Morphy Meanders Through 2014 - Part 6

Morphy with Grandbob (Age 14 - 16 (?) years)

This is my fourth 75 Books Challenge. I read about 300 books a year, so I'm not worried about meeting the challenge!

I mostly read fantasy, preferably urban, but also enjoy general and genre fiction, historical romance, classics, popular non-fiction, and will honestly try any genre at least once.

I prefer story over language and my favorite books are the ones I just want to hug after I'm done.

I don't so much review books as leave some sparse comments.

Pounds Lost:



Books Read in 2014: 162

My best books of 2014 are:

Quiet by Susan Cain
The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

My best books of 2013 were:

Written in Red by Anne Bishop
Wonder by R. J. Palacio
Moloka'i by Alan Brennert

My best book of 2012 was:

The Fault in Our Stars by Green, John

My best books of 2011 were:

The Forgotten Beasts of Eld by McKillip, Patricia
Bridge of Birds by Hughart, Barry
Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood by Wells, Rebecca
Garden Spells by Allen, Sarah Addison
Soulless by Carriger, Gail
What I Eat by Menzel, Peter and D'Aluisio, Faith
Ready Player One by Cline, Ernest

My favorite books from the years before that were:

Essential Spirituality by Roger Walsh
Ex Libris: Confessions of a Common Reader by Anne Fadiman
The Stand by Stephen King
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
Katherine by Anya Seton
Sweet Liar by Jude Deveraux
84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff

Morphy's Mighty Monthly Reads for 2014 (Green Dragon Group Reads)

January (1001 Fantasy) - Magician's Guild by Trudi Canavan - 8/10
SPOILER: http://www.librarything.com/topic/167618
NO SPOILER: http://www.librarything.com/topic/162247

February (111 Science Fiction) - The Stars My Destination by Alfred Bester - 8/10
SPOILER: http://www.librarything.com/topic/168681
NO SPOILER: http://www.librarything.com/topic/167598

March (50 Mystery) - A Free Man of Color by Barbara Hambly - 7/10
SPOILER: http://www.librarything.com/topic/170968
NO SPOILER: http://www.librarything.com/topic/170086

April (111 Nonfiction) - Agatha Christie by Agatha Christie - still reading
SPOILER: http://www.librarything.com/topic/171599

May (1001 Fantasy) - Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert O'Brien - 7/10
SPOILER: http://www.librarything.com/topic/172825

June (111 Science Fiction) - Little Brother by Cory Doctorow
SPOILER: http://www.librarything.com/topic/175247
NO SPOILER: http://www.librarything.com/topic/174236

July (50 Mystery) - The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin

August (111 Nonfiction) - Collapse by Jared Diamond

September (1001 Fantasy) - The Prestige by Christopher Priest

October (111 Science Fiction) - Old Man's War by John Scalzi

November (50 Mystery) - Daughter of Time by Josephine Tey

December (111 Nonfiction) - An Anthropologist on Mars by Oliver Sacks

Group Read Links: http://www.librarything.com/topic/161490

***

The LT Green Dragon Book Club's next meeting is at the Ridgedale Barnes & Noble on Saturday, June 21st at 2pm. We are discussin Liesl & Po by Lauren Oliver.

The WCC Daytime Book Club is discussing Thale's Folly by Dorothy Gilman in June.

Current Challenges

(And why I'm not doing a category challenge this year.)

Completed/Total in List (as of 3/31/2014)

Next book by favorite authors - 65/67 (+4 for year) ("reset" when completed)
Next book in series by secondary authors - 11/47 ("reset" when completed)
TBR 2007 - 5/8
To Read 2009 - 3/5
2009 TBR List (different one) - 6/17
2011 TBR Code List - 80/81 (+1) (read a book from all my best of lists each year)
2012 TBR Code List - 68/81 (+4)
2013 TBR Code List - 53/81 (+6)
TBR Next - 2/4
50 Books - 34/50
Misc Books - 10/11 (+2)
1001 Fantasy (Green Dragon) - 149/462 (+1)
111 Nonfiction (Green Dragon) - 36/111
111 Science Fiction (Green Dragon) - 50/111 (+2)
50 Mystery (Green Dragon) - 27/74 (+2)
50 States - 91/150 (+2)
Around the World in 80 Sleuths - 16/80 (+1)
888 Challenge - 91/95
12 in 12 Category Challenge - 164/207 (+6)
13 in 13 Category Challenge - 26/48 (+3)
Mercedes Lackey - 67/128
Complete RAT - 2/4
Book Crossing Top 100 - 101/117 (was 82/100)
Top 100 Fantasy - 118/209 (was 75/100)

*Other challenges*
One book per month from the Green Dragon lists
One Stephen King per month (up to February 2013)
American Authors
Read more books than in 2013
Book Bingo

*Possible other challenges because I'm nuts*
A to Z Titles
Catch up on years of published dates in the last 100 years

I stole this from someone else at LT and tweaked the last few ratings. I can't give credit because I don't remember who I copied it from! Since I started using this I've noticed I've been handing out more 6's and less 7's.

My rating system:

10 stars - The book completely enthralled me. Could not put it down. Got something more out of it than just entertainment -- it enlightened or educated me in some way. Can definitely see myself reading it again. Will keep forever and never loan it out.

9 stars - Not quite perfect but almost so. I will actively push this book on my friends and family.

8 stars - A really great book in all respects with perhaps some minor flaws. Highly recommended.

7 stars - Better than average but with some flaws. Recommended.

6 stars - Average. An entertaining read but probably forgettable. Will not reread. Recommended for entertainment value to readers with similar interest.

5 stars - Slightly lower than average. Some aspects of the story, characters or writing troubled me. Probably will not recommend.

4 stars - Finished but did not like. Would not recommend.

3 stars - Had some redeeming qualities or else I couldn't have finished it. Nothing to recommend it though.

2 star - I can't believe I finished this book. What am I? A masochist?

1 star - No book ever gets this rating. If it's a 1, I can't finish it.

As of May 2014


visited 19 states (8.44%)



visited 38 states (76%)

For the moment, I'm using just YA books on the YA card. But later in the year if I'm not filling it up, I reserve the right to go back and do so with adult books.

Regular Bingo:

More than 500 pages: Princeps' Fury by Butcher, Jim
Forgotten Classic: Frederica by Heyer, Georgette
Book that became a movie: Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress by Dai, Sijie
Published this year: Murder of Crows by Anne Bishop
Number in the title: The Second Chance Dog by Jon Katz
Written by someone under 30: Shadow Magic by Patricia Wrede
Book with non-human characters: The Golem and the Jinni by Wecker, Helene
Funny Book: The Rook by Daniel O'Malley
Female Author: The Darkest Kiss by Arthur, Keri
Book with a mystery: Dead Simple by James, Peter
One-Word Title: MaddAddam by Atwood, Margaret
Book of short stories: Elementary by Lackey, Mercedes (ed.)
Set on a different continent: Broken Homes by Ben Aaronovitch
Non-Fiction: Evernote for Dummies by Sarna, David E. Y.
First book by a favourite author: Just One Damned Thing After Another by Jodi Taylor
Heard about online: Saving CeeCee Honeycutt by Hoffman, Beth
Best-selling book: Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert O'Brien
Based on a true story: My Own Country by Verghese, Abraham
Book at the bottom of TBR pile: To Touch a Wild Dolphin by Rachel Smolker
Book my friend loves: Furry Logic by Jane Seabrook
Book that scares me: A Heartbeat Away by Michael Palmer
More than 10 years old: Death Comes for the Archbishop by Cather, Willa
Second book in a series: The Novice by Canavan, Trudi
Blue cover: An Unforgettable Lady by Bird, Jessica (Ward, J. R.)

YA Bingo Card:

Book with female heroine:
Book set in a high school:
Last of a trilogy:
Book with 'color' in the title:
First book in series:
Book set in the future: Cress by Meyer, Marissa
Book with a break-up:
Book without a love triangle:
Book that became a movie:
Book set in Paris:
Book set in the past:
Book with magic:
Book set in summer:
Book with a dragon:
Book that made you cry:
Graphic novel: Cemetery Girl: The Pretenders by Harris, Charlaine
Book based on a myth:
Classic YA:
Book with a Lion, Witch or Wardrobe:
Book with an incredible fight scene: The Girl with the Iron Touch by Cross, Kady
Book heard about online:
Book set in another world:
Book with epic love story:
Book with music:

Because I'm a total loser, I haven't posted reviews in over a month. So, I'm doing quick and dirty versions.

76. Swimming without a Net by MaryJanice Davidson
Genre: Contemporary Fantasy
Notes: Next in series
Summary: Fred the mermaid meets others of the merfolk for the first time when they all must decide to "out" themselves or remain hidden from human view
Opinion: Fluff. The main character is annoying; however, that's a signature of Davidson. Fast, easy read that's perfect for distracting one's self on a rainy afternoon but has the substance of cotton candy.
Rating: 6

77. Daughter of the Blood
78. Heir to the Shadows
79. Queen of Darkness
80. Dreams Made Flesh
81. The Invisible Ring
82. The Shadow Queen
83. Shalador's Lady
84. Twilight's Dawn
85. Tangled Webs by Anne Bishop
Genre: Fantasy
Notes: Rereads
Rating: 8 (except Tangled Webs - 6)

86. Sebastian
87. Belladonna
88. Bridge of Dreams
89. The Voice by Anne Bishop
Genre: Fantasy
Notes: Rereads
Rating: 7

90. Kushiel's Dart
91. Kushiel's Chosen
92. Kushiel's Avatar
93. Kushiel's Scion
94. Kushiel's Justice
95. Kushiel's Mercy
96. Naamah's Kiss
97. Naamah's Curse
98. Naamah's Blessing by Anne Bishop
Genre: Fantasy
Notes: Rereads
Rating: 7 - 8

99. Austenland by Shannon Hale
Genre: ChickLit
Notes: TIOLI #9 (trade paperback), to complete bibiliography, LT Book Club
Summary: Darcy-obsessed, thirty-something Jane is given a regency-themed vacation
Opinion: Fun fluff. Lost a star for the gardener being a cad in the end. It left a bad taste in my mouth. Otherwise, an enjoyable romp. Don't expect anything deep here. It's light-hearted cotton candy for when you need a comfort or easy read.
Rating: 7

***

(Yes, I had a comfort re-read binge. It goes hand in hand with my food binges.)

100. Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert O'Brien
Genre: Children's
Notes: TIOLI #9 (trade paperback), to complete bibiliography, GD Group Read
Summary: A mouse needs the assistance of intelligent rats to save her ill child
Opinion: To be honest, I didn't see any difference in intelligence when speaking between the mice and the rats. The differences were because of the rat's ability to read. Admittedly, a big reason. But if you put the two of them in a room speaking, I wouldn't be able to tell which one was smarter. Anyway, I enjoyed the adventures of Mrs. Frisby. While aimed at children, it wasn't dumbed down like some books I've read for this age group. The plot and characterizations were advanced enough to keep my interest.
Rating: 7

101. Dresden Files: Fool Moon Vol 1 by Jim Butcher
Genre: Graphic Novel
Notes: TIOLI #12 (previous May challenge - author name in title)
Summary: Graphic Novelization of the novel
Opinion: I'm pretty impressed. Normally I'm rather meh about this type of thing. The illustrations don't match my ideas of what the characters look like (or even close) and the plot is simplified too much. They did a good job and that is not the case here. I gave it the same number of stars as the novel itself.
Rating: 7

102. Midnight Crossroad by Charlaine Harris
Genre: Contemporary Fantasy
Notes: TIOLI #2 (two embedded words), to complete bibliography
Summary: A tiny Texas town has an unusual population of citizens
Opinion: Unlike her other books, there are multiple points of view and that might be confusing to some. I liked the more character-driven, laid-back approach in this new series. There is a mystery but not a lot of action. There are no clues to who the murderer is and the reveal comes very late in the book. It almost sounds like I didn't like it, but I did! I found all the characters a trip and lovely to read about. I liked the community and how they worked together. If I didn't hate the heat so much, I'd want to live there!
Rating: 8

103. The Countess Conspiracy by Courtney Milan
Genre: Romance
Notes: TIOLI #15 (Y in title), next in series
Summary: Regency romance with a scientist heroine and childhood friend hero
Opinion: A little frustrating because the heroine was particularly stubborn. Understandable I suppose but it didn't make for enjoyable reading at times. Otherwise a solid, good story from one of my new favorite romance authors. I particularly liked the hero because he let the heroine be her own person.
Rating: 7

104. The Black Cauldron by Lloyd Alexander
Genre: Children's
Notes: TIOLI #1 (tree/double numbers page - 100/forest), next in series
Summary: Taran and his companions must find and destroy the black cauldron, an instrument of power of the villain, Arawn
Opinion: Much better than the first book, The Book of Three. Challenges weren't so easily solved and bad things actually happened. The plot was more complex and the characters more three-dimensional and not nearly as annoying (except for one who when he redeemed himself I said, "Good he's dead. Couldn't have happened to a better person". I'm glad I gave this series another shot.
Rating: 7

