Paul C with books and more in 2014 Part 25

No war this thread..........................hopefully!

This is a thread dedicated to family, a family I could have lost but will never let go of. The twin head of the family would be yours truly and SWMBO; Hani. Here we are in happier times in Wakefield, England. (John, this is at Newmillerdam).

Poem

I always start with a poem. This is a very rough sketch of a poem written on Saturday in my mind whilst I was driving to Johor Bahru and put down clumsily on paper in the early hours of this morning.

Malaikat is the malay word for "angel" and is a little ironic to say the least.

Malaikat

An angel sometimes wears horns -
Sensuous rose I have felt your thorns
In the raging light of a South Asian dawn.
Giving head on a double bed; an idea born
Of a life renewed and rescued from disgrace:
For your renewal , my ruination did brace
As the consequence of action nears.

Ghosted sprite I took you from that place
Thought I could bring you unto grace,
Thought that with love cares could efface
And the light of a better life shine upon your face;
But deceit creates its very own veneer
When hopes are quashed and replaced by the fear
That you’ll be cut down like a hobbled faun.

I have almost twice your years
Doubled again if counting tears -
Out of bad came good bearing spears
With singeing points to those it sears.
My marriage an arras torn
Rent across with words of scorn -
Twenty years enfeebled in a momentary volte-face.

2014 Reading

January
1. A Man of the People by Chinua Achebe (1966) 150 pp
2. Touch Wood: Poems and a Story by Dannie Abse (2002) 88pp
3. My Antonia by Willa Cather (1918) 248pp
4. 77 Dream Songs by John Berryman (1964) 84 pp
5. Novel on Yellow Paper by Stevie Smith (1936) 252 pp
6. The Sojourn by Andrew Krivak (2011) 191 pp
7. The Diary of a Nobody by George Grossmith (1892) 171 pp
8. Fools of Fortune by William Trevor (1983) 207 pp
9. Collected Poems 1951-2000 by Charles Causley (2000) 421 pp
10. The Sleepwalkers: How Europe Went to War by Christopher Clark (2012) 562 pp
11. Landscape at the End of the Century by Stephen Dunn (1991) 94 pp
12. North From Rome by Helen MacInnes (1958) 394 pp
13. Dream Work by Mary Oliver (1986) 89 pp
14. David Golder by Irene Nemirovsky (1929) 159 pp

February
15. Sleeper's Wake by Alistair Morgan (2009) 179 pp
16. Magician: Apprentice by Raymond E Feist (1982) 485 pp
17. If This is a Man by Primo Levi (1947) 179 pp
18. The Hawk in the Rain by Ted Hughes (1957) 54 pp
19. As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner (1930) 248 pp
20. Gossip From the Forest by Thomas Keneally (1975) 236 pp
21. Moonfleet by J. Meade Falkner (1898) 256 pp
22. Chicago Poems by Carl Sandburg (1916) 80 pp
23. Legend of a Suicide by David Vann (2008) 228 pp
24. The Death of Ivan Ilych by Leo Tolstoy (1886) 63 pp
25. Life Studies by Robert Lowell (1959) 95 pp
26. Therese Raquin by Emile Zola (1867) 194 pp
27. The Song of the Cold by Edith Sitwell (1945) 110 pp

March
28. The Guns of August by Barbara W. Tuchman (1962) 524 pp
29. The Prisoner of Zenda by Anthony Hope (1894) 140 pp
30. The First World War: A Miscellany by Norman Ferguson (2014) 182 pp
31. Bastard Out of Carolina by Dorothy Allison (1992) 320 pp
32. The Ballad of the White Horse by G.K. Chesterton (1911) 132 pp
33. Rogue Male by Geoffrey Household (1939) 182 pp
34. Chamber Music by James Joyce (1907) 39 pp
35. Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll (1865) 124 pp
36. Howl and Other Poems by Allen Ginsberg (1956) 57 pp
37. Suttree by Cormac McCarthy (1979) 568 pp
38. The Old Gringo by Carlos Fuentes (1985) 199 pp
39. The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran (1923) 115 pp

April
40. Train by Pete Dexter (2003) 280 pp
41. The Wanderings of Oisin and Other Poems by W.B. Yeats (1889) 64 pp
42. The Friends of Eddie Coyle by George V. Higgins (1970) 182 pp
43. Desperate Remedies by Thomas Hardy (1871) 407 pp
44. Carrie by Stephen King (1974) 242 pp
45. The Less Deceived by Philip Larkin (1955) 33 pp
46. Once by Morris Gleitzman (2006) 163 pp
47. Transformations by Anne Sexton (1971) 113 pp
48. Sula by Toni Morrison (1973) 174 pp
49. A Season in Hell by Arthur Rimbaud (1873) 100 pp
50. Laidlaw by William MacIlvanney (1977) 283 pp
51. Chronicles: Volume One by Bob Dylan (2004) 293 pp
52. Women by Charles Bukowski (1978) 291 pp

MAY
53. The Daughter of Time by Josephine Tey (1951) 222 pp
54. Never Go Back by Lee Child (2013) 519 pp
55. Renascence and Other Poems by Edna St. Vincent Millay (1917) 44 pp
56. In Praise of Older Women by Stephen Vizinczey (1965) 223 pp
57. The Ponder Heart by Eudora Welty (1954) 156 pp
58. Plainsong by Kent Haruf (1999) 288 pp
59. Satan Says by Sharon Olds (1980) 72 pp
60. The Heart is a Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers (1940) 312 pp

June
61. Strumpet City by James Plunkett (1969) 549 pp
62. White Buildings by Hart Crane (1926) 99 pp
63. Mother Night by Kurt Vonnegut (1961) 176 pp

July
64. Amongst Women by John McGahern (1990) 184 pp
65. Looking Backward by Edward Bellamy (1888) 165 pp
66. The Treasure Hunt by Andrea Camilleri (2010) 278 pp

Best of 2014

Fiction
The Heart is a Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers
Bastard out of Carolina by Dorothy Allison
Plainsong by Kent Haruf

Thrillers/Sci Fi/Fantasy Etc
Magician : Apprentice by Raymond E. Feist
Laidlaw by William McIlvanney
The Daughter of Time by Josephine Tey

Poetry
Touch Wood: Poems and a Story by Dannie Abse
77 Dream Songs by John Berryman
The Hawk in the Rain by Ted Hughes

Non-Fiction
The Guns of August by Barbara W. Tuchman
The Sleepwalkers: How Europe Went to War by Christopher Clark
If This is a Man by Primo Levi

Reading Plan for July

Just to read.
To read and catch up!

150 years challenge

150 Years of Reading Bold Will Be Years I have Finished This Year

The Object is to read one book from each year from 1865 to 2014 all in 2014. No author to be repeated:

1865, 1866, 1867, 1868, 1869, 1870, 1871, 1872, 1873, 1874,
1875, 1876, 1877, 1878, 1879, 1880, 1881, 1882, 1883, 1884,
1885, 1886, 1887, 1888, 1889, 1890, 1891, 1892, 1893, 1894,
1895, 1896, 1897, 1898, 1899, 1900, 1901, 1902, 1903, 1904,
1905, 1906, 1907, 1908, 1909, 1910, 1911, 1912, 1913, 1914,
1915, 1916, 1917, 1918, 1919, 1920, 1921, 1922, 1923, 1924
1925, 1926, 1927, 1928, 1929, 1930, 1931, 1932, 1933, 1934,
1935, 1936, 1937, 1938, 1939, 1940, 1941, 1942, 1943, 1944,
1945, 1946, 1947, 1948, 1949, 1950, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1954,
1955,1956, 1957, 1958,1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964,
1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974
1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984,
1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994,
1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004,
2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

Stateside Challenge

In addition to Mark's American Author challenge I am trying to read a book by an author born in each of the US states + DC + one american born overseas:

1. Alabama
2. Alaska Legend of a Suicide by David Vann
3. Arizona
4. Arkansas
5. California - Magician : Apprentice by Raymond E. Feist
6. Colorado - Plainsong by Kent Haruf
7. Connecticut - The Guns of August by Barbara W. Tuchman
8. Delaware
9. Florida
10. Georgia - The Heart is a Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers
11. Hawaii
12. Idaho
13. Illinois Chicago Poem by Carl Sandburg
14. Indiana - Mother Night by Kurt Vonnegut
15. Iowa
16. Kansas
17. Kentucky
18. Louisiana
19. Maine - Carrie by Stephen King
20. Maryland
21. Massachusetts - Life Studies by Robert Lowell
22. Michigan - Train by Pete Dexter
23. Minnesota - Chronicles: Volume One by Bob Dylan
24. Mississippi - As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner
25. Missouri
26. Montana
27. Nebraska
28. Nevada
29. New Hampshire
30. New Jersey - Howl and Other Poems by Allen Ginsberg
31. New Mexico
32. New York - Landscape at the End of the Century by Stephen Dunn
33. North Carolina
34. North Dakota
35. Ohio - Dream Work by Mary Oliver
36. Oklahoma - 77 Dream Songs by John Berryman
37. Oregon
38. Pennsylvania - The Sojourn by Andrew Krivak
39. Rhode Island - Suttree by Cormac McCarthy
40. South Carolina - Bastard out of Carolina by Dorothy Allison
41. South Dakota
42. Tennessee
43. Texas
44. Utah
45. Vermont
46. Virginia - My Antonia by Willa Cather
47. Washington
48. West Virginia
49. Wisconsin
50. Wyoming
51. DC
52. American born outside USA - Women by Charles Bukowski

21/52

Category Challenge 14 for 14

Pyramid Challenge

1 World War One (5 READ - Krivak, Clark, Keneally, Tuchman, Ferguson)
2 Yorkshire Writers (3 READ - Smith, Hughes, Sitwell)
3 Writers new to me (14 READ - Abse, Berryman, Dunn, Oliver, Nemirovsky, Fuentes, Sandburg, Ginsberg, Allison, Lowell, Dexter, Sexton, Bukowski, Rimbaud)
4 Books about the Holocaust (3 READ - Levi, Gleitzman, Vonnegut)
5 Books from the first edition of 1001 books (6 READ - Grossmith, Tolstoy, Zola, Carroll, Morrison, McGahern)
6 Ahem, Science Fiction Horror and Fantasy (3 READ - Feist, King, Bellamy)
7 Series followed (3 Read - Tey, Child, Camilleri)
8 Biographies (1 read - Dylan)
9 Books on the Shelves since 2012 (2 READ - Faulkner, Hardy)
10 Gifts from friends (1 READ - Morgan)
11 Re-reads (2 READ - Falkner, Gibran)
12 Nobel contenders (2 READ - Trevor, McCarthy)
13 Short Story Collections (1 READ - Vann)
14 Vintage Crime/Thrillers (5 READ - Household, McInnes, Hope, Higgins, McIlvanney)

TBR Records

Physical Books on Shelves 1/1/14 = 2,690
Added in 2014 = 317
Read in 2014 = 60
Revised TBR Books = 2,947

Pages to read 1/1/14 = 974,030
Pages added in 2014 = 99,513
Pages read in 2014 = 12,560
Revised Pages to read = 1,060,983

Total Kindle E Books to Read = 3,873
Read in 2014 = 0
Added in 2014 = 0
Revised Kindle Books to Read = 3,873

Total TBR = 6,820 books

Mark's American Author Challenge

Jan - Willa Cather - My Antonia
Feb - William Faulkner - As I Lay Dying
Mar - Cormac McCarthy - Suttree
Apr - Toni Morrison - Sula
May - Eudora Welty - The Ponder Heart
Jun - Kurt Vonnegut - Mother Night
July - Mark Twain

NOBEL CHALLENGE (This year's read additions in bold)

