Carmenere's 7 foot 3 3/4 inch challenge for 2016

Welcome to my third thread of 2016! To start, here are photos of my dwindling TBR stacks set aside for this year. The books told me to photograph them so their spines are showing. So conceited, but I acquiesced to keep them quiet.



just the top row



My current book takes place in Italy so please join me in an enjoyable Italian (so says Bing images) Breakfast

The List:

1. Isabel Allende
Paula
Infinate Plan
Ines of my Soul
Zorro
House of Spirits
Kingdom of the Golden Dragon
The Sum of our Days

2. Julia Alvarez
How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents

3. Laurence Bergreen
Over the Edge of the World

4. Eric Blehm
The Last Season

5. Andrea Cameleri
Angelica’s Smile
Game of Mirrors
Shape of Water

6. Agatha Christie
Postern of Fate
Murder in the Mews
The Hollow
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd
Then There were none
Evil Under the Sun 2-23-16

7. Sandra Cisneros
The House on Mango Street 1-6-16

8. Debra Dean
The Madonna’s of Leningrad

9. Ian McEwan
Enduring Love
Amsterdam 1-15-16

10. Lin Enger
The High Divide

11. Wm Faulkner
Mosquitos
Soldier’s Pay

12. Graham Greene
Our Man in Havana

13. Daoud Hari
The Translator

14. Charmaine Harris
Deadlocked
All Together Dead
Dead to the World
Club Dead
Definitely Dead
Dead & Gone
Living Dead in Dallas

15. Khaled Hosseini
A 1,000 Splendid Suns

16. Stephen King
11/22/63 2-15-16
Under The Dome
Lisey’s Story

17. Barbara Kingsolver
Prodigal Summer
Pigs in Heaven
Small Wonder
High Tide in Tucson
Animal Dreams
Homeland and other Stories
Flight Behavior
Poison wood Bible

18. Eric Larson
Thunderstruck
In the Garden of Beasts 3-18-16

19. Donna Leon
Blood From a Stone
About Face
Willful Behavior
Uniform Justice
Through a Glass Darkly
Dressed for Death
Doctored Evidence

20. Arturo Perez-Reverte
Captain Alatriste 1-4-16
Sun Over Breda
Nautical Chart
Club Dumas

21. Nathaniel Philbrick
In the Heart of the Sea 3-30-16

22. Jose Manuel Prieto
Encyclopedia of a life in Russia 3-26-16

23. Mary Doria Russell
A Thread of Grace
Doc
Dreamers of the Day
Epitaph

24. Richard Russo
That Old Cape Magic

25. C J Sansom
Sovereign
Dark Fire
Hearts tone
Revelation
Winter in Madrid

26. Raja Shehadeh
Palestinian Walks

27. Hampton Sides
In the Kingdom of Ice

28. Alexander McCall-Smith
No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency
Kalahari Typing School for Men
Good Husband of Zebra Drive
Heavenly Date and other Flirtations
Sunday Philosophy Club
Forever Girl
Tea Time for Traditionally Built
Espresso Tales
Right Altitude to Rain
Lost Art of Gratitude
Blue Shoes and Happiness

29. Henry David Thoreau
Cape Cod

30. Leo Tolstoy
War and Peace

31. John Kennedy Toole
A Confederacy of Dunces

32. Jess Walter
Beautiful Ruins 3-3-16

33. Sarah Waters
Fingersmith

34. Simon Winchester
Surgeon of Crowthorne
A Crack in the Edge of the World
Krakatoa

Where my books take me...
States visited as of 6-21-15

visited 34 states (68%)
Create your own visited map of The United States

Countries completed as of 1-10-16

visited 29 states (12.8%)
Create your own visited map of The World

Tickers....







Books read in JANUARY

Captain Alatriste
The House on Mango Street
Amsterdam
Lumberjanes #1 Library e-book
Crippled America Neighborhood Book Swap
Lumberjanes #2 Library e-book

Books read in FEBRUARY
War and Peace
That Old Cape Magic
11/22/63
Over the Top and Back Library audiobook
Evil Under the Sun
Yes Please Library audiobook

Books read in MARCH
Beautiful Ruins
In the Garden of Beasts
Encyclopedia of a life in Russia
In the Heart of the Sea

I love March. It's the NCAA brackets!, It's Spring!, It's Spring Break!, * between you and me, it's my birthday month* shhh, don't tell.

The door is open! Welcome!

Happy New Thread, Lynda! Love the book toppers! And hooray, for a day with the books!

Happy New Thread Lynda. Great to see you racking up the posts so deservedly this year.

Happy new thread, Lynda!

Woo Hoo! you're numero uno, Mark!

Woo Hoo, Paul! You're numero dos!



Woo Hoo, Mamie! You're numero tres!


Ok, off to make breakfast. See you all later!

Lynda, you've never been to Wisconsin?....tsk, tsk.

Happy new thread! I've looked over the books you'll be reading and see some great ones, so it's going to be a fun spring/summer for you. And enjoy that breakfast!

Happy new thread. My mom's birthday is in March, too. Your pile is going down! And you have a lot of good reading ahead.

>11 xieouyang: yeah, Manuel, I'm sorry to admit I've never physically been to the home of the Green Bay Packers and literally, maybe with the Little House series but that was ages ago. Any recommendations?

>13 BLBera: happy birthday, to your mom, Beth. Is she a Pisces or Aries? I'm really enjoying watching the inches dwindle away.

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Well, my walk was shorter than I had planned. It was warm, about 65f but soooo windy and dead leaves and little twigs were blowing in my face and hair. I did about a mile then headed for home. I think rain is expected tomorrow so that might be it for awhile . Boooo Hoo Hoo

>12 mstrust: oh the perils of responding via cell phone, sorry I missed you, Jennifer. I think I've chosen some of the best books I own. Still, I have a large amount waiting to be read in the years to come and of course there are always newcomers who jump to the top of the stack. Such a vicious cycle.

Happy New Thread, Lynda.

Lynda, two that I've read recently with a Wisconsin setting are:
Off Keck Road by Mona Simpson - she is the half-sister of Steve Jobs (the apple guy)

Driftless by David Rhodes

Of the two, Driftless was the better one I think. Had more meat (or more broccoli if you are a vegetarian). Better written, more interesting plot and of greater consequence and meaning.

>10 Carmenere: is that a deliberate Gravity Falls reference?

>16 thornton37814: thanks, Lori!

>17 xieouyang: thanks, Manuel! I've added Driftless to my wish list. I see LT readers have given it 4 stars! Sweet!

>18 Oberon: Totally unintentional, Eric. I hadn't even heard of GF before today.

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I've just got to say that I've just finished a chapter in Beautiful Ruins concerning the Donner Party and I was totally mesmerized. Awesome writing!

Happy New Thread, Lynda!

Happy Leap Day, everyone

>20 kidzdoc: Thanks, Darryl!!

Morning, Lynda! Careful with that leap. More winter weather moving in late today and tonight. Freezing rain, snow. Really??

Happy New Thread and Happy Leap Day - great to see your stack of books is melting. I'll never learn feet and inches, but there's clear progress visible in the thread titles.

That Italian breakfast looks really enjoyable. The Croissants will be filled with jam or chocolate I guess, the Italians love their super sweet breakfast.

>22 msf59: Howdy, Mark. I know! Snow tomorrow for us *must remember to fill the bird feeder*. Such a wishy washy winter. We had another tremendously windy day yesterday. With so many trees around us it gets a bit scary.

