did finish one of my two required chapters for this week, last night! Whew. Will read the other this morning. And try to get most of the rest of the work done. Then free to read what I want!

Just swinging by to say hello, Karen. I've been far too busy, as you know.
I do still have two books that belong to you so we need to schedule a meet-up. I know you'll be seeing Joe this weekend.... I wish I could join you but I'll be in Yakima tasting wine from barrels....

Just suggesting reading the text in the morning whenever possible--goes faster with better comprehension!

Thanks for the suggestion. Good one. I'm sitting here... feeling guilty cuz I set it aside. I know I have time in the future... tomorrow I've a window of 9 am to noon, good time to do it then.

I'm flying off now... guilt free.

I suspect you'll find a few more good ones to relax with today, Karen. Looking forward to seeing you!

When's the great Meet-Up??

Right now! I am in the Elliott Bay Book Company cafe having a humus sandwich while Joe and co. are ravishing the shelves. I my own self ended up with 5 or 6 in my arms before I even noticed it. Another Timothy Egan book, this one about rogue cops. And then a Mary Roach: Gulp. Alan Furst, again. I've decided I actually want to collect this one design the publisher has for his books. Sigh. A wish list book about walking in Paris.

They took the books away from me here in the cafe so this is from memory and my memory is not good. Mrs.Joe is buying memoirs, and SonJoe is buying poetry. I don't know what Joe is stocking up with right now, but I do know there is ice cream after! I need some food to prepare myself.

So sorry I missed the meet-up. It sounds like fun! Will we get to see photos?

I'm checking my calendar for possible attendance at the book club, but not sure yet.
I know it's been discouraging and there are just too many things going on!

Photographs were taken on someone's phone. Perhaps Joe's son's. I am sure they will show up eventually.

The weather was nice so we walked across the street and watched some bicycle polo while we ate our ice cream and just had a great chat.

I am so glad the Meet-Up went well. Joe is a swell guy, isn't he? And Jesse, or JoeSon, as you call him, is pretty cool too. Sounds like a nice book haul too!
Have a great day, Karen. Back to the grind for me but it's going to be a beautiful day.

Mark, you are right Joe and his family were really a treat to meet. I enjoyed hanging out with them in the the book store, the sandwich, the people, the sights, and the ice cream. And, oh! Yes, I did buy some good books.

Here are the books I bought yesterday at Elliott Bay:

The Sweet Revenge of Celia Door Karen Finney Frock
Breaking Blue by Timothy Egan
Gulp by Mary Roach
Red Gold by Alan Furst
The Most Beautiful Walk in the World by John Baxter

and just this morning I pre-ordered the Amanda Knox book. I love the title: Waiting to be Heard: A Memoir

Morning Karen! Nice book haul and sounds like you had a lovely meet-up with Joe and family. How fun!

Yes, it was delightful to meet them all. A very nice bunch of people. And of course, the book haul was a bonus. Now I need to go to the library an request one of the books Mrs. Joe recommended to me. I am honor bound to read it and let her know what I think.

LibraryThing is such a fun place!

I just received through the USPS (thanks to Mark and all his colleagues) Amanda Knox's Waiting to be Heard and even though I have school work to do I'm going to go right up and crawl into bed and read it!

I'll be interested to see what you think of Waiting to be Heard. I was reading an article a couple of days ago that was pointing out a lot of discrepancies between this book and the diaries that she kept when she was actually in prison.

I started reading it last night and I initially think she is brave to have chosen to be very frank about her youthful sexual, I would call them indiscretions. She begins the book in effect by confessing she was youthfully lacking in good judgment.

As for discrepancies. She, and her publishers, is describing the book as a Memoir which seems to be the way, these days, of saying, "I am not saying I remember everything perfectly". My recollection of my youth is in some diaries I still own and oh, man, I'm telling you there are lots of things there that I don't remember at all. I think memory is a tricky thing and she has declared she's writing the book without asserting it is "the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth".

I bought the book because I want to support her. I don't care if there are discrepancies. And I'm reading it because I do have plain curiosity.

