scaifea's thread #20

Hi, everyone! Welcome to Thread XX!

Art inspired in one way or another by some of my current reads:

Andersonville:



The Truce of the Wolf:



The Forever War:



War and Peace:



The Westing Game:



Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix:



Enormously Foxtrot:



Guards! Guards!:



A Tree Grows in Brooklyn:



Thick as Thieves:



Blue Lily, Lily Blue:



From the Introductions Thread:
I'm Amber, a one-time Classics professor turned stay-at-home parent/lady of leisure. I spend my time sewing, knitting, baking, volunteering at my son's school library and with the PTO, and, of course, reading.

My reading life is happily governed by lists, which means that I read a healthy variety of things across various genres.

I'm 42 going on 12 and live in Wisconsin with my husband, Tomm; our 9-year-old son, Charlie; and our two dogs, Tuppence the Border Collie and Mario the Golden Retriever.

The five-ish or so books I have going and the On Deck books nearly all come from the following categories and lists:

1. A book from the 100 Banned Books book (at least currently. As soon as I finish this list, I'll replace it with another, and oh, I've got tons of lists).

2. A children's book, for Charlie's library. I'm trying to collect books from various award lists, and I like reading them before reading them to Charlie or deciding to add them to Charlie's shelves. For this category, I’m currently working through three lists:
a. 1001 Children’s Books You Must Read Before You Die
b. The Newbery Honor books
c. Cooperative Children's Book Center list

3. A book from the Green Dragon 1001 Fantasy List, in chronological order.

4. A book for the Presidential Challenge. Books for this category are read in chronological (presidentially) order.

5. A list I'm working through together with my best friend, Rob: The Hugo/Nebula/WFA/Bram Stoker (and other) lists (combined, in chronological order)

6. For this category, I cycle through 7 different stacks:
a. Agatha Christie's bibliography (in chronological order)
b. Stephen Fry's bibliography (in chronological order)
c. John Boyne bibliography (in chronological order, sort of)
d. Neil Gaiman's bibliography (in some order other than chronological (don't
ask)).
e. Christopher Moore's bibliography (in chronological order)
f. The NEH Timeless Classics list
g. The National Book Award list (in alpha order by title)
h. The Pulitzer list (in alpha order by author)

7. An unread book from my shelves.

8. A book from my Read Soon! shelves.

9. A book on Buddhism or from the Dalai Lama's bibliography.

10. Book-a-year challenge: Three years ago, along with a few others in this group (*cough* Paul *cough*), I made a year-by-year list to see how far I could go back with consecutive reads. I've since been trying to fill in the gap years.

11. A book from the couple of series that I'm reading together with my mom.

12. A full-on re-read through Shakespeare's stuff.

13. A read-aloud-to-Charlie-at-bedtime book (or two).

14. An audio book, which I listen to as I knit/sew/otherwise craft/drive.

15. A Discworld book (so many of these are coming up soon on various lists, so I'm just diving into it)

16. This slot is reserved for books that just grab me and shout that they need to be read Right Now.

And on top of these, there will be a multitude of picture books and easy readers, which Charlie and I read together. I've decided again this year also to list our re-reads, but I'll just list them each day and not number them.

What I'm reading now:
-Andersonville (Banned Books)
-The Truce of the Wolf (Newbery Honor Book)
-The Forever War (Hugo, Nebula & Locus SF awards)
-War and Peace (because Charlie wants me to)
-The Westing Game (Charlie's bed-time book)
-Foxtrot: Assembled with Care (another Charlie bed-time read)
-Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (and another Charlie bed-time read)
-Among the Hidden (Charlie's book club read)
-Eric (Discworld read)
-A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (audiobook, NEH)
-Blue Lily, Lily Blue (new series read)

Books On Deck:

-The Gods of Pegana (The Green Dragon 1001 Fantasy)
-The Worst President: The Story of James Buchanan (Presidential Challenge)
-Revenge (Fry bibliography)
-House of Leaves (unread book from my shelves)
-The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up (from my Read Soon shelves)
-Essential Teachings (Buddhist readings)
-Crime and Punishment (Books by Year, 1866)
-Unraveled (series that my mom wants me to read so we can chat about it)
-The Two Gentlemen of Verona (Shakespeare re-read)

In addition to these, I have some classics-related texts that I'm working through (VERY slowly (read: I haven't touched them in months)):
-Asinaria by Plautus (reading in Latin)
-Iliad by Homer (reading in Greek)
-Latin Literature by Gian Biagio Conte
-The Cambridge History of Classical Literature Volume 1 Part 1

Books Read

JANUARY
1. James and the Giant Peach (Charlie's bedtime read) - 9/10 = A
2. The Inverted World (BFSA) - 9/10 = A
3. The Cat Who Went to Heaven (Charlie's book club book) - 9/10 = A-
4. Don Quixote (from my unread shelves) 0 8/10 = B+
5. The Cambridge Companion to the Age of Justinian (from my classics shelves) - 8/10 = B+
6. Prairie Tale (from my Read Soon shelves) - 7/10 = C+
7. A Bear Called Paddington (Charlie's bedtime read) - 10/10 = A+
8. The Dolphin Crossing (1001 Children's Books) - 8/10 = B
9. The Year of the Book (a book I picked off the shelves while volunteering at Charlie's school library) - 9/10 = A-

FEBRUARY
10. The Girl Who Drank the Moon (Newbery Medal) - 10/10 = A+
11. Anna & Elsa: All Hail the Queen (Charlie book) - 8/10 = B
12. The Popularity Papers (#3) (Frequently Challenged Children's Books) = 8/10 = B+
13. The Hollow Hills (Mythopoeic) - 8/10 = B+
14. The Odyssey (audiobook in the car) - 10/10 = A+
15. Herobrine Scared Stiff (Charlie's read-aloud) - 7/10 = C-
16. Drama (Frequently Challenged Children's Books) - 9/10 = A
17. Where the Lilies Bloom (1001 Children's Books) - 8/10 = B
18. More About Paddington (Charlie's bedtime read) - 9/10 = A
19. When the Sea Turned to Silver (Westview library book) - 9/10 = A
20. Ghosts (Westview library book) - 8/10 = B+
21. The Inquisitor's Tale (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B-
22. Wolf Hollow (Newbery Honor Book) - 10/10 = A+
23. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Charlie's book club read) - 10/10 = A+
24. Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell (Green Dragon 1001 Fantasy Books/audiobook) - 9/10 = A

MARCH
25. Ollie's Odyssey (Charlie's bedtime read) - 10/10 = A
26. Gandhi, Fighter without a Sword (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B+
27. Sing Down the Moon (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B+
28. The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me (Charlie's bedtime read) - 9/10 = A
29. Esio Trot (Charlie's bedtime read) - 8/10 = A-
30. The Perilous Gard (Newbery Honor Book) - 9/10 = A
31. Paddington Helps Out (Charlie's bedtime read) - 9/10 = A
32. The Colour of Magic (Discworld series) - 8/10 = B+
33. The Stolen Child (Green Dragon 1001 Fantasy list) - 8/10 = B+
34. Leviathan (Locus YA) - 8/10 = B-
35. Herobrine Saves Christmas (Charlie's bedtime read-aloud book) - 7/10 = C
36. Vaino, a Boy of New Finland (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B-
37. Floating Island (Newbery Honor Book) - 7/10 = C
38. The Nargun and the Stars (1001 Children's Books) - 9/10 = A
39. Dog Man Unleashed (Charlie read-aloud) - 8/10 = B+

APRIL
40. Fantastic Mr. Fox (Charlie's bedtime read) - 9/10 = A
41. Moccasin Trail (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B
42. The Paul Street Boys (1001 Children's Books) - 7/10 = C+
43. The Peppermint Pig (1001 Children's Books) - 8/10 = B+
44. Mr. Pants: Camping Catastrophe! (Charlie's read-aloud book) - 10/10 = A+
45. Paddington Abroad (Charlie's bedtime read) - 9/10 = A
46. Dark Star of Itza (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B-
47. Dragonsong (1001 Children's Books) - 8/10 = B+
48. All Alone (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B
49. Encyclopedia Brown, Boy Detective (Charlie's book club read) - 9/10 = A
50. The Light Fantastic (Discworld series) - 8/10 = B+
51. Wildwood Dancing (Green Dragon 1001 Fantasy list) - 9/10 = A
52. Creepers (Bram Stoker Award/Audiobook) - 7/10 = C
53. Henry Huggins (Charlie's bedtime read) - 9/10 = A
54. The Complete Sherlock Holmes (started as a 1001 Children's Books read (one of the novels) and spiraled from there) - 10/10 = A+
55. The Neverending Story (1001 Children's Books) - 8/10 = B+
56. Ship Breaker (audiobook, Locus YA Award) - 8/10 = B+
57. Meggy MacIntoch (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B+
58. Equal Rites (Discworld) - 8/10 = B+

