scaifea's 2015 challenge - thread #25

Welcome to thread XXV!



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:
-Black Boy (Banned Books list)
-The Queen of Attolia (series read)
-Water of the Wondrous Isles (The Green Dragon 1001 Fantasy List)
-Zachary Taylor (Presidential Challenge)
-Gumption (audio book)
-A Time of Changes (Nebula list)
-Moab Is My Washpot (Fry bibliography)
-Matilda (Charlie's bed-time book)
-Don Quixote (an unread book off of my shelves)
-The Dalai Lama at Harvard (Buddhism list)
-Far from the Madding Crowd (books by year list, 1874)
-Dyer Consequences (series that my mom wants me to read so we can chat about it)
-As You Wish (from the Read Soon shelf)
-The Return of the Native (everyday audio book in the car/book-a-year challenge - 1878)
-The Spoonflower Handbook (just because)

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.)

OCTOBER
465. (#149) Bomb (Newbery Honor book/audio book) - 8/10 = B+
466. (#150) Go Set a Watchman (from the Read Soon shelf) - 8/10 = B+
467. (#151) Daisy Miller (Books-by-Year Challenge) - 8/10 = B+
468. (#152) Morality for Beautiful Girls (series I'm reading with my mom) - 8/10 = B+
469. (#153) The Chocolate Wars (1001 Children's Books list/ audio book) - 8/10 = B
470. (#154) Turtle in Paradise (Newbery Honor book/ audio book) - 8/10 = B
471. Wish (public library book) - 8/10 = B+
472. How to Cheer Up Dad (public library book) - 8/10 = B
473. Reuben and the Fire (Charlie book) - 8/10 = B+
474. Math Counts: Weight (public library book) - 8/10 = B
475. We Both Read: The Three Little Pigs (Charlie's school library book) - 8/10 = B
476. National Geographic Kids: Planets (Charlie's school library book) - 8/10 = B
477. Froggy's Halloween (Charlie book) - 8/10 = B+
478. Ghosts in the House! (public library book) - 9/10 = A
479. Abe Lincoln's Hat (Charlie book) - 8/10 = B+
480. This Moose Belongs to Me (Charlie book) - 9/10 = A
481. Super Cute! Baby Penguins (Charlie's school library book) - 8/10 = B
482. The Witch's Children (public library book) - 9/10 = A
483. Outstanding in the Rain (public library book) - 8/10 = B+
484. Oh, No! Or How My Science Project Destroyed the World (Charlie book) - 8/10 = B+
485. (#155) The Puppy Place: Buddy (Charlie's bedtime read) - 8/10 = B+
486. Open This Little Book (public library book) - 9/10 = A
487. Pumpkin Circle (Charlie's school library book) - 8/10 = B+
488. Stina (1001 Children's Books list) - 9/10 = A
489. Les premieres notions de T'choupi (1001 Children's Books list) - 8/10 = B
490. Dusty Wants to Borrow Everything (1001 Children's Books list) - 8/10 = B
491. Pancakes for Findus (1001 Children's Books list) - 9/10 = A
492. Felix & Alexander (1001 Children's Books list) - 7/10 = C
493. Lowly Worm Joins the Circus (Charlie book) - 8/10 = B
494. My Pumpkin (Charlie's school library book) - 8/10 = B
495. (#156) Howl's Moving Castle (Charlie book) - 10/10 = A+
496. (#157) Traditional Chinese Folktales (1001 Children's Books list) - 8/10 = B
497. Marc Just Couldn't Sleep (1001 Children's Books list) - 8/10 = B+
498. (#158) The Jagged Orbit (BSFA list) - 7/10 = C
499. Hotel Transylvania 2: Meet the Monsters (Charlie book) - 8/10 = B
500. Winnie the Witch (1001 Children's Books list) - 9/10 = A
501. (#159) The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg (Newbery Honor book/audio book) - 8/10 = B-
502. What in the World Is a Baker's Dozen? (public library book) - 8/10 = B+
503. Scaredy-Cat, Splat! (Charlie's school library book) - 8/10 = B+
504. The Runaway Dinner (school library book) - 9/10 = A
505. Starting School (school library book) - 9/10 = A
506. The Adventures of Bert (school library book) - 7/10 = C
507. Brer Rabbit: The Great Tug-O-War (school library book) - 8/10 = B
508. Hard to Be Six (school library book) - 8/10 = B-
509. Louella Mar, She's Run Away! (school library book) - 9/10 = A
510. No Cookies? (school library book) - 8/10 = B
511. Super Duck (school library book) - 8/10 = B
512. Duck in the Truck (school library book) - 8/10 = B
513. The Tale of the Turnip (school library book) - 10/10 = A
514. It's Me, Teddy! (school library book) - 8/10 = B
515. Blackboard Bear (school library book) - 8/10 = B-
516. Painted Words (school library book) - 8/10 = B
517. All in a Day (school library book) - 9/10 = A
518. The Princess of 8th Street (school library book) - 8/10 = B
519. Mrs. Claus Takes a Vacation (school library book) - 8/10 = B
520. "I'm Not Cute!" (school library book) - 8/10 = B
521. I Really Like Slop! (Charlie book) - 10/10 - A+
522. Halloween (Charlie's school library book) - 8/10 = B+
523. Guardians of Childhood: Jack Frost (Charlie book) - 10/10 = A+
524. Curious George: A Home for Honeybees (public library book) - 8/10 = B
525. (#160) Castle in the Air (Charlie book) - 9/10 = A
526. Extraordinary Jane (public library book) - 8/10 = B
527. I Yam a Donkey! (public library book) - 810 = B-

NOVEMBER
528. (#161) Peeling the Onion (1001 Children's Books list/audio book) - 9/10 = A-
529. Winter Is Coming (public library book) - 9/10 = A
530. Batty for Black (Charlie's school library book) - 8/10 = B+
531. Twelve Dancing Unicorns (public library book) - 8/10 = B
532. Hello, Yellow! (Charlie's school library book) - 8/10 = B
533. (#162) House of Many Ways (Charlie book/series read) - 9/10 = A
534. The Hueys in It Wasn't Me (Charlie book) - 9/10 = A
535. Where in the World? World Famous Landmarks (Charlie book) - 8/10 = B+
536. From Pumpkin to Pie (public library book) - 8/10 = B+
537. Pink Takes a Bow (Charlie's school library book) - 8/10 = B
538. Good Driving, Amelia Bedelia! (Charlie book) - 8/10 = B
539. Mustache! (Charlie book) - 8/10 = B

The Charlie and Mario Toppers:

And the Bonus Question:

If you are or ever have been a Halloween Dresser-Upper, what is your favorite Halloween costume ever?

Woot! Best Ninjas ever!

I am not a Halloween girl, never cared for it. I did dress up fairly regularly when Laura was a kid, but I can't say any of my costumes were particularly inspired. HERS, on the other hand....well, I'll let her tell it.

>2 scaifea: - So impressive!

>3 scaifea: - As a kid, I did the standard clown, witch, ghost, gypsy, etc. Nothing very exciting. My current company has a long tradition of people/departments going all-out for Halloween. One year, my boss (the CEO) was out of town for it, so our department (there were only three of us) did a play on "While the cat's away, the mice will play" - we dressed up in grey and had little mouse ears and tails and we scattered half-empty bottles of booze and empty beer cans around. We had a "poker table" set up and solitaire on our computer monitors and a "nap room" with pillows and blankets. It was pretty funny, but maybe only in context. As I type this, it just sounds lame :-P

Happy new thread!

Congratulations on #25 Amber.

>3 scaifea: I have never been a "dresser-upper" for Halloween or otherwise. Hani is pretty scary in civvies too, I dear to think what would happen if she dressed for the part!

Congrats on your shiny new thread, Amber. Wonderful Charlie photo. He must be very proud of his costume. We don't celebrate Halloween therefore no costume report from here.

Wow. Those are impressive costumes. Hope he has a good time.

>3 scaifea: As a kid I basically wanted to be in the biggest, most Princess like dress I could find.

Now I slap on a themed t-shirt and use it an excuse to take jello shots. Heh.

>4 laytonwoman3rd: Linda: I never liked it much, either, until grad school and the super-fun parties my friends put on for Halloween. I should try to find some photos of my Medusa costume. The Cleopatra one was pretty funny, too.

>5 katiekrug: Katie: Thanks! And I think your mouse thing sounds hilarious! Sounds like something Tomm's co-workers would cook up.

>6 PaulCranswick: Paul: There's that wicked sense of humor again, mister. I suspect it would get you into more trouble if your obvious devotion to your better half didn't shine through those witty remarks.

>7 Ameise1: Hi, Barbara! Thanks! He's pretty excited to go trick-or-treating this coming weekend.

>8 charl08: Thanks, Charlotte!

>9 rosylibrarian: Marie: Ha! I kinda still want to wear super-princessy dresses sometimes...

The ninja costumes are fabulous!

