Barbara (Ameise1)'s world (6)

Welcome on my sixth thread.

Zürich is a fountain town
Wells contribute a lot to the quality of life in the city. This was formerly the case and has not changed to this day.

As I said on my previous thread I intend to show some of the beautiful fountains as an entry point during the warm season.

   

January
# 1 the Cold Six Thousand by James Ellroy 2017 ROOT Challenge (4½ stars)
# 2 The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead (5 stars)
# 3 The Collected Short Stories of Elizabeth Bowen by Elizabeth Bowen (4½ stars)
# 4 Geraubte Liebe by Dacia Maraini (4½ stars)
# 5 Fragrant harbour by John Lanchester (4½ stars)
# 6 North and South by Elizabeth Gaskill (4 stars)
# 7 The Winter Vault by Anne Michaels (3½ stars)

February
# 8 The Hare with Amber Eyes by Edmund de Waal (5 stars)
# 9 Kiss Kiss by Roald Dahl (4 stars)
#10 Dogs at the Perimeter by Madeleine thien (4 stars)
#11 Last Night at the Lobster by Stewart O'Nan (4 stars)
#12 I Shall Wear Midnight by Terry Pratchett (3½ stars)
#13 Place de l'Étoile by Patrick Modiano (4½ stars)
#14 I Will Have Vengeance by Maurizio de Giovanni 2017 ROOT Challenge (4½ stars)
#15 The Spy Who Came In From The Cold by John Le Carré (4 stars)
#16 The Reluctant Hero by Michael Dobbs 2017 ROOT Challenge (4 stars)
#17 The Sacred Cut by David Hewson 2017 ROOT Challenge (4½ stars)
#18 Miss Buncle's Book by D. E. Stevenson (4 stars)
#19 Julia by Otto de Kat (4 stars)

March
#20 The Devil's Cave by Martin Walker (4½ stars)
#21 Dr. Jekill and Mr. Hide by Robert Louis Stevenson (4 stars)
#22 Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys (4½ stars)
#23 Benegas by Francisco José Jurado (4 stars)
#24 Töte deinen Nächsten by Michael Herzig (4½ stars)
#25 Every Day Is For the Thief by Teju Cole (5 stars)
#26 Mord unterm Nordlicht (3½ stars)
#27 Beyond Reach by Graham Hurley 2017 ROOT Challenge (4 stars)

April
#28 Oil On Water by Helon Habila (4 stars)
#29 The Ocean At The End Of The Lane by Neil Gaiman (4 stars)
#30 The Marseille Caper by Peter Mayle (4½ stars)
#31 Red Mandarin Dress by Qiu Xiaolong 2017 ROOT Challenge (4½ stars)
#32 Whisky für drei alte Damen by Minna Lindgren (4 Stars)
#33 The Secret Chord by Geraldine Brooks (4½ stars)
#34 Rom, Rom by Pier Paolo Pasolini (4½ stars)
#35 A Room Full Of Bones by Elly Griffiths (4½ stars)
#36 Nutshell by Ian MacEwan (3½ stars)
#37 Friday the Rabbi Slept Late by Harry Kemelman (4½ stars)
#38 Saturday the Rabbi Went Hungry by Harry Kemelman (4½ stars)
#39 The Bookshop by Penelope Fitzgerald (4 stars)

May
#40 A Trick of the Light by Louise Penny 2017 ROOT Challenge (4½ stars)
#41 Lewis Man by Peter May (4½ stars)
#42 Murder On Brittany Shores by Jean-Luc Bannalec (4 stars)
#43 The Literature Express by Lasha Bugadze (3 stars)
#44 State of Wonder by Ann Patchett (4½ stars)
#45 The Price of Salt by Patricia Highsmith (4 stars)
#46 Sunday the Rabbi Stayed Home by Harry Kemelman (4 stars)

American Author Challenge 2017

January: skipped
February (Stewart O'Nan): Last Night at the Lobster (2017-02-11)
August: (Patricia Highsmith): The Price of Salt (2017-05-13)
October: (Ann Pratchett): State of Wonder (2017-05-09)

British Author Challenge 2017

January
The Collected Stort Stories of Elizabeth Bowen by Elizabeth Bowen read in German (2017-01-06)
February
I Shall Wear Midnight by Terry Pratchett Listen in German (2017-02-15)
March
The Spy Who Came In From The Cold by John Le Carré Listen in German (2017-02-21)
Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys (2017-03-02)
July
Miss Buncle's Book by D. E. Stevenson (2017-02-27)
Dr. Jekill and Mr. Hide by Robert Louis Stevenson (2017-03-02)
September
Nutshell by Ian MacEwan (2017-04-22)
October
Kiss Kiss by Roald Dahl (2017-02-05)
December
North and South by Elizabeth Gaskill read in German (2017-01-18)
The Ocean At The End Of The Lane by Neil Gaiman read in German (2017-04-02)

Canadian Author Challenge 2017

January
The Winter Vault by Anne Michaels (2017-01-29)
February
Dogs at the Perimeter by Madeleine Thien (2017-02-07)
May
A Trick of the Light by Louise Penny (2017-05-01)

Take It or Leave It Challenge


January
2.: Read a book with a compound word in the title
The collected Short Stories of Elizabeth Bowen (German title: Sommernacht) 2017-01-06
3.: Read a book from a best of or notable books of 2016, name the list
The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead 2017-01-04
6.: Read a book whose title includes at least two of the same number
The Cold Six Thousand by James Ellroy 2017-01-02