>23 Deern: Thanks, Nathalie! LOL and I can't wrap my head around meters and centimeters! I fear it's too late for me to even try. I'm glad you weighed in on the Italian Breakfast *I was secretly hoping you would* as I wasn't sure if the image was correct. I would love a croissant filled with jam right about now. I guess Europeans like cold cuts for breakfast too although I would probably go for the sweets.

Hello Lynda! Does Leap Day mean February 29?

Happy new thread Lynda! And happy Leap Day!

>24 Carmenere: I prefer fresh fruit and nuts with yogurt or in winter warm oatmeal with fruit. And I have a weakness for sugar-free pancakes with maple sirup. Sounds quite American I'd say? :)
My parents are your typical rye bread and cold cuts and cheese people (plus jam), and they usually have just the same stuff for dinner just with pickles instead of jam.

Happy Leap Day, Lynda!

>25 DianaNL: Yes, it does, Diana! Sorry to get back to you after the fact.

>26 cbl_tn: Hey Carrie! Thanks! Hope your Leap Day was one to remember!

>27 Deern: Yeah, Nathalie, I like yogurt for breakfast in summer but definitely something warm in the colder months. I purchased a bulk bag of farina at the Amish store a couple of weeks ago and it is soooo good and good for me I might add. I just top it with a bit of brown suger or berries (if available) and it's surprisingly filling.

>28 Crazymamie: Morning, Mamie and thank you!!! Obviously, I was leaping all over the place except back to my thread!
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Woo Hoo! It's Super Tuesday! No, not because of the huge amount of State primaries today but because
1. Amazon Kindle if offering Anne Hillerman's Leaphorn Mystery Rock with Wings for .99 so, yeah, I grabbed it. (Has anyone read her books which carry on her father's creation?)

2. I won an ER! Not Vinegar Girl as I had hoped but The Never-Open Desert Diner which I'm equally happy with. I really enjoy those lone desert trucker type tales.

Hope your Tuesday's are Super too!

Morning Lynda! Hooray for Super Tuesday! Your version anyway. Grins...

Winter back in our forecast. Frowns...

Still singing along with Beautiful Ruins?

Morning, Lynda! I have not read the Anne Hillerman books, but I like the ones her dad wrote. Hooray for winning The Never-Open Desert Diner - I almost requested that one. I did win Vinegar Girl, which I am very excited about. Don't hate me. Hoping that your Tuesday is full of fabulous! Happy March!!!

>30 msf59: Yup, the snow returns this evening, Oh! but wait! it's going to be 60 next week! Oh the fickleness of it all.
I'm 3/4's of the way through BR's. Loving it!

>31 Crazymamie: Congrats, Mamie!! Glad you snagged Vinegar Girl! If you like I can send you Desert Diner when I'm finished. It will be my incentive to get to it quickly. Happy March to you tooooooo.

We can swap when we're finished, how about that?

>33 Crazymamie: It's a deal! :0)

*grin*

Happy new thread Lynda!

Morning, Lynda! Happy Wednesday!

>35 Crazymamie: *grinning back*

>36 souloftherose: Thank you, Heather!

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It's indoor exercise for me today as it's a bit chilly at 22f. I've been doing the Jane Fonda workout and I honestly believe, thanks to Jane, what remained of my frozen shoulder is now completely thawed. I can once again completely extend my left arm above my head or straight out. It's an amazing feeling!

I'm almost done with my current book, I'll finish it after exercise, and begin Shylock is my Name, while towels are spinning in the washing machine.

>37 Crazymamie: Oops! Morning Mamie. Happy hump day to you too!

Congrats with your non-frozen shoulder, Lynda. I can understand that's an amazing feeling!

Morning, Lynda! So glad to hear that your shoulder has improved! Hooray for that!

>40 DianaNL: Thanks Diana! I'm still concerned it will zap me again so I'm trying to take it slowly.

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Huge BOGO sale at Giant Eagle so I'll be shopping a bit later.
Made some yummy cranberry oatmeal cookies yesterday. I feel they're healthy and I feel less guilty eating them......but I know a cookie is still a cookie.
Oh yeah, trip to library too. :D

>41 Crazymamie: Hiii Mamie!! It's a liberating feeling, to say the least!!

Yay for the shoulder! It's amazing what careful exercise can do!
Cranberry oatmeal cookies sound delicious and healty. I got to a point of de-sugaring and de-fattening such recipes that I can officially declare them as baked oatmeal bits. I'm always surprised when other people still eat them when I bring them into the office, you'd think they lost the yum.

Happy New thread, Lynda! Glad to hear that your frozen shoulder has come around. My husband had nearly a " frozen shoulder" but our family doctor suggested some exercises for him and that seemed to do the trick. His job entails a lot of physical activity, so he has to careful with his shoulder.

I want 60 degrees now! Wah!!

Morning Waves to Lynda!

>44 Deern: Hurray for keeping the yum in your cookies, Nathalie! Very important ingredient.

>45 vancouverdeb: Hey Deb! Because I declined the surgery my Dr. suggested, I did about 3 months of physical therapy and had a cortisone injection. They loosened me up enough to be considered functional and I was told to keep up with exercises and maybe my range of motion would comeback. Yeah, so happy I didn't have surgery. I think that would have been asking for trouble.

>46 msf59: Oooooo, there, there, Mark. Spring will be back next week. Hopefully to stay *crossables crossed* Evening Waves back
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I've finished Beautiful Ruins! Because of it, I've requested Cleopatra with Burton and Taylor from the library. I'm stepping out for a bit I'll try to post a review later tonight or tomorrow.

I haven't seen Cleopatra in many years but I remember it being quite bloated, but what beautiful stars.

I hope this gets you on the Walter Wagon!

>48 msf59: Definitely aboard the wagon wheel, Mark!

>49 DianaNL: and thank goodness for that, Diana!

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More delays, I've been invited to coffee this morning, then a visit to mom's. Then review!

Morning, Lynda! A coffee date sounds like fun! I have a meeting this morning, and then I get the rest of the day off.

Morning, Lynda! I have a coffee date every morning with myself. The company is always delightful. Ha!

Morning, Lynda! Happy Saturday!

>51 cbl_tn: Hi Carrie! It was really enjoyable. 6 of us showed up and we normally talke about everything. Hope your meeting went well!

>52 Crazymamie: LOL Mamie, you're just too funny....and yes....always delightful!

>53 Crazymamie: Happy Saturday to you too, Mamie! Hope it's going well :0)

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With Will taking his SAT and my husband out doing some DIY shopping, I'm at home doing laundry and vacuuming.
Eeek! then I remembered I have thoughts to post. I'll begin working on them right now!

#13-2016
Beautiful Ruins
Jess Walter
2012
337 pages
1 inch
4/5 stars

Location, Location, Location.....So many! I'll just post a few. Let's start with this amazing pic of Cinque Terre
Truckee (Donner) Pass, California
Spanish Steps, Rome, Italy
Royal Mile, Edinburgh, Scotland

Thoughts..............Wow! What a great book! I never expected it to be as good as the photo on the cover but it turned out to be humourous, bittersweet, a look to the past and a bit of celebrity.
Without giving to much away, I'll say, The story begins in 1962. Dee Moray is a no name actress on the set of Cleopatra. During the filming she has a run in with an actor and is sent to the "Whore's Crack" of the Cinque Terre. The story then takes you to present day Hollywood. A young man, Dee met in 1962, drops in to see the director of Cleopatra. He want to know where Ms Moray is as it is very important for him to see her again. At this point, the story takes off in different directions and slowly reveals the paths the lives of the characters over the past 50 years. I've really got to give the author credit for bouncing through five decades /2 centuries with numerous characters all while keeping the story interesting and consistent. I'm definitely putting Jess Walter on my watchlist.

