CEE reads 75 in 2013 ~ Thread 6

Handsome Tom looking for a cute turkey lady down by the cove...
oh, btw, he found her ;-)

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

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

MARCH 2013
#17 The Bird Artist by Howard Norman (3.8 stars)
#18 Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel (4.5 stars)
#19 Fever: A Novel by Mary B Keane (4 stars)
#20 Life After Life; A Novel by Jill McCorkle (4.5 stars)
#21 Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia (3.8 stars)
#22 Bitterbrush Country by Diane J Peavey (4.2 stars)

APRIL 2013
#23 Persepolis I: The Story of a Childhood by Marjane Satrapi (4.5 stars)
#24 Yoga for People Who Can't Be Bothered to Do It by Geoff Dyer (3.5 stars)
#25 Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood (3.5 stars)
#26 Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S Grant by Ulysses S. Grant (4.5 stars)
#27 Love Medicine by Louise Erdrich (5 stars)
#28 The End of Your Life Book Club by Will Schwalbe (4.5 stars)

MAY 2013
#29 Zarafa: A Giraffe's True Story by Michael Allin (3.7 stars)
#30 Doc: A Novel by Mary Doria Russell (5 stars)
#31 A Concise History of Greece by Richard Clogg (3.5 stars)
#32 Homer's Odyssey by Gwen Cooper (4.2 stars)
#33 Packing For Mars by Mary Roach (3 stars - just barely)
#34 The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley (5 stars)
#35 Persepolis II by Marjane Satrapi (4.2 stars)

JUNE 2013
#36 Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris (3 stars)
#37 Manon Lescaut by Abbe Prevost (3.8 stars)
#38 The Soul of All Living Creatures by Vint Virga (3 stars)
#39 A Cat's Life: Dulcy's Story by Anna Dolores Ready (emotional 5 stars)
#40 Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte (5 stars)
#41 For 91 Days in Idaho by Michael Powell & Jurgen Horn (4.2 stars)
#42 Billy Budd and Other Stories by Herman Melville (4.8 stars)

JULY 2013
#43 Ghosts of Nagasaki by Daniel Clausen (4.2 stars)
#44 Metamorphosis and Other Stories by Franz Kafka (4 stars)
#45 To The Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf (5 stars)
#46 The Mayo Clinic Breast Cancer Book by Mayo Clinic
#47 Breast Cancer Treatment Handbook by Judy Kneece
#48 Light in August by William Faulkner (4.3 stars)

AUGUST 2013
#49 Ficciones by Jorge Borges (4.5 stars)
#50 The Ice Palace by Tarjei Vesaas (5 stars)

Currently Reading:

The Fiction of Relationship by Arnold Weinstein

Agent of Change by Sharon Lee

Beloved by Toni Morrison

from last thread....
Hi Tina, Mark, Gail, and Kath!
Didn't want you to think I ignored your messages on the last thread. Now that I'm over here on the new one, I can't quite remember what you all said. I do remember you all rejoicing with me on the kitchen being done :D We're loving it!

computer such a problem :p new one coming within a couple days I'm told. oh joy!

Mom's 90th birthday today - company coming.
oh joy :-}

Finally! Here it is!
First half...

Second half...



Have finally decided on the window treatment. Curtains will be replaced by bamboo roman shades. Just gotta buy them!
But you get the general idea :)

Oh that is so so pretty and it looks like there should be room for everything and plenty of countertops for working on things. I love the glass front cabinet here on the corner. I like your paint color very much too.

Oh my, am I first here?? Lucky me!

Hi Lucy!
You are first! yay

Thanks ;-) The kitchen seems bigger now (though it is still small) - probably because it is so much more efficient. More cabinet space - better organized.
The glass front cabinet is matched by another opposite. You can sorta tell in the first picture. Makes a nice entrance to the room, I think.
Still trying to remember just where I put everything...

If you are like me you'll be shifting stuff around for ages to 'get it right'....... so you won't ever know where anything is (nor will your family!).

LOL - yup. It's started already!

Lovely kitchen. Your wall colour is virtually the same as our woodwork colour.

Thanks, Rhian! Nice to see you here.
What color are your walls?
Without even seeing a picture of your woodwork, I like it ;-)

Awesome kitchen....love the color, the appliances, and love the below counter drawers...they are so much easier to organize and find things, don't know how I ever lived without them! Enjoy enjoy. Where's the wine cellar?

Hi Claudia- I hope your Mom had a nice birthday and the day wasn't to stressful for you. Love the kitchen pics. Looks great.

Beautiful!! I love the paint color and the cabinets are gorgeous Cee. Weel worth the inconvenience you had to put up with:-)

Im a one-thought-wonder today, but here goes.
Turkeys, are THE most weird looking birds, are they not?
:)

Absolutely beautiful! You mad some wonderful choices. I am very impressed and also, I want to know what is behind door number one and door number two.

:)

Gorgeous kitchen, Cee. You must be very pleased with the results. I might even start cooking more if I had such a lovely work area! What was the first meal you cooked there?

Wow! Thanks for all the lovely kitchen compliments... I'm still trying to get used to it and refine a few things. I expected this to be a lot more stress than it was. It turned out to be the easiest construction project in this house. Maybe because we didn't tear down any walls!

Hi Tina -
The wine cellar... is... ah, down cellar! Truly. lol I'm the only one (besides company) who drinks wine so I didn't want to give up any kitchen space for that. Well, there are a few bottles in the refrigerator ;-)

Mark - Yesterday was not tooooooo stressful. I did feel bad for my sister when my Mom asked if she was her sister.
There will be another party tomorrow when Mom's two remaining sisters come up. I want to see pictures of your new Man Cave!

Bonnie - It's so nice now to make toast in one room! While our house was invaded by workmen, the bread was in one room, the butter in another, and the toaster in a third. Somewhere mixed in there were the paper plates and knives, coffee, juice, and napkins. Breakfast was a half marathon... other meals we ate out ;-)

Megan - Are you trying to say you do not find our tom turkey the most handsome and sexy creature?
I had a picture of a HUGE rhododendron bush to post up there but it came out fuzzy :p Had to substitute Tom at the last minute. I'll try to find something better ;-)

Kath -
Door #1 (left) leads to the dining room.
Door #2 goes to cellar stairs - we leave it open a bit so Woolly can go down there for her litter box and food (away from Loki). I forgot to close the door when I took the picture.

Donna -
I was hoping the new look in the kitchen would make me feel more like cooking - but it didn't happen :(
I was actually getting rather fond of eating out... ha!
The first meal was Savory Chicken (in my pressure cooker which I now have room for in the kitchen instead of down cellar). Had to cut up a whole chicken into pieces. What a disgusting mess! I had forgotten how hard it was to cut up a raw chicken. From now on, whole chickens go in the crock pot - whole!

***********
So, today I will finish up my ER book The Soul of all Creatures which was the most frustrating ARC book I have ever read.
Reading Jane Eyre and don't remember it at all from about 50 years ago. As I read it now, I keep wondering what I thought of it way back then????

So. Could anyone tell?
I got a new laptop! This is it!
It's so FAST! I like it!

Apparently Windows 8 is not compatible with the printer - darn. Well, that is Ron's problem. Too complicated for me - lol. Hope we don't have to buy a new one. I didn't think the one we have was that old?

Thank you for the door #1 and door #2 info. I am terribly nosy, you see.

I could see immediately that it was the new laptop.. I had to read faster...

UR Welcome, Kath! You didn't ask what the picture was over the stove :{

It happens to be an old, old ad for Glenwood gas stove. Ron's real biological Mom (died when she was about 25 - not the wicked old stepmother that pushed me down on the wharf in Halifax and broke my shoulder the day after SHE died) was the model for the ad. Ruth was very pretty.

Ha! If anyone can read fast enough for my new computer, you're the one!

Does anyone know anything about Windows 8?
I know there is a "recent" list somewhere. I can't find it.
The good news is - Ron got the printer to work off this pc so we don't need a new one.

Hi, Cee, I've been admiring your new kitchen, it looks fantastic. Glad that you have adapted so quickly to your new laptop, I think I will be in market for a new computer pretty soon but I haven't a clue where to start!

Anything more than six months old is old in cyber-world.

CEE -- Your kitchen is gorgeous!! You must be so relieved / excited / tired!! I love the color! It turned out so nicely!

Yay for a new computer!! Does this mean you can read LT faster too???? ;)

Happy late birthday to your mom!

So, Mr. Turkey found his honey, huh??? hahaha

Hi Judy,
I heard a lot of complaining about Windows 8, so I was a wee bit worried that I would have some trouble. Actually, it's not bad at all - imo. I just can't find that "recent" list. I used it a lot on my last laptop.
Thank goodness they don't change the configuration of the keyboard everytime :p

I know, Lucy. Right?
I'm pretty happy my old laptop lasted 4-5 years.

Tina~
Thanks! Yes. All that!
No. Can't read any faster. I'll need new eyes for that!
Today was Mom's third and last birthday party. Whew! I think she enjoyed all the attention :) It works out better to have a few small gatherings instead of a large, confusing one for her.

LONG quiet day here .. watched way too much video...
Sookie saturation.

#38 The Soul of All Living Creatures by Vint Virga (3 stars) ER book



The goal of this book is (I think) to show that animals can teach us to be better humans by following their approach to life, the environment, and circumstances beyond their control. Unfortunately, though Virga had some interesting insight in his work and observations as a veterinarian, he didn't reveal much that is not readily discerned by attentive pet owners and animal lovers. Virga uses well known folklore as if these stories are new discoveries. There is no new material here. There are not enough animal stories to make this book outstanding. What Virga used was good as far as it went, but the book seemed to fall short of satisfying.

What I did like about this book was an obvious consideration for the feelings of animals. It is well accepted that animals have feelings and I wish more people would recognize this. Perhaps this would be a good YA book to help teach young people to better respect the animals that share our planet.

This was a very frustrating book to read. I know it is an uncorrected proof, but I have to say this is in great need of LOTS of correcting.
Having said that, even if the book was error-free, the content itself was very disjointed and distracted the reader from the strength of any points that the author was trying to make. There needs to be better organization to enhance the flow of reading.

My rating of 3 stars is perhaps a bit generous, but the topics of connection, emotions, and communication within and between animal species - as well as the honest attempt to write and inform - requires recognition.

Hi Kath!
Sounds like maybe you had a relaxing day yesterday - which you badly needed?

Bridget and family will be stopping in tomorrow on their way home from the Trek of Maine. Bridget and Greg are riding a tandem bike 180 miles across the state from the mountains to the coast. I didn't think Greg would make it through the first day. He avoids any kind of work/effort like the plague and tends to whine. But he did great according to Bridget. The biking was challenging and he got the first 60 miles successfully behind him.

Unfortunately, one of the 2000 or so cyclists was killed by a tractor trailer yesterday. When I heard the first headline on tv, my heart stopped as they gave no details.
The truck driver was unaware that the back portion of his truck hit and ran over a 23 y/o man killing him instantly. The group of riders with him were all riding 4 abreast - not smart. Every participant must sign an agreement to ride single file. Very tragic and sad. Of course, this just makes ME more nervous even though Bridget has done this trek several times and I know follows the rules responsibly. still...sheesh! My heart!

I love your new kitchen, Cee.

What a horrible tragic accident on the trek. I don't even like seeing cyclists ride 2 abreast on the roads, nevermind 4 abreast. That was reckless on their part, but still, it's terrible to think of one of them being unfortunate enough to be run over by the rear wheel of a truck.

Hope you enjoy a relaxing weekend.

OMG! That would be terrifying, for sure, to hear about an accident when your Bridget was there :-O
I am very sad for the family of the young man. I do agree that it wasn't very smart of them to be riding 4 abreast, but those big rigs are always up to no good. :(

Family visiting :) Lucky you! I wouldn't mind some company again... that one weekend went way too fast to suit me. I did indeed have a relaxing ( LAZY) day yesterday. I made up for it a bit with some heavy duty weeding and etc today, and then a quick walk to the library, where I moved 4 computers ... I am pretty sure that Cathy is ready to have he hung from the rafters, because I am always finding something to change...
oh well. It makes such a nice working space for our computer patrons now, more elbow room, less claustrophobic. I am pleased. ( yes, I know, it is my day off. )

I feel like things are going well today, it is a nice, warm but not too hot day and I did some porching with Duncan. I am going to do more in a minute. I hope that you are doing the same.

Hi Caro,
Thanks. I love my new kitchen too - but I still do NOT like cooking. Too bad. I was hoping :(

I used to do a lot of biking in CT. But where I am now the only place to ride any distance is on the road and I will NOT do that. I just don't trust drivers. It always bothers me when Bridget runs or bikes on a road. Glad I don't know the half of it.

Hi Kath,
It was nice here today too - and I did go out on the back deck with Loki.
I went grocery shopping after supper. Had a nice blueberry crumble recipe picked out for tomorrow's gluten-free dessert BUT the store did not have the necessary gluten-free ingredients. *sigh*
So, I guess it'll be the everything-free ice cream (:ppppp) with blueberry sauce instead of crumble. Some of us will get REAL ice cream!

***********************
Hope everyone has a nice weekend - and all the Dads have a Happy Father's Day!

Oooooh- love that new laptop, itsgorgeous :)
And I forgot to mention the new kitchen, duh. It is really lovely, and I cant believe it hasnt made you love cooking! How could it not?

Fathers Day *panic attack* Oh no, here is in September. *phew*

Your kitchen is beautiful, Cee!!!!! ENJOY!

And are there baby turkeys wandering around your property now?

Great kitchen, Cee! Congratulations! I had to walk my laptop into my own kitchen to compare wall colors - mine is very close to yours. We have similar tastes in more than just books!

Happy 90th birthday to your mom!

Cee - I love your new kitchen but be careful you don't slip on the floor when it is wet! I spent many hours on my bike in the country growing up and narrowly avoided careless farm vehicles on numerous occasions. Hope the trek is not cancelled as a result of the tragedy. Nice to see that your mum was able to revel via 3 parties to celebrate her birthday.

Slippery kitchen floors are a hazard for sure! lol

Have fun with the fam today....

Terrifying story indeed! Very sad. Happy Father's Day to Mr. Cee.

#39 A Cat's life: Dulcy's Story by Anna Dolores Ready (5 stars for the touching emotions) ER book



Unabashedly anthropomorphic, life from birth to death of a very special cat is told from a feline point of view. As special as our heroine is, the allure of this book is grounded in Dulcy's immediately recognizable personality in other cats who have adopted their own humans, namely ours.

In this story, filled to the brim with love, we are allowed to view a cross-species intimacy of deeply mutual need, comfort, joy, and pain over the span of 17 years. Having an indoor-only cat, I cringed at the dangerous freedom Dulcy enjoyed. Yet, there was a strong bond between human and cat which engendered trust and attentive caring. Dulcy lived a satisfying long cat life.

Yes, indeed. This was a heartfelt little book which brought tears to my eyes - a rare occurrence.

Hi Megan,
I'm really loving my new laptop, but I NEED to find the recently used/opened file list. Waaaah! Where IS that sucker????
How could my kitchen NOT inspire me to cook more? Maybe it's the 55 years of cooking so far that has dulled the exciting edge of meal prep. :p
Just sayin'.