February
5.: Read a book where both “humor” and “romance” are words listed in the tags for that book
Miss Buncle's Book by D. E. Stevenson 2017-02-27
12.: Read a book where the title starts with the last letter of the previous title
The Reluctant Hero by Michael Dobbs 2017-02-23
17.:Read a book by an author whose full name is at least 5 syllables long
Place de l'Étoile by Patrick Modiano 2017-02-15
18.: Read a book with a title word beginning with "L"
Last Night at the Lobster by Stewart O'Nan 2017-02-11
19.: Read a memoir by a living author of a different gender from yours
The Hare with Amber Eyes by Edmund de Wall 2017-02-04
20.: Read a book whose title only contains one noun
I Shall Wear Midnight by Terry Pratchett 2017-02-15

March
2.: Read a book set in a real country other than the US, Great Britain, France or Germany. Name the country.
Töte deinen Nächsten by Michael Herzig (Switzerland) 2017-03-08
4.: Read a book by a female author with a female main character
Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys 2017-03-02
5.: Read a book by an author who publishes under three names
Benegas by Francisco José Jurado (4 stars) 2017-03-05
6.: Read a book with "day" or "light" in the title or author's name
Mord unterm Nordlicht 2017-03-12
7.: Read a book where the author's first or last name has exactly five letters
Dr. Jekill and Mr. Hide by Robert Louis Stevenson 2017-03-02
11.: Read a book written by an author who has won a Windham Campbell Prize
Every Day Is For the Thief by Teju Cole 2017-03-11
14.: Read a book with a title which has the last letter of the previous title in the middle
Beyond Reach by Graham Hurley 2017-03-26
15.: Read a book that holds an odd-numbered position in a series
The Devil's Cave by Martin Walker 2017-03-01

April
1.: Read a book whose title has two words sharing one adjacent letter across those two words
The Ocean At The End Of The Lane by Neil Gaiman read in German (2017-04-02)
4.: In honor of the 4th month, read a book with a 4 word title
Der Coup von Marseille by Peter Mayle (2017-04-05)
5.: Read a book that has much to do with religion
The Secret Chord by Geraldine Brooks 2017-04-16
7.: Going on a Picnic: read a book with a title starting with the first letter of your LT username
A Room Full Of Bones by Elly Griffiths 2017-04-16
8.: Read a book by an author who has worked at a newspaper
Rom, Rom by Pier Paolo Pasolini 2017-04-16
11.: Read a book where the author shares a first name with a member of your family
Whisky für drei alte Damen by Minna Lindgren 2017-04-13
12.: Read a book whose title begins with the letters of APRILGRAP (Aprils fool in Dutch) in rolling fashion
Red Mandadrin Dress by Qiu Xiaolong 2017-04-10
13.: Easter Egg Hunt: Read a book with the word egg or eggs in the title or text
Nutshell by Ian MacEwan (2017-04-22)

May
1.: Read a book which has on page 113 a mode of transportation used by people
State of Wonder by Ann Pratchett (2017-05-09)
2.: Read a book with a title that mentions or describes the main character
Carol oder Salz und sein Preis by Patricia Highsmith (2017-05-12)
8.: Read a book where the author's name is also a (common) word
Lewis Men by Peter May (2017-05-03)
9.: Read a book where the first word on p40 starts with a capital letter
A Trick of the Light by Louise Penny (2017-05-01)
11.: "This Must Be The Place" Read a book whose title refers to a place or location
Murder On Brittany Shores by Jean-Luc Bannalec (2017-05-04)

currently reading

 The Sea Detective

currently listening

 In The Woods

Happy new thread, Barbara!!

Happy new thread, Barbara!

On your current reads: I have read the Dutch translation of The bookshop last year. Sadly A trick of the light is among the not translated books of the series. The same with The Lewis Man, so I bought it as e-book in English, I started it but it was too difficult to read in English. Maybe I try again some day.

>9 scaifea: Thanks so much, Amber. Since you are first here a specialty to today in Zürich. We are celebrating our spring festival 'Sechsilüüte' with a large parade of our medieval guilds in their old costumes and crafts. At six o'clock the Böög (snowman), which is filled with fireworks, is lit on the large wooden bump. As soon as his head crumbles, the spring begins for us. If this happens quickly, it promises to be a nice summer, but it takes a long time, then there is a wet summer. On this occasion there are various specialties to eat, among other things, this sweetness I give to you.

>10 FAMeulstee: Thanks so much, Anita. Sorry that the English version doesn't work for you. I've always the feeling that English isn't a problem for you. I'm in the middle of The Bookshop and so far I like it.

>12 Ameise1: I can read childrens books and YA in English, Barbara, but more complicated books are too difficult.
Glad you do like The bookshop, as I was a bit disappointed by it!

>13 FAMeulstee: When I started to read books in Enlish I read for two years only in English. That helped very much.

It's a lovely book. Do you remember why you were a bit disappointed.

>1 Ameise1: Thanks for sharing these images of fountains. They are all so lovely.

>15 Whisper1: You're welcome, Linda. It's so wonderful to see you posting. Wishing you a painfree day.

Thank you for your kindness. Lately, I'm struggling, but overall, life is good and there is nothing to complain about.

>17 Whisper1: Linda you are my hero. I seldom met a person full of pain who sees so much positive things in life. I'm blessed to meet you even it is only virtually.
Thanks so much for this lovely gif.

>14 Ameise1: That would help, Barbara, only read in English for some time. Two years is a long time, I think six months would do, but I am not ready to commit myself for such a long time. So many books to read and reading in Dutch so much faster ;-)
I liked some parts of The bookshop, but disliked how it ended. I gave it 3 stars.