105. Crafting Calm by Maggie Oman Shannon
Genre: Nonfiction
Notes: TIOLI #10 (chapters with names), ER
Summary: Projects and Practices for Creativity and Contemplation
Opinion: This is yet another Early Reviewers book where I did not get what I thought I was getting. I thought, even from the subtitle, that I was getting a how-to book. Instead, it is an idea book. Rather than steps on how to do a project, there are references to other books and websites. And there aren't references for all the projects either. For a good many, you are told to go do research on your own or given vague directions. Lastly, there was no clue that you were going to get a big portion of spirituality. Thankfully, it was non-denominational, but it was too navel-gazing frou-frou for me. It wasn't all bad. While only an idea book, I really liked the ideas and the references were good. I will certainly be doing some of the projects in future.
Rating: 5

106. The Bone Doll's Twin
107. Hidden Warrior
108. The Oracle's Queen by Lynn Flewelling
Genre: Fantasy
Notes: TIOLI #2 (two embedded words), 1001 Fantasy; TIOLI #18 (connection to 5 - syllables); TIOLI #3 (somebody's something)
Summary: Tamir is hidden from his murderous uncle the king who is killing off all female heirs by the magical seeming of turning him from a girl to a boy
Opinion: I blew through this trilogy in three days. The world-building and story-telling is wonderful. I was really able to imagine myself there and got lost in it. You got a real sense of all the main characters (and there are quite a few - this IS epic fantasy.) The villains weren't all bad - they had some good points (even if minimal) and they all had understandable motives. And I often got chilled by the horror aspects of the tale. The only reason it didn't rate higher is because it was more depressing and gloomy than I would like. Not horribly so, but enough that I had to remove a star from each. I'm sorely disappointed in hearing her other series isn't nearly as good.
Rating: 8

109. The Heiress Effect by Courtney Milan
Genre: Romance
Notes: TIOLI #12 (previous May challenge - same vowel each word), next in series
Summary: Regency romance between a flamboyant woman and a politician
Opinion: I always enjoy Milan's romances because the heroines and heroes have unusual quirks. They aren't stereotypical characters. Also because they have emotional depth. This one fell a little flat for me because there was a secondary romance that overshadowed the main romance at times. Plus there were political machinations. Too much was going on for such a short book.
Rating: 7

110. Jack & Jill by James Patterson
Genre: Thriller
Notes: TIOLI #13 (irrational prejudice - cover unrelated to contents), next in series
Summary: Alex Cross has to figure out who is going to assassinate the President and who is killing local school children
Opinion: Intriguing and fast-paced, I can see why Patterson's books are best sellers. I appreciate the intimate looks into Cross' private life as well however stereotypical some of it is (bad luck with women, problems with higher ups.)
Rating: 8


111. The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
Genre: Fiction
Notes: TIOLI #18 (connection to 5), LT Recommended
Summary: A genetics professor with undiagnosed Asperger's comes up with a questionnaire to find himself the perfect wife
Opinion: What an absolutely delightful story - this was a huggable one! After reading the synopsis, I thought that Don would be annoying, instead he is charming. I thought Rosie would be sweet, instead she is prickly. I loved Don from the beginning and hoped for a HEA. Well, this is a romance so it's not much of a spoiler to say he does get it. I can't wait to see what they do with the movie and to read Simsion's next book. THIS IS A MUST READ!
Rating: 9

112. The Second Chance Dog by Jon Katz
Genre: Nonfiction
Notes: TIOLI #9 (trade paperback), ER
Summary: Memoir of the author about his relationship with a neighbor, anxiety and a difficult dog
Opinion: I was disappointed in this book. While easy enough to read and enjoyable most of the time, I was expecting a book about a dog. What I got was a book most about his relationship with Maria and various personal issues and stories. Less than half the book was about the dog, Freida. And then I didn't like his attitude about dog training. To paraphrase, "Nothing written about dogs or talked about dogs by professional trainers matters. All that matter is what I think and feel." Nor his attitude about pets in general, "They are not family, they are animals." Lastly, he repeated himself, mostly when describing Maria. I rated it as high as I did because he is a solid writer and the book was engaging. I did find it difficult to put down for much of it.
Rating: 6

113. Fish Out of Water by MaryJanice Davidson
Genre: Contemporary Fantasy
Notes: TIOLI #6 (handwriting title)
Summary: Final book about Fred the Mermaid in which her long lost father appears and gets up to no good
Opinion: Meh. The first Betsy books and the Alaskan Royals books were better. Fred is too grumpy. I like the secondary characters better. And the romance triangle felt superficial at all levels. All the other characters made it an enjoyable enough read for a rainy afternoon.
Rating: 6

114. Just One Damned Thing After Another
115. A Symphony of Echoes
116. A Second Chance by Jodi Taylor
Genre: Contemporary Fantasy
Notes: TIOLI #13 (irrational prejudice - purchasing ebook from indie author)
Summary: Max is hired by a most unusual history department. Time travel anyone?
Opinion: Another wonderful trilogy though this one is delightful in its own way. I didn't really know how to classify this and I see (via tags) that many people have the same issue. It's a mish-mash of science fiction, fantasy, adventure, mystery, romance, humor, and historical fiction. Depressing and gloomy in some places, light and humorous in others. I ran the gamut of emotions. Thanks Richard for a fabulous recommendation!
Rating: 8

117. Those Who Hunt the Night by Barbara Hambly
Genre: Contemporary Fantasy
Notes: TIOLI #18 (connection to 5 - five words), Ultimate Reading List
Summary: In early 20th century London, a vampire forces an Oxford professor to investigate who is killing vampires by threatening his wife.
Opinion: Boring, lagging plot line. I did not want to pick this book up again when I had to put it down for one reason or another. But I felt obligated because it was one of the few books MrMorphy recommended. I have no idea what he saw in this because I was frustrated with much of the book because James couldn't get anywhere because of all the stalling. Then when he wasn't being stalled his life or wife was being threatened. It all ended with a villain that basically came out of the blue in the last fifty pages of the book other than the character got mentioned a few times in different contexts. I won't even go into the sometimes thick language or confusing time hops. Oh, and what's with the wife, Lydia? She was stuck in there as the plucky (or TSTL - choose your poison) heroine that needs to be rescued plot device. Dear heavens.
Rating: 4

118. The Amazing Mrs. Pollifax by Dorothy Gilman
Genre: Mystery
Notes: TIOLI #1 (tree on double numbered page - board on 88)
Summary: Mrs. Pollifax goes to Turkey as a courier to aid a double agent. Chaos ensues.
Opinion: Cute and amusing but I had to suspend my disbelief so much that it knocked me out of the story several times. It started from the first chapter. After an experienced agent is killed immediately after making contact and you are going to send an inexperienced, wacky old lady? Really?!?
Rating: 6

OH, my.... is 10 enough?

Happy Saturday, girl friend.

Adding my wishes for a great Saturday and dropping in to your new thread, Morphy.

Happy New Thread, Morphy!!

Happy new thread, Morphy! Wishing for you a weekend full of fabulous!

Sneaky devil, you! Found you anyway.

For all those that have visited me already, you may want to scroll back up for book reviews. All month's worth of them. *ahem*

>11 maggie1944: Yep, I made sure to count exactly how many I needed then zipped through and posted placeholders real quick!

>12 ronincats: >13 scaifea: Thank you!

