Scaifea's 2014 Challenge - Thread #19

Welcome to The Nineteenth Thread!

This year, since I read a fair amount of children's books, I think I'll open my threads with photos of the work of some of my favorite picture book illustrators.

I've been a fan of Edward Gorey for years, but in the last few I've gained an even greater appreciation for him, with his illustrations for John Bellairs' books, which are excellent (the books, I mean, but also, of course, the illustrations). The first image is from Gorey's own The Uninvited Guest and the second is one of the covers he illustrated for Bellairs' books:





Below you’ll find an explanation of my reading habits, which, I warn you, is a bit crazy. Usually I have about 10-12 books going at once, one each from the following groups (and occasionally other books slipped in there, too):

1. A book from the 100 Banned Books book (at least currently. As soon as I finish this list, I'll replace it with another, and oh, I've got tons of lists).

2. A children's book, for Charlie's library. I'm trying to collect books from various award lists, and I like reading them before reading them to Charlie or deciding to add them to Charlie's shelves. For this category, I’m currently working through three lists:
a. 1001 Children’s Books You Must Read Before You Die
b. The CYOA books
c. The Newbery Honor books

3. A book from the Green Dragon 1001 Fantasy List, in chronological order.

4. A book for the Presidential Challenge. Books for this category are read in chronological (presidentially) order.

5. An audio book, which I listen to as I knit/sew/otherwise craft/drive.

6. A list I'm working through together with my best friend, Rob: The Hugo/Nebula/WFA/Bram Stoker lists (combined, in chronological order)

7. For this category, I cycle through 7 different stacks:
a. A book from my shelves which I haven't yet read
b. Agatha Christie's bibliography (in chronological order)
c. Stephen King's bibliography (in chronological order)
d. Neil Gaiman's bibliography (in some order other than chronological (don't
ask)).
e. Christopher Moore's bibliography (in chronological order)
f. Stephen Fry's bibliography (in chronological order)
g. The NEH Timeless Classics list
h. The National Book Award list (in alpha order by title)
i. The Pulitzer list (in alpha order by author)

8. A bath-time book: I read aloud while Tomm gives Charlie his bath.

9. A book from my Classics shelves.

10. A book on Buddhism or from the Dalai Lama's bibliography.

11. Book-a-year challenge: Last year at some point, along with a few others in this group (*cough* Paul *cough*), I made a year-by-year list to see how far I could go back with consecutive reads. I've decided, again, to follow Paul's lead and try to fill in some of those blanks, and so I'm adding an entry here to my lists.

12. This slot is reserved for books that just grab me and shout that they need to be read Right Now.

And on top of these, there will be a multitude of picture books, which Charlie and I read together. I only list picture books that I or we read for the first time - no repeat reads will be mentioned here (and they are legion).

So, now you've got a glimpse of just how neurotic I am.
Please feel free to post comments, recommendations, or whatever else strikes your fancy. And Happy Reading, everyone!



What I'm reading now:
-Lady Chatterley's Lover (Banned Books list)
-Infernal Devices (series follow-up to a 1001 Children's Book list book)
-Journey to the West (The Green Dragon 1001 Fantasy List)
-Andrew Jackson: His Life and Times (Presidential Challenge)
-One Summer (audio book)
-Dune (Hugo & Nebula award lists)
-Enemy of God (from the TBR shelves)
-Little House in the Big Woods (bath-time book)
-The Cambridge Companion to the Age of Constantine (off of my classics shelves)
-Deity Yoga (buddhism list)
-The Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man (year-by-year book list, 1916)
-Paddle Your Own Canoe (from the READ ME NOW pile)
-The Iliad (everyday audio book in the car)
-The Haunted Bookshop (sequel to Parnassus on Wheels)

In addition to these, I have some classics-related texts that I'm working through (quite slowly):
-Asinaria by Plautus (reading in Latin)
-Iliad by Homer (reading in Greek)
-Latin Literature by Gian Biagio Conte
-The Cambridge History of Classical Literature Volume 1 Part 1

And here's my list for the Reading Bingo, which seems to be taking us 75ers by storm. Like many others, I'll not make an extra effort to fill it, but rather just see which of the books I read this year happen to fit what categories:

More than 500 pages: The Sterkarm Handshake
Forgotten Classic: The Man in the High Castle
Book that became a movie: The World of Pooh
Published this year:
Number in the title: 45 & 47 Stella Street
Written by someone under 30: Cirque du Freak
Book with non-human characters: Odd and the Frost Giants
Funny Book: Diggers
Female Author: Flora & Ulysses
Book with a mystery: One Came Home
One-Word Title: Truckers
Book of short stories: M Is for Magic
Set on a different continent: Wings
Non-Fiction: Buddhism for Beginners
First book by a favorite author:
Heard about online:
Best-selling book: Still Foolin' Em
Based on a true story: John Quincy Adams: A Public Life, a Private Life
Book at the bottom of TBR pile:
Book my friend loves: Stories I Only Tell My Friends
Book that scares me: The American Red Cross First Aid & Safety Handbook
More than 10 years old: The Genie in the Bottle
Second book in a series: E. Aster Bunnymund and the Warrior Eggs at the Earth's Core!
Blue cover: The Life and Times of Paddington Bear

Also, here's the list of all categories for my local library's Summer Book Bingo Challenge (the ones specifically on my own Bingo card on in bold):

Come to a library program.
Find a something (plant, animal, mineral, planet, etc) and identify it with a library resource.
Find the secret phrase onfacebook.com/plattevillepubliclibrary or plattevillepubliclibrary.org/adults.
Listen to a music CD you haven’t heard before.
Listen to an audiobook
Read a book about how to do something.
Read a book about someone from a different culture.
Read a book and watch the movie.
Read a book by an author with the same last initial as you.
Read a book from the new book shelves.
Read a book from the children’s shelves: Should I Share My Ice Cream?
Read a book from the teen shelves: Predator's Gold
Read a book in a series.
Read a book in large print.
Read a book longer than 300 pages.
Read a book of poetry or a novel written in verse.
Read a book set in the future.
Read a book set in the past.
Read a book set in the present.
Read a book set outside the United States.
Read a book shorter than 150 pages.
Read a book that is not in a series.
Read a book that is scientifically impossible.
Read a book that is scientifically possible.
Read a book that makes you laugh.
Read a book that mentions a place you want to visit.
Read a book that says “by a bestselling author” on the cover.
Read a book that won an award.
Read a book where “sparks fly.”
Read a book with a battle against the elements.
Read a book with a color in the title.
Read a book with a love story.
Read a book with a number in the title.
Read a book with a one word title.
Read a book with an explosion.
Read a book with an investigation in it.
Read a book with pictures in it Horton Hatches the Egg
Read a book without a love triangle.
Read a book you heard about in the media or online.
Read a book you keep “meaning to get around to.”
Read a cookbook and try a recipe: 500 Cupcakes (Lemon Cupcakes)
Read a folk tale or a book based on a folk tale.
Read a graphic novel.
Read a magazine from cover to cover.
Read a memoir or biography.
Read a newspaper that you don’t normally read.
Read a nonfiction book.
Read a short story or essay.
Read out loud for half an hour.
Read outside for an hour.
Read the same book as someone else and discuss it.
Try something recommended by someone at the library.
Use the microfilm machine to look at the Platteville Journal from the week you turned 5.
Watch a movie based on a true story.
Watch a movie with the subtitles on.

Books Read (see previous threads for previous reads):

MAY
320. (#43) Haroun and the Sea of Stories (1001 Children's Books list) - 9/10
321. Alligator Arrived with Apples (Charlie's school library book) - 8/10
322. The Giant Jelly Bean Jar (public library book) - 8/10
323. I Am Blop! (public library book) - 7/10
324. A Kitten Is a Baby Cat (Charlie's school book) - 8/10
325. Jabberwocky (Charlie book) - 9/10
326. If At First... (public library book) - 8/10
327. When I Grow Up (Charlie book) - 9/10
328. A Is for Angry (public library book) - 10/10
329. I Am Invited to a Party! (public library book) - 8/10
330. Bridget Fidget and the Most Perfect Pet (public library book) - 9/10
331. (#44) Still Foolin' Em (audiobook) - 8/10
332. (#45) Nicholas St. North and the Battle of the Nightmare King (Charlie's bath time book) - 10/10
333. Henny Penny (Charlie's school library book) - 7/10
334. Moo! (public library book) - 9/10
335. Happy Birthday, Thomas! (public library book) - 8/10
336. (#46) The Sterkarm Handshake (1001 Children's Books list) - 7/10
337. (#47) Survival at Sea (CYOA series) - 8/10
338. (#48) The Search for Champ (CYOA series) - 8/10
339. Dizzy's Bird Watch (Charlie book) - 8/10
340. Miffy's First Sleepover (public library book) - 8/10
341. Lego City: Build This City (public library book) - 8/10
342. Mix It Up! (Charlie's school book) - 8/10
343. Box Turtle at Long Pond (Charlie school library book) - 8/10
344. Meeow and the Big Box (public library book) - 9/10
345. Of Thee I Sing (public library book) - 9/10
346. (#49) The Great Quest (Newbery Honor book list) - 9/10
347. (#50) Mortal Engines (1001 Children's Books list) - 9/10
348. (#51) Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (audio book) - 10/10
349. The Birthday Cake (Charlie's school book) - 8/10
350. Pig and Crow (Charlie's school library book) - 8/10
351. How Many Ducks? (Charlie's school book) - 8/10
352. Should I Share My Ice Cream? (public library book) - 9/10
353. Secret at Dolphin Bay (public library book) - 8/10
354. Fun at the Beach (Charlie's school book) - 8/10
355. Curious George Saves His Pennies (public library book) - 8/10
356. Good Night, Mouse! (public library book) - 8/10

JUNE
357. (#52) Predator's Gold (1001 Children's Books series follow-up) - 9/10
358. Does a Kangaroo Have a Mother, Too? (public library book) - 8/10
359. One World, One Day (public ilbrary book) - 10/10

The Charlie topper - one of his favorite parts of Disney World was meeting Woody - he was beaming about it for the rest of the day!

