Mamie's 2017 Madness (Page 2)

My name is Mamie. 49. Mother of four. Happily married. I am an Indiana transplant currently residing in Georgia. I like to wax poetic about the pecan trees and complain about the heat. I miss winter. I believe in the power of kindness and shared laughter. I heartily embrace wine, snark, and shenanigans; I like to think of them as my posse.

This is my sixth year in the 75ers group. I will read almost anything (Um…NOT self-help), but I tend to lean towards crime fiction, space opera, and historical fiction. I have a soft spot for quirky characters and magical realism.
This group has greatly increased my reading of truth - I love memoirs, travel writing and narrative non-fiction. I am greatly looking forward to another reading year spent amidst the chaos of the 75.

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snail's pace

Books Read in January:
1. Rivers of London: Volume 1: Body Work by Ben Aaronovitch, art by Lee Sullivan (3.75 stars), GN - police procedural, off my shelves
2. The Spy Who Came in From the Cold by John LeCarré (5 stars), paperback/audio combo, espionage, off my shelves
3. The Chisellers by Brendan O'Carroll (4 stars), library paperback, historical fiction/humor - series recommended by Nancy
4. The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner (5 stars), ebook, off my shelves - series recommended by Jenn
5. The Paper Menagerie by Ken Liu (4.5 stars), ebook, short story collection, off my shelves - recommended by Mark
6. Talking to the Dead by Harry Bingham (3.75 stars), ebook, off my shelves, police procedural - series recommended by Julia and Joe

I am planning on walking the cat this year. That is, I am just going to go where my reading takes me. I am not committing to any challenges except for Ellen’s Reread Challenge, which is a perfect match for me because every year I reread multiple books. I love to reread - it’s like getting together with old friends. I like the comfort of knowing where I am going and the surprise of discovering new truths in a familiar landscape.

So some thoughts I have:

It would be nice to read some of the hundreds of books I have sitting on my shelves - especially the authors that I have multiple standalone books by, such as Elmore Leonard, Philip K. Dick, and George Orwell

I want to keep going on some of the series I focused on this past year as well as some that I have neglected for a while: Harry Bosch, Harry Hole, Inspector Montalbano, Bruno Courrèges, Barsetshire, the Vorkosigan Saga, The Others, Sebastian St. Cyr, ...

I would like to eventually read all of the books mentioned in The English Patient, starting with The Histories by Herodotus

Usually I list my print and ebook purchases, but I thought it might be fun to follow my audiobook purchases instead this year. My husband always gets me the 24 credit Audible membership for Christmas, so…

1.

Katie’s Dirty Dozen - That’s right, folks, KAK’s reserved spot is back for a third year, let’s see what she gets me with this time

Every year, LT is an embarrassment of riches for me. I like to keep track of who recommends what and any other pertinent info that lands a book on WL.

1. Winter by Christopher Nicholson - read Suz's review on her thread, it was one of her top reads from last year
2. News of the World by Paulette Jiles - because Mark said so!
3. The Return: Fathers, Sons, and Between by Hisham Matar - memoir -read Rhonda's review on her thread
4. Those Who Hunt the Night by Barbara Hambly - read Roni's blurb on her thread about this series
5. Knots and Crosses by Ian Rankin - series recommended by Deborah - read her review of the third book on her thread
6. Read This Next by Sandra Newman - Joe says this is delightful
7. The Inquisitor's Tale, Or, The Three Magical Children and Their Holy Dog by Adam Gidwitz - read Anne's review on her thread
8. A World of Love by Elizabeth Bowen - read Meg's review on her thread
9. Under Another Sky by Charlotte Higgins - read Susan's review on her thread, and she said that she heard about it on Jennifer's (inge87) thread
10. He Wants by Alison Moore - read Nancy's review on her thread

This should do it - next one's yours!

Hi Mamie. Happy New thread :)

Thanks, Jenny!

Found a spot. Parking right here.

Ahhh. You can run, Mamie, but you can't hide. I found this new thread. Ha ha ha! Better luck next time.

Permanently reserved for you now, Roberta! I am listening to the fourth Dresden as I type.

Now why would I want to hide from you, Bill?

>12 Crazymamie: Woohoo Toot-Toot and all hail the Za-Lord's Guard! You'll get the reference later. ;-)

Okey dokie!

Hiya, Mamie!

From >240 Morphidae: on your last thread, I've added How to Read Literature Like a Professor to the WL. I really enjoyed Sandra Newman's The Western Lit Survival Kit, which was smart and very funny, and this made me think of it.

Madame MBH gave me another dvd of Italian-made Montalbano mysteries for Christmas - the adaptations are really good (if subtitles don't bother you).

>1 Crazymamie: LOL! I love it and want it. You got me the "butter my buns" dish cloth, right? We still have it hanging prominently in the kitchen.

Bumping your thread

Hey, Joe! I'm glad you added the book, but now I have to look up the one you mention, as I haven't heard of it.

I am wanting to watch those Montalbano mysteries since Caro mentioned them. And also the Young Montalbano - have you watched any of those? I considered getting a subscription to the channel that has both of those through Amazon Prime. I really think I might go for it. Subtitles don't bother me at all.

My, aren't we being chatty in the new year? Thread 2, really? Happy New Thread, Mamie! LT has been buzzing like a hive of bookish bees. And I love it!

ETA- Hey, I want my buns buttered too!!

> 17 I know, right?! And yes, ma'am - makes me smile big to know you have it up.

>18 Matke: Thanks, Gail!

DING DONG!!

Happy new thread, Mamie!

>20 msf59: We are a chatty bunch, aren't we, Mark? And thank you, my friend. I love all the activity, too.

Ha! Didn't they butter your buns at the massage? *blinks*

Oh yeah, I forgot. Blushes a little...

Thanks, Amber! The door is always open for you!

>24 msf59: BAG

Happy new thread, Mamie. Jet propulsion is involved somewhere with your thread in 2017!

Thank you, Paul!

hey Mamie. we're still here. i'm running to keep up this year more than usual. so far i've encountered an hilarious bit about water and smashed grapes and milk in your previous thread. much rollicking laughter here. i'm a water person too. period.

i am not touching the buttered buns thingy with a ten foot greased pole as i eschew most fat. except olive oyl.

i won't let the door hit my fanny on the way out. i can say no more.

Well, thank goodness, Ellie - I could not do without you! I actually drink 2 liters of water every day, but I do I do it because it's healthy,not because I love water. Heh. Give me coffee or wine if I get to choose.

You are very good - I love fat, except when it's on me.

I would never let the door hit you on your way out - you are an honored guest here, and I value your company and conversation. Please come back soon and dazzle me with your beautiful verbiage.

This thread is clearly well on the way to becoming a regular part of my day... For the record, my prosecco infatuation began at a Christmas celebration at my Italian-American MIL's several decades ago.

And, what's all this about a LT FitBit group? More info please.

What a lovely compliment, Liz! I will have to try prosecco and report back.

I started a hidden Fitbit group specifically for LTers. SO, if you want to join, just PM me your email, and I can send you an invite. We currently have 23 members, and it is a lot of fun to compare stats and get each other moving. As a group we get out own leaderboard that lets us compete for the entire month, but we can also see the seven day stats.

Seriously, Mamie? Two threads and three books already? Overachiever.

Happy new thread.

*preens a bit* Hello, Beth! I had holdovers from 2016 or I would not have three books finished already. And I can't take credit for the thread because the whole milk and cookies thing just took on a life of its own.

Second 2-threader of the year! Congrats, Mamie.

I go away to read for a few hours and I come back to find you have a new thread and 35 posts already!! :)

>35 drneutron: Thank you, Jim!

>36 ChelleBearss: I was just over on your thread, Chelle! Hoping that you are feeling better tomorrow.

