Morphy Meanders Through 2014 - Part 7

Morphy with Her BFF (Age 17 years)

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

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

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

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

Accountability Thread:
http://www.librarything.com/topic/178093

Pounds Lost:



Books Read in 2014: 180

My best books of 2014 are:

Quiet by Susan Cain
The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

My best books of 2013 were:

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

My best book of 2012 was:

The Fault in Our Stars by Green, John

My best books of 2011 were:

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

My favorite books from the years before that were:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

July (50 Mystery) - The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
SPOILER: http://www.librarything.com/topic/177196
NO SPOILER: http://www.librarything.com/topic/176125

August (111 Nonfiction) - Collapse by Jared Diamond
SPOILER: http://www.librarything.com/topic/178692

September (1001 Fantasy) - The Prestige by Christopher Priest

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

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

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

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

***

The LT Green Dragon Book Club's next meeting is at the Ridgedale Barnes & Noble on Saturday, July 26th at 2pm. We are discussin Cain's Blood by Geoffrey Girard.

The WCC Daytime Book Club is on Summer Hiatus until September.

Current Challenges

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

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

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

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

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

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

My rating system:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As of May 2014


visited 19 states (8.44%)



visited 38 states (76%)

(HA! Told you I'd put something here.)



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

Regular Bingo:

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

YA Bingo Card:

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

Posts 3, 5 & 6 still need to be updated with June information. I'm a tad *cough* behind in entering/reviewing my books.

My accountability thread:

http://www.librarything.com/topic/178093

La la la. Nothing to see here. Move along.

Is it time to say "Happy New Thread" and cool beans for all your lists!

You go, girl!

Ditto!

Nice shiny new thread! Congrats. And I am TOTALLY impressed with how much weight you have lost. WOW! Keep doing what you are doing.

Hi Morphy, great new thread my dear and what a lovely photo my dear, one hot chick. Hope you have a great day today my dear.

Happy New thread, Morphy!

>9 maggie1944: >10 ronincats: >11 Berly: >12 johnsimpson: >13 msf59: Welcome, everyone! Make yourselves at home. Have a cookie.

***

Talk to Me Tuesday

My maternal grandmother was Jozie Marion. I'm not sure where Jozie came from but she was Catholic and at that time various versions of Mary for a middle name were common.

My mom is Dale Lenora Marion. Dale was for Dale Evans. Lenora was for her paternal aunt, Nora. Marion was for her mother. Again, Catholic - two middle names were common with one being a version of Mary. (Oh, wait. I think she got the second when she was confirmed? Is that a thing?)

And, I'm Lenora Marion.

My brother is Sean Eric. Not sure where the Eric came from. Probably sounded good with his first name. He was named after Sean Connery, who my mother had a HUGE crush on. Also, I think Sean is a version of John, my father's name.

What about you? Where did your name come from? Was it randomly picked from a book? Were you named after someone - family or someone famous?

What a fun questions. I have no idea whatsoever where the heck my mom got Karen. But the middle name, well that is family and friends. Margaret was my mother's name, my maternal grandmother's best friend's name, my paternal grandmother's name and heaven knows there were probably more Margarets. No one except my mother had a nick name based on Margaret, and her nick name was Maggie. So there. Now you know where the Maggie came from, too. I figured 1944 was a big year for Maggie, she had a baby girl who she named Karen.

Father's name was Ralph Alexander, brother was Ralph William, and my Niece's oldest boy is Alexander. End of family trend. Her other children's names are not based on my side of her family history. I love Logan and Jocelyn but they are not names my family has had previously.

End.

Happy New Thread! I love the photo in your first post. And also the name Jozie. Speaking as a someone raised Catholic I've never heard of someone getting an additional name when you are Confirmed. I never made it to the Confirmation stage, but I do remember getting to pick a sort of patron saint...maybe that is where the name came from?

>14 Morphidae: I'm Marie Isabelle. I'm named after two grandmothers.

My grandmother's real name was Mari Mercedes. She was from the Basque region of Spain and Americanized it to Mary when she moved to the United States in the 1940s. My mother also had the "Mari" in her name which was Marilyn Francis.

Isabelle was my paternal great grandmother's name and her full name was Isabelle Marguerite.

All in all I ended up with a very French name, though no one in my family is French.

I'm James Dwayne, named after a grandfather and my father. My son is Jeffery Dwayne, names after a grandfather and me!

Happy new thread! It reminded me to post my thoughts about The Westing game on the spoiler thread.

My names are Claire Margaret. Claire was one of the most popular girls' names the year I was born; I know my parents chose it because they wanted a name that couldn't be shortened. I had great-aunt Margarets on both my mother's and father's side but I don't think I was specifically named for them. They just thought it went well with Claire. They wanted me to be Emily for my materal grandmother, but she didn't want them to do that; not sure why.

My family is full of versions of Joseph. My great-grandmother was Josephine, grandfather was Joseph, mother was Josephine (called Jo, or Josie), she had a brother Joseph (Joe), my middle name is Jo, four of my cousins in my generation have Jo or Joseph in their names, and several of the next generation. I didn't give it to either of my kids, because it just seemed a bit overused by then.

>18 Sakerfalcon: I have a cousin named Margaret Claire. She goes by Claire (or M. Claire if she's being formal).

Happy new thread! I was *this* close to being named Inga Regina. At the very last minute, my Mom was all alone when they came around with the birth certificate. She decided she couldn't saddle me with that. I much prefer Marianne over Inga, don't you?

My name: Although I love my mom to bits, she's not the best at name-picking. Apparently, during her pregnancy she looked out the window one morning and saw, "the most beautiful sunrise I've ever seen," which was mostly a certain color. And so I became Amber Dawn. (Ugh. I throw up a little in my mouth every time I think of that story. So, so sappy. Ha!)

Happy New Thread, lady!

Mine is Jennifer - because my parents thought it was a nice name (related to Guenevere/Gwynhyfer). I'm one or two years ahead of the swell on that one - never had another Jennifer in my class (until college), but usually three or four one year behind. Jean is my middle name - no idea where that came from. Ah, Mom says her Aunt Jean. OK... And Dad says it's a common name in his family, so it worked for both of them.

And yes, I have a third name, Theresa, that I got at Confirmation. You're right, Marie, it's the patron saint. And actually I'm not sure how to spell it - there's a St. Teresa and a St. Theresa, and I picked one but I can never remember which! I almost never use it.

My father breaks the curve in every possible way. He's told me a few times that his parents thought he would be the last child (he has a younger brother) so gave him all the family names - not sure that's true, he's also said most of his brothers have multiple names too. However, his name is:

David Donald Alphonsus John Joseph Michael Brennan Cain McGaffey.

Or sometimes there's two Michaels, one right before McGaffey - that's his confirmation name, though there was objection because he already had the name... Cain is his mother's maiden name. The rest are just family names.

My sisters are Margaret (also right ahead of the swell on her name) and Deirdre (that one stayed pretty rare, at least spelled properly. Lots of Dedras and Derdras, not so many with the ei).

Morphy! I missed your request on the other page for links to Weird Al's other videos he has released. All of them are out now, and you can watch them all from the front page of his website, WeirdAl.com. I haven't seen the last few, but am looking forward to doing so when I have a few moments!

So my husband is Walter Eugen, same as his father, and surprisingly my grandfather is Walter Eugene (with the "e" to Americanize it), but I just couldn't do it to my son. He thanks me regularly! He said he might not have minded being called Tré, a nickname for third. Maybe.

>15 maggie1944: Do Alexander, Logan and Jocelyn have middle names? I've heard - somewhere, you know "they said" - that middle names aren't as common anymore.

>16 RosyLibrarian: You're probably right. She took the same patron saint as her mother - variation on Mary? I love your name and your grandmother's is gorgeous.

>17 drneutron: I had a hair dresser once whose husband's name was Dwayne. She said it was actually Wayne but she added the "Duh." *rim shot*

>18 Sakerfalcon: I like the name Claire. It sets off the more common middle name. Were you born in the 40s like maggie1944?

>19 SylviaC: What about your name, Sylvia? I had a Joseph in my family as well. I hit a wall doing genealogy because of my maternal great-grandfather, Joseph Johnson. My word, it's like John Smith. Any idea how many Joseph Johnsons there are?

>20 michigantrumpet: Yes, I agree! My mom was almost Cynthia instead of Dale. Cynthia is much too girly for my mom.

>21 scaifea: I'm sorry, I love that story! But then I'm a hippy-sappy sort of person and don't have to live with it. I'm also oblivious and if you had told me your name was Amber Dawn without the story, I just would have thought it was a nice name and wouldn't have noticed it was a phrase.

>22 jjmcgaffey: *coughs* Okay, I thought only royalty had names like that. LOL!

>23 dk_phoenix: I'll check them out!

>24 Berly: MrMorphy thinks he was named after his uncle Kenneth who was killed in an auto accident in the early 50s. He thinks that his middle name, Eric, was simply a family name.

Morphy, yes they have middle names. Alex is Alexander Patrick (after his maternal great grandfather, and paternal, grandfather), Logan is Logan William which is his maternal grandfather's middle name (Ralph William), and Jocelyn is Jocelyn Marie which is her maternal grandmother's middle name. Whew. I'm amazed I remembered all that. Having all these family names does help the kids learn who their ancestors are especially when they are not around all that often. I think one of their goals with this week's vacation in Idaho is to meet up with grandfather Patrick who'll drive over to Idaho from Montana. Ah, summertime fun!

>25 Morphidae: No, the 70s. At school in the 80s I got so much grief over my middle name because of sharing it with Margaret Thatcher!

>25 Morphidae: The Sylvia was just because my mum liked the name. In fact, her best friend tells me that even when my mum was a child, she used to say that someday she would name her daughter Sylvia.

By the way, I really like the name Lenora. It is unusual enough to be interesting, without being off the wall.

Sitting at the doctor's and posting from my iPad. Seems I have something called blepharitis, a staph eye lid infection. So I need to wash my eye lids and lashes twice a day and use antibiotic ointment. Unfortunately, it's a chronic condition that really never goes away but can be controlled. Bleh.

Sorry to hear about the eye condition, Morphy. Hope the day goes up from here.

Sorry Morphy. If it isn't one thing it's another. Heal quickly!

Well, ding dang it, Morphy! I've never heard of that condition before. At least it's controllable, though, eh?

>26 maggie1944: Nice names. Sounds like a fun trip and I hope they get to meet with Alex's namesake.

>27 Sakerfalcon: Oh no! Nice thing about my name is that is it so unusual, there isn't anyone else named it!

>28 SylviaC: Sylvia, so unusual that no one can say it! Finally had to change to Nora even though I prefer Lenora.

>30 MickyFine: >31 Berly: >32 scaifea: I was more whining that anything else. It's not a huge deal, just an aggravation. Eventually, I'll be able to get down to maintenance where I'll wash and use ointment a couple times a week. Still... whine whine whine.

MrMorphy's picking up the baby shampoo and ointment tonight. Whine whine whine.

***

Wacky Wednesday Falls on Thursday

This is hysterical. Hope you can listen fast because he talks fast. CrazyMamie, you will be very upset with one of the parts - he doesn't like deckled edges. :D

Ranting about Books

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBPAJERpn6Q&feature=youtu.be

Morphy, I think this is just too unfair! Dang. But as the keeper of several chronic conditions, and rituals for the care, I know it can be done, and does not interfere with regular living and enjoying life, too much.