Ellen -
No baby turkeys yet. I wonder what the gestation period is? Will have to Google ;-)

Joanne,
Really? Same taste in colors too? Wow. We must be twins! lol

Hi there Paul!
Our kitchen floor (even when wet) is totally slip-free. First in importance on my list!
The trek was not cancelled. I personally think, due to the fact that people don't seem to be courteous, responsible, and safe - they should change the route to at least avoid tractor trailer trucks. I dunno. Just a crazy thought.

Hey Kath,
Expecting very tired, smelly, happy, hungry trekkers very shortly...

Lucy,
The trek incident is really tragic - especially since they plan so long and hard to get everything just right. There are so many participants, volunteers, community contributions, sponsors for the Lung Association, etc. It's always been a congenial crowd and safety concerns are paramount. I guess this incident highlights the fact you just can't control everything all the time. Life - and death - happen.
Mr Cee says a hearty thanks for the FD greetings! Same to Mr Sib ;-)

TGFC

( Thank the goddess for coffee)

How were the bikers. All I can think of is how ( and where) bike seats hurt me. The thought of spending two days on one......your family are either heroes or a little crazy, or have pillows. OR all of these. Hope it was a great visit.

Working today. Finding out my schedule for the rest of the week... I hope it hasn't changed, but..small hope.

Enjoy the pleasant feeling of just having seen the kids, and then having the house to yourself :)
hugs

Morning Claudia- Hope the weekend went well. And congrats on the new lap-top. Yah!

Hi Kath,
Actually, the bikers road 180 miles - three days! Didn't hear any complaints of soreness except for one knee which righted itself quickly. They are definitely crazy and tough. It was good to see them. They were ever so grateful for a "feast" as they called it. Full of tired enthusiasm. I felt bad they had to drive another 5 hours to get home. The kids have school today. :p

Hi Mark,
Great weekend. Great laptop. Who could ask for more? Well, maybe another book or two ;-) LOL

Maybe it's the 55 years of cooking so far that has dulled the exciting edge of meal prep
LOL
I admit now to understanding far better how my mum must have felt. I feel the weight of a hundred thousand meals to prepare ahead of me sometimes, I have to take deep breath and do one day at a time!

THREE?!?! *wilts* craziness! And ouch. I mean... really, ouch! Poor you, having to know what she, they... are up to! Which in my opinion is as bad in its own way.

I am seriously into What The Hell Can I cook Today Land. That may finally come to an end, if Dan moves...
I have lunch with Jo today. Can't wait. I will be leaving as soon as Dan gets up.. or sooner. For my own sanity sake.

Have a nice peaceful day!

HI, Cee! My apologies for getting so far behind on your (and a lot of other) threads!

Your kitchen is gorgeous! Enjoy! I'm glad to see that it turned out so well. Congrats on the new laptop, too.

I'm so sorry to hear about the biker who was killed. Also sorry to hear about your reflux issues (I can relate!) and your Mom's growing confusion. The one day in particular you described in your last thread must have been horrible to deal with.

Have a wonderful day!

#40 Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte (5 stars)



That's it! I wrote a long review of this one - since I was so very impressed - and I lost it all! OMG I'm not doing this again.

Suffice it to say, this was a winner for me. Jane Eyre was a hell of a woman! Bronte told an amazing story.
I read this book in high school and it all went right over my head - or I just completely forgot it. Life experience, women's studies, and long nights of the soul have contributed to my deeper understanding of this novel with its complex characters and relationships.

Be back later to catch up with my own thread...

Finally... made it back here. Busy day, but not particularly exciting.

Poor, poor Megan! "... the weight of a hundred thousand meals to prepare..." Yikes. Well, like you said, one day at a time! Don't forget, in between all those meals, you'll have lots of years of reading :-)

Kath!
If Dan moves???? Is he gonna retire into the woods and leave you in your cozy house alone (with furkids)? Are we talking the answer to your prayers??? Let him go - forget following to feed him!

Hi Terri -
Never feel "behind" here. Happy to have you drop in anytime ;-)
Add'l info on the biker who was killed - apparently, he was drinking from his water bottle and lost control of his bike -> into the truck's path :(
All my woes lately are just a part of aging - all too common.

*********************
Did some wall priming in the hall which led to a very sore knee. Climbing ladders, stooping down, etc, etc. Maybe tomorrow I will put on the real color and it will inspire me to keep going.

Or maybe take a break tomorrow instead.to rest your knee. ??

Hi Kath!
What on earth were you doing up so late last night? I thought you were early to bed, early to rise? I think I beat you to bed last night.

Another nice day. Need to visit Mom today, volunteer to help at the GHS to prepare for the coming big weekend (summer exhibit, mini-auction, annual meeting), and maybe paint the hall - one coat. Maybe. Knee is much better. Also need to set up upstairs for company on Friday - SIL.
I'm afraid this is not a day of goofing off...

Happy Wednesday!

(((Cee)))

Quick drop in for hugs & catching up. I think I'll have to add your most recent ER to my wish list. I'm a sucker for a good animal story, ya know!

I'm glad you loved Jane Eyre. It's been one of my favorites -- one of those rare books I've read and re-read, written English papers about . . . just love it.

Hi Cee,
I'm glad your Wednesday was fine. Busy, but fine.
Happy Thursday to you (and to all our LT friends)!!

How did everything go yesterday? I hope that today isn't as busy for you...
Not sure what all I am going to do today. I am off ( usually work) and so ?
Dunno.

I plan to put in some plants and that is all I have planned so far.. that is a good thing, I think. I posted some of the Picoult books I have read on my thread. She is often dismissed as chick lit.. ( even by me ) but I have to say that she tells a good story. I have read several Delinsky books and she too, can tell a good story. They are not usually my choice, but only because there is so much out there, I don't want to limit myself to one writer, or one genre. Picoult was interviewed in the New Yourk Times about how so many women authors were given less attention, or just dismissed as chic lit writers. She's right. There isn't a thing wrong with women writing for women. The bad part is when women, men or anyone limits themselves to "only Amish books" or only non fiction or award winning books or only whatever. They miss out. See what you started in my brain? lol

Hi Tina!
Thanks for the hugs :-) I always need and enjoy them!

Terri -
I'm surprised at how great Jane Eyre was. Just reading it was a treat - but then I listened to the lectures of my online fiction course and it was taken to a higher level for me. It was pretty much wasted on me when I was a teen... or was it? Maybe it influenced my life in subtle ways???

Hi to you Ellen!
Weather has been absolutely gorgeous this week and I am bemoaning the fact that I am stuck inside so much - working hard on indoor projects. Would be a great week for a vacation here - and, oh yeah, I did notice a few vacationers lately ;-)

Kath -
Another busy day today. But I am quietly enjoying the sweet cool evening - trying to learn my new laptop quirks and hidden secrets.

I like to try so many kinds of books that I rarely draw lines. Sometimes it's good to immerse myself into a book that is deep, informative, challenging, and long. Other times I like something more entertaining and light. So, keep reading and rec anything you like... chances are I'll be right behind you!
***************
BIG NEWS!!!!!
Bridget SOLD OUT! She's starting up a gluten-free (and many other things free) bakery working 4 farmer's markets this summer. If she is successful, she may open her own store.

So- she baked and baked. Today was her first farmer's market and she sold out in an hour and a half! Now she has to scramble to bake some more for Saturday's market which is even bigger :-)

I want to drive down to CT so bad to help her out next week but I have too many commitments :p Maybe I can make it the week after. She is working her physical therapist job in addition to all this - but she has given her notice. Going on faith.

Anyway, we are excited for her.

Go Bridget, Go!!!!

Cee... your news is fantastic, fabulous and wonderful! I am so happy for her! What a wonderful thing that would be :) Congratulations on having such a brave daughter. I think it will work out well.... I really do!
I am happy for you :)

Hi Ellen :)

Hi Cee. you are full of good news. It sounds like Bridget is going to be a busy little baker. I'm sure it will be a successful business for her but I can't imagine how tired of baking she will become. Ah, a solution... She can listen to audiobooks in the kitchen!

Congratulations on the new laptop! And on reading Jane Eyre, one of my favorite comfort reads. Too bad you lost your review. I hate it when that happens!

Missing you here....

Hi Ellen, Kath , Donna, and lurkers!

I have been truly neglectful here. So busy. Company came and left - SIL/BIL. Now the weekend activities at the GHS are claiming my energy and time. The mini-auction last night made about $4K which is meager, but we only had a dozen items or so. All the money is for the endowment fund so it doesn't matter how much we make. It's all good. It's really more a social event now than anything. We had fun.
This afternoon is the annual meeting and a presentation. Then, I think I will be relatively free.

This coming week we have been invited to go boating - so I guess it's really summer now. How I would love to take a book along and just read all day while cruising along... but... I have to be sociable after all :p
Well, they are friends, so I guess it won't be too bad ;-) Looks like a showery week coming up - hope we get a nice day in there somewhere.

I have been trying to read Herman Melville's short stories for my online class. I'm finding his writing quite difficult. His sentences are long and complicated - by the time I get to the middle of one I forget what the point was and have to go back. Probably my state of mind lately (flusterment) but if this is how he wrote Moby Dick I can see why many don't get far in that book. I probably don't have much of a chance finishing it myself, whenever I get to it.

Strange, strange stories... I kinda like them ;-)

No further updates on my crazy baking daughter. Will have to check in with her tonight.

I have a hard time reading when Dan is home. I tried all day to read and never got more than a few minutes at a time. The energy around here when he's home is like... sticking a mixer into a bowl of liquid. UgH. It's worse when he is working on the house, his resentment is so palpable I can't even think straight.
I am impressed that you are working so hard on your class.....I am at least a week behind :(

Hope your boat outing is soon and fun!

Donna,
I mentioned audiobooks to Bridget for her baking enjoyment - she likes that idea. Thanks for mentioning it ;-)
Since her birthday is this week, maybe I'll get her started on audible.com. That's the name of it right? I still have to check it out...

Kath,
So. A cabin in the woods sounds ideal for Dan. He needs to be where the wild things are!
So. Do you like your course as far as you've gotten? I'm not really working hard on my course as much as reading things I might never venture into myself. (Like I need more ideas on what to read! lol) I think by listening to the lectures though, I am picking up more ways of understanding and interpreting what is written. The professor is really very interesting.

So humid here today. Yuck.

Sorry you lost the long review of Jane Eyre (I would have liked to read it), Cee, but glad you enjoyed it so much. It's a favorite for both my daughter and me.

Wow! Hey there, Joe! Nice to see you here ;-)

I know, huh? Sorry. I haven't written a decent review in so long, I thought I'd just do it! It came out pretty good (if I do say so myself) and I was just re-reading for typos. When I lost it, I knew I could never repeat it or be satisfied with another. Apparently, I am review-cursed for the present. *heavy sigh*

Anyway, Jane Eyre is now favorite of mine, too. That's the good news. I didn't expect that.

I have been bad about review writing in general, too. I have scraped out a few for must review type books, but I would love to be able to back on track with that. I am on track with nothing at all.

Sawdust flying all over the place. Rosie is nowhere to be found, and the noise level is like standing in the middle of a freeway at rush hour. They have a huge fan going... and pounding and grinding and sawing .. yikes. Ad after today, still no sink! lol

I love the prep table you posted in my thread :) You know I will ask for pictures once its in!

hugs

Jane Eyre is one of my favorite classics and re-reads. Great review, Cee.

How exciting to be going boating! Where will you be drifting off too? I used to love lying on the boat reading, while my friends fished (or attempted to fish because when it got to hot, I'd invariably forget that I might scare the fish and leaped off the boat into the water)

You know, Jane Eyre is one of those classics that I have never read. All this discussion is making me think I need to add it to the WL.

Sounds like you're going to be very busy this week. Poor Cee has to go boating with friends! That's just terrible! ;0)

Your daughter is pretty amazing to try out something new. I might need to borrow some of her bravery!

Kath -
I know what you are going through. The noise is hard to take. At least I didn't have any outside noise to add to my construction bedlam. Put something in your ears - like ipod or whatever you have.

Caro -
We helped our older friends pick up their boat from the marina, zipped around the Kennebec River and out to Seguin Island (with the lighthouse), then back to their mooring for the summer. Beautiful afternoon. We have the river and ocean all to ourselves! Well, except for the harbor seals (so cute - playfully popping up to see who was going by), some large fish I couldn't identify, and lots of seabirds and ducks.
I was looking at the swells of water and thought how nice it would be to jump in - til I remembered the water temp is less than 60.

Tina -
You MUST read Jane Eyre!
And, yes, it was so very terrible boating ALL afternoon. But what made it even worse was we went out to dinner at a totally awesome restaurant on the land's end of a nearby island town. We had a spectacular lightning show over Casco Bay while we were eating (window seat). It was just so awful and boring! LOL! The scallops were cooked to perfection which really capped the horrible day ;-)

Today was bedlam too. Total, utter...bedlam.

I was going at a dead run until I got to work, and then I was busy as aitch for hours...
I never managed to eat anything till I got home... ( aside from a spoonful of Jif)
what a day!

Hope life is being kind..How are things going for Bridget?

Harbor seals... awwww

Poor thing, spending a day on a boat.

Bridget is doing better this week than last - she is not so exhausted from a three day bike trek across Maine. She is also getting a better handle on her baking and learning her customers. The farmers' markets she goes to are in different towns and vary widely in taste and need of information. Who knew?

I am very happy for her :)

Morning Cee! Truth be told, I'm experiencing kitchen lust! Your kitchen looks so awesome! I'd be cooking and baking all day long if I had a kitchen like that, well maybe not ALL day, but still. Tell me about the floor. Is it tile? Sorry if I've missed that discussion.

Thanks, Kath. She's a hard worker. I hope all goes well. Yesterday's farmer's market was cancelled due to rain. No income there. But that is the nature of the beast.

Hi Lynda,
Thanks. I'm loving it more now that I am beginning to remember where I put things... two weeks later! sheesh.
The floor was done maybe 3 years ago. It's tile. Non-slippery when wet. Great color. When things were slightly re-arranged during the kitchen re-do there were a few gaps in the tiled floor. They need 4 more tiles to fill it in. We looked to see what we had saved. Lo! We had 4 tiles! exactly :-D

*****************
Last night it rained, and rained, and rained! Hard. Every. Single. Minute. How do I know that? I heard it and could not sleep. I spent the night worrying about everything - including how the three baby osprey were managing in their nest - high atop a pole. Hope they did not drown. Last year's batch did. Life can be so cruel to the innocent. Oh, the guilty, too. Usually I like rain. But last night was too, too much.

:( Sorry. Too many things to worry about. I completely understand your worry for the ospreys. I hate knowing about wildlife that may come to harm. Silly old us. I hope along with you that they made it through ...

I hope that all of your worries for all things, come to nothing. This worrying gets old doesn't it? One should be able to give it up at some point, but sometimes, some of it gets worse.

Cory called last night and told me that his company is cutting back on employees. Great. So far so good for most of his team, but still. A worry.