NOBEL WINNERS READ WITH FAVOURITE WORK READ SO FAR:
2013 Dance of the Happy Shades by Alice Munro
2011 The Half-Finished Heaven by Tomas Transtromer
2010 The Storyteller by Mario Vargas Llosa
2009 The Appointment by Herta Muller
2007 The Grass is Singing by Doris Lessing
2006 Snow by Orhan Pamuk
2005 The Caretaker by Harold Pinter
2003 The Master of Petersburg by J.M.Coetzee
2001 A House for Mr. Biswas by V.S. Naipaul
1998 The Year of the Death of Ricardo Reis by Jose Saramago
1997 Accidental Death of an Anarchist by Dario Fo
1995 Station Island by Seamus Heaney
1994 A Quiet Life by Kenzaburo Oe
1993 Sula by Toni Morrison
1992 Selected Poems by Derek Walcott
1991 July's People by Nadine Gordimer
1988 Palace Walk by Naguib Mahfouz
1987 On Grief and Reason by Joseph Brodsky
1985 The Flanders Road by Claude Simon
1983 Lord of the Flies by William Golding
1982 A Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
1976 Herzog by Saul Bellow
1972 Billiards at Half-Past Nine by Heinrich Boll
1971 The Captain's Verses by Pablo Neruda
1970 Cancer Ward by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn
1968 Beauty and Sadness by Yasunari Kawabata
1964 The Age of Reason by Jean-Paul Sartre
1962 Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
1961 Bridge On the Drina by Ivo Andric
1958 Dr. Zhivago by Boris Pasternak
1957 The Plague by Albert Camus
1955 The Atom Station by Halldor Laxness
1954 The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemmingway
1953 History of the English Speaking Peoples by Winston Churchill
1952 Knot of Vipers by Francois Mauriac
1951 Barabbas by Par Lagerkvist
1949 As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner
1948 The Waste Land by T.S. Eliot
1947 The Counterfeiters by Andre Gide
1946 Steppenwolf by Hermann Hesse
1938 The Good Earth by Pearl Buck
1932 A Man of Property by John Galsworthy
1930 Main Street by Sinclair Lewis
1925 Man and Superman by George Bernard Shaw
1923 Collected Poems by W.B. Yeats
1921 And the Gods Will Have Blood by Anatole France
1913 He (Shey) by Rabindranath Tagore
1907 Kim by Rudyard Kipling

UNREAD NOBEL WINNERS ON THE SHELVES

2012 Red Sorghum by Mo Yan
2008 The Interrogation by J.M.G. Le Clezio
2004 The Piano Teacher by Elfriede Jelinek
2002 Fatelessness by Imre Kertesz
2000 Soul Mountain by Gao Xingjian
1999 The Tin Drum by Gunter Grass
1996 Poems New and Collected by Wislawa Szymborska
1990 The Labyrinth of Solitude by Octavio Paz
1989 The Family of Pascual Duarte by Camilo Jose Cela
1986 Ake: The Years of Childhood by Wole Soyinka
1984 The Poetry of Jaroslav Seifert by Jaroslav Seifert
1981 Kafka's Other Trial by Elias Canetti
1978 Enemies : A Love Story by Isaac Bashevis Singer
1973 Voss by Patrick White
1969 Molloy by Samuel Beckett
1966 A Book That Was Lost by S.Y. Agnon
1965 And Quiet Flows the Don by Mikhail Sholokhov
1950 A History of Western Philosophy by Bertrand Russell
1939 The Maid Silja by F.E. Sillanpaa
1936 A Long Day's Journey into Night by Eugene O'Neill
1934 Six Characters in Search of an Author by Luigi Pirandello
1933 The Village by Ivan Bunin
1929 Doctor Faustus by Thomas Mann
1928 Kristin Lavransdatter : 1 The Wreath by Sigrid Undset
1926 Reeds in the Wind by Grazia Deledda
1920 Hunger by Knut Hamsun
1909 The Saga of Gosta Berling by Selma Lagerlof
1905 Quo Vadis by Henryk Sienkiewicz

So far read 48 laureates
28 laureates unread on the shelves
35 laureates whose works neither owned not read.

Hi Paul! Nice photo!

Rhonda, well done my dear you win! I have lost all track of who has won and who I have so far sent books to. I don't recall you doing so though yet this year and would be grateful if you could PM me your address so that I can (eventually) choose and send you something.

Yes, it's a beautiful photo.

>14 PaulCranswick: The glory of being first, and a prize as well! Benefits to living in the pacific time zone, I think.

Hi Paul--congrats on a shiny new thread!! Wow, you sure participate in lots of challenges. Very inspiring.

Hello, Paul! Another fresh new week to start anew...

I hope the message on Facebook that Hani's father was doing better is still in effect.

>15 cammykitty: Katie, thank you my dear. I somehow didn't manage to completely spoil that one.

>16 banjo123: Rhonda - hahaha I guess my strange time keeping does suit your time zone occasionally.

>17 Berly: Kim - Unbelievably I was pretty much up to speed until this last disastrous month.

>18 ronincats: Roni - Well I am not so sure that he is really. He is suffering apparently from C.O.A.D (Chronic Obstructive Airway Disease) and, due to an infection in his lungs, he is struggling painfully to breathe. Because of oxygen intake and the drugs being used to attack his infection he is incapable of coherent dialogue with occasionally bittersweet results. Another quite sad side effect is the fact that he is unable to get to the toilet to relieve himself and is suffering the indignity of adult diapers. We left Johor Bahru at 11 pm last night for the 350 km drive north to Kuala Lumpur and I arrived knackered at about 2.00 a.m.

Finally I have a couple of books to report and review:

62.

White Buildings by Hart Crane

Date of Publication : 1926 (62 of 150)
USA State : Ohio (Already counted)

Perhaps not the smartest choice of reading considering my recent circumstances and this often failed to find its mark with a bemused reader. There are flights of hyperbole here which are as obviously magnificent as they are incomprehensible. I think I am a smart arse but, maybe due to my own presently muddled and muddied thinking large tracts of this simply washed over me and left me confused and grasping fo a meaning I am not entirely sure is fully formed anyway.

I can recognise a great talent even if I fail to understand it.

6/10

63.

Mother Night by Kurt Vonnegut

Date of Publication : 1961 (63/150)
USA State : Indiana (21/52)
Category Challenge : Holocaust Writing (3 rd Book)

Kurt Vonnegut was a flippant son of a gun.
This is a flippant novel at first glance telling the story of a sort of american Lord Haw Haw and his atonement for crimes committed during World War Two.

As dark humour it is often a little on the heavy handed side but we are still able to come away with a tremendous affection for a leading character who, warts and all, explains his shortcomings.

This is not up there with Cat's Cradle and Slaughterhouse Five but those novels probably needed this to be written to enable their fruition.

7/10

Now I will seek indulgence and respond to the many kind but as yet unanswered posts from my gloomy 24th thread:

#253 Roni - I have come to realise just what a community we have here!

#254 Anne - It does indeed lighten the load knowing that there are anything up to 600 people in this group rooting for you and thinking positively about you every day. xx

#255 Kerry - Well the weekend was anything but stressfree with it being spent in Johor and largely at the public hospital there watching over my FIL. All in all though I came back to Kuala Lumpur with a little peace of mind and a wee bit of optimism for the future. For muslims the fasting month of Ramadhan commenced yesterday and this is a very familial period for my household as we sit down to our repasts as a family come what may. For a tubby I am surprisingly good at fasting and really enjoy the communal spirit it inculcates.

#256 I still haven't fixed my dodgy "O" Megan. I think time will play its role as Kerry and you sagely suggest and I know that the difficult road at least has a direction in mind.

#257 - Amber. Thanks as always. xx

#258 - Mark - Now would go down a treat buddy. No porter for me in the next month as I always avoid the demon alcohol during ramadhan as it tends towards dehydrating me and making fasting a chore.

#259 - Patience and steadfastness are virtues well recommended Karen. I'll try my utmost.

#260 - Marie; hanging in is about all I can manage myself at the present time.

#261 - Roberta, Hani and I have spent the last fortnight revisiting some of the early days of our marriage and trying to recapture some of the magic that has remained so near the surface always. Without excusing anything at all we had gotten at little too used to each other and started to take each other a little too much for granted. We haven't made love as often as this since the very early days of our romance and it has a therapeutic affect that should not be underestimated as well as being superb for my weigh-ins with Morphy and Mamie!

#262 Rachel - I really feel like I'm back to be honest. I am sure there will be a few more downs with the ups but, all-in-all we have worked through things and re-established who we are as a couple.

#263 I look forward to that Joe and am jolly grateful to our Chicagoan contingent for the generosity in liquid refreshments.

That is a lovely pic up there of you & Hani ...... There are some lovely messages left over recent days, much better wordsmiths than I ever will be, I do hope this finds you in a better & improving place though ......

#264 Kim - I hope and believe you are right. It takes a bit to swallow down the barbs sometimes as SWMBO has a gift in cutting remarks and one hell of a temper. I have woken to her blugeon like fists pounding on my unsuspecting arms more than once in the last few weeks, but these are slowly but surely becoming rarer and as oft as not replaced by caresses.

#265 Marianne - You manage to do both so eloquently!

#266 Ilana, I think one of the worst things is that the whole sorry mess was self-inflicted no matter how much I blame circumstances. There is another victim in all this of course whose name is not mentioned and who shall never be given name herein who was in as many ways as badly let down by me as was Hani. She is alluded to in the clumsy, half-formed verses above; the Angel with horns is of course myself.

#267 John I have suffered several quite bad and particularly vivid nightmares recently but that one was soooo real and my reaction to it so profound that I was still gasping for breath fully five minutes after waking. Not to be recommended dear chap - the shabby allure of Jakarta and particularly the sweetest of Sundanese charms is not for us West Yorkshiremen I can attest.

#268 Heather - there have been so many heartwarming messages but each and every visitor has played a role in bringing me back out of myself. Thank you.

#269 MD - Like Benita your ability to wander through the threads and dispense care, warmth and affection often leaves me thoroughly impressed. Grateful to be the recipient this time worthy or not. xx

#270 Carsten - Don't worry mate I have time to discuss the game any day of the week. As Bill Shankley said and I paraphrase football is not a matter of life or death - it is far more important than that.
The last 16 games have continued the tremendous drama so far. Obviously I was pleased to see Colombia and their young forward line prevail and was a bit sorry for a brave Chile but the tournament needs Brazil until its later stages for sure.
Greece outplayed Costa Rica and lost to their keeper on penalties whilst Holland beat a very good Mexican side only when they let themselves off their collective leashes.

#271 Lori - thank you my dear. Your thoughts, prayers and good wishes will always find a welcome around these parts. xx

#272 Laura - Peter finds out his results on the 16th of July. He is a strong chap just not quite as strong as he used to think he was. His alcoholism (beaten more than 2 years ago) and steroid fuelled body-building hasn't helped his physical condition as he realises all too well. I am sure we will all find a way through the various mazes before us.

#273 Reba - "Load on your heart and shoulders" - I like that phrase if not the actuality of it. Every day gets a little bit better.

#274 Rhonda - That plateful of sorrows will get digested slowly this fasting month I'm sure. xx

#275 Kath - From the very epitome of kindness that is very nice to read. xx

#276 Katie - Just what I said to the father-in-law yesterday. xx

#277 Rhian - Does time really heal? I wonder or does the pain just get deadened. I am not sure that, looking at things from Hani's perspective that she will forget although she already claims to have forgiven. Remarkable creature though I have to say.

#278 Sounds a good idea Kim. I'll get along and see if I can chip in shortly.

#279 Lori - I think you must be right. The creators and administrators must have gotten there first.

#280 Well observed Linda. I have benefitted from just such an arrangement recently but it is enabled by all you wonderful characters who people this place.

#281 Nancy - Strength to face the future is a difficult thing. Strength to find the wherewithal to make a full and frank admission knowing it to be vital just as it could be fatal to your marriage. Strength to find the things that were always so right and re-affix them firmly to the strands that were failing. Strength to look forwards rather than backwards. Strength to look up and stay proud rather than down and stay defeated. Strength to listen when it is easier to speak.

#282 Barbara - Your pretty graphics always brighten my weekends. xx

#283 Morphy - You just did a pretty good job of doing just that! Sometimes we simply know when someone cares Morphy. I know you do; your actions in helping RD show your true colours more vividly than any soothing words could.

#284 Connie; thank you. I was pleased to see Holland prevail yesterday. Hope that they go all the way this time as to lose three times in the final is pretty painful.

#285 Kimmers - the very same to you my dear!

#286 Rachel. It really is great to see you back with a vengeance. I must get to your new thread and catch up now that my mood has lightened somewhat.

