Nittnut's Big Reading Chair -2013 - 2

Welcome to my second thread. It's a little quieter here than some other places, but it's friendly. I've been looking through some old photos and since it's my 20th anniversary in June, I thought I'd post this...

June 1993 - just babies - I was 21, he was 25 - He's still my favorite person in the world.


For those who are interested, my mother made my dress. She copied a photo of a Christian Dior dress that I fell in love with, but at $5000 it was out of my wedding budget. She used a gorgeous raw silk which is hard to see in the photo... for some reason, 1993 was the year of tassels and ruffles and beading. I didn't want any. I did end up loving my long train - all bustled up in the photo. I think my mom is amazing.

Jen, for some reason the first photo isn't showing for me, but the back of your dress in the second photo looks beautiful. Your mom is very talented!

Happy anniversary to you and Mr. Nittnut.

I think that your mom is amazing too! I LOVE that dress!!
Happy Anniversary to you and Mr. Nut! I'm looking forward to what you read next - and to hearing how the last day of school was. I guess I should go back and look.

Happy anniversary to you! What a beautiful photo.

Hi Julia, Peggy and Anne! Thanks for the anniversary wishes. We are hoping to take a trip to Boston in the fall to celebrate our anniversary. We will see how the summer goes. We've never really done any big trips. We usually celebrate the big years by having babies. On our 5th anniversary, we were adopting a baby. On our 10th we were doing fertility tx for baby #2, and on our 15th, we had the surprise - or buy two, get one free baby -well, he was 6 mo. old. It's a little bit of a standing joke, except falling pregnant right now would not be funny at all. Knock on wood...

Julia, there is only one photo. :) My mom is so talented! I just remembered a funny story about the fabric for my dress. My dad took me down to the garment district in LA to buy the silk for my dress. He parked illegally outside the shop. I objected, but he said it would be fine. Of course when we came out his truck had been towed. We ended up asking the shop to hold the fabric for us, hiked across the garment district to the appropriate bus stop, took a bus to the impound place, paid $300 to get the truck and drove back to get the fabric. This is how my $200 dress became a $500 dress. It was also a really nice time to walk and talk with my dad before the wedding. He was really not happy about my getting married. I am a daddy's girl and the oldest, so it was rough for him, poor man. Here's a photo of me and my dad at the wedding...



I'll stop now - haven't looked at these for so long. It's been kind of fun for me, but enough is enough. :)

Peggy, the last day of school was very quiet - but my husband did go and file a police report on the vandalism on his car. We suspect that the neighbor kids put their friends up to it, who knows if they will take the fall for it or not. We suppose we will hear from the neighbors if they hear from the police. Lends some spice to life, I suppose.

In keeping with my need for less taxing reading, I am enjoying Dumpling Days by one of my favorite YA authors, Grace Lin.

Lovely new thread with your beautiful photos and memories, Jenn! Happy Anniversary!

I'm glad to hear I'm not missing any photos, Jen. I don't know why they are showing up as if there is one photo that is not showing and then one that is. *shrug* Computers!

You look so very happy in the photo of you and your dad, while your dad definitely looks like it a bittersweet day for him. Clearly he wants to be happy for you but he is feeling sad for himself losing his little girl at the same time. So sweet.

Hi Jenn, oh happy new thread! LOVE all of the wedding pics. Happy Anniversary!

Finished reading my first Heyer, Black Sheep, and can't thank you enough for the recommendation. Heyer is fabulous! Love, love, love. I've reviewed Black Sheep over at my thread.

#66 Hatchet - mine (or rather, my daughter's)

My daughter (9) read Hatchet and then gave it to me to read. It's been lurking on my list for a long time, but I've never really got around to it.

I liked the story. It's one of those adventure stories that could be totally unbelievable, but it's so well written that it's totally believable. A 14 year old boy is stranded in the Canadian wilderness when the pilot of his plane has a heart attack and dies. He learns to survive - makes a lot of mistakes and gets tougher - and is changed forever.

My only quibble with the book is the side story of the parents' divorce. I quibble because I know a lot of third graders who were read this story during school this year. I think the bit about the boy seeing his mother kiss another man who is not his father and holding on to this secret is a little much for that age group. Two to three more years and I think the kids could handle it fine. It really bothered my daughter, which naturally, bothered me.

I read this by the pool in an hour or so while my daughter was at swim practice, so it's a quick read.

Lovely pictures of your wedding ! My husband and I are coming up to our 30 wedding anniversary this July! Amazing who the time flies! Congratulations on your Anniversary!

I was looking on Nancy's thread ( I'm always peeking on her thread! ;) . Anyway, here is the list of Karin Fossum 's Inspector Sejer Series. I've just loved every book - though some are better than others. Here is a link for purchasing interest :)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karin_Fossum It gives the titles in order of publication.

Yes, I shall try to heed your advice and get to Georgette Heyer sooner than later.

PS - also a child bride like yourself! :)

ETA - on my profile page I have one picture of my my wedding from well , eons ago, I guess!

What a lovely photo of you and your dad! Happy anniversary to you. Hope you're able to celebrate with a trip -- we're trying to do the same (20 years in April:)

Interesting that your daughter read Hatchet, Jenn. I haven't read it for so long I've forgotten most of it. I understand your point about the boy feeling he needs to keep a secret about mother kissing another man. That detail seems misplaced/unnecessary in such a novel.

Ah, I see Deb has provided some info on Fossum. She's my go-to for Scandi-Crime. She and Carsten (ctpress) are responsible for my addiction to it, LOL.

Hi Deb! Thanks for the Fossum info. Interesting that the first book was published in 1995, but only translated into English last year. LOVE the wedding photo. Your family is lovely as well. :)

Hi Anne. Where are you thinking of going? On this chilly morning, I am hoping for somewhere warm. I'll probably change my mind by the weekend. :) Poor Jonah - still has swim practice this morning, outside.

Hi Nancy, thanks for agreeing with me :).

#67 Fallen - mine

I picked up this book at Target on the recommendation of a young friend of mine. It was also an easy read - in keeping with my mental capacities at the moment.

Strange things happen to Luce, and right before they happen, she sees shadows. Her parents have taken her to therapists, but nothing seems to help. Then something truly terrible happens and she is sent to reform school. The first day, Luce meets a boy named Daniel. She is strangely drawn to him, but she doesn't know why (see where we're going here?). I was entertained, and am interested enough to read the next book. It is definitely in the category of melodramatic paranormal teen romance, but without werewolves or vampires. Instead, it's fallen angels, some who have chosen God and some who have chosen the devil. Some interesting references to Biblical lore regarding the fallen and the eternal battle between good and evil.

#68-#72 Torment, Passion, Rapture, Fallen In Love - All library

Sort of like the Twilight series. Fascinating like train wrecks and bad fashion. You just can't look away.

The struggle of Luce and Daniel continues - mostly about trying to figure out why she goes up in smoke sometime during her 17th year of life, then returns in a new body and new place and does it all over again. As a special bonus, Daniel is always there to see it happen. Definitely some feminist undertones and maybe I will call it Christian mythology...
Fallen In Love is a collection of short stories that elaborate on some of the supporting characters and who they are. I liked it the least of all of them.

#73 Dumpling Days - mine, OTS!

Loved this cute story about a Taiwanese American family who spends a month in Taiwan with family. It is part of a series, but stands alone very well.

Hi Jenn! I love the pics. Happy Anniversary to you and your husband. I was 24 when I got married. I felt old then, but looking back, that seems young.

Has your daughter read any of the sequels to Hatchet? I think that they are alternate endings. I read Hatchet at my son's recommendation a couple of years ago, but I still haven't read the sequel that he has, Brian's Winter.

Happy Anniversary, Jenn! Thanks for sharing wedding photos. Your dress is beautiful, your mom is amazing, and your dad is very handsome. Best of all, your husband is still your favorite person in the world! I can say that, too....most days. ;-) We are celebrating 45 years in July. We're planning a road trip -- either to my home stomping grounds of Michigan's Upper Peninsula or to Black Hills country.

Hi Amy, Thanks - and I agree - we were young. :) We haven't read the sequels. We'll have to check them out.

Hi Donna! Happy Anniversary in July. :) I've never been to the UP, but I can tell you that the Black Hills are lovely.

#74 The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry - loaner from a friend

Harold Fry receives a letter in the mail from an old friend. The letter is to tell him goodbye, because she is dying. He writes a reply and walks to the mailbox to send it, but instead, he just keeps on walking. As Harold walks, he starts remembering scenes from his life. Some of the memories are lovely and some are very difficult. As he remembers and thinks and feels the joys and sorrows of his life, he becomes more open to the lives of others. He is deeply affected by people he meets and it changes him. Harold himself is a sweet and charming man, trying his best. I loved this book!
Highly recommended.

Harold sat in silence. The silver-haired gentleman was in truth nothing like the man Harold had first imagined him to be. He was a chap like himself, with a unique pain; and yet there would be no knowing that if you passed him in the street, or sat opposite him in a cafe and did not share his teacake...It must be the same all over England. People were buying milk, or filling their cars with petrol, or even posting letters. And what no one else knew was the appalling weight of the thing they were carrying in side. The superhuman effort it took sometimes to be normal, and a part of things that appeared both easy and everyday. The loneliness of that. Moved and humbled, he passed his paper napkin.

Great endorsement of Harold Fry, Jenn. That's one I have read mixed reviews on and had pretty much decided not to read. Now, you change my mind. Don't you just love LT for that!?

Great pictures, Jenn. My grandmother made my wedding dress as well, but it was a simple figured cotton with an empire waist--this was the beginning of the 70s and we were still in the hippie stage. I'm glad to see you are also proselytizing Georgette Heyer--I've turned on a few on my thread as well.

So, anybody else get the bizarro PM about the lady who is dying and wants to leave you 8.3 million?

Nope, rats. I could use a rich dying relation... :)

Love the photos, Jenn.. and your mother is definitely skilled. What a beautiful wedding dress.

Haha..yes, I did get the message about the dying woman wanting to leave me $8.3 million ... gave me a good laugh for the day when I received it. Makes a change from the guy in Nigeria who won the lottery and wants to share his winnings with me.

Did someone say 8.3 million? LOL.

Yes, I got it THREE TIMES. B^P

Hi Jenn -- wow, an heiress! Hope you all are well -- that you're enjoying the somewhat cooler weather and that it's not too smoky where you are.

Hi Jim, Caro, Nancy, Roni and Anne! Hope you have all had a great weekend!

Roni! Three times? Wow.

Anne - We haven't had smoke too bad since Tuesday. The wind is blowing in the right direction, I guess. I feel so bad for Colorado Springs. They've really been through a couple of terrible fire years. We need a couple of days of rain...

#75 Don't Look Back - library

First in a Scandinavian mystery series and a pretty good read. I think Fossum spent a lot of time developing the character of Inspector Sejer, and I expect the future books will be even better.

#76 Dead Even - OTS

A legal mystery sort of in the style of John Grisham, but not nearly as good. I sort of liked the main characters - a married couple who are set up by some bad guys so that they are going against each other as prosecutor and defense attorney in a murder trial. Each thinks the other will be killed if they lose. At least their relationship remains intact in the end. Just so-so.

Still working on Original Intent, which is interesting but challenging. I get tired reading actual cases and Supreme Court decisions, but it's good information.
Also working on a book called Intellectuals and Race which has an impressive amount of information packed into roughly 135 pages. For example - people are more likely to have an IQ similar to their spouse than to their siblings. Just one of the interesting tidbits I am gleaning.

Jenn - Congratulations on whizzing by the 75 mark. I also like the Karin Fossum series and Inspector Sejer seems somehow fitting to take you understatedly across the threshold to your 2nd 75. x

Congrats on passing the 75 mark, Jenn!

Ha! Thanks. I confess I didn't even register where I was...

Jenn, glad you liked Don't Look Back. And you're right that Fossum's Sejer series gets better as you go!

Congrats!

Congratulations, Jenn, on reaching 75 books! 2013 isn't even halfway through!

I've been meaning to ask about Jonah: how are things going? Any easier now that school is out? We should get together again this summer.

Hi Nancy - half way through He Who Fears the Wolf and really liking it. :)

Thanks Jim!

Hi Anne. Things are quieter right now. The family we've had the most trouble with has been on vacation. We've had a couple of interesting conversations with the parents - not in a good way. They are very eager to excuse their kids and put the blame on Jonah. I am impressed with how he is handling situations in which adults are not behaving like adults. I guess it's a growing up experience for him anyway.
Jonah is busy with swimming, sometimes two a day practices. He's had some great meets and is close to Zone times in a couple of events. When they get Zone times, they start traveling to meets out of state with the Colorado team. It's both a good and an expensive thing...but being busy is the most important part.
We are super busy trying to get our house ready to sell. We have another week or so of crazy hard work and we'll be there. Our yard looks amazing. We just need to paint the inside and get some of our stuff put in storage.
We'd love to get together. Give me a week or so, and then I'll be able to make plans. :)

Aha, I thought you would like He Who Fears the Wolf, Jenn : ).

Hi Jenn! Congrats on 75 and good luck with your busy summer.

Oh wow -- you guys move fast! No rush -- we'll be around most all of the summer, and would love to see you whenever. Callia is volunteering at the Museum of Nature & Science this summer, so we'll be there a lot:)

Hi Nancy. I really did like it. Looking forward to the next one.

Hi Amy. Thanks for the luck :) We are going to need it.

Hi Anne, How fun for Callia! Maybe we can meet you there one day. My kids love it.

#77 He Who Fears the Wolf - library 13/13

Second in the Inspector Sejer series, and I'm hooked. The mystery was interesting, but my favorite was the further development of the characters and their relationships with each other. I also appreciated the bringing together of the three "rebels" and how they interacted with each other. Without being overbearing, Fossum makes a strong case for the marginalized of society. I will definitely be reading more.

#78 The Indigo Notebook - library, book club

There is more to this book than I suspected at first glance. The story is told from the perspective of 15 year old Zeeta, who has spent her whole life traveling the world with her mother. She wishes for a "normal" family and life, and until she meets 16 year old Wendell, who is looking for his birth parents, she doesn't realize that almost everybody wishes their life was different at some level. About wishes and hopes and learning to love what you have. A quick, easy read, but totally worth the time.

