Mark's Reading Place: Chapter Three

-Riveria Maya, Mexico. ONE MORE WEEK! Let the countdown begin...



^Birds of Mexico

Audiobook:



Graphic/Comic:


Books Read So Far...

OTS- Off the Shelf

January:

1) The Princess Diarist by Carrie Fisher 4 stars (audio)
2) The Fact of a Body: A Memoir by Alexandria Marzano-Lesnevich 5 stars (audio)
3) Why Buddhism is True by Robert Wright 4.2 stars
4) What It Means When a Man Falls from the Sky: Stories by Lesley Nneka Arimah 4.2 stars
5) The White Album: Essays by Joan Didion 4 stars (E) OTS
6) Nicholas Nickelby by Charles Dickens 3.7 stars (audio/print)
7) The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden 3.6 stars (audio)
8) Black Swan Green by David Mitchell 4.5 stars OTS
9) A Thousand Mornings: Poems by Mary Oliver 4.5 stars Poetry OTS

Welcome to the AAC V! It should be another fun year. Some interesting and diverse authors.

2018 AAC

January- Joan Didion Completed The White Album
February- Colson Whitehead
March- Tobias Wolff
April- Alice Walker
May- Peter Hamill
June- Walter Mosley
July- Amy Tan
August- Louis L'Amour
September- Pat Conroy
October- Stephen King
November- Narrative Nonfiction
December- F. Scott Fitzgerald

^The least racist person, in American history...

^No surprises, the Meet Up between Joe and I, was another resonating success, as you can tell by the goofy grins. This is at Spiteful Brewery. Our first visit here and we really liked this place.

>4 msf59: - Yeah, you got that right. I heard him say that, on our news this morning. As I've said before, recently, and often, if I roll my eyes any more, they are going to fall out the back of my head...

Happy new thread. Love the countdown!! :-)

Happy new thread, Mark!

Whoa, that Riveria Maya, Mexico photo up there looks so inviting, Mark. That should be quite a getaway.

I thoroughly enjoyed our latest craft beer safari. Lots of laughs and good book talk, among everything else. We're going to write more short book reviews now, right? :-)

P.S. Enjoy your day off!

Hey Mark! Happy New Thread! Cancun and Riviera Maya are like our second homes. We've been there over 30 times. If you have any questions, just PM me.

Wow, I could use some beach time there! I get Cocoa Beach through the summer, but only after 10 hour or more days... 😁

Morning, Mark! Happy new one! Love that you brought the photo of you and Joe over from the previous thread - such a great shot of the two of you.

>6 jessibud2: Thanks, Shelley. I almost didn't include the Slapping Trump strip. Glad I kept it, at least for one more thread.

>7 scaifea: Thanks, Amber.

>8 jnwelch: Morning, Joe! Hooray for Riviera Maya and craft beer safaris!! Had a good time yesterday and yes, I am going to and stay on top of my mini-reviews.

>9 Carmenere: Thanks, Lynda and I appreciate the great offer. Expect a PM, in the very near future. 30 times makes you a seasoned veteran.

>10 drneutron: This will be our first family trip to Mexico or out of the country, period. It should be a lot of fun.

>11 Crazymamie: Morning, Mamie and thanks. Joe and I, do make a good team, don't we?

Happy new thread!
Jealous of your upcoming Mexico trip! Some sun and warmth will be so nice!

>6 jessibud2: He knows he's the least racist American ever because of how nice he is to people from all those shithole nations ... I can't even with him anymore.

I hope you have a nice trip, Mark.

Happy new thread Mark! You're leaving in two weeks? That's so exciting. I'm looking forward to Minnesota summer in several months....lol

Happy new thread, Mark. Nice beach photo. Two weeks will fly by. Well, off to shovel in the frigid weather. Aren't you glad you have the day off?

^I used my wife's car yesterday, to drive in the city, so she had use of my Explorer. Well, she has my keys in her coat pocket, with the 2nd set in her purse. And she is at work. Looks like no massage and no lunch. I am home bound. Am I disappointed? ...not really. More book time. Yah!

>14 ChelleBearss: Thanks, Chelle. We are looking forward to it.

>15 libraryperilous: Thanks, Diana. I am really looking forward to going to this particular shit-hole country.

>16 The_Hibernator: Thanks, Rachel. In two weeks exactly, we should be landing in Cancun.

>17 BLBera: Thanks, Beth. Have you ever been to this part of Mexico? It will be our first time. I used the snow-blower for the first time and cleared off the driveway. At least there is no ice, at this point. It makes it easier.

>1 msf59: Can I carry your luggage for you or something? Looks beautiful! And warm! And sunny! : )

>18 msf59: Oops. Glad you are making the best of it.

>16 The_Hibernator: >17 BLBera: Go Vikings! A helluva win last night. I was rootin' for 'em.

>21 msf59: Really? I would think a Bears fan would be raining curses upon the Vikings.

Ooh.. love the thread topping photo. Given the weather this morning and forecast for more snow on the horizon, I'd love to teleport myself over to that sunny beach.... and it doesn't even have to be in Mexico.... I'll take any warm, sunny beach right now.

Great Meetup pic of you and Joe, Mark. I had dinner last night with Marianne (michigantrumpet) and we were saying we both really want to get out to Chicago just to have a Meetup with all you fun-loving biblio-extraordinaire folks. I might have a trip out this Fall actually for work, and if I do, I'll definitely stretch it. :-)

I wish "the least racist person in American history" *major eye roll and gag* would take himself on a canoe to Haiti, capsize and be eaten by sharks. Although now that I think of it, sharks are beautiful creatures, so really I shouldn't wish indigestion on them.

Happy new thread, Mark!

>5 msf59: Nice looking meet up pic, Mark.

>18 msf59: I guess you'll just have to stay home and read, Mark.

I loved the Minny Miracle. We thought all hope was lost for them and that came out of nowhere.

Saw a great show on the 1953 coronation of the queen. Very interesting stuff. For the first time, she herself saw video of her coronation and it was interesting to hear what she had to say. It was on the Smithsonian channel.

Love the meet up pic (again), and love that you bookish pals get to have regular beer and book talks!!

>1 msf59: That looks wonderful Marc!

And nice meet-up picture.

Okay, finished The White Album, (a solid collection) and then read/listened to a nice chunk of Nickelby, (plenty to enjoy here but he is sure a wordy son of a gun). I should wrap this up tomorrow. More reading to come this afternoon...

>20 Berly: I wish you could tag along, Kimmers and you wouldn't even have to carry any luggage. Just bring sunscreen and books.

>22 Oberon: Since the Bears are out of the mix, I have been rootin' for the Vikes, Erik. I generally like the underdogs and they have really had an impressive season.

Happy new thread, Mark!

>5 msf59: Lovely picture of you and Joe :-)

Happy new one, Mark!

>5 msf59: Nice pic of you and Joe. I'm glad you guys had another successful meet up!

>23 cameling: Hi, Caro. Have you been to this part of Mexico? I wish a whole bunch of LTers could join us here.

