SAYING HELLO AS YOU COME IN THE DOOR

This is a continuation of the topic saying hello as you come in the door.

TalkTattered but still lovely

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SAYING HELLO AS YOU COME IN THE DOOR

12wonderY
Feb 4, 2014, 8:46 am

This has been the thread where we introduce ourselves and tell just a little bit about ourselves. I'm making it so that it stands out on the list to encourage new members to do so.
**waves everybody in**
There's plenty of room, and some blueberry muffins this morning.
Have some tea.

2SylviaC
Feb 4, 2014, 3:37 pm

Hi, 2wonderY! I brought some warm gingerbread cake, and hot chocolate. I like what you've done with the bookcases...

32wonderY
Feb 4, 2014, 3:42 pm

Thanks, but mind those piles on the floor. We need bigger walls, what?

4MrsLee
Feb 15, 2014, 3:53 am

Hello, I'm pretty tired and need to go to bed, but here I am.

I have been reading most any book I can get my hands on since I learned how to read at about age 5. When I entered Kindergarten, the teacher did not believe I could read already. She was trying to teach us from Read with Dick and Jane or some such nonsense, and I was bored to misbehavior. The best days were when the other teacher would come in and read to us from Mrs. Piggle Wiggle or Mary Poppins. She loved to read very silly but wonderful stories to us.

I consumed all of the Nancy Drew, Hardy Boys and Bobbsey Twins in grade school, about as soon as they let me check books out of the library.

Then came Golden Age mysteries, Agatha Christie, Nero Wolfe, Raymond Chandler and more, from my mother's shelves, along with Zane Grey and Louis L' Amour from my father's shelves (of course mixed in with lots of YA fiction of my times like From the Mixed up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler and Are You There God, It's Me, Margaret. Those were in my teens. We won't mention the doorstop sized historical romances which I glommed down until I choked on them. Sometime in here I read J.R.R. Tolkien's trilogy and Mary Stewart's King Arthur/Merlin books, but I didn't really love fantasy at that time.

As a young mother, my own grandmother gifted me with some of the special classics I had missed out on earlier, like The Little House on the Prairie series, The Wind in the Willows, Charles Dickens, The Secret Garden and more. I also dabbled in Steinbeck, Hemingway and other very depressing authors of their times.

My favorites have always been mysteries, but fantasy is running a close second now. There are very few books I won't try, horror being one of them.

So, that's who my little reading self is. :) Thank you for allowing me to join you here.

5MDGentleReader
Feb 15, 2014, 3:46 pm

We are delighted to have you here.

62wonderY
Edited: Oct 6, 2016, 7:47 am

Yes, we are!

btw, Steinbeck is quite amusing at times. Have you read Tortilla Flat? It's one of my all time favorite books.

7MrsLee
Feb 17, 2014, 4:01 am

6 - I don't think you better read my review on Tortilla Flats! Steinbeck is one of those authors I continually keep trying, even though I feel like shooting myself in the head after I finish most of his books. I keep going back because he is a splendid writer, no one else gives me that self-destructive feeling. Jack London comes close, but I don't like his writing as much as I like Steinbeck's. Sorry, I've had a love/hate relationship with him ever since I read The Grapes of Wrath and The Red Pony.

8BonnieJune54
Feb 17, 2014, 10:24 am

9patchygirl
Mar 13, 2014, 8:01 am

Hello - I've just recently come across the group; what a lovely title and theme for a group. I'm lucky enough to have some TBSLs of my own; a few are from family and some I've bought.

I like lots of the traditional girls' books that have been mentioned, 'gentle reads' (love the phrase) like Angela Thirkell and so on, women's lives and history. Also bits and bats of old household books, one or two etiquette books, gardening books.

Thank you for the tea - I'm always up for a cuppa! Lovely to meet you all.

102wonderY
Mar 13, 2014, 8:24 am

Very nice to meet you! I enjoyed browsing your shelf of books - some interesting titles - and hope you'll talk about some.

I don't see your bits and bats, so you should be adding those as well. Take a comfy chair and enjoy yourself. Do we have any warm muffins to offer? I wrestled with my car door latches this morning (ice in the mechanism and wouldn't close!) and neglected food.

11MDGentleReader
Mar 13, 2014, 9:23 am

>10 2wonderY: How about warm mandarin orange muffins and some warm wild blueberry muffins? I'll put on some hot chocolate, it was balaclava weather again this morning. Sigh.

>9 patchygirl: Welcome. I hope you enjoy it here.

12.Monkey.
Mar 13, 2014, 9:28 am

I don't think I ever posted in the old thread (it was old, after all! ;)), and I didn't notice this one when it was made because it was still quite early in the year when Talk is severely flooded and impossible to keep up with! So I suppose I should finally officially say hello. :P

Well. I, too, have been reading practically whatever I could get my hands on for as long as I can remember. My mom read to me pretty much from the moment I came into being, and once I was old enough, I carried on without her assistance. As a young'n I read a large variety, but the mysteries and anthropomorphic animals were always nearest & dearest, and still remain two of my favorites to read; these days, though, I have more specific tastes and tend to read more classics and horror (and best of both worlds: classic horror! ;D) than others, though I read a bit of almost everything. :)

*sets out some brownies and apple-kiwi juice and pulls out a chair to sit & read The Italian*

132wonderY
Mar 13, 2014, 9:34 am

**Mmmm. Snatching one of each as I return to task.**

14MDGentleReader
Mar 13, 2014, 1:52 pm

Mmmm. Brownies.

15gmathis
Apr 11, 2014, 11:53 am

I sort of barged in and started gabbing without introducing myself--sorry about that! Southwest Missourian; can't remember a time when I wasn't reading, being read to, or writing. The writing part has evolved into freelance magazine articles & children's Bible study curriculum.

If hands aren't on a book when time allows, they're clutched around a cup of tea and/or papercrafting materials.

162wonderY
Apr 11, 2014, 7:29 pm


Glad to have you with us. Here, pull up a chair near the fire. Or open a window if you get too warm. I don't see any fresh goodies, but the teapot is always full of something flavorful.

17patchygirl
Apr 18, 2014, 7:38 am

Hot Cross Buns today! Help yourselves.

18gmathis
Apr 18, 2014, 8:30 am

Perfect. I'm steeping up a pot of Chinese Breakfast Tea--tastes a little like wheat toast.

19Tess_W
Apr 26, 2014, 1:09 pm

Tess from central Ohio, here. Grew up 20 miles from the nearest town when I was little. The "only" thing to do, besides lots of playing outside was reading. Thankfully the bookmobile came to our road once per month. Technically each person was permitted to check out 4 books but after I told the lady I read them all in a week, she allowed me to check out 10! My mother taught to me to read by age 4 so when I went to first grade at age 5 I thought "See Jack run" was a bit boring! I would rather read than sleep. I collect and read old books. They are not sacred just to sit on a shelf and be pitched or sold when I die. (My sons did not inherit my love for all books, they only read genre specific and NOT classics!) I still haven't tackled The Gulag Archipelago or War and Peace, yet, but they are on my shelves!

20BonnieJune54
Apr 26, 2014, 6:45 pm

Welcome, Tess! You definitely belong in this group. How nice that there was no computer system to stop the sympathetic bookmobile librarian from letting you have 10 books.
Please have a gooey butter square.

21gmathis
Apr 26, 2014, 8:56 pm

You all have this hospitality thing down to a fine art! :)

22BonnieJune54
Apr 26, 2014, 9:00 pm

Ruth has trained us well:-)

23Tess_W
Apr 27, 2014, 2:15 am

Ohhhhhhhhh a gooey butter square! Sounds wonderful!

24MrsLee
Apr 27, 2014, 8:05 pm

Did anyone offer me a gooey butter square when I introduced myself? I don't remember it. Perhaps I should have one just to see if it triggers my memory.

Welcome >23 Tess_W: !

252wonderY
Apr 28, 2014, 7:34 am

Hope you grabbed one before they disappeared, MrsLee. All I've got this morning is triple fudge chocolate cake.

26gmathis
Apr 28, 2014, 8:49 am

There. Fresh brown sugar apple cake with cream cheese frosting. The pot of Darjeeling is still steeping. Won't take long.

272wonderY
Apr 28, 2014, 9:13 am

WOW! Someone please stop me from being a piggie.

28MDGentleReader
Apr 28, 2014, 11:57 am

How about some peppermint tea? I have iced and hot.

>23 Tess_W: Welcome. I hope you enjoy it here.

29SilverKitty
Apr 29, 2014, 12:16 am

Welcome >23 Tess_W:. My, we sure seem to eat well around here.

302wonderY
Apr 29, 2014, 7:45 am

>29 SilverKitty: And it never shows!

31piemouth
Apr 29, 2014, 8:23 pm

Hello! My parents were readers so I am too. I remember family outings to used bookstores after dinner on Fridays, where we'd all find something we wanted. Then I lived for 23 years around the corner from a huge used bookstore, Green Apple in San Francisco. I bought books there and carried them up to the fourth floor for all those years, then when we moved I was shocked at how many I had to carry back down again! But I'm still buying and reading used books.

32SaintSunniva
Apr 29, 2014, 9:04 pm

>31 piemouth: piemouth, how absolutely lovely that sounds....going on family outings to used bookstores! Is Green Apple around still? I recently rediscovered a used book store in Denver, Westside Books. Love that store!

332wonderY
May 5, 2014, 3:45 pm

>31 piemouth: Hi! Your comment "My parents were readers so I am too." reminds me of my daughters' friends' parents asking me what the secret was to getting my kids to read. When I told them that we had no cable television, you shoulda seen their mental backstep, and it was obvious the thought was "Well, I could never do that."

342wonderY
Jun 12, 2014, 2:56 pm

Anyone up for some conversation?

My daughter made me a whole pile of Oreo truffles, and I've been trying to appreciate them all, but here are a dozen left over. Help yourselves. There's always a pot of tea going. It's too cool here yet to break out the iced drinks.

35SylviaC
Jun 12, 2014, 5:02 pm

It's warmish here. Ben and Jerry's Cherry Garcia ice cream, anyone?

36BonnieJune54
Jun 12, 2014, 5:57 pm

I went blueberry picking yesterday. Are there any suggestions of what to make with them?

37gmathis
Jun 12, 2014, 7:40 pm

Blueberry shortcake over Twinkies!

38gmathis
Jun 12, 2014, 7:42 pm

Wish you were here to join me with a cuppa decaf Red Rose tea spiked with some sprigs of our chocolate mint plant. (It's growing crazily due to a surfeit of rain in our area.) Tasty!

39Tess_W
Jun 14, 2014, 10:31 pm

Brownies with walnuts and caramel today.

402wonderY
Jul 29, 2014, 6:48 am

Good morning!

Blackberry cobbler today. This will be the last of the season, I think. So dig in. There's ice cream in the freezer.

The place looks dis-used. I'm throwing open all the windows and I've swept the verandah. Tea's been made.

41gmathis
Jul 29, 2014, 8:30 am

Just watch out for those yellow jackets hiding behind the shutters. I did some mighty interesting emergency yoga moves dodging one in the patio glider last night while trying to save my cup of Tropical Nut Paradise tea!

422wonderY
Jul 29, 2014, 11:53 am

Rats! I missed the show. Yes, gotta take care of those not so friendly neighbors. Suggestions?

