Joe's Book Cafe 2017 Door 3

A few illustrations I've liked recently, the first by Rafal Olbinski, the others by Henri Rousseau, Maurice Sendak, and Dee Nickerson

Welcome to the new cafe!

Top 5's for 2016

Fiction

A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
A Brief History of Seven Killings by Marlon James
The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy

Honorable mentions: A Whole Life by Robert Seethaler (hard to leave this out of the top 5), Another Brooklyn by Jacqueline Woodson (ditto), Dodgers by Bill Beverly (ditto - I guess that's going to be true for all of these), A Manual for Cleaning Women by Lucia Berlin, The Summer Before the War by Helen Simonson, Hag-Seed by Margaret Atwood, and others, but I'd better stop there.

Non-fiction

Evicted by Matthew Desmond (remarkable, outstanding, please read it)
When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi (and his wife)
Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly
Lab Girl by Hope Jahren
Hero of the Empire by Candice Millard

Honorable mention: Create Dangerously by Edwidge Danticat, Dead Boys by Adriana Ramirez (novella-length), In a Different Key: The Story of Autism by John Donvan, Rogue Heroes by Ben Macintyre, Waterloo: The History of Four Days by Bernard Cornwell

Sci-Fi and Fantasy

Dark Matter by Blake Crouch
The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemison
The Aeronaut's Windlass by Jim Butcher
Binti by Nnedi Okorafor
A Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet and A Closed and Common Orbit by Becky Chambers

Honorable mention: Uprooted by Naomi Novik

Poetry

Without: Poems by Donald Hall
Cold Mountain by Han Shan
Life on Mars by Tracy K. Smith
Neon Vernacular by Yusef Komunyakaa
Natural Birth by Toi Derricotte

Honorable Mention: Strike Sparks by Sharon Olds, The Swallows by Adriana Ramirez, Night Sky with Exit Wounds by Ocean Vuong

Young Adult

Pax by Sara Pennypacker
The War that Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys
The Poet's Dog by Patricia Maclachlan
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor

Honorable Mention: On the Banks of Plum Creek by Laura Ingalls Wilder,
My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George, Bone Gap by Laura Ruby

Mysteries and Thrillers

Charcoal Joe by Walter Mosley
Darktown by Thomas Mullen
His Bloody Project by Graeme Macrae Burnet
A Great Reckoning by Louise Penny
Talking to the Dead by Harry Bingham

Honorable Mention: I Shot the Buddha by Colin Cotterill, Night School by Lee Child, An Obvious Fact by Craig Johnson, The Gods of Gotham (wonky touchstone) by Lyndsay Faye

Graphic Novels

March: Book Three by John Lewis
Super Mutant Magic Academy by Jillian Tamaki
Velvet Volume 3 by Ed Brubaker
Saga Volume 6 by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples
Missed Connections by Sophie Blackall

Honorable Mention: Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson, Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep Omnibus by Philip K. Dick and Tony Parker, Sleeper Omnibus by Ed Brubaker, Ghosts by Raina Telgemeier, How to Talk to Girls at Parties by Neil Gaiman

2017 Books

January

1. The Strange Death of Fiona Griffiths by Harry Bingham
2. Bright Dead Things by Ada Limon
3. The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
4. Love Story with Murders by Harry Bingham
5. Four Swans by Winston Graham
6. This Thing of Darkness by Harry Bingham
7. Tell Me by Kim Addonizio
8. Lola by Melissa Scrivner Love
9. A Robot in the Garden by Deborah Install
10. The Dead House by Harry Bingham

Graphic Novels

1. Jessica Jones Pulse by Brian Michael Bendis
2. The Singing Bones by Shaun Tan
3. Whiteout by Greg Rucka
4. Jane, the Fox and Me by Fanny Britt

One of my favorite Billy Collins' poems, and a good one for winter.

Shoveling Snow With Buddha

by Billy Collins

In the usual iconography of the temple or the local Wok
you would never see him doing such a thing,
tossing the dry snow over a mountain
of his bare, round shoulder,
his hair tied in a knot,
a model of concentration.

Sitting is more his speed, if that is the word
for what he does, or does not do.

Even the season is wrong for him.
In all his manifestations, is it not warm or slightly humid?
Is this not implied by his serene expression,
that smile so wide it wraps itself around the waist of the universe?

But here we are, working our way down the driveway,
one shovelful at a time.
We toss the light powder into the clear air.
We feel the cold mist on our faces.
And with every heave we disappear
and become lost to each other
in these sudden clouds of our own making,
these fountain-bursts of snow.

This is so much better than a sermon in church,
I say out loud, but Buddha keeps on shoveling.
This is the true religion, the religion of snow,
and sunlight and winter geese barking in the sky,
I say, but he is too busy to hear me.

He has thrown himself into shoveling snow
as if it were the purpose of existence,
as if the sign of a perfect life were a clear driveway
you could back the car down easily
and drive off into the vanities of the world
with a broken heater fan and a song on the radio.

All morning long we work side by side,
me with my commentary
and he inside his generous pocket of silence,
until the hour is nearly noon
and the snow is piled high all around us;
then, I hear him speak.

After this, he asks,
can we go inside and play cards?

Certainly, I reply, and I will heat some milk
and bring cups of hot chocolate to the table
while you shuffle the deck.
and our boots stand dripping by the door.

Aaah, says the Buddha, lifting his eyes
and leaning for a moment on his shovel
before he drives the thin blade again
deep into the glittering white snow.

Seth Globepainter

OK, the new cafe is open

Happy new one, Joe. Strong colours of those paintings. Love it.

Happy new thread, Joe. Very cool, that first one. And the last one too! :-)

>5 jnwelch: Thanks, Barbara. Hmm. First in the door, you are, so you win a prize. How about some on-the-house at Cafe Odeon in Zurich?

The first painting is my favorite. Too bad you don't know who did it.

Can I get a link for the first picture? I might be able to find out who did it.

>7 jessibud2: Thanks, Shelley! I like those two, as well. The others are a Rousseau I'd never seen before, and ditto for the Sendak.

>9 Morphidae: I'm glad you like that first one up there, Morphy. I'm going to see whether I can find out who did it. It takes a while to set up one of these new threads, but now I can go off and look.

P.S. Apparently it's by the Indian painter Maqbool Fida Husain. Nope, Google Chrome misled me. It's by Rafal Olbinski.

>8 jnwelch: Oh, thanks so much, Joe. I love that place. Did you know that it was the 'living room' of lots of authors?

>10 jnwelch: Oh good, Barbara. I remembered you love that cafe (I hope to see it some day). Which authors? I know you told us a little bit about it, but I can't remember the author names.

I also like the first picture best! I like how the bottom of her dress is fading so that you can see the scene in the background. Lovely!

Always been a fan of Henri Rousseau

Stefan Zweig, Hans Arp, Franz Werfel, Albert Einstein, Else Lasker-Schüler, Claire Goll, Frank Wedekind, William Somerset Maugham, Erich Maria Remarque, Klaus Mann, James Joyce, Max Frisch, Friedrich Dürrenmatt, Hugo Loetscher, Alfred Andersch, Lenin and many more.

>13 ChelleBearss: Isn't that a beaut, Chelle? I'm going to learn more about this illustrator.

>14 avatiakh: Me, too, Kerry. He had a huge impact on folk art, seems to me.

>15 Ameise1: Whoa, that's quite a group, Barbara. Thanks! What fun it would be to hang out in a place like that, filled with top authors, and other geniuses. Makes me think of Hemingway's A Moveable Feast.

>16 jnwelch: That would be great. I think I would hang out there for hours.

>17 Ameise1: You and me both, Barbara. :-) You know what, we can hang out here instead. We'll just have to use our imaginations a bit.

>18 jnwelch: No problem for me, Joe and I really hope that we can meet once in RL.

>19 Ameise1: Ditto, Barbara. We're certainly planning to travel about in the coming years, and I'd love to return to Switzerland. I was there in the summer as a young guy, but mainly spent time in Wengen. It was gorgeous.

Lovely thread toppers, Joe.

Happy new thread, Joe. Hope you are enjoying your Sunday - makes it much better when you don't have to get up for work on Monday, doesn't it?

Happy new thread, buddy.

Happy new thread, Jim, um Joe! :)

Happy new thread, Joe, that first picture by Rafal Olbinski is stunning!
I'll join you and Barbara at Cafe Odeon in Zurich with all the famous writers ;-)

Happy new thread!

Some great visuals, as ever Joe. That top one in >1 jnwelch: has a Magrittesque quality IMO.

Going great guns with your reading I see >3 jnwelch:.

Hi Joe, I'm slipping through door # 3 of your cafe after scrolling down through number 2 and enjoying the wide variety of topics. Books, poetry, chocolate and fruitcake to mention a few! I love the illustrations that open this thread and I am looking forward to what's going to be discussed this time.

Falls over in shock! Eight books read already and on your third thread! Happy New Thread. I'm really enjoying Mr Pip and nearly finished. I/m hoping that my library has the film version of the book.

Great toppers! You always find such beautiful ones.

Happy new one, Joe! Love the toppers, but like many others have said, the top one is my favorite.

>29 vancouverdeb: I think that's the retirement affect, Deb.

Right, Joe?

>21 MickyFine: Thanks, Micky. Glad you found the new place.

>22 Familyhistorian: Thanks, Meg. Oh my, does it ever make Sunday better when Monday won't be a work day. We had a friend over today, along with our favorite (and only) daughter and her detective pooch, and it was swell. Daughter #1 has tomorrow off, too, so we were all in fine fettle.

Friend rejoins daughter #1 at her place tonight to watch the BBC Sherlock finale with . . . Sherlock. (Dog version). We're at least catching up a bit on that series, having now watched the Hound of the Baskervilles episode. Yours truly just saw the Packers nip the Cowboys in the NFL playoffs (on a field a good bit smaller than the Canadian ones). Steelers - Chiefs coming up.

>23 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Paul. You're a good mate. Meet for a pint, shall we?