Cee...I hear you on the rain last night. I woke up thinking "when did we put in a metal roof?" It was so loud, so hard, and it's still going strong.

Kath -
Good point. We should be immune to worrying by now. Instead, I think we have perfected it to an art. *le sigh* Hope Cory dodges the bullet.
Damn bullets!

Tina-
The rain was hard and non-stop :p Looks like the coming week is going to be miserable. Warm, muggy and more rain. Of course, Mother Nature can fool us all.

#41 91 Days in Idaho by Michael Powell & Jurgen Horn (4.2 stars)
No cover. Mine was Kindle anyway.

Powell and friend Horn (photographer) travel world wide and spend 91 days in various locations, eg Oviedo, Savannah, Buenos Aires, Bolivia, Palermo, Sri Lanka, etc. How did Idaho get on this list? Apparently they are lucky enough to have friends in the know. Idaho is a well kept secret.

An underappreciated and largely unknown state, Idaho is for anyone and everyone. This is not so much a travel guide as a perky exploration of the "wild and sparsely-populated" state that was the last state to be "discovered". Powell is irreverent, engaging and honest. Readers will not be bored at all.

Powell & Horn have done a great job of revealing their diverse adventures - and they are not primarily talking potatoes! Wilderness hikes, hot springs, wildlife, small towns, cities, museums, the bizarre, sports, culture, parks, scenic drives, history, and way more. The book was fun and has whetted my appetite even more for traveling Idaho! Read this as a story of exploration, even if (especially if) you can't visit in person.

#42 Billy Budd and Other Stories by Herman Melville (4.8 stars)



I have tried several times to read Moby Dick - rather unsuccessfully. Some day I will conquer that mountain. But, here is a book by the same author that I loved!

Two of the short stories in this book were assigned in my online course. I liked them so much, I decided to read them all. Glad I did! There's a nice mix here.

OK. Melville has a style of writing that put me off at first. Once I got the hang of his over-long sentences and constant asides, I started to actually enjoy it all. Tending to say the same thing in different ways, there are passages where I was thinking... ok. I got it. Get on with the story. His stories are suspenseful making you want to hurry through them. I finally decided to relax and immerse myself. There is so much meat on these bones!

So, if Moby Dick is not calling you, I rec this book. Don't miss Melville altogether ;-)

Hmmm So many years to learn, I think you're right. We may have perfected the art of worrying. If one is born with the worry gene...nothing to be doen.

Now, are you going to Bridget's or hanging in the neighborhood or?

I'll be going to CT tomorrow and stay 'til Saturday. That should give me time to help Bridget, see all the grands, and spend some time with Wendy. I only shudder that it will be hot/humid and I will melt like sugar in hot water (hahaha) ... CT being in the tropics and all. I'll have to dig out some shorts.

Lunch and supper out today... one would think I actually had friends! Oh! It just occurred to me - if I had a bunch of friends, I might not have to cook as much ;-) Or... maybe I would be inviting them over and cook more. Oh dear...

Starting a couple new books:
Metamorphosis and Other Stories by Franz Kafka VERY weird
Ghosts of Nagasaki by Daniel Clausen

But I will be busy - so ? probably not much reading today

I love Melville's shorter works - Omoo and Typee are also great reads and I've never succumbed (or finished) Moby Dick.

So that's 2 of the six from the book sale, right? And what did Ron buy? And WHAT! A whole week of no Cee :(

no way!

Cee - Nice to see someone with a good word to say about Melville. I have Billy Budd on the shelves (as well as that little book about the whale) and thanks for the encouragement to look it up soon.

Have a lovely weekend.

Hope you and the kids are having a nice time together!

Thinking of you :)

*checks calendar* So when do you get back ?

*fluffs thread pillows*

CEE! Hope you are having a good time with your family!

PS I LOVE your kitchen! Looks great!!

Happy 4th Cee!

Hope you are having a lovely 4th of July, Cee.

Hi Claudia. Finally getting caught up! I LOVE your kitchen. It turned out great. Are you loving the two-drawer dishwasher as much as you thought you would?

Congratulations to Bridget on her new venture. Sounds like a big success so far.

Please post your review of 91 Days in Idaho so I can give it a thumb. I'm going to have to get it on Kindle since there's no paper copy to order but it sounds like it's worth reading.

I hope you're having a great time in CT.

>62 -Cee-: I would love to take a book along and just read all day while cruising along... but... I have to be sociable after all :p
LOL
I know what you mean!

Glad you loved Jane Eyre- that gives me hope as historical fiction isn't really a genre I take to. But I do want to read this one.

Cee, I hope your enjoying your vacation. So glad to see that you're enjoying the class as well. Like you, I've been reading some things I never thought I'd get to in this lifetime.
Your kitchen is beautiful.

HI, Cee! Just stopping by to catch up. I hope you're having a great vacation.

Ah, you are away, that is why it is quite. Hope it is a great trip!

I'm baaaack! Special HI! to Lucy, Kath, Paul, Chelle, Judy, Pat, Megan, Gail, and Terri! oooo - nice fluffy pillows!

Holy cow! It's hot. :PPPPPPPP
'nuf said.

Excellent visit with daughters and families... so very busy. Now I really need a vacation! LOL The level of daily activity in young families never ceases to amaze me now that I am retired.

Book signing today and I am the banker. Hope my brain doesn't melt. I may have to go for a long ride in my a/c car afterwards to recover.

Thanks for all the good comments on the kitchen :-) When I came home and walked in last night (incredibly) I had forgotten all about it and was pleasantly surprised to see it all over again. Nice.

I'm off for a hot day in vacationland - trying to be nice to the tourists, etc. I can do this :-}

Oh so good to see you !! Hope you have a good time today :)

ok... before I went to CT, I stopped at a book sale and bought the following (cheap):

The Sophisticated Cat: A Gathering of Stories, Poems, and Miscellaneous Writings About Cats by Joyce Carol Oates
The Pale Horse by Agatha Christie
Giraffe by J. M. Ledgard
Tales of the Night by Sarah Wood - something about Maine
Hearts In Atlantis by Stephen King - for Ron
Jackson's Dilemma by Iris Murdoch
The Firebrand by Marion Zimmer Bradley
Saltation (Liaden Universe) by Sharon Lee
Open Secrets: Stories by Alice Munro
Beloved by Toni Morrison - prev owned, read, gave away, and now need to read again for online class

I was kinda rushed or it would have been more! At least I got there for a while :-)

Pat - I posted review for 91 days in Idaho - thanks for the nudge.

Lucy and Paul -
I'm thinking I should read more of Melville for a couple reasons: one, to ease my conscience about not finishing Moby Dick and two, I actually like his short stuff!
********************************

I've been reading The Ghosts of Nagasaki. At first I was not liking it all that much - BUT - I kept going based on comments and reviews of LTers (esp Caro). It gets way better - at least I thought so. Almost done - which is a minor miracle as I have had so little time for reading.

Cee - I am SO far behind here! I am not caught up yet, but I wanted to drop down here and say that I WILL catch up. And I LOVE your new kitchen - so Gorgeous! And the colors are so calming and inviting. But it still is not calling you to cook, huh? LOL! I want to cook in it - does that count?!

Cee - Great to see you literally basking in holidayland. Nice haul too by the way and it is good to note that it is not only I invested with the spirit of accummulation.

Well, thanks, Mamie!
I just got back from your new thread and here you are :-)
I'm getting better at finding things in their NEW places, so cooking is getting easier/quicker. Now that we have horrible hot weather - I really do not want to cook. No. I'll perk up after the first frost LOL!

Paul,
As you know, you are far from being alone in the "spirit of accumulation". However, you are no doubt the MOST invested! #1

It nearly killed me to walk out of that book sale without going through every table. I missed a beautiful looking book on Antarctica... why on earth did I hesitate for $2 ??? In fact, I would love to be reading that right now to cool down...

Just popping in to say that i look forward to the Briget pics and stories of your time away.

Lots I wanted to say, but Dan just got up and is wearing his bear suit, so I have to log iff for now..
Blast it! ( about the book.. silly woman!)

Morning Claudia- Just checking in. Glad to see you hung in there with The Ghosts of Nagasaki. It's not a book for everyone but if you get into it, it has it's rewards. Clausen actually sent me his first story collection too, which I hope to get to soon.

Off to work. Story hour day. I seem to be scheduled for every single event that is upcoming this month.
Woe is me.

Anyway... hope your day is a happy one...

Kath -
Step one done. Bridget pics are on my hard drive.
I know. Silly. Just silly. I guess I'll never learn. Ah weel...

Mark!
Hey. Good to see you. I need to go visiting today and see how life is treating you...
If I had picked up Ghosts of Nagasaki on my own w/o any kind of recommendation, I probably would have abandoned it. But I tend to trust my LT buddies. Anyway, I kept reading and it paid off.
So - you have a connection to Clausen? Is the collection you got short stories? I'll be interested in what you think of it.

***********************
Today - trip to the eye doctor for Mom and me! I love going to the eye doctor ;-) It feels like I'm playing fun games when I am there. No pressure and it doesn't hurt! Much, much better than the dentist or any other kind of doctor.
Also a chance to buy new glasses (if needed). That can be fun too.

Hope everyone finds a little fun in their day today :D

Good to see you had a wonderful visit. Pleasantly surprising to come back to your "brand new"kitchen!

On Melville: I did manage to get through M.D. within the past six years. At times it was a slog, but it's a great book if you have a spare two weeks or so to get through it. You're right about his shorter works imo;they're both entertaining and weird. What do you think about Kafka? He was on my to-read list for years. I read some extra stories, and "The Penal Colony" just about made my hair stand on end! Whew, what a bizarre and frightening story.

Cee, it sounds like you had a busy time with family. So busy that you forgot about your new kitchen. What a fun 'surprise' to come home to. Lol. I love reading "cold" books in the hot summer. So how hot is hot for you? I'm guessing 80 degrees. It got that warm on July 4th in Marquette, MI, and my aunt was complaining. She loves cold weather almost as much as you!

Glad you hung in there and liked The Ghosts of Nagasaki, Cee. I keep thinking this is a book that deserves to be better known. I'm looking forward to Mark's take on his short stories, too.

Hooray for hanging in there with Ghosts of Nagasaki, Cee! I really loved that one, but you do have to give it a bit to pick up the rhythms of the book. I am wanting to read it again now that I know where the story is going, but it will have to wait because I have too many other books in line. I was also happy to see that you liked Jane Eyre - I LOVE that book! My girls liked it, too. And after finally catcing all the way up with your thread, I have to say, "GO Bridget!" What an exciting time for her - I love when people are willing to take a risk for something they believe in. I wish her every success. You must be so proud!

Eye exam results - I no longer need glasses to drive! I kinda had that feeling lately. Didn't seem to matter whether I wore glasses or not. Long distance sight has been significantly remarkable in the past year or so. Dr said my eyes have improved! Huh???? Must be all that reading - lol.
otoh, I am getting cataracts - ah well. Such is life.

Gail,
I guess I should consider reading Moby Dick again! And maybe finishing it this time? Winter is coming. I'll be more inclined and have more time to give it another go then.
Kafka is truly weird! The Metamorphosis was very sad and tragic. I loved the comments the professor gave about "exiting the human". A Country Doctor was even weirder - but if you read it like a nightmare/dream, it makes more sense, ie, things happening that are out of control - yet related, etc.
Damn! That prof is good. I think he could make me like almost anything written...
btw - I'm gonna read The Penal Colony. :}

Donna -
You are so right. When I get busy, I forget everything else. I became so immersed with the kids and grands I really did forget all about my kitchen.
I have to say... it's been really, really hot here. Why, it got up to 89!!!!! :ppppppppppppppppppp
There was so little air to breathe.
Thankfully, the incoming tide always seems to bring some kind of relief. Maybe I need to move to MI...hmmmm.

Joe,
I now have to agree with you on that. I think it was free or really cheap on Amazon Kindle... wonder if it still is. Worth the risk even if it's $1.99 ! Seems quite a few have picked that one up here on LT???

Mamie -
"You must be so proud!"
Yep. And nervous, and worried, and her # 1 fan! That kid is brave!
I will pass on your words of encouragement to her. I think she needs all she can get. Credit to her husband too - who fully supports her efforts. No matter how crazy she gets, he's right there with her! It's a risk for both of them.

Making bread and English muffins - gluten free!



(Nasty bruise on her left shoulder was result of slipping and falling on wet painted floor in church - no "wet paint" signs! Thankfully nothing was broken. Ouch!)

Isn't she beautiful????? :D

Signature sandwich bread:



My fav - English muffins!



AND SO MUCH MORE!

Oh. Yeah. I had the hard job of taking pictures... lol

Well - I did a LOT of greasing pans and dishwashing too!
I had so much fun working with her in the kitchen even tho it was HOT. Bridget works so hard - but loves wearing her running clothes instead of professional clothes. That's my girl!

>102 -Cee-: It nearly killed me to walk out of that book sale without going through every table
I hear you. I need to look at every book too.

So is Bridget becoming a baker? I must have missed the post :)
She is a yoga teacher too isnt she? Is there anything she cant do? lol- go her!

Bridget looks radiant in her kitchen surrounded by yummy baked goods. I'll agree that 89 degrees is hot. Do you have air conditioning? I would melt without the A/C!

She is indeed beautiful! And her breads look so delicious! yummy! What a huge thing for her to do! I know you must be super proud, and a wee bit concerned for the huge undertaking. I bet it won't be long before she has a place of er own and a couple of employees, to boot!

So what is taking up your day today? Anything good? Couch time? Your mom?

Cataracts? OUCH! Sorry to hear that. But yay on no glasses needed to drive. Maybe you are beginning to get younger? Like Merlin? And the cataracts will just go away, too... as well as all other things that comes with age and stuff. That would be great :)

Have a good one, Cee!

hugs

Yes, she surely is beautiful! And she looks completely happy with her new project. She's a go-getter, that one.

Our beloved prof has several courses available from Audible in the Great Courses series. I got a couple more of his books; I really thought I was pretty good for an amateur, but have learned an amazing assortment of stuff from his lectures and the class discussion. I'm pretty relieved that you like the class so much; I would have felt sad if I urged you to do something that you wound up disliking.

Great pics of Bridget baking, and her creations, Cee.

"Kafka is truly weird". LOL! That's got to be the main reason I love him so. The Penal Colony is a standout, and well worth reading. To me, a lot of what he writes is about our absurdity, and our propensity to let ourselves be manipulated by circumstance. Our search for meaning, the sensation of an outsider looking in, oppression by faceless bureaucracy, and I'm sure others, are part of it, too. He reportedly used to crack up a lot laughing when reading his work out loud. I know, for a lot of these stories I imagine hearing that could be a bit horrifying!

#43 Ghosts of Nagasaki by Daniel Clausen (4.2 stars)



The psychological journey of an orphan who has lost his heart for living and loving. Crushed by fear, loss, disappointment, and anger as a child and young adult - the main character is haunted by ghosts offering hope for a meaningful life. However, his resistance is strong.