#79 Intellectuals and Race - library, 13/13

This is a brave book. Thomas Sowell (the Rose and Milton Friedman Senior Fellow for Public Policy at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University) explores the impact on society of intellectuals' ideas on race. He begins by defining intellectuals as people whose work begins and ends with ideas...an occupational designation rather than an honorific title, and implies nothing about the mental level of those in that occupation. The racial theories of eugenics, intelligence, social justice or multiculturalism are discussed in light of economic and statistical evidence. Sowell points out that The industrial revolution could hardly have begun in the Balkans or Hawaii, regardless of what people were living there - and neither could the people in those places have developed the same industrial skills, habits and ways of life at the same time as other people in other places where the industrial revolution did in fact begin. This method of analysis shows how racial theories have turned out to be counterproductive and even harmful to the people they were intended to help, and to society as a whole.
I have a lot of quotes to share - really I'm just saying this book is highly recommended.

Quotes:

By "intellectuals" is meant here people in a particular occupation - namely, people whose work begins and ends with ideas. It is an occupational designation, rather than an honorific title, and implies nothing about the mental level of those in that occupation. Chemists or chess grandmasters may be of equal or greater mental accomplishment, but there are not intellectuals because their work ends with an outcome subject to empirical verification by known standards, while the outcomes of the work of intellectuals are subject essentially to peer consensus.

Intellectuals on opposite ends of the spectrum in different eras have been similar in another way. Both have tended to ignore the long-standing warning from statisticians that correlation is not causation. One race may be more successful than another at a particular endeavor, or a whole range of endeavors, for reasons that are neither genetic nor a result of the way the society in which they live treats them. There are many historic, geographic and demographic reasons for groups to differ from one another in their skills, experiences, cultures and values - whether these are different social, national or racial groups.

The initial thrust of the civil rights movement, and of laws like the Civil Rights Act of 1964, was the extension of the same rights to all citizens, irrespective of race. It was understood that such an extension would be especially valuable to those citizens - such as blacks and other minority group members- who had previously been denied some of those rights in one way or another. But while such policies would especially benefit particular groups, the larger implication of the civil rights movement was seen as being in effect a completion of the American Revolution, by bringing its ideals to fruition for all, the goal being aimed at making race irrelevant to laws and policies. Whatever the merits or demerits of this particular conception, it was one attracting a broad consensus across racial lines, among both intellectuals and the general public, and bipartisan support in Congress...Despite the breadth of this consensus, it was short-lived...The ghetto riots that swept across many American cities in the 1960's... forfeited much sympathy for blacks among the general public. Among blacks, disappointment that the economic and social advances did not match the high expectations of the social revolution that the civil rights laws and policies were to produce, provided fertile ground for more radical elements urging more extreme action.

A cosmic injustice is not a social injustice, and proceeding as if society has both the omniscience and the omnipotence to "solve" the "problem" risks anti-social justice, in which others are jeopardized or sacrificed, in hopes of putting some particular segment of the population where they would be "but for" being born into adverse circumstances that they did not choose. It is certainly no benefit to blacks in general to take a sympathetic view of those blacks who commit crimes, since most of the crimes committed by blacks - especially murder - are committed against other blacks.

Quite simply, intellectuals pay no price for being wrong, no matter how wrong or whit what catastrophic consequences for millions of other people. The sweeping acceptance of theories of genetic determinism by intellectuals on both sides of the Atlantic in the early decades of the twentieth century had impacts on things ranging from immigration policies to compulsory sterilization policies to the Holocaust. Yet those who promoted these beliefs paid no price.

Many people who advocate what they think of as equality promote what is in fact make-believe equality. In economic terms, taking what others have produced and giving it to those who have not produced as much (or at all, in some cases) is make-believe equality - as contrasted with real equality, which would be enabling the less productive to become more productive, so that they could create for themselves what they are trying to take from others. However, real equality is not only harder to achieve, it is something whose achievement cannot be created by outsiders, as redistribution can be, but requires the efforts of those who lag. Make-believe equality, by creating a sense of entitlement to what others have created, reduces the incentives to making efforts to produce for one's self.

Books I am currently in the middle of:

Wave
Original Intent

Next up to start:

When the Devil Holds the Candle

Catching up here: We had to read Hatchet for a YA lit class I took 20+ years ago. I was surprised that I enjoyed the book as much as I did at that time. However, I think I've appreciated "wilderness" books more since then.

Hi Lori! I like wilderness books. I am always fascinated by a way of life so different from mine. I remember reading My Side of the Mountain over and over as a kid. I loved the idea of it.

Almost done with Wave, but I took some time tonight to finish up a read aloud of The Hobbit with my 9 year old daughter. It took her a little while to really get into it, but the last week she's been flying through it. I went in to check on her one night and she was sneaking and reading ahead. I let her. I quizzed her the next day to see if she knew what was happening and she gave me a long play-by-play. She's hooked. :)

Intellectuals and Race sounds fascinating--onto the wishlist it goes.

I read My Side of the Mountain over and over again as well.

>41 nittnut: She's hooked. Don't you love it when that happens?

Hi Roni - when you read it, I'd love to know what you think.

Hi Anne - YES I do! Especially since this is the girl who plugged her ears and screamed when I sang her the alphabet song.

#80 Wave - library, 13/13

I am completely shattered by this story. Sonali Deraniyagala was on vacation with her husband, two boys and her parents when the tsunami (resulting from the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake) hit Sri Lanka. They were staying in a hotel on the beach, and were not able to get inland fast enough. Of her entire family, she was the only survivor. She shares her grieving process over the period of about 7 or 8 years since the wave. It is raw and painful to read, but as she begins to heal and find joy in the memories she has of her family, there is such a feeling of hope. A devastatingly beautiful book.

Such a puny life. Starved of their lovliness, I feel shrunken. Diminished and faded, without their sustenance, their beauty, their smiles. Nothing like how I was that day before the wave, when we sat in the back of a jeep and watched a young male leopard leaping across the branches of a palu tree, supremely poised and scornful of the troop of monkeys that taunted him from the surrounding canopy. And nearby a haze of blue-tailed bee-eaters drifted in the dust-filled light. Sometimes, even now, I can summon the lift of those birds. For some moments it takes me away from my fear and my shame.

I have learned that I can only recover myself when I keep them near. If I distance myself from them and their absence, I am fractured. I am left feeling I've blundered into a stranger's life.

#81 When the Devil Holds the Candle - library 13/13

This is the third in Fossum's Inspector Sejer series. I really didn't like it! I am disappointed because I really liked the first two. This one is down right creepy and not in a good way. A punk kid at loose ends decides to rob an elderly woman, only she turns out to be insane. Most of the book told from the inside of the insane woman's head. *Shiver*

#82 Call it Courage - mine, OTS, 13/13

Another great addition to the Newbery Award winners that I am working on reading. A young boy who is afraid of the sea faces his fears and conquers them. Short, but excellent.

In other news...

this is my driveway:

Is that the world's largest pothole?? Sorry, Jenn, your thread got unstarred somewhere along the line, somehow...

I confess I'm not a big fan of Karin Fossum's books, based on the two I have read so far, so little danger of me tripping over that one. On the other hand, I am always intrigued by Thomas Sowell's writing. He is intellectually honest and outspoken and very un-PC. The downside is that I see his thoughts/ideas taken out of context and used to justify/rationalize inequality of various kinds as being racially determined, etc. -- precisely the same kind of correlation vs. causation linkage that he speaks out against. Sigh. That's the problem of having a not-so-bright mass movement pick up ideas from much brighter intellectuals.

If you're reading about race, try John McWhorter. He has some equally provocative views. (And he's African American.) Also of interest to me was the memoir by Thomas Chatterton Williams, Losing my Cool. It's a first-hand account of how a kid had to juggle society's expectations, on all sides. Extremely well-written, to boot. The author and I read together at a NY event back in 2010 as our books were published the same summer.

Jenn too bad that When the Devil was a disappointment. That's the next one of Fossum's in line for me to read. Hmm, I'm not rushing for it now.

Only one of your driveway pics wants to show up. Argh to the dreaded blue question mark.

Hey Suzanne! No worries - I haven't lurked around your thread for a while either. :) Thanks for the recommendations. I agree with you about ideas taken out of context. That seems to happen quite often with the best ideas. People want to manipulate words to fit their world view. I have added Losing My Cool to the black hole.

Hi Nancy. I don't mean to put you off reading the next Fossum... I am a little outspoken when I don't like a book. I suppose you may consider yourself warned. lol

We are getting ready to sell our house, and it has become the If You Give a Mouse a Cookie project. One thing we had to do was replace the driveway. It's the ugly stepchild of a long and contentious debate with our builder. I guess they won. Anyway, the driveway was settling toward the house a bit and cracking and when we tore it out it turns out there was a swamp underneath. No proper compaction or materials, no steel, and only 2 inches thick instead of the 3-4 we should have. So frustrating.
This weekend is swim meet, painting prep, tearing out existing tile counter tops in kitchen and compacting driveway with the 12 tons of road grade material that will be delivered Friday. Next week is granite counter-tops, painting inside and out (selected areas) and pouring the new driveway. Then we will stick up a sign and go out of town (I hope, I hope). On the bright side, other than the horrible driveway, our yard looks fabulous.

I rushed right over!! Yikes! It sounds like you are doing so much to your house -- good for you! We have a long, long list of things we'd like to do (either to sell or to stay), but our pace is more like that of a glacier. *sigh*

How awful to have a swamp where your driveway should be! You are so brave to try to go out of town -- I'll be thinking good, good thoughts. Please post photos of your fabulous yard!

Courage, my friend. Are you looking yet?

Trust that you have a lovely weekend Jenn and I hope you have fortune in selling your place if that is the aim.

Hi Anne, Hi Paul. I will post some photos soon. Crazy busy, but going well.

#83 The Buccaneers - mine, OTS, 13/13

Edith Wharton passed away before completing this lively novel about a group of American girls who take England by storm. I read the version finished by Marion Mainwaring. She managed a difficult job very well. There was no significant change in style or rhythm to jar my enjoyment. Highly recommended.

Hello- whats the story with your driveway? ours has little cracks along it from earthquakes, which we really should have made an insurance claim about, seeing as they are getting to be bigger cracks ow....but we are not down to gravel yet like you seem to be?

Nice work on surpassing 75 already!

Hi Megan. When the house was built, they did not take much care in installing the driveway. We have clay soil, so it expands and contracts depending on how wet or dry things are. There are strict regulations for foundations, but no regulations for driveways. Therefore, driveways tend to fall apart pretty regularly. It's a good place for concrete businesses. :) We removed the concrete and we have cleaned up the muddy pit that was underneath. Now we have put in new gravel and compacted it properly and will pour new concrete on Friday. I have a great photo of my 14 year old driving the compactor up and down the driveway, but it's on my other computer. Later I will post a little photo documentary. LOL

June Reading Summary

Fiction

Hatchet - mine
Fallen - mine, regrettably
Torment - library
Passion - library
Rapture - library
Fallen In Love - library
Dumpling Days - mine OTS
The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry - friend
Don't Look Back - library
Dead Even - mine OTS
He Who Fears the Wolf - library
When the Devil Holds the Candle - library
Call It Courage - mine OTS
The Buccaneers - mine

Non-Fiction

Intellectuals and Race - library
Wave - library

Memorable reads for this month are: Intellectuals and Race and The Buccaneers. I also really enjoyed Harold Fry. Pleased to get 3 off the shelf as well.

Looking forward into July, in spite of house selling craziness, I plan to read A House for Mr. Biswas, finish Original Intent and get a good start on Coolidge. I am reading Persuasion (again) for book club. I have also started The Thirteen Clocks as a read-aloud with the kids. I have a pretty decent pile of library books as well, including the rest of the Inspector Sejers. I am a little put off Fossum at the moment, but I'll likely recover.

Wow! You had a good reading month in June, Jenn! Hope that your July isn't too crazy!

Woot! You had a fantastic reading month in June, Jenn : ).

Hel-lo new site design. Did I know this was happening?

Hi Jenn, you are doing so much work on your house. I think I would stay there after getting it in mint condition. I saw The Buccaneers in a used bookstore yesterday and grabbed it up! I think I am using this vacation as an excuse to buy books!

The new look on LT is a surprise for me, too.

I hope the Fossum books redeem themselves. I had the same experience with the Devil book!

Jenn, love the pics you've posted. I can only see the two on the right ... the other two have blue questions marks in place of photos.

I am another who was surprised by the new LT look.

Hi Jenn! Sorry about your laneway woes! We have a gravel laneway and I despise it
Your backyard photos look great!

Well, all the work is done and the house is on the market. We had a lot of traffic yesterday, but nothing today. Not sure what that means, but I could sleep for a week.
If you want to see a virtual tour of my house click here

#84 Devices and Desires - my son's

An interesting premise - an engineer is accused of inventing something that is outside the parameters set by his society. He is sentenced to death. He escapes, but sets off a chain of events that will lead to war. The characters were fairly interesting and I generally liked it, but it was a bit of a slog toward the end. It's the first in a trilogy, but I don't think I will continue.

Hi Jenn, your house looks great! I can see that you did a lot of work. Hope you can rest a it now, you know, when you're allowed to be there:) Are you still going out of town, or did that already happen?

Jenn, your home is lovely! I hope that it sells quickly for you. Get some sleep!

Hi Anne. We just got home. We had a nice relaxing weekend in downtown Denver. Jonah had a swim meet in Lakewood, so we couldn't go too far, but it was fun to take the kids around downtown and it was nice to just sit around a little bit. We had quite a few showings on Saturday. Not much today. We'll see how the week goes. :)

Wow, beautiful house. Why would you want to sell it?

Hi Nancy - I guess we cross posted and I missed it. :)

Hi Reba. It's a long story, but it's time to move for shorter commute, new friends for my teenager, etc.