>19 FAMeulstee: I can understand when owing lots of books in Dutch that you prefer reading them.
I haven't finished it yet, so I report later.

Barbara! Happy new thread. Love the toppers and wish you a very happy day.

>21 Berly: Thanks so much, Kim. I spent most of the afternoon in the garden.

Happy new thread, Barbara!
*whispers* I wouldn't mind one of those snowman cupcakes.

>23 mstrust: Thanks so much, Jennifer. There are some more in the kitchen. ;-)

Hello, Barbara! What a lovely thread. I love the pictures you share.

I see that you read some of the Rabbi mysteries. I enjoyed them when I read them. They were even more interesting to me because they are set in a town very close to where I grew up.

Happy New Thread, Barbara.

Fountains are such great urban decorations and gathering places. Thanks for posting the ones in >1 Ameise1:.

>25 Matke: Thanks so much, Gail. I like the Rabbi Small series very much and I believe you that it must be more interesting when living in the neighbourhood and knowing all places.

>26 jnwelch: You're very welcome, Joe. We do have lots of different fountains from different epochs.

Happy new thread Barbara my dear and great thread topper photo's, sending love and hugs.

>29 johnsimpson: Thanks so much, John. I'm glad you like zhe fountains. Love and hugs right back to you.

Happy new thread, Barbara!

Happy Tuesday, Barbara! Today was beautiful! Sunny and warm at about 16 - 17 C. Happy New Thread and Happy Sechsilüüte!

>11 Ameise1: Thanks very much for that! It looks delicious! And the festival sounds amazing - thanks for the description!

Happy new thread, Barbara. xx

Happy New Thread, Barb! Hooray for Zurich fountains!

Happy Tuesday, Barbara, I hope the zoo visit was fun today.

>31 DianaNL: Thanks so much, Diana. Happy Brithday to you. FB reminded me ;-)

>32 vancouverdeb: Thanks so much, Deb. Glad to hear that you had a wonderful day. The Sechsilüüte weather was wonderful.

Happy Tuesday and happy new thread, Barbara!

I'm intrigued by the spring festival 'Sechsilüüte'. Thanks for sharing.

>33 scaifea: You're welcome, Amber. It took only 9.56 minutes until the head of the snowman blew off. That means we should a a most wonderful summer. We'll see if it is so.

>34 PaulCranswick: Thanks so much, Paul.

>35 msf59: Thanks so much, Mark. I'm glad you like the fountains. We've lots more and some I'll post on my next thread.

>36 FAMeulstee: Thanks so much, Anita. I'm back from my zoo trip. We were lucky because where the zoo is the weather was nice whereas at school they had a rainy day. After the zoo we took the ship for 40 minutes and were able to sit outside. Only at the end it started to rain but then we took the train back to school.

>39 karenmarie: Thanks so much, Karen. Sechsilüüte is a very old Zürich tradition. As a kid I took part because my Dad and godfather were members of a guild. It was always a big event.

That's me three years old before the Sechsilüüte started.

Happy new thread!

>45 drneutron: Thanks so much, Jim.

book 39 Read in German

 The Bookshop

This is a sad story. Florence Green opened a bookstore in the faith of her village and her a favour to do. Unfortunately this was not the case. From the first moment on, they were just putting stones in the way. She was exploited and departed. She only got support from Mr. Bundish, but in the end this did not help either. She had to admit defeat and leave.
I like how Fitzgerald can draw such a strong picture in a few words.

Next reading:

 A Trick of the Light

>44 Ameise1: Wonderful photo, Barbara! You were a happy girl - and so well-dressed! Was that part of the tradition?

I'm glad you're reading more Louise Penny. Her plots can be preposterous, IMO, but she's such a good storyteller that her magic works on me every time.

>49 jnwelch: Yes, the costumes of the guild my family belonged are from the Biedermeier era (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biedermeier)

To be frank, it's my first Louise Penny book. So far I like it.

Happy new thread, Barbara. I love the fountains. What a beautiful city.

>51 BLBera: Thanks so much, Beth. I'm glad you like the fountains. Even Zürich is the biggest city of Switzerland it is a small cosy city in comparison to the metropoles around the world.

Happy new thread, Barbara I hope your wonderful summer prediction comes true!

>53 Familyhistorian: Me too, Meg. Thanks so much. Today it's raining. Ok it's spring and not summer.

Stay dry!! Happy Wednesday.

Hello, Barbara!

I have to get round to Louise Penny soon...

>55 Berly: Thanks so much, Kim for this colourful photo. It was even snowing this morning.

>56 scaifea: Hello Amber. It's my first Louise Penny and I like it so far.

Checking in on the new thread, Barbara! Happy Wednesday!

I hope you enjoy your foray into Louise Penny's books. I really like the series. The first one, Still Life is the weakest IMHO, but it helps set the stage for happenings later on in the series.

Hi Barbara and happy Wednesday, even if it's been raining, and snowing.

>44 Ameise1: How adorable! You looked so happy and excited. I love your outfit and your hair in ringlets, too. Thank you for sharing.

I hope the 9.56 seconds does mean a wonderful summer. We, on the other hand, will have high heat, humidity, and bugs. Summer in North Carolina is my least favorite season. Sigh.

>44 Ameise1: Aaaww, what a lovely picture. You were clearly very much looking forward to the Sechsilüüte, the parade and the sweets (the one in the other pic looks super delicious!) :D
And yay for a quickly exploded snowman head and a sunny summer!

>59 alcottacre: Thanks so much, Stasia. I really like this Penny and I'm thinking about to start this series one day properly.