>5 katiekrug: I think that's pretty funny too!

>11 lauralkeet: Aw, thanks, Laura! I was particularly pleased with how Mario's came out, although I admit that most of the adorable factor is because of the pup in the suit and not the actual costume...

Cute costumes! My mom always made great costumes for my little brother and me. My favorite was in, oh, third or fourth grade, when I wanted to be a chicken -- specifically, a Buff Orpington (we lived out in the country and kept chickens at the time). Mom did a great job making up a chicken costume by modifying a few different patterns.

Love the costumes :) I will have to post a pic of Cass when I get hers done... having Boxtroll related box issues...

Happy new thread Amber, the photo's are brilliant my dear as usual, sending love and hugs to you all my dear.

I thought about getting a Halloween costume for this year because they were talking about dressing up on Friday at work (the 30th). I realized that I'm actually working on Saturday (the 31st) instead of Friday. I doubt I'll bother to dress up. The library is usually pretty empty on Saturdays.

Halloween is not a tradition here in New Zealand, though for past decade or so it has been pushed on us by retailers.

My brother and I always had storebought costumes when we were children. None of mine were particularly memorable. I think my favorite Halloween memory is from high school, when several of the men in the math department (who were also coaches) dressed up as the Fruit of the Loom guys.

>13 foggidawn: I have no idea who Buff Orphington is... This needs googling...

>14 BekkaJo: Bekka: Box issues? Oh no! Best of luck!

>15 johnsimpson: Thanks, John!

>16 thornton37814: Lori: Oh, you should! I mean, really, why not?!

>17 avatiakh: Kerry: Interesting. You know, I don't really know much about the origins and back story for this particular holiday. I should do something about that.

>18 cbl_tn: Carrie: Oh, I love the Fruit of the Loom idea! Ha!

>19 scaifea: It's a breed of chicken. They are yellow, hence the "buff" part of the name. (And I always misspell the second part -- should be "Orpington." I corrected my original post.)

Hi, Amber - Happy New Thread!

As Kerry said for NZ, Halloween doesn't really exist here either, though retailers would very much like it to become a thing. You see little kids dressed up and there's a smattering of door-knocking, but that's about it.

31st October was my mother's birthday, so the date always had a different significance for us. :)

>20 foggidawn: Ha! Cool! I'd love to see a photo of you in your costume!

>21 lyzard: Liz: Interesting. So is it really just here, then? We're such a weird country in so many ways...

What We Read Today:
-Happy Halloween, Mittens
-Too Many Pumpkins

On the agenda for today:

Another day mostly spent in the sewing room, hopefully, after a quick bit of cleaning and some time exercising The Gals. I've nearly got all of my mom's rugs inventoried, after which I'll work on organizing what I already have made myself, and then I can figure out what and how much more I'd like to make before the show. Leftovers for dinner tonight, I think.

On the reading front: I'm nearly finished with Howl's Moving Castle, which is so much fun - I can't wait to get round to the other books in the series.

The calendar book for today: Growing Up Amish by Ira Wagler. Anyone read this one? It sounds like one my mom would enjoy - she's fascinated by the Amish culture.

Update on the Scaife Family Halloween Movie Project: We finished Bedknobs and Broomsticks, which was excellent and we all just loved it, and last night we watched a Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Halloween special. On the marquee for tonight: Toy Story of Terror.

492. Felix & Alexander by Terry Denton (1001 Children's Books list, picture book) - 7/10 = C

I'm glad I read this one before reading it to Charlie (and I won't be doing that) - it's weird (not in a good way) and unnecessarily scary in parts. Nopenopenope.

Morning Amber! Happy New thread! Love the Charlie & Mario Halloween toppers!

Looks like another warm, fall day. Happy Dance!

Are we going to finish this Trivia Crack game? Hmmmmmm?

>26 msf59: Morning, Mark! Dang, I'm sorry - I keep forgetting to play! I'll try to remember today...

>26 msf59:, >27 scaifea: - I didn't know you guys were Trivia Crack people. What level?

>28 Fourpawz2: Charlotte: Mark is a complete pro at over level 100, I think. I'm just a lowly 56 (I can't ever seem to remember to play the thing).

>24 scaifea: Bedknobs and Boomsticks is one instance where I like the movie better than the book. I think Angela Lansbury may have something to do with that.

>30 casvelyn: I haven't read the book but I sort of want to now after seeing the movie. And I know that I'm in a minority here, but I've never really cottoned to Lansbury.

I love those ninja costumes Amber. My fave Halloween costume was Cinderella, the poor version. I made the costume myself. I'm a terrible seamstress but it didn't matter. I just did what I could and took scissors and seam ripper to the costume. I glued on the patches with hot glue. I don't have a photo. I sure wish I did.

>32 luvamystery65: Oh man, Roberta, I really wish you did have a photo - that sounds fantastic!

>29 scaifea: - I play in fits and starts. Some of the time I can't leave it alone and then I will go for weeks never touching it at all.

Just checked - I'm at Level 99 right now.

>34 Fourpawz2: Charlotte: Ooof, then you're more in Mark's league than mine. Ha!

>2 scaifea: Cute!

>22 scaifea: We do Halloween in Canada too, Amber. My Mum was Canadian so she made sure that her immigrant children got in on the trick or treating action.

Great ninja costumes! I made a fabulous ghost bride one year and a pretty hot Elvira another year, but I'm really not one for dressing up. My daughter on the other hand...

>36 humouress: Thanks, Nina!

>37 Familyhistorian: Meg: Oh, that's good to know!

>38 Storeetllr: Mary: Elvira?! Oh, we NEED to see photos, Mary!

493. Lowly Worm Joins the Circus by Gail Herman (Charlie book, easy reader) - 8/10 = B
Charlie read this one to us over the course of a couple of nights.

494. My Pumpkin by Julia Noonan (Charlie's school library book, easy reader) - 8/10 = B

495. (156th non-picture book) Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones (Charlie book, 429 pages) - 10/10 = A+
Oh, I enjoyed this one immensely all the way through, but the last few chapters really made it a wonderful read. I love all of the characters and the story was fantastic, with all sorts of clever little bits tucked in here and there. I can't wait to get to the other books in the series!

Also Read Today:
-The Big White Ghost

On the agenda for today:

Charlie's grade is going on a field trip to a pumpkin patch today, and guess who volunteered to be a chaperone? So that will take up most of the day. I also need to do some menu planning and get my grocery list ready for tomorrow's shopping and do a bit of cleaning. Twice-baked potatoes for dinner tonight, I think.

On the reading front: I finished Howl's Moving Castle (wonderful!) and read a few pages in the Taylor biography before falling asleep last night. I'm having trouble getting into the biography this time around for some reason...

The calendar book for today: The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli, which I read so long ago that I don't remember many details, I'm afraid.

Sewing Room Report: I've worked through my current inventory and have it all ready for the craft show, and I even started sewing a new little shirt dress, so I'm happy with my progress.

Morning Amber! My baseball season is over, so now I can spend my evenings, with the books. See? All is good.

I am really enjoying The Queen of the Tearling. I think this one, is just your cuppa.

>42 msf59: Mark: That *does* sound like a good one - thanks for the tip!

>42 msf59: - Sorry about your baseball season. So much for the Back to the Future prediction...
My beloved (if nerve-wracking) Toronto Blue Jays live another day. If we had not won last night, we'd have been joining you today *on vacation*.... Game 6 for us tomorrow in KC

>44 jessibud2: Ain't got hoverboards yet, either... :)

>44 jessibud2: That's almost more sports talk than this thread can handle... Ha!

>45 drneutron: Jim: Yes, but apparently there are self-tying shoes now...

>47 scaifea: and apparently Michael J. Fox got the first pair!

>48 drneutron: I know, right?! So neat. Did you see the Toyota commercial with Fox and Doc? Pretty cool.

Yup. Very cool!

>49 scaifea: I saw it! I loved it! And Amber, just consider this *sports talk* to be a commercial. ;-)

If you want to connect it to books, I have read 2 of Michael J. Fox's 3 books...! :-)

And, of course, there is this, a most creative rivalry between Toronto's and Kansas City's libraries:

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/toronto-kc-libraries-trade-barbs-over-jays...

>51 jessibud2: I have one of Fox's books on my shelves - I need to get to it soon.

Some highlights from today's field trip to the pumpkin patch:

Looks like Charlie had a good day!

>54 thornton37814: Lori: He did and he didn't. The Pumpkin patch was really fun, but he got a splinter (a biggish one) in his finger about halfway through, but didn't tell me about it until we got home this afternoon (!!) because he was afraid he'd have to leave the field trip early. So he went round with a big splinter in his finger nearly all day, poor thing!

496. (157th non-picture book) Traditional Chinese Folktales (1001 Children's Books list, 180 pages) - 8/10 = B
I'd read most of these in one form or another elsewhere, but it's still a nice collection.

