scaifea's 2015 challenge - thread #11

Welcome to thread XI!



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. A read-aloud-to-Charlie-at-bedtime book.

9. A book from my Classics shelves.

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

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

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

And on top of these, there will be a multitude of picture books and easy readers, which Charlie and I read together. I've decided this year also to list our re-reads, but I'll just list them each day and not number them.

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



What I'm reading now:
-Johnny Got His Gun (Banned Books list)
-Spice and the Devil's Cave (Newbery Honor list)
-English Fairy Tales (The Green Dragon 1001 Fantasy List)
-John Tyler (Presidential Challenge)
-(pending next trip to the library) (audio book)
-Stand on Zanzibar (Hugo & BFSA award lists)
-The A.B.C. Murders (Christie bibliography)
-The Puppy Place: Goldie (Charlie's bed-time book)
-The Marvelous Land of Oz (Charlie's bath-time book)
-Cicero (off of my classics shelves)
-Essential Tibetan Buddhism (Buddhism list)
-She (year-by-year book list, 1887)
-Tears of the Giraffe (series that my mom wants me to read so we can chat about it)
-The Iliad (everyday audio book in the car)
-Rebecca (British Author Challenge, NEH list)
-Neil Patrick Harris Choose Your Own Biography (Christmas present!)

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

Books Read:
(For previous reads, see previous threads.)

April
171. (#52) The Spiderwick Chronicles: The Field Guide (1001 Children's Books list) - 9/10 = A
172. (#53) The Spiderwick Chronicles: The Seeing Stone (series follow-up) - 9/10 - A
173. Where's My Teddy? (1001 Children's Books list) - 7/10 = C
174. Easter Egg Crack-Ups (Charlie book) - 7/10 = C
175. The Great Paper Caper (Charlie book) - 9/10 = A
176. (#54) The Puppy Place: Mocha (Charlie book, bedtime read) - 8/10 = B
177. National Geographic Kids Race Day (Charlie's school library book) - 8/10 = B
178. (#55) The Spiderwick Chronicles: Lucinda's Secret (series follow-up) - 9/10 = A
179. (#56) The Spiderwick Chronicles: The Ironwood Tree (series follow-up) - 9/10 = A
180. (#57) The Spiderwick Chronicles: The Wrath of Mulgarath (series follow-up) - 9/10 = A
181. (#58) Beyond the Spiderwick Chronicles: The Nixie's Secret (series follow-up) - 8/10 = B+
182. (#59) Beyond the Spiderwick Chronicles: A Giant Problem (series follow-up) - 8/10 = B+
183. Emmet's Guide to Being Awesome (Charlie book) = 8/10 = B+
184. The Night Before Easter (Charlie book) - 8/10 = B
185. I Spy Mystery (public library book) - 7/10 = C
186. (#60) Beyong the Spiderwick Chronicles: The Wyrm King (series follow-up) = 8/10 = B+
187. (#61) Space Patrol (CYOA list) - 8/10 = B
188. Here Comes the Easter Cat (public library book) - 8/10 = B+
189. Chicken Said, "Cluck!" (Charlie book) - 8/10 = B
190. Tornadoes and Hurricanes! (Charlie's school library book) = 8/10 = B
191. Autumn A to Z (public library book) - 7/10 = C
192. (#62) The Thirteen Clocks (Charlie's bed time book) - 10/10 = A
193. Charley's First Night (public library book) - 8/10 = B+
194. Ducks in a Row (Charlie book) - 8/10 = B
195. Rocket Writes a Story (public library book) - 9/10 = A

The Charlie Topper:

And the Bonus Question (thanks to Judy (DeltaQueen50)!):

Pick a destination where you haven't been yet and tell us why you would like to travel there.

I talked to my mo this morning and she sounds *so* much better! YAY! Big sigh of relief.

Happy new thread, Amber. Must be a delicious pizza. :-)

Fot the BQ I would like to go to St. Pertersburg (Russia). It's a place full of history. I haven't been there so farbecause it's very expensive.

It's good to hear that your Mom feels much better.

Nice new thread, Amber! That's a nice looking cookie that Charlie has. I'm glad to hear that your mother is recuperating nicely.

For the Bonus Question, I'll choose Lisbon over several other cities that I'd like to visit soon (Edinburgh, Vienna, Prague, Buenos Aires). It's the oldest city in Western Europe, with fabulous architecture, superb museums, and spectacular venues from the city's hills. I hope to go there in October.

Happy New thread, Amber! LOVE the Charlie topper.

I want to go to New Zealand. Reason(s): It looks like my kind of place. Stunning landscapes. And I want to visit Megan.

Happy new thread, Amber. That cookie is bigger than Charlie! Hmm -- a place to visit that I haven't been... I'd love to see Machu Picchu.

>5 Ameise1: Barbara: It looks big enough to be a pizza, doesn't it? Ha! And St. Petersburg would be amazing!

>6 kidzdoc: Darryl: Oooh, Lisbon! Nice!

>7 msf59: Mark: Oh, I'm with you on New Zealand - gorgeous. And how awesome would it be to meet Megan?! And Jenn (Jenn's in NZ, too, right?)!

>8 BLBera: Hi, Beth! I like the idea of Machu Picchu, too!

Whelp, here it is - the 15 yards of fabric that will eventually, hopefully, turn into a toga. Whew! After I took this photo, I started in and have tamed the pile enough that it has been cut into three pieces and sewn back together. Next comes the shaping and hemming...

I would go to Yorkshire. My ancestors the Ewbanks were from there. They moved to America in the 1790s and then to Indiana in the 1800s (decade, not century). One of the traditional given names on that side of the family is "Lancelot," which is kind of cool.

>11 casvelyn: And you could visit John! Cool!

>3 scaifea: Well, I think I'd need to pick Iceland. I've wanted to go there ever since I was a child, mainly because I love that sort of dramatic bleakness. If we're talking cities it would probably be Stockholm, which has lots of small islands in its archipelago, which look lovely.

Timbuktu please. With an entry pass to see all the hidden manuscripts, and an instant-acting 'teach yourself ancient script'. :-)

>11 casvelyn: Wait, John is from Yorkshire!?! Maybe we're related! (It's a big county, but one can hope...)

Happy new thread, and hooray for your mom sounding so much better. What a relief!

And hooray for Charlie's giant cookie. I'm a Jimmy Johns fan, too :)

Bonus question: it is a tie between Ireland (particularly the western part of the island) because of family history and Malta because it was the first place I read about when I first started reading the travel section of the Washington Post and caught the travel bug.

>13 SandDune: Rhian: Oooh, Iceland and Stockholm sound perfect to me!

>14 charl08: Charlotte: Ha! Best of luck with that instant learning business!

>15 casvelyn: I'm pretty sure he is...and Paul, too...

>16 katiekrug: Katie: Yeah, we're fans, too. The bread is so amazing.
I'd love to get to Ireland someday, too.

Mongolia! Because I'm lucky enough to have already travelled to a lot of awesome places that I'd like to revisit, but I haven't been to Mongolia yet - steppes! mountains!

168. (50th non-picture book) Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz (1001 Children's Books list, 192 pages) - 6/10 = D
Alex Rider is a 14-year-old orphan who had been raised by his uncle, and when his uncle dies mysteriously, Alex snoops around to discover that his uncle was a spy. And now MI6 want him to become a spy, too.
This book was ridiculous. So beyond believable, which is okay, generally, for fiction, of course, but not in this way. This kid is too mature - not to mention lucky - to be just 14. Also, the characters are too stock and pat and the story is just silly.

>18 evilmoose: Megan: Mongolia! Wow!

Happy Monday and new thread, Amber!

Dang! I'm such a travel virgin that there are TOO many places I want to travel. Perhaps my one regret before having kids was not getting to travel as much. Oh well, there is always retirement, right??

>21 jolerie: Hi, Valerie! Ha! Yeah, I don't travel much at all, either, because I'm a homebody (I get sad when I'm away from home) and I'm afraid to fly. *sigh*

>3 scaifea: Bonus question... There are too many places to mention. I am one to travel to cities and cultural places rather than beaches and such so pretty much and European city is a dream travel destination for me (obviously there are are places outside of Europe that fit that description too, but I think you understand my thinking). Most of them are on the list (a couple will be visited this year, yay me!) and some are not possible/safe/etc. at the moment so are on a "hopefully one day in the future"-list. But the reason is pretty much always the same: there are castles, museums and/or other culturally significant and interesting places to visit.

Happy new thread, Amber! The list of places I want to visit is very, very long but the next place I'm plotting a trip in the next year or two is Italy. Partly so I can have honest to goodness Italian food and partly for all of the awesome cultural stuff going on there. :)

>19 scaifea: Hahahaha... yeah, they're so-so at best, the Alex Rider books - if you found Stormbreaker ridiculously unbelievable, don't bother with any more. Popular titles with many boys especially in the library while the series was being written, but not my cup of tea either.

