Richardderus 2013 thread 27

If this is Adam, I volunteer to be Steve.

I have a category called Orphans, which will still catch all the other reading I do in 2013. Thinking 60 reviews as my target.

My 2013 ORPHANED books ticker:




I want to treat the Short Story collection challenge as a ticker-to-itself thread, thinking 48 reviews as my goal. I'll keep the thread over in the Short Stories forum.

My 2013 SHORT STORY collections ticker:




I'm going to keep a mystery-genre thread over in Crime, Thriller, and Mystery forum, with a goal of 50 reviews. Way way way too many of my reviews this year, in all forums, were mysteries and thrillers, and while I love them, I don't want to get too rut-ified and read only those books while keeping up my self-made review writing census.

My MYSTERY & THRILLER books ticker:




THIS THREAD is the 75 challenge for 2013, which will be non-fiction and non-genre-fiction books published in 2012 and 2013, plus recommendations from other 75ers.

My last thread of 2012.

My 2013 NEW books ticker:




Book 1...thread one.
Books 2 & 3...thread two.
Book 4...thread three.
Book 5...thread five.
Books 6 & 7...thread seven.
Books 8-11...thread eight.
Books 12-19...thread nine.
Books 20 & 21...thread 10.
Books 22-25...thread 11.
Books 26 & 27...thread 12.
Book 28...thread 13.
Books 29-31...thread 14.
Book 32...thread 15.
Books 33 & 34...thread 16.
Books 35-38...thread 17.
Books 39-42...thread 18.
Books 43-45...thread 19.
Books 46 & 47...thread 20.
Book 48...thread 21.
Books 49-52...thread 22.
Books 53-56...thread 23.
Books 57-61...thread 24.
Books 62-65...thread 25.

Books are reviewed in post:

66. As Flies to Whatless Boys...#277.

67. Hounded...#292.

HA! Look at me paying attention and jumping in here first!

*smooch*

And TLo wins FIRST PLACE!!

Gosh it feels like yesterday when you started your last thread:)

*smooch* for you and *scritch* for Stella. Hope you both have a great Sunday.

*waves*

>5 calm: It does, doesn't it? It's only been two weeks. Thanks for the smooch, and Stella is so blissed out in her stomach-bared sleep in the sunshine that I'll save the scritch for later.

>6 leperdbunny: Hi Tamara!

Hi Richard!

>8 cushlareads: Greetings, Kiwi-arincess Cushla! Happy Summer Monday to you.

TLo was first on my new thread this morning too! She's definitely on a roll. Good morning, Richard!

Hi Roni! Oooh, new thread eh? *whips out the door*

Ah, I can't keep up with you and your posse, RD. So this will be a bit off-topic, but I'll say that I for one like turkey, and sweet potatoes, and don't wait for T-day to indulge. That leaves more of that icky cured stuff that comes from pigs for the rest of the world.

I hope you get some relief from all the aches and pains in this cool weather - no slipping on the ice with Stella, please. And congrats on all those words in November.

Swinging through with a *smooch* for you on my way to work!

Looks like I got here just in time! Happy new thread, dear - I know it will be filled with fabulous!

Sigh. Only 14 messages in, and there are already plenty of shenanigans and misbehavior in this thread.

Nice new thread Richard.

>14 leperdbunny: do you think that guy realises his pants are falling down? I only noticed as I was worried him and drafts giving him a chill.

Happy new threading RD~ the Xmas edition to cap off the year. I look forward to it!

>18 LovingLit:, I dunno, and I am pretty sure that is a character from a wb show. (I think I just aged myself, considering that does not exist anymore).

>18 LovingLit: I'd think it would tickle. And I wouldn't mind if he just kicked them off entirely.

Megan... I would like to start just passing out belts amongst the poor dears who can't keep their pants up

Hi rdear!

Well, at least it's a short enough thread for me to delude myself that I'm able to get up to speed.

Hi, Richard! I send greetings from the land of many beautiful boy/men bodies.

We had a great day, out and about, shopping and eating. Then I got a little photography in… my friend napped. I should have…

off to groceries now

Bye

>21 mckait: I know! I saw a guy the other day, (as well as one months ago) and his trousers were actually below his bottom! Apart from looking ridiculous, it must be very hard to walk.
Lucky the guy in the picture is already lying down :)

Nasty foot-pain day. I read almost all of it. As a result, I gave in and read a Scandicrime novel, since all the cool kids are doing it. I've reviewed it at my blog and gave it 3 stars after a lot of head-scratching.

As I am losing weight a little, I have to take care with the belt to ensure that the looser slacks dont fall earthwards. RD, would of course not wish to be Steve in such circumstances unless his eyesight is worse than his knees are.

>12 ffortsa: Honestly, Judy, who *can* keep up? I figure if I lose less than 50% of the threads of people I want to keep up with, I'm ahead.

>13 LauraBrook: *smooch* back at'cha, Laura!

>14 leperdbunny:, 19 That's Jensen Ackles' face, though I suspect he's been photoshopped onto a *major* hottie's bod. Not that Ackles is any slouch! He plays Dean Winchester on Supernatural, on the CW. A name I have never understood or related to.

>15 Crazymamie: If you're here, Mamie me lurve, it's time.

>16 kidzdoc: Hell yes! Whose thread did you imagine you were visiting, Maudie's?

>17 johnsimpson: Hi John! Glad you're here!

>18 LovingLit: Oh, errrmmm, Hi Maudie! *smooch*

>20 ffortsa: ME. NEITHER.

>21 mckait:, 24 The Belt Fund...funding denied. Sorry. Too much tushiewatching would be denied.

>22 Chatterbox: Wait a few days....

>23 maggie1944: Oh the earthquake hasn't hit yet? The one that will fracture the tectonic plate and spew billions of tons of magma? Hmmm. *consults Curse Book* ...what did I do wrong...

Nope, no earthquake. And looking out the window at the sky, there'll be no more thunder claps and lightening bolts either. Worst thing is I have to watch someone grill a steak out my front door. Sky is beautiful, and the surf is singing. na na na…..

...dratted newts are slippery come back here I need that eye!...

Oh hi Karen44! Yes, yes, I'm sure all will be *well* there in Paradise. Mmm hmm.

((Hugs)) and xx smooches xx and hopes that the pain goes away soon

Gin and tonic, darling?

Morning RD- Hope you had a good weekend and are resting up those hands after that NaNo push.
Congrats on the new thread, Steve!

Sorry about the foot pain... and the Scandi thing. I don't get it either.. whatever. I am not usually a bandwagon reader, so that could explain it. Of course.. right now the painful funk continues. I have no time alone anymore, due to Dan's schedule changes, and that doesn't help.

Hope you feel better today.

>32 alcottacre: Thanks, Stasia! Monday morning hasn't brought any worsening of the symptoms, so I'm happy.

>33 Crazymamie: gimmegimmegimme *guzzleguzzle*burp* Aaahhh. Every Monday morning should start with a bedside delivery of gin and tonic. Thank you Mamie! We know our first custom at the Tome Home!

>34 msf59: Morning Mark! Happy new week. I hope it's easier now that vacation time is verboten to all.

>35 mckait: The schedule change hasn't made life more pleasant, I am quite sure. Sorry about the funk continuing! Even after an application of deLint?

Or, Life Inside A Writer's Skull.

Big happy! The Kindle edition of this four-plus star book is 99¢ today, 2 December 2013!! I love Cyber Monday.

My review can be found at Expendable Mudge Muses Aloud.

When that Hunger Games juvenilia gets bestsellerdom and movie money, this far better dystopia gets too little. Baffles me.

Sending healing whammies for the foot!

Don't read that Scandi crime! Read the Dept Q ones. At least you will get a kick out of Carl and the gang. *evil book warbling*

PM me your address and I'll send you a copy of the first one.

xoxo to you and Stella

Hi Richard! Glad your Turkey Day wasn't too awful and congrats on an amazing writing accomplishment. I am very impressed!

>14 leperdbunny: I could help warm up the poor lad since he can't afford pants that fit...its just my charitable nature at work....

Mr. Richard, hope your feet get better soon! Happy Monday & Kisses to Stella. :)

>39 luvamystery65: *grumble* oh alright *grousegrumble*

>40 Cobscook: Hi Heidi! I shall relay your kind and charitable thoughts to my sweet li'l bottom boi as soon as he wakes up. *devilish mustache-twirl*

Thanks for the NaNo wishes...I am amazed I managed it.

>41 leperdbunny: Hi Tamara! Stella is bouncing around again after a Sunday crash. She's been so overstimulated all weekend that she finally slept for ~12hr straight. She's in a terrific mood, so she's sending (a few too many) slurps!

So apparently someone got all charitable and sweet-natured, and didn't leave me a name to say a proper thank you:

Renewable: The World Changing Power of Alternative Energy

The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly

Capturing the Light: The Birth of Photography, A True Story of Genius and Rivalry

No Swappee listed...so whoever you are, come and get your delighted, excited smoochings!