432wonderY
Dec 24, 2014, 8:51 pm

Happy Christmas holidays to all you beautiful people.

44rainpebble
Edited: Jan 20, 2015, 7:38 pm

Hello. A big Thank You to 2wonderY for inviting me to crash your group here.
I was born & raised in the Pacific Northwest and we live in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. I am a retired banker who grew up without television and all 7 of us children were reading before we began school.
I joined L.T. in 2007. I read little contemporary fiction and most of what I do read is off the Orange/Bailey's Prize short & long listings or for challenges here on L.T. I prefer the old classics, Y/As, mysteries, bios & memoirs.
John Steinbeck is my favorite author & The Winter of Our Discontent is my fav. My favorite book of all time is probably A Little Princess.
I am not a great cook though I love to eat. I am not a great housekeeper for I would rather read. I am old so I pretty much do as I like. Hubby picks up the slack. I am the mother of three, grandmother of 6 & great grandmother of 3. They are all lovely.
I love God, family & country.
My passion is my books. I share them on PBS and duplicate threads. But I love to keep my oldies. I love Elizabeth Goudge, Frances Hodgson Burnett, Daphne du Maurier, L.M. Montgomery, Louisa May Alcott, M.M. Kaye, Rumer Godden, Agatha Christie, Angela Thirkell and the ever elusive Manning Coles among others. I collect Virago & Persephone Press books as well.
It is so nice to be here. It will be fun getting to know those of you whom I've not yet met.
Cheers,
belva

45Sakerfalcon
Jan 21, 2015, 6:58 am

Welcome, Belva! It's good to "see" you here. I think you will enjoy this lovely group; it's the perfect place to come when modern literature seems too much to handle.

462wonderY
Jan 21, 2015, 7:20 am

So glad you made your way over here belva. For the benefit of the others, I'll tell that we met over a Grace S. Richmond book.

Great-grandchildren! I hope they are close enough to you for frequent cuddles.

Hmm, the only thing I've got to share this morning is hot chocolate.

47MrsLee
Jan 21, 2015, 12:08 pm

Hello Belva, nice to meet you!

48rainpebble
Jan 21, 2015, 2:13 pm

Thank you all so much for the lovely welcome. This seems to be a very heart-warming group.

49abbottthomas
Jan 21, 2015, 2:33 pm

Rude of me! I joined but didn't introduce myself, let alone ask. As with most book groups you seem to be mostly women, ladies, girls (whatever suits) and, as an elderly male, I cross the threshold tentatively. Tea is OK in its place, but I do like the odd glass of pinot noir when reading - is the establishment dry? The baked goods are very tempting but I should watch my intake of refined carbohydrates.

My library caters for the tattered - more than 700 first printing Penguin books, only a few of which are pristine - and I do subscribe to Slightly Foxed, a UK quarterly magazine which seems to me to epitomise this group's ethos and which I recommend without reservation.

I promise to sit quietly in a corner.

502wonderY
Edited: Feb 3, 2015, 12:55 pm

>49 abbottthomas: If you sit quietly in that corner with a bottle of, say, good German wine, you might find we need to make the corner bigger. I declare that sharing a bottle is one of the best ways to get to know someone.

(Can't say I've ever made friends with a red wine, but that's probably because I'm cheap.)

I'm glad you spoke up finally instead of lurking behind the grapes er, drapes.

Oh, and the carbohydrates served here are consequence free, so indulge.

Ruth

51abbottthomas
Jan 21, 2015, 6:08 pm

>50 2wonderY: Thank you. I have nothing against a nice Mosel (and there's even good German pinot noir) and, with your reassurance, I might try a muffin or two.

52mikeydrussell
Jan 21, 2015, 7:26 pm

Dear abbottthomas,
Please tell more about this journal, Slightly Foxed!

I just joined three minutes ago. Collect books by women, read outside of what I collect. Am a retired librarian who has done a short stint as an antiquarian book dealer. As I type this message, my husband and I are trying to fight off the jet lag we acquired by flying from North Carolina to Bombay, India. It is still dark here but we are tapping away on our tablets. Tomorrow the tour begins and we need our sleep and strength.

Does anyone have a recommendation for a tattered novel set in India? Maybe some spunky traveling college girls from Massachusetts in 1919 or thereabouts?

I need some of that soothing herbal tea you dispense on this site!

Mikeydrussell

53abbottthomas
Jan 22, 2015, 4:08 am

>52 mikeydrussell: Hello, Mikey. You can find much about Slightly Foxed in the postings on this group -
https://www.librarything.com/groups/slightlyfoxedanappre
- Much appreciation but also, to be fair, some unhappiness about the cost to subscribers outside the UK.

54Sakerfalcon
Jan 22, 2015, 4:39 am

>52 mikeydrussell: Rumer Godden wrote some wonderful novels set in India, although none with the plot you suggest! The peacock spring, The river and Kingfishers catch fire are all excellent and there are others as well; I've just listed my particular favourites. Hope you have a great visit to the country; I've only been to the very far north, in the Himalayas, but I really want to go back there.

55MissWatson
Jan 22, 2015, 5:04 am

>49 abbottthomas: >52 mikeydrussell: Welcome to both of you!

As regards the tattered novels set in India, I have very fond memories of two Jean Bothwell novels set in India, especially Omen for a princess. I have learned since that she wrote much more, but they are very hard to track down here in Germany.

56gmathis
Jan 22, 2015, 8:29 am

Welcome, new friends! I do more observing than posting here; but I love being in the presence of great readers...this a wonderfully hospitable and well-read bunch!

57MDGentleReader
Jan 23, 2015, 2:58 pm

>44 rainpebble: Lovely to have you here. We share many authors. You live in a beautiful part of the US. No need to crash, the party, we are pretty friendly here.

>49 abbottthomas: Please, do NOT sit quietly in the corner (well, unless you are reading, then, carry on, we'll wait to hear about it). Ah, I see you haven't :-). Thank you for sharing the information about Slightly Foxed and for formally introducing yourself. Welcome!

I brought some hot mulled cider - there is a never ending supply, please help yourself, everyone.



582wonderY
Jan 23, 2015, 3:04 pm

Oh, perfect! Thanks.

59hearthlit
Feb 3, 2015, 12:34 pm

The authors I read growing up are still among my favorites. They (and I) get a bit more tattered each year.

The older book covers you have been sharing are lovely.

Oh, and I love quotes. :)

Is the cider still hot?

- hearthlit

60MDGentleReader
Feb 3, 2015, 3:02 pm

>59 hearthlit:. Absolutely. Welcome!

61gitavreddy
May 11, 2015, 3:54 am

Greetings, everyone! I had to join, how could I not? The group name was irresistible. I could see the books everywhere, their covers missing, their pages old, and the lovely old book smell everywhere.

622wonderY
May 11, 2015, 6:19 am

Welcome Gita. You don't think the collection is a bit much?
I just made a pot of tea. Can I pour you a cup?

63gitavreddy
May 12, 2015, 2:04 am

Thanks for the welcome and yes, tea would be lovely.
There can never be too much of a good thing. I often pick random titles in my favourite genres from Project Guttenburg. I like being surprised by new 'old authors.'

642wonderY
Nov 24, 2015, 4:01 pm

Well, it's just about time to call it a season and come back inside. I've got stacks and stacks of books that I hope to get to. It's almost an embarassment of riches and sometimes difficult to choose.

I tried my hand at making blackberry cordial this summer and decanted the first quart last week. Mmmm-mmmm! I put some over on the sideboard for y'all to sample.

65gmathis
Nov 25, 2015, 8:32 am

Blackberry cordial...sounds like something they'd serve at Redwall Abbey! Was thrilled to find a Redwall title I hadn't read (Rakkety-Tam), sufficiently tattered, on the 99 cent shelf at Vintage Stock. I'm only on Chapter 2 because I keep pausing to reread what was for breakfast and to reminisce about cuddle-up read-alouds from the series with my son.

662wonderY
Nov 25, 2015, 8:36 am

>65 gmathis: Interesting you should say that! My friend's son said exactly the same thing last evening when we had some cordial at the dinner table.

67gmathis
Nov 25, 2015, 8:50 am

Are you familiar with the series? I won't say that the menus are the best part, but oh, what a nice touch!

68Sakerfalcon
Nov 25, 2015, 9:03 am

>67 gmathis: I always wanted to go to a feast at Redwall Abbey!

I will try some of that delicious looking cordial in the meantime!

69MrsLee
Nov 28, 2015, 4:45 pm

>65 gmathis: I think that is the only book I have read in that series, and like you, the menus fascinated me.

70Marissa_Doyle
Jan 10, 2016, 2:40 pm

Oh, this looks like a lovely group! Thank you to SylviaC for mentioning it in the Green Dragon. My sister taught me to read when we would play school, so that I was reading at four, and it's been non-stop ever since...and worse, since I'm now a writer as well as a reader. I read both paper and e-books--one of the reasons I welcome ebooks is because they may provide a way for the old books we love to gain a new audience.

71SilverKitty
Jan 10, 2016, 2:59 pm

>70 Marissa_Doyle: Welcome Marissa!

>64 2wonderY: Yum, delicious cordial!

72SylviaC
Jan 10, 2016, 5:30 pm

Hi, Marissa!

I just opened a box of assorted, dark and milk chocolates from Christmas. Help yourselves.

73harrygbutler
Jan 10, 2016, 11:15 pm

Hi, I’m Harry, and I just joined the group earlier today, after some time reading threads with interest. My wife Erika and I live in eastern Pennsylvania with three cats — Elli, Otto, and Pixie — and a dog, Hildy. By training I’m a medievalist, by occupation an editor; my taste in reading runs to Golden Age and earlier mysteries, pulp detective and adventure fiction, Late Antique and medieval literature, and westerns, among others. I also have a fondness for collections of cartoons and comic strips. A fairly recent discovery for me has been the appeal of late nineteenth and early twentieth century popular fiction, including regional fiction such as the novels of Joseph Crosby Lincoln about Cape Cod and the Scottish stories of J. J. Bell. I usually have a few books going at once.

My other interests include model railroading, gardening, and birding.

I have a thread covering my reading this year in the 75 Book Challenge group. My thread can be found here: http://www.librarything.com/topic/209596.

I hope to provide some comment on the books I read, however brief, and would be pleased if I helped others find some new books to enjoy.

742wonderY
Jan 11, 2016, 7:27 am

So glad to have you join us Marissa and Harry.

Harry, you have a formidable collection of Joseph C. Lincoln. I do love his depictions of wise and loving elderly men, a category that seems sadly neglected.

**sidles over to the chocolates and claims a couple of the dark chocolates** Saving them for later.

75Marissa_Doyle
Jan 11, 2016, 7:44 am

Harry, we spend summers in Chatham--lots of Lincoln around. :) Do you have a favorite?

76harrygbutler
Jan 11, 2016, 4:14 pm

>74 2wonderY: Thanks for the welcome, Ruth! I first encountered Lincoln a few years ago, and I was hooked. One good book sale contributed several, and I've been picking up others as and when I can. I also enjoy his elderly ex-sailors — perhaps more so now than I would have in my 20s! :-) — and the gentle humor and kindness with which he treats his characters in general.