I'd never heard of Beautiful Ruins until it was recommended on "Well Read" about a year ago. I got it and it's been sitting on my shelf ever since, but now I need to pull it out. Thanks for the review and for reminding me of it. Sounds epic!

Major Book Bullet, Lynda. I've been tempted by the beautiful cover, now the inside of the book is calling to me. Thanks!

I've wondered about Beautiful Ruins. It sounds like a winner!

Morning Lynda! Happy Saturday! Good review of Beautiful Ruins. Keep spreading the book joy, my friend.

Beautiful Ruins sounds wonderful, Lynda. It goes on my huge list.

>56 mstrust: Well, not exactly epic, Jennifer. I think I may have been a little flamboyant when I mentioned the story covered 2 century's. Still, I think you'd Ike it.

>57 Donna828: Yes, Donna! Answer the call! You'll be glad you did,

>58 cbl_tn: Wonder no longer, Carrie. It is a winner!

>59 msf59: Thanks, Mark! I will, I will. You did your part to champion the book. Thanks for urging me on.

>60 BLBera: LOL - Yes, Beth! Add another page if you need to but do put it on your list!

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I've started Shylock is My Name but so far it's not pulling me in. I'll give it another chapter and if it doesn't click I'll put it aside for a bit. I want to like it because so many people thought highly of it. *

A reader's got to do what a reader's got to do, right? As I was reading Shylock this morning it puzzled me why I could not get into the characters. Sure, I'm not Jewish and I'm not a man, usually that's not a problem but the voice in my head was not finding Jacobson's rhythm. Then a light bulb appeared above my head.
I started reading as if Bernie Sanders (candidate for president) was telling the story and voila! I found the right cadence and reached chapter 4 with a good feeling that this book just might click after all.

Off for another cup of coffeeeee

Morning Lynda! Happy Sunday! I want to warble a little about King Leopold's Ghost & Girl Waits with Gun. Both are excellent. I finished the former and it will be a 5 star read. Horrifying and fascinating.

Enjoy your day!

How can I resist a 5 star warble! I've seen both around the threads but waited to wishlist till the songbird sung :0)

Morning, Lynda! Look at you using reading strategy!

" till the songbird sung". Do I sense a new topic heading in my future? Grins...

>65 Crazymamie: Hey Mamie, a little stategery never hurts!

>66 msf59: *snork*

>62 Carmenere: Love the thought of finding your inner narrator (in this case Mr Sanders). I've got this in the pile ready to start...

>68 charl08: Well, Charlotte, I was concerned I would offend others by my comment but I think it's a great example of how reading places your feet in the shoes of another.
I'll be waiting for your thoughts on it once you've read it.

Hey, isn't anyone around here excited about the Downton Abbey finale tonight?! I need to take a nap so I don't fall asleep on it.

And there goes another one....Nancy Reagan, 94...RIP

>62 Carmenere: I have never really enjoyed reading Jacobson's books but I might just try the Bernie Sanders approach as I like him very much!

Have a lovely Sunday, Lynda.

>71 PaulCranswick: Yeah, Paul, we think Bernie's pretty cool. Hope by using the BS approach you'll find new enjoyment in Jacobson's prose.

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I just picked up Cleopatra from the library. Always a bad sign when you open the case and find 2 discs (Part I and Part II) .

>70 Carmenere: No TV here so I won't be able to watch it until Monday night when I get home from work. But thanks for reminding me to avoid LT until I watch it!

>73 rosalita: glad to help you out, Julia! Mum's the word.

Hi Lynda! The Italian breakfast looks pretty good to me!

We visited the Cinque Terre back in 2007 and it is a stunning area! With your comments and my own sister's high praise of Beautiful Ruins, and the location(s)!, I need to pick up a copy of that one.

Morning Lynda! I was very happy with the DA finale. Nice wrap-up. You?

>75 EBT1002: OMG! I hadn't realized just how popular the Cinque Terre is for world travelers! Since you've been there, you must, must, must read Beautiful Ruins. Ya just have to!

>76 msf59: I thought it a delightful wrap-up, Mark! It was just right. Didn't you hold your breath when the minister asked "is there was anyone here......."> I think America gave a sigh of relief when no one crashed through the chapel door. I know I did! But as the credits rolled I couldn't help but think about what lays before them within the next 20 years. I know, it's only fiction, Lynda, but still.

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I watched the majority of Cleopatra yesterday. Overall, I didn't think it was bad at all. Long? Absolutely! Although, Liz was beautiful her acting seemed like ...... acting. Richard Burton, charming. Rex Harrison was a rather affable Caesar. Young Roddy McDowell I recognized and a few others that were familiar yet I need to review the credits to jog my memory.

The high school symphonic, concert and jazz bands will be performing tonight at school, the chorus too. Always a top notch show. Will, is his usual mum self and doesn't give away much. So, we'll just have to watch and listen.

Morning, Lynda!

Hi Mamie! What's on the staycation schedule for today?

>77 Carmenere: It was Edith, so we all watched that wedding like hawks, waiting for what would go wrong. It was the reception that was fraught, what with people changing jobs and having babies.

>77 Carmenere: Hope you enjoyed the band concerts.

>80 mstrust: LOL, Edith probably breathed a sigh of relief afterward too. Wow, everything she'd gone thru paid off in the end. What a lovely ginormous home she's got!

>81 thornton37814: We did, Lori! Not as fabulous as the winter concert and not as peppy as the pops concert in the spring but still solid.

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Truth be told, I'm getting a little nervous. This college decision process seems to be upon us and *ack* so much to do and deadlines and visits and tests, oh my. How does any family get through this?

Morning, Lynda! I gave a full report of yesterday on my thread. Today will be lazy, which is good. Very good.

Hi Lynda, Beautiful Ruins marches right into the upper part pf my TBR - sounds great!

" deadlines and visits and tests, oh my!" "deadlines and visits and tests, oh my!"

Come on, Dorothy! You can do it!

Morning Lynda! It looks like some rain here but still very mild. No complaints.

Morning Lynda!

>83 Crazymamie: Mamie! Hi! I'm glad Your breakfast/shopping trip went so well. It sounds like a very restful week!

>84 Deern: Yeah, Nathalie!!! I hope you find it enjoyable too!

>85 msf59: Hey Mark! I honestly spent 4 hours on the computer yesterday checking on Will's choices this week. college costs, the required tests, when tours are offered. It's crazy! But I still love it...their will be fewer and fewer opportunities to help with his decision making. Boo Hooo

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Happy June, Everyone! Oh wait, it's still March isn't it? Today's weather confused me. It's a beautiful sunny morning and will reach 70f today! We actually slept with our windows open last night.

I was really hungry this morning so just finished two butter croissants, strawberries and a bowl of Amish farina. With a couple cups of coffee, of course.
I will definitely take a loooong walk today!

>87 Carmenere: Lynda, try living over here with every day virtually the same weather - Bill Murray would have been in his element here - Groundhog Day indeed!