MAY
59. Shadrach (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B-
60. Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Disgusting Sneakers (Charlie's school library book) - 9/10 = A
61. The Freedom Maze (audiobook, Andre Norton Award) - 8/10 = B+
62. Homecoming (1001 Children's Books) - 9/10 = A
63. Old Path White Clouds (Buddhist reading list) - 8/10 = B+
64. Poems That Make Grown Women Cry (Goodreads Giveaway) - 9/10 = A
65. The Young Visiters (1001 Children's Books) - 7/10 = C
66. One, Two, Buckle My Shoe (audiobook/Christie bibliography) - 8/10 = B+
67. Paddington at Large (Charlie's bedtime read) - 10/10 = A
68. Mort (Discworld series) - 8/10 = B+
69. Hrolf Kraki's Saga (BFS Award) - 9/10 = A-
70. The Body in the Library (audiobook/Christie bibliography) - 8/10 = B+
71. Minecraft Construction Handbook (Charlie's bedtime read-aloud, 95 pages) - 8/10 = B
72. Garram the Hunter (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B+
73. The Island on Bird Street (1001 Children's Books) - 8/10 = B+
74. The Fairy-Tale Detectives (Charlie's book club read) - 8/10= B
75. A Lear of the Steppes (Books by Year, 1870) - 7/10 = C
76. Henry and Beezus (Charlie's bedtime read) - 8/10 = B+
77. Banner in the Sky (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B+
78. Quiet Power: The Secret Strengths of Introverted Kids (because I wanted to) - 8/10 = B-
79. Emil and the Detectives (1001 Children's Books) - 8/10 = B+
80. Norse Mythology (audiobook, Gaiman bibliography) - 10/10 = A
81. Five Little Pigs (audiobook, Christie bibliography) - 8/10 = B+
82. The Thief (series re-read to get ready for the new entry) - 10/10 = A+
83. Ida B (Charlie's book club) - 8/10 = B+

JUNE
84. Towards Zero (audiobook, Christie bibliography) - 8/10 = B+
85. Sparkling Cyanide (audiobook, Christie bibliography) - 8/10 = B+
86. The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole (1001 Children's Books) - 7/10 = C-
87. The Secret River (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B
88. Cinder (audiobook, Summer Book Bingo Challenge: read a book from Overdrive) - 9/10 = A
89. Malevil (Campbell Award) - 9/10 = A
90. Vassa in the Night (Summer Book Bingo Challenge: close your eyes and pick a book off the library shelves) - 10/10 = A+
91. Lumberjanes #1 (Summer Book Bingo Challenge: read a graphic novel) - 9/10 = A-
92. Ood-Le-Uk the Wanderer (Newbery Honor Book) - 7/10 = C
93. The Full Cupboard of Life (series my mom wants me to read) - 8/10 = B+
94. 4.50 from Paddington (audiobook/Christie bibliography) - 8/10 = B+
95. Henry and Ribsy (Charlie's bedtime read) - 9/10 = A-
96. The Queen of Attolia (series re-read) - 10/10 = A+
97. Orbitsville (BSFA) - 8/10 = B
98. The Incredible Adventures of Professor Branestawm (1001 Children's Books) - 7/10 = C
99. The Great Wheel (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B+
100. Fortunately, the Milk (Charlie's bedtime read) - 10/10 = A+
101. Pocket Full of Rye (Christie bibliography, audiobook) - 8/10 = B+
102. Murder in Mesopotamia (Christie bibliography, 264 pages) - 8/10 = B+
103. Rescuing the Spectacled Bear (Fry bibliography, 191 pages) - 8/10 = B+
104. Ready Player One (read soon shelf, 372 pages) - 10/10 = A+
105. Book, Line and Sinker (series I'm reading with my mom, 274 pages) - 9/10 = A-
106. Skein of the Crime (series I'm reading with my mom, 290 pages) - 9/10 = A-
107. Arabic Poems (read soon shelf, 279 pages) - 8/10 = B+
108. Confessions of a Pagan Nun (read soon shelf, 188 pages) - 9/10 = A

JULY
109. Postern of Fate (Christie bibliography/audiobook) - 8/10 = B
110. The Clocks (Christie bibliography/audiobook) - 8/10 = B+
111. Sci-Fi Junior High (Charlie's bedtime read) - 8/10 = B
112. The Raven Boys (Summer Book Bingo Challenge: Read something recommended by a librarian) - 10/10 = A
113. The Road from Home (Newbery Honor Book/Summer Book Bingo Challenge: read a book from the teen shelves) - 8/10 = B
114. Zootopia Comics Collection (Charlie's bedtime read) - 8/10 = B
115. Murder on the Orient Express (Summer Book Bingo Challenge: read a book before you see the movie) - 10/10 = A
116. Tobacco Road (Summer Book Bingo Challenge: read a book with a terrible cover) - 6/10 = D
117. Tom Paine, Freedom's Apostle (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B
118. The Midnight Folk (1001 Children's Books) - 7/10 = C
119. The Fairy Circus (Newbery Honor Book) - 7/10 = C
120. Henry and the Paper Route (Charlie's bedtime read) - 8/10 = B+
121. A Comedy of Errors (Shakespeare Re-read) - 9/10 = A
122. Abel's Island (Newbery Honor Book) - 7/10 = C
123. The Minpins (Charlie's bedtime read) - 9/10 = A
124. A Midsummer Tempest (Mythopoeic) - 7/10 = C
125. The Upstairs Room (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B
126. Sourcery (Discworld series) - 8/10 = B+
127. The Great Gilly Hopkins (Newbery Honor Book) - 9/10 = A-
128. The Family Under the Bridge (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B
129. The Last of the Mohicans (audiobook, NEH) - 7/10 = C-
130. The Ruby in the Smoke (1001 Children's Books) - 8/10 = B

AUGUST
131. The Tales of Beedle the Bard (Charlie's Book Club) - 9/10 = A
132. The Family from One End Street (1001 Children's Books) - 8/10 = B-
133. Chúcaro (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B
134. The Martian Chronicles (audiobook/NEH) - 9/10 = A
135. Amber Brown Is Tickled Pink (Charlie's bedtime read) - 8/10 = B+
136. Boy of the South Seas (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B+
137. Sugaring Time (Newbery Honor Book) - 9/10 = A-
138. Flow My Tears, the Policeman Said (Campbell) - 8/10 = B+
139. The Wyrd Sisters (Discworld) - 9/10 = A-
140. The Devil's Arithmetic (1001 Children's Books) - 9/10 = A
141. One-Eyed Cat (Newbery Honor Book) - 9/10 = A
142. The Gammage Cup (Newbery Honor Book) - 7/10 = C
143. The Poet's Dog (public library book) - 8/10 = B+
144. Shabanu (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B+
145. Circus Shoes (1001 Children's Books) - 8/10 = B+
146. Looking for Alibrandi (1001 Children's Books) - 7/10 = C+
147. Wonder (Charlie's bed-time read) - 9/10 = A

SEPTEMBER
148. The Forgotten Beasts of Eld (WFA) - 8/10 = B+
149. The Dream Thieves (series read) - 9/10 = A
150. The Enormous Crocodile (Charlie's bedtime read) - 9/10 = A-
151. Out of the Flame (Newbery Honor Book) - 7/10 = C
152. A to Z Mysteries: The Absent Author (Charlie's read-aloud bedtime book) - 8/10 = B+
153. The Wright Brothers: How They Invented the Airplane (Newbery Honor Book) - 6/10 = D
154. The Count of Monte Cristo (audiobook, NEH) - 10/10 = A+
155. Pagan's Crusade (1001 Children's Books) - 8/10 = B-
156. Pyramids (Discworld series) - 8/10 = B-
157. A Raisin in the Sun (NEH) - 8/10 = B+
158. The King of Attolia (series re-read) - 10/10 = A+
159. The Old Man and the Sea (NEH) - 8/10 = B+
160. Dog Man: A Tale of Two Kitties (Charlie's bedtime read-aloud book) - 9/10 = A-
161. Foxtrot: Assembled with Care (Charlie's bedtime read) - 9/10 = A-
162. Among the Hidden (Charlie's Book Club read) - 8/10 = B
163. The Ship That Flew (1001 Children's Books) - 9/10 = A-
164. Henry and the Clubhouse (Charlie's bedtime read) - 8/10 = B+
165. Hiroshima (audiobook, NEH) - 8/10 = B+
166. Tomorrow, When the War Began (1001 Children's Books) - 8/10 = B-

OCTOBER
167. A Conspiracy of Kings (series read) - 10/10 = A+
168. Heart's Delight (1001 Children's Books) - 7/10 = C
169. Jane's Island (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B+
170. Belling the Tiger (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B
171. Guards! Guards! (Discworld read) - 8/10 = B
172. Thick as Thieves (Queen's Thief series read) - 10/10 = A+
173. Rowan of Rin (1001 Children's Books) - 8/10 = B+

The Charlie, Mario & Tuppence Toppers:

Charlie, the 9-year-old:


Mario watching her favorite movie (The Super Buddies):


Tuppence being Tuppence (read: adorable):

The Bonus Question:

I have a mug on my desk (I use it as a pencil holder) that says, "Quid faceret Cicero?" which means, "What Would Cicero Do?" Do you have a similar model in your life, a person whose actions have led you, when in a tight spot, think to yourself, "What would X do in this situation?"

Happy new thread Amber.