497. Marc Just Couldn't Sleep by Gabriela Keselman (1001 Children's Books list, picture book) - 8/10 = B+

Also Read Today:
-Gus Gets Scared
-Wreck-It Ralph: Game On! - read by Charlie!

On the agenda for today:

Grocery shopping this morning, then home to walk The Gals and do a bit of cleaning, then back to school for my Friday afternoon volunteering. Philly Stuffed Cheese Steaks for dinner tonight.

On the reading front: I finished a couple of books yesterday (see >56 scaifea: above for the first; details for the second to follow) - woot!

The calendar book for today seems to be of the spy/thriller variety, which isn't usually my cuppa: Los Alamos by Joseph Kanon. Anyone read this one? Thoughts?

Morning, Amber! Happy Friday! Ooh, Philly Stuffed Cheese Steaks! Yum!

I have heard of Kanon and I am sure I have, at least one of his on shelf. Not read him...

>58 msf59: Morning, Mark! Yep, I'm looking forward to a good steak tonight, too...

498. (158th non-picture book) The Jagged Orbit by John Brunner (BSFA list, 341 pages) - 7/10 = C
Yeah, maybe I'm not so much a Brunner fan. I enjoyed Stand on Zanzibar okay, weirdness and all, but that particular brand of weird works once for me, I think. He tries it again in this one and I'm just done, really.

Oh Amber, it looks like everybody had an amazing time on the field trip.

>61 Ameise1: Thanks, Barbara - it was a fun day.

>57 scaifea: Philly Stuffed Cheese Steaks for dinner tonight. Eeeesh! Amber, have you ever HAD a real Philly cheese steak sandwich? From Philly's own Pat's or Geno's? Lordy. Lard-fried Steakum with lots a Cheez Whiz. Much rather have...scrapple!

By the bye, I've been looking at your topper mit buchs and wondering if Sport and Recreation in Ancient Greece was supplemental reading for whatever grad-school course had The Reign of the Phallus and Sexual Life in Ancient Greece as its primary texts. Hmmmmm? :-)

>63 weird_O: No, my cheese-stuffed steak recipe is not the real thing. How could it be?! I live not in the city of brotherly love.
And I was wondering if anyone would comment on this thread's shelf picture... Ha! Nope, those all came into my work library on different occasions and for different reasons.

Happy new thread, Amber! (I hope I'm not too late to say that...) I love the photos of your ninjas and the pumpkin patch trip.

There were only a couple of years as kids we dressed up for Halloween, but when I started working at the library it was a Thing we did, so I think now I can safely say I have dressed up more as an adult than a kid! I have two favorites - one is a go-to because it's so easy, and that is a scarecrow. I've tucked raffia in every corner of a pair of overalls and have a plaid shirt, sometimes I use a hat and sometimes not and when my hair is long enough, I braid it and tie it with scraps of fabric. The other was more elaborate: I once went as Pippi Longstocking, with a blue dress, the mismatched socks and all. I put my hair up in braids with pipe cleaners to make them stick up and even wore contacts (I hate them they make my eyes itch) for a party. I tried to dye my hair red, but it didn't really take. It was a lot of fun though!

>65 bell7: Mary: One of my best friends in grade school went as Pippi one year and rocked it - she and her mom used a wire hanger to make her pigtails stick straight out!

499. Hotel Transylvania 2: Meet the Monsters by Daphne Pendergrass (Charlie book, picture book) - 8/10 = B
500. Winnie the Witch by Valerie Thomas (1001 Children's Books list, picture book) - 9/10 = A

Hi Amber, I haven't been active in the group much this year, so hope you'll forgive for all too rare visits, but I'm putting together a new challenge for 2016 and thought it might be news to you and some of your visitors. Hope you don't mind the public announcement..., here goes:



After some discussion on Paul's thread recently, where the excitement of the 2016 BAC planning is going full tilt, it was suggested we run a Canadian Authors Challenge in 2016. I've put together the Canadian Author's Challenge (CAC) 2016 Planning thread here:

http://www.librarything.com/topic/201195

Come one, come all to discuss which authors you'd most like to see represented!

>68 Smiler69: Morning, Ilana! Sounds like a good plan, although I have trouble keeping up with Paul's and Mark's Challenges, so I'll likely opt out. I'll be a happily silent observer.

On the agenda for today:

Our town hosts their trick-or-treating on Main St. today, when all the businesses downtown open their doors to little ones in costumes from 11am-2pm. We've taken Charlie every year we've been here and it's a fantastic program. So we'll be headed down there later on with Charlie and Mario, uh, I mean the Blue and Golden Ninjas. Otherwise, normal weekend chores here at Scaife Manor: laundry, cleaning, baking (Halloween cupcakes and cookies, and possibly some Hawaiian Bread), bills, weekly photo organizing, and then hopefully some sewing time.

On the reading front: I started both Castle in the Air and A Time of Changes yesterday, but haven't read far enough into either one to have a solid opinion yet (although I'm excited about both of them).

The weekend calendar quote: "When he woke in the woods in the dark and the cold of the night he'd reach out to touch the child sleeping beside him."
I haven't read this one, but I know many of you have...

Happy weekend, Amber.

Thanks, Barbara!

>70 scaifea: - Is the book quote from The Road?

Have a great weekend, Amber!

Morning Amber! Happy Saturday! It was pouring here, a few minutes ago. I hope we get a dry stretch, so I can finish up the route.

Enjoy the day, my friend.

Have a lovely weekend, dear lady. xx

>70 scaifea: It's nice they do it during the day time and on a weekend. Our church has a "fall festival" in place of our usual Wednesday evening programs. They have inflatables so the kids can play, games, a dunking booth, cotton candy and other carnival foods, and then each child leaves with a bag of candy.

>73 katiekrug: Katie: Yep, you got it!

>74 msf59: Hi, Mark! It drizzled here earlier, but thankfully it cleared up for the trick-or-treating.

>75 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Paul!

>76 thornton37814: Lori: I think a few churches do that around here, too.

>77 scaifea: Some of the ones in our area offer "Trunk or Treat".

Hi Amber. Hope your Saturday was good, and that Sunday will be even better.

>78 thornton37814: Lori: I've heard of the Trunk or Treats, but have no idea what that is...?

>79 weird_O: Many thanks, Bill - it was a lovely Saturday.

What We Read Today:
-I Will Tap a Nap
-Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!
-The Best Halloween Hunt Ever
-The November/December issue of National Geographic Kids Magazine

>80 scaifea: The members all show up with the candy and sit on their tailgates or open their trunks and pass it out. They usually have refreshments or something in the fellowship hall too, I suspect.

>82 thornton37814: Lori: Nice!

On the agenda for today:

All the weekend things that didn't get finished yesterday (read: nearly all of them). Rice and Cheese Croquettes for dinner tonight, I think.

On the reading front: I read a bit more of Moab Is My Washpot, which is, of course, amazing.

Happy Sunday, everyone!

Morning Amber! Happy Sunday! I have a few chores to attend to, but I hope to get A LOT of reading in too!

Enjoy your day!

>85 msf59: Morning, Mark! Happy Sunday Reading!

Happy Sunday, Amber! The pumpkin patch looked like a fun trip, but poor Charlie with his splinter. I hope he's forgotten about it by now.

>87 susanj67: Thanks, Susan. He seems to have gotten over the tragedy at this point. Ha!

I hear pumpkin patch and just think Snoopy. Nice.

Can I ask your expert advice Amber? I've been reading a medical history book and found the stuff about Galen fascinating. Have you read anything on him you think would be accessible to a non-classicist? I found The Prince of Medicine: Galen in the Roman Empire online, but wondered if there was one you'd recommend.

>89 charl08: Charlotte: Ooof, Galen. Honestly, no, I really don't have any non-classicist-accessible recommendations for him. Let me know if you read that one and what you think of it - it's written by a history professor, so it could be a little dense if it's not meant for a larger audience...

Nice pumpkin patch photos, Amber!

>91 kidzdoc: Thanks, Darryl!

501. (159th non-picture book) The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg by Rodman Philbrick (Newbery Honor book/audio book) - 8/10 = B-
Told by a 12-year-old boy who chases after his older brother after he has been wrongfully enlisted in the Union army. Homer is a self-admitted Teller of Tall Tales and therefore not really a very reliable narrator.
Meh. I found it difficult to keep my mind on this one, for some reason.

Hi Amber, happy Sunday my dear. Sending love and hugs to all at Scaife manor.

>94 johnsimpson: Thanks, John!

Happy new thread, Amber! I love the costumes you created for Charlie and Mario! Pumpkin patches and corn fields... those speak Autumn to me.

Re bonus question: I am a hit-and-miss Halloween Dresser-Upper, although last year I went in a Victorian Steampuck costume that I put together using items I had found in the various charity shops. It is my favorite costume to date and one I will reuse, but not this year. I want to build on the costume and get a proper steampunk-styled corseted waistcost (vest) for the outfit.... like this one:



I am not talented enough to make one so I just keep on collecting pins on Pinterest that I can look at. ;-)

>96 lkernagh: Lori: Wow! Those steampunk costumes can get so elaborate, eh? V. cool.