#287 Stephanie - Your esteem means quite a bit my dear. That pot of hugs is being guarded carefully, let me tell you!

#288 Ellen - decided I am going to knock off those burdens one-by-one. Work is easy. Hani is not but with mutual love we'll get there. My brother and FIL will get well I am sure.

#289 Nina - If a Brit is asked to name one poet of the First World War I would guess that the majority would come up with Wilfred Owen. So many effecting lines and so touching that he cesed to breathe almost as the guns were to cease firing. Good choice, dear lady.

#291 Megan - well here I am on my new thread and with a new (ok oldish) attitude of positive thinking. Waiting for the wise-crack to come along back but I'll give all things a little time.

>2 PaulCranswick: Your poem makes me feel sad, Paul :(
But it is lovely in its sad way.

>20 PaulCranswick: well, I like the cover anyway :)
Help! It's drawing me in. Luckily there is no room on my WL or TBR for anything at present.

I see you are reading Amongst Women, by John MaGahern. I have had that one teetering near the top of my TBR pile for ages now and am tempted to pick it off now and read with you. But I still have to finish one of my many and also start and finish a book club one (music theme, am thinking to read Morrissey's Autobiography)....so I am wondering if it would be prudent to pick up yet another fresh book!

>31 LovingLit: Megan, I am pleased you noticed I sneaked that in up top.
The imagery in Crane's work is extremely difficult to follow for me Megan. It is lyrically beautiful but I am not entirely sure what he's going on about some of the time at least.
I also have Morissey's autobiog calling to me but I am loathe to read anything that stops me with my 150 book challenge.

I hope to finish Amongst Women tonight which is a surprisingly dense little novel.

So good to see you making a come-back, in all senses, friend.

>33 scaifea: Thanks Amber. I feel like Elvis in 68 but haven't shed the weight.

Aah! A new thread, a new week and tomorrow, a new month. Glad to see you beginning to move forward.

Happy New thread, Paul! Lovely topper! Hope to see you back in full swing again. We missed you and it's been kind of dull without your stately presence.

>25 roundballnz: Alex - I nearly missed y0u up there. Thanks my friend. I think y0ur'e just as articulate as any0ne else here.

>35 michigantrumpet: Thanks Marianne. I think the idea 0f m0ving f0rward is certainly an appealing 0ne.

>36 msf59: Hahaha Mark I think y0u are slightly 0verstating the case but I am pretty glad y0u are f0r 0nce in a while.

Hi Paul, a great photo to start the new thread, a stroll around Newmillerdam is always nice and in fact me and Karen should do it more often as it is on our doorstep. So nice to see you re-kindling things with Hani, we never got to the stage that you got to mate but about ten years ago Karen was suffering at work when she was a Wakefield college, things would be bad, would pick her up and she would go through it all, then she would do it again in the early evening and then when we got to bed, the weekends were worse, in the end new staff were being brought in on new contracts but she was ok for two years but I said to her that this was a chance to look around for something new without rushing into something, within a month or so she got a job at asda and it also freed up some days when we could do things and we have never looked back. On her long weekend off (Thurs to Sunday) we toddle off to places in North Yorkshire or West Yorks that are lovely (Thirsk, Northallerton etc) or down to Derbyshire (Bakewell, Matlock and Buxton) and have OUR time, this has done wonders for us, our love life was put back on track and we got a new zest for life. Just to stroll hand in hand like we did when we first met and laugh and joke, we now look forward to our little jaunts and I always find a bookshop to visit and some places remember us so we become regulars.

Love to you, Hani and the kids mate and our thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones that are not in the best of health at the moment. Always here for you mate and glad that you found me out on here and introduced me to so many lovely people who are now friends.

P.S. can't wait for the TDF to start this weekend.

Paul, Happy New Thread!

Hi, Paul! I'm glad and relieved to hear that your relationship with Hani remains strong. Best wishes and God's blessings to both of you, and to your brother and her father.

What Darryl said, Paul.

Hope this week continues to take you in the direction you want.

>40 Ameise1: love it! Happy New Week to you, and all of yours.

Just ducking in to wave and hope that all is improving.

Wishing all your family the best of health, Paul.

ETA: If you're monitoring your weight, come on over to this thread. I, for one, could certainly use the support.

Lovely thread-topper, Paul. Remembering the good times is a great incentive to achieving their return.

Hello, Paul. I'm so sorry to learn of your troubles, but glad to know that you and Hani are working things out. As for the illnesses in the family, I empathize. I know there are few words of comfort that actually console, but at least you know you are a man with many friends!

I'm sending positive thoughts wafting over continents and oceans your direction.....

Welcome back, Paul. I knew when I saw there were 47 unread messages that you were back! Praying that things are looking up with you and Hani.

"Reading Plan for July... Just to read."

That sounds perfect. I hope July brings you and Hani more peace, more understanding, and a continually growing sense of optimism for the future.

Glad to have you back, my friend, and completely understand that you may yet need to come and go some.

Keep taking good care.

Hi dear Paul I've been thinking of you and your troubles a lot lately. Pondering on the implications and commitment of a 20-year marriage and more. Sadly, not something I've had a chance to experience, but then again, I know it can't always be a bed of roses, no matter how good a match. Nothing really helpful to offer, just that we all make mistakes. My dad, who does come out with a grain of sage truth once in a while used to say to me "look at your life as if you were in a movie", or in this case "look at your life as if you were a character in a book". What would you think of Paul C.? I think as all your friends and visitors agree you'd still want to stick by his side.

***

And now, a public service announcement:

For those who are into Montalbano and who like audiobooks, Downpour.com is having a 70% sale on the whole series. Definitely worth checking out (just click on the blue link to go to their page). Prices are mostly $5 and less. Really worth it.

(((((Paul))))) and good wishes

>39 johnsimpson: John, thanks for your lovely post mate. Glad to acknowledge that I played a part in encouraging you to join the group but you have made your place inside it very much your own. I am trying to do as you suggest and lighten the tone with Hani by going away for a day or so here and then. I am sure things will improve for both of us but I do fear that they will never be quite the same again.

>40 Ameise1: Barbara, you made my irish blood sing, thank you so much as always.

>41 kidzdoc: Thanks Darryl. She is one heck of a lady to be honest - very tough on the outside and she doesn't let people stand in the way of anything she wants. She is also an extremely proud person and has not shared her sorrows with any of her friends or family which results in me being very much her sounding board and punching bag! Hani's father had a good day by all accounts and managed to speak on the phone to Hani yesterday and relatively coherently at that. Hopefully he is on the mend as far as the lung infection is concerned.

Paul, I suspect that the hard times will make your marriage stronger in the long run. Any two people are bound to have ups and downs in attempting to live as one. Mistakes are what make us human, and allow us to grow. (and since this is a literary group, here's my literary commentary, thanks to Mr. Shakespeare. )

SONNET 116
Let me not to the marriage of true minds
Admit impediments. Love is not love
Which alters when it alteration finds,
Or bends with the remover to remove:
O no; it is an ever-fixed mark,
That looks on tempests, and is never shaken;
It is the star to every wandering bark,
Whose worth's unknown, although his height be taken.
Love's not Time's fool, though rosy lips and cheeks
Within his bending sickle's compass come;
Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks,
But bears it out even to the edge of doom.
If this be error and upon me proved,
I never writ, nor no man ever loved.

>42 jnwelch: Joe, so far it has been a pretty fair start to the week and I hope it will continue as such. I only hope I can get plenty of reading time and enough time to catch up a little on the threads of all my wonderful friends.

>43 maggie1944: Karen - I take it that the good wishes were to both Barbara and myself! Thanks as always in any and both eventualities.

>44 BekkaJo: Waving right back Bekka! Things get a little better every day. xx

>45 humouress: Nina, thanks so much. I will join you in your travails as soon as! Fasting month is here so I am optimistic on losing a few pounds.

>46 laytonwoman3rd: Quite right Linda. I think our treasure trove of memories have a great deal to do with the fact of needing to carry on to rediscover those times again.

>47 Dejah_Thoris: Lovely to see you here Princess. Much missed indeed and a nice further boost towards me getting back my mojo.

>48 thornton37814: Lori - a little like old times?! hahaha it is a matter of a few weeks really but I really do feel that I have been away an age.

>49 EBT1002: Ellen, I think now that I am back I'll be more or less back for good. Want to enjoy my books and my reading and discussing both again as it really is therapeutic.

>50 Smiler69: Lovely sentiments dear Ilana, thank you. To err is to be human as the saying sort of goes but on the scale of screw ups it was right up there! Character in a book? I think it depends a little on the writer - Trevor or Tyler or Haruf gives me the treatment and I'll be fine. Dread to think what McCarthy or Amis or Self would do to my predicament!

>51 mckait: Thanks Kath. xx

>53 banjo123: Who can compete with the Bard, Rhonda, when it comes to matters of the heart! Cuts right into the core of the matter as only Billiam could. xx

Ah, I still must read Vonnegut. It will be Cat's Cradle when I get around to it.

Happy new thread Paul! That's a wonderful picture of you and Hani!

Welcome back Paul. You have been well and truly missed. I hope that you can find time to be back here more regularly, not for us, but because you are loved here without judgement. And you like books! ; ) Hugs.

>57 cammykitty: Katie, whatever else Kurt Vonnegut will entertain you.

>58 The_Hibernator: Thanks Rachel! It was a lovely spring morning as I recall.

>59 Berly: Kimmers you are so sweet. I think I will be back to my old self shortly.

>20 PaulCranswick: >32 PaulCranswick:
Paul, you have subliminally coerced me!
Today I bought The Complete Poems of Hart Crane thinking I had never heard of the author, but the blurb spoke highly and the cover was obviously of the same series as White Buildings....which is what drew me to the $1 book in the first place. Now, I read over your thread and see that less than 24 hours prior to me noticing the cover of your reviewed book, I am buying one almost exactly the same.
(I may come back late with the book cover picture as proof)

The power you have! :)

>62 PaulCranswick: Book bullets are dangerous things Megan for sure......even a book that non-plussed me in my numbed state can get sufficient ballast from this group to sail into your hands. xx Enjoy and hopefully understand at least some of it!

>53 banjo123: Oh, one of my favorites of his. Makes me go over all swoon-like. *sigh*

*waves to Paul*

Happy July Paul!

Happy July, Paul!

Books! We need some book talk around here! So, what are you reading now?

{{{Hugs}}}

Good evening Paul, shame about the Roses T20 game being washed out and then the loss to Notts, hopefully they will beat Leicestershire tonight to try and get things back on track. Love to you all from Karen and I.

>53 banjo123: I love that sonnet.

>50 Smiler69: Thanks for the Montalbano audio tip, Ilana. I hope Caro sees the link. If she doesn't stop by here, I'll pm it.

Paul, if you haven't tried reading about the good Inspector, it's well worth dipping into The Shape of Water and seeing whether it's your cuppa.

>63 scaifea: Amber I am a lover of Billiam's sonnets and you're right that it is up with the best of them.

>64 Thebookdiva: Lovely to see you Abby. I have high hopes for July and certainly wish it to be an improvement on the one before it.

>65 michigantrumpet: Hahaha Marianne - This is supposed to be about books right?! Let's see, I am wrapping up Amongst Women by John McGahern and then it is back to the 19th C with Bellamy, Jerome and Twain.

>66 johnsimpson: I am a little bit of a traditionalist John and can't help thinking 20/20 is Micky Mouse cricket. Good fun though certainly and I'll always want Yorks to win of course. See in fact we did beat Leics.

>67 lauralkeet: Laura, another fan. Rhonda picked out a winner for sure.

>68 jnwelch: Joe I was an early advocate of Montalba in fact. I have read all of 'em up to Treasure Hunt which I have just added to the piles.

>70 PaulCranswick: I belatedly realized my "oops", Paul. I knew you were a Montalbano aficionado from way back. Blame my mix-upped-ness on some unexpected good news (a rare breed - unexpected bad news seems much more common). It's work-related, so not as exciting as it might be, but I'm blaming it for the lack of anything else.

Have you ever watched the Italian tv movies featuring our friend the Inspector? As you probably gathered, Caro and I are big fans. Really well done.