Just stopping by to say hi. Is Will your son and off to College? I am afraid by grade ? 9 0r 10 , my younger one was making pretty much all of his choices -fortunately good ones. He is a William and now nearly 26, did his university thing all by his own choices etc. But that is pretty easy here - we have a very large university , The University of British Columbia, so he could just drive each day , took computer science, had a job waiting for him 4 months prior to leaving university and married his high school sweetheart last summer. She teaches elementary school. Our eldest son was a little bit more challenging to raise! ;)

Pouring rain and so blustery here. So weary of it!

>88 PaulCranswick: ya know, Paul, I often wondered how it would be to have the same weather day in and day out. Does one tire of it? Take it for granted? Although, I enjoy the four seasons I would like to experience a year of sublime weather, just to see if I could adapt, I'm thinking I could.

>89 vancouverdeb: Yes, Deb, Will is my son and a junior in HS. He has been a procrastinator since the day he was born yet somehow gets things done on time while my husband and I sit on the edge of our seats. For example: my due date was April 5th. When did he arrive? April 5th! When my doctor came in (it was about 9 am) he said this baby will be born around 3pm. Will was born at 2:59PM. See what I mean, never late but just squeaking thru right on time. He's our only child and it looks as if he'll be following the path of your older son. LOL Ultimately the college choice is his, I'm just doing the background work for him and making sure he meets those deadlines.
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I'm putting Shylock on the back burner till the simmer begins to boil. Not the right time for me, I guess.
So instead I picked up In the Garden of Beasts from my 2016 stack. This one has worked almost immediately.

Overcast and rainy day but it's like 65f degrees. Another sleep with the windows open night.

Morning, Lynda! I liked In the Garden of Beasts. I also really liked his Devil in the White City - I was so fascinated by the World Fair part that I could have read an entire book just about that. Ha!

Our weather is eerily similar at the moment - overcast and 65F here, too. We're supposed to go to 82F, and I bet we'll get there as we went to 81F yesterday.

>91 Crazymamie: I enjoyed Devil in the White City too, Mamie! It was fascinating how the World's Fair came to fruition. Larson's writing is so smooth. I can skate right through any books he writes.

Just popping in to join the lovefest for Erik Larson's writing. I think I've read all his books and liked them all.

Sweet Thursday, Lynda! Cooler here today, barely 50 but not bad for strolling about.

Enjoy your day.

>93 rosalita: High fives to Julia! I've got Thunderstruck on this years 7 foot challenge. It looks very interesting and I can't wait to finally read it.

>94 msf59: Hey Mark, I know the weather you had today will most likely be my weather tomorrow. We had tons of rain but still in the mid 60's. Certainly very acceptable for mid-March :0D

Lynda - We'll probably get winter in May this year, with this topsy turvy weather.

Morning, Lynda! It's Friday!

>96 BLBera: You're probably right, Beth! And all of the pretty little flowers just beginning to bud will be frost bit. Still, I'm enjoying this nice spell and hope for he best.

>97 DianaNL: Da kitty is sooo adorable, Diana! Looks like my Mittens when he was a baby. I hope you have a great weekend too.
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I got a late start today as I decided to exercise first.

I rec'd my ER yesterday and will begin it right after In the Garden of Beasts.

>98 Crazymamie: and happy Friday to you too, Mamie!!

>90 Carmenere: I can only speak for myself Lynda and - yes - I do get fed up with the same weather daily.

Have a lovely weekend. xx

>100 PaulCranswick: "I do get fed up with the same weather daily." Lol I wish I could say I feel for you, Paul, and perhaps if you lived in Siberia I would, but in KL I just can't do it ;0)

Morning Lynda! Happy Friday! Lots of sunshine. Feels good. Enjoy your day.

Happy new thread, Lynda! I love the progress you have made at whittling down your TBR pile. Glad to read the workouts have dealt with the residual effects of your frozen shoulder. Hurrah for the return of full flexibility! Taking a BB for Beautiful Ruins. Love that title and sounds like a fantastic story!

Morning Lynda! Happy Saturday. I hope Trump doesn't stir things up to bad, in your fair city.

Not a bad day here, despite the clouds.

Has everyone sprung forward?!

We've got a little shopping to do today, otherwise quiet.
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>102 msf59: Hey Mark, I think Friday was pretty much an all day rain, for us, but it helped the crocus and tulips burst out of the ground. I'm not sure if they're early or not because this time of year they are usually covered with a couple inches of snow.

>103 lkernagh: I hope you enjoy Beautiful Ruins too, Lori. It's funny, whittling down the TBR pile is like loosing weight. So easy to put on so difficult to take off. Lol

>104 msf59: Saturday was rather nice, Mark, today a little drizzle but the temps are above 40 so it's a good day.
Despite strange goings on at Trump rallies elsewhere, things appeared to go fairly well in Cleveland. At least, I haven't heard of anything. Clinton, Kasich and Sanders have been in the area this weekend too.

Morning, Lynda! Yes, I sprung forward, reluctantly. ;-)

Happy Sunday. I hope that today affords some reading time for you. I very much like your posting locations where your books take you.

May you have wonderful travels today:

Morning, Lynda! Happy Sunday! I slept in a bit, which is rare for this guy. Gloomy and drizzly here. A nice day to just chill.

>106 cbl_tn: Yeah, you did it, Carrie! It. will. get. better.!

>107 Whisper1: Love the reading tornado, Linda! I'm glad you enjoy my reading destinations, I like them too.

>108 msf59: Hope your Sunday was a relaxing one, Mark! Yes, we've got much the same weather as you *sigh*

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Running off to get an oil change this morning, so hurrying off :0)

Morning, Lynda!

Hi Lynda. I don't know about this "springing" forward. I reluctantly dragged myself forward and it took most of Sunday to do it! I much prefer the falling back we get to do in October!

>110 Crazymamie: hi there, Mamie! I had a busy day so I couldn't get back here as I has planned.

>111 DeltaQueen50: Oh, poor Judy! I'm glad you were able to ease yourself into the time change on Sunday. It will get better, I know it will! I'm usually Tigger-like, bouncing out of bed at the crack of dawn no matter what. I don't enjoy always being like Tigger but I've always been an early riser and much to my dismay, I can't change it.

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Woo Hoo you know I love March Madness and my brackets are set. This year I went with my heart and not so much with my head which, in the past, hasn't helped much anyway. LoL Will and I set up a group on Capital One March Madness App so we won't need to keep track of our wins and points etc. Yes! So my final two come down to Oregon and Xavier with Xavier winning the championship. (Sorry Ellen)

I've just watched House of Cards Season 1 episode 1 and will most certainly be a binge watcher!

I'Ve been coloring. It is relaxing

I've been reading the Larson book to and it is a fascinating story. He makes history come alive.

We had pizza pie for Pi day dinner and Each kid in Will's math class brought in a pie today. He ate 6 slices during math class :0P

Now I'm going to watch episode 2 of House of Cards till I fall asleep. Nighty night

Morning, Lynda! Looks like storms move in later today. Sighs...

I have never watched House of Cards. Still deciding...

It's Ohio's super Tuesday! Beware the Ides of March. I'm stoked!

>113 msf59: So gloomy here, Mark. Very dark clouds last night ushered in strong winds and some rain. I guess it's a good old fashioned spring!
If you do give House of Cards a shot I think you might like it. Strong writing and hey, Kevin Spacey, ya know?!

Morning, Lynda!