>24 drneutron: Thanks, Joe - or are you Jim? I get confused. Which one am I? I hope no one expects me to figure out that solar probe. I have trouble enough figuring out the coffee maker.

Happy New Thread, Joe! Love those toppers.

Just kicking back drinking a few beers and watching football. That Packers & Cowboys game was amazing. Go Pack!

>25 FAMeulstee: Thanks, Anita. Isn't that first one cool? We may have to do some more visiting with our friend Rafal.

Meeting up with you and Barbara and the famous writers at Cafe Odeon sounds perfect. Maybe we can get Dr. Jim to work on a teleporter next.

>26 banjo123: Thanks, Rhonda!

>27 Caroline_McElwee: Good call, Caroline! I've now seen more of his work, and Rafal is indeed Magritte-esque. Rene obviously is a hero of his.

Fiona Griffiths had me racing through the pages, so that's the main reason for the fast start. BTW, I thought Kim Addonizio's Tell Me was dark and terrific. Hers get in the New Yorker, so it may be this one's available across the pond. If so, take a gander some time. She really impressed me. I didn't expect it, to be honest, based on another of hers I had read.

>28 DeltaQueen50: Thanks, Judy! I'm happy to hear you enjoyed the last thread, and the illustrations topping this one. I'm looking forward to whatever the heck we come up with, too. My wife still talks about the time the cafe crowd, for some reason, went off on "beets" at length. She's much happier with the recent chocolate discussion. :-)

>29 vancouverdeb: Hiya, Deb! Isn't Mister Pip a pip? If you snag the movie, please let me know what you think of it. I've got the story very visually in my head, so I'm not going to mess with it for a sub-par movie.

I still can't watch the movie The River Runs Through It because the book is in my head too strongly, even though a lot of folks like that movie.

>30 Crazymamie: Hiya, Mamie!

Yeah, that top one has been a big hit. I never know exactly which ones are going to jump out at people. I was excited to find a new, for me, Rousseau, and a new, for me, Sendak. And I like that Dee Nickerson one. But Rafal's is a knockout, no doubt about it.

P.S. I still remember when I did an "art dolls" set of toppers, and creeped out a whole bunch of people!

>31 Familyhistorian: You're probably right, Meg. I still don't have a grasp of my schedule, but I probably am reading more with the extra time from retirement. Let's hope so!

>32 jnwelch: "... her detective pooch..." I read that as "defective pooch."

*snarfles*

Howdy, Joe. Lovely new digs here. But I wanted to let you know that I am not Ellen, as per your last message on my thread. ;-)

Happy new one, Joe.

Happy new thread, Joe! I love the toppers, of course (you always pick such lovely ones), but that Collins poem is gorgeous and beats all the lovely pictures, hands down. I love the timing, too; Charlie, Tomm and I just finished reading The Cat Who Went to Heaven last night - have you read it? If not, you and YBH definitely should. You'd love it.

>38 Morphidae: Ha! No, he's quite the fine young dog, is Master Sherlock, Morphy.

>39 ronincats: Ha! We were just talking about mixing names up. Sorry about that, Roni. I probably called Ellen Roni, too. It will slow down at some point, and then this will get easier.

>40 DianaNL: Thanks, Diana.

>41 scaifea: Thanks, Amber! Ah, great to hear re the Collins poem. Isn't that a spiffy one? I re-read it on a regular basis.

I mistakenly assumed The Cat Who Went to Heaven was one of the Cat Who mysteries. No, I haven't read that one. Thanks! I'll add it to the tbr.

Morning Joe! I think you missed my greetings up there but I am a big boy, I can handle it.

I hope you enjoy Hillbilly Elegy. A very good memoir!

Happy MLK Day!

Morning, Joe! What happened to Mark? He was crying like a baby as he was leaving...

Good morning!

Good afternoon, Joe, and Happy new thread.

Dropping by to pointedly ask whether you caught the Blackhawks/Wild game last night.

>34 msf59:, >44 msf59:, >47 msf59: Jeez Louise, Mark. Sorry! I'm getting names screwed up, posting on the wrong threads, missing posts - maybe I'd better toss in the towel and take a break?

This seems like a more prolonged January speedup than I recall.

Anyway, yes, that was an excellent Packers-Cowboys game. I'm so impressed with that rookie QB of the Cowboys. He certainly has nothing to hang his head about. I can't remember a QB coming in from college and being that effective. Even Manning and Brady took a while, as I recall.

Looking forward to Hillbilly Elegy. I'm also about 1/2 through A Robot in the Garden.

>45 Crazymamie: Morning, Mamie!

I know. It can't be the missed post that got Mark that upset - I'll bet someone knocked over his craft brew.

>46 drneutron: Good morning, Jim! How's the cosmos today?

>48 thearlybirdy: It is afternoon, isn't it, Birdy. Good afternoon! Thanks re the thread. We just got back from working out. I'm betting I'm going to be sore from this one.

>49 Oberon: Ha! I missed the Wild-Hawks game last night for football, Erik, although I can see why you'd pointedly mention it. One of the Wild players talked in the paper about how much they like to beat the Blackhawks, because of the Blackhawks' Stanley Cup success in recent years. Did I mention 3 Stanley Cups in 6 years? Couldn't resist!

>50 jnwelch: Hi Joe, I just ordered A Robot in the Garden. It looks like a fun read. I hadn't heard about it until your comment. I now have the LT cold or most likely, it's my husband's cold, he was sneezing like a maniac and even though I kept far away, it didn't work!

No problem, Joe! I have wiped my teary face, blew my nose, and took some eye drops and I am as good as new. Please, do not take a break. We NEED the Cafe open, at this dark time. We need to huddle together, for warmth and comfort.

BTW- I am really enjoying and nearly finished with The Simple Truth: Poems. I love this guy. Have you read this one?

>52 Dianekeenoy: Hi, Diane. Caro wrote a glowing review of A Robot in the Garden, and she's the one who convinced me. It is a fun read.

Sorry you have the LT or hubby cold. It's that time of year. So far I'm doing okay, but poor Madame MBH has a bad cough. I hope you're able to get over it quickly. In the meantime, we're serving hot toddies to those in need.

Good morning, Joe, and happy new thread to you!

>53 msf59: Ah, I'm glad you were able to recover, Mark. OK, cafe open, will do. I'll try at least to diminish the number of times I trip over myself.

I have read a good bit of Philip Levine; I'm impressed you're liking his poetry. He's a good 'un. I haven't read that collection, so I'll put The Simple Truth: Poems on the tbr. I can't remember if I mentioned it, but Kim Addonizio's Tell Me was most excellent all the way through, and I think it's one you'd really like.

I'm returning to the Stephen Mitchell-translated Rilke collection now - I'll probably do it in thirds, as it's not a shortie, and there's a lot to take in!

>55 AMQS: Good morning, Anne. Thanks!

Hooray for keeping the Cafe open! Make sure you stock up on the booze for Friday. We will NEED it.

Speaking of Addonizio- I picked up Lucifer at the Starlite. Love the title.

Glad you are enjoying the Rilke. I will have to start my collection, one of these days.

Sorry, Debbi has a bad cough. Hope it clears up.

>51 jnwelch: Trust me, I know about the Stanley Cup wins. It seems like the story of the Wild for the last several years has been to make the playoffs only to run into the Blackhawks and get eliminated.

Hot apple cider with a cinnamon stick

taking my usual seat over by the comic book spinner rack

Just splash some Jim's hot cider my way, Joe. I can add the rum myownself. Congrats on the new thread!

>58 msf59: Ha! Good idea to stock up on booze on Friday, Mark. I'm sure not watching that ceremony. I can barely stand to see his face, and it's everywhere these days. Plus lots of folks are boycotting anyway, and I can support that.

Can't wait to hear what you think of Lucifer at the Starlite. If you like it, I'll get a hold of it. I may have to send you Tell Me. Is that a good idea?

It's an asthma cough for Debbi (she and the kids are cough variant asthmatics - no wheezing), so she feels okay except it's beating her up. She even worked out today, and did okay.

>59 Oberon: Ha! Yeah, I hear you, Erik. Our Bulls can't get by the Cavs in recent years, and the Cubs . . . thank goodness that long dry spell is over.

>60 magicians_nephew: Ah, good to see you, Jim. I'd forgotten you love sitting by the comic book spinner rack. Any favorite comics over there?



Hot cider coming up. Good day for that!

>61 michigantrumpet: Hiya, Marianne. Good to see you. Thanks!

BYOR - glad you brought your own. Here you go.

"I may have to send you Tell Me. Is that a good idea?" B.A.G.

I am watching La La Land. What a a breath of fresh air...

>64 jnwelch: Oh great - so glad you're seeing La La Land, Mark. What a movie!

All right, let me get my act together for Tell Me.

Hello Joe! I hope all is well with you.

Listening to Asimov's Caves of Steel. Interesting start.

Over on Darryl's thread somebody posted the link to an Obama interview in the New York Times. The President talks about books in this interview. BOOKS! Gotta love that. Anyway he said that he reads SciFi as his escapism reading. He read all three of the Three Body Problem books. I have had this series on my radar, but just haven't gotten there yet. Have you read them?

I am finishing up book three in the Queen of the Tearling and then will move on to Hard Boiled Wonderland. My real life book discussion group is going to tackle that one in a few months. Since our library only has one copy of it, I need to get it done and returned. I know it is one of the Murakami's that you liked. I also noticed that Mark is reading it. What a convergence.

>67 brodiew2: Hello Brodie! All is well. Hope it is for you, too.

Good for you, reading Caves of Steel. I'm sure I read it as a kid - I read Asimov like eating potato chips - but I can't remember the story, darn it. Sounds like a good reason to re-read it. Sci-fi plus a detective - what's not to like?

>68 benitastrnad: Hi, Benita. Obama is such a good reader, isn't he? Maybe we'll get him on LT after this week.

Our son read the first of the Three Body Problem books and wants me to read it. I'd seen somewhat mixed reviews, so I haven't hurried to do that. I wonder whether Dr. Jim has read it.