Glad you got together with Marianne. I have missed seeing her around. I sure hope you can make a stop in Chicago, later this year. We would have a blast.

I love your thoughts and dreams about Trump. This would definitely be a wonderful thing. Grins...

>24 harrygbutler: Thanks, Harry.

>25 lindapanzo: Hi, Linda. You may have to drive down, one of these times, and join Joe and I. I know you are not as much of a beer geek, as we are, but you sure can talk books.

I like your thoughts on the Queen and her coronation. Have you watched The Crown on Netflix? It is an excellent series and they did a good job, covering the coronation.

>27 EllaTim: >29 FAMeulstee: Thanks, Ella & Anita. Those are two very happy fellows.

>30 brodiew2: Thanks, Brodie! We do enjoy ourselves on our little visits.

>31 msf59: I don't get into the city much but maybe sometime, I will. My niece is swimming in DG next month, so that might be a possible meet up idea. Not sure whether North or South but Feb 18th is the day.

I can't say that I've officially abandoned Nicholas Nickleby and The White Album but I'm awfully close. This suddenly fussy reader has other things she'd rather read.

>33 lindapanzo: Joe and I only meet every 2-3 months, but we will try to keep you in mind for next time.

Sorry, to hear that the Dickens and the Didion are not ringing your bookish bells. Hey, if it isn't working, find something that does.

^I am a big fan of Mitchell and I wanted to read Black Swan Green for several years now. I saw that Kim was reading it and that was the nudge I needed. Just a few pages in but I like it. I can't believe he wrote this after Cloud Atlas. Nice left turn.

LOVED Black Swan Green Mark. Enjoy!

Happy New Thread, Mark! And what great timing for your Mexico adventure, after all the cold weather.

Happy new thread, Mark! I'm either sorry that you couldn't get the massage and have lunch or happy that you had more time to read. Which is it?

>36 brenzi: Good to know, Bonnie! About 30 pages in. I am liking it too. Have you read his earliest stuff, pre-Cloud Atlas? Sadly, I have not.

>37 banjo123: Thanks, Rhonda. Looking forward to the trip. We should have a blast.

>38 karenmarie: Thanks, Karen. I rescheduled the massage for Wed morning so no big deal there. Actually I had a nice afternoon with the books and I should finish Nickelby tomorrow.

-Harry Bliss

Actually, I have heard that Trump ask his cabinet members to read favorable news clips out loud to him. Must be tough to find these clips, eh?

4) What It Means When a Man Falls from the Sky: Stories by Lesley Nneka Arimah 4.2 stars

Another terrific collection of stories. The young talent out there these days, is truly mind-boggling. The author is also fearless, as she experiments with historical fiction, magical realism, dystopia and plain old, grim reality. Many of the stories are based in Nigeria or have Nigerian characters. She also handles personal relationships quite deftly and poignantly. Arimah is an author to keep a very close eye on.

**Richard also LOVED this collection. If you want to read a real review, check his out:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1686114396?book_show_action=false&from...

Happy new one, Mark.

>41 msf59: Good plug of RD's fine review, buddy.

Happy new thread, Mark. Your vacation will be here before you know it!

>42 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Paul.

>43 Familyhistorian: Thanks, Meg. Let the great countdown begin...

Happy New Thread. Lots of book bullets flying round here

Gotta add the Mitchell, and the Arimah to the WL

Oooh, LOVE the photo up top. Think of us all while you're sunning yourself with a book! *she says, staring out at the heaviest of grey skies and incoming snow*

Very much enjoying the Cheeto snark as well. I mean, I'm no fan of our situation over here either, Robocop May does NOTHING for me, but... at least she's not Trump, y'know?

Enjoy Mexico, Mark, when you go. Not being a flier, I have no advice or opinions. You and Joe look like you had a great outing together. No surprise there!

'Morning, Mark!

>40 msf59: All they have to do is look at alt-right stuff, unfortunately. I'm over halfway through Fire and Fury and it's even scarier than I thought.

Morning, Mark!

^Woke up to another fresh 2 inches of snow and this was after shoveling, snow-blowing and sweeping yesterday. Okay, enough...

>45 mahsdad: Thanks, Jeff. I am sure you would like both of those books.

>46 elliepotten: Hi, Ellie. Great to see you. Boo to winter & the Orange Gasbag. Yah, to warm climes.

>47 vancouverdeb: Hi, Deb. Looking forward to the family trip. We usually have a pretty good time together and this should be a blast.

>48 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. I am not sure I could stomach Fire and Fury, at this point. It seems to be an endless onslaught of ugly news coming out of the W.H.
on a daily basis.

>49 scaifea: Morning, Amber!

Good morning, Mark! We have snow coming tomorrow, but not nearly so much as you got, I expect.

Sorry about the massage and lunch, Mark! Yesterday would have been a good day to stay home and read, though.

I started the Julia Glass, and can already tell it is going to be my type of novel. In nonfiction/audio, I am going to start David Cay Johnston's It's Even Worse Than You Think, which I am sure will infuriate me, but I respect Johnston's work and believe I need to read it.

Head over to my thread or FB page to see how much the shoreline changed over the weekend! I am sure it will even be more dramatic this am.

>50 msf59: ew, we also got more snow yesterday and overnight. Kind of hoping it melts and magically become spring soon!

Well, the mail volume is reasonable, especially after the holiday, so a bit of a break. Whew! Just have to deal with the cold and the snow...

>52 harrygbutler: Morning, Harry. I see you guys, are getting hit pretty hard. Good luck.

>53 alphaorder: Morning, Nancy.. I will stop by a little later on.

>50 msf59: Made me laugh! I remember those sentiments from my Indiana days.

Morning, Mark! I finished up The White Album yesterday, but I still have to put together my review of it. I'm so happy you put Didion in January!

>54 ChelleBearss: Morning, Chelle. Fortunately, it was a light snow and with sunshine today, it should melt most of the surfaces off.

>56 Crazymamie: Morning, Mamie. Actually not bad right now. Cold, sure, but light winds and sunshine.

Glad you liked the Didion pick. I plan on reading something else by her, later on in the year.

Yup, you are getting too much snow, get the ref to show the red card Mark.

Glad you had an alternative plan after the car key fiasco. Oops indeed.

Hey, buddy.

Somehow I took a wrong turn and ended up at work. What? I know. I co-author a textbook, and we needed to yak about it, among other things.

I'm loving my re-visit with Gaiman's Death The Deluxe Edition. Great main character, good stories, and I just finished one that I hadn't read before.

Hope the day goes okay. I'm glad it's not too bad out where you are. Snowy downtown, but otherwise fine.

Hi there! Happy (sort of) new thread.

Ah the countdown to Mexico - yay. We've never been to the east side. We've always gone to Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo. It's been far too long though.

Yay for a good meetup with Joe!

Sorry about the missed massage - bummer. Glad today's mail volume is reasonable.

>57 msf59: The Year of Magical Thinking came in for me at the library, so I might also read that this month.

>41 msf59: And as my thanks for plugging my review, bird guy:

Happy new thread, Mark!

