Whisper1(Linda) Thread #7 of 2013

The Lady of Shalot poem by Alfred Lord Tennyson (part of poem quoted below)

Painting of the Lady of Shalot by J.W. Waterhouse located in the Tate Museum of London

--------------------------------

In the stormy east-wind straining,
The pale yellow woods were waning,
The broad stream in his banks complaining,
Heavily the low sky raining
Over tower'd Camelot
Down she came and found a boat
Beneath a willow left afloat,
And round about the prow she wrote
The Lady of Shalott

And down the river's dim expanse
Like some bold seer in a trance,
Seeing all his own mischance
With a glassy countenance
Did she look to Camelot.

And at the closing of the day
She loosed the chain, and down she lay;
The broad stream bore her far waay,

The Lady of Shalott.

Books read recently:

NON ILLUSTRATED BOOK #70

Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson

NON ILLUSTRATED BOOK #71

Doll Bones by Holly Black

NON ILLUSTRATED BOOK #72

Up Close: Harper Lee by Kerry Madden

Reviews to follow later this week.

A Beautiful new thread for a very beautiful lady!
Hope you are feeling better!
Hugs!

Hi Cheli

So nice to hear from you! I hope you are well.

Love!

The Allentown, PA library is a lovely structure, filled with stacks and stacks of books and rooms of wonderful quietness!

They recently forged a relationship with the two libraries I frequent and thus I can check out books and return them to the libraries closer to my house.

A pleasant surprise -- They were having a book sale when I visited there yesterday. A large paper bag purchased for $5.00 can be filled to the brim before the breaking point.

Naturally, I could not resist. Here are those I purchased for mere total of $5.00.



1) The Flight of Gemma Hardy by Margot Livesey
2) The Grass Dancer by Susan Power
3) On the Occasion of my Last Afternoon by Kate Gibbons
4) Believing the Lie by Elizabeth George
5) In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Wlaheship Esses by Nathaniel Philbrick
6) There's A Country in My Cellar by Russell Baker
7) Cotton: The Biography of a Revolutionary Fiber by Stephen Yafa
8) Revenge of the Rose by Nicole Galland
9) Angels Everywhere: Miracles & Messages by Lynn Valentine
10) The List by Robert Whitlow
11) The Lake of Dreams by Kim Edwards
12) Miracle's Boys by Jacqueline Woodson
13) The Ten Year Nap by Meg Wolitzer
14) Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
15) Madame Tussaud by Michelle Moran
16) Whitethorn Woods by Maeve Binchy
17) Inside Narnia by Devin Brown
18) The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom
19) The Story Sisters by Alice Hoffman
20) When We Were Very Young by A. A. Milne
21) The House at Pooh Corner by A. A. Milne
22) Once on This Island by Gloria Whelan
23) The Things They Carried by Tim O
'Brien
24) Secret of the Andes by Ann Nolan Clark
25) The Girl Who Could Fly by Victoria Forester
26) Jepp, Who Defied the Stars by Katherine Marsh

Wowie, zowie, you found some good books there! Congratulations.

Having had a period of my life where the Rheumatoid Arthritis meant continuous, nearly debilitating pain, I have a personal perspective on how exhausting pain can be. And I am so sorry you are having to cope with degenerative disk disease. I hope you can find a collection of approaches of dealing with it - perhaps massage, and/or acupuncture, could assist with the relief. I hope you are able to be gentle with yourself and give yourself the peace and quiet which may provide some relief also. Life is entirely too short for any of us to rush ourselves through it in pain and strain.

I know it is hard to communicate to family and friends how very tired one can feel from having to deal with constant pain. I hope you do find some relief and some support from those near you.

I am winding my way back into the threads. I have two cataract free eyes and two pair of cheap reading glasses. Today I even scored one of those little "necklaces" which hangs onto the glasses "arms" and lets the reading glasses rest on my chest when I do not need to look through them. Whoo eee I am a real little ole lady, now!

Karen

As always, it is great to hear from you. I'm so glad your surgeries were successful and that you breezed through them so well!

I've spent an introspective weekend. If I can sock away $ to cover health care from age 62-65, then I will retire next year.

I think so many of these health issues are related to stress of the job. I know the degenerative disk disease is hereditary, but work certainly exacerbates it. I'm on the computer 90% of the day...29 years..That's a lot of stress of the neck and back.

I hope you are having a good weekend! Are you taking any new classes?

Weekend is going along fine! No new classes. I need to fill out the app for being a substitute at the local child care place, which is why I took that class last year. BTW, I did "earn" an A, but I don't feel particularly proud of it as I've had so much experience "taking classes" that it would be silly if I did not get an A.

I am trying to adjust to reading with new vision. I am continuing to try to prep the house so I can put it up for sale. So many little details.

I am aware that there are only a couple more weeks of my taking "full time" care of my Niece's kids. School starts early in September and then I'll only see them for a few minutes each morning. I think I will be sad for this stage in their lives to begin, as I know how fascinating the outside world becomes once one starts school full time. But of course, I am also very excited for them. They are delightful kids and I know they will have a great time.

I hope you find a way to retire and take some stress off yourself. I know I have become quite a different person since I retired. The lack of stress has allowed me to be considerably happier and more relaxed. I hope the same for you!

Always so happy to see our favorite Waterhouse at the top of your thread, Linda. And I spy The Secret of the Andes in your new pile - I have excellent memories of reading that one when I was in 3rd grade (I checked in out of the school library on the first day of school that year), and there's a copy on Charlie's shelves just waiting for him.

Have you heard the song Lady of Shallot by Loreena McKennitt?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0rVNQw1DQM

Lovely new thread, Linda! And that is an incredible haul that you picked up for just $5. I still have to catch up on your last thread, but I thought I would snag a seat here first. Wishing for you a week full of fabulous.

Congrats on the charming new thread, Linda! Great book haul for the $5. Many of them I don't know, but to me The Things They Carried, In the Heart of the Sea, and the A.A. Milnes alone would be worth more than that.

Hello to all

Busy day here at work, but I am taking some down time during lunch.

Thanks Morphy for the Lady of Shalott song. I've heard it and love it...actually, that is how I found Pre Raphaelite art, via music regarding the Lady of Shalott, which then led me to search about the story and painting.

Hi Linda, lovely new thread and what wonderful books you were able to get at the library sale. Now comes the fun part - where are they going to go?

Lovely new thread and impressive book haul, Linda!

Lovely thread Linda, I love that painting, and that poem as well!
I always can't believe those book sales! Although if we had them here I'd probably no longer be able to move around in my apartment. Great selection!

Morning Linda!
A beautiful day here so I'm betting that you're sharing in the sunshine. Wow, your book haul amounted to about 20 cents per book! Way to go!

Good morning, Linda. Just wanted to stop by to tell you how sorry I was when I learned about your pain situation. Sending you as much good energy as I possibly can.

On a more cheerful note, what a great thread topper. The painting and poem are among my favorites. Great book haul as well.

Linda, what a haul from Allentown! That was one biiiiiig bag. I see that you have one of my coveted wishlist tomes...Cotton: Biography of a Revolutionary Fiber among your ill-got gains...would you like to bribe your way off the Axis of Evil again, and send it my way after you've read it?

Wow! you really found a great bunch of books Linda!

It has been a long while since I read Snow Falling in Cedars... I loved it! I gave my copy to Ambridge Library for their shelves :) They were happy to get it, as it was new at the time and had a long wait list :) I keep thinking that I should read it again, but you know how it is.. so many books etc...

Hope all is well with you :) I think of you often, and hope that you are well and pain free...

Terrific book haul, Linda.

Sorry to hear you're still in pain. I know how much of a strain that is. Before I solved my own neck and jaw problems, and got my employers to provide an ergonomic desk and keyboard, it was a miserable way to live. I hope you find relief soon.

Let me know what you think of Snow Falling on Cedars. It's still on my shelf - it was too difficult for me to read when I first bought it, and it has waited patiently ever since.

Speaking of waiting, you and others are making me a little less skittish about retiring. That and the fact that the interest in and stress of work are not in balance these days! I just found out that some of my acquaintances at work asked for and got voluntary retirement packages and left this week. It should be flattering that no one thought to ask me if the time was right - then again, my area is the only one hiring at the moment. I suspect the others were invited to ask for a package because their managers were told to pick someone to cut (that's the way it works in my place). And my current area was not among those cut back. Maybe next year.

Judy, with all my health issues, I need health care and a prescription plan. When I retire, Lehigh will allow me to stay on their plan, but I have to pay for the insurance.

I vow to meet with the HR rep. next month and go over just how much I will receive in early pension and what the health care package costs.

I know I can live more frugally and the trade off would be well worth it.

For now, it is a dream, but if dreams can be reached by following a game plan, then I'm dreaming away.

I'm sorry work is still so very crazy for you. Hugs!

Hi Linda

nice book haul! Sorry about all of the pain you are experiencing. Sending positive thoughts your way.

Super book acquisitions from Allentown. That makes me think of the old Billy Joel song, Allentown, which I love. It is happily stuck in my head now!

Happy weekend smooches, Linda! I hope early retirement comes soon.

Woo Hoo! Those are some mighty purdy books you picked up for $5.00, Linda. Not only that, but you've got lots of good reading to look forward to.

Oh, I hope you do get to retire early. That sounds like an awful strain on your shoulders and neck to be at the computer so much, not to mention the stress of working with college students, meeting deadlines, etc. Quality of life is so important. I hope you are having a lovely week end.

Hi Linda. I'm so sorry to hear about the pain you are dealing with but I also think you'd feel better with less stress. I had a terrible problem with repetitive stress injuries in my upper body from using the computer for about 3 years in the early 2000s and could only manage it for years with weekly PT visits, massage and staying away from the computer as much as possible. When we moved to Idaho, things improved dramatically and I concluded that I was under a lot of unknown stress just living so close to NYC. The funny thing now is that I can spend hours on the computer each day with no problem. In retrospect, I think my problems were mostly stress related. I hope you can figure out a way to retire early.

I must say, you are the Queen of Book Hauls. Good job on nabbing some great books.

Stress is deadly, sneaky and damaging. It rips you apart from the inside, and finds different spots to affect in each of us.. physical, mental and emotional damage is not always easy to repair. I do hope that soon you can step away and cut some of it out of your life Linda, dear.

