Mamie's 2013 Madness (Page 13)

Don't you just love the simple joys of summer? Snow cones and watermelon and running through the sprinkler on a hot day. Ah, paradise!

Currently Reading


Currently Listening to


JUNE (18 books)
68. All Together Dead by Charlaine Harris - reread
69. A Touch of Dead by Charlaine Harris (3 stars)
70. The Radleys by Matt Haig (4 stars)
71. The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller (5 stars)
72. The Cottage at Glass Beach by Heather Barbieri (4 stars)
73. From Dead to Worse by Charlaine Harris - reread
74. Austenland by Shannon Hale (4 stars)
75. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald - reread (4.25 stars)
76. God Save the Child by Robert B. Parker (3 stars)
77. Dead and Gone by Charlaine Harris - reread
78. The African Queen by C. S. Forrester (4 stars)
79. Dead in the Family by Charlaine Harris (3.75 stars)
80. The Reader by Bernhard Schlink (4 stars)
81. The Dispossessed by Ursula K. Le Guin (4.25 stars)
82. The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro (4.75 stars)
83. I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith - reread
84. Fer-de-Lance by Rex Stout (3.75 stars)
85. Blood Kin by Henry Chappell

June Possibilities:

Carried over from May:
Hemingway's Boat by Paul Hendrickson - library hardback book
The Adventures of Kavalier and Clay by Michael Chabon - this was a GR - hardback ROOT - The GR Thread - Reading
Stoker's Manuscript by Royce Prouty - an ER paperback book
Dracula by Bram Stoker - audiobook - ROOT

Nonfiction:
Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee by Dee Brown - ebook/audiobook - I will start this later this month, but will probably not finish it this month

TIOLI
The School of Essential Ingredients by Erica Bauermeister - (TIOLI #1) - 2013 acquired paperback
Out of Sight by Elmore Leonard - (TIOLI #2) - 2013 acquired paperback
The Cottage at Glass Beach by Heather Barbieri - (TIOLI #3) - 2013 acquired paperback COMPLETED
*The African Queen by C. S. Forester - (TIOLI #5/shared) - 2013 acquired paperback - COMPLETED
*Blood Kin by Henry Chappell - (TIOLI #5) - 2013 acquired hardback - recommended by Richard - COMPLETED
*The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller - (TIOLI #5/shared) - GR - 2013 acquired ebook - recommended by Richard - COMPLETED
*God Save the Child by Robert B. Parker - (TIOLI #6/shared) - 2013 acquired ebook - reading this with Donna and Roberta as part of the Five Year Plan! COMPLETED
The Radleys by Matt Haig - (TIOLI #6) - 2013 acquired paperback - COMPLETED
*The Dispossessed by Ursula K. Le Guin - (TIOLI #8/shared) - 2013 acquired ebook - recommended by Kerri COMPLETED
I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith - (TIOLI #9/shared) - paperback ROOT - reread - COMPLETED
All Together Dead by Charlaine Harris - (TIOLI #9) - ebook ROOT - Sookie reread - COMPLETED
*Fer-de-Lance by Rex Stout - (TIOLI #10/shared) - library ebook - recommended by Julia - COMPLETED
*The Reader by Berhnard Schlink - (TIOLI #11/shared) - paperback ROOT - COMPLETED
Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons - (TIOLI #12) - 2013 acquired paperback
Strangers on a Train by Patricia Highsmith - (TIOLI #13) - 2013 acquired ebook
The Road Home by Rose Tremain - (TIOLI #14) - paperback ROOT - gift from Paul
The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro - (TIOLI #18) - paperback ROOT - COMPLETED

Hey, Wait a Minute... These Weren't On the Original List!
From Dead to Worse by Charlaine Harris - ebook Root - Sookie reread COMPLETED
Dead and Gone by Charlaine Harris - (TIOLI #16) - ebook ROOT - Sookie reread - COMPLETED
A Touch of Dead by Charlaine Harris - library hardback - Sookie short stories - COMPLETED
Austenland by Shannon Hale - (TIOLI #2) - hardback ROOT - COMPLETED
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald - (TIOLI #12/shared) - paperback ROOT - COMPLETED
Dead in the Family by Charlaine Harris - ebook ROOT - COMPLETED
Dead Reckoning by Charlaine Harris

January (17 books)
1. Dreaming of the Bones by Deborah Crombie (4.25 stars) - ebook - ROOT
2. Between, Georgia by Joshilyn Jackson (4 stars) - paperback, library book
3. Alice in the Country of Hearts by QuinRose - paperback - ROOT
4. A Bride's Story by Kaoru Mori - hardback, Abby's book
5. The Sisters Brothers by Patrick deWitt (4 stars) - ebook - ROOT
6. Maus I by Art Spiegelman (4.5 stars) - paperback - ROOT
7. Black Hearts in Battersea by Joan Aiken (4 stars) - ebook - ROOT
8. In the Woods by Tana French (4.5 stars) - paperback, library book
9. Volt by Alan Heathcock (4 stars) - paperback, library book
10. Emma by Karou Mori (3 stars) - hardback, library book
11. Maus II by Art Spiegelman (4.5 stars) - paperback - ROOT
12. Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy (4 stars) - audiobook - ROOT
13. The Beggar's Opera by Peggy Blair (3.75 stars) - paperback, Early Reviewer book
14. Case Histories by Kate Atkinson (4.5 stars) - paperback - ROOT
15. The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie (4 stars) - hardback - ROOT
16. Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin (5 stars) - ebook - ROOT
17. The One Hundred and One Dalmatians by Dodie Smith (5 stars) - this was a reread, I am leaving the previous rating that I assigned it in place - hardback - ROOT

February (10 books)
18. Before Midnight by Rex Stout (4 stars), paperback, library book
19. 420 Characters by Lou Beach (4 stars), hardback, library book
20. The Iron Duke by Maljean Brook (3 stars), paperback, library book
21. Temple of a Thousand Faces by John Shors (4.25 stars), paperback, ER book
22. Scarlet by Marissa Meyer (4.25 stars), hardback purchased hot off the presses
23. A Literary Guide to Flannery O'Connor's Georgia by Sarah Gordon (4 stars), paperback, library book
24. Soulless by Gail Carringer (3.5 stars), library ebook
25. The Pale Criminal by Phillip Kerr (3.5 stars) ebook, ROOT
26. Blue Bloods: The Graphic Novel by Melissa de la Cruz (3.5 stars), hardback purchased in 2013
27. Pyongyang by Guy Delisle (3 stars), paperback, library book

March (12 books)
28. Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel García Márquez (3.75 stars), paperback - ROOT
29. Twilight by Stephenie Meyers - reread (I know what you're thinking, but I like it)
30. Killing Floor by Lee Child (3.5 stars) - ebook - ROOT
31. Hamlet by William Shakespeare - reread (4.5 stars) - hardback - ROOT
32. The Five-Forty-Five to Cannes by Tess Uriza Holthe (4 stars) - hardback - library book
33. The Ladies of Mandrigyn by Barbara Hambly (4 stars) - ebook - 2013 acquired
34. Kindness Goes Unpunished by Craig Johnson (4.25 stars) - ebook - ROOT
35. The Chardonnay Charade by Ellen Crosby (3.5 stars) - ebook - ROOT
36. The Bordeaux Betrayal by Ellen Crosby (3.5 stars) - ebook - 2013 acquired
37. Bimbos of the Death Sun by Sharyn McCrumb (4 stars for sheer entertainment value) - ebook - 2013 acquired
38. In the Bleak Midwinter by Julia Spencer-Fleming (3 stars) - ebook - ROOT
39. The Searchers: The Making of an American Legend by Glenn Frankel (5 stars)- hardback - 2013 acquired

April (13 books)
40. Ex Libris by Anne Fadiman (4.5 stars) - Thanks for the shove, Morphy!
41. A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams (4.25 stars)
42. Round Mountain by Castle Freeman, Jr. (3.75 stars)
43. The Searchers by Alan LeMay (4.25 stars)
44. Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood (4.5 stars)
45. A Man Without Breath by Phillip Kerr (4.3 stars)
46. Shards of Honor by Lois McMaster Bujold (3.75 stars)
47. Ashfall by Mike Mullin (4 stars)
48. The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood (4 stars)
49. We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson (4 stars)
50. The Shipping News by Annie Proulx (5 stars)
51. Howards End by E. M. Forster (4.5 stars)
52. Me, Who Dove into the Heart of the World by Sabina Berman

May (15 books)
53. Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris - reread
54. The Godwulf Manuscript by Robert B. Parker (3.75 stars)
55. The Keeper of Lost Causes by Jussi Adler-Olsen (4.5 stars)
56. Living Dead in Dallas by Charlaine Harris - reread
Brokeback Mountain by Annie Proulx (5 stars)
57. Liesl & Po by Lauren Oliver (5 stars)
58. Club Dead by Charlaine Harris - reread
59. Empire of the Summer Moon by S. C Gwynne (4.5 stars)
60. The Fever Tree by Jennifer McVeigh (3.5 stars)
61. Dead to the World by Charlaine Harris - reread
62. Dead as a Doornail by Charlaine Harris - reread
63. The Little Sister by Raymond Chandler (4.75 stars)
64. A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness (4.5 stars)
65. The Making of the African Queen by Katharine Hepburn (5 stars)
66. Definitely Dead by Charlaine Harris - reread
67. The Ghosts of Nagasaki by Daniel Clausen (4.5 stars)

2013 Stats (I shamelessly stole this from Cee!)



Total Books Read: 85

ROOTs books (off my own bookshelves): 41 counted/ 1 reread not counted

Fiction: 77
Non-Fiction: 8

New to me Authors - not including manga or graphic novels: 46

Male authors: 36
Female authors: 49

US authors: 58
Authors from other countries: 27

Living Authors: 66
Dead Authors: 19

Medium:
Hardback: 16
Paperback: 31
ebook: 33
audiobook: 5

Books Purchased in 2013:

January
1. Sandman, Volume 1: Preludes and Nocturnes by Neil Gaiman
2. Dog Stars by Peter Heller
3. Snow White Must Die by Nele Neuhaus
4. The Fairest Beauty by Melanie Dickerson
5. Nightbirds on Nantucketby Joan Aiken
6. In the Woods by Tana French - read it this year, but I loved it so much that I wanted my own copy
7. Tigana by Guy Gavriel Kay
8. Cat Among the Pigeons by Agatha Christie - collecting these covers
9. Taken at the Flood by Agatha Christie - collecting these covers
10. The Clocks by Agatha Christie - collecting these covers
11. Third Girl by Agatha Christie - collecting these covers
12. The Little Bookstore of Big Stone Gap by Wendy Welch
13. The Likeness by Tana French - the book store had the hardcopy edition on sale for $6, how can I resist that?
14. Raylan by Elmore Leonard - Craig and I will both read this
15. Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel - I read this on Kindle last year, but wanted a physical copy of it
16. The Red Queen by Philippa Gregory - book store had this on sale for $3, recommended by Chéli
17. The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCollough - I read this forever ago and loved it, today I found a lovely edition with deckled edge pages, enough said!
18. Old Filth by Jane Gardam - my very first Europa edition!
19. The New Moon With the Old by Dodie Smith
20. One Good Turn by Kate Atkinson
21. A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin - I read this on Kindle, but wanted a physical copy of it for my shelves
22. A Clash of Kings by George R. R. Martin
23. A Storm of Swords by George R. R. Martin
24. A Feast of Crows by George R. R. Martin
25. A Dance of Dragons by George R. R. Martin