Hey mom happy new thread loving all the shenanigans that are making me laugh so hard.

Hey there, Rae! I love seeing you here! And glad you got to laugh so hard - laughter is such a great gift.

So what's everyone's opinion on ginger snap cookies? Yay or nay?

Yay for me.

>42 katiekrug: - Yea for me but only around the holidays!

Happy new one, Mamie!

mornin' Mamie. here's your thought for the day

That was fast! Happy new thread, Mamie!

Happy New One, Mamie.

Knock, knock...

Happy new thread, Mamie!

Ha! I'm eating ginger snaps right now, for breakfast! Love 'em. And I dunk them in my tea...

Morning, Mamie!

Good morning, mom. I didn't expect to get up this morning to find out I'd missed 69 posts in total on your threads. Congrats on the new thread.

>40 Morphidae: Anything with cookie or chocolate in the title I will happily eat.

Happy New thread mom, I found this, and thought of you.

Thanks for introducing me to the delights of News Radio.
(I believe this is from season 2 episode 5 "The Rat Funeral.)

Good morning, Mamie! Happy thread #2!!

>40 Morphidae: Yay, but I prefer them with tea.
My favorite cookie type however has always been something plain with oatmeal, for many years available only around Christmas.
And I always very much disliked shortbread. Guess I was a strange child.

Happy New Thread, Mamie! :)

Morning, Y'all! Just the fur kids and I at home this morning as the kids have gone to help Craig move his office to temporary digs. That storm that swept through the South a few nights ago has left power outages everywhere, and the area Craig's office is in still has no power. The power company said it could be anywhere from 2 days to 5 weeks before they get it restored. Say what?!


On the reading front, last night I started listening to Summer Knight, which is book four in jim Butcher's Harry Dresden series. Roberta assures me that these books get less angsty and that Harry stops trying to do everything on his own after book six, and Roberta does not lie, so I have jumped back into the series. We own all of these books because my husband loves them - he has read through the series multiple times, so...


I have also started reading our Pecan Paradisio Book Club pick for this month - The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner. Jenn gets credit for this because she read this series last year and raved about it, and since we had the first book sitting on our shelves already... I have read the first three chapters, and already I love Gen.

>42 katiekrug: Thank you, Katie. And duly noted about the ginger snaps.

>43 mirrordrum: Oh, Mark! I love that!! If I had found that first, I would have used it as a topper! It's an excellent thought for the day.

>44 brodiew2: Thank you, Brodie! I love Bill Murray. And Stripes

>45 Ameise1: Thanks, Barbara!

>46 DianaNL: Come on in, Diana! And thank you.

>47 scaifea: Morning, Amber! I also love cookies for breakfast - they go great with coffee. I mean, not as great as pie, but...

>48 thearlybirdy: Thank you, Birdy. And I love that! You know I am a huge fan of News Radio!! So happy that you love it, too.

>49 Carmenere: Morning, Lynda! And thank you.

>50 Deern: Thank you, Nathalie. So yes to ginger snaps but no to the shortbread - got it.

The Audible Daily Deal is The Painted Veil by W. Somerset Maugham and narrated by Kate Reading, who does a fabulous job, for just $2.95. I listened to this audiobook last year and really loved it. I don't know if the daily deal is available to members only or if it is available to anyone, but that's a great deal.

Good morning, Mamie!

Do take a look at the Sandra Newman book - I had a blast with it.

>19 Crazymamie: Yes, I've watched the first Young Montalbano tv adaptations, and they're terrific, too. I also suspect women find the young one quite "hot". It's fun to see (and read) how he started, and to see a young curmudgeon in the making. And to see the beginnings of his relationship with Livia. It actually made his later relationship with her make more sense to me.

If you can pick it up via Amazon Prime (now I'll have to check!), you're aces. They're addictive.

P.S. Here's a photo of the young Montalbano:

Morning, Joe! I will definitely take a look at it. Good to know about the Young Montalbano! I love Endeavor for the same reasons - we get to see how Morse became Morse. Amazon Prime offers subscriptions to different channels like HBO, and Showtime. Recently I noticed that they have MHZ Choice, which has Montalbano and Young Montalbano, Bruneti, Wallander, etc. - the subscription is $7.99 a month, so I was thinking I could do the free trial, then subscribe for a month to check them all out. If I love it, I could keep the subscription, and it not, it will have been well worth $7.99 to finally get to see the Montalbano and Young Montalbano episodes.

>55 jnwelch: VERY nice! Yes, please.

>55 jnwelch: That's very interesting! I wonder if that show is available in Canada as I don't think we have access to Amazon tv

They are available on DVD, Chelle, so perhaps your library might have them? Alas, ours does not.

Oh good idea!! I'll check, thanks!

Morning, Mamie!

I thought you might like the Bill Murray. Just moments ago I was discussing Caddyshack with a co-workder. She watched it again recently. There is so much to love about that film. Stripes, too; but the first half is better than the second.

Morning Mamie! Bitter cold here but no snow. Whew!

There have been some nice titles lately on the Audible Daily Deal. I have grabbed several of them.

>61 brodiew2: Morning, Brodie! I really love him in Groundhog Day - that's probably my favorite of his.

>62 msf59: Morning, Mark! It's cooler here today - just 48F right now, but unfortunately going into the 60s. The weather forecasters still say that "Winter is arriving this weekend." I shan't hold my breath, but I shall remain hopeful.

Much better titles to start of the year with than last year - they kept offering all of those self-help books, which is fine for one or two, but it just kept going and going...

>64 brodiew2: I confess I have not yet seen Scrooged - I keep saving that one back so I'll have something new to me in the way of Christmas movies.

*I'm back because I thought of another one I love - The Man Who Knew Too Little!

>50 Deern: >53 Crazymamie: I'm the other way around. Nay to the ginger snaps and yay to the shortbread.

>61 brodiew2: My favorite with Bill Murray is Groundhog Day.

Oh News Radio! We're big fans here at Scaife Manor.

And OF COURSE you love Gen! How could you not?! (He gets even more adorable and amazing as the series goes on.)

>66 Morphidae: *grin*

>67 scaifea: Yep. We love it. Always cracks me up. So true about Gen - I can't wait to see what happens next. I really like the writing style.

Holy cow! 68 messages into your second thread and it's only January 5!! Wow! Way to go!! (as to your throbbing teeth -- OMG! I certainly get it).

Ha! Thank you, Reba! And yes, if it didn't make my teeth throb, I would eat a lot more ice cream.

Morning, Mamie, LOVE that topper, LOL! The young Montalbano is hot indeed! Here is the Montalbano I'm familiar with watching ... still not bad, and much more my age group, hehe:

Hello, Nancy! Glad you love the topper. The older Montalbano is also very nice looking, and also closer to my age group, but I try not to discriminate. *blinks* I really NEED to watch both of them, I am thinking.

>59 Crazymamie: turns out my Amazon prime account does get Amazon tv now! However that show isn't showing for me :( Library doesn't have it either. I'll have to try and find it elsewhere.

I can only get it through Amazon Prime of I subscribe to the MHZ Choice channel - under channels in the Amazon Prime section - it would cost $7.99/month to subscribe to that particular channel, but there is a free 7 day trial, which would offer a chance to check it out and see if it would be worth it or not to me. Don't know if the free trial is available in Canada or not. Amazon sells the dvds, but they are pricey.

Five weeks? Ouch. Hope it's quicker than that Mamie.
It's the beaches in that Montalbano show I love. I get so annoyed with Livia I haven't watched it recently!

I was watching a Swedish crime series Modus, which was a bit far fetched but well done. Although it was rather odd - one of the characters had a link to the FBI - something about characters breaking into English seems unexpected. Possibly because a lot of the UK shows just make the international characters speak the same language rather than have a main actor be bilingual.