Yes, I just saw Mark is reading Hard-Boiled Wonderland, too. What a convergence is right - what are the odds? If you remember, it would be fun to hear what comes out in the discussion in a few months. It is one of my favorites of Murakami's, and one of the most bizarre (and that's saying something, right?) Keep us posted on your own reactions; I'll keep my fingers crossed that you enjoy it, and don't end up wanting to kick it to the curbside.

>54 jnwelch: Thanks, Joe! I'm definitely in need!

Hmm - for some unknown reason I had ignored your thread! I blame my phone. Or the LT gremlins. They keep doing ridiculous things like that. They also steal all my time......do you have such thing as a gremlin solution here?

>68 benitastrnad:, >69 jnwelch: Yup, read The Three Body Problem last year. It's pretty good, though distinctly different from US sf. I've got the second of the trilogy queued up for this year.

Joe, you know I love those thread toppers with the cats in them! Those two last ones are Sendak?

And, harkening back to your prior thread, Morphy asked me "plain or peanut?"



Both! But none of the other kinds. Oh wait, I do like the almond M&Ms too but all the new fancy ones are, well, just unnecessary.

Your comments, also on prior thread, about Local have me convinced to give it a try. I will hold onto it until I return from Tampa and if I have to pay a wee fine, so be it.

Right now I'm finishing up my reread of The Color Purple which is excellent just as it was three decades ago. Then I will start The Unwinding and probably News of the World.

I can't imagine there aren't fabulous bookstores in New Orleans. I have a very dear friend, a retired English professor and book-lover in league with those of us who frequent this group, who lived there for years. I'll see if she has any suggestions.

I'm off to Tampa on Wednesday, hoping the training institute allows me a wee bit of free time for LTing.

Happy new thread Joe! Love that opening picture of the girl with the raincloud(?) dress.

Morning, Joe!

>70 Dianekeenoy: Ah, good, Diane. Feel better!

>71 lunacat: There's our Jenny! Yes, you've been missed here. Good to have you back!

Gremlins supposedly love Cosmopolitans, and won't bug you if provided them. Worth a try.

>72 drneutron: OK, Jim, thanks. I'll tee up The Three Body Problem.

>73 EBT1002: Hiya, Ellen. Yes, do give Local a try. I think you'll get quite caught up in it. Mark's also a fan.

I read The Color Purple for the first time a couple of years ago, and liked it more than I expected to. Great book. News of the World is in my future somewhere, and I'll look forward to your comments on Unwinding.

We're getting NOLA rec's, and I'll let you know if we hear anything about bookstores.

>74 souloftherose: Thanks, Heather. Isn't that first one a beaut? New artist for me.

>75 scaifea: Mornng, Amber!

Happy new one, Joe!! So, back to your last thread. If it says Chocolate on it, any sense, fashion, light or dark, I am in!! Just no nuts because of allergies. : )

And, as we are STILL struggling with snow and now freezing rain (no school for a WEEK!), I really love your Snow/Buddha poem up top. : )

Those hot toddies look good Joe. I think I'll take one next round please. Also, if you happen to pass the wine cellar, perhaps some lovely mulled wine?

>79 Berly: Isn't it the perfect time of year for that Snow/Buddha poem, Kim? A good reminder to enjoy each day.

Chocolate, no nuts, got it. Let's get you some HoCho for a warmup.



>80 luvamystery65: You got it, Roberta. Sweet tea hot toddies and hot mulled wine - perfect for a day like this one.

Their tiny nugget of South Central Los Angeles - or so they consider it, even though they've just missed the eastern border - with its strip mall Laundromats, grease-slicked taquerias, and glass-fronted bail bond offices, is no Wall Street. There are no second chances, no getting back on one's feet. Nobody here has enough time for a comeback. Instead of minimum sentences at white collar resorts, people here get bullets to the head, either victims of circumstance or mere collateral damage. The success stories are few and far between, and they never last.

Lola is a promising debut by screenwriter Melissa Scrivner Love. It centers around 26-year-old Lola, who behind the scenes guides her boyfriend's gang The Crenshaw Six. They get an opportunity to join the area's big leagues if they can successfully disrupt a major drug deal. As they make their plans, not only the gang's survival but Lola's life are at stake.

This is a very dark read - Lola struggles with her background and her bitterness toward her once drug-addicted mother in a soiled and desperate part of town. She sees a kindred spirit in a similarly struggling little girl named Lucy, and takes her in as family. Everyone is jockeying for survival and a slight improvement in their lives, and the police and district attorney's office are wired in for their share. Lola's charisma and ruthlessness help her navigate a difficult, potentially deadly path between combating interests, at the same time she is trying to protect her reckless brother Hector and little Lucy, and keep her mother off drugs.

I found this a hard-driving glimpse into gang life, and the lives of those with few options, none of them particularly good. Four stars.

Desperate for a cup of hot chocolate....I knew you'd have the best here.

Also, New Orleans bookstore : FAULKNER HOUSE BOOKS in Pirate's Alley.

Nice review. I'm looking forward to reading this one.

My two cents on bookstores in NOLA:

Faulkner House Books on Pirate Alley is small but has a very carefully curated collection. If I remember correctly, it has both new and used books.

Crescent City Books is a used bookstore. It used to be on Chartres in the French Quarter but has moved across Canal Street to Baronne Street, apparently. It used to be a wonderful maze full of treasures waiting to be found - I hope the new location has kept some of the charm!

And there was another used bookstore in the French Quarter I stumbled across. I can't remember the name of it but looking on Google, I think it's Beckham's on Decatur St.

And then my other NOLA recs are:

GW Fins Restaurant on Bienville
Pesce, somewhere in the Warehouse District
French 75, a tiny cocktail bar attached to Arnaud's, also on Bienville.

The first two are wonderful contemporary seafood-focused places. If you want more traditional New Orleans old school classic restaurants, Arnaud's is great, especially the cafe brulot on the dessert menu. I didn't really love Commander's Palace, and I thought the Emeril restaurant was over-rated.

Hello Joe! I hope all is well with you!

Well, I'm behind, but happy new thread! Love the art work, and would happily pull up a chair when LT books a table in a Cafe Odeon. I've never been, but it looks lovely.

Just finished Moonglow - wonderful book, family history with rockets. Chabon is back on form.

>83 laytonwoman3rd: Thanks for the tip, Linda, on the Faulkner House bookstore. I'd seen a pic of it somewhere, and that does look like a good 'un.

HoCho? Here you go:



>84 drneutron: Thanks, Jim. It's a good 'un.

>85 katiekrug: Thanks for the good tips, Katie.

I'm pretty sure we'll be in the Warehouse District at some point. Two votes for Faulkner's Books. I've heard of Arnaud's, for sure. (We were in NOLA more than thirty years ago, so much is forgotten!).

>86 brodiew2: Hiya, Brodie! Same to you, buddy.

>87 charl08: Thanks, Charlotte. Glad you like the artwork. A get-together at Cafe Odeon would be just the thing, wouldn't it?

Good to hear Moonglow worked well for you. I lost track of Mr. Chabon for a bit, but he sure can write.

>82 jnwelch:

Good review of Lola! It does sound like my cuppa. I will try to snag a copy!

Hi, Joe! LOVE the Bad-Ass Book Club! Yeah, baby! I have entered the trippy world of the Hard-Boiled Wonderland. Not sure where it is going but I like it's strange, off kilter tone.

Hi Joe, I love the "Bad-Ass Bookclub' too! I picked up a couple of hard-boiled crime books today by Jonathan Latimer, who wrote in the 1940's & 1950's, he also wrote screenplays as well. Here's the cover of one of the books I got today - I just love those old covers!

>88 jnwelch: HA! Did you you notice the author's name? Duncan Disordalee.

>92 DeltaQueen50: What is the small print, DeltaQueen50?

>88 jnwelch: Love this cover! Reminds me of the very weird movie "Reefer Madness"... but with books! And I just noticed the author's name. Duncan Disordalee! Where do you find these?

Your thread is so much fun, Joe! Between the hilarious retro covers and Bad Ass book club and the food - it's joy to visit. All of the talk of food on Paul's thread, Darryl's thread and now your thread has made me crave Canada's iconic food, Kraft Dinner aka Macaroni and Cheese from a box! :) I don't think I've eaten any for a year or more, but perhaps tonight? We have yet to have dinner and the thought of some pasta in yummy fake cheese sauce with milk and butter sounds so yummy, though very bad!

>93 brodiew2: Brodie, that small print reads: "She was blonde, beautiful and deadly - a high priestess of crime" Good blurb, eh!

Joe, just dropping by to let you know that following your recommendation I've started reading Talking to the Dead and I am enjoying it so far. Cardiff was our nearest big city when I was growing up and it's where we would go for anything other than food shopping. These days i probably go there around once a year if that. As it makes clear in the book it's changed out of all recognition in the last twenty to thirty year (much more bustling, much more growth) but it's always been one of my favourite cities.

>96 DeltaQueen50: Oh, that's good!

Hi Joe!

We have a couple world class comic book stores in Manhattan though curiously they're all on the second floor and you have to climb a staircase.

I'm enjoying the new (female) Iron Man and hope its not just another Marvel stunt o'desperation with the character.

And the revamp of Wonder Woman is going well.

Caves of Steel is an old favorite - might re-read it. And The Naked Sun is a more than honorable sequel.

BUT the trilogy goes off the rails badly (I think) with The Robots of Dawn where Dr A was trying - I think without success - to connect the world of his robot novels with the world of his Foundation novels. But still great storytelling.

>99 magicians_nephew: I remember Asimov trying to make that connection in the last of his second Foundation trilogy. It did not have as much inpact on me because I loved the original Foundation series, but found the Robot series less accessible.

Our wi-fi has been out. I'll catch up with you shortly

I am going to rave and rave and rave! You have to read the Queen of the Tearling series.

There is no better way to spend a weekend than to read an exciting intriguing book sitting in a comfortable chair with a cup of coffee at hand. Maybe some nice ambient music, but a weekend just doesn't get any better than that. Quiet, peaceful, with an air of suspense created by that special anticipation of turning the next page. That is what happened to me with the Fate of the Tearling. I have read three of these immense and intense novels in one month, and have enjoyed every minute of it. This was dystopian fantasy as it was meant to be.