February
26. Scarlet by Marissa Meyer READ
27. Etiquette & Espionage by Gail Carriger
28. Vampire Empire by Clay Griffith and Susan Griffith
29. Faithful Place by Tana French
30. Grave Mercy by Robin LeFevers (Kindle Daily Deal)
31. The Woman Who Wouldn't Die by Colin Cotterill - the latest Dr. Siri!
32. State of Wonder by Ann Patchett - deckled edge pages!
33. The Cider House Rules by John Irving - Kindle Daily Deal
34. The Searchers: The Making of an American Legend by Glenn Frankel READ
35. Vampires in the Lemon Grove by Karen Russell
36. Frances and Bernard by Carlene Bauer
37. Still Life With Murder by P. B Ryan (Kindle Daily Deal)
38. Blue Bloods: The Graphic Novel by Melissa de la Cruz READ
39. The Ladies of Mandrigyn by Barbara Hambly (Kindle Daily Deal) READ

March
40. West With the Night by Beryl Markham (Kindle Daily Deal)
41. Made in the USA by Billie Letts - bookstore had this hardback on sale for $6
42. Die Trying by Lee Child
43. The Searchers by Alan Le May READ
44. The Witches of Wenshar by Barbara Hambly
45. Dragonsbane by Barbara Hambly (Kindle Daily Deal)
46. The Poet by Michael Connelly
47. Blood Work by Michael Connelly
48. The Bordeaux Betrayal by Ellen Crosby READ
49. Mistborn: The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson
50. Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh
51. Ashfallby Mike Mullin - because Judy and Dejah assure me it is good! READ
52. Bimbos of the Death Sun by Sharyn McCrumb - who can resist this title? And Dejah says it's good! READ

April
53. Shards of Honor by Lois McMaster Bujold - READ
54. The Radleys by Matt Haig READ
55. Out of Sight by Elmore Leonard
56. Bandits by Elmore Leonard
57. Barrayar by Lois McMaster Bujold
58. The Speed of Dark by Elizabeth Moon
59. Life After Life by Kate Atkinson
60. The Green Mile by Stephen King
61. Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons - because of Roberta's lovely review and because it comes in a Penguin deluxe classic edition with deckled edge pages
62. Valdez is Coming by Elmore Leonard
63. Road Dogs by Elmore Leonard
64. The Godwulf Manuscript by Robert B. Parker - this is Joe's fault READ
65. Blood Kin by Henry Chappell- because Richard begged so prettily and used puppy dog eyes
66. Another Man's Moccasins by Craig Johnson
67. The Watchman by Robert Crais - Kindle Daily Deal
68. Appointment in Samarra by John O'Hara - Penguin Deluxe Classic Edition

May
69. The Map of the Sky by Félix J. Palma - Kindle Daily Deal
70. The Stockholm Octavo by Karen Engelmann
71. God Save the Child by Robert B. Parker - also Joe's fault! READ
72. A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving - Kindle Daily Deal
73. Cocaine Blues by Kerry Greenwood - free on Kindle, recommended by Dejah
74. The School of Essential Ingredients by Erica Bauermeister
75. The Cottage at Glass Beach by Heather Barbieri READ
76. Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy by John le Carré
77. The Honourable Schoolboy by John le Carré
78. The Absent One by Jussi Adler-Olsen
79. Call for the Dead by John le Carré
80. A Murder of Quality by John le Carré
81. The Spy Who Came in From the Cold by John le Carré
82. The Looking Glass War by John le Carré
83. Smiley's People by John le Carré
84. The Little Drummer Girl by John le Carré
85. The Naíve and Sentimental Lover by John le Carré
86. A Perfect Spy by John le Carré
87. Our Kind of Traitor by John le Carré
88. Liesl & Po by Lauren Oliver - bought the ebook and added the professional narration for a few bucks more READ
89. Empire of the Summer Moon by S. C. Gwynne - bought the ebook and added the professional narration for a few bucks more READ
90. Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee by Dee Brown - bought the ebook and added the professional narration for a few bucks more
91. Salvage the Bones by Jesmyn Ward - hardcover with deckled edge pages on sale for $3
92. City of Dark Magic by Magnus Flyte
93. Lord of the Flies by William Golding - replacing my sad mass market paperback with a trade paperback with deckled edge pages
94. Tequila Mockingbird: Cocktails with a Literary Twist by Tim Federle
95. Close Range by Annie Proulx
96. The Garden of Eden by Ernest Hemingway
97. Sandman Slim by Richard Kadrey - Kindle Deal ($1.99)
98. Kill the Dead by Richard Kadrey - Kindle Daily Deal ($.99)
99. A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness - read it this month, but wanted my own copy, added the audiobook for $3.49
100. Heaven's Prisoners by James Lee Burke - Kindle Daily Deal ($.99)
101. Tender is the Night by F. Scott Fitzgerald - Kindle Daily Deal (1.99)
102. Cry, the Beloved Country by Alan Paton - Kindle Daily Deal (1.99)
103. A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway - Kindle Daily Deal (1.99)
104. The Snows of Kilimanjaro and Other Stories by Ernest Hemingway - Kindle Daily Deal (1.99)
105. The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller - Kindle Daily Deal ($1.99) READ

June
106. Strangers on a Train by Patricia Highsmith - Kindle Deal ($2.99)
107. The African Queen by C. S. Forester - gift READ
108. Gods in Alabama by Joshilyn Jackson - gift
109. The Ice Queen by Alice Hoffman - gift
110. Our Man in Havana by Graham Greene - gift
111. The World According to Garp by John Irving - gift
112. The Brass Verdict by Michael Connelly - Kindle Daily Deal (2.99)
113. The Reversal by Michael Connelly - Kindle Daily Deal (2.99)
114. The Fifth Witness by Michael Connelly - Kindle Daily Deal (2.99)
115. Dead Reckoning by Charlaine Harris
116. The Accidental Tourist by Anne Tyler - recommended by Megan
117. Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys - discussion on Megan's thread
118. Worlds of Exile and Illusion by Ursula K. Le Guin - because I liked The Dispossessed, which was recommended by Kerri. This book contains three more in the Hainish Cycle: Rocannon's World, Planet of Exile, and City of Illusions
119. The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman - recommended by Joe
120. A Grown-Up Kind of Pretty by Joshilyn Jackson
121. The Beautiful and the Damned by F. Scott Fitzgerald
122. Saving Cee-Cee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman - bargain book $2, set in Georgia
123. The Enchanted Life of Adam Hope by Rhonda Riley - recommended by Karen and Kathleen - deckled edge pages!!
124. The Last Original Wife by Dorothea Benton Frank

An idea stolen from Heather (souloftherose), who borrowed it from Liz (lyzard): ongoing series that I am actively reading. This doesn't include series where I have the first book in my TBR pile (i.e. series I haven't started reading yet aren't included). An asterisk (*) indicates a series where I already have a copy of the next book. A pointing finger (☛) indicates a series where I am waiting for the next book to be released.

1. African Trilogy by Chinua Achebe: Next Up: Arrow of God (3/3)

2. *Charley Davidson by Darynda Jones: Next Up: Third Grave Dead Ahead (3/4)

3. Chief Inspector Armand Gamache by Louise Penny: Next Up: A Fatal Grace (2/8)

4. *Commissario Montalbano by Andrea Camilleri: Next Up: The Snack Thief (3/15)

5. * Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor: Next Up: Days of Blood and Starlight (2/3)

6. *Divergent by Veronica Roth: Next Up: Insurgent (2/3)

7. *Dr. Siri Paiboun by Colin Cotterill: Next up: Slash and Burn (8/9) - Richard's fault!

8. *Dublin Murder Squad by Tana French: Next Up: The Likeness (2/4) - Dee's fault!

9. Duncan Kincaid/ Gemma James by Deborah Crombie:Next Up: Kissed a Sad Goodbye (6/15)

10. * Dust Lands by Moira Young: Next Up: Rebel Heart (2/3) - Mark and Chelle's fault!

11. The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan: Next Up: The Dead tossed Waves (2/3)

12. *Harry Bosch by Michael Connelly: Next Up: The Narrows (10/18)

13. *Harry Hole by Jo Nesbo: Next Up: The Snowman (7/9)

14. ☛ The Ibis Trilogy by Amitav Ghosh: Next Up: ? (3/3) - Judy's fault!

15. *In Death by J. D. Robb: Next Up: Glory in Death (2/44) - Joe's fault!

16. *Inspector Sejer by Karin Fossum: Next Up: He Who Fears the Wolf (2/9)

17. Jack Taylor by Ken Bruen: Next Up: The Dramatist (4/9) - also Mark's fault!

18. *James Bond by Ian Fleming: Next Up: Live and Let Die (2/14)

19. *Jackson Brodie by Kate Atkinson: Next Up: One Good Turn (2/4) - Stasia's fault!

20. *Kenzie and Gennaro by Dennis Lehane: Next Up: Sacred (3/6)

21. *Lady Julia Gray by Deanna Raybourn: Next Up: The Dark Enquiry (5/5)

22. ☛ Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer: Next Up: Cress (3/4)

23. MaddAddam Trilogy by Margaret Atwood: Next Up: The Year of the Flood (2/3) - Mark's fault!

24. *Matched by Ally Condie: Next Up: Crossed (2/3)

25. *Millenium Trilogy by Steig Larrson: Next Up: The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest (3/3)

26. *Philip Marlowe by Raymond Chandler: Next Up: Trouble is My Business (6/8)

27. *Raylan Givens by Elmore Leonard: Next Up: Raylan (3/3)

28. *Sookie Stackhouse by Charlaine Harris: Next Up: Dead Reckoning (10/13)

29. *Song of Fire and Ice by George R. R. Martin: Next Up: Clash of Swords (2/5)

30. *Spenser novels by Robert B. Parker: Next Up: God Save the Child (2/39) - this is Joe's fault!

31. Temperance Brennan by Kathy Reichs: Next Up: Grave Secrets (5/15)

32. Vish Puri by Tarquin Hall: Next Up: The Case of the Man Who Died Laughing (2/3)

33. *Vorkosigan Saga by Lois McMaster Bujold: Next Up: Barrayar: (2/16) - also Joe's fault! Also Richard's fault!

34. *Walt Longmire by Craig Johnson: Up Next: Another Man's Moccasins (4/8) - blaming this on Mark!