Bonus question:
Oh, so many places! Highest on my list I suppose are the French Open and the south of France and Australia/New Zealand to totally geek out over places filmed in the Lord of the Rings and the Australian Open (the four tennis majors have been a travel goal of mine for awhile). I'd also love to see Rome and Venice for the history and art.

Hi Amber, nice new thread my dear. Hope you have had a good Monday. As for the bonus question I would like to visit Japan, I love their history and the pagodas. I also have a liking for Bonsai's and Japanese tattoo's.

Congrats on the new thread, Amber!

Bonus question: I'd go to Hay-on-Wye in Wales for the book festival. Some day we're going to do it, by gum.

Happy New Thread! I would like to go to Quebec City. I've wanted to visit ever since I did a project in 4th or 5th grade and I still haven't been there. It's the main reason I took French in high school rather than Spanish.

>23 PawsforThought: Yep, beaches aren't really my thing, either.

>24 MickyFine: Micky: I really ought to get myself to Rome at some point. And Pompeii. I mean, honestly.

>25 bell7: Mary: There's definitely no danger that I'll be reading any more in the series. Sheesh.

>26 johnsimpson: John: Oh, Japan! Yes!

>27 jnwelch: Joe: I think that may be a dangerous destination for me, but it sounds heavenly.

>28 cbl_tn: Carrie: Cool! I'd love to go there, too.

>3 scaifea: I still want to see Japan. I just find it an interesting culture. My wife's is England/other iles.

>30 xymon81: And I'd like to see both!

Bonus question... Oh, so many places. Aberdeen is high on my list so I can visit the Highlands, then head north for the Orkneys and Faroes.

>32 drneutron: Jim: Oh, I've wanted to visit Aderdeen for a good while now, since a friend of mine spent his sabbatical teaching there...

I spent a few days in Aberdeen a couple of years ago and liked it very much. I wish I had gotten out to explore the surrounding area more...

169. How Many Jelly Beans? by Andrea Menotti (public library book, picture book) - 8/10 = B
A giant picture book that tries to convey how much various amounts are, up to 1 million, with pictures of jelly beans.
Cute, and Charlie thought it was cool.

>34 katiekrug: Katie: Cool! My friend's one complaint about staying there for an entire year was that everything closed very early in the day. Ha!

>3 scaifea: I want to go to Peru. Because.


>7 msf59:, >9 scaifea: Jenn is in NZ :) and it is a very good place to visit. There are quite a few LTers in NZ. We could have a big ol' party for Mark and anyone else who wants to come along.

That is a big cookie, but why the pout? Bonus question: my destinations always have to do with walking in the steps of my ancestors. I have gone to some of the places that my research has led me but I have many more places to reach - they moved around a lot. In the near future Bournemouth and St Helier, Jersey are places I would like to check out.

Okay, first I have to get rid of my 9-1-1 allergies that I might die from in foreign countries where I can't speak the language and ask what's in the food, but once I do that, I like Peru (nice picture Nittnut!), Japan, Egypt (if it calms down a bit again), Africa... the list is actually quite long. I actually have travelled abroad, but I had to bring my list of allergies translated into every language for every country I went to. I only wound up checking out the ER in Sweden after some sort of nut thing, but they spoke great English. : )

Happy new thread Amber! And yes, good looking cookie :)

Despite not really liking cities, I would love to go to New York - mainly due to my degree thesis being on the New York School poets. I'd love to go visit all the places they wrote about. Asides from that, pretty much EVERYWHERE! Asides from UK, France and Tunisia on my honeymoon I've never been anywhere.

#38 Come visit me! I live in St.Helier :)

>37 nittnut: I would *love* to come and visit you, Jenn! Sewing party! Ha!

>38 Familyhistorian: Meg: Oh, that's not a pout - that's a thinking face.

>39 Berly: Kim: Hm, no Egypt or Africa for me, I think - I'd like to stick to cooler climates and less chance of running into snakes. Sweden is definitely more my style; in fact, Tomm and I are very seriously considering retiring to Sweden, or Norway...

>40 BekkaJo: Oh, New York is very cool to visit, although I wouldn't want to live there.
And you live in St. Helier?! Cool!

On the agenda for today:

Laundry day. But otherwise I'm spending the day in my sewing room again, to finish the toga and get started on the tunics for the kids. Leftovers for dinner tonight.

On the reading front: I started Artemis Fowl, which features another extremely precocios young boy but which also is much better written than Stormbreaker, and also She, which I think will be a hoot (I've read King Solomon's Mines before and really enjoyed it).

The calendar book for today: Longitude: The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Time by Dava Sobel. Sounds pretty good - anyone read this one?

>42 scaifea: Yup - read Longitude a long time ago, but from the rather vague memory that I enjoyed it (!), recommended.

>43 charl08: Charlotte: Excellent! I'm adding it to the wishlist!

Morning Amber! I am up for a big party in NZ!! Who's with me??

>45 msf59: WooHoo! Me!!

Morning, Amber! Happy new thread - I really love that photo of Charlie with the giant cookie! Let's see, for the bonus question, I would say Italy. But London is right up there. I would love to visit London.

Hi Amber, hope you have a lovely day in your sewing room my dear, the photo of Charlie is gorgeous.

>47 Crazymamie: Hi, Mamie! London and Italy? Yes, please!

>48 johnsimpson: Morning, John! Thanks! He's a cutie, isn't he?

>42 scaifea: I loved Longitude, Amber! It's been a while, but she brings that time to life, including the extensive impact of the problem while a different kind of "globalization" was going on (with the problem costing many lives, among other things), and the excitement of trying to solve it. Her Galileo's Daughter is really good, too.

>50 jnwelch: Joe: Oh, neat! I didn't realize it was the same author! I've had my eye on Galileo's Daughter for a while.

>41 scaifea: Thinking face, someone must have asked Charlie a difficult question if it was distracting him frm that mega cookie.

>40 BekkaJo: Maybe we could do a meet up on St Helier. I would love to visit Jersey.

>52 Familyhistorian: Meg: Ha! I can't remember now what we were talking about.

>54 Samantha_kathy: I agree about NZ and Ireland, but I'll let you go to Egypt on your own!

#52 You're on of course :) And the Jersey heritage archives are lovely (and very welcoming) if you ever want to do any historical digging.

I'll join everyone who's doing the mass NZ meet up! One of my best friends emigrated there just before Xmas and I'd love to go visit her as well. Of course I'm broke but... I can dream.

Hi Amber, wishing you a most lovely day.

>56 BekkaJo: Bekka: Daydreaming about far-away LT meetups is a perfectly acceptable pastime, I believe. *smiles*

>57 Ameise1: Thanks, Barbara! So far so good!

Here's what hemming 15 yards of toga looks like:



It's finished now and folded up and rolled onto a heavy cardboard tube. I'll dress Tomm in it to practice before the presentation, but I suspect he won't let me take a photo of him. I'll post one of Mr. Brown when the presentation happens.

There are many, many places I'd love to see. I'm not a very good traveler, though---hate flying, cannot conceive of placing myself on any type of ocean-going vessel for more than a couple hours. But I love to BE places...you know? I might get behind that transporter thing since it's quick and I wouldn't have much time to worry about the dying, and if it were going to kill me THAT would probably be quick...anyway, very high on my list, and doable one of these days, I hope, is Oxford, MS. You know why.

Waves! Hi Amber!

>49 scaifea:, he sure is my dear, I need to get the photo's out to look back at Rob and Amy when they were Charlie's age.

>60 laytonwoman3rd: Linda: I'll meet you in Oxford - how fun would that be?!

>61 connie53: Hi, Connie!

>62 johnsimpson: Oh, I'd love to see some of those photos, John!

>41 scaifea: scaifea: That's a thinking face, eh? I just thought you'd surprised him when you took his pic! What was he thinking about? It looks serious--those wide eyes and raised eyebrows give him a worried or concerned look....

Bonus question answer: I'm kind of a homebody--it's where my family (including 4-footed members) are. And I'm not really much of a traveler, kind of like laytonwoman3rd. I remember thinking on my weekly drive to Indy the two semesters I took physical, face-to-face classes that I was wasting 6 hours just driving back and forth when, in an online class, I could have used those 6 hours for homework. But I love face-to-face classes (the trips were a waste of time--not the classes) and these two were only offered on campus, so I had no real choice if I wanted to take them. (And one was a required class--no getting out of that one!) But if I could take my sisters, mom, my cat and the dog (and, of course, assume that we could get around the quarantine laws that would keep the critters separated from us for so long), I'd love to go to the UK countryside. I'm not picky about which part--each countryside would have its charms, I imagine.

>63 scaifea:, I will dig some out and post them my dear.

>64 CassieBash: Cassie: Oh no, he's very used to me taking his picture - I've taken at least one every day of his life so far.
And I'm with you on being a homebody. I like the idea of traveling but not the actual thing.

>65 johnsimpson: John: Yay!!

So Charlie decided this afternoon that he wanted to write a letter to the President:



We'll go to the post office tomorrow so that he can mail it himself...

Charming!