And the Bonus Question:

If you could have a third eye, where would you put it?

On the agenda for today:
Laundry. Lots and lots of laundry. And grocery shopping. Laundry. Go through the pile of mail. Laundry. Pack the presents for Tomm's nieces (Lego kits) and get them ready to ship. Sort through the hundreds of photos we took over the vacation. Aaaaand laundry.
On the book front: I'll try to update the Books Read list here today, but I'll say now that I finished two books (The Great Quest and Mortal Engines) and made good progress on Dune.

The calendar book for today: The Orphan Master's Son, which is, apparently, set in North Korea and some sort of thriller/romance mix? I'm pretty sure I remember seeing this title in blue floating round these parts - who's read it? Thoughts?

Good morning, Amber! What sort of "vacation" do your critters get while you're away? I'll be they were happy to have you back (well, at least Tuppence probably was. Cats can give you the chill for a while).

Truthfully, my eyes are so itchy and watery right now I have no desire for a third one anywhere. Thanks just the same.

Morning Amber! Welcome back! It sounds like you guys had a wonderful time. Go Woody! And congrats on the new thread.

I LOVED The Orphan Master's Son. One of my top novels from a couple years ago.

Happy new thread! Glad Charlie enjoyed meeting Woody and Jessie -- I'd never seen those two characters at Disney, and I have to admit I find them a little creepy, in a way that Mickey and company are not.

As for the third eye, in the back of the head is traditional, no? But I'd have to do something different with my hair, then.

>5 laytonwoman3rd: Linda: We have an absolutely wonderful house/dog/cat sitter, who adores Tuppence and Susie, and the feeling is mutual. They're not even super-excited to see us come home, I think, because she spoils them rotten. Ha! I'm sorry to hear about your allergies - I never had much trouble with them until we moved to Wisconsin, and now I have to take a Claritin every day. *sigh*

>6 msf59: Mark: Thanks! And you know, I thought that it might have been your thread on which I saw those blue words... :)

>7 foggidawn: foggi: Charlie felt just the opposite way; he had no interest in approaching Mickey at all, but was thrilled to meet Woody and Jesse and Lilo & Stitch, which whom we had breakfast one morning (photos to follow later). We just happened upon Woody in a lucky stroke, and I'm so glad we did - he was so excited and even gave Woody a big hug, which is amazing, as he *never* hugs people other then us and the grandparents (he's not a big fan of strangers touching him or even getting near him, usually).

Obviously if I had a third eye I'd put it on my elbow, that way I could try to lick it but never be able to. Isn't that what everyone would say?

...no...? Oh, okay...

346. (49th non-picture book read this year) The Great Quest by Charles Boardman Hawes (Newbery Honor book list, 225 pages) - 9/10
A young man who works for his uncle in his (the uncle's) general store gets pulled into an adventure on the high seas with an unsavory crew, but is accompanied by a few good guys, too. The quest is both for treasure (that's what the bad guys want) and to save his uncle's fortune - and life - (the young man's goal).
If you liked Treasure Island, you'll love this one. Swashbuckling, scary trips through the African jungles, treasure, young ladies in need of rescue... This one's a hoot.

347. (50th non-picture book read this year) Mortal Engines by Philip Reeve (1001 Children's Books list, 310 pages) - 9/10
A young apprentice in the moving town of London meets his hero, which triggers a series of events in which he is thrown from the town, nearly killed several times, meets both the beautiful daughter of his hero and the seriously maimed nemesis of same said hero, oh, and also a beautiful pirate-y assassin-like smuggler gal, and helps save the world.
I've sort of been avoiding steampunk stuff because I didn't think I'd like it, and it did take me a bit to get into this one, but I loved it despite the punkyness (which I'm still undecided on as a genre). I'll certainly be tracking down the rest of this series.

348. (51st non-picture book read this year) Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J. K. Rowling (audio book) - 10/10
Tomm and I listened to this one in the car. Still one of my favorites in the series. And, of course, Stephen Fry is the best.

349. The Birthday Cake by Julie Haydon (Charlie's school book, beginning reader) - 8/10
Another one read by Charlie to us.

350. Pig and Crow by Kay Chorao (Charlie's school library book, picture book) - 8/10
Crow keeps tricking the lonely Pig into trading Pig's baked goods for 'magic' beans and such, which Crow claims will cure his loneliness. The joke's on Crow, though, in the end...
A sweet story nicely told, although I didn't much care for the illustrations.

>10 Ape: Stephen: *snork!* Yes, yes, of course, that's the obvious answer...

Hi Amber, I'm mostly lurking on the threads at present, but loved following your holiday. We were able to take our children a few times to various parks and one of our favourites was Copenhagen's Tivoli. Anyway just so you know, New Zealand is snake free and I'm really hoping it stays that way. I'm also not that fond of corcodiles or alligators, we get news of all the attacks that happen in Australia so always feel much better about our corner of the world, though I do love kangaroos and wallabys. Our creepiest beastie is the weta.

I loved Philip Reeve's Mortal Engines series, I even got a signed print of the cover art for book 4 in a charity auction some years ago. My son is about to read Dune, another favourite of mine from years ago.

>13 avatiakh: Kerry: Oh, New Zealand is the place for me! I've wanted to visit for a long time, but now I *really* want to! We're already thinking about where we'll take Charlie next summer, and we're seriously considering Hershey Park...
I'm hoping to pick up the next in the series tomorrow at the library - such a great story! And I hope that your son loves Dune - I can't imagine that he won't, though!

Hmmm. Hershey's not too far from us... *deviously plans a massive meetup to horn in on vacation*

>15 drneutron: Awesome! You and Tomm would have lots of shop talking to do, I think...

Amber, I think you left laundry off your list of things to do today :-)

I really enjoyed all the trip pictures and it's great that Charlie had such a good time. It sounds like you all did. Happy new thread, and I hope your own bed was just as good as you were hoping.

>17 susanj67: Susan: *snork!* And, yes, that bed felt wonderful last night!

I DNF The Orphan Master's Son. It is in my Second Chance category for 2014. If you really want to read about North Korea, I would recommend Nothing to Envy.

ETA: I love the Charlie topper with Woody!

Happy new thread, Amber! Love the pic of Charlie and Woody. I read The Orphan Master's Son and found it unbearably bleak and depressing, with a dash of ridiculous. And I'm not normally one to shy away from bleak — I loved The Road and most dystopias. Maybe it was the fact that North Korea is a real place that I found so disturbing.

Nice new thread, Amber. Charlie looks absolutely delighted in his picture with Woody. The Orphan Master's Son was a let-down for me. I think it was the "ridiculous" factor Julia mentioned. Lots of people love it, and it did win the Pulitzer, so you might want to check it out...of the library.

>19 LoisB: & >20 rosalita: Lois & Julia: Yeah, I'm leaning toward No for the Johnson book - I know Mark liked it, but I also know that he tends to like bleak and I don't.
I love the Charlie & Woody photo, too! I'll try to get some Charlie, Lilo & Stitch photos up this afternoon, plus there may be an Amber/Mickey photo in there somewhere, too...

>21 Donna828: Donna: Oh, dang, it's on the Pulizter list? Whelp, that clinches it - I'll have to read it eventually. Ha!

>14 scaifea:, >15 drneutron: Hershey Park! I'm only 2 hours away and can think of other 75ers in the general vicinity. We might have to crash your holiday with a meetup Amber!

>24 lauralkeet: Woot! I love it!

> #14 Hershey Park is only about 10 mins from my office- I'm not into roller coasters and such, but an LT meetup might have to happen if you go there.

Happy new thread Amber!

My third eye would go in my the back of my head so when I threaten the little ones that I can see everything they do when they are up to no good, it would be true...haha! Wouldn't that be a fun little trick. ;)

I want my third eye to be on my husband's forehead so I can see what he's up to. ;)

Happy new thread, Amber. Looks like your vacation was a success. And you've made me just a teensy bit more excited for my own trip to the happiest place on earth (although instead of a trip to Legoland I am definitely going to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter :P).

As for the bonus question, I'd put it on the back of my left shoulder that way I could see behind me but wouldn't have to adjust my hair like I would if it was on the back of my head. Also, left shoulder because I always hang my purse/bag on my right. :)

Hi Amber, I'm glad you are safely back home. Happy new thread.

The third eye would be on the back of my head, but stop there must be already one if you are believing my pupils. They are always surprised why I'm able to know what they are doing even though my back is turned to them :-)

>26 Helenoel: Helen: Excellent!

>27 jolerie: Valerie: I'm with Barbara - sometimes they think we have that eye in the back of our heads anyway, don't they? Ha!

>28 Morphidae: Morphy: *snork!* Clever gal.

>29 MickyFine: Micky: We'll likely go visit Harry Potter Land next time round - Charlie's just not ready for that, yet - he hasn't read the books!! Ha!

>30 Ameise1: Barbara: Sounds like the mark of a great teacher, and I'm not surprised!

Can I get a third arm instead of a third eye? That seems way more useful. Either that, or I just end up in too many situations that need three hands and have to call a coworker for help.

>32 casvelyn: Oh, I like that idea!

More vacation photos:











And, yes, that ship is made all of Legos...

Happy New Thread Amber! Looks like you guys had a great time in Disney!

I wouldn't want to have a third eye so much as to have a camera in my eye that I could operate just by blinking or something. There are often people of situations that I'd like to snap which occur in just a fraction of a moment and don't give you time or aren't appropriate to take out the camera or smartphone for.