502. What in the World Is a Baker's Dozen? by Desiree Bussiere (public library book, easy reader) - 8/10 = B+

Also Read Today:
-Trick or Treasure?
-Chicka Chicka 123

>90 scaifea: Thanks - appreciate it. Will let you know how I get on. The history side of things is what I like so hopefully will fit the bill. But I *knew* I should have stuck to my Latin back in secondary school (Caecilius and Metellus in Pompei. I couldn't remember the names of the people so Googled it, and was amazed to find my old coursebooks are online for students now. V good.)

>99 charl08: Charlotte: Should you ever want a refresher, I'd be happy to tutor...

On the agenda for today:

I'm substitute teacher for the school librarian today, so not much else will get done. But I get to help kids check out books, read stories to them, shelve books... Heaven.

On the reading front: I read a couple more chapters in both Castle in the Air and Don Quixote, both of which are amazing so far.

The calendar book today: Native Speaker by Chang-rae Lee. I've not read this one, but I've heard good things - thoughts?

Morning Amber! Good luck substituting. I have Native Speaker in the stacks. I have only read one of his but this is supposed to be one of his best.

I am enjoying a day off. The only time I love a Monday.

>102 msf59: Happy Monday off, Mark! The best kind of Monday, for certain! I've definitely heard good things about Native Speaker - you should bump it up the list and then tell me what you think. Ha!

>101 scaifea: Shelving in the school library; you must be a novice if you're still calling it heaven ;0)

I used to volunteer when we were in Sydney, at my son's primary school and go in twice a week. The books for the youngest kids (they split it into 3 sections by age) were in book bins and I took it upon myself to sort out the bins, since the kids just used to dump books into the nearest bin. It took me a few weeks because I was also reshelving, and it's an ongoing job. The kids would send up their books before school, to be returned and shelved, so there'd be a trolley-and-a-half full of books to be shelved when I went in, especially on a Friday morning. I'd get about three quarters of the way through, before a class would come in for their library time, and of course my whole just-beautifully-organised system would go down the drain. If I managed to get out before the kids came in, I was a much happier bunny. Mondays were easier; it wasn't so popular as a library day, so there were fewer books to shelve, and I didn't have to watch all my hard work go to naught :0)

Hi Amber, wishing you a fantastic day.

>104 humouress: Nina: I've been helping in the library for over 2 years now and just love it. I don't think it'll get old for me.

>105 Ameise1: Thanks, Barbara!

Happy new thread, Amber!

>106 scaifea: Well, you're a better man than me, Gunga Din (or something like that). Me, I left the country ;0)

503. Scaredy-Cat, Splat! by Rob Scotton (Charlie's school library book, picture book) - 8/10 = B+

Also Read Today:
-Corduroy's Best Halloween Ever!
-Chicka Chicka Boom Boom (read by Charlie)

And while I was the substitute librarian today, during my down time I read some of the school's library books (all picture books, of course):

504. The Runaway Dinner by Allan Ahlberg (school library book) - 9/10 = A
505. Starting School by Allan Ahlberg (school library book) - 9/10 = A
506. The Adventures of Bert by Allan Ahlberg (school library book) - 7/10 = C
507. Brer Rabbit: The Great Tug-O-War by John Agard (school library book) - 8/10 = B
508. Hard to Be Six by Arnold Adoff (school library book) - 8/10 = B-
509. Louella May, She's Run Away! by Karen Beaumont Alacon (school library book) - 9/10 = A
510. No Cookies? by Sarah Albee (school library book) - 8/10 = B
511. Super Duck by Jex Alborough (school library book) - 8/10 = B
512. Duck in the Truck by Jez Alborough (school library book) - 8/10 = B
513. The Tale of the Turnip by Brian Alderson (school library book) - 10/10 = A
514. It's Me, Teddy! by Amber Alexander (school library book) - 8/10 = B
515. Blackboard Bear by Martha Alexander (school library book) - 8/10 = B-
516. Painted Words by Aliki (school library book) - 8/10 = B
517. All in a Day (school library book) - 9/10 = A
518. The Princess of 8th Street by Linas Alsenas (school library book) - 8/10 = B
519. Mrs. Claus Takes a Vacation by Linas Alsenas (school library book) - 8/10 = B
520. "I'm Not Cute!" by Jonathan Allen (school library book) - 8/10 = B

On the agenda for today:

I'll stay at school this morning for a bit to work on some book fair business, then home to walk The Gals, do a bit of cleaning and possibly a tiny bit of sewing, then back to school for my Tuesday afternoon library volunteering and a meeting with the principle about the book fair. Baked Potato Soup for dinner tonight, I think.

On the reading front: I read a nice little chunk of Castle in the Air yesterday and a few pages of The Dalai Lama at Harvard, which is good but needs to be read a little at a time, for me, at least.

The calendar book for today: Theodore Rex by Edmund Morris. (It's Teddy's birthday today, apparently.)

Morning Amber! Happy Birthday, T.R.! I have read Theodore Rex, which followed The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt. The latter is one of the best bios I have ever read. I have still not read the final book in the trilogy.

>111 msf59: Mark: Oh, I didn't know it was part of a trilogy! Good news that they're good ones.

I'm reading Theodore Rex right now, as a matter of fact! Quite well done, although Morris' style is a bit too smug for me to give 5 stars.

>113 rosalita: Julia!! Where have you been, missy?! Good to see you.
Smug? Ooof. I don't do well with smug, I'm afraid.

Here I'm again! Doing the waving thing!

>114 scaifea: I'm here every day, I just don't usually have anything to say. :)

I wouldn't discourage you from reading by Roosevelt biographies at all; I've learned an awful lot, especially in the first one that dealt with his life up to becoming President. Really well researched, and I'm probably the only one annoyed by Morris' written tics. I know Mark loved the books!

>115 connie53: Hi, Connie!!

>116 rosalita: Julia: You're here every day? Nothing better to do, I suppose. *snork!*
*ahem* Anyway.
Okay, fine, I'll still consider them. Maybe I won't notice the smug...

>117 scaifea: ♪ I've got my eye on you ... ♪ :-D

You will like the Roosevelt bios, I promise!

>118 rosalita: Julia: "I always feel like...somebody's watching meeeee..."

521. I Really Like Slop! by Mo Willems (Charlie book, easy reader) - 10/10 - A+
522. Holidays and Celebrations: Halloween by Brenda Haugen (Charlie's school library book) - 8/10 = B+
523. Guardians of Childhood: Jack Frost by William Joyce (Charlie book) - 10/10 = A+

Also Read Today:
-We Are in a Book! (read by Charlie)

On the agenda for today:

This morning I'll stay at school for a little bit to work on some PTO stuff, then later I'm meeting a rep. for lunch to talk about the possibility of our PTO hosting an Usborne book fair. In between I'll be home to do laundry, cleaning, some work on the book fair and hopefully some sewing room time before going back to school to pick up Charlie. Tomm leaves for a business trip today, so I think Charlie and I may go out for dinner tonight to Charlie's favorite Italian place (It's difficult to go there with Tomm, since he has gluten issues on top of garlic and onion issues. There's essentially nothing on an Italian restaurant's menu that he can eat.)

On the reading front: I read a bit more of Castle in the Air, which is very good although not as good as Howl's (there's no Howl yet in this one, so how could it be?), and another chapter in Far from the Madding Crowd, which is excellent so far, too - the language is gorgeous. I also listened to the beginning of Peeling the Onion while walking The Gals, and it seems good so far. And I keep forgetting to mention that I'm listening to The Return of the Native little by little in the car and I'm loving it so far, too.

The book calendar offers up a mid-week quote today: "We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in retrospect." -Anaïs Nin

Happy Hump Day, Amber! It looks like a damp and cool one, in Chicagoland. Hey, we needed the rain.

I have still not read Hardy. Bad Mark.

>122 msf59: Mark: It's been raining here since yesterday afternoon. I don't mind, though - I love a good, steady, chilly fall rain (but then, I don't have to be out in it).
Oh, do put Hardy on your list - I definitely recommend the audio of The Return of the Native, read by Alan Rickman!

Thanks for the Hardy rec. I am not familiar with that one. I know LT pals have wanted me to read Jude the Obscure for years.

>124 msf59: Mark: Ooof, that's one that I didn't care for - too dreary. The writing is still excellent, though.

Lovely quote. I half expected you to retort that you can't step into the same river twice, though...

>126 charl08: Ha! Nice one, Charlotte!

What We Read Today:

-Penguin and Pumpkin
-I Really Like Slop!
-Meg and Mog
-Watch It Grow: Pumpkin
-Can I Play Too?