>67 scaifea: - Aww, that's so sweet! I don't know if it's still there, but when I worked at the WH there was a whole section of the Correspondence Department devoted to children's mail. I used to love going in there and reading the messages and seeing the pictures :)

>68 Crazymamie: Mamie: I know, right?!

>69 katiekrug: Katie: I suspect that it is, or something similar. I hope he gets some sort of response from them - he'd be thrilled!

>67 scaifea: Oh how sweet! Fingers crossed for a worthy response.

>67 scaifea: That's very cute! J wrote a letter to the Prime Minister about global warming when he was a bit older than Charlie. I wish I'd kept a copy but he was so keen to get it posted that we had to get to the post box straight away. I seem to remember it featured drowning polar bears. He did get a reply from 10 Downing Street quite quickly!

>71 Copperskye: Thanks, Joanne! I have a feeling that he will - this seems like the kind of administration that would value such things. Also, did you happen to see the tiny golden retriever photos on the last thread? Charlie's getting one of those in about 8 weeks!

>72 SandDune: Very cool, Rhian! Charlie's very keen on writing letters to people, so my one concern is that if he gets a response he'll then want to write to the president all the time. Ha!

On the agenda for today:

I need to make up a grocery list for next week, since I think Charlie and I will be doing the shopping tomorrow instead of Friday (Charlie has tomorrow and Friday off this week). I think I'll try to get the plastic eggs filled with treats today while Charlie's at school, too, just so I'm not stuck doing them late Saturday night after Charlie goes to sleep. After that I think I'll hang out in the sewing room until time to head to school for volunteering this afternoon. I just have the two little tunics to make and then the Rome presentation is all ready!
I'm not sure what's for dinner, since Charlie and I will likely go out to eat (because Tomm's still away - he gets back tomorrow).

On the reading front: I finished Artemis Fowl yesterday (details to follow later) and started in on Tears of the Giraffe last night. I really like this series, but does there really have to be so many references to snakes? Sheesh.

The calendar book for today is from a series that I've not read at all, but that I know many of you enjoy: Deeply Odd by Dean Koontz.

Oh, and I forgot to mention:
Before the Spring Break of Horrors, I had fallen pretty far off the My Fitness Pal wagon and was back to not-so-great eating habits (not horrible, but not great, either). Being ill for two weeks, though, meant that I shed 5 more pounds and the good part about that is that it motivated me to climb back up on the wagon. So, I've had two days now of mindful eating and good choices - go me! I'm not back to treadmilling every day yet because I want to give my body another few days of rest before pushing too hard (and I feel that those antibiotics aren't maybe completely out of my system yet), but next week I'll get back to that, too.

Also - and forgive the sort of randomness of this - my Twinings package of tea to restock my supply came yesterday (WooHoo!) and they sent me a couple of free samples. I'm drinking the Blackcurrant Breeze one now, and I have to say that it's way too fruity for me, but if you're into fruity teas, I would give it a try...

Good Morning, Amber! Happy April! 70 today! Hooray! I hope you can get back on track, with the treadmill.

>76 msf59: Morning, Mark! I'm so looking forward to that 70-degree weather today! Windows will be thrown open, for sure!

I'll have to make sure I put on the sunscreen. My skin still has that winter pallor.

>78 msf59: Mark: Ha! Mine, too.

>67 scaifea: Aces! Good for Charlie. I can't remember whether the President visiting Zach G. on "Between Two Ferns" (youtube) is too adult, but it's very funny.

>67 scaifea: That is just too great. (Also, as political commentary goes it's more insightful than average.)

>80 jnwelch: Joe: I'll check that one out! This is the one that Charlie loves:

http://www.buzzfeed.com/andrewgauthier/the-president-uses-a-selfie-stick#.sn0BNp...

He's even been known to say, "Thanks, Obama" when his cookie won't fit into his glass of milk. *snork!*

>81 swynn: Steve: Ha! Yes, my 6 year old is too articulate for Fox News, for certain (zing!).

170. (51st non-picture book) Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer (1001 Children's Book list, 280 pages) - 8/10 = B+

Artemis Fowl is a 12-year-old boy from a very rich family, and he's using his power and incredible smarts to try to trick the Fairy Folk out of their gold.
The writing isn't spectacular, but this is a fun little read. I particularly like the characters of Artemis and his Butler, who are both given nicely complex motives and emotions. I likely won't continue with the series, as least not any time soon, but I don't regret reading this one.

>82 scaifea: Ha! Nice. I love "Thanks, Obama". :-)

>84 jnwelch: Joe: I know, right? Too funny.

Hi Amber, I hope Charlie gets a reply from the President.

>86 johnsimpson: Hi, John - I hope so, too!

I may have ordered some books...and they may have come today...

I'd better jump on this fast-moving thread before I miss it entirely! For the bonus question, there are so many places I'd like to go that it's hard to pick just one. I think I'll go with Greece for the culture, the history, and the scenery. But if someone were to ask me the same thing tomorrow, I might have a different answer!

171. (52nd non-picture book) The Spiderwick Chronicles: The Field Guide by Tony DiTerlizzi & Holly Black (1001 Children's Books list, 107 pages) - 9/10 = A
A neat little book about three siblings who move into their aunt's dilapidated old Victorian and find a secret room, a field guide, and more other-worldly stuff than they bargained for.

172. (53rd non-picture book) The Spiderwick Chronicles: The Seeing Stone by Tony DiTerlizzi & Holly Black (series follow-up, 108 pages) - 9/10 - A
In this second book in the series, the kids, with the help of a boggart/brownie, find a Seeing Stone and so can see all the fairies and goblins and trolls around them, which helps two of them as they search for their brother, who has been kidnapped by a group of goblins.
This is just the sort of magic-in-everyday life (some good and some dangerous) that I love and that I think (and hope) that Charlie will love, too. So, yeah, I'll be keeping on with the series and adding them to Charlie's shelves.

173. Where's My Teddy? by Jez Alborough (1001 Children's Books list, picture book) - 7/10 = C
A weird (not really in a good way) picture book about a boy and a bear, both of whom have lost their teddy bears.

174. Easter Egg Crack-Ups by Katy Hall (Charlie book, easy reader) - 7/10 = C
Tomm's parents send this as a Easter present to Charlie. And this is why I prefer people to leave the book-buying for Charlie to me. Yeesh.

175. The Great Paper Caper by Oliver Jeffers (Charlie book, picture book) - 9/10 = A
A bear really wants to win the annual paper airplane competition and so keeps stealing branches from the forest trees to make more paper to make more airplanes to practice (he's not very good at it, you see). The residents of the forest work to solve the mystery of who is cutting down their trees, find the culprit, and decide to help him.
Typical Jeffers fare, which means, of course, that it's awesome.

176. (54th non-picture book read) The Puppy Place: Mocha by Eleen Miles (Charlie book, 86 pages
Charlie chose to buy this at the book fair. This is apparently #29 in a long series of books about rescued puppies. Not terrible, but also nothing special. I think he enjoyed it, though, and that's good.

MAY have? Is that something like when books appear in my mail box?

>91 BLBera: Just in case Tomm stumbles onto this thread - I'm trying to confused him into not realizing how much I spend on books... Oh, wait...

A destination and why? That's easy. Yosemite. Both my wife and I love mountains and we haven't been there yet and the pictures look wonderful.

We got Artemis Fowl and read it when our kids were young. We loved it! Holly Short was my favorite character--along with Mulch Diggums. We've kept up as the other books in the series have come out.

I read Longitude: The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Time some time ago. I love math and science as well as reading about geniuses

>88 scaifea: Nice haul and HOORAY! for Five Children and It. That's a family favorite.
>90 scaifea: My kids have liked Spiderwick Chronicles pretty well, but when introduced before age 10 or so, it seems to induce nightmares. Not sure why because Harry Potter hasn't had the same effect. Strikes me as a little weird. Maybe because the imps are so impish...

>93 jjvors: We used to camp at Yosemite every Memorial weekend. Well, we'd come on Memorial Day when everyone else was leaving and stay a few days. It's a wonderful place. We haven't been back since the year the bear came into camp and took apart my dad's truck. I don't know if the bears are better or worse since then. It's been about 20 years. We also haven't really lived close enough to go either, so I can't say it's all about the bears. Lol

Nice book delivery. Look forward to hearing what you and Charlie make of the Nesbit.

And any word from Obama yet?

>93 jjvors: Jeff: I've not been to Yosemite, but yes, I suspect that it's gorgeous. When you go, please take photos and share on your thread!

>94 jjvors: Yep, Artemis Fowl was pretty good. And I'm excited to get round to Longitude at some point because it does sound excellent!

>95 nittnut: Jenn: Nesbit. Yes. Well. I have to be honest and say that I really can't stand Five Children and It. Ha! I bought it because, *ahem,* it's part of the set and I. Must. Complete. The. Set. Pathetic, I know.
And yes, I won't be reading the Spiderwick books to Charlie anytime soon because I know that they'd scare him. I think the difference between HP and these books is that these introduce goblins and other scaries into the home environment, and with HP they're operating in a farther-removed situation.