Our house went under contract today. It was on the market for 1 week. It was a wild week. Don't ask me where we are going. We've had some interesting developments. My husband has a second interview with a principal from a firm in New Zealand next week. We also have a potential opportunity in Seattle and another in North Carolina. We will see where we end up. Maybe none of those places. We can always stay here in Denver. Anne should watch out. Maybe we'll move in to her neighborhood.
Such a relief not to have to keep up the show home condition. We're not complete slobs, but it's nice if you can at least leave your toothbrush out and do a little laundry.

#85 The Lifeboat - library, book club

The story is set around a group of people in a life boat, the central issue being that there are too many people in the lifeboat and some will have to go for the rest to survive. Grace, a young, recently married woman, is the narrator. It is fascinating from a reader perspective to be manipulated by the narrator. I suppose in some sense any narrator is manipulative in terms of creating emotion and perspective, but Grace is particularly manipulative. We only get to see events through her eyes as they affect her. Her behavior is filtered and justified and maybe even modified to suit the emotion and perspective she wishes to portray. She is definitely not a disinterested observer. The author's gradual reveal of Grace's image of wide-eyed and innocent bride at the beginning of the book to her post lifeboat self - calculating and heartless widow - is quite a journey. I am still not completely certain how much of that person was there all along and how much was a result of the lifeboat. This story might not make my most memorable reads list, but it was definitely interesting. It should make a great book club discussion.

#86 Legend - mine, 13/13

The first in a series, set in dystopian Los Angeles. There are three major groups. The Republic; a militaristic society, run by the best and brightest as determined by genetic background, athleticism and intelligence testing. The Colonists; the major enemy of the Republic. The Patriots; who believe that there used to be a "united" states. There is quite a lot going on in the Republic - genetic selection of the best and disposal of the unfit, selective infection with Plague for medical testing purposes, suppression of the poor through bad housing, limited education and menial work. June, who is born to the upper class, is tasked with finding a major criminal. A poor but resourceful boy who has irritated the leadership of the Republic and must be made an example. A fun read - definitely going on to the next one.

Jenn, delighted to hear that your house is under contract. That was quick ... just the way you want it when selling a property. You have some wonderful opportunities to choose from, and I hope it's more exciting a time than it is stressful (especially now you can leave your toothbrush out again).

Glad you're getting soe reading in! The Lifeboat sounds interesting.

Jenn, that is FANTASTIC news about the house even though it leaves you with big decisions to make in a short time. All your potential locations for a move sound wonderful but I seriously hope you stay in Denver. It's nice to think of you there even though I don't visit often enough. My son is dilly-dallying around about our visit. He still wants to come here I think. It may be fall before we get out there now. It sounds like you'll be busy anyway. Best of luck to you in whatever you decide to do.

Hi Jenn. I'm just catching up now on your last two threads. What a whirlwind spring and summer you've been having. Congratulations on selling you house so quickly. I'm not surprised considering the pictures you linked to. You obviously did a fabulous job getting it ready to sell. It looks perfect but I hear you on the relief of not having to keep it that way all the time. I remember that from when we sold our house in NY. It gets old really fast.

I'm sorry to hear about the neighborhood kids that have been bothering Jonah. I'm not a parent so have no first hand experience with bullying but I'm stunned at how prevalent it seems today and how random. One of my husband's young cousins here--a really sweet 16 year old girl--was the target of bullies and her parents now drive her to a different school. It's so heartbreaking.

Once again I'm amazed at all you do for your kids and all your talents, to which I would add home staging!

I'll be eagerly awaiting news on what you do next.

I'm so glad your house sold quickly. We sold when our kids were little (3 and 6 years old), and we were constantly scrambling to pick up toys. I can't wait to hear what your family decides to do. All the options sound exciting!

Congratulations Jenn! Fingers crossed that the sale goes through. I'd be a wreck trying to keep my house in such perfect condition all the time. But I'm not surprised that someone grabbed your house so quickly - it looked lovely in the pictures!

Keep us all updated!!

Hi Nancy, Donna, Pat, Amy and Joanne! Thanks for stopping by and for the good wishes on the sale of our home. I am really tired today. I think all the mad activity of the last several weeks has caught up to me. :)

#87 Insurgent - mine

I finally got around to the second book in the Divergent series. It was a bit of a page turner. Roth introduces some conflict between the main characters, as well as forcing them to deal with some of their character flaws. This creates some tension that really moves the book forward even though it is mainly a set-up for the next book. There is a major plot twist in the end, which I will not share, but I am really looking forward to the third book. It comes out in October, so it won't be a terribly long wait.

Off to bed, but I may start another book before I fall asleep. Only light reading for me at the moment.

Jenn - What an exciting tim for you all. Having been to New Zealand last year I have my fingers half crossed that you end up in that gloriously splendid country, but anywhere that suits actually.
Have a lovely weekend.

congratulations on such a quick sale!! The future possibilities sound wonderful. Can't wait to see how it all turns out.

Hi Paul - thanks. I kind of have my fingers crossed that way too. It would be a fabulous adventure for our family.

Hi Reba! Thanks :) Now on to phase 2 - finding short term housing while we decide where we want to go...

#88 Prodigy - mine, YA, 13/13

I may confuse myself a little bit due to reading too many YA dystopian books at once, but I'll try to keep it all straight.

It will come as no surprise that alliances are made to be broken and nobody is really who they say they are. As June and Day delve deeper into the history of the Republic and the Colonies, they have some hard choices to make. Choices that may make them look like traitors to others. I remain intrigued by the story - bemused by the idea of 15 year old children saving the world - looking forward to the third installment.

Got Divergent from the library and will try and read it soon.

Great news about the house! A quick sale in this environment is no mean feat... Now, let's hope the relocation plans go every bit as smoothly.

Oh, if you're looking for something entertaining, check out the dramatization of The Buccaneers. It's perhaps 25 years old by now; mebbe 20? But excellent casting and acting, including Michael Kitchen. I have just finished watching it for the fourth or fifth time on Amazon Prime's free service.

Reading Julian Barnes writing about The Reef has left me wanting to tackle that Wharton novel.

Hi Suzanne. We just happen to be in a pocket of Denver that is highly desirable and where there do not happen to be many houses on the market. Ours took a comparatively long time. 6 days rather than 2...
I have seen The Buccaneers. I enjoyed it very much. It's on my list of repeats along with North and South and a few others. I hope you like Divergent. I'll stop by in a day or two and see what you have to say. :)

#89 Soulless - library

Well. I can't remember who recommended this, so I will just apologize in advance if my review is too unkind...
London, late Victorian, vampires and werewolves are integrated with English society. Totally silly, vaguely entertaining, but completely lacking in the sort of well researched setting and dialogue I have been accustomed to by Georgette Heyer. I do realize that one cannot put a vampire/werewolf cabaret novel in the same category as dear Georgette. I enjoyed a few of the characters, but everything was just so over the top, it wore me out.

Sorry to see Soulless wore you out, Jenn. I did enjoy reading it but mainly because I wanted a book that was a pure, mindless, escapism fluff read. Fun, but definitely not Georgette Heyer in quality. ;-)

LOL Lori. It was definitely mindless escapism, and I didn't hate it. :)

Interview #2 with New Zealand seems to have gone well. On to the next step. I believe we talk to another manager and one of the other employees who is from the US. We will see how it goes. Interesting times.

#90 Double Comfort Safari Club mine

As always, an enjoyable and easy read. I have read it before, but I guess I never put it in my finished pile.

Off to bed. Must get up early and leave for inspection tomorrow.

Wow, Jenn! Under contract in a week -- that's amazing. I will keep my eye out for you -- it would be great to have you here. Callia is torn between Lakewood and New Zealand for you. Since touring there this spring she is now terribly "homesick" for it. It's so exciting to have so many possibilities happening all at once, but it must be a bit unsettling. School, for example, starts very soon, in fact, I have to report back (in Jeffco) August 6. I'll be thinking good thoughts for you!

Divergent did not work for me, so I wasn't a bit interested in picking up Insurgent. Maybe I overdid it last summer on dystopian fiction, but I just couldn't buy into that world. I'm thinking the third book probably has a name by now, but I will always think of it as "Detergent," which a reviewer somewhere suggested (Tris can wash that man right out of her hair). LOL.

Jenn - I can appreciate Callia's feelings. I get all wistful suddenly every so often in contemplation of my holiday there early last year.

Hi Anne, Hi Paul, we continue to make progress... hoping for an offer this week. Then we will know where we are. I can't say that I would mind missing a Colorado winter, in fact, we would be missing winter entirely this year. :) We've been looking at houses online and schools and just trying to figure out how things work. I'm off today to get passports started for the kids. Luck favors the prepared, as they say in Toy Story. I'm pretty sure I've been driving Cushla (cushlareads) mad with questions.

Anne - here's a review of a book from your dangerous thread:

#91 The Thirteen Clocks - mine, 13/13

The Thirteen Clocks was a complete surprise. Even having read Anne's (AMQS) review, I was totally unprepared for the humor, charm and quirkiness of this unconventional fairy tale. All the usual elements are there, beautiful princess, evil duke, handsome prince, magician, advisors and supporting characters. None of them act in the expected manner, they say strange things and behave even more strangely. I read it aloud to my daughter, and I really think that it is a book that must be read aloud. She was often bemused by the dialogue, but she liked it. Completely entertaining and not to be missed.

Back to A House for Mr. Biswas, which I hope to finish by the end of the month. :)

Keeping fingers crossed for you with New Zealand. That would be an amazing experience, I think. Also note you reread a McCall Smith -- isn't he fun?

Wow, Jenn, even I am biting my nails! You might know this already, but they want both parents when you apply for or renew kids' passports. That's on our list for tomorrow.

So glad you enjoyed The 13 Clocks, and how wonderful that you read it aloud!

You are not driving me mad!! I'm waiting to hear too. It would be so cool if it all works out.

Wellington winters are not wonderful things but they are character building. And they're nothing like Colorado ones!

Hello Reba, Anne and Cushla! Thanks for crossing fingers and biting nails. I can't think of anything I've wanted more in a long time.

This is now my third attempt at posting my review of A House for Mr. Biswas. My desktop has shut down twice, mid-review. I am now working off my laptop and hoping for better results. :)

#92 A House for Mr. Biswas - mine, 13/13

I have Paul to thank for recommending this lovely book, and for facilitating my learning more about Trinidad. About 2 chapters in to the book, I realized that I was completely confused by this large Indian community in Trinidad and I went and did a little research. Now I know quite a bit more about Trinidad, including the fact that about 40% of the population is of Indian extraction.

Mr. Biswas' life is a comedy of errors. He is trapped in the life that was prescribed for him at birth. "Born the wrong way" and destined to be dependent on others for a home and food, he moves from crisis to crisis in his endless search for independence. His marriage only compounds the trouble. His arguments with his wife are epic and ongoing, but futile. His in-laws provide the housing. He spends his working life striving for some kind of independence from them and only partially succeeds and then dies. The story could be terribly depressing, but it is not. There are tiny glimpses of hope throughout, and especially in the end, the Biswas children are seen to have benefited from Mr. Biswas' efforts and are achieving success in the world - or at least more success than Mr. Biswas.
Aside from the story of Mr. Biswas, this novel is a glimpse into life in post-colonial Trinidad and the contrast between people who were able to overcome a slavish past and be successful, and those who struggled much harder. I found this article to be very informative on the history of the Indian community in Trinidad.

Reading in July - abbreviated due to sale of house, but fairly respectable

Fiction

Devices and Desires
The Lifeboat
Legend
Insurgent
Prodigy
Soulless
The Double Comfort Safari Club
The Thirteen Clocks
A House for Mr. Biswas

No non-fiction this month. Better next month. :)

I'll say your July reading was respectable, Jenn. Well done, with everything else that's on your plate. I'm another who can't wait for your big news ...

Great review of A House for Mr. Biswas! I've had it on my shelf for years. I'm glad to have the nudge!

#93 Rabid - mine

I had higher hopes for this book. As a cultural history and a narrative about public health, it was alright. It was interesting to read about early known cases of rabies in Egypt and odd treatment plans, it was interesting to compare rabies to other zoonotic illnesses humans have suffered over the centuries. However, there were some odd tangents into the histories of other diseases and animals and rabies in books. Those disrupted the narrative. The author really hits his stride when he comes to Louis Pasteur and his work on the rabies vaccine. From there, the story becomes much more animated and directed. A pretty good read, but not if you want a more in depth discussion of the science.

Exciting times, Jenn! I hope everything works out the way you want!

Hi Joanne, I am sure everything will work out. :) Still trying to find a place to live when we close in three weeks... Waiting for the job offer from New Zealand - should come any day now ... lots of possibilities.

#94 Starry River of the Sky - mine, OTS

I know I have mentioned before that Grace Lin is one of my favorite authors. Starry River is a companion book to Where the Mountain Meets the Moon. It is told in a similar style, legend intermingled with regular life. Her characters are warm and charismatic and her stories are magical. Would be a great read-aloud with kids. 5 stars.

#95 Venetia - Audio

A perfect treat - the audio of a Georgette Heyer , read by Richard Armitage. Love the sound of his voice. :)

What a lovely opening photo! And, what a talented mother to be able to make such a wonderful gown.

My former mother in law made my wedding gown. She and I remain very close lo these many years later. Sadly, she is in the stage of transitioning to a better place where she will be pain free. As Richard noted on one of my threads, she leaves the world a better place than when she entered it.

On the topic of books, like you, Grace Lin is one of my favorite authors.

All the best to you. I apologize for the lack of visiting more often. Now that things have settled a bit, I'll be here more frequently.

All the best to you!

Hi Linda, So happy to see you. :)

#96 The Big Year - mine, OTS

This is a fun read for anyone, but more fun if you have any experience with birding. I picked the book up after seeing the movie, but just got around to reading it. I have done my share of Audubon Birdathons, but never imagined doing anything like a Big Year.
A Big Year is when birders attempt to see as many species as possible within a year in a constrained geographic area. North America, in this case, and birders attempt to beat the record and each other. At any time, it's a huge undertaking. In 1998, with El Nino conditions, the scene was set for epic birding.
The story is well written and engaging all the way through, and I felt like it was over too soon. I might consider doing a big month with my family...

ETA: punctuation :P

Nice review of The Big Year. My dad and stepmother are big birders, and I'm pretty sure I gave them The Big Year as a gift a couple years back. Nice to know it's a good read!