>33 Morphidae: That was hysterical! Great way to start the day. Thanks.

>29 Morphidae: Good gravy. Feel better, Morphy.

>34 maggie1944: >36 RosyLibrarian: Thanks, it's more an annoyance than anything else. It's just a thing.

>35 Berly: I know! I watched it twice since I got such a kick out of it.

***

I'm trying to ban myself from reading comments on news articles, blog posts, etc. People are too mean. The cruelness is appalling, I need to read the article then move on. Do NOT scroll down, Morphy!

It's just that I'm curious what people have to say. But I need to remind myself, "Nothing nice. Skip it!"

>37 Morphidae: Yes, it is appalling. When there are so many nice people in the world, why does a comment section always bring out the horrible ones?

>29 Morphidae: I think Frank McCourt had that condition. I know he battled some chronic eye inflammation thing all his life, and finally found some help for it when he came to this country.

Hi Morphy! The Philip Roth AAC thread is up, my friend. Thanks for the nudge...

>38 SylviaC: I resisted most comments sections yesterday. I succumbed once but it wasn't too bad.

>39 laytonwoman3rd: Interesting. I looked it up and it seems he had conjunctivitis. Something different but similar.

>40 msf59: I have no problem nudging. LOL!

***

Busy day today. Bus is picking me up at 7:38am to go to the church for my volunteer job at the reception desk. I'll have lunch delivered from a local restaurant because I was a dunderhead and forgot to pack my lunch. Bus will return me home at 12:57pm. Then I have WeCab dispatch from 2pm to 4pm. Around 4pm, some friends will arrive. We'll be eating pizza and watching Frozen. Whew!

Hi Morphy, sorry to hear about your chronic eye problem. I am hoping that it doesn't interfere with your reading. That would be a real bummer! You are having a busy day today. Lots of things to cross off on your Accountability Thread. Yes, I lurked there as well, but got to feeling too guilty about all the uncrossed off items I would have on a ToDo List! Amen to not reading nasty comments people make. I think the 'invisibility' of the internet makes people say those mean things. I hope we don't get to the point where that is the rule in face-to-face conversations. Have a good weekend!

>41 Morphidae: What a hectic day! But what a lovely way to end! Don't you just LOVE Frozen?

Happy Weekend!

Sorry to hear about your eye condition, Morph. I'm glad it's something that can be managed with meds.

I'm going to check & star your "accountability" thread. Although my track record for keeping up with regular threads is pretty terrible these days...

Oh, and happy new thread!

>42 Donna828: I don't think the infection will interfere with reading. Or at least it hasn't so far. Mostly it's the itching that drives me mad.

>43 michigantrumpet: This was my first time seeing it and, yes, I loved it!

>44 TinaV95: Quite alright. You have a ton going on and there are several different people helping out there. Visit and comment when you can!

So glad you enjoyed Frozen. It's definitely one of my favourites of the recent Disney films. :D

I liked Frozen, too, and think the "let it go" song could be one many should memorize and sing to themselves, every day! I'll run right off and find my .....

oh, no, I just remembered: I can't sing worth a darn. Too bad, so sad.

I hope your Sunday is all you want it to be!

>45 Morphidae: I would have enjoyed it more if not for one of the friends - a very annoying movie companion. I'd ooh or aah over something and she'd loudly say, "Just wait! Just wait!" Why couldn't I enjoy the now?

Or I'd say, "Oh, I think such and such will happen!" Something MrMorphy and I commonly do. She'd say, "Don't ruin the movie!" What? How can I ruin the movie when I haven't seen it?

I doubt I'll ever watch a movie with her again.

>46 MickyFine: I do like that song, too!

***

Today is a quiet day at home working on the to do list! Haven't been able to get much done on it because of various activities over the last two days. Had a very enjoyable LT book club meeting yesterday with three LTers. Yay! We talked about Liesl & Po and Cain's Blood. The_Hibernator had told us not to read Smasher which was our choice before we changed to Cain's Blood because it was so awful. Up next month is Storm Thief!

Okay, I am NOT going to write or post sixty reviews except for the obligatory ERs (and the rare note I "scribbled" down.) I will give my rating and if you are interested in my opinion of a book, feel free to ask. I will be better about this. I will! I will!

120. A Week in Winter by Maeve Binchy - Fiction, 8/10 stars
121. Batman: The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller - Graphic Novel, 7/10
122. A Shiver of Light by Laurell K. Hamilton - Contemporary Fantasy, 6/10
123. Cat's Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut - Classic, Green Dragon (111 Science Fiction), 6/10
- great writing, interesting story, no humor, slit my wrists ending, depressing

124. Liesl & Po by Lauren Oliver - Children's, LT Book Club, 7/10
125. Skin Game by Jim Butcher - Contemporary Fantasy, 7/10
126. The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin - Children's, Green Dragon (50 Mysteries), 7/10
- did what I was told and didn't read last pages like I normally do, still not much of a shocker, figured it out myself mostly

127. Dragon's Teeth by Mercedes Lackey - Fantasy, Reread, 8/10
- mostly reread of short story collections Fiddler Fair and Werehunter plus additional new stories

128. Creation in Death by J. D. Robb - Mystery, 8/10
129. Thale's Folly by Dorothy Gilman - Fiction, 8/10
- liked much more than Mrs. Pollifax, recommended to me as a gentle read

130. Little Brother by Cory Doctorow - Science Fiction, Green Dragon (111 Science Fiction), 7/10
131. Salvation in Death by J. D. Robb - Mystery, 7/10
132. Strangers in Death by J. D. Robb - Mystery, 7/10

RE-READS

133. A Kiss of Shadows
134. A Caress of Twilight
135. Seduced by Moonlight
136. A Stroke of Midnight
137. Mistral's Kiss
138. A Lick of Frost
139. Swallowing Darkness
140. Divine Misdemeanors
141. A Shiver of Light by Laurell K. Hamilton - Contemporary Fantasy, 6-7/10

RE-READS

142. Guilty Pleasures
143. The Laughing Corpse
144. Circus of the Damned
145. The Lunatic Café
146. Bloody Bones
147. The Killing Dance
148. Burnt Offerings
149. Blue Moon
150. Obsidian Butterfly
151. Narcissus in Chains
152. Cerulean Sins
153. Incubus Dreams
154. Micah
155. Danse Macabre
156. The Harlequin
157. Blood Noir
158. Skin Trade
159. Flirt
160. Bullet
161. Hit List
162. Kiss the Dead
163. Affliction by Laurell K. Hamilton - Contemporary Fantasy, 5-7/10

Binge re-reading - never a good sign!

164. The Wreck of Heaven by Holly Lisle - Fantasy, 7/10
165. Blood of the Demon by Diana Rowland - Contemporary Fantasy, 7/10
- enjoying this author

166. Water-Blue Eyes by Domingo Villar - Mystery, Around the World in 80 Sleuths (Spain), 6/10
167. Shattered by Kevin Hearne - Contemporary Fantasy, 7/10
168. Secrets of the Demon by Diana Rowland - Contemporary Fantasy - 8/10
169. Shaman Rises by C. E. Murphy - Contemporary Fantasy, 6/10
- disappointing end to otherwise good series

170. Marriage, A History by Stephanie Coontz - Nonfiction, 8/10
- recommended, fascinating

171. Super Pop!: Pop Culture Top Ten Lists to Help You Win at Trivia, Survive in the Wild, and Make it Through the Holidays by Daniel Harmon - Nonfiction, Early Reviewer, 7/10
- I started off not liking this book because it wasn't what I expected. I thought I was getting a book of light-hearted top ten lists. Instead, I got lists that were more thoughtful with reviews for each entry. Once I got past my initial frustration, I mostly enjoyed it. The format was good and the writing has clarity. For the most part, I liked reading it though at times it got too dry or snarky. I went through the book with highlighter in hand for books, movies and such to search out later. One marker of success for this book is the amount of highlighting I did!

172. Parnassus on Wheels by Christopher Morley - Classic, Century Challenge (1917), 6/10
173. Cain's Blood by Geoffrey Girard - Thriller, LT Book Club, 5/10
- obvious first book, plot needed tightening, characters needed deepening, really liked premise, shame it wasn't better written

174. Promises in Death - Mystery, 7/10
175. Kindred in Death - Mystery, 8/10
176. Fantasy in Death - Mystery, 7/10
177. Indulgence in Death - J. D. Robb - Mystery, 7/10

178. The Little White Horse by Elizabeth Goudge - Children's, Green Dragon (1001 Fantasy), 5/10
- simplistic, saccharine, preachy

179. The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood - Fiction, LT Site Group Read, 5/10
- didn't like any of the characters, too simplistic, chorus was annoying

180. River Road by Jayne Ann Krentz - Romance, Early Reviewer, 6/10
- I like Krentz and the book started out well with good characterization, interesting story, and solid writing. But about half-way through it petered out. The heroine and hero became more cardboard and I felt less emotionally attached. There were too many stories, too many plot lines being told. It became chaotic. Lastly, the ending felt rushed - the resolution and HEA wrapped up in the last two (short) chapters. Krentz writes well so I did mostly enjoy it, but I think it could have been better with more time spent on it on plotting, making the characters richer and tightening up/removing some plot lines.

Yowza! That's a lot of books. Maybe I should get off LT and go find my book! ; )

>52 Berly: Well, it's almost two months worth and a good chunk of them are re-reads which don't take as much time.

I see you gave an 8 to A Week in Winter. Do you typically rate Binchy's books that high? I've read a few, and I always start out thinking I'll like them, but always end up disappointed. I keep trying, though, because I think I should like her books.

Well, you got THAT task off your to-do list! Congratulations!

Thale's Folly is a nice, gentle book. Unfortunately, I haven't re-read it yet, because the first time I read it was when my mother was dying, and I've never been able to shake the association. On the other hand, it was the perfect book to be reading at the time.

>54 SylviaC: A Week in Winter was my first Binchy.

>55 ronincats: *plays Rocky theme*

>56 SylviaC: Unfortunate timing, yes. I don't like it when a good book/song/movie is ruined with an association with something bad. *hugs*

Howdy Morphy.

I hope your eye feels better. One of the girls in my office has that. The doctor also told her to use warm compresses throughout the day.

Lots of Joseph/Jose in my family. Lots of Ann/Anna. My dad's side of the family never used middle names until recently. All my uncle Tony's kids have middle names but they are young enough to be my kids. I was named after my mom's father, Roberto. When I got my divorce and petitioned for my maiden name back I threw in Anne as a middle name. Now I have something in common with some aunts/cousins.

>54 SylviaC: Funny, I came to ask about A Week in Winter too. I've always enjoyed Binchy, although I haven't read anything of hers in several years. I wondered if she was starting to repeat herself, but if that's your first one, >57 Morphidae:, you won't have an answer to that, will you?

>58 luvamystery65: I'm glad you told me about that. I was getting suspicious of the doctor since I had never heard of such a thing. I thought I had allergies and he was telling me I had something worse than I really had. I didn't used to feel this way about doctors until the medical fiasco earlier this year.

>59 laytonwoman3rd: Ha! Nope. And it will be long enough before I read another that I doubt I will notice.

***

I had Minnesota Vocational Rehab over yesterday for the annual visit. They paid for my A. A. degree and continue to follow up on my goal plans for eventually going back to work. It went well.