>96 charl08: Whoa, slow down, Charlotte! We just mailed it yesterday! Ha!
Also, see my response to Jenn above about Nesbit. I know I'm in the minority here, but I really don't like Nesbit's stuff.

Love the book haul, I recently got the Five Children on the Western Front by Kate Saunders which is meant to be some sort of follow up to Five children and it.

Regarding your bonus question, I've been really lucky to have travelled fairly widely and I also live in New Zealand which seems to be a popular destination here.
I'd love to visit Ireland, I have Irish citizenship thanks to having an Irish grandfather but still haven't got there.
A few years back I worked with a lot of Pasifika families and ever since I've wanted to visit the Cook Islands. I'll take any South Pacific Island I suppose, just that Rarotonga looks like a little piece of heaven.
I'd also love to visit Venezuela, the scenery looks fantastic. I've been to several Latin American countries but haven't made it to Venezuela with its tropical jungle and Caribbean coastline, what more could you want. Politically it's probably not a good time to visit just yet.

On the agenda for today:

Charlie has today and tomorrow off from school, so I get to hang out with my favorite 6-year-old all day! I've scheduled a hair cut for him this morning (his school pictures are coming up next week) and then we'll do the grocery shopping while we're out and about. I may try to do some house cleaning (ew) today, possibly some cookie-baking (yay!) and maybe some sewing. Charlie told me yesterday that he has some ideas for Easter-themed art projects, so I suspect we'll be spending some time on that today, too. We spent a glorious hour outside yesterday afternoon in the 78-degree-and-sunny-and-breezy weather, with me reading in the lawn chair and occasionally throwing the frisbee for Tuppence, and Charlie zipping round the driveway on his bike, but today it's raining and is supposed to continue to do so most of the day, sadly.
Tomm will be home for dinner (YAY!), which I think will be Darryl's Zuppa Toscana recipe, if I can manage to find kale at the grocery store...

On the reading front: I read a few pages of Rebecca yesterday and already have had goosebumps. The movie is one of my all-time favorites and so I've wanted to read the book for yonks. So far it hasn't disappointed. I also started in on the third Spiderwick book - this series is a hoot.

The book calendar offers up a mid-week quote: "Prose is architecture, not interior decoration." Any thoughts on which author said this?

>98 avatiakh: Kerry: Yes! I *knew* we had more NZ residents here! We'd all love to come and visit you! And Venezuela...I dated our high school's exchange student from Venezuela when I was a junior...*sigh*...he was gorgeous... Ha!
Five Children on the Western Front sounds like a *very* bad combination of incompatible books - *snork!*

>99 scaifea: Ooo, Rebecca . One of the few books made into a movie where I enjoyed the book and the movie equally well.

Morning Amber! Wasn't yesterday perfect? I want more of that. I am hoping for many dry periods today.

>101 lycomayflower: Laura: I suspect that I will feel the same way about this one, and I'll need to dig the movie out for a re-watch soon.

>102 msf59: Here's hoping, Mark. I think the rain is supposed to peter out by this afternoon...

>67 scaifea: What a great letter! I hope that President Obama gets to see it, as I'm sure that it will put a smile on his face. Please let us know if Charlie gets a response from the White House.

Will he be writing a letter to Scott Walker as well? ;-)

Hooray for warm weather and a long weekend with Charlie and Tomm! And, it was nearly as warm in southern Wisconsin as it was in Atlanta! However, those unusually warm early spring days are often followed by strong storms when a cold front meets a warm and unstable air mass, and we'll have a chance of thunderstorms and hail tonight, and possibly severe storms late Friday night. Hopefully you'll be spared from that.

I'm glad to hear that you'll probably make Zuppa Toscana! I buy packaged and precut kale from Publix, and I give it a quick rinse and cut away any remaining stems before I add it to the soup. Please let me know how it turns out.

>100 scaifea: Five children on the Western Front does sound a bit weird but it gets good reviews and just won the Costa Children's Book Award. I can't remember if I ever read Five children and it, I've read The Railway Children.

>104 kidzdoc: Darryl: I sure hope he gets a response from the White House, too. I'm not, of course, expecting that President Obama himself will see the letter, but how cool if it happened to be one of the few that I suspect are randomly selected for his occasional viewing?! We'll see what happens...
No storms predicted for here, just rain, thank goodness.
And thanks for the tip about the pre-packaged kale; I'm not sure I would have thought to look in that section! I'm excited about the zuppa!

>105 avatiakh: Kerry: I've read the Railway Children, and while it's not a favorite, it's still better than Nesbit, in my opinion. But then again, I'm the oddball out about Nesbit; most people love her books.

>106 scaifea: You're welcome, Amber. I just looked in my refrigerator; Publix sells Palmetto Gardens Kale Greens, and I've been pleased with the two or three bags of it I've bought so far.

>108 kidzdoc: Hm, I don't recall seeing that brand round these parts; we'll see what I can find today at the store...

>97 scaifea: scaifea: Sounds like you have Compulsive Completist Disorder to me. Read What We Found in the Sofa and How It Saved the World to learn more about this "serious" condition! :)

>108 kidzdoc: kidzdoc and >109 scaifea: scaifea: Rinsing it off is always a good idea, but if you get organic, double-check it carefully, too, as you rinse. I once found a live (but sluggish from the refrigeration) green caterpillar called a cabbage looper in a box of organic greens. I raised him to adult moth-hood just fine so he was definitely none the worse for his experience living in fresh organic greens in the grocer's refrigeration display and our own crisper. Which makes 2 insects I've "rescued" from the produce section of that store. The first was a big praying mantis that may or may not have just wandered into the store, or may have been shipped with the produce. It's hard to say in that case, since he was an adult and therefore had wings that could have carried him in through the front door (or back loading dock). My sister and I managed to calm him down and coax him onto my hand so we could take him outside. He flew off in the parking lot, headed towards the Burger King, when we last saw him.

Ah, the adventures one can have in the grocery store.... :)

>110 CassieBash: And that's one of the reasons I don't buy organic (price is the other big one). Yeesh.

Charlie's Obama letter is so cute. I do hope he gets a reply. I'm in for the big NZ meet-up. I miss Jenn and would love to meet her new LT friends. Your Apri weather sounds wonderful. We're in a rainy pattern...I am hoping for a burst of colorful spring flowers when the sun comes out!

Oooh, a puppy! I have a rescued golden that's been part of my fur family for a year and a half, now. She's absolutely the world's sweetest dog. Charlie's bound to have a ball with the new addition.

>112 Donna828: Donna: Well, it's pretty gloomy and rainy here today, but I'll still take it, as it's in the 60's and that still feels pretty warm to me!

>113 streamsong: I know, right? We're pretty excited about adding a golden retriever to our family.

Hi Amber, I wish you a most lovely long weekend with Charlie. I keep my fingers crossed that he'll get a response.

Thanks, Barbara! I hope so!

That is an adorable letter.
Way to go for being active. I totally know what you mean by all the sickness and falling off the wagon deal. I think my wagon is a speck is so far in the distance that I can barely see it....ha!

>117 jolerie: Valerie: Ha! Good luck getting caught up to your wagon!

Here's what our afternoon has been like, and it's been wonderful:



And then Charlie decided he wanted to learn how to sew - yay! His first project: a little pillow in Cars fabric:

>119 scaifea: Ah, pillows: the universal First Sewing Project! ;-)

Glad you got some sun today; hoping for more of that next week. Right now our forecast is all rain and cold. _But_...no snow!

>120 foggidawn: They're the perfect first project - they show the very basic skills and nothing too difficult, and they're useful!

>121 CassieBash: Let's hope that there's no more snow until next December!

Just finished up dinner and Darryl's Zuppa was *amazing*! I'll definitely be making that again! Thanks, Darryl!

177. National Geographic Kids Race Day by Gail Tuchman (Charlie's school library book, easy reader) - 8/10 = B
An easy reader about Nascar racing. Not really my cuppa, but Charlie read the whole thing to us, so yay!

Also Read Today:
-Lego City Follow That Easter Egg!

#119 Lovely pics :) I was hoping for dry and sunny for the long weekend but so far I have grey rain. Sigh. Ah well, indoor day it is.

>125 BekkaJo: Bekka: I like those rainy days, too, although I understand that this weekend might not be the best for it. The Easter Bunny hides eggs inside the house for Charlie, but I know he hides them outside for a lot of folks.

On the agenda for today:

Another day at home with Charlie! There's laundry to be done, and some cleaning, possibly some baking (Pink Velvet Cake, anyone?), hopefully some sewing and some reading. Leftovers for dinner tonight, I think.

On the reading front: I'm nearly finished with the next Spiderwick book and loving this series so far, and then last night I started in on the Neil Patrick Harris autobiography, which is a hoot.

The book calendar for today is one that I have no problem passing right up (I suspect it would be way to sacchariney for me): A Step of Faith by Richard Paul Evans.
Oh, and yesterday's quote (in >99 scaifea:), which seems to have stumped everyone, was uttered by Ernest Hemingway.