This book gets better and better as the story progresses. Glad I kept at it! Recommended for something different...

#44 The Metamorphosis and Other Stories by Franz Kafka (4 stars)



On my own, I would have given this a 3 star rating. It was weird and many of the stories were barely comprehensible to me. Then I listened to my online professor lecturing on Kafka and the rating went up a whole star!

With the background of Kafka's life and contemplation of others' interpretations, the genius of his writing began to emerge. This book is still not in my comfort zone, but what a ride! Yikes!

The Metamorphosis - A story of "exiting the human". When is a human being no longer human? Communication is key.

A Country Doctor - Declared by physicians to be their worse nightmare. What are the capabilities of doctors? What is expected of them? Must they become the patient to truly understand?

Megan -
I figured my experience at the book sale would resonate with someone. Must plan better in the future to give myself enough time for browsing.
To answer your question... I haven't found anything Bridget can't do when she puts her mind to it. She is a many talented wonder. No one can figure out why she left physical therapy to be a baker... LOL I predict though, she will eventually go back to it. She really loves it and it seems to be her gift. Having worked in healthcare myself, I understand the need for her to take a break and do something entirely different. Yep - she is still doing the yoga thing.

Donna -
No. We do not have a/c. It's a problem for about 2 weeks of scattered days in the summer. I did not think it was worth putting in a/c for that short time. But, I swear. By this time next year, we will put a/c in the upstairs and that's where we will sleep on hot nights.
The one thing that has saved us up to now is the sea breeze. But my tolerance to heat is waning as I age. Oh. Who am I kidding? I've never had heat tolerance :ppppp

Kath -
Bridget has already started looking for a storefront and is in the process of planning a commercial kitchen in her very spacious lower level at home. When she gets a bee in her bonnet - watch out!
No, no. Cataracts don't hurt. I only have one beginning in my left eye which causes a wee bit of cloudiness on that side. Nothing they will do about it til it gets much worse. I can still read!!!! What else matters?
Today I am taking it easy. Resting up for tomorrow's horror (as I see it). :PPPPPP I'm a wimp.

Gail -
I really, really, really LOVE that course! Thanks so much for pointing me to it.
" I really thought I was pretty good for an amateur, but have learned an amazing assortment of stuff from his lectures and the class discussion."
Exactly my experience, too. This guy is great! I feel like the scales are falling from my eyes, as they say.

Joe -
Lots of good points you have above (#120) about Kafka's writing. I admit, it's hard to get past the weirdness for me. But, it helps to know more about the background of what you are reading and to hear what others think.
I need to always be working on keeping an open mind.

*************
Thanks for all the wonderful comments on Bridget. I will pass them on to her. She is only human after all and needs encouragement. She will be so pleased. It's hard work.

Hope everyone has a good day... cloudy and cool here. Awesome!

Here's my unsolicited opinion on Bridget's career change: healthcare (all aspects IMO) is such a demanding field because you are a constant care-giver. No matter your position, when you work in health care, you are required to give of yourself constantly. It is hugely rewarding, but extremely stressful, and often thankless work.

It sometimes leaves you aching to do something that results in a finished product (i.e. baking!) that has a verifiable result. Whether she decides to keep her new career path or return to PT, it is perfectly understandable to me why she would need a switch.

Spoken from my perspective, which may not be hers... But all too often true.

Says the social worker looking for a new job... Sorry if I overstepped. I feel passionately about certain things you know. :)

Well, Bridget has a good support system, and those leap of faith genes had to come from somewhere... maybe from a mom who had a dream and made it happen? I think that might be the case Ms Maine lover :)

Re: heat. I think I tolerate it better now? It might be the weight thing.. or age.. not sure. I do have an a/c unit in my room, but I run it for 2 hours or so before bed, and then turn it off and use just the fan to sleep.. most of the time.

You are on my mind today... keep me posted, okay?
hugs

Hi, Cee. How goes it?
The heat in Maine or New England in general can be deadly uncomfortable, but it used to be manageable by directing a good-sized fan directly on one's body as one (attempted) to sleep. As you say, it's very brief and usually intermittent, but boy, it can be annoying!

Re: Kafka--I thought "Metamorphosis" was very funny at the beginning, but it got darker and darker. On the other hand, I found "Country Doctor", although weird, to be really amusing. Kind of like a very very dark Chagall painting. Or, as you mention, like one of those dreams you can have that make little sense and that you can't control.

I'm re-reading To the Lighthouse. There's a terrific little para. very near the beginning, when James thinks about his father's dismissive remarks about going out to the lighthouse island. It hits me in the head every time I read the book.

Tina -
Having worked as a nurse, I do know what you are saying. Bridget always loved the PT part of her work. She has begun to take issue with the paper work involved for which she does not get paid. Don't blame her. It keeps getting worse over time. No worries. You did not overstep ;-)

Kath -
I would think weight might affect heat tolerance - except for the fact I was a very skinny child and young adult. I've hated heat and humidity as far back as my memory goes.

Gail -
You found Kafka "funny"??? - as in hahaha? Big bugs are scary.... eeeeeeooooooooo Although he had a lot to say that is important to think about, Kafka was a very troubled man, imo. Dark, as you say. Glad that book is finished :{

Are you going to divulge which paragraph "...hits {you} in the head every time {you} read the book..." I must have missed it - or at least didn't react as you did. I keep finding myself staring at Lighthouse with bleary, dazed eyes. This is a book to read when nothing else is going on in my brain. Now is not a good time.

Hm, looks like I just thought I posted here.....I must have been in dream land (it doesnt happen at night lately so I guess it forces its way into daytime!).

I cant wait to read The Trial by Franz Kafka, it's one of those must-reads, I'd say.

Hi Cee,
Love the photos of your proud baker. So cool.

It looks like the Melville was worth working your way through.

And, ah, glasses. Aging is not for sissies.

Hi Megan!
I thought I saw you here too! Ah, yes. #116
Come anytime... dream all you want ;-)

Hi Ellen -
So many books are worth working through - which is why I hate to give up on any of them. Where did I just read if you can't get into a book and are struggling with the beginning - start in the middle?! Someday I may try that for kicks...

***************************
Today I think I will bake cookies and/or muffins for the fire auction which is Saturday. At least it is cloudy and cool so baking will not be torture.

Hi Cee.... have fun today, and I look forward to hearing about what you will be buying at the auction. Have a muffin for me, ok?

Glad to see that you liked Ghosts of Nagasaki. I got half way and gave up on it. I'm going to give it another shot when life slows down

*Waits patiently* okay, not so patiently.

Did you have a good time? Are you exhausted? Have you run away with a lobsterman?

eta

any muffins left? cookies?

I know what you mean about the 'funny' in Kafka - he creates images that are so.... improbable.... even when it is so dark and awful. Some, however, are just dark and awful. When I was reading a lot of Kafka many years ago, Mr. Sib begged me to stop and said it was affecting me more than I realized.....

LOVE the pictures of Bridget baking! And yes, she is beautiful! Her finished baked goods look delicious. I am wishing for her every success. I think that now is a great time to be filling that niche whether she ends up with a store or catering or a bit of both. SO many people have allergies, most people don't have time or won't take time to bake, and the pre-packaged goods offered in the markets cannot compete with fresh. I think she is a clever, clever young woman to figure out how to do what she loves and has a passion for and make it pay.

The only thing more beautiful than her baked goods are the baker herself! You have a lovely daughter, Cee, and I can tell you are very proud of her.

. Sending hugs... miss ya!

Sorry to be missing. Dealing with some personal issues and I need to concentrate my energies. Taking a break - be back when I can.

awww froggies.

I have not given up on the lobsterman theory.

Morning Cee, hope the concentrated energies help to resolve all personal issues.
Great pics of Bridget and her gluten free bakery. Lovely smile.

Hi, Cee! Just sending some good vibes your way.

Love the photos of Bridget and her baked goods.

Driving by and wishing you well, Cee.

Hi Cee, a hiatus was in order? Hm, sounds ominous. I hope all is well, or at least OK.
Ill keep checking in, and will try to deter any unwanted shenanigans in your absence.
*keeping watch at Cee's place*

Waits patiently...

Sending you hugs! Hope you are ok!

*dusts ...places real, home made, fresh lemon aide in fridge *

After a long roller coaster ride, I'm back :-\
Feeling much better, but still shaky.
I have breast cancer.

After all my bitching and moaning over the years about mammograms, I have to admit - that's how it was discovered.

I am hopeful - and have a good prognosis so far - that all will be satisfactorily resolved. Stage 1 (small tumor, invasive cancer) with no indication that it has spread very far.

Will need surgery to excise the tumor plus a few nodes to check that the cancer has not gotten that far (I hope, I hope).
Then, radiation follow-up and hormone therapy (anti-estrogen) for probably 5 years. No chemo - yay!
All followed by lots of careful watchfulness for recurrence as time goes on.

I have a very strong family history of all kinds of cancer so I can't say I'm completely surprised. Still, I was dealt a heavy blow. So many decisions to make now. It boggles my mind. Have researched all things cancer til my brain is ready to explode. Now I just want to get this all done and behind me!

Possible date for surgery is Aug 5th. Still TBD.
Ron has been so supportive. I'm so lucky and thankful to have that!

I have more doctors and appointments than imaginable for one diagnosis. Never really paid attention to how many healthcare providers were involved. Sheesh! My mind still fluctuates between functioning fairly well and completely zoning; feeling good and freaking out.

Anyway, that's my story... dang it!

***************
I have been trying to read one very awesome, relatively short book for about 3 weeks now. Finally finished it yesterday :-)
To The Lighthouse by Woolf was very difficult to get into - but I did stick with it and have been quite blown away!
5 stars from me !!!!

Will answer individuals a bit later... thanks so much for stopping in!
:-)

((((((((((((CEE))))))))))))

You know where to find me...

You know I am sending all sorts of positive stuff your way.

Claudia, I'm so sorry you have to deal with a breast cancer diagnosis but there are many types of breast cancer and it sounds like yours is one of the "better" ones--early stage so it hasn't spread far and estrogen positive (which means slow growing). From personal experience, the beginning is the worst because you have to adjust to the newness of everything you have to deal with but I think you'll find once you start treatment everything will calm down.

I have a couple of recommendations. A website called breastcancer.org has lots of useful information and a good discussion forum. Just stay away from the stories of people who are having a hard time. You should have a relatively easy time.

Also, a couple of books that were helpful in making (or thinking about making) lifestyle changes:

Anticancer: A New Way of Life by David Servan-Schreiber
The Cancer-Fighting Kitchen by Rebecca Katz
The Longevity Kitchen by Rebecca Katz

The cookbooks by Rebecca Katz are great because they contain a lot of background information on exactly why the recipes are so healthful and they're just beautiful books besides.

Please PM if you have any questions you think I can help with.

(((((((Big warm hug))))))

Forgot to add Susan Love's Breast Book is a good one in the beginning in terms of evaluating what treatments you should do and understanding the different forms of breast cancer. She also has a website with good information but I sometimes find it hard to navigate (http://www.dslrf.org/breastcancer/). With her book, make sure you get the most recent edition published in 2010.

Shit Cee. (sorry for the expletive, but it does convey my utter dismay at your diagnosis)
All I can say is, well. Nothing, really. Apart from to offer you the biggest and bestest of (((((hugs)))).

Cee, I am so sorry you have this disease. We will be here for you as you work your way through it. Hugs to you and your dear husband. My mammogram time is coming up in the fall. I thought about skipping it this year but...I think I'll grin and bear it once again.

Oh Cee, my sympathies.

Remember to check in with Pat (Phebj) when you can - she's done so well with it all.

Hugs to you and Ron.

Oh dear, tears just welled up in my eyes as I read this! I am sorry that you are dealing with this. Nate and I are sending HUGE hugs for you. Thank goodness it was caught early!!
xoxo!!

Megan.. That is almost what I thought at first.. but it was on the beginning of the long and imaginative list of expletives and curses that went through my mind.

Dear Cee - So sorry to read your news. I know that your good spirits and strong family will help you pull through. Keep your chin up and know that you have so many people from all around the world in this virtual community rooting for you and sending you all their love and best wishes, me certainly among them. xxxx

Claudia- I am so sorry to hear the news. My heart goes out to you, my friend. Please keep us informed. You know this group is both loving and supporting. Nothing like it in the universe. HUGS!!

Oh, Cee. I am so sorry. I just cannot imagine everything you have been going through and dealing with. My heart is with you and your family, and I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Please remember that you are not alone, and that we will be here for you with every step. Hugs to you, my dear friend.

Chelle,
Thanks to you and Nate for the hugs - and the furbabies are so adorable :-)
Yes siree! I am most thankful this is still in an early stage and we live in the 21st century. It makes things so much more hopeful and easier overall.
Too bad you didn't make it through Ghosts of Nagasaki. The first half did seem kinda crude to me, but the second half was much better. Oh well, maybe someday...

Kath,
You are a dear, sweet friend. Dusting was just what this place needed. Lobsterman theory - not applicable I did however, have a monster lobster roll the other night. YUM
Thanks for the bubbles and lemonade. It was so damn hot that's about all I drank - iced water with a BIG squirt of lemon.
I believe the hugs and "positive stuff" is working :-)

Lucy,
Thanks for stopping by and the hugs ;-)
I can only hope I do half as well as Pat. She was amazing and is my inspiration....
"When I was reading a lot of Kafka many years ago, Mr. Sib begged me to stop and said it was affecting me more than I realized....." Wow. I can understand that and don't expect I will read much more of Kafka for awhile.

Mamie,
I feel the same way about Bridget's venture into something she cares about so much and loves doing. Great combination.
She has certainly found a market - so many need good tasting food that agrees with their health and sensitivities. After only a few weeks into this people are already approaching her for wholesale items to sell in their stores and farms. She doesn't make quite as much that way, but it's a source of steady orders and is taking off.

Judy,
I do agree Bridget is beautiful! Ha! You took the words right out of my mouth - lol
I am proud of both my daughters and all they do.

Lynda,
Thanks for stopping by and for the compliments :-D

Terri,
Every good vibe helps - I'm sure of it. Thanks!

Ellen,
I thought that was you driving by! Did you see me waving back?
Thanks for the good wishes.

Megan,
Thanks for watching my place. It's not ominous around here - but there is a heap of distress here and there.
When I went to the radiology oncologist I had to fill out a form indicating my level of distress. They told me a score of 4-10 would trigger a call to offer me support. I just don't want to go there with strangers right now - so I put down 3. What a liar I am! Ha! I guess I just should have said I have something more than they could give. I have LT friends!!!!!
btw, you'll be glad to know I am not constipated and was able to do what you suggested this morning.
Thanks for the "biggest and bestest"! Hugs back! Did I hear/see somewhere you have a surgery date for your foot???

Thinking of you and sending hugs and love.

Cee, I am so sorry to learn about your illness. Very fortunate you caught it so early; that in itself is helpful.
Of course I'm sending powerful Crone Mojo your way. Please keep us posted as you can.

You said a 3 for your distress level? Ye gods, Id have said 15.