>114 Carmenere: Lynda, I hope the Ides of March delivered more welcome political news to you than it did to Caesar. ;-)

Morning, Lynda!

>115 Crazymamie: Hey Mamie! I hope your Tuesday was great and Wednesday will be even better!!!!

>116 rosalita: Well, Julia, it's all in how you look at it. Governor Kasich and Ohio put a bump in Trump's juggernaut Yeah! and, of course, Sec. Clinton took Ohio easily as she is loved here by many.
-----------------------

However, The Ides delivered a Caesarlike blow to my washing machine! I had put a load of towels in, gone upstairs to shower and when I came back down I found a puddle of water around the machine. The repairman I called said he'd be here between 11 and 3. Called about 2 and said it would be between 3 and 6. 5 oclock he called and said it would be today 11-1. *sigh* Et tu, Maytag?

With time on my hands between 11 and 1, I have time to finish packing (hopefully) the machine will be repaired to take care of some last minute additions. Cuban chicken for dinner. Will talked this up when he returned from NYC last spring. He loved it. Hope mine turns out

>117 scaifea: Hi there, Amber!

Morning Lynda! Sorry to hear about the washing machine. Bummer! Hope it gets taking care of today.

Very gusty today in Chicagoland. Fortunately, I am off. Grins...

Question: How do you feel about Kasich? Is he a good governor?

Morning, Lynda! Why is it always the towels in there when the washer takes a dive? Hoping it gets fixed today and that it doesn't cost you a small fortune.

>120 msf59: Hey Mark! Washing machine troubles were apparently due to human error and that human would be yours truly :0(

Answer: I'd say Kasich has been a decent governor, no scandals as far as I know. State tax has remained the same and budget balanced. He is, however, a proponent of Common Core which I despise.

>121 Crazymamie: >120 msf59: Ok Mamie and Mark, here's the scoop on the washer. Of course, I'm always in a hurry so I just end tossed a bunch of towels in and slammed the front loading door. Since the repairman didnt find any problems during the cycle I put in for him he believes one f the towels I put in was sticking out enough to break the seal allowing water to flow thru the gap. I know, it sounds weird but the innards were dry as a bone so only charged for serve call of $59.

Glad the washing machine debacle, came out, with a pleasant enough result. 60 bucks ain't bad.

I am not familiar with the Common Core situation. I know it has to do with education.

Glad you don't need a new washing machine, Lynda. Too bad you had to wait two days to find out what was wrong.

Human error is way better than needing some expensive fix.

I also despise the Core.

Morning, Lynda!

>123 msf59: Be glad your kids are out of school, Mark. Common Core is so nonsensical. I guess, at it's root, it's making the kids think in a different way particularly in math. It's sort of like MapQuest! Mapquest gives you 2 or 3 routes to take to get to your destination and common sense says take the shortest route but common core says noooooo you want to take the looooooong way and take every possible side street to get to your destination. It also, is big on group think. The teacher provides a lesson and the kids work out the problems in groups. It does not help children who need a little more help. *sigh*

>124 BLBera: Ya know, Beth, I should have just tried a couple more loads before the repair guy was able to make it. But I feared the worst and instead of buying $60 worth of used books I've met a very nice repairman who we can call back if we need help in the future. I'd rather have books.

>125 Crazymamie: High fives for despicable Common Core, Mamie.

>126 Crazymamie: Howdy do, Mamie!

--------------
After Will's Russian trip was cancelled my husband went to work and on Valentine's Day, Bill, surprised Will and I with a trip to a secret destination for spring break. We know to pack summerlike clothes but not much else. So, I'm off to do a few things to ready for our departure on Friday afternoon, mainly wash and pack and get Mitten's food in order and litter boxes cleaned.

Lovely! Um...for you. I really hate surprises.

>128 Crazymamie: LOL!!!! I don't care much for surprises either but there's that whole looking a gift horse in the mouth thing and all that.

Oh, I dare to look the gift horse in the mouth. You are a nicer person than I, Lynda.

Now I know why I wouldn't want to look! LOL cute in a frightening sort of way. Then there's that breath issue :0P

Ha! So true.

Morning, Lynda! Thanks for filling me in on Common Core. Does not sound appealing to me, either.

I love surprises. I can't wait to hear where you're going. I'm sure your husband knows you well enough to choose someplace wonderful.

Happy Weekend!

Morning, Lynda! You have obviously already had your first cup of coffee!

>135 DianaNL: Thank you so much, Diana! I love the cheery picture of spring and would really like to have a little lamb in my backyard.

>136 Crazymamie: Hey Mamie! You are absolutely right! First cup is dry and ready for another. Mmmm, come to think of it, I'm ready for some food too.

----------------
I need to pack a bathing suit as there is a beach involved. Spring break is sounding pretty good. :0)

I finished In the Garden of Beasts and I'll review after breakfast.

Happy Friday, Lynda! Back to cool weather again. Wah!

#14-2016
In the Garden of Beasts
Erik Larson
448 pages including index, notes and bibliography
2011
1 inch
4.75/5

Location, Location, Location..........University of Chicago Chicago Illinois

Tiergarten, Berlin, Germany

Thoughts............Readers sometimes wonder, just how many times can the story of the early days of Hitler's reign be retold. Surely, after 83 years, there's nothing more to say. Right? Wrong! Erik Larson proves it as he recounts that heinous time through the perspective of William Dodd and his family. In 1933, Professor Dodd, chairman of the history department at the University of Chicago was appointed as Ambassador (some say, in error) to Berlin after President Roosevelt's previous choices declined the offer. The Dodd family quickly made themselves at home but within a few months they began to hear rumors of Hitler's rise to power. The professor's daughter, Martha, at first smitten by the likes of Hitler's Storm troopers parading through town and the music associated with them probably saw oddities first as her friends were, often. well connected. As tension grows, the reader begins to fear what may become of the Dodd's and their friends and associates in Berlin.
Excellent work and very much recommended.

>138 msf59: Hope you've had a good Friday, Mark. Sunny here but its ranged from windy to breezy to tornado like around here. The March Lion has been roaring all week.

Hope your surprise trip is fun. I'm intrigued where you're going...

Hi Lynda - Still no news on your destination? In the Garden of the Beasts sounds great.

Hi Lynda! I think we're all curious to find out where you end up on your trip! I hope you have safe travels, great weather, and as much reading time as you want.

Morning, Lynda! Happy Saturday! Nice review - I loved that one.

Happy spring, everyone!

Morning Charlotte, Beth, Carrie and Mamie‼️ We're in Saint Maarten. Our resort is on the Dutch side. we've rented a car to explore, this side and the French side of island 🏖 I don't know how to post pics to LT from my cell but I'll post when return to the mainland. Lol

>145 Carmenere: How fun! I'm with you in spirit. I started season 4 of Death in Paradise on Netflix last night.

Morning, Lynda! Happy Sunday! Good review of In the Garden of the Beasts. It is probably my least favorite of Larson's work but still a good read. I thought he came back strong with Dead Wake.

Morning, Lynda! Well, that location is guaranteed to put a smile on your face, I know, so well done to the husband.

>146 cbl_tn: is this another show I should be adding to my que, Carrie?

>147 msf59: mark! Just finished off 2 bottles of Carib beer. It's goes down so smoothly. I think you'd like it.

>148 Crazymamie: hey Mamie, we drove to Phillipsburg today but being Sunday many stores were closed. It's only a few miles from resort so we'll go again. We saw Fort Amsterdam for Will's history fix. Not much left from 1631 but still awesome. Such a good dinner at The Palm. Open air with fullish moon above.