Oh, and I forgot to mention this yesterday, but I've made what is, for me, a big decision: I've given up on Stephen King. I've been trying for years to make my way through his bibliography and I still think that he is a great writer, but I've just become too wimpy in my years and he's just too good at what he does. His books frighten me a little too much and stay with me a little too long and I'm just not as willing as I used to be to be disturbed by what I read. So, with a heart that was both a little heavy and also a little liberated, I packed up all of my King books (with the exception of The Stand, which is my favorite of his and my copy is a lovely and ginormous hard cover) and took them to the thrift shop. There. Done. *sigh*

Happy Friday, you big wimp!! LOL. Sorry to see you give up on the Master. I am impressed that he is still producing quality work.

Someone will get lucky at the thrift store!!

>129 msf59: Mark: Ha! (*sobs*) The thought of someone getting excited at a nearly-complete set of King books does give me some comfort, though...

Could you imagine the happy dances going on when those are discovered?

>131 msf59: I know, right? *grins*

So much going on! Togas and teaching Charlie to sew. I still have a tiny pillow that my god-daughter sewed for me when she was about that age. Treasured possession.

>133 sibylline: Lucy: There's never an idle moment here at Scaife Manor. And yep, I suspect we'll treasure Charlie's pillow for years to come, too.

Happy new thread Amber and oh, that cookie >2 scaifea: Charlie is eating looks real good!

Bonus Question - Spain, because Darryl has been posting such amazing pictures of his trips there. I have visited a lot of countries, and traveled through most of Europe but for some reason, I have never made it to Spain.

Happy Easter weekend, Amber!

>135 lkernagh: Hi, Lori! Happy Easter to you, too!
I don't know why, but Spain doesn't really make it onto my radar as far as trips I want to make goes. It's out of ignorance about the country, I'm certain, and I'm also certain that I'd love it if I ever got there. But Rome and Athens and Pompeii and London and Paris and Sweden and Norway and Denmark all claim higher places on the list for me. It's all wishful thinking at this point, anyway. Ha!

Okay, the cleaning is done, the laundry is laundering, the cake is in the oven. Time for a spot of reading, I think, while Charlie is busy drawing and while I wait for the cake to bake. After the cake is finished, Charlie and I will be heading to the library for a bit before lunch. Then back home for some sewing room time (Charlie wants to make a 'blanket' to go with the pillow)...

King is such a modern classic in horror that libraries will have his works for a long time. If you really get a yearning to revisit him sometime, you can borrow from your library or request through inter-library loan.

Think of it this way--you've opened up room for more books that you might read over and over again!

>138 CassieBash: Cassie: That's exactly how I'm thinking of it!

>137 scaifea: Your library is open today?

>140 MickyFine: Yup.

That reminds me - I need to go to the library, too!

Charlie's Obama letter is so sweet!

>123 scaifea: You're welcome, Amber! I'm very glad that you liked Beth's Zuppa Toscana, and I hope that your men enjoyed it as well.

Hi Amber, just stopping by to send Easter wishes to you and the family my dear, love and hugs.

Hi Amber: I've never read Stephen King, mostly for the reasons you gave away your books...

Spain is great; you should go.

Hi Amber. Just wanted to look in on your doings; I'm glad you've looked in on mine. I appreciate your comment on my berserker drive through Jersey to Long Island, all for a few books.

You said you're reading Rebecca, a favorite. The movie didn't work as well for me; didn't like the way Hitchcock twisted around the payoff (probably had to to satisfy the censors).

>142 katiekrug: Katie: You need reminding?! Silly Katie.

>143 banjo123: Rhonda: I know, right?! Such a cutie.

>144 kidzdoc: Darryl: It was a huge hit - I'm excited to have the leftovers for dinner tonight!

>145 johnsimpson: Many thanks, John, and a happy Easter weekend to you, too!

>146 BLBera: Beth: Maybe I'll get to Spain some day, especially if Tomm and I do eventually move to Europe, as we frequently talk about doing...

>147 weird_O: Good to see you here! Didn't like the movie, eh? It's one of my all-time favorites, but then again, I'm a fan of Hitchcock. Now you've got me even more excited and interested in the book, though!

You got rid of all your King books.

I'm reading the King bibliography.

You got rid of all your King books.

*sobs*

My husband is working his way through King too. We both read 'Salem's Lot back early in our marriage, and it creeped us out, but we loved it. He has read parts of the Gunslinger saga more than once; I didn't care for that at all, and quit after one. He's currently reading The Shining, and last night he threw it from where he was sitting over onto the couch, and announced it might have to go in the freezer. (Points for knowing that reference.) He picked it back up shortly thereafter, however. I'm not sure whether I'm still susceptible to the hair-on-the-back-of-the-neck sensation or not, but I'm being told I must read The Shining when he's through with it.

>149 Morphidae: Ha! Sorry, Morphy! But >138 CassieBash: is right that you shouldn't have any problem finding his stuff at the library, at least.

>150 laytonwoman3rd: Linda: I do love his older stuff, and Salem's Lot and The Shining remain two of my favorites. But the older I get, the less I can handle scary and even less so disturbing. And his later stuff is more on the disturbing level than the simply-scary level.

178. (55th non-picture book) The Spiderwick Chronicles: Lucinda's Secret by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black (series follow-up, 108 pages) - 9/10 = A
179. (56th non-picture book) The Spiderwick Chronicles: The Ironwood Tree by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black (series follow-up, 110 pages) - 9/10 = A
180. (57th non-picture book) The Spiderwick Chronicles: The Wrath of Mulgarath by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black (series follow-up, 139 pages) - 9/10 = A
I'm very much enjoying these books and although I think they're a little to dark yet for a 6-year-old, I'll keep them back for Charlie when he gets a bit older.

Also Read Today:
-Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Hoppy Clubhouse Easter
-Bob's Egg Hunt
-If You Give a Pig a Party

Hi Amber, I love the Charlie photos. I wish you Happy Easter.

Happy Saturday, Amber! Hope you have an R & R weekend planned.

>153 Ameise1: Wow, look at those beautiful eggs! Thanks, Barbara!

>154 msf59: Thanks, Mark! Hoping the same for you, too!

On the agenda for today:

Tomm's out running a couple of errands and has promised to bring back Dunkin' Donuts for breakfast - yum! And then it's a day of dyeing eggs and other Easter projects (Charlie has put together a couple of 'art projects' for all of us to do). The rest of the To Do list belongs to the whole weekend, so if it doesn't all get done today that's okay: organizing photos from the camera, bills, some cleaning, sewing. Slow Cooker Rot Roast for dinner tonight, and I may make some Buttery Bubble Bread to go along with it.

On the reading front: I'm sailing through the Spiderwick books (see >152 scaifea: above), which are a hoot, and last night I read a couple more chapters in Johnny Got His Gun, which is intense and moving.

Happy Weekend, everyone!

>128 scaifea: I'm with you, Amber. I was never a big horror fan, but I read and enjoyed a few in my late teens/early twenties (including King). I cannot do it now. It's very nope nope nope for me now.

>150 laytonwoman3rd: I know, I know! I'm probably disqualified from points for that reference though.

>157 lycomayflower: Laura: I don't know when it happened to me, but I think it's been a gradual change. I feel very mature because I've finally been able to admit to myself that I just need to let it go. Ha!
And I'm embarrassed that I can't place the reference. *sigh*

>158 scaifea: I don't know if you should be embarrassed...but you should be aware of THIS classic.

>159 laytonwoman3rd: HAHAHAHA! Hilarious!
Yeah, I stopped watching friends before it got to that season, I think. Joey is adorable, though.

>159 laytonwoman3rd: The funny thing is, my husband and I had both forgotten that it starts with Rachel finding a copy of The Shining in the freezer! We only remembered the part about Little Women.

>161 laytonwoman3rd: That's hilarious!

>156 scaifea: I haven't had Dunkin' Donuts in decades and I am majorly jonesing for them. Especially Chocolate Angels. Do they still have those? Supposedly the company will be opening some franchises in Minnesota in the next year or so.

>159 laytonwoman3rd: OMG, that is so funny. I've never watched Friends. That almost makes me want to.

>163 Morphidae: Morphy: They're pretty good, aren't they? I don't know about the chocolate angels, though. I've never seen them.
And yeah, Friends is a surprisingly good show, honestly.

I looked it up and they are called Chocolate Kreme now.

>165 Morphidae: Huh, interesting. I looked it up, then, too, and they look tasty.

>128 scaifea: I'm with you.

Happy Easter!

>166 scaifea: Yes, yes, they are. I'm just afraid the suck fairy has gotten to them. I'm sure they've changed the formulation over the years.

>167 nittnut: Thanks, Jenn, for the moral support - and for those delicious hot cross buns!

>168 Morphidae: Morphy: Yeah, that's a problem sometimes. And memory has a way of tricking us about treats like that, too.

Amber, what's Bubble Bread?

My cousin's daughters have decided that they're going to have jeweled eggs for Easter this year and she's been driven batty dying and then sticking sequins and glitter on 100 eggs for their Easter party.