I tried The Orphan Master's Son a couple of months ago and gave up on it a third of the way in. It was too plodding for me and tooooo depressing, though that probably had more to do with my own frame of mind at the time, because I immediately switched to my first ever Georgette Heyer novel, a pure comfort read which did the trick perfectly. I did read Nothing to Envy and also heartily recommend that one.

Hi Amber, great photo's my dear, glad you had such a good time.

Happy New Thread and welcome back home.

Love the pictures, they look sunny and you were clearly having a good time!

Welcome back, Amber and thank you for sharing so much of your holiday with us here. Disneyland (California) was a wonderful family vacation for us way back in the 1980's.

Hmmm, as to a third eye, I think I am going to be greedy and ask for twoin the back of my head. I would like the extra eyes in order to read two books at the same time, but I wonder if I would then need an extra brain?

>35 Smiler69: Ilana: I keep seeing this Heyer gal pop up round here and I'm tempted. One of these days... I love the idea of camera eyes, too!

>36 johnsimpson: Thanks, John! Good to see you!

>37 connie53: Connie: We had excellent weather while we were there - no rain at all, and mostly in the low 80's. It got hotter for the last two days, but still we lucked out weather-wise.

>38 DeltaQueen50: Judy: Ha! Two brains? I have enough trouble with just the one!

Hi Amber. You're the third person I know who went to Disney World in the last couple of weeks. It looks like you had a great time, especially Charlie:-) I would suggest Nothing to Envy or even Escape From Camp 14 both non-fiction accounts of what it's like in North Korea. Very bleak too, of course because, well, it's North Korea. The Orphan Master's Son was loaded with over-blown excess and fairly unbelievable non-sense.

Nice to have you back, Amber!

3rd eye? I suppose it'll be like the other two I already have and I'll need to buy it a monocle lest it be totally useless. But truthfully the idea of an extra eye kind of repels me and I would prefer to just put it in the back of a desk drawer.

>39 scaifea: Well, you know June is “read Georgette Heyer” month around here, right? No better time to start than the present! I would recommend either The Grand Sophy or Frederica as your gateway drug. You can thank me later. :-)

>42 rosalita: Julia: Well okay then. No pressure or anything. Ha! If I so start up with her, it would have to be at the beginning. I'm a chronological gal, you know.

Even when the books aren't related? I just can't do that. So many authors grow into themselves so to speak that I'd never persevere to their good books if I started with their mediocre debuts. Unless it's a series; then all bets are off.

Happy New Thread! I love the Legos - so creative!

I'd like my 3rd eye in the bottom of my chin, to keep me from tripping so much. It would also be handy for keeping track of Adrian.

>44 rosalita: Julia: Yeah, I know. It's not always the case with me, but if I decide to read an author based on others' recommendations, as opposed to a specific work, then, yeah, it has to be in order.

>45 cbl_tn: Carrie: On the chin, eh? Interesting. And yes, the mini cities and such made out of Legos were amazing!

Well, I've read three Heyers, one I didn't like, one I liked, and one I adored. I wouldn't recommend Heyer as an author but I certainly would recommend The Grand Sophy.

Love all the pics Amber!

My third eye would need to be on the pad of my middle right finger. This way I could discreetly keep an "eye" on things under the desk & furniture, around the corner and behind my back. I could keep it under cover or just point it at someone I didn't like. ;-)

Dear Amber - congratulations on your 19th. Also pleased to see Charlie so enthralled by a visit to Disney World.

Intriguing opening question - may I ask if anything in particular prompted it?

My third eye would be donated to a good friend of mine who is clinically blind. Not brave enough to spare one of the two poorly performing one's I have but she would definitely get the third.

>47 Morphidae: Morphy: Good to know. I suspect that she'll eventually come up on some list or other, so I'll likely just wait until then, and so be freed from the chronology crisis.

>48 luvamystery65: Roberta: Oooh, finger eye! Excellent idea!

>49 PaulCranswick: Paul: Oh, I like your idea best of all, sir. I haven't been able to figure out what to do with my own third eye, so I would happily donate it, too, to make a set.
I don't remember what prompted the question, as I used to use these as bonus questions on quizzes and exams when I was teaching and so came up with them years ago.

On the agenda for today:
More laundry - didn't quite get it all finished yesterday, even though the machine was working non-stop. And then a spot of cleaning, likely. And some baking, either Lemon Cupcakes or Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies. And it's Wednesday, so that means Library Day! Woot! I missed our visit last week and am super excited to get back - I'll be registering Charlie for the summer reading program today, and myself, too, if the adult sign-ups are ready. I hope they're doing another Bingo challenge, as it was so much fun last year! Also, I brought back some mum plants that my mom potted up for me from her own plants, and I need to get those into the ground, so maybe that will happen this afternoon. Oh, and before we head out to the library, I may try to get those Legos packed up for Tomm's nieces, which didn't get done yesterday.
I think I'll make some Italian Burgers for dinner tonight - they're super fast, and I picked up some fresh French Bread from the grocery yesterday that would make a great 'bun.'

On the reading front: Dune continues to be amazing. It's one of those books into which I can get so absorbed that I can't really read it when I'm home alone with Charlie - he could accidentally set his hair on fire, and I'm not sure I'd hear the screaming. (Ha! So not true, of course, but, well, you know how it is with a good book.)

Today's calendar book sounds like it may just hop right onto my wishlist, since I like quirky little non-fictions: Leonardo's Lost Princess: One Man's Quest to Authenticate an Unknown Portrait by Leonardo Da Vinci by Peter Silverman. Anyone read this one?

>39 scaifea: and >42 rosalita:, I would like to add a warble for Cotillion. I laugh out loud every time...

351. How Many Ducks? by Cindy Chapman (Charlie's school book, beginning reader) - 8/10
Another book sent home for Charlie to read to us. This one is a bit more advanced than he's had in the past, and I was so proud of him for realizing that there was a rhyming scheme and for using that to help figure out some of the words. So much fun to watch him grow and learn!

>51 scaifea: Jenn: Oh, now I'm curious...

>52 nittnut: Jenn, that's going to be the one I read next month. I've heard lots of good things about it.

Nice to have you back (so to speak), Amber. Glad you seem to have had a great time on your trip. My family's trip to Legoland (though this was the original, Danish, Legoland) is one of my favourite childhood memories.

Hi Amber! Just noticed you started a new thread so HAD to drop in and see the Charlie topper.
Look at how tall he is!! Adorable pics at Disney! Have a great day!!

>55 rosalita: Julia: Hey, now - traipsing in here and shooting book bullets all over the place! This is *my* thread - do that stuff in your own thread!

>56 PawsforThought: Our lovely neighbors (three retired ladies who share a house) have been to the Danish Legoland and showed us photos before we left - it looks amazing!

>57 Carmenere: Lynda: Too tall. Way too tall. Why is he growing (up) so fast?!

>58 scaifea: Whoops! Sorry, carry on.

>60 rosalita: Julia: *snork!* (You know I'm just kidding, right?)

Well, I was hoping. :-)

>62 rosalita: Julia: Again I say "snork!*

Back from the library, with both Charlie and I signed up for the summer reading programs. They're doing the Reading Bingo again! I'm so excited!! I'm hoping that Charlie will want to play on his own for a bit this afternoon, so I can fully ensconce myself in planning how I'll fill my card!

Here's the full list of possible Bingo options (there are various charts, apparently):

Come to a library program.
Find a something (plant, animal, mineral, planet, etc) and identify it with a library resource.
Find the secret phrase onfacebook.com/plattevillepubliclibrary or plattevillepubliclibrary.org/adults.
Listen to a music CD you haven’t heard before.
Listen to an audiobook.
Read a book about how to do something.
Read a book about someone from a different culture.
Read a book and watch the movie.
Read a book by an author with the same last initial as you.
Read a book from the new book shelves.
Read a book from the children’s shelves.
Read a book from the teen shelves.
Read a book in a series.
Read a book in large print.
Read a book longer than 300 pages.
Read a book of poetry or a novel written in verse.
Read a book set in the future.
Read a book set in the past.
Read a book set in the present.
Read a book set outside the United States.
Read a book shorter than 150 pages.
Read a book that is not in a series.
Read a book that is scientifically impossible.
Read a book that is scientifically possible.
Read a book that makes you laugh.
Read a book that mentions a place you want to visit.
Read a book that says “by a bestselling author” on the cover.
Read a book that won an award.
Read a book where “sparks fly.”
Read a book with a battle against the elements.
Read a book with a color in the title.
Read a book with a love story.
Read a book with a number in the title.
Read a book with a one word title.
Read a book with an explosion.
Read a book with an investigation in it.
Read a book with pictures in it.
Read a book without a love triangle.
Read a book you heard about in the media or online.
Read a book you keep “meaning to get around to.”
Read a cookbook and try a recipe.
Read a folk tale or a book based on a folk tale.
Read a graphic novel.
Read a magazine from cover to cover.
Read a memoir or biography.
Read a newspaper that you don’t normally read.
Read a nonfiction book.
Read a short story or essay.
Read out loud for half an hour.
Read outside for an hour.
Read the same book as someone else and discuss it.
Try something recommended by someone at the library.
Use the microfilm machine to look at the Platteville Journal from the week you turned 5.
Watch a movie based on a true story.
Watch a movie with the subtitles on.

Morphy, this is for you, of course.

Use the microfilm machine to look at the Platteville Journal from the week you turned 5.

I love this one!

>66 casvelyn: I know, right? They had a similar one last year - the week you were born. You're supposed to copy down the main headline from that newspaper, and last year mine was something about the public library getting a new building! How cool is that?!

I was on a microfilm purchase committee for my job, plus we have lots of records on film, and I process microfiche for my department, so I'm somewhat inordinately fond of film readers. Does your library have any of the fancy newfangled ones where you can download your images to a flash drive instead of having to print them out?