35. Wine Country Mysteries by Ellen Crosby: Next Up: The Riesling Retribution (4/6)

36. ☛Wolf Hall Trilogy by Hilary Mantel: Next up: ? (3/3)

Series that I am reading out of order:

37. Bernie Gunther by Phillip Kerr (3/9)
38. Nero Wolfe by Rex Stout (3/47) - Julia's fault!

Because I am completely insane, I am also trying to complete a pyramid challenge for the Lucky 13 Challenge, so I will picking my possible reads each month so that I can also fit them into the pyramid that Abby (my 16 year old daughter) and I created. We used a game show theme, and here are the categories we came up with:

The Categories:

1. Truth or Consequences - nonfiction (1/1)
2. What's My Line? - biographies and memoirs (0/2)
3. Beat the Clock - time travel (0/3)
4. Let's Make a Deal - I agree to read four Manga books and Abby agrees to read four mysteries - we are each trying a genre new to us that is a favorite of the other. (3/4)
5. Name That Tune - books set in or about Georgia, our new home state (3/5)
6. Treasure Hunt - graphic novels (4/6)
7. Hollywood Squares - books made into movies (5/7)
8. Queen For a Day - historical fiction (2/8)
9. Joker's Wild - right now it is anything goes, but Abby and I will each choose our own category for this (8/9)
10. The Price is Right - books found on sale, at a used book store, or borrowed from the library (10/10)
11. Match Game - books in a series (11/11)
12. Press Your Luck - authors new to each of us (12/12)
13. Pyramid - books published in 2013 (4/13)

You can find our Lucky 13 Challenge thread here: Crazymamie's Lucky 13

I waited... I really did.... But now can I post a hello?

Me, too!

Ha, as AWOL as I've been, I lucked into your new thread quite early. Happy weekend, Mamie!
I love the photo of your back deck on your prior thread. But I imagine the pool has drawn some of the foot traffic away from that lovely outdoor area, just a bit. :-)

Caro - Perfect timing! Hello!

Morphy - Also perfect timing! hello to you, too!

Ellen! How ARE you - besides busy? Don't you just love a new thread?! Happy weekend to you, too - hope it is full of fabulous and some very much needed down time for you. Our back deck is a fabulous, but you're so right - the pool has definitely taken over first place. I love to sit out there in the shade of the pecan tree that we enclosed in the pool area and read by the pool. And boy, did that pool get a lot of use this week with temps in the high nineties every day.

Dropping in on the good-looking new thread, too, Mamie.

Impressed with your pyramid challenge with Abby. How great that you're each trying a genre the other loves. I'm reading Library Wars thanks to her rec. May end up being a little too 16 year old for me, but I can see why she likes it. And the passionate fighting to protect books is a natural for the world of LT!

Hey there, Joe! Abby and I are having a lot of fun with that challenge! She will be thrilled that you tried Library Wars based on her rec! She is also really liking the Inuyasha books, but I have no idea what they are about.

Happy new thread, Mamie-my-friend!!! I love the doggie picture / quote & had to share with Lisa! :)

Thank you, Tina!! Please give Lisa our love - and take some for yourself! Glad you liked the picture and quote - the quote is one of my very favorites!

I'll have a snow cone please! I'll be out on a lounge chair under an umbrella with a book in hand.

Yes, ma'am. I'm not sure who loves snow cones more - Craig or the children! We'll bring this out to you directly, Roberta!

*wanders around looking for the fruit salad*

Hi, Mamie. Your new home is looking so perfect for being at home, reading, and enjoying the pool. The landscaping is looking great!

Today, chez moi, household chores and some yard work. Then some reading. Perfect.

Love your trio at the top being so seriously attentive to the joys of eating frozen treats.

Congratulations on your latest thread dear lady and I trust that everything is going swimmingly at the Pecan Paradisio this weekend.

Here you go, dear:



And thank you for your lovely compliments! Your household and mine are twins today, Karen. We are working on The Big Clean and also concentrating on getting things done outside. It's a lovely day for it - just 92 and a wonderful breeze. Much cooler than the past few days.

I'm here! I'm here!
Love new threads...
Another beautiful topper! Seriously. What's the best way to tackle those things??? LOL
Scanned through your horrible dentist adventures on the last thread. Sending hugs and good wishes for a happy/quick ending this time. I do feel somewhat sorry for dentists - but I still hate them :P Well, actually, I'm afraid of them.

"Outside of a dog..." is one of my very favorite quotes :-)

What is book #75 going to be?

Eating snow cones is serious business, Paul! Thank you for your congrats - things will be going swimmingly literally later today after the yard work is finished (I say finished as if we could ever actually be all caught up!). The Pecan Paradisio is getting a good shine, and then we will relax and enjoy the rest of the day.

Cee - Hooray! Glad you like the thread topper! I rarely ever eat frozen treats because they make my teeth ache. If I do indulge, it is with a coconut popsicle, which is worth a bit of tooth throbbing. Speaking of teeth - the special brush on fluoride that the dentist office applied does seem to be making a difference. I am much less sensitive to cold things. I even ate cold fruit right out of the fridge and it didn't hurt a bit - so fabulous! I so appreciate your hugs and warm wishes for my upcoming dental visits - you know it's bad when they have to do it in stages! Monday will be the worst, so at least I'll get that over with right away and not have to dread it.

I love that quote, too! Always makes me laugh! Book 75 is going to be The Great Gatsby, which is an old favorite. I am cheating a bit because God Save the Child should be #75, but I am not reading the last few pages so that I can give the coveted spot to Gatsby. Abby and Birdy just recently read it for the first time and they loved it - Abby a bit more than Birdy. Rae and Dan are reading it currently. When they are finished we will treat ourselves to a book discussion and then a screening of the older movie version at home. Then we are going to see the new movie version in the theater - so fun!

Love the summer food theme of your new thread, Mamie! I see you are currently reading The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay. I joined the group read last month, stall around the 100 page mark and haven't made it back to the book. I haven't abandoned it, but I have been letting shiny books capture my attention.

I hope you and your family are having a lovely weekend!

Hi Lori! Um...I have been reading Kavalier and Clay since last month, too...our stories are remarkably similar. I do really like the writing style, but it moves at a slower pace for me than I want to go right now, and so I know if I force it I will end up not enjoying the book as much. SO it is at a stall right now, but I WILL get back to it.

Thanks for your weekend wishes - I hope that yours is full of fabulous!

#26 & #27 ditto with Kavalier & Clay!

Oh, what lovely company I'm in!

Hi Mamie- Just checking in with my pal! Hope your Saturday went well. I finished and loved the Song of Achilles. Wow! Another 5 star wonder.

New thread! Glitter!

Oh good, a new thread so I can "catch up"!

Mark - So glad you checked in! Today was fantabulous - I am planning on doing it again tomorrow. So glad you loved Song of Achilles - I KNEW you would! I gave it five stars, too. So beautiful.

Es - Thank you! Now the place really sparkles!

Roni - LOL! That's what I love about new threads, too!

Hi Mamie-
Just checking up on you here on the new thread. Looks like a lovely place to hang out, colourful and fun. With fruit salad!

*slips on glitter*

S'ok, Im awright!! ;)

I love to sit out there in the shade of the pecan tree that we enclosed in the pool area and read by the pool. Sigh. That sounds heavenly.

I'm okay, Mamie, busy-ness aside. Today was Commencement so perhaps things will slow down just a wee bit in my neighborhood.

Two weeks from tomorrow I fly first to Chicago, hoping for at least a brief LT meet-up or sighting of Joe, Mark, Kerri, Benita, etc., and then the next day I'm on to Tennessee for some good spoiling by my cousins and aunt. I predict that I will eat fried chicken, fried okra, fudge pie...... and I'll get a little reading in, too.

Hang in there with Kavalier & Clay, Mamie. It's worth it in the end (imho).

Happy father's day to Craig, the Tuhan Rumah of Rumah Kacang Sedap.

Lovely children, lovely food, lovely energy, lovely mental images of your life.... hugs

I stalled on Kavalier & Clay too. But I will get back to it eventually.

I must have missed that you sit by the pool in the shade of a pecan tree!

I agree with E that it sounds heavenly!

Welcome, welcome to the overabundant book buying sprees of 2013. Our membership list is growing daily!

Unfortunately/fortunately, I've found some great buys this year. And, I confess that my reading of them in no way can keep pace with the accumulation of them.

Happy Sunday to you Mamie!

Hello hello, here you are on a new thread. Re your May reading, I'm amused how many got in that weren't intended! And why is Brokeback Mountain there without a number?

Happy Father's Day to the Dad of yr. household!

Hmmm...I know that I posted a response here earlier, and yet it has somehow disappeared. I'll try again!

Megan - So lovely of you to check in. And I'm sorry about the glitter. *hopes Megan is not thinking about suing* Why don't you sit down, and I'll bring you some of that delicious fruit salad. Can I get you something to drink with that or interest you in a a dip in the pool?

Ellen - It is very heavenly. Restful. Good for the soul. Here's hoping that things calm down now that commencement is over, and that you get to enjoy a bit of restful good for the soul moments for yourself. I am jealous of your Chicago/Tennessee plans - sounds delightful. Tennessee is so pretty - I have a nephew who lives there. Fried Chicken, fried okra, fudge pie and reading sound like just the ticket!

I will hang in there with Kavalier and Clay - I really like the writing, I just need to be in the right mood. I WILL finish it.

Paul - Craig thanks you, and I am intrigued by your Malay. (Is it Malay?) Does it say something like: Head (leader, lord, something similar to that) of the house of the house of delicious nuts? And Happy Father's Day to yourself - is there a Father's Day in your calendar?

Kathleen - Such lovely compliments! LOL! You get a permanent, reserved seat in the shade of the pecan tree!

Morphy - Me, too! Probably July or August for me.

Es - Taking the time to visit me on your birthday! Delightful!! And the reading spot is just perfect - decadently peaceful.

Linda - Thank you, dear one! I am honored to join your prestigious ranks! Right - I can't keep up with reading them either, but it sure is fun to accumulate them! I guess I should admit now that just this morning I failed in my attempt to make it ten days without purchasing a book. I bought three today. The Kindle Daily Deal was too good to resist -I bought three books by Michael Connelly that I did not have. Oh, well! Happy Sunday to you, too, dear.

Lucy - I know. The thing is that I love the process of making a reading plan, so I do that. Then I read what I am in the mood for, so I feel pretty good if half of my reads are from my list, but I never sweat it. Brokeback Mountain did not get counted as a book because it is less than 60 pages. I am working on reading Close Range right now, and that short story collection includes Brokeback Mountain, so it will in effect get counted when I count that book. And Craig thanks you for your good wishes - Happy Father's Day to Mr. Sibyx!

Ok, so I finished Book #75! I reread The Great Gatsby, and once again it did not disappoint. Here is one of my favorite quotes from the book:

"Every one suspects himself of at least one of the cardinal virtues, and this is mine: I am one of the few honest people that I have ever known."