>170 cameling: Hi, Caro! Jeweled eggs?! Whoa, that's a little crazy!
Bubble Bread is made with regular yeast dough, rolled into palm-sized balls and dipped in melted butter, then stacked into a tube pan and baked. Delicious! I ended up not making it today, but I'll likely make it tomorrow.

181. (58th non-picture book) Beyond the Spiderwick Chronicles: The Nixie's Secret by Tony DiTerlizzi & Holly Black (series follow-up, 162 pages) - 8/10 = B+
182. (59th non-picture book) Beyond the Spiderwick Chronicles: A Giant Problem by Tony DiTerlizzi & Holly Black (series follow-up, 154 pages) - 8/10 = B+
A spin-off series from the first one, and not quite as good. Still, readable and fun.

183. Emmet's Guide to Being Awesome by Ace Landers (Charlie book, picture book) = 8/10 = B+
A Lego Movie book from the book fair. Silly and fun.

184. The Night Before Easter by Natasha Wing (Charlie book, picture book) - 8/10 = B
An Easter present from Granny.

185. I Spy Mystery by Jean Marzollo (public library book, picture book) - 7/10 = C
Charlie picked this one out at the library. Yeesh. I can't stand these books, for some reason. *shrugs*

Also Read Today:
-Happy Easter, Mouse!
-The Sesame Street Library Volume 12

Happy Easter to you and the family, Amber!

Thanks, Valerie - Happy Easter to you and your family, too!

On the agenda for today:

The Easter Bunny has come and gone, Charlie is busy looking through his presents (a couple of board games, another Puppy Place book, two cook books for kids and lots of chocolates and jelly beans), and Cinnamon Scones are in the oven. I suspect we'll be playing board games for a goodly chunk of the day, and I'd also like to get into the sewing room for a while and do some reading, of course. I'll bake the Bubble Bread this afternoon to go with dinner, which will be Chicken Noodle Soup in the slow cooker.

On the reading front: I finished more of the Spiderwick books (see >172 scaifea: above) and then read a few stories in English Fairy Tales last night.

Happy Easter, everyone!

Have a great day, my friend.

Hi Amber, Easter Sundary drive by.

>176 msf59: Thanks, Mark!

>177 lit_chick: Thanks, Nancy!

I'm trying to get caught up but when you've had more than 600 posts on your thread since I last had a chance to visit, it makes it hard! Love all the pics of Charlie. Those pups were cuties!

>175 scaifea: scaifea: Board games sound like a good Easter activity. I cleaned, did a bit of gardening in the warm sunshine. That was pretty much my day. Except for the dishes, it was a good day!

>179 thornton37814: Lori: 600?! Really?! Sorry. Feel free to skim! Ha! The puppies are cute, aren't they? We're excited to bring one home in a couple of months!

>180 CassieBash: Hi, Cassie! I'm glad to hear that you had a good day - we did, too!

186. (60th non-picture book) Beyond the Spiderwick Chronicles: The Wyrm King by Tony Diterlizzi and Holly Black (series follow-up, 199 pages) = 8/10 = B+
The end of the series, which was a good one, but not a lasting favorite, I think.

187. (61st non-picture book) Space Patrol by Julius Goodman (CYOA list, 118 pages) - 8/10 = B
Another Choose Your Own Adventure book to add to Charlie's collection.

188. Here Comes the Easter Cat by Deborah Underwood (public library book, picture book) - 8/10 = B+
A cat who is jealous of the Easter Bunny decides to take on the job for himself.
Funny and cute.

On the agenda for today:

I'll be at school all day today and tomorrow volunteering for the school pictures days (walking the classes down to the picture room, helping the kids comb their hair and straighten their clothes...). When we get home this afternoon, Charlie and I will likely take down the Easter decorations. Leftovers for dinner tonight (the chicken noodle soup last night turned out *very* tasty!).

On the reading front: I finished up the Spiderwick books yesterday, started another Newbery Honor book (Spice and the Devil's Cave) and then read another chapter in the Taylor biography, which is nearly finished.

Morning Amber! Hope you had a nice Easter. Good luck at school today.

>184 msf59: Thanks, Mark!

Good morning Amber.

Morning, Amber!

Good morning, Amber. Hope it was a good holiday weekend at Scaife Manor.

Good morning!

Good morning, Amber. We start school tomorrow. Wishing you a lovely day.

A slow catch up for me Amber. Hope that your Easter weekend was splendid and that Charlie got himself plenty of eggs.

Happy belated Easter! Hope you have a wonderful week.

>186 johnsimpson: Hi, John!

>187 Crazymamie: Afternoon, Mamie!

>188 jnwelch: Hi, Joe! We had a nice, quiet, Easter-y weekend and it was lovely.

>189 drneutron: Hi, Jim!

>190 Ameise1: Hi, Barbara - you got today off, huh? Nice!

>191 PaulCranswick: Paul: Ha! I've been watching you make your way round the threads, eagerly awaiting your arrival at the S's.

>192 rosylibrarian: Thanks, Marie - here's hoping your week is a good one, too!

189. Chicken Said, "Cluck!" by Judyann Ackerman Grant (Charlie book, easy reader) - 8/10 = B

Delurking to say Hi! Easter looks like it went off well in your house. We had a bit of a mishap with the eggs at my end, but they turned out all right in the end. And I salvaged the pan. : )

>196 scaifea: Kim: On, No! Were you Marcy or Peppermint Patty in this scenario? Ha!

On the agenda for today:

Another full day at the school helping with picture day, part two. It's such a hoot, helping the kids fix their hair and straighten their clothes and get them posed just right. Some are clearly nervous, and I love whispering to them that they look so handsome or so pretty, and seeing their little faces light up and relax. Adorable.
Also happening this afternoon is the class party for the room that won the coin challenge for the book fair - I'm providing popcorn and punch and what I think will be a rousing game of Book Title Charades. It should be a good time.
Leftovers again for dinner tonight (we have a *lot* of pot roast and chicken noodle soup!).

On the reading front: I read a bit more of Spice and the Devil's Cave, which is okay so far but not spectacular (I'm having trouble getting into it, really), and a few more chapters in Stand on Zanzibar, which is still weird but also still kinda cool.

The book calendar for today is one that I've read and can recommend as a fun read: Moll Flanders by Daniel Defoe (of course, one of the few books on the calendar that I *have* read is one that was published pre-1800 - ha!)

Morning Amber! I am enjoying a day off. It looks cool and damp. I am glad I am home. I have not read Moll Flanders. Bad Mark?

>171 scaifea: Add sugar, cinnamon, and pecans and you have something even better - monkey bread.

>199 Morphidae: Morphidae: Mmm...monkey bread...I was just saying to my family the other day how it's been ages since we've had it. Might be time to revisit this family favorite!

Hi, Amber! Thank you so much for visiting my thread today! It was a lovely surprise.

As usual, great Charlie pics and stories. I love that he wants to learn to sew. He is and will be such a well-rounded person!

>199 Morphidae: Morphy: Yep, I make that, too, but without nuts. Because NO NUTS in baked goods!

>200 CassieBash: Cassie: Awesome! I'll be right over...

>201 Storeetllr: Thanks, Mary! Well-rounded is what we're going for, although I have to say that he's making it a pretty easy job, since he has well-rounded interests all on his own!

>202 scaifea: - "Because NO NUTS in baked goods! "

Amen, sister!

>202 scaifea: scaifea: Actually, now that you mention it, I don't think Mom puts nuts on our monkey bread, either. Just the cinnamon sugar. But if you don't want nuts, don't suggest it to her. She's a big nut fan and if she hears the concept of monkey bread with nuts, she'll add 'em. And then when you come over, you'll have to put up with NUTS in baked goods! ;)

What do you do about banana nut bread, then? Just have plain banana bread? Do you have any problems with, say, chocolate chips? Because adding semi-sweet chocolate chips to banana (or even better, pumpkin) bread is wonderful!

>203 katiekrug: *high fives Katie*

>204 CassieBash: Cassie: Nope, banana bread at Scaife Manor is just that: Banana Bread. No nuts. Chocolate chips are fine and I agree that they are excellent in banana baked goods.

No nuts in baked goods? I guess I won't be sharing my walnut and apricot bread, then. ;) Also, hazelnut meringue.

>206 PawsforThought: Nope, no need to share those here - ha!

190. Tornadoes and Hurricanes! by Cy Armour (Charlie's school library book, easy reader) = 8/10 = B
A Time for Kids easy reader about tornadoes and other severe storms.
A nice introduction to the topic.

191. Autumn A to Z by Tracy Nelson Maurer (public library book, easy reader) - 7/10 = C
A book about fall with very simple sentences.
Meh. Not a lot of effort seems to have gone into this one.

192. (62nd non-picture book) The Thirteen Clocks by James Thurber (Charlie's bed time book, 124 pages) - 10/10 = A
An excellent kind of fairy tale with prose so lyrical it can't but make the reader grin. I love this book. I realize that it may be a little over Charlie's head at his age, but I really wanted to expose him to Thurber's language and I'm convinced that Charlie will pick this one up again later on his own and be completely enchanted.