On Kafka--well, I do find his stuff funny, but I grew up in a Czech family, and we were all a bit off in the humor department. About Woolf, there's a pretty serene passage where James is cutting out pictures and chatting with his Mum about going to the lighthouse. Mr. Ramsey comes in, takes over Mum's attention, and says they won't be able to go. Out of nowhere, James thinks that if he had something sharp, he'd stab his father right in the chest. It's pretty startling to see that violent thought in the middle of a calm domestic scene.
((((Cee))))

Hi Pat!
I want you to know I immediately thought of you for a resource and was going to send you a message to ask for what you have just offered. Thanks so very much.
You should know you are my inspiration to stay positive - though I am not always good at that. I know it can make a difference.
I went back to your old threads and re-read a lot of what you shared. It helped me a lot.
Right now I am having a hard time trying to decide which type of radiation treatment to go with - external or internal. Several pros and cons for each. Results seem to be equally good.
The biggest drawback to the internal MammoSite treatment is I have to go to Portland (an hour away) twice a day for a week. Need to come home between treatments each day to take care of pets. BUT - it's only for a week.
External radiation is more convenient (closer to home, one treatment a day), but lasts 6 weeks and slight chance of damage to heart and lungs as the cancer is on the left side.
Anyway.... I think I am leaning towards internal as it is more targeted. Tomorrow I may change my mind.

Lifestyle changes are definitely in my future... not happy about that. Sounds grim. Maybe your cookbook suggestions will get me more motivated.
Anticancer: A New Way of Life by David Servan-Schreiber has been on and off my WL a few times. On your rec, I will put it back on.
Thanks for the warm hug ;-)

Donna,
One of the things I read (and I have been reading a LOT about dealing with cancer) is that now is the time to gather family and friends around me for support. It sounded like a good idea. LT has been a strong support for all of us at times - in joy and dismay. Thanks for your hugs.
I really don't think anyone has complained as much as I have about mammograms. I was convinced they were not reliable, too uncomfortable, a nuisance, etc, etc - so not worth it. Boy! Has my tune changed! They are still a nuisance - but obviously worthwhile. Please, DON'T skip yours.
I am SOOOOO happy this was caught early. I can not feel any lump and there are no symptoms. Full credit for this detection goes to the mammogram I had in June.

Paul,
Thanks for your sympathy and good cheer. It IS a good feeling to think I have a world of hugs and good wishes to bolster my spirits.

Mark,
Thanks for the hugs! I will try to keep you all informed on my thread. I am so grateful that Pat did last year. It's been helpful to me. If something I am going through now will help someone else in the future, then it will make me happy.
LT... "Nothing like it in the universe." You are right about that!

Mamie,
Thanks so much. I do have one prayer request - if praying is what you do...
Please pray for my sentinel node. If that is clear, I will be super happy. Oh how I wish this was all over and done. Soon.

***********************
It feels so good to have you all at my back. *big silly grin*

Yes, Cee, I do pray. And I will direct my prayers that way - a clear sentinel node. You got it!

Hi Linda,
Thank you. I'll take all the hugs and love I can get. A new concept for me - but I think it's helping :-)

Gail,
Crone Mojo? I need everything explained to me - ask Ron or Kath.
What is that? Something good???
Well, I only said 3 to keep them off my back.
Can I tell you how many times I have had to fill out medical histories for myself and family in the last week??? A gazillion! Hate repeating myself! Should have made copies of the first one.
And how many times I have been offered emotional help? I know they mean well... but... and I need to work through my problems before I can ask for help. Independent and stubborn brat, I am. So, even though I was a 15, I only admitted to a 3.

We sure are getting a wide diversity of reading in this course. I'm loving it. Even when I have trouble reading some of it, his lectures are so helpful. Not just his interpretation of things, but opens the door for me to see things for myself. I think this course is making a positive difference in my reading. So glad I saw you were taking it and checked it out ;-)

Ah, Mamie! You're a special person and I know your prayers will be heard. I feel better already :)

Claudia, since I didn't have the option of doing the internal radiation, I don't know anything about it. The external radiation I had was painless and my skin held up fine despite the fact that I'm very fair and sunburn easily.

However, I was surprised to discover that I found the 7 weeks of radiation harder than the chemo in some ways. I think having to go every weekday for 7 weeks made it hard mentally. I could never forget I was being treated for cancer during that time and I had to schedule things around my appointments which was annoying at times. With the chemo, I went in one half-day every two weeks and the rest of the time was my own.

I know what you mean about being overwhelmed with the decisions you have to make in the beginning but I found it helped to do the research and understand what would be happening. I surprised myself by reaching out to everyone for support but that was the most comforting part for me--just knowing there were all these people out there pulling for me. And actually, the support I got on LT was some of the best support I got. Sometimes, the people closest to you are too freaked out to know what to do and you end up comforting them instead of the other way around.

I'll be checking in with you daily to see how you're doing. My life is not so busy right now and I have more time to spend on LT which I'm really happy about!

Claudia, I forgot to mention that I'm taking my first Coursera course (on Nutrition and Physical Activity) and wanted to ask you for the name of the professor you liked so much for the literature course you took. I'm assuming they may have something else by him (her?) again and I want to sign up for it.

Oh, Cee, I just saw your news. I'm so sorry you have to go through all this. Sending all positive thoughts your way. Hugs to you, dear one.

Hang in there, have a relaxing day... and do some reading for me if you can?
Thanks :)

Later, then!

Hi Pat,
I am doing a LOT of research! Every day I read what I can take. I learned I should have taken manageable bites when I was researching Alzheimer's to deal with my Mom's diagnosis. Too much, too fast, too soon freaked me out. So, I'm proceeding at a moderate pace on breast cancer. Exploring one thing at a time - somewhat in order. Not jumping to the end and all the horror stories there!
I've also learned you can't get all the information you want/need in one place. But if you carefully put the puzzle pieces together, you start to get the real picture.

Your voice is an important one to me. Your messages are helpful, honest, and calm. I cherish them. Thanks so much. Big hugs to you, Pat!

"I surprised myself by reaching out to everyone for support...most comforting ...just knowing there were all these people out there pulling for me."
That's how I'm starting to feel right now. I usually do a lot of whining about small things - but when it's serious, I tend to suffer alone. LT friends are unique and sensitive. Each message has it's own balm and insight. Learning to reach out is a whole new concept for me.

Interesting point about 7 weeks of constant reminders and not having your own time 'til it is over. Hmmm.

"Nutrition and Physical Activity", huh? I can see you will be one of my reminders about lifestyle changes. That's a good thing... grumble, grumble I just won't thank you for that right away. *sigh*

The course I'm taking on Coursera is "The Fiction of Relationships" and the professor is Arnold Weinstein. I don't know if he does any other courses there. He teaches at Brown University. An amazing teacher. I highly rec.

Hi Joanne,
Thanks for the thoughts and hugs. I'll take all I can get ;-)
Hope Skye is healed now and you are all having a fun summer!

Hi Kath,
I will do some reading for both of us today. How's that? Would you rather read about breast cancer or Faulkner's Light in August? Something tells me neither is up your alley... wasn't for me either 'til now. Ah weel. Later...

Claudia, I think your approach to researching breast cancer is a wise one--i.e. focusing on one thing at a time and realizing you may need to check out several sources to get a good idea of what is going on. The internet is a great thing but it can also be very overwhelming and sometimes be full of misinformation. It takes awhile to figure out which are the most reliable resources.

As to the lifestyle changes, one thing I discovered is that having excess fat is a bad thing for estrogen positive breast cancer because fat produces estrogen! Last summer that got me really motivated to lose weight and exercise but once the holidays hit I fell off the wagon and I'm still not totally back on. I'm hoping the Coursera course will help by brainwashing me back into good habits.

Thanks for the info on your course. I'll keep an eye out for any future classes taught by Arnold Weinstein.

>166 phebj: Sometimes, the people closest to you are too freaked out to know what to do and you end up comforting them instead of the other way around.
That is such a strange notion, but it is the case isn't it!

>170 -Cee-: Learning to reach out is a whole new concept for me.
(((hugs)))
Cee, I find that hard too. My loved ones know that though, and come through when I need them.

Yes, I have my surgery date, August 19. Less than a month! I am excited.

Here is a sunflower to brighten up your day! xo

I'm echoing Megan. The first thought in my head when I read your news was "Ohhhhhh, shit!!!" I too, am apologizing for the language, but I was coming here to thank you for your support on my thread for my current (last week) woes and got HIT with the realization that I am whining over small stuff, while you are dealing with the real burden. Oh, Cee, I'm so sorry!!

I'm a praying gal too, so you will have my prayers for a clear sentinel node to accompany Mamie's and any one else's here that is so led.

You are such a wonderful and positive person ~ your attitude about life in general is always so uplifting. I'm glad that you are starting to *slowly* reach out to others. What you said about ending up comforting those around you is sad, but too true. Process a bit, then give them the real number of your distress. :)

Sending love and hugs and prayers and warm wishes and ooey, gooey good thoughts your way. We love you, Cee!

I am selfishly glad that you are back with us.. I missed you. I have the feeling that all will be well, and you will be back at doing too much for too many (with no lingering issues ) very soon!

Pat,
I took a look at the Coursera "Nutrition and Physical Activity" course. Since it already started and I have enough to worry about right now, I put it on a watchlist for the next time it is offered. You can let me know if it is good - or not. All those treadmills in the background were intimidating ---eeeeeooooo! LOL

Megan,
I'm excited for you too! This foot surgery will be your last :-)
We should both be over our surgeries and good by Christmas! OK. I know that's a ways off, but it will be here sooner than we think!

Awwww, Chelle,
Love the sunflower and butterlies! Thanks ;-)

Tina,
Just want to say - your stuff is NOT small stuff. I'm wishing you positive movement toward loving resolution.
Thanks so much for the love, hugs, and sentinel node prayers! I really appreciate it.

Kath,
You DO have important-pay-attention-to-me feelings. So, I hope this is one of those times when you are right again!
So far, have investigated coupons and salt lamps on Ammy... so, you see I am finally able to think of other things. That's progress!

Got my 200 pound Boos Butcher Block prep table today - yay! I will take a picture soon. I think it looks good (almost a piece of art) and will be serviceable. Time will tell.

Oh crap!
Over the peak of this roller coaster segment and slamming back down with my heart in my throat -
Surgery has been moved to Aug 19th :(
That just seems like forever.

Wailey, wailey, wailey!

Crap. But, that is only 2 weeks.... and it will be fine. There is a reason, whatever it is. Maybe the doctor will be in better health or ? What did they tell you was the reason?

I am so sorry... I can't imagine how much you just want it the hell OUT of there .
New news changes nothing. I still feel that it will be fine...

hugs

keep shopping.

Claudia, if you have estrogen positive breast cancer it is very slow growing and I doubt that two weeks will make any difference. I was told that I had up to 3 months to make a decision about what kind of surgery I had (although they didn't recommend I wait quite that long). If it's bothering you, I'd call the doctor and ask why it was changed and explain your concerns. I found being the squeaky wheel was helpful. Even if you can't get it changed hopefully someone can allay your fears about waiting an additional two weeks.

OK....
I'll be fine. Fine.
Kath said so. Ill be fine!

The reason for delaying the surgery is because they need to coordinate with the radiation therapy. I decided on the internal MammoSite, btw.

I do have estrogen positive cancer. I know it's slow growing. But all I can think of is the possibility it is already creeping through my body looking for another home.
It's not jus the cancer I worry about - but also my state of mind. It's pretty fragile right now.

I can do this! :pppppppp And I will.
One month, in the realm of eternity, is nothing!

Oh, and I have an apt with the medical oncologist and the geneticist to help fill in some of the time.

Wine anyone? I have plenty ;-)

Of course you can, no question. This sucks huge suckiness. I hate it. I hate it because waiting is the worst worst worst ... and I am so sorry.

Claudia, Kath is so right about the waiting being the worst. I don't know how you feel about things like anti-anxiety medication but my doctor readily gave me a prescription for xanax in the beginning. I didn't take it all the time but occasionally it really helped me at the end of the day to calm down when my head was swimming with information and worries. The other thing I found surprisingly effective were relaxation tapes, especially the ones by Belleruth Naparstek. She has some general relaxation tapes and also ones specific to dealing with cancer. I was able to get these at my library and they really helped relax me and give me confidence that I could handle everything. Of course, a glass of wine couldn't hurt either. ;-)

I know it isn't overly helpful at the moment but things will get MUCH better. Right now this is all new and overwhelming and mostly out of your control (i.e. the scheduling of your surgery). If you can find a way to give yourself a break from the stress though, you'll feel so much better while you wait. I'm really sorry you're going through this and I hope you can find some moments of peace admidst all the ups and downs.

Xanax...hmmmm
will give my doctor a call tomorrow.
Relaxation tapes?
great idea ;-)

My first comment to Ron was - "great! Now I have another reason to lose sleep tonight... just when I was starting to deal with this better." Last night I think was my first decent night of sleep for the past 2 weeks.

I'm touched. Really. Thanks for every idea and caring.
My surgery is further away, but friends are drawing closer.
breathing in... breathing out...

I hope the relaxation tapes work as well for you as they did for me. I'd listen to them in the early evening and then stay away from anything bc related for the rest of the night. They did help me sleep better.

And one thing I learned in yoga recently is if you take a deep breath in and then exhale slowly, so that the exhale is longer than the inhale, and repeat this a number of times it will automatically relax you--apparently something physical happens when the exhale is longer that triggers a relaxation response. So--breathing in...breathing out.......

Listen... if you can't sleep , until you get some xanax or something..Benedryl or nyquil....antihistamine of some sort will do it. Take it an hour or so before bed.

Pat, you have so much good info to share! I am going to steal that one to get me through another day at work, because:

Well, off to work. All day long with CG again. Yesterday she drove, parked in the handicapped spot ( no she isn't, but she doesn't believe in handicapped parking ) and ranted half the day because the people in the credit union across the street asked her to stop taking one of their two spaces all day. Which is another she feels entitled to park in the handicapped spot. Usually she gets her husband to drive her. She hates almost everyone who comes in. And says so. Often, loud enough for them to hear. So, If you need something to do today, you can drive down here to visit me. It's going to be 54 F here tonight, which is another reason :) Yesterday, when she came in and my lunch ( coke and tangerines ) was in a wee bag on the counter. ( we were not yet open) She took it in back and took it out of the bag and put it in the fridge. REALLY! GAAH! Hands off !

If you decide not to jump into the car and drive to my house, I hope you at least have a light and fun read. Did you get Among Others? Did you shop? I got a new toilet brush and soap pump at ammy :) it's beautiful, but I won't take a pic of it. I never had a pretty toilet brush before. That Amazon!!!! they have it all ! lol Retail therapy! books, socks, flip flops.. they have it all! I got birdseed ! Did you find any Ammy coupons you can use?? I looked and they were not so good yesterday.... keep looking.

Hang in there !!

Hi Pat,
Going shopping and to library today... and will look for relaxation cd. Your idea of evening listening sounds excellent. Feeling relaxed will be a new experience for me - lol.
I had heard that before about exhaling longer than inhaling. Don't know the science behind it though.