I also finished books #76 (God Save the Child - the second book in the Spenser series) and #77 (Dead and Gone - the ninth book in the Sookie series). I must confess that I wanted book number seventy-five to be significant to me, and so I held off reading the last few pages of these books in order to finish The Great Gatsby first. I am a complete nut - but we already knew that, didn't we?! Anyway, I can say that now I have figured out just how far I read in the Sookie series the first time around - just through book nine. So from here on out with the Sookie books, everything is new to me! Just four more to go and then that's it. Kind of sad.

Of course I have time to visit my Mamie!

You are so sweet!

Hi Mamie- Just checking in! Hope your day is going well. I've been busy in the Man-Cave but I've been stealing a few reading minutes too. I started Wool. This might be one you would like. BTW- Mr. Clausen sent me his first short story collection. How cool is that? It might just makes it's way to you too!

Hey Mark! Happy Father's Day! We had a very nice day - lazed a bit, read some, and for dinner Craig fired up the grill and prepared corn on the cob and sliders. Delicious! I have Wool, actually, but I have not read it yet - I'll be watching to see what you think of it. And yes, the short story collection sent to you by Mr. Clausen is VERY cool!

Mamie fair warning! In my opinion books 10-12 of Sookie were a slog. There were some good pieces but Harris went the long way around when she extended her contract to make it 13 books instead of 10. Of course it is just my opinion and it only counts to me. LOL!

Ok, Roberta! Thanks for the warning. I think that's why I stopped after book #9 before - because the books were not as good or as fun as the beginning books had been. However, since the series is finished now, I am determined to see it through. So I will prepare myself for the Sookie slog! LOL!

Congratulations on blowing past the 75 book mark, Mamie!

Thanks, Roni! I'm very excited about reaching it a month earlier this year.

48> not to me. I loved them.
49> see above.

I am also loving the rv series, even though I have only seen season 1

Kathleen - Well, okay then. Good to know! Now I am excited to see what I make of them! I have only seen a few episodes of the first season of the tv series, so I can't really give an opinion on that one yet. The storyline is definitely different from the books. I LOVE the actor that they got to play Lafayette - perfect casting, I think.

The first couple of shows were not my favorite they got less crazy monkey sex as it went on.. but I am not convinced it is gone forever... I like the show. I don't have HBO though, so I have to borrow :) Tempting though..

Seventy-five. Impressive and well-done, Sister!!

What she said :)

I usually make 75 sooner than this, but I am nowhere close.. oh well :P

Back to the life as usual today? That still sounds pretty good in Mamie-land. Did you get all of the stuff
done outdoors that you hoped to?

Sounds pretty hot down there :P

Kathleen - Crazy monkey sex is right! I told Craig that I thought I probably wasn't old enough to watch the show! LOL! And thank you for the congrats on my 75 - I am having a very good reading year so far. Life as usual today? Well, today is my big dentist appointment - the one I am feeling a bit nervous about. SO cross your fingers that all goes well. Craig is back to work today, so that part of the schedule will be returning to normal - we had a nice week with him and got a lot done. We got most of the stuff done outside that we wanted to - the landscaping around the pool is not yet finished. It was hot down here last week - high 90s, but not horrible because the humidity wasn't too bad and there was a lovely breeze most of the days. This week is supposed to be cooler - high 80s and overcast most of the week with a chance of storms. Hugs to you, Sis!

Ellen - Thank you, Sister!

Congrats on 75, Mamie! Certainly not a book I would have picked though. LOL.

Yay for 75. Sending sparkles to help with the dentist!

Thanks, Morphy! I know thoughts on The Great Gatsby are very mixed, but it is one of my favorites.

Es - Thank you! And hooray for sparkles for the dentist - I need all the positive thinking I can get! LOL!

Mamie, I simply cannot keep up with you and your delightful threads, but it's certainly fun trying. Have a great Monday!

Julia - So great to see you here! And thanks for the lovely words. Hoping that you have a great Monday, too!

Sounds like Hacienda Crazy is shaping up, Mamie. More pics of your back 40 some time? I bet the family was loving the pool on those hot days.

Mamie - you did quite well with the translation Tuan Rumah would I suppose be Head of the Household in its nearest approximation. The pecan is not native to Malaysia so they don't have a different name for it so for poetics I went to the House of the Delicious Nuts. I was of course referring strictly to those in preponderance around you of the edible vegetarian kind.

Just saw the news and joining everyone else in congratulating you on 75, Mamie!

Joe - Sure thing! I'll post new pics when we get the landscaping around the pool finished. And yes - we are LOVING the pool!

Paul - Ha, ha! I'll tell Craig that he is referred to as Head of the Household of the House of Delicious Nuts!! I hope it doesn't go to his head! LOL!

Lori - Thank you!

*Back from the first of several dentist visits, and very happy to report that all went well. No pain. I will get my two new crowns in three to four weeks, and then I only have two more to go - but those I am not nervous about. Thanks to everyone for their good thought and wishes. They worked!!

RAWR!!!

A big happy rawr for your successful dentist visit Mamie!

Thank you, Roberta! I am so thrilled to have it over with!!

Hello dear, I'd like to introduce you to something horrendously sinfully exquisitely yummy. It is the Cronut:



And it is GOOOOOOOOOD. Croissant dough made into a donut. *uncontrollable slobbering*

omg, those look too good to resist! *mouth watering* *brain spinning* sigh

Congrats on reaching 75... and the year is not even half over!

Richard - OH, MY STARS! Those do look yummy. I have never seen anything like them before. YES, please!!

Karen - I had the same reaction!

Carol - Thank you so much!

Huzzahs all around regarding the dental visit!

Thank you, Es! I am delighted to have it behind me.

Glad your day went well.. mine was mostly fine..
VERY snarky patron this morning.. we had a speech therapist doing evals in the quiet room today. This mother of 3 brought her kids in, dropped her 4 year old and was going to leave. She had an infant and a 3 ish year old. I said, "typically we expect the parents of small children to remain in the library with them" She went for me like a wet hornet... shouting at me and telling me she would take her kid and leave and blah blah. She did leave, and left her 4? year old alone with a therapist she had never met before, she is not a patron... did not have a card, and wouldn't get one in order to use a computer ( when she came back 15 minutes later. I mean. . . WTH????? Are you kidding me? WHO does that?

I was livid.. and even called the goddess of the library to make sure I was correct about policy. Then she stayed for story hour. I had given the story hour librarian ( traveling county wide etc) who was running the story hour a heads up, and she mentioned it to her circle of parents when they sat in her circle. I was so shocked that someone would do that.. and so was the therapist who did not like it at all. grrr

Anyway.. otherwise, a good day :)

My Word! What a day, sis! I cannot imagine dropping off a 4 year old and leaving. Why do people have children if they don't want to be parents? It boggles the mind. Sorry you had to deal with all of that. YIKES!

Glad the rest of the day went smoothly. I finished The African Queen today - what a grand adventure! The book is very good, but I think I prefer the movie ending.

Hi Mamie- Just checking in. Hope the day went well.

Hey, Mark! My day was excellent. For a Monday. How's the vacation going?

>42 Crazymamie: *hopes Megan is not thinking about suing*
hehe! We dont think much about suing here in NZ. All accidents here are covered by ACC (the Accident Compensation Corporation), so my glitter slip injury costs are covered :)
ACC has its low moments, but in general it does keep the litigiousness at bay. (is that even a word!!?? It sounds good even if its isnt )

Dentist visits? *flees screaming in fear and terror*
Im not so rational when it comes to dentists, and thats before I get the bill too! (I bet your bill wasnt pretty?!)

Megan - Whew! I like litigiousness! Clever, clever girl!! And um...yeah, the bill was not pretty. Right there between ouch and BOING!

I wish we had something to keep the litigiousness at bay. Instead we have sleazy lawyers on tv encouraging us to use their "free" ( until they collect the lion's share) of the court winnings. It's ugly Megan, ugly.

Hey sis. I am cooking Duncan's chicken and rice, and then will go out and shop and meet Jo. I think there is lots to talk about... she is very excited to meet. No long relaxing morning porching for me. Gas company out there digging things up and then the whole Dan has lost his mind thing. I need to flee.

Hope your day is soft and easy.

Happy Tuesday, Everyone! We had some excitement last night as the storms rolled through Georgia - we lost our power! It was out for about two hours, and then we got it back - our first power outage in the new house. What was wonderful is that we have city water here, so when we lost our power we didn't lose our water - which is what always happened at the old house since we had a well. Hooray for everyday conveniences that continue to work even when the electricity doesn't.

I am back to the dentist this morning but not for me - Abby has a consultation concerning her wisdom teeth. They need to come out. They will tell us how financially painful the procedure will be. I am a tiny bit frightened after writing yesterday's check. On the bright side, I am so very thankful that we live in a country where dental care is readily available, and that they numb you before the painful procedures.

What are you doing today?

I imagine you can probably call Child Protective Services on the person who abandoned the four year old.

Kathleen - You slipped in there while I was posting! Lovely to see you, sis! No long relaxing on the porch? Bummer. Meeting with Jo could be fun - is there coffee or some kind of beverage involved?

If you flee South, remember to cut through Georgia! My house is on the left! I could use a soft and easy day, so thanks for those wishes. Hoping that you get the same. Hugs to you, dear sister!

Morning Morphy! That story made me equal parts mad and sad. Who leaves their four year old with complete strangers?

Morning Mamie- Yes, the vacation is going well. The later half will be a bit of a whirlwind, with the DC trip but I am enjoying my quiet mornings.
Sorry about the power outage! Did you read by candlelight?

I agree that litiguousness is now a word.

I know the question "who leaves their four year old...." is completely rhetorical but I'll bet the mother is a deeply damaged person who was abandoned and or neglected when she was a child, and now is a completely overwhelmed mother with little for a support network. The reason she flew off the handle probably is yet one more symptom that she is a person in crisis and unfortunately calling Child Protective Service would do nothing to help her, although it might "rescue" the children and put them in another situation where they are neglected. Such situations are so filled with sadness and tragedy.

The one small hope is that the children may grow to mature into adults who break the pattern and learn how to take care of themselves and others. It does happen.

Hi, Mamie! I missed your whole last thread. This one is very nice. This morning, I'm taking a few minutes . . . well, more than a few, to try to catch up with my LT friends.

Congrats on passing the 75 book milestone already!

Good luck with Abby's wisdom teeth.

re: Kath's library patron mother-from-hell, Morphy is right. Protective services should be called. Library employees are mandatory reporters, at least in the state of Pennsylvania. We're actually required by law to report suspected child abuse or neglect. Leaving a 4-year-old in a public space unattended is obviously child neglect. It's simply not safe for a child that young to be in a public space without an adult looking after them. Libraries are not daycare centers, and library workers are not babysitters. At our library, we do have children's programming, but even for that, children that young must be accompanied by an adult caregiver.

I am waiting for Jo ....and popped in. Thank you for the infoTerri, I never even considered that we might be mandatory reporters. Stupid me.... I will remember now and pass the info along....