Probably beach and pool tomorrow. *gasp* haven't found a bookstore yet. LT says I have to take a boat to St Bart's for the closest bookstore.

If you like quirky police procedural/detective shows, I think you'd enjoy Death in Paradise. It's set on a fictional Caribbean island and it's filmed in Guadeloupe. It streams on Netflix.

Morning, Lynda! I can second Carrie's rec of Death in Paradise - at least, the first two seasons of it.

Good Morning from my patio overlooking Simpson bay and watching planes land and takeoff rom the airport. The awesome thing about landing here is the fact there is only a strip of beach separating the bay and the landing strip. Google Malo Beach webcam to see what I mean. Lol, to see the look on Will's face hahaha priceless!

The hike up to the fort must have really drained us as we all slept in, Will is still sleeping!

>150 cbl_tn: >151 Crazymamie: Hi Carrie and Mamie, I just asked my husband about Death in Paradise as he loves the police procedurals on Netflix. He also said it was a great show until they changed lead actors. I'll add it to my line up, if for no other reason than to have some eye candy when it's cold and grey outside.

Time for a little breakfast.

Yep. Agree with your husband.

Here's the link to that recipe that you wanted, Lynda: Slow Cooker Broccoli Beef

It looks a delightful place Lynda but I am not sure I would quite fancy those KLM planes flying so low over the beach.
Have a lovely time.

Happy Monday, Lynda! I am sure you are having a wonderful time. I could use a little beach action myself. Tired of being bundled up.
Have another Carib beer for me!

Have a great time!

I'm glad to hear it all worked out with a good choice of destination. I would have been right there for the history trip. Would love to see a picture when the tech cooperates!

>152 Carmenere: I know I'm in the minority, but I like the New Guy on Death in Paradise. Not quite as much as the Original Guy, but almost as much.

^Have a great day, Lynda and yes, that is a warbler!

It's your birthday?! Happy Birthday, Lynda!! I hope it turns out the be the best one yet!

Hoping that your birthday is full of happy, Lynda!

Good morning, everyone!!!!! I do not know what the guys have planned today so check back later for all the fascinating details hahahahahh

>153 Crazymamie: Bill, says thanks, Mamie! It's not to often that Bill here's those 2 lovely words around the house...."I agree" lol

>154 Crazymamie: thanks Mamie, I'll try that recipe shortly after we return home.

>155 PaulCranswick: I know, Paul, it looks frightful, doesn't it?! We hope to be one of those crazy people who view landings at a little bar/restaurant on the beach as our patio isn't close enough.

>156 msf59: Lol I just mentioned to the guys how nice it was to walk without hunching your shoulders, bracing yourself against the cold winds, brrrrr. And I did have another Carib while at the beach and felt compelled to have a heinnikan with dinner. It is the Dutch side, you know.

>157 mstrust: thanks, Jennifer! We are :0)

>158 charl08: Lol well, Charlotte, at first I was a little bit nervous when we drove to the airport but I'll have to relate it when we're home. Stay tuned!

>159 cbl_tn: All the more reason for me to check it out, Carrie. I'll weigh in once I've done so.

>160 msf59: Love it, Mark!! Thanks!

A Very Happy Birthday to you, Lynda!! :D

>161 scaifea: Thank you, Amber. It's off to a great start, though I'm saddened by the latest news in Europe.

>162 Crazymamie: Thank you, so much, Mamie! Hope you have a great day too.

Time to recharge iPad, only 5% juice left.

>164 Deern: Hi, Nathalie! Thank you so much for the birthday wishes!!!

Happy Birthday!!!!

Happy Birthday, Lynda. I think your husband deserves a big pat on the back for his surprise trip. A great idea and a great destination! Enjoy your vacation and your birthday!

I missed your birthday! I'm sure it was memorable!

Morning, Lynda!

Hey everyone! I'm sitting on the balcony reading Encyclopedia of a life in Russia. Difficult to get into but I think I've found the secret of how to read it.

Yesterday we went to the French side of the island and We were a bit disappointed with Marigot. Though The shopping was lackluster there were a few French bakeries selling delicious sweets and breads. Yummy.

>167 mstrust: hey Jennifer! You and your significant other sing the HBSong impeccably. Thanks!

>168 Whisper1: Thanks, Linda! I love balloons!

>169 DeltaQueen50: Thanks Judy! Yeah the hubsters done good and will certainly give him a pat on his back

>170 cbl_tn: hi Carrie! At my age every birthday is memorable ..... At least for as long as my memory holds out lol

>171 Crazymamie: good morning. MAmie!! Ugh I dislike this microphone. First Mamie printed as "made me" then "Mimi" AnywAy have a lovely day!

I wish I could visit more but I'm sitting here getting frustrated and that's very unvacTionlike. Soooo, happy WednesdY everyone!

I prefer Mimi to made me, just in case you have to choose in future.

Hope you are having a lovely time, Lynda. Breezy and chilly here...sighs.

Morning, Lynda! Happy Thursday!

>173 Crazymamie: lol thanks for clarifying that, Mimi, oops Mamie!

>174 msf59: ooo sorry to read about the chilliness, Mark. Everyone thinks vacays are relaxing but I'm very busy trying to absorb warmth and sunshine for our return to grey skies and chilly temps in CLE. It's a lot of work, really!

I would gladly join you, on absorbing that warmth and sunshine, you poor thing! Grins...

Sweet Thursday. Lynda! Keep having a wonderful time.

>177 msf59: oh I'll keep trying Mark, you can count on it

Yesterday we hiked another mountain to fort St. Louis.
I'm dreadful with precipitous heights especially when fort walls are broken and Simpson bay is beneath you and only a trip away. I was frozen in this spot and the guys continued up to the French flag on the fort. Will had to hold my hand back down. It was that steep and legs would not move otherwise. Such a sissy am I :0(

Precarious! Not precipitous! Dang that microphone!

St. Maarten! What a great surprise. And happy belated birthday. My godson's birthday was yesterday, which reminds me. I need to get a card in the mail.

Have a wonderful Easter.

Morning, Lynda!

>179 BLBera: thanks Beth!

>180 PaulCranswick: thank you for the Easter greetings, Paul!

>181 DianaNL: thanks for the Easter bunny hug, Diana!

>182 Crazymamie: good afternoon, Mamie!

We're in a rain delay. Yup, sitting beside the pool under an umbrella drinking beer and listening to pitter patter of rain drops. Very relaxing

Well, I missed your birthday but I'm here in time to wish you a Happy Weekend!

It looks like I am a tad late with my Birthday Wishes to you so I will be a tad early with the Happy Easter wishes and hope it all balances out in the wash. (Yes, bad pun considering what you went through with your washing machine, but I couldn't resist).

Hoping you have a lovely weekend.

>184 EBT1002: Thanks , Ellen!

>185 lkernagh: LOL, It's hard to keep a good pun to oneself, Lori. Thanks for the Easter Greetings.

>186 mstrust: Cute! Thanks, Jennifer!

>187 Whisper1: Thank you, Linda. Did you see the waning moon last night? It was stunning!

>188 weird_O: Thanks, Bill! It is very cool that Peeps come in an assortment of colors these days. They're just a tad too sweet for me, despite their cuteness.

Happy Sunday and Happy Easter, Lynda! So, you are flying back today?