Hi Kath,
Sorry you have to work with a jerk. That makes the day difficult - really difficult. Sending you a hug and positive energy to thwart her effect on you. (Hope the hug works, cuz my positivity may be weak by the time it gets to PA)
While it would no doubt be a good distraction, I'm thinking this is not a good time to drive down to see you. A bit far - ha! I'll visit in spirit - 54 degrees sounds delicious! Hope your day is not a disaster ;}

I DID buy Among Others, as well as:
The White Mare
The Bone People
Bring Up the Bodies
Ficciones
Ice Palace

and a few others I forget.

Don't know how to get another internet window on my new laptop yet - to go check w/o losing this screen.
Pondering coupon items....

My surgery is further away, but friends are drawing closer. Cee, that is a brilliant thought to hang on to. And you came up with it be yourself. I like Pat's breathing tip. It really works, too. I'll bet Bridget has all kinds of yoga relaxation tips she can give you.

It looks like you' w got lots of good books to read...and a new laptop to play with. Thinking of you and praying for a clear sentinel node.

A blow to have a delay in surgery, but as Kath said, its only 2 weeks now! (which reminds me, it's only 2 weeks now for me too!)

Sleep is such a good healer, how can you find some of it? Maybe your daughter could do a yoga session with you, I always find it so helpful in getting better sleep.

And some great books there to read til your eyes droop....I love that feeling.

I loved The White Mare! I'm glad you got that, too!

look.. one day almost behind you :)

In most browsers I think that if you hit control T you will get a new tab?

Hi Donna!
I was thinking about yoga - poor Bridget needs it herself and is so busy with her new baking business. When she gets a few minutes she hops in her hot tub for relaxation.
Thanks for your thoughts/prayers :-)

Megan -
Cool! August 19th for both of us!
I will definitely think of you at some point of the day - probably on my way to the hospital ;-) After anesthesia - no guarantees. I'll be soooo gone. And THAT'S when I will get my sleep ;-)
Oh, wait! I just remembered. You'll be all done by then. Hmmm. Maybe I'd better send you healing vibes the night before when I probably won't be sleeping much anyway.

Kath,
WoooHooo! It works! (Control T)
You are so smart! How do you know all these things?
Not only that... a choice of ten of my most frequent sites pops up - so I can just hit the one I want. Or not. This is the best thing that has happened to me today! LOVE it! Thank you...

OMG - it's only been one day today???? *sigh*

Hello Cee - de-lurking to say why do shitty things happen to good people? I can understand your frustration at having to WAIT. Hot milk before bed is supposed to be good for sleep. I am sending you lots of virtual hugs and know that you are loved and not alone (though I suspect it must feel like it, at times).

Oh a longer wait, I'm sorry to hear that. It will be here before you know it though.

Hope you're sleeping! Mmm, hot milk...works for me.

Glad it worked ! I'm glad it worked out for you! Are you using chrome? If yes, look at the bottom of the new page, and see where it says apps. Click on it and shop around for things you might want to add. There are themes and all sorts of fun and or helpful apps to look at. You can go back to the ten fave sites by going back to the bottom of the page and clicking most visited again.

Another day is 1/3 over already, and you slept through it! hooray!

Ask for xanax.

HI Cee! Hope you find some sleep relief! Chamomile tea and a hot bath help me when I can't sleep. When I was working shift work we had an information session on sleep techniques and keeping TV out of your bedroom and not using anything techie before bed is helpful (no computer or cell phone screens on in a dark room, nothing stimulating.)

Hope you have a great weekend!

Cee!!

I'm late to arrive here and learn of your news. (((((Cee)))))

I know 8/19 seems like eons away but it will be fine (as you yourself say). It sounds like they caught it early and you have all the right attitude etc. in place. I'm not a praying person but I will be holding you in the light and thinking about you as you travel down this path.

I may have mentioned that I have a little thing I do, called "Operation Postcard." I've had two very dear friends recently diagnosed with breast cancer and Operation Postcard was, according to them, worthwhile. If you are willing to PM me your address, I would be very happy to implement this on your behalf. Details not yet to be disclosed. :-)

I'm loosely planning a Group Read of The Bone People. If you'd like to participate, you name the month during the remainder of 2013 and it's yours.

. Helping you wait.......

Noisy here.. trucks and digging up my yard :( but they are putting in a new gas line. Drat.
So what are you doing? reading, shopping? Beaching or porching? Everything okay with your mom?
I miss you.. come back when you can :) I'll try to think of more browser tricks to tell you .. lol

Cee - A fly past full of hugs for you this weekend. Delays are a frustration but if I could put money on someone to cope I would have a few pounds on you. xx

Btw I think Pat is wonderful.

Or jokes. Maybe I will try telling jokes..

What do you call a guy with a rubber toe?
*
*
*
*
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Roberto

OK. Beautiful day today! I'll take it :-)

Hi Prue,
Thanks for stopping by. Happy to "see" you :)
Yeah. Waiting sucks. Ron always says I am impatient and refers to how hard it was for me to wait 9 months to have a baby. At least this is not that long... Thanks for the hugs!

Hi Joanne,
I know you are right and it will be here and over soon.
They are keeping me busy with doctors (multiple), PT, nurses, and hospital pre-op appts. I slept pretty good last night for a change. Think I was just getting mentally exhausted. I can be my own worse enemy ;ppp

Hi Kath,
I don't use Chrome - I think it's Explorer (is that right?) There is a line to click "discover other things you might like" that is probably what you are talking about. I'll save that for a rainy day.
I'm a little worried about Mom. Got a phone message from her that said she tried to walk to our house (we're about 15 miles away) with the newspaper but turned the wrong way and had to go back - and she's holding the paper for us. HUH? Did she leave the grounds????? I kinda doubt it - but I have to tell them about this development.
Told the joke to my grands - they thought it was funny.

Hi Chelle,
Good advice... except for the hot bath. I'd prefer cool showers for the summer. I'm looking into relaxation cds - haven't found any around here so I guess I'll get something from Amazon. We do not have a tv in our bedroom - don't want to make that connection with sleep.
Hope you have a great weekend too! Have a great camping vacation :-) Bridget and family are camping/vacationing in Canada this coming week. Montreal - I think.

Hi Ellen,
Thanks for your kind thoughts...
I don't recall "Operation Postcard", but I will trust the smile and jump in!
I have The bone People coming. I'll watch for your group read and if I am up to it, will join in. My reading right now is slow - very slow - unless you count cancer stuff. I expect that will settle down when the big stuff is over and done.

OMG Paul,
I wondered what all those things were floating down to earth... HUGS! Thanks ;-)

btw, I think Pat is wonderful too. All my LT friends are special!

Just trying to catch up and saw your news. Sending positive thoughts your way. :)

Thanks, Jess! I'll wave to you from 295 when I go to my Portland appts.

Oh - forgot to mention.
Our tiny, sad-sack library had it's annual book sale today.
I was kinda late, but still managed to pick up a few books.

The Book and the Brotherhood by Iris Murdoch
Winter in Madrid by C.J. Sansom
Four Souls by Louise Erdrich
Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
a relaxation CD,
and a book for Ron In Peril: A Daring Decision by Skip Strong

I overpaid by donating $5. Afterall, the library needs it.

Hmmm I don't think I have ever heard of that Erdrich. I must investigate! I think I have Number the Stars.. not sure. I know I have The Giver... Nice library sale haul!

So, the weather is perfect here. not too hot, not too cold, occasional rain and grey skies... le sigh!

Hi Claudia. Glad you slept well last night! Does your hospital/cancer center have a library at all? Mine did and they lent out the relaxation tapes to patients. Also, I just found the Belleruth Naparstek tapes online here. It's probably best to download them if you can because they have a note that they cut you off after 20 minutes for security (?) and the tapes are longer than that.

And a big thank you to you and Paul for your sweet compliment. I'm sending it right back to both of you. You're so right about LTers being special.

So.. you are still doing the course? you are a way better person than I am, with much better attention abilities. I wandered off due to work and other things I wanted to read, even though I was interested in what was going on. I have read through much of it but not with serious intention, or attention.

What are you reading for fun? If you haven't read the last Penny, then do.. sometime soonish. I think you will join me in loving the new one. I am now breathlessly anticipating the next! sigh

Songs of Willow Frost was sad.

Weather here is low seventies to 80 for the next 7 days. I will take it!!! So... What's happening this weekend? Any visits.. dinner out? Snow?

Curious mind......

ETA

I am definitely going to hunt down Four Souls! Thank you for finding it :)

Hi Kath -
Yay for perfect weather! I would take about 10 degrees off that, but to each their own perfect :)
You may think my attention is better, but I don't have a job (outside the home). My time is more my own. Our choices are just different. I am by no means a "better person".
No reading for fun right now. No fun at all. No desire to have fun. Would just settle for normal today. Had a bad night last night - very little sleep. The cat was puking, the dog wanted to go out, I had nasty abdominal pain, and lots of rain noise - then bird noise. I finally fell asleep again about 7:30 am and didn't get up til about 11. Luckily the phone didn't ring!
All in all, a do-nothing weekend. I need to go for a walk or something. Alas! it is still raining... feeling very subdued.

Hi Pat!
Don't know about a library at the cancer center - but I will ask.
I noticed Belleruth has a tape for successful surgery meditations. I might get that one. Goodness knows, I have plenty of time! :PPP (sorry)
Breathing in - breathing out....
:-)

Something is wrong with my thermostat.. ( probably my thyroid meds which have been adjusted since... yesterday ) I am often cold. Crazy huh? I am currently wearing a thick short shleeved tee and a long sleeve.. thin shirt over it.

Temp? 72F

I am making fried potatoes and pork chops for dinner.. I am going to eat the potatoes, because it's sunday. It's the small things doncha know?

An old friend is in town. I saw that on FB and messaged him to see if he can meet for coffee. I love him. He was the brother I never had.. I hope he says yes. Meantime, I am trying to choose book #75. Probably Book 3 of the Dalraida trilogy...

Will decide after dinner. My eyes are boggled from reading the companion all day :P

I sure hope tonight is better. Maybe a visit to the medicine cabinet before bed?

What do you get when you cross a sheep and a bee?
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A bah-humbug.

hahaha - will save that for the kids when they get back from Canada. They'll love it. Ron was not so tickled *shrug*

I have to admit - I was a wee bit cold under one blanket this morning. I fell asleep (or passed out?) when Ron added another for me. Was worth 3 hours of sleep :-) But I was roasting when I finally woke up. My thermostat is getting wonky!

We had roasted pork tenderloin for supper - rubbed with Caribbean jerk spice - rice, fresh pineapple and baby peas. Simple. Good enough.

I am trying to finish up Light in August (500 pages of crazy Faulkner). I think my interest is not so peaked as it is a re-read for me. Almost there. I really need to move on to my next book. I am a week behind but will never give up.

Hope you get to see your friend :D

Cee, I plan to read Light in August next month. It's a re-read for you -- does that mean you like it?

It sounds like tough days (& nights) for you lately. I hope it gets easier as August progresses. Take good care--

So what will you read after Faulkner? I did not hear back from Joe.. too bad :( but not surprising. When he married ( around age 40) ... she told him that she feels left out when he is around friends he knew before her and preferred that he not see them. Not sure if that still holds, but whatever. He was like a brother to me growing up. *sad*

Don't work too hard today... and stop at the library to get some Dimity! Chelle recommends it :)

Ellen -
I am re-reading Light in August only because it is an assigned book for my Coursera online course. I will say, however, it is making more sense now - with guidance from the prof. I am finding much more to like about Faulkner now - though I must admit, he is still essentially over the edge for me.

Kath -
Next up (for my course) is Ficciones by Borges. Have no idea what it is about, but am led to believe it will not be an easy one. Violent, I think. Maybe I should skip this one???

Sorry you did not get to see your friend :(

A strange thing is happening to me. I went to bed last night and felt this whole cancer thing has been a huge nightmare and not really real at all. Fell asleep and woke up easily. I don't feel anything. I suddenly feel like nothing is happening... it was all a cruel joke. Does this mean I will have to crash again????

I have a super long history form (my own and family) to fill out for the medical oncologist apt tomorrow. It's about the 6th one I've had to do to date and it's so silly as there has been so little of medical note in my history.
NO I am not allergic to anything.
NO to all that long list of things wrong with me.
No...No...No...
My family history is very vague and I don't know how I would ever really know. I don't feel like doing it.
What would happen if I just don't???? Would I then be labeled 'non-compliant'? I don't think I care anymore.
Hmmmm. Guess I am still not in a very good mood.
Whatever. Ignore all this verbal spewing.
Logic on low volume. Anger turned way up!

Hi Claudia. Your Coursera course sounds pretty advanced. I give you credit for doing all the reading. I ordered the textbook for my nutrition class and it's great but also huge. 400 densely packed 8 1/2 by 11 inch pages of information! It's a great reference but it will take me awhile to get through it.

I can relate to your cruel joke story. I used to fall asleep and wake up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom having forgotten all about having cancer only for it to dawn on me what my reality was. It was always a punch in the gut and it took awhile for that to stop happening.

I can also relate to all those damn forms that had to be filled out and not knowing a whole lot about my family history. By the time I needed it, most of my older relatives were either gone or not able to give me the information I needed.

I hope the medical oncologist appointment goes well tomorrow!

I'm with Pat. I give you credit for doing that reading, too. Forms are a nightmare. I'm so sorry that youhave to endure that, on top of the rest.

Where does George Washington keep his armies?
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In his sleevies

So did you have dinner with mom? Was it yummy? I used to call my great grandmother "Mom". We all did. She used to make really delicious friend chicken, and I loved it! ( until I realized that some of the chickens were disappearing from grandma's farm, mysteriously ... and stopped eating it) but I digress. When you said you might have dinner with mom, I immediately thought of mashed potatoes with butter, fried chicken and green beans.... and I swooned.

Whatcha doing today?

Cee, I wish i had some words of wisdom for you, or even a joke...but all I can do is let you know I'm still with you as you go through this. I'm glad you have your Coursera assignments to keep you busy. I liked Light in August; it ended up in my Top Ten the year I read it!

Hi Pat,
I don't know why I keep thinking I'm the only one in the universe with these problems and emotions. Maybe its because I never actually shared this journey with anyone who's been through it and willing to talk about the daily gut punches.
And to think I was a surgical nurse and had so little clue. (Of course all those patients were highly medicated...lol) I know there was an increased level of fear - but I was the one that "knew" everything would be ok for them. When it's your own body (the only one you have) it becomes more important for an easy surgery, a complication-free outcome, and a restoration of life as "normal".
Anyway, thanks for your own stories that really help me know I have not been singled out for human sacrifice by the universe. heh

That Coursera course is more advanced than I anticipated and I am happy about that! If this is an example of what Brown University offers their students (prof teaches at Brown), then I wish I could enroll there and start all over!

Kath,
Can you believe it took me about 10 seconds to get that one???? Now these are the kind of jokes I can remember! Ooooo - can't wait til the kids get back from Canada...hehehe

I did have dinner with Mom... it was good, but she was not hungry. More and more I notice her ice cream is disappearing and she is not hungry for meals. Hmmmm. Now what do I do? We sat on her balcony after supper and chatted. It was touch and go - but I felt her love for the first time in a long time. I love when that sneaks through. It was a beautiful summer evening. It did my heart good.