I await your final comments on Black Swan Green - it's on my shelf!

>58 Caroline_McElwee: Hi, Caroline. No need of the red card...yet. Our snowfall is still under average. I hope that continues.

>59 jnwelch: Hi, Joe. Hope work went smoothly. Not familiar with that Gaiman. Is this part of the Sandman series?

Hey! Did you see my review up there? Huh?

>60 SuziQoregon: Thanks, Juli. Getting pumped about Mexico. Not sure I'll make it to Oregon this year but I would sure like another Meet up with you guys.

The good news is- I am getting the massage tomorrow morning. Yah!

>61 Crazymamie: I loved The Year of Magical Thinking, Mamie. I think that is a perfect follow-up for Didion.

>62 richardderus: I love owls and I love Zeppelin! So, this is perfect. Thanks, RD!

>63 katiekrug: Thanks, Katie. Good to see you. Black Swan Green is off to a very good start. Mitchell is amazing.

>64 msf59: The Death character originated in the Sandman series, but she eventually got two books of her own: Death The High Cost of Living and Death The Time of Your Life. She's a terrific character.

Hey, look! What a good mini-review up there of When a Man Falls From the Sky! Seriously, great example of what we were talking about. I'm glad you highlighted it like that. I meant to mention it, and got distracted. A short story collection I might actually read.

>66 jnwelch: I figured that was part of the Sandman series, Joe. I really want to stick to the mini-reviews. I know it is not always easy but I think if we can keep giving each other a nudge, here and there, that will help. I plan on jotting down some thoughts on the Didion collection, in the morning.

I also finished the Dickens.

I will be adding What it Means When a Man Falls From the Sky to my list Mark. I read several short story collections last year including three or four of Alice Munro’s. I really do love her books.

>68 brenzi: Hi, Bonnie. I think you would like this collection. I love Munro's short fiction. I hope to read one of hers this year.

>1 msf59: Ed and I went to Riveria Maya when I was pregnant with Beckham (now 16). It was a great time. We went to Xel-Há Park and had a great time. It is a nature preserve where you can swim and snorkel with many beautiful fish. There is a bunch to do, and it looks like from the website they have added even more.

We also did a day tour with an Incan guide who took us to a spider-monkey preserve, and we got to see how many Incan's still live. The elder of the village we went to lived in nothing more than many sticks put together to form a sort of teepee-like structure in which there was only room for him to sit and maybe lie down. It was incredible to see how these people still live today!

I would love to go back with the boys and do many of the same things we did on that trip - it was very memorable. I hope you have a wonderful trip.

A funny story about getting there - we flew into Cancun and had to take a bus to our resort, which was one of the farthest from Cancun. The bus made many stops dropping off tourists at resort hotels and then finally there were only Ed and I, and a family of 4 left going to our resort. It was getting dark, and suddenly the bus stopped along the side of the road. Ed and I could see out the window and we watched as the bus driver went to the side under the bus where the luggage is stowed and close one of the panels that had apparently been left open. He calmly got back on the bus and we made our way to our hotel. When the luggage was taken out of the bus, the family was missing one of their bags. The father started screaming at the bus driver for not exercising proper care and losing his luggage along the side of the road, and many, many other things. The driver claimed that it was likely left at one of the many hotels where we had already stopped. The next day, we ran into one of the sons who said that the father did get his luggage back the evening before, no word as to where it had been, however, his father had apparently broken his arm and had to be taken to the hospital to get it set. I always felt bad for the family, but the luggage part was pretty comical. Here's hoping your luggage arrives with you!

>70 rretzler: To follow up on Robin, we have been to the Riviera Maya several times. While there is nothing wrong with just laying on the beach there other fantastic things to do. Chichen Itza, one of the late Mayan cities, is a day trip and well worth it. Even if you don't go all the way to Chichen Itza, Tulum is spectacular.

If you like to snorkel or dive, Cozumel is one of the great dive spots in the world. All the big resorts run dive trips out to Cozumel from Riviera Maya.

>35 msf59: oooh, itching to see what the left turn for Mitchell is in this book- must got peek at some reviews :)

>62 richardderus: Love that kooky owl....What!!?? I was talking about *the owl*! Not RD!! ;)
*off to read his real review*

Morning, Mark!

Morning Mark - Just a bit more cold before a warm up. Will be curious to see how the lakefront changes! Stay warm out there.

It's Even Worse Than You Think is really interesting, if also depressing. I am not sure how listening to this book on my commute is better than listening to the news. They both get my blood pressure up!

>70 rretzler: Morning, Robin. Thank you so much for the info and suggestions, about Riviera Maya. We do like snorkeling and had a great time doing it, on our visit to Hawaii. I would be interested in the spider monkey reserve too. We also fly into Cancun and are staying at a resort about 45 minutes south.

Love the bus and missing baggage story. Always an adventure, right?

>71 Oberon: Thanks, Erik. Great suggestions. We are definitely taking a day trip to visit the Mayan Ruins and I will keep in mind the Cozumel, snorkeling trip. I take it, they just boat you across to the island?

>72 LovingLit: Hi, Megan. The left-hand turn I refer to, with Mitchell, is that this was his follow-up to Cloud Atlas, which was such an ambitious and mind-blowing experience and Black Swan Green is a coming of age story, but the writing remains stellar.

>73 scaifea: Morning, Amber!

>74 alphaorder: Morning, Nancy. Loving these A.M. lakeshore reports. I am off today, so no worries for me. Your audio pick sounds tough. Not sure I could handle anymore disgust...

> 76 Here is the piece about the ice canos from last night's news. (I need to contact them though to update the spelling of the word - it does make sense that they would put an 'e' in the word because you do for the plural of volcano, but do you see that it becomes canoes? ha!)

Anyway, enjoy this minute glimpse at yesterday's shoreline:
http://fox6now.com/2018/01/16/mix-of-cold-snow-leads-to-stunning-icecanoes-at-mi...

Good morning, Mark! Snow is falling here this morning, but it does seem the house finches have returned from wherever they were hiding during the frigid temperatures.

Happy day off, Mark! I hope it's filled with reading.

We're getting a bit of freezing rain before it switches to snow. Looks like 2-3" by the local TV station and 4-8" by the National Weather Service. Reading! Hanging out on LT!

>77 alphaorder: Is this Fox News? Grins...This is very cool. So, these are visible, from your lakeshore walk? If so, another bonus, right?

>78 harrygbutler: Morning, Harry. Good luck with the snow. Funny, I have not seen any house finch, at the feeders for weeks now. I wonder why that is? Only Goldies and Juncos at the finch feeder.

>79 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. Well, I sure hope the local news is calling it right. Fingers crossed.

My afternoon should be reserved for the books. That is the plan.

>80 msf59: They disappeared around here when the weather got so cold a few weeks ago, but just yesterday I saw at least one (and I think more) at the feeders.

>80 msf59: The local affiliate - not quite the same... Yes, these are visible from my morning stop. Better take my YakTrax today or it might be difficult to get back up the hill. Do you wear something like that to keep you from falling on the ice on your route? I can imagine it could be a delicate dance some days.