I've been sitting on the front porch, in the sun (glorious, hallelujah, we've got sun!), and reading on of my Booktopia choices: The Enchanted Life of Adam Hope and so far I am very impressed with the author's command of the language! Beautiful. Evocative. Has me within the first 2-3 pages.

I'm also thinking I need to cut grass in back yard as it is about 1 yard long. (vertical) Sun! wonderful

I'm going to put the Knox book on hold for a bit. Reality can be so depressing.

OK, I also got the camera out:

I LOVE the flamingo! Sounds like your weekend is off to a lovely start!

Thanks, Mamie. I actually am quite unsettled this weekend. Thinking about the retirement home I "interviewed" on Thursday. I certainly would like to make my way into it, I think. But there are road blocks, not the least of which is I must do major down, down, down sizing. The apt. I can afford is a Bachelor pad of a little over 500 sq. ft. I'd get a lovely full bathroom, in unit laundry, and a nice tiny kitchen. A room and a balcony. Not much space. But there are so many other amenities.

Much thinking is going on.

Good luck with your thinking, Karen.

Yes! The flamingo is wonderful!!

There's that flamingo I've heard so much about! And he's adorable! Hope you had a nice Saturday and got a little R & R in!

Karen - Good luck with the interviewing of retirement homes - with 500 ft2 however well designed, where would your books go?
Have a lovely weekend. x

Paul! What a dear you are. There will be a large clothes closet and I'll convert it to a library and wear sweat pants, sweat shirts and t-shirts. Tennis shoes. Swimming suit. All fits in a chest of drawers. (-:

Plus, I'll read on my Kindle, my Nooks, my computer and in the facility's library. Seven librarians are there to run it, too.

We're back in Chicago, Karen. What fun we had meeting up with you in Seattle! Good to see your pink flamingo friend, who was key to the meetup in so many ways. :-)

Said pink flamingo says that Karen completely enjoyed the whole deal! and wants to go back to EBBC

What a wonderful photo of a cheery flamigo...It made me smile.

Happy May To You

Opps, I forgot to add that your meet up sounds like it was a lot of fun.

I'll be attending the Meet up in two weeks in Philadelphia. I'm super excited!

Linda, thank you so much for stopping by and bringing some pretty tulips, too. Spring is such a happy feeling.

The Meet-Up was great fun, and I am sure your up coming one in Philly will be swell. It is a pleasure to meet LT folks and know that you will get along famously because you are people who love to read, and who love books. Have a good time. And take pictures and share them with us when it is over. (Maybe you could find some little whimsey stuffed figure, too, and to have in the pictures)

Enjoy your weekend.

I am well into The Enchanted Life of Adam Hope and I must say it is excellent. It has elements of "magical realism" in it and although that technique is not one of my favorites in this book it is working. The author is so skilled she has me believing "it could happen like that...."

I am going to be interested to write what I think when I've finished.

Morning Karen- Adam Hope sounds like a winner. I'll have to keep that one in mind. Enjoy your Sunday.

Mark, yes I think it is a worthy read. But keep in mind I am only on page 69 out of 424.

It begins as a young woman coming of age in North Carolina on a "hard scrabble farm" right at the end of WW II. Which is one of my buttons. I love history, and when you add to it a young person finding their way, it is a great mix.

Hi Karen! Just catching up with all of your goings-on lately - lovely photos, too!

>122 maggie1944: That pink flamingo has a suave and sophisticated air about her in the photo, Karen. What stories she could tell, I'm sure.

Hi, Laura, thanks for stopping by. I have, as is my habit/practice, way too may things in the goings-on dept. Sigh. I was just talking with my Niece about my thinking seriously about wanting to move into this retirement facility. She confessed it was giving her a panicky feeling in relation to who would kick her kids outta bed in the morning when she and her hubster are both at work. I said, oh, posh, I'll still be "here for you"! So then she settled down and I told her my current plan. Yikes. Crazy days.

Oh, yes, Joe, the stories she could tell. Just buy her a beer and sit back.....

Karen- I hope Adam Hope is still working for you. I am tickled pink that this is a Booktopia selection. Yah! Have you been listening to BOTNS lately. I LOVE that program. Ann mentioned a terrific thriller by a female writer but I am drawing a blank. Those two always hit me with blue bullets!
Hope you had a great day!