>60 karenmarie: Thanks so much, Karen. It was always great fun and we were looking forward which costume we would get.

Sorry to hear that your summer isn't so wonderful

>61 Deern: Thanks so much, Nathalie. I had lots of wonderful Sechsilüüte with all zhe goodies and flowers. The last one I took part was in 1982.

I hope that we'll get a beautiful summer but not too hot.

>44 Ameise1: aaaa, that is super sweet! Are you really only three years old in that! The dress must be so small!

>47 Ameise1: I could probably go a reread of this one!!

Sweet Thursday, Barb. Rain here today but at least there is no snow. Yah!

Happy Thursday, Barbara!

>65 LovingLit: Yep, I was only three years old and we had dresses for all ages.

>66 msf59: It was another freezing wet day, Mark. A friend called out an announcement:
The small January would be so kind to leave April.

>67 karenmarie: Thanks so much, Karen. It was a long day with lots of meetings.

Happy new thread, Barbara! I love the photos of fountains in Zürich.

Ooh ! Such dreadful weather! We have finally had a week of 16 - 17 C and mainly sunny days! That has been wonderful!

>71 kidzdoc: You're welcome, Darryl. I'm glad you like them.

>72 vancouverdeb: I'm glad to hear that your weather has improved. You remember the spring photos of my garden I posted on my last two threads? Well, we are back to cold and white currently. Enjoy your warm spring weather, Deb.

I thought I had commented on your new thread when I was here on Monday, but apparently not. I love that picture of you in costume, Barbara!

>75 ronincats: Thanks so much, Roni. We had always lots of fun.

I am enjoying our lovely spring weather, Barbara! It was supposed to be cloudy and rainy for most of the week -but we've had sunshine instead, which has been lovely. Sorry about your snow.

Happy Saturday, Barb. Sorry, to hear about your weather. We are cool and rainy here. We WANT spring back!!

>44 Ameise1: What an adorable picture. You look very excited!

You've reminded me that I need to read The Bookshop soon; I've had it on the kindle for some time now.

Glad you're liking the Louise Penny. I read The Brutal Telling as my first Penny and was deeply impressed. I like her earlier work much more than her more recent books.

I hope things warm up for you soon. We've started summer, I guess. Very hot and humid here.

>77 vancouverdeb: Hi Deb, luckily yesterday and today we have lovely spring weather. Unfortunately the forecast predicts another cold wet days for the upcoming week.
Happy Sunday.

>78 msf59: Happy Sunday, Mark. We have a lovely weekend but the upcoming week will be awful like the last one.

>79 Matke: You're welcome, Gail. The Bookshop was a good but sad reading. I'm looking forward what your opinion will be.
I like my Louise Penny book and will but the first one of this series on my wishlist.

Happy Sunday.

Yesterday after doing my shopping on the farmers market I went to the library and came back with the following:

 The Literature Express  The Price Of Salt  State Of Wonder

And now my spring break is starting. The upcoming week I'm mostly at home doing some things for school and the second week I'm going to the Black Forest (GER) for wellness and spa. So I'll get plenty of reading time.

How lovely, Barbara - two weeks for spring break. I hope you have a wonderful time, both at home and at the spa!

>85 karenmarie: Thanks so much, Karen. Currently, I'm reading in the garden.

Happy Sunday, Barb. Lots of rain here. Good day to spend with the books.

Hope you have a good one too.

>87 msf59: Happy Sunday, Mark. I have a fabulous day.

Have a great break!
You know that I'm picturing the Black Forest as being a place where people eat Black Forest Cake every day.

>89 mstrust: Thanks so much, Jennifer. I will post photos. :-)

Glad you're having a good break Barbara. I love your Spa pictures, will look forward to seeing which of the beautiful dishes you order!

I have wishlisted the Literature Express. Looks interesting!

>91 charl08: Thanks so much, Charlotte. I'm looking forward to it.

I just saw this book on the shelf of my library and thought it could be interesting.

Happy reading in your spring break, Barbara!

>93 FAMeulstee: Thanks so much, Anita.

Hi Barbara, enjoy your two week spring break my dear, hope you got some good reading done in the garden today. The weather over here has been nice for the last few days which was good for the Tour De Yorkshire cycle race and I have finished two books over the last two days. Have a lovely break dear friend and enjoy your wellness and spa break in Germany, sending love and hugs.

Hurrah for spring break, Barbara! Replenish your energy levels--it looks like you are planning to do just that.

Happy Spring Break! I hope you get some good reading in!

Have a lovely spring break! Oh the Black Forest next week! Enjoy yourself, Barbara!

book 40

 A Trick of the Light
CAC May

This is the seventh volume of the Chief Inspector Armand Gamache Series, but for me the first book that I've read from this series. It is captivating and I will read this series from the beginning.
This book is about envy and misery within the art scene. A woman is found dead. She herself was an artist and critic. With her second profession, she has already led many artists into psychological and financial ruin. This is why a large number of people are considered murderers. Gamache and his team are approaching this case meticulously and with great emotion.

>95 johnsimpson: Thanks so much, John. I spent many hours in the garden and did some great reading. Today the weather changed and we are back to rain. So I'm reading in the house.

>96 ronincats: Thanks so much, Roni. Spring break si always meant to have time for myself without the family. I like this time, it gives me the opportunity to refuel my batteries.

>97 drneutron: Thanks so much, Jim. I take a suitcase full of books in my wellness holidays.

>98 vancouverdeb: Thanks so much, Deb. I'm really looking forward to it. I feel like I'm at home.

Next reading:

 The Literature Express

I hope you have a lovely break, Barbara.