I picked up that 99 cent post-apocalyptic Kindle treat, Richard. They also had a short Montalbano that was new to me for the same price, so I snapped that up, too.

Oh good, Joe! I hope you'll like it. I thought it was the bee's knees.

>28 richardderus: ahem, my thread is always very literary and well-behaved
*nose in air*

Who was it? Who was it who gave you dem books? I am so excited about mine arriving, I am checking the mail box far too often :)

*tired wave* I cut my hair this morning. It was crooked in back and drove Laura crazy, so she evened it out at work.. lol. What a day.

my stress level is approaching nuclear. Not even deLint is helping.

>48 richardderus: *muffled hoots*

I dunno! No one's claimed responsibility as of yet.

>49 LovingLit: Not even deLint! Oh my gawd! This is serious. More Jameson's! More valium! Hide the axe!

No one's claimed responsibility as of yet.
If no one does, I'll take your spare smoochings.

And you may have them! *smoochiesmoochsmooch*

Seriously, was it you?

Tomorrow is Tuesday and I hope the Amazon has it's schedule in order because I have the day off from work and my Santa is sending me something.

I'll be at the salon getting primped for my book. xoxo to you and the lovely Stella

The packages have left UPS in Mesquite. This bodes well.

Hi Richard! How's the foot feeling now?

I'm amazed & impressed with your massive amounts of writing for NaNo month. You're the bomb!

Thank you, sweetness! I'm able to walk, so we're callin' it good.

thanks for the stuffing, dahling. here's your casserole dish back. *smiling brightly*



and a lava cakelet for your kindness and there's another on the table for Perkins.



mwah mwah

'Morning RD! Happiest of Tuesdays to you.

I lerved True Detective! Thanks for the review that caused me to check Max Allan Collins out.

First one who says something about it being too early for booze buys the next round at Amazon.com

>57 richardderus:: The perfect combo, although sadly my drinking is limited to Chardonnay--it helped considerably on T'Day...many glasses...

The only Scandi crime I liked was a Jo Nesbo...um...The Redbreast, I think. It was pretty good. Others have left me, well, cold.

I was very impressed by your Nano output! Must have been exhausting.

Like Kath, I'm in a book funk, but looking over the shelves virtual and physical, I see that I have much pleasure ahead of me. Just need to get over this eensy-weensy hurdle of emotional rot first.

A chaste smooch and large hug to you, Young Man.

NaNo was most painful, but I'm motivated!

Book funks rot on ice. I hate that feeling. *smooch* for a quick end to it!

Looks like you survived the night full of liver, bacon and onions, Richard. My MBH just read a Max Allan Collins mystery and liked it.

Oh good! I like knowing that the authors I like are making conquests. Give his Nathan Hellers a whirl, Joe, I suspect you'd like them fine. Mark would, too, but he never listens to me, so I don't make the recommendations.

::hangdog eyes::

The only mountain I want to climb.

So many yummy things on your thread, men, books food drinks.. Ahhh.. your thread always makes my day with the different porn :) Just stopped by to try and catch up. Hope your Thanksgiving went well and you and Stella are both doing well. Hugs and smooches to you both..

Book porn!

Lovely! Now let's just replace that tame couch with a few red leather reclining chairs, and we're all set.

Morning, dear.

I know, right? That is one uncomfortable-looking couch. So UPRIGHT!

Morning. Coffee?

Yes, please.

Love this xmas decor!

>67 Crazymamie: Tell me Craig isn't still on the loser coffee binge! Nay nay! Not during Advent!

Me, too. That is so simple but so elegant.

And yes - loser coffee it is again. Luckily we have an espresso machine, which I used this morning.

Perkins! Buy a ticket for Igor to visit Miss Mamie's abusive husband, there's a good man.

>55 mirrordrum: How awful that I missed saying my thank-yous! The casserole dish might be the first one in history to make it home again. Perkins! Lava cake!

*smoochings*

>56 karenmarie: Thanks, Horrible! *smooch*

>63 MonicaLynn: Hi Monica! Thanksgiving was a lovely party, and delicious food. Not too much left over, to my surprise. A happy bunch of guests, though.

I think Stella will appreciate a smooch when she wakes up. I'll savor mine now.

LOL! Thanks, BigDaddy! If Perkins could instruct Igor to just scare Craig, or perhaps rough him up a bit if absolutely necessary. After all, Christmas is coming - he needs to be able to shop for me.

>75 Crazymamie: Well...I'll try...but Igor, well, let's just say "listening" isn't high on his life-résumé.

Has everyone been to the December Early Readers batch? I found so many I would like to have that I asked for them all, and whichever one I get is fine by me!

Yeah, I think I requested more thus month than I ever have by a factor of two!

>50 richardderus: if it was me I would definitely take full credit. So no. But I appreciate getting the good persons smoochings!

>68 richardderus: yummmy decorations! We have candy canes, mini apples and silver boxes over our Christmas tree. Lenny keeps tackling it over though. He is a demolition merchant.

>77 drneutron: It was irresistible, wasn't it? I was a little surprised at myself, I admit, since I usually limit myself to 2 or 3 at the most.

>78 LovingLit: I love those decorations, too, the clever re-use of that wooden crate insert makes me smile and the fact that we can really *see* the ornaments is cool, too. It would make a nice Advent calendar, since there's a sixth row above the top string of lights.

I got another box today!

OZ: The Complete Collection Vol. I
The Time Traveler's Guide to Elizabethan England
The Beautiful Land

Again, no note to take credit. But since these were from SFBC, I suspect the culprit is my young gentleman caller. He can hack my passwords with contemptuous ease. I suppose that should make me nervous, shouldn't it.

Oh man, I've been looking covetously at that Time Traveler's Guide to Elizabethan England. I liked his Medieval England one a lot. Hope you enjoy it. I imagine you will.

*waves* and hugs!

I'm going to ask husband and daughter for The Time Traveler's Guide to Elizabethan England for Christmas.

Do you know How Hard It Was to not buy the book just now? My finger itched to click Buy Now with One-Click. I didn't realize I had that much willpower.

>81 leperdbunny: *smooch* for Tamara!

>82 karenmarie: Does it "help" to know that I'm already ~40pp in and really, really enjoying The Time Traveler's Guide to Elizabethan England? Like, a real lot?

Ouch! My fingers are aching from hitting the non-existent LIKE button for messages #62, 64, and 68!

>84 ronincats: I totally understand in all three cases.

Buy now with one click- hector projector...that is very very dangerous. Talk about catering to the impulsive buyer! Someone somewhere is rubbing their hands with glee at having installed that feature.

Yay for more book arrivals!

Hello Richard the lion heart! I have Time Traveler's Guide to Medieval England somewhere - ***trots off in search****

You are the absolutest bestest Santa! The neighbors are wondering why I put a porch rocker smack dab in the middle of my front door. ;-)

Hi RD- Books & Booze! 2 of life's necessities. "Mark would, too, but he never listens to me." LOL. I am all ears when it comes to you, my friend.
I do not think I have read any of the Nathan Heller series, although I have read several of Collins' books, back in the 80s and early 90s. I think most of them were stand-alones. It is impressive that Collins is still churning out quality titles. I'll have to give him a try again.

Roberta- RD, knows how to pick 'em. That's a terrific book.

Richard - congrats on your latest book parcel, sounds like some good reading. I've delurked to try and convince you to take a look at children's writer Philip Ardargh's hilarious tweets especially his advent calendar ones.
https://mobile.twitter.com/PhilipArdagh

Ardagh is hilarious! "Everyone in this carriage is very quiet. I wonder if I killed them all. The last thing I remember is the red mist."

MaryBC: "That was just my pepper spray."

Thanks, Kerry!

Hope your position is super this morning!

Oh, I *love* that! Activate steal mode...

Thought you'd enjoy it, Jim. Made me chuckle all morning long.

My friend in Hawaii posted this: "My favorite City Hall Christmas decoration from last year will be back again this year. Out in a water feature."

Had to share!

*snerk* At last, our Tentacled American friends are invited to the xmas party! Thanks, Roni, that made me smile.

Someone, and now I can't remember who, Satanically Book Warbled about Silver, a police procedural in werewolf-world. I had to buy it. Had. To. So now it's here, and I can't remember whose fault it is. Fess up, Satanic Book Warbler. It'll go a lot easier for you if you do.

All I did was step in for a moment today ... just because I'm posting doesn't mean I'm admitting to having warbled rabidly about Silver in this or a previous lifetime, so there!

>98 cameling: ::side-eye:: mmmm hmmmm

And, thanks to a sweet, sweet person who SHOULDN'T HAVE DONE IT, I've now got my double secret unknown well hidden addiction to Newman's Own Organics Ginger-Os met for xmas!!

You devil you.