Marky-mark, I am so full of things to do that listening to the pod cast would most likely join NPR in its putting me to sleep, every time. I have not spent more than about 5" each evening listening to the radio. Sleep! And then I wake up at 3 am and do housework I could have done the night before had I not been tired, tired, tired.

But, yes, I am loving The Enchanted Life of Adam Hope! I read some every day! Even if only a minute or two.

Wow, Karen you have a lot on your plate right now. I wish you clarity and peace. I know you'll figure this out.

*waving* at Karen

What Janet said!

Janet, and Stasia, thank you so very much for stopping by and observing the craziness that is my life these days. Truthfully, it is a lot to think about, but the stuff to do is still pretty much regular life. But aren't we happy we are readers. The books are such good escape from life, and yet a true experience of life, too.

I'm feeling pretty good about the decision to move to the retirement facility. I put down a 100% refundable deposit to put me in line for the smallest apts. And nothing big should happen too soon, but you know life you never can count on anything happening exactly as you wish they would. But I think I have time to sell my property, and check out the facility and still take my time deciding.

122> Hmmm, I do still have that $50 gift card for EBBC......
But, for now, I am planning to meet you on Monday at TPB in LFP.

:-)

You sound good in your decision, Karen. It's not a bad time to think about selling around here now (it's been a long time since one of us would have said that!) so I hope that goes at a pace that works for you, as you continue to consider your options. Trust your gut.

Oh, and the flamingo is truly delightful.

Thanks, Ellen. I woke up this morning thinking about how different it would be to wake up and not have a long list of things to do.

See you on Monday evening.

Oh joy: I finished reading the first novel I want to read before I go to Booktopia in Bellingham, WA the weekend of June 7-9. I love The Enchanted Life of Adam Hope and recommend it highly. I need to let it sit a bit in my brain and heart before I try to write a little review. But I did love, love, love it. A very wise book. It is about family and home place and love and mystery and communication which passes understanding. Go look at it. You may want to read it.

Books Finished during 2013

1. The Last Unicorn finished on 1/21/13
2. Muhammad Ali's Greatest Fight: Cassius Clay vs. The United States of America finished on 1/29/13
3. Prisoner 88 by Leah Pileggi, published 2013 Charlesbridge Publishing, Inc.
Here's the book's page: http://www.librarything.com/work/13472337/summary/93697111
4. The Truth of Me by Patricia MacLachlan, published 2013, Harper Collins Publisher, Katherine Tegen Books
Here's the book's page: http://www.librarything.com/work/13456843/summary/93570131
I have no idea where The Secret Scripture by Sebastian Barry came from. How can The Truth of Me lead there?
5. Don't Let's Go To The Dogs Tonight by Alexandra Fuller, and,
6. Anna Karènina by Leo Tolstoy
7. Dead Money by Steve O'Brien *wrong touchstone! ER book!
8. Cairns: Messengers in Stone by David B. Williams. Finished reading on 3/21/13
9. Buying the Farm: Peace and War on a Sixties Commune by Tom Fels, finished on 3/25/13
10. My Beloved World by Justice Sonia Sotomayor, finished on 3/29/13.
11. The Enchanted World of Adam Hope by Rhonda Riley, finished on 5/11/13.

I am going to move on to the second book I want to read before Booktopia, with a sad nod to several books which I have started and which will have to wait until after that first weekend in June before I get back to them. The Searchers whispers to me from the night table; Blood of Dragons calls from the Kindle; and Amanda Knox's Waiting to be Heard needs to wait just a few more days, or weeks.

So much responsibility.

Ha. Actually, I'm loving it.

The next book is The Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving which I will start reading as soon as I stop posting about the last book.

Hi Karen. I'm glad you liked Adam Hope. I'll look forward to reading that one.

I decided I needed something fun and quirky so I've started the zombie novel Ex-Heroes as my next Booktopia read. I know that Dr. Newt liked it, but so far I'm a bit bored; there just aren't that many ways to describe lopping off or crushing rotting heads. There seems to be a shift happening in the zombie population, so I'll stick with it to see if it gets more interesting. Other than Stephen King's Cell, this is my first forray into zombies. Reading King first perhaps put my expectations too high.