Today will be quiet. Just four hours of dispatch for WeCab. That could mean fifteen minutes of work or two hours of work, depending on how many calls come in.

I'm reading Henrietta's War by Joyce Dennys and it's okay. Somewhat amusing. I finished Enna Burning by Shannon Hale and I quite enjoyed that. I didn't like Enna at first. I thought she was TSTL* but she got better in the second half of the book. I'll be reading the rest of the series.

*Too Stupid To Live

Talk to Me Tuesday

During the late afternoon, every day my stress hormones spike, I get super anxious and it is the time I am most likely to have a panic attack. It doesn't matter what I'm doing at the time. Because it was about the time I was coming home from work, I thought it was stress leaving me after or some type of stress about coming home. But, no, I have it at the same time now and I'm not working! So I have to think it's some type of bio-cycle or the chemicals build up during the day and that's the point when they "tip over" into something noticeable. It's the worst time of day for me because at the very least I'm uncomfortably anxious for up to an hour and at worst, I have a full blown panic attack.

What is your least favorite part of the day? Why?

>61 Morphidae: That is awful, Morphy.

I guess my least favorite part of the day is when I commute early in the morning or around 5. I don't love driving and the traffic here in Charleston isn't great.

I often have a sluggish spell around 3:00 p.m. This is most likely to happen in my office environment, but I usually blame it on the fact that I seem to finish something I've been working on and have to decide what to take on next that won't keep me late, or challenge me too much at that point of the day, but will make me look mighty busy to anyone walking past my open door! I miss the days when that was the time to walk to the Courthouse to do the day's filing, and drop off much of the outgoing mail at the PO, maybe deliver large settlement packages to other downtown offices to save postage. It made a break, took half an hour or so, and gave me a little burst for the final hour and a half of the day. Now that we file most things electronically, and do so much communication via FAX or e-mail, we don't do a regular afternoon "run" anymore. We complained about it in foul weather, of course, but overall I think it was a good thing.

I've never given this much thought but I think that the 3:00 pm time is a time when I frequently feel like quitting whatever I've been doing, and I'm not quite reading to start the next thing. I should try cooking dinner at that time more often. But recently I've been using it as a time to take quick nap (20 minutes max).

>61 Morphidae: How unpleasant, Morphy. You have not only that low point in your day, but also the stress of knowing that it is coming each day.

Waking up and getting out of bed is the worst time for me. It has improved a bit in the last couple of years, because I no longer feel really cold in the mornings.

>49 Morphidae:, >56 SylviaC: I need to re-read Thale's Folly, if I ever get out of work. Right now I am hoping to get out before the sun comes up, didn't quite make it last Thursday morning. SIGH.

>54 SylviaC: I feel the same way about Maeve Binchy. I SHOULD relaly enjoy her books, but something doesn't quite come together for me. My Aunt says that there are more upbeat Maeve Binchy books and ones that are not so upbeat.

>61 Morphidae: That is terrible to have that come at the same time everyday. {{{Morphy}}} I did read that we are actually built to nap in the afternoon - it has nothing to do with what we eat for lunch. I wonder if that slowing down is whats contributes to your anxiety? Does exercise or distraction help?

It is so lovely to see you back in the threads, Morphy. Not only because of the funny things you say, but because it shows that you are doing better. Happy sigh.

I keep hope real life will finally cut me a break and I can join in a bit more, hasn't happened yet. It is still a goal of mine.

Meanwhile, I'll lurk a bit and enjoy your banter here and elsewhere on LT. Thanks.

My first message consisted of >49 Morphidae:, >56 SylviaC:. ETA everything else, because, that was just silly...

OMG - I learned not to read the comments on articles years ago on yahoo! You'd think those people would be too stupid to type!

Your blaphritis whatever sounds bad enough without having anxiety too! I have some pretty down moments too, and they are usually worst when I'm not working. You'd think I'd learn to keep busy, but if I keep too busy then I feel crazy and get sick. Balance. It's such a simple word, you'd think I could figure it out. About an hour after lunch seems to be my sleepy low, but most anxious? Perhaps when I'm leaving home for whatever reason. Sometimes I get this fear that something will happen to the dogs while I'm gone. Do you have a pet? One might help.

>62 RosyLibrarian: Ew. Do you use audiobooks in the car? How long is your commute?

>63 laytonwoman3rd: Many people have a sluggish spell around that time. The best cure for that is a snack that contains a protein and a carb. It doesn't have to be much - between 100 and 200 calories. But it should give you (healthy) energy to get you through the rest of the day. I typically have half a sandwich or some crackers and cheese with fruit.

>64 maggie1944: The mighty nap works, too!

>65 SylviaC: Actually, I don't think about it much ahead of time thankfully. It's more: I start getting really anxious, I look at the clock and think, "Oh yeah. It's THAT time of the day."

Not a morning person, eh?

>66 MDGentleReader: I really did like Thale's Folly. It was a surprise since I went into it with some trepidation because I was unimpressed with The Amazing Mrs. Pollifax.

Nothing seems to help. I've been out at the time and had to go sit by myself to have a little freak out. Most of the time it's just intense anxiety and I can distract myself through it - play on the computer, talk with someone, breath, etc. Reading helps if it's a particularly absorbing book. Once in awhile, I just have to deal with a panic attack. Thems the breaks. I've gotten practiced at it.

Hope your RL calms down soon!

>67 cammykitty: Oh, the blepharitis is feeling somewhat better. The washing and ointment are helping. I thought the ointment was going to be a big pain in the butt. But MrMorphy had sties when he was a kid and came to my rescue. I thought I would have to spread the ointment with my finger or Q-tip along both lids and it would be a mess. But no! Simply place the ointment on the bottom lid and scrunch up your eyes tightly several times. Voila! It's all spread out!

Yes, we have a pet. Maia is our seven-year-old Shih-Tzu/Pomeranian owner.

>68 Morphidae: It's not all that bad. Maybe 35-45 min in traffic. I used to have an hour commute in Tucson, so I really don't have much to complain about. And yes to audio books. They save my soul.

I'll join in the rest with the 3:00 p.m.-ish drop in the blood sugar time. Trying to keep some little bits in the drawer to help power my way through to the end of the day ...

>68 Morphidae: What a cutie-patootie!

Glad the blephartis (what a name! Who named it that?) isn't too bad.

Maia is sooooo cute! I'll bet she takes good care of you and Mr. Morphy. ;)

I also crash around 3:00.
My least favorite time of day though is about 4:30 pm. This is witching hour in my house. I am just getting home from work, my son wants attention, the dog wants attention, the cat wants attention... I am tired and am thinking about getting dinner started, and husband does not come home until 5:30ish. Some days are better than others but usually around 4:30 I wish I could disappear with a good book and have some "me" time ;)

Hi, Morphy! Just trying to catch up after my long blow-out weekend. Sorry to hear about your eye issue. Glad it's only annoying, but I always worry when I get any little problems with my eyes because, well, I need them to read!

Haha, I sometimes start to read comments and 99% of the time have to stop after only a few because I get so upset! Silly me to expect the next batch of comments to be any less ignorant/cruel than the last.

I think my least favorite time of the day is around dusk, because that means the day is over and I often haven't gotten everything done I wanted to do and that's when I get my anxiety attacks.

My worst time of day physically is when I have to get up in the morning on a work day. I am so sluggish and sleepy and feel as though I will never find the energy I need for the day. Usually by the time I've arrived at work after my journey by train and underground I have managed to wake up physically and mentally though, but it doesn't make that first hour or so any easier.
My worst time of the day mentally is about 2 or 3 in the morning, if I wake up n the night and can't get back to sleep. My brain chooses to use this time by picking up on any little worries I have and magnifying them into enormous stressful obstacles with no easy solution. My thoughts go round in circles for a couple of hours before I can get back to sleep. Then I wake up in the morning (reluctantly) and realise that those mountains are in fact tiny molehills that I had no need to be so anxious about. This doesn't happen every night, thank goodness, but often enough to be a pain.

Aww, Maia is a real cutie! Lovely photo.

>69 RosyLibrarian: I can imagine. I used to listen to the radio on the commute but it's not the same anymore. They play the same songs over and over. Nowadays I would do audio books all the way.

>70 michigantrumpet: Sounds like 3:00pm is a hard time for many people!

>71 cammykitty: Blepharitis is a Latin name: blephar- = eyelid, -itis = inflammation

She doesn't take much care of us. More requires attention for us. Even when I'm upset and crying, she comes to me only to lick the tears from my cheeks!

>72 jayde1599: Anyway you could stall and not come home until 5:30pm? Ha!

>73 Storeetllr: Oh, I so get the anxiety about "not getting things done." That's a good portion of mine most of the time.

>74 Sakerfalcon: Oh, man. Being awake for hours like that would drive me crazy. I usually go right back to sleep. If I'm struggling, I try to think about the dream I was having when I woke up and I usually nod right back off.

***

I finished The Creative Journal by Lucia Capacchione last night and it was pretty good. Good enough that I'm putting in on my Amazon wish list to buy in the future so I can do that exercises at my leisure. I WILL journal some day! *raises her fist in defiance*

I thought I was going to read An Illustrated Life today - it's due at the library tomorrow. But there is no flipping way. The print is tiny. It will need to go back and I'll request it again to read it at leisure.

So I started up Blood Red by Mercedes Lackey. It's very light and fluffy, but enjoyable.

***

Wacky Wednesday (falls on Thursday)

A little boy went up to his father and asked: 'Dad, where did my intelligence come from?'

The father replied. 'Well, son, you must have got it from your mother, cause I still have mine.'
___________________________________________

'Mr. Clark, I have reviewed this case very carefully,' the divorce Court Judge said, 'And I've decided to give your wife $775 a week,'

'That's very fair, your honor,' the husband said. 'And every now and then I'll try to send her a few bucks myself.'
___________________________________________

A doctor examining a woman who had been rushed to the Emergency Room, took the husband aside, and said, 'I don't like the looks of your wife at all.'

'Me neither doc,' said the husband. 'But she's a great cook and really good with the kids.'
___________________________________________

An old man goes to the Wizard to ask him if he can remove a curse he has been living with for the last 40 years.

The Wizard says, 'Maybe, but you will have to tell me the exact words that were used to put the curse on you.'

The old man says without hesitation, 'I now pronounce you man and wife.'
___________________________________________

A blonde calls Delta Airlines and asks, 'Can you tell me how long it'll take to fly from San Francisco to New York City?'

The agent replies, 'Just a minute.' 'Thank you,' the blonde says, and hangs up.
___________________________________________

Two Mexican detectives were investigating the murder of Juan Gonzalez.

'How was he killed?' asked one detective.

'With a golf gun,' the other detective replied.

'A golf gun! What is a golf gun?'

'I don't know. But it sure made a hole in Juan.'
___________________________________________

Moe: 'My wife got me to believe in religion.'

Joe: 'Really?'

Moe: 'Yeah. Until I married her I didn't believe in Hell.'
___________________________________________

A man is recovering from surgery when the Surgical Nurse appears and asks him how he is feeling.

'I'm O. K. But I didn't like the four letter-words the doctor used in surgery,' he answered.

'What did he say,' asked the nurse.

'Oops!'
___________________________________________

While shopping for vacation clothes, my husband and I passed a display of bathing suits. It had been at least ten years and twenty pounds since I had even considered buying a bathing suit, so I sought my husband's advice.

'What do you think?' I asked. 'Should I get a bikini or an all-in-one?'