So beautiful.

dote on 68.>100 richardderus: yes. *smooch*

>88 luvamystery65: I've checked about a zillion times. They say your last package is delayed. I suppose it's not a huge deal, since you're getting them WELL before the 15th, but it grinds my gears in a big way that UPS is the trouble!!

>89 msf59: Hi Mark, I'm a mild fan of Heller books, but they've fallen off my radar the past few years. I think it was early in LT days that I lost them. That would make sense, eh what?

>101 mirrordrum: Hi Ellie! PERKINS!! Miss Ellie is here, we need hot toddys!

>102 richardderus: oh yes, please. with brandy? and one for Perkins, too.

Hi Richard, Thanks for stopping by and remembering me. I'm still reading away, about 4 books at once, well, one at a time, but depending on my mood, it's either the Jon Katz dog book, or Val McDermid, police procedural-mystery, or Mary, Queen of Scots, or maybe, Blonde, by Joyce Carol Oates. All good books, just depends on my mood. Hope all is well and that you are feeling well and Stella is thriving. Read on!!!PS-Do you think they photoshopped that body on Jensen's luverly face? He has a darn good one himself, and his brother on the show is not too shabby either. I have watched that show for years. When it was boring I just watched because they are so darn cute. When it was good, I considered it a plus. Did you notice there is a glut of vampire-werewolf-witch-monster type shows on tv now? I found a channel I like recently. For me it is 135, I think, but anyway it is called Pivot. It has a lot of shows about revealing corporate wrongdoing, say, in the food industry,etc. Not so many commercials, either. It had a few shows on how farmers are trying to go organic and how we can support that. And a show on how obese our nation has become and why, and how to change that. Good stuff.

Richard I got my delivery today,The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett! I loves it! xoxo

Actually, the plumber brought it in. Yes my kitchen sink went haywire today. Grrr! At least I got a Christmas present to soothe my soul.

Richard, I reviewed Silver and enjoyed it as light entertainment but did NOT warble about it as it was fun but not particularly outstanding. That said, I hope you enjoy it!

>104 mmignano11: Pivot! I've never heard of it, but I'll go hunt it down, as it sounds like my kinda channel. Thanks Mary Beth! And a big *smooch* for stopping by!

I liked Blonde when I read it, oh it must be 10yrs ago. That lady is astonishing in her range. No one, fan or detractor, can even suggest that she doesn't have range!

Happy Thingaversary again!

>105 luvamystery65: *whew* on delivery, and BOOOOOOOOOOOO on sink, and *smooch* on forehead for the severity of the put-uponness of your life just now.

So now that all three are there...I splurged on the hardcover when they had the big sale, so this is it...how'd I do as your Swapee?

>64 richardderus:: that couch is unskoochable
>68 richardderus:: very nice indeed
>92 richardderus:: hahahahahaha

>108 tiffin: a) Yup, gotta go
b) ain't it?
c) yeah! Me too, still
d) *smooch*

Richard dear *hugs*

Hi Tamara! Sending hugs and a sleepy slurp from Stella.

^Thought I would stop by with a bottle. Is that okay?

*gurgleslurpgulp*

yyyyyyyyeeeeeessssssssssshhirreeee there mister pos' pos' postman you jusssssssstop on by aaaanyyy tim'a'tall

That is some serious lip-smacking, my good man. I'll only stay for a short one, otherwise I would fall-out.

Richard you were perfection as Santa! I love the choices you made from my list and I'm thrilled with the hardback. I loved the Santa/UPS sightings updates. It has really felt like Christmas! Thanks for that. You are the curmudgeon with the biggest sweetest heart.

I used that coupon code for a hardback for my swapee too. Feels good to play Santa doesn't it?

xoxo to you and Stella

>112 msf59: the Glenlivet! a man with impeccable taste, Mark is. wonderful short piece on the making of (Scotch) whiskey by John McPhee got me started on it lo these many years ago. the piece was "Josie's Well" from Pieces of the Frame, my intro to McPhee. mmmm. been wanting some non-fiction. maybe audible has some McPhee i've not read.

anon.

p.s. i gather you *don't* grind your own coffee beans. philistine.

>114 msf59: There are a few rewards for being disabled and unemployed. One is, if I fall out, ain't no big thang 'cept to the dog. She goes out a little later, but she lives over it.

>115 luvamystery65: Excellent! I do love giving gifts that someone enjoys.

>116 mirrordrum: For me myownself, when I can afford it, it's Ardbeg. Hundred-dollar bottles of nymph's tears. Exquisite!

Huh. Fat lot YOU know.

Richard, my dear friend, I have missed you while I've been away. It seems that the folks around here have been taking good care of you, though, leaving you handsome men and excellent bottles of single malt.

I came back from vacay and finished Ask Not. I liked it a wee bit less than you did but I liked it a lot. I think it may have suffered from the long hiatus right after a key plot element occurred. I looked back at your review and I agree that Collins did a great job of speculating about the possibilities around JFK's assassination with much plausibility. I'm hoping to recall the name of the book for which you did an ER - about the assassination - because I'm now very intrigued by the question of conspiracy (like, how could it not have been a conspiracy??).

*smooches* to you and the always beloved Stella!

Hi Ellen!! Must stop in your thread to see if there are Tennessee Turkey Tales.

The other book is If Kennedy Lived. It's a fascinating exploration of the consequences of a failed assassination.

SO happy to see you back and in fine fettle, me deario. Things get a little stale with no Ellen around....

Going over to put If Kennedy Lived in my amazon shopping cart right away. Sometimes they sit there for a while before I pull the proverbial trigger.

No major Tennessee Turkey Tales although I did get to try some real homemade moonshine on Thanksgiving. It was remarkably smooth!

My review is due up this month, so howzabout I send you the book when I'm done? It's a finished hardcover!

^ I would love that! I'll pm you my address. Thank you, Richard!

*heads off to remove the book from her amazon shopping cart*

I'll advise when I send it. *smooch* Glad to pass the goodies on! And, on a practical note, if I don't do this I'll end up smothered in books while I sleep.

Good morning, Rdear.
Would you like Perkins to bring up a tray with your coffee and a marvelous croissant with butter? Anything else you'd like him to bring?

Good morning, RD! Joyous Thursday to you.

Heigh Ho, Heigh Ho, it's off to work I go.....

*smooches* from Horrible

Loving the 2nd Nathan Heller book, True Crime. Dillinger's in this one..... and more of Sally Rand.

>124 Matke: Darling Danvers! Thank you for despatching Perkins with the necessary. As for other things to bring, this is a *family* thread!

*bwaaaahaaaaaahaaaaaaaahaaaaaaa*

But seriously, I don't think Tom Daley's in the pantry, unless someone was an enterprising little kidnapper.

>125 karenmarie: Hiya Horrible! It's foggy as all get-out today. Sodden air, sodden leaves, sodden tarmac...just all drippy everywhere. Perfect read-a-book weather if ever I saw it.

Finishing up something I love, but it's for a review...an out-of-order review, because I love it and the one before it was a chore to read.

Well, I'm glad I can keep you from getting smothered by books in your sleep, Richard. It does my altruistic streak a bit of good to know that I'm saving you from that ill fate. I am all philanthropy.

*noble profile*

Indeed, 'tis a faaaa faaaa bettaaaah thing you do....

Tomorrow is St. Nicholas' Day! Time to decorate for Yule!

My very favorite John Irving book, The Cider House Rules, is a $1.99 Kindle Daily Deal today. So very worth the tiny cost.

I've skipped much, but I wanted to say hello during my exam break. Tomorrow vacation begins, so maybe I can keep up for a month or so!

Hiya Crypto! It's a shock to me, how neglectful of you not to come here daily as well as 1) be a mom, 2) teach full time, 3) talk to your husband on alternate Wednesday evenings, 4) generate fascinating and exciting papers for the colloquia that will weigh heavily in your academic future, and 5) be a sister, daughter, and friend to a heaving multitude of people.

You selfish wench. Begone.

Wow just a couple of days and I've missed G&Ts from Mamie and a bloody fine Glenlivet from Marky. Finished the hot toddie you sent me is there any of the Scotch left?

>129 richardderus: Oh, that's my favoritest yet. Must get out my Yule costume.

I'm in for the scotch, too, please.

Since tomorrow is St. Nicolas Day...

>133 PaulCranswick:, 134 Hi boys, the Glenlivet's there and Perkins will bring the tumblers and cool, not cold, stillwater to open it up.

>135 Crazymamie: MEMEME MINEMINEMINE MINE!!! AAALLL MINE!! Not only Ardbeg, but my most favoritest of the Ardbegs!! Corryvreckan = paradise. Mamie, you are The Bomb. xoxoxoxoxoxo

Oh dear, I fear that's the last we'll see of dear Richard today now that Mamie's left such a fine gift for him....

*smooches* anyway!

Himself collects fine single malts, so we have some of that here, Richard. Any time!