Happy new thread!

>75 charl08: Me, too, Charlotte! They have just arrived back home, and Craig is hoping to be good to go for tomorrow if they can figure out the phones. Such a mess!

Sounds like I need to check out Montalbano very soon so that we can compare notes!

I have never heard of Modus - I'll have to see if I can find that. The bilingual thing is very interesting - I bet that narrows down possible actors for the part.

>76 The_Hibernator: Thank you, Rachel!

Happy new thread, Mamie, I think I start to understand why you named your thread Mamie's 2017 Madness ;-)

Ha! Thank you, Anita. I have actually used the Mamie's Madness for the last five years with just the year changing each time - I liked the alliteration and also the reference to the "crazy" part of my username. But you are right - my thread does seem to take on a life of it's own each year. I feel like I am just along for the ride - I love that you never know where each year is going to take you.

>56 Crazymamie:, >74 Crazymamie: Yes, if you like them, that $7.99 a month will be a bargain. I believe the older one has up around 40 episodes by now, and the younger maybe a half dozen or so - maybe more by now.

Good to know, Joe. I will definitely go for the free trial to give them a whirl.

I love "News Radio." The Montalbanos pictured are not bad, either.

Hey, Beth! You don't even want to know how excited I was when News Radio became available for purchase several years ago. The kids were laughing at me until they watched it and discovered its epic humor for themselves.

I could happily spend time with either of those Montalbanos.

Bill Murray was great in Lost in Translatiom, with Scarett Johansen. I love that film.

Hi Mamie! I got confused for a second thinking that I was sure I had visited your thread, but all the posts showed as being unread. I was like.....wah? ;) He he, turns out you re just prolific! I want to be prolific when I grow up ;)

>51 Crazymamie: *blushes*

I can't believe what happens when I spend time putting away Christmas stuff (done!) and doing some reading of my own--a whole new thread and 85 messages in. Makes me think of some Simon & Garfunkle: "Slow down, you move too fast / You got to make the morning last / Just kicking down the cobblestones / Looking for fun and feeling groovy."

But, but, but... What about "Rushmore"? "Ghostbusters"? "Tootsie"?

I'm glad this new thread doesn't have all those cookies or biscuits (or whatever word you want to describe them). I was beginning to want one, and since it's beginning to snow, I wouldn't be going out and would have to make my own. I did enough cooking earlier today so I didn't want to do that either.

Hey, Mamie. Make any cakes lately?

Happy new thread to you!

Bill Murray - Ghostbusters is my favourite (maybe because it is ingrained in my memory as I have probably seen it at least 15 times while my son was growing up.)

Crazy--If only I got credit on my FitBit for when I am trying to keep up on your thread!! LOL.

Wow, so true!

Hi Mamie! Thread #2 does not bode well for me keeping up... but hello! for now :)

Guess what I found at Aldi yesterday? Prosecco! WOOT! As it turns out, I *have* tried it before and just didn't know: apparently it's used to make Bellinis, the peach variety of which are one of my favorite beverages of the adult variety. Weirdly enough, yesterday, as I was making up my grocery list, I thought I'd look up how to make them and see if I could gather the ingredients for homemade ones, and BOOM, Prosecco!

Morning, Everyone. Friday! It's Friday - my very favorite day of the week! I woke up thinking it was Saturday and wondered why Craig was getting ready for work, and then it hit me. I spent most of yesterday reading since I had a quiet house at my disposal and nothing that HAD to be done. It was lovely. I managed to finish up a couple of books, so I will post comments on them in a bit. The exciting news is that it is only supposed to go to 53F today, and I have my heart set on it, so the weather had better not disappoint. Rain in the forecast, too, and that would be fine.

In breaking news, Craig made coffee and forgot to put the pot in place, so...

On the reading front, I finished both Paper Menagerie and The Thief yesterday -I loved both, but The Thief stole my heart. And I started Talking to the Dead by Harry Bingham - this is book one in his Fiona Griffiths series. I picked up this book for free on Kindle last year, but I started it now because Julia and Joe were talking about this series being good - I am liking it so far, about 20% in.

>84 LovingLit: I haven't seen that one yet, Megan. I'll put it on the list.

Your post made me laugh - I have done that before, it's especially confusing when people keep the same topper for more than one thread.

>85 luvamystery65: It's true, Roberta!

>86 ronincats: Oh, now I will have that song in my head all day, Roni. Luckily, I love Simon and Garfunkel! And you are reminding me that we really need to get the tree and the garland taken down and put away. It's usually done by now, but it's been a weird week.

>87 weird_O: Ghostbusters is a good one. Tootsie is okay, but it's not one I could watch multiple times. I have not seen Rushmore, Bill - who knew there were so many Murray films that I had not yet seen?!

Happy not-very-new-thread Mamie! I also overlooked the fact that it was Friday, and went down to the canteen wondering what the global cuisine counter would have (not Louisiana Creole - that "popular South American cuisine" - we had that on Wednesday). But every Friday it's "Best of British" ("that must be a limited selection" said the roomie waspishly at one point) so I had to have salad bar. They have changed it from one long counter with a queue to two square islands and chaos as everyone is going in a different direction round the islands. You might think there could only be two directions, but no.

>88 thornton37814: Lori, I am glad you could be spared all that trouble. We almost always have cookies in house because Craig has a huge sweet tooth.

>89 Morphidae: Morphy, are you trying to cause trouble?

>90 AMQS: Thank you, Anne!

>91 Familyhistorian: I remember seeing that one in the theater and I still laugh thinking about the big build up to the marshmallow man.

>92 Berly: Ha! Good thinking, Kim. I always wanted to be able to count thread reading with my books - especially when Kathleen and Richard were still posting tons.

>93 mckait: Hey you!! I was just talking about you, Kathleen! I have missed you so!!

>94 mckait: Two appearances! I'm so happy to see you here, Sis! You do't have to keep up - just pop in now and then. It's always fine to drop straight to the bottom and wave.

>95 scaifea: I love when things like that happen, Amber! Now you're all set to make your own!

>98 susanj67: Susan, you snuck in there while I was posting! I love hearing about what the canteen is serving and where it is from. LOL! Sorry about the salad bar woes - seems like the one long counter with a queue would work better and probably be more time efficient. If you are at all polite, that is.

Happy Friday, Mamie! That sucks that Craig whoopsed with the coffee pot! I've done that many times with our Keurig, but then it's only one cup of coffee to clean up!

Morning, Mamie!

>102 ChelleBearss: Happy Friday, Chelle! I don't know how he managed it, actually, as the pot seems like such a large essential part of the making a POT of coffee routine. And what a mess it made, which of course he didn't have time to clean up. Heh. Luckily, it was Birdy to the rescue. And she even made me another pot!!

>103 katiekrug: Morning, Katie!

>104 Crazymamie: Yay for Birdie!!

I know, right?! She's a gem!

>106 Crazymamie: She is a gem, all right.

Happy Friday, Mamie!

Oh, I'm glad you're trying Talking to the Dead. I'm hooked on Fiona, as you can tell. I hope you have a good time with it.

Book #4: The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner (5 stars), ebook, off my shelves - series recommended by Jenn

This, I think, was just the perfect book at the perfect time for me. I loved the narrative of the story, and who doesn't love a quest? I had read the first three chapters, and then yesterday when I sat down with it again, it pulled me in and would not let go until I had finished it. A lovely bit of magic wrapped up in an adventure story. I can't wait to see what happens next!

>107 jnwelch: Morning, Joe! Glad you agree about my Birdy. And Happy Friday to you!

Funny story about Fiona - you and Julia were talking about the series, so I looked up the first book on Amazon, and it said that I owned it already!! When I looked under "manage my content", I saw that I had picked it up for free back in November.