Donna,
Thanks so much. It's really not necessary to have wise advice or offer solutions. I know that now. This experience is teaching me that just staying connected is huge.
Actually, I'm pretty lucky/blessed. Things could be waaay worse than where I think I am. It's just the NOT knowing the final results and the waiting - and those stupid forms!!!!
You LIKED Light in August the first time you read it???? Top Ten???Wow. You must be an awesome reader to even get what Faulkner is writing about. Sheesh! He takes the cake when it comes to confusion, imho.

Mom... let her eat ice cream. When I am her age, I plan to eat ice cream three times a day and have bacon for dessert.

As for the balcony, maybe she was loving harder, or you were feeling more? Somewhere in there I know she is always loving you.

#217 OK I officially feel dumb! I didn't get that joke at all so I said it to Nate and he laughed so I had to get him to explain why it was funny! DUH!

I got the joke, but I had to read through it twice before it clicked! I say let Mom eat ice cream, too, Cee.

I came across this today, and the first person I thought of was you!



Sending you good thoughts and keeping you in my prayers - hang in there, Cee!

>219 -Cee-: - When it's your own body (the only one you have) it becomes more important for an easy surgery, a complication-free outcome, and a restoration of life as "normal".
Absolutely! Your anxieties make complete sense, Cee, and it sounds like you're doing all you can to ease and soothe them. As you know, nothing will make the fear go away. It is along for the ride so you might as well make a bit of space for it on the seat next to you there. Letting it be with you gives it less power over you.

Sending you more healing energy....

Kath, I like the joke. :-)

Had a good visit with the medical oncologist today. She took her time and answered all our questions.
Another test for $4100 and insurance pays! yay!
If my nodes are negative, they will be sending a sample of the tumor tissue to California for an oncotypeDX test. I'd not heard of that before. The results of that test will give a somewhat accurate prediction of what my risk is for future recurrence. It helps individualize treatment for me to lower the risk, if necessary. If my own cells are low risk based on gene activity (21 genes are tested), I will not need chemo. If they show medium or high risk, I will have some form of chemo treatment.

I'll be so happy if the nodes are negative - but then I still have to "pass" this test. Still, if knowing I have a high risk that can be mitigated, then I can get the treatment and fight it now instead of hanging around and wondering.

I'm glad I did all that reading about breast cancer over the last few weeks. It helped me get up to date and more able to understand the oncologist. She gave her approval on the choice of lumpectomy and MammoSite radiation... pending the results of the surgical pathology.

I think I have about a book's worth of handouts, reports, forms, etc to compile yet another book. *heavy sigh*

Kath,
It is so hard for me to condone eating ice cream in place of nutritious meals. But I get what you are saying. I with you on the bacon ;-)

Chelle,
DUH! is right. That's how I felt too. I do have to admit, there are times I struggle understanding some jokes. But this one should have been easy!

Mamie,
I'll work on letting Mom have her ice cream w/o interfering and nagging... but sheesh... it'll be hard.
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the snowman! or is it a sandman???
Thanks for the thoughts and prayers. I do think I'm going through a good time right now. All kinds of support are helpful - even the snowman gif. Who knew ?
:-)

Ellen,
" It is along for the ride so you might as well make a bit of space for it on the seat next to you there."
I like that visual. Acceptance is part of the game of what can and can't be controlled.
Thanks for the healing energy. Need to stock up on that.
I liked the joke too (once I got it).

*******************
Thanks everyone for all your visits.
I'm not getting around too much on other threads. Doing some lurking. Hope everyone else is doing well and enjoying summer.

Finally finished Light in August! On to Ficciones...

Cee I'm very behind with everything after holidays so I've only just seen your news. Sending all my best wishes - so glad to hear that your friends are being supprtive.

Good morning Cee-ee-eeee!

Whatcha doing today? Going out anywhere? Glad to hear your appointment went well.. it all sounds pretty good so far... I'm glad of that!

I have "stuff" and then meeting Jo for lunch. I had a long evening yesterday with my sister ranting at me because her son and wife had the ultrasound yesterday, and wouldn't tell her if it was a girl or a boy. She ( once again) got mad at me because I did not agree with her when she said she was entitled to know. I said it was up to them to know or tell ( even though I did agree that it is easier to buy gifts if you know ) Now, an earlier ultrasound, they said possibly a girl. Well, she wore him down ( they actually didn't know, they had brought home the results in a sealed envelope) and this time they said a boy. So........sheesh!

Hi Rhian!
I see you had a wonderful holiday - and a great meet-up with Paul.
Am somewhat wistful since I cannot travel so far (Ron is not the adventurous type when it comes to foreign countries). But it's fun to see your pictures :-)
Thanks for dropping by and sending good wishes.

Hi Kath -
Sheep and bees! What's the matter with sisters????? Yours demands to know; mine demands NOT to know even when everyone else does. That kind of sister-ranting needs to go in one ear and out the other. Personally, I like to know. But it's not my choice. So...

Today, I am organizing the Tide mailing so we can be set for tomorrow morning. Also need to do laundry and set things up for a visit from Wendy who is coming with the boys for the weekend. I swear, if anyone has the sniffles, I am going to check into a hotel so I don't get sick! At least the weather will be agreeable - I hope.

Hope you have a fun lunch!

Hi Cee,
I hope you are able to do some organizing and preparing today --- and that there is not one single sniffle to be heard among Wendy and the boys!!!

Keep taking care.

Hi, Cee! I'm behind on threads and discovering your news very late.

So sorry about the cancer diagnosis, and all the anxiety that goes with it, and with delayed surgery.

I'm wishing you all the best. I'll second Pat's recommendation of Anti-cancer, not through personal experience like Pat's, but a friend's experience (different kind of cancer, but good outcome so far).

Hugs!!!

Big hugs Cee. I'm still praying for a clear node! I'm sorry they pushed your surgery back. That really stinks. If MD hesitates on Xanax, ask for Ativan. It's also very good for anxiety.

Keep the faith, dear one. And since I'm horrible at jokes we'll leave that job to Kath. :)

>200 mckait: What do you call a guy with a rubber toe?
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Roberto

LOL!
Love it. Ill tell Wilbur and he can repeat it a hundred times a day cracking himself up each time (guaranteed). He is just getting into jokes.

Sorry for having abandoned you Cee, I have been all about the place these last few days. Plus I have prioritised reading and managed to get 170 pages of my latest one in, in 24 hours!

>214 -Cee-:/15 sorry for your excessive form-filling-out woes, Cee, I guess it does seem pretty futile when you have done it all before a hundred times already. I actually like filling in forms, I think it is something about the fact that at a medical appt I am usually child free- so I relish the opportunity to do something that requires concentration freely.

I'll think of you on 19 August, as for me that'll be your day before. So I can wish you anxiety free before the procedure. Mine is relatively simple and not with all the other worries you have, so please only invest a teensy bit of energy my way :)
(Or, I can re-package it and send it back to you!?)
(((HUGS)))

What game would you play with a wombat?
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Wom.

I just ate a baked egg and wished it was ice cream. I think your mom is on to something... Maybe we would all feel better if we ate ice cream for meals :)

That Megan likes to fill out forms boggles my mind. You know that I feel the same as you do on this subject! Megan, you should hire out your services... do you have a fax? I would be happy to pay you 5$ a form :) #WorkFromHomeOpportunity

So, it's raining and the guys and trucks are still out there and I work with Cathy today. Yeesh. They have been here for so long, Duncan just ignores them now. :)

I hope that once the Tide is out, that you can relax with a good book and well, ice cream.

When my mom was getting close to passing away (cancer), she started having ice cream for breakfast. We loved it! She had been careful to play by the rules her whole life, and just decided to heck with it.

I'm so glad you had a good visit with your oncologist, Cee. You're in my prayers, my dear friend, that there be good news with negative nodes and a passed test.

Enjoying the jokes!

It does seem as though becoming truly informed is really helpful. I know my sister applied herself thoroughly to understanding all she could and it helps her particularly when the doctors get going.

(((((Cee))))) I'm so sorry about the delayed surgery.

Sending good energy and Crone Mojo---a crone is an old(er) lady such as myself...used to be good, then an insult, now turning into something good again. Mojo good vibes of all types. It's coming your way every day.

Had a bout of low-downs but am now engaged in re-integrating now, sort of. My head just seems to be awhirl.

Re: the course. I'm not crazy about The Ice Palace. I did like Light in August, despite the violence, but I've been a Faulkner fan for years. That said, this one is at the bottom of my W. F. list, but I'm not sure why--waaaay too misogynistic, for one thing. I'm still reading Ficciones, but I've got a bit of an advantage there, as when I was a Spanish student, lo these hundreds of years ago, we translated several of his stories. An interesting and difficult task if ever there was one.

Happy week-end, Sweetie.

I think I have about a book's worth of handouts, reports, forms, etc to compile yet another book.

You do accumulate a lot of paper--test results, bills, insurance forms, etc. I set up different binders for each of them so I wouldn't misplace things. It was the most organized I've ever been. I just wish all the booklets they give you on things like surgery and radiation were the same size. I had to get a plastic storage container for all of those.

I'm so glad your oncologist appointment went well and she took the time to answer all your questions. It's important to have a good rapport with your doctors.

Hope you have a great weekend with your daughter and family and can get a break from all this cancer stuff.

So... the reason Cory kept texting was he was worrying that something was wrong, because I pretty much never fail to hang up and talk to my kids instead of to whoever it is I am talking to. He thought there was something I wasn't telling him. ! ! So... good to know my kids know how to worry :P but I already know that about Cory :) He was on his way to visit with the Ryan family who befriended him in Japan and made him a part of their family for 4 years ( including Thanksgiving and Christmas). The dad was his commanding officer or something. I keep suggesting he marry one of the girls ( there are 4 beautiful blue eyed blonds available ) and he laughs it off and says it would be like marrying his sister. Sigh. Anyway, it was good to talk for at least a while :)

hugs

Pat... I can't imagine being organized while going through something like that. Can. Not.

Love all the jokes going on here!
Here is another one for you!

What did one ocean say to the other ocean?
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Nothing, they just waved

and another!

Why don't blind men skydive?
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Because it scares the crap out of the dog!

What did 0 say to 8?
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Nice belt!

Goooood day to you! Perfectly perfect weather here. Rain in the morning, high of 73. I did my chores and errands and now to a book!

I have nothing any interest to share. Margie is having a yard sale and I bought 4 matching frames for 50¢ and some Skin so Soft in a sprayer ( ex Avon lady) . Oh, and a brass headboard :) It will be lovely in the small bedroom upstairs :)

Whats going on in your neck of the woods? The kids are there, right?

I like the wombat joke. Totally not getting the one about skydiving and dogs.

Hi Cee! Thinking of you and hoping you're having a peaceful weekend.

Getting any beach time in ?

Nothing interesting going on here. I am off Monday this week and work tuesday.. then three saturdays in a row. I find that annoying. Also got some news that Kim from the board wants to extend library hours .. later nights and more of them. Ridiculous.

Whatcha reading, if anything? Probably hard to read with visitors...

eta

Ape mentioned something in his thread about his library, which charges no overdue fees. Interesting..
thought I would share that tidbit.. still looking forward to hearing about the one by you.

okay. this one's a blonde joke.

a blonde goes up to the lady at the counter and says out loud: i'd like to order a burger, french fries and a milkshake.

the lady looks up and replies: this is a library.

the blonde turns around and sees people reading books. she then looks back at the lady and smiles while whispering: i'd like to order a burger, french fries and a milkshake.

LOL - groan - LOL
Some of these jokes are great! Others ????
Still I am definitely smiling more :-))) Thanks!

Individual responses coming -
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So, I finally finished another book. It was relatively short but oh so dense.
Ficciones by Jorge Borges (4.5 stars)



What a trip! I read this for my online course. The lectures, as usual, helped to make sense of this author and his writing. Filled with philosophy, waaay out of the box thinking, contrary interpretations of what we think we know about the world, its history and relationships, and magical realism. I actually found a lot of humor in this short story collection... not sure if I was supposed to or not. There were times I thought he was making fun of other deep thinkers and himself. Maybe Borges was quite serious and I just thought it amusing.

If I were to read this book another 16 times, it would probably end up with a 5 star rating from me. For now, Borges will have to settle for 4.5 stars since some of it went over my head and can't be assessed with only one reading.

BTW, do any of you who know Spanish know what "Ficciones" means? I can't seem to get a handle on that and titles always intrigue me.

Thanks to all my friends for stopping by -
Ellen, Terri, Tina, Megan, Kath, Joe, Caro, Lucy, Gail, Pat, and Chelle

I had a crazy weekend with Wendy and boys - fun and high activity. Missed reading but I'll get my chance. The weather was nice and the house was rockin' ;-)

Ellen -
No sniffles this past weekend ;-) Just laughing, playing, and trouble-making (as I guess boys will do - don't know - I had girls).
Do you get the skydiving/dog joke yet? I thought it was a hoot! That poor protective service dog... what could it possibly do to help its crazy, blind human???
Thanks for thinking of me... I appreciate it. I really do.

Terri -
Thanks for the hugs and kind thoughts. Anti-Cancer is definitely on my WL.

Tina -
I know the hugs and prayers are a big help - knowing so many are supporting me when I find myself wilting. Today would have been my surgery - but it isn't and I'm sure there is a reason for that. Only 2 weeks to go now...
I do have Ativan and expect I will rely on it particularly the week before surgery since I cannot take my migraine medicine and I will be trying to do all I can to prevent having one. Stress/anxiety reduction will be my primary goal that week.

Megan -
I tried out your joke on my grandsons this past weekend. They loved it. They are in the joke stage still. Perhaps boys/men never outgrow jokes and cracking up :-)
We're almost there - the 19th is getting closer. I bet, like me, you just wish it was all over and behind you. It will be - in 2 weeks. That seems a lot shorter than a month. Hope you have things all set up for some quiet Megan-recovery time like you did before.

Kath -
Most of your jokes are cute or some funny - but I had some trouble with the wombat joke. Seems I was the only one that stumbled on that one. sigh.
I have to admit I do not know what all the hull-a-baloo is about ice cream. I guess I did not get that gene from my Mom. Instead I got the "pie gene" from my Dad. I don't mind if Mom eats mountains of ice cream - as long as she eats something else for her basic nutrition. Even if she is 90. However, it's not for me to control. So... I'm trying to just accept that she will get what she needs. She shouldn't have any problems with calcium deficiency.

Joe -
I do think you may be right - let it go and help her celebrate that she no longer needs to follow the rules! If I live as long as she has, I will no doubt have my dessert first - then if there is room, I will try a little supper ;-) I'll be eating pie and cheesecake though... not so much ice cream.