>81 harrygbutler: I occasionally see the house finch, on the route, during the frigid weather, hanging on the leeward side of a spruce tree, seeking shelter, but that is about it.

>82 alphaorder: There are chain grips, that you can wear on your boots, but I have very rarely ever wore them. I am fortunate, that I stay on my feet, most of the time, but I am glad you have your YakTrax along.

Howdy Mark, saw your memo on my thread and viola! I'm here!

>70 rretzler: >71 Oberon:
I agree with Robin, Xel-Ha (the X has a sh sound) is a beautiful sight, I remember it as being quiet, sort of a sacred kind of feel) but although we like to snorkel we're not keen on spending the whole day doing water activities.
Instead, we have fallen in love with Xcaret. The underground cave is pretty awesome to snorklel and swim through. Swim with Dolphins or get an inner tube and float in their lagoon. There is a Mexican folkloric show in the evening and assorted activities throughout the day. Restaurant on site is buffet.
Whichever you choose, either one can most likely also include a trip to Tulum.

Mayan Ruins - Disclaimer: We are a clan of history geeks so we really get off on this stuff. If you don't, just do Tulum.

Absolutely nothing tops Chichen Itza! If you want to do only one site, this is it. El Castillo is the Mayan pyramid/temple where sacrifices allegedly took place, an observatory is also incredibly fascinating for the age it was constructed. Take the long walk to the Cenote where, it is said, young maidens were tossed to their deaths as sacrificial lambs. Some tours stop on the way back at a cenote for swimming after touring the ruins and cooling off.
Tulum is awesome too. It sits right on the coast and offers a spectacular view. It's not as far away as Chichen Itza and offers a lot but on a smaller scale.
Bill and I went to Coba (ruins between Tulum and Chichen Itza) about 25 years ago and it was just a dirt path. Hardly any tourists. We returned with Will a couple of years ago and although not as commercial as the other two it's getting a lot more visitors. Still pretty rustic and to get around you can hire a "taxi" to take you around and will wait for you as you hop on and off.
For both sites, to get the full effect, you've got to have a guide. They give breath to these ancient stones.

ETA: ChanKanaab Cozumel - We were there awhile back and it was a beautiful location but we didn't snorkel much as I was a bit under the weather. ( I think it was the rocky ferry ride over that did me in) :0(
Yet, walking the Malecon was delightful for shopping or having a beer.

Weather - We've been to Riviera Maya in January and it was chilly. We went into Playa Del Carmen to get warmer clothes and our hotel's pool was not heated so we hardly used it. Even the ocean was not incredibly warm. And it was really windy.

We'll be going back in May and since we've seen just about everything we are taking books and Kindles and doing nothing! hahaha

I'm so excited for you guys!

>74 alphaorder: - Yikes. That book title alone is enough to put me off. And I'm not even American.

Very cool about the ice volcanoes

>84 Carmenere: Thank you so much, Lynda. This is what I was looking for. I have copied your comments along with my other LT pal recs, onto a separate memo, to peruse later. We have a contact for a local guide and hope to call her soon.

So far the temps look like they will be hovering around 80, in the Riviera Maya, for the next 10 days. Fingers crossed that this continues.

Morning, Mark! Happy Day Off!

>87 Crazymamie: Thanks, Mamie. Getting ready to head out for my postponed massage. Ahhhhhh....

>75 msf59: In answer to your question, there are regular ferry boats back and forth to Cozumel.

>89 Oberon: Excellent. Thanks, Erik.

^I had a great massage. I felt like jello afterwards, plus I got one of the doctors there to adjust my neck. Can you say blissful? I knew you could.

Now, off to meet my daughter for lunch and a probable brew or two.

Your trip to Mexico is getting close now, Mark, have you made the important decision yet - you know - what books you are taking with you to read on the beach!

Hey, buddy. We've been running around today, so I'm a bit later than usual. "Jello" with an adjusted neck sounds like just the ticket. Enjoy the rest of your day off.

Oh, I started Binti The Night Masquerade, and she's already got me caught up in its spell.

>92 DeltaQueen50: Hi, Judy. Slowly working on my vacation book picks. Probably have 2-3 picked out. I will post the list, when it gets closer. Getting excited...

>93 jnwelch: Hi, Joe. Having a really good day off. I am just not getting much reading in, but there is still time...

Glad you are enjoying the new Binti. I will have to snag that one.

Sorry you are stuck at home today. More book time, right? If anyone deserves a break from the winter weather, it's you, Mark. Well, our other postal workers could probably use a dose of warm weather, too… The only downside is that you might not want to come home! My daughter and SIL go to Mexico every year and love it. I might love it, too, but Someone has to watch the kids!

I loved Black Swan Green. It was the first Mitchell book I read. So different from his others.

Sounds like you had a great day, Mark. Hope that keeps you going until Mexico.

>95 Donna828: Hi, Donna. Actually, I wasn't stuck inside all that much. I had a massage this morning and then a couple of errands and then I met my daughter for lunch. Hope to catch up on some more reading, the rest of the evening.

I am enjoying Black Swan Green. Less than a hundred pages in.

>95 Donna828: Thanks, Meg. I did have a good off day. At least the temps creep back to normal and beyond, through the weekend.

^Is anyone else watching the 2nd season of The Crown? I have not heard anyone mention it lately. I am on episode 7. I am finding it much slower paced, than the first season but the cast is still amazing and there is still plenty to chew on and enjoy.

I had never heard of Lord Altrincham, but I liked how he transformed the Queen. I also did not know the full story of the Duke of Windsor and his complicity with the Nazis. Fascinating stuff. And Elizabeth getting spiritual advice from Billy Graham? Wow.

>98 msf59: I like the series a lot. It is a slower paced season but it was very worth it to absorb so much amazing information about events just barely before our time on Earth began.

Ah, the key mixup was yesterday. My bad. Those massages must make your route go by with less pain in the shoulders from hefting that bag. Enjoy the rest of your week, Mark.

We are too, watching the Crown, I think we are only up to EP3. Wikipedia reported a huge spike when the 2nd season started. (I for one am guilty of it). People looking up to see what the real story is. We were thinking that they should put some labels on the screen to indicate who each person is. I can't keep people straight sometimes. :)

Last season, I was quite curious about the smog episode. I don't think I had ever heard of that.

Did you also hear that this is the last season for Claire and Matt. Next season, the royals are going to age and they are casting 2 new people. Interesting idea.

Olivia Colman will be playing the Queen in Season three and I for one can’t wait. She’s one of my favorite actresses. (Broadchurch, the Night Manager, Hot Fuzz). I thought the second season was a bit slower but still the best thing on tv presently, for me anyway. I loved the Duke of Windsor story, the Profumo story and the Kennedy part. Or in other words just about all of it. Especially love Princess Margaret

>99 richardderus: They have done such a stellar job with The Crown. Claire Foy is so perfectly cast. She will be missed.