Morning Karen- The Revised Fundamentals sounds like another good one. I'll be watching for your thoughts. Do you have any other Booktopia books lined up? Or was that all you could find?

No, Mark, I just received an email that On Sal Mal Lane: A Novel has shipped from Amazon. I think I should see it by Tuesday.

I hope to make significant progress in The Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving today. It is cool, and a bit rainy. So, I will alternate between some unfun housework and some fun reading until the gang gets here to eat pot luck, and watch Game of Thrones. Tomorrow, I am "off" so I'll continue some work around the house and reading.

You'll not believe this but I have begun to stack all the fiction, to be read, books on my dining room table. All the nonfiction is going in a book case behind my reading chair. I am down to the very last few books I am selling or giving away. I hope to have only "to be read" books + a very few sentimental books which were gifts or childhood treasures. I swear I am not buying any more books until I have made a significant dent in these two large collections. Stay tuned for statistics. My goal is to be able to move into the studio apartment which will become available in the retirement facility without having to create an overstuffed look.

oh, except: Booktopia will be giving me a $50 gift certificate to spend at the sponsoring bookstore, so I am honor bound to spend that money on books!

I'm so looking forward to spending that $50 gift certificate at the Bellingham bookstore!

BTW, I'll be at book club tomorrow, Karen. I will be completely unable to discuss the book but I want to return the two you loaned me and pick up a copy of Exodus for Madeline's TIOLI challenge.

^Need I say more?

Love it.

I'll be unable to discuss the book, too; I did finish two of the Booktopia books: The Enchanted Life of Adam Hope and The Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving. I look forward to the meeting tonight.

I sent a PM to the person who was going to visit with us, and she is not coming. But I'll be there.

Here's my review of the Adam Hope book:

Rhonda Riley's first book demonstrates her ability to write a story I've read before (young woman, family ties to the land, meets and marries, has children, life full of blessings and tragedies, small town prejudices) in an entirely fresh and poetic way. Ms Riley's sentences forced me to slow down and read them each carefully the way one might examine a fresh strawberry picked off the vine on a warm summer day. The writing caused me to let it fill me with joy and sorrow. Just like life.

And she also freshens her story with addition of magic in just the right measure. This book has been called magical realism but I actually felt she captured the way in which real life has its very magical moments that are completely TRUE.

Lovely review of Adam Hope, Karen. Thumber from me. I'm going to wishlist it, now that you've inspired me to move away from index cards to creating a list on Amazon.

I've been thinking about buying your friend a beer and she starts telling stories. "A cafe proprietor and a pink flamingo walk into a bar . . ."

I am glad you've put this book on your WL, Joe. I think this author is great and she deserves our buying her book. I hope I enjoy meeting her, too.

I've got school work to do today! Gawk! But tomorrow book 3 for Booktopia should arrive. I'm having a lot of fun reading these books which seem to come with a guarantee that they are good.

I really need to say some words about The Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving and I will, but not tonight. Just came in from planting a dozen marigolds around in the front yard, mowed the lawn and weed whacked a few weeds. That, of course, attracted the gaggle of neighborhood kids who were hanging out after school in the beautiful weather. Eventually, one of the older kids said "can I help"? And I went to find the 8-9 trowls and spades etc. and set them to digging some new homes for little marigold plants. There were 7 kids digging in my dirt. Love it!

I also received on my porch a new vacuum cleaner which I've not yet pulled out of the packaging; and a copy of On Sal Mal Lane, my third Booktopia book. I'm going to take it easy tonight and just read.

I got the academics handled more or less earlier today.

How cool that you got the neighborhood kids involved in your planting project! I might have tried to get the digging up dandelions rather than digging in marigolds. :-)

Hi, Karen!

Ellen, kids don't just volunteer to do yard work that often, do they? I do need to dig out some dandy-lions, too. But the marigolds are just so damn cheerful. And I guess some pests (slugs, maybe) don't like them. I need to plant a row of them around my strawberry plants.