Hi Barbara, and happy Monday to you!

>99 Ameise1: A Trick of the Light was one of my favorites in the series, Barbara. I think reading the series from the beginning is a good idea now that you have had a good experience with Gamache and the world of Three Pines.

book 41 ♫ Read in German

 Lewis Man

Fin Macleod is back on Isle of Lewis when he learned of the bog body. While he renovated his house, his old girlfriend asked him for help, as her demented father Tormed Macdonald was thrown more or less out of the house and now lives in a nursing home. Fin finds out through the conversations and inquiries who Tormed Macdonald is in reality and what connects him with the bog body. An ancient murder is solved.
This is the second volume of the Lewis Trilogy series. It was gripping and exciting from the first to the last page.

book 42 ♫ Read in German

 Murder On Brittany Shores

Commissaire Dupin arrives this time on the Glénan Islands. Important people no longer returned from a boat trip. Three bodies are found and Dupin and his team have to find out what happened. Since on the islands the mobile network does not work optimally, Dupin and his people are often not reachable, which is right for him on the one hand, his boss is on his neck for rapid results on the other hand, they can not always communicate among themselves. A storm forces Dupin and his team to stay on the islands and are thus completely separated from the mainland. This, however, gives him the time to go to the bottom of the assassinations, and he also resolves a ten-year-old unresolved murder.
This is the second volume from the Commissaire Dupin series. It was a gripping amusing reading.

Next Listening:

 In The Woods

>105 lunacat: Thanks so much, Jennifer. So far it was very busy. I was at a further education, at the dental hygienist, in school for doing preparation for the upcoming parent meetings and had much to do at home.

>106 karenmarie: Happy Friday to you, Karen. I had a very busy week. I put Louise Penny's first book on my wishlist. I definitely have to start this series properly.

Crikey, I hope things settle down for you soon , and you can have a relaxing weekend!

Glad the busy week is done, Barbara, now it is time for your vacation, when are you leaving for the Black Forest?

>112 lunacat: Yep, and that's called vacation. Better times are coming soon.

>113 FAMeulstee: I'm leaving on Sunday, Anita. Sometimes I have the feeling I have more to do during the time when school is off.

Happy Saturday, Barb. Hope you have a relaxing weekend planned.

Happy Saturday, Barbara, and best wishes for the start of your trip tomorrow.

>116 msf59: Thanks so much, Mark. I'm leaving tomorrow for my Black Forest vacation.

>117 karenmarie: Thanks so much Karen. I'm really looking forward to tomorrow. I hope it won't be raining badly when I'm on the road.

Happy weekend, Barbara!

Barbara, have a wonderful weekend and enjoy your trip to the Black Forest, with or without the gateau. xx

>120 scaifea: Thanks so much, Amber. Wishing you the same.

>121 PaulCranswick: Thanks so much, Paul. There are too many other cakes I like more. Probably once a day I'll have one of those. ;-). Wishing you a wonderful weekend, too.

Hi, Barbara! I'm too far behind to properly catch up, but I wish you a great weekend!

>124 tymfos: Hi Terri! It's wonderful to see you here. Thanks so much for the weekend greetings. Wishing you a wonderful too.

book 43 Read in German

 The Literature Express

Tbilis
The story begins in Georgia. Zaza receives an invitation to Literature Express, where he will travel by train through Europe for a month with 99 other writers. While he receives the invitation Tbilis is bombed by the Russians and he separates from his longtime friend Elene.

The plane
In an amusing way Zaza writes about the check-in, the fears of passport controls in foreign countries, the flight of his colleague (Meipariani) and what another passenger thinks about them.

Lisbon
Upon arrival, they meet some of the fellow travelers. They are first brought together by region, but in the case of the Georgians, Russians, Armenians and Chechens, this leads to a rather explosive mixture, since Putin has his fingers everywhere and war is the order of the day. The German organizer hopes however that they spend a peaceful time with each other. Zaza meets Helena for the first time.

The train
Zaza writes how he fell in love with Helen. He notes that the Georgian language is not differentiated enough to describe feelings precisely. It is either dull and simple or rough. There is no in between. The train itself is a shock to him. Suddenly he sees the many writers. When the train starts, all paper, notebook or laptop come out and they begin to write, only he and his colleague do not. Their 'personal' guide does not leave a good hair on Georgian literature. He always curses them.

Madrid
All the authors had to speak out something from their works, and only in their native language. The conclusion was that no one understood the other and therefore could not appreciate it. This event resembled the Tower of Babel and the frustration was great.

Under Maciek
As he drags Maciek into his room, he muses about a brief affair. He remembers, in particular, that the age difference between an early twentieth girl and him late twentieths in particular can be fatal. The sms massages are misunderstood and it requires an enormous adaptation in writing to the younger woman.

Paris
If the Eiffel Tower or the visit to the cemetery of Père Lachaise weren't mentioned, then one would have no idea that the authors are in Paris. The focus is mainly present in the description of the Georgian, character with all their anxieties, fears and reluctance. The authors have to participate in a panel discussion, with Zaza using this to point out the Georgians' oppression from the Russians, and his colleague is so drunk that he can only speak lamentably. Once again, Zaza also thinks about his relationships with the women and once more realizes that he always fails.

Brussels
There they were placed in the 'Arab Quarter'. They thought they had landed in Egypt. They learned that they should write a short story for the final event in Berlin. It was a competition. The best story was published in Sipliccismus.

Frankfurt
On the one hand, they were at the book fair and visited their 'famous' country authors, and on the other hand the Russian authors were concerned about the fact that the Georgians did not receive entry visas for Russia.