Yup, from this retirement chair I can say stress is very ssneaky; hard to know when it is altering your experiences and yet when it is absent things are so much easier. I hope early retirement works for you!

Hello to all! I rested this weekend, read a bit, had lunch with a dear friend, took Lilly for long walks and slept.

Students back on campus tomorrow for first day of classes...Where did summer go?

It is time to take stock of book purchases since January 2013:

1) Angels Everywhere: Miracles & Messages by Lynn Valentine
2) Aunt Dimity and the Village Witch by Nancy Atherton
3) 90 Miles to Havana by Enrique Flores-Galbis
4) 365 Fairytales, Rhymes, and Other Stories by Parragon Books
5) The 7: Seven wonders That Will Change Your Life by Keith Ablow and Glenn Beck
6) The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
7) Alice Rose and Sam by Kathryn Lasky
8) Alive by Piers Paul Read
9) Alix and Nicky by Virigina Rounding
10)All Aunt Hagar's Children by Edward P. Jones
11) The American Heiress: a Novel by Daisy Goodwin
12) Adolf Hitler, Volumes I & II by John Toland
13) Alabama Moon by Watt Key
14) Animal Dreams: A Novel by Barbara Kingsolver
15) Anne Boleyn: A Biography by Marie Louise Bruce
16) Armageddon Summer by Jane Yolen and Bruce Coville
17) At Her Majesty's Request: An African Princess in Victorian England by Walter Dean Myers
18) Annie and the Wild Animals by Jan Brett
19) Antarctica: Journey to the Pole by Peter Lerangis
20) Any Human Heart by William Boyd
21) Armada by John Stack
22) At The Mercy of the Queen: A Novel of Anne Boleyn by Anne Barnhill
23) Aunt Harriet's Underground Railroad in the Sky by Faith Ringgold
24) Anne Frank and the Children of the Holocaust by Carol Ann Lee
25) Arctic Chill: An Inspector Erlendur Novel by Arnaldur Indridason

26) Because of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea
27) Before Versailles: Before the History You Know...a Novel of Louis XIV by Karleen Koen
28) Buddy by M.H. Herlong
29) Blood on the River: James Town 1607 by Elisa carbone
30) Behind the Attic Wall by Sylvia Cassedy
31) Bella The Birthday Party by Mandy Stanley
32) The Best of the Best: 18 New Stories by America's Leading Authors byElaine Koster
33) Big Fish: A Novel of Mythic Proportions by Daniel Wallace
34) The Big House: A Century in the Life of an American Summer Home by George Howe Colt
35) Big Russ and Me, Father and Son: Lessons of Life by Tim Russert
36) Birdsong: A Novel of Love and War by Sebastian Faulks
37) The Bloody Chamber by Angela Carter
38) Blue Heron by Avi
39) The Body in the Attic by Katherine Hall Page
40) The Body in the Gallery by Katherine H. Page
41) The Body in the Ivy by Katherine H. Page
42) The Book of Murdock by Loren D. Estleman
43) Boom: Talking About the Sixties: What Happened, How It Shaped Today by Tom Brokaw
44) Breath by Donna Jo Napoli
45) Breath, Eyes, Memory by Edwidge Danticat
46) Breathing Lessons: A Novel by Anne Tyler
47) A Bride Most Begrudging by Deeanne Gist
48) Bad Blood: A Memoir by Lorna Sage
49) Banner in the Sky by James Ramsey Ullman
50) The Beans of Egypt, Maine by Carolyn Chute
51) Bearing Witness: Stories of the Holocaust by H. Rockman
52) A Brief History of Henry VIII by Derek Wilson
53) Burning Your Boats: The Collected Short Stories by Agnela Carter
54) Butterfly by Sonya Hartnett
55) Believing the Lie: An Inspector Lynley Novel by Elizabeth George
56) Breathing Room by Marsha Hayles

57) A Caldecott Celebration: Seven Artists and their Paths to the Caldecott by Leonard S. Marcus
58) Candles Burning by Tabitha King
59) The Cater Street Hangman by Anne Perry
60) A Change in Altitude by Anita Shreve
61) Charlotte and Emily: A Novel of the Bronte's by Jude Morgan
62) Children and Fire: A Novel (Burgdorf Cycle) by Ursula Hegi
63) Christmas in the Barn by Margaret Wise Brown
64) A Christmas Legacy: A Poem by Flavia Weedn
65 ) The Christmas Rat by Avi
66) Christmas Magic: A Changing Picture Book by Kristen Hall
67) The Christmas Quiet Book by Deborah Underwood
68) The Christmas Story (Metropolitan Museum of Art) by Metropolitan Museum of Art
69) The Circuit by Francisco Jimenez
70) Colin Fischer by Ashley Edward Miller
71) Come a Stranger by Cynthia Voigh
72 Cotton: The Biography of a Revolutionary Fiber by Stephen Yafa
73) Chomp by Carl Hiaasen
74) Circle Unbroken by Margot Theis Raven
75) Crow by Barbara Wright
76) Confinement by Carrie Brown
77) The Complaint of the Dove by Hannah March
78) Contact by Carl Sagan
79) Count to Ten With a Mouse by Margaret Wise Brown
80) Counterfeit Son by Elaine Marie Alphin
81) The Counterlife by Philip Roth
82) The Courtship of the Vicar's Daughter by Lawana Blackwell
83) The Creation of Anne Boleyn: A New Look at England's Most Notorious Queen by Susan Bordo
84) Critical by Robin Cook
85) Crown and Country The Kings and Queeens of England by David Starkey
86) The Crown on Your Head by Nancy Tillman
87) Crunch by Leslie Connor
88) A Cry In The Night by Mary Higgins Clark

89) Dancing Feet by Charlotte Agell
90) The Dark Room by Minette Walters
91) Dave Barry Turns 40 by Dave Barry
92) Day is Done by Peter Yarrow
93) The Day Satan Called: A True Encounter With Demon Possession and Exorcism by Bill Scott
94) Days of Grace: A Novel by Catherine Hall
95) Death and the Virgin Queen: Elizabeth and the Dark Scandal That Rocked the Throne by Chris Skidmore
96) The Delicate Pioneer by Sally Watson
97) Darwen Arkwright and the Peregrine Pack by A.J. Hartley
98) Dangerous Waters: An Adventure on the Titanic by Gregory Mone
99) The Doll Shop Downstairs by Youna Zeldis Mcdonough
100) Desperate Journeys, Abandoned Souls: True Stories of Castaways and Other Survivors by Edward E. Leslie
101) The Dinosaur Hunter: A Novel by Homer Hickam
102) A Dirty Job: A Novel by Christopher Moore
103) Doc: A Novel by Mary Doria Russell
104) The Dog That Talked to God by Jim Kraus
105) The Dog Who Loved Too Much: Tales, Treatments and the Psychology of Dogs by Nicholas Dodman
106) A Dog's Life: Autobiography of a Stray by A.M. Martin
107) The Double Comfort Safari Club: A No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith
108) Dragons in the Waters by Madeleine L'Engle
109) Dreadful Sorry by Kathryn Reiss
110) A Dream to Call My Own by Tracie Peterson
111) A Dublin Student Doctor: An Irish Country Novel by Patrick Taylor
112) Day For Night by frederick Reiken

TO BE CONTINUED

I had to scroll back up to be sure you said book purchases SINCE january 2013. I am in awe!!! Where on earth do you put them? (I should ask - just boxed up the latest 40 and stacked them in my bedroom like it's a warehouse).

And you are only through the Ds? Wow! Even if many of them are picture books, that's a lot of book.

Banner in the Sky by Ullman, your #49, was one of my favorite books as a kid. I read it many times.

Oh Tina, that is the mystery and problem. I'm now at critical mass. One more book and I'll be on the tv show "The Hoarders!"

Roni, always good to see you here. Thanks for the comment regarding Banner in the Sky. I'll find it and read.

Good Morning to all!

Lehigh University classes begin today on a rainy morning. Even after 29 years, it is always exciting to watch the freshman, maps in hand, walking to class for the very first time. It is a bright beginning to a new path.

113) The Easter Egg by Jan Brett
114) Eclipse: A Novel of Lewis and Clark by Richard Wheeler
115) Eight Keys by Suzanne LaFleur
116) Elizabeth and Mary: Cousins, Rivals, Queens by Jane Dunn
117) Ella Sarah Gets Dressed by Margaret Chodos-Irvine
118) Enduring Love: A Novel by Ian McEwan
119) Escape: Children of the Holocaust by Allan Zullo
120) Evening in the Palace of Reason: Bach Meets Frederick the Great in the Age of Enlightment by James R. Gaines
121) Eye of the Red Tsar: A Novel of Suspense by Sam Eastland
122) Emily's Fortune by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

All those books for mere $5? I'm envious...
You have read so many books already..congratulations!

I'm so jealous. Ah well. Gives me another incentive to get this weight off and get back to work!

Amazing, Linda. Good thing you put that addition on the house to hold them. Can't wait to see the rest of the alphabet. Birdsong was one I thought was awfully good.

HI applebook..I couldn't believe my lucky day!

Hi Morphy...How is life for you?
I lost weight because of the level of pain before and after the neck fusion surgeries. My theory re. weight loss/gain, is that it comes off and waits up in the sky for a rainy day when those pounds simply pour right back down on ya!

Joe....Re an addition to the house, it would make no sense because it would only be an incentive to obtain more....Thanks for the recommendation of Birdsong. Thus far two recommendations, one from you and one from Roni. These will be at the top after I read the 25 library books I've checked out...This is a disease...I tell you it is a disease...

Good morning, Linda. And do enjoy these first days of school in the fall. I love the feeling of new beginnings. Opportunities. New doors opening. New books to crack. Hope to lose all the bad habits from last year. Do better this year. All that stuff.....

We start school for the kids here next week so I have one more week of summer vacation! And then I will have lots more time on my hands. I am looking forward to it, and am hopeful the kids will enjoy themselves this year.

Good luck to you for a great year!