>100 Donna828: No, problem, Donna. I have not got a massage in nearly a year. I forgot how satisfying it is. I will have to do better.

>101 mahsdad: Thanks, for chiming in on The Crown. This is cat-nip for history buffs. I read a book last summer called Death in the Air, that focused on the deadly London fog. I highly recommend it.

Yep, sorry to see Claire and Matt go. They have both been excellent.

>102 brenzi: Hi, Bonnie. I have only seen Colman, in the first season of Broadchurch but was quite impressed. Looking forward to seeing what she does as the Queen.

I am taking my time finishing Season 2. I am sure it will be a long wait, until the next one arrives.

Awesome to see the love up there for David Mitchell await with interest to see what you made of Black Swan Green ..... just quietly He is one of my Fav authors.

Yes, I gobbled The Crown season 2 up. It is wonderful. It will now be a long wait until season 3 and the prime actors will be greatly missed.

And lucky me, I still have most of the first season of The Crown to watch. I got back in November, and for some reason failed to binge watch it. I'll get back to it soon. My sister phoned me and told me to DVR The X Files for the humour value and I have done so.

Morning, Mark! I've watched exactly one episode of The Crown while we were at my BIL's house just after Christmas. I loved it, but haven't found time to watch any more of it now that we're home. Tomm has been watching it on his business trips and loves it, too. Too bad about the actors being switched out. I did watch this adorable clip of Smith and Foy answering tea etiquette questions, though:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25oEdWGdH2Y

>105 roundballnz: Hooray for another Mitchell fan. I still need to go back and read his earliest stuff. Have you read all of them, Alex?

>106 mdoris: I can't imagine any LTers not gobbling up The Crown, Mary. Have they set a date yet for the 3rd season?

>107 vancouverdeb: Hi, Deb. You are in for a treat, with The Crown. Each episode is about an hour. Watch a couple a week and savor every minute of it.

>108 scaifea: Morning, Amber. Try to find time, to resume The Crown. It is a book-lover's buffet. Thanks for the link. I will check it out.

ETA- That is adorable!

^After finishing the audio of Nickelby, I decided to switch to fantasy. I have wanted to read The Bear and the Nightingale, since it came out. I know this one was well-received. I think Mamie read and enjoyed it early on. It looks like it is my turn, at the till.

I was hoping to be further along in Black Swan Green, (about 100 pages) but I hope to dig deeper.

Hey Mark, not sure how I missed 111 messages, I'm going to have to try harder to keep up with the speedy threads! I was so pleased that you were warbling (and Richard was warbling) about What it means when a man falls from the sky - I thought this collection was brilliant, reminded me of The thing around your neck. I really hope she has a novel in the pipeline, I'm keen to see what she does beyond the short story.

ETA to fix the Adichie title and to ask Why is Richard's Review not on the book page, eh?! ;-)

>111 msf59: Ooof, I really want to get round to The Bear and the Nightingale soon - it sounds so good!

>98 msf59: I loved both seasons of The Crown. I watched them when we were bored in Toronto. I also started watching Call the Midwife which I was surprised to find that I really liked!

'Morning, Mark, and happy Thursday to you. We're stuck in a deep freeze, 10-12" of snow, on generator power. The birds are in a frenzy. Funny - I haven't seen any goldfinches here at my house, but Louise reported a small flock yesterday. I, however, have tons of house finches chowing down in addition to the cardinals, blue jays, mourning doves, titmice, and Carolina chickadees. Feeding the multitudes.

Yay for massage and neck adjustment. I'm glad it was a jello experience for you. *smile*

>102 brenzi:, >103 msf59: Here's the UK casting pool for Prince Philip. I love the fact that the front runner is David Tennant! The Eleventh Doctor replaced by the Tenth Doctor...how can they resist.

Good morning, Mark! Best of luck spotting owls on your walk this afternoon!

Hi Mark, a nice sunny, but chilly, Thursday. Warmer days ahead though.

I have my sleep study tonight. I'm bringing a baseball book along. I want something that's interesting but won't rile me up and keep me awake. I've been "reading" this one for awhile and haven't gotten very far with it.

Can't believe you finished the Dickens so quickly.

>114 ChelleBearss: - Chelle, I just *discovered* Call the Midwife this year and have been borrowing the seasons from the library, one season at a time, binge-watching. I am fully caught up to the end of season 5 and am waiting for my turn with season 6. I had hoped to get it quickly as the new season (7), begins on PBS this Sunday but I a #48 in line for 29 copies so there is no way I will be able to watch season 6 before the new season begins. Oh well. I am really enjoying it too, especially the way they are handling the really tough subjects in real time (thalidomide, for example). The dvds also have *extra* features, interviews with the actors, etc.

Based on the warbling here, I may next try to see if I can find *The Crown* series at the library.

Okay, not a bad day out here- cold but lots of sunshine. I am not sure why, but I am running behind, so can only spare a moment. I will most likely have to come back tonight and respond...after the night owl hike, of course. Grins...

Morning, Mark! Hoping you catch up. Have fun on your night owl hike.

Good morning, Mark! I have not engaged 'The Crown' though I really should giving the Matt Smith (Prince Philip) is in it. ;-P I am not sure of the strength of his role or how important it is. I imagine it would be fascinating to see WWII through the Queen's perspective.

I've only got a couple of discs the go on Bonhoeffer which has been a fascinating look at the rise of the Nazis from inside Germany. Bonhoeffer was a Christian martyr who ultimately gave his life in defense of the Church and the Jews.

Good luck with the owl hike, Mark. I hope that you get to see one in person.

Hi Mark - I'm a rabid David Mitchell fan too, but Black Swan Green is the only one I haven't read. I think Cloud Atlas or Jacob de Zoet are my favorites. I heard him speak a couple of years ago at a Brooklyn book festival and he talked about how all his novels are connected, some in more obvious ways (like common characters) than others.

I just finished Spain in Our Hearts and have added Hochschild as a favorite narrative non-fiction author. He really brought the subject to life.

I am so excited that you will be in the Yucatan, Mark! We were there about 24 years ago, had a great time. We went with a collection of friends, rented 2 VW bugs, and drove around. We even slept a couple nights in hammocks on the beach. The food was awesome, lots of really good fish.
Really try to see Chichen Itza; it was the highlight of the trip for me. One of those places where history just pours over you.

Hiya, buddy.

I finished the Erika Sanchez poetry collection; Holy Toledo, she doesn't mince words. I wouldn't mind bringing a little sunshine into her life, but she sure can write, can't she. Thanks for the nudge.

Like Bonnie up in >102 brenzi:, I'm an Olivia Colman fan. I haven't watched The Crown (is it possible to have too many good shows available?), but her being on tap for season 3 has got me thinking.

Hope you're having a good one. It keeps getting better - sunnier and warmer in our part of the woods.

Hey, Mark, following up on our brewpub epiphanies: The Log from the Sea of Cortez, https://smile.amazon.com/Log-Sea-Cortez-John-Steinbeck/dp/014004261X/ref=sr_1_1?....