Book #5: The Paper Menagerie by Ken Liu (4.5 stars), ebook, short story collection, off my shelves - recommended by Mark, and Jim liked it, too

This is a short story collection that will knock your socks off. Liu jumps genres and bends your mind just a bit in these stories - science fiction, historical fiction, fantasy, magical realism, steampunk - it's all here, and the characters feel real. There is depth and loads of imagination. He loses half a star for some unevenness, but as a whole, this is a tight collection. My very favorite is the title story in which a mom creates origami animals for her son and breathes a bit of her own life into them. I keep coming back to that one, but there are others that I know will stay with me, too. Highly recommended!

Good morning, Mamie!

>97 Crazymamie: Bill Murray had a career transition around the time of Lost in Translation. He left the wacky image behind for a more melancholy disconsolate type of character. It has done well for him. 'Rushmore' is a fine film. I have yet to see 'Hyde Park on the Hudson'. Who knew Bill Murray would ever play FDR?

>99 Crazymamie: What!?!? I didn't say anything about cookies!

>110 Crazymamie: I don't typically care for short stories, but I may check this one out.

>111 brodiew2: Morning, Brodie! I will have to track down those films and watch them - thanks for the info.

>112 Morphidae: HA! You crack me up, Morphy!! The story collection is a good one to dip in and out of, and I liked that he switched up genres.

Look at this lovely shot that Abby took of our three felines this morning. Like Mark, they love to watch those birdies!

Here you can see what they are watching.

Lovely shots!

Thanks, Chelle - she works magic with that camera of hers.

Talking to the Dead for free = perfect.

I'm another one who loved the Lost in Translation movie. Another good one for me in Bill Murray's new era was Broken Flowers. And he was hilarious in Zombieland as himself.

Excellent pics! Stalking the prey. No pouncing! Otherwise, you hit the screen, hit the ground, and dart out of the room like 'Nothing to see here!'

>114 Crazymamie: That's similar to what mine looks like this morning, except they got tired and are taking naps now. (The snow has started to taper off for this round.)

>118 jnwelch: I know, right?! It's hard to argue with free.

How did I miss all these Bill Murray movies? Adding those to my growing list. Thanks, Joe!

>119 brodiew2: Thank you, Brodie! Mercy occasionally likes to jump up and scare them, but for the most part she is very well behaved. Mayhem and Mischief are content just to watch. For now, anyway.

>120 thornton37814: Our two little ones are napping now, too. Mercy has moved to the bed where she can still see the birds but also lounge luxuriously.

Great Kitty shots. Uh, do you think I could borrow Birdie for a year or two? :)

Thank you, Reba. And no.

Happy Friday, Mamie!!
Wow! What attentive kitties you have!! Mittens shows little interest in the birds (just that one time when I posted a pic) but alerted me once when a squirrel was pretending to be a bird.
Have a wonderful weekend and stay warm and cozy!

Mercy will spend hours at a time watching the birds - she loves to look out the window, and will come and get us and lead us to the window when the bird feeder is empty. Mayhem and Mischief are catching on to the fun, but they are much more easily distracted.

Thanks for those wishes, Lynda. No worries about staying warm in Georgia. heh.

>108 Crazymamie: WOOT!! I can't wait to see what you think about the rest of the series!

>127 scaifea: I cannot wait to see what happens next, Amber! I bought the second book on Kindle, as it was just $4.99, but I am trying to finish up the books I have started already first. We'll see if I can old off or not.

Happy Friday, Mamie.

Hello, Beth! Happy Friday!

Happy Friday, Mom.

Happy Friday, Birdy!

>114 Crazymamie: "Sorted by Size"

>115 Crazymamie: "Kitty TV"

>133 Morphidae: Both are excellent captions, Morphy!

>95 scaifea: Peach variety of Bellini? That's the only Bellini. Anything that uses something other than peach juice is an impostor.

I started watching the Young Montalbano on RAI in Italy but their scheduling is impossible to figure out and I only ended up being able to see 5 or 6 episodes. But I am all about that version of the character.

Bill Murray movies - probably Lost in Translation for me. I still have never seen Rushmore and Morgan tells me I should, but I am undecided because I'm really not a Wes Anderson fan (with the exception of The Royal Tenenbaums (also with Bill Murray)).

>135 ursula: Ursula: Ha! Fair enough. I'm not very knowledgable when it comes to boozy drinks, so when I saw that there were other fruity varieties yesterday in my interwebs recipe search, I just assumed that was the way things were. I've only had the peach (aka REAL) kind and don't much care to try the others.

Hi Mamie, I'm a little late but finally got here to drop my star. I'm so far behind that I have to admit to lightly scanning your first thread. I'm very happy that you liked The Thief as I have had that one sitting on my Kindle for years!

>135 ursula: Sounds like I need to make time for Young Montalbano, Ursula! And another vote for Lost in Translation, so I also need to get to that.

>136 scaifea: I didn't know, either, Amber, so we both learned something.

>137 DeltaQueen50: Hello, Judy! Nothing the matter with scanning. I have had The Thief in the stacks for years, too. In fact, it moved with us from Indiana four years ago. I have no idea why it has taken me so long to get to it, but I sure am glad that I finally made time for it. Lovely to see you here - thanks for the star!

>135 ursula: I had forgotten that Rushmore was Wes Anderson. It is probably straightforward of his films. From then on his films have gotten weirder, including, though, the brilliant Royal Tenebaums.

Whew, caught up here! Five books down already. That's nearly one a day so far this year!

Love the cat pics!

>139 brodiew2: *waves at Brodie*

>140 cbl_tn: I only have five books down already because I had started some of them last year, Carrie. Glad you love the cat pics!

Love your kitty photos, Mamie!

Happy Friday, Mamie! Sorry, it took me a LONG time to finally make it over here. I blame it on brain freeze. So glad you enjoyed The Paper Menagerie. That one, will have to be one to revisit, one of these days.

Thanks, Anne! I just picked up The Inquisitor's Tale from the library today!

Oh yay! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. It has superlative reviews, and for me, at least, it lived up to them.

>143 msf59: Hey there, Mark! Happy Friday! No worries - it's great to see you, my friend. Sorry about the brain freeze. Sending you warm thoughts. The Paper Menagerie is a keeper, for sure - so innovative and fresh. Thanks so much for pointing me towards it!

>145 AMQS: Me, too! I love the illustrations adorning its pages - so fun. I am excited to get to it.

>108 Crazymamie: I'm glad you really liked The Thief! The sequels are even better. Even though I only read it a couple of months ago, I'm already looking forward to rereading the series knowing everything that happens.

>109 Crazymamie: Isn't that funny, when people are singing the praises of a book and you decide you must buy it, only to find out that you already own it? It's happened to me more than once. Thanks heavens the ebook sellers (at least Amazon and Kobo) will tell you if you've already purchased it, and save you from doing it all over again. It's a pity that stores with real books can't somehow magically do the same.

And nothing makes me realize how much I missed when I lost you last year than to discover that you now have three cats! Last I knew, it was just Mercy and the doggies. Mischief and Mayhem? Great names for cats, I think. :-)

Love the pictures of you cats watching the bird feeder! Nice cat condo set-up. My sister has an indoor cat and she has a couple of bird feeders hanging outside on of her windows and her cat loves to gaze at the birds too. Poppy, our dog, was out today and happened upon a snow goose. She was quite curious and the snow geese are not much afraid of anything. Poppy got within about inches of the snowgoose before Poppy scared the snow goose off to another spot a few feet away. Fortunately Poppy is not a " hunter" - she even thinks cats are her friends ( and she does not live with a cat ).

Yikes! How did I get behind so far so fast? Just scanning (and missed the second half of your first thread entirely).