>6 scaifea: I suppose the role model would be my first boss whose manner in dealing with situations I have tried, not always successfully, to replicate. Brian Quinn - a brilliant teacher and good man.

Happy New Thread, Amber!

I hope you and Tomm and Charlie are having a good weekend.

That pic of Mario watching tv is a hoot! She is really engrossed. :-)

Happy Sunday and Happy New Thread, Amber!

>7 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Paul! How lucky that you've had a boss worth imitating - I know that's not always the case.

>8 jnwelch: Thanks, Joe!

>9 EBT1002: Ellen: Isn't Mario adorable?! So funny. She loves any show or movie with dogs or children. Tuppence couldn't possibly care less.

Happy new thread, Amber.

Happy new thread, Amber. No role models like that but when times are tough I always remind myself that my grandmothers survived the Blitz and that gives me the backbone to get through.

>11 Ameise1: Thanks, Barbara!

>12 Familyhistorian: Meg: Yep, I should think that that would put most things into a kind of perspective, eh?

Happy new thread! Hope the furniture moving wasn't too much work
Is your leg starting to feel better?

Happy new thread! I'll have to think about the bonus question.

>14 ChelleBearss: Thanks, Chelle! The furniture moving wasn't any work at all for me, since Tomm did it! And yes, resting with my foot elevated yesterday really seems to have helped. It's a little sore this morning, but much better.

>15 foggidawn: Hi, foggi!

On the agenda for today:I may try to get on the treadmill for a bit (but less and slower than usual), then the usual writing, sewing and library volunteering. The knitting group meets this evening at the library, so I'll go if Tomm gets home in time.

On the reading front:
I read a bit of The Golden Goblet and A Conspiracy of Kings yesterday.

What We Read Yesterday:
-Grumpy Pants by Claire Messer (public library book, picture book) - 8/10 = B+
And bits of:
-Dog Man: A Tale of Two Kitties
-Foxtrot: Assembled with Care
-Among the Hidden
-Henry and the Clubhouse
-Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Morning, Amber! Happy New Thread! Back to the grind today, after a great long weekend.

Wishing you a good start into the new week, Amber.

>19 msf59: Morning, Mark! Good luck today!

>20 Ameise1: Thanks, Barbara!

Happy new thread, Amber.
I think this is the first time I haven't an anwer to your bonus question...

>6 scaifea: Happy new thread -- 20!! really?!? As to your mug -- I have some people I admire greatly (some present and some past) but I never find myself wondering what they would do in a given situation.

>22 FAMeulstee: Hi, Anita!

>23 RebaRelishesReading: Thanks, Reba! Honestly, I don't automatically think of anyone, either, but frequently I look back on moments and wish I'd acted a bit more like others.

Hi Amber, I have been neglectful on your thread my dear but after a bad week after a really nice few days I am back and fighting fit. Happy new thread dear friend and more will be revealed on my thread soon, sending love and hugs.

Not sure about the role model. Maybe that's what I've been doing wrong! Love the toppers, and that cake looks lovely.

Hi Amber, no role model for me either. Sorry.

I once read part of an autobiography of Simone de Beauvoir. She talks about how she and Sartre would read philosophy, get enthusiastic, and decide that they wanted to live like that philosopher. I really wondered at that, couldn't imagine how they would do that. So do you really sit down and wonder what Cicero would do?

>25 johnsimpson: Hi, John! I'm sorry to hear you've had some bad days, friend.

>26 charl08: Hi, Charlotte! Ha!

On the agenda for today:
Our guy is starting on the kitchen today, so I'll be doing my usual writing and sewing with a noisy background. We'll head to our favorite local pizza joint for dinner tonight.

On the reading front:
Same: A little of The Golden Goblet, into which I'm having trouble getting, and a bit of A Conspiracy of Kings.

What We Read Yesterday:
-The Great Cookie Thief
And bits of:
-Dog Man: A Tale of Two Kitties
-Foxtrot: Assembled with Care
-Among the Hidden
-Henry and the Clubhouse
-Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Morning, Amber! Looks a bit damp out there at the moment. Enjoy your day.

>31 msf59: Morning, Mark! I hope you stay dry!

>29 scaifea: I hope the kitchen reno is quick, Amber, but don't count on it.

Good luck working with all the background noise today! Enjoy your pizza tonight!

>33 Familyhistorian: Meg: We're not doing a complete renovation (we can't afford it just yet), but just getting rid of the dropped ceiling so that we can actually see our skylight, and getting rid of the wood paneling and weird fake brick backsplash.

>34 ChelleBearss: Thanks, Chelle!

Afternoon, Amber.

Jeez, I missed your bonus question, too. A role model for what to do - the Dalai Lama comes to mind. I sure like the way he lives his life, and the way he thinks.

>36 jnwelch: Hi, Joe! If I had forethought enough (or maybe even just thought enough), I'd like to think that I'd think of him, too. I sure do try to be more like him, although I generally feel that I fall WAY short of the mark.

On the agenda for today:
I've set up a temporary work area (a card table with my writing stuff on it) in the basement, so I'll be down there either sewing or working on the Latin book pretty much all day. Mario was distraught at being down in the basement by herself yesterday (well, Tuppence was with her, but apparently that didn't count), hearing all the excitement going on in the kitchen, so I moved down there to be with her, and she spent the rest of the day either laying under my chair (no small task for such a big dog) or with her head in my lap. Tuppence couldn't care less about the hullaballoo. So, anyway, more sewing and writing today while the kitchen is being worked on. Charlie has ballet class tonight and there's also a school meeting, where they'll talk to us about the 3/4 mixed grade curriculum this year, at the same time, so Tomm's taking Charlie and I'll go to the meeting. It's Charlie's pick for dinner tonight, so we're having Subway sandwiches.

On the reading front:
I listened to a good chunk of Hiroshima while sewing yesterday (fascinating but somber stuff) and read a tiny bit of The Golden Goblet.

What We Read Yesterday:

We only had time for a few pages of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, as we got back a bit late from dinner and then had to empty out all of the kitchen cabinets - our guy is going to take them all down in order to get the weird brick backsplash off (it's fake brick, but the crazies who put it on also used real grout, or something) and then put the cabinets back on. Soooo worth it, though. I'm so excited to get rid of that ridiculous brick stuff and the wood panelling! Woot!!

Morning, Amber! I LOVED The Heart's Invisible Furies. You should have a good time with that one.

Looks like we are in for a hot stretch. Ugh. Back to the A/C.

>40 msf59: Morning, Mark! I can't wait to get round to the Boyne! You're going to read his other stuff now, right? Even the kids' books are amazing. I'd say start with The Boy in the Striped Pajamas.

Good luck getting some work done today!
Hope Charlie enjoys his subs and ballet class. Chloe has her first Teeny Tiny Ballerina class today and she has informed me that she doesn't need to go because she already knows how to dance (and then proceeded to do an Elaine quality dance across the living room)

>42 ChelleBearss:. Ha! Elaine-quality Chloe dancing, love it. At least she's not lacking for confidence.😀

Morning, Amber!

I'm really impressed so far by Don't Call Us Dead by Danez Smith. It got long-listed for the NBA, and I can now see why. If you get in the mood to try some poetry, this is a good one.

>42 ChelleBearss: Chelle: *SNORK!* I love Chloe's reaction to ballet class! Too funny.

>43 jnwelch: Hi, Joe! Thanks for the poetry tip!

Hi Amber, Happy new thread. Charlie is 9! Impossible. Lily Blue, Blue Lily looks beautiful.

>45 BLBera: Hi, Beth! Honestly, nine seems about right. I love watching him change and grow.

And yes, the Raven Boys series books all seem to have gorgeous covers.

from your previous thread: I finished my book a year list, that kept me busy for a few days, so I am now comparing with others.
I have read 8 books of your list and we share 2 of them :-)

>47 FAMeulstee: Anita: I love that we share some! Very cool! I'll have to come by your thread to see which ones!

>6 scaifea: classic mug!! (lol)
The first time I ever heard that pattern, what would xxx do? It was Barbra Streisand. I never really got it with her, so I changed it to what would Brandon do. Brandon from the original Beverly Hills 90210 series. He was such a nerd, and always had the moral high ground. I still say it, and people don't get it, but I laugh on the inside.

>49 LovingLit: Megan: Ha! I'm afraid I don't really get it, either, since I've never watched the show!

On the agenda for today:

Well, we had a pretty hard rain last night and we now know that the new roof, um, leaks. So our Guy will stop work on the kitchen and spend the day trying to find and fix his roofing mistake. Yoicks. At least the dogs (and I) will get a partial day of freedom from the basement. In the meantime, I'll be sewing and writing.

On the reading front:
Same: I listened to more of Hiroshima and read a little of The Golden Goblet and A Conspiracy of Kings.

What We Read Yesterday:
-7 Ate 9 by Tara Lazar (public library book, picture book) - 8/10 = B
And bits of:
-Dog Man: A Tale of Two Kitties
-Foxtrot: Assembled with Care
-Among the Hidden
-Henry and the Clubhouse
-Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

>41 scaifea: Yes, I will definitely read more Boyne and The Boy in the Striped Pajamas will be one of the first. Sadly, I do not have any of his early stuff on shelf.