Malbork, Poland
I did not like this chapter. It was mostly about sex. The Georgians stay a few days longer because they can not travel further to Russia. The Greek Helen does not accompany her husband either. Zaza is already hoping that he can have a rendezvous with her.

Russia: Kaliningrad and Moscow
One does not know what the others are doing there. They are only thoughts and letters of other writers who are mentioned, but have nothing to do with the two cities.

Warsaw
All participants will meet again before it goes to Berlin to the final event. Zaza is disappointed that he has no contact with Helena. In the following he notes that this whole trip is only made for losers and well-known writers have not been invited at all.

Berlin
Terminus of the Literatur Express. Zaza was the only one not to write a short story. A Chechen wins the contest. He wrote a story about Russia, which is incomprehensible to many.

I often had trouble with the story. Love life and sexual desires / activities take up a lot of space. A second major part took in the feelings of the Georgians, who always repeated (war / fear / too little self-confidence).
About the individual places one hardly experiences anything, this train could go somewhere.

Next reading:

 State of Wonder

So, I'm safely arrived at my Black Forest wellness hotel and had a delicious dinner as
quail breast smoked in black tea - asparagus salad followed by a corn cream soup and a selection of salad from the buffet. the main dish was guinea fowl breast - rosemary espuma - onion - tagliatelle and for dessert rhubarb compote with yoghurt ice.

  

In the afternoon I had a pot of Assam tea and a cherry cake.

Love the photos Barbara my dear have a lovely restful week, sending love and hugs.

>129 johnsimpson: Thanks so much, John. I enjoy it here very much. Love and hugs right back to you and Karen.

Oh, my, what a marvelous meal! It looks delicious. The cherry cake you had with your tea probably be called a pie here in the U.S.

I'm glad you enjoyed the Louise Penny book. I loved quite a few of her earlier works.

I hope you have a wonderful week, Barbara.

Thanks so much, Gail. The dinner was delicious and that is a cherry streusel cake.
I will read more Penny books but I have to buy them because my library hasn't got a copy of that series.

>18 Ameise1: Thank you for your kind words Barbara. There are wonderful people in the 75 challenge group, and certainly, you are at the top of the list.

All good wishes to you!

>133 Whisper1: Thanks so much Linda.

>128 Ameise1: I LOVE the Patchett and pie photo, Barb.

Have a wonderful Black Forest holiday!

Lovely pictures, Barbara, of wonderful looking food.

Have a fantastic holiday.

>128 Ameise1: it was the tea and cake and book that hooked me in!! Sounds like a lively day.

>135 msf59: It's a gripping story, Mark. So far I enjoy my holiday here very much,

>136 karenmarie: Thanks so much, Karen. In two hours I'll get a nice energetic reflexology. :-)

>137 LovingLit: Megan, a nice pot of tea, some cake and a good book. What else do we need?
I enjoy every single minute.

Hi Barbara!

>139 Ameise1: What is an 'energetic reflexology'?

Yum! Thanks for posting your pics of the delicious food! I hope you're having a wonderful time.

The tea and cake look wonderful. I am so envious, but you deserve it!

Enjoy the Black Forest, Barbara! I love the photo's of your meals. I'd love a piece of Black Forest cake about now!

Barbara--Hope you have a great time on your vacation. It looks like it is off to a great start. : )

>141 karenmarie: This is a 'foot' massage and has its origin in Tibet. Later I had 'Evening primrose oil incl. de luxe goats' butter cream wrap' (One of the most successful full body care treatments. Prevents premature ageing, activates cells, is invigorating and at the same time moisturising. - description of the leaflet) I really love this treatments.

>142 mstrust: I have a wonderful time, Jennifer. Thanks so much.

>143 ronincats: Thanks so much, Roni. It's so kind of you.

>144 vancouverdeb: Here we go, Deb.

>145 Berly: Hi Kim, I have indeed a wonderful time so far.

Here is my yesterday's dinner:
Shrimp salad - pineapple - wild herbs followed by a tomato soup and a selection of salad from the buffet. As the main dish I had pork fillet - Pommery mustard sauce - broccoli - potato noodles followed by a selection of cheese from the buffet. The dessert was espresso brittle mousse and its ice cream.

  

Your dinner looks fantastic, Barbara, enjoy your day today.

Wow! Your meals look amazing Barbara - especially the sweets! I am going to miss the Stockholm pastry. It was all so fresh and lovely. I have no idea how Swedish people all seem to stay so slim and healthy.

Wow, the food looks great, Barbara. And my wife would appreciate the spa treatments.

Hi Barbara, hope you are having a good time at the spa my dear and the food looks divine, sending love and hugs.

Congratulations on thread #6, Barbara!

>44 Ameise1: - OMG, what an adorable picture! Are you wearing hoop skirts.... or is it a lot of crenoline?

>149 Ameise1: - Oh, black forest cake! Now I want some.

Lovely to see you are enjoying your time in the Black Forest.

>152 FAMeulstee: Thanks so much, Anita. I had a wonderful relaxed day.

>153 charl08: They eat lots of fish, Charlotte. That helps to stay slim and healthy. I only eat here every day something sweet. At home I wouldn't do it.
Glad to hear that you liked Stockholm so much. It's still on my bucket list.

>154 jnwelch: The food is amazing, Joe. I'm sure you would like it. I suppose women like more the spa treatment than men are doing. When Thomas join me here (every second year) he always takes one massage whereas I book lots of them.

>155 johnsimpson: Thanks so much John. So far I enjoy a splendid time and I feel sooooo relaxed.

>156 lkernagh: Hello Lori, it's lovely to see you.