I forgot to mention above, We are home. Yeah! Two pieces of luggage are not. Boo! Yup, Mine and Will's were shipped to Montreal rather than Toronto.
Why Toronto you might ask. Well, it's like this, 1. Bill really wanted to throw us off so he booked our airline tickets to Sint Maarten through Toronto, a mere 5 hour drive from Cleveland. But the weather was good, no problem. 2. We save hundreds of dollars and get a direct flight through Toronto. All's good, Until we arrived back in Toronto yesterday and discovered the missing luggage. They told us they will be sent directly to our home so all we can do is sit here with fingers crossed.

Then we go to our car, parked in the parking garage since last Friday night. Guess what, the battery is dead, dead, dead. We contact parking assistance and they will send a truck to give us a jump. OK, here's were the Easter miracle happens. The space beside us was empty and then all of a sudden there was a car there. The nice Canadian with two young daughters asks us what's the matter. Asks if we would let him jump our battery and five minutes later were on our way. He said he just happened to be there to drop off a relative for a flight. Wow, how many people park to drop someone off now a days.

So since our plane was 30 minutes late taking off, 45 minutes filling out reports for our lost luggage and another 45 getting help with our car we finally made it home about midnight. The most important thing is we're home, we're safe and we're together. And bless the good Samaritan who helped us out.

>190 msf59: Thank you, Mark! We flew back last yesterday. See Post 191. Needless to say, we need another vacay ;0)

Always the drama, right? Jeesh! Glad you guys are home safe and sound. Let's home that luggage finds you soon.

Belated happy birthday and happy Easter Lynda. Sorry to hear about the missing luggage and flat car battery. Hope the luggage turns up soon.

Morning, Lynda! Happy Easter! Hoping that your luggage manages to catch up with you. That was a lot of drama to deal with at the end of vacation - my sympathies. Hooray for finally reaching home safe and sound!

Well I hope your Easter is fun and your luggage arrives quickly!

Luggage 'MIA'... always a frustrating experience. Glad to see a good Samaritan was around to jump start the final leg of your trip home!

Happy Easter, Lynda!

The most important thing is we're home, we're safe and we're together. And bless the good Samaritan who helped us out. Well yes, this sounds like "luck in the middle of bad luck" which is a horrible 1:1 translation of a German saying. So glad you made it home well despite the obstacles!!

>193 msf59: Yeah, Mark, two events in one day is wayyyy too much drama for this girl.

>194 souloftherose: Why thank you, Heather! I hope the luggage is delivered soon too! :0(

>195 Crazymamie: I love the cozy and comforting bunny slippers, Mamie.

>196 mstrust: Lost luggage didn't stop me from having a nice Easter, Jennifer, although my make up was rather simple as the good stuff was in my suitcase.

>197 lkernagh: I'm taking the car in tomorrow, Lori, as I don't want anymore surprises. The battery is just 1 year old. That shouldn't have happened.

>198 Deern: Yeah, "luck in the middle of bad luck" ! that's what it was, Nathalie. It's those moment that you decide "well, I guess I want jump off of that building afterall."

#15-2016
Encyclopedia of a Life in Russia
Jose Manuel Prieto
180 pages
1998
1/2 inch
1.5/5

Location, Location, Location............Neva River, St Petersburg, Russia

Yalta, Ukraine

Thoughts...............When reading this post modern work, I found it was best to forego trying to make sense of the relationship between Linda and Monk and pay closer attention to the words added to Prieto's encyclopedia which explain to the reader some of the absurdities engulfing Russia shortly after the fall of Communism. I do not recommend this book, it was a waste of my time.

Ouch, Lynda. Too bad you had to waste time with a book. Did your pile at least go down a bit?

Good luck with the luggage.

>200 Carmenere: ah well, you can't win 'em all. And now you know not to revisit that book again

>201 BLBera: Yeah, glad to be done with that one, Beth. In fact, I left it at the airport for another unsuspecting booklover to mull over.
Reduced the stack by only 1/2" but it feels like I got a huuuuuge weight off my back.

>202 LovingLit: You're absolutely right, Megan! I would have to think twice before I even read that author again.

---------------
Happy news! An employee from the airline called us this morning and said that he is driving from Niagara Falls Canada to Buffalo, NY to send our 2 pieces of luggage UPS and we should have it tomorrow! Still keeping fingers crossed until their at our front door.

We dropped off my Sportage at Kia this morning and they're going to check battery etc to determine why it died at the airport. Still under warranty so go at it guys and gals.

In true Librarything fashion, I'm reading two books simultaneously. Both are really good and I don't want to set either aside. I'm taking #1 Ladies Detective Agency and The Heart of the Sea, soooo suspenseful!

>191 Carmenere: I'd be cracking up if I didn't know how disconcerting it is to not know for sure whether your luggage is going to be where they say it's going to be. But the story is a bit hilarious. :-)

>203 Carmenere: "I left it at the airport for another unsuspecting booklover to mull over."
Ha! I've done that before. Once I left a book on the seat next to me -- I had finished reading it and I really didn't need to take it on the next plane with me -- and someone chased me down:
"Ma'am! Ma'am! You left your book!"
"Oh. Well. Thank you." So I tucked it into my already very stuffed personal item (also known as a messenger bag).
Sigh.

Oh, but I see that you've had good news about the luggage. Yay! My fingers are indeed crossed for you.

Hooray for the luggage, Lynda! I hope you haven't run out of clothes!

I really enjoyed The Heart of the Sea. Have a good time with it.

I am so late on the scene today, Lynda, but I made it! I promise to be here bright and early tomorrow for our usual coffee hook-up.

>204 EBT1002: >191 Carmenere: Surprisingly, Ellen, Will and I have remained calm throughout the luggage debacle although we've yet to find it even a bit hilarious as it is an inconvenience in some ways. Thanks for keeping your fingers crossed. Hopefully, later today, we can both uncross them.

>205 msf59: LOL, actually, Mark, the only pair of jeans that Will fits into is in his luggage as is all his favorite shorts, so everyday I've been washing the pair he wore home not to mention his unmentionables. This is just a huge reminder that we've been putting off increasing his wardrobe, he grows out of things so quickly, and it's time to shop.

>206 Crazymamie: Good morning! I'm here, ready and waiting for you, Mamie!

Morning, Lynda! I'm here, and I'm ready for Tuesday. Um...I'll be ready for Tuesday after the coffee.

Just think of your luggage as having taken an extended vacation - it's taking the scenic route home!

Glad you made it, Mamie! I can put on more coffee if necessary ;0) Yeah, that ornery luggage! They must have been planning this while we were out and about. Well, we'll just have to see if they're chosen for the next trip. ha! grounded in more ways than one.

Naturally, my husband's luggage arrived on our flight. Doesn't that just figure!

Yep. Just keep it coming. Next time set the luggage close to the windows so that it can at least enjoy the view. Maybe then it will behave on the trip home. Although, better to go missing on the way home than on the way there. YIKES!

Morning, Lynda! I chuckled at the mention of Will's minuscule wardrobe - it's crazy how fast that creeps up on you, no? I just this past week realized that Charlie will need all new shorts toot sweet, and I've been cringing lately at how his long pants are starting to look like high-waters, but there's no point in buying new jeans right now, since he'd only be out of them by net fall anyway... *sigh*

>210 Crazymamie: Excellent advice, Mamie! Luggage in the closet just breeds trouble!