'Better get a bikini,' he replied. 'You'd never get it all in one.'

He's still in intensive care.
___________________________________________

The graveside service just barely finished, when there was a tremendous bolt of lightning followed by massive clap of thunder, accompanied by even more thunder rumbling in the distance...

The little old man looked at the pastor and calmly said, 'Well, she's there.'

Haha, some good ones! I especially liked the last.

Thanks for the laughs, Morphy!

Here's something I thought you'd get a kick out of, Morphy!

I need a picture of that to tape to the front of my TV, and another for my lap top.

The last joke on Wacky Wednesday is my favorite!

I'm feeling really guilty about my backed up list of July mini reviews... especially now that both you & Richard are caught up and doing so well...

Howdy Morphy! Hope the week is going well. Sorry, to hear you are stuck on Candy Crush. I hope that improves.

My favorite time of the day is the morning. I am a morning kind of guy, what can I say?

The first Wacky Wednesday joke was my favourite. It's exactly the sort of conversation that might happen in my family.

I know exactly what @Sakerfalcon was talking about in #74. The little worries attaining massive proportions in the middle of the night, and going around and around in circles. That is the main form my stress tends to take.

>79 maggie1944: I don't need a picture. I live it! LOL!

>80 TinaV95: Don't feel guilty. Feel inspired!

>81 msf59: You make me laugh. Thanks for the game encouragement.

And, shhh, that's an answer to next week's question!

>82 SylviaC: Ours, too! We love to "insult" each other. Nothing hurtful or cutting though. Like I never joke about MrMorphy's baldness - he's very sensitive about it. Nor does he joke about my weight unless I start it. Like this morning when he was teasing me about something and I told him to kiss my "little white a**." (I meant to say "lily white!")

I think that's another part of my 3pm anxiety. The little worries build and build all day and peak in the afternoon.

***

Today is my "work" day and I'll be going to the church to be Ms. Receptionist. I started reading Sins of the Demon by Diana Rowland and I'm SO glad I also requested the next book in the series. I want to continue reading right away! I think I'll also read the three children's books I have from the library today: The Cat in the Hat, Strega Nona, and Guess How Much I Love You. I believe I said I was going to read them before but I didn't.

ETA: Oh dear lord, I just came up with a new "mords wixed" - shunderthorms. I cracked up when that came out of my mouth.

Interesting juxtaposition of "I'll be going to the church" and "I started reading Sins of the Demon". Are you taking it with you?

>84 SylviaC: Heh. Didn't think about that. I did! Almost finished it to. The only book I was ever uncomfortable reading there was a Stephen King. I was a little embarrassed about reading horror in church.

I think I freaked the admin out today though. I was explaining about Sins of Demon and said it was about a demon summoner, "But not real demons from hell or anything! They are aliens from another universe." I don't think she believed me. :D

You can add me to that growing list of 3:00 pm dip in energy levels. I like your suggestion of eating protein or carbs then.... I have been eating fresh fruit and it just doesn't do the trick.

>83 Morphidae: "shunderthorms" -- love it! When I was a kid there was a local weatherman on our TV station who often said "flow snurries", and it never sounded like he did it on purpose. So, naturally, my whole family has called that weather phenomenon flow snurries ever since.

My dad is a fast two-finger typist, but his fingers are larger than the keys on many keyboards. So he has a lot of typos.

He was living in Cabo Verde - islands off the coast of West Africa - and wrote us an email describing how the "Harmattan dusat" was covering everything with a thin red film. Took us a couple of exchanges to figure out he meant "dust" - the dust storms that blow west from the Sahara. It's been Harmattan dusat to us ever since.

>86 lkernagh: Yes, sugar, even natural sugar, is digested very quickly. Protein + a carb is longer lasting.

>87 laytonwoman3rd: I love it! Of course, this winter I will now mess up and say it. Dang it!

>88 jjmcgaffey: So what is Harmattan? :D

***

I scarfed down Sins of the Demon by Diana Rowland then Touch of the Demon and I'll be reading Fury of the Demon today. They are so gooooood.

I also got those three children's books read. Cat in the Hat was cute but a little disappointing. I think because I saw and enjoyed the TV special so much that I expected more from it. Strega Nona made me smile and Guess How Much I Love You made me go "awwwwww."

Happy Saturday Morphy. I'm working today but since mom is in the hospital where I work I would have come in anyway. I usually perk up in the afternoon. Not a morning person and I used to be a night owl but no longer.

Just a drive-by hello, Morphy, wishing you a good weekend.

Hi, Morphy! Just by to drop a star and say hi. I'm not trying to catch up, but I expect to be reading it from here on in!

Thanks for the Wednesday Jokes--there were some good ones! Happy Saturday.

181. Enna Burning by Shannon Hale

Genre: Fantasy (YA)

Notes: TIOLI #19 (competed in World Cup - US), next in series

Summary: Enna of Bayern learns to control fire or does fire control her?

Opinion: After disliking the first in the series, The Goose Girl, I'm glad I gave it another shot. This one was better. The characters were filled out more and the heroine wasn't a doormat. She was almost TSTL at first, but thankfully about a third of the way in, she wised up. I liked how she almost ended up a "bad guy" but turned it around. It showed how even with the best of intentions, circumstances can go so terribly wrong.

Rating: 7

182. Henrietta's War by Joyce Dennys

Genre: Fiction

Notes: TIOLI #19 (competed in World Cup - US), LT Recommended

Summary: An epistolary novel from a English doctor's wife to her friend, Robert, who was fighting during World War II

Opinion: I don't know. I felt rather "meh" about the whole book. I didn’t get much of a feel for time nor place. There was no intensity more of a "fa la la, oh dear, there's a bomb, fa la la." The characters were interesting enough to keep me reading though. And the illustrations were delightful.

Rating: 6

183. The Creative Journal by Lucia Capacchione

Genre: Nonfiction

Notes: TIOLI #16 (first/last vowel), 888 Challenge

Summary: "The Creative Journal is a guide to discovering and releasing your inner potential through writing and drawing."

Opinion: Good enough that I'll be purchasing it at a later date to work through the exercises. Might be a little too navel gazing for some. The author used examples from people who were for the most part obviously not skilled artists. That appealed to me and makes the process seem less intimidating and more likely something I would do. Already has made me make some small changes to how I arrange my priorities.

Rating: 7

184. Blood Red by Mercedes Lackey

Genre: Fantasy

Notes: TIOLI #13 (older author), to complete bibliography

Summary: VERY loosely based on Little Red Riding Hood

Opinion: So loosely based it seems more like they took the fairy tale and shook it lightly over the manuscript to see what would fall out. And only the first chapter has anything recognizable to the original. Otherwise, it's a grrrrl-power so-fluffy-it-hurts werewolf and vampire hunter story, i.e. typical fare for Lackey lately. Good for a few hours on a rainy afternoon when all you want is some cotton candy and nothing to strain your brain.

Rating: 6

>95 Morphidae: I quite like Henrietta, but I am particularly fond of that genre (genre: wartime diaries, real or fictional).