Read it, you'll love it! Meet the inspiration for Doc in Cannery Row (Ed Ricketts) in this NF adventure story by Steinbeck.

>126 jnwelch: I haven't watched The Crown (is it possible to have too many good shows available?)

It is, and we're living in that time. I cut the cable cord a few years ago and only watch Ammy Prime, Netflix, and occasionally Hulu shows. I *still* could do nothing but watch the screen 24/7/365 and feel no sense of story deprivation. Prime just added all 4 seasons of the 2004 iteration of Battlestar Galatica, a Russian costume drama set in the 15th century called Sophia that is the life of Ivan the Terrible's mom, Byzantine princess Sophia, The Marvelous Mrs. Maizel which is really really really good...Netflix, well, Stephen King's novella 1922 was a superb adaptation to film, The Last Kingdom adapts Bernard Cornwell'a The Saxon Kingdom series faithfully...I could go on, but why?

It is a golden age, let's enjoy it while it lasts because the dross era "inspired" by Ajit Pai and his gang of grabbers is on the way.

^No Owls. Seeing owls is tough, especially, when you only have a window of about 30-40 minutes, before it gets too dark. It was damn cold though, on the open prairie, with a frigid west wind. I am never disappointed though. It is nice hanging with fellow birders and you definitely won't see anything, if you don't go out. We did hear a pair of Great Horned Owls hooting back and forth, which is always a cool experience.



^There were a couple of Northern Harriers, (Marsh Hawks) seen briefly, flying just above the grass-line. It was from quite a distance too.

>1 msf59: I WANNA GO, TOO!!!!!

I have watched all of seasons 1 and 2 of "The Crown" and enjoyed it all the way through. I'm looking forward to season 3 although now we are enjoying the next season of "Victoria" on PBS. Two strong and long-lived queens. I'm enjoying filling in some of the gaps in my knowledge of English royalty (honestly, I find the whole territory so confusing).

>124 vivians: I looked at a sale copy of Spain in Our Hearts a few days ago and didn't purchase it. I'm kind of regretting my moment of will-power.

Adding What It Means When a Man Falls From the Sky to the wish list....

>129 msf59: Sounds like a nice night, even if you didn't see the owls. Similar to the owl prowl I went on at the Center in December.

>129 msf59: Hearing them is nice, too!

Thrilled to hear you’re planning on spending some time in Ft Collins (I answered on my thread, too)! It’s one of my favorite towns and I think you’re gonna love it, too. Heck, if we can’t get a meetup going in Denver, I can meet you there (Chris lives in FoCo and we go up there once a month or so.)

We loved The Crown and zipped through it pretty fast (sadly)! We’re enjoying Victoria now on PBS and maybe it’s not so bad that we’re forced to just watch one episode a week.

Okay, some serious catching up to do...

>112 charl08: Hi, Charlotte. Keeping up with the threads, these days, is like running a marathon, so I completely understand. Glad to see another fan of What it means when a man falls from the sky! Short fiction has been kicking serious butt, these past couple of years.

>113 scaifea: The Bear and the Nightingale is off to a good start, Amber, but I am wondering if print would be a better choice than audio. Lots of Russian names flying about.

>114 ChelleBearss: Hi, Chelle! Hooray for The Crown and Call the Midwife. LT favorites, that is for sure.

>115 karenmarie: Hi, Karen. Did you get your power back up again? Sounds like you are caught in a deep freeze. Thanks, for the feeder update. Mostly juncos and house sparrows at my feeders, when I can see them.

>116 richardderus: Interesting list, RD. I wonder who they will go with. Matt Smith did a great job. I had never seen him before.

>117 harrygbutler: Hi, Harry. No owls tonight but we did hear a pair of GHOs. Owl spotting is such a tricky business.

>118 lindapanzo: Hi, Linda. I hope your sleep study goes smoothly. The only reason, I made my though Nickelby, so quickly, was because of audio. I did read some of it in print too but if I would stayed with print only, I would probably be reading it for another week.

>119 jessibud2: So glad you jumped on the CTM train, Shelley. I sure hope you can track The Crown down on DVD. You will love it.

>121 Crazymamie: Hi, Mamie. The owl hike went fine, despite the lack of owls, but I would not call it fun. A bit too cold for that.

>122 brodiew2: Hi, Brodie. I hope you can get to The Crown. So, are you familiar with Matt Smith? This was the first, I had seen him. Most of The Crown, takes place after WWII, so you miss the war stuff, although Churchill is predominant figure in the 1st season.

>123 Familyhistorian: The owls are still eluding me, Meg, but I did hear them tonight, so I am always inching close.

>124 vivians: Hi, Vivian. Good to see you. Black Swan Green has been very good. It is interesting to see Mitchell excel at something so different. The guy is so talented. What is your favorite, of his very early stuff?

Hooray for Spain in Our Hearts. I though you had read that one all ready. It is terrific NNF.

>125 banjo123: Hi, Rhonda. We are definitely getting pumped about Mexico. Your trip, 24 years ago, sounds like a perfect vacation. I am going to do my best to get to Chichen Itza, even if I go alone. This is my cuppa.

>126 jnwelch: Hi, Joe. I am slow catching up tonight. I am so glad you liked the Sanchez collection. You know I like dark and edgy. I hope you can find time to finally watch The Crown. You will not be disappointed.

Thanks for the reminder, on the Steinbeck. I will have to request that one, pronto.

>128 richardderus: We are certainly in a Golden Age of TV, at the moment, RD. I have not even heard of a couple that you had mentioned, so I will be digging deeper but I did LOVE the Battlestar Galatica Redux and I also enjoyed 1922. Have you seen Mudbound yet?

>130 EBT1002: Hi, Ellen. I would love to have a few of my LT pals, join me in Mexico. Hooray for The Crown. I had more mixed feelings about the first season of Victoria, (a bit soapy for me) so I am not watching the 2nd season.

I hope you can eventually snag a copy of Spain in Our Hearts and I am glad I caught your attention with What It Means When a Man Falls From the Sky. It's a good one.

>131 alphaorder: This was my second owl walk, with no luck, but I am never disappointed. I still think this will be my year.

>132 Copperskye: Hi, Joanne. We usually visit Grand Junction, since I have family there but my cousin's kids live in FT. Collins, so I though it would be a perfect opportunity to try somewhere different, plus it is closer to Denver and the Rocky Mountain National Forest.

Will your son be at school in early August? If he is, you could still come up and we could meet, even if we do a Meet Up in Denver. I am sure there will be some partying in Fort Collins, for that week we are there. Grins... My sister and some of her family are planning on driving in from Oregon too.

>137 msf59: I think it is going to be a great birding year! Looking forward to some treks with you. I expect that you will see some lifers in Mexico and I will see a few in Iceland in March. And if we both end up in Colorado, there may be some new west of the Mississippi birds for both of us!

Morning, Nancy. I am expecting a good birding year too. I think a little bit more experience each year helps and I plan on keeping tighter lists, including an annual list, which I have not done before. Of course, I plan on going on as many organized bird walks as I can, and I suggest you do the same.