My grandmother made my wedding dress, but it was a much simpler dress--it was the early 70s. And I love those two books by Grace Lin as well. Hope everything works out with the job and move!

Hi Anne - it is a good read. You'll have to ask them if they feel inspired. :)

Hi Roni - How neat to have your Grandmother make your wedding dress! Mine is actually much simpler than the bustle on the back would lead you to believe. No lace, no tassels, no beading. Just the pearl buttons up the back.

#97 The Lake of Dreams - mine, OTS

Lucy returns home for a visit and unearths a huge family secret. This discovery leads her to discoveries about herself, allowing her to let go of old sorrows and move on with her life. I enjoyed the story, although it moves pretty slowly in parts. I am not a big fan of descriptive dream sequences. For those who are, they are very creative and beautiful, but they do slow down the narrative. In some ways, as far as dealing with family secrets and tensions, it is somewhat similar to The Memory Keeper's Daughter. 3.5 stars

It is looking more and morel likely that we are moving to New Zealand. If any of you lovely LT people have ever negotiated a contract with an overseas company and you have any advice to offer, it would be appreciated.

Yeeeeeeee haaaaa!!! Just PMd you.

Hooray! I won't stop crossing my fingers and sending good mojo until the contract is signed but Hooray that it looks good!!

Jenn, how fabulous! I'm excited for you and your family : ). Do keep us posted.

WOW -- I guess I should warn you to look out for Callia on your doorstep. What an amazing experience for your kids, though, but I will miss you.

Hi Reba, Nancy and Anne. Thanks for the good wishes! We are doing our contract negotiation now, as well as trying to move out of our house, into a temporary situation, and also figure out a move to New Zealand at the same time. It's no wonder I just drove thru Taco Bell at 10 pm and left without my food...
Huge garage sale Thursday and Friday, organizing donations, what we're shipping and what we will keep in storage with family Saturday. Taking it to Utah over the weekend. Next week is final pack and removal, then off to Oregon by Sunday or Monday. Meanwhile, my husband goes to Taiwan for work 2 days after we move out of house. Is there enough going on yet? My multi-tasking is multi-tasking.
I will be settled in Oregon with my kids (at my parents) in 2 weeks and it will be nice to be quiet for a bit. Perhaps then I will tell you the very interesting story about how we even got to this place...
I am going with my husband on a trip to NZ later in September. So looking forward to a meetup with Cushla, who is doing everything in the world from finding us contacts who are members of our church there to answering my endless questions. Can't wait to meet her in person!

Will keep you posted on all the fun. :)

Anne - you are all welcome to show up on our doorstep anytime after February. :)

So much going on in your lives, Jenn. I wish you and your family much happiness in New Zealand. Wow, what an adventure! Cushla is the perfect person to help with your transition as she went through much the same thing with her time in Switzerland.

So...your temporary home will be in Oregon? Kind of far for a meet up, although we have some lovely LTers out that way. Life is interesting and fun when it allows opportunities like this. I know you will make the most of it! Thanks for keeping us in the loop.

Oh, Jenn, life is FULL right now! How exciting! Had to chuckle that My multi-tasking is multi-tasking. No doubt. Can't wait to hear about the next chapter.

Exciting times, Jenn!

Oh wow, I'm so excited for you and your family, Jenn! What a wonderful adventure for you all (well, as soon as all those details are ironed out anyway).

Jonah, where are you? Are you excited?

Hey Jenn - just coming on here to say I am here but totally snowed under at school till tomorrow night. You will get it all done and what does not get done will not matter! I remember the last 6 weeks before we moved. Tim went up to Switzerland 6 weeks ahead of me, leaving me with the kids (2 and 5 then) and a house to pack up. It all made sense at the time and meant we could stay till the end of the school year but now I look back and wonder how the heck I coped.

So.... how many pages of book have you read today then?!

LOLOL Cushla. NO pages at all. But we did make $1400 in our garage sale.

Thanks for all the good wishes everyone. Going dark here until after the move. You'll hear from me when I hit Oregon. :)

Just had a 6.2 earthquake Jenn but you will love it here! Good luck for the next couple of days.

Woot! Great garage sale, Jenn! "See" you when you hit Oregan. Happy trails!

What an adventure, Jenn! New Zealand is one of the places I most want to visit. North Island? I know it is a super-busy time right now for you, but that is a great take on your garage sale! Looking forward to more details when life slows down a bit.

Jenn - so excited to hear about your new adventure! I wish you all the best with the move!!!

We have arrived in Oregon. Hooray! We have totally invaded my parent's home - stuff everywhere. School starts Tuesday. :)

The last 2 weeks of moving out of our house were totally crazy. My daughter had her tonsils and adenoids out the Monday before we moved. That certainly threw a wrench into the proceedings. However, it's all done and we are lighter by about 2/3 of our possessions. Wish I could have had all of you LTers to my enormous book sale. It's true. I sold many of my books as well as donated a bunch to local schools, etc. It was less painful than I expected. It kind of made me happy to see them go out into the world to be read by someone else.

Tickets in hand to visit New Zealand in three weeks. Looking forward to seeing my (most likely) future home.

Will pop in later to make my very short list of what I read in August.

Jenn, speaking as a parent and grandparent, I'm certain that yours are delighted to have you and the kids with them. Good outcome on your big sale. I would have loved to have taken some books off your hands! I hope you have a wonderful time previewing NZ and that you fall in love with the country.

August Reading

All OTS!

Fiction

Starry River of the Sky - mine
The Lake of Dreams - mine
Venetia - audio, mine
The 100 Year Old Man who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared - mine

Non-Fiction
Rabid - mine
The Big Year - mine
Original Intent - mine

I haven't reviewed #98 Original Intent and #99 The 100 Year Old Man. I will say that I liked them both very much. I may have the brain to review books again soon...

ETA: missed a couple!

Nice to see you ensconced with your parents. I really do wish that I was following you to NZ; possibly my favourite holiday destination thus far. Where in NZ will you be based?

Hi Donna. Nice to see you. :) I will miss meeting up with you and Anne and Joanne in Denver. Wish I had had time for a quick visit before I left. I don't think I've ever been so busy in my life. Such a relief to be able to slow down for a little bit.

Hi Paul! It's nice to be here. We have well and truly taken over my parents' house. Lol.
We will be living in Wellington. Looking at pictures and houses online - it looks absolutely lovely. Looking forward to my visit in a few weeks.

If I am not mistaken Cushla is living in Wellington.

You are correct! She is my number 1 consultant. :) Can't wait to meet her in person.

Oh Jenn, I am so sorry you're gone. I can hardly believe it. I'm so sorry your daughter was so sick just before you left -- wow could you cram any more things into your last days here?

I'm sorry I didn't have a chance to look over your books, but that was probably a good thing.

I wasn't kidding, by the waym when I warned you Callia might show up at your door in NZ, and the rest of probably not far behind.

Smooth sailing to you -- I miss you already!

Hi Jenn, what a time! Delighted you are now settled in Oregon, at least for now. Can't wait to hear what you think of NZ.

Hi Anne. All I ask is that you give us until about February to get settled. Then the Nittnut B&B will open for business. :)
Margo has had several bouts with strep and tonsilitis since January. The doctors recommended a tonsil and adenoidectomy, and we had started the process. We just didn't realize we'd be in the middle of moving the same week. It all worked out fine though. My mother-in-law came to help out. M healed at record pace. The day after the surgery, I took her in to our pediatrician. She said M looked more like kids she sees 3 -4 days post-op. At 8 days, she was off meds and eating salad. Amazing.

Hi Nancy. Thanks! We are delighted too. Nice to be at my parents for a little while. I am very tired, lol, and now that the kids are in school, hoping to get a little rest. I can't wait to go to NZ. It looks amazing in photos. Can't wait to see the real thing.

I am reading a collection of Russian short stories. So far I have finished The Queen of Spades, which I liked very much. A very nice, very gothic novella without too much melodrama and a very satisfying ending.
I am reading The Overcoat now. I have meant to read it for years, it has been mentioned in so many other books I have read that it seems like required reading.

Such an exciting time for you!! Sorry your daughter had to have a last-minute procedure but sounds like otherwise things are going very well. Look forward to hearing your thoughts about NZ when you get there.

Glad you made it to Oregon despite everything! I'm sure things will slow down a bit now, until it's time to move on.

I'm late catching up. All the best for your trip to NZ, we are having a wonderful sunny day here today. Let us know if you are stopping off in Auckland at all.

Hi Jenn! I saw your post and photo on Anne's thread. Sounds like everything is going well!

Hi Reba, Roni, Kerry and Joanne! Thanks for stopping by. :)

Kerry, We will only be passing through - changing planes for the flight to Wellington. Hopefully once we get settled there, we will start making trips around to get to know New Zealand. :)

We are living in a very rural area, and occasionally we are presented with things we've never heard of... Hilarious moment of the day: Jonah's math teacher at the high school reminded everyone to let him know before they go hunting so that he can arrange to have their assignments ready so they won't get behind.

Wow--lots of changes going on!

Yes, opening day of many of the general hunting seasons in Montana coincides with the Columbus Day weekend - and people - more often men but some women - head off to their hunting camps for the whole next week. One guy in our lab takes an entire month off each hunting season.

#131 LOVE the "hunting" teacher moment, Jenn. Makes me think of when I lived and taught in the far North. I asked a student one morning why he was late, and his response: "I was hunting chickens." (grouse) ... Oh. I didn't ask again : ).

Hi Janet and Nancy. :)

Finished The Overcoat, The District Doctor, White Nights and How Much Land Does a Man Need? last night. Working on The Clothesmender by Leskov, Nikolay who - thanks to Paul - is now known to LT.

Settling in to read another chapter of The Penguin History of New Zealand. :)

Jenn - Trust that you will have a wonderful weekend with returning hubby and as the preparations to NZ gather momentum.
How was The Overcoat? For Leskov just put in the surname first and you will see that it is the Nicolay it doesn't recognise!

Hi, Jenn ~ I just spent the last hour reading the second half of your first thread (from May where you were talking about the bullying problems, and may I echo everyone who wondered WTF is WRONG with people) and this thread, and all I can say is "Wow!" You've been through so much in such a short time, but how wonderful to be moving to NZ, which I've heard (and seen via the LoTR films) is amazing and beautiful! I'm sorry we missed being in Denver at the same time ~ we seem to have passed each other going in opposite directions ~ but thanks for the restaurant tips you left on Paul's thread.

I wish you and your family much happiness in your new adventures. (And how lovely to be missing winter in both hemispheres). Just be sure to take extra good care of yourself ~ even good and desired change can be stressful.

Thank you Paul. Surname first it is. :) The Overcoat was a wonderful story. Absolutely heart-breaking in perfect Russian tradition, and beautifully written. I can see why it is referred to by many other authors.

Hi Mary. :) I hope you enjoy some of the restaurants. We have had a crazy old year, but we have learned a lot and made some good life choices for our family. It turns out it's been good for all of us in one way or another. I guess sometimes you need a real jolt to get out of a rut. We are with my parents temporarily while we await visas and so forth. My kids have started school in a rural town in Oregon. My older son has been accepted into the group of boys his age as easily as can be, and is doing very well. I am trying to relax a bit and - while helping my mom out with things she needs - getting some much needed rest. :) We lived in Oregon before we moved to Colorado, and it has been really nice connecting with old friends too.

>137 nittnut: All good things, Jenn. I think you're right -- sometimes you DO need something drastic to get out of a rut. Only bad thing (it's really all about me, you know;) is that you're not HERE! Still, I am so happy thinking of your family back with old friends and family, relaxing and resting, and anticipating a great adventure.

Hi Jenn! Just catching up with all of your goings-on. Glad that you are getting a chance to relax a bit. Both of my kids had their tonsils out a few years ago and they haven't had strep since. I hope your daughter has a similar good outcome! Can't wait to hear about your visit to NZ.

Hi Anne, I know. Wish I had made time to have lunch with you before leaving. However, you were in the start of school and I was in some other mad place...

Hi Amy! Good to hear another tonsillectomy success story. I am very tired of the strep.

Almost done with my Russian short stories. Only two to go. True to expectation, most of them are beautifully written and terribly sad. However, the occasional completely sweet story does turn up. The White Mother by Theodor Sologub - yes Paul, I tried the surname first - was a charming and heart-warming story with a happy ending.

Going to continue my lazy day (after I put socks on my freezing feet) by making some hot cocoa and reading The Outrage and Lazarus. It's supposed to be quite warm later, but it's foggy and drizzly now and that calls for a cozy blanket and a cup of cocoa.

Oh foggy and drizzly sounds wonderful. It's so hot and humid in Florida! I truly don't know how people live here. A cozy book and a cup of cocoa ... ah, bliss.

#100 Great Russian Short Stories - mine

This is a good representative collection of stories by Russian authors. I really enjoyed The Outrage. It was probably the most entertaining of them all. Lazarus was just awful. What a horrible take on the rest of a life miraculously saved from death. And while it was awful, it was so powerfully written that I could see it all so clearly. A great collection and well worth reading.

Lovely spring day over here. Now it just needs to stay like this till you get here so that you see Wellington at its loveliest!! Hope you're having a nice day with your blanket and cocoa.

Hi Cushla! I am sure Wellington is lovely in the rain too! Starting to pack. So excited!

#101 The Mark of Athena - mine, kindle

Finally got around to reading this, just before the next book comes out too. A very enjoyable read. I liked getting to know some of the other demi-gods better.

In other news... my daughter stepped in a hornet nest yesterday. She got stung 6 times on her legs. I got stung twice on the arm while knocking hornets off her. ouch!

Hi Jenn, oh poor Margo!! That's terrible. She's probably still in pain- that hurts! Poor you as well.

I haven't read The Mark of Athena yet, even though I think I like this series better than the other two. Good to know the next book is almost out!

Oh no ...the hornet's nest sounds terrible. Hope you both heal quickly!

Oooh, the hornet next experience is one I hope neither you or your daughter ever have to revisit, Jenn. Take care!