*hugs*

Roni, that poster is just too cool! I love me my pink flamingo!

My mom used to plant marigolds at the end of each garden row, I think for that reason (because some pests don't like them).

7 kids digging in your yard? no way. how cool is that?

you know, i have never understood our extreme prejudice against dandelions. they're a lovely yellow, at least as cheerful as marigolds, edible, short, cause no trouble, and have seeds so beautiful that artists use them as inspiration for fountains. my favorite example is the dandelion fountain in the financial district near the Transamerica building in the City by the Bay. in the late 60s we used to go there on Sunday afternoons before heading for the Wild Side West. now why would one want to kill something so inspirational and utterly harmless? why do we go after them with such a vengeance? how strange we mortals be!

>154 ronincats: oh, Roni, what a great poster. i wonder if the flamingo exhibit still graces the entrance to the San Diego Zoo. a wild pink wonder.

oh, thumbed your fine review of Adam Hope, Karen.

Ellie, thank you for stopping by.

I do understand the prejudice against dandelions - they completely kill the grass and take over the whole space if they are given a chance. My front yard is about 20% dandelions; and they do not keep up their cheerful appearances. After they flower and send their fluffy children off to the four winds, they settle down into pretty scruffy looking characters who do not let any one else have a spot of space.

My approach is to clip the flowers before they go to seed and then every so often I go out with a special tool and dig them out, roots and all. But I can not keep up with them. Ah, well. The marigolds are making the place look cheerful again!

I agree we mortal are strange. We think too much perhaps.

I sheepishly admit that our solution to the dandelion problem was to create a brick patio in our city lot backyard, surrounded by bushes and trees. No grass. Years of battling the dandelions and maintaining the grass were enough; we were ready for a change.

I wish! My homeowners association has some sort of misguided belief that having everyone's front yard look nearly identical increases price stability and increase. So, you are asked to not increase flower bed size or shape, or subtract grass area, etc. without submitting a plan and accomplishing such plan within one year, etc. etc. In essence they are saying you must ask them first for everything, and hire expensive landscapers to do it all immediately

Oh I'm probably exaggerating but I am a bit irritated with them

And a bunch of other stuff, so I'll quit complaining now

Yikes - that would be frustrating. I'd be terrible in a homeowners association like that.

I saw my Rheumatologist today and as we talked about "how I am" I included and added that much of my frustrations recently, beyond the rheumatoid arthritis and the meds, have to do with my homeowners' association and my yard. And she laughed and said she has a similir stupid home owners association. So we talked abut that, too. Funny.

We are going to try some new medications! All have side effects but perhaps we can find something a bit more effective. Also, found she knew of something called To Quieten Inflammation - a diet especially to help with immune system diseases and inflammation. I'm going to check it out because we might be able to lessen the flares somewhat. No cure, but some help.

OK, academics done for this week. Instructor still frustrating me and making it no fun, but the end is in sight! I will spend tonight reading; tomorrow night - First Storm Game! Preseason Demonstration game. Logan (now age 6) will go with me. He is a great date. Enthusiasm! In fact the secretary at school game him a neato Sue Bird poster because he did better in school today!!!! He's been having some behavior issues.

If he does well tomorrow he has a date for basketball!!! Whoo hoo

Hope the new meds are helpful, Karen!

Ellie, indeed the flamingoes are still front and center at the San Diego Zoo entrance!

Roni, thank you for coming by with your beautiful flamingoes! Aren't they just the best. So gorgeous. Nature does such interesting things with colors.

Morning Karen- Just checking in with you. Hope your week is going well. We are going camping this weekend and it looks like the temps will be mild, which is a blessing. Hope you enjoy your weekend too! Love the flamingos!

Mark: I am so glad you stopped by. I love camping and wish I were able to fly out and go with you. So, instead I have a Storm game tonight, a follow-up visit to the retirement place with my BFF tomorrow, oldest nephew to help with yard work on Sunday, and GoT! Oh, I can see the end of the series approaching. Oh, dear.

Any ways, I think the weekend will be swell! And a new vacuum cleaner is making some obligatory housework a bit easier.