>137 Cobscook: I cannot indulge until I've begun to write the review I owe Small Press Book Review. The idea of an Ardbeg as a reward could probably motivate me to swim the Comoro Strait with its sharks, climb out of the water naked in front of 1,000 supermegahawt men, and kiss a clown. All of these are things I fear and dread, so that tells ya.

>138 tiffin: My flight is booked. I apologize in advance for the amount I will drink. You can just put me in the shed with a bottle or six.

Anais Nin

:-p

That is for your response, and the fact that there are nine posts since I was just here...

>129 richardderus: That is a wonderful idea! Stealing that!

>141 London_StJ: :-P~~~~~~~~~~~~

>142 leperdbunny: Me too, Tamara!

A holiday mystery solved. In message 79 above, I listed some surprise books I got:

OZ: The Complete Collection Volume 1
The Time Traveler's Guide to Elizabethan England
The Beautiful Land

Today I got another mystery box from SFBC:

OZ: The Complete Collection Volume 2
The Return of the Sorcerer--Clark Ashton Smith's short fiction *fantods*
The Dawn of Aurora Teagarden--the first three cozies by Charlaine Harris
Star Trek Federation: The First 150 Years

Who, I wondered, could know my wishlist there so well...and it was indeed the Young Gentleman Caller! I tasked him with making an honest response, no evasions, today and he fessed up. (And that last book is for him, since I ain't want it.) This kid is amazing. I hope I grow up to be as nice as he is. Preferably before I die.

Tamara, thanks for this!

Your very own Santa mystery solved. That in itself is a gift. What a sweetie and you deserve it.

I was so touched...he went to all the trouble of hacking my account and then spent his own money on the books. I was also absurdly touched that he sent a book for himself to me, since that way he got a better deal in their 2-for-1 sale.

Frugal, practical, and thoughtful. That, ladies, is a rare find.

aha! so the "culprit "has been found...it was a very thoughtful thing to do, for sure :)
I am making a quick run through LT and then getting ready for some TV. Vampire Bill in Sound of Music. Yay!

I read a book today. Hated it. I reviewed it and then reviewed another thing or three for Vine. Paula Dean cookware, whats not to like?

Sorry it has been painful at times lately. I truly do wish I could send a healing whammy.

Goodness! There you are, Kath. I was sure you were trapped in the attic again, since I haven't seen you around here in forever.

I yesed your review of the Paula Deen cookware and wishlisted it. xo

> 145 You are welcome Richard! LOL

Good Evening Richard! Thinking of you and sending smiles.

>150 leperdbunny: *smooch*

>151 Whisper1: Hi Linda! So glad you're around and about, in spite of every attempt pain is making to keep you down. Thanks for the smiles!

#140 - Nice.

So, Richard, do you prefer an Islay single malt or do you go more for Speyside?

Another good morning Richard Dear!

It's foggy as all get-out today. Sodden air, sodden leaves, sodden tarmac...just all drippy everywhere. Perfect read-a-book weather if ever I saw it.

Good reading weather sometimes entails bad other-wise weather. I'd love to stay home and read today, although I did get up at 3:30 (don't know why, sometimes it happens like that). Drank coffee, made some bacon (yum!), and read quite a bit more of True Crime.

*smooch*

Thanks for yes-ing :) you are my biggest fan.. lol. I do enjoy that cookware! I have to see if the women's shelter might want what I had, as it is still quite usable. I feel so fancy with the great pots and pans.. lol .

It looks like we will get 3-6 inches of snow here.. boo hiss.

Morning RD! Looks like you are loving these holiday mystery boxes. Go Gentleman Caller! Glad you mentioned Cider House. It's one of my favorite Irving books.
Think me warm thoughts today!

I barely remember who Carlyle is, but I know he's correct.

>153 EBT1002: Ain't it?

Islay first. Deeply peaty flavors in most Islay single-malts, which is my first choice when I go to drinkin' whisky. I do love The Balvenie, a scrumptious Speysider, and I'm partial to the Highland brew Glenmorangie with its sweet and citrus notes. I like scotch, I think that's the easiest way to say it.

>154 karenmarie: Bacon and a book. Yeah, there isn't much more to it than that to make a day come right.

>155 mckait: Hi Kath! Yay pots, go shelter!, and eeeeeewwwwww snow. *smooch* for all other purposes.

>156 msf59: *warmwarmwarm* Okay, your mental longjohns are delivered. He's a good man, this one, and I like his style. The cherry on the sundae for me was that he wanted a book and had it sent with his gifts to me! Fastest way to my heart is to be practical.

It's Saint Nicholas' Day! The start of the Winter celebration season. Hey, nothing else to do this time of year, so let's celebrate the beauty of a world stripped to its handsome bone structure!



The origin of the US tradition of stockings hung by the chimney with care.

Speaking of book porn...here's a modest little home library for your delectation.

#160 It is loverly to look at but I need comfy furniture and better light.

SMOOCH my lovely!

>147 richardderus: This gentleman caller sounds like quite a young man! Methinks you should keep him! ;)

I feel like I'm getting an education in good Scotch. Just wish it was in person, so we could actually be sipping it as you and Ellen comment.

#157 Yup, thems my buddies.

#162 Tina is exceedingly correct X

>161 luvamystery65: In a place big enough to hold that liberry, there's an entire *wing* of rooms that meet your specs.

>162 TinaV95: I'd keep him forever if he wasn't 32--that's thirty-two--years younger than I am. Not thirty-two years old, thirty-two years YOUNGER THAN I AM.

A-heh. Born while Bush 41 was president. He was about a month old when my dearly beloved BJ died at thirty-five. So, in a nutshell, no. Can't keep him. Must encourage him to move back to the shallow end of the dating pool. And I don't really want to, I must say. I do, every so often, nudge the man in that direction, but he keeps coming back.

>163 jnwelch: Wouldn't that be fun? Have a whisky-tasting series at the Tome Home...yeah. That's a must.

>164 BekkaJo: Awwww! *smooch*

Hello, Rdear. It's been gloomy and wet here too, but I've never minded that sort of weather. What I'm minding is being unable to settle into a book. Was driven to watch the movie Rear Window late last night. Fortunately it's an oldie-goldie favorite of mine. Haven't completed a book in about 8 days.

Perhaps Perkins could help me with a wee drop of vodka and a good shove at the bookshelves.

I don't want a big place dear. I want a nice comfy cozy place that is manageable for little ol me. I'll visit you at the big mansion. Perkins can clean up after us.

Hmmm, the pictures in 159 are not showing up for me. *disappointment*

Sunny and cool here--currently about 60, and the furnace came on last night for the first time (means the temperature dipped below 55). We've been out back gardening. I dug in 5 bags of compost into my raised beds and planted kale, peas, swiss chard, lettuce, beets, carrots and arugula. Unfortunately, I seem to have used up ALL my sweet pea seeds last year and will have to buy some new ones. Otherwise I'm done for the time being, in time for the 1-2" rain they are forecasting tomorrow to do its job!

"I like scotch, I think that's the easiest way to say it." Fair enough.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend, Richard. P and I are bailing on the HRC event this evening. At some point this weekend, after a visit to the grocery store, I plan to try your famous (and favorited!) Toddy recipe. :-)

Ooh, I like that library!

>166 Matke: Hi Danny! Oh yuck, the Dreaded Book Funk. I am so sorry. Perkins! Something vodka-y for our Danvers, yes? Are you an "...in Death" aficionado, dear? Maybe one of those is the way out of the funk.

>167 luvamystery65: SOMEbody who ain't me cleans. It's a tough assignment, though, fitting all three storeys of the library on a modest house, plus that Carpenter's Gothic front porch....

>168 ronincats: Oh boo, Roni! They're such nice St. Nicholas' Day illos. I think (barring the kale) every single thing you've planted sounds delicious, and will make the harvest feel that much more of an accomplishment. Wise of you to plant tough, leathery kale to remind yourself that this Vale of Tears contains misery as well as pleasure.

>169 EBT1002: I hope I do, too, thanks Ellen! I'm pleased the toddy will make its debut chez vous soon. (Wise to bail...no sense going out when you're uncomfortable to begin with and thus tempt fate.) You and P have a lovely time relaxing.

>170 leperdbunny: Hi Tamara! Me too.

See that your latest book porn has an ornate chute to jettison Chuckles and Poultry and to raise up on chainblocks the huge influx of books this month.
Have a great weekend,

De-lurking to throw a suggestion out for anti-book funk - I find those 'books I've read and enjoyed' books, like So Many Books, So Little Time, helpful. Just reading about someone else's enjoyment of a book can at least raise my curiosity.

Happy Saturday!

At the risk of calling wrath down upon my head, no, I am no fan of J.D. Robb in any form.

But...Kimberley has a good idea. Often in a book funk, all I want to read is "about other books", if that is at all clear. Anyway, my funk is currently being held at bay by Fannie Flagg (I don't care how others view her, but page 36 of her latest I was entranced), and David Sedaris. F.F. has worked for me before; something about her work just suits my less-than-sunny moments and gives me that good shaking I need to "get on with it".