123) The Face of a Stranger by Anne Perry
124) The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom
125) Fair Weather by Richard Peck
126) Faith: A Novel by Jennifer Haigh
127) The Family Man by Elinor Lipman
128) The Favored Queen: A Novel of Henry VIII's Third Wife by Carolly Erickson
129) Floodgates: A Faye Longchamp Mystery by Mary Anna Evans
130) Flying The Dragon by Natalie Dias Lorenzi
131) Finn's Going by Tom Kelly
132) Fog Magic by Julia L. Sauer
133) The Fool of the World and the Flying Ship: A Russian Tale by Arthur Ransome illustrated by Uri Shulevitz
134) The Flight of Gemma Hardy by Margot Livesey
135) The Forest by Claire A. Nivola
136) Four Souls by Louise Erdrich
137) The French Lieutenant's Woman by John Fowles
138) The Friendship Doll by Kirby Larson
139) From Dust and Ashes: A Story of Liberation by Tricia N. Goyer
140) Fat Girl: A True Story by Judith Moore

141) The Girl in the Park by Mariah Fredericks
142) Gift of the Magi/The Purple Dress by O.Henry
143) The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy
144) Ghost Riders by Sharyn McCrumb
145) The Goblin and the Empty Chair by Mem Fox illustrations by Diane Dillon
146) Goodbye, Ms. Chips by Dorothy Cannell
147) The Gospels: A Vault on the Life of Jesus Christ by Whitman Publishing
148) The Grand Duchesses: Daughters & Granddaughters of Russia's Tsars by Arturo E. Beeche
149) The Grass Dancer by Susan Power
150) The Great Christmas Crisis by Kim Norman illustrated by Jannie Ho
151) The Great Brain by John D. Firtzgerald illustrated by Mercer Mayer
152) Great House: A Novel by Nichole Krauss
153) The Greatest Generation by Tom Brokaw
154) Guenevere, Queen of the Summer Country by Rosalind Miles
155) The Girl Who Could Fly by Victoria Forester
156) Gentle's Holler by Kerry Madden

157) The Hare with Amber Eyes by Edmund de Waal
158) Harriet Tubman: Conductor on the Underground Railroad by Ann Petry
159) Hansel and Gretel by Susan Jeffers
160) Homesick: My Own Story by Jean Fritz
161) Haunting Rachel by Kay Hooper
162) Hector Protector and As I went Over the Water: Two Nursery Rhymes by Maurice Sendak
163) Hello, Goodbye: A Novel by Emily Chenoweth
164) Henry VIII: The Mask of Royalty by Lacey Baldwin Smith
165) His Brother's Keeper by Charles M. Sheldon
166) The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova
167) Holidays on Ice by David Sedaris
168) The Holocaust: Problems and Perspectives of Interpretation by Donald Niewyk
169) Hondo and Fabian by Peter McCarty
170) How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff
171) Holy Ghosts: Or, How A Not So Good Catholic Boy Became a Believer by Gary Jansen
172) How I Became a Pirate by Melinda Long illustrated by David Shannon
173) The House at Pooh Corner by A.A. Milne

Good Monday Morning, Linda! I am loving reading through all of your lists of books acquired so far this year - and alphabetized, no less! Go you!

174) I Am A Star: Child of the Holocaust by Inge Auerbacher
175) I Am Regina by Sally M. Keehn
176) Imperfect Birds: A Novel by Anne Lamott
177) I Like Me by Nancy Carlson
178) The Importance of Being Ernestine: An Ellie Haskell Mystery by Dorothy Cannell
179) In a Glass Grimmly by Adam Gidwitz illustrated by Hugh D'Andrade
180) In Grandpa's House by Philip Sendak illustrations by Maurice Sendak
181) In The Night Kitchen by Maurice Sendak
182) The Innocent by Harlan Coben
183) Inside Out by Terry Trueman
184) The Invisible Bridge by Julie Orringer
185) Iron Thunder by Avi
186) Itsy Bitsy Spider by Richard Egielski
187) Izzy, Willy-Nilly by Cynthia Voight
188) I Hadn't Meant To Tell You This by Jacqueline Woodson
189) The Intellectual Devotional: American History by David S. Kidder
190) Itsy Bitsy Spider by Richard Eglielski
191) In The Heart of The Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex by Nathaniel Philbrick
192) Inside Narnia: A Guide to Exploring the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by Devin Brown

Linda, you've acquired some wonderful books so far this year, and since you are only at the "I's", I bet we are going to see a lot more listed. Like Mamie, I'm enjoying reading through the titles, some very familar ones and lots of new ones that I look forward to hearing more about one of these days.

Hi Judy

Thanks for stopping by! I hope all is well with you.

193) Jackaroo: A Novel of the Kingdom by Cynthia Voigt
194) Josephine: A Life of the Empress by Carolly Erickson
195) Jade Green: A Ghost Story by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
196) The Judas Field: A Novel of the Civil War by Howard Bahr
197) Journey by Patricia Maclachlan
198) The Junkyard Dog by Erika Tamar
199) Junior Great Books, Series 3 by Grimm Perrault
200) Just Above a Whisper by Lori Wick
201) Killer Weekend by Ridley Pearson
202) Killing Lincoln: The Shocking Assassination That Changed America Forever by Bill O'Reilly
203) Kim by Rudyard Kipling
204) Kindred Spirits: How the Remarkable Bond Between Humans and Animals Can Change the Way We Live by Allen M. Schoen
205) The Kings and Queens of England by Ian Crofton
206) The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom

So, Linda, are you opening your own library? A Lending Library? You could charge a small amount for each book lent out, and more if they don't return them.

That's an idea for when I retire...I'm smiling of course
I knew I added a lot of books, but taking stock enables me to see just how out of control I've been. So many were obtained for a mere pittance, still, I'm running out of room now.

How are you feeling Karen? Pain free?

My goodness! For a moment I thought I'd stumbled into Paul's thread by mistake! I can think of worse addictions, though...

Hi Amber

I found a lot of children's illustrated books on sale and couldn't resist.

Are you feeling better? Your back?

207) The Lost Boy: A Foster Child's Search for the Love of a Family by Dave Peizer
208) Lord of the Deep by Graham Salisbury
209) The Lord is my Shepherd by Gennady Spirin
210) Looking for Mr. Goodbar by Judith Rossner
211) Looking for Alaska by John Green
212) Longing by J.D. Landis
213) The Longest Night by Gregg Keizer
214) Long Walk by Slavomir Rawicz
215) A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J. Gaines
216) Left to Tell by Immaculee Ilibagiza
217) Little Angel by Geraldine McCaughrean illustrated by Ian Beck
218) Long Spoon Lane by Anne Perry
219) Little Snow Goose by Emily Hawkins illustrated by Maggie Kneen
220) Lives of the Monster Dogs by Kirsten Bakis
221) The List by Robert Whitlow
222) The Lake of Dreams by Kim Edwards
223) Little Dog Lost by Rene Gulliot illustrated by Wallace Tripp
224) Little Altars Everywhere: A Novel by Rebecca Wells
225) A Lion Among Men (Wicked Years) by Gregory Maguire
226) Linden Hills by Gloria Naylor
227) The Life of a Geisha by Eleanor Underwood
228) Life Mask by Emma Donoghue
229) The Library by Sarah Stewart illustrations by David Stewart
230) Leap of Faith: Memoirs of An Unexpected Life by Queen Noor
231) The Law of Dreams: A Novel by Peter Behrens
232) The Last Treasure by Janet S. Anderson
233) The Last Days of Hitler: Legend, Evidence and Truth by Anton Joachimsthaler
234) The Land by Mildred D. Taylor
235) Love That Dog by Sharon Creech

Wow - 235 and we're only up to L!

Oh, I very much like that last picture! Lovely!

My back is slowly recovering; in fact, I think today's 6+ hours in the car will help, as it will force me to rest a bit, and my driver's seat has excellent lumbar support and is quite comfortable! Many thanks for asking - I keep you and your own back in my thoughts every day, lady.

Oh I love that book graphic!!! I too have some shelves filled with books that I haven't read. I am ready for the world wide book famine, should it arrive. I have my must keep and reread books, and some that I haven't read. I have let many many books go these last years. Still, now that I am back in the library habit... that helps!

Thanks for asking. You are very sweet, and I am feeling very well indeed. No pain and the eyes are almost all settled down. I am happily reading on my new Kindle which gives me the bigger font and makes it much easier.

and I completely understand the addiction of acquiring books, especially pretty picture books. We were at the library yesterday and I was tempted to see if they had some lists of the best picture books but instead I let Jocelyn and Logan pick out the books they wanted. Generous of me, huh?

Have a great drive!

Wow, I lost track of your thread and now here I am again, and what a list of books!

From your great book sale haul up-thread, I see you found a copy of Inside Narnia -- the author, Devin Brown, was one of my favorite college professors, and I can hear his voice in my head when I'm reading his books, as if I were sitting in class hearing him lecture again! Hope you enjoy it when youg et a chance to read it.

Rhain, each time I check your home page and see the lovely photo of your short hair, I wish I had the courage to do that, ie cut my hair very short. It looks very good on you!

Amber -- safe travels..

Kath, books are a harmless obsession. I fear though that I've overdone in this year. I hope all is well with you. I enjoyed the photo of the children at your library!

Karen, I'm ever so glad both surgeries were successful. I may have mentioned my partner is a retired optomologist, he notes that technology has enabled a safer, more successful procedure than previously done.

Hi foggidawn. How wonderful that you have the author Devin Brown as a professor!

Yes, I think the whole cataracts thing has improved leaps and bounds since my mother had hers done way back... oh, maybe 25 years ago.

Yes, eyes continue to improve, or at least are not bugging me. I am ready to go get them measured for my for real glasses, but I guess I need to wait until the last surgery is at least a month past, that way the eye has a chance to settle down.

BTW, I'd like to try really short hair some day, too, but I hate the idea of paying to have my hairs cut every few weeks. So, now, I have quite long hair. It falls a couple of inches below my shoulders and the main time it bugs me is at night when I feel I get tangled up in it. Mostly that is a "hot nights" kind of complaint.