Morning, Amber! Sweet Thursday. I have the day off. I was planning on going to the Arboretum for a bike ride and a hike but with this heat and humidity, I think I will huddle down with the books.

>53 msf59: Morning, Mark! This weather is nuts. I'm so ready for fall.

93 and humid, is ridiculous for September. Let's hope we have a fine October.

I requested the audio of The Boy in the Striped Pajamas.

Morning, Amber. Sweet Thursday!

Nuts weather, for sure. I'm going to go for a walk before the sauna sets in.

Rats for a new leaky roof! The weather is so weird right now — this morning it is super dark and gloomy as if it were the dead of winter, and yet it's over 75 degrees on its way to 90. Just bizarre.

>55 msf59: Mark: Agreed. It's gross out there. And YAY for Boyne! I hope the narrator is excellent.

>56 jnwelch: Morning, Joe! Have a good walk - I've just finished my pretend walking on the treadmill...

>57 rosalita: Julia: Yep, the weather is very weird. As far as the roof goes, Tomm is hopping mad, but I just feel sort of sorry for the guy - I know that feeling of messing something up and the awkwardness of taking ownership of the mistake. It does stink, though, that it means at least one more day of a messed-up kitchen while he fixes the roof...

Reading Update:

I'm giving up on The Golden Goblet from the Newbery Honor Book list. I've given it over 50 pages and I just can't manage to be interested in it at all.

Leaky new roof? Boo. At least your Guy was still around and is dealing with it. I guess.

>60 nittnut: Jenn: He's been on it this morning and thinks he has it fixed. I really like him, honestly. He genuinely seems chagrined and stressed that this morning's labor and materials are all on him for not getting it right the first time. People make mistakes; it's how the react to that that makes the difference.

>51 scaifea: What a bummer -- I hate it when new things don't work like they should. I guess the bright side is you found out about it while the guy was still around to fix it.

Hi Amber, sorry to hear you have a roof leak my dear, hope it gets sorted. Karen had her gallbladder op this morning and came home this afternoon, she is tender and sore and gave the nurses a scare when the meds they gave her seemed to cause her heart rate to fall to 40. They had to give her oxygen until it rose to 55 and then she could sit up and take deep breaths. She is in bed resting and I have resumed nursing duties.

Hope all is well at Chez Scaife and send love and hugs to you all.

>62 RebaRelishesReading: Reba: I think that whether he was still here working or not he'd be back in a hurry to make things right. He's just a good guy.

>63 johnsimpson: John: I hope Karen makes a quick recovery, and I'm so glad that it's finally over for her!

>64 scaifea: Rereading what I posted it sounded like I thought he might have left you stranded -- not what I meant. I was thinking more like when he's on-site all he has to do is climb the ladder.

>64 scaifea: Reba: Ah, I see! Yes, of course!

On the agenda for today:
More of the same: sewing and writing in the basement while work goes on in the kitchen, and then off to the library for volunteering. Charlie has ballet class tonight. Oh, and the In-Laws arrive this evening too. Yoicks.

On the reading front:
I read a bit more of A Conspiracy of Kings and started The Ship That Flew.

What We Read Yesterday:
-Penguin on Vacation
Bits of:
-Foxtrot: Assembled with Care
-Among the Hidden
-Henry and the Clubhouse
-Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

And Charlie finished:
160. Dog Man: A Tale of Two Kitties by Dav Pilkey (Charlie's read-aloud bedtime book, 251 pages) - 9/10 = A-
We all love the Dog Man graphic novels. Silly in a laugh-out-loud kind of way.

Morning, Amber! Happy Friday! With this heat, I think I would rather stay in the Man-Cave. Sighs...

>69 msf59: Morning, Mark! I know, right? So gross out there.

Morning, Amber! Happy Friday!

Silly is a wonderful thing. How great that you all share, via Charlie's reading, the Dog Man books.

Hi Amber!
Sorry to see your in-laws arrive today. Hope you have a good weekend anyway!

>71 jnwelch: Morning, Joe! Our evening story times are one of my favorite things every day.

>72 ChelleBearss: Hi, Chelle! Yeah, those two things are mutually exclusive, I'm afraid.

The In-Laws?! Ouch. Keeping you in my thoughts, Amber and sending you good mojo. And a Taser.

Sorry to read your in-laws are coming today, Amber, I hope they won't stay long...

This is a couple months old, so maybe you already know, but in case: vintage sewing patterns online.

Ug. Best of luck surviving the in-laws.

Hi Amber my dear, hope you have had a good day up until the dreaded in-laws arrive, I wish you a lovely weekend despite of your arrivals dear friend and hope they leave early Sunday so you have some of Sunday to yourselves, sending love and hugs.

>67 scaifea: My sympathies Amber. Mine are coming in 10 days, and staying for 2 weeks. *insert painful grin emoji*

>74 Crazymamie: Mamie: *SNORK!* Thanks for that.

>75 FAMeulstee: Thanks, Anita. They'll be here until Sunday night or possibly Monday morning. Yoicks.

>76 lycomayflower: Laura: OMG. I didn't know about the vintage patterns! WOOT!! THANK YOU!
And thanks. I'll survive, but it may be close.

>77 johnsimpson: Thanks, John. Forecast says 99% chance of a crappy weekend, I'm afraid.

>78 nittnut: Jenn: Two weeks?! Um, no. Nopenopenope.

On the agenda for today:
A trip to the Gays Mills Apple Festival with the In-Laws today while work continues on the kitchen. Depending on when we get back, I may spend time in the sewing room/sanctuary this afternoon.

On the reading front:
I managed a bit of The Ship That Flew, but that's it for yesterday.

What We Read Yesterday:
-Excellent Ed by Stacy McAnulty (public library book, picture book) - 9/10 = A-
Bits of:
-A to Z Mysteries: The Bald Bandit (the new book Charlie has chosen as his read-aloud)
-Among the Hidden
-Henry and the Clubhouse
-Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
And we finished:

161. Foxtrot: Assembled with Care by Bill Amend (a Charlie bedtime read, 191 pages) - 9/10 = A-
A portion of these comic strips went right over Charlie's head, but he loves the ones with Jason and his friend. No surprise there - I see a lot of Charlie in Jason...

Morning, Amber! Happy Saturday! Getting ready to head out into the swamp. Send cool thoughts...

Enjoy your day.

>82 msf59: Morning, Mark! I think we may be in for similar days today: you'll be in the heat and I'll be in my own personal hell...

Have a great time at the apple festival! Perhaps you and Charlie can wander away from the in-laws for a bit?

>84 ChelleBearss: Thanks, Chelle. I'll try. But yeah, we've been busted for breaking loose from the group before...

Happy weekend, Amber.

Happy Saturday, Amber.

I hope it's not too bad with those in-laws. Maybe you can lose them in an apple orchard?

Wishing you a wonderful weekend, Amber dear.

>87 jnwelch: Lol.

Sending all good wishes and fingers crossed for a speedy IL exit, or failing that lots of sweet apples to counter the less sweet bits.

Morning, Amber! Are you surviving your personal hell? I think I would have rather dealt with my heat. Last day, though, right?

>87 jnwelch: Joe: Ha! I wish.

>88 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Paul!

>89 charl08: Charlotte: Thanks. We did get a ton of apples, some amazing apple cider doughnuts and some apple cider, too.

>90 msf59: Morning, Mark! Barely surviving. Ugh. But yes, last day!

On the agenda for today:
Brunch with the In-Laws and then we're all going to see the new Lego Ninjago movie (Tomm, Charlie and I LOVE Ninjago, and this movie looks HILARIOUS. Added bonus: I'm fairly certain the In-Laws won't dig it.) Charlie has his first rehearsal for the part of Donkey #3 this evening, too.

On the reading front:
Nothing to report. Too awful and exhausting for reading yesterday.

"But yes, last day!" Yah!!!

>93 msf59: WOOT!

Try to enjoy your last day with the out-laws! At least part of it will be in a dark theatre where talking is a no-no!!

Happy Sunday, Amber, and last day with the out-laws! Ninjago - great idea. Looking forward to your reaction to it.

Hi Amber! Just catching up. Charlie is so big, what happened!? :P

Happy last-day-of-inlaws! Hope the movie is great. : )

I am looking forward to your review of the Ninjago film. We quite enjoy Ninjago around here.

>95 ChelleBearss: Ha! Thanks, Chelle!

>96 jnwelch: Hi, Joe! We loved the Ninjago movie - hilarious and cool. I'm a bit troubled at how different it is from the tv show, but it's very good as a Lego movie.

>97 Ape: Hi, Stephen!! Good too see you! And yeah, apparently boys grow up. Yoicks.

>98 Berly: Thanks, Kim!

>99 nittnut: Hi, Jenn - see my comments to Joe above.

Is it safe? Are they gone yet?

>101 katiekrug: LOL!

>101 katiekrug: Katie: YES!!! THEY'RE GONE!!! WOOHOO!!!!

>102 jnwelch: Joe: *grins*

On the agenda for today:
Another day of hanging out in the basement with the dogs while writing and sewing as the kitchen gets worked on. Oh, and breathing the sweet, sweet, in-law-free air. There's also a Fall Festival at Charlie's school this evening, so we'll probably go to that.