On the agenda for today:

After taking Charlie to school, I'll come home and pick Tuppence up to take her to the vet for her annual check-up and ooohing and aaahing session (they *love* her there). Then back home for some quick sewing time (I need to get that second tunic finished) before picking up Charlie at school at 12:30 - they have an Early Release day today. I'll stop at the library to pick up some holds that have come in beforehand, too. This afternoon we'll likely make some cookies and then hang out outside, if it's nice enough for that. And then I think we may be going out for dinner tonight - Mexican!

On the reading front: I read a bit more of Spice and the Devil's Cave (still meh) and The A.B.C. Murders (still good!) yesterday.

The calendar book for today sounds interesting: My Year of Meats by Ruth Ozeki. Anyone read this one?

Slight change of plans for today: Charlie woke up with a pretty severe case of diarrhea, so he'll be staying home from school, which means I need to reschedule the vet appointment and delay the library visit for another day. Poor tiger - we've all been sick too much this winter and spring! Enough, already!

Morning Amber! I think you missed me up there yesterday but I am not even mad. See! I am smiling.

I've been meaning to read Ozeki forever!

>211 msf59: Oh, dang, I did miss you up there - sorry, Mark! And no, not Bad Mark for not reading Moll Flanders. It's a hoot, though. And I've never even heard of Ozeki before - Bad Amber! Ha!

Morning, Amber! The only Ozeki I've read is A Tale for the Time Being, which I ended up loving.

Sorry to hear Charlie is indisposed again, poor baby!

>208 scaifea:. I've long been a Thurber fan, and I got my daughter into his stories (and she appropriated a number of his books from my library when she went off to college in the '90s). I secretly read The 13 Clocks and The Wonderful O about three years ago. We bought the books for our twin granddaughters for Christmas, and I read 'em before wrapping them. My wife did not approve!

Sorry to hear Charlie is unwell. I'm sure he'll pull through, aren't you?

I know right? Those germs just don't know when they are not welcome! We are just coming out of a minor cold and compared to what we've gone through in the past month, this is tame stuff. Hope the big guy feels better soon. Hugs to you, Amber!

>206 PawsforThought: You can drop the hazelnut meringue over at my place... just saying.

>210 scaifea: Poor Charlie. I remember all my kids going through a bit of immune system strengthening program the first two years of school. It was no fun, but after that, they have managed to be remarkably healthy most of the time.

Sorry to hear Charlie's under the weather today. Hope whatever bug got him is gone quickly.

Hi, Amber. 11 threads already - is this a 75 threads challenge? Books to read to Charlie - You don't have Mr Rabbit and the lovely present by Charlotte Zolotow (illustrated by Maurcie Sendak) in your library. Have you come across it? I have just delivered my copy to my grand-daughter in LA - at 2 she is too young but it will wait. Charlie is perhaps a bit old for it but it might be appropriate if he is under the weather. There is a good review here - https://www.librarything.com/work/387142/reviews/16810831

Your bonus question - Venice for me. I've nearly finished all of Donna Leon's Commisario Brunetti books and, even if I hadn't got other reasons, her descriptions of the city would be enough to attract me.

>213 jnwelch: Joe: Another vote for Ozeki, eh? That clinches it - onto the wishlist it goes!

>214 ronincats: Thanks, Roni - about halfway through the day he seemed to get over whatever it was, thank goodness.

>215 weird_O: Yep, I'm confident that he'll make a full recovery - ha! And Thurber is wonderful, isn't he? Excellent choice in gifts!

>216 jolerie: Oh, Valerie, I know that you and your family have been through the virus ringer this winter, too! Let's hope it's all gone now, for both of us!

>217 nittnut: Jenn: Yeah, and he made it 6 years before vomiting. Crazy. I'm ready for that immunity to kick in any time now (although I suspect that this time around it was something he ate and not a virus...).

>218 Storeetllr: Thanks, Mary - I think it's gone, hopefully!

>219 abbottthomas: No, we don't have that one in our library, but we *have* read it. I'm hesitant to admit this, but I think that I'm likely the only person on earth who doesn't like that one (I have a few sort of strange dislikes when it comes to children's books, including The Little Prince, which I really can't stand. Weird, I know.). But good on you for starting your grand-daughter's library early! There's nothing quite like giving a child an embarrassment of riches when it comes to books.
And Venice is a perfect choice! I'd love to visit there someday, too.

>2 scaifea: omg, I want that cookie. I have just finished my coffee and am hankering for something sweet. *drool*

So somehow I dropped your star! And now I am here very late. Obviously, seeing as I am commenting on post #2 ;)

>7 msf59: *woohoo* Mark wants to visit NZ, all are welcome...just saying. And even though I have already met Jenn once and Cushla twice, I'd do it again. They are that cool.

Like the other Megan (>18 evilmoose:) I'd like to go to Mongolia. And I would also like to go to a lot of US cities, but mainly these days I want to go to Nova Scotia and/or Newfoundland. Also (I can give more than one two three answers, right?) I want to take my mum to Paris/Amsterdam/London to see the art museums there.

I hope Charlie is coming right!! Illness = tough days.

>221 LovingLit: Hi, Megan! Funny, I just had a before-bedtime snack involving tea and cookies (Charlie and I made Molasses Spice Cookies today). And I love the idea of visiting Mongolia - how cool would that be?!
Charlie's much better, thank goodness, and here's hoping that he wakes up tomorrow 'regular,' if you know what I mean, so that he won't miss any more school!

On the agenda for today:

As long as Charlie is feeling okay this morning, I'll take him to school, then come back home to do some sewing this morning and to have a phone meeting with the Scholastic rep. about holding another book fair at the very end of the school year - we did well enough this year that we 'qualify,' apparently, for a BOGO fair, and it sounds like a very good deal for families (you don't even necessarily automatically get the cheaper one free - the special cash registers work to even things out, apparently). So, it seems like a great way to stock up on summer reading for the kids. Anyway, I've got that meeting this morning. I also need to get the menu planning and grocery list made up today for next week. This afternoon is my library volunteering, so I'll head back in to school early for that. Not sure what dinner will be, but possibly Chicken Biryani.

On the reading front: I read a bit more of Spice and the Devil's Cave (still a slog) and a bit of the Cicero biography (still pretty good) yesterday.

The calendar book for today seems like some sort of pop philosophy, in which I'm not really interested at all: Intuition Pumps and Other Tools for Thinking by C. Dennett. Anyone read this one? Thoughts?

Morning Amber! Looks like a stormy one, my friend. I hope I am done with the route, before the worst of it hits. Fingers crossed.

>224 msf59: Morning, Mark! It's already storming here, so hustle up with that route, mister!

Thunder is rumbling out there right now. I better get going...

>226 msf59: Ha! Hop to it! Fingers crossed that you don't get too wet, friend.

Oh my, molasses spice cookies. Those sound like the perfect breakfast food, with leftovers for the rest of the day.

>228 jnwelch: Joe: Oh, they're very good. And super easy to make:

Ingredients:
• ¾ cup butter
• 1 cup sugar, plus more for coating
• ¼ cup molasses
• 1 large egg
• 2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger

1. Beat together butter and sugar until well combined, then add molasses and egg, beating until smooth.
2. In separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt and spices.
3. Add this mixture to the wet ingredients, beating until smooth.
4. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or until it’s stiff enough to roll into balls.
5. Preheat oven to 350⁰.
6. Line baking sheets with foil, then spray with baking spray.
7. Using a tablespoon-sized cookie scoop, shape into 1-inch balls and roll them in granulated sugar.
8. Transfer onto baking sheets.
9. Bake the cookies for about 13 minutes, or until they crack on top and flatten out.
10. Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to a rack to cool completely.

I found this recipe in The King Arthur Flour Cookie Companion, which is an excellent cookie book.

>229 scaifea: Thanks, Amber! I'll alert my baking partner.

It turns out it's pretty easy to make them virtually, too, so I have some out on the table in the cafe.

>230 jnwelch: Good idea! They'll go fast.

Ooh I bought molasses for a recipe recently and wondered how I would use the rest of it ... Yay!

>232 lauralkeet: Laura: I'm just here to help. Ha!

Hope Charlie is feeling better - far too many bugs around everywhere this year :/

>215 weird_O: Speaking of Thurber, he created a short piece that's appropriate for today, April 9, the anniversary of Lee's surrender to Grant. It's called "If Grant Had Been Drinking at Appomattox"

As the story begins, Corporal Shultz is endeaving to rouse the Union General:

"General Lee will be here any minute now," said the Corporal…

"What's he coming here for?" asked the General.

"This is the day of surrender, sir," said Shultz. Grant grunted bitterly.

"Three hundred and fifty generals in the Northern armies," said Grant, "and he has to come to me about this…."

Grant is out of the sack and trying to get dressed when Lee and his aides arrive and are ushered in. Grant expresses his certainty that Lee is Robert Browning, the poet. Then he offers Lee a drink. Lee says he wants to get it over with as quickly as possible. Shultz must remind Grant: "The surrender, sir. The surrender."