A peaceful Saturday is wished for you, Rdear. xo

I want to read Fannie Flaggs latest offering. I have enjoyed her, too. I am however one of the several here who are funked. grr. I do hope my ghostly fluff will help to pull me out of it I need to find some time to sit down with it though.

rd... hope you are un-hurty today and un-aggravated and instead, very content and comfy. Crossing crossables.

>172 PaulCranswick: I'd hurl the hideous statues down the oubliette too, Paul, and I think the Greats would work beautifully on the blocks! It's going to be tree-decorating weekend, which is always a lot of fun.

>173 dragonaria:, 174 The ask and the answer! Excellent advice.

I've never read one of the Eve Dallas books. Straight people in lust is a gigantic turn-off for me, and I like SF too much to risk being frothing mad at what's done to it there. Makes the risk way greater than any potential reward.

I read Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe a long time ago and was hugely amused. After that, I sort of forgot Flagg. I think I'd moved to New York before her second book came out? I don't remember anymore.

>175 mckait: Thank you, sweetness! Your wishes gratefully seconded. xo

Large and warm is *always* good.

BIG KINDLE/NOOK NEWS for 20th-century classic American book fanciers! All three of these titles are $1.99 for download today:

Dust Tracks on a Road--witty, upbeat (!) autobiography by Zora Neale Hurston
Saratoga Trunk--Edna Ferber's novel that the Ingrid Bergman movie was based on
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn--well, not much to say about this, is there.

This made me think of you - bourbon bacon pancakes! You heard me!! Bourbon bacon pancakes!

*faints*

*revives*gobbles*

*faints*

#129 I love it. Must start gleaning for sticks of appropriate size and shape. And then, a wall. I need a wall.

#140 too true and too oft forgotten

When do we meet the capacity full message on our Kindles? I feel for the size of the library I am making that poor little electronic toy carry around. It has been a great help to my days of "toil and woe" in Hawaii. Last night we walked around Hanapepe and enjoyed art, photography, street musicians, and good food stuffs. The main street in Hanapepe is straight out of the 1940s and there is even a "general store" which is likewise from a time warp. A very sweet place where those few who do not sacrifice themselves for money, money, money abide. A nice stroll through a time gone by.

sending hugs and smooches to you and your pup!

Thanks for that Kindle news - I snagged Saratoga Trunk and also Giant, which is the novel that the James Dean, Elizabeth Taylor, Rock Hudson movie was based on, and So Big, which won the Pulitzer in 1925. All by Edna Ferber and all for just $1.99 - thanks BigDaddy!

I already own the other two you mentioned, or I wold have snagged those, too.

>181 maggie1944: Hanapepe sounds absolutely delightful! I love that you're able to be in a place like that in Resort Living Central. Heart-warming.

Kindle library is on Amazon's servers. If the device gets full (mine isn't and it's got 1400 books on it), the Cloud still has the books.

*smooch* and sluuurp

>182 Crazymamie: Oh goody good good! I'm happy to have made your TBR fatter. xoxo

Happy Saturday, Richard! Hope you and Stella are staying warm and reading good books together.

We're comfycozy, thanks, Joe. I'm battling reviewer's block. I don't feel like doing it. I have to! I don't wanna.

Mary Doria Russell posted this pop-culture quiz on Facebook:

Awesome cultural quiz by #mdoriarussell

Sound of Music or Rocky Horror? Rocky Horror!! No contest
Beatles or Stones? Stones please. Treacle makes me queasy
Rockwell or Pollack? Pollock see above
Christmas or Halloween? Christmas because ornaments
California or New York? ...and where do I live...?
Kirk or Piccard? NEW Kirk because he's hawt
Joan Baez or Joan Jett? ick
Dogs or cats? Dogs because inviting Satan into my home is foolish
Stocks or bonds? Bonds too old to gamble money away
France or England? both
Cigarettes or booze? gurglegurgle
Liberty or death? Socialism, please
Irony or sarcasm? both
Stupid or pointless? Pointless! you can enjoy pointless, stupid's just annoying.

Well I'm not a cat dear but I hope you invite me into your home nonetheless.

*Te estoy haciendo un hechizo especial* Don't mind me. I am warbling you up a little something. What would you like this morning? I'll look in my book and see if I can brew it up.

The Devilles send their love. xoxo to you and Stella

Finally! A game I *want* to play: Book Tetris!

>186 luvamystery65: *smooch* Goodness, how very faint that possible warble sounds. Can't hear it at all! *happy sigh*

Frugal, practical, and thoughtful. That, ladies, is a rare find.

Cheers to your young gentleman, even if he is a bit too young. ;)

Yes, "a bit too young" the same way the sun is a small, round object in the sky. *sigh*

Thanks, Richard! I downloaded Dust Tracks on a Road and A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.

I would totally eat Bacon Bourbon pancakes.

Okay, I never do these but this one is kind of interesting:

Sound of Music or Rocky Horror? Rocky Horror!! No contest
Beatles or Stones? Beatles with full sentimentality.
Rockwell or Pollack? Pollock, but really neither.
Christmas or Halloween? Christmas because of lights and chocolate Santas.
California or New York? I'm a West Coast girl all the way
Kirk or Piccard? Piccard. Make it so.
Joan Baez or Joan Jett? Joan Jett doing "Crimson and Clover" makes me melt.
Dogs or cats? Cats because they have 100 more vocalizations than dogs. And they don't need walks.
Stocks or bonds? I have no idea. How about a savings account?
France or England? both, and often.
Cigarettes or booze? Absolutely booze. I hate cigarette smoke.
Liberty or death? Liberty, but this shouldn't be a question.
Irony or sarcasm? Irony. I actually get confused by sarcasm.
Stupid or pointless? Pointless! you can enjoy pointless, stupid's just annoying (to quote RD).

It's Saturday night and I'm sipping on a Manhattan made with small batch rye. Life is good.

#69....a little behind here, love the xmas decor....but I thought you didn't do kchotskes (Or however the hell you spell it!)

((Hugs)) and xx smooches xx

Sound of Music or Rocky Horror? Rocky Horror
Beatles or Stones? Beatles
Rockwell or Pollack? Rockwell
Christmas or Halloween? Christmas
California or New York? California. 'cause I live here. And like it.
Kirk or Piccard? Piccard! Make It So!
Joan Baez or Joan Jett? Pat Benatar
Dogs or cats? Dogs.
Stocks or bonds? ????
France or England? Both
Cigarettes or booze? Nope.
Liberty or death? Liberty
Irony or sarcasm? Yes.
Stupid or pointless? Pointless. I can fix pointless by finding a point; you can't fix stupid.

Good morning rdear.... nothing doing, nothing to say...

I saw that little quiz, but I didn't get the point of it? But then again... funk, so must be me.

We must both be in the same funk, mckait - I didn't see the point in it either.

Ah, good morning RD! Happy Sunday to you from your own Horrible.

*smooch*

Visa or no visa.

>191 kidzdoc: Another satisfied Kindler. I hope they both resonate with you!

>192 EBT1002: Small-batch rye? Sounds divine!
Dogs or cats? Cats because they have 100 more vocalizations than dogs. And they don't need walks. No, but the wise cat victim calls in an exorcist every so often to keep down the Satanic infestations. Plus cats have toxic spit.

>193 tututhefirst: Those aren't tchotchkes, Tina, they're Christmas ornaments! The one thing it's impossible to have too many of is Christmas ornaments. And books. So that's two things.

>194 alcottacre: Stasia!! *smoochiesmoochsmooch* I bet Kerry is a busy man. The weather has to have everyone in the whole county freaked out! Stay warm.

>195 tiffin: Christmas or Halloween? Yule Ain't that the truth!
Rockwell or Pollack? Neither Then who?

>196 avidmom: Rockwell or Pollack? Rockwell He was my favorite stepmother's favorite painter. I've got a bio of him that I'm pecking away at in her memory.
California or New York? California. 'cause I live here. And like it. You and ~30MM others! I was born there and was late for the door.

>197 mckait: I'm happy to see you no matter what, as you know. *smooch*

>198 karenmarie: Hiya Horrible! How's the Original Curly-Crested Satanic Book Warbler doing today?

The quiz is a test of modern or old-fashioned tastes, I think. I was amused because it was Mary Doria Russell's creation, and I liked the dichotomies even when I didn't agree they *were* dichotomies.

Oh, sorry, took my post down before I saw yours at >200 richardderus:. Many, many other artists, Richard. Actually, I don't dislike Rockwell. Used to like his Saturday Evening Post covers. No resonance with Pollock whatsoever.

>203 tiffin: Pollock is interesting to me because his stuff is immediate, unmediated creation. Like it or don't, it's a record of the moment it was made and it's never been edited, altered, changed, or futzed around with. That's really the only thing I find compelling about it.

I am more interested in NC Wyeth and Maxfield Parrish among the illustrators, but my all-time favorite illustrator is Arthur Rackham.