ETA: hot, as in weather, not as in other things which might come to mind

237) Magical Thinking: True Stories by Augusten Burroughs
238) A Mad Desire to Dance by Eli Wiesel
239) The Magic Book by K.T. Hao
240) The Madonnas of Leningrad by Debra Dean
241) The Maine Woods by Henry David Thoreau
242) Making Mischief: A Maurice Sendak Appreciation by Gregory Maguire
243) Making Things Better by Anita Brookner
244) A Man Named Dave: A Story of Triumph and Forgiveness by Dave Peizer
245) The Man Who Was Poe by Avi
246) Mary Cassatt: Impressionist at Home
247) A Matter of Feeling by Jaine Bolssard
248) Me: Stories of My Life by Katharine Hepburn
249) The Meaning of Light by Michael Cox
250) Memories of Pontius Pilate by James R. Mills
251) Memory Wall by Anthony Doerr
252) Mexico by James Michener
253) A Minister's Ghost: A Fever Devilin Mystery by Phillip DePoy
254) Miracle's Boys by Jacqueline Woodson
255) The Misfits by James Howe
256) Moon of Two Dark Horses by Sally M. Keehn
257) Moonlight Mile by Dennis Lehane
258) More Perfect than the Moon by Patricia MacLachlan
259) The Mottled Lizard by Elspeth Huxley
260) Mrs. God by Peter Straub
261) Murder Most Maine by Karen MacInerney
262) A Murderous Procession by Ariana Franklin
263) Museum of Thieves by Lian Tanner
264) Miracle's Boys by Jacqueline Woodson

265) Napoleon's Privates: 2,500 Years of History Unzipped by Tony Perrottet
266) Neil Armstrong Is My Uncle and Other Lies by Nan Marino
267) New York by Edward Rutherford
268) Night by Elie Wiesel
269) The Night Watch by Sarah Waters
270) Nory Ryan's Story by Patricia Reilly Giff
271) On Second Thought: Outsmarting Your Mind's Hard-Wired Habits by Wray Herbert
272) On The Night You Were Born by Nancy Tillman
273) On The Occasion of My Last Afternoon by Kaye Gibbons
274) On, Off by Colleen McCullough
275) Once Upon A Time Treasury of Fairy Tales
276) One Breath Away by Heather Gudenkauf
277) One Starry Night by M. Christina Butler
278) One Thousand White Women by Jim Fergus
279) One True Bear by Ted Dewan
280) One-Eyed Cat by Paula Fox
281) Only Passing Through by Anne Rockwell
282) Once On This Island by Gloria Whelan
283) Ordinary People by Judith Guest
284) The Orphan Master's Son by Adam Johnson
285) Outside Over There by Maurice Sendak

63 I wish I had the courage to do that, ie cut my hair very short I always wished I had the perserverence to grow my hair longer - but I get irritated with it when it gets more than a couple of inches!

Where, dear Linda, are you keeping all these books? Granted the YA's may be smaller but yikes! I would have lots of room because my husband would have kicked me out into my own apartment by now. Yours is very understanding.

Linda, you have managed to erase any guilt I have felt about my book purchases! But you certainly can look forward to some great reading.

Wow Linda you have been on a buying frenzy. I don't think I can even keep up with all those books. Thanks for stopping by my thread. I am slowly reading!

Most of the books were purchased at library sales. I realize I should not buy any more this year...or even longer...

Thanks to all for stopping by

Here is a photo taken today of Lehigh University campus. It was a glorious day...too bad I didn't get outside more often.

Wow, your book lists are wonderful and a little scary for me! I got a great stack of books at the Bethlehem library book sale and after reading your last thread that mentioned the Allentown library, I ran in there at lunch time today. I came out with 4 from their open sale room that was open today. My unread stacks surrounding my favorite reading chair are starting to wobble!

Hi Diane

Thanks for stopping by. Most recently the Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton libraries melded and now it is very easy to check out books at one and return them at another.

What are your impressions of the Allentown library? I like it very much, especially all the side rooms which are quiet and lovely.

I think we can all relate to piles of books ready to topple.

Have a wonderful day.

Rhian, most recently I saw a woman (at the Allentown library) who had short hair like yours. When I admired her cut, it was an opening to a long conversation re. hair cuts and where to find the best person to accommodate what we want.

Lynda...sshhh, don't tell Will, but if you look under the beds you will find long, plastic containers filled to the brim. There are two bookcases in the downstairs bedroom suite, there are shelves filled in the downstairs bedroom closet, a closet in the upstairs bedroom contains most of the piles....and then there are my office shelves....
I'm at critical mass now.

Linda, thanks for stopping by. The children's illustrated books purchased recently are given to our special neighborhood children that we are very fond of. I'm helping them aquire a love of reading. They so enjoy coming to the house, going to the shelf and asking if they could borrow a specific book.
I let them keep the book. It is such a joy to see them walking around the neighborhood, book in hand.

Hi Monica. I think of you often and hope all is well with you.

286) Possible Side Effects by Aususten
Burroughs
287) Puss in Boots by Charles Perrault
288) The Pact: A Love Story by Jodi Picoult
289) Paris Trout by Peter Dexter
290) People of the Weeping Eye by W. Michael Gear
291) Peter Rabbit: Show Me Your Ears by Beatrix Potter
292) The Poison Place by Mary E. Lyons
293) A Poisoned Season by Tasha Alexander
294) Poppy's Return by Avi
295) Pravda: A Novel by Edward Docx
296) Pray for Silence by Linda Castillo
297) Prey by Michael Crichton
298) Probudit by Chris Van Allsburg
299) Punch and Judy in 19th Century America by Ryan Howard
300) Queen of Ambition by Fiona Buckley
301) Queen of the Underworld by Gail Godwin
302) Queen Victoria's Gene by D.M. Potts

Bless you for giving books to the kids. You are forgiven by the Clean House Gods for any transgressions regarding piles of books!

Never stop buying books. I still buy them, and hide them here and there.. buying books is a pleasure and one to indulge if you can.

Karen

Will and I are very blessed by these two lovely little girls. Both are hearing impaired and it is very interesting to see how they interact with the world.

I hope today is a good one for you.

Good Morning Dear Kath

Thanks...your comment is all I need to attend the Bethlehem Library sale in September........
I hope today is a lovely day for you!

303) Rip Van Winkle & Other Stories by Washington Irving
304) Room by Emma Donoghue
305) The Red Shoe by Ursula Dubosarsky
306 A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick
307) Revenge of the Rose by Nicole Galland
308) The Returning by Christine Hinwood
309) Resurrection Row by Anne Perry
310) The River by Gary Paulsen
311) Roar of the Heavens: Surviving Hurricane Camille by Stefan Bechtel
312) A Rose in My Garden by Arnold Lobel illustrations by Anita Lobel
313) Rose's Garden by Carrie Brown
314) The Rules of Engagement by Anita Brookner
315) Running Out of Time by Margaret Peterson Haddix
316) Rosa Parks: My Story by Rosa Parks

317) Sick of Shadows by M.C. Beaton
318) The Sandman by Ralph Fletcher
319) Silent Thunder: In the Presence of Elephants by Katy Payne
320) The Silver Balloon by Susan Bonners
321) Santa's Christmas Storybook by Sheila Black
322) Sashenka: A Novel by Simon Sebag Monteflore
323) Scribbler of Dreams by Mary E. Pearson
324) The Seance by Joan Lowery Nixon
325) Secret of the Andes by Ann Nolan Clark
326) Saints and Villains by Denise Giardina
327) The Secret Scripture by Sebastian Barry
328) Secrets of the Tudor Court: Between Two Queens by Kate Emerson
329) A Separate Peace by John Knowles
330) Splat the Cat: Back to School Splat! by Rob Scotton
331) The Serpent's Children: Golden Mountain Chronicles: 1849 by Laurence Yep
332) Shabanu: Daughter of the Wind by Suzanne Fisher Staples
333) Shadow of the Winter Palace by Edward Crankshaw
334) The Sheen on the Silk by Anne Perry
335) Sirena by Donna Jo Napoli
336) Snow Angels: A Novel by Stewart O'Nan
337) Snow Island by Katherine Towler
338) The Snow Queen by Amy Ehrlich illustrations by Susan Jeffers
339) Soul Stories by Gary Zukav
340) The Spectator Bird by Wallace Stegner
341) Spinners by Donna Jo Napoli
342) Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli
343) State of Wonder by Ann Patchett
344) The Steadfast Tin Soldier by Graham Percy
345) Step to the Graveyard Easy by Bill Pronzini
346) A Stone for a Pillow by Madeleine L'Engle
347) Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost illustrations by Susan Jeffers
348) The Story of the Trapp Family Singers by Maria Augusta Trapp
349) The Story Sisters: A Novel by Alice Hoffman
350) A Stranger is Watching by Mary Higgins Clark
351) A Summer Affair by Elin Hilderbrand
352) A Summer Life by Gary Soto
353) Summer and Bird by Katherine Catmull
354) The Summer of Riley by Eva Bunting
355) The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway
356) Susanna of the Alamo: A True Story by John Jakes
357) Sweet Comforts of Home by Susan Winget

Linda, I love that story about giving the books to the neighborhood children. What a wonderful idea! That is just so lovely of you. Wishing for you a day full of fabulous!

Hi, sweetie!
I hope school is not taking too much of a toll on you. Such a beautiful campus seems like a perfect spot to escape at lunch maybe for a nibble and read?

my recommendations (so far) - loved these
123) Face of a Stranger
201) Killer Weekend
262) A Murderous Procession - great addition to that series

You do realize that you are an addict just like everyone else here.
The disease is ETBS - Eyes Too Big for your Shelves. Tina and I thought it was hereditary but apparently it can also be CONTAGIOUS! e-readers can help to control the physical expansion but do not give you the fix you may need of actually turning the pages. Fortunately, there has been no known drug found that will cure the disease.


I personally, do not have toppling piles because I keep most of my books in cabinets with shelves, however, I have to be very careful opening the cabinet doors because as soon as the door is opened some of the books have a tendency to jump out searching out more space to breathe or trying to grab my attention screaming "READ ME, READ ME!".


OTOH, I may have to investigate the space under the bed.

I found one under the bed plastic bin that is actually on wheels. So easy.

Hi Mamie

We are blessed by this family. The children are kind and have manners. The parents are 40 and, unlike some others of that generation, they are other directed and very courteous, possessing social skills.

Cheli...Thanks the the laughter and the images...made me smile.

Karen...bins on wheels...oh, my..what a great thing.