Mamie - we've been getting more power outages ever since the weather patterns changed drastically in MA a year ago, and are now well stocked with eco flashlights - the ones where you hand crank and store power in them? now we don't have to worry if the batteries in our flashlights are dead and if we have spares. I'm glad your power was out for no more than 2 hours though.

The last time we had a power outage it lasted about 4 hours .... the hubster and me just dragged out our Kindle and iPad, and read in the dark. I have the Kindle Paperwhite, which is the one with the backlight for when it's dark, so that worked well. It was a little funny looking up and seeing the hubster's face glowing in the dark as he read.

Mark - The DC bit will be a whirlwind of fun it sounds like! I did not read by candle light during the power outage - I have a Kindle Fire, which is backlit, and I used that, so hooray for modern technology that works!

Es - It's a great word, isn't it?!

Karen - Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts. What scares me about that situation is that if the library staff are not paying attention, then someone could walk off with that four year old. In this instance the child did not get hurt, but he or she could have been. It's a tough call, I think.

Terri - Glad you like this thread! LOL! And I am delighted to have you here! Thank you for your kudos on passing the 75 book mark and for the good wishes concerning Abby's wisdom teeth. She will be getting them out next month. While I was at the consultation, I got the chance to talk to our new dentist who popped her head in the door as we were finishing up. I was talking about bringing Rae in for the first time, and she (the new dentist) was so fabulous. She picked and assigned a dental hygienist for Rae so that she can have the same person every time that she comes in, and then before I left I got to speak to the person that she picked, who I think will be perfect for Rae. She was asking very good questions, and said that she could not wait to meet her. How sweet is that?

Kathleen - I didn't know that either.

Caro! We were so used to the power going out in Indiana that we have everything that we need, including a generator. It was nice to not have to sweat it though, wondering if we should hook up the generator because we did still have water, and the stove and oven are gas, not electric, so that is another bonus.

Agreed about the lovely convenience of backlit devices such as iPads and some Kindles. The kids all have mini iPads because that is what we got them for Christmas this year. It was funny to just get them pretty much just one big gift, but they loved them. And we use them all the time for school and they travel so nicely. Definitely well worth the money.

Alas, a few busy days & I'm very behind with my favorite threads!

I'm glad y'all made it through the recent storms ok.

Yikes on the library story!

Yay on passing 75 already!! You're amazing!

Double yay on dentist trip with no pain, but boo on poor Abby's end. Send her good luck hugs from me.

Hey there, Tina! Sorry things have been so busy for you lately. I am behind on the threads, too. And yes, we survived the recent storms. Thank you for your congrats on passing 75, and the lovely compliment. You always say the nicest things! I will give Abby your good luck hugs - she is not looking forward to getting her wisdom teeth out, but at least it only happens once. We will spoil her rotten, rest assured!

Mamie

Hello and congratulations on reading 75 books thus far.....

I certainly feel as you do regarding being behind on the threads.

Kath, What a sad situation that a mother would leave a four year old in the hands of strangers. As you may remember, my youngest daughter (now 30) is adopted.

I am so very proud of her for all she overcame. Her biological mother left her alone often. She was only two at the time. Authorities became involved because her mother left her and her baby sister alone while she went out to party.....

#79: Megan, I am with you about dentist visits - or doctor visits, for that matter!

*waving* at Mamie

Linda - Thank you! I think I will never catch up on the threads, but it sure is fun trying. It says a lot about this group that our threads are so active. I completely agree with you about what a sad situation it is when someone leaves their children alone. How incredibly fortunate your daughter was to find her way into your home and your heart. What a blessing you must have been to each other. Lucky, lucky girl to have you for a Mom.

Stasia - Hello there! *waves back*

Mamie

Truly, it is biblical that in giving we are the ones blessed! I cannot imagine my life without her. And, she now has a lovely daughter who is a multiplied blessing!

Linda - I totally agree with that. But your daughter was also blessed in your giving. I bet that she cannot imagine her life without you, either.

Thanks Mamie

We are very close. She is a lovely, lovely lady. She was through ever so much when she was a wee little one. It took a long time for her to trust, to love and to accept.

I think adopting a child is one of the bravest and most selfless acts possible. It's a huge thing, Linda...a lifelong gift for both. I don't know if it is something I would ever be able to do it. I honor those who have.

Hi sis! Learning from each other here is one of the good things about LT. I have learned plenty from other lt'ers. I appreciate it each time. And of course, I mean learning about new authors and good books, but there is so much more! Great place LT. If you keep your eyes ( and mind) open, life never stops giving us opportunities to learn.

Good day to you today :) a picture perfect day and the good times to go with it.

Linda - You're welcome. Such a wonderful story.

Kathleen - "If you keep your eyes ( and mind) open, life never stops giving us opportunities to learn. " That is SO true! And well said! Thank you for your most excellent wishes - wishing you the very same. Hugs to you, sis!

>104 Crazymamie: Haha, that's fabulous, Mamie! I have only a few friends who don't think it's weird that I often keep a book in my purse (but just think of all the times I would've been bored while waiting for something...), but now I have validation! :)

Hi Mary! I always have a book with me. Always.

Hi Mamie- We are having a gorgeous summer day here! Mostly sunny, 76! My kinda weather. I can't say I always carry a book but I will say, whenever necessary, I will tote one along. Hope you are enjoying your day!

Hey Mark! That does sound like a gorgeous day! Here it is 84 and rainy. Pretty much storms all week, which is fine with me - I can read in any weather. I always have a book with me because I have learned the hard way that the one time I think I won't need one is when I end up wanting one the most. My day - fine so far though I do have a bit of a headache. Craig took the kids to see the new Superman movie, and they all loved it. I loved the completely quiet house- a very rare thing around here!

Glad you enjoyed the quiet house. And glad the gang liked the new Superman. I am way way behind on movies at the show. I still haven's seen the new Iron Man or the new Star Trek or the Great Gatsby or...you get the idea.

LOL! We have seen the new Iron Man, the kids have seen the new Star Trek, and I really want to see the Great Gatsby! The kids really love to see movies in the theater, but I am perfectly happy to wait to see them when they are released for home viewing. Although I must admit to going to see Inception twice in the theater because it was just so cool upon the big screen.

I like seeing certain films on the big screen but finding the time or motivation, is not always easy. We have an excellent 2nd run theater, not very far away. I think it's 4 or 5 bucks.

Now we're talking!

I definitely am one of those who has a 'what's wrong' shivery feeling when I have to go somewhere without a book!

Mamie, I see that you are into The Dispossessed. I hope to get to that (after The Sparrow) but my month is running out in a hurry.....!!!

#104 - well I'm very trustworthy then. I always have at least one hardcopy book (if not more) and my e-reader which has hundreds and the leather case also acts as my wallet.

So glad to hear your dentistry went well and is mostly over! What a relief that something you've been dreading is done.

And this is one of the reasons I love my iPhone and kindle app :) I downsized my purse recently, because I was tired of lugging a big heavy thing up the hill at the end of the day. Nice to have a book in my hand, even in miniature form, no matter where I am. I still have a car book, but I haven't opened it in ages. I don't remember what it is.. lol

Remarkably... Dan, who never used to read has read several books in the last few years. He had to go to testify in some kind of union thing and was there all day, and bemoaned the fact that he hadn't taken his book. He may be a convert, a reluctant one, but a convert.

Having an unexpected day off and feeling like it was a gift :)

Hiya Mamie, checking in.

Blah book-reading stinks. Just sayin'

Lucy - Yep. You need a book always at hand!

Ellen - No worries. If you get to it, fine. If you don't get to it, also fine. It's a bit slow to get into just because there is a lot to learn, but it picks up after that. I am about half way through and very much liking it. And like you, I am in shock that today is the 20th of June, meaning that the month is two thirds gone. YIKES!

Lisa - Somehow I just knew you were trustworthy! And it was a huge relief to have Monday's dentistry behind me. I still have two more crowns and a cavity to go, but I am not nervous at all about those teeth, so that makes all the difference.

Kathleen - Yep! I have books on my phone, too. If I am reading a smaller print book, I usually take that to appointments where I will be waiting, otherwise I use my Kindle. But the books on the phone are nice for times when I didn't expect to have down time. And now of course, we are all dying to know what book you have in your car that you can't remember!

Craig loves to read, but he does it in spurts. He is either reading like crazy or not reading. He likes to watch tv much more than I do, so he watches more, and I read more. When he is in a reading mood, he can read circles around me because he is a very fast reader.

Glad you got an unexpected day off - those are the very best kind!

Richard - Thank you for checking in, dear! Sorry about the blah book-reading. Hoping that the next one is better. *smooch*

Ugh, Mamie. Hang in there with the dentistry work.....

LOL! Ugh perfectly captures how I feel about it, Sister! I will hang in there.

HAPPY SUMMER SOLSTICE, EVERYONE!

Oh! That is such an intense picture, and yes, happy First Official Day of Summer. We generally don't look for summer until after July 4, or 15, or whenever. The rains and the chill continues here, until then, and then... usually we have three months of lovely beautiful weather.

I am thinking I will have a bit less time for LT in the next coming days and weeks. It seems that this is the time to sell the house and I have a bunch of work to do to get it into shape, and I need to do it in the next 3-4 weeks. Adventure ahead!

Morning Karen! I think Summer in the South starts about mid-April! Good luck on all your efforts to get your house ready to sell - you know that I completely understand what that entails, having just sold a house 8 months ago. Remember to take lots of breaks so that the task does not become overwhelming. Happy adventuring!

Happy Friday, and Midsummer's Day, and weekend! *smooch*

Why thank you, dear! May your weekend be full of fabulous! *smooch back*

* But the books on the phone are nice for times when I didn't expect to have down time.* me too. Oh, I didn't look. I will try to remember to look and let you know. I actually think it's an herbal... no plot to follow and reminder of things I should know...

Kathleen - Yes, please look - inquiring minds and al that...LOL! Hope your Friday is going well!

Hi Mamie, just cruising through and wishing you a great weekend. We have company staying over till Tuesday which means little LT time for me! :(

Hi Mamie,
I'm wandering around threads leaving this handsome cat.

Hey Mamie... When does Abby have her surgery?

129 -- Love the beer drinking cat! :) Good choice, Ellen!

Where to start? I love the wonderful image of the bright sunflowers!

I'm sorry to hear you need dental work...ouch.

I smile at the conversations regarding carrying a book with us at all times. My doctors tease me because they know that while I'm waiting for them, I'm absorbed in a book.

The surgeon who performed the multiple neck fusion surgeries is always curious regarding what I am reading. I have wonderful conversations with him.

I hope your weekend is lovely!

Hi. Loving the cat. Moving on.

Judy - Thank you! I hope that your weekend is a fabulous one, but boo to the part about very little time for LT! I am getting ready to start Fer-de-Lance - I have the audio of it from the library. And of course I still need to get to Blood Kin, which I am greatly looking forward to.