>204 richardderus:: now I wouldn't have guessed that!

Book porn!

I love book porn!

"How's the Original Curly-Crested Satanic Book Warbler doing today?

*blinks*

Well, that's new. Done out of love I hope.

The OCCSBW is in her jammies, trying to decide whether MiL and I should venture out in the potential of freezing rain to see The Chapel Hill Playmakers performance of The Tempest. I'll call her in a few minutes to see how it's doing Up North in Chapel Hill. I'd rather stay home and warm, but if she's game I'm game.

Got bookclub tonight too, a book that I did not read - Quartet in Autumn by Barbara Pym. I'd rather stay home and watch the Panthers with husband and with the threat of freezing rain and the seed planted in an e-mail back to folks earlier this week, may just not go.

Homebody today much.

I've gotten my Christmas Card List almost finalized - I still need get the new addresses of my mother's 2 friends in New Zealand, print 55 letters, and get 55 pictures made of daughter enjoying boiled peanuts (*urp*) to send in 55 of the 92 cards we're sending. Sounds exhausting, but I'm 'way ahead of the game. And I do love sending cards.

How's your Sunday going?

Kindle, Nook, Kobo bargainhunters! Amazon and others are selling Native Son, Richard Wright's amazing novel, is $1.99 today!

Same deal on Pirsig's Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, but I can't be arsed to find a link.

>207 alcottacre: I aim to please, Stasia. I am not one to be tidy, so this book porn looks suspiciously like my bedroom. Except I don't think I own any of those titles.

>208 karenmarie: Of COURSE it was pure smoochling pat-pat adoration, silly. Boiled peanuts. YECH. Have fun with the cards! It was one thing I liked doing back in the day. I can't write now, and a printed card is a no-no to me. Plus I don't know how to do envelopes in the printer.

Saves on postage, I tell myself.

I hope you *will* read Quartet in Autumn at some point. It's quiet, but it's got layers of irony, satire, and a melancholy not-quite nostalgia that I found deeply pleasurable.

STAY HOME. The storms are coming. xoxo

Since you love poultry I will almost desist in giving you any:

Pollacks are bollocks
Rockwells don't lookwell
If Freud was paranoid
Then Bacon's still bacon.

Forgive the gibberish but its Monday early morning here as you noted already over at mine and the caffeine is blowing me away.

ETA
#206 is my near future but we'd get the walls plastered properly.

>206 richardderus: LOL! I had to meet with one of my college professors once - his office looked just like that!!!!

>199 richardderus: I'm in. Where's the lamppost?

Hope you're having a good one, Mr. D. The quiz has some "both" for me, but:

Sound of Music or Rocky Horror? Sound of Music - loved the singalong at the Music Box Theater
Beatles or Stones? Beatles - amazing breadth of tunes
Rockwell or Pollack? Pollack (R too sweet)
Christmas or Halloween? Christmas - lots of good memories
California or New York? New York - much more of what I like
Kirk or Piccard? Piccard. Can't beat those dulcet Shakespearean tones
Joan Baez or Joan Jett? Joan Jett - she's our ch ch ch ch ch cherry bomb
Dogs or cats? Both - entertaining in different ways
Stocks or bonds? Both, with a financial empire please
France or England? Both, but England first
Cigarettes or booze? Booze in multiple splendors
Liberty or death? Liberty - does anyone choose death?
Irony or sarcasm? Both - couldn't live without them
Stupid or pointless? What a pointless, stupid question.

OK, I'm in for silly quizes:

Sound of Music or Rocky Horror? Rocky Horror because it does nothing but entertain
Beatles or Stones? Stones - from the start
Rockwell or Pollack? Rockwell
Christmas or Halloween? Halloween, Christmas has never really "worked" for me
California or New York? California, I'm born and bred west coast kid
Kirk or Piccard? Piccard.
Joan Baez or Joan Jett? Baez
Dogs or cats? Both
Stocks or bonds? I'm too poor
France or England? France
Cigarettes or booze? no booze for over 30 years, no cigarettes for over 15 years; too much of both before
Liberty or death? liberty contained by concern for others well being
Irony or sarcasm? irony, sarcasm bites too hard too often
Stupid or pointless? Don't like stupidity, or ignorance, much

Happy Weekend, sir. I hope the weather is not beating up on you and Stella!

>92 richardderus: lol! I stole it like Jim did- too funny!

>129 richardderus: you find the coolest Christmas trees RD! I love that one.

I couldn't do the quiz seeing as I answered neither, or dont know for the following questions...
Beatles or Stones?
Rockwell or Pollack?
Kirk or Piccard?
Dogs or cats?
Stocks or bonds?
France or England?
Which makes me a dunce, or a fence-sitter? My answer to that is: unique :)

Oh RD, all this book porn is so delicious! *hugs*

Love, love the book stacks! And I am glad to see you spreading the good word on Native Son. I have a couple copies in the stacks and it remains one of the best books I have ever read.
Hope your Sunday went well.

Thanks for all your Kindle hints Richard. I would really love to get to Native Son in the first part of next year. I may have to change one of my picks for Mark's ACC to get Wright in. And do keep pushing Quartet in Autumn---such a little gem.

>206 richardderus:: there is a used bookshop in town which looks just like this. Rabbit warren paths through teetering stacks.

The used bookshop I went to in Wales, in a tiny close... looked all stacked like that.. and had a staircase, too! I have to try to find the picture and scan it in. I loved that little store! It was like stepping in the door and stepping back in time, but a lot of Wakes felt that way. I wish I could go back....

Drat! I am having a hard time typing, because my fingers are so sore from scrubbing the kitchen floor. I found more grout left there today, by the light of the fridge when I opened it. Due to the color and pattern of the floor, it has been hard to find. Maybe now I finally got it.. but still... I will have to do one mopping at least before I am sure.. Having to do this three times is really aggravating.

Grr. Well, I hope that you have a good day, and that you get some quiet time :) And non hurty time... and lots of coffee....I swear that mine is just disappearing when I set down my mug...

Feels like it today.

Good morning, Rdear. How goes it? Monday treating you okay?

Chilly and drizzly/foggy/rainy here. Again. Getting ready to shop at one of my favorite remainder-type stores. I'd rather stay home, but needs must.

A good week to you, Child.

Oops, cross-posted.

>210 PaulCranswick: Properly plastered walls for part-time poetaster.

>211 avidmom: I would've liked him, I suspect.

>212 jnwelch: Ha! I'll ask Mr.Tumnus.

Cigarettes or booze? Booze in multiple splendors amen, good sir, amen.

Morning, RD. I try to start with your thread in the AM, because if I miss a day, well, you know.

Thanks for the notice on 'Zen...' Added it to my Tardis-like Kindle just now. Not one I can deaccession from the shelves, I don't think. But it's nice to have it around.

>213 maggie1944: It snew last night, Karen44, about an hour or so of drifting white flakes *just* as we finished decorating the tree. Sat drinking homemade nog with just the tree lights on watching the flakes come down.

This morning, it's 40° and there's no snow. Perfect!

>214 LovingLit: I'll go with unique. Yeah, just the ticket. O.o

*smooch*

>215 leperdbunny: Thanks, Tamara! *hugs* back!

>216 msf59: Hi Mark! Yeah, the Kindle newsletter I'm getting now is a good one. I must've entered a contest, since I don't deliberately subscribe to newsletters. It was very nice! Lots of ornament placing.

>217 brenzi: I so agree, Bonnie. If Wright's Native Son makes your rotation, please let me know when.

>218 tiffin: *packs bags for move to Canada*

>219 mckait: Yuck! This stupid floor is the gift that keeps on giving. Everyone has vacated the premises. It's Stella and me. *aaahhh*

>221 Matke:, 222 Hiya Danvers! It's going to be a pleasant week, I hope. I like chilly weather, and I expect to get some good solid chill-time. *smooch*

>224 ffortsa: Ha! Yeah, the Kindle is a kind of book-Tardis, isn't it? Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance was on every shelf in the 1970s. I don't think I'll ever read it again.

#220 - I'm totally with you on this today, Richard. I really needed another day in bed with my book and my cat, despite her toxic spit. (??)

I picked up the Zen book one time within recent memories and could not go beyond about page 2. I did like it when I first read it, back in the late twentieth century.

Happy Monday, good sir. I hope your day brings you more of what you want, and less of what disturbs your peace, and comfort.

Perfect cold-day Monday yuck-ptui hiding place.

>220 richardderus: Ha! It may be the shortest horror story ever written, but it seems to take forever to read it. Hiding in >230 richardderus: looks like just the ticket.

I probably will read Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance again some day, as my hippie-ness seems to be a permanent condition. It all made so much sense - I wonder whether it would now?

I've met Lead in The Zona, and the fisticuffs, etc. have commenced.

>230 richardderus: is lovely. LOVELY.

I've never read 'Zen...' so I thought it was a cheap and spatially economical way to try it out. And that one-click is the devil.