>14 Crazymamie: What, what? Sneaky? Did my continuation not work? *whimpers*

~~~~~

Currently Reading:
Seeking Whom He May Devour by Fred Vargas
Great Expectations by Charles Dickens (via DailyLit email)

On Deck:
A Week in Winter by Maeve Binchy
Super Pop by Daniel Harmon
Little Brother by Cory Doctorow

I love that picture at the top of the thread, Morphy. You look like you're having such a good time!

>18 SylviaC: Well, I was and I wasn't. I was thrilled because I just arrived in San Francisco to spend two weeks with my grandparents and they usually spoiled me pretty rotten.

Not so thrilled because I was waiting for them to weigh me in like they threatened to do. They told me they would weigh me in and if I hadn't lost twenty pounds they would send me on the next plane back. I survived on Tab and a couple bites of food each day for two weeks. They never did weigh me in!

Happy new thread, Morphy! And with a swack of reviews too. :D

>19 Morphidae: Are you telling me anyone thought the girl in that photo up top needed to lose 20 pounds??? I could weep.

Happy New thread, Morphy! So glad you loved the Rosie Project. Spread that love. I really need to get back to Fred Vargas. That is one series, I have slacked off on. I only read one. I hope you like Little Brother better than I did. My first by him and was very disappointed.

>20 MickyFine: I'm hoping to not to do that again!

>21 laytonwoman3rd: This eating disorder of mine didn't come out of nowhere! :D

>22 msf59: This is my first Vargas. It was on a list called Around the World in 80 Sleuths. What didn't you like about Little Brother?

I thought Little Brother was sooooooooo heavy-handed. He could have used a shovel to write it. Hey, it's a beloved book, with many fans, you might like it but it sure turned me off, of ever reading him again.

>19 Morphidae: Good Heavens! I'm appalled. The things we can do to our loved ones, with the best of intentions.

Morphy, I love the picture of you and Grandbob! I'm glad they didn't weigh you in and send you back home. I was always shamed for biting my fingernails. Of course, the more attention brought to it, the more I bit them.

What an abundance of good reviews. I find it difficult to write short reviews, but I'm working on it! I hope your week end is going well.

I love The Bone Doll's Twin series! I'm glad you liked it. And The Rosie Project is going on the TBR list. :) Happy new thread!

*waves*

TRP has been sitting on my shelf for months... you've made me want to yank it off that shelf and read it ASAP. But there are books sitting on my nightstand staring at me. One is another Morphy suggestion (Written in Red) that's been patiently waiting her turn. And I got an email from the library today that another one is ready... Oh boy. I have such problems in my life!!! What to do!?!? :)

Oh, and happy new thread, Morph!! Love you and Grandbob. I so love the big smile on your face!!

>21 laytonwoman3rd: Seriously!

Hi, Morphy! Happy new thread!

Cracking start to your latest thread Morphy. Great opening shot and Grandbob (great name) had a passing resemblance to a sort of mix between Gary Player and Ronnie Reagan. Looks a fun guy too.

Have a lovely weekend.

*peeks in*

Ooo, look at all the reviews! I'm glad you loved The Rosie Project. I did too. I can't wait for the movie and the sequel.

>24 msf59: Preachy, huh?

>25 SylviaC: >30 Storeetllr: Yep, so by the time I was 18 and could buy and eat what I wanted, I totally rebelled. I'm paying for it now. I don't blame them for my weight. I take responsibility for it. But things like that in my teens were the origin.

>26 Donna828: An abundance? Ha! That made me smile. I was a month behind. I hope to never do that again. It took me almost a week to put that together. Ugh!

>27 Kassilem: I'm sure you'll enjoy it!

>28 luvamystery65: Thanks for the drive by!

>29 TinaV95: So what's the one that's ready at the library? You know you can't leave me hanging like that!

>31 PaulCranswick: He was my grandmother's second husband. She was divorced from the first. Since I already had a grandfather and his name was Robert, someone (me?) came up with Grandbob. He was a great guy to me when I was growing up. Unfortunately, he was nasty to my grandmother (never that I saw), became so to my mom and completely ignored me once I became an adult.

>32 RosyLibrarian: I'm considering taking it out from the library again and re-reading it. I loved it so much!

***

I'm reading Seeking Whom He May Devour at the moment and I'm not all that impressed. And I'm on section 80 of 194 of Great Expectations from DailyLit (email service.) We watched Akira last night. What an odd movie.

Happy new thread, Morphy! I love reading binges and it looks like you have a great author as your go to for comfort reading. Even better, it doesn't appear as though you had any major duds in your May reading.

*shakes head at thought of unnecessary weight loss tactics of your childhood* That is just plain nuts. Nobody should put a child - especially one that doesn't need to lose any weight - through that kind of stress and worry, and for no reason. Sheesh!

I hope your weekend has been a happy one, Morphy!

Happy new thread, Morphy!

>34 lkernagh: I totally agree with Lori and others commenting about the weight loss tactics of your youth. No wonder you struggle with food issues. So sad.

We've reached goal plus more at $4,905. Richard has purchased medical insurance through the rest of the year and next year sometime he's eligible for Medicare. However, he still needs our help to pay for co-pays and prescriptions. The fundraiser runs through the end of June, so give when and where you can!

http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/for-our-beloved-curmudgeon/179809

>34 lkernagh: >35 tymfos: And that was just my grandparents who lived across the country! My parents were just as bad ("How will you get a man/have friends/be successful if you are fat?") and I was exposed to them daily.

I mean really. Have you seen one picture of me yet where I was fat?

***

Maia Update:

So, a few weeks ago we found out that Maia has a heart murmur. Murmurs range from a rating of 1 to 6. A 1 or 2 is nothing to worry about. Maia is at a 3. Last week she went in for a follow up and the murmur is the same. The vet recommended an echocardiogram ($500) and x-rays ($200). Since it was recommended and not required, i.e. not an emergency, we passed on the echocardiogram. We simply can't afford it right now. The vet was fine with that because Maia has no other symptoms. The x-rays were done and Maia has a slightly enlarged heart. The vet said her mother had a heart murmur and an enlarged heart and lived into her 80s. Maia wasn't given any medicine and we will be watching her closely. She will go in for a follow up and x-rays in six months.

119. Seeking Whom He May Devour by Fred Vargas

Genre: Mystery

Notes: TIOLI #9 (no person on cover), Around the World in 80 Sleuths (12 in 12)

Summary: Sheep are being slaughtered then people and a loner is accused of being a werewolf by the superstitious.

Opinion: Pluses: It is well written with easy and straightforward language and the characters are interesting.

Minuses: The villain was obvious from the first few pages. It's a "traveling" mystery. The inspector doesn't get involved until three-quarters of the way through and "magically" figures it out from just a few non-obvious clues and "thinking about it." Most of the characters seemed emotionally distant.

Rating: 6

Happy new thread Morphy and good on you for getting all those reviews done. :)

Glad to hear that Maia is not requiring expensive treatment at this time, Morphy. Does the doctor recommend any limitation of her physical activities?

Book #2 comes out in Australia in September

Hiya Morphy--Feeling very smug now that I am all caught up again here. : ) I loved The Rosie Effect and the Jodi Taylor trio--I am on the third one.

>39 jolerie: After doing a month's worth, then doing one as soon as I finished, I think I need to find a happy medium. It will be easier to do once a week I think. That way I can do a bunch of stuff at once. For each book I: enter it into my database (about a dozen pieces of data), write a summary and review, check three databases as to what challenges it fits into, post it to my thread, decide what TIOLI challenge it fits into, post it on the TIOLI wiki, post it to the TIOLI meter, and post it to my 12 in 12 and/or 13 in 13 thread. I think that's it. LOL.

>40 ronincats: No, no changes in activity nor any meds. Just a watch and wait.

>41 avatiakh: My library doesn't have it available to reserve yet. *twitch* I'll have to do an author watch.

>42 Berly: I'm wondering if I should pay the .99 to read the Taylor short story.

Happy new thread!

>42 Berly: >43 Morphidae: I got the Taylor short story and thought it was charming. It isn't integral to the larger story line, as far as I can tell. It works as a stand alone story. At $0.99, I've spent money on far more idiotic stuff!

Happy new thread Morphy!

The Rosie Project is available on Kindle (US) for $1.99 today! Go buy it now!

>46 Morphidae: Got it!

>43 Morphidae: Same for me, so now you have just converted me to doing the 'author watch' thing with my library, I hadn't investigated that nifty little RSS feed thing before.

>33 Morphidae: It's Star Cursed... the second book in the Cahill Witch Chronicles (just sitting on the library shelf waiting on me to go pick it up!)... ;)

Happy New Thread, Morphy!

What a cute picture in the first post!

Congratulations on the new thread and being caught up. That's always a good feeling. :)

Sorry I haven't posted in a few days. I've been very busy with non-profit work so I'm all done before my "vacation" starting tomorrow. I'll answer posts then!

Vacation! One of my favorite words. I always get VERY productive in the few days before mine starts.

I hope you have time to read some good books and for cuddles with Maia during your "vacation"!

Another drive by on my own thread...

Aaaaand MrMorphy has gout!

OUCH!!!

Hi Morphy, just passing by, we have Hannah on her first sleepover with grandma and granddad and she is nicely tucked up in bed. Hope you and Mr Morphy are ok despite his gout.

Ouch. Poor Mr. Morphy. I believe Richard is our resident gout expert.

Oh, dear...gout. Well, Benjamin Franklin and our RD both suffered from it, so he's in good company. I hope he's able to manage it so it doesn't lay him low.

I heard about Mr Morphy on Richard's thread...so sorry!!! May it be a very mild form and I hope he likes the diet. My MIL does quite well when she stays on it. Good luck.

Oh dang, Morphy, I'm sorry to hear about Mr. Morphy's gout troubles. Keeping you both in my thoughts.

>44 michigantrumpet: Okay, FINE! I'll order it. *mutters*

>45 Thebookdiva: Thanks, Abby!

>47 luvamystery65: Enjoy!

>48 avatiakh: Ours sends an email with what the book is. But it's the same idea!

>49 TinaV95: Ah! I've got the first one in my LT Recommended collection. I'll get to it someday!

>50 connie53: Thanks! I agree. :D

>51 inge87: It is! And I can only hope I have enough time tomorrow to get caught up with this week's books.

>53 laytonwoman3rd: Unfortunately, I didn't get everything done. But I'm going to spread it out so I have to do only a little bit each day - maybe 1/2 hour's worth over the next few days.

>56 SylviaC: >58 jnwelch: >59 laytonwoman3rd: >61 scaifea: See below for more info!

>57 johnsimpson: Oh, I hope you have a lovely time!

>60 Berly: He hasn't been put on a diet yet since it was only a tentative diagnosis.

***

Reposts from Richard's thread:

His big toe started hurting (Thursday) suddenly for no reason. He ended up having to leave work early, it hurt so much. It kept him up all (Thursday) night. He headed in to Urgent Care (Friday) morning and they tentatively diagnosed gout. The doctor prescribed Indometacin and told him to keep his foot elevated for a few days. The doctor said that if the medication helped, it was definitely gout. If it didn't, to come back in. Well, the medication is already helping...

*

At this point they haven't give him a diet yet. He's to take the medicine for seven days until it's gone, then go back in to have a blood test which will confirm the gout. Something about not being able to take the blood test until the flare is done?

*

Well, MrStubbornMorphy isn't going to do any of that - except the alcohol because he hardly drinks anyway. Especially since he's already feeling significantly better. It will probably take a few rounds of this before he'll make any changes.

***

Today's Update:

The pain and swelling is almost all gone. He'll be back to work on Monday. We can hope that is an acute case that won't happen again but knowing his eating habits, that is doubtful. I don't think he'll make any dietary changes until he's gone through this a few times.

Since I do the menus for the most part for suppers, I'm going to start weaning us off some of the worst of the processed stuff.

So sorry to hear about MrStubbornMorphy's painful flare-up, but glad the meds are working.

Jeez, sometimes it seems like just one damned thing after another, doesn't it. ;)

Hope you have a lovely weekend!

Oh, doggone it! Inflammatory disorders of all sorts are rumored to respond to changes in diet. I did the radical diet elimination thingie for about 5 days, maybe 7, and it did help. Taught me that my stuffy nose, and resultant bad sleeping is definitely relieved when I eat "right". The RA flares and pain are less clear, but I'm suspicious that diet could be a big help, but I have not, so far, been able to stay on the really, really strict elimination phase for the recommended 6 weeks. I try to avoid white flour, sugar, and salt when I can but I'm also bad at occasional forays into forbidden territories. I had a bag of gummy bears at the game last night, shared them with Logan, and yup woke up with a very stuffy nose, and only slept for about 6 hours, with little deep sleeping.

Now, I'm not telling you all this because this is all about me, it is of course, but just as a "I know how hard this can be" camaraderie kind of sentiment. Let me know if you want some recipes, or resources. Of course, Spark People will be full of ideas, too.

I am so sorry you are visited with another "gottcha" bad news bear. When you finally get all this stuff behind you, you will wonder what you did in a former life to have so much bad karma... or something like that. Dang. I really agree with you that it is good to hope this is a one time flare, and that he'll return to good health. And you, too, for that matter. Good health to you both.

Saturday *smooch*

Yay for vacation time but sorry to learn about MrMorphy and his possible gout. I am glad to see that the medication prescribed seems to be working.

Stopping by to wish you a happy vacation. So sorry about Mr. Murphy's troubles. There are several men of my acquaintance who have a strong aversion to doctors and following doctors' orders. Part of the ol' military or sports ethos of sucking it up and toughing it out. Some won't go to a doctor unless a piece of themselves is separated from their body and laying on the ground. You have my sympathies.

>63 Storeetllr: Ah, this is just a minor bump in the road. Hope your weekend was lovely!

>64 maggie1944: MrMorphy is all better now, I'm happy to say. Thanks for the suggestions. I don't think he'll make any dietary changes at this point.

>65 richardderus: *huggles and smooches and snuggles, oh my!*

>66 lkernagh: It worked fabulously!

>67 michigantrumpet: I knew it was serious when MrMorphy didn't fight me about going to Urgent Care! Normally he also resists going to the doctor.

It's cherry season - have MrMorphy eat lots of cherries while he can, easier to add something than take away.

So sorry that MrMorphy has gout, that's the pits. I do hope that he jumps on the diet bandwagon before it gets too bad. Really tough diet, though. Sheesh.

Sorry that I've been absent so much, you and MrMoprhy continue to be in my thoughts and prayers, whether I post here or not.

Had hoped that your back pain was gone, any chance of going back to PT?

{{Morphy}}}

Hello, Universe? We get it, Morphy can handle a whole lot. We really don't need her to keep demonstrating it, can you JUST LAY OFF the Morphys for a bit? Please?!?

Oh no, so sorry to hear about MrMorphy's diagnosis. I hope your plan to start subtly influencing his diet will be successful.

>69 MDGentleReader: LOL, we're fine. The gout was a little blip in the road so far. I'll call next week to set him up for a follow up blood test. When he went back to work, he found out that two of the other men he worked closely with have had gout, too. So he has people to commiserate with.