Hope to get up there by you, at least a couple of times.

Morning, Mark! Happy Friday!!

>111 msf59: I have this on the shelf - good to know it's been well received. It was one of my book subscription books (old work bought me a subscription for 11 months to this shop in the UK that send you a book a month, all wrapped and sealed and pretty) and it has a lovely cover :)

'Morning, Mark, and happy Friday to you.

Even though I don't have a variety right now, I am enjoying the bird frenzy at the feeders since we have so much snow on the ground.

Morning Mark! >98 msf59: I am Iam! I just finished, I think it is, the 8th episode of Season 2. The one concerning Philip and Gordonstoun School. Fascinating stuff. I've gained more respect for both him and QEII. The Kennedy episode was quite interesting too.

>129 msf59: Good morning, Mark! Too bad about the owls. Maybe you can get an earlier start on a day off, to give you a greater chance to spot some; we've been able to see short-eared owls hunting in marshland that way, and I think the snowy owls are daytime hunters, too.

Morning, Mark!

Morning, Mark!

I'm loving the third Binti. What an imagination Okorafor has, and what storytelling chops. I'm also working on The God of Small Things with less enthusiasm - but it's the darkness, not the writing. Donna loved it, and I think you well might, too. Dean Young's Shock by Shock will be my next poetry book. He's an old favorite of mine.

Not a bad day in Chicagoland. Pushing 40, with sunshine. I will gladly take it...

>141 scaifea: Morning, Amber.

>142 BekkaJo: Happy Friday, Bekka. I think you would enjoy The Bear and the Nightingale. Actually it is light on fantasy, which even better for me. Hope you get to it.

>143 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. Hooray for a frenzy at the feeders. I wish I could check on mine.

Hi, Mark. Happy Friday. Inching closer to Mexico every day!

>135 msf59: - Well, I just placed a hold at the library for The Crown. I am #823 out of 817 for 99 copies of Season 1. How may seasons are there so far? ;-)

>144 Carmenere: Morning, Lynda. I did not see either of those episodes yet. They should be up next and they both sound really good.

>145 harrygbutler: Morning, Harry. My mission on short-ears and other owls will continue. This will not stop...grins.

>146 Crazymamie: Morning Mamie!!

Good morning, Mark!

>135 msf59: Am I familiar with Matt Smith? Uh, no. Never heard of the guy. :-P



He is the 11th Doctor in the long running British science fiction series Doctor Who.

>98 msf59: I’ve watched the second series Mark, the performances are keeping me watching. I knew all the historic record (including the Nazi link - but remember the Windsor’s are of German heritage). Caution of course with private conversations- prior to Diana’s butler the Palace staff were always very discrete, and mostly remain so, or the Royals lives would be a misery. Olivia Colman takes over HMQ in season 3, I don’t think they have confirmed the Duke. Series three will have caught up with my lifetime, and will be even more familiar.

I saw Helen Mirren on stage as the older Queen a few years ago, and she was excellent.

Someone reported that a journalist asked the Duke if they watched The Crown, and he said ‘Dont be daft’, I’d have expected an interesting expletive in there myself.

RL has been fun but busy. Still only halfway through Black Swan Green. I am not loving it as much as Cloud Atlas, but he is an excellent writer. The plot is picking up for me a bit and I am used to the language now, so I expect to enjoy it more as I go. : )

Happy Friday and here's to almost Mexico!!

Happy Friday, Mark. Hearing is almost as good as seeing but your turn will come.

>137 msf59: Happy Warm-up, Mark! I think 40° counts as tropical after the Arctic blast.

>151 brodiew2: Brodie said it for me. Matt Smith rocketed to fame as the Eleventh Doctor. He's credited with giving the quintessentially British Doctor Who franchise its first real push into American fame. Which the producers utterly squandered by casting an older, uglier, less telegenic actor as the Twelfth Doctor. We'll see what happens with the Thriteenth Doctor being a woman for the first time ever.

I miss Matt Smith's Doctor. Of all the Doctors I'd watched, he remains my favorite with David Tennant running a close second. I'm just so very glad we're on to the 13th because I could not bear Peter Capaldi.

I'm sorry you didn't manage to spot any owls during your owl hunt last night. If you find yourself in Tokyo, there are a few owl cafes in the sprawling metropolis where you can meet and pet different breeds of owls. I've been to 2 of them, one in Koto and one in Shinjuku.

>147 jnwelch: Hi, Joe. I am finally getting back to you. Not much internet time while at work. Glad you are enjoying Binti: The Night Masquerade. I will order the ebook, ASAP.

Thanks to you, I pulled The God of Small Things off shelf. I will probably start it very soon.

>149 jessibud2: Hi, Shelley. I am so glad you requested The Crown. I hope you get it soon. There are only 2 seasons. I doubt the 2nd season is available yet, on DVD, but it can't hurt to check.

>151 brodiew2: >155 richardderus: >156 cameling: I am ashamed to say, I have never watched Doctor Who. I hope we can remain friends. Remember, I really like books...I mean, A LOT!

It is such a huge, expansive show, I am intimidated, just thinking about where to start, but would take suggestions.

That said, Brodie, I had never seen seen Matt Smith before, The Crown.

>152 Caroline_McElwee: Hi, Caroline. Thanks, for chiming in on The Crown. I had completely forgot about the Windsors link to Germany. It definitely makes more sense now.

I have had other LT pals, that had seen Helen Mirren on stage, as the Queen. What a treat that must have been?

I heard that Queen Elizabeth had watched season one of The Crown and liked it.

>158 msf59: No worries, Mark. If you are interested, a good jumping on point is with the 9th Doctor which launched the modern era of 'New Who'.

How do you like Smith's Philip?

>153 Berly: Hi, Kim. I am 170 pages into Black Swan Green, so we are around the same place. Comparing, ANYTHING, to Cloud Atlas is a tall order, but taking this one on it's own merits, I am really enjoying it. I think once you get into the rhythm of it, it keeps getting better, as it goes along.

>154 Familyhistorian: Hi, Meg. Honestly, seeing would be much BETTER, in my book, but lacking that, the hoots were wonderful.

>155 richardderus: Yes, RD, 40 felt pretty damn good and the sunshine was an added bennie. Even better the next 3 days. If I can coast to Mexico, on the 29th, I will be a Happy Camper.

>156 cameling: Ooh, I want to go to Tokyo, to visit an Owl Cafe. How cool is that? They don't eat them or anything, do they, Caro?

^An Owl Cafe in Tokyo! WOW!

Lucky Dave, my husband! He was out walking out dog a couple of evenings ago and sighted an owl in the trees .Not being a " birder" he could only tell me it was a small owl , and our dog Poppy appeared fascinated with it and likewise the owl stared at Poppy. Poor old Dave is out walking the dog most every night for an hour or so, so he has plenty of opportunity to see owls. Poppy is one energetic 15 lb pound dog. Morning, afternoon and night. Rain or shine, Poppy takes us out for walks! :-)

>159 brodiew2: That is a great suggestion, Brodie. Thanks. If I can track it down, I may sample a few eps. I think Matt Smith is excellent as Prince Phillip.