I love the kitty pics. Sorry to hear of the power outages.

Winter has arrived in Georgia according to the weather forecasters. Since Tuesday is supposed to reach a high of 65F, I'm doubtful. Very grey and overcast here at the moment, which I am guessing is what the whole day is going to look like - fine by me. I love a day that begs for lazy. No plans except to go see Rogue One in the theater.

Nothing to report of the reading front - I'm still working on the books listed in >2 Crazymamie:.

Morning, Mamie! Happy Saturday!

PS: I tried to prosecco last night and it was lovely!

>148 kgodey: Hello, Kriti! I am looking forward to finding out the rest of the story. That you are already looking forward to revisiting it is a very good sign. And Jenn is rereading it this year even though she just read it last year! I have very high hopes.

>149 rosalita: Yes, exactly. I love that Amazon lets you know if you have purchased it - as long as you are looking at the same format. I am going to work on updating my catalogue here this year to help with things like that. I would love to have it be accurate for every media type - I am bad about not entering my ebook purchases.

The two kittens are pretty recent additions to our home. One of Daniel's friends found a box of kittens that had been left outside the back of his workplace - it was late and very cold out, so he took them home and then called around to see if anyone wanted them. He knew that Rae had been wanting a kitty, so he called Dan, and we (Dan and I) went to look at them. It felt like a mission because it was late at night - Rae was already in bed. Rae had specifically been wanting a grey and black tabby, and three of the kittens were just that, so we brought her home one. She named him Mayhem. He was so little that we had to bottle feed him! A few weeks later, someone left a box of kittens outside of Dan's work, and they called the shelter. The shelter took all of them except for the runt of the litter - they said if they took her they would put her down because she had an eye infection and looked sickly. SO Dan kept her, and they had someone lined up to come and get her the next day - he brought her home overnight. The person who was going to take her backed out, we kept trying to find her a home, but no one wanted her because of the eye infection, which was being treated (we took her to the vet the next day). Anyway, we just decided to keep her - she is a sweet thing and Birdy and I fell in love with her. Birdy named her Mischief. And so now we have three felines and three poodles. Heh.

>150 vancouverdeb: Thank you, Deborah! Craig has made little bird sanctuaries outside of the front dining room windows and also our master bedroom windows (which is where the kitties are sitting in the photo) just for Mercy because she loves to watch the birds. She will sit thee for hours. I loved your Poppy story! Your Poppy sounds a lot like our dogs - they have never met a stranger. They are too old for walks now, but back in the day Bailey, especially, loved to go for a walk.

>151 tymfos: It's just that time of year, Terri, when the threads have a life of their own. Scanning is absolutely fine - thanks for stopping in. Glad you like the photos. I loved the one you posted of Sig in the suitcase - too funny! Craig's office is still without power, but they did get the power poles back up, so we'll see.

>153 scaifea: Morning, Amber! Happy Saturday! Is Charlie feeling any better?

And hooray for the prosecco!! I will have to give it a go soon.

>155 Crazymamie: Adrian is another dog who likes cats. And guinea pigs. And any other living creature. I feel incredibly lucky to have such a friendly dog.

And did I miss Saturday? I'm pretty sure it's Saturday here, but YMMV. ;-)

Why does that not surprise me, Carrie?! Sweet Adrian! Our dogs have been so great about the cat invasion.

Oh. My. Word. It's Saturday!! *bangs head on desk* I have completely lost my mind.

Are there pictures of your kitties anywhere Mamie?

I'll post a couple here for you, Kathleen. Just a moment.


Mayhem when we first brought him home.


Mayhem with Barnum, who acted like his personal bodyguard when we first got him.



Mayhem and Mercy

Mayhem and Daniel - I love this photo!


Mischief


Mischief and Mayhem

>160 Crazymamie: OMG, they are all adorable but the middle one with Mischief under the tree is to die for.

Thanks, Morphy! Mischief os so sweet - she watches everything and then slowly ventures forth to give it a go. She was in love with the Christmas tree!

>153 scaifea: So glad you liked the prosecco! We enjoyed a glass while we watched the most disturbing Man in the High Castle. I realized that I have the original novel on my Kindle - and feel like I just might have to read it, as my husband asserts that there have been some creative liberties taken in the series.

And thank you, Mamie, for the kitten photos. Just what I needed this morning!

Love the bottom one with them both asleep. Well they're all lovely, tbh. Hope you have a good weekend. Misty here - good job I have plenty of library books to be going on with :-)

>155 Crazymamie: Definitely give the prosecco a try - it's great! And yep, Charlie is on the mend, officially. He braved the grocery store with me quickly this morning and is now settling in for a cozy day on the couch, playing games and watching movies and reading.

>163 lalbro: Liz: Oh, do pull out your kindle copy and read it - I did a couple of years ago and LOVED it! I haven't watched the show at all, though.

Wonderful kitty photos!

Woot! My library loan group has the first two seasons of News Radio so I've added myself to its hold list. We've had a whole week of below zero weather (currently -11) and a new video series is exactly what I need!

The weather has also tanked my walking - I think I'll join a water aerobics group next week.

Yay for kitty photos!! Such cuties!

Happy Saturday, Mamie!

Whoa, cuteness in abundance. Do you guys ever stop smiling in your house? That one with Dan is hilarious.

>163 lalbro: Oh, I loved The Man in the High Castle, Liz. Do get it out and read it. Your husband is right - the tv series takes quite a few liberties with the storyline.

And you're welcome - glad the photos helped you get your happy on!

>164 charl08: Thank you, Charlotte! And for the good wishes, too. I'm planning on just taking the weekend as it comes - hopefully it will be plenty lazy and include some football and reading. You remind me that I am needing to get to my library books, as I have a few that need to go back on the 10th and cannot be renewed. Good luck with yours!

>165 scaifea: I will, Amber! Have to get some first. And hooray for Charlie on the mend! The plans for his day sound like just the thing.

>166 streamsong: Thank you, Janet! Oh, I can't wait to see what you think of News Radio - one of my favorites, and how great that your library had it!

I need to get back walking - I don't have the weather excuse except that it has been raining here a lot. Water aerobics sound like a good solution.

>167 ChelleBearss: Glad you liked them, Chelle! And thanks!

>168 jnwelch: Happy Saturday, Joe! Nope. We never stop smiling here. Dan can sleep anywhere, and usually does. And most often there is at least one animal curled up with him.

>159 Crazymamie: & >160 Crazymamie: Thanks for sharing these lovely kitten pictures, Mamie.
The one with Daniel and Mayhem on him sleeping is beyond adorable ;-)

Happy to share, Anita! That one of Daniel and Mayhem is my favorite, too!

Happy Saturday Mamie! And, um, winter and stuff. I love that photo of Mayhem asleep in Daniel's chin - so funny!

I've just read the final Jack Reacher in the series so far - sob :-( But, apart from that, everything is fine :-)

Hey, Susan! Happy Saturday to you! Yeah...winter...*grumbles* Glad you love the photo!

Oh, dear about the Jack Reacher! *hands Susan the kleenex box* I am thinking Craig has read them all, too, and is waiting. Perhaps a dip into the Fool's Gold series to cheer you up while you are waiting?

>152 Crazymamie:, >157 Crazymamie: I came by earlier and thought "Sunday morning?" and then figured you just meant it in a figurative sense. Oh well. :)

I think we're going to give the series of The Man in the High Castle another shot. We dumped it after a few episodes but the second season commercials I've seen look interesting so we'll give it another go.

Nope. I had completely skipped Saturday. Luckily, Carrie set me straight. Somebody needs to keep an eye on me.

I have only watched the first few episodes - I need to get back to it.