This novel did not follow the dystopian fantasy model. The ending was a real twist. It was a good ending, but it was a real twist and precludes the possibility of sequels. But no matter, there is plenty of fodder to be mined in the form of spin-offs from the contents of the three novels. When those are published I will be in line to read them.

This whole series was very well done. Lengthy, but not bloated. Plots twists but not out of character for the world that was created. Characters that were lovely and hateful. Romance, adventure, and philosophy all in one series. That makes this series rank right up there with the Ancillary Justice series by Ann Leckie. This series is my first Best of 2017 entry.

I make a pilgrimage to Acme Oyster House every time I am in New Orleans. Great poor boys. I also buy a mufalatta at Progress Grocery. I love that kind of street food. And even though it is touristy - you have to have coffee and beignets at Cafe Du Monde. None of these places are fine food, but they are so New Orleans.

For fine food, and old world elegance there is nothing better than Ralph's on the Park. Clancy's on Annuciation street is old New Orleans. I also like the John Besch stable of restaurants. August is wonderful. Luke is great, but it not quiet and is very modern. It is in an old bank building and is not the place for conversation, but it has great cocktails and a wonderful wine list. I also have eaten at Upperline Restaurant on Magazine Street. This is another of the fine neighborhood restaurants of New Orleans.

#73
The new issue of Martha Stewart Living magazine had some bookstore recommendations in an article on reading. I know they name a book store in New Orleans. I will check tonight and see if I can find it.

>91 msf59: Thanks, Mark. Glad you like the Lola review. Yeah, it's the darkness that I think would be an issue for some, and that's not a problem for you. I think you'll enjoy reading it and get a lot out of it.

Isn't the Bad-Ass Book Club great? Yes, Hardboiled Wonderland is mighty trippy; I'm glad you're liking it. What an imagination he has.

>92 DeltaQueen50: Go Bad-Ass Book Club! Yeah, your cover is in that exact hilarious style, Judy. Dramatic, anyone? I hope they bring those back some day. It reminds me of the Pulp Classics we talked about before, with classics like Pride and Prejudice get this kind of cover style. "Lock Up Your Daughters - Darcy's Back in Town".

>93 brodiew2: LOL! I did see that author name, Brodie - Duncan Disorderlee. This humorist has a nice touch.

>94 NarratorLady: Hi, Anne. Yes, I can see the "Reefer Madness" connection with this Bad-Ass cover. I love the concept of rebellious teen readers.

The guy who does these covers is named Ken something. Here you go: http://simplebooklet.com/embed.php?wpKey=zwTY8mLCC3wV31ORtETcye His name is Ken Kwasnicki. There are some meh ones, but a lot of funny ones.

>95 vancouverdeb: Ah, thanks, Deb. "So much fun" = what we hope for, right? Nice to hear that reaction.

I thought the iconic Canadian dish was poutine? :-) Kraft mac n cheese has lots of good memories for me, too. We call that kind of dish "comfort food" in our house. Enjoy, my friend.

>96 DeltaQueen50: "She was blonde, beautiful and deadly - a high priestess of crime" - love it, Judy.

>97 SandDune: Oh good, Rhian. If you're enjoying Talking to the Dead so far, you will the whole way through. I just wish I had your knowledge of Wales - the atmosphere and countryside is a big part of these, and I'd love to have visited there. Some day. Cardiff comes up a lot in the series.

I'm deeply steeped in the 5th one, The Dead House, as we speak.

Glad to see you are back online! Wifi all fixed up?

>106 jnwelch: The authors names are so hilarious! Bev Ridge, Blanche Davidian.

>98 drneutron: :-)

>99 magicians_nephew: Hi Jim!

World class comic book stores sounds good to me. I'll have to talk Madame MBH into a field trip. (We're pretty good at humoring each other - she went to "Mood" (Project Runway?) last visit, and I met Swatch the dog, which apparently makes me one of the luckiest humans on the planet).

I'll have to look for the female Iron Man. I read the first female Thor recently, and it certainly made that story more interesting. I agree re the Wonder Woman revamp - Madame MBH is a fan of that one.

That's good intel on the Asimov trilogy. I'm not sure I ever got to Robots of Dawn. I suspect I do need a re-read. You and Brodie have got me intrigued again.

>100 brodiew2: I liked the first Foundation trilogy a lot more than the second, too, Brodie. I actually wish he'd left off after the first three.

>102 benitastrnad: Glad you had such a good time with the Queen of the Tearling series, Benita. Sounds great. I'm backed up right now, but I know Mark liked the first one.

I agree that reading a suspenseful page-turner in comfort on the weekend is one of life's great gifts.

>103 benitastrnad: Thank you for the New Orleans tips, Benita. We'll be having beignets for sure, and I believe we had them at Cafe du Monde all those years ago, with coffee and chicory.

I'm going to pull all tips together before we go. Those sound like some good ones. Neither of us eats meat, but we both eat seafood.

>104 benitastrnad: Thanks for checking, Benita. I'm guessing the Faulkner House bookstore will be mentioned.

>108 ChelleBearss: Thanks, Chelle! Happy to be back online. The wi-fi is in pretty good shape now, although still some glitches on my phone reception.

You know what I missed most? I always have questions when I'm reading, and I like to be able to Google for an answer. I've been reading the challenging Duino Elegies for example, and I've liked getting help on them. Fata morgana - couldn't remember what it means. Too lazy to dig out a hard copy dictionary. Wi-fi back - it means mirage.

>109 luvamystery65: Aren't they, Roberta? What fun to be able to do that. Well, what the heck, it's fun to see/read them, too.

By Mantra Rea in Luxembourg

>114 jnwelch: - Ooo, I like this one!!

Oh boy, great to get recs for NOLA. Of course, I'm actually going to be spending quite a little bit of time there as I'm mostly flying in to get on a riverboat to cruise the Mississippi with my sister and her spouse. I predict that P and I will be among the youngest folks on the cruise. Time with my sister, time on a boat on the water, not much to do beyond read and watch the riverbank go by.... it will be fine. And then we do have a little time in NOLA before flying home, so I might try to sneak into Faulkner House Books at least.

Hi Joe!

>114 jnwelch: Ok, that's cool! I don't think the neighbors would appreciate me having that put on the house, though... \

>114 jnwelch: Wonderful find, Joe! And that tiny owl on her shoulder is sweet :-)

>113 jnwelch: It's it funny how we have integrated technology into our lives. It is never more obvious than when that technology falls. The last time that happened to me (knock on wood) it was down for an entire weekend - no phone, no tv, no internet. I couldn't use my cell phone because my son commandeered for an internet hotspot. I don't want to repeat that again!

>115 jessibud2: Perfect for a book reader, right, Shelley?

>116 EBT1002: Hi, Ellen!

Oh my, can't wait to hear what you think of the riverboat cruise on the Mississippi. That's a dream of Debbi's that we're going to try to make happen.

>117 drneutron: Ha! I wonder about that, too, Jim. Easier to do that kind of thing in cities, I think. Although if your nearest neighbor was a couple of miles away, that would work, too.

>118 FAMeulstee: Thanks, Anita! I was happy to find that one. If we came across a village full of those, we'd know we found the non-online LT campus.

>119 Familyhistorian: I know, Meg, the same thing crossed my mind. We're so used to this wonderful technology now, that it throws me off when it disappears. Having said that, we do create "no-tech" quiet time in our house, during which we typically read. But to not be able to use the tech when we want to, arggh.

I've also started to reach an age when I draw mental blanks once in a while - what was the name of that movie? What was the name of our kids' high school (that one happened yesterday - I couldn't believe it. Northside College Prep, for goodness' sake). Being able to Google on the phone and get the answer is so great. Definitions of words, too, as I mentioned yesterday. The last one (definitions), of course, I solved for years with a hard copy dictionary, but I sure like now having the dictionary handy and easy on my phone, available at all times.

First cup of coffee of the day. Ahh.

>122 jnwelch: That's what I'm doing right now. Morning, Joe! Sweet Thursday!

>123 Crazymamie: You and me both, Mamie. :-)

Good morning! Sweet Thursday, my friend!

>120 jnwelch: - You bet, Joe. I love street art, especially building murals. Do you happen to know where that one actually is?

>121 jnwelch:

What was the name of our kids' high school (that one happened yesterday - I couldn't believe it.

I forgot the name of a friend who had been coming over almost weekly for six months or more.

... the dictionary handy and easy on my phone...

The one bad part to regular books. I can't just tap on a word! Well, I can (and have) but it doesn't DO anything. :D

>125 jessibud2: I don't know, Shelley. When I get back home, I'll try to find out. I'm curious, too.

ETA: The artist is Mantra Rea, and this is identified as being in Luxembourg.

All right, let's try this peaceful Joe poem.

Simple Angel

White wings flow from shoulders to
Calves;
Flare briefly in the
Breeze, then rest.
He strolls the autumn wood, savoring the
Gold-hummed air.
Shreds of sun scatter
Round his sandal-shod feet.
Reds and yellows pitch and
Fleck in the lofting light,
Lifting, falling, among the
Dapper white birches, the trusty sugar maples, the
Serene blue day.

Alone he stirs the lucid wood, all
Questions, hopes, fears,
Relenting in dharma,
Here within this sun-warmed arbour.

This waking reverie, this encompassing
Gladness, this life unshielded and yielding.
Here, between that which came before, and
All that will come after.

>113 jnwelch: yes I can see how that would be frustrating. I'm not sure if I even have a dictionary in the house anymore, we are so reliant on the google

Good morning, Joe!

Still moving slow in 2017. I'm hoping to wrap up my two print reads from the end of 2016 by the end of the month. The Atlantis Gene will be first and Just Mercy Mercy to follow. I'm excited to move past these books, but not at the expense of setting them aside. They are my unfinished business of 2016.

>126 Morphidae: Ha! I've tapped on words in regular books to get the definition, Morphy. You're right, it doesn't work. :-) I've also tried to use a touch screen on a PC. That doesn't work either.