Ellen - I LOVE the beer-drinking kitty! Clever fellow! I finished The Dispossessed, and I really liked it. I need to talk to Kerri about the other books in this series - not sure where to proceed to next.

Tina - Abby's surgery is scheduled for July 9th. She is a bit nervous, so prayers and good thoughts would be much appreciated. I loved the kitty, too!

Linda - Thank you! Needing dental work is the story of my life - I have been very lucky not to need anything major these past few years. And I am thankful that help is available, and that we can afford it. At least that's what I keep telling myself! LOL! No really, I AM thankful!

Don't you just love spontaneous book discussions? I always take a book when I get my hair done, and so the lady who does my hair has begun asking about what I am reading - it's lovely. Thank you for your wonderful wishes - hoping that your weekend is full of fabulous!

Karen - Hi. Also loving the cat. Waving to you as you move on.

Glad you liked The Dispossessed, Mamie. The other of hers that had a lot of impact on me was The Left Hand of Darkness. I also liked Lathe of Heaven and some others of hers, but the first two would be at the top for me.

Oh, that's good to know, Joe. I have not read much science fiction, so every bit of help is welcome. I will make note of those. Thanks!

ngurmph

bluggleglurk

pfah

Making the best social noises I can.

Recently completed books:

78. The African Queen by C. S. Forrester (4 stars)
79. Dead in the Family by Charlaine Harris (3.75 stars)
80. The Reader by Bernhard Schlink (4 stars)
81. The Dispossessed by Ursula K. Le Guin (4.25 stars)
82. The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro (4.75 stars)

Richard - You sound like you could use a gin & tonic.

*waiting patiently for Mamie's review of The Remains of the Day, which happens to be one of my favorite books.

Hi Caro! I absolutely loved The Remains of the Day. I'm thinking that I should probably bump it up to a full five stars. I am hoping to have time to share thoughts on my latest reads tomorrow.

Yikes. I must have only lurked here ~ Glad you liked The Remains of the Day, I am going to look at it.

It's charming, sis.

If you think so, it must be! I hope I can get it together to read it.

Thanks for drawing attention again to The Remains of the Day which I need to get to soon, if only to get the image of Anthony Hopkins as a butler out of my brain.

Have a lovely weekend. x

Mamie, I don't know that I'll get to reading The Dispossessed this month.
I feel like I want to rip through a few quick reads before the 30th.....

I'm glad you (and others) liked the handsome beer-drinking cat. :-)

>137 Crazymamie:: Mamie, I was going to compliment you on your choice for Book No. 75, and now here you've gone and upped your "score" to 82. I'm glad this isn't a race!

P.S. Pictures of the new Haley-pool are now up on my thread. We had fun in it yesterday on the first full day of summer!

>137 Crazymamie: ooooh, The Remains of the Day. I have to get to that one. What am I thinking not having read it already!?

>138 Crazymamie: since you're making one......
;)

Kathleen - Well, I really loved it. The reminisces of an English butler who served an influential aristocrat between the two great wars and through WWII. The first person narrative is so dead on - it's charming and poignant.

Paul - I think you will really like it when you get to - it's first rate. Hoping that your weekend was lovely as well.

Ellen - No worries. It is definitely NOT a quick, light read, so you can't hurry through it. It is, however, worth the time - it will wait until you're ready for it. Books are good like that. And I did like the cat - very much!

Donna - Right! It's not a race, thank goodness because I could never keep up with the likes of Morphy and Dejah and Judy!! I will be right over to see those new pictures!

Megan - Oh, yes, do get to it. It's lovely. And just for you:

You are killin' me the the G&Ts! Definitely my favorite drink in the spring and summer.

I loved the Reader. Did you watch the movie? Kate Winslet does a remarkable job! I did feel that the male character was shallow and in the movie he came across that way even more (IMHO).

All the best,

Of course, having said that I would not get to it, I'm now almost 1/4 through The Dispossessed and I'm liking it a great deal. What is up with this; I'm reading lots of speculative fiction lately. Not my usual fare.

I hope you have a great week, Mamie, my sister!!

Hi sis! As usual, not much going on here. The house is still in upheaval, as we took out the sink and cabinets in the bathroom.. and we are waiting for the floor and new sink etc.

So, from what I hear of the weather down there, I bet your pool area is getting a work out. Have y'all just given up on real clothes and just put on suits when you get up to be reading to jump in at a moments notice?

I really liked The Remains of the Day. It's a gentle, leisurely read. I finished Fer-de-lance over the weekend and liked it more than I thought I would. Nero is quite the eccentric and his side kick is indulgent and funny.

Well, if there can't be football, at least there's Wimbledon! You know I will be camped out in front of the set for the next two weeks watching this tournament. Finally a Monday that I can get excited about! Hope all of your enjoyed a lovely weekend.

Karen - Sorry. Here's a beverage just for you:



Linda - I have not seen the movie, but I would like to. I need to see if Netflix or the library has it. I agree that the male character was shallow - I wondered if that was intentional. Stunted emotional growth. A lot of layers in that book, and I think I will eventually revisit it, and see how it reads a second time when I know everything that is coming.

Ellen - You are cracking me up. Now that you have started it, I bet you will finish it before the month is out. It sort of pulls you in, and before you know it you are no longer noticing that the chapters are so long. Wishing for you a great week also, sis!

Kathleen - Ah, the joys of construction and remodeling! Hurry up and wait!! LOL! The pool has not seen as much action as you would think the past few days because we have had showers and storms here and there. It has been overcast, so the temps have not felt as hot. It is muggy, which I don't mind - feels like a hug I think. We needed the rain, so it's all good. Craig's tomato plants have gone crazy, and I'm thinking that he is ging to have to take some into the office to give away because we cannot eat them fast enough! No appointments this week, which I am thankful for. Hoping that today is very kind to you. Hugs to you, sis!

Morphy - "It's a gentle, leisurely read." That is a great way to describe it! I listened to the first few chapters of Fer-de-Lance, and it makes me laugh out loud. I loved at the very beginning when the sister is asking Nero to help her find her brother, and Nero comments that he does have something that will help - his genius! He is just so modest, isn't he?! Some of the later books in the series show Archie off to more effect - his narration of the story is always delightful. Have you read any of the other books in the series?

Lots going on here -- somehow I missed 'The Reader'. Enjoy Wimbledon. Dentistry, argh!

I finished Book #83 yesterday - a reread of I Capture the Castle. It was just as magical as the first time. How can you not love a book whose opening line is: "I write this sitting in the kitchen sink"? For those of you who have not yet read this classic, the narrator, 17-year-old Cassandra Mortmain, makes this book breathe. It's one that I know I will pick up again and again.

Hey Lucy! You snuck in while I was posting! Wimbledon is a sure thing for me as far as enjoyment goes, and I am happy to report that this week there will be no dentistry!

No, Fer-de-Lance is my first Rex Stout.

The other two that I have read are Before Midnight and If Death Ever Slept - they are both good.

Hi Mamie, I'm enjoying Fer-de-Lance and can see that I now have yet another series to track down! At this point I am not sure if I am going to be able to fit Blood Kin in this month, as this month seems to be rushing along far too quickly! Have a great Monday and enjoy the Wimbledon tournaments.

Newman's Own Ginger-Os and a sunshine thunderstorm. Today's pretty cool.

Hooray, I finally found my way back to Mamieland (with some guidance from Mamie)! Thank you Mamie, it turned out that both the star and ignore icons had somehow been clicked on the top of your threads! I never had these problems before ipads, but then again my eyesight used to be a lot better.

It has been lovely to catch up (from May at least) with you, your reading and your lovely family. Well done for hitting 75 books and happy belated birthday. Like you I cried when I read A Monster Calls. It's a book I feel I must keep, even though I can't imagine ever it reading again (too sad).

I haven't spent as much time on LT as usual, this year, as developments at work have been leaving me exhausted and unable to form coherent sentences, but it is lovely to visit from time-to-time and thanks again for giving me the link so I can return to your thread!

I will, of course, be thinking of Abbey on July 9th.

Now off to see if ginger and lemon creams are available in the UK...

Morning Mamie- Hope all is well! I am glad you loved the Remains of the Day. I am a huge fan too. I read that one, well before the film version came out and that was excellent too! I Capture the Castle is on the LIST!

Hi Mamie - Cruising through in a futile attempt to make up for the last week of not doing much LTing. I have both The Remains of the Day and I Capture the Castle waiting patiently on my shelves...

rd... you are driving me crazy with those cookies!!
Hi Mamie. How are you ?I Capture The Castle sounds very enticing. I am trying to not be enticed.
I now have two stacks of books behind my chair instead of one.. yikes! Never mind the shelves, it's the stacks that make me nervous! I need to read. I'm trying to stay in touch a bit, but finding it hard these days :P

Anyway.. hope you're having a great day with the kids :)

hugs to you, sis!

I've got Wimby live streaming on a second monitor on my desk at the office, so that I can keep an eye on the matches and work as well. I wasn't expecting Nadal to crash so spectacularly yesterday! Talk about a major 'off' day! Poor Nadal. Having said that, I'm happy Federer and Murray have made it through the first round.

Yay for Wimbledon! (can we have Martina back?)

Yay for The Dispossessed!! About 2/3 - 3/4 through and quite liking it. :-)

I read I Capture the Castle when I was a teen loved it but didn't really know it was considered a 'classic'... many years later talking to someone about books she was saying how much she loved I Capture The Castle and how I should read it etc etc then she mentioned the first line "I'm writing this sitting in the kitchen sink." The penny dropped - I've read it, I've read it! Deflated her a bit but it made my day. I then bought a copy so I can reread it.

Good morning, Mamie dear. I've brought raspberry-lemon pancakes with hot maple syrup:

OMG rd.... *faints*

Sorry sis, I meant to post, but now I've fainted dead away. Maybe later?

Richard - I WANT those pancakes. I can't possibly be happy without those pancakes! Thank you so much for posting them here so that I can drool over thoughts of them for the rest of the day.

Kathleen - I'm totally with you. I NEED those pancakes.



First, I neglect my own thread for the joys of watching Wimbledon and reading poolside, and then I only have eyes for Richard's pancakes. Luckily I know how much all of you love food, so I know you completely understand. Now then, back to the beginning...

>160 DeltaQueen50: Judy - I am also enjoying Fer-de-Lance. I saw that you have now finished it, and I will be done before the month is out - just a bit under two hours left on the audio. I find myself laughing out loud at Archie - I just love that guy! I predict that you will really enjoy Blood Kin when you get to it - I am about half way through and loving it. Richard was so right about this one. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday were all great, and I am expecting the same from today! I am having great fun watching Wimbledon - such a lovely indulgence!

>161 richardderus: Richard - Glad your Monday was sweet!