>70 PaulCranswick:, just seen that we beat Leics and I agree that 20/20 is mickey mouse cricket, I remember starting out at OSCC and the U18's on a Wednesday night was 20 overs each and when Rob played junior cricket it was 20 overs each side. 20/20 cricket is junior cricket not serious adult cricket, guess you and me are purists and long may it last.

>71 jnwelch: Not to worry mate. It is pretty difficult to keep up with all the books each of us like. I have seen some of the TV shows on YouTube and it does look good fun even though I hadn't figured the inspector without hair!

>72 johnsimpson: I remember school cricket being over similiar lengths too. I guess I prefer the finesse and strategy of the longer game.

>69 PaulCranswick: Amongst Women looks interesting. What drew you to the book? Had you read something before by the author? The fact it was on the short list for the Man Booker?

>74 michigantrumpet: I am a fan of contemporary Irish fiction, Marianne. I have read a few short stories by McGahern before and he elegiac tone that features so heavily in Trevor and Toibin for example is very much in evidence here.

Oh my. I happened to notice this thread not yet dauntingly long, was alarmed by the first post so went back to the previous thread which I’d missed entirely. So sorry for your troubles, self-inflicted and not.

Hi Paul - passing through to catch up and leave a few good thoughts.

Just checking in to say hi and leave hugs!

>76 qebo: Katherine, yep some of the troubles were certainly self inflicted in a complicated way. Glad to start this new thread and trust that the renewal spreads to all aspects.

>77 SuziQoregon: Juli, thank you so much. I am determined to get around the threads in the next day or so.

>78 ronincats: Hugs are always appreciated and Californian hugs have a certain elan. xx

Lovely to see the book talking going on here! Forward!

Proof of my purchase actually being your fault, Paul ;)
(I'll lay blame wherever I can when it comes to my book purchasing)

I have to agree that 20/20 is Mickey Mouse cricket. Designed to draw in the fast buck and the low-attention-spanned. Meh.

You may not have had this in your news there, Paul. But one of yours has run foul of the law here and it's lucky for him he can claim diplomatic immunity, as he has run home to hide! Out PM is blahing on about the "good relationship" between our two countries, but I don't see Malaysia sending their diplomat back to NZ to face charges for assault with intent to rape. Yikes.

I absolutely loved That They May Face the Rising Sun by McGahern. I know it as By the Lake but I considered it to be a nearly flawless novel when I read it about a decade ago. I must seek out some of his other works.

Books indeed.... I am reading light, no surprise there... I have promised two non-fic reviews to my library... so I'm hoping to get my hands on Hilary Clinton's new book. I need to pick another...Any suggestions for something not too heavy and enjoyable by a wide audience? I'm asking here because few have a wider audience than you do, Paul!

So, good evening to you, then....

>73 PaulCranswick: I know what you mean about the tv Montalbano without hair, Paul, but I've got to say, that actor does a great job with the character. The whole cast is excellent. The young Montalbano (who has his own Italian tv movies) has plenty of hair.

>84 jnwelch: Love the TV Montalbano too, but I prefered the books much more. This series is gorgeous and all that food. sigh

Yeah, I prefer the books, too, Barbara, but it's fun to see them in movie form, and they're pretty faithful to the books, right? and all that food LOL! I know, my mouth waters every time he sits down to a meal.

>86 jnwelch: Indeed they are very close to the books and for the food, I'm so happy to live so close to Italy. :-D

>87 Ameise1: for the food, I'm so happy to live so close to Italy I'll bet! We ate wonderfully when we were there, although it's more of a hike for us to get there.

Hello, new Paul thread.

I've been very busy watching football this week. Decided to support Costa Rica now.

I am back from the American Library Association summer conference. It was in Las Vegas. I was not thrilled about going to Las Vegas and am even less thrilled about that city now. If you come to the U. S. do not waste your precious time on that city. It might be a shoppers Mecca but everything there is overpriced. I did love the Cirque Du Soliel show - Mystere. It was worth every penny of that $100.00 ticket. If you and the family can catch a show in K.L. do so. It is great entertainment.

I will admit that I got a Cranswickian book haul. I mailed back 4 boxes of books! I had to take a taxi to a Post Office and mail boxes because I decided that getting those books was more important than standing in line for the U. S. P. S. Office in the exhibit hall. I also did an Ellenesque hike to and from the convention center each day with a box of books in my arms. It may not have been 13 miles, but it was strenuous.

Very busy day yesterday as I went down to my project site for the river diversion works in Johor (2 1/2 hours drive) with Hani and Yasmyne in tow. They went onto Johor Bahru (another 2 1/2 hours drive) to stay a few days and keep vigil with a thankfully improving FIL, then Azim returned as far as a small town called Tangkak (1 1/2 hours drive) to collect me for the trip back to KL (1 1/2 hours drive) - I met the main sub-contractor for our project in Tangkak and agreed terms with him. I went straight to the Grand Hyatt where I was meeting my Korean clients and had an hour to kill before fast breaking. Had a lovely meal with them before getting home at 10 p.m. to spend a happy hour with Kyran and Belle before bedtime. They were pleased that in parental absence (Erni was of course there) they were able to bully their way to sausage and chips for dinner.

So a 15 hour working day and a thought or two spared for Azim who drove stoically for approximately 9 hours of that 15 if you add about an hour for driving around KL.

>80 maggie1944: Karen, I hope to get back to splurges and reviews in close combination in the month of July rather than trawling through personal crises!

>81 LovingLit: I have that self-same book Megan - good luck with it!
The Military Attache or whatever the heck he is or was does not seem to be getting too much public support here. Sexual assault is not something easy to condone however it is dressed up and rightly so.

>82 EBT1002: I have finished Amongst Women last night and found it impressively bleak. McGahern was a tremendous writer with a great feel for his subject. I am sure all of his novels merit attention and do not deserve to slip into obscurity as many of his characters seem to.

>83 mckait: I am not sure Hilary Clinton will be too pleased at being described as light given her aim of gravitas and her ability to pile on the pounds recently! What about Anita Shreve - Hani is a great fan and some of her earlier novels such as The Pilot's Wife or Resistance are well done.

>84 jnwelch: From what I have seen of it on YouTube, Joe, I would certainly agree with you. Visually very appealing and the story lines very discernible from the the books (or more properly vice versa).

>85 Ameise1: Italian detectives do seem to enjoy their food don't they Barbara? When I think of Brunetti for example (by Donna Leon) my mental image is of him sitting down to dinner with Chiara and his children and really savouring his food.

>86 jnwelch: If I was choosing a favourite series at present it would definitely be Montalba - the books have the perfect blend of plot, sex, mirth and murder and they are one sitting feasts indeed.

>87 Ameise1: One of my regrets from my cycling racing days was that I never got to visit Italy and still haven't yet. I hope to put that right sometime quite soon, Barbara.

>88 jnwelch: Joe - from your own visually stunning cafe we have feasted vicariously on the variously splendid cuisines of the world. Would you pick Italian as your own favourite. On my visits my absolute favourite place to eat must be Kinsale in Ireland which has a series of quaint eateries which taste of the sea and local produce lovingly concocted into dishes to delight any palate.

>89 goonergirl1982: Costa Rica have one of your very own, Joel Campbell, up front do they not? It will be interesting to see if Arsene gives him a chance this season or not. The talk of Alexis Sanchez going to North London is an exciting prospect I think and may be the difference they need.

>90 benitastrnad: Malaysia is not amongst the world's leading places for good show I am afraid but when the chance occurs we have had some good experiences.
Cranswickian hauls always makes me smile but the last month was not me at my most acquisitory! I hope to remedy that a little this month. Would like to peek inside those boxes!

Paul, I've been out of touch. I glean from the posts that you and Hani are having a rough patch. My heart goes out to you dear one!

I've sensed some frustration throughout your posts this year and last. A member of the two divorce club, I know just how difficult relationships are.

I don't have words of wisdom, but I do have a caring heart that reaches out in your struggles.

I actually think it is a good thing that I did not go to ALA this year because I don't think I have room for one of those Cranswickian book hauls. I know that I would find a way to make them fit, but I also know that I'm about to transport my Mom's cookbook collection up here, and I have no idea where I'm going to put those. I will allow my sister-in-law and nieces to have the few picks they want first, but I get the rest. Wow!

>97 thornton37814: Lori, I certainly understand this dilemma. Cook book reading is wonderful on a rainy day. I hope that when I retire I can have time to make different meals rather than the same old stuff.

>98 Whisper1: Linda, I do have a weakness for cookbooks! However, I use them to get ideas from and then usually take several recipes and mix it up a bit for my own twist -- or sometimes I think of something else that really needs to be added and will do it.

>96 Whisper1: We can certainly agree on your caring heart Linda. I have been constantly overwhelmed by the warmth and understanding from my friends in the group and many of those posts have helped me place things in a better perspective. I often hide things behind a veneer of irony or wise-cracks but when you get close to 20 years I think a re-appraisal is worthwhile in order to see whether the things that made a marriage great can still be gleaned just below the surface and whether those things are worth fighting for. I know that I never stopped loving SWMBO as difficult as she can undoubtedly be sometimes and in my case it is worth fighting for.

>97 thornton37814: Lori, Cookbook collections are Hani's province. She has together with me I suppose a really nice selection of books and she utilises them to be an absolute dab hand in the kitchen.

>98 Whisper1: I love dipping into cookbooks and devouring their pictures and illustrations. Hani is a great one for trying out a recipe and nearly always adapts it to suit hers and my tastebuds.

>99 thornton37814: Exactly, Lori - Hani and your goodself would get on like a house on fire - if she got her way the fire would be started with me incarcerated in the kitchen!

64.

Amongst Women by John McGahern

Year of Publication : 1990 (64/150)
USA State : N/A
Category Challenge: 1001 Books First Edition (6th book)

An elegy to rural Ireland.
An elegy of the dissonance and urgings of familial ties.
An elegy of tradition coming face to face with the modern world.
An elegy to the disillusionment of a country won by arms and lost in pettifogging.
An elegy to the constraints of time.
An elegy written in spare yet rich language that deceptively o'ercomes you.
An elegy well worth reading.

8/10

While you're trying to get back ON the wagon, Paul, perhaps you can take inspiration from my recent book haul. I hit an independent book shop (Four Seasons, in Shepherdstown, WV), a second hand book store (Too Many Books, in Roanoke, VA), a museum gift shop (at Antietam Battlefield Park in Sharpsburg, MD), and a Friends of the Library sale shelf in Roanoke, VA. Link takes you to the list on my thread.

I know that I never stopped loving SWMBO as difficult as she can undoubtedly be sometimes and in my case it is worth fighting for.

Being no great specialist on what makes relationships work, I still think that it's important to take stock once in a while and for both partners to consciously decide to re-devote themselves to making it work. Maybe not being in relationships all these years has left me lots of time to think about these things, if not actually put them into practice. We all tend to take what we have for granted though, be it relationships or anything else, so that's something I can relate to.

I can't remember all the books I got in the Cranswickian book haul at ALA but I know that I did get an ARC of the latest Deon Meyer Benny Geissel novel. It is so new that it has a plain red paper cover with the bibliographic information on the cover. I was so excited to get it and talked to the publisher for a bit about why isn't Meyer a better known author in the U. S. Some other librarians heard me and asked what he writes. I was chagrined to have to compare the books to the work of Henning Mankell. I went on to say that when the news broke about the Oscar Pistorius murder trial nothing that happened regarding the police and the court system in South Africa was a surprise because most of that information was in Meyer's books. I hope that I encouraged some of the librarians to take the ARC and read it. Meyer is a really good thriller and mystery writer and he needs to be better appreciated in this country.

I also got an ARC of the new David Mitchell novel. I don't know much about it except that it is more like Cloud Atlas than some of the material that Mitchell has been publishing recently.

I also learned about the Jack Irish series by Peter Temple. Since you are closer to Australia than I - have you heard of this mystery series? Or read any of them?

I just heard Peter Temple on NPR this week, talking about Jack Irish. Not a coincidence, I'm sure. I must investigate.

ETA: I see I added the first book, The Broken Shore, to my wishlist about 4 years ago! Somebody must have been talking it up, but I didn't note who.

Hey Paul! I'm rooting for you as you fight for what's worth fighting for!

Cool little video that will hit you right in the feels.