Such great pics of the kitties. I noticed I had a revolving lap this afternoon. Whenever one would leave, another would take the place. It was almost as if they were taking shifts. The next one would come up, and the one of there would leave. LOL

That is too funny, Lori! Glad you liked the photos.

OMG!! Thank you for posting the pics. I love every one of them. Kitties are irresistible, aren't they? All gorgeous, just like your wonderful family.

You are welcome, Sis! And thanks so much for those kind words.

>110 Crazymamie: I knew I had seen that book before, then you immediately confirmed it. That warbler, he sure gets around!!??

>159 Crazymamie: stop that! I am going to have to get a kitten if you keep posting those kinds of pictures. They are so durn sweet. Mayhem is such a great name for a junior ;)

Okay folks, you've convinced me to add The Man in the High Castle to my January list.

And thought you all might appreciate this image from my walk today - not at 10K yet, but this was observed in my attempt to get there.

OOOOh the kitties!!!

*I do not need a kitten...I do not need two kittens...*

Good grief. One cannot possibly, even with snow days, keep up with this thread.

>108 Crazymamie: Woot! And you haven't even got to my favorite book in the series yet.

>110 Crazymamie: BB for me. Knock your socks off is a pretty good recommendation.

Cute, adorable kittens, particularly ones that sleep on big boys. I have a couple photos of my big son like that, only with dogs. He is a dog whisperer.

Oh goody. A double post.

>184 nittnut: I know what you mean. Happy Saturday Mom. (What's left of it anyway.)

Books, animal pictures... ah yes, the things that great days are made of. Star dropped, and happy new reading year to you! :D

Everyone is right when they say the sequels to The Thief just keep getting better, Mamie! And loving all the cat pictures. You can repeat them any time! But that new one of all three is just gorgeous--go, Abby!

>159 Crazymamie:, >160 Crazymamie: Adorable adorable (...) adorable! :)

We were always a dog family, though I (unlike my parents) like cats equally. I'll most probably inherit my friends' older male cat some time in the next weeks. They sold their business and are going travelling for several months with their camper van. They just moved into my house into the upstairs appt, but are planning to leave by the end of Jan. The cat is very shy and hides as soon as someone, me included, comes into their house, so I'm a bit scared of that project. Is it likely he won't eat or destroy stuff when I'm off working?

Happy Sunday!

Morning, Mamie!

Okay. Today is Sunday. On account of yesterday was Saturday. I ended up not going with the gang to see Rogue One because I was not feeling well. I have...a cold. I'm pretty sure I got it here on LT. We all know how easy it is to catch a virus on the internet. *leaves space for groaning...* Anyway, I stayed home with the furry ones, and we all napped and then I read some.

On the reading front, I have almost finished Talking to the Dead, and I can see why Joe and Julia like this series - the main character, Fiona, is snarky and charming and clever and resourceful. I have just about 50 pages left, and I would have finished it in the wee small hours of the morning, but i could not keep my eyes open any longer. Yesterday I also listened to some more of Summer Knight, the fourth book in the Harry Dresden series, and I am liking it - an interesting and unforeseen turn in this one. I am curious to see where it will lead.

Laundry, football and reading planned for today and not much else.

Morning, Mamie! Sorry to hear about the cold. Bummer! These viruses are sure making the rounds. I hope it is fleeting for you.

And speaking of rounds: I am trying to play catch-up on a few of the threads. What a mighty task, with this place hopping! We are even seeing old friends, that haven't been around for ages.

We might finally see Rogue One, this afternoon.

>181 LovingLit: Yep. He does get around, doesn't he, Megan?! He read it last year, and he even pointed out the Kindle deal for it, so I snapped it up.

>182 lalbro: OH, I love that - made me smile, Liz. And snow! Hooray for The Man in the High Castle - I can't wait to hear your thoughts on it. Good for you for getting the steps in - I really need to get back to that.

>183 AMQS: Are you sure, Anne? They're mighty cute and provide hours of entertainment.

>184 nittnut: The threads are hopping right now, aren't they, Jenn? I am excited about the next books in the series because all of you are saying that - I did already load the next one on Kindle, but I am trying to wait until February to read it. We'll see.

Daniel also loves dogs. Any animal, really. We have a photo somewhere - we left him watching Mayhem and his sister, who was visiting for the day, and the poodles, and when we came back just a few minutes later, they were all napping! I'll have to see if I can track it down because it is hysterical.

>185 nittnut: *whispers* The very rare double post.

>186 thearlybirdy: Thanks, Birdy! And now we have made it to Sunday, so Happy Sunday!

>187 dk_phoenix: Hello, Faith! Lovely to see you here! Thanks for the star and the good wishes.

>188 ronincats: You, too, Roni?! So is there one book in the series that stands out as your favorite? And thanks about the photos - I love Abby's newest one, too. I will tell her you loved it.

>189 Deern: Thank you, Nathalie! Mercy also hides when there is a stranger in the house, but when my nephew was living with us, she eventually warmed up to him as soon as she got used to him and saw that he was not a threat. our little ones are very social and will wind around all and sundry - they love attention. I would say that if the cat is not already eating and destroying stuff, then he is not likely to - cats are creatures of habit. And you might see more of him once he gets used to your presence. Wishing you the best of luck with him.

Happy Sunday to you!

>190 katiekrug: Morning, Katie! Happy Sunday! Both you and The Wayne's teams are playing today - good luck to them! Rae is very excited that we get to see a Giants game!

>192 msf59: Morning, Mark! Thank you - I also hope it is fleeting.

The threads are really fun right now, and I am loving seeing folks that we haven't seen for a while.

The kids were slightly disappointed with Rogue One because it didn't have the big Star Wars logo and the slanting writing at the beginning. Also, something about the music. I'm sure I'll hear more about it today.

I liked Rogue One, but I admit, I kept waiting for the Star Wars music, and it never happened. That was just weird. Also, we all missed the big word scroll beginning.

Yep - they were not happy about it, Jenn. I think they liked the movie, but were upset about it not following protocol. Heh.

Morning, Mamie! I'm sorry for your cold - I've got it, too, now, from Charlie. Ah, parenthood.

Morning, Amber! Oh, dear - we both succumbed. Hoping we both feel better very soon!

Found you. :-) I am sorry to hear about your cold: Get well soon, Mamie!

Hello, Kathy! Thanks for finding me and also for the good wishes concerning the eradication of my cold.

Another one sharing with and commiserating on your cold, Mamie. Get well soon. It is funny that despite our colds it doesn't seem to be slowing things down too much does it?

Morning, Mamie! Happy Sunday!

**I'm thinking it sounds more like M@!#&y since you're sick, but I won't say that because I don't want to confuse things**

Hi Crazy! Happy Sunday. Sorry to hear that you are now fighting the cold. It's been rough winter for us LTers, huh? I am happy to report I am winning the battle, finally. So hang in there. Love the kitty photos. I still haven't seen Rogue One and I am not likely to fit it in today...freezing rain and howling winds woke me up at 6am. And today was supposed to be a sleep in day. Rats. Have fun watching football. : )

>202 PaulCranswick: Thank you, Paul! You are so right - the threads are very active despite the high numbers of colds floating around. Are you feeling any better?

>203 cbl_tn: Morning, Carrie! Happy Sunday! Ha - true, but there is football, later, so...

>204 Berly: Hiya, Kim! There is definitely a profusion of sickness in the air - Craig has been seeing it a lot at the office, too. So happy to hear that you are beginning to feel better - HOORAY! "Freezing rain and howling winds" does sound like an invitation to stay home, doesn't it? It is sunny here, but cold outside (for Georgia) - I should get out there and enjoy it, as our temps are due to rise again this week back to the 70s. Glad you enjoyed the photos!

>205 Crazymamie: Not so much, Mamie.