My back is getting better. I can fall asleep and sleep on my side sometimes. Maybe 1/3 of the time?

>70 Sakerfalcon: I do, too!

***

We've reached goal plus more at $5,130. Richard has purchased medical insurance through the rest of the year and next year sometime he's eligible for Medicare. However, he still needs our help to pay for co-pays and prescriptions. The fundraiser runs through the end of June, so give when and where you can!

http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/for-our-beloved-curmudgeon/179809

Cherries help, IF they're black cherries not Bings or Queen Annes. About a pound a day.

Thank you, smoochling, for all that you've done for me. It's a generous and life-changing thing. Words can't express adequately how much this has meant to me on so many levels.

>72 richardderus: Anytime, Rdear, anytime.

Talk to Me Tuesday (falls on Wednesday)

I had a dream recently where I was a guardian spirit in a statue. This was a huge statue on another planet. People used this statue to get down a cliff. The cliff was both an escape route (not sure from what) and a religious pilgrimage (men in monk-ish robes and rope belts). It could take 12 - 24 hours to climb down the statue (it had inside and outside passages) and as the guardian spirit I would actively help the travelers. I'd prevent falls, hide travelers on the outside parts if there was danger, give hope when they were afraid, etc. All of this was in color. Oh! And my name was Walter. Yep, I was male and not "me."

So my questions are about your dreaming. Do you remember your dreams? Are they color or in black or white? Are they narrative or bits and pieces? Do you remember a recent dream? Are you ever not "yourself" in a dream?

Tell me about your dreams!

Dreams...Well, I remember fewer dreams as an adult than as a child. Weird, but true. I've always dreamed in color, always am "myself" and sometimes remember my dreams. They're sometimes bits and pieces and sometimes narrative (sometimes even narrative with strange and illogical jumps from one scenario to another!). And sometimes I realize I'm dreaming and can 1. wake myself up from a nightmare or 2. fiddle around with events to make it do what I want.

One recent dream I had involved getting together with friends that I haven't seen since last summer and though I didn't see the one from Minnesota, he mailed me a cooler - yes, a cooler in the mail - full of food, including shrimp. Really not sure why I remember that detail.

I've had recurring dreams, too (again, mostly as a child), and one of my nightmares was having to pee and having a room full of toilets (kind of like the Room of Requirement when Dumbledore first describes finding it when he needed a bathroom) where every single one of them was automatic. *shudders*

I want Walter in MY dreams! I often dream I'm trying to get from one place to another, and I may start out in a vehicle but suddenly there is no road anymore and I have to walk; I may be in woods, or massive snowbanks, or in an unfamiliar building with many many levels, and doors that lead to parking lots but have no re-entry...not too hard to figure out what all of that means, I suppose. But if Walter were there to guide me...now THAT would be wonderful. I don't think I ever dream in color. I'm always myself, but other people are not. Sometimes I'm with a person who I know is meant to be a particular person in my life, but doesn't look at all like that person, or whose appearance or identity fluctuates within the dream. The same can happen with places; I know I'm at the "big house" (my husband's childhood home) in the dream story, but it doesn't have the right layout at all, or it's totally the wrong place for what's happening.
EDIT after reading >74 bell7:. I can sometimes "consciously" direct the action in my dreams as well. Or tell myself, when I'm utterly lost and bewildered, that it won't matter when I wake up. Non-functioning toilets are a recurring element in my dreams as well. I usually wake up and really do need to go to the bathroom.

What an interesting dream, Morphy! Or should I say Walter? I used to remember all (or most of) my dreams, but in the past few years, I stopped remembering, and it started to seem as if I didn't dream at all. Since I retired, and most of the stress from my former job eased, I've started to remember my dreams again. In my life, I've had a couple of prophetic dreams, where the prophesy (once couched in symbols and once not) actually came to pass, and a couple of "lucid dreams," where I realized in my dream that I was dreaming and was able to turn the action of the dream in another direction, but my favorite dreams involve exploring ancient temples or my grandmother's attic or of flying, especially over water. My least favorite dreams involve being at school and not remembering my locker combination or even where my locker is located, having to take a final exam for a class I never went to and don't know how to get to. I think I dream in muted colors.

I used to have falling dreams, which would end with waking up with a thump on the bed, but that hasn't happened in years. When I was in high school and university, I used to have recurring dreams about showing up at the wrong classroom at the wrong time. I seldom remember dreaming anymore, but when I do, it usually involves me and familiar people in situations that start out normal and gradually evolve into strangeness. Occasionally dreams will form around some sound or sensation that is happening while I sleep. I can recall having what seemed like a long, elaborate dream involving a ringing phone, but it can't have lasted more than a few seconds, because the phone actually woke me.

>73 Morphidae: Dreaming...hmm. I actually woke up from a great one today, though it is hard to convey why I thought it was so great when I write it out. I was going underground into a secret military base that no one knew about. The trick was that it was all under this strange sort of water that you had to get clearance for. I reached my hand through one of the "walls" of special water and in my dream I instantly felt like I was dizzy. So, my husband showed up and we went around the base in some sort of underground vehicle and I thought it was so crazy that people worked there and knew about it when no one else did.

Then it sort of shifted into being assigned a military detail, which I have had happen in real life, so I'm sure that is where that was coming from. The detail was new and I was trying to motivate them, but they were ready to leave without doing work...

I woke up feeling really amazed that I had been in a secret underground world. Man, dreams do weird things.

I don't dream the same way twice. Sometimes color, sometimes black and white. Sometimes I'm in control, sometimes not. Sometimes the rules of life apply, sometimes not. I guess the only consistent thing is that I'm usually in them.

I often remember my dreams - I didn't use to, but sometime around college I started keeping a dream journal and found that if I kept my head still - didn't turn over - I could remember a dream for several minutes. I don't keep it up now, but I do write down particularly interesting ones. And if I write them, I remember them - if I don't, and don't notice them, I won't remember that I've dreamed at all.

I usually dream in color, and usually long elaborate adventures of many sorts. One I was with my family (who were themselves) in an old city, with narrow cobblestone streets. My sisters and I went out for a walk, and stayed out until it was dark, and raining - I ended up carrying my youngest sister piggyback back to our hotel, while my middle sister navigated.

Another one, slightly more vague - "I" was guardian of a fortress, and my family was with me - but none of us were ourselves. I'm pretty sure I was male, and that the rest of my family didn't look like themselves - don't remember details. That was a red sandstone fortress - I don't remember what we were guarding against, but it wasn't an immediate threat - we weren't fighting, more like keeping watch. It was very dry, with a few scrub bushes and not much else growing around the fortress.

And - not a recurring dream, but a recurring setting. A huge tower-building-city, self-contained. I've been there when it was new and full of neon and people, again when it was starting to fall apart (crumbling concrete and lots of nitre, and most of the lights were out), and a third time (as an ensign with a space team) as an archaeological dig. I don't recognize it in the dream, but I do when I wake up.

And the usual flying dreams - running around a corner and spread my arms and glide up. I even know what corner, a school I used to go to. I don't remember any of the usual stress dreams - naked, or wrong exam, or forgotten my locker code, or such - don't know if that's because I don't dream them or I don't bother to remember them.

I usually have dreams about epic stories - my mother says it's because of how much I read, esp. the fantasy. I don't remember most of them, only bits and pieces when I first wake up. I also often dream of being late or driving an out of control car. That comes from my anxiety I'm sure.

And some are just weird - in one I have a bomb that goes off periodically so I throw it away from me before it goes off but after it goes off it reforms and zooms back to my hand. When I was small I had a dream that I was rowing away from a burning ship in the ocean and there were hige dinosaurs in the water. I wrote a poem on that dream while in highschool. :)

Morning Morphy! Funny, the last couple mornings, I've had some vivid dreams, before waking up. Lots of color and a revolving door of characters. I love it when a person morphs into another one. I do go through long stretches, of not remembering a single dream.

Has anyone dreamed of an LT pal? Please keep it clean...grins. I have not. What?

>74 bell7: Sometimes I get bits and pieces and sometimes narrative, too. One of my reoccurring dreams is of riding a bike and the handlebars fall off or driving a car and the steering wheel falls off. Either way, I'm unable to control my transportation!

>75 laytonwoman3rd: I've never been able to control my dreams, not as far as I can remember. In my dreams, my significant other almost always looks like my first husband. He could "be" my first husband or MrMorphy or just someone representing boyfriend/husband but he always looks like my ex.

>76 Storeetllr: I have flying dreams but they are usually frustrating ones. It's never swoopy flying. It's slow floating. I never get very high in the air (tree top high usually is the max) and I can't move as fast as I want (jogging/running speed max.) Even if I'm fleeing for my life I have to strain to float.

>77 SylviaC: I usually get those type of falling dreams right after I fall asleep. I'll fall off a bike or down stairs and wake up with a gasp. Very disturbing!

>78 RosyLibrarian: I never know what I'm going to get in my dreams either. They could be totally set in reality or out-there fantastical. I remember one with flying dolphins that slept in jeweled trees. Really!

>79 jjmcgaffey: I tried keeping a dream journal once. But after too many mornings of sitting there writing for 20 to 30 minutes describing dreams, I quit. I didn't have that type of time. I had to get ready for work!

When I was in my worst depression, I would have catastrophic dreams. They were usually cataclysmic lightning storms but also tidal waves, earthquakes, nuclear bombs, and alien death rays. I would wake up right before I was killed.

>80 Kassilem: Ugh, that bomb one sounds panic-inducing. I think our dreams are influenced by what we read/watch. But I think it's more immediate. If I watch a movie, that night my dreams might be influenced by the movie. But by the next night, I wouldn't.

>81 msf59: I think I've had an LTer show up, but I can't remember which one. MrsLee from the Green Dragon, I think. Or it might have been Mamie. And no, not THAT type of dream. THOSE types of dreams usually involve a significant other or a dark and dangerous hunk of burning love. (I might be reading too many vampire romances.

Nah...)

BTW- My dreams are almost always in color, even though the colors are sometimes surreal and Daliesque.

>81 msf59: I have dreamt of an LTer and the next day I went on her thread and told her about it, LOL.

>82 Morphidae: Jeweled trees, now that sounds like a delightful thing to dream about.

Wow, what a question after a night of vivid dreaming, Morphy! My earlier dreams were on a train--and not the relaxing ride type either, but chasing through trains. When I woke up just before 4, I was NOT relaxed. But my dream right before waking up harkened back to my work days--I went in at 11:30 to a sixth grade classroom to pull a student for testing, but the teacher said not during math time, so I stayed with the student and engaged to model how to take notes during instruction. Of course, in a dream, such things as gathering the necessary materials never come easily.

I have flying dreams too, but like yours, they are actually levitating up to a couple of feet above objects. I had recurring dreams as a child--but I knew if I was dreaming about toilets, I had to wake myself up and go to the bathroom!

>83 msf59: No surprise there! :D

>84 RosyLibrarian: Add in the flying dolphins roosting in them and it's totally fantastical.

>85 ronincats: I had a floating dream last night! A group of us were running away from the police in a dystopian future where computer hacking and magic weren't allowed. The group was into computer hacking and, well, I floated down the stairs, so obviously I was the magical one.

I have a number of reoccurring dreams and most of them are based on somebody or something chasing me. In one, although I am an adult, I am riding around on a tricycle being chased by a gang of thugs. I have another where I have to climb a rocky cliff and I always fall off before I can safely reach the top. I wake up just as I am about to land.

I always dream in color and if I remember my dreams in the morning I can usually recognize why I dreamt about a certain thing. I found myself dreaming of backpacking in Mexico and hiking alongside of a train track recently and when I described my dream the next day, my brother laughed and pointed out that we had been playing a domino game the day before called Mexican Train.

Hi Morphy, I hope MrMorphy is doing better, gout is such a painful thing!

Sending hugs!

>87 DeltaQueen50: Accurate dream interpretation has to do with what your feelings are in and about the dreams. Or it just could be related to something that happened the previous day!

>88 connie53: Yes, MrMorphy is 100% better!

***

I found out something unexpected about my mom yesterday. To start out with, until now, about all the shows I've heard her talk about are dramas, usually the legal dramas, but also things like 24 and West Wing.

But last night I found out she is a Game of Thrones fanatic! My mom?!? Really!?!? I was flabbergasted. It's so out of character!

I said, "But mom, it's so dark and violent." And she responded in this soft, eager voice, "I know!" I had to laugh.

:) Ah Game of Thrones. It's sucked in a lot of people I never would have thought would like it too.

Hi Morphy! I'm sorry to hear about Mr.Morphy's gout, but glad to see he's already improving. That's a good sign, I take it?

I used to have extremely vivid dreams. Always in color; some that I could remember, sometimes with the ability to change events like bell7 and Linda mentioned (that was pretty rare). I was always me, but sometimes I didn't look like myself, but my consciousness was always me.

Since I've gotten older and started having sleep problems and been put on medication, I don't typically remember my dreams anymore.

Hi Morphy. Finally checking in on this thread of yours!

I rarely remember my dreams although every once in a while I have an incredibly vivid one.

And here's a thing: I almost always hate dream scenes in novels. I don't care what the character is dreaming about. I think it takes an incredibly skilled writer to make a dream integrate with the plot in a way that is not either contrived or obtuse. I can't think of one where it has been done well but would be interested if others have good examples.

Wishing MrMorphy speedy improvement in the pain department!!