>211 scaifea: It's true, Amber. He always wears jeans and a tee shirt. Plenty of t's but just one pair of washed out jeans. When we were out shopping shortly before we left, he tried on brands he doesn't normally wear and all were ill fitting and not enough time to head back to Kohl's for Lee jeans.
I'll second your sigh!

My car is back. The dealer couldn't find any problems, even kept it over night to see if it would start in the morning. It did so nothing they could do at this time.

Still waiting for luggage to come home. :0(

Morning !

>213 EBT1002: >214 msf59: Now, that's hilarious!!! Ellen and Mark, you crack me up!

Despite what those photos may imply, our rogue bags showed up here That's right, about 8pm, that beautiful brown truck which always garners excitement when bringing amazon orders brought home our luggage gone astray and laid it at our front door! Everything is intact and accounted for :0)

RIP Patty Duke! Here's a little story, when I was little, maybe 5ish, I used to watch The Patty Duke show with my parents. I truly believed that Patty and Cathy were two different actresses. My heart was broken when I learned that Patty Duke played both parts! Oh, to realize you've been deceived at such a young age. *ugh* I think, this is why I've always been such a skeptical person.

Morning, Lynda! Welcome home, luggage!!

So glad your luggage has come home!

>216 Crazymamie: Hi Mamie :0) They were sent down to the basement without any dinner!

>217 mstrust: Us too, Jennifer! Opening up our souvenirs was like Christmas morning, unwrapping items we had forgotten we bought.

At last! I have been vindicated!!!!! When I brought home my new leased car last May, Kia Sportage, I told my husband it was difficult to drive at night as the headlights weren't as effective as my turned in car, a Chevy Equinox. He said his car, Kia Sorento, is the same and I'll get used to it.
I mentioned it to my BIL who told me I must have a control to aim my lights up and down. We all looked and decided there is none. So, I've struggled along and tried to avoid driving at night as much as possible. Today, I read this: Ha! I'm not going blind after all!

Has anyone else noticed a difference in newer headlights?

I'm glad your luggage showed up but also glad that Mark and I were able to provide a bit of levity.

I had not realized that Patty Duke died. So sad.

Oh, and yes, headlights are changing. I don't know that I've noticed it from inside the car of the headlights but I see them on the road in all sorts of weird colors..... The link is interesting. I hate the LED lights and it makes total sense to me that they would not provide the illumination a driver needs. After all, they don't provide any illumination from our Christmas tree! :-D

I've never liked night driving and I have noticed that lights don't seem to be as bright as they used to be.

The Patty Duke show is on every weekday morning at the right time for me to watch it while I eat my breakfast. I had never seen the show until a few weeks ago and I've been enjoying it. I've always liked Patty Duke, and I was sorry to hear the news that she had died.

#16-2016
In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex
Nathaniel Philbrick
300 pages inc index & notes
2000
3/4 inch
4/5

Location, location, location................Nantucket, Massachusetts

Henderson Island, Pacific Ocean

Masafuera Island aka isla Alejandro Selkirk

Thoughts...........I enjoyed this book quite a lot, not only, for the circumstances this band of sailors faced and the decisions made but for the sheer scope of what lay ahead of them everyday. Philbrick retells the tale of whale vs man with the respect and seriousness these men deserve.

>219 EBT1002: All I can say, Ellen, is some headlight bulb salesperson is probably sitting pretty after giving the sales pitch of a lifetime. Where is the uproar?! LOL maybe I need to buy a car model pre-2015.

>220 cbl_tn: Yeah, Carrie, I know what you mean about the brightness of oncoming traffic. My theory is the brightness is focused downward and not outward. I put the headlights on in my garage and you can see a sharp line of light on the bottom and darkness at top. That does not help showing you the entire road before you. It's ridiculous, IMO :0)

Alrighty, here's the paper towel affirmation for the day "Each morning is a new opportunity to shine, a chance to give the past a kick in the pants & the future a bear hug"

>218 Carmenere: They were probably hoping for more of a prodigal son homecoming. The poor, naughty dears.

So interesting about the headlights! I cannot drive at night as I have no night vision, but I had noticed that the headlights of the newer cars were funky looking when people are driving with them on in the rain - they look more like an accent instead of a working tool to provide light. And the colors make me a bit crazy. The funny thing is that I have gotten flashed several times the way people do to let you know that you have your brights on, when I have just had my regular lights on and now I get it - we just have an older model with the brighter lights! Ha!

Those paper towels crack me up.

Morning, Lynda!!

Nice comments on In the Heart of the Sea; I read it years ago and loved it. I'm glad your luggage is back home.

>221 Carmenere: Nantucket will forever be home to Joe, Brian, Helen, Lowell, and the rest of the Wings gang to me, thanks to Carrie's introducing me to the series via her DVD set which she loaned to me. I absolutely loved the show!

Happy Friday, Lynda! Come on Springtime! I could use some warmth & some color. Another dreary one here.

Glad you liked In the Heart of the Sea. Good stuff.

I'm a bit behind, even more so than usual. When I dropped off mom's groceries yesterday I found her very weak with flu like symptoms. So I spent the day with her, making chamomile tea and making sure she ate something light. Thankfully, when I talked with her last night she was sounding like herself and even had a little more broth. So maybe just a bug or something she ate the night before.

Today, Mittens is going for his annual check up. This past few days we've felt a bump like thing on his side so I'll definitely bring that to their attention.

Then there's this volunteer co-ordinator thing I do for our HS musical arts program. Just like this past fall, so few people volunteer! I realized the same depressed feeling I had in the fall has returned. It's sadness! Sadness because I don't know what else I can do to motivate parents to volunteer . *sigh*

Shwuuuu, I just had to get that off my chest.

>223 Crazymamie: Well, actually, Mamie, I haven't told them this but their replacements are in bedroom closets. Yup, their days are numbered.

>224 BLBera: The arm chair adventurer in me just loves seafaring stories, Beth!

>225 thornton37814: I used to looooove that show, Lori! Yet, I can't remember how Nantucket played into it. I basically remember the check in desk. I really need to revisit!

>226 msf59: "Hooray for April"! Amen to that, Mark! However, it won't be very spring like here, some forecasters are even saying the s word! Ugh!

We just watched the movie version of In The shears of the Sea tonight. Now I gotta get the book!

Our cars are both so old I've not noticed anything different with our headlights. But LED headlights? As you say, they barely light up a Christmas tree.

>228 drneutron: lol and now, Jim, I want to see the movie!

>229 vancouverdeb: keep your old cars for as long as you can, Deb, at least until they wise up and change the headlights for the better.

Woo Hoo, I've got to psych myself up, have 3 cups of coffee and head out to work concessions for girls lacrosse. It's just me and my friend who's taken pity on me as no one else has signed up to help. *sigh* It's going to be cold but I think rain will hold off till later.
I'll be back later to start a new thread, start a pot of soup and visit.

Happy Saturday, Lynda! Sorry, to hear about your Mom. I hope she begins to feel better. Sending positive vibes.

Cruddy one here today and we may get a little snow. WTH?

>231 msf59: morning Mark! Just another day in the cruel Midwest! Oh, how Mother Nature plays with us
Mom seems to be recovering. Tap, tap, tap on wood.

Morning, Lynda! Happy Saturday!

>233 Crazymamie: Happy Saturday to you, Mamie! I'm on my way out, see ya later :0)

Hi Lynda! I hope Saturday was good to you!