Indeed, under this costume I wear hoop skirts. Well, there are lots of things to put under the costume.

I'm not a huge fan of Black Forest cake. There are other I like more.

I enjoy every single minute here.

Yesterday's treatment were:

Lomi Lomi Nui massage - Hawaii
From the leaflet:
Hawaii's temple massage is also called the "Queen of Massages" and is applied by healers as bodywork. The long drawn-out massage movements work deep down into the tissue and convey a feeling of security and wellbeing.
and
Wellness package - In the flow
From the leaflet:
The eardrum and inner ear are perfused by the beneficial ear candle treatment. The subsequent lymph drainage relaxes the head, releases it.

Yesterday's dinner:

Green asparagus salad - cherry tomatoes - lime foam followed by a white asparagus cream soup and a selection of salad from the buffet. The main dish was fried trout fillet - almond butter - leek - pilaw rice followed by a selection of cheese from the buffet and as dessert caramelized pear - passion fruit granité

  

book 44 Read in German

 State of Wonder
AAC October

What a captivating story. Marinas work colleague is in the Brazilian Amazonas to see the right since the company never again hears something of the project that they finance. When the death message of her colleague came Marina went to Manaus. When she finally arrives at the camp, she quickly realizes that it is not just about researching fertility into old age, but also about permanent protection against malaria.
What fascinates me is that the leader of the camp is so anxious not to disclose this native tribe to the public, so that they can continue to live according to their old traditions. This is and was one of the biggest problems of the Amazon inhabitants.

Much of what Marina has experienced in this jungle reminds me of our journey in the Peruvian Amazon. We also stayed for a few days in a settlement of native Indians, far from civilization. Without the support and leadership, we would have been lost within minutes in the thickets of the jungle. We instinctively developed an intrinsic trust in these people even if we moved in the dark and had no idea what animals were in the immediate vicinity. We could only hear them. In daylight we saw some of these animals and were amazed at how close we got to a big anaconda. It was an impressive experience that I will never forget, and thanks to this book many memories came back up.

Next reading:

 The Price Of Salt

How lucky to stay in a jungle like that Barbara. I am not sure I would enjoy the bugs - I seem to get bitten whenever I do something like that! I would definitely recommend Stockholm -air b and b has some great deals on beautiful flats.

That granité looks to die for. Glad you are enjoying your break.

Wow...that food looks fabulous, Barbara! Thanks for posting them. I'm glad that you're enjoying a well earned holiday.

>166 charl08: Charlotte, I'm vrry happy that I did this jungle experience. It's 28 years ago, so I was much younger then. I wore long trousers and shirts and good boots. We slept under a mosquito net. I didn't got too many bites.

Air b and b - my elder daughter uses it frequently.

>167 kidzdoc: You're welcome, Darryl. I enjoy every single minute.

>163 Ameise1: Well that has just made my mouth water even though I have recently eaten. I haven't eaten trout in ages and that looks scrumptious. xx

>170 PaulCranswick: You would have liked it, Paul. It was perfectly cooked and seasoned.

>168 Ameise1: I am so tempted to go back and book again now I know some of the areas a little. The Swedish design style really appeals to me, and some of the flats look like I could be in my own Beck episode! I like the idea of having the place to myself, and as there are a lot of studio flats that seems doable on my budget. Does your daughter have any places she returns to, or would recommend?

It looks like you're having an absolutely wonderful time, Barbara. I'm glad you are escaping it all, and getting some good relaxation, eating and reading in.

Barbara--Good thing I just ate lunch! Those are amazing pictures of food. Glad you are having fun. Carry on...!

Hi Barbara, you are doing really well with the number of books you have read so far this year my dear, 44 to my 30, so I think you will hit the magic hundred mark at the rate you are going dear friend, sending love and hugs.

>172 charl08: We usually always rent flats and houses for holidays. I like it very much being on my own but at another place. Only for my spa holiday I go to a hotel. As I can remember my daughter never went twice at the same place but I know that the flat in Barcelona she liked very much.
I'm glad to hear that you liked Stockholm so much. I must definitely go there one day. I would ask you about the air b and b flat you had.

>173 lunacat: Thanks so much, Jenny. I'm really able to relax.

>174 Berly: Will definitely do so , Kim. Thanks so much for stopping by.

>175 johnsimpson: John, I can't remember when I've read such a lot of books in the beginning of the year. I'm not sure if I'll reach 100 but I shouldn't have any problems to get to the 75 mark this year.

This morning the sun woke me up. After breakfast I went for a lovely stroll.

   

Today I got the following lovely treatments:

Siam Herbal Spa Massage - Thailand
From the leaflet:
This massage with well-dosed herbs has ancient tradition in Siam and is an experience for the whole body. The way of the "Herbal Stamps" (herbal stamps) follows during the massage the energies of the body, which are comparable with the meridians of Chinese medicine.

and later a facial treatment

My dinner tonight:
Eggplant pastry - lime - coriander - grilled zucchini followed by a sorell soup with shrimps and a selection of salad from the buffet. the main dish was meagre fillet - pernod sauce - peperonata - couscous followed by a selction of cheese from the buffet and as dessert I had peach lemongrass soup with yoghurt ice cream.

  

>180 Ameise1: Your stroll looks beautiful!

Sweet Thursday, Barb. Hope you are having a lovely time.

I've just had a cheese sandwich for my lunch - it really doesn't measure up to your dinner!

>183 msf59: Thanks so much, Mark. It was a beautiful day. Today it's cloudy but n8 rain.

>184 charl08: Charlotte, this evening I'll have my last of these wonderful dinners for a while. Tomorrow I'm heading back home.