A day in the life of the New York Public Library

http://www.upworthy.com/hm-whats-this-line-for-the-library-whatthewhat-whats-in-...

(You have a much broader audience than I, so I thought I would share here, as well as on my thread.)

Hi Paul hope this missive finds you well mate, as I type this I am watching the Grand Depart opening ceremony from the Leeds arena, the tour has grabbed the counties attention and the riders are looking forward to being put to the test by God's own county and Fabian Cancellara has said that he is looking forward to the cobbles in Haworth and then stage five around Roubaix. It is going to be an awesome weekend and I shall follow the stage on Sunday whilst having a pint to celebrate my 51st birthday. Love and hugs to the Cranswick family and best wishes to your FIL mate.

>102 laytonwoman3rd: Linda, I'll just say wow! 27 book hauls are certainly impressive. I rode with Stonewall Jackson caught my eye.

>103 Smiler69: Taking stock is clearly important Ilana. Absence is also a test for us and Hani is presently in Johor with her father and questioning every time I appear to be on line on my phone!

>104 benitastrnad: Benita you were responsible for getting me hooked on to Deon Meyer and I will look out for the new one gleefully. I have read the first Jack Irish novel and whilst it is good I don't think I'd put it up with Meyer.

>105 laytonwoman3rd: Linda that would seem to be sufficient omen so as to justify starting the series!

>106 The_Hibernator: Thanks Rachel. I think that we are slowly but surely getting back our mojo.

>107 mahsdad: Cool Jeff. I must say I miss having a useable public library on my doorstep here in Kuala Lumpur.

>108 johnsimpson: John I think it goes without saying that I wish I was with you there at the moment. Can Froome hold off Contador, Nibali, Rolland, Costa and others to retain the palmares. He does appear to be a ruthless fellow judging by his treatment of Sir Bradley so let's see. I'll be along to wish you a happy birthday in good time mate.

Cheers mate, I wish you were here mate, we would have an awesome time of it, books, bookshops and the cycling, what more could we ask for in God's Own County.

>93 PaulCranswick: Paul, really? You're making a joke about someone's weight? Respect you mightily, but bad form.

>111 johnsimpson: We w0uld indeed mate.

>112 AuntieClio: Guilty as charged Stephanie but since I have been fighting the p0unds myself f0r as l0ng as I can remember I c0nsider it akin t laughing at myself t00. Besides it is Hilary. N0 0ffence intended t0 th0se including myself wh0 are sesitive ab0ut their weight.

>100 PaulCranswick: Incarcerated in the kitchen? There are many worse places for that to happen. At least you would be well-fed!

>104 benitastrnad: Okay consider me jealous of the David Mitchell ARC ..... enjoy!

Hope you have a relaxing weekend. Good news that Hani's father is doing well.

Sausage and Chips! Mmmm... How almost American. Breakfast tomorrow?

>93 PaulCranswick: I guess we will have to disagree about what light means. To me it is more more~ books that are good, with no cruelty or nastiness. I expect Hilary's book to be filled with good intention and that is light to me. It is also *light* Weight jokes make me sad.

Nice and cool here.. under 60F It feels good

Happy day to you :)

Happy day Paul! :) And always remember that sometimes it takes a bit of an earthquake to find the the wonderful love that's sunken beneath the surface. (Says the person who isn't in a relationship, so shouldn't be giving relationship advice.)

Huh.. 'only' 119 posts to go through before I'm all caught up on your thread for a change, Paul. Whoohooo... this calls for a celebration ... in the form of a slice of cherry pie. :-)

Just dropping by to say hi, Paul.

Paul, I wish you a wonderful weekend.

Wishing you a happy weekend, Paul!

Hello Paul. Still keeping you all in my thoughts. Chronic Obstructive Airway (Pulmonary) Disease is very difficult to treat and more difficult to live with it. I know to see my mom suffering when she has complications is heartbreaking. Please let Hani know I am thinking of her in this difficult time. I love seeing the photos of Yasmyne doting on her grandfather. Not everyone has the gift of being able to be around sick people and offer them comfort and support. What a blessing for your FIL that Yasmyne is able to do so. It must be a comfort to you and Hani as well to know you have raised such a nurturing daughter.

ETA: What a treat was Treasure Island especially narrated by Alfred Molina who can do an excellent Long John Silver.

Yes. Hopefully Joel Campbell has enough international caps to get a work permit now. Otherwise, I don't know what I'd do to the home office! ;)

I went to the Friends of the Library used book store this morning, right before my visit to the farmer's market) and was so surprised to see it full of people. It was their "by a sack of used books" day and the place was hopping. I did not make a Cranswickian haul. I only got a nice copy of The Agony and the Ecstasy by Irving Stone and We Shall Not Sleep by Anne Perry for my mother. She likes the Reavley family mysteries. OK. So do I - so I get to read it first since I bought it.

I got called in to work today so no nice long weekend for the Posties and for the library workers of the U.S.

Just popping in to wish you a great weekend!

Hi Paul, I hope your week went well and the weekend will be full of good things.

Paul, it is good to see things looking up in your corner of the world. I know Hani must be relieved that her father is improving. Yasmyne makes a cute nurse!

Interesting start to TDF this morning Paul ......

Hi Paul,
I have been so absent from LT. Sorry I was not here previously to offer support. Consider me another point of prayer on the earth, praying you and Hani increase in loving strength and peace. You two have woven together a beautiful family life and obviously recognize its worth. Abundant blessings wished for you both! Keep the faith.

Hi Paul... I too, have been absent a lot from LT and am just trying to do some catching up. I've apparently missed quite a lot here.

I will be praying for you and Hani, my dear friend. I don't know what's been going on, but I know that what you two share is worth fighting for. Two beautiful souls and a lovely family... My heart is with you.

Lots of Happy Sunday wishes to you Paul. Just hoping that everything continues to improve - no more road bumps for a month or too!

Hi Paul, hope you and the family are well mate, the Tour crowds here in God's Own County are phenomenal.

>134 johnsimpson: And dangerous! I heard a lot of accidents with the crowd and some of the cyclists.

Hi Paul!! Waving!

Hello Paul! Lots going on around here per usual. Hope your Sunday was wonderful.

>107 mahsdad: Loved Mahsdad's library video. So clear why we need to support our local libraries!

>135 connie53:, Hi Connie, most of the accidents were riders touching wheels, the crowds were not involved, it has been a tough day for them today with all the climbs. Yorkshire folk have done the Tour proud, looking forward to the three day Tour of Yorkshire next May 1st to 3rd, an official UCI calendar event.

Very glad things are starting to work out between you and Hani. Hoping the family health issues continue to improve.

Books! Yay!

Weekend ruined somewhat by the internet going down on my return from Borneo in the early hours of Saturday morning so I missed wishing all my American friends a happy 4th of July and I missed commenting upon my old sport arriving in my home town for the start of the 101st Tour de France.

I will wish all you americans a happy 4th of July and I hope your weekends went swimmingly.

Three days ago I made a silly and somewhat unfortunate joke relating to Hilary Clinton gaining weight. I normally don't make a habit of apologising for throw away lines but this one seems to have hurt the sensibilities of a number of my friends and for which I am sorry. As someone who has increased his bodyweight over the last 18 years by over 50%, I am certainly struggling more with weight issues than is Hilary. My own way is to laugh off my own difficulties but I can see that others would not be comfortable so doing. XXXX

>139 PaulCranswick: We've wondered about you, Paul. Glad you are doing okay.

Yah, who cares about Hilary's feelings. ;) You're forgiven and I actually don't remember the comment. The weekend was loud'n'boomin' over here, but I still had a great time.

>114 thornton37814: Lori, it is certainly the place to be when Hani is in charge of the cooking!

>115 roundballnz: Not really jealous in truth Alex but the Mitchell is a stand out new release for sure.

>116 nittnut: Thanks Jenn. I had one heck of a Friday in truth. 0ut from the house at 5 a.m. and caught the plane to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah in Borneo. Visit to our new site and then a trip to meet the project sponsor who also happens to be the speaker of House of Parliament in KL. Rush back to the airport and arrived back in KLIA at 8 pm. Got met by Saad (Yassie's boyfriend) and I drove the two of us to Johor Bahru (300 kms) to see my freshly discharged FIL and pick up mother and daughter. Drove back to KL straight away and arrived home at 4 a.m. Fully 23 hours on the road with no sleep at all. No wonder the following day it was the afternoon before I realised that the internet was down.

>117 cammykitty: Katie - breakfast at this time of the year is a very light affair. Normally toast and tea and a glass of lukewarm water.

>118 mckait: Kath, I got well and truly muddled on your meaning didn't I? No more weight jokes in these parts.

>119 The_Hibernator: The advice sounds great Rachel so I'll gladly help myself to it if you don't mind at all? xx

>120 cameling: Dear Caro, I am always game for a piece or twelve of cherry pie, thank you.

>121 Smiler69: Thank you Ilana - that is far better than I have managed in the last month or so. xx

>122 Ameise1: Had I seen them in time Barbara, it would have helped me to a blooming good weekend.

>123 scaifea: Thank you Amber. I wonder hw many threads you have racked up in my absence this weekend!

it's good to hear from you, Paul. I hope your feeling recovered from your 23-hour day!

>124 luvamystery65: I am very pleased at least that Hani and Yasmyne managed to spend some time with Father/Grandpa. I spoke to my FIL on Friday night and he told me that he hadn't expected to come home from the hospital and didn't seem surprised when I confirmed that I had thought so too.

>125 goonergirl1982: Campbell looks like he could be just as effective as Giroud so it will be interesting to see how he copes or even if he gets the chance.

>126 benitastrnad: Benita I have heard tell that The Agony and the Ecstacy is amongst the dullest tomes ever written but I hope you don't find it so. Little in the way of Cranswickian hauls in these parts recently although I have a minor one I keep forgetting t record and I will when convenient.

We all have different ideas of books and how we feel about them... thank goodness! Otherwise, a lot of writers would be out of work :P We also all have different ways of reading, describing our reading and what and when we read this or that. Clear as mud :)

First you are in Borneo..( wow. Borneo) and then no internet. No fun EVER when the internet is down. Bleurgh. Glad it's back up and running !

We all say things without thought at times.. that's life. no worries.

Nice to see you!

>146 PaulCranswick: Oh, dear. The Agony and the Ecstasy is on my TBR Soon list. As in, it's on the reserve list at the library right now.

Morning Paul!

Throwaway jokes can be hazardous to your health. You've been duly chastised. Shouldn't have to apologize. Some people after all are allowed to get away with outrageousness all the time*.

*eta: no matter how much pain they cause.

Paul - I've not been around much on LT for the past week or so, but thinking of you. I don't suppose you've had much time to watch the cycling but the crowds that have turned out in Yorkshire have been amazing. I love the Frenchification of the climbs along the route, in particular the 'Côte de Buttertubs' and the 'Côte de Blubberhouses'. We went up to Cambridge to see the start of the race today and the crowds didn't seem much less there. Such a shame Cavendish is out of the race though.

I got ALL of my boxes of books that were shipped from Las Vegas on July 1. Those Posties are the men with the Mosties! That is really good for boxes that are shipped standard shipping and book rate - the cheapest rate the U. S. P. S. has for materials.

Your day sounds brutal. Thank you for the holiday wishes, but mine was spent in bed with an upset tummy and at work because a student had an upset tummy. Now today another student called in with an upset stomach. I thought maybe my malady was just the aftermath of flying, which I don't do well, and too much strange food, but perhaps not?

I got lots of translated books while at the conference. I won't clutter up your thread with the list of the haul - but if there is such a thing as a Cranswickian haul this has got to be it. However, I would argue that a Cranswickian haul is only the outward symbol of a book lover heart and as such can't be a bad thing.

Hectic times in the Cranswick household! All for a good cause, though, right?

Hi Paul!

Your life seems very, very full these days and you have my sympathy. My life has gone in and out of those Very, Very Busy times and I know sleep is vital! Get enough sleep. And then do as much reading as you can get away with doing. Good luck. And I hope things will be a little bit less stressful, and busy, soon. Soon. Soon.

Hi there Paul, glad that things are looking up in Cranswickian land. Seems like many of us aren't able to devote as much time to LT as before. It's the summer anyway so lots to do.