>98 SylviaC: I gave Mrs. Tim of the Regiment by D. E. Stevenson 8/10 stars, so it's not the genre. I just didn't engage with this particular author.

~~~~~

Currently Reading:
Fury of the Demon by Diana Rowland

On Deck:
Collapse by Jared Diamond
The Kingdom of Gods by N. K. Jemisin
Hyperbole and a Half by Allie Brosh

Just coming by for some outstanding reads! And Wanda, my grrl dog, has a message for Maia. "Don't you love salty stuff! I love licking my human when she's salty all over her face." Yup, they all do it.

I've got Blood Red on hold at the library--there's a line. I don't buy Lackey any more.

>89 Morphidae: the Harmattan is an autumn/winter wind that usually carries Saharan dust over the Atlantic -

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harmattan
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/255457/harmattan#

Harmattan dust is well-known to anyone living in that region. Harmattan dusat is limited to my family (so far...).

>100 cammykitty: Maia licks EVERYTHING. It's a constant battle getting her to stop. It's very annoying. If I had to change one thing about her, it would be that.

>101 ronincats: I don't either. Haven't in years. She's lost her touch and it's sad. The last really good work she did was the Obsidian Trilogy starting with To Light a Candle back in 2003-2006. And that was written with James Mallory.

Although the first few of the Five Hundred Kingdoms (The Fairy Godmother - 2004, One Good Knight - 2006, The Snow Queen-2008) were good as was the standalone Gwenhwyfar in 2010. Foundation was very good; however, she phoned in the rest of the Collegium Chronicles. But in proportion to her output, that isn't very much.

>102 jjmcgaffey: Whoa, that's intense. I know we can get nose bleeds in winter because the humidity gets so low. I didn't know you could get that in summer as well. Although now I think about it - desert = dry. Duh.

***

Finished up Fury of the Demon and am now jonesing for the next book that won't come out until March 2015. *whimpers*

Next up is the last book in the Inheritance Trilogy, The Kingdom of Gods, by N. K. Jemisin. The other two books got 8/10 stars, so I'm looking forward to this one.

I'll also start slowly reading Collapse by Jared Diamond over the month of August. It's the type of book I need to take a chunk at a time.

I may join you in reading Collapse. Since he has a home in this part of Montana, there's a chunk of it where he is describing the situation here in the Bitterroot Valley where I live and even discusses people I know. It's been sitting here on Planet TBR since it was released. I'll have to hunt down your thread for it.

>104 streamsong: No need to hunt! http://www.librarything.com/topic/177921

Imagine what a real biblioholic could do with those shelves....

>106 richardderus: That whole dining room thing is weird and claustrophobic but I adore the rest - white, natural light, light woods, light colors, poofy cushions. Yay!

And I agree. What the heck is that on some of the shelves?

>106 richardderus: There's room for something besides books on those shelves? Something is wrong with this picture.

Just waving: HI!

>108 thornton37814: Shelves are for books!

>109 connie53: Hello, hello!

***

Started reading The Kingdom of Gods by N. K. Jemisin. Good so far. Next up will be Gods Old and Dark by Holly Lisle, the last book in a trilogy.

I'll be volunteering today and Collapse is far too big to bring with me.

Hi Morphy. Your threads move so fast I keep losing track of you. Will go back and read through this thread now.

>106 richardderus: That photo is staged. It's a house for bibliophiles being marketed by someone who doesn't understand that the table should have at least 5 books on it, the drink should not be Everclear, and the shelves would be completely full, with books stacked sideways on top of the other books. Fake Fake Fake! And no books in the kitchen? For reals.

Hi Morphy, greetings from over the pond my dear.

>111 humouress: Ha! I don't think mine move all that fast in comparison to some (RD, Paul, Amber.) I'm glad to see you!

>112 cammykitty: I have to correct you on one thing. Tables are for magazines.

>113 johnsimpson: Hello! Hello! Thanks for stopping by. Hope your week is grand!

***

Talk to Me Tuesday

MrMorphy and I go to bed at the same at night. There is a whole routine with bathroom trips, pill taking and dog snuggling. We get our final puppy kisses, put Maia in her kennel then climb into bed. For five to twenty minutes we spoon and talk. Most of the time it's nothing important - just trivia from the day. On the rare occasion it will be more serious. Sometimes he'll tickle me and we'll wrestle a bit with me squealing and him using his octopus arms to reach all the ticklish spots.

When it's time to go to sleep, we'll say our "good nights." Usually MrMorphy starts but about twice a week, I'll start.

"Love you." "Love you, too"

"Nighty night." "Nighty night."

"Sweet dreams." "Sweet dreams."

"Sleep loose." "Sleep loose."

"Don't let the bed bugs bite." "If they do..." "Uh huh?" "*comes up with some dire fate for the bed bugs from the mundane (they'll have insomnia) to the horrific (I'll shoot them in a rocket into the sun.)*"

It's my favorite time of day. It's the one time of the day I'm guaranteed to have MrMorphy's undivided attention and he often makes me laugh...and because *snuggles*!

What is your favorite time of day? Why?

>114 Morphidae: Aw, that's very sweet. When my husband and I go to bed at the same time it is always nice, especially because he works 48 hours and I don't see him for two days a lot of the time. My other favorite time is when I can get up in the morning and have a cup of coffee while I watch the news or read.

I think my favorite time of the day is my first cup of coffee in the morning with whatever I'm doing. Sometimes it is reading and posting on the computer, sometimes it is watching TV news, and other times it is just puttering around the house picking up clutter, and putting dishes into the dishwasher. I love mornings. It is quiet, relatively speaking, and I give myself a couple of hours to do whatever enters my mind to do. Nothing scheduled. No To Do lists, just putter away. I love coffee. And I love existence without demands.

Then, when I'm reading I get dressed, and start doing what needs to be done to get the day going. Today I will do much of the FlyLady routines, and then go get a mani and a pedi. I haven't done that for weeks and weeks so it is a treat! Which reminds me..... I also need to make an appointment with my hair salon and get these "locks trimmed".

I hope your Tuesday holds for you all that you wish for!

>114 Morphidae: What a lovely exchange! I love when the commuter rail train pulls into the station in Boston and I walk to work. The day is still new with possibility and the streets are filled with energy and people.

Morphy, I love the opening photo!

>115 RosyLibrarian: Karen, Your plans for the day sound lovely! I hope it is all that you want it to be.

A couple of times a week, I stop at a cafe on my way to work and have coffee and a breakfast sandwich while reading. It's a very civilized way to start the day. :)

>114 Morphidae: Can't possibly top that.

What is your favorite time of day? Why?

Early morning. I am an early riser. Even on days when I don't have to work I am usually up by 6:00 am. I like the quiet at that time of day. After I enjoy a cup of coffee I spend some time tending my herb garden and just enjoying the fresh morning air. My other half has a different body cycle as he is more of an evening/late night individual so my mornings are all mine while he sleeps.

I love dawns, as long as
a) I'm not seeing it because I've been up all night
b) I'm actually awake to see it.

I'm a night person, so it makes them all the rarer.

I think the Scaife Manor bedtime routine is my favorite time of day, which is a good thing, as it's rather lengthy - ha! It starts with all three of us heading to Charlie's room, where Charlie picks a book and I pick a book and either I read both books aloud or Charlie 'reads' his and I read mine. Then there's a bit of a tickle fight before Charlie and I head into the bathroom for the bedtime bathroom routine (the bath itself is earlier in the evening, right after dinner) and Tomm gets Charlie's sheets turned down and takes Tuppence out for the last time of the day. Then Charlie crawls under the covers and snuggles with Tomm while I read a chapter from our current bed-time chapter book (we've just started The Mouse and the Motorcycle this week). Then we all get up, again, for a very short evening dance routine (Yep, you read that right, a dance routine. Same one every night.), after which Charlie climbs back into bed and I ask him, "What did we do today?" and then "What was your favorite part of the day?" and then we talk about what we'll be doing tomorrow. Then kisses and hugs all around, with some routine Dad Jokes and giggling, and then Charlie climbs out from under the covers one more time to sit in my lap and get rocked while we sing a song of his choosing. Then back under the covers with him, final smooches and we're done. Whew! At that point I check LT one final time, grab my book and head for Bedfordshire myself and Tomm either joins me with his laptop or ipad or heads to his home office to do a bit of work before coming to bed.

>115 RosyLibrarian: What does your husband do? I don't like going to bed without MrMorphy and try to avoid it when I can.

>116 maggie1944: I'm not a morning putterer. I putter in the evening. When I get up, I get going right away. It's my high energy time. I also love getting my hair trimmed all neat and tidy again.

>117 michigantrumpet: Oh, that sounds neat. Are there flower sellers or a flower seller on one of the streets you walk? Food truck? What types of stores/shops?

>118 Whisper1: It was a fun time, too. I've always regretted blowing him off after high school. I was so stupid. We had a fight that was all my fault and we never spoke again. :(

>119 drneutron: Is it a busy place with lots of noise or a quiet place with cushy chairs?

>120 laytonwoman3rd: No need to top a story, just share yours.

>121 lkernagh: One of the things I'm going to do when I lose weight is have a garden. I can't out there yet. But I will!

>122 humouress: Is night the favorite part of your day? What part of the evening?

>123 scaifea: I love your bedtime routine. It's even more convoluted than ours! How long does it take? Ours takes upwards of half an hour.

>114 Morphidae: He's a firefighter in the Air Force. I also do not enjoy going to bed without him, but that's the job.

Morning Morphy! I hope the week is going well and your current reads have been winners. Hugs!

>124 Morphidae: We start at around 730 and usually finish by 830ish.

>125 RosyLibrarian: Oh, that's harsh. How long has he been in? How many times have you moved?

>126 msf59: Thank you! Is your route settling down?

>127 scaifea: Can I come to your house? I want to dance before bedtime, too. MrMorphy wouldn't go for that.

***

Read Hyperbole and a Half yesterday. It was okay, I guess. It wasn't as laugh out loud funny as I was expecting. The author tried to present herself as being self-depreciating about not being a nice person inside, but it came across as "look at me and how good am I for not being as nasty as I want to be!" I'd never want to meet this author in person.

I'm about to start The Book of Life by Deborah Harkness, the third book in the All Souls trilogy. It's a huge tome and I wouldn't normally carry it around to the church to do the reception desk, but it's due in four days and has a 300 person wait list!

>128 Morphidae: 9 years. 3 bases. 4 deployments.

300 person wait list?! Wow!

>128 Morphidae: You are welcome here any time, lady! NB: Brush up on your robot moves beforehand, as that's the main style represented in Charlie's nightly dancing (it's a follow-the-leader type dance party).

>124 Morphidae: I've also experienced that regret. Any change of trying to track him down?

>124 Morphidae: Quiet place with relatively comfy chairs. It's a bit out of the way, so there's not a steady stream of customers making noise like you'd find at a Starbucks.

>124 Morphidae: I try to vary the different ways I walk to/from the office from the train. The station itself has multiple food vendors, news stand, etc. I can walk by the Boston Public Library and Trinity Church which are beautiful. There are often food trucks pulled up, although one can never quite predict which one will be where and when. On the way back, on Tuesdays and Fridays during the summer, I walk by a Farmer's market right in the middle of Copley Square. Sometimes there are buskers singing or playing an instrument.

Lots of energy, that's for sure!

>130 scaifea: All that dancing and hopping in and out of the covers would have me way too riled up to go to sleep. If I try to exercise even two hours before bedtime, I'm sunk. Sounds like fun, though!

>133 michigantrumpet: Marianne: Yes, but when one has a 5-year-old to try to keep up with all day, the dancing doesn't leave one riled, but only more exhausted. Ha!

I guess I don't really have a favorite time of day, although on a bright clear morning like this, I am a real go-getter, and I can accomplish a lot before leaving the house for work (if I stay away from the computer) -- I really enjoy that. I guess the time I consistently look forward to is sitting down to supper with my husband at 7:30 and watching Jeopardy together. Such an exciting life we lead!

>129 RosyLibrarian: They have 80 copies, so it wouldn't take forever. But it's a moot point now. I got sucked into it and finished the book in a day.

>130 scaifea: I don't know if I can come up with my own dance moves but I can certainly play follow the leader!

>131 Whisper1: I've tried to through Facebook. I've found someone with his full name (including middle name) in the specific area of the country I know he went to but he is not responding to my friend requests.

>132 drneutron: Sounds like a delight!