"Oh, sure, sure," said Grant. He took another drink. "All right," he said. "Here we go." Slowly, sadly, he unbuckled his sword. Then he handed it to the astonished Lee. "There you are, General," said Grant. "We darn' near licked you. If I'd been feeling better, we would of licked you."

NOW can I have a cookie?

>235 weird_O: That is quite a piece. !!!

>235 weird_O: Ha! Love it. And you were welcome to a cookie beforehand, of course. Now you may have another!

193. Charley's First Night by Amy Hest (public library book, picture book) - 8/10 = B+
A little boy recounts the first night that he brought his new puppy, Charley, home.
Sweet little story with adorable illustrations by Helen Oxenbury (we love her here at Scaife Manor). Appropriate reading for us, since a new puppy will be here soon, and how cool that the dog's name is Charley?! Ha!

Congrats on your new upcoming puppy! What a wonderful breed you chose! :) And really, goldens are the best for families, not that I'm showing favorites or anything. Our Copper was named years before we got her. My son named her after his stuffed puppy who was named after the dog in The Fox and the Hound. Color wise, it could not have worked out better but she is often mistaken for a boy because of it. Luckily she doesn't care.

I hope I'm not repeating my post, I could have sworn I posted here a day or so ago. Oh well.

Love molasses cookies - they are my favorites and are full of happy childhood memories. Your recipe seems to be identical to mine.

Molasses cookies. Yum. So much a childhood memory. Did you know, I can buy black strap molasses in the supermarket here, but not regular molasses. I have to go to a special store for that. I wonder what in the world they do with black strap molasses?

>239 Copperskye: Hi, Joanne! We are so excited about the puppy, and I've always wanted a golden retriever, too. I think she'll make a really fun addition to the family, and a nice compliment to the super-intelligent-yet-sometimes-grumpy border collie, Tuppence, whom we already have. We met Mario's parents and they are both gorgeous: the mom has a medium-colored coat (not super dark, but there's definitely some reddish tone to her) and the dad is *very* dark and coppery (and huge! - biggest golden retriever I've ever seen!). So we're hoping that Mario turns out coppery, too (although, of course, we're already in love with her, so it mattereth not, really).

>240 nittnut: Jenn: Aren't molasses cookies the best? I suspect that some people bake them for the holidays, but here at Scaife Manor, we bake them whenever we please. Ha! And that's funny about the black strap molasses - I wonder, too, what they do with it?

On the agenda for today:

News, everyone! The first nearby town-wide garage sale event of the year starts today! And my friend and I are going, as soon as we take our boys to school!! So exciting! And the two of us always have a good time together, too. I'm so looking forward to today! We'll have the morning to garage sail, and then I need to be back at school for my afternoon volunteering at 1pm. Leftovers for dinner tonight, I think.

On the reading front: I managed a couple of pages of Spice and the Devil's Cave and Essential Tibetan Buddhism yesterday afternoon and night, but not much of either; Charlie challenged Tomm and I to a rousing game of Wii Resort after dinner, which was a very good time, but meant no sneaking reading time in yesterday evening.

The calendar book for today sounds like it might be interesting: Vinegar Hill by A. Manette Ansay. Anyone read this one? Apparently it's set in Wisconsin...

Morning Amber! What a night in Illinois, eh? Yikes! How scary. The joys of leaving in the Midwest. Hope you have a nice Friday.

>243 msf59: Morning, Mark! I was just over on your thread expressing relief that you're okay! We had nasty thunderstorms last night, but it could have been worse, of course.

>238 scaifea: oh I love Helen Oxenbury and that book looks perfect. When will the new puppy arrive at Scaife Manor?

>245 lauralkeet: Laura: Oxenbury is great, isn't she? Mario will arrive in about 8 weeks.

>241 scaifea: I'm on the reference desk this morning, and apparently can't say no to a question ;) Here's an article that explains the difference between blackstrap and unsulphured molasses.

missing you a lot my friend. Hearing about travels, and a new puppy make me smile!!!!!

Also, as you know, I love learning about and seeing the finished projects of your sewing endeavors. Neither one of my daughters wanted me to teach them to sew. Imagine my joy when a few nights ago grand daughter Kayla asked me to teach her! She wants to start with a pillow case and already selected material.

Thinking of you and sending love and smiles.

>247 bell7: bell7: An excellent job on the reference desk. I'll let you know if we have a job opening! :)

Your molasses cookie recipe seems more or less identical to mine (I didn't pull it out to compare, just relying on memory here), which we always called "ginger snaps". They have an incredible shelf life, which I discovered when we all thought we had eaten the whole batch I made one Christmas, and then discovered a half dozen of them left in the can I store them in (fairly airtight, it was) when I went to make cut-out bunny cookies for Easter. Honest to goodness, they were still perfectly edible. Ginger and clove make good preservatives, I guess. Nevertheless, this oversight has never been repeated in my house!

Thurber! I really enjoyed Thurber when I was younger, maybe I should dust some of those books off.

>230 jnwelch: LOL- I love that Joe- your baking partner and your own virtual cafe :):):)

Took me awhile to catch up here, Amber. Love the Charlie topper, it looks like he is puzzling out who took a bite from his cookie!

I was happy to read that your Mom is home and her health seems stable. So sorry that you had to go through such a scare.

Right now I would love to visit England as recent digging through the family records confirms that my father's side of the family came from Wiltshire and my mother's from Yorkshire.

>247 bell7: Hi, Mary! How awesome are you?! Thanks!

>248 Whisper1: Linda: Yay for Kayla! You'll have so much fun sewing with her!

>249 CassieBash: Hi, Cassie! *grins*

>250 laytonwoman3rd: Linda: I have a gingersnap recipe, too, but I think it calls for even more ginger than this one. I love all things ginger, so I'm afraid we likely won't be testing your shelf life theory any time soon. Ha!

>251 banjo123: Hi, Rhonda - yep, Thurber is fantastic.

>252 LovingLit: Megan: Isn't Joe a witty fellow?

>253 DeltaQueen50: Thanks, Judy - Mom is very nearly back to her old self, I think, although she still tires out pretty quickly. But we're back to making each other laugh until we cry, so all's well with the world.
And I'm with you on the trip to England - I'd love to go!

We had a blast this morning at the garage sales and I came away with some good deals! Including these little treasures:



That gorgeous thing on top is a blank journal - leather bound. $1!

Ooh I love that journal.

>256 lauralkeet: Laura: I know, right?!

194. Ducks in a Row by Lori Haskins Houran (Charlie book, easy reader) - 8/10 = B
An easy reader based on the characters created by Jackie Urbanovic.
Cute and silly. And Charlie can read the whole thing himself!

195. Rocket Writes a Story by Tad Hills (public library book, picture book) - 9/10 = A
Rocket the Dog, with some guidance from his teacher (a little yellow bird) and a new friend (and adorable little owl), learns to write a story.
So, so adorable and such a lovely little story. Hills can do no wrong, I think.

>255 scaifea: That leather "music" journal is definitely a keeper!

Ooh, Ahh! to journal and books!

>255 scaifea: That's just beautiful. Amber, I wish you a fabulous weekend.

>269 >260 nittnut: Lori & Jenn: I know, right - I kind of hit the jackpot with those!

>261 Ameise1: Oooh, pretty! Thanks, Barbara!

On the agenda for today:

Grocery shopping this morning, then hanging out with my guys today. I'll try to get some To Do list stuff done, but it may have to wait until tomorrow (Charlie has a lot of 'projects' lined up for us today, I think). I think I'll likely put together a Mexican Casserole for dinner.

On the reading front: I'm almost finished with Spice and the Devil's Cave and I read another chapter in She, which is a hoot so far.

The weekend calendar book is If It's Not One Thing, It's You Mother by Julia Sweeny. Anyone read this one?

>255 scaifea: scaifea: The journal--particularly nice find! Any specific plans for it? In the past, my blank and unlined journals have been for creative outlets (translation: sketches, doodles, etc.) and lined ones are for notes. I've got one dedicated to story ideas, and one that's dedicated to one season's worth of my personal Lepidoptera findings. (I was curious just how many butterflies and moths I successfully hatch in a year, and how many species. My inner scientist showing, I guess.) I'm continuing the latter in my post in Gardens and Books, if you're interested. Look for my post, CassieBash's Caterpillars 2015, if you're interested. I plan on posting many pics!

>261 Ameise1: Ameise1: I agree. Fabulous weekend, all around!

>263 scaifea: scaifea: Ah, let the To Do stuff wait. Enjoy your guys!

Happy weekend! Sounds like you have some good plans! I'm going on a date to a batting cage.

>264 CassieBash: Cassie: I'm not sure yet what I'll do with it - probably I'll devote to some healthy list-keeping. Good for you with the whole caterpillar/butterfly business; I'm afraid, though, that I'm completely creeped out by both forms...

>265 The_Hibernator: Hi, Rachel! Enjoy the batting!

The New Thread is up!

http://www.librarything.com/topic/189970

And now, I'm off to bake a cake (Peach Victoria Sponge)...