>68 casvelyn: Oh, very cool job! I love microfiche! I don't think this library's machines are that fancy, but they're still pretty fun.

>65 scaifea: I would have troiuble with the 'teen' book, but am surprised at how much more enticing a 'large print' book is becoming. Ah! The joys of aging ...

>68 casvelyn: Oooh, that sounds fancy! I've used microfilm plenty when I was in university and downloading the page images instead of the crummy printouts that promptly got wrinkled and torn and tea spilled on them would have been awesome.

I just saw this and thought of you, Amber. Don't know why ...

http://www.lsa.umich.edu/lsa/archives/ci.slavesandsharecroppersinancientgreece_c...

You just better hope we don't all show up at your place and demand to be feasted!

Thanks for sharing those bingo options, Amber. My library doesn't offer an adult summer reading program and I'd love to get one off the ground next year. Having ideas to borrow is always a great place to start. :)

Any chance of one of those bingo charts being scanned? :)

>70 michigantrumpet: Marianne: I certainly won't have a problem - I just picked one off the shelf today!

>71 rosalita: Julia: I know, right!? How many pages I could have saved...

>72 michigantrumpet:: Ah, the old Compare & Contrast chestnut - that must be an article from the student paper?

>73 MickyFine: Micky: You're welcome!

>74 PawsforThought: Sorry - I don't have a scanner.

Aw, frak!

Cupcakes are made (they turned out delicious! Recipe below.), laundry *finally* finished, and we even made up a quick batch of Strawberry Jam. Charlie's happily playing with Legos on his own, so it's time for a little Bingo planning!! WooHoo!! (I'm more excited than a normal person should be, likely.)

Lemon Cupcakes
Ingredients:
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 cups flour, sifted
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 large eggs
• ½ cup buttermilk
• 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For frosting:
• ½ cup butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest

1. Heat oven to 350⁰.
2. Place baking cups in 2 muffin pans (for a total of 24 cupcakes).
3. Place all ingredients in mixing bowl and beat until smooth and pale, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Spoon mixture into cups.
5. Bake for 20 minutes or until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Remove pans from oven and cool 5 minutes.
7. Remove cupcakes and cool on wire rack.
8. Prepare frosting by beating butter, powdered sugar, vanilla and lemon zest until smooth.
9. Frost/pipe cupcakes with frosting.

This one came from 500 Cupcakes

>77 PawsforThought: Sorry! You could make up your own, though...

>79 scaifea: I've got the ones from the Reading Bingo by Retreat by Random House that people are using over in the 2014CC. Just thought it'd be nice to see how other bingo cards look.

And now I'm going to google replacements for buttermilk as we don't have that over here and those cupcakes sound delicious.

>80 PawsforThought: Oh, you can absolutely make your own buttermilk - it's easy peasy:
http://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-a-quick-easy-buttermilk-substitute-cooking-...

Also, hold on a mo - if you just want to see what it looks like, I'll take a photo and post it! Be right back...

Here it is:

>81 scaifea: Ha, that was the exact recipe I was looking at! I was thinking I might make some for the National Day (Independence Day) next week.

And thanks for the photo. I was thinking of making some bingo cards for myself for the summer. I'll definitely print out the RbRH ones but it's never a bad idea to have more ideas stored up.

>78 scaifea: - Amber, those cupcakes sound awesome. So is the lemon only in the icing? None in the cake batter? I luuuurve lemon cake so may have to play around a bit with that....

>81 scaifea: and >82 PawsforThought: - The nice folks over at Books on the Nightstand are doing a summer bingo challenge, too. Their bingo card can be found HERE.

>83 katiekrug: Thank you!

>83 katiekrug: Katie: They're wonderful! And I humbly suggest that you try the recipe as is first - the frosting is *very* lemony and it goes really well with the buttery taste of the cupcake.

>85 scaifea: - Will do! You're the expert :)

>86 katiekrug: Katie: Ha! If "expert" means having the cookbook and making it once, then, yeah.

>87 scaifea: - Well, that, and, you know, actually cooking and baking. I do neither (if I can help it!) :)

>88 katiekrug: Katie: Oh, well, yes. I *love* baking! Cooking's okay, too, I guess. Ha!

The Books on the Nightstand podcast is running a summer reading bingo, just for fun no prizes. Details here:
Http://tinyurl.com/botnsbingo

>83 katiekrug: Is it the nice folks over at Books on the Nightstand or is Ann involved, too? :-D

>90 lauralkeet: Thanks, Laura!

>91 rosalita: Julia: *snork!*

>91 rosalita: - "Snork" indeed!

I'd better behave myself. I forgot you're going to see her again and you or Mark will probably tell her what a jerk I am. I mean, I think I made that clear in Boulder but just in case she has any doubt .... ;-)

>93 katiekrug: Katie: :)

>94 rosalita: Julia: Ha! I think that's likely impossible - that you could ever be a jerk, Julia.

>94 rosalita: - You.Are.Not.A.Jerk.

The End.

>95 scaifea: & >96 katiekrug: Neither of you have seen me at my worst (well, Katie's come close), but I'll try to live up to your beliefs!

>95 scaifea:: See, Julia? Told ya.

352. Should I Share My Ice Cream? by Mo Willems (public library book, easy reader) - 9/10
Elephant gets an ice cream and then spends what turns out to be too much time debating whether he should share it with his friend, Piggie.
Hilarious and adorable. Much giggling.

353. Secret at Dolphin Bay by Marie Birkinshaw (public library book, easy reader) - 8/10
A Lego City book. Silly, but fun.

BINGO! I think I'll make up my own with that list.

ETA: Okay. I removed all the ones I couldn't do or wouldn't do. Got a list of 24 numbers to pick ones from the rest and got:

Read a book about someone from a different culture.
Read a book from the new book shelves.
Read a book from the children’s shelves.
Read a book from the teen shelves.
Read a book in large print.
Read a book set in the present.
Read a book that is not in a series.
Read a book that is scientifically possible.
Read a book that makes you laugh.
Read a book that mentions a place you want to visit.
Read a book that says “by a bestselling author” on the cover.
Read a book with a color in the title.
Read a book with a love story.
Read a book with a number in the title.
Read a book with a one word title.
Read a book with an explosion.
Read a book with an investigation in it.
Read a book you heard about in the media or online.
Read a book you keep “meaning to get around to.”
Read a memoir or biography.
Read a nonfiction book.
Read a short story or essay.
Watch a movie based on a true story.
Watch a movie with the subtitles on.

>9 scaifea: ...even gave Woody a big hug, which is amazing...... (he's not a big fan of strangers touching him or even getting near him, usually)
Sounds familiar. Wilbur is the same. I wonder if he'd give one up for Woody. I always wonder if W is on the autistic spectrum, but then I remember to be rational as well as a frantically worried mother.

>81 scaifea: love that challenge too. Read outside for an hour! Read a cookbook and try a recipe! A magazine! An audiobook! A book and then see its movie! Love those categories particularly.
I can see that being a good one to get the kids interested.

And as for the third eye....how about on top of my head? Then when I am bending over to 'tie up my shoelace' I can spy on people.

Oh, and >34 scaifea: I love Charlie's T-shirt in that bottom photo. Harry the Dirty Dog, a lovely book that I remember vividly.

Happy 7th Thingaversary, Amber!

>100 Morphidae: Morphy: Getting rid of the ones you don't want to do? Sounds like cheatin' to me... Ha! Kidding, of course. Love your list - so are you really gonna do it this summer?

>101 LovingLit: Megan: I'm totally fine with - and even happy about - Charlie not wanting to get near strangers; makes my job as a worry-wart mom easier! And there's a separate Bingo chart for teens - I didn't pick it up, but now I'm wondering if they're the same categories or not...?

>102 LovingLit: Mega: Charlie and I love it, too! It's one of Charlie's favorite books, and he was super-excited when the t-shirt came in the mail (he's so adorkable sometimes).

>103 richardderus: Aw, thanks, Richard!!

On today's agenda:

Today's a school day for Charlie (he's so excited to tell everyone about our trip, and I've sent some photos to his teacher to put up on the smart board for his Show & Share time (boy, how times have changed, eh?)), and I'll be at the school for most of the day, too - and for most of the remaining school days for Charlie. I'm helping the librarian with her end-of-year inventory, which means I get to shelf read all day!! I'm so excited!! It's like a second vacation for me! On my lunch break, I may go check out a garage sale that I saw advertised here in town, but otherwise, no other plans. Plenty of leftovers in the fridge - two days ago I made a ginormous batch of Beef Vegetable Soup, so no cooking necessary.

Today's calendar book: The Cut by George Pelecanos, which doesn't seem like a book I'd normally pick up (a modern-day mystery set in Washington D.C.), but I know I've seen some 75ers chatting about it at some point, and I think the chatter was good... Thoughts?

And Richard is right - today is my 7th Thingalingadingdong! I'm so grateful for this place and this group of folks. Thank you all so, so much for being my friends (I know it must be taxing at times); it means more than I can say, and you are such an important part of my life. I love you all.
Now, the books. I did order a few books a couple of days ago, both for Charlie and for me, and here are the ones for me:

Middlemarch (the Penguin Drop Caps edition!)
Instructions
Cedric the Forester
The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress
The Full Cupboard of Life (which I had sent to my mom - I'm month-by-month sending her all of these in the series, but she's keeping them for me to read, too)
The Year's Best Fantasy & Horror: Sixth Annual Collection

So, I need two more, eh? Hang on, I'll be right back...

...Aaand I'm back. Just added Every Love Story Is a Ghost Story and The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (the audio read by Stephen Fry) to my Amazon cart from my wishlist. Done!

I love the book bingo. My library doesn't do anything like that for adults, but they have a kids' summer reading programme, where they get a certificate for reading a certain number of books. I saw a little boy getting his certificate presented by one of the librarians once, and they made quite a thing of it. It was very sweet to watch and he looked thrilled.