I do love that instant definition feature on Kindle. I hope they expand their resources. When Georgette Heyer, for example, uses some now little-used words, I'd still like a definition. Or sci-fi gets out on the edge.

>129 ChelleBearss: We do still have a dictionary (at least two, actually), Chelle, but they feel like artifacts from an ancient time. Growing up, we had a big Webster's on a dictionary stand in our (finished) basement. So I'd trot down there every time I wanted to know. That was a great dictionary.

>130 brodiew2: Good morning, Brodie!

Good for you - I'm glad those two are worth the finishing. I'm reading Hillbilly Elegy, very good, and I just finished the 5th Fiona Griffiths. I couldn't resist, but now I've got to wait for the next one. I've also got to figure out what to tee up on my Kindle. Infinite Jest is looming on the horizon - I promised myself I'd start that whopper this month.

Artist Unknown

>121 jnwelch: A village filled with those, Joe, now lets hope one of us wins the lottery so we can make that happen :-)

>133 jnwelch: spread *LOVE*!

Funny about tapping on books for word definitions. I keep looking at the bottom right of the TV screen for the time.

>131 jnwelch: I've also tried to use a touch screen on a PC. That doesn't work either.

Ha! I've done that, too. And gotten REALLY pissed at my laptop for "not working right."

>134 FAMeulstee: I like that idea, Anita. Wouldn't that be great?

Yeah, feeling the need big time in the U.S. to spread the *LOVE* - Is It a Bad Dream (Inauguration) Day is tomorrow. Right foot, left foot, as Madame MBH would say.

>135 Familyhistorian: Ha! Yes, that one, too, Meg.

>136 Morphidae: LOL! You cracked me up, Morphy. Yeah, it always surprises me and takes me a minute to figure out why in the world it's not "working".

>137 jnwelch: What would have you cracking up even more is seeing me slam my finger against the screen harder and harder, cussing, then calling for MrMorphy to come fix the damn thing. He comes in and I'm all, "Uh, nevermind. It's fine. No, I mean it. It's fine. Go back to your room. I.Said.It's.Fine."

>138 Morphidae: :-)

Sweet Thursday, Joe! Late check in, but I made it. I hope you had a good one. It is raining again. I would like to see some sun. How about you?

I am enjoying Hard-Boiled Wonderland. I hope to dig deeper the next few days.

>133 jnwelch: - This one looks to me almost the same style as your number 1 topper pic. Just a guess, though

#116
My sister has always wanted to take a river cruise down the Ohio and the Mississippi. I told her that when we get older we can do that. The problem is that both of us are now in the older category.

I think that river cruises are a great vacation idea. They are so common in Europe, but relatively unknown here in the U. S.

hullo, Joe. interesting day, huh?

The tribute paid by Adlai Stevenson to Eleanor Roosevelt when the former First Lady died in November 1962 was: "She would rather light a candle than curse the darkness, and her glow has warmed the world."

so this morning (~1 a.m.) i've got the candle going outside the front room window, The Book of Joy on the coffee table and i'm focusing on kindness, compassion, and open-heartedness. i'm working on my small bit of glow, thanking people as often as possible and being gracious. and i am saving up treasures. there are so many.

treasure 1: as i was leaving the allergy shot store yesterday, i saw a Black woman in the waiting room looking a bit grim. i thought how hard this time could be for someone of color. she looked at me and i smiled and she did not smile back and i didn't blame her. i hoped she would be alright in the coming days and months for i worry.

there's a curb down to the parking area outside the doc's office and when i stepped down, my left leg just collapsed as it's been doing lately. JB was in front of me and i went down abruptly. as i went down, i was caught by two strong hands from behind that kept me from going back and whacking my head. i laughed, i always do, at the frailty of the body, and looked round. it was the woman i had seen looking grim now radiating caring, concern and gentleness. she caught me with firm hands and held me with compassion and warmth and then humor. we laughed together about the silliness of it all. i wish i could tell her how she changed my day and how my heart opened with wonder.

she gave me a tremendous gift. i can only repay her with mindful compassion and the courage to reach out to others. nothing less will do.

so on this day of uncertainty and change, i wish everybody joy, courage, compassion and chocolate. or in Mamie's case, pumpkin muffins.

ho-cho for me, please, Joe, with a generous dollop of cream if possible. mind how you go, my dear. keep calm and carry on. :-)

>143 mirrordrum: - Good morning, Ellie. Your post is, in itself, a glowing candle. I am not American but feel the darkness of today as keenly as many of you do. It is indeed a black mark on American history, sadly, and one can only do what you have just suggested: reach out with mindful compassion and the courage to reach out to others. nothing less will do.

May I use some of your words here to reach out to others of my American friends?

{{hugs}}

Good morning, Joe. Sorry, I missed a few days, but I'm back now.
>114 jnwelch: This is amazing, but no I don't think your neighbors would want it on the side of your house.
>122 jnwelch: Lovely, it almost makes me wish I liked coffee.
>128 jnwelch: This is beautiful, Joe. I really liked that last line "Here, between that which came before, and All that will come after." Just beautiful.
>133 jnwelch: This is very cool, and I like the thought of spreading *LOVE*.

I like the poem, Joe. Simple words but also elegant ones. It's good.

>143 mirrordrum: I love your post, Ellie. And I am so thankful that those firm arms caught you from behind. I am thinking of you today, and not just because you left me joy, courage, compassion, and pumpkin muffins.

>140 msf59: Hey, buddy! Happy Friday - I'm a bit late getting back to you.

Some sun would be welcome, for sure. But I am looking forward to the unusual warm day they're predicting for tomorrow. We're going to New Orleans next month to get a break from the Chicago winter. I hope we get some sunshine then.

I'm so glad you're enjoying Hard-Boiled Wonderland! In one way, I'm not surprised - I know you enjoy books that are different, and a challenge.

>141 jessibud2: Very interesting thought, Shelley. I wouldn't expect Rafal to be doing street art, but you never know.

>143 mirrordrum: I am reading a book with inspiring statements of the Dalai Lama, for him it all comes down to kindness, compassion, love and forgiveness to make the world a better place.

>142 benitastrnad: Hi, Benita. I worked with a guy who loves to take cruises with his wife in Europe and elsewhere overseas. They like being always able to return to the same "hotel" every night while visiting stops on the cruise, and having great food, plus the camaraderie with others. Some of them sound great, like the Danube river. Not my cuppa, but I can see why he enjoys it.

I do want to do the Mississippi river cruise with Madame MBH. I hope you and your sister are able to do it.

>143 mirrordrum: Hey, there's our Ellie!

Yeah, it's Bad Dream Day. I'm paying heed to Madame MBH and doing right foot, left foot. Maintain our values, help others, keep our heads up. We're marching tomorrow in the women's march here in Chicago with our daughter.

Yes, perfect, I love that Adlai S./Eleanor R. quote.

I think I'll re-read your third paragraph a few times today. Beautifully put.

Counting blessings and appreciating treasures: yes. Wow. Your first treasure - what a great story. Sometimes people look grim for reasons having nothing to do with us, don't they. How wonderful that she was the one who caught you. I'm sorry you've been having trouble with that leg, my friend. You have a beautiful attitude.

so on this day of uncertainty and change, i wish everybody joy, courage, compassion and chocolate. or in Mamie's case, pumpkin muffins. Thank you!

Like you and JB, Debbi and I are helping each other with these challenging times.

P.S. Up in >128 jnwelch:, I posted a new poem, trying to bring some peaceful thoughts. It's a bit inept, but better than it used to be.

P.P.S. HoCho!



P.P.P.S. I looked at The Book of Joy in the bookstore today. The joy of those two is palpable in the photos. It's in my future. Very good time to be reading it!

>144 jessibud2: Your post is, in itself, a glowing candle. Yes, I totally agree, Shelley. Thank goodness for Ellie.

And thank you for stopping by with those thoughtful comments. This is about as severe a test of our democracy as can be imagined.

>145 thearlybirdy: Good morning, Birdy. Good to see you back! No worries; real life intervenes sometimes, doesn't it.

Thanks for those thoughts. I'm very glad you like the poem. Yes, the ending is what I like best, too. I can see this one very strongly visually, but it's been hard to get the right words for it. An oasis of peace, accessible at any time. Yes, let's spread some *LOVE* - we could all use it even more than usual right now.

>146 Crazymamie: Oh, thanks much, Mamie. As I mentioned to Birdy, I feel a bit clumsy with this one. I can see it, but it's hard to translate. I'm glad it worked reasonably well for you. I suspect I'm going to need to tinker with it a bit more, but it's way better than where it started.

Yes, I love Ellie's post and that story. I'm going to re-read it a few times today, I suspect.

Oh, I forgot Ellie's HoCho! Back I go.

We're off to work out; catch up with everyone later.

I like your right foot, left foot, head up approach, along with all the talk of kindness. Kindness above all things, always.

Morning Joe! Hooray for kindness!! It is nice to be starting my vacation but something else is starting today, that makes me less happy. At least, we have LT and all our books, to seek refuge in.

I did like Lady Cop Makes Trouble. It doesn't have the fresh spark that the first one had but it is still worth reading and finding out who Constance teams up with at the end, shows some promise for the next book.

>151 scaifea: Thanks, Amber. Right foot, left foot, has been a mantra in our Chicago family for many a year, thanks to Madame MBH. It helps in the tough times. Kindness above all things, always, yes.

At one point the Dalai Lama said, "My religion is kindness." Love that guy. This morning for the first time I took a look at the bookstore at The Book of Joy, a new one that he did with Desmond Tutu. The photograph on the back shows the two of them doing some kind of silly dance together. Priceless. I'm going to get it at some point.

>152 msf59: Morning Mark! Hooray for kindness!! We can do this.

I'm glad you're starting your vacation! With all the hecticosity on LT, I missed that it was coming.

Good to hear re Lady Cop Makes Trouble. I'll probably do that one on Kindle, where I often read my lighter, "change up" kinds of books. Right now I'm reading Suspended Sentences on Kindle, a Modiano recommendation of Ellie's.