>75 Marissa_Doyle: Hi, Marissa! Mr. Pratt, in which a local "looks after" a couple young businessmen who seek to "get away from it all," and The Depot Master, which apparently was worked up from stories that appeared in magazines first and which includes both humor and romance, are probably my two favorites of those I've read so far. I just read Cap'n Dan's Daughter, and though I liked it well enough, it was definitely weaker.

I'll take a bit of the cordial, and offer some of the blueberry shrub that I just bottled (though it will be better after it ages a bit).

772wonderY
Jan 11, 2016, 4:43 pm

We can wait.

**sits on hands**

78toast_and_tea
Jan 12, 2016, 7:59 pm

Hi, I'm Hannah. I joined a while ago, but for some reason, I haven't posted.

Anybody want peanut butter cookies with dark chocolate chips?

I have a particular interest in older and more obscure books. I love public domain sites, but especially openlibrary.

As for genres, I too like gentle reads: stories about cats, housewives, books set in the country, big coffeetable books of photographs of country houses, fiction with upper class families, fiction set in villages, castles, cottages, villas.
I have a major interest in music and film of the 20s-60s, especially musicals, so in my library I have books on Fred Astaire, Judy Garland, all that good stuff. I have an interest in anything broadway or stage related too.
My other major interest is books about books. Fiction set in bookshops, books about collecting, bibliomania, bookbinding, the history of books...I find it it all fascinating.
I like historical fiction, especially those told over dual times or family sagas. I like fiction in which a leading character discovers something from the past, whether it be letters, a book, a photograph, a locket, you name it. Family secrets always tempt me too.
I like time travel, but I suppose that was obvious!
I have a penchant for vintage childrens fiction, especially involving a mystery, history, or time travel. Or all three!
I like works by women of previous centuries, a lot of classics, a little smattering of fantasy, non-fic about royalty, fairytales and folklore, and a little bit of poetry. I like books with maids. and butlers. I'm not keen on a lot of fantasy unless it's of a vintage or historical variety. I particularly enjoyed The Incredible Umbrella by Marvin Kaye. I don't like horror, a lot of contemporary romances, or a lot of popular titles.

I always remember having a book in my hand. I can't place where I acquired my passion, as both my parents are rather anti-readers, but I loved them all the same. They were my solace through a rough isolated childhood.

Other than reading and book collecting, I enjoy collecting vintage ephemera and putting them in albums, collecting vinyl, coloring, and going on hunts to thrift stores/antique shops/bookshops/etc with my husband, Cody.

79MrsLee
Jan 12, 2016, 8:44 pm

Goodie! New members and snacks and drinks. Lovely. I can offer persimmon liqueur. It may be an acquired taste, so here is some caraway seed cake to go along with. :)

80SaintSunniva
Jan 12, 2016, 10:16 pm

>78 toast_and_tea: welcome! I love reading your introduction! There are quite a few overlaps with my interests. I'm going to tell my daughter about The Incredible Umbrella. I like village stories so much. English fiction...right now I'm reading and laughing here and there through Mrs. Miniver. I love that book!

81toast_and_tea
Jan 12, 2016, 10:39 pm

>80 SaintSunniva: Mind if I add you as a friend? I'd love to talk about books with you. I'm in the process of scouring your shelves for anything new.

I have an old copy of Mrs. Miniver, complete with a corny WWII era jacket flap description full of exclamations. It's got the actor and actress from the movie on a red dust jacket.

Oh I adore the Incredible Umbrella. Hope she will too. I'm always on the lookout for more quirky, whimsical vintage fantasy gems.

822wonderY
Jan 13, 2016, 7:01 am

It's probably too early in the day for me to start with the persimmon liqueur. And it possibly would clash with this warm soft peanut butter cookie with melty chocolate chips I just recovered from the micro. Luscious breakfast food. Thanks!

>78 toast_and_tea: So glad you spoke up. Sounds like you'll feel quite to home here.

83gmathis
Jan 13, 2016, 8:31 am

>78 toast_and_tea: ShyPageSniffer: Welcome (bumbling clumsily through the doorway trying to balance book, teacup, blanket, and pan of hot cherry crisp)!

84toast_and_tea
Jan 13, 2016, 10:24 am

Good morning everyone. I finished up all my little chores and fed my fur babies, so I'm about to settle down with some hot cocoa and cataloging, after a shower. I want to add more books, so everyone feel free to shoot me recs!

85harrygbutler
Edited: Jan 14, 2016, 4:52 pm

>84 toast_and_tea: Hannah, you might be interested in The House of a Thousand Candles, a 1906 bestseller by Meredith Nicholson, which involves an inherited house that is being searched for hidden treasure. I just finished it and found it enjoyable, though I haven't yet put a little capsule review up on my reading thread. It is in some ways similar to, but I think not as fun as, Seven Keys to Baldpate, which you may know.

By the way, have you and Cody been out to the big sale at The Archive in Lansdale, Pa.? Lots of old vinyl as well as old books on sale for 25 cents apiece right now in the upstairs unsorted area.

86toast_and_tea
Jan 13, 2016, 3:26 pm

Gee thanks Harry. I'll mention it to Cody! 25 cents a peice, gosh.

87toast_and_tea
Jan 15, 2016, 10:08 pm

>85 harrygbutler: are you sure it's 25 cents? The website says a dollar and me and Cody want to go soon.

88harrygbutler
Edited: Jan 15, 2016, 10:38 pm

>87 toast_and_tea: Yep, the upstairs sale is 25 cents apiece until Jan. 23. I was just back there again today and got another box of books (19 for $4.75 total), and there looked to be plenty of records left, too.

I found out about the sale initially via Book Sale Finder: http://www.booksalefinder.com/PA.html#X14507.

I find the weekly e-mail a real help in planning what library and other book sales to hit.

89toast_and_tea
Jan 17, 2016, 12:57 pm

>88 harrygbutler: We went Saturday and we had a great haul! Thank you so much it was the funnest day I've had so far. I'll be starting a new topic about my haul. My husband got less books than me, but he did get a vintage clorox bottle and some old things, some binders, a tin or two, old string. He's strange, but I adore him! lol.

902wonderY
Oct 5, 2016, 5:14 pm

Gosh darn it, this space seems to have been abandoned. Or at least under-used. I'm closing the windows and straightening the papers. Let's see, I've made a fresh pot of tea, and I've got just half a bottle left of last year's blackberry cordial. (I've got 16 quarts of this year's harvest aging and nearly ready to tap.) Brrr. It's a bit chilly; shall we have a small fire this evening? I'm stopping at the store, as my snack cupboard is empty. Who's all here?

91SylviaC
Oct 5, 2016, 5:55 pm

Canadian Thangsgiving is coming, so I can offer up a full turkey dinner, complete with stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, turnip, cauliflower, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. We'll probably be to tired to do anything but read after that.

92hearthlit
Oct 6, 2016, 4:03 pm

Answering "present" to the roll call.

Turkey will do nicely, and a cup of tea. :)

The persimmons aren't ripe yet, unfortunately. Perhaps some spiced pears?

93gmathis
Oct 6, 2016, 6:40 pm

We've just been too confounded warm in Missouri for comfort food and my current reading pile is decidedly un-tattery. Oh, wait...I forgot...I cracked a bunch of pecans for a pie. I'll throw in an extra panful with butter, brown sugar, cinnamon and a teeny bit of red pepper. Will that do?

94MrsLee
Oct 7, 2016, 10:29 am

I made chicken molé last night! What I wouldn't give for a good homemade pecan pie!

952wonderY
Aug 22, 2017, 8:07 am

I see there are some new members who have crept in. Come in, come in! We've got chocolate covered cake donuts this morning, and always a fresh pot of tea.

We're glad you're here. Do introduce yourselves.

96gmathis
Aug 22, 2017, 8:50 am

(waving and lifting my cuppa to you). Salutations!

972wonderY
Jan 4, 2018, 4:18 pm

**bustles around smacking cushions together, scooping up stray piles of paper, returning abandoned books to the shelves**

Is it warm enough in here? I could crank up the fire a bit.
My neighbor brought samples of Heath Bar Brickle, and there's a pot of hambone pea soup on the stove if you need something hearty.

How's everybody?

98gmathis
Jan 5, 2018, 8:51 am

Abandoned books? Shameful! I'll make butterscotch blondie tea to go with the brickle. (Seriously...have you tried it...? Tasty! Tazo has introduced a line of dessert teas to tempt and taunt me every time I walk by them at the store.)

99MrsLee
Jan 6, 2018, 11:04 am

*settles into the fluffy cushions with her blankie and cuppa, and a good book* I'm reading the poems of Robert Browning, it seems apt to this group.

100hearthlit
Jan 6, 2018, 6:20 pm

>99 MrsLee: If you find a good quote and want to stash it somewhere, there's a thread for RB in the Book Quotations group.

http://www.librarything.com/groups/bookquotations

Hot cranberry juice with cloves will go with hambone pea soup, won't it?

1012wonderY
Jan 6, 2018, 7:48 pm

Ooh! You betcha. That sounds perfect for the evening. And I’ve got blackberry cordial open on the buffet. Use the petite stemmed glasses there.

1022wonderY
Jan 16, 2018, 7:42 am

Hi all. I tried to get to work this morning but the roads are not safe. 40mph on the interstate before you get out of town is not a good sign. Snow is still coming down and it is crystal slick.

So I’m back in my rocker by the fire. Hot cocoa for now and a pot of chili simmering for later. I am getting low on my caramel sea salt chocolates. There may be a crisis later.

I’m going through a small bookshelf in the dining room and blessedly finding multiple books I no longer want. I’m also reading daughter’s Christmas gift The Little Brown Jug at Kildare. It’s not one of Nicholson’s best, but it has it’s good points.

103MrsLee
Jan 18, 2018, 9:23 am

>102 2wonderY: Sounds like a delightful day to me! At least if you can stay inside and do the activities you are doing. :)

1042wonderY
Jan 18, 2018, 9:42 am

I was so glad I decided to stay in on Tuesday. The snow continued all day, and the roads got progressively worse. If I'd made my way across the hilly remotes to work, the return trip would have been even more treacherous. I had dinner plans across town that evening, and that short drive was iffy. I had to plot my path so I wouldn't have a stop at the bottom of a hill.

We've got sunshine today and it may reach 30F.

105JerryMmm
Jan 18, 2018, 10:09 am

Its hurricane strong storm here apparently, and it's paper trash day here. Of course all the bins are by the side of the road. Well, they were. Depending on which way they got tipped over much of the contents are in various gardens... people don't think :(

Some videos on fb and twitter are showing people literally being blown away. Roofs are getting blown away as well. Fun.

I'm reading one of my secret santa lt gifts, relic.

106.Monkey.
Jan 18, 2018, 10:28 am

>105 JerryMmm: Ah that's right, you're in this (relative) part of the world too. It was nuts here earlier, crazy loud and blowing hard enough to get inside through a window gap and send the curtain billowing! The cats were freaking out for a while there. Fortunately it seems to have settled down a good bit since around noon.

1072wonderY
Jan 18, 2018, 10:43 am

>105 JerryMmm: Wow! Is this typical winter weather for you?

108.Monkey.
Jan 18, 2018, 11:37 am

Not really. I mean NL is often quite windy, but not like this.