I had my last treatment for this time here.

Ayurvedic Abhyanga massage
From the leaflet:
An energy massage with gentle, slow movements producing calm and relaxation, releasing blockages in the body and allowing the energy to flow. With high quality Ayurvedic oils. The focus here is on a "stroking" massage.

Sorry it's over, but it sounds like an amazing time. Your skin must be as soft as butter now. : D

>188 mstrust: LOL, my skin is really soft like decades ago ;-)

So here is my dinner:
Cold smoked duck breast - rhubarb compote - frisée followed by a crustacean soup (very delicious) and a selection of salad from the buffet. The main dish was saddle of veal - morel cream sauce - romanesco - home made spaetzle followed by a selection of cheese from the buffet an for desseert strawberry mascarpone tiramisu

  

Oh my. Such yummy food! What a wonderful vacation, Barbara. I glad you had this great opportunity.

More fabulous food! I hope that you enjoy your last night on holiday, Barbara.

Wow! Never mind the massages, which I would love, but the meals!!! Oh my. You have found a wonderful getaway.

>191 Matke: Isn't it, Gail. Well after breakfast I have to go home.

>192 kidzdoc: Thanks so much, Darryl. I had a wonderful holiday. Yep, the food was incredible good.

>193 Berly: Isn't it a wonderful place to relax, Kim? I suppose you would like it.

Happy Friday, Barb. Glad you made it home safely. Now, you can relax all weekend, right?

>197 msf59: More or less. Thans so much, Mark.

Happy Friday, Barbara. I'm glad you had a wonderful holiday, and now you have the weekend to settle back in. Perfect.

>199 jnwelch: Thanks so much, Joe.

I'm glad to see you're safely home, and that you had such a wonderful time. I hope you are feeling relaxed and restored now.

>201 lunacat: Thanks so much, Jenny. I feel very relaxed.

Wow, that's gorgeous food!

Hi Barbara, so glad you have had a relaxing week at the spa and had some really nice food my dear. Wishing you a really lovely weekend dear friend and sending love and hugs.

>203 drneutron: Jim, it was heavenly.

>204 johnsimpson: Thanks so much, John. I had a wonderful time.

The food continues to look amazing Barbara - looks worth the admission to the spa just to celebrate your taste buds.

I had to smile with your description of your ayurvedic massage. A stroking massage in this part of the world is a different thing entirely!

Have a lovely weekend.

>207 PaulCranswick: LOL That wasn't my translation. It's that of the leaflet English version.

Have a lovely weekend, too.

book 45 Read in German

 The Price of Salt
AAC August

This is a wonderfully narrated story about the love of two women who were banned and shows that it has survived despite all the nastiness.
What particularly appealed to me was the relationship to each other, which was something pure and precious. Both women were always afraid that if they reveal their feelings for one another at the same time something destroy. It also showed that love is much stronger than any conventions.

book 46 Read in German

 Sunday The Rabbi Stayed Home

Also in the third story of Rabbi Small his job in the community is at stake. He has been working as a rabbi for six years now. Since the community leaders change annually, he always has an opposition first, before he sits firmly in the saddle again. This time the offsprings of his opponents are involved in a murder. Rabbi Small quickly realizes that they have nothing to do with it and is trying to get them out of the investigation as quickly as possible. These young Jewish parishioners stand by their Rabbi and the close bond with their mothers they can convince the board members of the community that they have a good rabbi.
This story is again amusingly written and it was a fast reading.

Next reading:

 The Sea Detective

Your spa vacation and all that lovely food looked wonderful, Barbara. I hope you feel recharged and ready to take on the world.

>212 Familyhistorian: Thanks so much, Meg. I feel very good.
Today it's Mother's Day. My daughters aren't around but we are going in a restaurant for lunch with my MIL.

Happy Sunday.

Happy Mother's Day, Barb! Enjoy your special day.

>214 msf59: Thanks so much, Mark. We had a lovely lunch.

Wishing you a good week Barbara. I have taken a break from the Rabbi Small books, but am sure I will get back to them soon. I quite liked The Sea Detective - look forward to hearing what you make of it.

>216 charl08: Thanks so much, Charlotte. First work day went well. Because the Rabbi Small series is at another branch of my library, I have zo make a break too. So far I like The Sea Detective. I'm half way through it.

Stopping by to say hi, Barbara! We are having some unseasonabley cool temperatures and apparently the local ski mountains are getting snow! Hard to believe at this time of year.

>218 vancouverdeb: It isn't so unusual here. The mountains can get snow until the end of May or beginnning of June.
At my place we have three beautiful days until the weather changes into rain again.
Happy Tuesday, Deb.

We have the same here, Barbara, yesterday, today and tomorrow dry and fairly warm weather, then back to rain and more usual temperatures.

>220 FAMeulstee: Happy Tuesday, Anita. Enjoy all the sunny warm hours we get until Wednesday night.

Hi Barbara, I hope everything is ok. Have a great weekend.

Barbara, have a wonderful weekend. xx

>222 Familyhistorian: Thanks so much, Meg. Everything is fine. I had a busy week with school.

>223 PaulCranswick: Thanks so much, Paul. I hope you had a wonderful weekend, too.

Being back home after a fabulous vacation can be a bit of a letdown, Barbara. I hope you've adjusted to everyday life again.

Two nice reviews. I'm interested in The Sea Detective and looking forward to your review.

>226 Matke: Thanks so much, Gail. It's true after a lovely holiday I need some time to adjust my everyday life.
I'll post my review on my new thread.

Please join me on my new thread.