>143 mirrordrum: Gently elbowing you aside Joe. A treasure indeed Ellie. Sorry your body has become so compromised, I was going to say unreliable, but it seems to me it is reliably struggling to do its job despite itself. Hugs.

Back to talk to you later Joe. X

>154 Caroline_McElwee: *gently extracting himself from the fish tank into which he was elbowed* No problem, Caroline - quite refreshing, really, and the fish seem okay.

I echo your comments to Ellie.

Artist Unknown

>156 jnwelch: I LIKE!

This afternoon has been me and Murakami. I am also reading chunks of Rolling Blackouts. It is 300 pages and it has taken me awhile but it is a good, unflinching look at the troubles in the Middle East.

>157 msf59: That >156 jnwelch: one immediately made me think of LT, Mark. :-)

Wow, I didn't realize Rolling Blackouts was 300 pages! It's in my future, unless you end up panning it.

That sounds like a most excellent afternoon.

>153 jnwelch: I love that Dalai Lama quote, and have used it when chatting with Charlie about religion(s). Tomm and I have told him that as long as kindness is the major factor in his belief system, we will support him and his decision, whichever camp in which he decides to put his faith, if any.
I noticed the new book, too, and want to get to it soon.

One of my favorite Stevenson quotes: "A free society is one where it is safe to be unpopular."

>128 jnwelch: yes. a thousand times yes. thank you for pointing me back to that. i'd run the thread looking for a Joe's and just missed it. superb use of alliteration. clumsy? oh. well. i can't imagine what it would be like in an improved version. i shan't run on about it. but i could.

now see, you spell arbour as i would. do spell theatre properly as well w/ the "e" at the end where it belongs.

thanks for the kind words, Shelley and Caroline and Mamie. sorry about the douse in the tank, Joe. *chortle* bet you frightened the bejeezus outta the fish.

Great to read the enthusiasm for Rolling Blackouts. I found it (and Joe Sacco) some of the most accessible lit on politics.

Happy weekend, Joe.

>155 jnwelch: :-) hope you've dried off Joe.

>156 jnwelch: really like that image Joe. A marriage of classical and modern. Wonderful.

>128 jnwelch: '...the Gold hummed air' '...the lofting light' gorgeous Joe. And a wonderful sense that although he is touching the ground, he will quickly lift above it.

Suzanne and I are in Atlanta and got books last night. There will be more in the boxes today.

Attendance is down - and football fans are competing with librarians for space. The game tomorrow will be right across the street from the convention center. There seems to be plenty of books.

>160 ronincats: America must be really free then, Roni, because Trump is certainly going to be unpopular.

Have a great weekend, buddy.

Jumping in to pass along some more New Orleans Book Store intel:

1. Reiterating the love for Faulkner Books. It's on Pirates Alley by St. Louis Cathedral off of Jackson Square. I bought a lovely little watercolor right by there, too.)

2. Beckham's Book Shop on Decatur St.

3. Dauphine Street Books

4. Library Book Shop on Charrtres

That should keep you busy!

Also want to give a shout out to the WWII Museum in NOLA. While I still feel the one here in Massachusetts is more comprehensive, the NOLA one is no slouch and well worth a visit.

And finally, a trip to NOLA would never be complete for me without several dozen at Acme Oysters. You'll have to sample the local Abita beer to report back to Mark. Not a big fan myself, but others swear by it.

>159 scaifea: Isn't that Dalai Lama quote just right, Amber! I love that guy.

I love what you and Tomm said to Charlie about religion. You are most excellent parents, you are.

Peruse The Book of Joy when you're in a bookstore. The photos are wonderful. The Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu obviously have such affection for one another, and such a good time together.

>160 ronincats: "A free society is one where it is safe to be unpopular." Nice one, Roni. We'll be testing that one in these four years, won't we.

Morning, Joe! Hoping that your weekend is full of fabulous!

>161 mirrordrum: Ah, good. I'm glad you enjoyed "Simple Angel", Ellie. Do go on about it - I always learn something when you do. I don't know; the Hummingbird one just spilled onto the page; this one was evasive and took a long time to get where it is. Maybe it's fine as is now. Thanks for the appreciation.

You know, it's funny. I'm from Ann Arbor, and I'm used to the spelling without a u. But for some reason this one insisted on being spelled "arbour". I've no idea why. Maybe it's an English wood. :-)

You know, those fish are pretty used to my antics by now. They scattered quickly, and seemed unperturbed. Of course, fish always seem unperturbed, don't they. That Caroline is a force of nature.

>162 charl08: Oh, I'm glad you reminded us that you liked Rolling Blackouts, Charlotte. It's on my WL, and you've just increased my enthusiasm to give it a go.

>163 Ameise1: Thank you, Barbara. Happy weekend to you, too.

>164 Caroline_McElwee: Yes, I'm much drier now, thanks, Caroline. I'll remember to tactfully and quickly get my large self out of the way next time. :-)

Good to hear you like that >156 jnwelch: image. It's different from what I usually post, but when I saw it, it immediately made me think of Librarything.

Oh, wonderful. I'm so glad the poem works for you. I've been really uncertain about this one, as you can tell. I just felt that we could use one with some peace, particularly on this side of the pond. Tough days for USA-ians.

>165 benitastrnad: Nice, Benita. It must be ALA time there in Atlanta? Any chance you'll see our friend Darryl?

Oh, I wish we were there. We've had a ton o' fun at the ALA events here. Thanks again for your help (and LT's) in getting in.

>166 PaulCranswick: Have a great weekend, Paul.

I think we're more afraid of the Trump-ites treatment of those who are unpopular and lacking power. We're marching today in Chicago - leaving in a few minutes.

>167 michigantrumpet: Great NOLA tips, Marianne. Thanks!

Abita beer is new to me, but I'll give it a go and report back. Looking forward to Faulkner books and as many of the others as we can fit it.

>169 Crazymamie: Morning, Mamie! Thanks. I hope your day is a beaut, too!

I feel like I may have missed someone. If so, please let me know. Hope everyone has a great day. We'll be back sometime in the afternoon.

>153 jnwelch: >168 jnwelch: I loved The Book of Joy for the playful and serious relationship the Dalai Lama and Bishop Desmond Tutu have with each other. I'm a big Dalai Lama fan, and had the greatest pleasure to be present when he was awarded the Templeton Prize a few years ago. He just can't help being mischievous, despite his deep wisdom and knowledge.

Morning Joe! Happy Saturday! What a lovely day. Hope you guys can get out and walk a bit.

Have you read Just Mercy? If not, this is your cuppa. It might end up being in the same ballpark as Evicted, which is high praise indeed.

Good afternoon, Joe. Sorry you went "swimming with the fishes" I hear that can be quite painful.
>156 jnwelch: I like the picture. Thanks for sharing.

I'd like to know the statistics of these marches compared to others in previous years. Has there ever been anything like this? Country-wide?

>178 Morphidae: - Just fyi, it's more like world-wide. Here in Canada, I just saw on the news that there were marches here in Toronto, in Montreal, in Vancouver and in Halifax (possibly more but those are the ones reported), as well as in several cities across Europe. The message is loud and clear for those who choose to hear it. Even for those who willfully refuse to hear it, actually. I think it's great!

Hope you guys had a successful march. I've been seeing photos from the various marches and it looks like some great turnouts!

>179 jessibud2: There was one here in Edmonton, another in Calgary, and they even had one in Lethbridge. CBC was reporting there were at least 30 marches in Canada.

>181 MickyFine: - Thanks for that update. I expected that there were probably many more and it's great to hear that.

Hi Joe, per your request these are my favorite restaurants in New Orleans. I thought I would post it on your thread, as others may be interested in learning about them as well. As you probably know, I "attended" (using the term very loosely) Tulane University in Uptown New Orleans for 3-1/2 years in the late 1970s and early 1980s, dated a classmate who was a native of the city, and had three sets of relatives who were longtime residents of the Crescent City. Many of these restaurants will be outside of the French Quarter or CBD (Central Business District), and are ones that cater more to locals than tourists, which is the key to getting the best food there.

I know that you and Debbi don't eat animal meat but do eat seafood, which will make it infinitely better to find outstanding food there, at least at the places I know well. I won't make any distinction between the meat and seafood dishes, but all of them, save for Central Grocery, the French Quarter shop where the muffuletta sandwich was created, serve excellent local seafood.

Starting in the French Quarter, though, my favorite NOLA restaurant, which is also arguably my favorite restaurant in the United States, is Restaurant R'evolution on Bienville near Bourbon in the French Quarter, which is located on the ground level of the Royal Sonesta Hotel. It's a relatively new restaurant compared with the classic Vieux Carré restaurants like Antoine's, Brennan's and Galatoire's, but I think it blows those establishments out of the (Mississippi River) water. It's definitely upscale and costly (roughly $100-110 for a full meal), and I would recommend dressing in a sportcoat and nice slacks to go there, although I don't think it's absolutely necessary. My favorite entrée there is Death by Gumbo, which is a visually appealing dish that features quail, Andouille sausage and oysters. The meat and filé rice are stuffed tightly into the quail, and when the dish is initially placed in front of you it doesn't look like much. However, as you release the contents it expands to fill the contents of the bowl, and the act of doing so is highly enticing and pleasurable. The roux of the gumbo is smoky, rich and complex, and the name of the dish is appropriate: I exclaimed "OMG!" at least twice the first time I had it, and I could have happily died after I finished it, as it was that good. This was the only gumbo I've ever had which clearly beat out the mind blowing seafood gumbo that my late great aunt Ella, who lived in Uptown New Orleans, made for special occasions. The Gulf Fish and Grits are also to die for, along with the Creole Louisiana Snapping Turtle Soup. I remember having some amazing Gulf scallops there, although I don't see it on the current menu, and the desserts are just as fabulous. The service is impeccable, and the waiters and waitresses are friendly, highly knowledgable, and passionate about the food. I had heard that the owners were going to open a restaurant in Chicago, but I forgot to look into it when I was there last summer.