109JerryMmm
Jan 18, 2018, 5:06 pm

This heavy is rare. There's usually a storm or two that does cause significant damage, but I don't recall one shutting down the rail system completely.

Nothing compared to the real hurricanes of course, but significant. Short, so it won't be memorable, unless you've been blown away..

110JesicaAngelina
Jan 20, 2018, 3:12 am

This user has been removed as spam.

111.Monkey.
Jan 20, 2018, 3:22 am

*coughs* Don't mind me, just burying the tombstone.

112JerryMmm
Jan 20, 2018, 4:33 am

3 deaths and over 50 million euro damage was the result of this storm, top 10 worst storms since 1900.

Expect more the longer climate change continues.

113.Monkey.
Jan 20, 2018, 2:31 pm

Holy crap. My husband had looked in the morning (on Thurs) at what the wind was like there (especially to check how it was at his parents'), but I don't think he thought to check back, since their area was supposed to not get very bad. Wow.

114gmathis
May 10, 2018, 11:39 am

Been a while...is everyone well? I iced down some ginger peach tea in a Mason jar. If I can find a confounded minute to put my feet up I have a Georgette Heyer book rescued from a thrift shop to read to the cats: The Grand Sophy. (Georgette was on Mom's Approved List of Romances for Sixth and Seventh Grade Advanced Readers Who Get Bored During Summer Break.)

1152wonderY
May 10, 2018, 2:04 pm

It's great to see a friendly face here again. I'm just about to reach into my pile of old fiction. I've been battling my piles from the public library, returning more than I read.

Yes on the ginger peach tea please. The weather is thunderstormy here, but muggy.

We just had a graduation festivity for a co-worker, and I've got the remainders of banana split ingredients to share.

116Sakerfalcon
May 11, 2018, 4:34 am

>114 gmathis: Oohh, The grand Sophy is a good one! Hope you and the cats enjoy it!

117gmathis
May 11, 2018, 8:41 am

>116 Sakerfalcon: The A. L. O. R. also included Barbara Cartland, Jean Plaidy, and Victoria Holt (I believe Jean/Victoria were pen names for the same author). Of course, if I am going to recreate my summer reading habits, I need to spread an old quilt out in the sunny back yard, douse myself in baby oil, and have a box of Freakies cereal to hand.

118SimmKa
May 22, 2018, 4:56 pm

Hullo! I adore the name of this group; I believe it's my first LT group because I'm still trying to figure out the app. I found it because I have a lovely, tattered copy of Music in the Hills by D. E. Stevenson and it was mentioned in a thread of this group while I was snooping in LT trying to see how much I'd like the book.
I'm under a blanket because I live in the chilly, beautiful, pine-filled Northwoods in America, and I'm eating marshmallows because they're sweet and I've been too busy cataloguing to bake anything ;)
I'm a book rescuer; I sort donated books before they hit Goodwill's book shredders and save the ones that aren't by the Olsen Twins or Captain Underpants and his ilk. I try to input them in LT as I sort them, before I find shelf space for them if you're interested in my goodies!

Nice to meet you all! I enjoyed reading these intros :)

119SimmKa
May 22, 2018, 4:59 pm

Victoria Holt, Jean Plaidy, and Philippa Gregory were my obsessions in high school :) I still can't wear or decorate with peacock feathers!

1202wonderY
May 22, 2018, 8:30 pm

>118 SimmKa: Welcome! So glad to see a new face around here. Make yourself at home.

121gmathis
May 23, 2018, 10:11 am

> 118 Book shredder. That's just sad. It kind of makes my stomach turn :) I think I'd better go make myself a stiff belt of iced mint tea before I get the vapors.

122SimmKa
May 30, 2018, 4:43 pm

>120 2wonderY: 2wonderY Thank you, kindly!

123SimmKa
May 30, 2018, 4:48 pm

>121 gmathis: That sounds like an excellent idea! I just plucked some of my mint to put on my lunch (a slice of key lime pie- don't tell anyone I cheated on my diet. I gave away slices and I only made it to bring to neighbor on our visit. I can't let the rest go to waste, can I?) I've been telling myself that I ought to make mint syrup for some iced tea and you sort of solidified that niggling idea. Comfort my soul while I fold my neglected laundry and watch the new Masterpiece Little Women ;)

1242wonderY
May 30, 2018, 4:49 pm

You're welcome!

There is chocolate birthday cake today and two kinds of ice cream - vanilla and a dark chunky chocolate. If it's too cold in here, take your bowls outside and sprawl on the veranda.

125SimmKa
May 30, 2018, 4:52 pm

>124 2wonderY: It has been in the 90's here all weekend– extremely unusual! We had 3 feet of snow less than a month ago ha! So, too cold doesn't seem possible at the moment. A thunderstorm has begun and I'm hoping it'll cool things down a bit. We did hit the lake before it rolled in, though.
Happy birthday celebration, yours or otherwise! :)

126MrsLee
Jun 9, 2018, 10:48 am

Bringing a cherry and pineapple tart to the party. Also some cherry brandy, if anyone is so inclined. I haven't checked in here for awhile, life is so, well, just so.

127gmathis
Jun 9, 2018, 1:21 pm

Come sit out in the yard with me and watch the laundry dry on the line. We'll put our feet up and have book chat with strawberry sun tea and (shh, don't tell, gluten-free) brownies with ice cream.

1282wonderY
Sep 10, 2018, 10:12 am

I've got new china for the sideboard:



What do you think?

It's all of a sudden chilly here, so I've got both cocoa and hot tea out this morning.

129MrsLee
Sep 11, 2018, 9:14 am

>128 2wonderY: Lovely china, although a bit lacking in the pastry department. I'm thinking a lovely Sacher Torte, Salzburger Nockerl, Topfentasche, Apfelstrudel or Linzer Torte to start with? Those are just some ideas from Austria.

Or we could just fill them with yummy cheeses, fruit and nuts. I'd be okay with that.

130gmathis
Edited: Sep 13, 2018, 11:24 am

Save me a slice. I'll be there if I can tame the paperwork monsters on my desk threatening to have me for their morning snack!

131BonnieJune54
Sep 13, 2018, 10:29 am

I love them. I always have an open book next to my plate.

132haydninvienna
Oct 19, 2018, 10:00 am

Hi. I joined at the end of September but haven't introduced myself yet. I'm Richard, I live and work in the Middle East (not in oil though), and have a TBR pile that I quail to think about. I'm hoping to bring some baklava and Turkish coffee.

I just finished The Novels of Thomas Love Peacock. Since the copy I have is of the collected edition published in 1948 by Rupert Hart-Davis, I think it qualifies as TBSL. This collection has brief introductions by David Garnett to the collection as a whole and to each novel separately. It also has a dust jacket illustration by Joan Hassall.

Peacock is an interesting character, at least to me. He was born in 1785 and for the first 30 or so years of his life didn’t do much but tour England and Wales and write some forgettable poetry. He published the first of his novels in 1815. Five more followed over the next 16 years, and then no more until 1861. In 1819 he was offered a position in the London offices of the East India Company. He proved to be a capable administrator and retired in 1856 from the senior office of Chief Examiner. He was a close friend of Shelley and the executor of Shelley’s will. He seems to have known all the literary lights of London between the 1820s and the 1850s—Leigh Hunt, Coleridge, Charles Lamb and even Jeremy Bentham. James Mill was Chief Examiner before him and John Stuart Mill after. His daughter Mary Ellen married the poet George Meredith, whose sonnet sequence Modern Love is about their relationship.
He published 7 novels during his lifetime:
Headlong Hall (1815)
Melincourt (1817)
Nightmare Abbey (1818)
Maid Marian (1822)
The Misfortunes of Elphin (1829)
Crotchet Castle (1831)
Gryll Grange (1861)

The novels are certainly not great literature but they're fun. Basically, most of them are philosophical and political satires, mostly in dialogue. And all of them are short--the longest is Melincourt, which is only 254 pages of not extremely small type.

1332wonderY
Oct 19, 2018, 10:22 am

Hi Richard. Very glad you introduced yourself. Yes, I'll have a slice of baklava please.

I've never bumped into Peacock, but I see his novels have been compared in flavor to Candide. I might try me one. Which would you recommend to begin?

And I can add granola and yogurt to the offerings this morning.

134gmathis
Edited: Oct 19, 2018, 11:52 am

Love Mr. Peacock's titles--they do sound like romping good reads. Eyes now open.

It's damp and rainy here. If you're feeling a bit under the weather, I made my favorite elderberry potion: about 2 T dried elderberries, 1/2 teaspoon each cinnamon and turmeric. Couple of cups of water. Bring to a good rumbling boil for about 15 minutes to leech out all the berry goodness, sweeten with honey. Never fails.

135haydninvienna
Oct 19, 2018, 12:07 pm

Great cakes here in Doha. Most expats put on a few pounds.

Peacock compared to Candide? I suppose, in that they're philosophical satires. But in Candide, all sorts of terrible things happen. (Yes, I've both read the book and seen the operetta, or whatever it is, which is all over the place this year.) The worst that ever happens to any of Peacock's characters is a ducking in a pond. And Voltaire is a lot harsher on Leibniz than Peacock was even on Southey or Lord Monboddo.
With that out of the way, i'd say start with Crotchet Castle. This is Peacock in maturity, and it's more good-humoured than the earlier books sometimes are. It also has something vaguely resembling a plot, and it has two of Peacock's most attractive characters. Using the word characters loosely--most of the characters in all of the novels are paper cutouts put there to express the opinions that Peacock is mocking. Don't start with Maid Marian or The Misfortunes of Elphin, which don't really fit the pattern. I wouldn't recommend starting with Gryll Grange either, although it's my favourite. If you're not reasonably familiar with English politics and literature of the period, it might be useful to have some notes so that you know who is who. I know that at least some of them are available in Penguin Classics, which would probably have suffieint notes.

1362wonderY
Oct 19, 2018, 12:14 pm

sigh. My library system only has Nightmare Abby in print. The others can be downloaded electronically, but I'm not equipped for that yet. I guess I need to buy me an ipad.

137haydninvienna
Oct 19, 2018, 12:18 pm

>136 2wonderY: I think all of them are available on Project Gutenberg. I think there are probably some minor errors in the text though.

138BonnieJune54
Oct 20, 2018, 9:54 pm

We like 1948 dust jackets here.

139MrsLee
Oct 21, 2018, 1:50 pm

I thought of you all yesterday while I was at a yard sale. Five boxes of TBSL books, one whole full of fictions about nurses. Not my thing, but I was wishing you all could be there looking over my shoulder to tell me any you wanted. I didn't have time to go through them properly, and the people were packing up. I did come away with a Pearl S. Buck novel though, The Patriot.

140haydninvienna
Oct 28, 2018, 10:53 am

>138 BonnieJune54: I’ll see if I can get a decent scan of it.

141haydninvienna
Oct 30, 2018, 11:41 am

>138 BonnieJune54: This it:

.

Joan Hassall's signature is at the lower left corner.

142BonnieJune54
Oct 31, 2018, 1:21 am

Thank you! I like the servant. Is he listening or just looking to see if they need more claret.

1432wonderY
Jan 24, 2019, 7:07 pm

Well! **bustles about, plumping pillows**

This space doesn't seem to get much use lately.