Thanks everyone. I am corrected by daughter (little entomologist). She Googled it and it turns out that hornets nest in trees and yellow jackets nest in the ground. So, we were stung by yellow jackets. My daughter is doing well, they haven't swollen up and just are itchy. Mine swelled up a lot and my whole arm hurts. It worried me for a day or two because we have a family history of bad allergic reactions to honey bee stings. My friend gave me some lavender oil to put on it, and it is way better.
My daughter has currently got a pair of grasshoppers in a jar. She is feeding them and hoping they will mate. She has Googled how to tell boys and girls and is impatiently waiting for eggs to be laid. She took them into school last week. I am dying to know what the teacher thought. I can just hear her explaining to the 4th grade class how grasshoppers mate...

Anne - I like The Heroes of Mt. Olympus very much. I also really liked the Percy Jackson series. I did not like the Egyptian one much at all.

I am reading Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire with my daughter, My Side of the Mountain with my little guy and Grass for His Pillow for me. Jonah just got An Abundance of Katherines from a friend and I want to abandon everything and read that...

Jenn, your daughter sounds like a budding scientist! How wonderful that she didn't let being stung curb her enthusiasm for nature.

Hi Julia! I don't think anything will curb her enthusiasm for nature, but I got an essential oil blend that is supposed to repel insects hoping she will have less fear of running around outside at school. There are a lot of yellow jackets around right now.

#102 Grass for His Pillow - mine, Kindle

Second in the Tales of the Otori series, and nearly as good as the first one. Suspenseful and full of foreshadowing - preparing the reader to need the third book as soon as the second is finished.

I'm glad your daughter hasn't suffered too much from being stung, but my dear ... I'm so sorry that you, on the other hand, have emerged far worse off. Benadryl should help your daughter with the itching. I think I remember my aunt putting mud on my cousins when they were stung by yellow jackets .. something about it drawing out the venom and reducing the itching at the same time. I don't remember if it worked though.

Hey Caro, I know - although better me than her - IMO. I have heard of the mud thing too - probably in Little House on the Prairie rather than real life though. I can see the drawing in my mind - a swollen child covered in mud and wrapped in linens...

#103 The Lightning Thief - audio, mine

Forgot to list this re-read. We listened to it in the car on our drive from Denver to Portland. The kids loved it and I enjoyed hearing the story again.

Queuing up Barchester Towers for the plane ride and still working away at The Penguin History of New Zealand. I'm also browsing the Kindle lending library for additional options. Anybody read War Brides?

Hi Jenn - when do you fly out? Hope you're enjoying the Penguin History of NZ. You'll be our best read immigrant! I am in the middle of The Luminaries (well, 120 pages in out of 800) and think you'd really enjoy it. It'd give you a good picture of 1800s gold mining NZ.

The stinging sounds AWFUL.

Hi Cushla! We fly out Saturday evening - arriving in Wellington on Monday morning around 9 am. I am in the midst of packing and trying to figure out what to bring. I suppose I am feeling extra fussy due to meeting future new employers of husband. Want to look nice, but also need to be comfortable for walking about. I also don't want to bring my entire closet, lol. The downside of travel, I guess. :) Not a bad downside.
I am really enjoying the history of NZ. I am learning a lot. I'm to the 1850's. It's an interesting contrast to the European/Native interactions in the U.S. and other places. I also found out that two of my uncles served their church missions in the South Pacific. One in the Cook Islands and the other in Tonga. They might be more excited than I am about our move. I am sure they are planning to visit. We stopped by one of their houses on our way to my parents and my uncle was speaking Maori to the kids. They loved it. :)
I have The Luminaries on my wish list. I'm looking forward to it. The stinging was awful, but thankfully, we were all wearing sweatshirts and long pants. I can't imagine how bad it would have been if we were in shorts and t-shirts. Mine is itching like crazy right now. Time for more lavender oil and bed. If I can get the teenager to bed...

Have a great trip Jenn - think you will be nearly on the plane now. I just had a look and the weather is going to be pretty bad while you're here.

That is so cool about your uncles doing their missions nearby.

Call me when you feel like it - I should be home from school by 4.30 or 5 tomorrow and around in the evening if you are still awake!

Have a great trip, Jenn! Safe travels.

Ooo I hope you enjoy the trip!! Hopefully by the time you land at Wellington NZ has won the America's Cup and everyone will be celebrating!! (The 14th race - and hopefully, finally, the final race - has been scheduled for 8:10am Monday morning NZ time.) We have been waiting for a whole week to win the bloody thing!!

Happy, safe travels!

Thinking of you and yours ths weekend Jenn as you make the first steps (so to speak) on your long journey to NZ.

We have just uncovered a sizeable bees nest on a project site clearance in Malaysia which caused absolute panic to the factory adjacent as it was disturbed.

Bon voyage! xx

Hi Cushla, Lisa, Reba and Paul!

ETA - Hi Mary :)
Our first day, Monday, was absolutely lovely. Tuesday evening got a little rainy and very windy, but as my wayward suitcase had arrived by then I was able to don coat and boots and so was just fine. We had dinner with people from work last night and the wives did their utmost to sell me on New Zealand. It's not terribly difficult. :)
My suitcase went astray when my flight from Oregon to LAX was delayed. Picture me running like hell all the way across LAX with only 25 minutes to make my flight to Auckland. Fortunately there were two others running for the same flight with me (what are the odds?) and they held the plane for us. Apparently, my suitcase did not run.

Lisa - I won't tell anyone that it was you who jinxed the America's Cup...

A couple photos - just for my LT friends







Couldn't resist taking a photo of the comprehensive Georgette Heyer section. :)

Apparently, my suitcase did not run.

LOL! I am loving your postings about your family's move to New Zealand. What a wonderful adventure.... if I can use that term. ;-)

talk about jinx!! I can't believe it!! It is so depressing loosing races day after day :(

I hope you are enjoying the bright lights of Wellington :)

Woo Hoo! It's good to know they have books in NZ! Just kidding, of course, because Cushla and Megan are among the best read here on LT. I hope your suitcase has caught up with you by now. We carry our luggage on the plane with us (even for international travel) for that very reason. It's a pain but worth it to have what you need at your destination. Have fun, Jenn.

Nice selection of Heyer, and impressive looking library! That is a big plus in and of itself!

ETA isn't it funny how the first thing many of us do is check out the local library and bookstores wherever we go? I hadn't even finished unpacking (of my essentials; I may never finish the unpacking of everything) yet before I was scouting out the local library (and bookstores) here in Aurora.

Jenn, delighted you have arrived to NZ and are having a wonderful time, now that your suitcase has arrived! I'm sure NZ is, as you say, not a difficult sell at all!

Hi Lori. It is an adventure. I've never been south of the equator before. Here I am WAY south... We are being given the red carpet treatment as well, which is fun. It must be so nice for my husband to know how badly they want him to come work here. It feels like a very good fit, and Wellington feels like a place we could settle in.

Lisa, I am sorry it's been a rough week. Of course, I know absolutely nothing about sailing, and I only knew the America's cup was happening because our pilot on the plane from Auckland gave updates about every 15 minutes. It's a painful subject for a lot of people. :P

Donna, they have great libraries here. Cushla told me, but you'd have to see. Every suburb has their library - and they aren't teeny, the schools I've visited have lovely big libraries, and then there's the big one downtown. I'd love to know how you take all your luggage as carry-on on international flights. Our weight limit for carry-on was 15 lbs. I'm pretty sure my suitcase weighs 5 lbs empty, then you put in a pair of shoes and toiletries and you're about there...

Hi Mary. I hope you are getting settled in your new place. Too bad you came just in time for the horrible flooding. Also, It's completely true. Everywhere any of us go, it's straight to a book shop or a library, isn't it?

Thank you Nancy! We have been very well taken care of. I am working on talking my husband into renting a car for the weekend so we can drive out of town and look around. I think it will work out.

Look for a NZ meet-up photo. Getting together with Cushla and her family this weekend. :)

Oh, and I am 47% through The Penguin History of New Zealand. Yay!!

On the subject of NZ, I am watching the Lord of the Rings trilogy, which was filmed in NZ, and can I just say that, every time I see the films, I am awestruck by the grandeur of that beautiful country. I hope you get to drive around and see some of it this weekend!

So glad NZ is working out for you. We visited there in 1992 and I was most impressed. It's really beautiful and the people were the nicest I've ever met anywhere.

Glad your travel has gone fairly well (sans suitcase) and that you are all enjoying New Zealand, a place that's been on my bucket list for years!

Mary, Reba and Roni, hello!

I've had a great day. I've been out to see a 6th year tennis tournament, had a drive around the harbor, and gone out to look at houses and had a small tree fall on the agent's car. Memorable. :) We are fine, but there is a good size dent in the car door. The poor dear girl who was driving me was a little shaken up. Perks of having a teenage boy - once I knew that the glass wasn't broken and the tree was still outside, I was good. :P

One of the houses I went to see had a giant piece of furniture in the garage from the set of Lord of the Rings. No kidding. I was totally bummed that I had left my phone in the car. Ummm, if that comes with the house, Sold!

Oh, what fun! If it comes with the house and you buy it, I'm coming to visit! :)

It's interesting about the libraries... I've always thought I would visit libraries if I get overseas, especially England. To me it's a natural inclination... doesn't everyone want to do that? ;)

#168 Reba, it is so nice reading that the NZers you met were lovely.

Am sitting here awaiting Jenn's arrival... very excited! Perhaps I should fake some LOTR furniture for our living room.

#172 Lisa, I did a girls' weekend in Duesseldorf with 2 NZ friends while I was living in Switzerland. They thought I was a bit of freak (in a good way) for wanting to go into a really lovely 3 storey bookshop after our evening at the Christmas markets... which reminds me, I still haven't bought the book I bought there!

Jenn - See that you are settling in wonderfully. Enjoy your first full weekend in Wellington. Not that it would appear to be much to ask. xx

Jenn's internet is down at the hotel so no photo yet - but we had a great time catching up!! It was so nice to meet each other in real life. She'll be back on here once she sorts out wifi access...

Oh Jenn, I love following your adventures! More! More! Can't wait to hear more about your meet-up with Cushla!

OK Everyone! First things first -

We had a wonderful dinner with Cushla and her family. Cushla's husband is an amazing cook. It was so much fun to meet Cushla in person. We compared all our meet ups and had a great time chatting. Her kids are really fun too - and the same age as my younger two. Perfect!



Even though it looks like there is a little girl on my shoulder, there really isn't :)

What a great picture! So glad you are enjoying NZ and got to meet Cushla!

Great pic! Sounds like a wonderful evening!

How wonderful! I can't wait to hear more:)

It was so nice to meet after talking on here. And Jenn gave me 2 lovely books and a Powell's Books bag. The books are Lots of Candles, Plenty of Cake by Anna Quindlen and A Sweetness to the Soul by Jane Kirkpatrick, which is set in Oregon. They both look great.

Hi everyone! Last day in Wellington. It's been a very good visit. Highlights - meeting Cushla and her family, of course, driving along the Kapiti coast and walking along the beach in a tearing wind. :)
It looks like we will be applying for visas and heading back in a couple of months. I can hardly believe it. It's just like anywhere, and not like anywhere. I know that doesn't make sense. I can only say that it is really easy to get around, people are very nice, and there is a slice of beetroot on my burger. Know what I mean?
Not worse, not better, just different...

Mary, I will be sure to find some kind of furniture from LOTR, if that's all it takes. :)

Lisa - I also thought everyone went looking for libraries in new cities. Don't they?

Thank you Paul, it is not at all too much to ask. It's been great. I can see why it's a favorite vacation spot for you.

Anne, are your bags packed? If you come, we'll have to run up to Auckland to see Lisa too. And meet up with Megan and Leonie somewhere. Maybe we can talk Cushla into coming with us if it's a school holiday. :)

Hi Amy, hi Nancy!

A few more photos:


Owhiro Bay


Because I am pretty proud that I drove a little and didn't hit anything. It's weird. It's all good until you hit an intersection. Then your brain switches back to the programmed way and it's really difficult.


Kaitoke Regional Park

Lovely photos. I'm glad you're liking NZ so much.

Back in the US - soooo tired. I keep falling asleep reading. My husband is furloughed as part of the government shut down. More time do to visas for our move, I guess. :P
Trying to finish Barchester Towers.

Jenn, you and your husband look like you are perfectly at home in NZ. Thanks for all the pictures, especially the one of you and Cushla. How cool that you and the two youngest kids will have friends waiting there for you when you move. Did you find a house? I'd definitely make the LOTR furniture part of the deal if that house would work for you.

It's been eight years since I've traveled overseas, Jenn, when the restrictions were lighter. Plus, my husband is a million miler or something like that so we do get some extra leeway on baggage requirements, etc. when we travel. Those days will be over soon as he does plan to retire at the end of this year and there will not be nearly as much traveling for him. Of course, his idea of retirement and mine are quite different!

Get rested up this week end. I'm sorry your husband is affected by the partial shut down. Was he still working in CO?

Great pictures, Jenn!

Beautiful pics, Jenn! What an adventure! NZ is already sounding like "home."

Lovely photo of the two of you at Kaitoke. Have a great weekend Jenn.

Hi Donna, We did not find a house. We were just getting a feel for what houses would be like. We really need to rent for a while until we are sure where we want to live - or even if we will buy a house. My husband is still working in CO - or he would be if he were not furloughed. He hasn't given notice yet - should be interesting when he comes back off furlough and does give notice... :P

Hi Joanne and Mary :) Did you enjoy your snow storm?

Hi Paul - thanks. Can you tell by the photo that the wind is blowing? That was the least windy part of our drive. Lol.

Off to finish Barchester Towers. I am nearly done and LOVE it.

Great photos Jenn and I'm glad you're safely home! How's the jetlag?

Yay I'm glad the visit went well!! When would you all be thinking of doing the big move??

Hi Cushla! I am feeling pretty good. I still fall asleep in the car after about 5 minutes, but if I stay busy, I do OK. We are working on visas etc., but with the current federal government shutdown, there are a few things that are going to take a little longer than we'd hoped.