Put me in the category of folks who seldom, if ever, remember dreams. I have gone through periods of time when I tried to wake up and write down what I was dreaming but I have not done that for a good many years as it never did produce anything very interesting or helpful.

There is one dream I had many, many years ago which I still remember and think about every so often. I was dreaming in brilliant colors, and I was exploring a ramshackle house build down the side of a steep hill. The environment was much like that of San Francisco and the sun was shining and it was a very comfortable warm day.

I hope all is well and good in your home today! And that you both have an incident free week full of accomplishments and comfortable relaxation.

>90 Kassilem: We watched a couple of episodes. MrMorphy didn't like them at all. He thought they were too dark and depressing. I didn't like them enough to continue watching on my own. I'd rather watch Glee. Heh.

>91 TinaV95: Tina, MrMorphy is all better now! From what I heard from other people, he had a pretty mild attack.

>92 EBT1002: You know, I recently re-read the Meredith Gentry series by Laurell K. Hamilton and for the first time I realized she had dream sequences in each of the nine novels - and that it was annoying!

>93 maggie1944: That sounds like a lovely dream!

***

Speaking of dreams, I woke up sobbing this morning from a nightmare. I was in the bottom of a building with my mother, father, brother and his wife as a huge tornado bore down on us. We watched it destroy buildings and rip up earth as it came nearer and nearer. Finally it started tearing up our building and we huddled together, knowing we were going to die and screaming, "God no, please no!" Right as it was about to tear us from each other's arms, I woke up.

It's a sucktastic way to start the day and I still haven't shaken it off.

How awful, Morphy! I hope the sun is shining where you are, and the vestiges of that dream are obliterated very soon. I've had one or two really frightening dreams, but when I remembered them upon waking, there wasn't anything so very terrible about them...the fear in the dream was an overreaction, but it made me wake up. Our brains are strange little computers, aren't they? (One of those dreams made me cry out, which startled my husband, who jerked upright in the bed, accidentally hitting me in the mouth with his elbow in the process. I had a fat lip for a couple days. That was fun to explain to people!)

>95 laytonwoman3rd: Was your husband suitably repentant?

Whenever I start thinking about the dream, I think about dinner tonight. We are going to Benihana's tonight with our friends, Philip and Ray, to celebrate my 49th birthday on Wednesday. But, then ugh, 49!

Guess I'll be younger than you, come Wednesday! :P

I bet not for long!

Two things stick out for me in the dreaming, Morphy (and I do a lot of it!): I do end up being a lot of different types of people, including lots of different races and countries, and sometimes a woman. I wonder whether this is more common among avid book readers, who get such a variety of in depth perspectives?

The second is that I fairly regularly have disaster dreams that turn out okay - e.g. plummeting to earth from way up high, but either landing softly or ending up flying back up before I hit the ground. A couple of nights ago I dreamed I was driving a truck with our future in-laws in it and managed to flip it over, but everyone was okay. I seem to have been born with a glass half full point of view, so this may be connected to that.

I do sometimes have nightmares like your tornado one and wake up all disconcerted. Yours sounds particularly awful, with your family about to get hit by it.

I'm glad I managed to squeeze in before you moved on to another topic!

>96 Morphidae: 50 is way too close. How did that happen? I am a little more than a year behind you. Just went to the first of many fiftieth birthday parties last Sunday. I am pretty sure one friend turned this year and one last year. They kept it low-key. Don't think I'll have the option, my sister-in-law was unhappy she missed my fortieth. What is crazy to me is the 3 of my first cousins and two of my ex-boyfriends became parents for the first time in the last two years. How do those two go together?!?

Enjoy your birthday dinner!

>96 Morphidae: We were practically newlyweds at the time...he felt pretty bad about it. Now we can both laugh.

>96 Morphidae:, >100 MDGentleReader:, you two need to get a grip. I'm turning 70 in November. Now that is a number to be feeling nervous about. But 50? No biggie. I enjoyed my 50s a good deal. I could claim to be all grown, and no one need tell me what to do or how to act!

Or what to read, for that matter.

>99 jnwelch: I'm glad you squeezed in, too! I wish my disaster dreams turned out well like yours. Mine end up with me waking right before I die!

>100 MDGentleReader: My husband has been waiting 25 years to pay me back for his 30th birthday. I'm very very afraid of what he's going to do! He's been threatening all sorts of mayhem.

>101 laytonwoman3rd: I think laughter and play are some of the most important things in a marriage.

>102 maggie1944: Whenever I hear someone say "Get a grip," I think of the following. Check out the video at 5:30 through 5:40: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQqDi6hozWY.

This had me laughing SO HARD.

Animals Dancing to Salt-n-Pepa's Push It

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUgKyX98n2I

Very cute!

Well, obviously I need to watch the entire Aladdin film. I did like the purple face!

Happy Birthday!

{{{Morphy}}}

Happy Birthday To You

Did you know that on the day of your birth the entire universe danced? Yes! It did!

Happy Birthday, young lady!

Happy birthday Morphy, hope you have a good one my dear.

Happy Birthday dear Morphy, Happy Birthday to you!

How Morphy Should Spend Her Birthday.

Happy Birthday, Morphy!

Happy Birthday!!

Just dropping by to wish you a very Happy Birthday, Morphy!!!

Happy birthday! I hope you had a wonderful day!

Happy birthday, Morphy! Hope you had a great day! Hugs!

>105 Berly: >106 maggie1944: I'm glad you two enjoyed it!

>107 MDGentleReader: >108 maggie1944: >109 laytonwoman3rd: >110 johnsimpson: >111 RosyLibrarian: >113 DeltaQueen50: >114 Berly: >115 ronincats: >116 Sakerfalcon: >117 msf59: Thanks for all the birthday wishes!

>112 richardderus: If only I could get in and out of a tub. LOL!

***

Had something happen yesterday that was kind of a bummer. I had received a birthday card from my mom and it came in the mail opened. When she called me on my birthday, she wondered why I hadn't thanked her. Ended up she had sent 4 $25 Amazon gift cards and they were all gone! I told her not to replace them - I knew she could barely afford the original gift. But within 30 minutes of the call, I received an e-gift card for $100. What a mom! Meanwhile, she's going to send me the numbers of the original cards so I can file a complaint with the post office. Who could be such a horrible person?

>118 Morphidae: How cruel! But what a nice mom.
Happy belated birthday!

Happy belated birthday!

And what a horrible thing to steal the gift cards in the mail.

>118 Morphidae: Rotten-souled individual! Rot, rot I say!

But the emailed gift cards are the only way to fly. Haven't sent anything of value any other way in years.

Happy Belated Birthday, Morphy!

Sorry about someone swiping the gift cards - but what a mom you have!

Hope you had a great birthday.

Any way we could put a hex on the idiot who took the originals? :)

>118 Morphidae: I would think maybe with the numbers Amazon could deactivate them? Hope something can be done. I mean, it IS still a Federal offense to tamper with the U. S. Mail. It would be chancy to use them, I would think.

Sorry I missed your birthday, Morphy: Happy Belated! And ding-dang to the stolen gift cards! Sheesh.

That's disgusting about the gift cards, Morphy. I hope everything else is going well.

>119 norabelle414: Yes, she's a great mom.

>120 _Zoe_: I think that four cards was too much of a temptation. The envelope was thick to resist.

>121 richardderus: Yes, I think she's learned that lesson!

>122 jnwelch: I've had a great birthday week!

>123 drneutron: I need to get back to my mom about the card numbers so I can report the theft to the PO. With any luck, the culprits will be caught.

>124 laytonwoman3rd: Once cards are in your hands, Amazon has no responsibility. It's right there in the TOS. Believe me, it's the first thing I checked. :(

>125 scaifea: No worries. I hope you had a great anniversary!

***

In about 30 minutes, I'll be picked up by MetroMobility to go to the non-profit's board meeting. With all the rain and flooding we've been having, I was kind of hoping it would be postponed but no such luck. At least my least favorite person will not be there. Whoo hoo!

Minnesota is under water. I've seen pictures of someone jet-skiing in a horse pasture and a fish swimming across a road. Our normal rainfall in June is 2.5 inches. The modern day record for June is 9.5 inches (historical is 11.5.) We've had 10.5 inches. And more rain is on the way. Lake Minnetonka (the one I live near) is at an all time high as is Minnehaha Creek. Minnehaha Falls are a raging torrent like no one's ever seen. It's crazy.

Oh! I missed your birthday! Belated happy happy wishes to you!

Awful about the stolen gift cards. There are sure some rotten people in the world. When things like that happen to me, which they have, I tell myself that the person who did it must have been in greater need than me. So far, it hasn't worked completely, but it does help me keep from fuming about it. Hope the postal service can nail the thief, though, needy or not. There are better ways to meet your needs than to steal from someone else.

All that flooding! Scary. Stay safe and hope you have a great weekend!

I'm sorry the cards were stolen! What a drag.

Lucky you that the person who you'd like to not see, will not be seen.

No luck like that for me. My most "wish you weren't here" person was not only at the Board meeting on Wednesday but took full opportunity to attack me personally, for several minutes. On the "silver lining" side of it several people and I have talked, and I've gotten lots of positive feed back, and some good laughs. I think it must be hard to be that person.

Morphy - I've just finished Half Bad by Sally Green and liked it quite a lot. Anyway one for you to look into. @jmchshannon does a stellar review on the bookpage.

Annoying about your gift cards, I hope your mother can get her money refunded. And a late Happy Birthday from me.

>127 Morphidae: I wish some of your rain would just stay in the clouds and come across the lakes to us. In a little over a month we've gone from being too wet to plant to being so dry that the crops aren't germinating properly.

>127 Morphidae: I used to live by Minnehaha Falls and I can only imagine what a torrent it must be with all the rain. Wow! The rest of my family is still all in MN and they are feeling very waterlogged. Hang in there. Trying to mentally push some sunshine your way.

Getting caught up here and it appears I missed your birthday. Happy belated birthday wishes, Morphy!

So sorry to hear about the stolen cards--yes, I've heard of that, especially when they make the envelope thick, and it's a shame!

No time to answer posts. We are off to breakfast then Star Trek: The Experience at Mall of America! MrMorphy is a Trekkie so he is eagerly anticipating seeing the exhibit.

I think you guys should have some great good time today! Hooray. About time for fun in the Morphy Life.

Have fun!

Happy belated birthday, young lady! I'm sorry to read about the nightmare and the gift cards. What a couple of rotten days. I hope the actual birthday and the few days since have made up for it. And here's praying they can catch the thief... or at least that he/she has some super bad karmic reaction.

>128 Storeetllr: I'm not near that nice. To me, a thief is a thief. It's not like they are stealing food!

>129 maggie1944: Just five more meetings! Then you never have to deal with them again if you don't want to!

>130 avatiakh: I think Half Bad is too dark and intense for me right now. Perhaps another time.

>131 SylviaC: We went into the winter in a drought. Guess we don't have one anymore. Ha!

>132 Berly: Here are the falls and a crazy kayaker: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhtKXDXXgiQ

>133 lkernagh: Thank you!

>134 ronincats: Mom's certainly learned her lesson. E-cards from here on out!

>136 maggie1944: The exhibit ended up being a disappointment. Far too much money for far too little. It cost us $17 a piece and were done in less than 90 minutes. But we had a good time shopping at one of the largest malls! We both came home with new shoes and I got a box of chocolates.

>137 SylviaC: We did!

>138 TinaV95: We had a nice weekend. Dinner at the in-laws on Saturday was nice. I got some cash for my birthday and we got a gift card for Red Lobster/Olive Garden for our anniversary. Then we had a lovely day yesterday at the mall even though the Star Trek exhibit was a disappointment.

LAST WEEK!

We've reached goal plus more at $5,280. Richard has purchased medical insurance through the end of the year and next March he's eligible for Medicare. However, he still needs our help to pay for co-pays and prescriptions. He'll also need help to get through the first part of next year until Medicare kicks in.

Let's end the last week with a bang! I'm off to make another donation. If you can, please help give this fundraiser a final push!

http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/for-our-beloved-curmudgeon/179809

Hiya Morphy! Happy Belated Birthday to you. I'm sorry about the gift cards. That stinks.

I will be 49 in August. I don't know how I feel about that. I had no problems turning 30 or 40 but 50 seems a little strange. Not young and not old enough for discounts yet. ;-)

Bummer about the Star Trek let-down. I do love the Mall of America though. Hope the shoes treat your feet well.

Star trek exhibit was disappointment to me and Liz, too.

>141 luvamystery65: I'm feeling the same. I'm conflicted about my 50th unlike other birthdays.

>142 Berly: Shopping in MOA certainly made up for the Star Trek bummer!

>143 The_Hibernator: Ha! We can dish all about it on Saturday.

Brain Worm of the Day:

My Boyfriend's Back - Angels

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NuofNHKbVc

AAAHHH!!! reminds me of when I used to babysit the nephew and nieces. I could only stand so much Christian radio at a time. It was that or oldies their mom would let them listen to.

My niece Martha loved The Leader of the Pack by the Shangri-Las. Talk about ear worms. LOL! We still sing it when we want to be obnoxious. ;-)

If you've seen the movie Jersey Boys, you get a totally different view of The Angels!

Just thought I'd let you know: Charlie and I were chatting about you over dinner last night. I told him that when we are in Minneapolis we'll likely meet up with another of my friends (we met a friend, whom he'd never met, for lunch while we were in Indy recently). He asked what your name is, and although I nearly said "Morphy" I managed to remember "Nora" at the last second. Then he paused for a minute, then asked, "Is she a boy or a girl?" Ha! 5-year-old questions are sometimes pretty awesome and hilarious. Oh, and then he said, "Okay, that sounds fine to me." So our meet-up has the Charlie Seal of Pre-Approval! :D

>146 luvamystery65: I have brain worms almost every day. I thought I would start sharing. The songs aren't so bad, it's the commercials that drive me buggy. Well, more buggy. Besides, supposedly if you listen to the brain worm in its entirety, it will go away. Supposedly.

>147 DeltaQueen50: I plan on watching it once it's out on DVD.

>148 richardderus: Yeah, yeah, yeah. I'll be getting that and the other short story sometime soon.

>149 scaifea: Morphy would have been fine. LOL! Rachel/The_Hibernator calls me Morphy since that's all she's known me as. I do answer to it!

***

Brain Worm of the Day

Baby Got Back (I Like Big Butts) by Sir Mix-A-Lot

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=reTx5sqvVJ4

I had a macaron for the first time on Sunday. A salted caramel macaron.

OMG. Hard crunchy goodness. Soft crunchy goodness. Luscious creamy goodness.

Nom nom nom.

>151 Morphidae: ...and so an addict is made...

They are amazing, aren't they.

>152 richardderus: Oh, yes. I'm already trying to figure out where I can get some without having to drive 35 minutes.