>228 EBT1002: Just remember not to fall asleep for too long...Limbs of Satan eat their slaves' faces if they think they can get away with it.

>229 maggie1944: Thanks, Karen44! It promises to be a mellow day for me, and Stella's almost always mellow absent a squirrel or a cat to chase.

>231 jnwelch: Oh ho ho, the fun begins. Wait for the camp to come up. Oh my heck.

>232 ffortsa: One-click *shiver* is, well yes, it IS the Devil.

I wasn't enamored of Pirsig's work even as a teen. I understood his point well enough, as I'd read a bit about Buddhism by then (Siddhartha was a favorite of mine when I was 12 or so), but his writing seemed to me just plain indigestible. An early Aughties read of his new book confirmed my bias.

Oh well.

PERFECT book porn nook....comfy chair, fireplace, good lighting, lots of warm toned wood....only missing a teensy table next to the chair on which one can put one's wine glass, or beverage mug. Picky picky...

Handsome illo of Robinson Crusoe reading, by NC Wyeth. A book and a tropical getaway sound good to me today.

>234 ffortsa: YMMV, of course, since you've never read him before! And for $1.99, it's no huge loss. Especially since the shelves aren't fattened.

>235 tututhefirst: That's what the stack of boxes to the left of the fireplace is for, Tina. Had to move them to make the room photo-pretty.

>230 richardderus: is beautiful and >236 richardderus: my first thought was what is Jesus doing in jeans? ROFL

Love the hiding spot in 230! I'll hide out with you there any time--just photoshop in another one of those chairs and ottomans.

Sorry, I need a translation. YMMV?

Monday on Mercury = Monday on Earth. *sigh*

>237 leperdbunny: A much better question would be "What the hell is Jesus doing on Richard's thread?!"

>238 ronincats: Come on over, Roni! Perkins hid the other chair for the photoshoot.

>239 ffortsa: "Your Mileage May Vary," or disclaiming my opinion as fact.

The Southwestern Crested Satanic Book Warbler, aka Roberta, sent me a copy of The Keeper of Lost Causes in an effort to get me hooked on the series. I am, of course, grateful for the gift; but I shall exert every effort to make this a non-starter and loathe it. In fact, I can feel myself curmudging towards it as I type. Yes. Mmm hmm, I see the pages curdling before my eyes.

*Warbling* *You will love Carl and Assad* *You will want to meet Rose in book 2* *You will will want to know more about the ongoing mystery of the nail gun murders* fa la la la la la la

I'll send you some aloe vera for your eyes love.

*grumble*

Hi Richard, if I lived on Mercury then I might just be able to reduce my TBR pile. I agree with your sentiments about Mondays, also love the book porn.

>244 johnsimpson: Hi John! Hope all's well with you and yours as we slide into the Yule season. The book porn's outstanding this week, if I say so myself. Cheers!

Hi Richard, we are not too bad, it has been a hectic weekend, Saturday we put the Christmas decorations up and I saw the FIL who was a bit confused, bless him. Sunday saw us having a late breakfast before we went to see the FIL but that was a short visit as the carers were late and we had to dash off. We dashed off to pick up my son, his partner and step daughter to take them to see his sister and her fiancé in the Joseph Rowntree players Pantomime, this year it was Jack and the Beanstalk and Andy was playing the Giant and Amy was in the chorus. This is Amy's first time in panto and Andy has been practising with the stilts for the last three months. The performance was absolutely brilliant as in past years, already looking forward to next years panto.

>236 richardderus: Very nice. I would like to have that on my wall.....

Ah, thanks for the translation. As for the Keeper of Lost Causes, I have the second book, from the liberry, in my backpack even now.

I'll be right over! Have the hot toddies ready, please.

RD, dear... what happened to "age is just a number"? or one of my favorite quotes "Age doesn't matter, unless you're a cheese" (Billie Burke). He seems undoubtedly smitten with you! Frugal, practical AND smart enough to know what a catch you are? Hmmmm... keep thinking on that one! ;)

>240 richardderus: ain't that the truth!

>246 johnsimpson: Ahh the xmas panto! How cool. So glad the outing was a success for all!

>247 mckait: Yeah, it's a purty one. I wonder if the Farnsworth Museum sells prints or posters of the Wyeths' works?

>248 ffortsa: So you liked the first one enough to read on! How horrible. I'm looking for ways NOT to read it. *sigh* no help at all I swanEE

Brought you some coffee, Richard dear!

>249 ronincats: Mais certainement, ma amie! Perkins! Toddies in the South Reading Room, please.

>250 TinaV95: Numbers like "32" are, well, daunting. Kennedy assassination? Not even his PARENTS remember that. Moon landing? Parents were infants...I was GLUED to the TV. Earliest political memory? Monica Lewinsky. Didn't understand the fuss about the stain on her dress, and in point of fact *I* am the one who enlightened him, at age 19, as to what was going on.

MY friends ask snarkily about my grandson, HIS friends go rigid with boredom at the mere mention of my name. Would that it were otherwise, but the fix is in.

>251 leperdbunny: Ayuh. Shore is.

>253 ronincats: THAT IS AMAZING!!! Milk foam sculpture. How on earth does the person do it!

*smacks cat image out of existence*

I have no idea, but isn't that aren't those fish beautiful?

Yes, and the swirls are just the perfect last touch...eddies in the foam. Tremendous!

Bet they're stony cold, though. Blech.

Richard....although the Farnsworth does have several N.C. Wyeth prints available (along with other family works), that particular print in #236 is entitled "Reading the Bible" (don't shoot the messenger) and is available from ALLPosters.com (http://www.allposters.com/-sp/Reading-the-Bible-Posters_i2906019_.htm)

Ick, but whatevs...and it's beautiful, so thanks awfully for the info!

>257 richardderus: Eddies in the foam? I didn't see any Vedder-like, Murphy-like or Van Halen-like in that cuppa ;)
Oh dear, I believe I have cracked myself up anyway.

Happy coming into Tuesday RD, as I am leaving it now I can advise it is monotonous to begin with, but comes right from the afternoon.

'Morning, RD!

Well, even though they lost, I stayed home and watched the Panthers lose to the Saints.

Quartet in Autumn subtlety noted.

I hope your Tuesday is better than your Monday.

((Hugs)) and xx smooches xx for today, RD.

Let's hope the week picks up after the unfortunate start. I used to hate Mondays quite a lot, but now my life is one unending week-end. Very nice.

Morning RD- I want to just stay home. Visit my LT friends and take reading breaks. Why can't that be possible? Wah!!

Happiness is being snowed in and retired.

I seem to remember you're lukewarm about Walter Mosley, RD. I'm lerving The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey. One of his best.

I love the Holidays! All of 'em! Crapping up the house with reindeer and angels and glittering tacky gewgaws! Putting expensive, delicate, useless thingies on a (fake) tree lit with about a zillion lights! Eating artery-clogging start-with-a-stick-of-butter desserts!

Bliss. Who needs presents?

;>)

>260 LovingLit: Monotonous? Not here! Snowstormland! We're in for maybe three inches of snow, big whoop, but it's beautiful coming down and decorating the evergreens, outlining the deciduous trees, and slowing people down.

Of course, I'm not required to go out in it except for Stella-draining purposes, so naturally I'm enjoying it.

>261 karenmarie: Hiya Horrible! *smooch* It was fine, that Monday, but it seemed to last soooooo loooooooooonnnnnnnnngggggg. Today's snow puts me in a good mood.

>262 alcottacre: Stasia!! *smoochiesmoochsmooch* So good to see you!

>263 Matke: Mine's been an unending weekend for a while, too. But I'm not sure why yesterday felt so very long. *shrug*

>264 msf59: Hi ho, hi ho, it's off to work he goes....

It does kinda suck, doesn't it. Oh to be independently wealthy.

>265 mldavis2: Amen!! Amen!!!

>266 jnwelch: I'm glad you're enjoying it! I'm not headin' back into those waters. No thanks. Too many things I'm sure I'll enjoy, too many others I'm hopeful I'll enjoy.

Yuletide book porn! (Now get all the damned tchotchkes off the bookshelves!)

Jeez, a week away from your thread and that's just about a whole thread...... confession.... this time i skimmed and looktat da pictures..... so if there is something you want me to read tell me!

I'm a Balvenie lassie, mysel'! Caribbean cask preferred.

Oooh, The Balvenie Carribean Cask is an *excellent* scotch! I can't think of anything earth-shattering that needs your personal attention. Another thread will go up soon, it seems, so I must at least *try* to get a review written before then.