Hi Lisa. Timing depends on visas, so who knows. We are waiting for the kids' passports so we can send in our visa applications. Thank goodness they are still processing passports while they all work out their little toddler tantrums in Congress. :)

#104 Barchester Towers - mine, kindle

Barchester Towers started out great and got better and better. I loved how in the first chapter Dr. Grantly is in terrible conflict between love for his father and desire for promotion. It's a perfect illustration of his character. The characters were well developed in The Warden and knowing their faults and their charms, I was happy to know more of their lives. There was the constant commentary on the state of the church and the all-too-human members of the clergy, Mr. Slope, ah, Mr. Slope. The wooing of Mrs. Bold by an ill-assorted group of suitors, including Mr. Slope, and the running of Bishop Proudie by his wife. It was all too much fun. Can't wait to read the next one.

Favorite quote

There were four persons there, each of whom considered himself the most important person in the diocese -himself, indeed, or herself, as Mrs Proudie was one of them -and with such a difference of opinion it was not probable that they would get on pleasantly together. The bishop himself wore the visible apron, and trusted mainly to that -to that and his title, both being facts which could not be overlooked. The archdeacon knew his subject and really understood the business of bishoping, which the others did not, and this was his strong ground. Mrs Proudie had her sex to back her, and her habit of command, and was nothing daunted by the high tone of Dr Grantly's face and figure. Mr Slope had only himself and his own courage and tact to depend on, but he nevertheless was perfectly self-assured, and did not doubt but that he should soon get the better of weak men who trusted so much to externals, as both bishop and archdeacon appeared to do.

#105 War Brides - kindle lending library

*some spoilers*
This novel tells the stories of several women - an American, a poor London girl, a rich London girl, a preacher's daughter and a Jewish refugee - who were thrown together in a small town in England during WW II. It was not the best book I have read about that era, but it was sufficiently engaging. While I liked the stories of everyday life, there were a couple of pretty weird things. One weird and off-putting thing was the voodoo done at the beginning by the American girl in order to trick a British sailor into marrying her. My biggest complaint was the sudden wrap-up at the end, followed by a sort of epilogue that included a gang beating and murder of a traitor, enacted by the old ladies. It didn't really make sense. Another weird thing was the tacked-on bit implying that the twin sisters of the Jewish girl actually did survive. Other than that, it was OK.

Delighted you enjoyed Barchester Towers so much, Jenn. It was all too much fun. Can't wait to read the next one. That's Trollope in a nutshell!

Grr to toddler tantrums and government shutdowns, just when you are waiting on passports and visas. Ridiculous!

I just realized that I never summarized my September reading. It won't take long. I can't remember the last time I read so few books in a month. I am reading that giant Penguin History of New Zealand though, so it's not like I'm not reading...

Fiction

Great Russian Short Stories - mine
The Mark of Athena - mine
Grass for His Pillow - mine - Kindle

And that's it. Back to October.

#106 Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire - mine

Read aloud to my 9 year old daughter. It was really fun to read it with her. She is a great listener and remembered all the details to talk about the next day. I think the rest of the books are a little dark and old for her yet, so we are shifting series and reading Sea of Monsters. The best part is the 7 year old brother can listen to this one too.

I guess I won't be reading anymore of my NZ history book tonight. Jonah just found out I had the new Percy Jackson on the Kindle and he has appropriated it. :P

Snap - my Kindle is lost to me forever too - well at least every evening... and we have House of Hades on ours too!! (And a gazillion Cat Warriors books...)

Happy that you too loved Barchester Towers. Are you starting the next one once you've finished the Penguin History?

Hi Cushla. I managed to reclaim my Kindle for most of the day today. I am looking forward to reading both House of Hades and the next in the Barchester series - as soon as I finish my History of New Zealand. I am happy to report that I am 73% of the way through. I just finished about the history of union activity and I'm on to WWII. I am forming a picture of a very pragmatic people - practical but also compassionate. It is very interesting. :)
My husband is furloughed still - haven't checked the news in the last hour or two - and it gives him plenty of time to work on visas. We got the kids passports, so the visas go in the mail as soon as we get our medical stuff done. It is moving a little faster than I expected, which is nice. As hard as it is to leave our families and move overseas, we also feel ready to get settled. Hope your Monday is going well. :)

>196 nittnut: Oh wow, is Eli 7 already??? Amazing. I agree that the rest of the HP series may be too old. I read the first two books aloud to the girls when Callia was about 8 or 9, and planned to read the third, but Callia already knew she could read it faster that I could aloud, so she raced ahead. She blazed through the third and fourth books, but started the fifth and stopped. She couldn't get into it. I of course couldn't put it down, so that's how I knew she wasn't ready for it. Marina did something similar when she continued the series. Both have finished the series by now, and reread many times)

Love your photos. Callia told me Wellington is known as "Windy Welington" :) I'm sorry to hear that your husband is furloughed. Yes, it will be interesting when he does give notce.

I'm thrilled you loved Barchester Towers!!

Hi Anne. :) Eli is essentially 7. His birthday is in a week. Margo is ready to read ahead as well, but I think she isn't quite ready for book 5.
I did love Barchester Towers. I am looking forward to Dr. Thorne, but I am so close to finishing the History of New Zealand that I really must focus...
I am also listening to Things Fall Apart. Jonah was assigned it as extra reading for his Honors English class and wanted me to read it too. It's been on my to read list for ages, so it's a good motivation. He is way ahead of the ninth grade here and is getting his own special course on the colonization of Africa including Heart of Darkness and the constitution of South Africa. Should be interesting. I guess his counselor did a special course on the subject in school and is excited to have a student to share it with. I may re-read Heart of Darkness as well. I remember really liking it in school - actually - I remember being the only person in my AP English class who did like it. :)

I re-read Heart of Darkness a couple of summers ago and very much enjoyed, Jenn.

#107 An Abundance of Katherines - library

My son brought the book back from the library for me yesterday, and since my Kindle battery had run out on the last 8% of my New Zealand history book, I decided to finish it.
Colin is a very bright young man who has no idea what he wants. He has just been broken up with by the 19th Katherine in a very long line of ex-girlfriends named Katherine. He and his friend Hassan decide to go on a road trip. As we all know, road trips are capable of solving the knottiest problems. They end up in a tiny town called Gutshot, TX. Oddly enough, they pretty much solve all their problems while they are there. How? You'll have to read it. I have mixed emotions about this story. I think it's well written, the characters are engaging, the premise is interesting. The story that is going on in Gutshot is a great side story. On the other hand, I still don't enjoy having an intimate knowledge of the inner workings of the young male mind...

#108 Penguin History of New Zealand - mine, Kindle

At 570 pages, this book is not for the faint of heart, but it is well written and easy to read. A good general history of New Zealand - and very useful to anyone who doesn't know much about the country. I was hoping for a little more about the more recent political and economic conditions (1980- 2000) but I realize that it is probably more difficult to write about current stuff than the older stuff. 5 stars and highly recommended.

ETA: Do you like my use of the word "stuff" twice in the same sentence? I do.

Sounds like you're doing a good job o getting ready to be a Kiwi :-)

Jenn, if they give you a quiz at immigration when you arrive you'll be the best read new resident ever!! Glad you liked it.

Things Fall Apart has been on my "read one day soon" list for ages. I'll be keen to see your review.

Hi Reba, You know how it is with inquiring minds. lol

Hey Cushla. They better not quiz me at immigration. After a 12 hour flight with three kids I might not even remember my name...

Jenn, the flight to NZ with kids will be ok... just give them TONS of TV. I think all Air NZ flights have those little screens now. Could be worse - you could be flying from the East Coast instead.

Ha! So you're telling me it's the next 12 hours after the flight I need to worry about? LOL

#109 The Beautiful Mystery - mine, kindle

The only thing missing from my experience was the voice of Ralph Cosham. I was completely mesmerized and in danger of anti social behavior the entire weekend. I love a story that makes me want to go read more about something. I was completely fascinated by the story of Gregorian chants and the monks, the bits of history that made me want to go read a whole book on Gregorian monks. Also, you should know that I am desperately worried about Beauvoir and probably won't be able to sleep tonight.

Jenn, loved your comments on The Beautiful Mystery and delighted you enjoyed as much as I did : ). Ah, yes, Beauvoir ...

eta: ha! I haven't read this one yet. I've got my Pennies and Gamaches mixed up!

Nancy, I got mine mixed up too and found I had skipped Bury Your Dead but it really didn't seem to matter all that much that I read it out of order, just kept me mystified for the two books I read first that came after. Didn't you miss the Three Pines folks though? I did.

Hi Nancy and Reba, I am on to How the Light Gets In today. I had to order it for my kindle last night. Hope I didn't spoil the read for you. I tried to be sort of vague. :)
Actually, I am trying to make myself finish Things Fall Apart first, but my resolve is weak.

I'm holding off on How the Light Gets In since it'll be my last one until she publishes again. I'm really looking forward to it though. I've got The Son and Life After Life staged to be read before I give in.

Oh my goodness.
I am ashamed to show my face here after so long, and to hear that you have not only visited New Zealand, but are moving here!? Wow- I am so pleased! I'm sure now that I will get to meet you one day. I am only pleased that you didn't visit Christchurch and that I didn't therefore miss out on a tour-guiding opportunity.
Exciting times ahead!

Hi Reba. Doesn't it seem like the anticipation is also part of the fun? I decided to get the audio, because I adore Ralph Cosham. I have a bit of a drive in the car by myself today and plan to listen to it then.

Hi Megan! See what happens? My thread is so quiet, you think nothing much is going on, then bang! I've been to New Zealand. LOL. We only visited Wellington this trip, we had so much to do. At least we got to have a visit with Cushla. I am looking forward to seeing all of New Zealand. I will keep you posted regarding any visits to Christchurch. I wouldn't pass up an LT tour guide for anything. :)

Jenn, I lost your thread for a while so missed your exciting news. I hope you get your visas sorted out quickly so that everything can move forward. Sounds a really exciting thing to be doing, and New Zealand always sounds great (not that I've ever been there!). By the way, your favourite quote from Barchester Towers is mine as well: I just love that passage.

Hi Jenn - I had to laugh that Penny was the cause of your almost anti-social behavior. I read How the Light Gets In over Labor Day weekend and almost forgot to feed my kids. I downloaded some Gregorian chants after I read The Beautiful Mystery. Very relaxing!

Hi Rhian! Nice to see you. I need to stop by your thread and catch up too. :) I hope things go fairly quickly too. We are ready to get settled.

Hi Amy. I've been even worse (anti-social and neglectful) the last couple of days reading How the Light Gets In every spare minute.

#110 Things Fall Apart - mine, Kindle and Audible

This novel is considered a classic work about Africa, portraying the conflict between the colonizers and the colonized from the point of view of the colonized. One of the most unique things about it is the style. The story is told with a simplicity that sharpens the sense of loss as the clash of cultures intensifies. The harbingers of change are the Christian missionaries. They arrive, they teach the people that their traditions are wrong, and they convert members of the tribes. There is internal conflict in the tribe as a result, which soon leads to external conflict between the tribes and the white man. At this point, the white man's government is introduced as a "civilizing" force. Those who can adapt or give in survive. Those who cannot will die. Not my favorite book I have ever read, but well worth the reading - or listening. The narrator was Peter Francis James, and he did a marvelous job.

#111 How the Light Gets In - mine, Kindle and Audible

Loose ends are tied up and old mysteries are solved in this final (?) installment of the Three Pines mysteries. I had a terrible time putting it down. I am lacking sleep and my chores aren't done, but that's how it goes sometimes. If this is the final installment, I will miss Three Pines, Gamache and Beauvoir terribly. I want to talk about it, but it will be way too easy to spoil. 6 stars.

Now on to The Fault in Our Stars and Dr. Thorne.

I was going to read Life After Life next and keep How the Light Gets In just a little longer but the more people read it the harder it gets to wait!! I may jump in as soon as I finish The Son.

Hi Reba. I think you will like it. It was pretty intense.
I will probably read The Luminaries before I read Dr. Thorne. I have a small pile of books that are all waving their arms and shouting "Me! Me!" and it's hard to choose...

Oh, 6* for the final Three Pines! Can't wait : ). I also can't wait to read The Luminaries, but I have no time now. I'm thinking a Christmas holiday read would be perfect!

It's that time again - Halloween costumes are done - just in time for a party the kids had tonight. Princess Daisy and Luigi from Mario brothers.

#112 Blackmoore - mom's bookshelves

An easy read, and fairly entertaining, if predictable and somewhat trite. Perfect for a lazy evening after sewing Halloween costumes. A young Victorian girl chafes at the role given to women. She is in love with the boy next door and he loves her, but they can't marry or he will lose his inheritance. I wonder what will happen?

Love the Halloween costumes.

Great costumes! Beautiful children!!
What a whirlwind your life has been these past few months. I'm just getting over the fact that the place in N.C. didn't make the cut - wonder where it was......
I will not lose you again. I'm always interested in your reading, and now I'm also eager to find out when you actually make the NZ move. Wow, Jenn! Just WOW!

Thanks Reba!

Hi Peggy. They are pretty beautiful children. :) The NC job was Raleigh, and I think I would have liked it. I can't quite believe we are moving to NZ, but we really are. I plan to like it there too. Visa applications go next week.

#113 Growing Up True: Lessons from A Western Boyhood - mine, Kindle

Thanks to Anne (AMQS) for recommending this book. It was wonderful.

For a few years, between WWII and the Korean War, Craig Barnes and his two brothers lived with their parents on a ranch south of Denver, Colorado. There they learned about life, death and hard work, and how to become men.

Quotes:

There were not, that afternoon, buns or bullets or helmets or stories of fighting. There was no talk about Hitler, and for us that chapter was over. He just brought home one small thing that showed that even on the other side there had been people for whom quality was important. He never said a word about revenge or forgiveness or what it was like to be in a winning army in the greatest conflict in history. He just brought us ball bearings that were the smoothest and finest in the world, which had not been made by us, and told us to look for beauty where we could.

But we knew it wasn't easy getting over being rich; you had to work at it. You had to work at being real.

Our century of wars had produced not only pain but also a man of ultimate decency and civility, of unbending integrity and fairness. It wouldn't be fair, he often said, to see only the evil part of this century, to see the degeneration without seeing how much money middle-class Americans give to charity, and how poor people can get a public education for the first time in history. Or how our children are no longer working in the mines or how the law is now a step above the whims of Kaiser Wilhelm and the kings of England.