358) There's a Country in my Cellar by Russell Baker
359) The Ten-Year Nap by Meg Wolitzer
360) Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
361) The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien
362) Tales of the Madman Underground by John Barnes
363) Ten Out of Bed by Penny Dale
364) The Tender Bar by J.R. Moehringer
365) Tennyson's Poetry by Alfred Tennyson
366) Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe
367) These Happy Golden Years by Laura Ingalis Wilder
368) This is Not a Test by Courtney Summers
369) The Thistle and the Rose by Jean Plaidy
370) Three Little Kittens by Jerry Pinkney
371) The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter
372) Three Days by Donna Jo Napoli
373) Thunderstruck by Erik Larson
374) Tituba of Salem Village by Ann Petry
375) The Toughest Indian in the World by Sherman Alexie
376) Traitor's Kiss by Pauline Francis
377) The Treasure by Iris Johansen
378) Tree Girl by T.A. Barron
379) Trouble Don't Last by Shelley Pearsall
380) The True Memoirs of Little K by Adrienne Sharp
381) The Twelve Days of Christmas by Laurel Long
382) Twinkle by Scott Fischer
383) The Twisted Thread by Charlotte Bacon

384) A Universe from Nothing: Why There Is Something Rather than Nothing by Lawrence M. Krauss
385) Until I Found You by John Irving
386) Very Merry Christmas Tales by Barbara Seuling
387) Vaclav & Lena: A Novel by Haley Tanner
388) Vanishing Acts by Jodi Picoult
389) Witnesses to War by Michael Leapman
390) Whitethorn Woods by Maeve Binchy
391) When We Were Young by A.A. Milne
392) Walking a Literary Labyrinth: A Spirituality of Reading by Nancy M. Malone
393) A Wreath for Emmett Till by Marilyn Nelson
394) Wasted: A Memoir of Anorexia and Bulimia by Marya Hornbacher
395) We Had a Picnic This Sunday Past by Jacqueline Woodson
396) Wee Little Lamb by Lauren Thompson
397) What Happened to My Sister by Elizabeth Flock
398) What Life Was Like: In the Age of Chivalry: Medieval Europe 800-1500 by Time Life Books
399) What the Dog Saw: And Other Adventures by Malcolm Gladwell
400) When the Ghost Screams: True Stories of Victims Who Haunt by Leslie Rule
401) When We Were Very Young by A.A. Milne
402) Where She Went by Gayle Forman
403) Wherever You Are: My Love Will Find You by Nancy Tillman
404) Whirl Away by Russell Wangersky
405) Whiskey River by Loren Estleman
406) White House Ghosts: Presidents and Their Speechwriters by Robert Schlesinger
407) Wicked Pleasures by Penny Vincenzi
408) The Wind Off the Sea by Charlotte Bingham
409) Windblowne by Stephen Messer
410) The Women by T.C. Boyle
411) The Worst I've Done by Ursula Hegi
412) Year of Impossible Goodbyes by Sook Nyul Choi
413) You Know Where To Find Me by Rachel Cohn
414) Young Bess: The Girl Who Would Be Queen by Margaret Irwin
415) Young Fredle by Cynthia Voigt illustrated by Louise Yates

Misc Purchases:

416) Austenland by Shannon Hale
417) 50 Things That Really Matter by Hallmark Cards
418) Don't Sweat the Small Stuff and It's all Small Stuff by Richard Carlson
419) Don't Know Much About American History by Kenneth C. Davis
420) A Gathering of Angels by Katherine Valentine
421) The Story of Little Red Riding Hood by Brothers Grimm

Speaking of books...I got a package today! *smoochiesmoochsmooch*

Are you planning on putting on the addition shown in message 87?

Linda,
I love the pictures you post along with your list. I haven't been to that many library book sales this year. I did buy a few but only about 5. Last year I received a box of books from my dad's lady friend after she passed away. Her daughter asked if there was anything I wanted and said I will take any books that are left. I will have to remember to keep a list next time of the books that I buy and share them on here. Some of the books you have purchased I have read.

Their Eyes were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
The Lost Boy: A Foster's Child Search for the Love of a family by Dave Pelzer (is heart wrenching. I have all the books and the book his brother wrote too)
Room by Emma Donoghue
A Separate Peace by John Knowles (need to re-read it)
Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli
A Stranger is Watching by Mary Higgins Clark is the first book I remember reading and loving! That is the book that really got me hooked on reading.

I love the Little House books. I have my daughters because she didn't want them.

I have Contact by Carl Sagan and I also bought that at a library sale a few years ago.

So many books and so little time to read.

I think of you and everyone else that I met in Philly this year at the LT meet up. I so want to do another one!

Happy Reading!

Monica

I hope that we are able to have another Phila. meet up next May. Wouldn't that be lovely?

> 74, missed that at first.... You're a book angel!

Oh, and I think you would look cute with a short and perky do! You should try it.
xo

Linda - I am in awe that you
1. Have acquired so many books this year
2. Took the time and effort to document them all here.

I'm looking forward to the local library sale on September 26th here in central NC.

Have a great Thursday!

Hej Linda, I missed something here ... okay, now I came to say hello and to enjoy your list and the accompanying pictures.

The Things They Carried and Things Fall Apart are two on my list of besties, Linda, and don't those titles make an interesting pairing?

I had a lot of fun reading Austenland, and its companion Midnight in Austenland. My daughter still teases me about that, as she views them as chick lit, and unlikely reading for a grumpy old curmudgeon.

Amazing list of books acquired, Linda! Wow!

At the top, you listed your recent book haul from the Allentown library. My current audio book-on-CD was obtained via ILL from that library.

Wishing you all the best this semester . . . and the ability to retire next year if that's what you want.

Wow. Wow. Wow. I am in awe, Linda!

421 books this year so far? I'm proud of you for admitting it! I'm too chicken to catalog my purchases for fear of accountability. You must be quite creative to keep Will at bay! :)

I hope your pain has lessened some dear one. Feel better!

Linda....Here's a tempting little road trip for you. THe Portland (the one in Maine) Public library is hosting a Maurice Sendak exhibit from Sept6 thru Oct 26. I'm certainly going to try to hop down there to see it. more info: http://www.portlandlibrary.com/programs/LewisGallery.htm

Oh, Tina, please do try to go to the exhibit and then please tell me all about it! The Rosenbach Museum in Philadelphia, PA was in credible. They have quite a collection of his originals.

How from is Portland from where you live?

I miss Maine. I haven't been there in a few years.

Portland is about 1 hr 45 min from here. My sister Maureen will be in Brunswick next weekend househunting, so I don't know if she can squeeze this in. If not, Bob and I will probably take a day trip. We're always looking for an excuse to go to Trader Joe's and to visit my daughter's m-i-l who is in a lovely assisted living in Falmouth. So we can definitely have a fun day. Just have to find one when we're both free. (Did i say we Retired? -- who can tell???)

Linda - My goodness you saved me a job counting all your purchases!

I would guess that would get you a place on the "book-buying podium" so far this year:

Paul Stalder leads the way such that I can tell with 664 books
Yours truly in his wake with 644
Dear Linda with 421

John Simpson, Megan, and the perenniels Katie Krug and Darryl will be there and there abouts too.

Have a lovely weekend. xx

644! I hope authors realize how much good comes their way due to LT :)

Long weekend! I hope you enjoy every minute of it Linda, dear...

I like what Kath has said this morning. I also hope authors learn what a gift LibraryThing is to them, if their works are worthy, of course.

Also, Linda, have a lovely weekend doing whatever and whichever you wish to do.

Happy Long Weekend to you, Linda!

I'm so sorry that you are in such pain continuously. My Mom has had fibromyalgia for nearly my entire life, and I see how exhausting and debilitating that kind of pain is, and can be. Fingers crossed that you will be able to retire early and still be able to maintain a similar living.

Kudos to your enviable book haul so far this year, my dear! And I love all of your accompanying book illustrations too - where do you find them all?

Much love (and rest and reading!) to you this weekend. (((HUGS)))

Popping in to wave hello and wish you a wonderful holiday weekend.

How are you feeling this morning? {{{hugs}}}

I hope the long weekend has helped you to recuperate some, Linda. There is a book on the new Early Reviewers list that made me think of you--you might want to request it. Escape From Berlin by Irene Watts is an intermediate book (ages 8 to 12) about the Kindertransport which evidently includes three books about Marianne and Sophie's experiences being sent to England and growing up away from their family. The list is at www.librarything.com/er/list. You just need to join the Early Reviewer group if you haven't already, with no obligations except to review a book if you do request one and win it.

Hi Linda- I haven't stopped in, in awhile. Hope all is well and you are feeling good. I also hope you had a nice holiday.

Miss your bright shiny postings. Hope you are doing well. Hugs sent your way.

Just stopping by to say hello :) and leave a ((((Linda))))

Good Morning, Miss Linda!
I certainly hope that you relaxed and enjoyed time with Will, Lily and your neighbor children his weekend so hat you are feeling better.

I'm off to PT!

Just bopping in to say "Hi"....I've skimmed a couple threads, it's so easy to get very far behind with you. I see you've been sneaking buying lots of books. I hope the semester calms down for you, and that your pain remains manageable. Working grows less and less appealing, doesn't it?

*smooch* have a happy, comfy week Linda!

Hello to all and thanks for stopping by.

Work is consuming. After two 50 plus hour weeks, I'm exhausted. This leaves very little time for the things I enjoy, such as reading, and visiting the threads here in our group.

I've read very little. I long for time to re-energize.

BOOk#73
Blood on the River by Elisa Carbone

This is an excellent account of life in Jamestown, VA from the young boy servant of Captain John smith.

I recently watched a documentary regarding Jamestown. The book was well-researched and depicted the travesties that occurred.

Highly recommended!

Hi Linda! I know how long work weeks can exhaust you. I hope you can re-group and do lots of reading.

#74 I love your hidden book cache. Your secret is safe with me, Linda!
On our visit to Jamestown this summer we were surprised to see a number of crosses added to the landscape alongside the James River. They weren't there a few years ago but recent technology enables archaeologists to "see" burial grounds more clearly. What brave souls!

Morning, Linda! Just stopping in to catch up and to leave you my good wishes for a week full of fabulous. 50 hours a week of work is too much! Hoping things slow down a bit. Hugs to you, dear.

The beginning of the school year is brutal, I know. Adam is always working similar hours and coping with all sorts of hot messes ... I hope it slows down soon for you :)

I would always expect about 6 weeks of extra hard effort, stress, and long hours. Then, it would be settling into a routine, and the opportunity to "have a life" reappeared. Much support winging its way to you. And *hugs*. What else might we do, virtually or really, to help? Let us know if there is something....

Best wishes to you at this busy time of year, Linda!