***

I spent two nauseating hours yesterday reading about Marion Zimmer Bradley's support of her child molesting (ex-)husband and her molestation of her children. I have no words. This isn't hearsay or gossip. It is from depositions and first-hand accounts. I won't ever be able to read another one of MZB's works without getting nauseated.

Rape, Abuse, and Marion Zimmer Bradley

http://www.jimchines.com/2014/06/rape-abuse-and-mzb/

OMG. This all reminds me of the thought that we are not a unique time of horrible stuff. Lots of horrible stuff has happened through out history, it is just true that today we can spread the news a great deal farther, and a great deal more quickly. I am sorry to hear this story but am not surprised.

Haha. I think I called you Morphy once.

>151 Morphidae: One of my friends from library school (who is also a foodie) spent months learning to make them. They are amazing and I'm sad I'm nowhere near a bakery or friend who can fulfill my cravings.

>154 maggie1944: I'm surprised. I heard nothing of it. At least about her ex. You'd think I would have heard something in the 30+ years I've read scifi/fantasy.

>155 The_Hibernator: You're probably right. But still, I don't mind being called Morphy in RL.

>156 MickyFine: I sure hope I can find a more local supplier. We go to MOA maybe once every other year.

***

Brain Worm of the Day

Raise Your Glass by Pink (Explicit Version - some language)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjVNlG5cZyQ&feature=kp

MrMorphy needs reference help for a story he is writing. Either websites or books are fine.

Time period is mid 1860s through about 1890

1) What sections of London did peers and non-peers in the upper-middle to lower-upper classes have townhouses (Mayfair, Kensington, Regent's Park, etc)

2) Leisure activities of the classes stated above. Mainly social functions they'd attend where they'd meet.

When I'm researching the Victorian Era, I like to start with The Victorian Web (here's a link to their page with links to photos of houses where people of different classes lived: http://www.victorianweb.org/art/architecture/london/housing.html), and there are other pages on the site that discuss the social and other aspects of society. This is another really fun page I just found and am bookmarking for future research: http://www.victorianlondon.org/districts/character.htm. I think I have a book about the Victorian era, but it might be about the Regency. I haven't shelved it yet after the move, but I'll see if I can find it.

ETA it was on the Regency period (An Elegant Madness). Sorry.

>159 Storeetllr: Oh, wow. VictorianLondon.org's all that and a bag of chips. MrMorphy is going to love it.

***

Brain Worm of the Day is still Raise Your Glass. *whiiiiiiiiiiiines*

This is an evil game. Evil, evil, evil and must be destroyed. I haven't beaten it yet.

http://en.akinator.com/

ETA: HA! Finally beat it.

>161 Morphidae: It got Menolly, but not Lessa.

>161 Morphidae: I just played (for the first time) and it guessed Miles Vorkosigan in about 26 questions. I can see how this game could become addictive.

ETA it also guessed Sandman (Morpheus), but I beat it with Aristide Ravel (from the mystery series by Susanne Alleyn). Yay me.

I beat him my first time - I like a lot of obscure characters. Val Con yos'Phelium had him completely confused - got him twice, actually (I let him continue after the first wrong answer). From Agent of Change, the Liaden Universe by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller.

>It beat me with Stephen Grant (from Rivers of London) and Dorothea Brooke (from Middlemarch).

>161 Morphidae: Ha! I beat him first try. Perks of being a classicist and having read some pretty obscure authors/knowing about obscure historical figures and literary characters.

Hi Morphy. Belated birthday wishes; sorry I missed it.

I tried Akinator, and beat it first time with 'Rebecca Mason' from the Trebizon school series, one of my latest re-reads.

I saw that about Marion Zimmer Bradley and was horrified. I've not read any of her books, but don't intend to start!

>162 SylviaC: >163 Storeetllr: >164 jjmcgaffey: >165 SandDune: >166 scaifea: >167 humouress:
I think I picked a lot of popular characters (Iron Man, Xena, Harry Dresden.) The more popular, the more likely he's able to guess correctly. Also, the newer the book, the more likely you can beat it. I got him with Liesl from Liesl & Po. Of course, Scaifea won with people NO ONE has ever heard of. ;)

>168 michigantrumpet: I was in the middle of doing a (re-)read of her entire bibliography. Now I can't even think of her without getting nauseated. We're getting rid of all her books. I don't care what people say about separating the art from the artist. This goes beyond the pale.

***

Brain Worm of the Day

It's awful, but it has to be better than five days of Raise Your Glass...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85jKDa2zpus

>169 Morphidae: *SNORK!* And people wonder what good a PhD in Ancient Greek and Latin is... Pshaw, I say!

>169 Morphidae: Check out my brain worm. :D

I didn't even listen to the videos and now "Raise Your Glass" is stuck in my head. Lovely. ;)

>172 TinaV95: No brain worm today. I'm so happy!

This is how I feel about ebooks...

>169 Morphidae: I am sooo with you on the "beyond the pale" sentiments. I can usually overlook authors' personal failings -- none of us are saints, don't cast the first stone, and all that -- but, well ... yuck. There should have been some jail time involved here.

>169 Morphidae:, etc - I'm really uncertain about this. Admittedly I didn't hear about any of the husband's stuff either, and that was known - but with all the people following MZB and all the information about her, there was absolutely _nothing_ mentioned about this until she was thoroughly dead. It really smacks of false memories and the like, to me. I don't know anything - and the daughter does say she deliberately hid it to protect her mother's fans - but... IF it's true, it's horrible. But right now it's one person's word against all the information known about MZB while alive. I just don't know.

>176 jjmcgaffey: If you read Elizabeth Waters' 1997 deposition, you'll find out that is not true. In it she stated that both of MZB's children had spoken to her about MZB molesting/abusing them.

MZB died in 1999.

From Washington Post and I can confirm because I read the entire deposition, "A significant theme of Zimmer Bradley’s answers in her 1998 deposition is the idea that very young teenagers ought to be able to make their own sexual decisions, including about whether to have sex with adults who proposition them. She rejects the idea that any element of coercion is possible in these interactions, particularly when a teenager is physically larger than an adult."

This is not a sign of someone with healthy sexual boundaries around children.

ETA: Her deposition also blatantly shows she is an apologist for her child-molesting ex-husband.

>177 Morphidae: OK, thank you. That's what I needed - something that indicated this was not coming completely out of the blue. Since it wasn't - ick.

>175 michigantrumpet: I know what you mean. I don't borrow and certainly won't buy Orson Scott Card's books anymore because of his political stance. But I'll still read our copy of Ender's Game now and then. And I can't say I'll never read a borrowed book of his again.

But MZB's actions make me sick to my stomach. As a survivor myself, I can't get past it, especially as she was of the belief that no harm was being done! Makes me ill.

>178 jjmcgaffey: I understand your thoughts. I feel the same way about Woody Allen. Not that he wasn't icky anyway. But I'm skeptical about his daughter's accusations.

Wacky Wednesday

A cabbie picks up a Nun. She gets into the cab, and the cab driver won't stop staring at her.

She asks him why he is staring. He replies, "I have a question to ask you, but I don't want to offend you."

She answers, "My son, you cannot offend me. When you're as old as I am and have been a nun as long as I have, you get a chance to see and hear just about everything. I'm sure that there's nothing you could say or ask that I would find offensive."

"Well, I've always had a fantasy to have a nun kiss me."

She responds, "Well, let's see what we can do about that: #1, you have to be single and #2, you must be Catholic."

The cab driver is very excited and says, "Yes, I'm single and Catholic!"

"Okay," the nun says, "Pull into the next alley." The nun fulfills his fantasy with a kiss that would make a hooker blush. But when they get back on the road, the cab driver starts crying.

"My dear child," said the nun, "why are you crying?"

"Forgive me but I've sinned. I lied I must confess. I'm married and I'm Jewish."

The nun says, "That's okay, my name is Kevin and I'm going to a Halloween party."

Please relegate that instantly to the Bad Jokes thread. ;0)

>174 Morphidae: Love it!

>180 Morphidae: LOL!

Thank you! Morphy! You are the Joke Queen. No, no, no..... I mean the Queen of Jokes! Or, maybe The Best Joke Teller Ever!

LOL! I thought that was so funny I read it out loud to my kids.

>180 Morphidae: Ha! Good one.

>180 Morphidae: that one was good enough to read out loud to my husband.

Morphy, I am not caught up with you yet, but I wanted to wish you a happy Wednesday. Happy Wednesday!

>181 humouress: >182 jnwelch: >183 maggie1944: >184 Berly: >185 luvamystery65: >186 SylviaC: I'm glad you enjoyed it!

>187 Crazymamie: And I hope you have a great weekend. Keep cool!

>180 Morphidae: Love jokes like that. We had an acquaintance in college who told a very similar story with himself in the role of the "nun". I was pretty young and innocent at the time, and I believed it (and was appropriately shocked, which I'm sure he intended), but I'll bet he was just pulling our legs.

You know, even though I have some major complaints about Amazon, I don't know what I'd do without them.

I just purchased some multi-vitamins in gelcaps in my favorite brand that the last store in the area just stopped carrying, dog treats that are all natural and vegetarian that Maia loves that we got from some friends that no shop in the area carries, and, of course, a fun DVD - Jeff Dunham, Spark of Insanity. (I had to get to a $35 purchase!)

And I'll get all of it in two business days.

>190 Morphidae: Amen, sister woman. A. MEN!



I saw this on Pinterest and thought of you.

>190 Morphidae: Agreed. I don't know what I'd do without that site, either.

>189 laytonwoman3rd: Most likely!

>191 richardderus: Lovely!

>192 scaifea: I have another year or two of student rate Prime. Then I'm not sure what I'm going to do.

***

We got doggy Valium for Maia for the first time because she's terrified of fireworks. We tried 1/2 a pill this morning to determine how much we'll need to give her. I think we'll give her a full pill this evening because I don't think she's sedated enough (still active). It's both amusing and disconcerting to see her stagger around.

I took my credit card off Amazon so that if I decide I want to buy something I actually have to go through some "pain in the butt" details to get to the trigger. It has slowed me down two or three times already; well, not just slowed me, stopped me! I need to work to stop the bleeding of money out of my life. I need to go to the library!

Happy Fourth of July, and I hope your puppy does not get too upset. I'm going to use a pain pill to knock Greta back into some sleepiness. I truly hate the evening of the Fourth.

I'll be covering up the parrot at dusk tonight so she doesn't freak over fireworks, if any are set off close. As we just moved in and this is our first 4th of July here, I'm not sure what will go on.

Happy fourth of July Morphy.

Oh, yeah, happy 4th of July, and hope you have a lovely holiday weekend!

Hope your 4th of July was great, and not too traumatic for Maia.

I'm going to start talking about books daily as I read them because I've been terrible about getting reviews out in time. I'm, oh, over a month and 40+ books behind?

So, last night I finished Blood of the Demon by Diana Rowland. It's the second book in a series and it's been a long time since I read the first book. I don't know why I waited. I need to put Rowland in my "Read All of This Author" list since the three books of hers I've read have been good reads. Not excellent, just solid.

Kara Gillian is sort of an early Anita Blake. Unusual paranormal ability. Check. Powerful paranormal male that she is (emotionally) resisting. Check. Another more normal seeing male who is more than he appears. Check. Love triangle. Check. Loner. Check. Insecure about her appearance. Check. Reluctance to trust anymore. Check.

However, there were enough differences, such as her vulnerability and less aggressiveness, that I enjoyed it and I've always liked Anita Blake anyway.

Meanwhile, I started Shattered by Kevin Hearne this morning and could barely put it down. I have other things to do today! The relationship between Atticus and Owen is going to be fabulous. I've laughed out loud twice already and I'm only 30 pages in.

>194 maggie1944: >195 Storeetllr: >198 SylviaC: We ended up giving her 1.5 pills. Oh, was she loopy. Very entertaining. She became VERY affectionate and wanted to give us LOTS of kisses. The funniest though was her staggering around - her back legs would go or she'd face plant. Oh, and she had the munchies. LOL!

I had called the emergency vet in the morning to find out what the side effects were. He said that the staggering was normal and she might be hungrier than usual.

The pills did help. The only fireworks she reacted to were really loud ones that were near the house. Normally, she'd react to the constant background fireworks in the distance, too.

>196 johnsimpson: >197 Storeetllr: Hope your weekend is great as well!

We've got the reader again.

>200 Morphidae: Oh, poor baby!

Hi Morphy. You are the second person today who is talking good stuff about Diana Rowland! Dejah was raving about her White Trash Zombie series. I have to get my hands on something by this author!

Hope you are having a good weekend Morphy!

I finished Shattered yesterday and while it was an enjoyable read, there were a couple niggling points that bothered me. I wasn't too happy when it went to two POV's and three POV's makes it even worse, especially as each person was off doing something different. There are three different stories going on here.

Hearne dropped the ball with the Archdruid, Owen, character. It started off *awesome.* There was great chemistry between him and Atticus with lots of banter. Then he wimped him out by making him younger, giving him a love interest, and getting overly sentimental. All the chemistry and fun disappeared in the end.

I can see where he went, but I think it was too much of a character reversal - from grumpy old powerful dude to basically an average side-kick.

Next I'm going to continue on with an ER, Super Pop by Daniel Harmon. It isn't quite what I thought it was when I requested it. I thought it would be fun and humorous lists. It's more serious and snarky. It's readable but not all that enjoyable. At over a year old though, I really, really, really need to get it done.

Happy Sunday, Morphy! Glad that Maia survived the fireworks - one of our dogs hates them, too. I have read only one book by Rowland - the first in the White Trash Zombie series, but it was very fun. And you are WAY ahead of me in the iron Druid books - I am ready for book four.

>202 humouress: We ended up giving her one last night, too. People are still doing fireworks. With any luck there won't be any tonight. It is a work day tomorrow!

>203 DeltaQueen50: I was like, wait, "WHY did I take so long to read this," when I finished the second in the Kara Gillian series? So reserved the next in the series right away!

>204 The_Hibernator: I am! Nice and quiet, reading, watching DVDs.

>206 Crazymamie: It's not that I mind multiple POV's, because I don't. But you don't change from one POV to multiple POV's mid-series! That bugs me. Still, they are a lot of fun, aren't they?

Totally agree about changing from one POV to multiple mid-series. But yes, they are fun!

>208 Crazymamie: One thing I do have to give him props for though - each POV has a different voice. In so many books, each POV has the same voice. But in the Iron Druid series, Granuaile has a lyrical, slow voice and Owen has an abrupt, terse voice in comparison to Atticus. You could tell whose chapter you were in just by the writing style.