Staying in the French Quarter, even though it's very touristy, you have to go to Café du Monde at least once, for beignets and café au lait or their famous chicory coffee. It's open 24/7, and we students often ended late nights with a plate of beignets there before we caught the St Charles streetcar back to campus. A ride on the streetcar is an absolute requirement, and I would recommend taking it the entire length of St Charles. If you exit on the stop just after it makes a right hand turn onto Carrollton you'll be within sight of The Camellia Grill, a classic NOLA restaurant that began operations just after World War II ended. It's my favorite place to get breakfast in the city; unfortunately many New Orleanians who live Uptown would say the same thing, and there is always a sizable line to get in from midmorning until early afternoon. Their omelets and grits are superb, and the pecan pie is heavenly.

There are two classic New Orleans sandwiches, the muffuletta and the po' boy. The "muff" was created roughly a century ago at Central Grocery in the French Quarter, not far from Jackson Square and Café du Monde, and IMO that is still the gold standard. You can get po' boys almost anywhere, including Mother's on Poydras at the edge of the CBD, which has been in existence for nearly 80 years and is where the débris (roast beef) po' boy was invented. Mother's is good, but it's become very touristy. Traditionally New Orleanians consider Domilise's on Annunciation near Tchoupitoulas (chop-ih-TOO-las) Uptown or Parkway Tavern in Mid-City to be the best places in the city to get po' boys. I don't think I've ever been to Parkway Tavern, but I can vouch for Domilise's, from my Tulane days and from my recent visits to the Crescent City, particularly their oyster po' boys. Domilise's is a classic hole-in-the-wall NOLA restaurant; the windowless building is lined with yellow aluminum siding, and the sign over the entrance looks as though it was painted by a six year old:



Domilise's is far off the beaten path from the CBD or French Quarter, unfortunately. You could get there by the St Charles streetcar, and when I was a student there you could take the Tchoupitoulas city bus, which was a short walk from there. The last two times I've been to New Orleans I rented a car, and I drove there. It's located in a safe neighborhood, fortunately.

Three of my recent favorite NOLA restaurants are both located on or just off of Tchoupitoulas in the Industrial District, close to the Ernest Morial New Orleans Convention Center, but within walking distance of the French Quarter and the CBD. Cochon Restaurant, similar to Restaurant R'evolution, opened relatively recently, but has quickly gained rave reviews and a loyal following for their upscale Cajun fare. Their alligator tail with aioli sauce is another dish to die for, and the rabbit with dumplings and the "fisherman's special" are both superb. Around the corner from Cochon is Cochon Butcher, which makes outstanding sandwiches and salads to take away. Both places are a short walk away from the convention center, and when I've attended pediatric conferences there Cochon and Cochon Butcher were our preferred lunch options. The other restaurant on Tchoupitoulas I'm very fond of is Tommy's Cuisine, which serves Italian and Creole fare and also serves as a jazz club. My favorite foods from there are the mouth watering Duck Tchoupitoulas and the sweetbreads (calf thymus and pancreas).

I'm getting very sleepy, so I'll stop here, although I'll post other NOLA recommendations tomorrow or sometime next week.

>179 jessibud2: Yeah, I know it's world-wide. But Trump and his cronies are barely going to care, if at all, about the marches HERE much less outside the country.

Joe, glad you were able to march today…"right foot, left foot"… I like that people have found a (mostly) peaceful way to make a statement. I love the gentle tone of your Angel poem, too…and the conversation about kindness. This is a very Zen thread!

Hope you had a great time at the Chicago March. I saw a picture and it looked so amazing. We went to the Portland March today, and it was awesome to see so many people out in the rain marching. And so many young people!

>175 Caroline_McElwee: Oh, I love that, Caroline. How great that you got to meet him. And it's make me happy that he's mischievous. I'm a big fan of the Dalai Lama, too. I'm looking forward to reading The Book of Joy.

>176 msf59: Hiya, Mark. Yes, we walked a lot in downtown Chicago in the Women's March. Gorgeous day. Huge group marching.

OK, I'll keep an eye out for Just Mercy.

>177 thearlybirdy: Ha! At least Caroline didn't make me wear concrete overshoes when she sent me swimming with the fishes, Birdy. I probably should keep a towel by the tank, for the next time she wants to talk to Ellie.

I'm glad you like that >156 jnwelch: one.

>178 Morphidae: I don't know the answer to that, Morphy, but it does seem like the marches were much larger and more widespread than expected - including some internationally. It was a great feeling being there.

>179 jessibud2: Thanks, Shelley. That's impressive! I think it's great, too. We're all going to need each other in the coming four years.

>180 ChelleBearss: It was a very successful march here, Chelle. Much, much bigger than predictions. Lots of very funny signs. One of our favorites was one with a picture of Princess Leia, with "A Woman's Place is in the Resistance."

I'll try to post some pics in a bit.

>181 MickyFine: That's terrific, Micky. They even had 4000 out marching in Helena, Montana, where my sister and BIL live.

There are an awful lot of us willing to help, to do what we can.

>182 jessibud2: :-)

>183 kidzdoc: Wow, Darryl, thanks! That's a lot of great info. We're going to print it out and take it with us. Debbi's read this, too.

>184 Morphidae: You may be right, Morphy. I still think the marches are important for all of us. Among other things, they're a bit of an antidote to his false claims of a "landslide victory" and a mandate. I'm hoping members of Congress pay more attention than he does. Also, I'm hoping the marchers do more than just march, and are invested in resisting. Also, also, there were a whole lot of kids at ours and, from photos, it looks like others. We let them down, but this may help give them hope and a fighting spirit.

>185 Donna828: This is a very Zen thread! Ha! I love it, Donna. I can't think of a better way for it to be. And I didn't even think of the "right foot, left foot" connection - you're right!

Oh good, I'm glad you like the gentle tone of the poem. It felt like the right time for it. And thank you for the "Be Kind" - yes. I didn't carry a sign, but I said to our daughter that if I had, it would have said "Kindness".

OK, we're off to get some coffee and take a walk. Be back later. Hope everyone is having a good Sunday.

>187 jnwelch: I didn't actually meet him Joe, I was just sitting quite near when he got his award. There were 2000 people at the event at St Pauls Cathedral.





Later while he was placing scarves over the heads of the dignatories in attendance, the wonderful Jessye Norman sang again. As the song was drawing to an end, the Dalai has one remaining scarf for her, but she was still singing, so he pretended to lasso her. He has the most twinkly mischievous eyes, and moved forward and did it again, Ms Norman totally unaware of why the audience were chuckling, but amused when she found out.

Morning, Joe! Happy Sunday to you!

>186 banjo123: We did have a great time at the Chicago March, Rhonda, thanks. It was uplifting to be with so many kindred spirits, and to express something positive in a challenging time.

I'll bet you had a great turnout in Portland. Yes - tons of young people in ours, too. That's where the future lies, thank goodness. We oldsters, collectively, really let them down. But there's hope for what's coming.

>192 Caroline_McElwee: Thanks for the pics of the Dalai Lama, Caroline! In St. Paul's - how wonderful, and how great you could be there. I love his playfulness with Jessye Norman. Joy, that's him. He fully appreciates the gift we've all been given.

>193 Crazymamie: Morning, Mamie! Happy Sunday! I'm sure it's a good one at the Pecan Paradisio.

OK, here are some pics from yesterday's Chicago Women's March.

Gathering on Michigan Ave near the Art Institute before it started



Marching west on Jackson toward Federal Plaza

Joe, did you wear a pink hat?

Morning, Joe! Good on you and yours for marching!

>188 jnwelch: >191 jnwelch: You're right. I'm sorry. It's not that I don't think the marches are awesome. I believe that they are one huge symbol of hope that maybe the next four years aren't going to be a complete disaster. I had just read the stupid announcement that White House released about "inaccurate inauguration numbers" and was feeling frustrated and depressed.

Happy Sunday, Joe! Hooray for attending the March! It was so great to see so many of my LT and other bookish pals participate in this important movement. I am not sure I have ever seen the "left" this charged and we will NEED it to continue.

Enjoy your day. I will be starting The Mammy. Just sayin'...

Hi Joe--Your thread was wonderful to read today, with the poetry and the Dali Lama and >143 mirrordrum: 's beautiful explanation of the power of a smile. Thanks! I needed this. : )

>196 jessibud2: Ha! None of us had a pink hat on, Shelley. But we were all thinking pink thoughts.

>197 scaifea: Thanks, Amber. Kudos should really go to Becca, who has difficulty when she's packed in crowds. She was determined to do it anyway. The train downtown was the hardest for her - so many folks participating!

>198 Morphidae: Right, no worries, Morphy. If he pays any attention to all the marches, I expect Trump will come up with one of his lies to divert attention - the numbers were inflated by illegal immigrants and photoshopping, that kind of thing.

>199 msf59: Happy Sunday, Mark! Yes, I agree - including that we WILL need this kind of participation to continue.

Great - you'll have a good time with The Mammy - was it the Mamie who originally rec'd it to us?

>200 Berly: Oh, good, Kim. Me, too. We all need it, right? I'm going to re-read Ellie's right after this.

By Sylwia Telari

>204 jnwelch: Yes, please. That looks like just the thing for a rainy afternoon.

>205 Crazymamie: Doesn't it, Mamie? We just need Mayhem to grow a bit bigger . . .

>204 jnwelch: Oh, wow. Me wants.

204 - Love it!

Wonderful to see everyone hit the streets. Unprecedented I think, but then Mr Trump does like a first.

I think you will like the artist Jackie Morris, if you've not come n her before Joe: https://www.facebook.com/TheHouseofGoldenDreams

>204 jnwelch: Thanks for sharing, I really like that the cat is sort of see through. >206 jnwelch: If Mayhem gets that big, I don't know how we will ever get him to behave. Hope your having a good day, Joe.

>207 Morphidae:, >208 jessibud2: Right, Morphy and Shelley?

>209 Caroline_McElwee: Agreed, Caroline. I had no idea the Marches would be so widespread, or have such big numbers. Wonderful.