I trust that the weekend will enable you to rest up dear lady and possibly add to your collection of purchases this year.
Have a good Saturday. xx

Listening to elektronik tango music from Argentina, and of course who should spring to mind but you!

*smooch*

I am glad I caught your thread to see that the Maurice Sendak exhibit is in Portland Library. I had read that Maine College of Art was going to show the exhibit on the First Friday Art Walk (which we missed last night). This gives me an opportunity to see it at the library!

I hope you are having a good start to the school year, minus the busyness :)
My reading has come to a screeching hault this week with the start of school but I started Wolf Hall (which I think I put on my wish list based on your recommendation, but I can not quite recall)...

Courage, Sister...you've done it before and you can do it again! Have a carefree weekend.

Stopping in to wish you a weekend full of fabulous, dear!

Wish you a good and quiet weekedn (if possible)

Hi Linda--I hope you are feeling better. Speaking from experience, I agree with your plan to do everything possible to retire as soon as you can. :)

WOW!!!! Cool beans! So many visitors. I am in deep appreciation.

I miss my LT buddies. Thanks everyone for the lovely messages.

Richard, of course I am laughing at the fact that I popped into your head while listening to Argentinian tango music...a compliment of acknowledgment that I usually have a lot of energy????

Jess, if you can see the exhibit, I highly recommend seeing Sendak's work up close and personal. What a unique man he was.

#114 ..Karen, Please tell me about the area of NC where you live. I think you have such a lovely state. My daughter and son in law lived near Raleigh for a short period of time. When I visited there I called home telling Will that I would move there in a heartbeat because the people were so warm and friendly.

Lynda -- Do you have netflix? If so, I highly recommend the documentary regarding Jamestown. The book I recently read was very well researched and wove the facts of Jamestown and the extreme hardship they suffered.
http://movies.netflix.com/WiMovie/70040983?strkid=1598744510_0_0&trkid=22233...

Mamie...Always a delight to see you here.

Kath, I chuckle at times when I hear people bash those in academia...Working with those much younger than my soon to be 61 year old mind and body is grueling AND rewarding.

Karen and Terry...thanks for stopping by. Terry, I'm currently reading a book I want to send your way when I'm finished. I think it is the kind of book that you would like. If you are interested in Holy Ghosts or How a (Not so) Good Catholic Boy Became a Believer in Things That Go Bump In the Night, please let me know and I'll send it along.

Paul, Are you rested from your wonderful vacation. You and your family packed alot into your time together.

There was a neighborhood yard sale this morning and I was able to buy some (not too many) books...I didn't count them yet.

Linda, I think of you and Cee (Claudia) when I am so enjoying Lilly. Will and I walked her around the neighborhood this morning as we were checking out the junk (I mean left over stuff) that was for sale. Lilly loves little children. She is very fearful of other dogs, even small ones. The love of this bred is a powerful emotion. They are so intelligent, sensitive, intelligent and loyal!

Deborah, How are your lovely grandchildren?

Paul, thanks for stopping by. Each time I visit your thread I am in awe of your photos!

I always pull Will over to the computer to look at them. He misses Europe and Germany, Switzerland, the Alps...He regrets returning to the states.

NON ILLUSTRATED BOOK#74

Good Kings, Bad Kings by Susan Nussbaum



A friend who has similar reading tastes recommended this book. I have mixed feelings about this tale of young adults who are physically and/or developmentally challenged.

It is a sad book, with a few rays of light. While the characters were well developed and the author had a wonderful way of helping the reader get into the mind of the person telling their story, it was exceedingly difficult to follow the trail of bread crumbs from character-character as the chapters skipped around at a dizzingly pace.

While I note that LT average is 4.0 stars, my rating is a solid 2.0.

It was way too arduous to keep track of the characters. Life is frustrating enough. I don't want my reading materials to be stressful.

NON ILLUSTRATED BOOK #75


The Truth of Me by Patricia MacLachlan

Increasingly I am drawn to the writings of this gifted author.

Robbie is the only child of musician parents. Feeling that they enjoy their music much more than him, he is drawn to to his grandmother who understands him.

When he parents travel on tour, he and his dog Ellie stay with grandmother Maddie.

A simple tale, with wonderful emotional insights, the author tells of Robbie's self discovery through the love shown to him by his grandmother and her male friend Henry, which provides a springboard of insight into his mother.

A sheer delight!

@127 Linda...our Callie was the same. She'd sit and let little children come up to her, pet her, and be very calm. But another dog...forget it. She got to be relatively friendly with my daughter's cat, which visited in our house many times during Callie's lifetime, even though the cat would stalk and ambush her given half a chance! I suppose in a controlled environment, she probably would have developed a tolerance for a particular dog as well. Your are so right about the affectionate nature of the breed. Enjoy beautiful Lilly every minute. (BTW, my niece had her first baby in June, and she named her Lily. I like the name, and of course it made me smile. I didn't tell Nora she was naming her little girl after a Sheltie, but someday I just might.)

Saying Goodbye to Lulu by Corinne Demas illustrations by Ard Hoyt

ILLUSTRATED BOOK 101
The power of simple words formed together in a chain of beauty resonates in the heart.

This is a story of a little girl who loves her elderly dog Lulu. From the beginning of their lives, they bonded.

Now as Lulu ages, she becomes puppy like and sleeps most of the day, has accidents on the floor and, stumbling to walk, her legs wobble.

I very much liked how the author portrayed the circle of life and death and then life renewed again.

When it was time, another puppy became a part of the family. The author wonderfully depicted the fact of the realization that the love of a new puppy did not betray the love felt previously for one very special dog.

The author's understanding of the special bond of an animal and child, the fact that for many children the loss of a beloved pet is the first realization of pain of death, and the sensitive depiction of the heart break of the child netted a five star read for me.

Linda- I landed a copy of Good Kings, Bad Kings at ALA, back in June. Actually, I met the author and had my copy signed. She is in a wheelchair but I am not sure what her affliction is. I hope to get to it, in the next few weeks.

Thanks, Linda, for the heads up re:Nat'l Geo's Jamestown. We do have Netflix and we'll be viewing that one soon.

All it takes for this thread to heat up is a visit by it's owner :) I hope it means that things are slowing down to just the normal insanity, instead of back to school craziness?

I always love to read your posts about your books...

I am into a new series, thanks to Mamie :) and loving it. Soft and easy books.. fun books! The order of the day / week /month/ years? Why not!?

Lynda, I think it will have a lot of meaning because you visited Jamestown.

Kath, What is the series you are reading. I'm in a slump.

RECENT ACQUISITONS, ADDED TO THE NUMBER OF BOOKS PURCHASED IN 2013:

422)
Loser by Jerry Spinelli
423)
Chappaquiddick Revealed by Kenneth Kappel
424)
Possession by A.S. Byatt
425)
A Likely Place by Paula Fox
426)
Make Way For Ducklings by Robert McClolskey. Caldecott winner!
427)
Van Gogh by Frank Milner
428)
Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes by Eleanor Coerr

ooh, Make Way for Ducklings! I loved that book.

A nice haul of books, Linda. I'm reading Night Soldiers, and a couple of other books as the spirit moves me!

Hi Laura

I now have two missions...one to read all Newbery honor and medal books and the other is to read all Caldecott award winners.

Karen, tell me about Night Soldiers.

Sweet dreams, which hopefully will find you refreshed and ready for another week.

129 & 131 --- both sound wonderful! Off to put them atop my huge wish list right now! :)

ETA: A huge thumbs up for your review of The Truth of Me!

I second Laura's love for Make Way for Ducklings. I'm a fan of all of McCloskey books Charlie and I have read (a fair few of them are on the Caldecott list). Blueberries for Sal is my other very favorite of his, which I think you've already listed as read, yes?

Yep, I thumbed that review, too. Always soft and beautiful sounding books here... just like you!

Linda, Night Soldiers is Alan Furst's first book in one of his series. It starts out with fascist activities in small towns in the eastern European area on the Danube River, north of the Black Sea. A young man is beaten to death for not being respectful enough of the fascists on parade... his older bro is recruited into the secret police of Russia, the communists being the major opposition to the fascists. The author gives the communists some very sympathetic "lines" in opposition to the fascists in the beginning but it does turn darker. Pre WWII Europe was not an easy place. Interesting. His writing is very easy to read as he does not make the horrific events too clearly graphic. I am glad for that because I do not like reading too much graphic violence. But I am always interested in history.

Have a good week, Linda!

Make Way for Ducklings is one of a handful of children's books I read for the first time as an adult. I liked it, too!

de lurking to say hello, hope things continue to go well for you , and comment on your recent haul. You always manage to find the best mix of books. Enjoy them, and enjoy life. You deserve every nice thing that comes along.

Tina..Thanks for your lovely comment. It is much appreciated. Today was another crazy day at work. I'm in a lot of pain and low in energy this evening.

Morphy..I couldn't resist it. I haven't read much lately and want to get back to the Caldecott winners. It was nice to obtain this one for .50 at the yardsale.

Hi Darryl. Many thanks for stopping by. The weather was lovely. I spent time with our two neighborhood children. We are oh so fond of them. They make Will and I laugh. I may have mentioned that both are hearing impaired. Because of late diagnosis, the older child (Ashlee) intently watches body language and facial expressions to see if they match the words spoken. Highly sensitive, she wants desperately to fit in with her peers in school.

Kayla, the youngest is a pip. At three years of age, her vocabulary is amazing. She is one of the happiest children I've met. She makes our hearts melt and our faces ache from laughing and smiling with her.

Karen, I'm adding Night Soldiers to the TBR pile. It sounds like a book I would enjoy.

Kath, BIG thanks. You brought tears to my eyes.

Amber, I agree, Blueberries for Sal is wonderful.

Hi Tina, Thanks for the affirmation!

Hi Cheli. I hope today was a pain free one for you.

Hi Linda, I was happy to see you loved Blood on the River. I read it a few years ago and thought it was very well done.

I'm another fan of Make Way for Ducklings. When my son was born, friends from Boston sent this book as a gift, and I enjoyed reading it to him for years as he grew from a baby into a child who could understand it. It's a real favorite!

Hi Linda! Sorry I have been absent for so long from your thread. I truly enjoyed reading the long list of all the books you have acquired this year. There are so many great titles there...you will definitely be ready should there ever be a book apocalypse!

I hope school is starting to settle down for you and that you can squeeze out some time to enjoy yourself.