I was never a "huggy" child either. I'm still not. I asked my mother once why she was always cuddling my brother and never me and she said I'd never wanted to be cuddled, right from tiny. There was something in the news here recently warning parents that they *shouldn't* make reluctant children hug or kiss adults because kids should learn that they control their own bodies and can say "no" (we also have a sex abuse campaign running) and I can certainly see the reasoning behind that. There was a lot of comment from grandparents saying how ridiculous, and it was wrong to treat everyone as a potential sex offender, but I don't think they were saying that - more that if a child isn't that sort of person then s/he shouldn't be made to be one just to fit in with what people think a "happy family" or a "normal" person should be like.

>107 susanj67: Susan: Oh, I agree 100%! I don't force Charlie to hug family members, but he usually does that voluntarily (grandparents), and I agree that No should mean No with children, too, and even for such simple things as hugs or tickle fights. I want him to learn right from the start that No means No and that Tomm and I respect his decisions about his own body - and that he absolutely must show that same respect for others, always. And no, that doesn't mean that I assume everyone is a sex offender (although sometimes I do fight that thought - ha!).

When I met my nephews a couple of months ago we just smiled and said hello (and they shook hands with my Dad, who they've met numerous times before - LOL!). There was a hug at the end but more because their mother is quite huggy and I felt I should follow her lead but I'd be quite happy with a wave :-)

Happy Thingalingadingdong, by the way! Our last posts crossed, I think.

Morning Amber- Hope you are enjoying this beautiful stretch of weather. I have read a few George Pelecanos books and have several in the stacks. I like him but not head over heels

>109 susanj67: Susan: My MIL is *very* huggy, which normally wouldn't bother me, but it's so insincere - she insists on hugging me even though we both know she intensely dislikes me. And I can't stand insincerity. Ugh.
And thanks! 7 Years! It's like having children - it both seems like yesterday that I found this place, but I also have trouble remembering what it was like without having you all in my life. *happy sigh*

>110 msf59: Mark: Hm, interesting. Adding your lukewarmity to the info file...

>90 lauralkeet: sorry I duplicated Katie's post. I'm glad she didn't go all KAK on me. :)

Happy Thingaversary!

>113 lauralkeet: Laura: *snork!*

>114 cbl_tn: Carrie: Thanks!

Happy Thingaversary Amber! I'm glad you're here. I vote you should buy two more Drop Caps for your two remaining books :-)

Happy Thingaversary!

>104 scaifea: Yep, I'm going to do it starting Sunday.

Of course I'd never complete it if it had items like:

Unable to do
Come to a library program. (mobility)
Find a something (plant, animal, mineral, planet, etc) and identify it with a library resource. (mobility)
Read out loud for half an hour. (vocal chords)
Read outside for an hour. (access/mobility)
Try something recommended by someone at the library (mobility)
Use the microfilm machine to look at the Platteville Journal from the week you turned 5 (location)
Listen to a music CD you haven’t heard before. (don't have a player)
Read a newspaper that you don’t normally read. (no access to ones I haven't read without going to library)

Don't want to do

Read a cookbook and try a recipe. (would never complete)

It's your Thingaversary! I think Nora has the right idea for celebrating but then again your own acquisition list looks pretty darn good, too!

Happy Thingaversary to you Amber! Thank you for being such a welcoming spirit in this place, to new friends and old returning friends alike. ;)

Thanks for sharing your vacation with us Amber! I loved reading about what you did and seeing those happy photos of Charlie. Our family is headed back to Disney next April and we stay at Shades of Green which is across the street from the Polynesian. This year we would like to do the luau dinner at Polynesian....we always try to do one "special" meal that is themed or with characters. Our kids are getting older so they think they would like the luau rather than the character breakfast at Polynesian.

Sorry about your wildlife encounter...but thanks for the heads up!! It had not occurred to me that I might see an "S" while walking around the resort grounds. I'm not phobic but I don't really want to encounter one unprepared either!!

Happy Thingaversary Amber!

Happy Thingaversary Amber, thank you for being a part of my LT life and for sharing Charming Charlie with us.

Happy Thingaversary Amber and those cupcakes sound scrummy, Karen has been baking this afternoon and as official taste tester I have to say they were really nice, she made a madeira and ginger curd and the Impossible pie, which we found the recipe for when going through some of her dad's paperwork when sorting the house out.

Hope everyone is well after your trip and getting back to the day to day things, have a good day and I send love and hugs to you all.

>116 norabelle414: Nora: Oh, I like that idea very much, but too late! *sigh*

>117 PawsforThought: Thanks!

>118 Morphidae: Morphy: Oooh, I'm so glad you're doing it, too! Bingo Partners!

>119 rosalita: Thanks, Julia!

>120 jolerie: Aw, Thanks, Valerie!

>121 Cobscook: Heidi: Oh, the Shades of Green looked nice! We didn't do the luau because we thought Charlie wouldn't really appreciate it, but I'd love to do it if we go back - I can't wait to hear what you think of it!

>122 luvamystery65: Thanks, Roberta!

>123 AuntieClio: Stephanie: I love that you're part of my LT life, too, friend.

>124 johnsimpson: Many thanks, John - I need to head over to your own thread to get more information on this Impossible Pie...

I spent my Thingaversary in the best way possible - shelf reading the non-fiction section at Charlie's school! And I finished the whole section! Bliss!!

WOO! What an accomplishment! Not the way *I* would spend my thingaversary, but glad it made you happy...

Happy days...

>127 michigantrumpet: Marianne: Ha! I know, I'm, uh, special...

Ha! When you put it that way, it makes me think of all those intros to the soupy sitcoms ...

"...And tonight, a *special* episode of Blossom ...

>129 michigantrumpet: Marianne: *SNORK!*

I think it was the episode with her first bra or something ...

But you are *special*. REally!

>118 Morphidae: Many newspapers are still available free on line, if you'd like to reconsider that option. The Scotsman or The Guardian, for example. Both are excellent sources of different perspectives on what we hear for news in this country. And I don't think you'd be expected to read them in their entirety!

>131 michigantrumpet: no, no, no, that was Diffrent Strokes. Blossom was about getting her driver's license.

>131 michigantrumpet: & >133 AuntieClio: Marianne & Stephane: I can't even express how much I love that you two are having a discussion about Blossom & Different Strokes.

>132 laytonwoman3rd: Linda: Oh, excellent advice!

Yay for the UPS man!

So glad that Disneyworld was a blast, not that I was worried.

I've managed to duck Book Bingo so far, but you make it tempting.

>136 sibylline: Hi, Lucy! I've planned out what books I'll be reading for the Book Bingo (mostly), and I've managed to use books that are coming up on my other lists anyway, for the most part, so it won't be like adding another obligation. Just a fun way to work through more books on my lists!

354. Fun at the Beach by Heather Hammonds (Charlie's school book, begining reader) - 8/10
Another book sent home from school, which Charlie read to us.

355. Curious George Saves His Pennies by Monica Perez (public library book, picture book) - 8/10
George sees a train in the toy store the he'd really love to have, and the Man in the Yellow Hat convinces him to save his allowance to buy it.
Charlie's now very eager to start saving pennies. I suppose it's time to start thinking about an allowance...?

On the agenda for today:

Laundry, again. A bit of cleaning. Shopping of the grocery variety. Possibly some baking. I'd love to get some sewing time today, but we'll see if that actually happens. Charlie's been clambering to go to the park, so if it's not too hot or buggy we may do that this afternoon.
Baked potatoes and broccoli for dinner, I think.
On the reading front: I started Predator's Gold last night and so far it promises to be as good as the first one in the series. I also read another couple of chapters in Dune, one of which involved an intense but very cool knife fight - never a dull chapter in that one!

Today's calendar book: Seating Arrangements by Maggie Shipstead, which seems to be a romantic comedy of errors revolving around a wedding disaster. Hmm. Doesn't really seem to be up any of my particular alleys - anyone read this one?

Oh, nice - you have Cathedral! I love David Macaulay's books.

>140 Fourpawz2: I'm slowly accumulating the Macaulay books for Charlie's shelves - they seem like fantastic books for kids - I, at least, would have loved pouring over them when I was a kid.

And don't forget Motel of the mysteries for grown-ups! I thought it was a riot.

Amber, your agenda of today looks fantastic. I hope you can go to the park. Here it just started to rain. Wishing you a lovely day.

>142 Fourpawz2: Cool!! I haven't read that one yet!

>143 Ameise1: Babara: Thanks! A little rain wouldn't hurt here, either, really. But I hope it stays nice so that we can get to the park.

Morning Amber- I've heard good things about Seating Arrangements, along with her latest, Astonish Me, but like you, I've seen very little LT buzz on either one.
BTW- I LOVE your book calender!

>145 msf59: Mark: I know, right?! My mom gave it to me for Christmas - best mom ever.

So, I haven't mentioned this before, but I've been so inspired by those of you who are setting goals to lose weight and doing so well that I've been trying to change my own eating habits, too. I've been actively working on it for two weeks and despite being on vacation, I've lost 5lbs so far! I treated myself in celebration to a pre-made salad from the grocery store today for lunch - I always feel guilty buying those because it's so much cheaper to get all the fixings and make them yourself, but it's a really good one - southwestern-type dressing and with grilled chicken strips, too. Yum!

>147 scaifea: Well done, you! You definitely deserve a store bought salad!

>148 PawsforThought: Ha! Thanks!

>147 scaifea: Whoa! Don't get too fancy on us with your store-bought salads! LOL

Seriously, congrats on your weight loss. Every pound lost is a cause for celebration in my book.

>150 Cobscook: Heidi: *snork!* Thanks! It's easier to be good when one sees results, no?

Hi Amber, I'm just waving in passing! Hugs for you!