>133 michigantrumpet: Libraries and food markets - can't beat those with a stick.

>134 scaifea: But consider the alternative! A Charlie-less life! The horror! I think you'll take the exhaustion. :D

>135 laytonwoman3rd: Oh, sounds about right to me. MrMorphy and I like to sit down to supper and watch a DVD episode of one of the series we are going through. This week it is some season 3 episodes of Big Bang Theory.

There are 146 holds for The Book Of Life in our system, with 36 copies, but I'm only 14th in line at this point!

I think my favorite time of day, after so many years working, is being able to wake up when I wake up, and do a Sudoku and a Kakuro with my morning coffee and check into my computer games and LT before having to face the world.

Hi Morphy, I'm finally all caught up on your thread! Favorite time of the day? I like to get up and get on with my chores. When my work is done I can sit and relax, either visiting on LT or reading. That would be my favorite time of the day.

I am late in answering, but my least favorite part of the day is the morning when I get up before my coffee, and my very favorite is about 7 o'clock when dinner's done and cleaned up and I can curl up with a good book (on days that I work 'til 8, this is more like 8:30-9, but the same principle applies).

Hope you're having a good weekend!

Wacky Wednesday falls on Saturday

Those Books Can Be Killer To Finish
Bookstore | KY, USA |

(I’m the customer in this situation:)

Me: “I’m looking for a copy of Les Mis and I found several different copies from different publishers. What do you recommend?”

Staff Member: “Well, it depends. Do you want a smaller-size copy that’d fit in your purse so you can take it anywhere?”

Me: “Well… the print in those can get pretty tiny… Actually, I’m looking for a book hefty enough to kill someone with.”

Staff Member: “…”

Me: “Sorry.”

Staff Member: “In that case, I suggest Tolstoy or Proust.”

I am having my favorite time of the day right now. Walk completed, coffee brewing, and spending time with online friends. Although, lately, my LT time has been rather hard to come by.

Have a good Sunday, Morphy!

>137 ronincats: I liked it better than Shadow of Night and about the same as A Discovery of Witches.

>138 DeltaQueen50: I really need to learn to do that - work on my to do list THEN get on the computer!

>139 bell7: Ah, a night owl! I also do more reading at night, but that' because I'm so tired it's the only thing I'm up for!

>141 Donna828: I've been trying to reduce my LT time. I've been vigorous with my red X clicking.

***

Tonight we are going to the in-laws for dinner. MrMorphy told me we are having steak, so that probably means we'll also have baked potato, salad and chocolate cake (for MIL's birthday.) I'll let you know how well I guessed tomorrow.

I'm reading Gods Old and Dark by Holly Lisle, the third in a trilogy. I'm not sure why more people don't read her. She writes some good fantasy trilogies. I've given everything I've read of hers so far 7/10 stars. Nothing fantastic but solid.

Next up is Lamb by Christopher Moore. This is my first Moore. We'll see if I like his sense of humor.

>142 Morphidae: I love every first book Holly Lisle writes - then, in the second book in each series, she's gotten too dark for me - too grim or just plain nasty. The concepts are wonderful, but I can't handle her style. Same for Lilith Saintcrow (if you like Lisle, you might check her out - more urban fantasy than straight, but a similar level of grim, in my opinion). I love her* romances, with a guaranteed HAE, but her urban fantasy and YA fantasy are too dark for me.

ETA *that is, Saintcrow. Lisle hasn't written any romances that I'm aware of...hmmm.

Ooooh, Christopher Moore!! I love him. I hope you do, too.

>128 Morphidae: I really like my new route, Morphy but it still irritates me that they had to change it so radically. I am still waiting for them to correct some mistakes they made in laying it out.
Have a good Monday!

Hi Morphy, wishing you a wonderful Monday my dear.

>143 jjmcgaffey: Yes, I see where you are coming from about grim and dark. Lisle doesn't write light hearted fantasies although in the end there's a mostly HEA - the bad guys are defeated, the main characters are alive, and couples are together.

>144 scaifea: I'm loving Lamb. I was hesitant because other people have recommended humorous books that I haven't found that funny or not funny at all (Pratchett, Toole (A Confederacy of Dunces)). But Lamb is a trip. I can't remember laughing this much through a book.

(Speaking of man bringing a sheep "behind a bush.")

"That was the abomination you were there to prevent."
"That was an abomination?"
"Yes."
"Whoops."

*snarfles*

>145 msf59: You aren't allowed to make some tweaks yourself?

(Trying to remember the word "tweaks" generated this conversation between MrMorphy and me.)

Morphy: "I need a word."
MrMorphy: "This."
Morphy: "What?"
MrMorphy: "You asked for a word. That was a word."
Morphy: "No, no. I need a word that starts with "tw" that means makes adjustments."
MrMorphy: "Tweak."
Morphy: "Yes! All I could come up with is twerking and twitching."
MrMorphy: "NO TWERKING! There is no twerking here!"

>146 johnsimpson: It's going to a busy, busy one. I have lots to do. Have a great week yourself!

>147 Morphidae:, Thanks Morphy.

>147 Morphidae: The conversation with MrMorphy cracked me up. My favorite aunt Jean does crosswords constantly and some of our best laughs have been similar kinds of conversations.

I've not read Lamb but I loved Fool. I'll be interested to see how his style lands on you.

Lamb was a lot of fun, but I haven't found Moore's other books quite as fun. Fool did have its moments, though, I have to admit. Maybe it's just where my head was at the various times when I read them.

>147 Morphidae: Your and MrMorphy's conversation cracked me up too.

I haven't read any Lisle, although I did enjoy Saintcrow's Dante Valentine series. I'm not quite so enamoured of her Bannon & Clair mysteries, though, not because of the darkness but because of the writing style. Anyway, I've had Diplomacy of Wolves on the library's reserved list for several months now. I think it must be lost or stolen, because I'm first on the list and there's one copy.

Twin Cities/Minneapolis Meet Up Friday 8/15

http://www.librarything.com/topic/179079

I love the bedtime ritual you and Mr.Morphy have... that is so very sweet! :)

The convo about "tw" had me grinning from ear to ear! I couldn't LOL... Lisa is asleep beside me (she's had a migraine all day).

You know now because I read your review of how much you love the Rowland demon series, I just put in a request for the 2nd Rowland zombie book. I have to finish that series before I can start her next one. :) I have principles, woman!

Yay! I'm so happy that you like Moore! He makes me laugh right out loud, too.

>148 johnsimpson: Anytime!

>149 EBT1002: >153 scaifea: It lands wonderfully. MrMorphy doesn't find him as funny though and is getting tired of me reading parts to him. (Too bad, so sad.) I'm almost done with Lamb and I'm sure to read more of Moore!

>150 Storeetllr: That's one of the issues I've found with Lisle. I've had to get them all from Interlibrary Loan. I don't know if any of them are still in print.

>152 TinaV95: I know what you mean. Now that I've finished the Demon series as far as I can go, I'll go back to the zombie series. I've only read the first one and I may re-read it before continuing.

***

Today I'm a nervous wreck. I was anxious already about the presentation I had to make today. But last night I found out that the previous dispatch coordinator (you know, the one that got "fired" for being too critical and harsh in his communication among other things) is coming to the meeting. Why? Why? Why? He doesn't need to learn anything. He knows it all. He's going to be there, I just know it, to critique and question me in front of everybody. This SUCKS!

I'm finishing up the fabulous Lamb by Christopher Moore then will start on The Storm Thief by Chris Wooding for our LT Book Club on Saturday.

Courage, Morphy. Just imagine him in his underwear, or wearing Mickey Mouse ears, if he starts to harrass you.

>154 Morphidae: Presentations suck. I just had one yesterday. All I can say is stay hydrated and remember to breath. Good luck!

A technique I use with people in an audience who want to be resident critic extraordinaire is to first, thank them for their excellent question, and then second state that I do not have all the answers, and then turn it around and ask them for their answer to the problem, issues, or whatever. I can't stand it when the questions are intended not to help the group purpose but to point out our failings. What is the point of that? So, I try to return the focus to the group's purpose, and everyone's responsibility to add to that not to derail it.

I don't know if that would work in your situation but it has shut up more than one critic in the meetings I've been running.

>154 Morphidae: - Seriously?! I hope your presentation was allowed go on uninterrupted and that any question and answer period at the end didn't become a 'defend yourself against the former position holder' kind of debate. I hate it when a good Q&A session is hijacked by one individual.

Stopping by to wish you luck, and hoping the previous co-ordinator just came by to support you.

>155 laytonwoman3rd: >156 RosyLibrarian: >157 maggie1944: >158 lkernagh: >159 humouress:

It went very well. I spoke with my mom the night before and she gave me excellent advice. It would have been a dismal failure without her. I was going into the meeting with a "I'm going to tell you what to do" attitude and she helped me change it to "What can I do to help you" attitude. It was a resounding success. Both the program director AND the bane of my existence were pleased. This is what the bane said, "(Morphy) did an excellent job. I would never have done it that well!" Whoa!

Another person said she had called bane and he had been nice to her. She wondered if she had called the wrong number!

***

Today I'm doing on all the stuff I've been putting off while working on WeCab business. I may do the same tomorrow, too.

I finished Storm Thief and wasn't all that impressed. I'll have a review up soon-ish. Um, what should I read next?

*time passes*

Okay. City of Glass by Cassandra Clare is due at the library in five days. It's the second book in the series. I'll need to go find a summary of the first book somewhere, probably Wiki, as it's been so long since I read it.

>160 Morphidae: I am so glad the presentation went well, Morphy. Your Mom's advice was great. I like >157 maggie1944:'s advice, too, though. I am going to keep them both in mind.

I know you have had major issues with this person in the past, 'go you' for looking beyond them and doing a great job. ( Okay, in my head I just did a spontaneous raspberry at the old dispatch coordinator. In some ways I am not sure I will ever grow up).

I'm glad it went so well, Morphy. We never outgrow the need to listen to Mom, eh?

I've been nursing my boss through preparation for a presentation that he has a minor role in...you'd think as many of these as he's done, and given the mundane nature of his part (he's giving a background of our firm, which his father started, and introducing the other two guys who will speak), that he could do this in his sleep, but he's been obsessing. I'm very tired of it.

Yay, Morphy. It is surprising to me how few people think ahead and plan how to approach a meeting. I love the cliché: To not plan is to plan to fail.

Sounds like you did your homework and it paid off!

Congrats on the good presentation, Morphy!!

Congrats on the preservation as well Morphy. That's one job I always hate.

>160 Morphidae: A round of applause, nice job!

Brava indeed, Madame Morphy!

Yay! Congratulations!

(See - told ya.) ;0)

>160 Morphidae: Great job! So glad the presentation went well.

>161 MDGentleReader: Would you believe "bane" sent me a complimentary email? We are beginning to wonder when he got replaced with a Stepford wife.

>162 laytonwoman3rd: Oh dear. How did you get saddled with that job? You his admin?

>163 maggie1944: I would have been even more of a wreck if I hadn't planned. Okay, so I didn't start really planning other than some random notes until the night before. But I *did* plan!

>164 scaifea: >166 RosyLibrarian: >167 richardderus: >169 Sakerfalcon: Thank you!

>165 SandDune: It wasn't so bad once I was doing it.

>168 humouress: You did! I should listen to you more often.

>170 Morphidae: This is what I keep telling people. But no one listens.

>171 humouress: Huh? What did you say?

(-:

>170 Morphidae: "You his admin?" I guess you could say that, Morphy. My official title is paralegal, but I'm whatever he needs me to be (within reason...I draw the line at picking up his dry cleaning or prescriptions, or making his travel arrangements, and he gets his own coffee, for a wonder). I've been writing or re-writing his presentations, speeches, trial openings and closings (which he hasn't done any of in many years), letters, eulogies (yes, even for his own parents) for going on 40 years now. He calls me his Max Perkins. He's 72 years old, but I'm hoping to retire before he does.

>172 Morphidae: I keep telling people. Nobody listens. Must be because of my soft voice.

Off to urgent care for what I think is a migraine. My first. Oh boy. I've got a headache that four Ibruprofen barely touches, sensitivity to light, nausea, and a stiff neck. I'm so close to getting sick that I have a garbage can neaby... just in case. This is no fun.

gentle {{{Morphy}}}

>176 Morphidae: That sounds like a migraine, which are no fun. Feel better!

Migraine-begone whammys!

And now I'm going to ER for further testing because it's my first one, it came on suddenly and I'm having tingling on one side of my face.

Here's hoping for easily diagnosed, easily fixable, non-recurring, minimal life affecting outcome.

Maybe world peace, too. Seriously, though, you are in my thoughts and prayers.

>180 Morphidae: Eek. Good luck!