Total bummer, Paul. Sending you healing mojo from all of us a the Pecan Paradisio and hoping that you are feeling full of fabulous very soon.

Sorry to see you have caught the cold now too! Those darn computer viruses come out of nowhere, eh! Feel better soon!

Thank you, Chelle! That cold is everywhere, isn't it?

I'm staying away from this group - suddenly my catching the cold makes sense, it hit about 2 weeks after my return to the group. I'm blaming you all!

Ha! But you already have the cold, so you might as well stay, Jenny.

I hope you feel better, Mamie. You have to build strength for tomorrow, the day that cannot be named.

Thanks, Beth! That is so true. *grimaces*

You mean almost-Tuesday?!

Right. Or Pre-Tuesday.

I'm sorry you have the LT grunge. Were you running anti-virus software?

LT grunge - I like that label, Morphy. Evidently my anti-virus software is not up to snuff. *blinks*

Stinks that you are sick Mamie. I'm glad you finding the turn of events in Summer Knight interesting. Marsters is Harry Dresden! He's finally recorded Book 13, Ghost Story, which was originally done by John Glover. That is the only Dresden I read instead of listened to, but now I can go back and hear it.

Happy Sunday. Get better.

Thank you for the sympathy, Roberta, and for your good wishes. I LOVE Marsters narration of the Dresden books - you are so right that he IS Dresden. So weird that the 13th book wasn't done by Marsters originally - a scheduling conflict perhaps?

Happy Sunday to you!

Hiya, Mamie! (I think I missed saying Good morning where you are).

Go Fiona! Isn't she a great character?

As you probably know, I'm also hooked on the Dresden Files. I raced through them, so now I have to wait for each new one to come out. Boo.

Sorry you're ill, Mamie. Keep up the naps, because naps are...awesome. And I'm sure they're good for colds. Even the Queen has been out of action with one for two weeks, but was able to go to church today.

>220 jnwelch: Hey there, Joe! Yep - it's afternoon here now. I really love Fiona, and I am intrigued by her. Such a great female lead.

Craig has to wait for each new Dresden to come out, too. He loves that series.

>221 susanj67: Thank you, Susan. Totally agree about the napping.

Happy Sunday, Mamie! I enjoyed the re-release of the kittie pics. Was it difficult to introduce the kittens to Mercy? I'd like to rescue a kitten for Mittens but not sure how he'd take it.

Yeah, I guess it's too late for me now so I'll have to hang around. If another bug starts in these parts though, I'm off! I hope you can get a decent nap that will rejuvenate you a little, and fingers crossed it's a brief cold. Lots of warm honey, ginger and lemon drinks :).

Happy Sunday, Lynda! Laughing about the re-release. That's a good question - Mercy is very cautious, and takes her time making up her mind about things. She is also intensely curious, very sweet and the smartest animal I have ever met. She has been so fabulous with the kittens. She really sat backed and watched Mayhem, getting a little closer each day and eventually playing with him. She has been less friendly with Mischief, and I don't know if that is because Mischief is a girl or if it's because enough already with the kittens. Heh. But she does not hiss or be mean in any way, and we have caught them playing several times, so I think that eventually they will be good friends. One thing we were careful about was giving Mercy a lot of attention and not making her share her special favorite things. I think she actually really likes having the company of other cats. I bet Mittens would do fine with it, especially if you get a young one and make sure to let Mittens set the pace - don't force any interaction on them and be sure to give Mittens loads of extra love. The lovely thing about more than one is that they entertain each other.

>224 lunacat: Yep, you might as well hang around, Jenny. And besides, we NEED you here! I thank you for those healing wishes and tips.

>225 Crazymamie: Great advise, Mamie! Thanks. It's very likely we'll get another in the spring when there is a glut of new arrivals.

You are welcome, Lynda. Hoping you do choose to add another.

Congrats on the second thread, Mamie. Too bad about the cold. I hope it is fleeting. I think mine likes me and is still hanging around taunting me with a cough that keeps me away from the movies. I do want to see Rogue One and also Manchester By the Sea.

The kitty pictures were a delightful treat. The one with Mayhem snuggling with Daniel is beyond precious. Thanks for sharing!

Wow. I just did a forced-march through your threads to end up here, hoping to keep up for at least a few days. My fault - somehow I hadn't starred your first one in time to keep pace.

So, cats, dogs, kids, colds, a few books, prosecco(!). All but the cold sound great. I'll try to keep up from now on.

>229 Donna828: Thank you, Donna! I am hoping that the cold is fleeting, too. Craig has had one hanging on FORevah. I would also like to see Manchester by the Sea. Also Fences.

Glad you liked the kitty photos - I am always happy to share.

>230 ffortsa: Hello, Judy! Welcome to my thread! The threads definitely have a life of their own these days - nice to see the group so active. Right - I would recommend all but the cold. LOL. Lovely to have you along for the ride!

Tell the gang I missed the scrolling and the lack of a big starship at the beginning too. But we did get an "I've got a bad feeling about this"!

I will, Jim! I love that line from the original - I'll have to ask the kids where that comes in!

Happy Sunday, Mom.

Thanks, Birdy!

Oh cuteness overload with the photos of Mischief and Mayhem. And the photo of Mayhem sleeping with Daniel is just precious! What lucky kitties they are, that they've found themselves an amazing family to love and be loved by.

Hello, Caro! Glad you liked the photos, and thanks so much for those very kind words. We feel lucky to have found them, too.

Thank you for sharing photos of your kitties old and new, Mamie. They are all just about as cute as an animal that's not a dog can be. ;-)

Oh, Mamie, I love love love the pics of Mischief, Mayhem, Barnum, Mercy ... absolutely too adorable. The one of Mischief under the tree is just too precious! And what great photos! I'm thinking you didn't take these on a phone? ... do tell

>225 Crazymamie: There can be only one Queen.

>194 Crazymamie: That is hard, Mamie, because they are all so good, but I think the third one is probably my favorite because--ah, but that would be a spoiler. Talk to you after you get that far. Do the girls like it as much as you?

Hi Mamie!
I'm so happy to catch up with you. I have to admit I was a bit nervous when I saw all the messages but reading about you and family is always a treat.

Then, I saw the picture of THREE cats and was surprised... since the last I knew it was just Mercy. All the pictures are wonderful. The kitties are so beautiful... Love them all. Thanks for sharing :-) My 19 y/o kitty, Woolly, is no longer with us. I miss her so. So very tempted to get another - but we have a crazy dog. Not sure if it would work out. Maybe someday.

Now I'm really nervous. This place is jam packed with viruses. So many of you are afflicted or just recovering. Also, I went to my RL book club last Tuesday and three women showed up with active nasty colds. Sheesh! I hope at least it is all the same virus since I don't want to catch a combo-cold! Yikes.

I forgot how dangerous it was at LT. I'm quickly caving to the temptation of putting more books on my WL... The Thief is joining the list. Your BB hit me good. Thanks.

Hoping you recover quickly - no lingering cough. That's the part I hate the most. Get lots of rest while holding a book.

Love the kitten photos Mamie. So sweet!

Morning, Mamie!

>238 rosalita: You're welcome, Julia! You post made me laugh - I also think they are very cute for non-dogs.

>239 lit_chick: Hello, Nancy! Glad you like the photos. All of them except for the very last one were taken with a digital Canon Rebel. The very last one of the two youngest ones sleeping was taken with Daniel's iPhone, which is a 6S Plus model, and takes very good photos for a phone.

>240 Morphidae: So true, Morphy.

>241 ronincats: Duly noted, Roni. The girls are not far enough in - we have the whole month to read it, so Abby and Birdy have read the first few chapters, and Rae has not started yet. Abby and Birdy said they are liking it so far.