>210 thearlybirdy: You're welcome, Birdy. Yes, you're right, the cat in >206 jnwelch: is sort of see through. The food bill would be mind-boggling for a Mayhem that big, too. :-)

I am having a good day, thanks. We got some important errands done, and had a very fine long walk in not too bad January weather. Now I'm watching the NFL playoffs - right now Atlanta is kicking Green Bay's tail. Hope you're having a good one, too.

There were some awesome signs. I liked the one that said Dumbledore's Army, Still recruiting.

Hey Joe, great pics of the march. My husband was there (also on Friday in front of Trump Tower), but I had a commitment at 3, and was afraid I might not get back in time, what with all the people. Even our downstairs neighbors went--she's a CPS elementary school principal. I hope this has energized people and that this isn't a one-time thing. Even though I missed this one, I kinda think Trump will be sure to provide plenty of opportunities to march in the next 4 years!

>212 ChelleBearss: - My friend in Florida just emailed me a pic of another great one. It was a sign, written on a pink poster board and it said: IKEA has better Cabinets.

Cracked me right up. Without mentioning a single name, the message was loud and clear!

>212 ChelleBearss: Ha! I like that one, too, Chelle.

>213 kac522: Thanks, Kathy. Sorry you couldn't do it, but good for your husband. Yes, I think there will be a lot of opportunities to march and join the resistance in the next four years!

>214 jessibud2: LOL! Yes, someone had that one in Chicago, too, Shelley. Lots of clever folks out there.

>214 jessibud2: I need a like button for that one!

>214 jessibud2: Good one!!

>214 jessibud2: Nice one, indeed! :)

Morning, Joe!

Morning, Joe. I hope you have a good week. Any plans?

Finally started A Gentleman in Moscow Joe, and loving it. Right from the Oscar Wildish trial at the start, the characters named for Tolstoy and Dostoyevsky characters, the chapter headings all beginning with A, and on and on... Just about to start Book Two.

>216 Morphidae:, >217 Berly:, >218 drneutron: :-)

>219 scaifea: Morning, Amber!

>220 thearlybirdy: Morning, Birdy. Thanks. Hope you have a good one, too. Plans so far involve coffee. There are rumors of a workout and trip to Staples when I've woken up. Not heading into work is #1 on the agenda. :-)

>221 Caroline_McElwee: Oh good, Caroline. A Gentleman in Moscow - what a charmer. This is one of those where I envy you reading it for the first time.

>221 Caroline_McElwee: Hooray for another A Gentleman in Moscow reader! We will get everyone on the Mighty 75, on board with the Count!

Morning Joe! Happy Monday! Back to gloom again, but better than a snowstorm.

Bree goes horseback riding on Mondays, so I think I will join her this afternoon. I have not been on a horse, in a few years. Yee-Haw!

Great pictures of the March, Joe. Good for you for showing your solidarity. You were all lucky to get a sunny day. I hope that the marches continue.

Morning, Joe!

Good morning, Joe. Do you have any waffles?
Preferably with lots of syrup.

Sorry, I didn't mean to post again. My computer just decided to post my first post twice. Anyway I found this for you.

>224 msf59: Yes, great to see the readership for A Gentleman in Moscow growing, Mark. Go Count Rostov!

Took me until Tuesday to get back to you, so Happy Tuesday!

How cool that you can go horseback riding with Bree. I'd need the calmest, most rider-friendly horse they have at this point. Looking forward to hearing about your adventures. Is Tonto joining you? :-)

>225 Familyhistorian: Thanks, Meg. There was a lot of talk about how the goddesses were smiling down on the sunny march. It was like a Spring day. Yes, I hope the momentum continues, too. We're all going to need each other, aren't we.

>226 scaifea: Morning, Amber!

>227 thearlybirdy: Good morning, Birdy. Do you want me to talk to that mom of yours about making waffles available? :-) Nah, I'm like you - it's more fun to eat out, and our prices are reasonable, seems to me. Here you go.

>225 Familyhistorian: Ha! It's not easy to post twice these days, Birdy. Usually you get that "Duplicate post" notice. So you should feel a sense of accomplishment. Once I managed to simultaneously open two new cafes. I was quite confused proud.

LOL! I loved that line in the Dr. Strange movie, Birdy. Thanks.

>232 jnwelch: - ^That's funny! :-)

Howdy, Joe! Happy Tuesday. We leave later tomorrow afternoon. I hope to wrap up The Mammy by then. It is a gem of a book.

Had a fun time riding. They have calm, friendly horses. You cracked me up with, your horse "Fred". Snickers...

And I would love Tonto to join me next time.

>233 jessibud2: :-) She's a very progressive queen, Shelley.

>234 msf59: Happy Tuesday, buddy. Sounds like a very cool (warmish?) trip to AZ. Isn't The Mammy a gem? The Mamie wouldn't steer us wrong.

Isn't that Fred story a hoot? I'm glad they had calm, friendly horses. That helps when you're not a regular rider, right? (It helps when you are, too, I'm sure, now that I think about it).

Ha! Yes, I immediately thought of you and Tonto. Hiyo, Silver! Just don't fistfight in heaven.

>235 jnwelch: No fistfights for me, Joe. I am a lover. Plus I would never hit Tonto! She is adorable. Grins...

>235 jnwelch: - Joe, a friend told me about a very fun book, called Mrs. Queen Takes the Train which she compared, in delight, to The Uncommon Reader. I haven't read it yet, myself but she says that in it, the queen does yoga! She told me that the queen escapes Buckingham palace and hops onto a train to Scotland! Sounds like quite the romp and I want to find it.

>232 jnwelch: I love that. The teapots make it for me I think...

>236 msf59: :-) Maybe Sherman Alexie will write a sequel with no fistfight, Mark. Good point re Tonto.

>237 jessibud2: Oh, I LOVED Mrs. Queen Takes the Train, Shelley. Yes, it will make you think, in a good way, of The Uncommon Reader. Well worth your finding it. "Quite the romp" fits.

>238 charl08: Yes, I'm the same way with the teapot and cup, Charlotte. Their steam lifting her adds to the whimsy, and somehow makes it all work.

It's the "Mind the gap" that I grinned over.

>232 jnwelch: very funny.

>224 msf59: >229 jnwelch: well I can imagine you guys wanting to play Count for a while ha. Your next meet up perhaps. Maybe Moscow is too far to go, but is there a version of The Metropol in Chicago? Somewhere you can put your best waistcoats on?

>232 jnwelch: Wow, she's still so flexible.

>240 drneutron: :-) A new take on mindfulness, Jim.

>241 Caroline_McElwee: Glad you like it, Caroline. Ha! A Count Rostov dress-up meet-up. There's a mind-boggler for you. Maybe you could make a guest appearance as Sofia?

>242 DianaNL: Ha! She's amazing, isn't she, Diana. No doubt this is part of her longevity.

>241 Caroline_McElwee: I like the idea, Caroline. But I totally lack the refinement of our dear Count. I would probably be Trumpish, to say the least.

Morning Joe! Only a few pages left in The Mammy. I will have to hunt down book 2. Thanks for the nudge.

Bree is taking us to the airport, at 1:30. It will come around quick.

>244 msf59: Trumpish? I think not, my dear Count. :-) Your being a reader alone distances you far from that alternate fact world. Not to mention the sophisticated beer palate.

>245 msf59: Morning Mark! Ah, it always feels good to have a pal enjoy a book you've enjoyed, right? Nudge credits probably go mostly to our Mamie. I'd never heard of this one before her. I want to read the second, too.

Oh yeah. Travel day! That's a good daughter you have. Have a great time in AZ!

Morning, Joe! No school today for Charlie, we just heard - we have 5 inches of snow from overnight, and now there's freezing rain to boot...

>244 msf59: NOOOO Mark, there is surely only one Trump, an anomaly rather than an original though!

>243 jnwelch: I've yet to meet Sofia Joe.

Good morning, Joe.
>230 jnwelch: Those waffles look so yummy.
>231 jnwelch: I don't know what I would do if I accidentally created two threads at once. I loved that line in Doctor Strange too.

Okay, the Trumpish comparison was definitely an Alt-Fact. Sorry, guys!

And Long Live the Count!!

>247 scaifea: Morning, Amber!

Wow, that one surprised me. None of that down south here. Sounds like it must be a mess on the roads with freezing rain added. Enjoy a snow day with our friend Charlie.

>248 Caroline_McElwee: Oh, Sofia. As they say in Hamilton, Just you wait, Just you wait. :-)

>249 thearlybirdy: Good morning, Birdy. So nice to have you stopping by on a regular basis.

Glad the waffles hit the spot. My two threads confused everybody, including me. We finally settled on one of them.

>250 msf59: Long Live the Count! Yeah, oafish, or galumphish, but never Trumpish. Go Mark!

>252 jnwelch: how about "uffish"?

The Bellman looked uffish, and wrinkled his brow.
"If only you'd spoken before!
It's excessively awkward to mention it now,
With the Snark, so to speak, at the door!

Just a big wave before, you make a new thread, Joe.
Happy Wednesday.

>253 magicians_nephew: LOL! A bit Snark-y, Jim, but good for you for Hunt-ing it down. We have a Beaver who galumphs, and a Bellman who looks uffish. Oafish, uffish, or galumphish, but never Trumpish.

"The Beaver went simply galumphing about,
At seeing the Butcher so shy:
And even the Baker, though stupid and stout,
Made an effort to wink with one eye."

You've made my day, callooh, callay!

"And my heart is like nothing so much as a bowl
Brimming over with quivering curds!"

Some other favorite lines:

" His intimate friends called him "Candle-ends,"
And his enemies "Toasted-cheese."

And wouldn't it be fun to use these as a teacher?

"The method employed I would gladly explain,
While I have it so clear in my head,
If I had but the time and you had but the brain—
But much yet remains to be said."

Just be very careful that the Snark is not a Boojum!

>254 Ameise1: Hiya, Barbara. A big wave back.

That's a good reminder. I should scout out a location for the newest cafe.