So glad that equilibrium is returning for you Paul.

Loved the review of the McGahern!

I know you didn't post that library video, but I loved it - totally reduced me to tears, I must say.

Hi, Paul. Lovely photo to start off your thread. Best wishes to you and your family for a lovely July together.

>127 Berly: & >128 connie53: Kim and Connie. Thank you so much. The weekend seems a million miles away in my presently busy world.

>129 Donna828: Things are slowly returning to normalcy here Donna. Yasmyne makes a generally impatient nurse!

>130 roundballnz: Alex it is a few days in and little in the way f comment from an under the cosh yours truly. Disappointed of course to see Cavendish crash out and the stage to Sheffield was awesome. Kittel has been unbeatable thus far but I think todays stage through the Arenberg forest may find him out.

>131 -Cee-: Thank you Cee for your lovely post. I have been the most absent of all recently and I have been struggling to give any time at all to one of my favourite places in the world.

>132 TinaV95: We are steadily putting things right, Tina. Hani is a very durable lady and a constant surprise to me. xx

>133 BekkaJo: Bekka, I am sure that there will be hiccups a plenty but hopefully the bumps will be minimised for a little longer than a few months. I don't think I would survive another set of bumps like the recent kind.

>134 johnsimpson: Wonderful spectacle and made me proud of my home I can tell you. The world got to see that the image of dark satanic mills is a misplaced one and that Yorkshire is a beautiful part of the world. The crowds were also mightily impressive and very well behaved.

>135 connie53: I noticed that the second day had a few incidents, Connie, but then again South Yorkshire is not quite the same as the locale John and I sprung from!

>136 michigantrumpet: Marianne my internet woes at home have been resolved by buying a new router. So all will be well now hopefully. I have had no time at all to catch up from the office either as I have been replacing a cranky airconditioning and this meant conditions were less than comfrtable.

>137 johnsimpson: John the Sheffield stage was akin to Liege-Bastogne-Liege in terms of difficulty and I do think that adding a race of that nature to the UCI tour would be splendid.

>138 Matke: Gail, I even managed a very minor haul last weekend which I need to share soon. This surely proves I am on the mend!

>140 thornton37814: Thanks Lori. I am very mindful of my absence from my friend's threads and I will endeavour to put that right soon.

>141 cammykitty: Katie, I am also not bothered about Hilary and her feelings but regret upsetting some f my friends with ill-chosen words. Thanks for letting me off the hook though!

>145 scaifea: I think I am still recovering Amber in truth. Wednesday here already and life is still a blur.

>147 mckait: Life is testing at present, Kath. It is eminently bearable because I have great pals especially here in LT.

>148 Morphidae: Don't let me put you off Morphy. My negativity should be a recommendation in itself to you surely!

>149 Thebookdiva: Same to you dear Abby. I have missed keeping up with the Paradisio recently and I hope I am forgiven by all its wonderful residents.

>150 Smiler69: Ilana - chastised deservedly probably; what others do or get away with didn't make me feel better for once but your care and sympathy did of course.

>151 SandDune: I agree Rhian. It was great to see familiar places Frenchified. I think that the TDF team were very pleased by the few days in England.

>152 benitastrnad: Benita believe me that I would nt consider any book haul list as clutter, especially one f yours! Sorry to see you have had tummy issues but I trust you are now fully recovered.

>153 michigantrumpet: Hectic indeed Marianne. Nice t see my FIL back to a little more like himself although a full recovery is not possible. Felt a little pleased with myself having flown five hours and driven 12 hours with 7 of them with me at the wheel.

>154 The_Hibernator: Rachel it is great to see you back t your posting self. Hope to emulate you soonest!

>155 maggie1944: Well observed Karen. I am actually getting plenty of sleep these days - probably double my norm.

>156 brenzi: I don't have the excuse of seasons Bonnie and wish I could feel that special change in the air more often. xx

>157 sibylline: Thanks Lucy. McGahern's book is a tiny, dense little treasure.

>158 tymfos: Terri - July is busy with Ramadhan and Hani & I may have to pay the UK a flying visit for a couple of days next week as a result of my work - the Farnborough air show in particular.

Caught up for once!

Well that didn't last long did it?

Well that didn't last long did it? Ha! ; ) I have work for you to do.

Come visit the Thingaversary Theme page and give some suggestions for your theme of cookbooks. Please...

https://www.librarything.com/topic/176863#

We only have four more years open. Well, five if I decide to let Mark off the hook for romances. LOL.

Hahaha Kim, I will do. I'll have a quick look at some of my cookbooks at home and make a wee list.

>159 PaulCranswick: 1st/2nd stage were excellent, anything that makes the contenders play early on can't be a a bad thing at all ..... hope this continues. disappointed Cavendish was injured to the extent he was, but he he was the designer of his demise ..... Kittel against in form Cav will have to wait another year it seems

>169 roundballnz: I thought it a magnificent spectacle, Alex. Especially the second stage on roads I grew up riding was a tremendous advertisement for the sport. Froome has his work cut out this year especially if he keeps falling off the bike.

Good morning, Paul. Sports, sports, sports. Football, Tour de France, tennis. Oh my, you'd think we spend all our time watching sports.

Well, I, on the other hand spent some time reading The Guns of August. I'd put the book down some time ago and read some other stuff. I finished The 8:55 to Baghdad and The Language of Flowers and felt quite finished with light weight fiction so back I go to history, my first love.

I finally figured out a way to make progress in this tome by listening to the audio while I follow along in print. I expect it will take me a very long time to finish this book, much longer than it took to start that damned World War One. But I am committed to finish it and The Discovery of France. These are the two books I've had sitting on the "started but not finished" shelf for way too long.

I hope you are doing better and finding time for some deep relaxation as well as the usually hurly burly of a successful life. Best wishes to the entire family during these holy days.

>171 maggie1944: Getting my mojo back Karen by reading one of my old standbys - Inspector Montalbano. With his good sense, appreciation of ladies and need for great food he really is great company. I love sports and today's Tour stage brought back painful memories of the amateur Roubaix and sleet and driving winds - better them than me.

Wimbledon is over; The World Cup is nearing the end, and that leaves The Tour de France. How am I supposed to get any reading done?

My Aunt and Uncle have been over in the UK watching the opening legs of the Tour - they both keep saying it's been amazing. Though I suspect that a percentage of this is due to their campervan breaking down and them being *forced* to stay at a selection of rather nice hotels...

Hi, Paul!

Borneo? Really? Just the sound of it conjures up some no-doubt-totally-inaccurate-but-nevertheless very shivery thoughts. Is there still a good bit of wild area, or has the modern world annihilated all that? Do you ever have time to enjoy any of that, or is it constant go, go, go with the pressure of your work?

>170 PaulCranswick: seems your comment about Froome was timely, will be interesting to see what/how Sky do set of the tour now .... Off to watch the cobbles fun ( am too old to stay up in Winter watching cycling overnight)

>142 PaulCranswick: Drove back to KL straight away and arrived home at 4 a.m. Fully 23 hours on the road with no sleep at all
Yikes. That is all I can say, apart from I am glad you made it back in one piece!

Our recently-returned-from family road trip was for once not dominated by whingeing and vomit, so I was very pleased. It pays to have low expectations when on a family car trip, I have found :)

Good morning, Paul. I have added to my current reading pile: Regeneration due to the glowing review from our friend Richard. I'm enjoying the WW I focus this year. I do love my history.

What's on your reading pile today?

#178
I too am enjoying the periodic reminders of the Great War that pop up on various threads. While I was in Las Vegas the anniversary of the assassination of Archduke Franz-Ferdinand happened. I remarked on it and my roommate for the conference and I had a nice discussion about that and the war. I am glad that I finally got around to reading Guns of August. It gave me a very different idea of the war. Now I just need to start on the last two of the Pat Barker series.

Just stopping by to say hi, sorry I have been absent. I hope that you and Hani continue to work things out and that you and yours have a great weekend.

Just popping in to wish you a great weekend, Paul.

Just checking in. Have you had to make that trip to the UK after all? I hope all is well.

Just stopping in to catch you up and wish you happy, dear. Sounds like you could really do with a weekend full of fabulous, so that is what I am hoping finds you.

>173 Berly: I always love the sporting summer, Kim. My own reading is picking up again a little and I should get three books at least finished this weekend.

>174 BekkaJo: Hahaha that reminds me of our own trip to New Zealand a couple of years ago. The idea had been to rent a mobile home and travel the length and breadth of the South Island. Well we managed the travelling but it was a hotel/motel every evening as the ladies found it more conduicive to their appreciation of the scenery.

>175 Matke: Sabah and Sarawak which forms Malaysia's part of Borneo are still the wild frontier of the nation. The cities of Kota Kinabalu (Sabah) and Kuching (Sarawak) have modern pretensions but you soon find yourself off the beaten track. Scenery is amazing though and it is relatively safe.

>176 roundballnz: Not particularly happy to be right this time. Froome against Contador and Nibali in the climbs would have been a great spectacle. I would like one of the French youngsters to emerge in this tour and have hopes that Bardet may place top five.

>177 LovingLit: I was pretty knackered in truth, Megan, but Hani was pleased that I made the effort. When I read of your jaunts in NZ it will always conjure up memories of my absolute favourite family holiday.

>178 maggie1944: Karen - I read and really liked Regeneration a number of years ago. I suppose my love of history and poetry combined perfectly in that novel.
I am on with Tom Sawyer, Cat's Eye and Electric Light by Seamus Heaney, all of which should get finished this weekend.

I was hoping to hear about Borneo, I admit...

>184 PaulCranswick: I would much prefer to travel in what we call in America an "RV" but is probably what you are referring to as a "mobile home" than stay in a hotel for the most part. I think I picked that preference up from growing up with my parents. We always went camping. We started out in a tent. That lasted about one year. Then we went to a pop-up camper that really only offered a place to sleep a little higher off the ground for a couple of years. Then we got a pop-up camper that actually had a stove and maybe a sink and fridge in it. We still had to use a cooler because the fridge was so tiny. After that we got a travel trailer for several years. Finally about the time I was in high school we got an RV. It was an Allegro. They made a switch to a Class C RV after I was in college. Then they traded that one for another one while they were traveling on one of their many long trips. Brumley loved camping with his Granny and PawPaw. (I miss my cat!) I can't really afford an RV, so I've taken to getting "camping cabins" at KOAs and various other places that have them. I find it to be more relaxing than hotels. I do, however, want to make sure that the campground offers wifi these days!

>185 PaulCranswick: am very much liking Nibali - nice profile for Bastille day, would be great to see one of the young French guys win the stage ... not a huge Contador fan, too conservative & doesn't take risks.

Hi Paul, just dropping by to say hi and see how you are surviving Ramadan.

>179 benitastrnad: The reminders of the "Great" War have been very poignant this year and the coinciding with 70 years of the D-Day landings sets the whole off tremendously. It is a period in history that I find fascinating as well as horrifying and it certainly spawned some superlative writing.

>180 calm: Lovely to see you Calm. I have missed my little visits to a virtual West Wales recently and hope to make a little jaunt there shortly!

>181 Dejah_Thoris: Princess! I am always charmed at your visits. A highlight from a pretty dour period for me is your welcome return into our little group. xx

>182 michigantrumpet: Marianne; Hani and I will fly off to England tomorrow morning and fly back on Wednesday evening so we'll be pretty tired but will at least be tired together! I am going there to sign an agreement for the purchase of IP for an aircraft presently being developed in Slovakia and which we will transfer to Sabah, Borneo.
The deal will be sealed all being well at the Farnborough International Air Show.

>183 Crazymamie: How I have missed your doses of fabulous Mamie......the two of us have trailed off a little recently in activity but my spirit has been in the group despite this and I hope to reengage fully soon.

>186 mckait: Borneo consists of three constituent parts, Kath - Kalimantan which is Indonesian Borneo, Brunei and Malaysiam Borneo which in turn is comprised of Sabah and Sarawak. The latter still has its head-hunters but overall it is a land of great physical beauty and allure and is well worth a (supervised) visit.

>187 thornton37814: I do think Hani would get into the spirit of "RV" or mobile home nowadays as she really loved the holiday there. The rustic sense of it is something that appeals to me, Lori.