Reading! There will be some reading.

"There will be some reading." Another T-shirt, perhaps?

What a great idea.

Just had a conversation with my friend who has just published his first book. I encouraged him to join Library Thing and perhaps offer some copies for people to review. I hope he does.

As some of you probably know I am actively trying to wrestle my life into place so that I can move into a retirement community when a studio apartment becomes available. I am doing MAJOR down sizing. Major, major, major: so, please do not hate me when I say I am off loading many books.

I have book 1: Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone (2 copies); book 2: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets; book 3: Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban; book 4: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. And book 5 is missing. Book 6: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince; book 7: Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows. All hard back. All have been read at least once. Book 3 looks as if it has been used hard, probably in my classroom. It and one of the copies of book 1 have my last name printed on the top of the pages in permanent marker. Go here - http://www.librarything.com/work/5403381/book/17151390 - to see Book 1's cover and that is the series of covers that I have. All of the books have their dust covers.

Please note: these are not in excellent condition but they are definitely good for reading and enjoying.

I am very willing to give these away to some Library Thing friend who would like them. I would ask that you pay for postage or shipping, and packaging. Send me a PM if you are interested.

>170 maggie1944: Love it!

Here's some news, lifted from an NPR web site: "J.R.R. Tolkien's The Fall of Arthur, an incomplete epic poem on King Arthur, has been edited for publication by his son, Christopher Tolkien, and newly released. Erudite and beautiful, it's written in Old English alliterative verse (the meter of Beowulf!). It begins: "Arthur eastward in arms purposed/ his war to wage on the wild marches, / over seas sailing to Saxon lands, / from the Roman realm ruin defending."

Holding in my heart all the folks devastated by this recent gaggle of nasty storms in Oklahoma and environs. I hope they receive the comfort they need; and all the care we can send them. The elementary school hit by this storm hurts my heart.

New book - The Abascal Way to Quiet Inflammation and The Abascal Way Cookbook by Kathy Abascal

I am excited to try this diet. It is quite radical with eliminating lots of suspect foods. Seems like the science around inflammation is getting better and better. Hopefully, my inflammed joinst can quieten down, and I can lose a little weight, and I can have more energy and less "ah, meh" feelings.

I hope the new diet helps, Karen. It sounds promising. Continuing pain can be so frustrating.

I'm counting our blessings that we're not in a homeowners association. I hear so many stories of aggravation from friends like you who are. I've always steered clear of condos in the city for that reason.

Congrats on closing in on the end of this class. Does that mean you're done for accreditation, or is there more you need to take?

Karen, I hope the new RA meds are helpful.
Only two weeks until Booktopia!

Yes! However, we do have the mess at the Skagit river to deal with when going to Bellingham. It will be a longer drive!

Feel so badly about that.

My hope is pinned on this new diet I'm going to try: To Quiet Inflammation. I will do three weeks of a elimination diet, two weeks of testing to see what I might be reactive towards, and then a new and improved eating plan. It is said to help with migraines, arthritis, skin issues, etc. Basically the idea is to get rid of additives, and processed food, and (if any) foods which cause inflammation in me.

Fingers crossed.

Karen - Good luck with the Abascal diet. xx

I am taking over the purchase of food from SWMBO from the next month as there have been complaints from me about the absence of food in the house and from her that the money she gets for the task is insufficient. We'll see but I have decided that Monday to Friday main meals will be selected the weekend before so that I can put my planning into practice.
Beef, Chicken, Tuna/Salmon, Vegetarian, Other Fish or seafood will all get a go Monday to Friday.
Belle will choose Monday
Hani will choose Tuesday
Kyran will choose Wednesday
Paul will choose Thursday
Yasmyne will choose Friday

(Alphabetical order)

Each gets to choose one core ingredient (all gets one each) and can then choose from a small selection of recipes using that dish. SWMBO & Erni are then given the Menu for the work to rustle up for the team

Here is next weeks "diet"

Belle (beef) - Shepherd's Pie chosen for Monday
Hani (Miscellaneous Seafood) - Pomfret cooked in soya sauce (Ikan bawal masak hitam)
Kyran (chicken) - Chicken strips floured and stir fried with leeks and oyster sauce
Paul (Vegetarian) - Halloumi three bean salad
Yasmyne (Salmon) - grilled salmon fillets with ratatouille.