>162 Soupdragon: Dee! Dee! How lovely to see you here! You are so very missed! And I know exactly what you mean about accidentally hitting the ignore button - I do that all the time when I am on my iPad. On there the ignore button is on the far right hand side of the screen, and because you use your fingers to scroll, it is way too easy to mistakenly hit that. Thanks so much for taking the time to drop in and catch up the last month or so - and for your good wishes. I loved A Monster Calls, and Daniel also read it and liked it. I could see myself reading it again but probably not any time soon. I really loved the illustrations which captured the tone of the book so perfectly.

I understand busy, and I am sorry that you do not have the time to indulge in a thread of your own this year. Please know that you are missed. I am hoping that perhaps next year you might keep a thread if only to post what you are reading and give us a place to drop you comments from time to time. And you are welcome for the link - I was thrilled to see you on the threads!

Abby and I so appreciate that you will be thinking of her when she gets her wisdom teeth removed. She is a bit nervous about it and ready to have done with it already! I hope you were able to locate those ginger and lemon creme cookies as they are divine. Please give my love to the hamster and the corgi.

Morning Mark! I know it is not the same morning that you posted, but it IS morning! All is well - I have just been completely indulging myself with Wimbledon and reading. And now I am SO behind on the threads - probably no hopes of catching up. Remains of the Day was fabulous, and I am still hoping to get some thoughts down about it very soon. And I Capture the Castle is lovely. Just lovely. I had never heard of it until LT - it was one of those books that I somehow missed in my childhood, so I was delighted to discover it for the first time last year.

Katie - Are you back from your travels? I think you will like both books - they are both books where not a lot happens, but the journey is in the voice of the story's narrator. Morphy nailed it when she described it as a gentle leisurely read - really both books are.

Kathleen - First the cookies and then the pancakes, right?! I hope that you will be enticed by I Capture the Castle even though you are trying not to be! I have stacks of books...um...everywhere. I have books that have arrived that I have not even logged in or reported on! SO you are not alone! And I am completely out of touch after missing several days on the threads - YIKES! I did have a good day with the kids, thanks for thinking of us! We have just been watching tennis and reading books and taking dips in the pool. And enjoying very minute of it. Hugs to you, sis. Please know that even when I am not here, I am thinking about you!

Caro - I was totally shocked that Nadal was out so early, too. And I bet you are so sad to have seen Federer go out yesterday - what a match! This Wimbledon is shaping up to be full of surprises. I always love seeing somebody win it for the first time, so I am rooting for Murray. I wish somebody would knock Serena out - I know that is terrible, but she has won enough, let's see someone else in there.

Ellen - Hello, Sister! Yes! Hooray for Wimbledon - sadly, we cannot have Martina back. I did love watching her play, though. And Hooray for The Dispossessed! So glad you are enjoying it. I actually bought a book that has three more books from that series in it because I was curious about the other stories in the Hainish Cycle. Sci-Fi confuses me - I have no idea what order to read the books in!

Lisa - My laptop is about to crash...back in a bit... Okay, I'm ready now! I love that you recognized the book by its opening line! What a great story!

Books recently Acquired:

116. The Accidental Tourist by Anne Tyler - recommended by Megan

117. Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys - discussion on Megan's thread

118. Worlds of Exile and Illusion by Ursula K. Le Guin - because I liked The Dispossessed, which was recommended by Kerri. This book contains three more in the Hainish Cycle: Rocannon's World, Planet of Exile, and City of Illusions

119. The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman - recommended by Joe - deckled edge pages!!

120. A Grown-Up Kind of Pretty by Joshilyn Jackson - because I love this author

121. The Beautiful and the Damned by F. Scott Fitzgerald

122. Saving Cee-Cee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman - bargain book $2, set in Georgia

123. The Enchanted Life of Adam Hope by Rhonda Riley - recommended by Karen and Kathleen - deckled edge pages!!

124. The Last Original Wife by Dorothea Benton Frank - signed copy, late birthday gift

Mamie (and Judy), I'm so glad you are enjoying 'Fer de Lance'! It's not my favorite Wolfe but it does set the whole series up beautifully. I just finished reading the whole series in order and I am feeling a bit bereft. For most of this year, those books have been my go-to comfort reads and I'm not sure what to do without them! Not that I don't have plenty of other books to read ...

I can't wait to see which Wolfe you will tackle next!

Hi Julia! You just finished reading the entire series in order?! Um...WOW!! I have only read three so far, but my favorite would have to be If Death Ever Slept. My next one will probably be Some Buried Caesar - I say that because that's the only other one that I own! I ended up reading Fer-de Lance because I saw that Judy had listed it on the TIOLI challenges, and my library had it on audio. I think they have a few others as well, but I don't know which ones. I think I might be smitten with Archie. I am blaming you! LOL!

Hi Mamie- I don't see any Mark recommended books up above. WTH? Am I slipping or are you? I plan on starting the new Gaiman Saturday. It will be my first ebook. Yah! I am sure I will be purchasing the print copy at some point. Loves me, Mr. Gaiman.

Hey Mark! Um...you're reading a lot of bleak right now. I do have The World According to Garp and Feast of the Goat on the list of ones to get to, and as I recall, you recommended both of those. Plus I read both Liesl & Po and A Monster Calls because you told me to, and don't forget about Empire of the Summer Moon, so really your thumbprint is all over this thread. See?! I plan on getting to the Gaiman first thing next month - I am very excited about that one. I'm so proud of you with your first ebook!

I preordered the new Gaiman (e-book) and I haven't even downloaded it yet. I am planning on putting it at the top of July's reading list.

Lisa - Oh how fun that we will be reading it at the same time!

I captured the Castle has long been on the TBR pile. I need to read it before summer's end.

How I wish I had more time to read....sigh...

Mamie, I don't blame you for being smitten with Archie but it's only fair to warn you now: I decided at 12 years old that I would marry that man someday. :-)

"because you told me to..." LOL. Thanks, for the late evening chuckle!

Linda - I think you would love it. The narrator of the story is delightful, and the writing is beautiful. It would make a great summer read. And I know just what you mean about wishing you had more time to read. If only...LOL!

Julia - Okay, you can have him. I don't want no trouble. I will just adore him from afar.

Mark - You're welcome - and it's completely true!

Somehow I lost your thread for like 3 weeks!! But now i'm caught up and glad to hear your dental work went well. Wish I could find a dentist here who would take on my broken molar but there aren't many who accept Delta Dental and those who do "aren't accepting new patients" (I don't want to be a new patient I like my dentist at home, I just want a crown) or "only do extractions and dentures" (no thank you), or have a phone number that is ALWAYS busy or are only booking patients for September. At least my tooth isn't hurting.

Ok, now that's strange. I've had my user name changed to "RebaRelishesReading" which is coming up everywhere I've been tonight except suddenly not here. Wonder why?

Welcome back, Reba! I am so sorry to hear about your broken molar - YIKES! Delta Dental is what we used to have when we lived in Indiana, and we were lucky that the dentist that we wanted was in the system. Down here I don't even know what kind of dental we have, but I do know that the dentists that are in that particular system are very few and seem to be ones that nobody recommends. We pay more out of pocket, but go to the dentist that we feel comfortable with - we didn't realize at first that she was not in the system, and by the time we found out it was too late. We were already in love with her and with her office, so...

*really hoping that your tooth continues to not hurt - unBElievable that no one is willing to fix it that takes Delta Dental. Sending good thoughts your way that your molar holds out until you get home.

I noticed that! I saw that on the threads page it listed you as RebaRelishesReading and wondered who in the heck it was, and then came to my thread and saw that it was you - listed as Chautauquan here in your post. That is very bizarre - I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me!

So you changed your user name, but it is not working here?

Morning Mamie- It looks like I will be listening to The Ocean at the End of the Lane on audio. Gaiman narrates it, himself. I heard him read the Graveyard Book and it was fantastic. I am sure I will end up buying a "keeper" copy too. Have a great day.

Morning Mark! Well, narrated by Neil Gaiman beats an ebook any day. I bought the "keeper" copy - it has deckled edge pages, which I cannot resist. Ever. Hope your Friday is full of fabulous!

Good morning, Mamie. I completed The Dispossessed this morning and quite liked it, although I'm not sure I'm completely "getting" it.
I hope your weekend is lovely!

Morning Ellen! I don't think that I "got" everything that I was supposed to get from it either, but I enjoyed the ride. I think that I will probably reread it at some point. My copy had some very interesting points in the book discussion provided at the end of the book. I had not heard of Utopian fiction before - who knew?! Probably everybody except for me! LOL! Hoping that your weekend is full of fabulous!

Have a wonderful weekend, Mamie!

Just catching up here Mamie - I nearly bought The Ocean at the End of the Lane last weekend but resisted. I'm trying not to buy any physical books before I go in holiday in a week's time as I will just be taking my kindle and I've got more than enough books to read on there already.

Hi sis! I'm off to work... hope your saturday is fabulous :)

Diana! How ARE you?! Lovely to see you here. And thanks for your good wishes - hope your weekend is full of fabulous.

Rhian - You have more self control than I do, obviously! I have more than enough books to keep me busy without purchasing any more, and yet ...

I like to just take my Kindle when we vacation also, as it cuts down on what I have to keep track of and frees up so much space. I remember when the kids were younger, before Kindles existed, and, since we are all big readers, we required tons of space just for our books when we traveled. Now we have multiple Kindles and all share the same library, which is wonderful. Except for Rae - she, like your J, prefers the physical books every time. Luckily, she can choose two books and just read them over and over again. She loves to do that. Hoping that your holiday is an excellent one, and that your week before it goes quickly and smoothly.

Kathleen - Morning, sis! Sorry you have to work on a Saturday. Hope it goes smoothly. We have had some big storms move through the past few days, but they have left us with a lovely morning and very low humidity. I plan to snag as much time outdoors as I can get before the showers move back in, which they are supposed to do later today. The flowers and the garden are loving all of the rain, though. I cannot believe that the month is almost over. Monday is July. JULY!!

Happy Saturday, sweetness. I brought sour cream coffee cake with pecan streusel:

Um...YES! Definitely YES! Thank you, Richard, darling! *Saturday smooch for you*

You do know there is a very good movie of I Capture?

No, I did not, Lucy. I'll see if I can track it down - thanks for that!!

Hope you're having a good one, Mamie. That coffee cake from RD looks irresistible.

Hi Mamie- Hope your Saturday is going well. I saw, up there somewhere, that someone was thinking about changing their LT username. Actually, I was considering it to. I was thinking about changing it to Marky-Mark's Wacky World of Books. Well, maybe it would work better as a topic heading. Still mulling it over...

Maybe I should change my username too...wonder if anybody's using "BigDaddyAbs-of-Death" here?

Hey Mark - Reba changed her username, but for some reason it still shows up as the old one here. Go figure! You're thinking about changing your username, too? Will we still be able to call you Mark?! Because Marky-Mark's Wacky World of Books is a whole lot of typing. LOL! And now look what you've done to Richard!!

Richard - I don't think that one's taken. LOL! I think I'll stick with Crazymamie. It suits me.

Yes, Mark for short, would just be fine!

I love RD's!