For myself, my favorite costume was when I made a paper mache Frankenstein head in art class in Junior High, 9th grade and wore it dressed as Frankenstein. I was 6 feet tall.

For my daughter, who is disabled, it was when her teacher made her electric scooter into a yellow school bus.

You're reading "Return of the Native" which I found depressing and frustrating: the characters were so inept! I didn't care about any of the characters. The best I can say for it is that it was better than Wuthering Heights. That's a very low bar.

You're also reading "Matilda" by Rold Dald, which is absolutely wonderful.

Hi Amber,
Here I am doing the rounds very late! I have handed in my last essay for the year and am frees for months...yay! Apart from a small part time job I got myself. Also yay!
>125 scaifea: excellent writing can only take you so far. I haven't read Jude, and probably won't now. ;)

>129 jjvors: >130 jjvors: Jeff: I love that you made part of your costume in school art class - very cool! And what a wonderful teacher your daughter had - and a very cool idea for a costume for her.
So far I'm enjoying The Return of the Native, but I can't say that it's not mostly because of Rickman's voice... Matilda has always been one of my very favorite Dahl books and I'm very pleased to say that Charlie is absolutely loving it, too. We've had to take a break from it while Tomm's out of town (he's never read it and is really enjoying it, too), and we're at a most unfortunate but hilarious point in the story - very Dukes of Hazard like - a young boy is being held in the air by his hair by the dastardly Miss Trunchbull and will of course stay there until Tomm gets back and we can recommence reading!

>131 LovingLit: Hey there, Megan! Good to see you! I've been lurking and not posting over on your thread these days. Congrats on the last essay for a while and on the part time position!
And I feel bad if you don't read Jude on my account - you may like it...

On the agenda for today:

Once I take Charlie to school I'll need to come back home, pick up Mario and head back to school - her presence has been requested by the special ed class, and we don't mind a bit obliging, since she loves children so much and I want to get her as comfortable with large groups of wee ones as possible for her eventual Therapy Dog training. Word travels at lightning speed at that school, and so several other teachers have requested that we stop by their rooms before leaving, so Mario will have a busy but fun morning. Then it's home to make up the grocery list and hopefully get some sewing in before time to pick up Charlie. For dinner it's Make Your Own Pizza night at Scaife Manor, which Charlie loves.

On the reading front: I'm getting close to the end of Castle in the Air, which is still excellent, and I read a bit of Dyer Consequences last night (I really like this series) and listened to a bit each of The Return of the Native and Peeling the Onion, the latter of which is read by a gal with a NZ accent, which is just gorgeous. Loving it.

The calendar book for today is another one that I can hardly believe I haven't yet read (I *really* need to fix this): A Clockwork Orange by Antony Burgess.

Morning Amber! It looks like a chilly one. Will I be pulling on gloves? Stay tuned...

I read A Clockwork Orange many years ago and wanted to revisit it for the BAC. It didn't happen...

>134 msf59: Morning, Mark! I hope I can get to the Burgess soonish.

524. Curious George: A Home for Honeybees by Julie Tibbott (public library book, easy reader) - 8/10 = B

Also Read Today:
-The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything
-Pumpkin Hill

On the agenda for today:

Grocery shopping this morning, then home to put the groceries away, walk The Gals and spend some time in the sewing room before going back to school for my Friday afternoon volunteering. Mario did an amazing job visiting at school yesterday - she's been invited back for regular monthly visits to the special ed class, and one of the first grade teachers would like to start a Read to Mario program during reading time with her class. I think she's going to make a wonderful therapy dog!

On the reading front: I finished Castle in the Air last night - more on that later...

The calendar book for today: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. It has been a good while since I read this one, but I do remember enjoying it.

Happy Friday, Amber! 2 more work days and I am off a week. My sister and niece will be coming in town and I want to spend some quality time with them.

I have still not read Frankenstein. Bad Mark...again?

>138 msf59: A week off to visit with your sister sounds great, Mark!
And yes, you should get round to Frankenstein - you'd like it lots, I think.

525. (160th non-picture book) Castle in the Air by Diana Wynne Jones (Charlie book, 404 pages) - 9/10 = A
I loved this sequel to Howl's Moving Castle, although I spent most of the book wondering where Howl and Sophie et alios were, in the end, of course, things worked out delightfully. I'm giddy to jump into the last of the trilogy!

Amber, Mario sounds like she has the perfect temperament for little kids. I hope no-one pulled her tail yesterday, like the first time. I'd never heard of the dog reading programmes until one of the Debbie Macomber Cedar Cove novels involved a "Reading to Rover" scheme, and I thought at the time that it sounded like an interesting idea. I just hope she doesn't get bored hearing the same story over and over :-)

>141 susanj67: Susan: One of the special ed students did, in fact, pull on her tail, but she didn't mind in the slightest. She is just so happy to be surrounded by wee ones that she's apparently willing to take a little tail tugging. And she's definitely well-practiced for the reading program, since Charlie read to here every day this summer! I suspect that she'll curl up and fall asleep, which is what she did then. Ha!

I want to read to Mario. *pouts a little*

Hi Amber, Happy Weekend.

I've never heard of a program "Reading to {insert dog name}". But it really sounds like Mario is enjoying it.

>143 laytonwoman3rd: Linda: Come on over any time! You're always welcome here.

>144 connie53: Connie: We haven't done it yet, but I think she'll love it.

What We Read Today:
-Buster and the Giant Pumpkin
-Pumpkin Soup
-Room on the Broom
-Happy Halloween, Great Pumpkin!

On the agenda for today:

Charlie has gymnastic class later this morning, after which we'll likely go out for lunch somewhere just the two of us (Tomm doesn't get home from his trip until late tonight), then home to do laundry and possible some baking and hopefully some sewing time before getting Charlie in his costume to make a few visits to friends. Leftovers for dinner tonight, I think.

On the reading front: I started House of Many Ways - the last in the Howl series - and it's very good so far, and then I read a few pages in As You Wish last night, which isn't as good so far as I'd hoped (the writing is bothering me a bit).

The weekend calendar book: Who Was Dracula? Bram Stoker's Trail of Blood by Jim Steinmeyer. A former colleague in Classics, whose last name is Drogula, claims he's descended from "the" Dracula; I should ask him if he's read this one...

Happy Saturday, Amber! And Happy Halloween. It is raining here but let's hope we get plenty of dry stretches...you know..for the kids.

>148 msf59: Mark: Yes, of course...for the kids...

Ah! Halloween is tonight of course. Hani was born on 5 March but celebrates officially this evening.

Have a lovely weekend. xx

>150 PaulCranswick: Paul: *snork!* Seems to me that *you're* the wicked one, mister...

>150 PaulCranswick: Oh, Paul!

I'm atrociously late to this thread, Amber. Going waaaay back to your bonus question, the Halloween costume I remember best was the year my brother and I were a pair of dice. It definitely won on the Canadian requirement of being able to fit a snowsuit under your costume. :P

>153 MickyFine: Oh, that costume sounds like heaven! (*snork!*)

Once more photo of my two favorite Lego Ninjas:



Happy Halloween, everyone!

Hi Amber, photos posted on my thread and speech videos are available on facebook, hope you are having a lovely Saturday my dear.

>155 johnsimpson: Hi, John! I watched your speech on FB - you did a wonderful job! And how fun finally to get to hear your voice! V. cool.

526. Extraordinary Jane by Hannah E. Harrison (public library book, picture book) - 8/10 = B
527. I Yam a Donkey! by Cece Bell (public library book, picture book) - 8/10 = B-

Amber, that's such a cute photo :-) And Mario is getting so big! I know that's how it's supposed to work, but even so...

>158 susanj67: Susan: I know, right?! And she's *so* strong...

On the agenda for today:

We'll be taking down the Halloween decorations and putting up the Thanksgiving stuff, then I'll be making some applesauce, doing a bit of cleaning, then hopefully finding some time for the sewing room.

On the reading front: I'm about halfway through House of Many Ways and loving it so far. What an excellent series this is! I need to check out more of her stuff.

Good luck with your redecoration, Amber.

Morning Amber! Happy Sunday! I love the Charlie and Mario's costumes.

Looks like we will have a beautiful day today. Sweet!

>161 Ameise1: Thanks, Barbara! Charlie gets so excited to change decorations, so it'll be a hoot.

>162 msf59: Morning, Mark! Here's hoping the rain is over for a while, since Tomm needs to tidy up the lawn today!

I will have to get to my leaves, sometime this week. Ugh! And most of the leaves, come from trees, that are not ours. Not fair!

>164 msf59: Mark: Ha! That's how it generally seems to work, no?

>154 scaifea: "Like"

Did everybody have a good Halloween?

We make applesauce this time of year, too. It's the best.

>166 jnwelch: Hi, Joe! Yep, we had a good time going out for a few tricks or treats. And the applesauce has turned out amazing. A little tart, which is just how I like it.