Have a lovely weekend dear lady and thank you for always brightening my days by visits to my own thread.

Menu planning by an engineer! I love it. Next each offspring will choose the main dish for one day, and cook it! Imagine how simple your meals could be. Perhaps not so tasty, but definitely simple.

Thanks for your good wishes. I am sneaking up on the elimination portion of the plan by using up food that currently is in the frig. I can't just throw it away as it offends my budget minded self. Soon I'll be down to next to nothing already purchased and I'll do the plan then.

Of course, food for Booktopia weekend will not qualify.

Now! I've finished this week's academics with a poor showing on a multiple choice test. Out of 5 I missed 2 answers. I could challenge one of them, but frankly I am tired of challenging this instructors poor choices. I have really given up on her, and if I don't get an A for the class, so be it. I don't care. I was only taking the class so I could say I've brushed up on my knowledge of early childhood development.

As a consequence, I can spend this 3 day weekend doing the Read-A-Thing and have lots of "do nothing but read" time. I'll be working on finishing On Sal Mal Lane so I'll have 3 books finished before I head up to Booktopia. Yay! I probably will do some yard work, too. The weeds are out of control.

Have a great weekend your own self, you hear!

I've added a thread to the Meetup Group about Bellingham. I'm looking forward to meeting you!

http://www.librarything.com/topic/154570

hiya, Karen. sorry 'bout the Storm's loss last night. heh! actually, i thought they were clicking pretty well in the first quarter.

good luck w/ the new RA meds. it's kind of a crap shoot, imo. and good luck with the TQI diet. sounds delish to me. i miss salads and veggies a whole lot. i think the best bet is organic, non-gmo, very low simple carbs, a reasonable amount of good fat i've just found a fab olive oil from California) and plenty of complex carbs. the research on GMO foods and their potential impact on the immune system is really pretty scary!

hope y'all have a great meetup. :)

Do you have links to that research, mirrordrum? I'd like to read it.

Ellie, thanks for you good wishes. I think you are right about a good diet being as you say lots of organic, local when possible, fruits and veggies (in season, when it makes sense); good fats, careful about meats and fishes. Simple carbs.

I just ate my first TQI Breakfast muffin which is almond "flour" + pumpkin + eggs (and a couple of other things) Quite tasty. Almost seems like a quiche.

I am not yet ready to do the whole-deal-meal elimination process. I'm still getting rid of sweets in the house, non-organic soy milk, butter, honey, etc. A friend is coming over next weekend to help me clear out all the not to be eaten any more goods in the house. You'd think I was saving for the apocalypse. I will have some away, and some will simply be tossed because it is, frankly, too old.

I am sneaking up on no longer indulging in double lattes with soy milk, and sweet and fattening pastries. Also, will erase some other ideas. But some stuff I will not give up. If I find I am not "sensitive" to milk products I will happily continue to eat cheese and butter.

Oh, well, back to the books.

Hi Karen- It sounds like you've been very busy. I hope all is well and you are squeezing in a little R & R on your long weekend. No GOT, tonight, but we will prevail.

Blue, are you asking about the To Quiet Inflammation program? The book is: The Abascal Way to Quiet Inflammation and The Abascal Way Cookbook by Kathy Abascal and can be bought at Amazon.

Hey Mark. We watched the show about Liberace instead of GofT. Pretty raunchy, and funny (kitschy) in places. I think Matt Daimon did his role in a stellar performance. If one is squeamish about male/male sex acts I would not recommend it. But if that doesn't bother you, and you like drag queens, you'd probably enjoy the show.

185 - Thanks, maggie, but I was asking about mirrordrum's GMO opinions. They left me a profile comment.

Yesterday's trip to the eye doctor resulted in a referral to the eye surgeon and a recommendation to have the cataracts taken care of now. Putting it off longer would result in the eyes getting worse, more quickly. So, here we go.... a new adventure. Somewhat scary, scary, scary - even though it is an operation with a great success rate things can happen. My eyes! As a reader and a photographer, this might be more scary for me than for others.