I just tried to hit the "like" button on your Halloween costume pic. I got my websites mixed up. ;) Those are great costumes. My oldest isn't dressing up, and my youngest is going to be a poker player, so I have it pretty easy this year.

I agree with your 6 stars for How the Light Gets In! I hope it isn't the last one in the series!

Hi Amy. I would love to see more of Inspector Gamache and everyone else as well. It's hard to imagine life without Three Pines. :)

#114 The House of Hades - mine, Kindle

Further adventures of Percy Jackson, his girlfriend Annabeth and all their friends. The Earth goddess, Gaea is waking up and the doors of death have opened to allow horrible monsters out into the world. The heroes must travel to Tartarus to close the doors of death. A pretty good read, and I think I am ready for the grand finale. Hopefully that is the next book.

#115 Allegiant - mine, Kindle

This was a late-night purchase recommended to me on my Kindle seeing as how I've read the first two. I plead a nasty virus and weakened resolve...

This final book in the Divergent series was surprising. It is difficult to review without spoilers. It's about choices and freedom and love, and sacrifice. More mature than I expected and a good end to the series. There is tons to think about and discuss. It would make a great book club book.

Quotes:

I don't belong to the Bureau or the experiment or the fringe. I belong to the people I love, and they belong to me - they, and the love and loyalty I give them, form my identity far more than any word or group ever could. (Tris)

If I erase her memories, I can create for myself a new mother, but.
But she is more than my mother. She is a person in her own right, and she does not belong to me.
I do not get to choose what she becomes just because I can't deal with who she is. (Tobias)

#116 The Sea of Monsters - mine

A great read-aloud with the kids. They are excited to start book 3.

October Reading

Fiction

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Barchester Towers
War Brides
An Abundance of Katherines
The Beautiful Mystery
Things Fall Apart
How the Light Gets In
Blackmoore
The House of Hades
Allegiant
The Sea of Monsters

Non-Fiction

The Penguin History of New Zealand
Growing Up True: Lessons From a Western Boyhood

Currently reading:

The Luminaries
Faith of America's First Ladies

Jenn - just a fly past catch-up in order to wish you a wonderful weekend.

Hi Jenn - I haven't bought the new Percy Jackson book yet. I may have to put it on my Christmas list. I'm glad to hear it is good! I also just downloaded Divergent because I've heard so many good things about Allegiant. I'm excited to start that series!

Hi Paul :)

Hi Amy. I think you will enjoy the Divergent series. It is a little different than the other YA dystopian stuff I've read lately. I read a lot of reviews of Allegiant with complaints about the ending, but I liked it. My kids are begging for the third Percy Jackson book, so that will probably be my next Kindle purchase. We used to have them all... before the great book sale. I comfort myself with the knowledge that the copies we had were very well read by my oldest and not likely to weather many more readings.

My reading is suffering this weekend due to visa application woes. We have to document our relationship with proof - photos, tax returns, joint bank accounts, home or car titles, etc. That's 20 years to come up with. 20 years we just recently packed and stored in one of three different states. I may go mad. You'll find me in the attic with the first Mrs. Rochester.

It's crazy what immigrations people want sometimes. Many years ago I moved from Europe back to the states with my Dutch husband of 12 or so years and our 7year-old-son. Immigration folks wanted "proof" it wasn't just a marriage on paper.

Hi Reba. It's totally crazy. I can see that they might want proof of the marriage and kids birth certs, that's fine. I would think that two people with one or more children, moving somewhere are probably not just married on paper... I guess you never know.

Visa apps went off today FedEx. A stack of paper about an inch high and passports insured for $500. :) We could have our visas in 10-15 days according to the processing center. Then things are really going to get crazy.

Also, we heard back on the ballot for Wellington College. Jonah got in! I am very pleased. Now we are able to be a little more flexible on where we live, as he can go there whether we are in the zone or not.

In other news: a lice outbreak at the elementary school. I am sure you can all guess what we are doing tonight. Super fun! No reading after all. Just laundry and lice shampoo. I also found a nifty spray that you can leave in. I think everyone will get a daily dose (or two) just to be safe. Argh!

Hi Jenn,
Great Halloween dress-ups! Did you make them??? Gorgeous kids, I know you made them :)

I got The History of New Zealand book you are reading for my lovely other for is birthday this weekend. I plan to read it at some stage too. Clever.

I am loathe to think of head lice....we came close once, with ME getting them! But the kids escaped unscathed. I'm sure it'll happen though.

Great news of getting the school sorted for your little one, a weight off your minds at least.

Hi Megan. :) I did make the costumes. My kids have pretty high expectations.

I hope you enjoy The History. I would love to hear what you think - since you would know better than I...

I was most concerned about where the teenager would go to school. I quite liked Wellington and I am pleased he can go there.

I think we have the lice handled. I got a shampoo that they can use every day that is supposed to reduce the likelihood of a re-run. We are also not riding the bus for the next few days. Not sure that it makes a difference, but it feels like a good idea.

Jenn, I'm relieved for you that the paperwork required for the visas is completed and in the mail. And finding a good school for Jonah is another big relief for you.

I feel fortunate that my kids never brought lice home from school. I was more concerned about me being the carrier as I worked in a school where lice outbreaks were as frequent as the common cold. Our nurse's main job seemed to be doing the weekly lice checks in the classroom! I think the shampoos and sprays have improved since then. The teachers contributed to a fund to buy these products as many of the families simply couldn't afford the added expense. Money well spent!

Great Halloween costumes as always. Do they trick-or-treat in New Zealand?

Hi Donna! We are relieved too. :)
I don't know about Halloween in NZ. I will have to ask... or maybe one of our kiwi friends can tell us?

About the lice - shampoos and sprays are immeasurably better. I have a kit with shampoo, detangler, etc. all made with essential oils. Smells nice and can be used daily to prevent a re-infestation. Such a relief. I think we'll just use it as a standard from now until we are done with school the week of Thanksgiving.

Since I am at my moms, and she is a quilter, I have been finishing a quilt that I think will be the inspiration for my new home. I will post photos when I'm done. It's in the washing machine getting the markings off. My fingers have holes from hand sewing the binding. :)

Beautiful costumes, Jenn! And now a quilt - you are so talented!

Glad the visa and lice issues have both been dispatched.

Jenn that's great news about the ballot for Jonah! And yes we trick or treat a bit. I took the kids out in pouring down rain last week and felt like I deserved a medal. When I was little we didn't do it, but it's caught on in a big way now.

Well done on the quilt!

Hi Joanne, and thanks!

Hi Cushla. You deserve a very large medal! I took my younger kids to trick or treat in a small town nearby. They close down the main street, and all the businesses hand out candy. I thought it was great. We got plenty of candy, and we went out from about 4-6 pm. Perfect. The most fun part is making them the costumes they want. The rest... meh.

We just received our invitation to apply for residency. And we don't even have our visas yet. Cool. :) Things are moving right along. It's almost breathtaking. We have these long periods of waiting, and then things just come in all at once.

Jenn, great news!! I hope we (I mean the NZ government) don't bury you in red tape. It was sounding pretty bad upthread for a while.

Yep, meh to the rest of Halloween - I didn't want to say that because I know it is a much loved American custom. Both kids are still eating their stash of tooth-rotting stuff.

Halloween not big here in my town. You get the odd kid trick or treating, but I didn't even see one this year. People here save the festivities for Guy Fawkes night, aka bonfire night or fireworks night (5 Nov). We'll see what I say when Mr 5 turns into Mr 6, 7, and 8 years old onwards though.

Hi Cushla and Megan :) I think we will have to learn about Guy Fawkes night. Sounds fun to me!

#117 Faith of America's First Ladies - mine

This was mostly a very preachy and kind of annoying book with great stories about our First Ladies. I was a little disappointed. I love history, and stories about people. I was hoping for more stories and less "bible study". This will sound as though I don't appreciate Bible study - which is not true. IMO, the author just had to work way too hard to make 200 pp on the subject of Proverbs 31 mingled with stories. Might have worked better to reverse the equation...

Here's a photo of the quilt my mom helped me finish. It was a sort of quilt as you go thing, you quilt each square separately and then sew them together. The fabric line is called "Odyssey" which I think is appropriate. :)

And if anyone can explain why I keep getting more than one image here, I'd appreciate it...

Wow - it's beautiful! And yes, an appropriate name.

Beautiful quilt, Jenn! I don't know why your images show up like that, but at least we can see the quilt!

Nice quilt - I love those that let you quilt-as-you-go so you can use the machine.

Love the quilt, Jenn.

Hi Cushla, Julia, Reba and Nancy! Hope you had a great weekend. Thanks for liking my quilt :)

I will have to come back tomorrow to finish my review of my latest book. No brains left tonight. I have decided to set The Luminaries aside for a little while. I have been really frustrated at my inability to give it the attention it deserves. Meanwhile, I read Ender's Game thinking I would need a refresher before seeing the film. I really am glad I read it. I needed a refresher so badly that I am not sure I ever read it in the first place. Now I am wondering what the book was that I thought was Ender's Game...

Speaking of films - saw Gravity in 3D last night. I didn't even have to put my head down between my knees once! Fabulous film, very intense. I am still a little bug-eyed.

#118 Ender's Game - mine

I thought I had read this years ago, but by chapter 2, I decided that either I had never read it or had completely excised it from my memory. I am not sure what it was I thought I had read...
Ender's Game is a great futuristic novel in which children are sought for specific skills that will allow them to be used as the tools that save the world. There is a lot that is controversial about that, but it makes for a great story. Now that I am well into book two, Speaker for the Dead, I am seeing Ender's Game as more of a set up for the rest of the series. As such, perhaps not requiring as much character development or depth as I am already seeing in the next book.

#119 Speaker For the Dead - mine

Second in the Ender series, set 3000 years later than Ender's Game, and Ender is still with us due to the age defying powers of intergalactic travel. The planet where most of the story takes place lacks diversity of plant and animal life, but more than makes up for the lack of diversity with its weird symbiotic reproductive relationships between animals and plants. The people who live there are also one thing on the surface and another underneath. I liked the story, thought the biology was kind of fun and I will probably read the next one sometime.

Jenn, I did the very same thing with The Luminaries. A book like that deserves our full attention. I'll try again early in 2014. Gravity was a great film for special effects, although the story wasn't that exciting...for me anyway. I wish some of these good movies that are coming out now would have been around in the summer when I had more free time.

#120 The Fault In Our Stars - mine

An incredibly engaging story about teenagers and falling in love, everything would be perfect, only they both have cancer. While their dialogue was a little too elegant to be realistic, I thought that the overall picture of what it would be like to be so young and already have dealt with the realities of life and death was beautifully portrayed. This was recommended to my by my 14 year old son and it was interesting to read and ask him what he thought about different parts of the story. 5 stars.

#250 I very much agree with your assessment of Gravity. Great film. And amazing how they managed to keep almost constant tension going all the way through.

Wow, Jenn! Quilt! (marvelous) Lice! (Boo Hiss) Visas! Ender! Your life is quite interesting right now. I am pressing on in *Luminaries* and not being particularly taken with it. I'll be interested to see what you think. Meanwhile, I'm feeling out of it because I don't love it as so many people whom I respect have done.

Hello Rhian. I know. So much tension! It took me awhile to relax :)

Hi Peggy. Life is interesting. We are now having to re-do part of our medical forms for the visas. They didn't like some of our signatures, one of the forms that we were told by one immigration person we didn't have to fill out is considered something that must be filled out by the processor, etc. It's making us all a little crazy. Deep breaths and so forth. Sigh.
I know the feeling when you read something everyone loved, and you don't love it. It's OK. Not that you need me to tell you, but consider it a positive affirmation :)

#121 The Dressmaker - mine

Purchased in Inklings - a lovely little (pictured) book shop I spent several hours in yesterday. I was there so long, I felt that I should at least buy a book or two... I also picked up the second volume of Call the Midwife.

The Dressmaker is the story of a young dressmaker who is sent into service at age 12 on the promise of being a dressmaker rather than a servant. Things don't really work out that way, and she finds a job with a designer on board the Titanic. She survives the wreck in Molly Brown's boat and arrives in New York with a job and two men in love with her. She manages to do everything right and is rewarded accordingly. Improbable, but entertaining.



Inklings is in Yakima, WA in case anyone wonders. I was there with my husband who was there for work. I ate lunch at Bert's Pub, which I also recommend.

That bookshop looks lovely, and you were right to buy something. It is your duty to really ;)

I took my camera to a local cafe today meaning to take a photo of me in the library room, but I forgot! Lenny heading for the busy road was the main reason for my distraction. It was a good coffee though!

Haha! Megan . So true. It is probably our duty to buy books anywhere we go, if possible.

Yesterday, I took the kids on the Polar Express train ride in Hood River, OR. It was sooooo cold! They had a great time though, and loved the cookies and hot cocoa and seeing Santa. Santa invited my daughter to sit on his lap and she said "No thanks." She's always been that way. I don't mind. LOL







Again - what is wrong with the html code I am using? Does anyone know? What code do you use to post photos?

ETA: Thank you Julia! That was exactly my problem. :)

That is a very cool Santa! I love the joy in Eli's eyes and the sweet smile on Margo's face. They have a Polar Express train in Branson but I think Haley is a little too young for it. I'd like to go in a few years with her and Molly. Well, I guess we can take the parents along too...and maybe Grandpa!

I'm sorry you are having all these glitches in your paperwork, Jenn. Keep your eye on the prize. This will all be a bad memory someday.

Jenn, looking at the HTML code, it appears that you have two lines of < img src > code for each image that shows, and that is why it appears that there are photos that aren't showing up. For example, the top photo in your Polar Express post has this code for the first photo:

< img src="<a%20href=" width="250" > which isn't valid code,
and then another line of < img src > code that is correct and actually renders the photo.

Is that how it looks to you when you edit the post? Do you see two separate sets of < img src > tags for each photo? If you do, try removing the first set. It shouldn't affect the photo posting, I don't think.

Love the Santa pics, Jenn. My goodness, your daughter looks like you!

Great pictures! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family, Jenn.