Caro -
Thanks so much for the prayers and love. Great gif! You always find the best ones ;-)

Lucy -
I'm enjoying those crazy jokes too. I'm especially enjoying sharing them with my grands! I love anything that keeps me close to them and their youthful, happy world :-)
I'm like your sister. I want to know all I can - whether it applies to me or not. I don't freak out with the worse case scenarios. I try to keep it all in perspective. But, I would freak out if something hit me by surprise that I should have known about or anticipated. So far, my caregivers are being honest, kind, informative, and seemingly very competent. The books and everything I'm reading are putting it all together for me. I do feel like having lots of knowledge helps with the doctor visits and discussions.

Gail -
Oh! Crone mojo! Thanks for that. I wasn't sure about the crone part - but I consider it good. Age/wisdom/experience/etc certainly must make the mojo more potent ;-)
It seems you are on an upswing of sorts now (after being low). Yay for that... and many hugs.
I don't know just what it is, but I am loving every book on our course reading list... even Faulkner! (not one of my fav authors)
So, oh Spanish student of 100 years ago, do you know what "Ficciones" means? I tried looking it up, but I keep getting stuff about the book... not the meaning of the word.

Pat -
" I just wish all the booklets they give you on things like surgery and radiation were the same size."
Hahaha! That is funny - isn't it? Everything IS a different size. Plastic container should help that. I'm hoping I collect all this stuff in case I need it later - and never have to look at it again!
I was worried being in Maine might mean a lesser degree of quality healthcare and considered going to Boston or somewhere else. But I've learned that Maine is very much on the cutting edge and the docs have been great. That's a lot for me to say as I have never been fond of any kind of doctor at all. So, that's a degree of comfort.
I did have a great weekend, but alas... I can never seem to get away from all this cancer stuff. I had to take the time to go over everything with Wendy and comfort her. She likes to take control and problem solve - but she's not in charge here and she now is more aware of her own future possibilities.

Kath -
Wow. I feel honored - but sorry that Cory was caused some concern. I'm glad to know he keeps after you ;-)
Organization - leaving most of that to Ron though I can't resist some of it myself. Just my nature. I'm mostly glad he is handling the insurance part of it. I get too crazy with all their mistakes. He's already had to straighten them out on several things. Grrrrrrr Well, I guess it gives him something practical to do. It makes him feel good to win ;-)

Hi Chelle!
OK. I heard the ocean one before - but the sky diving one is pretty dang funny! Loved it!

Kath -
I loved the belt joke too! Wendy got a big kick out of that one.
Sounds like you got some cool stuff at the tag sale. I suppose now that you have a brass headboard you are happy - something else to clean/polish! I do love brass headboards though myownself.
I have not made it to the library yet - but I will let you know about the overdue fees. I promise. I'm quite interested in the thinking behind abolishing them.
I bet you heard a lot of blonde jokes in your day. It took me two readings to figure that one out. I think my brain is half dead already... and too much strain on the other half ;P

Just started The Ice Palace last night for my online course. So far, I think I like it - but I think it's gonna take an unexpected turn. Seems too simple right now ...
I am down to reading one book at a time. A new concept for me and all that I can manage at the moment.

You'd think I was pregnant (NOT!) with the level of craving I have for burgers. It's not even one of my favorite foods. I've already had several in the past couple of weeks and I still want one!!!!! Chicken for supper. Maybe I will throw it between a hamburger bun and see if that helps.

Good day to everyone!

As far as I know it's one of those words that are cognates:

Ficciones simply means "fictions", loosely: stories.

Like you, I found much humor there. He wrote another collection called Labyrinths. Whoa, is all I can say.

I'm sorry and ticked off on your behalf because the illness is temporarily taking over your life. Dammit.

I can't believe you had to explain that joke to me. Or maybe that's a good thing.... ha.

I hope your Monday has been not-too-Monday-like.

Hi Cee, Nothing much to add, just checking in to say I love all the jokes!

And adding...

Why do seagulls fly over the sea?
*
*
*
*
*
Because if they flew over the bay, they'd be bagels.

ahahahahahahaha

Good one Joanne :)

Here's hoping that today is peaceful and quiet... it would be good, after a busy weekend with family.
Working on my usual " day off " always makes me feel ill used.. even if I have been compensated with a different day off. :P

I have been thinking of your little tiny library, and how fun that one would be :)

I cooked tomorrow's dinner this morning, since I don't know what Dan is working. So I just have to figure out something for Thursday, and I'm good. Ideas?

ahahahahahahaha!

Where do you all dreg these cute jokes up?

It JUST dawned on me, Ellen, I did NOT get that skydiving joke myself! I finally figured it out just now. Duh. See, I was making the dog think like a mother - standing on the ground, watching, and worried about the outcome. But no - I just realized - being a seeing eye dog - it was right there with the blind man plummeting through the air and getting the crap scared out of himself!
So, I guess all jokes are in the "eye of the beholder". LOL.

That IS a good one, Joanne!
I can use that one around here on kids of all ages ;-)

Gail - Thanks for the translation. That's about what I figured. So, are you gonna read Labyrinths? Or have you translated that yourself already?

Kath -
Today is my RL bookclub. We have a local author coming to speak to us.
William Chafe - he wrote Bill and Hillary which I have not finished. Maybe this will inspire me to finish, maybe not.
Will probably be crowded...sigh

I think you would love working at our library. You would be in charge of everything and probably have lots of fun. The hours are short and you get all winter off!
Thursday dinner for Dan??? worms.

Geez.... First off, Cee you are NOT the only one who didn't get the "wombat" joke. I read it, and re-read it and re-read it. THEN I got it and laughed.

The others I have thoroughly enjoyed.

I laughed so hard at seagulls that I almost had to jump up and run to the bathroom!

Dear Claudia, I hope you can see how much you mean to folks around here. You are a light to others and everyone loves you very much!!!

Laughter, ice cream / pie, love -- all the best medicines (with heaping doses of Ativan as needed, of course). So says Dr. Tina. ;)

#50 The Ice Palace by Tarjei Vesaas (5 stars)



Without having listened to the lectures on this book yet, I really liked this one.
Can't wait to see why this book was chosen for the 'Fiction of Relationship' course and all that I must have missed.
But you know me, I love cold, ice, snow, northern things - and this was chalk full of all that. A story of being eleven years old told so well I can even remember back that far! It is simply written but deeply focused on adolescent vulnerability and the connections in community.

Ah, Dr Tina. Thank you for the sweet thoughts. (Your check is in the mail.)

I do have Ativan and a pie in the freezer to be baked! How CAN I go wrong????

I LOVED the seagull joke too. These silly jokes have really tickled me. I love sharing them with the kids.

I was worried being in Maine might mean a lesser degree of quality healthcare and considered going to Boston or somewhere else. But I've learned that Maine is very much on the cutting edge and the docs have been great.

I had similar worries about Boise but have also been impressed with the care I got here. I think part of it is that way too many people get breast cancer and as a result they've standardized the treatment so you pretty much get the same treatment regardless of where you go in this country. I think an advantage to being treated in a smaller city is that you get more attention from the doctors. They're not so busy as they would be in Boston or Seattle.

The Ice Palace sounds interesting. I'll have to look for that one. Your course really sounds great. Gail told me about a sale going on on Audible.com that includes some of Weinstein's classes and I'm thinking about purchasing one of them. I didn't see your class but there are similar ones. All the reviews on Audible.com of his classes are glowing.

I forgot to mention that I just read a children's book today about Maine called Time of Wonder by Robert McCloskey. It was written in 1957 and is about a summer spent on an island off of Penobscot Bay. It's a simple story about two sisters and their experience of nature with some nice watercolor drawings. I heard about it in a Barnes & Noble weekly email I get. It was featured as a book that put the "beach" in beach read. Have you read it? If not, it's a quick easy read that I'm sure you could relate to.

Oh, Robert McCloskey is a treasure! I've loved his books but I don't think I've read that one, Pat.

Another one (I should quit while I'm ahead) -

Knock, knock.

Who's there?

Charlotta.

Charlotta who?

Charlotta bad jokes around here! :)

A blonde went to the appliance store sale and found a bargain. "I would like to buy this TV," she told the salesman.
"Sorry, we don't sell to blondes," he replied.

The blonde was very angry about this. She hurried home and dyed her hair, then came back and again told the salesman, "I would like to buy this TV."

"Sorry, we don't sell to blondes," he replied.

The blonde did not know how the salesman had recognized her. This time, she got a haircut and new color, a new outfit and big sunglasses. She then waited a few days before she approached the salesman.

"I would like to buy this TV."

"Sorry, we don't sell to blondes," he replied.

Frustrated, she exclaimed, "How do you know I'm a blonde?"

"Because that's a microwave," he replied.

So... how are you doing with your class reading. I really admire you for keeping up....here? same old same old pretty much. Keeping up with nothing, but reading more of what I want to read... doing nothing much of interest...

Oh heavens! I am changing that 4.5 stars to 5 stars!

The Ice Palace is truly a five star book, but I needed Weinstein's lectures to show me that!

I so want to share the readings and lectures of this Coursera course with all of you. If you have any inclination to pursue this in the future, please do. It's free! You can do as much or as little as you want.
I am only reading and listening to the lectures. I have no time to join in with 700 or so others in discussions, etc. But the little bit of group discussion I experienced earlier was amazing. I just can't take that kind of time.

Anyway, it's looking like anything you see taught by Arnold Weinstein will be worth investigating. I'll be on the lookout myownself!

Be back.... your jokes are killing me! (in a good way)
Need to get something to eat and soak up some sun while it's here ;-)

Pat -
I'm wondering if all the recognition, fund-raising, and research is keeping cancer in the foreground so that nation-wide there is cutting edge knowledge and treatments. Goodness knows, the effort to raise money and push for the cure is not diminishing. Standardized treatments and accepted protocols have always ruled the medical field. It's thinking out-of-the-box that has a hard time gaining acceptance - though the more they learn the more the field opens up. *sigh*
You might have a hard time getting The Ice Palace if you look for it. We had to purchase it from an independent publisher. Maybe it will become more popular and/or some will trade their used copies in to Amazon??? They should package the lectures with the book! Or maybe most readers are much smarter than I.
I will look for Time of Wonder. I like to get children's books, read them, then ut them on the shelf upstairs in the guest room for my grands to discover. They just rec'd one to me called The running Dream that I need to get to soon.

Joanne -
Hehehe... another one??? Don't stop! Don't stop!
Hope and pray your son Chris is much better and recovering from his accident. I guess one does have to be thankful it wasn't much worse. Still. Hugs to you {{{Joanne}}}

Kath -
LOL... I just never anticipate where blonde jokes are going. I imagine there would be lots of grey jokes, but no one can remember them???
About the only reading I am doing right now is for my class and for my health. That class is sooooo good, I don't want to miss any of it so I have to keep up.

Beautiful day. After the heat and humidity of July, august is always a welcome reprieve :-D Maybe I should start a new thread. Maybe.

I find the whole topic of breast cancer and cancer in general fascinating these days but boy is it complex. The more I learn the more I realize how much more there is to know!

As it turned out my library doesn't have a copy of The Ice Palace so I put a copy in my Amazon cart.

Hope you like Time of Wonder. I think it would be a great book for your grandkids. They're lucky to get to spend time in Maine with you.

L-o-o-o-o-o-o-og day.

Whew. Glad to know you got a wee bit of sun :)

I'm off to do ... mostly nuthin' Hope you are too.

>253 -Cee-: I guess all jokes are in the "eye of the beholder".
Ha! Yes, indeed. :-)

And The Ice Palace. A five-star read. Consider it firmly placed upon the wishlist.

Hey, Cee. Right there with you on The Ice Palace. I got a bit of it from my reading, but Weinstein' s lectures were truly illuminating. Do you watch the class discussion of each book? Did you get the feeling that I.P. is his favorite book so far? So much enthusiasm and energy were evident as he spoke.

We did work on Labyrinths in that ancient class. You get a different level of understanding and involvement by doing translation. If I read it again, it will be in English, believe me!

Do or did you find Beloved to be one of the most painful books ever?

Yikes, this has certainly become the very smart people thread.. I will sneak out now, before anyone notices that I have not a single thing to add.

*tiptoes*

>246 -Cee-: ...but I had some trouble with the wombat joke. Seems I was the only one that stumbled on that one. sigh.
*whispers* me too Cee ! Maybe I need to reread like Tina did ;)

Ice Palace? Just what I need, another book for my TBR pile. *panics*.....rethinks.....*checks library catalogue*.....DONE!

FRIDAY!!!!!! ahhhhhhhh.. big deep breath!

A blonde, a brunette, a movie star, the pope, and a pilot were on a plane.

The plane was going down fast, and there were only four parachutes for all five of them.

The pilot took one and jumped, then the movie star took one and jumped, and then the blonde took one and jumped.

The pope told the brunette to take the last one.

The brunette said, "There are still 2 parachutes left! The blonde took my backpack!"

>207 phebj: ba dum TISH ;)

Hi Cee!
(((hugs)))
Just wanted to drop by and see what's going on here.

I like the silly jokes here. We all need to laugh more. Claudia, you have convinced me to check out the Coursera classes. I want to go back to Missouri State but I don't want to be locked into a schedule. Too much fun babysitting opportunities lost! Coursera might be the compromise I need. I hope I can find something as interesting as the one you and Gail are doing.

Have a great week end. We'll be ten days into August tomorrow...just in case you are counting. You've been very patient so far.

Pat -
I requested Time of Wonder from the library to "check it out" (literally -lol). Should get it soon as they say it is available.

Ellen -
I do hope Ice Palace falls into your lap. You might be able to see into it all the things I needed the lecture to make me clearly aware of... isolation, the process of mourning for both girls, possibly child abuse (though it's just my guess), human support, the power and beauty of nature ....

Gail -
I have grown leaps and bounds as a reader with this course. Would be nice if we could get him to join LT, huh? He did actually say somewhere in the beginning of his lectures that IP was his all time favorite. That's a very strong statement and he backs it up.
I really only watch bits and pieces of the class discussion. I'm impressed that many of them are so thoughtful.
Beloved is soooo soooo painful. So visceral - tragic - beautiful - ugly - powerful - fluid. Damn! Morrison writes so well you can feel the torment.
Only one book left :(

Kath -
Ha! Caught ya trying to sneak out... sometimes the smart thing is to just listen. You are a great listener and have lots of value, wisdom, and lame jokes (LOL) to add. Plus we love you ;-)

Megan -
Looks like we both got the blonde joke :-)
*whew*
If we didn't, would that mean we had blonde roots? gah
Are you counting? I am. 9 more days for me - 8 for you - not counting the actual day.

ETA -
Hi Donna!
Cross-posted. It took me so long to type my message I missed yours.
Oh yeah! I'm counting! Thanks for noticing how VERY patient I HAVE been :}
I have a feeling there are lots of good courses on Coursera - but this one was a gift! Weinstein's course might be repeated. He got an excellent response this time around. You can put it on a watchlist - "The Fiction of Relationship"

*******************************
Tomorrow I flip burgers at the fair and toast to Ellen and P's future.
They are not selling used books this year at the fair. I don't know why not. Boohoo :(
Once this event is behind me, I can relax a bit for a little while.
Then.... blocking ........ blocking ........... blocking
:{