>188 roundballnz: I would like Bardet to win but I don't think he can so I would very much like Nibali to triumph as he rides with real panache.

>189 avatiakh: I always appreciate the period of Ramadhan as a great familial period - fasting and break-fasting together in the house. It also helps that I can lose a few pounds.

>185 PaulCranswick: When I read of your jaunts in NZ it will always conjure up memories of my absolute favourite family holiday.
Haha, that is, in spite of me trying to micro-manage it with plans and threats of busy roads and booked-out places!

I was fascinated about Borneo ever since I read Stranger in the Forest by Eric Hansen. He walked across it. Eating forest food. I still remember vividly reading the part about him eating a sugary biscuit after weeks of eating plant roots and grubs (or whatever it was he ate), he said his saliva glands nearly exploded! It is a great read.

Paul, I wish you and Hani a safe journey.

>192 PaulCranswick: My parents have an RV. Can't say it is too rustic, it is a small traveling house. When they are full up with visitors, the overflow ends up staying on the 'bus'. It holds a King size bed, has both dining and living room areas, plus a little bathroom and kitchen. Seriously, people inmost pats of the country would be pleased with the amenities. Because it is so big, the fuel costs are prohibitive. Plus you end up towing a car because once the thing is parked, how else do you get around to pick up some milk, etc.?

Sounds like a whirlwind trip to the UK. Any chance of seeing family?

Ack! I've been away from your thread way toooooo long. Post 1 has ominous undertones. I guess I missed a lot and I hope this talk of war is nothing serious.

I hope you and Hani have a lovely trip to England this week. : )

Hi Paul, you and Hani have a safe trip and enjoy yourselves even though it is a short trip but as you say you will be tired together, that sounds perfect, sharing everything even tiredness.

Paul, I am on here just trying to catch up. What a year this has been for me I barely seem to have time for reading and getting on LT. I kinda wish LT had a phone app like facebook does. I can at least see your posts on facebook on a regular basis :). I think of you often but have been busy with real life. This past week for instance I have worked 5 days today included had 1 day to get housework and bills done and help my parents with stuff and 1 day of relaxation with 2 of my co workers we had a girls day on one of my co workers boats did some cruising around the lake and on her itty bitty island getting some sun, having some drinks and swimming off of her dock. By the time I got home I ate dinner and fell asleep so much sun and fresh air I slept clear through til time to get up for work the next day :) I wanted to stop by and say hello and let you know I am thinking of you and sending hugs and smooches to you. I am on vacation after today for the next 13 days.. AHHH :) I have plans on traveling some fairly close to home places such as a casino one day, a Medieval fair one day and Amish Country in the Neighboring State of OH and of course hopefully getting some fishing in. We shall see what each day brings hopefully fun and beautiful days.

Just here to wish you a happy Sunday, Paul, and the best of wishes for weeks that steadily get better and better.

Hi Paul! Just checking in. Miss seeing you around. You are always a highlight. Hope you had a relaxing weekend.

Good Morning to you Dear Friend

I want to say you have been on my mind frequently. I hope your trip brings renewed vigor to your relationship. Hugs

Morning Paul!

I am not a real fan of RV's. I think that the KOA campground cabins makes more sense, but realize that if you have the money you can spend it on whatever you want.

As a long time resident of a state in the U. S. I watched the "snowbirds" travel south each fall and back north each spring and found it unsettling that the people driving these things are totally unregulated. They don't have to have any kind of special license to drive them, and these rigs are, in many cases, longer and heavier than are semi-tractor trailers. Something about that isn't right. It is my belief that people driving these things should have to have regular Commercial Driver's Licenses for many reasons. Safety being the most important one.

There is no doubt that you and Hani will be tired when you get back. The governor of Alabama is taking a big delegation to the air show and he has been roundly criticized for it due to the expenses that will be encored by the large group.

Well, RV's use so much gas, hotels might be cheaper in the end. :)

Safe travels, Paul, and hope your brother is doing better.

Came by to say hello, Paul and from what I read it sounds like you are travelling and visiting your family. I hope everything is going well and that some long overdue happiness is in store for the Cranwick family. Take care.

Hi Paul, sounds like you are busy-busy, but thought I'd drop by and say hello and help keep your thread warm. xx

Aw, Paul is AWOL.
Hope everything is peachy, or at least OK?

Also warming the thread. : 0

Should we build a little campfire?

I'll roast the marshmallows. Seriously, Paul...where are you??? I hope your absence means you are having a wonderful time in England! I saw some photos Hani posted on your facebook account...smiles seemed genuinely relaxed.

Some nice pics of Paul and family were posted on Facebook. It looks like they've had a lovely visit to the UK (referenced in >191 PaulCranswick:), and I look forward to his synopsis ... soon I hope!

Just stopping by to say Hi Paul after too long of an absence. I'm starting to get the hang of my new schedule and new job so hopefully I will be able to participate more on LT. How you are enjoying England and family.

Hope you are having a wonderful time seeing your Mum, my friend!

Oh! I agree totally with the monkeys above. (-:

I hope saying "I miss you" when I can barely keep up with the threads isn't a hypocritical statement... I do miss you, even though I haven't been around much myself. You've still been on my mind, my friend.

I hope you & the family are having a wonderful time!

Thanks to all my dear pals who have helped keep this place of hibernation ticking over whilst I have been literally sunning myself for a few all too brief days back in Blighty.

Will of course come back after a little rest and answer all your lovely messages but I thought I would give a quick precis of our trip back.

Firstly it was sort of second honeymoon time as Hani and I forsook the kids and made the trip just the two of us. Arrived in Heathrow late afternoon on Sunday and failed to hire a car as apparently they need the old paper licence together with the new plastic one to do so on a Sunday as they need to call the DVLC to check on any endorsements etc. So we got the train to our friend's place in Ealing and walked up the long, long, long hill beluggaged to get there.

Monday we caught up with Frieda our old friend and we ventilated some of ur recent difficulties with her and got ourselves some pretty sound advice (Frieda was divorced after giving her husband 8 chances after a string of affairs)
Lovely Thai meal at Westfield in the evening and a trip for me to Foyles outlet there (more later). And we hired the car a nifty little Audi.

Tuesday off to the Farnborough Air Show and business successfully concluded. Hani drove me there (about 30 miles) and I caught the train back from the Airprort after a shuttle from the Air Show. A catching of breath and then I drove the 180 miles to Wakefield and home to give my Mum a (I think nice surprise). Arrived at midnight and made the old girl's week I think.

Wednesday morning I made the short trip to my brother's place and spent a couple of hours with Peter, his wife and my neice and nephew. Peter was a little stressed as his hospital appointment was in the afternoon. His results were much better and he suffers from a thickening of his haemaglobin which is dangerous but treatable so he is also quite pacified.

Drove back another 180 miles to the airport and dropped off the Audi before struggling our way through the procedures to make the plane. Left an hour late after they needed to replace one of the tires. After an exceptionally heavy landing 14 hours later I can understand the need for the fresh wheels! Azim, Yassie and Saad were there to collect us and then home and rest!

Phew! A veritable whirlwind. I am glad you had a little mini VK with Hani. Glad to have you back.

THREAD LEAGUE UPDATE

I came back from the UK expecting to have been relegated into second place in the Thread/Posting league and somehow cling on for a few days longer but barely.

Posting activity is 12% up on last year. Here are those in the top 50 in posts.

1 Paul C 6800
2 Richard 6792
3 Amber 6411
4 Mark 4823
5 Joe 4265
6 Mamie 3305
7 Julia 3062
8 Katie 2792
9 Suz 2475
10 Diana 2362
11 Ellen 2358
12 Darryl 2267
13 Kath 2230
14 Barbara 1868
15 Morphy 1815
16 Ilana 1731
17 Megan 1723
18 Roberta 1643
19 Marianne 1641
20 Rhian 1548
21 Roni 1471
22 Caro 1421
23 Tina 1377
24 Linda (Wh) 1328
25 Connie 1327
26 Lucy 1315
27 Stephanie 1310
28 Terri T 1279
29 Abby 1244
30 Donna 1161
31 Judy (DQ) 1132
32 Bonnie 1130
33 Lori T 1129
34 Cee 1119
35 Liz 1111
36 Ape 1102
37 Peggy 1049
38 John 1031
39 Paul S 1027
40 Nora 1009
41 Jim 982
42 Mary S 974
43 Lori K 962
44 Micky 961
45 Jeff 906
46 Carrie 894
47 Karen 894
48 Gail 871
49 Kerri 830
50 Joanne 826

It sounds like a very busy, but also quite meaningful trip, Paul. Very good to have a friend you can both talk things over with.

So good to have you back, a whirlwind visit to the UK indeed. Great that you managed to see your family.

I'm very happy that you are safely back home. I just heared in the news that a plane from the Malaysia Airlines crashed down in east Ukraine.

I wish you a lovely evening.

Yes, I rushed over here in a panic after seeing that in the news.

>223 Ameise1:, >224 Morphidae: Me, too. This news is extremely unsettling, as there are reports that the plane was shot down. May they be unfounded. Bad enough to have crashed without that.

Good to hear from you Paul. A second honeymoon sounds like just the thing. xx

Very glad to see that you are home safely.

>223 Ameise1: >224 Morphidae: >225 laytonwoman3rd: Same here.

It sounds like you had a great trip, and I'm glad to hear about it and that you're back safely.

After hearing about the Malaysia Airlines crash, I rushed over to this thread to make sure you were not on that plane. I'm relieved to see that you are apparently safe and sound, but I do feel very bad for the survivors of those who were aboard.

We beat the ill-fated MAS plane back from Eurpe by a mere few hours. I am also fairly sure that we traversed the same flightpath as the one shot-down. What is the world coming to?

Spoke to my mother a few moments ago and she was particularly agitated and in distress not knowing whether we were safe or not. At least she can sleep soundly whilst there are three hundred sets of parents tonight unable to do so.

>193 LovingLit: In fact you contributed womanfully to the success of that holiday. Planning great, meet-up memorable with hellishly expensive books, wonderful present that I shall always cherish and Lenny being grumpy but adorable.

Borneo is an explorer's paradise and, after your own adventures in Chile it would be just up your street, I think.

>194 Ameise1: Lovely view Barbara. Tempting at times to jump from those cliffs.

>195 michigantrumpet: There was little rustic about the vehicles on offer in NZ either to be fair, Marianne. I liked the idea as did Kyran and Belle. We were out-voted by the older ladies as they seem to get more votes that the rest of us.

Paul, the world is a mess. Where can we go and travel to be safe. It's such a shame what this war in the Ukraine can do to innocent people.

>196 Carmenere: An Armistice is in existence, Lynda - and I have aims that it will a lasting peace!

>197 Berly: Thanks Kimmers. It was just that even as it was a bit helter-skelter. We argued as much as ever which is, believe me, a great sign!

>198 johnsimpson: Mate, I didn't fly business this time and, despite this, managed the flight admirably if a little cramped. The grub was great in fact and we smiled remembering the rubbish we had had last time we flew business.

Hi Paul, so glad to hear that you had a good trip and made it a trip just for you and Hani, nice touch that mate to fit a trip to mum in. I have just got in after taking Karen and a couple of friends to another friends for a chat and wine, no doubts will have three well oiled ladies to bring home in a couple of hours and heard about the Malaysian flight that has crashed (or shot down?) in Ukraine and needed to make sure you and Hani were ok. I am so sorry for those passengers on MH 17 and so soon after MH 370, my heart goes out to the Malaysian people but you are both home safe, I can understand mum being worried as it seems were a lot of your LT friends. Have a good rest before regaling us of your Foyles visit, hopefully me and Karen will have a meet up with Barbara and Thomas in Bournemouth on the 29th, the day after our 30th wedding anniversary. Love and hugs to the Cranswick family.

>199 MonicaLynn: Monica it is lovely to see you again in these parts. RL so often intervenes but it is splendid to see that you are getting to enjoy a nice holiday.

>200 Matke: Sunday seems an age away, Gail but thank you for thinking of me all the same! The week has gone by nicely actually.

>201 msf59: Mark, I have to admit missing you all immensely too. Noticed that you put on almost 200 posts whilst I was away in the UK. I truly hope this will be the weekend I get caught up.