Hello any new people. Helloooo! Come and pull up a seat near the fire and tell me what you've been reading.

I'm in the middle of The Way of a Woman. It's an odd obscure mystery/romance. I'm the only lister on LT, but there is an online edition. A pale young thing is summoned to the manor house, under the assumption she is the lord's widow from out west. Only she isn't, and he isn't (dead). I do like the characters, and I am patient finding out the details.

I've just made a fresh pot of tea, and there is always hot chocolate or some blackberry cordial, if you'd prefer. Oops, no baked goods, but I'll bet someone will come along presently with some sweets. Eh?

144gmathis
Jan 25, 2019, 9:04 am

A little carrot cake left that I can share. And Kukicha ("twig") tea, which is surprisingly sweet and toasty tasting, considering it is literally stems and twigs from tea plants.

'Tis the season for comfort reading to combat the Janu-wearies; at the moment, the only item in my stack that somewhat qualifies as TBSL is In My Father's House by Corrie Ten Boom. Alternating between Corrie, my annual read of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, and Home to Harmony, a very comfy companion for Jan Karon fans.

145BonnieJune54
Jan 25, 2019, 10:58 pm

I have thought about the “Harmony “ series. I like the Mitford books and my ancestors were Quakers in Indiana. I’m reading The Water-Babies and An American Tragedy. The fairies and social realism balance each other out. Some tea and a smidge of carrot cake would be nice.

1462wonderY
Jan 26, 2019, 12:46 pm

I’ll take a piece of cake as well. I’m glorying in the company of my 6 month old grand baby today. Nice to see you both again. Good reading to you!

147MrsLee
Jan 28, 2019, 9:21 am

I made some scones this weekend to go with the lemon and orange curds I had made. Perhaps some Lady Grey tea to go with?

1482wonderY
May 8, 2019, 3:16 pm

Gosh, a whole season can go by around here without anybody speaking up. Y'know, with over 200 members now, someone ought to have something to say.

We've got doors open here today, letting in the sunshine and spring air (and a bug or two). My paper book reading has diminished, but may pick up again with new eyeglasses.

I'm savoring a local to me author, Granville Davisson Hall, who wrote a 1907 memoir Old Gold. Though he refuses to name the town, his oblique references place his home very near to me; perhaps the next county over. The book comes from my husband's family library, which I inherited. Isn't it amazing how well even obscure authors wrote back then?

149MrsLee
May 12, 2019, 2:25 am

We have just spent 3 lovely nights and days at the Sylvia Beach Hotel in Newport, OR. All rooms are author themed, the whole hotel is a sort of prayer to reading. Peaceful. Meals are served at communal tables, cell phones strongly discouraged. Cell phones are forbidden in the library. Spiced hot wine served after dinner each evening. It's been interesting visiting with the other guests at meals. Everyone respects your reading in the library and it is quiet. When a change is needed, a walk on the beach will clear the mind. Lovely.

1502wonderY
May 13, 2019, 7:45 am

>149 MrsLee: That sounds like a perfectly wonderful place to spend time. Are the employees literature lovers too?

151gmathis
May 13, 2019, 9:24 am

Oh, my goodness...adding that destination to my bucket list!

In the meantime, there's finally enough sunshine after weeks of being waterlogged to sit out back and watch my apple mint grow. I'll stick a sprig in my tumbler of peach dandelion tea. Bring a book and join me.

152MrsLee
May 16, 2019, 9:44 am

>150 2wonderY: Being a very small hotel, there were not a lot of employees around. Although I did not specifically ask, they all seemed conversant in the theme of the hotel and the rooms.

We met a couple from Washington D.C., two college girls on spring break from Ohio, some folks from Portland, OR and others from Oregon. One of our table mates worked on the Space lab with NASA.

I have been researching (in a very laid back way for my family history) the 1100s, specifically King Henry, II reign and Thomas Becket. Low and behold, in the loft at the hotel was The Medieval Reader by Norman F. Cantor. There were several pertinent first-hand accounts of the era and events I am working on. I was told that I could borrow the book if I wished, but they would like it, or another in good condition, to replace it. Turned out I finished it by skimming only those sections on the time I was looking at, so I left it there. I also left Billy Bud and Other Tales by Herman Melville in our room, which was the Herman Melville room. I had taken it to finish there, and leave for others, and of all the Melville books they had, this version was not among them.

1532wonderY
May 16, 2019, 10:51 am

Oh, that is so very cool that they had that primary source collection. That is beyond literary theme, and into serious historic material.

154ChrisCheetham
May 17, 2019, 12:21 pm

I've been asked to say something about myself. I'm not sure quite how or how much detail to go into, but I can see by reading the introductions of others that I've fallen into a den of readers. ;)

I'm 67 and live in Washington DC. Anyone who wants to "friend" me and find out more is most welcome to: https://www.facebook.com/chris.cheetham.142

Like many of you I taught myself to read, in my case at 4, using the comics section of our local paper, the Baton Rouge State Times/Morning Advocate. I grew up there and in London and Stockholm before moving to Bethesda MD to go to high school. I dropped out short of graduating, knowing that I'd be drafted and sent to Vietnam, but at least I met my future wife there. I've never really held a proper job but have had several different careers in the arts under various pseudonyms. I've written 14 novels but nothing lately. What I've always done is read: generally two novels (or one history book) a day. I have many many favorites, and I try never to say anything negative about the books or authors I don't care for but only positive things about the ones I do. I've always enjoyed extremely poor health; how better to enjoy it than reading and listening to music? ;)

155gmathis
Jul 1, 2019, 9:41 am

Must be summer vacation time...I see cobwebs. I'll get them cleared out for you, then you can join me for some blackberry-pine tea, seriously! Not just a fictional extraction from Redwall Abbey! Most unusual herbal combination I've ever tried. Just enough berry to keep it from tasting like floor cleaner :)

And as far as summer reads go, I believe 4th of July would be a fitting time for So Dear to my Heart. That was my sister's childhood favorite--as I was helping clean out her bookshelves, I found several salvaged copies she had intended to give as gifts. I think I'll be able to get through it as long as I have a hanky nearby.

1562wonderY
Jul 2, 2019, 10:33 am

Hey GG, I will try some of that tea, but with a shot of cordial to dampen down that aftertaste, eh?

That's one I've never come across. I tend to the same practice - collecting copies of old favorites as I come across them in hopes of sharing them. Mrs. Mike is one I do frequently.

157gmathis
Jul 3, 2019, 10:11 am

I liked Mrs. Mike. It reminded me somewhat in theme of The Tall Woman, which was recommended to me by a sweet "library lady" at church.

Everybody have enough produce to see you through the weekend? I can share red and yellow plum tomatoes, and our extra long, extra thin Chinese green beans are about ready to come in.

1582wonderY
Jul 3, 2019, 10:42 am

I love yellow plum tomatoes! Sun warmed. That’s one of my childhood taste memories.

159gmathis
Jul 3, 2019, 11:54 am

Oh, and banana peppers! My happy vegetable memory is Grandpa's carrots, fresh out of the dirt and cleaned off at the garden hose.

160haydninvienna
Jul 3, 2019, 12:04 pm

>158 2wonderY: Yellow or red, straight out of my former Canberra back garden. Ambrosia. I used to eat tomatoes as fruit.

161NinieB
Aug 7, 2019, 6:43 pm

I just stumbled across this group and immediately joined. My name is Ninie (rhymes with shiny) and I'm a sucker for old, tattered, loved, books.

>4 MrsLee: and I were separated at birth, judging from our reading histories. I managed to skip the kindergarten reading class by finishing the I See Sam series before I started school. Nancy Drew, the Bobbsey Twins, Frank and Joe Hardy, and the Dana sisters were my besties. A Little House on the Prairie box set was a treasured Christmas present. And then I found the Agatha Christie paperbacks on the family bookshelves. For historical romance doorstops, I gobbled down Gone with the Wind in 3 or 4 days (it must have been summer).

>119 SimmKa: I too was obsessed with Jean Plaidy and her alter ego Victoria Holt in high school! And I'm something of a book rescuer, too; I have quite a number of books fished out of recycling bins. One I've been meaning to read is Here I Stay, by Elizabeth Coatsworth; my copy even has the dust jacket.

Currently, my reading is all over the place. Golden Age mystery is my true love, but I'll try almost any fiction published before 1960, and I'm even starting to like some sci-fi.

>160 haydninvienna: So nice to see you here, Richard. Did The Second Man work out for you?

*picks up pitcher* I have some lovely mint iced tea from the garden. Anyone care to join me?

162haydninvienna
Aug 8, 2019, 5:30 am

>161 NinieB: Hi and welcome. Yes it did. I thought the legal procedural bits were well worked out and the atmosphere of the chambers was convincing (although I was a solicitor, not a barrister).

163gmathis
Aug 8, 2019, 8:33 am

>161 NinieB: Welcome. Indeed, it looks like you're one of us! I've probably mentioned elsewhere that Jean Plaidy was my "gateway drug" to historical fiction ... she was the first "grown-up" author Mom allowed me to read once I had completely exhausted the children's section of our little hometown library.

164MrsLee
Aug 8, 2019, 9:55 am

>161 NinieB: Welcome, my long lost reading sister! :)

I just purchased a Mr. and Mrs. North story by Frances Lockridge on Amazon Kindle for .99. My mom and I both love to read the Golden Age mysteries. Please have some of these oatmeal muffin tops to go with the ice tea?

165NinieB
Aug 8, 2019, 6:38 pm

>162 haydninvienna: Excellent! Since I have little knowledge of English procedure or legal chambers, it's nice to hear that you found it convincing.

>163 gmathis: Another Jean Plaidy fan, yay! I found out about Forthcoming Books in Print because of Jean Plaidy.

>164 MrsLee: I read Murder Has Its Points, 25/26 in the Mr and Mrs North series, not too long ago, and I was a little disappointed, but I've greatly enjoyed others in that series! Which one did you get?

166MrsLee
Edited: Aug 8, 2019, 6:56 pm

>165 NinieB: Murder out of Turn, I haven't read many of these, but I recall them as tolerable. Not mysteries I keep on my shelf at home though.

1672wonderY
Aug 9, 2019, 9:02 am

>161 NinieB: Welcome!

Nice crowd here. Sheltering from the heat and humidity, eh? I've been cutting down trees and running branches through the chipper. I could use some iced mint tea, if there is any left, please.

168gmathis
Aug 9, 2019, 2:13 pm

Chocolate mint or apple mint? Or would you like cuttings so you can grow your own?

169NinieB
Aug 9, 2019, 10:39 pm

>167 2wonderY: >168 gmathis: Classic mint tea. And plenty left (the mint in the garden is winning . . . !).

170gmathis
Aug 10, 2019, 10:24 am

>169 NinieB: My garage is starting to look like a tobacco barn with all the clumps of drying mint and lemongrass I have going!

171NinieB
Aug 10, 2019, 2:33 pm

>170 gmathis: We haven't done that but it would probably be wise!

172rhinemaiden
Edited: Nov 13, 2019, 6:15 am

Saying hello... I'm a reader, writer and book lover. Which makes me not any different than anyone else in this group, but puts me in very good company! For which I thank you all.