I hate you richard. I really do. More wonderful looking food, and then there are the books that lead to series that lead to tv series. Please, make it stop! :P

Saturday is much longer than I expected it to be... yikes! Wait, Mark is changing his name to Mark For Short??

Glad your weather settled in to goodness :)

Kath - hahaha I actually quite like Mr. Derus, especially as there is clearly enough cake to share.
Mamie, thread as delicious as always. Have a lovely weekend. x

Mark- Whew! You had me worried there! LOL! And from now on Richard is BigDaddy to me!!

Kathleen - Don't hate BigDaddy - he means well. Anyway, that's what I'm telling myself. And the food - oh, how I LOVE the food!! Sorry that Saturday was so long - total bummer. But yes, the weather was very good today - no rain and no humidity, so really a very lovely day

Paul - Plenty of cake - pull up a chair and I will cut you a generous slice. I quite like Mr. Derus, too! And thank you for the lovely compliment and the good wishes. Wishing for you a weekend full of fabulous!

That's the spirit, Mamie. How about a surprise cookie buffet?

A cookie buffet?! I hope we have a vat of coffee to go with that. I AM a team player so I'll just grab me a plate - but I am going to need some help with this! Thank you so much, BigDaddy!

Ah, yes, a surprise cookie buffet. I love it, as long as it stays on my computer screen, and as long as it does not teleport itself into my home.

Good Sunday to you Mamie. Did any one ever tell you that you have some strange friends?

Howdy Mamie.... I'm terribly behind from this week.

July 9th.... I will definitely be praying!

Can you surreptitiously find out a book from Abby's wish list that she doesn't have? I'd like to send her a little something for reading after surgery....

Oh, and then can you NOT allow her to buy it until I get it to her?? LOL Just PM me one you think she's realllllly been wanting!

Mamie! Happy Sunday hun!

Prayers and fingers crossed for Abby's dental work and also for Rae feeling completely comfortable with the dental staff in the future.

I cannot start a new (old) series but Nero sounds fantastic. I am still crushing on Spenser and will read #3 soon. I'm also going to start the 87th Precinct series thanks to Ellen and Paul. I will put Nero on the someday list.

Mom is home but she goes back to the hospital tomorrow for her redo knee. I'll be in and out of LT land for a few weeks.

Miss ya!

Hey there, Mamie .. happy Sunday to you and the gang. Hope you're all lazing in the pool if it's a hot day out in Georgia... at least then Abby will forget about her dental work for a while. I can sympathize with Rae .. I have never been comfortable with any dental staff since the dentist I had as a child decided he'd had enough of teeth and bad breath, sold his practice and started his own landscaping business instead.

At least you can't hear rd crunching and munching in the pictures...

Cookie Buffet! Okay, what's your favorite cookie? Mine is homemade chocolate chip cookies with pecans. Yum. Or peanut butter. Or maybe...

Mornin' Mamie! Just an update -- my name now seems to come up Chautauquan all the time now but I've sent Jeremy an email and hope to have it fixed soon. Tooth is still fine. Our dentist at home takes Delta and we love her. If it stays like this I'll just let her fix it when I get home.

I cannot believe today is the 1st of July! This year is moving so quickly - the pace is scaring me a bit. Each month seems to go by faster - is it just me?

Karen - Strange friends? I have absolutely NO idea what you're talking about. None. Whatsoever.

Tina - I need to come catch up with you. Thanks for thinking of Abby - what a generous heart you have. She would be thrilled with just a card letting her know that you are wishing her well, but I will PM you. Did you get the storms all weekend like we did? And more showers on the way all this week - I am ready for the sun.

Roberta - It was a Happy Sunday! And a lazy one! We sat around and read and watched old movies. Craig worked on the pool landscaping between rain showers. Thank you so much for your prayers and crossed fingers! Rae goes for her first visit this Wednesday, and with her first impressions are huge, so I am crossing my fingers and praying, too. I know what you mean about the series - I just keep adding them knowing that there is no way I can possibly get to them all. I have the third Spenser included in my July plans. I love that they are short and fun. I have not read any Ed McBain, so I will be waiting to hear your thoughts - I do have one of his from that series that I snagged for $.99 last year. Nero is fun, and I love that you don't need to read them in any particular order.

I am thinking abut and praying for both you and your Mom and her surgeon today. Hoping that her knee replacement goes smoothly this time with no complications. I hate that she has been without a knee for all this time. I'll make sure to check your thread for updates. Missing you, too!

>216 mckait: *smirks evilly as he prepares a tray of Newman's Own Ginger-Os for his next phone chat with Kath*

Good morning, Mamie dear.

Caro - Thank you. The pool did get to see a quick bit of use on Saturday, but for most of the weekend it stormed here, keeping us inside. More storms all week, so we are longing for the sunshine. The nice thing is that the humidity has not been too bad. And the temps are supposed to be lower this week - going to 90 today, but in the 80s the rest of the week. Shocking!!

Rae's comfort level in places like the dentist's office are important to me. There are so many things that I cannot change or make happen differently for her, but I can control some things. How she is treated and how she feels about how she is treated are things that I now rarely give second chances on any more. If I feel that the office has good intentions but messed up, then I give them one more shot. If I feel that they were intentionally insensitive, then it's their loss because Rae is a treasure. She is smart and trusting and has the most generous heart that I have ever known. She has taught me oh so patiently what life is really all about.

Kathleen - True. LOL!

Morphy - My favorite cookie is chocolate chip, toffee, pecan. I also love shortbread. If we're talking homemade cookies. My favorite store bought cookies would have to be those ginger lemon cremes. I don't like peanut butter - I know, shocking!

Reba - Morning! I see that your new username appears on the pages listing the threads, but your old name appears on the actual posts in individual threads. Strange. That makes you special, Reba! So glad to hear that your tooth is holding up for you. Hoping and praying that it makes it all the way back home with no problems.

Good Morning, BigDaddy! You crack me up! *smooch for your fun-loving self*

Hi Mamie- Have you been able to snag the new Gaiman yet? If not, I would get on that one right away. It's a blast. I did pick up a gorgeous hardback copy of A Monster Calls from ALA. I wanted one for my keeper shelves. Actually Ness attended on Saturday. I would have loved getting a signed copy but I did walk away with an ARC of his latest. Yessssss!

Thanks Mamie. I love the "special" remark and appreciate your concern for my tooth.

>174 Crazymamie: Im so glad that my existence has aided in your acquisition of 2 books!! My job here on earth is done.

>210 richardderus: a surprise cookie buffet is something I think I might like- Ill have to drop some hints (with pictures) for my lovely other!!!

>219 Crazymamie: Sorry June, but I am so glad to see the back of you. July is my getting better and loving it month, and I plan to use it well. WOOHOO- hello July! :)

Mark - Yes, I have it! I bought a copy after reading Joe's review of it. I have it included in my July plans, so I will get to it very soon. And hooray for a gorgeous copy of A Monster Calls- loved that book! And an advanced copy of his latest book - way to go, Marky-Mark!

Reba - You're welcome! Having tooth woes of my own, how could I fail to be concerned about your cracked tooth?! And you are special! When will you be back home?

Megan - That's right - your work is done here for now! I think a surprise cookie buffet all your own is something worth hinting for! Glad to hear that you are feeling better, so yes, HelLo July!

OK, I'll jump on the bandwagon. "Hey! July! how very nice to see you! Let's have a party."

Good for you, Karen! I bet July is a thing of beauty in Washington. And a party always sounds like fun!

Good morning to you Sis! I'm glad you have the Gaiman, I loved it!
HATED Remains of the Day. Go figure.

Cookies. sigh.

Yep. It's still raining in Georgia. But the rain has brought with it an end to humidity and lower temps - just in the 80s for the rest of the week. And the trees and the plants are loving it. There is supposed to be sun on Sunday - I guess that makes total sense!

Morning Mamie- Cool temps here too! Only 71 today. I feel sorry for the folks out west. They are being blasted with heat. Have a good day.

Morning sis! You snuck in there while I was posting! I am excited to see all the love for the new Gaiman -I will get to it very soon. Sorry to hear you hated The Remains of the Day. What didn't you like? Too slow? The missed opportunities? I thought it was a wonderful warning that life is always moving on; you have to soak up moments and pay attention. Make sure that when you get to the end of the road you didn't miss out because you had blinders on.

Cookies are always good.

Hey, Mark! Wow! Only 71?! That's amazing. And I am so thankful not to be being blasted with heat. YIKES! Hope you Tuesday is full of fabulous!

He reminded me of Dan. Always choosing work over family. Dan always cheerfully goes to Union meetings and when the kids were small, never spent time with them. He always said "I work" . Well.. good for him. He still uses that today. Dan hasn't figured it out yet. I have no sympathy for either of them.

It surprises me that with about 1/4 missing my tooth doesn't bother me a bit. The filling which was probably responsible for the break is still hanging in there too.

We'll be home sometime in September -- probably second half. We have tickets for the Shakespeare festival in Stratford, Ontario after season ends here, plan to visit family in No. Indiana and then possibly stop in Durango and Mesa Verde on the way home.

We've had too much rain here - everything is soggy soggy soggy. This morning thick fog. I have some strawberry plants and this last bunch are just rotting, too wet.

Kathleen - Oh. I totally get that.

Reba - That is amazing. Hope that filling keeps hanging in there and that you experience no pain. And September! Yikes, Reba! That's a long time!! The Shakespeare festival sounds like a lot of fun - I would love that. If we still lived in Indiana, I would be pestering you for a meet-up. I hate that it didn't work out for us to connect last year when you were so very close. Have fun and take good care of that tooth!

Lucy! We are going to get to that point if it doesn't stop raining here soon. And your lovely strawberries rotting - no good! The rain here is supposed to stop by Sunday - we'll see. Weather down here does not seem to be very predictable.

Does Rae like fireworks or is that too overwhelming for her?

That's a good question, Morphy. She likes fireworks, but she doesn't like the crowds.

I love that b &w photo in >230 Crazymamie:, Mamie. Brings back fond memories of a huge puddle that would develop at the bottom of our hilly street where I grew up in Ann Arbor. We played in it whenever it showed up.

I grew up with that same puddle, Joe! Except it was at the end of Nettie Avenue in Fort Wayne, Indiana! And I love black and white photos.

Way up there, I'm the one (or one of the ones) who has been thinking of changing her username. But the question comes up of what to change it to? I end up just leaving it as it is, out of inertia.
I would still visit Mark if he changed his name to Marky Mark's Wacky World of Books but I would call him mmwwob. :-)

Mark was so excited about his copy of A Monster Calls. It was very cute.

Mamie, I hope things dry out a bit for you soon.

Ellen - I feel lucky to be very happy with my username! If Mark changes his username, I am gonna call him...um...Mark! ANd he is so cute when he talks about books, isn't he?! Thanks for your good wishes - I am hoping things dry up soon, too. We are at least getting a reprieve at the moment and even a spot of sunshine. I see thunderclouds off to one side, so I'll just be thankful for a moment of sun.