Belated congratulations on your 7th Thingaversary! So, did you mention which eight books you are going to get yourself or did I miss it in my mad rush to get to the end of the thread so I could give you my congrats?

Also, I've been following your travel adventures and could have sworn that I had commented earlier how great it is to be building up all these wonderful memories with Charlie (he looks so happy in the pics!), but I can't find it and so must have just dreamed I posted it. Glad you had a good time (mostly) and glad you made it back to your comfy home safe and sound!

Happy Friday!

>152 connie53: Hi, Connie!

>153 Storeetllr: Mary: See >105 scaifea: & >106 scaifea: for my Thingadingy purchases. And thanks - Charlie is still chatting excitedly about what a great time we all had!

Nice Thingaversary book choices!

Congratulations on the 5lb Amber!!! I'm especially impressed you were able to do that on the Disney Diet.

Amber, I wish you a relaxing weekend full of reading

>155 Storeetllr: Thanks, Mary!

>156 lauralkeet: Thanks, Laura! It wasn't too difficult, really, as Disney has a pretty good selection of healthy choices, even at they're 'quick service' places (read: fast food-like).

>157 Ameise1: Barbara: Oh, what a cutie! Thanks!

Only 7 posts behind!

I wish you a very happy weekend, Amber.

>160 connie53: Thanks, Connie - wishing the same for you, too!

Oh, that wonderful UPS man, bringing me some of my Thingadingy books (plus one for Charlie, too):

Congrats on the weight loss! I'm impressed you did it while on vacation and given all the baking you and Charlie do!

Thanks, Katie! Sometimes resisting the baked goods is hard, but I'm trying to allow myself just one of each thing we make. So far so good...

I would think that is so much wiser than just depriving oneself. Good for you!

>165 katiekrug: Katie: I can't claim credit for that wise nugget - Morphy's theory of eating pretty much what you want but in reasonable quantities is where the idea came from.

Congrats on the weight loss!

I LOVED The Orphan Master's Son. I also liked Nothing to Envy

>167 banjo123: Thanks! And thanks for weighing in on The Orphan Master's Son. I'm still debating that one...

Missed so much already! Love the summer bingo reading program and those lemon cupcakes look divine! I was never much of a hugger as a kid. I am more of a hugger now as an adult but respect the fact that the neices and nephews will initiate the hugs if they want one.

Congratulations on the weight loss!

>162 scaifea: woohoo for that lovely Middlemarch edition! *salivating*
Happy Thhingamadingy!!

Happy Thingaversary! I better look mine up. I wouldn't want to miss any bona fide book buying holidays.

Hi Amber, hope you and the boys have a great weekend, I will put the recipe for the Impossible pie on my thread, love and hugs to you all.

Morning Amber! OMG! Where did you get that Middlemarch edition? I WANT one NOW! I plan on reading it this summer...finally.

ETA- Happy Thingaversary!!

>169 lkernagh: Lori: I'm only a hugger with my parents, Tomm and Charlie, really. And at LT meet-ups, of course! And thanks!

>170 LovingLit: Megan: Thanks! Isn't it lovely?

>171 nittnut: Jenn: This is the first year that I've remembered to celebrate it. So fun!

>172 johnsimpson: Thanks, John - I'll scurry over soon to check out the recipe.

>173 msf59: Mark: It's a Penguin Drop Caps edition. You can check them out here: http://www.penguin.com/static/pages/classics/penguindropcaps.php

Thanks, Amber! Can you buy them from anywhere else or only Penquin? What lovely editions.

On the agenda for today:
Once Charlie's up, I'll make some French Toast out of the leftover French bread (yum!). Then a bit later we're all heading outside for a bit of yard work - Tomm needs to mow and I'll be pulling weeds in the flower beds and such. Charlie will likely be marching round with his little wheelbarrow with some pretend game going, which is his usual MO. I found some good-looking steaks yesterday at the grocery, so Tomm will be grilling for us either for lunch or dinner. Charlie and I may do some baking this afternoon, and I hope to get some sewing and reading time in, too. Oh, and I *need* to catch up here on LT, too, although that may have to wait until tomorrow.

The book calendar weekend quote: "A man only learns in two ways: one by reading, and the other by association with smarter people." Anyone have a guess who this is?

>175 msf59: Mark: I got this one from Amazon, although sometimes a search just for the title won't bring the Drop Caps edition up: you need to add "penguin drop caps" to the end of the search phrase.

Thanks Amber! I will check with Ammy. I have a Thingaversary coming up to you know!
How is the print in these editions? A nice size?

>178 msf59: Mark: The print is gorgeous! A lovely font and it seems very slightly larger and normal type.

>147 scaifea: *gasps* You mean you didn't grow your own organic lettuce and raise the chicken from an egg? The shame! Tsk tsk.

>166 scaifea: It makes me feel good to know that something I've said about weight loss has helped another person.

>176 scaifea: I had to Google the quote. I just had to know. I'll keep my lip zipped though.

>180 Morphidae: Morphy:
1) *snork!*
2) You are inspiring in all sorts of ways, lady.
3) I would have done the same thing.

No clue about the quote, so I looked it up too. Hmmm....that person said a lot of worthier stuff than that, in my opinion.

>182 laytonwoman3rd: Linda: That was my thought, too; he's usually more clever than that.

Whelp, weeding it done (Whew! Not my favorite job.), so while Tomm and Charlie are still out mowing, I'm treating myself to a game of Thread Catch-Up.

Congratulations on picking up an awesome book like Dune - this book till date remains my favourite Sci-Fi read.

>185 PiyushC: Piyush: I think I may agree with you - with every page it just gets better and better and I'm loving it!

Aaaand, I am caught up! With All The Threads (for, you know, the next 5 minutes)! Woot!

Happy Saturday, Amber! Sounds like you're having a lovely day.

>188 rosalita: Thanks, Julia! We are. And here's some proof:

Susie is tutoring Charlie on his letters. Ha!

She's beautiful! And Charlie's fairly cute too, of course.

>190 rosalita: Julia: Cuties-patootie, both of them, really. :)

>176 scaifea:, the quote, I guessed that one or a writer well known for his snarkiness. At least I was in the ballpark!

>192 AuntieClio: Stephanie: Well done, you!

So, here's today's baking results, which I am dedicating to >172 johnsimpson: John. Since I didn't have all of the ingredients for his Impossible (but tasty-sounding) Pie, I decided to try a recipe for English Bakewell Tart, which, despite the fact that it's name likely describes Tomm's vision of a perfect woman (ha!), turned out delicious:

" A lovely font and it seems very slightly larger and normal type." Sighs, blissfully...I am buying this BAD BOY!

What are your other favorite Penguin CAPS, editions?

>195 msf59: Mark: I've purchased A-E, plus R, which is Rushdie's Haroun and the Sea of Stories. They're all gorgeous, and I'll most certainly be buying up the whole set (they make these editions just for suckers like me, I suspect).

ETA: Also, Woot Woot! for snagging you into my Drops Caps addiction! Ha!

Beware, Mark! Amber's Drop Caps addiction is HIGHLY contagious. Darn her! *shakes fist in general direction of Wisconsin*

Thanks for the warning, Katie!

I guess I ignored it, because I just ordered a like new edition of Middlemarch, for 16 bucks, total! And yes, it felt very good.

Amber, if I did all that wonderful baking that you do, I would never be able to keep my weight down. It doesn't help that my husband doesn't like many desserts other than ice cream. I would have to eat that whole tart by myself! Congrats on the weight loss during vacation, another time when I eat with abandon!

Okay…going to check out the Drop Caps editions. I'm just looking but my Amazon WL is almost empty. My Thinga is over but birthday coming up in a few months.

>199 Donna828: How can an Amazon WL be almost empty? I reduced mine significantly this week, but it's still got several hundred items in it.

>197 katiekrug: Katie: *snork!* Wha? Me? Naaaahhh.

>198 msf59: Mark: YES!!! Awesome!

>199 Donna828: Donna: Tomm doesn't eat much in the way of desserts, either, so I took half of the tart over to The Ladies (as Charlie calls them) next door - three lovely retired women who are fantastically chatty and adore Charlie no end. Half of many of our desserts make their way over there. I had my one slice of the tart for dinner dessert and the rest of our half is for Charlie.
And what is going on with your Amazon wishlist?! How is that possible?!

>200 thornton37814: Lori: I know, right?! My wishlist is sitting at a plump 627 right now...

356. Good Night, Mouse! by Jed Henry (public library book, picture book) - 8/10
A little mouse is having trouble sleeping, so his friends all try various methods to help him.
Cute, with adorable illustration, but not much in the way of substance at all. Intended, I think, for ones younger than Charlie - toddlers, really.

Two of your books caught my eye:

Middlemarch (the Penguin Drop Caps edition!)
I've heard of this, but never read it. I read the Wikipedia article and thought it was pretty interesting.

"The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress" I am a devoted Robert Heinlein fan, having read most of his 50 novels. This one I read in 1968 or 69, when I was 12 or 13. I later found out it was one of his "adult" novels he wrote after leaving juvenile fiction; it was the first one I read. (Stranger in a Strange Land was his first; I didn't read that til later). I immediately noted his different tone from his juvenile fiction, but I enjoyed it greatly. I won't spoil it for you, other than to say it has one of the first and best realized artificial intelligence characters in it.

Jeff: I'm excited to get round to reading Middlemarch and I hope I can do that soon. As far as the Heinlein goes, I'm working through a combined list of several awards, including the Hugo award, and so this one is coming up soon on that list. I read Stranger in a Strange Land recently, too, and I'm certain that there will be more Heinlein in my future!

On the agenda for today:
A bit more outside work - spreading mulch around in the flower beds, and then maybe some painting (the yearly touch-up that the garden timbers need). I didn't get into the sewing room at all yesterday, so I hope I can do that for a bit today.
Corn and Black Bean Soup for dinner, I think.
On the reading front: I'm nearly finished with Predator's Gold and really enjoying this series so far, despite the steampunk part. And Dune continues to be amazing, of course. I'll be sad when this one is over.