>242 -Cee-: Cee! CEE!! I am so honored to see you here - thanks for dropping in and leaving such a lovely post. Glad you love the photos. I was very sad to hear about your Woolly. Our dogs did fine with the cat incursion, but they are toy poodles and love every animal they meet.

I am hoping that you don't catch the cold that seems to be making the rounds or a nasty combo virus - that would be awful!

I think you will enjoy The Thief when you get to it - such a fun adventure story - I mean, who doesn't love a quest?! And I love that I could hit you with a BB on your very first visit. That being said, don't feel like you have to keep up with me - I will keep up with you.

I shall take your advice, and I appreciate your good wishes. This morning my head alone feels like it weighs as much as the rest of my body does - not good. And I really don't want the lingering cough. Well, I don't want any of it lingering, actually. LOL.

>243 SandDune: Glad you love the photos, Rhian!

>244 scaifea: Morning, Amber!

>246 Crazymamie: Crazy--Sorry! You sound like you actually feel worse today. Bummer. More naps and the kids should take care of you.

I do feel worse today, Kim. I'll tell the kids that I need to nap while they anticipate my every need. Ha! I'm thinking I need chemical assistance as well.

Love the kitty photos.

The Liu looks intriguing. I think I have read a story of his somewhere somehow. New Yorker maybe???

Thanks, Lucy! So great to see you here! The Liu is very good - I think you would like it. I don't know if he wrote for the New Yorker or not.

>249 Crazymamie: I hope the kids duly rally round and respond to your every beck-and-call. I'm sorry to hear you're feeling rough. This LT cold is certainly doing its best to take people down. I have it on (somewhat iffy) authority that chocolate, coffee, obedient slaves, chemical assistance and the occasional hot toddy are the guaranteed cures in these situations, and the only route to take.

Well, Daniel and Rae are working, so Abby and Birdy shall have to bear the burden of treating my general yuckiness. I think your somewhat iffy advice sounds fabulous, so I shall give it a go. Thanks, Jenny!

Good morning, Mamie!

Thought a hot toddy might help.

Morning, Joe! And thanks for the hot toddy!

Oh no, sorry to see you are feeling worse! Have you been able to get any meds yet? Nate has been dosing himself at night with Nyquill

And here are your obedient slaves...

ACK ACK ACK! Do NOT Google "male obedient slaves," not even out of prurient curiosity. My word...

How about this instead...

Mamie!!! I LOVE all the kitten pics!!!!

And I'm dropping off my star, having apparently completely missed your first whole thread of the new year.

Oh well, I will try to keep up and in any case you know my wishes for all the best for you and yours in 2017 are deeply heartfelt. xo

>257 Morphidae: Do NOT Google "male obedient slaves," not even out of prurient curiosity. My word...

*snerk* Really? What did you expect? :D

>191 Crazymamie: Oh so that's where I got my cold, Mamie, from LT. Great kittie pics! Isn't it nice that all your LT friends are stopping by with offerings to get you over your cold - a hot toddy and obedient servants - what more could a girl ask for?

Yuckiness begone! There! You should be feeling like yourself shortly :0)

Feel better soon, Mamie!

Ooh, the cafe delivers! Hope you're feeling better Mamie. I'm retreating to bed for my lurgy. It's definitely the time of year for it.

I just finished catching up with your thread number one, Mamie. Looks like there was need for a portable fainting couch. Closest I could find

>259 drneutron: I expect when I tell people to NOT PUSH THE BIG RED BUTTON for them to NOT PUSH THE BIG RED BUTTON. But if they do, they can take the consequences upon themselves, Groot.

Hi, Mamie! Are you sick, my friend? If so, sending healing vibes to the Pecan Paradiso!

Wow! Thanks, everyone for the cheery messages. You have made me smile BIG.

>256 ChelleBearss: For some reason, Nyquill wakes me right up - it has the complete opposite effect on me than it is supposed to. I ended up taking the fully loaded Mucinex that we always have on hand and pretty much napped the day away.

>257 Morphidae: Morphy, your post made me laugh out loud. Thanks for braving the internet for me - I have made a note not to Goggle "male obedient slaves". Ha! I am thinking the one on the far left is the same guy who played Alcide Herveaux on the True Blood series - he is very easy on the eyes.

>258 EBT1002: Ellen!! Hello, my friend! I am happy that you love all the kitten photos and even happier that you are dropping a star. Don't worry about keeping up - just drop in from time to time. And i thank you for those lovely wishes - I do know that they are heartfelt, and I am so thankful for them. xo

>259 drneutron: You made me snort my drink, Jim!

>260 Familyhistorian: Yep. From LT. Glad you liked the kitty photos. And yes, it is so very that everyone is being so helpful and kind. This group is SO fun!

>261 Carmenere: Why thank you, Lynda! That should do it - I felt the Force move the universe just a bit, so all should be well tomorrow. I have complete faith in your abilities.

>262 DeltaQueen50: Thank you, Judy!

>263 charl08: Yes, Charlotte, and it even caters the the odd shenanigans party here and there. They put a fabulous spread on at Ellen's place a few years ago. And thank you. Retreating to your bed for lurgy? Sounds like you could use some good wishes back. Hoping you feel much better very soon - in the meantime, bed is a most excellent choice.

>264 lunacat: Ha! Yes, exactly, Jenny! Thanks for that!

>265 Familyhistorian: That will do nicely, Meg. You can just put it over there in the corner next to the smelling salts.

>266 Morphidae: LOL! Sing it, sister!

>267 msf59: Yes, Mark, I have the LT cold. Thank you for those healing vibes, my friend.

>268 Crazymamie: Yep, you are right. That's Joe Manganiello who has been in both True Blood and the Magic Mike movies.

>270 Crazymamie: *winks*

I love me some True Blood. Abby and I watched through that whole series last year. *sigh*

Take care, my friend!

Thank you, Katie!

>272 Crazymamie: Wasn't there a lot of sex?

Yep.

With your daughter. :D

Abby is almost 21, so yes, she is my daughter, but she is also an adult. Actually the first two seasons had way more sex than the rest of them - they toned it down after that.

Note to self: just watch the first two seasons... Heh.

Right.

Got it. Thanks for the tip. (That's what she said!)

Oh, dear! You made me spill my drink.

You're welcome.

*grin*

Perhaps you should lie down on the fainting couch before reading any more of Katie's comments. Just in case. Either that or have an obedient male slave hold it for you.......yes, I meant hold the drink, what else would he be holding?!

Oh, dear, Jenny!

Chef David Chang is stirring up some ramen noodle soup for you and--wait, NOOOO, he was supposed to save the wine for you!


P. S. This is the real stuff, wildly popular around here, not the packaged noodles. Looks like this.

That looks very good, Roni, but I also want the wine.

I hope you feel better soon! I stop by to say Happy 2017. May it be filled with many wonderful books.

Well, of course you do! He apologizes profusely and hopes this will compensate.

>289 Whisper1: Thank you, Linda! Lovely to see you here, my friend!

>290 ronincats: Oh, thank you, Roni! I feel better already.

>278 Crazymamie: I love my mom very much. We're very close. I'm in my 50s and she's in her 70s. We're very open with each other. I STILL wouldn't watch movies or shows with that type of sex scenes in it with her. No way. No how. Disney movies. That's it. Pixar. Star Wars. Marvel. Chick flicks. *nods* That's about it.

Ha! Morphy! Maybe because there is a bigger age difference between Abby and myself? I don't know - it didn't bother either of us. Now my mom? She would have passed out during the first episode. And then prayed for me.

Oh, my mom would watch the show. She's pretty hip. And I would watch the show. There's just no way we'd watch the show together. Heh.

I'm not sure what the age difference would have to do with it but my mom was young when she had me. She turned 19 right after I was born.