>155 johnsimpson:, Hi Amber it is always strange hearing your voice when recorded and I did go off piste with my speech and took a few liberties which I will pay for later, lol. The guests were great and this allowed me to go off tangent but it worked out ok. Andy's speech is fantastic but it buried his best man unfortunately and then his uncle Graham did a song for them which we had asked if he would do and then the first dance was videoed and we have just found out that his brother's girlfriend videoed the bridesmaids and me and Amy coming down the aisle and Amy and Andy's vows. We are currently sifting through wedding photos that have been posted on FB and they must total over 800, plenty to look at until we get the official ones. Still feeling emotional about the day but we are so happy and I am one proud Daddy. Sending love and hugs to you all.

>160 scaifea: Gosh, you swap decorations? Putting up and taking down Christmas decorations is our limit. :0)

>168 johnsimpson: John: It sounds like you had a wonderful day, and that's fantastic!

>169 humouress: Nina: Our house is decorated for one holiday or another from September (for Charlie's birthday) through Easter.

As you know, Tomm doesn't normally allow me to post photos of him, but he gave me permission to post this one, which I took earlier today. It shows a few of the best reasons why my life is such a charmed one:

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Oh I loooove that photo!!

Great Halloween costumes and nice to put a face with the name - you have a lovely family. :) How did Mario like trick-or-treating?
This is my crew - a weeping angel, a mad scientist, a self portrait and a zombie.

>171 scaifea: Great photo, Amber.

>172 lauralkeet: Thanks, Laura! It certainly took some wrangling to get both of The Gals settled down in the leaves and looking in the proper direction. Well, truthfully, Mario was the difficult one - Tuppence lies down when and where you want her to and stays put.

>173 nittnut: Nice looking group, Jenn!

>174 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Paul! I'm pretty proud of this particular photo, I have to say, and it's nice to be able to show off the Handsome Husband, too!

On the agenda for today:

A bit of cleaning, some work for the book fair and then time in the sewing room - I've finished a couple of dresses so far and hope to get a few more made, plus some little hats and a few other things, before the craft show. Three Bean Casserole for dinner tonight, I think.

On the reading front: I read a bit more of House of Many Ways yesterday; this series is so good that I'm in that peculiar situation of really wanting to finish the book to see what happens but also wanting to draw it out because I'll be so sad to see the end of it all. Bookish Problems, eh?

Today's calendar book sounds pretty interesting: The Reader by Bernard Schlink. Anyone read this one? Thoughts?

Read The Reader a few years ago and liked it quite well. The movie was good, too.

>171 scaifea: What a great photo, Amber!

>177 Fourpawz2: Charlotte: I confess that I've already added it to my wishlist, just based on the brief description given on the calendar page. It's good to know that you enjoyed it!

>178 jessibud2: Thanks, Jess!

>176 scaifea: Loved The Reader, beautiful book about love and forgiveness. And of course it can be described as a 'book about books and reading' so is in my catnip category. And so sparse with the prose too - manages to deal with an enormous amount for a short book. Won't take you long. I liked the film but despite Kate Winslet, the novel was hard to match.

He also writes a slightly odd private detective series which I enjoy, which deals with similar themes of German guilt and moral reparations after ww2. Similar to Ferdinand von Shirach I think.

Morning Amber! Love the family photo! That is perfect. It looks like another gorgeous day in the Midwest. We are going to Brookfield Zoo today. I have not been in several years. Should be fun.

>180 charl08: Thanks for that, Charlotte! So glad you enjoyed the book, too, and I'll add that detective series to my list, too!

>181 msf59: Mark: Oh, it'll be a perfect day for a visit to the zoo! Enjoy, friend.

I am also a reader of The Reader, and liked it quite a bit. I think you will, too.

>183 rosalita: Thanks, Julia! Good to know!

>154 scaifea: LOL Too cute!

And you have two great looking guys there!

>185 connie53: Thanks, Connie!

528. (161th non-picture book) Peeling the Onion by Wendy Orr (1001 Children's Books list/audio book) - 9/10 = A-
A very well-done book about a 17-year-old karate champion who is in a car accident and suffers through a long and painful recovery from a broken neck. I loved listening to this one, as the reader's Australian accent was nicely melodious.

Happy newish thread, Amber! LOVE the photos, especially that last one that you shared. Adding my voice to those who liked The Reader - read that one just two years ago and I am still thinking about it.

>188 Crazymamie: Hi, Mamie! Good to see you! So glad that you like the photos - and the book! It's firmly on the wishlist now.

Lovely photo's of your family! I can understand what a charmed life you lead! Lovely pair of dogs too!

>190 vancouverdeb: Aw, thanks, Deb!

529. Winter Is Coming by Tony Johnston (public library book, picture book) - 9/10 = A
A gorgeous picture book about the changing of seasons from fall to winter and a little girl who quietly observes nature and its animals all around her.

Also Read Today:
-I Really Like Slop!

^I've read some of those Elephant and Piggie books, but my ids never seemed to love them that much. I like the pictures myself...

>171 scaifea: Great photo of the gals and boys, Amber.

I was reading Syren and this quote made me think of you. LOL

Merrin Meredith had made the mistake of hiding in the doorway of Larry's Dead Languages. Larry was a beefy, red-headed man with a wild look in his eye brought on by studying too many violent dead-language texts.

>193 LovingLit: Megan: Charlie *loves* them - and I do, too! So, so funny.

>194 Familyhistorian: Thanks, Meg!

>195 nittnut: Jenn: I remind you of a beefy, red-headed man?! Well, okay then.

On the agenda for today:

A bit of cleaning and then time in the sewing room before my Tuesday afternoon library volunteering. I'm also visiting a class today to talk about the book fair and read them a couple of books, and I'm really looking forward to that! Southwestern Slow-Cooker Chicken for dinner tonight, I think.

On the reading front: Just a few more pages left in House of Many Ways, which I really wanted to finish last night but made myself put it down (it's so good!), and then I read a few pages in The Spoonflower Handbook.

The calendar book for today: White Noise by Don DeLillo. I need to get round to some of his stuff soon; from what I've heard I think I'd like him...

Morning Amber! We are heading to Rockford today, to visit an aunt. She is in her early 90s and one of the best people I have ever known. My sister hasn't seen her in a few years, so this should be nice.

I read White Noise many years ago and remember it being terrific. Have not read much DeLillo, otherwise...

>198 msf59: Mark: Sounds like you have a great day planned, again! We've been through Rockford, which seems like a nice town...

Good morning, Amber. Hope you're getting some of our gorgeous weather. Can this really be November?

>200 jnwelch: Joe: I know, right?! I'm not sure that I like it, honestly - it'll just make it harder when it turns cold again, and it's wreaking a bit of havoc with my sinuses...

>201 scaifea: Yes, that's the downside. It's keeping a lot of stuff in the air that would normally be frosted out by now. Our daughter's feeling it, too. Still, it seems better than shoveling snow.

>202 jnwelch: Joe: Ha! I agree about the snow-shoveling, for certain!

530. Batty for Black by Christianne C. Jones (Charlie's school library book, easy reader) - 8/10 = B+
Read by Charlie!

Also Read Today:
-Walt Disney's Cinderella

>195 nittnut: Haha. No. It's what happens when I post things in a hurry. Just the violent dead languages texts. Do you ever get a wild look in your eye?

>205 nittnut: Jenn: Ha! I'm not sure - I'm not prone to staring into my own eyes...

On the agenda for today:

This is one of those rare days when I don't have any engagements - no appointments, no volunteering,... I get to hang out in the sewing room for most of the day!! And this is a good thing, since I'm scrambling to get more things made for the craft show. And I don't even need to cook, since we'll have leftovers for dinner tonight! Woot!

On the reading front: I read a few pages in Black Boy last night, which is about all I can manage in that one at once, as it's pretty dark and intense. Very good, though. And I started listening to Gumption, read by the author, and it's very entertaining. Love Nick Offerman.

The calendar book for today: Ibsen's Selected Plays, the Norton Critical Edition. I'd love to have this one in my NCE collection...

Morning Amber! We have another foggy one out there. We have decided to head back into the city and visit the Shedd Aquarium. One of my favorite places to go. At least there will not be a Bears game today, to complicate things.

I have the latest Offerman book saved on audio. I still have not listened to his first one. I am such a slacker...

>208 msf59: Oh, I love the aquarium, too! And you should get crackin' on the Offerman books - you'd love them!

Happy Wednesday, Amber! I'm still thinking about that wild look in your eye question. You're right, it's hard to say when you don't look into your own eyes. My MBH gets a wild look in her eyes when she's startled by something.

>210 jnwelch: Joe: Ha! I'll have to ask Tomm if I ever get Wild-Eye...

I wonder which is worse - pink eye or Wild-Eye?

>212 Fourpawz2: Having suffered through the former last December, I'll go with that one as most certainly The Worst...

I kind of suspected that would be the case, but never having 'suffered' from Wild-Eye, I just wanted to check to make sure.