I see that 1950 is the line in the sand between "then" and "now"... here's what I have in my library in the oldies area (most are children's books)

Mary K. Reely - Seatmates -- published 1949
Lois Lenski - Prairie School -- published 1951
Robert McCloskey - Homer Price published 1943 and Centerburg Tales published 1951
Betty MacDonald - Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle published 1947, Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle's Magic published 1949 and Hello, Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle published 1957... all are illustrated by Hilary Knight of one of my favorite illustrators (Eloise)

genuine oldies in my library include:

Dorothy Parker - Not So Deep as a Well - published 1936
J.L. Nichols - Safe Methods of Business - published 1892
R.L. Grismer & R.H. Olmsted - A Mexico Por Automovil - Spanish reader published in 1938

Enough about me... let's talk about books and illustrators!

173gmathis
Nov 13, 2019, 1:06 pm

>172 rhinemaiden: Hello back! Just browsing through your little book list made me smile...memories of getting to read the books PAST THE RED LINE in the school library in 1st grade, even though everybody else couldn't cross it!

I cheat once in a while and classify some my early '70s items as "tattered" as well...such as a copy of Captains and the Kings that a work friend just passed along. Taylor Caldwell was one Mom would let me read in 6th and 7th grade, although she made it clear it was against her better judgment.

1742wonderY
Nov 14, 2019, 10:17 am

>172 rhinemaiden: So glad you found us. Homer Price is a real gem. I must look it up again. So, have you read A Mexico Por Automovil? Would it qualify as a motoring romance? And romance in the old understanding was more about adventure. Merriam Webster offers this definition:
"a prose narrative treating imaginary characters involved in events remote in time or place and usually heroic, adventurous, or mysterious"

I've got a head cold, and taking meds to control the cough. starting to feel numb and vacant. … need my pillow!

175rhinemaiden
Nov 14, 2019, 12:49 pm

>174 2wonderY: 2wonderY: A Mexico Por Automovil is a reader used in first year Spanish classes... I took Spanish in college and was fortunate to have R.H. Olmsted (co-author of the book) as my professor. The book, written in Spanish, is a collection of stories about a car trip through Mexico. I first read it in college and have it now to brush up on my Spanish.

Found treasures today at a local flea market: Babar and Father Christmas by Jean de Brunhoff original publication 1940 (what I bought is a 1987 facsimile edition, in English, printed in France.) Two other finds: The Night before Christmas illustrated by Jan Brett - 10th anniversary edition, originally published 1998. A Christmas Alphabet by Robert Sabuda - special limited edition published for Gump's/San Francisco in 1996, I already own the original edition published in 1994. And last... Christmas Tree In-a-Box... a 2-foot tall, construct it yourself, paper art Christmas tree kit, never opened.

FEEL BETTER STAT!! Bed and a good book sound like an ideal cold remedy. And lots of chicken soup!

1762wonderY
Nov 14, 2019, 12:56 pm

Christmas Alphabet is the touchstone you want.

Some good finds, I love Jan Brett!

1772wonderY
Nov 28, 2019, 8:05 am

Happy US Turkey Day my friends!

Daughter is hosting a passel of new-found friends, from college, I think. The house is in great disarray. There is still a bed in the dining room from her husband's recent surgery and a wheelchair blocking the front door and the stairs. The kitchen is a disaster area.
Will soon be rousing her children and setting tasks.

A mother's work...

178rhinemaiden
Nov 28, 2019, 8:25 am

And Happy T-day to all... I'm starting the day watching Midsomer Murders (a Christmas episode) before switching to the Macy's Parade...

179gmathis
Nov 28, 2019, 2:36 pm

I generally am a stickler about keeping Thanksgiving separate and distinct, but due to some weekend plans, I'm making an exception; we've been toodling around in jammies and putting up the Christmas tree while the bird's in the oven. Touched lots of memories as I hung ornaments handmade by my mom and sister, who are both gone now. So glad I have those little bits and pieces to enjoy!

If you don't mind the disarray, come by for a cup of tea. I steeped a pot of Chocolate Orange to go with the pumpkin pie.

1802wonderY
Nov 28, 2019, 2:58 pm

That sounds yummy. And the tree ritual makes my heart glow. We have ornaments from 6 generations.

181hosaossi
Nov 28, 2019, 3:51 pm

This user has been removed as spam.

182NinieB
Nov 28, 2019, 10:39 pm

I made corn sticks (corn bread in cute cast iron corn cob molds) today. I have a couple left over—please dig in!!

1832wonderY
Dec 2, 2019, 2:56 pm

Just a second report on a wonderful holiday weekend ~

Friday I processed the biggest turkey carcass ever. Made a huge pot of turkey noodle soup, and have to say it was the best.

Saturday, we drove to other daughter's house for another feast - leftovers, mostly. SIL extended their modest table by laying a plywood panel over top of it and covering it with a top sheet. The older grands celebrated with baby Theia all over the house. It was a rackety lovely party. New foods for Theia - olives and chocolate. She liked both, but was more enamoured with the olives.

Elly rode with me and kept me regaled with the plots of all the books she's been reading. I'll get her on LT soon so we can keep up the conversation.

1842wonderY
Dec 17, 2019, 10:52 am

There are LEFTOVERS today! Yesterday was the office party. Today, the building is nearly empty, as most everybody else went to another optional event.

I so stuffed myself yesterday that my back ached from the additional front weight. Truly.
And then I went home and tried to satisfy a gnawing hunger without actually eating a full meal. Why does that happen?

Anyway, I'm grazing the fridge here and plan to have cheesecake for lunch.

I found a new favorite sweet - Hershey's Gold Kisses - caramel cremes with pretzel bits. Don't read the ingredients list, just have one.

And always a pot of tea to help with digestion.

Hey, I'd like to propose a group read in that corner right over there.

I started listening to E. B. White's One Man's Meat. It's already proving I'll need to pick up a print copy as well. Audio is so frustrating sometimes because the clever or profound phrase or sentence wisps its way past too fast to hold it for savour.

185gmathis
Dec 17, 2019, 12:23 pm

Been a while since I've read any non-juvenile E.B. White, but I love his essays. Matter of fact, a literary snack paired with some Celestial Seasonings Maple Ginger tea and a gingersnap sounds delicious. Somebody want to cover my office so I can tend to that?

186MrsLee
Dec 19, 2019, 12:26 am

>184 2wonderY: I very much enjoyed that book. Wonder where my copy has got to? Problem with me, is that when I very much enjoy a book, I want to share it with others.

1872wonderY
Dec 26, 2019, 6:47 pm

Hope y'all are having a good holiday. Daughter is still unpacking boxes from the move in 2017. And I keep donating items from my house; trying to balance passing on family treasures versus overwhelming the girls with stuff.

I brought a set of dishes from my grandmother's house. I acquired them after my kids were pretty much grown. (The nice dishes we used were from husband's family.) There were enough to go around and I want to make sure they are stored safely here. For a big old house, storage is still pretty crude. So we ventured out today to Home Depot to buy lumber and hardware to enhance the shelving in the basement where seasonal stuff is organized.

The St. Vincent de Paul store was just around the corner, so we poked in there for a few minutes.
The best find was a pack of game cards. As anti-Old Maid, these are 'Old Bachelor' and the loser is the player who gets stuck with him. The other characters are female professionals - Primrose Plumber, Consuelo Cardiologist, Sue Chef, etc. The copyright is 1993.

1882wonderY
Jan 20, 2020, 8:53 am

Brrrrr! Temperatures dropped here to 17F. It’s snowing and the deer are scrounging in my small yard for breakfast.

Might have to turn on the gas fireplace. And time for some gourmet hot chocolate.

189gmathis
May 8, 2020, 8:53 am

Thought I'd throw open the doors and windows and air out the place--fresh air and sunshine are good for what ails you. I'll even wash the curtains and get them on the line. While they dry, I'll air out my brain as well with a copy of The Oxford Book of Light Verse. Strawberry-cream tea if anyone wants some.

(Hope all is well in your dusty corners of the world :)

190Telenaw69
May 8, 2020, 7:10 pm

Hello, my name is Telena and I appreciate the invitation. I am a grandparent, raising an autistic grandson. We began homeschooling Matthew about 2 years ago and that is when I started collecting books. I do not collect for their financial value but the content. I am very fond of nature, children's, survivalist, and pioneer books. I also love the classics. We are a family of 5, two adults, one child, and two fur babies. We enjoy books, hiking, photography, anything outdoors, cooking, gardening and model railroading. We are members of the George C Carter Railroad Museum on the ETSU campus and we can be found there every time the doors are open, which isn't to often these days. I am currently working on adding all of my books, a section at a time, as it is overwhelming. So, again, thank you for the invite. Now I am going to go get myself a spot of tea, right after I bring in the plants as it might snow tonight, and read through this thread.

191BonnieJune54
May 9, 2020, 12:39 pm

>190 Telenaw69: Hi Telena I liked the photo of your books on your page.

192Sakerfalcon
May 11, 2020, 7:55 am

>190 Telenaw69: Welcome Telena! You've chosen a good time to join us as we take refuge in our favourite books, and enjoy the fine company here!

193gmathis
May 12, 2020, 1:56 pm

>190 Telenaw69: There's good company here! Glad to have you.

194MrsLee
May 30, 2020, 12:31 pm

>190 Telenaw69: Welcome! I homeschooled my three children through high school, and I believe one the main motivations for my joining LT some dozen years ago was to catalog my books in order to find them better while schooling.

195SaintSunniva
Aug 15, 2020, 11:30 pm

>190 Telenaw69: I also homeschooled, and got into LT because of it. How's the cataloging going?

1962wonderY
Sep 15, 2020, 9:24 am

Hey all! How're you doing?

I'm in the process of moving my household to another state, post-retirement. See HERE.

Beginning a re-read of Lloyd C. Douglas, I'm coming across some good quotes. Adding them to this group: http://www.librarything.com/groups/bookquotations and noticed how small that group is. Inviting all to join there too.

197gmathis
Sep 16, 2020, 1:43 pm

Oh, moving! Bless your heart, and I truly mean that. Uprooting is always an uproar. Hope it's going smoothly.

I have a copy of The Robe in the TBR pile in anticipation of some blocks of time where I can really focus on what I am reading (ha!)

Back to (sorta) normal routines in our community. I had missed my Sunday church kids (Grades 5-6) something fierce...but having to accommodate for the academic gap. I have to remind myself weekly that I am actually teaching third semester fourth graders.

If you're tired, come stop by for milk and edible brownie dough. I bought an extra carton of each.

1982wonderY
Sep 16, 2020, 5:14 pm

I am tired, and that sounds blissful.

1992wonderY
Edited: Dec 4, 2020, 7:26 am

Checking in here. Everyone comfy? Can I top off anyone’s drinks? Fresh pot of tea is made, but snacks are looking low. All I’ve got is a small plate of iced gingerbread cookies.

I’m still without a working stove, but that should be fixed early next week. I plan to put a turkey in the oven first and then a cake to celebrate.

New bookshelves being delivered in a week. I’ve got boxes of books gathered at the site and more to come from WV. Haven’t yet located The Lone Winter, recommenced by fuzzi.

I do have some Christmas books laid out, starting with Mr. Pickwick’s Christmas.