Hi Linda, I've been out of town for a few days and off LT so I'm just catching up with some threads. I've really enjoyed perusing all your book acquisitions and the lovely pictures that accompany them. I must admit that sometimes I think I like acquiring books even more than I like reading them.

Have you read Time of Wonder by Robert McCloskey? It's about two children and a summer they spend in Maine enjoying the outdoors. NPR recently recommended it as a perfect beach read. I loved its focus on the many faces of nature--both calm and wild.

I hope you'll have some downtime to relax and recharge this weekend. I hate that you're still struggling with pain and will add my wish that you can see a way to retire soon.

ALMOST Friday, yay hurray! Survived another one. *smooch*

De lurking... Just in to say hi and wish you well. Hope you are pain free!!!

>151 Cobscook:: Time of Wonder is excellent.

I'm wandering through the threads to wish all well, and good weekend!

Hello Dearest Linda, I have gotten way behind on your thread and almost completely lost you on here. This past month has been so busy for me. Things are finally slowing down now though. :) a little anyway. Still working a bunch of OT at work. Early Retirement for you. . How wonderful Hope it all works out well for you. Sorry about your pain my dear. I see the book purchases have been going crazy.. Mine have been a little higher this year but nothing like yours. ;) The OT has helped me to purchase some. Hugs to you Will and Lilly. I keep hoping one day we will get a chance to meet in person.

Stopping by to wish you a happy weekend,Linda! Don't you have a birthday in September?! Have I missed it?

#127 Linda - late answer, but better than none!

I live between two small towns - Pittsboro and Siler City - south of Chapel Hill - on 8 acres. We have 2 barns, but no horses of our own - rent out space in our pastures for 5 horses and get a little extra $$ every month.

I love living here. We have real seasons compared to Southern California, where I'm from, (fall, winter, spring, summer vs wet/mudslide and dry/fire season and throw in earthquake too) quiet and dark at nights, yet we're close enough to Chapel Hill, Raleigh, Durham, Asheboro, etc. I' looking out the windows right now onto our crepe myrtles, the river birch, and the trees by the creek (including but not limited to ironwood, black walnut, hickory, and pin oak.) Blue sky, about 75F.

Not being conservative, I find the Bible-Belt conservatism annoying, but as long as the Christians leave me alone I'll leave them alone. It is embarrassing living in a state run by Republicans right now, but I'll survive it.

I go to cultural events with my MiL and watch movies at home with husband. Daughter's at UNC Wilmington studying history, with some pep band, wind symphony, and chamber winds thrown in (she plays trombone, baritone, and euphonium).

The people are warm and friendly, especially in the country. I think some of the larger more "immigrant-heavy" towns like Cary and Apex are less friendly, but perhaps any large city-like environment breeds isolation and mistrust. I work in Sanford, about 22,000 people, south of Pittsboro, VERY conservative, but I just love working with most of the people there.

Sorry about the pain, Linda. Gentle hugs to you.

Sorry to find that you are still suffering :( Not what I hoped to see here.
((((Linda)))))

*wanders about looking for Linda*

Gosh, I hope your absence from your thread does not mean more pain, and perhaps there is a lot going on in your life. Maybe you are so captivated by a book that you just do not have time to stop in here to let us know what is going on.

I am find adjusting to my second retirement to be a little bit sad. Miss the kids. Good news is that they will come to visit me today and will help me wash the pups! Fun all around!

Have a great Sunday. And I'm hoping next week will not be too stressful and overworked.

Hi, Linda, I've been so far behind in threads, but spent my breakfast time reading yours to see how your health is. It would be wonderful for you to retire early. Frugal life is better than stressed and painful life. I hope it happens for you!

Hi Linda! I am popping in after a wee absence from LT (3 months-oops!), so I wasn't ignoring you per se, just everyone! Hope the pain abates ASAP!! Sending good wishes. : )

I'm just stopping by to see how you are . . Best wishes to you!

Hi Linda, just stopped by to let you know that I am thinking of you and hoping that things are going well.

New-week *smooch* for easy-peasy times!

*peeks in* Hmm, hope all is well in Linda land. . .

Adding my "thinking of you" and wishing you well. Hope to hear from you soon.

Hope you're doing OK Linda!

Hej Linda, miss you.*wave*

Linda - another one missing you but also jumping in with the advantage of the time difference to wish you a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Hello and thanks to all for your warm, wonderful messages. I haven't been on LT for awhile and I miss everyone.

Right now, life sounds like a soap opera
or...a country western song.

I'm working long days. I cannot put my finger on what is happening...nine/ten things go wrong every day. Our beloved office manager, normally very calm, is harried and stressed because of all the chaos.

The yearbook arrived while I was out of the office Friday, before receiving our copies, all others were sent from the plant to those who purchased a copy.

Over the weekend, the editor in chief contacted me, almost in tears, to say that there were at least twelve pages wherein text was inverted, rendering the context nonsensical. The publisher's program had many glitches and despite the fact that we submitted everything correctly, the book is non legible.

The publisher will need to reprint the entire book. In 29 years of advising student publications, this is the first time that the book has to be reprinted!

Friday the 13th, my beloved former mother in law passed away. She hung on much longer than any could imagine.

My daughter, son in law and grandchildren were here for three days. We live in a townhouse, two floors and a goodly amount of space, but not enough for three energetic children.

The service was yesterday. There was a viewing of the body at the funeral home. This was the first time my grandchildren experienced death of a loved one. They sat in the front rows, close to the casket and it really, really bothered them.

They took turns coming to the middle row where Will and I sat. Nervous, sad and spooked, they were so frazzled. My heart just hurt for them.

The service at the cemetery was also difficult for them. The concept of seeing the space where she was going to be buried was just plain uncomprehending.

I haven't read much. Little has changed re. the pain level in my neck. I had a very painful injection Friday morning. The doctor placed the needle in the area where there was space where the bones had not fused. Normally very strong, the injection hurt so much that tears were rolling down my face.

For those of you who have experienced epidurals in your neck, you know that you cannot move.

I had blessed relief for three days and then the pain came back with a vengeance.

Richard and others who suffer with long-term debilitating pain, I'd like to know how you deal with it.

I long to hibernate for about a month..a stack of books by my side...no phones, no students, no crisis, no pain..oh wouldn't it be loverly....

Thanks to all for listening to my tale of woe.

I am deeply touched by Cindy Hartline's (countrylife) phone call today. And, the emails and outreach are balm for a weary soul.

Love to all!!

Oh, sweetie...I wish that there were words that make things all better. Not only do you have to deal with physical pain but emotional pain as well. And now your birthday is here and it doesn't sound like you are being very happy.

So here is my wish for you - peace, joy and relaxation. Try to have a little bit of happy today.

I send you heartfelt hugs.

Happy birthday, Linda. It's a rough passage indeed. I am saddened to learn of your loss, no less because it was expected. As grateful as I am that your friend and former mother-in-law began her journey enfolded with love and good wishes, I know how much it costs to add emotional upheaval to physical pain.

Because my pain is mechanical as opposed to neurological in origin, I've always found an effective coping mechanism in breathing control. No, it doesn't give surcease, but it pushes awareness of the pain below the front and center of awareness.

I send oodles of hugs and as much healing energy as I possess. Ride on the plains, my dear.

Linda - you really do seem to be going through the mill recently. I do hope that your birthday is the start of some better times.

I hope things turn around soon my friend, and that this birthday is Happy, Healing and calm.
Don't forget Happy! I wish you a very Happy Birthday and a year filled with goodness, and without pain... huge hug

Oh, Linda, I'm so sorry to hear of all of the troubles coming at you in spades. Keeping you, as always, in my thoughts.

Good Morning and thanks to all!

I am blessed. Life is good. The morning is crisp and clear. A new day has begun. And, I am ever so grateful for my LT friends. You are all so very amazing!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5Ev4J2Y_zw

Linda, so sorry to hear about all the life difficulties you've been dealing with lately. You're in my thoughts and prayers.

And a very happy birthday to you today! Hooray for new days and fresh beginnings. I hope you have a marvelous day. :)

I'm so sorry life is such a struggle lately. Here's something to cheer you. I find it so fun to watch:

Evolution of Dance
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMH0bHeiRNg

Oh, and if you get the commercial for Poo Pourri you have GOT to watch it. It's an absolute stitch.

Dear Linda, my story of "coping with debilitating pain" would not be much help. I sat on the sofa and complained. I ate frozen dinners because I could hardly lift anything. bla bla bla

Pain was finally subsided with medication.

I will second Richard's comment that breath control can be very helpful, some of the time. I also used my hot tub multiple times during the nights. Exhausting but I did find relief enough so I was able to sleep.

I am now trying an Anti-Inflammatory Diet to reduce the remaining pain, which is (truth) not very much, and does not reduce my activity too much. But I'd like to be rid of pain altogether!

Avoiding eating sugar! and milk products, white flour and white rice, emphasis on vegetables and fruit. Avoid food additives of all sorts. After doing this for a 21 day period, I'll try re-introducing milk products and see if my body is reactive. I am sure sugar is a major problem and will try to stay away from it as much as humanly possible.

Sending healing visions to you as big as I can manage!

Hope you enjoy the day and the pain gives you a break, Linda. A peaceful place to read?

I know you have a positive outlook most of the time, Linda, but stress such as you've been experiencing just drains that out of us, and takes away the ability to cope and concentrate. No wonder your pain is dragging you down. Sometimes just one little bright spot can be the lift that turns your spirit around, though. I hope for your birthday you get that gift, and that it lasts a long time.

Happy Birthday Dear Linda! May you have a pain-free day and a year of blessings. I am sorry to hear that your pain is still managing you. I have nothing to add to what Richard and Maggie suggested. I hope you find something that works for you. I'd suggest Book Therapy, but you are doing a fine job of that on your own. I am in awe of your book acquisitions...and love the book pictures that top your many lists. {{Hugs}}

Be sure to read the book titles!

Happy Birthday, Linda.

Happy birthday - despite all the rough going

Linda, I'm so sorry to hear about the recent stresses in your life and the passing of your former mother-in-law. I hope today has been better. I know you may not feel much like celebrating but please know that we are all celebrating your birthday. You're a force for good in this world and we are all grateful for having you in our lives.

I'm so sorry to hear about your MiL's passing, Linda. It's never easy. Especially with witnessing the pain & discomfort your grandchildren are going through.