On the reading front:
Again, not much to report for yesterday, although I am nearly finished with The Ship That Flew.

What We Read Yesterday:
-Johnny Appleseed
Bits of:
-A to Z Mysteries: The Bald Bandit
-Enormously Foxtrot
-Henry and the Clubhouse
-Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
And we finished:

162. Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix (Charlie's book club read, 153 pages) - 8/10 = B
Set in a dystopia in which families are not allowed to have more than two children and told from the point of view of a Third Child in hiding.
Meh. I didn't find this one all that compelling, but Charlie LOVED it. I suspect he'll go on to read more of the series.

Morning, Amber! I am sure you are enjoying your quiet, peaceful home.

The ugly heat continues but just for a couple more days.

>106 msf59: Morning, Mark! Yes, today is looking like a good one, annoyance-free.

Have a happy, in-law free Monday!

Morning, Amber!

Congrats on living in an in-law-free environment. Are you skipping about the premises in delight?

>108 ChelleBearss: Thanks, Chelle!

>109 jnwelch: Joe: Ha! Perfect! Yes, there is definitely skipping going on!

Hi Amber, you survived the in-laws, yay. I see you enjoyed the Lego Ninjago movie, Amy and Andy like these as well, although anything to do with Lego, Star Wars, Marvel and in particular Transformers is up Andy's street.

I hope the in-laws weren't too much trouble to you dear friend and no doubts you will need a day to yourself to get over it, lol. Karen is doing ok although she had a mixed weekend but she is trying to be good and she got quite a bit of reading done. We both send love and hugs to you and the family.

>111 johnsimpson: Thanks, John. Yes, I need a day or so to recover from their visits, for certain! Hugs right back to you and Karen!

On the agenda for today:
More of the same: Writing and sewing in the basement with the dogs while the kitchen is a work in progress. Charlie has book club tonight, so I'll get an hour's worth of quiet reading time in a comfy library chair.

On the reading front:
I finished The Ship That Flew and read a bit more of A Conspiracy of Kings.

What We Read Yesterday:
-Chicken in Space by Adam Lehrhaupt (public library book, picture book) - 8/10 = B
And bits of:
-A to Z Mysteries: The Bald Bandit
-Enormously Foxtrot
-Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
And we finished:

164. Henry and the Clubhouse by Beverly Cleary (Charlie's bedtime read, 199 pages) - 9/10 = A-
Henry has trouble balancing his paper route, construction on his clubhouse, and dealing with Ramona the Pest.
Charlie is such a fan of Henry Huggins. I love that he loves these books.

Morning, Amber! Bummer about the kitchen. We had these issues with our main bath but we had other bathrooms to use. Dealing without a kitchen, must be a big hassle. Good luck.

>115 msf59: Thanks, Mark. The work is coming along just fine; I just don't have much patience for this sort of thing.

163. The Ship That Flew by Hilda Lewis (1001 Children's Books, 320 pages) - 9/10 = A-
A young boy finds a magic toy boat in a magic shop, and he and his brother and two sisters have all sorts of adventures flying through time in it.
I loved it. A predecessor to The Magic Treehouse books, but much better. I love that the boat turns out to be Frey's, and the encounters between the kids and the Norse gods are great. Definitely recommended.

Hiya, Amber. Oh, if son Jesse were still of the age, I'm sure we'd be reading The Ship That Flew together. He loved the Magic Treehouse books.

We had our kitchen being renovated for 8 weeks way back when, and ate from a temporary setup in our basement during that time. A hassle, but worth it.

>118 jnwelch: Hi, Joe! I'm not even certain that The Ship That Flew is in print right now, which makes me a little sad. It's really good and the kiddos would love it.

Yep, having the kitchen in a shambles is a little frustrating, but it will most definitely be worth it!

(NB: I giggled until I was crying while typing this post - I had the best typo ever with The Shit Ship That Flew...)

>119 scaifea: Makes for an entirely different book, doesn't it?

>120 foggidawn: Ha! It sure would!

>119 scaifea: Save that for your bathroom renovation!!

>122 rosalita: Julia: *SNORK!!!*

>119 scaifea:. LOL! I'd read that one in a blink! I'm sure the kids would love it.

>124 jnwelch: Joe: Ha! Yes, I bet the kids *would* love it!

On the agenda for today:
More of the same: treadmilling, writing and sewing in the basement with the dogs. The kitchen is ready for new lights and then the drywalling will begin. The Guy claims he'll be finished by Monday or Tuesday. I'll go in for my library volunteering this afternoon, and then Charlie has ballet class tonight.

On the reading front:
I started Tomorrow, When the War Began and read a bit more of A Conspiracy of Kings yesterday.

What We Read Yesterday:
-Rags
And bits of:
-A to Z Mysteries: The Bald Bandit
-Enormously Foxtrot
-No Talking (this month's book club selection)
-The Westing Game
-Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Morning, Amber! 72 today! Yah! I might even find myself skipping out there today. Smiles...

American Fire has been terrific.

>126 scaifea: Hoping the claims for the finish line are accurate. Any plans for your inaugural bake in the new kitchen? (I'd ask if you take requests, but that seems like just torturing myself...)

>128 msf59: Morning, Mark! 72 sounds amazing, doesn't it? I'm so ready for fall weather. And yay for terrific reads!

>129 charl08: Charlotte: No baking plans yet - even Tuesday seems to far away to make plans...

Morning Amber! Sorry to see that you are still kitchenless. Is Charlie enjoying his week of take out?

>131 ChelleBearss: Thanks, Chelle. At this point, we're all sick of eating out and are now living on frozen dinners. Ugh.

Morning, Amber!

Way better weather out. Enjoy the library volunteering.

Can you use your Instant Pot while you're kitchenless? My last minute go-to is a jar of pasta sauce, a box of rigatoni or penne or something similar, and a bag of frozen (cooked) meatballs. Add a jar of water and cook it on high pressure for 3 minutes, then let it sit on warm for a little bit to thicken up. Not quite homemade but...... :)

>126 scaifea: I see you have started the Tomorrow series, Amber. I read the series in my early LT days, back in 2009, and still remember them.

>133 jnwelch: Morning, Joe! The weather is perfect - I hope it lasts. And thanks! I do love my library volunteering time.

>134 katiekrug: Katie: It's pretty much all or nothing for me. I don't want to try cooking anything until the kitchen is back in order. Also, store-bought pasta sauce doesn't work for us, since one small taste of garlic sends Tomm straight to the ER.

>135 FAMeulstee: Anita: I'm enjoying this first one so far - did you enjoy them?

>136 scaifea: I had them from the library in two omnibusses (omnibi??) and read them all in 4 days, so YES I did enjoy them :-D

>137 FAMeulstee: Anita: Ha! Good! The first one is very edge-of-seat-y, for sure.

On the agenda for today:
Treadmilling, writing, sewing, hanging in the basement with The Gals, volunteering at the library.

On the reading front:
I listened to more of Hiroshima and read bits of Tomorrow, When the War Began and A Conspiracy of Kings.

What We Read Yesterday:
-Best Frints in the Whole Universe by Antoinette Portis (public library book, picture book) - 9/10 = A-
And bits of:
-A to Z Mysteries: The Bald Bandit
-Enormously Foxtrot
-No Talking
-The Westing Game
-Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Morning, Amber! Sweet Thursday. Hooray for cool nights and cooler days!

Last work day of the week for me. B.A.G.

>141 msf59: Morning, Mark! Last work day - WOOT!

Good morning, Amber! I've fallen very far behind but wanted to say a quick hello. Yay for library volunteering! (When I retire, I want to go back to being a page or volunteer...)

>143 bell7: Hi, Mary! I love volunteering in Charlie's school library! When Charlie gets a bit older, I want to sign up to be a page in the public library, too.

Hi Amber. I cannot believe that Charlie turned nine! It is such fun traveling with him through his life via your descriptions and photos. Thank you again!

>145 Whisper1: Hi, Linda!

It time for me to start thinking about Halloween... So, this is what Charlie wants to be this year, Link from the Legend of Zelda:



And this is what I think my costume will be:

165. Hiroshima by John Hersey (NEH, audiobook) - 8/10 = B+
An account of the bomb dropped on Hiroshima through the lives of 6 of its victims.
Interesting, although I found it a little difficult to keep some of the people straight. I'm not certain whether that's the fault of the writing or my doing other things while trying to listen to the audiobook...

Sweet Thursday, Amber!

Looking forward to your thoughts on Tomorrow, When the War Began. I wasn't as enamored of it as some, but maybe I caught it at the wrong time.

>149 jnwelch: Hi, Joe! It started out good, but right now I'm bogged down in the middle a bit. Too much of the characters sitting around talking about what they're going to do and reasoning through it. I need more action! Ha!

>147 scaifea: Excellent costume choices! I bet a Link costume will not be hard for someone with your sewing skills. The Hylian Shield and Master Sword might be trickier to make, though...

>150 scaifea: Ha! You put your finger on the biggest problem I had with it. Maybe we're both action nuts.