Come to think of it, I've never had pink eye, either, but gather that I've not been missing much.

>214 Fourpawz2: Charlotte: Nope, you don't really want to experience it. It's not super painful or anything, but it's not pleasant, either.

531. Twelve Dancing Unicorns by Alissa Heyman (public library book, picture book) - 8/10 = B
532. Hello, Yellow! by Christianne C. Jones (Charlie's school library book, easy reader) - 8/10 = B

On the agenda for today:

Menu planning and grocery listing for tomorrow's shopping, then some time in the sewing room before heading to school for my Thursday afternoon volunteering. Last night we started watching Annie (the 1980's movie), which I loved as a kid and which I really wanted Charlie to see. He *loves* it so far! So we'll finish that up tonight.

On the reading front: I finished House of Many Ways - I love this series! And I listened to a chunk of Gumption while sewing, which is also very good.

The calendar book for today: While I Was Gone by Sue Miller. I've not heard of this one before - anyone read it? Thoughts?

Morning Amber! Sweet Thursday! It looks like the last of the mild days but it is sure been nice. We are visiting another ailing aunt, far west of here and then our running around will be over, for the remainder of the week.

I remember liking While I Was Gone but it has been many years. I do not think I have read Miller since.

Morning, Amber! You are making want to read the sequel books to Howl's Moving Castle, which I read a few years ago and loved. I know that Abby has the other two on her shelves - might have to borrow those.

>218 msf59: Happy travels to distant aunts, Mark! Also, do you ever read books you don't like? Ha!

>219 Crazymamie: Mamie: Oh, do read them - they're so good!!

>208 msf59: Ooh, Chicago! Hubby is there today. I hear it's not too cold, yet.

533. (162nd non-picture book) House of Many Ways by Diana Wynne Jones (Charlie book/series read, 404 pages) - 9/10 = A
Oh, I *love* this last in the Howl books! Such a great series: wonderful characters, inventive and fun stories and excellent writing. Highly recommended.

Oh, how I like the photo of the pets, the child and the husband...and the leaves. It sounds like a book title right?

You are right -- Life is good!

Happy Day To You Dear Friend!

Hi Amber, you recall watching my wedding speech, do you remember me saying to Andy to check they have got everything when they go away. Well he has failed to heed Poppa-in-laws advice, between the two of them they managed to leave their laptop at the holiday cottage they were staying in up in the Lake district, the lady who owns the cottage was cleaning it up for the next visitors when she found it, she rang them a number of times whilst they were making their way home and finally got them when they were twenty miles from home. The upshot is that she is sending it by courier for them to Andy's mums as they are heading to London in the morning, next time he should remember what I told him. Hope everything is well with you my dear, sending love and hugs.

>223 Whisper1: Thanks so much, Linda! I certainly have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to good things in my life.

>224 johnsimpson: John: Ha! Dare I say that he likely had other things on his mind? *ahem*

>225 scaifea:, Amber, I don't know what you are talking about, lol.

>226 johnsimpson: John: Of course you don't. *pats father-of-the-bride on the head*

534. The Hueys in It Wasn't Me by Oliver Jeffers (Charlie book, picture book) - 9/10 = A

On the agenda for today:

Grocery shopping this morning, then home to put things away, do some quick cleaning and hopefully have a tiny bit of time to sew before picking Charlie up from school: today is an Early Release day, so he gets out at 12:30 and then we're off to Dubuque to meet one of his friends at one of those bouncy house places. And then we need to hurry home so that I can get dinner started because...*deep breath*...The In-Laws will be arriving for the weekend. *sigh*

On the reading front: I started The Queen of Attolia but am only a few pages in so far. I also listened to a big chunk of Gumption and read a couple of chapters in A Time of Changes, which is very interesting and seems to be well-written.

The calendar book for today is one that is coming up on some of my lists, so I'll definitely be getting to it sooner or later: Rabbit, Run by John Updike.

Luck to ya.

Breathe :0)

Morning Amber! Happy Friday!

" Also, do you ever read books you don't like?" Yes, guilty as charged. No question, that I like most books and dislike a mere handful, but that's good right?
Better than the opposite.

There was a lot of mixed feelings about Rabbit. Run, when we read it last year. I liked it, (LOL) despite an unpleasant tone and unlikable main character.

Rabbit, Run - read that one when I was a kid of 12 or so - part of the inappropriate reading I did back then by filching books from my mother's library. I think I recognized, even then, that it was a very well written book, but I never wanted to re-read it. Rabbit Redux I frankly disliked. Very unsettling to me.

>230 humouress: Thanks, Nina.

>231 msf59: Mark: *snork!!* Of course you liked the Updike. Of course you did. *giggles*

>232 Fourpawz2: Charlotte: I'm a bit concerned about that, in fact. I know that lots of folks find those books troubling. We'll see how it goes...

>229 scaifea: Oh, no the in laws for the entire weekend? I'll be praying for you!

>234 Whisper1: Thanks, Linda - I'll need it!

>225 scaifea: Ha ha!!! Love the response to John. ;-)

In law time again. Yikes!

>236 luvamystery65: Ha! Thanks, Roberta! And, yes, yikes, indeed. Let's hope I don't have too many horror stories to relate by Monday morning...

>238 katiekrug: Katie: *SNORK!!!* I seriously just laughed loud enough that I startled The Gals!

:D

Sorry it comes at your expense, but I do love a good horror story involving the in-laws. Just not mine...

>229 scaifea: Oh, no! Hope it is not tooo awful.

>238 katiekrug: Best. use. of gif. ever.

>238 katiekrug: Ha! "Like"

>238 katiekrug: Really excellent. And we're not laughing at Amber, of course. It's just that....yeah...well....anyway. It made her laugh too, though, so that's good.

Hi Amber, wishing you, Charlie and Tomm a very happy weekend my dear, sending love and hugs.

P.S, Amy and Andy are in London for the weekend and are taking in a couple of shows, tonight they have gone to watch Matilda.

>240 katiekrug: Katie: Nope, not really at my expense at all - I *need* a good laugh right now, and that's so funny!

>241 lycomayflower: Laura: Nothing horrifying has happened yet...

>242 jnwelch: Joe: I know, right?

>243 laytonwoman3rd: Linda: Of course! It was just what I needed, and I'll likely look back at it more than once this weekend.

>244 johnsimpson: John: Matilda!! So great. We just read the chapter tonight in which Miss Honey reveals who her wicked aunt is... and Charlie totally guessed it! I love how engaged he is with the story.

535. Where in the World?: World Famous Landmarks by Laaren Brown (Charlie book, easy reader) - 8/10 = B+
536. From Pumpkin to Pie by Lisa Owings (public library book, easy reader) - 8/10 = B+
537. Pink Takes a Bow by Christianne C. Jones (Charlie's school library book, picture book) - 8/10 = B

Hi Amber, best of luck for the weekend - just remember it is only a few days!

>247 Familyhistorian: Thanks, Meg.

On the agenda for today:

Getting through the day without committing any sort of major violent crime...

On the reading front: I read a couple chapters in The Waters of the Wondrous Isles which is turning out to be a romping good fairy tale.

The weekend calendar book: Mom & Me & Mom by Maya Angelou, which is one that I have not read. Thoughts?

Morning Amber! Happy Saturday! Lots of sunshine out there but it will be a chilly one. This has been a very good vacation and I managed to get some reading in, here and there, which is a miracle.

>249 scaifea: I can empathise. My husband has just landed in London and will be away for another week. While the cat's away, as the saying goes, the boys are making hay (to thoroughly mix metaphors!).

Plus we've been invited to dinner before he gets back by a good friend who used to be our immediate neighbour when we lived in an apartment, but as they were neighbours to my husband's parents first, she feels obliged to invite them, too. She did apologise to me (which, of course, she doesn't need to) because she knows I have a violent allergic reaction to them.

Mind you, she had it worse; for 10 years, her in-laws lived with her. Now they're in Europe with her husband's siblings, who can now follow all the ... advice ... they used to give her.

>249 scaifea: How about committing non-violent crime? If so, I could hook you up with some leftover Vicodin. You could take it yourself, or slip it into the food. :) I had my gallbladder out this past week, and I came to find out that Vicodin and I don't get along well, so I've got plenty of extra!

Oh no the in-laws!!!

Would you swap for >252 casvelyn: and her intrusive procedure or accept her kind offer to deaden the agony? I hope both of you make a full and total recovery from your different ills. xx

>250 msf59: Mark: I'm happy to hear that you got some reading in during your vacation! Woot!

>251 humouress: Nina: Oho, I could neverever live with these people. Ne-ver.

>252 casvelyn: Vicodin?! I'll take it! Ha! (No, seriously.) Also, you'll never miss that gall bladder - I had mine out the year before Charlie was conceived and haven't looked back. Speedy recovery vibes coming your way!

>253 PaulCranswick: Paul: If I had another gall bladder I would seriously consider the swap, if I weren't against giving an LT friend the much shorter end of the stick!