>181 MDGentleReader: Amen!

Gosh, Morphy! Hope you're well.

What MDGentleReader said. Including world peace, please. But by all means do only what you can in that regard.

Still in ER. CAT scan was fine. Waiting to go for spinal tap. Going on eight hours here. Add in one and a half hours at urgent care and it's been a long day.

I started them really moving when I said get me a nurse or a patient rep. Within 30 minutes I had the doctor, nurse, and tech in my room. I've been here a ridiculous amount of time for a headache.

Happy Friday, Morph! to answer your question up there: Yes, I do get to tweak my route changes or fix the crap they messed up, myself but it became much more complicated than I expected. I think we finally nailed it. I hope it is processed next week, while I am on vacation and I am ready to roll when I get back. Fingers crossed...

I am not sure I'll be able to get the Baldwin AAC thread up before I leave town, so it might have to wait until I return.

ETA- Sounds like a tough day in the ER, Morph! Good luck, my friend.

yes, what Mark said. Out damned ache!

Ouch! I remember the ER and uncontrolled vomiting days, before they found a medication which controls it. Hope you have as good a luck, and more quickly!

Kept in overnight for observation. Will be seeing a neurologist today. With any luck, after that they'll send me home.

Sending good vibes over your way, Morphy. I hope it's nothing serious and that you'll get to go home with a bag of kale chips and a topical cream.

I have my thumbs in hand! Sending good vibrations in your direction and hoping all will be well and good right away.

Sending more positive thoughts your way, Morphy. Hope it all turns out well.

Hoping it's all for nothing, and that your headache, at least has disappeared by now?

No, headache getting worse. They are still trying to figure it out.

Well, rest and take it easy. Hoping the headache goes soon and they resolve the cause.

I'll be here at least another day. Getting the right sized IV into me for the dye for the scan was a big old cluster$^&^%%. Twice didn't get the vein, once they hit a nerve, and once they hit an artery. Oh! And it started with them scalding my arm with the wet hot packs. So they've given up for the day and I look like a heroin addict.

The migraine medicine they tried today didn't do squat. It's back to the morphine derivative diladid. Gooood drugs. You can tell because a) I'm babbling and b) I'll giving TMI, I'm sure.

Sorry I'm not responding to individual posts. I'm on the hospital computer and I can't do multiple tabs. I'll respond to each person when I'm home. Meanwhile, thank you all so much for keeping me company here. You are helping me keep my sanity.

Oh, rot, Morphy! Sorry you're dealing with this. My daughter is what they call a "hard stick" when it comes to IV's and blood work and so on. I know it's an awful ordeal when the technicians can't get the needle in. May you find relief and an explanation very soon.

Oh Morphy I was hoping to check in and hear that the migraine had improved. So sorry to hear you're still not sure what's going on and still in pain :(

Thinking of you! I hope they can figure out a solution and send you home soon.

You are really having a tough go of it, Morphy. I also hope things get figured out soon and a treatment can be started.

Okay, today is a fresh today. My headache isn't as bad. finally got a shower yesterday afternoon. I'm putting a smile on my face and I'm going to show staff I'm not a grumpy pants. I've got back some of my sparkle.

Sometimes grumpy pants are necessary, to be sure, but I'm glad you've been able to put yours away. Charlie, by the way, prefers Fussy Britches to Grumpy Pants. Apparently they're more comfortable.

Thinking of you, Morphy...

Glad to see some improvement, and I am hoping it is an irresistible trend! I am sure you will charm the staff.

Thinking about you Morphy and hoping they get a handle on how to treat your migraine soon.

Should be heading home in the next hour or two, yay!

Thank goodness! Home should be looking mighty good about now. I hope the rest of that headache disappears in the serenity of home.

I'm sorry you had to go through this, but very happy that they took it all seriously and that you are now going home. There is no place like home with your own bed, Mr M and your sweet pup all keeping you company.

I'm home. They've given me painkillers and anti-nausea medication which MrMorphy has gone to pick up now. I'm pretty tired so I'll answer posts tomorrow. For now, because the headache is getting better, the doctor ruled out a venous clot and skipped the additional test. Still waiting on the results of the herpes simplex (canker sore, etc.) virus test. It takes a few days. As long as that comes back clear, this will just be a garden variety migraine. They were being careful this time to rule out the unusual stuff because I've never had a migraine and it came on fast. One minute I was fine, the next minute I had a bad headache.

So for those of you who get migraines, any advice? How long do these things last? I have a headache, neck pain, nausea almost to the point of vomiting (have come real close), and sensitivity to light. I'm on day 3.

I've had migraines that lasted anywhere from an hour to a week (the last, thankfully, a one-time experience brought on by a change in the birth control pill I was on). Medications as prescribed, drink as much water as you can hold, do what feels good, and avoid potential triggers (e.g. paint fumes, red wine, chocolate, etc.). It's wretched! I hope you feel better soon.

I'm glad that you're home now, Morphy, and here's hoping that whatever has caused this headache is a one-time deal and that you're not joining the too-populous crowd of 75ers with chronic migraine issues.

>209 Morphidae: So sorry to read about your whole ordeal, but I guess it is better to be safe than sorry. I hope you are on the mend soon. I get migraines every once in awhile, usually brought on by extreme stress. I soak my feet in hot water while my husband holds ice on my neck. It sounds strange, but it always helps...well that and a lot of ibuprofen.

I am so glad you are home. When my visual migraines threaten I use an eye mask to black out light, and go to bed. I avoid the computer screen like it was poison. I like listening to the radio when doing that as it takes my mind off the discomfort.

I hope you find some measures which support you feeling better.

What a horrible experience Morphy; I'm glad you are back at home now with medication that works. I'm keeping my fingers and toes crossed that all the remaining test results are clear and that this was just a one-off, never to recur experience.

>214 Sakerfalcon: What she said.

So glad that you are back home.

I hope all the damage did to you trying to get a diagnosis heals quickly.

>202 Morphidae: Love me some Morphy sparkle :-).

{{{Morphy}}}

Checking in to wish you an even better Tuesday. What a horrible weekend for you. Hoping you are on the mend.

Glad to hear you are at home and feeling a little better. Fingers crossed that the migraine goes away and stays away.

I hope you got some really good rest today, Morphy.

Unfortunately, every migraine sufferer appears to be somewhat different. Sometimes you have to try different meds to find what can shut the migraine down for you. Imitrex wasn't consistent for me--Maxalt works and prevents the cyclic vomiting that went on before and sent me to the ER a number of times. I take the medicine and curl up in a ball in a dark room, eventually fall asleep and wake up feeling better. But do try the ice and heat combinations--that really works for some people. I hope it doesn't take too much trial and error to find a management system for yours.

Sorry to see you've had such a bad migraine! Hopefully it is gone by now and doesn't come back!

>173 maggie1944: :D

>174 laytonwoman3rd: I would have thought he would have retired already!

>175 humouress: You heap felling missile? Gobody glistens?

>177 MDGentleReader: >178 RosyLibrarian: >179 richardderus: >181 MDGentleReader: >182 _Zoe_: >184 humouress: >185 maggie1944: >188 maggie1944: >189 ronincats: >191 cameling: >192 maggie1944: >193 jnwelch: >196 humouress: Thank you for your support, best wishes and whammies.

>187 msf59: I thought to myself, "Baldwin? Baldwin who?" I looked him up then remembered!

>198 laytonwoman3rd: I know I'm a hard stick but I also think I wasn't hydrated enough.

>199 bell7: >200 _Zoe_: >201 DeltaQueen50: >207 ronincats: I'm on day 5 and am pretty sick of it. The light sensitivity isn't as bad and the headache and nausea have calmed down to a dull roar but dang, will this ever be over?

>203 scaifea: That made me smile. I have my fussy britches back on today. :(

>204 maggie1944: The nurses had the compassion of gnats but the nursing assistants were all wonderful.

>205 lkernagh: >213 maggie1944: I have an appointment with my primary physician on Thursday, so maybe she'll have a treatment plan or at least some idea what to do.

>208 streamsong: I know, I've slept so much better. Probably has something to do with not being woken up every 2 hours for something or another!

>210 Cynara: I'm still waiting for the feeling better part!

>211 scaifea: >214 Sakerfalcon: Oh, I hope so too. It might be viral meningitis instead of a migraine. We can only hope. Then it's just a "one-off" and I'll never have to deal with this again.

>212 RosyLibrarian: Ibuprofen isn't helping much. Which is odd since it usually works just fine for all my aches and pains.

>215 MDGentleReader: No sparkle today. :(

>216 michigantrumpet: A bit better. The headache is about half what it was as is the nausea. At least I don't feel like I have to have a trash can nearby. I just don't feel like eating much.

>217 DeltaQueen50: From your lips...

>218 laytonwoman3rd: I did, thank you.

>219 ronincats: I tried heat and it made it worse. I'm afraid to try cold because it made regular headaches worse in the past.

>220 ChelleBearss: No such luck! It may take some help from my doctor on Thursday.

Feel better soon, Morphy! And no recurrences!

{{{Morphy}}

>221 Morphidae: Good point about the hydration. It pays to drink up when you know you're going to be the target of the dreaded hypo.
My boss will never retire, I assume. He wouldn't know what to do with himself if he didn't think he was running things. His father was in the office 2 days a week until about a month before he died, at the age of 93.
Is there a test for viral meningitis? It would certainly be a relief to know it was caused by something specific like that that resolves.
Keeping all the ommmm generators fired up for you. I'm glad you feel like hanging out with us a little bit, at least.

Morphy, glad you are home! I suppose you are starting to feel like it's never going away. Hope you've got enough energy to read and listen to mellow music. I've never had a migraine though! I don't know. So, I suppose you want to hear news about the outside world??? A friend is bringing her Irish Water Spaniel over any minute now so I can dog sit. That'll make three of the crazy, dreadlocked poodles running around my house. Time to padlock the refrigerator. They tend to help themselves to carrots. It's a breed trait.

Morphy I'm super behind.

-So excited your presentation went well.
-I'm sorry about your migraine. I hope they find out what caused it and can remedy it.
-Thanks for coming by my thread and checking in. Thanks for the info on Mercy. I ordered the 2nd book but I was hesitant. Now I can breathe easy.
-Makes me sad that your nurses did not have compassion. I'm glad the assistants did.

Migraine, migraine go away
Don't come back another day
Please let Morphy come out and play
Migraine, migraine go away

There. That ought to do it - if, of course I remembered the right sequence of hand clapping, waving, stomping, and possibly spitting.

(Do kids still do this?)

I hope you don't mind, Morphy, but I am shamelessly advertising the September Series and Sequels thread. If you or any of your vsitors are planning on reading any series in September, this is the place to come and let everyone know what you are going to be reading.

September Series and Sequels

>221 Morphidae: When Charlie was tiny and fussing, I used to sing to him (to the tune of the song that the mice sing about Cinderelly): "Fussy britches fussy britches Charlie Scaife's got fussy britches..."

I hope you wake up feeling much, much better today, Morphy.

I am here to toss some smiles, gentle hugs, and best wishes to you......

>222 SylviaC: That is my hope!

>223 MDGentleReader: Thanks, I need those.

>224 laytonwoman3rd: Well, I hope YOU retire! No, there is no test. No more than there is a test for a cold. Viruses are tricky things.

>225 cammykitty: Your post made me smile. Thank you. Yes, I do feel like it's never going away. I'm on day 6. Ugh! I'm just grateful it's not as bad as the first couple of days.

>226 luvamystery65: Let me give you an example! On Saturday, I had a meltdown. Just bawled. The nurse came in during the middle of it and IGNORED me. No "Are you alright?" or "Is there anything I can do?" He did what he came in to do and didn't say a word to me until I stopped crying. Then it was just comments about what he was doing with my IV.

>227 streamsong: And your post cracked me up. Spitting?

>228 DeltaQueen50: I tend to not do the themed reading but I don't mind you posting about it.

>229 scaifea: Did it work?

>230 maggie1944: Thanks, hon.

***

*sings (ok, caterwauls)*

It's the headache that never ends
It just goes on and on my friends
I went to the ER in pain not knowing what it was
And it'll continue hurting me forever just because

Thanks for putting that never-ending song into my head! At least your sense of humor is in good health...

>231 Morphidae: That is despicable Morphy!!! It burns me up when people go into nursing for the wrong reasons. You can always tell they don't belong, just the same as teachers. Modern day healthcare has driven away from the hospital bedside the people with a true calling.