I'm sure Charlie will be a wonderful Zelda dude. Are you making both your costumes?
Chloe wants Nathen to be a butterfly with her ... I don't think that is going to happen!

>151 foggidawn: foggi: I've already ordered a plastic sword, but the shield shouldn't be too difficult, with thick poster board and a little sketching. We've decided to attach the shield to his trick-or-treat bucket, I think. And no, the actual costume should be a piece of cake - I only really have to make the tunic and the hat (I've ordered white leggings and a light green long-sleeved t-shirt). I won't have to make anything for my own costume: I already have a raggedy red sweater and brown pants, and a messenger bag that looks very like his. I just need to mock up a Golden Ticket and I'm all set.

>152 jnwelch: Joe: Ha! Well, I least I don't feel as bad about not loving it now...

>153 ChelleBearss: Hi, Chelle! Yep, I'll make/put together both costumes (see my response to foggi above). And oh, you should definitely make Nate some butterfly wings, too!! So funny!

On the agenda for today:
Same: working in the basement while work on the kitchen continues. *sigh* Charlie has ballet class tonight. Frozen dinners again tonight. *sigh*

On the reading front: I'm nearly finished with Tomorrow, When the War Began and making slow progress on A Conspiracy of Kings.

What We Read Yesterday:
-The Monster at the End of This Book
And bits of:
-A to Z Mystery: The Bald Bandit
-Enormously Foxtrot
-No Talking
-The Westing Game
-Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Morning, Amber! Happy Friday. Looks like I have birds, a book event and baseball all lined up for the weekend and I am sure I will have a few beers along the way too.

Enjoy your day.

>157 msf59: Morning, Mark! Your weekend sounds amazing!

Morning, Amber!

Happy Friday. Have you read The Westing Game before? I'm guessing yes. That's your BFF's favorite ever.

>154 scaifea: I totally would if I wasn't sure that Nate absolutely would not wear them. He is a bit odd about doing things that he thinks men should not do. Very set it his ways there. For instance he won't let Chloe paint his nails. I've told him we have remover that can take it off before he needs to leave the house but he is adamant that it's not happening. And I bought a black diaper bag that I thought was more dual parent friendly instead of the girly green one we had for Chloe, but Nate says it looks like a purse and was really put out that I make him use it. I find it all quite funny.

>159 jnwelch: Morning, Joe! Yes, The Westing Game was one of my very favorite books as a kid! I'm so excited to read it with Charlie - we're even reading my old childhood copy...

>160 ChelleBearss: Chelle: Oh, Nate. Dudes, eh? They can be silly sometimes.

>156 scaifea: Ooo, yes, The Westing Game. I might have to reread that soonishly. It's been a bit and I *love* it.

>162 lycomayflower: Laura: I KNOW, RIGHT?! So. Good.

Delurking to say Hi! I am pulling out the Halloween decorations this Sunday. : )

>164 Berly: Hi, Kim! Oh, I'm sad that we haven't decorated for Halloween yet, and it'll be at least another week before we can, with this kitchen stuff going on.

On the agenda for today:
Grocery shopping, paint shopping for the kitchen and the living room, possibly some sewing, and hopefully some reading.

On the reading front:
I finished Tomorrow, When the War Began and read a bit more of A Conspiracy of Kings.

What We Read Yesterday:
-My Heart Fills with Happiness by Monique Gray Smith (CCBC, picture book) - 9/10 = A-
And bits of:
-A to Z Mysteries: The Bald Bandit
-Enormously Foxtrot
-No Talking
-The Westing Game
-Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Good morning, Amber!

It's a beaut here; I hope you have the same.

>168 jnwelch: Morning, Joe! Yep, it's gorgeous out there today.

Morning Amber my dear.

Morning, Amber! Happy Sunday! The last 2 mornings I have been out of the house at 7am. Not today. No siree. A day for the books and catching up a bit on a review or two and visiting a few threads.

Hope you are having a fantastic weekend.

Wishing you a wonderful Sunday, Amber.

>170 johnsimpson: Hello, John!

>171 msf59: Morning, Mark! I'm hoping for some book time today, too. We'll see how it goes.

>172 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Paul! I'm wishing the same for you, friend.

On the agenda for today:
Watching movies and reading, and I'm so looking forward to it!

On the reading front:
I'm nearly finished with A Conspiracy of Kings, and I need to get cracking on Guards! Guards!, which I checked out of the library yonks ago and haven't even started. Yoicks.

What We Read Yesterday:
-The Poky Little Puppy
And bits of:
-A to Z Mysteries: The Bald Bandit
-Enormously Foxtrot
-No Talking
-Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

And we've started our Annual Halloween Movie Marathon - last night we watched Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.

The agenda for today sounds good my dear, we are just relaxing and doing a bit of reading although Karen is chatting on the phone with Amy at the moment. Enjoy your day dear friend.

>176 johnsimpson: Thanks, John! I hope you both have a lovely Sunday, too.

Morning, Amber! Happy Sunday.

Have you read Wishtree yet? It sounds good.

Morning Amber! Enjoy your relaxing Sunday with your boys!

>178 jnwelch: Morning, Joe! Huh, I hadn't heard of Wishtree. I didn't care for The One and Only Ivan (I think I'm the only one, though), so I don't know...

>179 ChelleBearss: Morning, Chelle!

166. Tomorrow, When the War Began by John Marsden (1001 Children's Books, 276 pages) - 8/10 = B-
A group of teenagers go off on camping trip in an out-of-reach spot and return after a few days to discover that their country has been invaded.
This one started out edge-of-your-seat-y, but by the middle it was bogged down into the characters spending way too much time discussing what they should do instead of just doing it. Slightly disappointing, really.

167. A Conspiracy of Kings by Megan Whalen Turner (series re-read, 334 pages) - 10/10 = A+
Still not my favorite in the series, but amazing nonetheless.

168. Heart's Delight by Per Nilsson (1001 Children's Books, 155 pages) - 7/10 = C
A modern, YA version of The Sorrows of Young Werther, except not nearly as good. And I really didn't like the Goethe, either.

>180 scaifea: Right - I couldn't even get myself to read The One and Only Ivan. So I don't know about reading Wishtree either. Hmm.

>184 jnwelch: Joe: Ha! Well, I guess we'll wait for someone else to read it and see what they think, eh?

>181 scaifea: I think, if I remember well, there is more action in the next books.

>185 scaifea:. LOL! I like that plan!

Hi Amber, is the kitchen finished yet? Renos, gotta love them!

>186 FAMeulstee: Anita: I'll take your word for it, I think.

>187 jnwelch: Joe: Ha! The only flaw in my logic is that *everyone* loved The One and Only Ivan, and I really, really didn't.

>188 Familyhistorian: Meg: Nope, not yet.

On the agenda for today:
Treadmilling, sewing, writing, library volunteering, and then Charlie and I will leave school a bit early to get to him annual wellness check-up. He's nervous because he knows that a flu shot is coming, poor thing.

On the reading front:
After finishing A Conspiracy of Kings yesterday, I started reading Guards! Guards!.

What We Read Yesterday:
-The House That Zach Built by Alison Murray (CCBC, public library book) - 8/10 = B+
And bits of:
-A to Z Mysteries: The Bald Bandit
-Enormously Foxtrot
-No Talking
-The Westing Game
-Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Morning, Amber! Back to the grind, after a nice weekend off. It looks like it will warm up for a couple of days, but at least we will not be in the 90s.

Morning, Mark! I'm irritated a bit by the temperatures, but hopefully it won't last long...

Morning, Amber!

>189 scaifea: Oh yeah. Jeez, good point. So we need someone who didn't like The One and Only Ivan to read Wishtree and report back. The odds are getting slimmer . . .

>190 scaifea: Poor Charlie! Flu shots are not fun at all. All of our family has to get them this year in an attempt to keep Elissa from catching anything. Chloe doesn't mind getting a shot at one of our doctor's offices as they have good freezie pops lol

>194 jnwelch: Joe: Well, that, or if it wins an award then I'll have to read it...

>195 ChelleBearss: Chelle: Yeah, we all get them every year, too. It's definitely worth it if it prevents or at least diminishes the seriousness of the flu, plus, with my parents both in their 80s and my mom a type-1 diabetic, we do our best to immune ourselves to stuff before we visit them. Chloe's logic is flawless, of course. Ha!

Whew! I lost you somehow, and was so far behind... Anyway, I'm glad the in-law visit is over (I'd have used that kitchen remod to insist they not come, but then, you'd have it ahead of you instead of behind you, wouldn't you?) How have you lived without cooking and baking for so long? I shudder to think of having no working kitchen, but a new one would be nice.

>197 laytonwoman3rd: Linda: That's *exactly* why I wanted them to visit anyway. Them not coming wouldn't get rid of the problem, but only delay it.
This not cooking/baking business is getting old. And yes, it would be worth it for a whole new kitchen, but that's not what's happening - we're only getting a new ceiling and walls. New cabinets and counters will be in another couple of years. Yoicks.

Flu shots and no kitchen. Happy Monday anyway!!

>199 Berly: Ha! Thanks, Kim!

On the agenda for today:
Treadmilling, sewing, writing, library volunteering. They're finishing hanging the drywall today, allegedly. I've been told I'll have my kitchen back by the weekend. We'll see.