Happy Thanksgiving, Jenn. Hope you have a lovely family gathering tomorrow.

(You can get turkey and cranberry sauce here now too so you will be all set next year!)

Happy Thanksgiving, Jenn! Hope you and your family have a wonderful day.

Happy Thanksgiving, Jenn : ).

Happy Thanksgiving

Hi everyone! Thanks for the Thanksgiving wishes. Sorry I didn't get around to do the same. I am very much looking forward to Thanksgiving time a year from now - settled in our new home - wherever that is! We had a lovely dinner that was mostly cooked by my husband. My mom and I made lots of pie. My aunt and uncle and cousins came over, which was also fun. And, I read a book! :)

#122 Call the Midwife: Shadows of the Workhouse - mine

Further adventures of Nurse Lee and co. with many heart wrenching stories of workhouse life. Very enjoyable.

I guess it will be your last Thanksgiving weekend in the US for a while Jenn. Hope it finds you well. Thanks to you too from these parts for remaining a staunch visitor to my thread and for not being afraid to speak your mind even though you are aware that your view may be in the minority. xx

Hi Paul, and thanks for stopping by. I always enjoy your thread, so much going on. :) We are still waiting to hear on the visas. Hoping so much to hear something this week.

#123 Goliath - mine

I finally got around to finishing the Leviathan series. The final book has our heroes traveling from Siberia to New York, meeting Tesla and Hearst, and saving the world from destruction. Secrets are revealed, tensions are high, but things work out in the end. An enjoyable read, but felt like a wrap-up from beginning to end.

#124 The Emperor's Soul by Brandon Sanderson - mine, kindle, winner of the Hugo award

Over Thanksgiving pie, I had a discussion with one of my cousins about books, fantasy in particular. He happens to be a friend of Brandon Sanderson. They met in college. He was telling me that Mr. Sanderson was the author selected to complete the Wheel of Time series. I know many of my 75er friends are fans of that series. I looked up Mr. Sanderson and found that I had read one of his Alcatraz books, but nothing else. I selected this novella for my introduction.

Brandon Sanderson has created a magical world where the ability to manipulate the natural world is both valued and feared. The emperor has been severely injured, and in order for his political party to remain in power, he needs to be healed. Will someone be willing and able to do what is needed? A quick and easy read, but intriguing. I was left wanting more. Highly recommended.

I have purchased his Mistborn series to read next.

November Reading

Fiction

Ender's Game - mine
Speaker for the Dead - mine
The Fault in Our Stars - mine
The Dressmaker - mine
Goliath - mine
The Emperor's Soul - mine

Non-Fiction

Faith of America's First Ladies - mine
Call the Midwife: Shadows of the Workhouse - mine

I had some really good reading this month, but I thought I had read more... maybe I am missing something. I don't know.

Currently reading an OTS from my mom's book shelf - The Legend of Shannonderry and the first in the Mistborn series. Attempted: Coolidge and The Luminaries, but I don't have enough brain right now. With the kids I am reading My Side of the Mountain and The Titan's Curse.

Hope you enjoy the Mistborn series! It's one of my favorites, perhaps of all time. I really connected with the world, characters, writing style, magic system... Sanderson is incredibly gifted.

I love those Santa pictures - the kids are great and Santa looks like himself.
I MUST read Sanderson. I even have an enormous first book of something on my Kindle. It can't happen in 2013, I'm sorry to say.
Glad that your Thanksgiving was another one to give thanks for.
They had problems with your signatures???? Somehow that sounds preposterous. Having never applied for a visa, I'm having a hard time imagining.....

Hi Faith! I am excited to hear how much you like Mistborn. I am really enjoying it so far. The magic system is fascinating. :)

Hello Peggy, He was an exceptionally good Santa. I have heard that the first book in his newest series is enormous. I think the Mistborn is pretty reasonable though. Not much more reading is happening in 2013, is it? lol.
It wasn't our signatures that were the problem. I had a FNP sign mine, and they don't recognize those in NZ. Also my husband was missing the signature of the person who actually drew the blood for his lab tests. Seems a bit nit-picky to me considering that our respective physicians signed the documents roughly 25 times or so in other places, but such is the world of bureaucracy They have their rules...

#125 The Legend of Shannonderry - OTS (my mom's shelf)

This was a very light read, and in truth, a little boring and predictable. The usual trope - young English girl whose mother is dead at odds with father over whom to marry. Runs away to grandmother, escorted by handsome yet honorable young man who happens to be grandmother's neighbor. Also, an amazing horse is involved, ridden intrepidly by said young girl, etc.

I needed a little light reading this weekend. Sadly, we were dealing with lice, again. I had a quiet tantrum in the school office about the need to take more rigorous measures. I have no idea if they will or not, but I don't know how they expect to end the epidemic if everyone doesn't treat and wash their coats, etc. New plan: NO riding the BUS! The kids get washed and combed every day after school, if they aren't wearing their coats, the coats are zipped up inside their backpacks, and I am rubbing rosemary and melaleuca essential oils into their hair twice a day. Also no hugging, wrestling or otherwise coming in contact with the heads of other children. Good grief.

On a happier note, my young man turns 15 next week. For a grand surprise, I have purchased an indoor skydiving experience for him. He and I will be driving up to Seattle, staying overnight, he is going indoor skydiving and I am taking photos, after which, we will be eating Ivar's fish and chips, walking Pike St. and then heading back home. I asked him if he would be willing to leave his birthday in my hands and let me surprise him and he said yes. I think he will like it. We'll stay with my crazy aunt. He will like that too. :P

How fun that you are reading off your mom's shelf, Jenn.

LOVE what you've got planned for your son's birthday. I have never even heard of indoor skydiving! For a 15 year-old-boy to leave his birthday party in his mom's hands … well, that speaks volumes about you! Enjoy!

Sounds like an amazing birthday for a 15-year old boy, including (maybe especially) the crazy aunt (of which tribe I am one). Have fun!

Hi Nancy. It is fun to read off my mom's shelf. We go way back with reading together. She taught me to read when I was 4. I have many memories of her reading, to me, my siblings, or to herself. She had 6 kids in 8 years (4 of them boys), and we were a little crazy. She used to go in the bathroom and turn on the tub tap and read until she felt able to deal with us again. So you see, I have a solid background in reading for escape. :)

Hi Mary! We love crazy aunts! They are the best kind. :P

GOOD NEWS! We got the phone call tonight. The visas are in a FedEx truck, or on a plane or whatever and we will have them tomorrow by 5 pm. More details when we know them, but at least we have that hurdle done. The rest is cake, right? Just pack and ship a container, buy plane tickets, find a place to live... Ah well. It will all work out. Love to be settled by the time school starts end of January. So relieved.

Congrats on your visas coming through. I bought that indoor skydiving thing for J and Mr SandDune as a joint birthday present a few years ago. J loved it but Mr SandDune hated it. Hope yours goes well.

Jenn, congratulations on getting your visas. Now the real fun begins, but at the end of it you'll be living in New Zealand!

What a nice way to start the weekend by getting ready to plan the logistics of your move to NZ. Have a lovely weekend, Jenn.

Oh, Jenn, so delighted to hear that visas are en route and that things are moving along. Being settled by the time school starts in January is looking realistic : ).

Hello Rhian, Julia, Paul and Nancy. :) Thanks for stopping by!

It is so nice to be able to make some plans. We've been in "one day at a time" mode for months.

Jonah and I just got back from seeing Ender's Game. It was pretty good, but we have mixed feelings. There were so many things that could not be well enough developed and so we felt that the film was lacking a bit. So excited for part 2 of The Hobbit next week.

So, my friends, I am looking for ideas and tips on temporary housing. We are looking at vacation rentals, the secretary at the office is locating apartments, etc. All that is great, but if you have any experience or thoughts on the best, least costly way of housing 5 people for 2-3 weeks while we house hunt, I'd love to hear. Thanks in advance!

Temp accommodation, in Wellington you mean?

Hi Jenn! Just getting caught up and enjoying hearing about your upcoming move to New Zealand. That sounds like an incredible experience for you and your family but I'm sorry you'll be so far away. I was hoping to one day meet you at one of the Colorado meetups.

Oh well, there's always the online LT experience which is pretty darned good.

Can't wait until you land in NZ. So many adventures to look forward to.

Hi Jenn - so exciting!

I would look for a short lease apartment/townhouse/unit. In my experience, in Auckland, short term accommodation can be found easily in the central city but not in the outer (or even inner) suburbs.

Yes Megan, in Wellington. We just need someplace for a couple of weeks until we find a house. We have the secretary at the office helping with this, but just wanted to see if anyone knows anything helpful :)

Hi Pat! Amazing right? I should have phoned you when I was in Idaho in August, but I was on my way through from Denver to Portland with my kids and just made time to visit my 95 year old grandmother and got on my way again. We're off on an adventure for sure.

Hi Lisa, Thanks! :)

Hi Jenn,

Quest is one option but it'll be pricy. Depends who's paying. Your best bet is probably to look on www.trademe.co.nz - you may well find people away over our big holidays renting their houses out for a few weeks.

Back later but at the rate I am going probably tomorrow night!!

Bookabach.co.nz is a website worth knowing about, also Jasons.co.nz is a local accommodation booking site for NZ. Good luck.

Cushla, we have a reservation at one of the Quest places. The secretary set it up for us. It's a great location, but we are definitely hoping for something a little less expensive. We have an allowance for temporary housing, but we don't want to use it all up in a week. Lol.

Kerry, thank you for the tips - I had not heard of Bookabach. I will check it out. :)

Happy 15th Birthday to this guy:


He's the one in the middle - the other two are his good friends (twins) that he's known since they were all babies.


who can still sleep through anything. The "elf on the shelf" did it.

#126 My Side of the Mountain - OTMS (off the mom's shelf)

This is a favorite from my own childhood and it was so much fun to read it with my youngest. This is the story of a boy who runs away from home and learns how to rough it in the Catskill mountains. I have always thought it would be great to try living off the land. Lots of work though. :)

#127 Mistborn - mine - Kindle

The first in the Mistborn Series, and absolutely mesmerizing. I loved it. It's a whole new world and a whole new magical system. It's also smart. All the parts are interconnected and well thought out, and the occasional surprise twist keeps things interesting. I am already reading the next one.

Jenn - The first nights we spent in NZ we spent in a Top 10 Holiday Park which was fine. If your stuff is in storage it would be ideal and certianly cheaper than Quest.

http://www.wellingtontop10.co.nz/accommodation/

The Elf on the Shelf did it. LOL!

>293 nittnut:: So glad to hear you loved Mistborn! It's probably one of my favorite fantasy series of all time. And I love that Sanderson has subsequent trilogies in the universe plotted out... which you will understand completely, how this could work, once you finish this trilogy. :)

Oh, Jenn, it's happening for sure, isn't it? *POUT* Well, more motivation to visit NZ. Any more motivation and Callia will burst:)

Happy birthday to Jonah! What's the driving age in NZ? ;) We're looking at driver's ed for Callia, and braces for Marina. 2014 is shaping up to be expensive!

I'm so glad you enjoyed Growing Up True -- I thought it was a terrific book. You have been reading so many great ones -- I need to come back and take notes. Once I've finished my pout, that is. When are you leaving? (*sob*) Wherever you may be, I hope you and your family have a wonderful, wonderful Christmas!

Hi Jenn. Have a lovely Christmas. Let me know when you know your arrival date in Wellington.

Jenn, wishing you and your family a great Christmas. And a wonderful 2014 in New Zealand.

Belated Birthday greetings to Jonah. Are you getting all set for the big move, Jenn? It will be good for your parents to have you guys there this year. I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas.

Jenn, thanks for a year of honest opinions well expressed, warmth, humour and good reading. Sincerely wishing you well with your new life adventures in my favourite country next year and beyond. Have a wonderful festive season.

Hope you have a wonderful Christmas!!

#300 - had a bit of a "wow" moment there. About 10 years ago, mrsdrneutron got the pattern for that Joy sign, I made it, and it's been in our yard ever since each Christmas. Only difference is that I painted the star yellow!

Merry Christmas to you and your family, Jenn!

Hi Paul, Nancy, Faith, Anne, Cushla, Rhian, Donna, Chelle, Mary, Jim. Nice to see you here. Thanks for the Christmas wishes. Sorry I didn't get around to anyone this year. Thank you Paul for an additional lodging option. The fact that the Rugby World Sevens is the first week of February makes it imperative that we find permanent housing ASAP.

We have had a rough time the last week or so. My father-in-law was diagnosed with cancer two weeks ago and also needed a heart procedure done before he could start chemo. The heart procedure was done the day after Christmas, and things went very well. When he is recovered enough from that, next week sometime, he will start chemo. It was good we could be here, my husband can help as much as possible. It makes it extra hard to be leaving the country.

I will post my last book of the year later - I assume it's the last as reading time is limited to non-existent right now.

Wishing all my LT friends a happy and wonderful New Year.

Jenn - I hope that your father-in-law continues to recover from the heart procedure. I know it must be hard to think about leaving now, but it was good that you could be here for a bit. I'll be looking forward to following your adventures in the new year!

>292 nittnut: LOL- mustache! My dad tried that on my sister recently (he is 70, she 39), but she woke up, smeared the kids red felt pen over her face, and then the next day it looked as if she had had some fisticuffs the night before. haha, brilliant!

So sorry to hear of family stress this time of year, and at this time for your family. It's tough.

Hi Amy, Thanks for the good wishes. He is doing well, and I hope he'll be home today.
Hi Megan :) I can imagine red felt pen would make a mess. Lol. I used eyeliner pencil. Worked pretty well.

OK - the final reads of the year...

#128 The Well of Ascension - mine, kindle

#129 Hero of the Ages - mine, kindle

Brandon Sanderson is a great writer and he has created a fascinating world with compelling characters. IMO, this series is really a variation on the creation story in Genesis and the Christian concept of a Savior with a twist. It wasn't hard for me to buy in. You'll just have to read it - too easy to spoil.

#130 The Titan's Curse - mine, audible

Finished this great read-along with the kids on our drive from Oregon to California. The perfect entertainment.

130 books is a great place to stop. :) HAPPY NEW YEAR!