Does Maia have side effects from doggy Valium the day after? My mom's dog is terrified of thunder but appears to be allergic to doggy Valium. He always suffers a bad case of the runs for 2 days after. So now she's taken to wrapping a towel around his head and letting him snuggle up next to her whenever there's a thunderstorm.

I just found out a friend of mine died on Friday and I'm grieving.

I met Betty, 89, while working dispatch for WeCab. Whenever I would call her to let her know she had a driver for her ride or to confirm her ride request, we would talk for at least half-an-hour. She was a WWII war bride from England and still had a significant accent that was charming. Eventually, after numerous phone conversations, she said she would like to meet me and would I care to have lunch with her at the senior center? I was delighted to and that's how I got introduced to the people at the Gillespie Center. I've been going to Gillespie for a few years now. I used to go weekly but it's more monthly now. I may start going more often.

One thing I'll always remember about her is the plant she gave me. I was complaining about how I couldn't keep a plant alive - the light was too low in the house. She said she had just the thing for me and the next time I came to the Gillespie, she gave me a plant. I said, 'Oh! That's mother-in-law's tongue." She said, "No, that's (scientific name). I don't like that other name." I said, "But I'll never remember the scientific name! What if I call it Carole for my mother-in-law?" She said, "That will work just fine." Ever since then it never failed when I saw her that she asked me how "Carole" was doing. "Did Carole have babies (off-shoots)?" "How are Carole's babies doing?" "Does Carole need a new pot yet?"

Of all the riders I was in contact with due to WeCab, she was the only one who could make me smile with delight whenever I knew I needed to give her a call. She loved reading novels but wouldn't read any that had cuss words or sexual interactions stronger than a kiss. Sometimes it made it difficult to recommend books. I recommended The Rosie Project to her since I knew she would love the story but then had to take the recommendation back because because of the language! Some of her favorite authors were Debbie Macomber and Maeve Binchy. She would make me smile and laugh. She shared her sorrows and pains. She was so real.

She was a dear lady and I will miss her greatly.

:'''(

I am sorry your friend has passed. Sounds like you have some great memories of her. Hugs.

>211 Morphidae: What a lovely tribute to a lovely woman. I can see why you are grieving her passing.

Thanks so much for sharing her with us, Morphy. She sounds like a gem. I know you will miss her, and I am sorry for your loss. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

Sorry to hear of your loss, morphy, she sounds like a wonderful woman.

I'm sorry to hear of your loss, Morphy. She sounds like a beautiful woman. I'm glad you were able to share in her life and that she's given you some treasured memories. {{{Hugs}}}

I'm so very sorry.

I'm sorry for the loss of your friend, Morphy. Some people make such an impression on us, just by being themselves.

As for the "mother-in-law's tongue plant" (also sometimes known as the snake plant), I can attest to its toughness and low maintenance needs. We had one in our office nearly 30 years ago, and after a fire destroyed our building (considerable smoke and water damage to our suite of offices), it was among the items rescued and taken to a warehouse, where it sat untended for months while files were aired and dried. When we moved into our new space, MIL came along. One of the bookkeepers took it in hand, repotted it, and it still thrives.

So sorry for your loss, Morphy. Your friend sounds like a delightful woman, and so glad you and she connected and you got to enjoy her friendship for a time. {{{Morphy}}}

What a wonderful eulogy, Morphy, for a very special person. I'm sorry for your loss.

Betty sounds like a special lady, who will be sadly missed. Thank you for introducing her to us, Morphy.

>210 cameling: No, it seems Maia was left unscathed. No side effects!

>212 Berly: >213 michigantrumpet: >214 Crazymamie: >215 DeltaQueen50: >216 cameling: >217 drneutron: >218 laytonwoman3rd: >219 Storeetllr: >220 ronincats: >221 humouress:
Thank you all for the condolences.

Another thing I'll remember about her - she was elderly and had a lot to complain about, especially physically. And she *would* complain, understandably. But she wouldn't go on very long. After several minutes, she would say, "Well, that's enough about that!" The rest of the conversation would be about good things: her cats, an outing, her daughter coming to help her, a good book, a cup of tea. She would always end the call on an up note.

Morning Morphy! I am sorry to hear about your friend passing. Sounds like a good long life. Gentle Hugs! I hope your week goes well, my friend.

Morning Morphy!

>211 Morphidae: & >222 Morphidae: Morphy your friend sound like she was a wonderful person with a terrific attitude. I'm sorry for your loss.

Oh, how wonderful for you that you got a chance to know such a fantastic woman!
Thinking of you...

I'm sorry to hear about your friend's passing, Morphy. She sounds like a lovely lady and your tribute to her was beautiful. I'm sure that her life was enriched by knowing you and being able to spend time with you.

>222 Morphidae: I love how positive she could be! A lesson to be learned there...

I love your tribute to Betty! She sounds like an amazing woman. My heart hurts for you right now, Morph. :(

PS - Just finished Murder of Crows and it was awesome!!! Must go look if she's writing another! What a great series! Thank you!

I have the first White Trash Zombie on request from my library now. :)

That's too bad about your friend, Morphy. Hang in there! {hugs}

>223 msf59: It was rather silly but I had to call a friend about funeral etiquette. I've never been to one!

>224 Crazymamie: Hey, crazy lady. Good to see you here.

>225 luvamystery65: >226 scaifea: >227 Sakerfalcon: >229 TinaV95: >231 The_Hibernator: Thank you. I'm planning on bringing lots of Kleenex tomorrow for sure.

>228 michigantrumpet: It was. She was certainly inspiring.

>230 TinaV95: I'm almost positive it's a trilogy. I gave My Life as a White Trash Zombie 7/10 stars and here's my micro-review:

"I'm not into zombies and certainly not into reading about white trailer trash. So I wasn't expecting to like this book. But I did! I did! It is surprisingly a story of redemption. I will be looking into other books by this author for sure."

***

I'm still reading Super Pop but I'm enjoying it more. I don't know if it's my mood, the author hit his stride mid-book or if I got use to his sense of humor. It's taking me longer than I'd like to finish it but I've been busy with other things.

My next book will be either River Road by Jayne Ann Krentz, an ER book, or Parnassus on Wheels by Christopher Morley.

Yesterday, I had dinner with a friend from my old binge eating group. We went to Perkins, a family style restaurant, and chatted for hours. It was nice to see her. We've talked on the phone every couple of weeks since the program ended last autumn, but haven't seen each other until now.

I've been super busy for WeCab crunching numbers. We recently got a large government grant and have to do quarterly reports. As the bookkeeper, I'm the numbers person so they depend a lot on me to fill out the required forms. I love the program director dearly but she's a real ditz.

Morphy, your friend Betty sounds quite special. I love your description of her approach to complaining -- do it for a bit and then move on. I actually prefer that to someone who pretends that everything is always "fine."

I know you'll miss her.

And I'm glad you got to connect with another friend yesterday. Chatting for hours - that is a good sign. :-)

Sorry to hear of your friend Betty's death, Morphy. She sounds like she was really special.

>233 EBT1002: Chatting is good, yes. I'm surprised we're still friends. We are on total opposite sides of the spectrum when it comes to religion and politics. I guess it helps that we stay away from those subjects for the most part. And when they do come up, we are respectful of the other person's opinion even though we thoroughly disagree!

It also helps that when it comes to religion she is of the thought that, "This is my belief, but not everyone has to believe the same thing. Everyone has to find their own path." So, for example, she may think something is a "sin" but doesn't believe that *I* have to believe it's a sin, too. (Which is good because I don't believe in the concept. LOL!)

>234 tymfos: Thank you. She really was.

Brain Worm of the Day

Thank you SO much Wendy's commercial. *grumbles*

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o22i_gqAf_o&feature=kp

La-la-la-la-la. Not listening! *fingers firmly in ears*

Hi Morphy! Sorry about the Gone Girl screw-up. I did repost it again on my thread, but I thought I would share it here too:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=esGn-xKFZdU

^You hated the book, right? Just checking...

>237 Storeetllr: Ah, you want to click, don't you? Do it! Do it! Do it!

>238 msf59: It was a DNF, yes. I got a few chapters in. The movie might be better digested.

***

I did fine at the funeral. Betty left detailed instructions for her funeral and her family wanted to keep it light, and it was. The service was centered on her joy and kindness. The only part that upset me was the open casket. Since I had no experience with funerals, I had no idea that you could see in the casket even if you didn't go up to it. I didn't see much but enough to get me upset. A friend told me to not look and that it would be closed at the beginning of the service. I was so glad because I wouldn't have been able to deal with it being open the entire time. It's not that I was grossed out or anything. It's that it is NOT how I want to remember her.

I'm reading Shaman Rises by C. E. Murphy - the eleventh and last in The Walker Papers series. I didn't want to put it down last night but I was very tired. I'm keeping away from it today until I'm finished with what I want to get accomplished. It has an intense, action-packed plot and Joanne has finally come into her own.

Also still working on Super Pop. I can really only so many review-ish type entries at a time. (For some odd reason, the touchstone for this book comes up as The Bridges of Madison County! So weird.)

Next book will be Marriage, a History. It's due back to the library in a few days.

Yeah, I really don't understand the whole open casket thing, either. I mean, really? Not how I want my last visual memory of my loved ones to play out, either. Thank goodness both of my parents have made it very clear that they want no kind of funeral whatsoever.

I think I'd like a memorial service. The issue is that I'm not a part of any organized religion. I think I need to come up with instructions for music and readings and such for a non- or multi-denominational service. Then see if one of the ministers of the church I go to (for the community rather than the faith) would be willing to do such a thing.

>241 Morphidae: Morphy, a good funeral director is a big help, especially if you leave behind instructions about what you want. They have the facility for the service, and they've seen it all. And you don't need a clergyman at all, if you don't want one. I've been to several moving memorials that were done solely by the people who loved the person being remembered.

I'm of two minds about the open casket thing. On the one hand, I know how disturbing it can be, but in two cases where I lost dear family members who had suffered a long time, they actually looked better in the casket than they had in my last contacts with them while living. And it won't be that way you remember them, I promise you. It fades away fast. There is also a school of thought that says it helps you to place the person firmly in the "no longer living" category (or "box", if you will).

I am glad the funeral was not too disturbing an experience for you, Morph. I know that after having had several family members, and more friends, die I appreciate a Memorial Service which focuses on the gifts the deceased person had brought to life, and to the participants in the Service. A celebration of life is healthy I believe.

Good luck at staying away from your compelling book until after the other stuff is finished today. I know how that is.... a book calling, calling, calling......

Happy Thursday... the weekend looms

Funerals seem to be difficult, no matter how they are performed. Whatever is consistent with the deceased wishes and provides comfort to the family is all right by me. Have been to way too many recently. I've been thinking of you ...

Living in the same small community where my husband grew up, and having both lost our parents by the time we were 40, I seem to go to a lot of funerals and/or visitations. Far more funerals than weddings. It is always better when it is more personalized, with stories that reflect the person's personality, and their role in the community and their families.

Cradle Catholic here, and I'm used to open-casket wakes. I also agree with Linda (>242 laytonwoman3rd:); seeing (and even touching) the remains has, in the past, helped me to know, on a visceral level, that they are truly gone, which helped to let go. I'm of two minds on whether to make arrangements for a full-blown funeral or a memorial service. I think it will be whichever my nearest and dearest prefer, and I must make time soon to have a little talk with them about it.

So glad you did well at the funeral (except for the unpleasant surprise of the open-casket). {{{Morphy}}}

Glad to hear that the funeral was somewhat uplifting. I'd like mine to be too.

I think every funeral I've been to has been open casket and it has never brought me a sense of closure. When my grandfather passed away last year I made the choice not to go up. I'd like to remember him sitting around family gatherings drinking a cold beer, not lifeless. It's a very personal decision though and if it helps others then I am glad it can.

>235 Morphidae: Personally, I think it's nice having friends that believe differently than myself. It opens my eyes to new perspectives. :)

And I think it is particularly lovely when people who know they have different beliefs, and closely held ones at that, and still are totally able to talk with others and no stress, no strain. Good acceptance all around. A very big gift!

Stopping through to wish you a wonderful week a slots of reading!

Popping in to wish you a happy weekend!

Hugs to you for your friend's funeral, Morphy.

I struggle about funerals and wakes. At one of the last calling hours I went to, with an open casket, I found myself thinking that when I die, I don't want people gawking at my dead carcass. Yet I remember when my maternal grandmother died. I was young and didn't go to the funeral. But my family took me to the funeral home before the public viewing so I could see Grandmom. She had been so sick and suffering for so long, and she looked so peaceful in the casket, it really helped to see her that way.

At funerals in the church, the protocol is to close the casket when the funeral rite begins. But we've had families at our church who felt it very important to keep the casket open -- expressed a really strong need, for some reason they could not explain. Hubby has been known to bend the rules if those nearest and dearest to the deceased felt really strongly about it.

At most of the funeral home services I've attended, the casket was left open. Funeral directors have a real strong thing about NOT closing the casket while loved ones are watching -- just like, these days, they rarely lower the casket into the grave while mourners are present. Those moments can be highly emotional.

>240 scaifea: And I think it is particularly lovely when people who know they have different beliefs, and closely held ones at that, and still are totally able to talk with others and no stress, no strain.

Agreed!

Sorry to here about your friend's funeral Morphy, but it sounded as if she led a full life. The tradition here is very much not to have an open casket. I have been to a number of funerals and have never been to one with an open casket, nor was it even a question that was asked by the funeral directors when we were arranging the funerals of my father and my father-in-law. The normal situation is that very close family only will view the body before the funeral, but wider family and friends would not do so.

Ugh, I've been rather remiss in answering posts lately. Sorry!