On the reading front:
I'm working my way through Guards! Guards!, slowly, and I also read a bit of Jane's Island.

Morning, Amber!

>202 msf59: Morning, Mark!

What We Read Yesterday:
-Peterrific by Victoria Kann (public library book, picture book) - 8/10 = B+
And bits of:
-A to Z Mysteries: The Bald Bandit
-Enormously Foxtrot
-No Talking
-The Westing Game
-Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Morning Amber! I'll cross my fingers for your kitchen to be returned to you soon!!
We are starting some renovations as well and all my books are in a big pile at the top landing of my stairwell while the guys start painting and putting new flooring in. I can't wait to get in there and organize the books!

>205 ChelleBearss: Thanks, Chelle. Organizing books is so fun - I'm jealous!

Morning, Amber!

Hey, where did the Newberry trivia go? Did I miss it? If not, I miss it. What?

>207 jnwelch: Morning, Joe!

Oh, sorry! I sort of fizzled out on the Newbery Trivia. Plus now that our house is a complete ramshackle, I'm not even sure I know where the book is. Yoicks.

>208 scaifea: No worries! You've got enough going on. I'll hum quietly to myself in the corner.

Sorry to hear the reno is taking so long. You'll probably bake up a storm once you get your kitchen back.

>209 jnwelch: Ha! Thanks, Joe.

>210 Familyhistorian: Meg: Meh. It's okay. I know I'm going to be very happy with the results.

On the agenda for today:
More of the same (treadmilling, writing and sewing in the basement, then volunteering), plus Charlie has ballet this evening.

On the reading front:
Still working on Guards! Guards!. I also abandoned Cry, the Beloved Country (the audio was terrible) and started listening to A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.

What We Read Yesterday:
-The Sound of Silence by Katrina Goldsaito (public library book, picture book) - 9/10 = A
And bits of:
-A to Z Mysteries: The Bald Bandit
-No Talking
-The Westing Game

Morning, Amber! Looks like a nice one today but we sure could use rain. I will gladly sacrifice myself, out on the route for some well-needed showers.

>214 msf59: Morning, Mark! We got a bit of rain last night, and we're slated for more today and tomorrow. Hope some of that comes your way, too.

On the agneda for today:
Treadmilling, sewing ,writing, library volunteering.

On the reading front:
Still working through Jane's Island and Guards! Guards!, and listening to A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.

What We Read Yesterday:
-Tawny Scrawny Lion
And bits of:
-A to Z Mysteries: The Bald Bandit
-No Talking
Tomm's out of town on a business trip, so we're saving some of our books for when he gets back so he doesn't miss anything or for the nights that he can Facetime with us.)

Morning, Amber! Sweet Thursday! This is my long work week. Only 3 more to go. My scheduled day off is Monday, which should mean I am off Saturday for the holiday but I will work it, because I could use the money for books. Grins...

Enjoy your day.

>218 msf59: Morning, Mark! Does that mean there's no mail on Monday? Oh, Columbus Day. Ha! I forgot all about that one.

Morning, Amber!

I read Cry, the Beloved Country in print, and thought it was really good. I hope you have a chance to get back to it in some non-terrible form.

It’s great that you save books to share with Tomm when he has to travel.

>220 jnwelch: Morning, Joe! I'm going to need some time to recover from the hour I suffered through before re-trying that one in print. Yoicks.

And yeah, we save the chapter books for when we're all there to listen - no one wants to miss out on the action!

169. Jane's Island by Marjorie Hill Allee (Newbery Honor Book, 236 pages) - 8/10 = B+
A cozy little book about a college girl who gets a nanny job in Woods Hole, MA for a summer. The characters are good, but it's the setting that's the real star. Lovely descriptions of the bays and little islands.

Morning, Amber! Sorry about the terrible audio - that does take a bit to recover from.

>223 Crazymamie: Morning, Mamie! And thanks - it's a real danger with these audiobooks, no?

Exactly. I still haven't recovered from listening to a truly terrible audio of one of the Spenser books, and that was several years ago.

>225 Crazymamie: Mamie: Yoicks.

>225 Crazymamie: Was it Joe Montegna reading, Mamie? I didn't like his "performance" at all.

I second Joe's recommendation that you give Cry, The Beloved Country another try, Amber. It's a heart-breaker, but so beautiful in many ways. The 1995 movie was especially well done, I thought. I saw it first, and then I could hear the music of the South African speech in my head while I read the book.

>227 laytonwoman3rd: Yep.

>227 laytonwoman3rd: Thanks for the nudge, Linda. I admit that I was tempted to abandon it forevearandalways after that audio experience, but I'll maybe eventually give it another go, now. Maybe I'll watch the movie first, as a palate-cleanser?

>228 Crazymamie: Mamie: Montegna, eh? Weird. I wouldn't have thought of him as an audiobook reader (and maybe no one else should have either...)

Adding a third vote for Cry, the Beloved Country, so now you have a shove, not a nudge! I haven't seen the film so now Linda has piqued my interest there. But the book was just superb.

>230 lauralkeet: Thanks, Laura - adding your recommendation to the pile!

170. Belling the Tiger by Mary Stolz (Newbery Honor Book, 32 pages) - 8/10 = B
A fun revision of the story of the mice trying to bell the cat.

>175 scaifea: Love that you read The Poky Little Puppy (my childhood favorite) and Harry Potter - what a reading level spread!

>212 scaifea: A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is one of my all time favorites with a 10/10 rating. I hope you enjoy it.

>229 scaifea: Joe Montegna played the Spenser character in a few made-for-TV movies. (He wasn't suited to the role, but then neither was Robert Urich. The "real" Spenser only exists in my head, so far!) I imagine that's a reason he was tagged for reading the books. He seems to have done most of the Spenser books, as well as a lot of other stuff on audio.

>233 Morphidae: Hi, Morphy! We revisit favorite picture books all the time. And wow, 10/10 from you is HUGE! I'm liking it so far, but I'm not very far along yet.

>234 laytonwoman3rd: Linda: Huh. Interesting. I've never read any of the Spenser books, so I'm not a great judge, anyway.

>212 scaifea: started listening to A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.
Rosalita's fave!! I have it, but in a small edition, which I find hard to read. But it is one of those that I really want to get to. Maybe next year I will make a list of all those ones I have that I simply *must* get to.
(oops, did I just say *next year*?)

>236 LovingLit: Megan: Ha! At least you have a definite "next year"; for me it's usually just "one of these days."

On the agenda for today:
Treadmilling, bills, weekly photos, and then I'll go in early for my library volunteering, because the librarian/pizza joint owner is bringing Charlie and me personal pizzas for lunch! WOOT. The Homecoming parade is this afternoon, and all of the kids walk down to Main Street to watch it; Charlie and I are hoping that the predicted thunderstorms actually come through so that we don't have to (walk, that is). As you may remember, he's really not a fan of parades. Fingers crossed for those storms. (Apparently regular old rain won't make them stop the parade, and I do NOT want Charlie to have to walk there and back again in a drizzle. What a dumb idea - make the kiddos putter around in a cold rain right at the beginning of cold and flu season. Brilliant. Yoicks.)

On the reading front:
I didn't get any listening in, but I did read a fair amount of Guards! Guards! yesterday. Hoping to finish that one up in the next couple of days. My normal reading rotation is completely out of whack right now and I desperately want to get back to normal, which will take finishing this one, plus three other books (it's a long story (well, probably not long, but certainly strange, so, um, yeah).

What We Read Yesterday:
-Shrunken Treasures by Scott Nash (public library book, picture book) - 8/10 = B-
I love the idea of this one (take classic works of literature and boil their essences down into pithy and fun poems for kids), but it didn't work so well (read: the poems weren't very good). One did stand out as excellent, though: the one for Remembrance of Things Past:

I dipped a sweet cake in my tea
and the whole world came back to me.

And bits of:
-A to Z Mysteries: The Bald Bandit
-No Talking
-The Westing Game
-Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Morning Amber! Happy Friday. Looks like it might be rain off and one. I hope I have more dry times, as I stroll the route.

Enjoy your day.

>240 msf59: Morning, Mark! I'm hoping that you get clear skies and the we get the storms! Fingers crossed that it works out for both of us!

Good morning, Amber! Here's hoping you don't have to walk in drizzle. Enjoy those pizzas!

>242 bell7: Morning, Mary! And thanks for the parade mojo - here's hoping! And yes, I'm so looking forward to the pizza - it's the best in town!

Morning, Amber. Happy Friday!

I got Shrunken Treasures as an ER, and was really looking forward to it. I love that kind of book normally. Totally agree with your reaction. The problem was, the poems weren't very good at all. What a disappointment.

Morning, Amber! I am not a huge fan of parades, either, so I am hoping you get those storms.

>244 jnwelch: Morning, Joe! Yep, that one mad me a little sad, because potentially it couldn't have been amazing.

>245 Crazymamie: Thanks, Mamie! Here's hoping... It's funny that Charlie's hoping for the storms, too, because he doesn't like parades at all. He's such a grumpy old man sometimes. Ha!

Well, they're noisy and usually there is pushing and jostling and loads of people...I'm with Charlie.