Any experience? There must be a few LTers who've had this done.

If I find I am not "sensitive" to milk products I will happily continue to eat cheese and butter.

I hope that ends up being the case, Karen. I know it would be hard for me to give up cheese, in particular, but if it alleviates the symptoms, I suppose I could give up anything.

My sister had her cataracts removed several years ago and she later said it was the most freeing thing she had ever done. She was really grateful to have such clear eyesight again and she said the recovery was relatively easy. I can't imagine that it won't be scary, no matter what, but I can at least share that story with you. Will this be occurring after our Bellingham adventure?

Hi Karen- Just checking in! Sorry to hear about the cataract surgery. It's a pretty common procedure, so I wouldn't fret to much.
When is Booktopia? Coming up soon, right?

Booktopia is Friday - Sunday, June 7-9.

I am not fretting too much as I know how many people have had this surgery and have enjoyed their improved vision. It is just that... it is my eyes, you know, MY EYES.

My two favorite things in the whole wide world depend on my eyes. Both reading and photography depend on them, and you know, accidents do happen even in the best of operating rooms.

I did it! I finished On Sal Mal Lane before Booktopia in Bellingham! I am prepared to see three of these authors and be able to look them in the eye and say, "I read your book. Thank you for writing it". (I can not imagine the singleness of purpose which will result in writing all those pages, all those well put together words; it seems a miracle to me)

On Sal Mal Lane is a book which might have been a memoir of growing up on a lane, in an urban center, of Sri Lanka. The Lane is populated with a diversity of people, Buddhist, Christian, Moslem, and Hindu; there were some tensions and prejudices and occasional angry words much like certain neighborhoods in my country, too. I found the book to be a bit of a hard slog at first as the setting, and the people, were quite foreign to me. I did not, at first, identify with their hopes and struggles.

The book centers on one family with four children however many of the children and families on the Lane are created with nuance and character. As I read farther into the story I began to love many of the characters and worry about some of the others who appeared to be hurling themselves into the conflicts and violence which was foreshadowed.

And in the end, I found the last section of the book to be so moving that I think I'll read it again. And, I am not one who re-reads books and stories.

Highly recommended.

.

Oh, my, U of W softball team is in Oklahoma, hunkered down, worried about a tornado watch warning.... The lady huskies are playing in the world series for softball.

Karen- I can't believe you read and enjoyed another Booktopia title! Yah! You are going to be so prepared. Wow, one more week, until Bellingham. How exciting. On June 9th, a few Chicago LTers will be getting together, so we will be thinking of you.

OK. We will think of you, too!!!

Yes, I have three of them all done, and ready to look for autographs and the ability to say "well done" to all three.

One more thought before I climb the stairs to my very comfortable bed to do a little bit more reading tonight. I am so proud of LibraryThingers and their generosity. The fund raiser we ran to raise money for Morphidae and her husband to address their huge medical bills pulled in more than $4000!!! I am so touched that folks were willing to dig deep and give money when many of us have financial challenges of our own.

OK, good night, and stay safe out there folks.

I think I'll start a new thread for June. Go here: http://www.librarything.com/topic/154935#

Get the cataracts done - sooner rather than later. The difference in your vision will only be better, the recovery period is almost no-existent, and you will find yourself saying "Why on earth did I ever wait!" Surgery is an easy in and out, and I was driving w/i 48 hours. DO IT!

Thank you! Will do!

Karen

My partner Will is a retired eye doctor. The surgery is much more successful now than it was even four-five years ago. I certainly understand the fear of eye surgery.

I send all good wishes and gentle hugs.

Linda, thank you so much. It is helpful to hear from all of you who have personal experience, in one way or another. I don't think I'm feeling nervous due to any sense of risk, more just that it is a surgery after all, and there will be change to my sight. I know that sounds a bit odd as my sight is not very good, and never really was, but somehow one always feels odd about something like this being changed.

I am sure it will all be fine, and just a few steps, one at a time, to be taken.

Thanks for stopping by and sharing what you and your partner know, Linda.