I wish I had words to help ease your pain... Or any remedy that would help you. I only have intermittent pain with migraines and know how awful just those make me feel. I hope that you find some relief soon.

In all this sorrow & pain, I hope you can find some happy moments to celebrate the gift that you are to those around you! Happy birthday, Linda!

Linda, I hope you were able to have a good birthday and really hope you feel better very soon. I was thinking good thoughts about you today since I was able to get to the Bethlehem Library book sale at lunchtime. Had to walk several blocks but it was a beautiful day for that..got 5 books and picked out several books for others there. Thank you for telling me about this wonderful book sale!

Charlie and I just read a book that I think you'll love! A Home for Bird by Philip C. Stead. If you happen upon it in the library, do pick it up - I guarantee it'll brighten your day.

Thanks to all for your wonderful wishes. I fear I was too dramatic in my message. I so appreciate this loving group.'

Today was a good day. Students surprised me with a lovely flower arrangement of fall colors, including incredibly beautiful dark peach roses.

Life is good and worth the living.

Amen!

Love and appreciation to all!

Happy Birthday, Linda. We all celebrate the day that brought you into our world. I'm glad you had a good day, but I so wish that we could lift the pain away from you.

Thanks Dear Roni!

I love the fall. It reminds me that I need to slow down and get away from my desk to enjoy the beauty.

Here is a fall photo of a few years ago when my beloved sheltie Simon was still with us.
He loved to sit near the front of the house. He was a very non threatening guard dog...


And, here is a fall photo that I treasure:

Nice pictures Linda. Happy Fall!

Nice flowers you have there - a very welcoming entrance (dog including)

Aren't mums just the best? One of the hallmarks of fall.

What a sweet looking puppy. And yes, I love the mums, too. Oranges, reds, yellows. Beautiful.

Linda, here's another children's book that I think you'll love: Stars by Mary Lyn Ray. It's just lovely and just your cuppa, I think.

Happy Belated Birthday, Linda! I'm so sorry about the pain and all the other losses and stresses you've been going through.

Gentle hugs and smooches to you.

Happy Birthday a bit late Linda! I absolutely love your front walk, it is so pretty and welcoming! I hope your days have been better and your stress levels lower. Sending all good thoughts your way.

Hell to all on this rainy Saturday evening. It is a steady rain that pelts the ground and our sky light.

Today was lovely. Will's cousin and partner visited and we had a lovely lunch and time together.

Knowing that I enjoy reading about New Orleans, and hurricane Katrina, they gave me a birthday gift of a book I hadn't heard of.

Five Days at Memorial by Sheri Fink focuses on the troubling medical care in this country.

BOOK#429 ACQUIRED IN 2013

A birthday present from my daughter. Knowing my love of anything Tudor related, she painstakingly checked my library to find a book I did not own.

BOOK#430 ACQUIRED IN 2013


BOOK #431 ACQUIRED IN 2013
A birthday gift of a Barnes and Noble certificate/gift card, enabled me to purchase this one:

BOOK #432 ACQUIRED IN 2013

BOOK #433 ACQUIRED IN 2013

!!! Looks like you had a great birthday. The new books look good.

BOOK #434 ACQUIRED IN 2013

Light in August by William Faulkner

I think it is just such a gift to love reading. Look at all the wonderful gifts you received for your birthday... they will just keep on giving! Lucky you!

I hope the stress and the pain are a bit more manageable today. Happy Sunday. Our weather is changing, too. The Rains are Coming.

Beautiful photos here Linda dear :)

Autumn never feels like something ending to me, but something beginning... it's my favorite season and I love that we are here!

As always wishing you wellness and peace of mind

hugs

I haven't checked in for a bit, so was sorry to hear about your recent pain, sorrow and work frustrations (wow--that is incredible about the yearbook) and happy to read about your birthday and the thoughtful people you work with. And of course, your new books. :-)

Hope your acquisitionary accomplishments are an aid to switch off the pain dear lady. Enjoy what is left of your weekend. xx

Hi Linda--I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your friend/MIL and to hear that the pain continues. Personally, I recommend meditation, acupuncture and this really cool infrared/heating pad I got. I take naps on it--works wonders! Sending you good mojo and hugs.

Hi Linda! Just stopping by to wish you a Happy Fall. I love the picture of your flowers in front of your front door--very inviting!

Hi, Linda! Sorry I've been absent from your thread a bit -- trying to catch up.

I'm very sorry about your MIL, your awful pain, and the chaos at work. Belated birthday greetings to you.

I supposedly won a copy of Five Days at Memorial through the LT ER program, but it hasn't arrived yet.

Here are some additional acquisitions that I didn't have time to note:

BOOK #435 ACQUIRED IN 2013

The Best American Essays 2010 by Christopher Hitchens

BOOK #436

Behold, Here's Poison by Georgette Heyer

BOOK #437

The Gardens of Kyoto: A Novel by Kate Walbert

BOOK #438

Father Melancholy's Daughter by Gail Godwin

BOOK #439
The Risk of Darkness by Susan Hill

Linda, I believe it was you who introduced me to Kathi Appelt's The Underneath some moons ago. I am now listening to the audio of her latest, The True Blue Scouts of Sugar Man Swamp, and I think you'd love it.

Linda
I started the book and could only keep it for two weeks before returning it to the library.

I did like what I read and you are now inspiring me to check it out again.

Thanks for visiting. How are you feeling?

BOOK #440 ACQUIRED IN 2013

The Space Between Us by Thrity Umrigar
BOOK #441

The Man Who Was Thursday by C.K. Chesterton
BOOK #442

American the Beautiful by Ben Carson
BOOK #443

Unholy Awakening by Michael Gregorio
BOOK #444

The Likeness by Tana French

Some good ones there my friend. You always enrich and expand my reading horizons just by your choices. I must have at least 50 more years of life to catch up. HAH! Enjoy these beautiful crisp autumn days...they are perfect for reading.

Oh wow, you've acquired some interesting titles. well done

You do have some interesting looking books there!

Happy Fall To All!

I love waking to crisp mornings. I stand on the deck and watch Lilly run through the yard chasing non-existent animals that she remembers visited previously.

It is nice to wear a sweater or jacket. Though, it is difficult to adjust to darkness at 7:30 p.m.

I haven't read much this month. There is so much happening. The books wait on the shelves and in the meantime, I enjoy looking at the covers.

Blessings to everyone. May the light shine through and bring joy and peace!

Joy, peace, and blessings to you, my LT friend. May you have a lovely autumn and enjoy your books, even if you only get to the covers temporarily. Like your friends here on LT, they'll still be there for you.

Oh my....that photo (221) is Breath- taking. Literally. I hope you are doing well and enjoying this seasonal beauty.

Love the picture! Happy fall to you. It is one of my favorite seasons.

Lovely falling leaves - and nice colours

It is unanimous! Autumn is a beautiful season, and the recently cooler weather is very refreshing!

I, like you, am a bit overwhelmed by RL stuff and the reading is taking a back seat for now, but we will return!

Hi Linda- The fall weather has been gorgeous here too! Love those cool nights and we've been getting plenty of sunshine during the day.
Hope your week is going well.

Warning about The Space Between Us. I know you struggle with mood. This is not something to read when in distress. The writing is well done and the characters were relatable but it's what I call "literary fiction" - miserable people being miserable. Nothing good happens in this entire book. There is no humor and no hope. Adultery, spousal abuse, classism, violence, abortion, alcoholism, poverty, betrayal - it goes on and on.

I love waking to crisp mornings.

Me, too! Sitting here in my flannel jammies with the doors wide open getting that nice cool air in the house.

Have a lovely day, Linda.

The books are waiting patiently for you. Reading them at the right time is part of the joy.

I see some books I have on my own shelf.. I do need to read them, poor things.
My old kids books came from ebay, and I am very pleased. I still haven't had time to really sit down with them. Hopefully next week ?

I hope your weekend is as lovely as you are yourself...

Linda> How did I ever get so far behind on your thread? You have done some great reading -- some I've read; some are wish-listed.

Lovely fall picture Linda and fabulous book acquisitions since my last visit. I hope you are having a wonderful weekend. I am hoping to get out and enjoy the fall foliage myself today.

It was a lovely weekend. Our grand daughter was with us all day yesterday - this morning. She is such a delight. Where did the time go? She will be 11 in February!

Sara, a neighborhood girl, who is ten and is one of our neighborhood "grandchildren" stayed overnight with Kayla. It was so good to hear the house filled with giggles and laughter.

In the early evening, our yard was a magnet for Ashlee and little Kayla (our hearing impaired wondrous neighborhood "grandchildren" and another nine year old from down the street, added to our Kayla and Sara, Lilly didn't know where to run. She was in heaven with all these children who were throwing a ball to her and chasing her.

Friday was a tough day of pain and yesterday was difficult as well. Thus, having the children here was a wonderful divergence.

October 4th, I'll see the surgeon who performed the multiple fusion surgeries. I fear something is happening. It is unusual to have level eight-nine pain for so many days/weeks.

Though I was in pain, it was a good weekend. Barnes and Noble members rec'd. 20% off all items in the store, including those on the sale racks. With birthday gift cards, I acquired:

BOOK #445 ACQUIRED IN 2013

A Dark History The Kings and Queens of England by Brenda Ralph Lewis

BOOK #446

The Louvre by Alexandra Bonfante-Warren

In the spirit of Halloween, I purchased
BOOK #447


BOOK #448

The Lady in Red by Hallie Rubenhold

Hi Linda. I'm sorry to hear about the continued high pain levels. I hope your doctor's appointment can give you some good answers.

But thank heavens for the joys of children, dogs, and good books!

Hi Pat!

Thanks for your lovely comments. I hope you are well.

I'm so sorry for the pain you are in. I can't even imagine the stress. *gentle hugs*

Linda dear heart...let's hope the surgeon has some good answer and a way to alleviate this pain. We are praying for it to GO AWAY.

Linda, I'm sorry to hear you continue to be in such pain. I hope the surgeon is able to help. Thinking of you.....

Thanks to all for your outreach. I haven't been on LT as much as I'd like to be. I appreciate the comments even though I haven't followed your threads.

It feels like I keep saying the same thing..."I'm in pain!" "I'm in pain!" I think I say this defensively to let you all know why I'm not on LT as much as I'd like to be. I only read a few books in September, so unlike my usual reading habit.