>247 Crazymamie: Mamie: Agreed.

On the agenda for today:
Sewing, reading, trying to stay out of the way of the drywall folks. *sigh*

On the reading front:
I'm nearly finished with Guards! Guards!. I hope to finish it today and get started on Thick as Thieves.

Hope you have a good weekend, Amber!

Thanks, Mary!

Well? Did you have to go to the parade?

>252 Crazymamie: Mamie: Well, I didn't (I stayed at the school and volunteered in the library), but yeah, Charlie did. Hey, you can't save everybody.

True. Still, bummer. "Hey, you can't save everybody." This made me laugh! Happy Saturday, Amber.

>254 Crazymamie: Mamie: Ha! Thanks - I hope your weekend is good so far, too!

171. Guards! Guards! by Terry Pratchett (Discworld read, 355 pages) - 8/10 = B
Another entry in the Discworld series. About the same as the others so far: amusing, in its way, but nothing spectacular.

Good day, but WAY too humid - 91F and very steamy. I was forced to abandon the screened-in porch.

>257 Crazymamie: Mamie: 91?! Oh, yoicks. Overcast, blustery and rainy here. Maybe up to 70F, but possibly not.

On the agenda for today:
Charlie and Tomm are having a quiet day at home together while I run up to Madison to do some fabric shopping. I need to get started on Charlie's Halloween costume and need the supplies to do so.

On the reading front:
After finishing Guards! Guards! yesterday, I started Thick as Thieves, which is, of course, excellent so far.

What We Read Yesterday:
-Doctor Dan the Bandage Man
And bits of:
-A to Z Mysteries: The Bald Bandit
-No Talking
-The Westing Game
-Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Enjoy your day of fabric shopping! I hope Charlie appreciates how much work you do for him! He is one lucky kiddo!

Happy Sunday, Amber! Looking forward to your Halloween 2017 creation for Charlie!

>262 Carmenere: Me, too!

Happy Sunday, Amber!

Happy Sunday, Amber!

>262 Carmenere: Me, three!

Is Charlie liking The Westing Game?

>261 ChelleBearss: Aw, thanks, Chelle! It doesn't at all seem like work, though, since his costumes are my very favorite things to sew.

>262 Carmenere: >263 Crazymamie: Thanks, ladies!

>264 jnwelch: Hi, Joe! And thanks! I'm excited to get started on the costume - so fun. And yes, I think he's liking it. It's not the easiest read-aloud, for various reasons, but it's such a cool mystery and he loves mysteries.

Hi Amber, hope you got all the material you needed for Charlie's Halloween costume my dear and look forward to seeing the finished article.

Hope you have had a good weekend so far dear friend and send love and hugs to you all.

>266 johnsimpson: Hi, John! Yep, I think I have everything I need now, and I'm excited to get cracking on it!

I hope you are having so much fun making Charlie's costume that it feels ok to be in the basement, Amber.

Halloween costumes, Amber.

Hani has just arrived in the UK and apparently if there are any Halloween parties over there she is planning to go as herself (kidding of course).

Have a lovely Sunday.

>268 Familyhistorian: Ha! Thanks, Meg! I think it will make this next week a little easier (I hope)!

>269 PaulCranswick: Paul: Ha! Well, over here, at least, there are plenty of beautiful princess costumes, so she'd do just fine...

Happy Sunday, Amber! Late check in. I was out of the house early today for my bird walk and I am going into the city tomorrow for another one and have to leave even earlier to beat the ridiculous morning traffic. Sighs...It should be well worth it though.

Hope you had a good day yourself.

>271 msf59: Hi, Mark! Good luck with that early morning. I'm not great with that Chicago traffic when we're there, either. Yeesh.

On the agenda for today:
Charlie has today off, so we're heading to Dubuque to putter around a bit (Target, video game store, and lunch at Panera), and then he's been invited over to a friend's house this afternoon. Drywall guys are supposed to come back today to do more work. We'll see. I may start on Charlie's costume this afternoon.

On the reading front:
I listened to a chunk of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn and also finished Thick as Thieves.

What We Read Yesterday:
-Daniel Finds a Poem by Micha Archer (CCBC, picture book) - 8/10 = B+
And bits of:
-A to Z Mysteries: The Bald Bandit
-Enormously Foxtrot
-No Talking
-The Westing Game
-Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

And we watched Elmo Says Boo! as part of our Halloween Movie Marathon.

>273 scaifea: Sounds like a fun day in Dubuque!

>275 rosalita: Morning, Julia! I'm definitely looking forward to being out of the house while the workers do their thing (if they, in fact, show up).

172. Thick as Thieves by Megan Whalen Turner (Queen's Thief series, 337 pages) - 10/10 = A+
OHmygosh, I love this series. This latest entry isn't my favorite (it would be tough to beat the second and third books), but it's still flippin' wonderful: the characters are great, and the usual plot twists and surprises are there, too. So, so, SO, so good.

Morning, Amber!

We’re getting ready to head to the airport. I read A Tree Grows in Brooklyn in the last couple of years, and really liked it.

>277 scaifea: Exactly! Except now I'm really concerned about Attolia's health, not to mention Gen's. Also, intrigued by the inscription on the map at the front of the book. So many questions . . . so many years until we can reasonably expect another book.

>277 scaifea: Oh yes, I was supposed to get to that series *makes note*
Hope you guys enjoy your day. Is this the last week of renos?

>278 jnwelch: Morning, Joe! Safe travels!

I'm enjoying A Tree Grows in Brooklyn so far - I'm glad to see that you liked it.

>279 foggidawn: foggi: I know, right?! Poor Irene! Poor Gen! *sigh* I was proud of myself for guessing that wossname wasn't dead from the beginning, but she still got me with Gen being the errand boy. So excellent.

>280 ChelleBearss: Hi, Chelle! Oh, yes, DO get this series - you'll love it!
And who knows about the reno; we were told at the beginning that it was a 1-week job and we're in the 4th week...

>281 scaifea: I had my suspicions about Gen being the errand boy, but I kept going back and forth in my mind, trying to figure out the timing.

>282 foggidawn: foggi: It didn't even occur to me to be suspicious - I was too caught up in the good story going on, I guess. Also, I love Costis, tons.

On the agenda today:
More hanging out in the basement with the dogs, writing and sewing. I got a start on the costume yesterday, so I'll do more on that today, likely.

On the reading front:
I started and am nearly finished with Rowan of Rin, and picked Blue Lily, Lily Blue back up, too.

What We Read Yesterday:
-Miss Rumphius
And bits of:
-A to Z Mysteries: The Bald Bandit
-Enormously Foxtrot
-No Talking
-The Westing Game
-Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Morning, Amber! Back to the grind. It will probably be a heavy one too, after the holiday. A bit, stiff and sore after my adventures yesterday but I will shake it out. Much cooler today but I am sticking with the shorts.

Enjoy your day.

>286 msf59: Morning, Mark! Good luck today - fingers crossed that it won't be too heavy.

I read A Tree Grows in Brooklyn last year -- had not read it before -- and was so glad that I did. I can see why it was a classic for its time and audience.

I hope you're having a good Tuesday, Amber!

>288 EBT1002: Hi, Ellen! I know that A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is a favorite with a bunch of 75ers, so I'm not surprised that it's turning out to be pretty good.

And thanks - I hope your Tuesday is good so far, too!

Hi Amber, your agenda for the day sounds good my dear, we have had a decent day getting one or two things done despite both of us having a bad nights sleep, especially moi. I am enjoying the two books I have on the go currently and should finish one tomorrow.

Have a really good rest of the day dear friend and send love and hugs from both of us.

>290 johnsimpson: Hi, John! It's rainy here - perfect reading weather!

173. Rowan of Rin by Emily Rodda (1001 Children's Books, 151 pages) - 8/10 = B+
Rowan is a young shepherd living in a village that depends upon the water that flows from the nearby mountain. When that water suddenly dries up, the villagers decide that they need to send a group to the top of the mountain to see what's wrong. Six volunteer, and cowardly Rowan (the only one with the ability to read the witch's map) makes seven.
A brief but fun quest-centered fantasy, with riddles to solve, forests with giant spiders, dark mountain caves, and, of course, a dragon. This would be a good intro to fantasy for young readers; think The Hobbit for Beginners.

On the agenda today:
Sewing, writing, a quick stop at the post office and then library volunteering. Charlie has ballet class tonight.

On the reading front:
After finishing Rowan of Rin, I started The Little Grey Men. I also listened to more of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn and read a bit of Blue Lily, Lily Blue.

What We Read Yesterday:
-Little One by Jo Weaver (CCBC, picture book) - 8/10 = B+
And bits of:
A to Z Mysteries: The Bald Bandit
-Enormously Foxtrot
-No Talking
-The Westing Game
-Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Morning, Amber! Going to the long pants for the next 2 days but it begins to warm back up on Friday.

Happy Wednesday, my friend.

>295 msf59: Morning, Mark! Woot for fall weather! Finally!!

Reading Update:
I've given up on The Little Grey Men; I gave it 50+ pages, but I just couldn't get myself to focus on it.

The new thread is up:

https://www.librarything.com/topic/270809