>242 laytonwoman3rd: We couldn't afford a big funeral anyway. And MrMorphy wants a full three day wake (party)! So I figure for both of us, just cremate us quickly and have a memorial/wake. No need for a funeral director. By the time we go, most likely our parents will be gone, we have no children, and the rest of the family is small and distant.

>243 maggie1944: I didn't have much luck staying away and I ended up not getting my work done until the very last minute. Eep.

>244 michigantrumpet: Thank you. I'm feeling better now about it now though occasionally I get hit with it. For example, this weekend I was working on monthly statements for WeCab. I needed to do her final statement. We don't mail them out to deceased riders but they do need to be completed for accounting purposes.

>245 SylviaC: That was exactly what Betty's funeral was like. Very nice.

>246 Storeetllr: MrMorphy and I talked and neither of us understands the need to see or touch a deceased person. While I would *NEVER* prevent someone, trying to talk someone out of doing it or feel they they are wrong in some way (kind of like, I may not agree with what you say, but I'll defend to the death your right to say it), I just don't get it AT ALL and feel repelled by the idea. It's dead flesh, not them. I mean, I do understand the words you say about closure, but I can't wrap my head around the idea.

>247 RosyLibrarian: Me, too. I'm glad it helps others even though I don't get it.

>248 The_Hibernator: I have no problem with friends believing differently than I do as long as 1) they are respectful and 2) don't debate. I don't like debates or heated discussions. Shared opinions are fine - tell me what you believe - but don't tell me how wrong I am or try to convince me to change my opinion. My friend and I had a very nice discussion about our religious beliefs. She is very conservative and I am very liberal. It was because we followed both rules!

>249 maggie1944: Yes, she's slowly becoming a close friend. I never would have believed it.

>250 michigantrumpet: Oh. I hope so! So far it's mostly been work, work, work! (Or volunteer, volunteer, voluteer! However you want to look at it.)

>251 Berly: Hope yours was enjoyable!

>252 tymfos: Why wouldn't they lower the casket? Why would being emotional be bad? I don't understand.

>253 SandDune: I like your country's way! My feeling is, if there is a funeral and a body in a casket, the person is dead. Really. I don't need to confirm it.

***

I went to the doctor's yesterday for a med check. I did the depression test and, yes, my depression is up. She's increasing my dosage of Wellbutrin to see if that helps. If not, we'll try a small dose of an SSRI plus the Wellbutrin. I've taken all the SSRI's at some point during the last 25 years, and hate the way they flatten my emotions. But she says at the dosage she'll give me, that shouldn't happen. In the past I've taken the SSRIs alone instead of as an add-on to the Wellbutrin. My "homework" is to pull out my old DBT notebook and start working through it again. We'll see how it goes.

Blood tests were good for the most part. Glucose and electrolytes were dead average. Cholesterol and HDL were good but triglycerides are a bit high. Lower than they have been though. Only concern is the creatinine (kidney function) which is off. It shows moderate kidney disease levels. I've had this level before and it bounced back. She'll probably have me re-take this test in a month or so. It's most likely caused by some of the medications I'm taking.

I zipped through Promises in Death by J. D. Robb for a palette cleanser over the last two days.

I'm slowly working through Marriage, a History by Stephanie Coontz. It's not a hard or unenjoyable read, there is just so much detail! It's fascinating. I'll be giving it at least 8/10 stars if not 9/10. The only reason it might not get a 9/10 is because as the book goes on it's beginning to focus in on Euro-American marriages. While marriage of other ethnicities and parts of the world get mentioned a lot at the beginning of the book, they're only in passing in the middle section as the focus narrows and she gets closer to the modern era.

I think my next books will be the children's books I got from the library. :D

I have The Cat in the Hat, Strega Nona, and Guess How Much I Love You. I haven't read any of them before but I did see the first as a TV show.

Then, hmm, Parnassas on Wheels or an ER book.

>254 Morphidae: Sorry to hear your depression test came back higher. Please disregard and forgive me if this is an inappropriate question, but how does one test for depression? Glad to hear most of your other results were good.

Marriage, A History sounds interesting. I read something similarish by Elizabeth Gilbert and it was AWFUL because all she did was talk about herself and she annoys me.

Guess How Much I Love You was one of my mother's favorite books and I LOVED Strega Nona. Oh, I love children's books.

Strega Nona is a favorite in my house too.

I can't read Guess How Much I love You aloud to Charlie without completely chocking up. Also, Strega Nona is a standard here at Scaife Manor.

>255 RosyLibrarian: It's a survey where you rate yourself from 1 - 5 on various statements such as (paraphrasing) "I feel sad, hopeless or (another word I can't remember)" or "I don't feel pleasure in my life or activities" where 1 is never and 5 is always.

The author of Marriage, a History never mentions herself at all. It's strictly a social history from prehistoric times to the modern era.

>256 laytonwoman3rd: >257 scaifea: Well, with kudos like that, I'm sure I'll enjoy the 15 minutes I'll be reading them. LOL!

Yes, open casket and touching the dead is not for everyone, and I, like you, would never presume to try and force, or even convince, another that they are the "correct" ways to do it. (There are no correct ways to deal with death and grief, except to be as kind and gentle as possible with yourself while going through it.) That's why I said it's up to my nearest and dearest whether my own death will result in a funeral or a memorial service. (I'm pretty sure my daughter will not want open casket but will probably choose cremation and a memorial service.)

Now, that's enough of that subject, hopefully for a good long time!

So sorry to hear your depression level has increased, but glad to know you are taking care of it and yourself. I've been on the lowest dose of Wellbutrin for a couple of years, after a decade of taking Prozac (which I ended up hating and which messed with my weight and my emotions until I felt nothing ~ is that one of the SSRIs you referred to?), and am now weaning myself off it (under a doctor's aegis, of course). What is a DBT notebook?

>259 Storeetllr: I liked the way you worded it, "would never presume to try and force, or even convince, another that they are the "correct" ways to do it," better than how I did. It's what I was going for but you said more eloquently.

Yes, Prozac is an SSRI. And that "emotions until I felt nothing" is why I don't like taking them.

DBT is dialectical behavior therapy. It's very intensive cognitive behavioral therapy based on learning skills to regulate mood and behavior. I went to group and individual therapy once a week for over a year and it helped me so much. My notebook from that includes all the handouts and notes from the group therapy. It's about 2 inches thick and chock full of good information.

Thanks, Morphy. I thought Prozac must be an SSRI, from the way you talked about it and my own experience with it. DBT sounds like something from which I might benefit too. I may look into it, see if my medicare provider covers it.

I hope tweaking the meds helps things. Hugs.

Howdy Morphy. You have gone through a lot this year. I am not surprised that your depression level is up. Take care of yourself and give yourself a break. Sending you my best thoughts.

****hugs galore*****

>261 Storeetllr: It would fantastic if it did.

>262 Berly: >263 luvamystery65: >264 maggie1944: Thanks for all the support. Hugs right back at ya!

***

Brain Worm of the Day

I am going out of my mind. Weird Al Yankovic has come out with a new song spoof video for grammar police called "Word Crime." It is clever and very funny. I've watched it twice now and will probably watch it a few times more. It makes me smile. However, I've gotten the original song stuck in my head! Arrrrrgh!

Here's Al's video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Gv0H-vPoDc

I boycott brain worms. My brain has way too many holes as it is.

>266 maggie1944: So you don't ever listen to music? Because honestly, ANY music I hear is a possible brain worm - pop tunes, commercials, classical, video games, anything.

My love to you, Morph... Big, giant hugs from me.

(((Morphy)))

That's a great Weird Al adaptation!!

>267 Morphidae: For me, it depends on how tired I am and how well I know the song. If I'm well-rested, I can listen to/sing a song (or a dozen songs) and move on. Occasionally I'll get one stuck if I just know the chorus or something. If I'm tired - the same song will play over and over and... in my head. Whether I know it or not, whether I like it or not... Sometimes I can replace one ear worm with another, but when I'm tired I will have music going in my head. It could be worse, but sometimes it drives me NUTS.

>268 TinaV95: Thank you so much. I love hugs. *hugs right back*

>269 ronincats: Isn't it just?

>270 jjmcgaffey: Maybe that has something to do with it. It seems like the last month or so, I've had brain worms just about every day. And I've been especially tired and stressed during this time. I don't remember having this much of a hard time with them before.

***

Today will be the first in about two weeks that I haven't had some type of volunteer work to do. Of course, I'm still on call as dispatch coordinator, but with any luck I won't get any calls. Keep your fingers crossed. I've been telling people I'm not doing any WeCab work next week except for dispatch. I need a break!

Tomorrow I have a board meeting in the morning and dispatch in the afternoon. Yesterday, I had a committee meeting, had a conflict to deal with about a rider (dispatcher, program coordinator, president), finished the Treasurer reports, wrote two related emails and a Word document, and had a meeting at my home with the program director! Sheesh.

I enjoy the work but it's been a little much lately.

As I've heard some younger folks say, "I feel your pain". Last night Board's meeting was a humdinger, and I'm seriously counting the days until I no longer have to do this.

Today, and the next few days, are a little less action packed so I hope to catch up on some housework, and some working in the yard. The weeds are getting ahead of me. Dang.

And the dogs are beginning to wonder who is this woman who wanders in and out of our house?

>265 Morphidae:: I'm so happy that Weird Al is still making music and that folks are listening to it! We need more silly people in this world. Just silly, you know? I also enjoyed the other two videos released so far -- and today will be day 4 / video 4 out of 8, so there are more wacky parodies to come! I've heard that Weird Al is a genuinely nice guy, too. I think he's being interviewed on a local radio program today, I might have to tune in...

>272 maggie1944: Just four more. You can do it! Do they know you are resigning?

>273 dk_phoenix: Do you have links to other two? I'd love to watch them

***

This is Try by Colbie Caillet. It is inspirational. I was so touched, I was almost brought to tears.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXoZLPSw8U8

Morphy, my term is over at the September Annual meeting at which 4 new Board members will be elected. And, yes, the "opposition" knows I am not, nor are any of the other Board members who's terms are finished, running for re-election. We are all very concerned what will happen when these other folks take over, but we are all worn out. Too much work. No, or very little, rewards for work accomplished.

There are a few more reasonable sorts who will try to find a way to monitor what the new Board does, or does not. Might help with that, might not. The worry is that if the HOA is run into the ground everyone's property values are threatened. Banks will not loan for mortgages if the HOA's finances are in bad shape, rightfully so. Scary.

>265 Morphidae: Nice! He really does have a big dictionary.

>274 Morphidae: My wife loves that Colbie Caillet song.

>276 jnwelch: re >265 Morphidae: Ha! At least I know you watched the ENTIRE video.

>274 Morphidae: I just saw it today.

***

I saw this today on the Green Dragon's Facebook page and stole it for the 75ers.

Your brian-worms don't scare me, Morphy; I have two small boys after all - one of them 5 years old, who usually gets the lyrics ... um ... not quite right. Of course, convincing him of that is another job altogether - and, of course, his brother will try to do just that.

>278 humouress: You are a mom. You are armored against brain worms. I have no such protection.

>277 Morphidae: Love This!!

Wishing you a good weekend, Morphy. Brain worm free!

I'm having trouble with my weight and with getting things done. I asked MrMorphy to be my accountability partner and he's failing miserably. Situation normal, he's just not into that type of thing. So I was thinking that maybe I could get one of my LT friends via PM or perhaps a few of you via my thread to help out. All it would involve is making sure I report my calories for the day (just the number, no more than that) and my three goals for the next day around 7pm-ish. Or it could be in the early AM for the previous day. I want to make sure I'm journaling my food (no matter what) and setting goals for the day.

I don't need specific help or advice though a little nudge if I'm over my calorie budget for a few days or not getting any of my goals accomplished would be appropriate. I'd be happy to reciprocate and be an accountability buddy for any of your goals in return.

I would want this to be every day. It shouldn't take more than a couple minutes.

Anyone willing?

I would love to be supportive but I'm afraid right now I can't commit to being here daily. With this new little job I'm going to have to wait until I've fully put it in place in my life. I'll be juggling Grocery Shopping with Taking Care of the Kids. Crazy. But you know I do hold you in the best light of doing and being all that you want in your life. I hope you will find just the support you want!

I would be happy to be a daily accountability buddy for you, Morphy, or be part of an LT support team. I usually bounce into LT briefly on a daily basis and my work schedule is manageable so whatever schedule you want to set up for a daily check in should be workable for me.

I'm on the same time zone as you, and always check in in the evening, so I'd be glad to be part of a support team, Morphy. I may need a little help myself--I really need to start taking care of my body better.

I've had three wonderful offers. Thank you, SylviaC, >283 lkernagh:, and >284 ronincats:.

I'm going to take you all up on them! That way no one person has to be here every day. One is bound to be!

I think I should have a separate thread so as not to fill my thread with calorie counts and goals every day and one that could be for any who want to join up. Or should we keep it intimate here? What do you think?

>285 Morphidae: It might also help you focus if you could see all your reports on a separate thread without extra clutter (y'know—like all that book nonsense). If you want to be really intimate, you could make a separate group, even a private one. But if it is more motivating to have lots of watchers and positive comments, stay right here!

>286 SylviaC: Or you could make a separate dedicated thread, but still post highlights or pleas for extra support on this one. I couldn't commit to a daily check in right now, but I'd be happy to raise a cheer or throw out a word of encouragement from time to time.

Whatever works best for you works for me Morphy. Happy Sunday!

Waving Hi!

>286 SylviaC: >287 laytonwoman3rd: >288 lkernagh: I've created a new accountability thread!

Morphy's Accountability Thread
http://www.librarything.com/topic/178093#4777721

>289 Berly: Hello hello! Thanks for stopping by! :D

One of my Disney song favorites is Once Upon a Dream from Sleeping Beauty.

Lana Del Rey did a remake for Maleficent. While it's quite good, it's very creepy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZ44x0GnKh4

>291 Morphidae: I definitely want to see that movie.