*waves hello from far off Pacific ocean*

I've only two more mornings here *sob*

Two more mornings...yeah, the end of a good trip is never fun to face. Even with the pleasure of getting home. *there there, pat pat*

I love the whole Christmas season too, RD .. more so because finally work slows down as most companies we work with start winding down for the end of the year. I love smells associated with Christmas - cookies, Christmas trees, cakes, pies, roasts and mulled wine. It's about the only season I actually decorate the house for too. *happy sigh*

Review: 66 of seventy-five

Title: AS FLIES TO WHATLESS BOYS

Author: ROBERT ANTONI

Rating: 4* of five

The Publisher Says: In 1845 London, an engineer, philosopher, philanthropist, and bold-faced charlatan, John Adolphus Etzler, has invented machines that he thinks will transform the division of labor and free all men. He forms a collective called the Tropical Emigration Society (TES), and recruits a variety of London citizens to take his machines and his misguided ideas to form a proto-socialist, utopian community in the British colony of Trinidad.

Among his recruits is a young boy (and the book's narrator) named Willy, who falls head-over-heels for the enthralling and wise Marguerite Whitechurch. Coming from the gentry, Marguerite is a world away from Willy's laboring class. As the voyage continues, and their love for one another strengthens, Willy and Marguerite prove themselves to be true socialists, their actions and adventures standing in stark contrast to Etzler's disconnected theories.

Robert Antoni's tragic historical novel, accented with West Indian cadence and captivating humor, provides an unforgettable glimpse into nineteenth-century Trinidad & Tobago.

My Review:

We sat in silence, exhausted, filled-up. We didn't move. We couldn't have moved--not a muscle--because we didn't exist yet. Neither me nor him. Only the story existed, during those few final moments of silence after my father's voice had come to a halt.

Catnip. This book was catnip for me, pure uncut catnip of the finest grade. Robert Antoni teaches master's degree fiction-writing classes at the New School. Lucky men and women who take the classes, to hear him tell his stories!

At its heart, this is a simple tale of greed, passion, and the lifelong effects of believing in a dream. Chicanery is always a worry for the True Believer, because the promise of a dream come true is ever the best bait to lure them into disaster, personal and financial and, not infrequently, mortal. Something dies when a person's True Belief is taken from them, or lost, or simply abandoned (as if this abandonment is ever simple). Many times, I suspect, the pain of it is unendurable and the bereft believer sees no reason to go on...disease or despair carry him off.

Others, like our narrator Willy, live on and make life, actual life, work for them without dreams, but with some weird, warped hopes left, hopes that don't see much daylight as the ex-dreamer isn't likely to chat them about. Willy doesn't really want to have hopes. He wants to find his dreams. I think all of us know that quest's end. But the novel, well, a novel is a place to work out the truths of endings and the frailties of beginnings. This novel's truth is in the ending, and it stings the soft places of a tender soul. It also rings perfectly true and wistfully beautiful. A family, once created, is a hard thing to leave, to destroy; even death doesn't do the job.

But most families have invisible members. Some have more than others. Willy...Mr. Tucker, as he becomes...carried the invisible members of his family until, exhausted, he lost the eternal battle with gravity. How, and why, and what he made, these are all the subject of the novel, and the meat of life as we all live it.

Only most of us don't have beautiful words to wrap our truth in. Fortune smiled on William Tucker. His truth comes enrobed in lovely, lovely language, satisfyingly musical in the inward ear.

A pleasure of a read. A lovely artifact of a book. A delight on many levels, and a deeply felt, deeply moving novel.


This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.

>276 cameling: Yeah, the entire experience is fun if you approach it as such and not some kind of endurance test or spendathon.

*dreams of pumpkin chiffon pie*

You...RD...ARE EVIL....your review of As Flies...has me scrambling to figure out how I can find time to finish it. I read the sample available from B&N and must must have this one.

But for now, you delightfully evil elf, I'm off to my freezing cold attic to rescue the zillions of Christmas ornaments and tchotchkes to spread around the house, then I plan to spend the afternoon listening to an audio of the Fr. Tom Christmas mystery Eleven Pipers Piping whilst I bake a few goodies. Even tho we won't be here for the entire holiday, I must bake now for Mom who cannot do the baking in the hospital.

Hmmm.....time to dig out the Peppermint Schnappes to add to hot chocky to enjoy while the sleety snow drizzles from the sky.

Stay warm, enjoy your holiday, and for heavens sakes, stop with the book bullets whydoncha?

for heavens sakes, stop with the book bullets whydoncha?


No.

Have a wonderful time crapping the place up for xmas! We sure did. I love all the trimmings this time of year. Just not any other time of year. Since it's dark at 3:30p every day, the shiny stuff is satisfying.

Peppermint schnapps in cocoa is by my side e'en as I type. So yum. Health and healing wishes for mom, smooches for you and Cheli, and a happy handshake for Bob!

#277 You got me with As Flies to Whatless Boys. Who is the evil book warbler now?

xoxo to you and Stella

I'll ask Santa to replace all the library tchotchkes with beautiful bottles of scotch just for you.

I *almost* didn't notice the books.

>281 luvamystery65: Ooo ooo ooo!!! THAT is a tchtochke I can live with! *smooch*

>267 richardderus: This made me smile, and As flies to Whatless Boys sounds interesting. . adding to my tbr!

>282 richardderus: he's hot!! You like your young men RD, I see. ;)

>283 leperdbunny: I hope the book will give you the same charmed, beguiled feelings it gave me...and >284 leperdbunny: You betcha!

#253 and following: I have not yet received a latte or cappucinno that looked like that. I would love it (cat and all).

#277 - Sigh. Another one. I can't take it, I tell you. I just can't take it.
I swear, they're taking over my bedroom, my living room, my office.....

I think it's wonderful that you and I are charmed by the same young men Richard. Thumbs up for that titillating review.

>286 EBT1002: *snicker* #sorrynotsorry

>287 brenzi: Titillating! Oh my my, I *have* done my job well! Thanks, Bonnie, I hope you like it as much as I did.

Thanks ever so much for the heads up on Native Son. You can still Kindle it for $1.99 and that one is on the classics list that I am trying to finish.

Hi RD- Ooh, Balvenie! Haven't heard of that one. Mmmmm. Price range? Good review of As Flies to Whatless Boys. Sounds like a winner.

Oh, it's not that much. $32,000 or so a bottle.

...Mark...? You okay down there?

No, really, they make one that expensive! But on average it's only $45-75.

I suggest As Flies to Whatless Boys as a treat...I'll bet it's in audio and would be womderful!

ETA oh dear, no Audible version. Sorry!

Review: 67 of seventy-five

Title: HOUNDED

Author: KEVIN HEARNE

Rating: 3.75* of five

The Publisher Says: Atticus O’Sullivan, last of the Druids, lives peacefully in Arizona, running an occult bookshop and shape-shifting in his spare time to hunt with his Irish wolfhound. His neighbors and customers think that this handsome, tattooed Irish dude is about twenty-one years old—when in actuality, he’s twenty-one centuries old. Not to mention: He draws his power from the earth, possesses a sharp wit, and wields an even sharper magical sword known as Fragarach, the Answerer.

Unfortunately, a very angry Celtic god wants that sword, and he’s hounded Atticus for centuries. Now the determined deity has tracked him down, and Atticus will need all his power—plus the help of a seductive goddess of death, his vampire and werewolf team of attorneys, a sexy bartender possessed by a Hindu witch, and some good old-fashioned luck of the Irish—to kick some Celtic arse and deliver himself from evil.

My Review: The Southwestern Satanic Book Warbler made me buy this book. Or was it the Western Silver-Crested Satanic Book Warbler. Anyway, one of 'em made me buy this book. Yep. Stood right here with a ninja star poised over my carotid artery and *forced* that one-click purchase!

No. Really.

And it was a lot of fun to read. It was light, and amusing, and had enough violence to keep it from being foofy and enough trenchance to keep it from being portentous and enough substance to keep it from being pointless. Atticus is a cool dude, despite being relentlessly straight. So boring. Oberon the wolfhound made me smile a lot of the time, especially when Atticus gives him a special reward at the end of the book. The characterization of The Morrigan and Aengus Og were different from those I've learned, which made them interesting to me.

On the other hand...you had to know that was coming...there's the sheer numbing weight of Phaunteseeyee that comes with the book. Wars for the Survival of the World. Epic Goodness versus Heinous Badness! Magjiqckal Objects that all the supernatural world wants! Yeesh. The battles become a bit repetitve. I confess the pages turn faster when the fighting commences. Perhaps not every word is scanned. I plead the Fifth.

But on balance the main character is fun enough and the presentation of him as a dude who owns a New Age bookstore funny enough that I'd even consider reading the next book in the series. That, mesdames et messieurs, is a big honkin' concession indeed.


This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.

Whichever warbler it was got me with Hounded too, Richard, and I concur with your review. I've had the 2nd and 3rd here for WEEKS but had other commitments.

I'm sure we'll both get around to 'em soon. Or soonish. Soon enough, anyway. *smooch* Glad to see you!

#271: Love that Christmas book porn!

#277: Adding that one to the BlackHole. Unfortunately, my local library does not have it.

((Hugs)) and xx smooches xx for today

Oh, and remember to heat the milk first this time, k?