Okay, so the tart was so good that I thought I'd share the recipe, in case anyone is interested:

English Bakewell Tart

Ingredients:
1 batch of your favorite pie dough, enough for a 1-crust pie (I love the recipe I use and would be happy to share, should anyone be interested.)
1 1/4 cups butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 1/4 cups finely ground blanched almonds
3 large eggs
1/3 cup strawberry jam

1. Preheat oven to 350F degrees. Roll out pastry dough and line a 10-inch tart pan with a removable base.
2. Pre-bake crust for 15 minutes.
3. Lower the oven temperature to 325F.
4. In medium bowl, cream butter and sugar with an electric mixer, then slowly add the ground almonds until well combined.
5. Using a fork, beat the eggs and then incorporated them into the almond mixture.
6. Refrigerate for 20 minutes.
7. Using a spatula, spread jam evenly over base of the tart crust.
8. Pour the chilled almond mixture over the layer of jam.
9. Bake for 40 minutes or until the filling is firm and golden brown (NB: It took my oven 55 minutes to get there.)
10. Transfer to a wire rack and cool for at least an hour.

Note: Whenever I use a tart pan, I always put it in a jelly roll pan before putting it in the oven, because they almost always leak for me (and this time was no exception).
This recipe comes from 500 Pies & Tarts.

In other news of the day, Tomm and I have decided to start giving Charlie an allowance. We've discussed before when would be a good time to start, and it seems maybe a smidge early to me, age-wise, but we had decided earlier that we would wait maybe for a sign from Charlie that he's ready, and that happened a couple of days ago. We read Curious George Saves His Pennies, which we picked out at the library not because of the subject matter, but because it was a new George book and Charlie loves George, and he *loved* it and was immediately asking questions about when he could start saving money, too. Well, if we were waiting for a sign... Ha! So, we sat him down yesterday and talked about the Rules: he had to agree to work on learning how to count money and how money works (he and I have tried to work on this before and he has been frustrated easily with it), and that an allowance is a privilege and not a right. We also talked about how, if he finds something in particular for which he would like to save up, we could make a chart to keep track of how close he is to his goal. He's *very* excited, and I'm not surprised, really - it's one of those work-toward-a-goal/cross-stuff-off-a-list things that I adore, and he's so much like me in that respect. I'm also torn; it's so wonderful to see him grow and learn new things, but why does he have to be growing up so fast?! *sigh*

The Bakewell tart looks delightful! I'll have to find it later this month.

I enjoyed reading your post about your decision to give Charlie an allowance. I'll be interested to hear how it goes.

>208 kidzdoc: Thanks, Darryl. This is one of those areas of parenting where I feel like I have no idea what I'm doing. Ha! We'll see how it goes.
And I can't wait to hear what you think of the tart!

>209 scaifea: I don't think any parents know what they are doing. And the ones who say that they do really don't have a clue.

>210 kidzdoc: Boy, do I agree with that. Except Amber....Amber knows what she's doing. Or she figures it out with compassion and intelligence, which is even better.

>209 scaifea: Pffft. See above.

>206 scaifea: Thanks for posting your recipe. It looked so amazing that I scouted the web for a recipe, but none of them sounded quite right. I assume substituting some other variety of jam would be perfectly acceptable. (I'm thinking apricot.) Although I love strawberries, I've never cared for them in cooked form.

>211 laytonwoman3rd: Except Amber....Amber knows what she's doing. Or she figures it out with compassion and intelligence, which is even better.

I couldn't agree more.

>210 kidzdoc: Darryl: Oh, I agree about those who proclaim that they know it all about parenting! Sheesh!

>211 laytonwoman3rd: Linda: Aw, shucks. I've had the most amazing mentors in my own parents, so I can't really take much credit for whatever I happen to do right.
And you're welcome for the recipe - and yes, I suspect any sort of jam would work just fine - apricot sounds lovely!

>212 kidzdoc: Thanks, Darryl. It helps that Charlie is a pretty easy kid to parent. I'm so grateful for him every day.

Whew! Mulching done, and now for a nice, long, hot shower before lunch and then heading into the sewing room the afternoon. Here's what Charlie was up to while Tomm and I mulched:





Notice that Tuppence has her own agenda...

Haha! Tuppence for the win.

I'm just getting to this thread and no time to catch up. Wishing you a great day!

>215 lycomayflower: Linda: I know, right?! She's hilarious.

>216 tymfos: Hi, Terri!

>194 scaifea:, That Bakewell Tart looks lovely Amber, making me feel a tad hungry but I have just had some more Impossible Pie, one more helping left for me tomorrow. Hope you are having a nice weekend my dear.

>218 johnsimpson: John: I think you may be a bit spoiled with all of that pastry... :) We are having a lovely weekend, and I hope yours has been the same!

I love the Suzie and Charlie pic! Great to see the friendship.

>220 connie53: Connie: Those two are the best of friends. And to think that while I was pregnant I was worried that I might have to give her up if she reacted badly to the baby!

Another lovely weekend at Scaife Manor, I see!

>222 rosalita: Julia: Definitely! And, I even finished a book!

357. (52nd non-picture book read this year) Predator's Gold by Philip Reeve (1001 Children's Books series follow-up, 325 pages) - 9/10
In this second book in the Mortal Engines series, the two heroes find themselves running from rouge rouges, throwing in their lot with a suspicious 'adventurer,' spending time with a ice-covered traveling town filled with the scant remains of a recent plague, escaping from underwater-dwelling thieves and and new, scary mechanical zombie.
Whew! Excellent entertainment, with well-drawn characters and a completely enjoyable plot. I'm officially hooked on this series.

What I'm reading now:
-Lady Chatterley's Lover (Banned Books list)
-Infernal Devices (series follow-up to a 1001 Children's Book list book)
-Journey to the West (The Green Dragon 1001 Fantasy List)
-Andrew Jackson: His Life and Times (Presidential Challenge)
-One Summer (audio book)
-Dune (Hugo & Nebula award lists)
-Enemy of God (from the TBR shelves)
-Little House in the Big Woods (bath-time book)
-The Cambridge Companion to the Age of Constantine (off of my classics shelves)
-Deity Yoga (buddhism list)
-The Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man (year-by-year book list, 1916)
-Paddle Your Own Canoe (from the READ ME NOW pile)
-The Iliad (everyday audio book in the car)
-The Haunted Bookshop (sequel to Parnassus on Wheels)

In addition to these, I have some classics-related texts that I'm working through (quite slowly):
-Asinaria by Plautus (reading in Latin)
-Iliad by Homer (reading in Greek)
-Latin Literature by Gian Biagio Conte
-The Cambridge History of Classical Literature Volume 1 Part 1

drive-by *smooch*

>225 richardderus: Hi, Richard!

358. Does a Kangaroo Have a Mother, Too? by Eric Carle (public library book, picture book) - 8/10
A Carle book that Charlie and I hadn't read yet, so we picked it from the library shelves. Enjoyable, as Carle always is.

I remember reading Mortal Engines and Predator's Gold to J a few years ago when he was still in the bedtime story phase. But he went on to read the last two himself so I didn't ever finish the series. I have to say that I think the opening sentence of Mortal Engines is just wonderful:

'It was a dark, blustery afternoon in spring, and the City of London was chasing a small mining town across the dried-out bed of the old North Sea.

Doesn't that just make you want you to carry on reading:

Have you come across his Larklight Trilogy? It's aimed at a slightly younger market than Mortal Engines and might be useful for Charlie in a couple of years' time.

>228 SandDune: Rhian: I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed the first two in the series! I started the third last night, and I have to say, if it doesn't pick up soon it looks like I'm in for a not-so-great read; there's a new character and she's incredibly annoying, to me, at least. Sigh. I'll put the Larklight Trilogy on my To Watch For list - thanks for the recommendation!

On the agenda for today:

It's a school day for Charlie, and I'll once again be spending the whole school day in the library helping Pam, the librarian, gets things in order for her end-of-the-year inventory-ing. I'll be shelf-reading again, I think; this time the fiction section. So that's all that's on the schedule, really, as we'll both likely be pooped by the time we get home. Charlie has a fun day at school, too - his class will be visiting the kindergarten classes and eating lunch with them in the cafeteria (the 4K class normally has their lunches delivered to their classrooms, so this is an exciting development, too).
For dinner tonight, Charlie and I are going to try to make Fish Cakes, which will be venturing into new territory for me - the only fish I prepare comes in stick form or salad of the tuna variety. We'll see how it goes...
On the reading front: as I mentioned to Rhian above, I started Infernal Devices yesterday and so far it's a bit disappointing, after the fun of the first two books. I hope the focus turns back to the main characters of the first two books, or at least that this new gal gets less annoying. Ha!

The book calendar entry for today is, for a change, one that I've already read. And I loved it! No surprise there, as it's a Michael Chabon book, and I love him: The Final Solution: A Story of Detection. It's Chabon's take on Sherlock Holmes. Like most Chabon, it's a bit out of the ordinary, but it's a great read. Recommended!

I keep trying to remember to mention the things that we watch here at Scaife Manor, too, but usually don't (remember, that is). Tomm and I have been trying to get caught up on our favorite shows that we've been missing since we stopped getting cable/satellite, and right now we're working on Parks and Rec, which I love in particular as a born-and-raised Hoosier and a huge fan of Amy Poehler and a new fan of Nick Offerman. But also, in the past couple of evenings we've watched as many fun movies:
Mist, which is a kids' movie about border collies on a sheep farm in England, in which they seem to have recorded a bunch of footage of an actual farm's group of border collies at work and then wrote a story to fit round the footage. It's sappy in parts, but not overly so, and the dogs are so, so amazing and adorable. Plus, somehow they managed to get both Brian Blessed and Derek Jacobi to do voices for two of the dogs! So, recommended. We all cuddles up with Tuppence and had a lovely, cozy watch.
And then last night we watched The Mighty Ducks, which, unbelievably, I had never seen before. Charlie and I both loved it (Tomm had seen it before and also likes it, of course)! So, okay, it's not high art on film, but it was such a fun watch, and how can you not love Emilio?