200gmathis
Dec 4, 2020, 8:59 am

Good to hear you are settling in...it's been nuts at the day job, so I all I have to offer this morning for sustenance is half a blueberry Luna bar and the dregs of some Chex mix.

Desperately needing some detox time, and when I get some, I want to leaf through my mom's duct-taped copy of what we called the "The Christmas Book," just like I did when I was a little'un. Formal title eludes me, but consider it the Martha Stewart holiday manual from 1951. Retro decor tips, hilariously impractical and obsolete homemade gift suggestions, and a lovely selection of Christmas stories and poems.

201NinieB
Dec 4, 2020, 1:08 pm

>200 gmathis: hilariously impractical and obsolete homemade gift suggestions

Just one example? please? I love that stuff.

(And please, have a mug of (virgin) eggnog.)

202gmathis
Dec 5, 2020, 11:33 am

Incidentally, it's The Complete Christmas Book, copyright 1958. A nosegay made of handkerchiefs. Novel ways to wrap a record album. A hanging board for sewing spools. A monogrammed garbage pail. A felt cover for your telephone book.

The food situation hasn't improved much, but my husband made a doughnut run. I can now offer you an apple fritter to go with your tea.

203MrsLee
Dec 6, 2020, 12:00 pm

>202 gmathis: That's it. I MUST have a monogrammed garbage pail.

204NinieB
Dec 6, 2020, 3:59 pm

>202 gmathis: Can't even picture a nosegay made of handkerchiefs.

205gmathis
Dec 7, 2020, 10:23 am

>204 NinieB: All rolled up like a neat little bouquet and tied with a lace ribbon. Of course, if you have time for a more labor-intensive gift, you could always make an appliqued felt snowman cover for your book of needles.

206NinieB
Dec 7, 2020, 12:56 pm

LOL

2072wonderY
Edited: Jan 1, 2021, 8:12 am

GOOD MORNING EVERYBODY! Happy New Year!
Oh, is it too early? We’re you up late last night?

I’m at the old house, sorting through the project/junk room. It’s a fitting location for the start of my new year. The furniture in this room will not fit the new house, but I’m pleased to disassemble one of the work tables for installation in daughter’s spare room. But I’ll save the details for the appropriate thread. I’ve put hands on most of my books this year, moving them; and I look forward to a lovely tattered pile this year.

Most of the triple chocolate cake is still on the sideboard and a fresh pot of tea is up.

208gmathis
Jan 1, 2021, 3:31 pm

Up late, but because of an ice storm, not midnight festivities. Nothing like listening to icy limbs slam on your roof at 3 a.m.! No discernible damage, amen and amen.

Sleep deprived husband thawed and baked us some Sister Schubert's cinnamon rolls and I opened a new tin of Joy Luck oolong tea--an extra helping of joy for the New Year seemed appropriate. Plenty of both left if you want to bundle up and venture our way.

2092wonderY
Jan 1, 2021, 5:37 pm

I’m tempted, but no thank you. Maybe when the weather improves.

210SaintSunniva
Jan 2, 2021, 8:25 pm

I'll have some triple chocolate cake, sure! I'm in the middle of a fun read, Arrival in Wycherly. The January winds have begun here.

2112wonderY
Feb 13, 2021, 7:37 pm

Crazed with the new powers given to admins, I think I will replace the old drapes and carpets herein. Oh, and more lamps and prettier ceiling lights! **wave of my wand**

212pgmcc
Feb 14, 2021, 4:57 am

>211 2wonderY: I love what you’ve done to the place.

213MrsLee
Feb 14, 2021, 8:46 pm

Oooo, sparkles!

2142wonderY
Mar 9, 2021, 6:49 pm

Hello darlings! I just wanted to pass on this tip:

I found a very simple, but decorative bookend this week. Enameled metal.



These were at Dollar Tree in the office section, as a desk accessory. There were matching paperclip bins. Dollar Tree; every item is $1.

215Sakerfalcon
Mar 10, 2021, 5:54 am

Ooh, pretty! What a great solution.

216gmathis
Mar 10, 2021, 9:05 am

Our Dollar Tree has an eclectic book collection. You have to have the time to paw through it, but once in a while you unearth something worth the buck you pay for it. (Now that your shelves are organized, come tackle mine! I'll pay you in tea.)

2172wonderY
Mar 10, 2021, 9:23 am

Ha! Who said mine were organized? I still have mountains of books at the old house and run out of room at the new. Eyeing the knee wall in the attic for modification.

218MrsLee
Mar 10, 2021, 7:55 pm

>214 2wonderY: Lovely! I would have to spray paint them different colors, but I love the patterns. I have some of a similar design, but not the pretty cut outs. Just ugly. The reason I like them though, is that they don't steal room on the shelves from the books!

2192wonderY
Mar 28, 2021, 11:30 am

Should I call out the new members and make them stand up and introduce themselves? That seems to be an admin role taken up in some groups recently.

But, no. We are much too refined to place new members in unwanted awkward spots. Do speak up, but only if and when you want to. We'd love to greet you. All I've got here is tea, cordial, and chocolates.

220MrsLee
Mar 28, 2021, 10:22 pm

>219 2wonderY: You are doing a lovely job as hostess. Each group has their own atmosphere. I wouldn't have you change the one here for anything.

2212wonderY
Edited: May 9, 2021, 5:02 pm

Happy Mother’s Day to all of you - those who are mothers and those who have mothers.

I read a meme statistic that Mothers Day is the day with the lowest crimes; explained by how busy mothers are on this day, being feted; too busy to be out committing crimes.

I had a full house, but they weren’t able to finish all the food. So there are plenty of pastries and snacky foods on the table still. Help yourselves.
For beverages, the blender got a good workout with fruit smoothies and the warming season will keep that trend growing. I’ve been serving them in silver tumblers that have been recently identified as mint julep cups. I guess we could go there too.

http://honestlyyum.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/mint.julep_.recipe.1.1.jpg

222Vera-Payne
Jul 19, 2021, 10:38 am

Hello everyone...just joined and looking forward to connect with as many of you as I can. Best, Vera

223gmathis
Edited: Jul 19, 2021, 11:23 am

Welcome. Nice people here! Looks like we've all been a bit distracted. Last week, I was kid wrangling--Vacation Bible School at our church. (Think "Marine Boot Camp.") I've been surviving on protein shakes and cold sassafras tea laced with apple mint from my own back step. Help yourself...the fridge is stocked!

2242wonderY
Jul 23, 2021, 11:12 am

I tried cooking with wine. After three glasses, I forgot why I was in the kitchen.

Hello friends, and welcome Vera. Glad you joined us and sorry we are so quiet. I’m still babysitting grandbaby; and squeezing the most out of it. I moved here to be close last year. Now they are moving 2 hours away.
I have not been reading my tattered friends this year, but I still visit with them when I dust.
YES! I do dust now. And I make my bed (almost) every day. Trying to develop good lifetime habits, y’know.😊😇

225AbigailAdams26
Edited: Jul 25, 2021, 1:17 pm

Hello All! My name is Abigail, and I am so very glad to have joined you all, here in the best-fed group on the site!

I was invited many moons ago - thank you to our wonderful hostess for that! - but only recently got around to joining. It's taken me even longer to finally introduce myself. I've enjoyed reading this entire thread, and look forward to exploring more, here in the group.

Although I cannot remember learning to read, it must have been when I was very young. That said, the first book I can recall reading, or being read to me, was What Miranda Knew by Gladys L. Adshead, illustrated by Elizabeth Orton Jones. This little picture-book was published in 1944, and I grew up with my mother's tattered copy, given to her for Christmas when she was a little girl.

I had a voracious reading appetite as a child and adolescent, and read in many different areas. I loved fantasy, folklore and mythology, historical fiction, contemporary fiction, biography, history - everything! I checked out dozens of books per week - my public library had very generous limits - and was using the adult library as well, by the time I was ten. I raided my parents' shelves - Madame Sarah was a favorite, from my mother's theater collection, and Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee and The Gulag Archipelago (three volumes) both fascinated and repelled me, from my father's history collection.

Throughout my life I have been interested in a wide variety of disciplines and areas of study, but of late my reading has mostly been in the field of children's literature. I got my MPhil in children's literature from Trinity College Dublin, and worked for a number of years at a specialty children's bookstore in Manhattan. As some of you may know, I recently joined the staff here at LibraryThing.

I collect and read vintage books of all kinds, but particularly children's books. I am very interested in the history of children's literature. The oldest book I own is The Governess; or, The Little Female Academy by Mary Martha Sherwood. Originally published in 1820, this is a rewrite of Sarah Fielding's 1749 The Governess; or, The Little Female Academy, widely considered to be the first English-language novel written explicitly for children. My copy of the Sherwood is a second edition, from 1825. I dream of owning a first or original edition of the Fielding...

I'm looking forward to chatting, here in the group! Right now I am enjoying some Paris tea, from Harney & Sons, and nibbling on some chocolate chip walnut cookies.

ETA: The Sherwood title can be found below. Given that it has an identical title to the Fielding book, I couldn't make the touchstone work for both of them:
https://www.librarything.com/work/13695942/book/99790862

226AbigailAdams26
Jul 25, 2021, 1:49 pm

Oh! And thank you also to abbottthomas, for bringing The Slightly Foxed journal to my attention! I definitely want to explore this more.

Likewise, thanks to harrygbutler for alerting me to the existence of booksalefinder.com - I sense this will come in very handy!

227gmathis
Jul 25, 2021, 5:31 pm

Welcome, Abigail! Love your tea and cookie preferences!

228AbigailAdams26
Jul 25, 2021, 7:57 pm

>227 gmathis: Thank you!

229SaintSunniva
Oct 17, 2021, 2:54 pm

>222 Vera-Payne: Welcome, Vera! >225 AbigailAdams26: Welcome, Abigail!

I just made French Toast with duck eggs so that my son can hopefully have some for his birthday breakfast. (Some people who've got chicken egg allergies can tolerate duck eggs) They're so good. And I have extra, if anyone wants to stop by.

I'm always reading vintage children's books...maybe someday I'll get through my collection. Right now, I'm about to start a mystery, The Missing Half by Augusta Huiell Seaman

Now, to look up Slightly Foxed!!!

230AbigailAdams26
Oct 17, 2021, 9:57 pm

I've been meaning to pop back into this thread, to thank abbottthomas again for bringing Slightly Foxed to my attention. After reading and greatly enjoying Crusader Knight, I ended up ordering the complete Ronald Welch set from them:

https://foxedquarterly.com/products/the-carey-novels-by-ronald-welch/

They're absolutely beautiful!

231SaintSunniva
Oct 22, 2021, 2:11 pm

>230 AbigailAdams26: Somewhat along the lines of Slightly Foxed, in the late 1980s I bought several books in lovely signed boxed editions from ____. I wish I could remember the name of the company. I vaguely recall they were in Kentucky, maybe? A Wrinkle in Time is one of them. August 1914 is another. Both are published by Farrar Strauss Giroux but I don't think the catalog I ordered from was an offshoot of that publisher.

2322wonderY
Nov 2, 2021, 9:35 am

Another weather change. Got a fire going. Some pastries and left over Halloween candy on the sideboard. And tea and cocoa, of course. Hey, I never think of coffee, because I don’t drink it. Is there a demand for it? I’ll get the equipment, if so. But as at church, I’ve been asked to never make the coffee.