538. Good Driving, Amelia Bedelia! by Herman Parish (Charlie book, easy reader) - 8/10 = B
539. Mustache! by Mac Barnett (Charlie book, picture book) - 8/10 = B

In-Law Visit Update:

I witnessed a grown-ass woman throw a full-on hissy fit today. Not pretty. And then she tried to tell me that I wasn't allowed to order dessert tonight at dinner! No one gets between me and tiramisu! The nerve!

>256 scaifea: No really, what was the reasoning behind the no dessert rule?

Oh dear, all this in- law talk! I have a daughter in law as this July. I hope I am doing a decent job of it! *Shakes in boots * It is still hard to take in the idea that I am mother- in law! ;) Far too young for such a thing ! :) Not really! I must say I very much loved my in - laws , both of whom we have now lost. I could not have lived with them though, I don't think.

>256 scaifea: Must have been hilarious. I am lucky with my in-laws but I do make light and fun of the inherent irritations.

>258 vancouverdeb: You'll be fine, Deb. Just because you worry about it, you'll be fine. My MIL has a policy of always taking my side in the constant bickering between Hani and myself and to which I play studiously. Despite the fact that I am of course right most of the time (not) and that I do care for their well-being with a monthly stipend, my MIL reasons that her interjections on my behalf are good for our marriage and who am I to argue.

>256 scaifea: yikes. I don't take kindly to dessert restrictions. Good l uck for the rest of the weekend, sound like you might need it!

>256 scaifea: - had no idea that there was such a thing as Dessert Dictator. Even my mother, who was a colossal controller of what everyone around her thought and did, kept her mouth shut when it came to dessert choices.

>257 Familyhistorian: >260 LovingLit: >261 Fourpawz2: Meg, Megan & Charlotte: Even though they are quite well off (and I'm really understating that, honestly), she is loathe to spend money on others, so they took us out to dinner, but she balked at the idea of anyone ordering dessert. Her claim was that the meal was such a big one that no one needed dessert; I begged to differ. She retorted with another refusal, at which point Tomm cut in and said that we'd pay for my dessert, then. I mean, honestly.

>258 vancouverdeb: >259 PaulCranswick: Paul's right, Deb - you'll do just fine if you're worried about doing fine - my MIL thinks she's God's Gift and has no idea, I think, what she's really like.

>262 scaifea: - Oops! Guess I misunderstood the situation slightly. Sorry. Boy that woman is a pip! Poor you! Poor Tomm! Thank goodness they don't live closer. Too bad they don't live further away.

>263 Fourpawz2: Amen, sister!

>262 scaifea: I hope your dessert was magnificent and that you ate it very, very slowly. What a ridiculous woman your MIL is. *sends you strength for the rest of the weekend*

Hope the sewing machine is safe this visit. I love the idea of the slow dessert protest in >265 lycomayflower:

Myself, I used to voluntarily forego dessert for the pleasure of a reduction of time spent in their company. Which is saying something, because my dessert-olism is second only to my chocoholism.

Hang in there, sister!

"I witnessed a grown-ass woman throw a full-on hissy fit today." I would like to see video of that one! LOL.

Happy Sunday, Amber! Hope you have a relaxing day.

>268 msf59: I'm with you, Mark. :-) I'd love to see the video.

Good Lord, a Dessert Dictator! I've never heard of behavior like that. Good for Tomm. Jeesh. Shows how excellent people can somehow survive looney-tunes parents.

Hope you're having a relaxing Sunday!

Strength and hugs.

My 88yo mother is the going out to eat "wouldn't you rather have a salad?" dictator. My kids call them 'microagressions'.

Hi Amber, hope you are having a good Sunday my dear.

>254 scaifea: Considering I'd been sick with gallbladder attacks (but no stones, hence the wait on the diagnosis) for three weeks, I'm glad to have it out. It was removed last Wednesday, and I'm returning to work tomorrow, so I really can't complain too much. I ate half a pint of gelato last night, which considering I'd been subsisting on Sprite and soda crackers, was a nice change. If I can tolerate that much dairy and fat I figure I can eat anything now.

I'll send one of my nice homemade tiramisus along with the Vicodin. Just don't consume both at the same time; I can get a bit carried away with the Cognac in my tiramisu.

Oh dear.... sorry to read that the weekend in-law visit did not go smoothly. I feel for you. I don't have any in-laws to contend with. Sadly, my other half's parents had both died before I was able to meet them. I think that life is too short for some of the petty behaviour that some individuals get up to Unfortunately, I am thinking of my mother as I write this text. I think she and your MIL would hit it off.

Poor Amber, you deserve at least three helpings of tiramisu after your weekend!

>265 lycomayflower: Laura: I *did* have Emily Gilmore in mind and her meticulous green bean eating, but it was getting late and Charlie's energy was flagging so I got it To Go.

>266 charl08: Charlotte: Yes, she did at least stay out of my sewing space this time.

>267 humouress: Nina: Well, they were here for the whole weekend anyway so it wasn't as if not having dessert would have lessened the time I had to spend with them...

>268 msf59: >269 weird_O: Mark and Bill: Ha! Thanks for that, friend. No video was taken, though, I'm afraid.

>270 jnwelch: Joe: I was pretty proud that Tomm stood up for me like that - and I'm constantly amazed that such a good guy came from such an insane household.

>271 streamsong: Ha! I like 'microaggressions.'

>272 johnsimpson: John: No, it really wasn't a good Sunday, but I appreciate the thought. Ha!

>273 casvelyn: I had a cheeseburger on my way home from the hospital after my gall bladder was removed, and I've not looked back since! Ha!

>274 lkernagh: Lori: Ugh. I'm sorry that your mother is like that. It's certainly not fun.

>275 DeltaQueen50: Oh, thanks, Judy!!

Hi Amber! You survived. :) >271 streamsong: "microagressions" is so apt. I am adopting that word. That fits my MIL perfectly. She always has unsolicited input. On everything. But I can't say I've ever seen her throw a hissy fit. Thank goodness. She'd pay for my dessert too, but it wouldn't be worth it. She'd talk for ages about why she has chosen not to eat sugar and how much better she feels, blah, blah, blah, blah... and then tell you that with more experience, you too can learn to have self control.

>277 nittnut: No, my MIL doesn't have that level of subtlety, I'm afraid.

On the agenda for today:

Well, 'They' left last night, so, whew. Today starts off a very busy couple of weeks, here, though, as the book fair begins this week. Today I'll take Tuppence for her monthly laser treatment and run a couple of errands while she's there (to the bank to get the start-up money for the book fair cash registers and then to the library to take back some books), then once she's back home I'll head back into school to visit a couple of classes (I've been visiting classes to talk about the book fair and read a couple of stories to the kids - so, so fun), and then I have a meeting with a couple of the teachers at lunch break about possibly adding an Usborne book fair into the mix this year. I will have this afternoon free and clear - or at least until time to pick up Charlie, so I'll do a bit of cleaning, take The Gals for a walk and then spent a bit of time in the sewing room (oh and try to find time to start a new thread!). Cheeseburgers for dinner tonight, I think.

On the reading front: I read a good chunk of The Queen of Attolia last night, which is excellent so far, and then a few pages of the Taylor biography, which is not so much; I just can't seem to retain what I'm reading with this one. Gah. I finished Gumption this weekend while hiding in the sewing room; details to follow later today.

The calendar book for today: Metropolitan Life by Fran Lebowitz. I've heard of Lebowitz's work, of course, but have never read it and have been curious, but the blurb here describes her as "a 1970s David Sedaris" and, well, if that's the case then, uh-uh, thankyounothankyou. Thoughts, anyone?

Morning Amber! Well, back to work for me, but it was a very nice vacation. The weather looks cool but sunny. I will take it.

Have a good one.

Glad you survived the in-law visit, Amber. Serenity now!

Peace, baby. Enjoy that serenity!

>279 scaifea: Hi, Amber. I saw mention elsewhere that you were listening to Gumption, and that it was read by Nick Offerman. Coincidentally, I talked to my daughter yesterday and learned that she's working on costumes for him. The Huntington Theater in Boston (where she works) is doing a stage adaption of A Confederacy of Dunces, with Offerman in the lead. Said he is very down-to-earth and friendly. He's a woodworker, and while he's in Boston for the show, he's taking a Windsor chair course at the North Bennett Street School (which I understand isn't on North Bennett Street any longer).

>280 msf59: Hi, Mark! Lovely sunny day out there.

>281 lauralkeet: Thanks, Laura!

>282 jnwelch: Ha! Thanks, Joe!

>283 weird_O: Bill: Oooh, very cool! Yep, I've heard that he's a very nice guy - born and raised on an Illinois farm, he's definitely a down-to-earther. And you should check out the website for his woodship - it's pretty amazing.

http://offermanwoodshop.com/

The new thread is up!

http://www.librarything.com/topic/204291