>202 Whisper1: It is funny Linda because you have been on my mind frequently recently too with the interminable waiting for your operation and all. We are still having our ups and our downs but progress is definite to behold, I think.

>203 Thebookdiva: Abby - well it is early morning here at the least! 3.00 a.m. and not a sleepy eye in the house.

>204 benitastrnad: Benita, I like the idea of a log cabin in the woods much better than an RV I must say!
I did notice that there was a huge North American contingent at the show but I didn't bump into the Governor or his entourage!

Glad you are safe & sound. Muttering a soft prayer...

>220 PaulCranswick:, thanks for the posting league mate, still can't believe I am still in the top 40 although I am posting all over the place at the moment, so glad I found this site and this group.

So glad to hear you are safe home, Paul... if maybe a little jetlagged. Some fiendish forces are in play to dissolve MAS it looks like. After all, what are the odds? First a crash somewhere in the ocean and within the year another plane gets shot down? I don't fly MH for long haul flights but now I'm even reluctant to shuttle up to KL from SG on them.

*just checking*
Yay, you're safe home.

Welcome back, buddy. Sounds like quite a trip, and you got to warm the cockles of your mom's heart.

As all the others, I'm feeling very relieved to know that you and Hani are safe and sound. This crash is terrible and seems such a waste of far too many lives. I don't know what the world's coming to, but it doesn't seem good, does it?

Give Hani and the children a sweet kiss each from
Gail

Welcome home, and congrats on a successful trip. I'm sure your mother was delighted to spend some time with you. And I am very grateful you were not on that plane. What a tragedy. So much horrible violence based on ancient and current hard feelings and positions and dogma!

Sad. sad. sad.

But happy you are home!

I'm relieved to see that you weren't on the plane that crashed. I'm so sorry the airline and country has to deal with this tragedy so soon after the last one.

Like everyone else I had an anxious few moments when I heard about the Malayasian flight, Paul. So very glad that you and Hani are home safe and sound.

So happy to hear that you're home - and that the trip seems to have been a good one one many levels!

Like others I am stopping by to see that all is well.

Unbelievable tragedy.

Although I was greatly relieved that you and Hani were not on the doomed flight, I remain deeply saddened about today's horrible tragedy. I will continue to pray for the victims, their families and loved ones, and for peace in the Ukraine and the Middle East.

I also first thought of you when I heard of MH17. Very sad especially for the staff at Malaysian Airlines to have to recover from two such tragedies so close together.

What Darryl said. The loss of innocent people doing nothing but living their lives sends chills down my spine. The world is in such turmoil, so much sadness.

On brighter note I'm happy you were able to touch base with your loved ones back in the UK and now, back home to the kiddos

Glad to see that all is well with you and Hani although saddened for all those who lost their lives on the downed flight.

Glad to hear you are safe.

I fear what will happen next.

Keep well - also glad that you had a great trip.

>205 banjo123: I think it has more to do with the thick towels and comfortable beds than the cost of fuel, Rhonda, for my dear spouse!

>206 ronincats: Thanks Roni. He was mightily relieved that his blood results were an improvement and that it isn't leukaemia even though it remains serious. It was also instructive to me that it was my nephew who called last night (he is 10 years old) to check that we had arrived safely home. Kids are so tech-savvy these days he is able to call two thirds across the globe for free and put his grandmother's mind at rest.

>207 DeltaQueen50: Happiness is to be earned as well as enjoyed, I think, Judy. I have some earning to do in order to put a smile more permanently on Hani's face.

>208 Smiler69: Always a pleasure to have you drop by, Ilana, my dear whether I am busy or not. Trying to catch up at work today and getting ready for the company annual break-fasting dinner celebration this evening.

>209 LovingLit: Everything is peachy indeed, Megan. I tried some flattened peaches in England last week and I have to say that I can still remember the taste of them adorning the favourite of my senses.

>210 Berly: And a great job was done indeed keeping my little spot here from getting too tepid, Kimmers.....xxx

>211 Morphidae: I think that fires are probably not the most appropriate conveyance at the moment, Morphy, but I appreciate the sentiment.
xx

>212 Whisper1: Well, Linda, I have resurfaced a fairly happy bunny everything considered.

>213 lauralkeet: I hope that my synopsis met with favour Laura and conveyed something of the chaos of the trip.

>214 Cobscook: Heidi - I am pleased to see that you will be freer to post soon.....I hope to be able to follow suit.

>215 msf59: Mark - It was great to see the old girl but it is even better to be back in the saddle!

>216 maggie1944: The chimps, orangutans and gibbons have been extremely supportive, Karen. xxx

>217 TinaV95: Tina the sentiment is appreciated as much as the activity. Lovely to see you at any time.

>219 Berly: Kimmers it was a typhoon, hurricane and whirlwind visit all in one and I will still be recovering next week!

Paul ~ Just sick over the tragic news about the flight that was shot down. So glad you and Hani are okay!

Wow! Okay, broke 30 for the first time for number of messages in toto.

Glad to see you back. Have nothing to add except, "Same as it ever was."
xx

>218 PaulCranswick: Nice to hear you had a good trip back - looks like you squeezed in quality time with your better half as well ....

Whew! So glad you are safe. Welcome back, Paul.

Such shocking news. When my DH said a plane had been shot down in the Ukraine, I just assumed it was a military plane. Who would even think it was a jetliner?

Thanks for the standings. I'm managing to keep it respectable.

Glad you are safe and has a good trip. I also thought of you with the airplane news. What a horror!

It's good to know that you had a successful trip and are safely home. Take care!

Very glad to find you safe and sound - also that you guys got away from everything for a while (though the traffic seems to have impedimented (did I just make up a word?) somewhat?) and had some time together.

Hubby and I have promised each other a week together away for our tenth anniversary and sometimes we sort of cling to it in the hopes... well... that everything else will go away for a while. Only a year and a half to wait!

>221 laytonwoman3rd: Linda - Farida, our friend is a tremendous help. Cancer survivor, divorce survivor, almost 70 and amazingly and zestfully full of life. Her careful words of advice are all crafted towards our benefit.

>222 calm: Calm, I would have been full of guilt had we gone all the way back to England and then not touched base with my Mum and Peter. Even hectic we came away with everyone happy.

>223 Ameise1: It seems clearly the work of the separatist rebels in Ukraine. Apparently a boastful post at their website has been removed after discovering that the plane involved is not actually Russian.

>224 Morphidae: I have been pondering today on the vagaries of fate in that we passed the same way mere hours before.

>225 laytonwoman3rd: As we now know it was indeed an unwarranted attack. Both sides will blame each other but it will not take away the actuality of three hundred lives lost needlessly and countless others devastated by the same event.

>226 Smiler69: The proprieties of staying at a close friend's house and in her bed to boot did mean that the second honeymoon was something of a platonic celebration of being together! Still we did get to, ahem, talk plenty!

>227 vivians: Thanks for stopping by to put some impetus to my faltering thread, Vivian. It is a shame that it takes an international incident to bring my friends to this little corner of the group but I am grateful that so many friends from so many places watch out for us and our well-being. xx

>228 bell7: Mary - well we were able to enjoy a little quality time with my Mum and brother. Trip was well worth the effort in truth.

>229 thornton37814: Awful indeed Lori that so many innocent lives have been lost due to ridiculous arguments about territory and ownership of land that is honestly not much worth arguing about.

>232 Ameise1: Barbara it was appalling that there seemed to be initial jubilation at the downing of the plane by the Separatists until they realised it wasn't full of Ukranians. Despicable.

>234 johnsimpson: John, I will look forward to regaling you with my recent purchases when I can get them in some sort of order. Hope that the ladies didn't get too oiled yesterday.

>237 msf59: Mark sometimes there is an element of guilt at celebrating the surviving of a disaster that cost so many others their lives. I guess we can't look at it in those terms and we have to be thankful for God's grace in all that we are and have.

>267 PaulCranswick:, Paul they weren't too bad and not too noisy as I drove them all home.

>238 johnsimpson: Also a very solid second amongst UK based threads, John which is extremely praiseworthy. The guys have done much better as a group this year and ten in the top 40 threads is splendid.

>239 cameling: It is no good being unlucky if you're an airline. I will still fly MAS and I dont see that they are any worse than any other airline actually but with a growing trepidation I must admit, Caro.

>240 LovingLit: At least I was relieved to get home even before the news came in from the Ukraine.

>269 PaulCranswick:, I think the girls have shamed us in the past and now we are beginning to find our voice, I love it.

>241 jnwelch: Thanks Joe.... Thse cockles did get a wee bit of a warm through!

>242 Matke: Gail I have dispense kisses in abundance but the look on Belle's face would tell me that she would have much preferred pocket money!

>243 maggie1944: Pretty much summed up my own feelings there, Karen.

>244 cbl_tn: It is not going to help us sell the Malaysian made sports aircraft is it Carrie? What a waste.

>245 DeltaQueen50:, >246 scaifea:, >247 RosyLibrarian:, >248 kidzdoc:, >249 avatiakh:, >250 Carmenere:, >251 Cobscook:, >252 Copperskye:

Judy, Amber, Marie, Darryl, Kerry, Lynda, Heidi and Joanne

I guess that near misses in life make it ever precious and I do appreciate being a beneficiary f fate a little bit.

We had our company annual dinner and break-fasting tonight and it was a very successful evening with a few friends dropping by I haven't seen in a while and the main topic of conversation needs little guessing.

>257 Storeetllr: You're right but in a lighter vein your thread is one that has really taken off this year closing in as you are on 1000 posts.

>258 AuntieClio: Another revelation amongst the sophomores! Reckon that you'll climb a few more places before the year is out. xx It is good to be back and feeling almost in the groove again.

>259 roundballnz: I did try a little squeezing with the better half Alex and it was at least partially successful!

>260 michigantrumpet: I know the last thing expected is that some fruitcakes shoot down a plane full of innocents. More than respectable....can see it going to the wire for Rookie of the Year in 2014.

>261 banjo123: Rhonda, thanks I guess the group does start to aid its geography by humanising it. Being the group's only Malaysia based threader it is natural that I would trigger associations.

>262 Dejah_Thoris: Thanks Princess ....Terra Firma is gratefully achieved.

>263 BekkaJo: In these days of quickies divorces it is splendid that milestones get to be celebrated!

>268 johnsimpson: & >270 johnsimpson:

The guys are punching way above their respective weights in the group presently. Long may it continue.

Same route and only a couple hours difference .... wow... way too close for comfort.

Over 100 AIDS/HIV researchers are believed to have been on that plane enroute to a semi-annual meeting in Australia. Devastating loss.
http://www.iflscience.com/health-and-medicine/over-100-hiv-experts-and-advocates...

>276 streamsong: Yes I saw this yesterday & can't help but wonder .... I hope it was just a very unfortunate coincidence - either way a very great loss

I was very shocked and surprised to learn that the plane was another Malaysian Air flight. However, I quickly realized that the plane took off from Amsterdam and you had said earlier that you were at Heathrow so I didn't think you were on it. Even so, whenever I hear the word Malaysia I think of the Cranswicks. it does seem a little on the strange side that I think of a distinct person almost exactly a half a world away when I hear that word.

>273 PaulCranswick: Yes, I noticed that I'm still on the list of top 50 and continue to be astonished, though highly gratified, at all the people who visit and drop a comment now and then!

>278 benitastrnad: What's really scary (after the fact, thank God) is that Paul's flight was on the same path as the downed plane, just that it passed that way at a slightly different time.

ETA thank you for doing the compilation of stats!

>276 streamsong: It was too close for comfort, Janet. I didn't see that about the AIDS researchers - two of the great blights to mankind in the last years has been terrorism and the epidemic that has killed so virulently and cruelly. What a drear coincidence that they should align in this terrible moment.

>277 roundballnz: Alex, Sometimes I really do despair.

>278 benitastrnad: But it is immensely gratifying to me that you do think so! I do also picture the world in terms of where my LT friends hail from and I guess it is a natural prejudice.

>279 Storeetllr: Mary, I have formulated no explanation as to why some threads attract more posts than others but I enjoy keeping the records of it nonetheless. I fully expect RD and Amber to pass me by soon as my stamina is failing me this year. xx