233MrsLee
Nov 6, 2021, 11:19 am

>232 2wonderY: Coffee in the morning, please, but only if it is strong enough to hold a spoon up. Tea in the afternoon and cocoa in the evening. Well, you did ask. :D

234gmathis
Nov 6, 2021, 11:23 am

A little shop on the Branson, MO strip features a coffee flavored tea: pu-erh, cacao nibs, and a few coffee beans. Smells absolutely heavenly, without the jitter delivery. Looking forward to a new tin soon!

2352wonderY
Nov 6, 2021, 11:42 am

>233 MrsLee: Clear enough! French press okay? I wouldn’t want the plastic waste of a K-cup machine.

236MrsLee
Nov 8, 2021, 12:26 am

>235 2wonderY: French press is what I love! Kcups are never strong enough and lack depth.

Tomorrow I am baking a bread pudding, it is lovely with any beverage.

2372wonderY
Dec 24, 2021, 3:40 pm

Best holiday blessings to all my tattered friends!

238pgmcc
Dec 24, 2021, 4:38 pm

>237 2wonderY: Many happy returns of the season. Have a lovely holiday.

239gmathis
Dec 25, 2021, 5:57 pm

Comfort and joy to you today! If you don't mind the mess, come over for some walnut povitica and Nutcracker Tea (green tea with coconut, pecans, and walnut).

2402wonderY
Dec 25, 2021, 7:54 pm

Just a sip, please. I’ve gotten into the habit of going to bed just after dark and sleeping that long winter’s nap.

241Simplegal1
Edited: Jan 1, 2022, 10:13 pm

This message has been deleted by its author.

2422wonderY
Jan 4, 2022, 2:56 pm

I’ve got a pot of pinto beans warm on the back of the stove; and cornbread just out of the oven. It will hit the right spot if you’re just coming in from outside.
Do pull up nearer the fireplace and put your toes near the fire. Here’s a comfy shawl.
Tea?

243gmathis
Jan 5, 2022, 10:48 am

A little pampering sounds lovely! I went to the store just prior to an incoming "ice event" and due to the hordes doing their bread and milk runs, I also brought home a plain old garden variety head cold. Just make me the strongest cup of black builders' tea you've got :)

2442wonderY
Jan 5, 2022, 1:02 pm

>243 gmathis: Done. That was easy. Want some dark chocolate caramels with that?

245gmathis
Jan 5, 2022, 9:06 pm

Yes, chocolate. Please!

Actually, to open up the pipes, I've been pulling out the stops: chai, cinnamon, turmeric, peppermint, wintergreen teas and tisanes. Normally, by early January, I'm done with the trendy winter spice stuff--this week, I can't get enough! A kind friend sent me some plain, dried-straight-from-the-plant wintergreen leaves which were absolutely delightful to steep, sniff and sip.

2462wonderY
Jan 5, 2022, 10:15 pm

I love wintergreen. I’ve only seen the live plant once. I should try to grow it.

247gmathis
Edited: Mar 31, 2022, 8:55 pm

Time for some spring cleaning. Is everyone well? Warm enough to open windows? How about some pound cake and sliced strawberries?

2482wonderY
Mar 31, 2022, 4:39 pm

>247 gmathis: Yes! Great idea. I completed the seasonal ritual replacing the storm panel with the screen at the front door.

249gmathis
Edited: Apr 1, 2022, 11:45 am

Since Sunday, we've had the upper 70's, showers that my dad would've called toad-stranglers, red flag no-burn wind warnings, threatened severe storms that never materialized, and today, rain-snow-sun-snow-sun-rain-snow, changing at 15-minute intervals! This evening, it's fresh popcorn with pecans and craisins with a mug of Celestial Seasons Roastaroma.

2502wonderY
Apr 5, 2022, 11:42 am

Happy National Library Workers Day!!

https://nationaltoday.com/national-library-workers-day/

Share fond memories.

Growing up, our town library was in an old house on Main Street. When I exhausted the children’s collection in the dining room, the ladies sent me upstairs to the adult non-fiction, where I prowled book to book. And they let my sister and me help at the circulation desk, filing the due date cards in the members box.

251gmathis
Apr 5, 2022, 1:12 pm

At work, we were asked to share a word of appreciation with our school librarians today. Here's mine:

I will always be grateful to my first grade librarian who knew I could already read and let me check the chapter books past the red line on the shelves. Thanks for teaching our kiddos to love turning those pages!

2522wonderY
Nov 19, 2022, 9:31 pm

There is pumpkin cake with cream filling on the sideboard. And cider that hasn’t gone hard yet. Do you want it cold or warmed up a bit?

253gmathis
Nov 20, 2022, 8:41 pm

I like mine cold! I'll bring my tin of Carrot Cake Rooibos tea. A mystery brand found on the bulk shelves at our little country Amish/Mennonite market.

2542wonderY
Nov 20, 2022, 9:08 pm

>253 gmathis: That sounds intriguing. I’ll try some.

255gmathis
Nov 21, 2022, 3:19 pm

>254 2wonderY: Wish I could figure out their wholesale source. It's delicious--carrot, dried pineapple, a few white chocolate chips to make it creamy. Even better with milk.

256MrsLee
Nov 22, 2022, 12:09 pm

>252 2wonderY: I would love to have some pumpkin cake. It was on our menu for Thanksgiving dinner, but plans got derailed by covid, so I will enjoy this vicariously where I can't infect anyone. I'm sipping Earl Grey tea.

2572wonderY
Nov 24, 2022, 7:34 am

Happy US Thanksgiving to all. My whole crew will be here soon just for the day. So once I drink my first cup of tea, I’ve got dozens of tasks.☺️

258gmathis
Edited: Jan 2, 2023, 11:01 am

Happy New Year! I've got one more day before plunging back into the work routine, so I'll dust and tidy up a bit in here--we've all been too busy (or in my case) too under-the-weather to do much socializing during the holidays. I'm a little too pressed for time to bake anything fresh, but we got a new Crumbl Cookie shop, and we picked up some cornbread cookies to share. (They're so big and rich, one cookie feeds two people.) Have half, along with some strong Assam tea to cut the sweetness.

2592wonderY
Jan 2, 2023, 11:15 am

>258 gmathis: Thanks GG. I was on my way over too.
My daughter brought a brownie meringue to share. She chopped up Ferraro rocher candies to add to the brownies. It’s ever so good and I can share.
And I have one cold drink - eggnog - and a hot drink to offer - hot chocolate laced with Irish Cream, my new winter favorite.

Sorry to hear you’ve been under the weather. I hope you bounce back quickly.
I had a houseful this weekend. The quiet is nice, but even better to savor the memories.

260gmathis
Jan 2, 2023, 2:12 pm

Finally feeling normal...not in time to do any celebrating, but at least in time to ease the re-entry to work.
I may have to ice the tea here. We've flipped from record lows just before Christmas to 75 degrees today!

261MrsLee
Jan 6, 2023, 6:57 pm

>260 gmathis: Glad you are doing better.

I can offer some of my great grandmother Dollie Cronk's oatmeal-raisin-pecan cookies, with a nice cup of black tea. Humble, but comforting.

2622wonderY
Edited: Jun 7, 2023, 7:41 am

It’s been a while, hasn’t it? I’ve been busy in the gardens. Had to have some excavating done; so I had to remove all the plants and then return them when the work was over.

I’ve got a few (!) tattered books lying about, but can’t settle on anything. The nearest to hand is Father Struck it Rich. I like McLean’s attitude in the forward. She gives credit to her ghostwriter in the first sentence and then admits “I was getting soft with too much money, too many automobiles. I know now the best thing I ever did for myself and the children was to begin life over again like any average person.” And she says her father taught her to “Thing of the other fellow first.”
I think I might enjoy her company.

263gmathis
Jun 7, 2023, 8:42 am

Well, hello there! Two huge Juliet tomato plants in containers on our back porch are bursting with babies--they mature about halfway between cherry and plum size--and are just starting to turn. Fresh pasta salad with Italian dressing and home-grown basil soon!

It's banana season at work, so I've just been re-reading favorites that don't require a lot of though. Exception to that was Aunt Dimity's Death, a cozy that just turned 30. The author is one of those like Rosamunde Pilcher, to whom setting is as important as plot. I could read her description of Aunt Dimity's cottage nightly for a week.

2642wonderY
Jun 7, 2023, 9:37 am

>263 gmathis: Aunt Dimity sounds tantalizing.

265gmathis
Jun 7, 2023, 8:22 pm

>264 2wonderY: There are umpteen in the series, and they're now on my radar next time I trade in books at Changing Hands.

Speaking of aging series, At Home in Mitford--another one I trotted out for comfort purposes--is almost 30 as well!

266PatrickMurtha
Jul 9, 2023, 10:43 am

Pocket bio: Retired humanities teacher, residing in Tlaxcala, Mexico, with two dogs and six indoor cats. Passionate about literature, history, philosophy, classical music and opera, jazz, cinema, and similar subjects. Nostalgic guy. Politically centrist. BA in American Studies from Yale; MAs in English and Education from Boston University. Born in northern New Jersey. Have lived and worked in San Francisco, Chicago, northern Nevada, northeast Wisconsin, South Korea.

267gmathis
Jul 9, 2023, 6:28 pm

>266 PatrickMurtha: Hello there!

Everybody OK out there? Still immersing myself in comfort reads. I'm thinking it may be time to revisit Christy ... one of my Sunday school girls is a very precocious reader and I want to make sure the content is sixth-grade friendly before I recommend it.

268MrsLee
Aug 20, 2023, 4:12 pm

Ehhem. I'm not sure how long ago, but I realized I had accidentally "left" the group when I was invited to add the book I am currently reading to the "motoring" thread here. I guess I just thought no one was posting anything here and that's why it wasn't showing up for me. I hate how easy it is to unjoin a group on the phone app.

Anyhoo, I'm back! I've brought fresh watermelon, peaches, nectarines, grapes and strawberries from the Farmer's Market, and some iced tea to go with.

2692wonderY
Aug 20, 2023, 5:20 pm

Watermelon especially sounds just right today. Thanks!

270gmathis
Aug 20, 2023, 8:25 pm

I'll just take the iced tea, thank you. Registered 111 on our carport thermometer all afternoon.

271SaintSunniva
Sep 3, 2023, 10:43 am

I've plowed through comfortable mysteries, and one really exciting one...trying to fortify myself for some "hard" non-fiction. Henri Catalan's Soeur Angele's and The Angelic Avengers. And it's not exactly finger-food, but our buttercup squash is taking over the garden.

2722wonderY
Sep 3, 2023, 11:43 am

>271 SaintSunniva: I had never heard of Soeur Angele. She sounds delightful. Ordered two titles.

2732wonderY
Edited: Dec 27, 2023, 12:32 pm

Daughter replenished my winter supply of Irish Crème just in time for holiday sharing. Come over by the fire and I’ll make you a mug of spiked cocoa.

There are miscellaneous munchies on the table there. Help yourself.

274gmathis
Dec 27, 2023, 4:20 pm

I'll take it! Cats with cabin fever are about to drive us nuts. I'll bring the rest of the cranberry blondies.