Morning Amber! Yah, for The Mighty Ducks! I have not read that Chabon. I now have several of his in the stacks, including his last one. I NEED to get back to reading him. Have a good day.

>232 msf59: Mark: This Chabon is a novella, so add it to the pile - it won't make it too much taller...

230> Fish cakes are fantastic (especially with a little fresh tarragon to perk them up a bit). One thing to remember, though: chill them in the fridge for about 10-15 minutes once you've made them so that they hold together better when you sear them.

>234 NielsenGW: Thanks for the tip!

Good morning Amber, nice Charlie photos and isn't it great how Tuppence would like to play with him? I love animal language.

Good morning! Finally caught up with you after the weekend. You amaze me continually with all the skills you have woman! Baking and sewing and so much more. :)
It's great you are introducing the concept of saving money to Charlie. I don't think he's too young since he's showing the signs and asking questions about that. Now I'm all curious about what he will be saving up for first! :D

>236 Ameise1: Barbara: I know, right? Tuppence is more hesitant about Charlie than Susie is, and I think it's because she was already an adult dog when Charlie came into our lives and upset her world. Ha!

>237 jolerie: Valerie: I'm really curious what he'll decide on, too! I'll report back, of course, when he decides. :)

>231 scaifea: I watched all The Mighty Ducks movies as kids and as a result my fondness for Joshua Jackson has existed a very long time. :)

>239 MickyFine: Micky: Hm, which one is Joshua Jackson? I'll have to look that up...

Amber, with your interest in the classical world, have you ever cooked from any ancient Roman recipes?

>241 barney67:: I have! I've a Classical Cookbook and I've tried a few recipes from it. I've always wanted to try come of Cato's recipes, too, from the original, but just haven't ever done it.

Hooray for teaching kids about money. We have had rather up and down success with that - but mostly because every kid is different. We have gone the route of no allowance, but earning money for extra jobs above and beyond the "we're all part of a family" work they have to do. Since moving to NZ, this no longer works for our teen. He can't work due to his year level at school. He has to achieve level 1 or something first. But his financial needs are many. So, an allowance it is. Still attached to keeping his room clean and doing his school work, but an allowance all the same. Another book I like for teaching kids about money is Whatever Happened to Penny Candy. It's basic economics, and well written.

>243 nittnut: Jenn: Thanks for the recommendation - I'll keep an eye out for that one!

The Wallace bio is classic first sanctioned bio - workmanlike rather than inspired, and solid.

We started the LD quite early with a small amount of allowance in order to help her 'choose' her own treats - the deal was she would never ask me to buy them for her and she was excellent about it, generally having enough to buy one thing a week. It wasn't really enough to save up for much of anything. Every year she got a little more, always to be used for more or less specific things. Now that she drives herself around she does her own errands so we've had to up the ante. She earns some money too, of course. We did the savings/checking accounts at the bank at 12 (with me as jt person) and the debit card at 15 when she went to a camp that was on a college campus next to a cute little town in Southern Vermont where they could go shopping. By then too, she was earning money so she could deposit it herself etc. A startling number of her friends here are so protected that they have to ask their parents for money for every little thing. It's just another of those things you never think about when you have a kid.

My sister & brother-in-law started my niece on an allowance quite early (age 4-5). For every dollar she got, she could spend $.50, save .25 for short term savings (personal piggy bank) and .25 for long-term savings (a bank account). I'm proud to say she graduated with a degree in finance from Clemson, and went into the management training program for a major bank, earning a 6 figure salary within 2 years. She is leaving that job at the end of the month to "pursue other opportunities" She wants to do something that combines her finance knowledge with a non-profit,

>245 sibylline: & >246 LoisB: Lucy & Lois: Part of why I think an allowance is important is to teach financial responsibility, which I think would be difficult to learn if one doesn't have any money of one's own and constantly has to ask one's parents for things. It sounds like that works out pretty well, at least in these two cases, so yay! :)

359. One World, One Day by Barbara Kerley (public library book, picture book) - 10/10
A day in the life of children round the world, as told with photos from National Geography accompanies by a few simple sentences.
Gorgeous photos, of course, and a lovely sentiment. I love this book, and Charlie did, too! Sparked some great questions from him about how other children's live in other cultures. Highly recommended!

Oh, and I have to share this: So, I mentioned above that Charlie's class was visiting the kindergarten classes today and meeting all of the teachers. Well, he told Tomm and I this evening that his favorite kindergarten teacher - and the one he really hopes will be *his* teacher because she's really great - is "that red-haired girl teacher." My Charlie has a crush on a red-haired girl!! Ha!

Haha, my favorite teacher in elementary school was a "red-haired girl teacher," so I can totally understand! ;)

>250 Ape: Stephen: You and Charlie would have so much to talk about! Clearly we need to have a meet-up! :)

You know, I wasn't hungry before I came to this thread. Dangit all. Lovely looking recipes!

Amazing Charlie photos. I love the Tuppence one with the frisbee...too cute!

Going to bed thinking of cupcakes and some kind of a wonderful tart now, thanks. ;)

So... would one use the pluperfect tense of vivere? Because Harry already lived?

>207 scaifea: hm. Allowances. We call it pocket money here :)
Wilbur gets 20c for bringing in the kindling, which he does when asked. And he gets the same amount potentially each day for 'tidying his bed' and clearing his floor. He rarely decides to collect on this task though, preferring the kindling job more. So he could be earning $1.60 per week. Where it went wrong for us, I think, was buying him cheap little things when we are out at op shops, or second hand places. He has grown used to just getting things. So now we say that anything he wants to buy, mum and dad will pay half but he has to use his pocket money. He recently upgraded his money box, using the new system. It's a world globe where he stores his coins. He loves getting it down and counting his loot.

>214 scaifea: wow, there is an American flag flying at your neighbours place! That is so American, hardly anyone has a NZ flag to fly here. Don't mind me, I find the small differences fascinating.

>252 TinaV95: Tina: Ha! Sorry for making you hungry! I suppose it won't help to add that the fish cakes turned out amazing? We'll definitely be making those again!

>253 nittnut: Jenn: (Oh, nice thinking, but no. You would use a different verb altogether (the Romans had several for death and dying). It just really irks me that this person didn't know something as basic as that, and then takes on such a huge translation job that he's clearly not qualified for?!)

>254 LovingLit: Megan: Charlie will be getting $.50 a week. And I think that Tomm is hoping that this will cut down on the amount of little trinkets that he gets when Charlie and I are out and about, even though he must know that it's me who can't resist offering to buy them for Charlie and not Charlie who asks for them. Ha!
And, yeah, the flag thing. It's everywhere here, and I'm one of those US-ers who thinks it's very weird. It's like the country is one big football team, or something. It's a strange, fanatical kind of patriotism.

On the agenda for today:

Even though it's only Tuesday, we'll be headed for the library today, since tomorrow our morning is full with other things. And then a little cleaning, some bill-paying, more than a little laundry. I'm also debating stirring up a batch of cake doughnuts, but we'll see if that happens. Also need to keep an eye on Tuppence today: she had a bit of diarrhea yesterday and she's not eaten much of her food since Sunday night. May need to call the vet, but we'll see how she does today and if she's still drinking. I may make up a batch of rice for her.
Leftovers for dinner tonight so no cooking necessary today!
On the reading front: Infernal Engines is still so-so. The story is good, but I still just can't stand that new character. Ugh. Dune is more of the same, meaning it's still awesome! Getting close to finishing it.

The calendar book today is a biography of someone I don't really know, and she doesn't sound like someone I'd be interested in, really, either: Pauline Kael: A Life in the Dark. Anyone read this one?

>255 scaifea: I'm one of those US-ers who thinks it's very weird. It's like the country is one big football team, or something. It's a strange, fanatical kind of patriotism.
I feel the same way. I don't often see it expressed, so thanks for doing that -- makes me feel a little less weird.

>257 lauralkeet: Laura: Oh, we're around, I think, but we just tend not to be as vocal as the patriots, I think. :)

The new thread is up:

https://www.librarything.com/topic/175322

I believe I was 4 or 5 when my parents started giving me an allowance. 10 cents a week. This was 1961.

I had a pirate bank (shaped like a pirate on a chest, with crossed pistols) and I saved steadily for a year and then paid cash ($4.50) for the Game of Life game. That was fun. My parents were surprised I had that much money.

I read the Iliad a couple of years ago (in English) and enjoyed it quite a bit. I felt Homer was really making fun of the Greek gods, mocking them. They were pretty clueless. It was full of blood and gore--the action/adventure genre was popular 1000 BC as well.

>256 scaifea: I don't know that I've read her biography but I did find Pauline Kael one of the more reliable movie reviewers at the time.

>260 jjvors: Jeff: I remember saving my allowance up for a *very* long time to buy a computer - a Commodore 64, even! It was an amazing feeling to know that I worked toward a goal and could purchase it all on my own.

>216 tymfos: Jeff: It seems strange to us, but the Homer wasn't alone in portraying the gods as very human (read: petty and mean and a little ridiculous at times). And you're absolutely right - it is the ancient version of action/adventure! I remember being surprised the first time I read it at how gorey it really was - brains spilling out of head wounds and such.

>262 AuntieClio: Stephanie: I never read movie reviews because they don't mean anything to me. I think it's my very stubborn side peeking out, really - I don't want anyone telling me whether I'll like a movie or not. Ha!