Oh my! by the time we complete Migraine Migraine go away, your migraine will have moved on to someone else! Hopefully. Alas, I don't feel up to the challenge of penning another verse.

Migraines in Spain hit mainly in the plane!!

Be well!

Oh no!!! I'm a long time migraine sufferer, Morph. But my first one didn't hit me until my 20s and I was at work. I thought I was dying. It hit me like yours did --- no warning. I was in the middle of a meeting and thought I was going to toss my cookies right then and there on the gentleman's shoes! I have no idea how I made it through that meeting!!! Someone from work had to drive me home.

I have had migraines and been treated by various doctors for almost 20 years. I've even been to ENTs for nasal surgery & recurring sinus infections and been treated with antibiotics repeatedly, only to find out that the headaches were probably all migraines all along. It wasn't until I started seeing a neurologist that I got appropriate medications and learned what triggers me.

I agree with what Roni said... Every migraine patient has different triggers, differing symptoms and varying responses to medications. I'm now on a daily medication that controls my migraines pretty well. I only have a few a month - mostly mild to moderate (whereas I was having debilitating ones multiple times a week before). And I find that if I can catch them in the early stages I can sometimes take a regular pain pill and treat it without having to take my super expensive migraine meds.

My other biggest lifesaver is the anti nausea medication. Without Zofran I wouldn't survive some of my workdays. Sometimes I can take that and it will control the nausea enough to let me finish my day (cause I can't work /drive/function on the other meds)...

Oh, and I have two cooling gel pillows that I keep in the freezer. I use them at night to make sure I sleep (after letting them thaw). But if my head is aching, I'll wrap them in a dishtowel and pack my head with them to numb the pain.

Sorry for the lengthy response... I just know how miserable they can make you feel. I have sobbed because of the level of pain before. It surely doesn't help, but when you are in that much agony, sometimes you just can't help it.

My love & prayers to you.

Don't you just love LT. Here we are a bunch of book lovers and yet when one of us has a problem we are also a bunch of problem solvers, or at least a bunch of caring helpers sorts! I hope things are a bit better, and I hope this was a once only hit to you.

>236 TinaV95: Tina: Ooof, I've been to that point where you're in so much pain that you know you're going to cry, but you also know that crying will make the pain even worse, and that thought makes you want to cry even more... *sigh*

How are you feeling this morning, Morphy?

Not posting today. Too much pain.

So sorry, Morphy. Don't you have a doctor's appointment today? I'm hoping they will help you find some relief.

Hope you start feeling better, Morphy.

dr appt today

had mrmorphy tickle my back last night, made me giggle

Laughter is always good for what ails ya. Hope the doctor has something useful to offer.

{{{Morphy}}}, I've got an infinite supply for you. Just wish there was something I could do to make the pain go away.

{{{Morphy}}}

Dr. told me viral meningitis not migraines. Good news. Just need to wait it out. Got a different pain killer.

oh, whew! Not a nice thing but at least you are not receiving a life sentence to those bummer migraines.

Did he say how long, give or take?

I am not happy you are sick, Morph, but at least it will pass. Thank goodness for that.

Viral meningitis? It's lasted quite a while for a virus! But hopefully that means it won't reoccur. In the meantime, I prescribe more tickles.

The best we could hope for, I think---something self-limiting. As mean as it is, at least you can anticipate an end. May it be soon.

Yep, what Linda just said - hoping it's over and out the door soon, Morphy.

Walgreen's pharmacy's computer system is down (seems state if not nationwide) so couldn't get the new prescription filled. Probably will get it this afternoon. Disappointment. Norco helps, hoping Tramadol helps more. Did research and found out this could last weeks to months. Not happy.

It's not the cheeriest news, for sure and certain. Still better than the life sentence of migraines!

/Pollyanna

A long lasting virus really stinks as do computer glitches that delay relief.

Add me to the folks who are really, really glad that it is not a migraine, though.

{{{Hugs}}}

It's never good to be ill, but at least you have a diagnosis. I think the not knowing is the hardest. This sounds like a horrible thing to have and I sure hope the medication that your doctor has prescribed helps you find some ease from the pain.

Okay. I haven't said anything because a) I didn't want to complain even more and 2) I didn't know what it was. Starting Monday, I've been having pain throughout my body but mostly in my arms and back. I've also had pain in my hands, shoulders, hips, knees, wrists, just about everywhere. My normal daily activities have been restricted. Sometimes even typing hurts.

My internal medicine doctor yesterday said it wasn't related to the viral meningitis and referred me to a rheumatologist. Luckily, I got an appointment today, otherwise it was going to be September 25th! She told me that muscle/joint pain most certainly WAS related to the viral meningitis and in fact it was a common symptom. She confirmed my research that it may be weeks or months before I feel better. She thinks more on the weeks side though because of my level of symptoms and test results.

Speaking with my pharmacist and the rheumatologist, I also found out the prescription the internal doctor gave me (tramadol) would not work well with my anti-depressants and might cause serotonin syndrome (basically an overdose.) Nice! So she gave me a different prescription for naproxen and then generic Prilosec to keep my stomach settled.

So, that's the current story. MrMorphy is off to get the new prescriptions and I'm settling in for a long haul recovery.

Well, I am glad that all that pain is not a whole new medical issue to deal with. And when months are the alternative, weeks sounds better ?!?

Basically, though, this situation is the pits.

Morphy, please share with us what is happening with you when you are ready so we can share it with you, good and bad.

Gentle, non-pain increasing hugs.

Lots of pain reducing and drug efficaciousness and non-interaction whammies coming your way.

{{{Morphy}}}

Also, you continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.

Oh Seratonin Syndrome!!! That's fun. You gain 2-3 lbs a week, hands shake, and when someone tells you your best friend died, you laugh. Been there, done that. Thank heavens your pharmacist caught the prescription incompatibility before it happened. (Okay, my best friend didn't die, but you know what I mean. Inappropriate reactions!)

Is it time for a new primary care physician?

RA's symptoms are all about joints, no muscular pain usually. Swollen joints! Hard or impossible to move.

My Rheumatologist sent me to an orthopedic doctor to talk about the swollen wrist, and thumb, on my left hand. She warned me he would tell me it was the RA, and that we needed to treat that. We, Rheumatologist and I, have been treating it for a long time. Sigh.

He said the thumb was not bad enough for surgery yet, that I could find some relief from a Occupational Therapist designing me a brace for the wrist and the base of the thumb. Bottom line there will be more pain, but maybe the brace will help.

I understand "not bad enough yet". That is what they said about my hips, too. Eventually, I'll probably have surgery on my thumb.

Oh my gosh, Morphy. I guess viral meningitis IS better than life-long migraines, but gee whiz. That's not a picnic in a park!

My dear friend... here's hoping the new meds will work very, very quickly to provide you effective relief. Love you bunches! (((Morph)))

Please take care of you, rest well, and do all the doctor says will make you better soon!

I certainly hope the new prescriptions make a difference in reducing your pain, Morphy!! What Tina said.

Naproxen is good stuff but can be quite harsh on the stomach - make sure you get plenty of fibre. Tramadol is even better, thankfully I've never had a doctor not prescribe it because of Serotonin syndrome, but from what I've read the syndrome is something to avoid so interesting to see there might be an incompatibility.

I find it strange to see that your doctor thought the pain was unrelated to the virus - I'm no doctor and have never had viral meningitis but even I was aware that it was a common symptom. Perhaps its because as I was growing up there was a big campaign in schools and the media in the UK about recognizing bacterial meningitis in children and teenagers, and we learnt about viral meningitis as well. Anyway, I hope the medications work at making you more comfortable and the virus runs its course quickly.

>232 laytonwoman3rd: You're welcome. Any time. My pleasure. :D

>233 luvamystery65: I know. I'm becoming more cynical about medical care the more I've been exposed to it the last year or so. I learn more about my problems on the Internet than I do in a doctor's office.

>234 cammykitty: Thanks for the good wishes.

>235 TinaV95: Zofran is the bomb. It's a miracle drug. I was SO HAPPY when they gave it to me in ER. I went from about to lose it to feeling fine in about 10 minutes.

>236 TinaV95: Yes, there have been quite a lot of tears the last week. I haven't been out of pain in nine days now.

>237 maggie1944: Thankfully, this should be a one time deal. *crosses fingers*

>238 scaifea: Feeling about the same. The pain killers take the edge off. And I know what you mean about crying. Sometimes I cry anyway, the tears just leak out.

>240 streamsong: Had an appointment Thursday and Friday. They've got me mostly figured out. It's just a matter of time now.

>241 jnwelch: Yay for fuzz therapy!

>243 laytonwoman3rd: Yes, it is. I need to watch a funny movie or something. I read Free for All which was rather amusing.

>244 MDGentleReader: Me, too!

>246 maggie1944: She said weeks to months. Most likely weeks. And even though this will take some time to get better I am VERY happy it's not migraines.

>247 cammykitty: Viruses, unfortunately, can last quite a long time.

>248 laytonwoman3rd: Very true. It gives me hope.

>249 scaifea: Thank you!

>251 richardderus: Not Pollyanna at all. It's very true and one I'm grateful for.

>252 MDGentleReader: Join the club! :D

>253 DeltaQueen50: It does ease it, thanks. One aggravation has been - why didn't the hospital tell me my diagnosis over the weekend? Why did it take until I saw my doctor on Thursday to find out what I had? *grumbles*

>255 MDGentleReader: Thank you. It means a lot. Especially the hugs.

>256 cammykitty: Actually, I caught it when reading about tramadol and asked the pharmacist who confirmed it. I'm losing faith in the medical profession quickly.

>257 maggie1944: I'm thinking about it actually. It seems like she doesn't know much, sends me to ER far too often, and refers me to specialists a lot.

Ugh. I'm sorry about your thumb. It sucks getting older.

>258 TinaV95: It certainly isn't! Unfortunately, there isn't much I can do other than take my pain meds, stomach meds, and wait it out.

>259 ronincats: We will see!

>260 lunacat: The rheumatologist gave me a prescription for Prilosec as well for my stomach that I have to take each time I take the naproxen to prevent stomach issues. Thanks for the warning though!

I found out about the muscle/joint pain related to viral meningitis on a UK site. It does seem like it's more common knowledge there.

Or maybe I don't have a knowledgeable doctor. I'm going to be looking into it. It may be time for a new one.

Dear Morphy, so sorry to see that you have been in so much pain and the light at the end of the tunnel remains a fairly dim glow. Mr. Morphy seems to be more help than the medicine with his tickling remedies.

I hope that the weekend brings some relief to you my dear. I am not around as much as previously but I wanted to send you a reminder that I am still around and caring. xx

Oh Morphy, so sorry to hear about your diagnosis. Wishing you a pain free weekend and hoping you will be on the mend soon.

Sorry to hear about all the health woes, Morphy. *big hugs*

Oh my. I'd be losing my faith quickly too if I were you. I know doctors curse the internet because it gives the patient "too much information that they don't understand" but thank heavens for the internet!!! My mother was an internist for a dr before I was born, and she always was checking out medications in the MERK Manual before she let us take them. Now what she did makes perfect sense. And here your having to do all this checking when you aren't feeling well. Hope you get some good doctors and some good health soon!

Wow. I missed your new thread somehow and it looks like I missed a lot. :( I'm sorry about the migrane. I've only ever had one myself and it definitely wasn't as bad as that. I hope everything gets figured out. Best

>262 PaulCranswick: I'm glad you are having a good time in Egypt and that you had a change to stop by! *hugs*

>263 RosyLibrarian: I hope so to. This is the pits!

>264 MickyFine: Thanks! This certainly has been Anno Horriblis.

>265 cammykitty: Thank you! I'll take all the good wishes I can get.

>266 Kassilem: It's viral meningitis rather than a migraine. Longer lasting but thankfully non-reoccurring. Thanks for the good thoughts.

***.

Miracle of miracles, I started a new thread before hitting 300 posts.

http://www.librarything.com/topic/179621

Oh dear, Morphy, so sorry to hear you're not feeling better yet. When you said 'stiff neck' it sent up the meningitis flare, but I didn't want to scare you; maybe it would have made you feel better instead.

Well, take it easy (I'm sure you don't need that advice) and feel better soon.

Ok - off to check out your new thread. I'm so far behind this week...