>162 vancouverdeb: Hi, Deb. Hooray for Dave, Poppy and the owls. How very cool. Not sure, what type you get up there but any owl is a Cool Owl!



^It looks like Barred Owls are your most predominant, but Great Horned Owls are found here too, along with a few of the smaller owl species, like the Western Screech Owls.

We do get the Barred owls and I think they are oh so cute! Dave has seen a lot of owls over the years. He used to work inside a big hanger , working on the planes and they got plenty of owls in the rafters . Yes, we are fairly fortunate with our owl population, but we don't spot them often.

Yes, any owl is a cool owl!

>116 richardderus:. Richard, I am excited at the possibility of David Tennant in the role of Phillip.

Mark, Adam Hochschild is a favorite after reading King Leopold last year. Before I read Spain in Our Hearts I need to read his WWI book The War to End All Wars which I have on my Kindle.

>111 msf59: It's not my usual genre, but I've also wanted to read The Bear and the Nightingale since it came out. I will get to it, but it probably won't be this month.

>165 brenzi: Hi, Bonnie! I also loved King Leopold's Ghost. One of my favorite bios of the past few years. Not familiar with his To End All Wars: A Story of Loyalty and Rebellion, 1914-1918. I'll be watching for your thoughts. Hochschild is great at this.

>166 thornton37814: Hi, Lori. Good to see you. I think The Bear and the Nightingale is perfect for readers that are not big fantasy fans. The fantasy is handled lightly and it comes across more like a Russian fairy-tale.

>167 msf59: Sounds like it will work nicely then!

"Black Swan Green might not be the arsehole of the world, but its got a damn good view of it."

"Blackbirds sang like they'd die if they didn't. Birdsong's the thoughts of a wood. Beautiful it was, but boys aren't allowed to say 'beautiful' 'cause it's the gayest word going. "

-Black Swan Green. Still working my way through it, but it grows on me, more all the time.

>162 vancouverdeb: I think we see the owls because there are so many of them around here, Deb. There is that and the fact that we can kind of take it or leave it unlike enthusiastic birders.

>109 msf59: I am an early fan of Mitchell so have read all of his books ..... if you read carefully there are easter egg nuggets which connect all the books ( not necessary to the reading but fun for book nerds )

>169 msf59: Nice .....

>158 msf59: I suspect that’s wishful thinking on the production makers behalf Mark.

>169 msf59: Great image.

>170 Familyhistorian: I wish we had a glut of owls, Meg. It would make this Warbler giddy. Hey, another reason to come visit you guys, right?

>171 roundballnz: Thanks for chiming in on the Mitchell, Alex. I have heard this about the Easter eggs too. I really space my books out, so it is tough to find them, but I do recall discovering one or 2, in The Bone Clocks and Slade House.

>172 Caroline_McElwee: Happy Saturday, Caroline. Looking forward to watching the last few episodes of The Crown.

'Morning, Mark! Happy Saturday. Sorry that you didn't get to see owls, although hearing them was certainly better than nothing, right?

Bill and I really enjoyed watching David Tenant's Tenth Doctor in Dr. Who. I think we watched Matt Smith's Eleventh doctor but were much happier with Tenant. Haven't watched the Twelfth or Thirteenth Doctors.

We're going to venture into town today, first time after our 12" snow. Secondary roads are always nasty out here after 'weather', whether it's ice or snow, and since we had no real need to be out we just hunkered down. But even I am getting a bit of cabin fever...

>160 msf59: No, Mark .. no owls are eaten in the Owl Cafes in Tokyo! LOL .... if anything, they're really pampered. The cafes all require reservations to limit the number of customers cooing and playing with the owls and patrons are allowed in only for a specific time so as not to wear out the owls. Also, if any of the owls are sleeping, no guest is allowed to wake them. In fact, all guests are shadowed by a sharp-eyed cafe employee ... not so much to protect the guest from a bite from one of the owls but to make sure the guests aren't aggravating an owl. LOL

Morning Mark!

I also would like to give Doctor Who a shot but am very intimidated by the amount of them! Richard mentioned the 9th doctor as a good place to start, as well as Brodie, so I may try to grab that season at some point.

Hope you have a great Saturday!

Good morning, Mark! All quiet at our feeders this a.m., but I see that I need to fill them up again.

Morning Mark! Hoping for a reading day to make progress on A House Among the Trees. The review I found to post yesterday on FB for #FridayReads was by Kathleen Rooney! I had no idea the novel was inspired by Maurice Sendak. Anyway, Kathleen and I ended up chatting via Twitter. Made my day!

Enjoy the warmer weather.

Morning, Mark!

Hi Mark. The first house finch at the feeder today, in ages! Still mostly goldies and chickadees, along with the nuthatch and downies but good to see the house finch make a return. We are also above zero so fresh clean water in the birdbath! I'm sure that will make them happy!

Have a good day!

Okay, a good start to the day...a heard a robin and a couple of other birds chirping. Like!

>174 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. It looks like I may have to sample Dr. Who.

12 inches of snow? We have only had 10 So far this season. Of course, there is a long way to go. Good luck, venturing into town.

>175 cameling: Morning, Caro. It looks like these owls are well monitored and taken care of. It makes me happy.

>176 ChelleBearss: Morning, Chelle. I am willing to dive into Dr. Who, if you are. Up for the Challenge?

>177 harrygbutler: Morning, Harry. I will have to text my wife and see how are feeders are coming.

>178 alphaorder: Morning, Nancy. Nice day for a bird stroll. Hope you get out. Rooney is very personable, isn't she? I have chatted with her on Good Reads, a couple of times.

>179 scaifea: Morning, Amber.

>180 jessibud2: Morning, Shelley. Hooray for the house finch. I am still waiting on mine to show up.
Thanks for reminding me about the birdbath. I need to clean mine out, from snow and ice and fill it with fresh water. Hopefully it won't freeze over night.

>183 msf59:. Didn't get out for birding, but did take Sam to the dog park for the first time in weeks. He had a great time. Now back home for some reading.

Hiya, Mark.

I finished The God of Small Things. As I mentioned to Donna, I think you'll enjoy this one more than I did. I can see why it won the Booker and has the acclaim. I didn't love it, and it's a pretty dark one, but it's well done.

Hi Mark!

I'm adding Owl Cafes to my bucket list of things to see and experience in my life. They sound awesome!

I still have not yet read The God of Small Things but I have it on my TBR shelves (and have had for a while).

I know the welcome sound of robins this time of year, Mark. My first sign that spring is around the corner is the January/February song of chickadees. They have a particular song that they seem to sing in early spring that is so cheerful and welcome!

Happy Saturday, my friend!

>98 msf59: Slightly behind here ... as ever. I really enjoyed Series 1 of The Crown, quite surprisingly really as I am not in the slightest bit interested in royalty in real life. Much more of a republican really (in the British sense of the word that is). I think it's the political aspects that I enjoy.

On the Doctor Who question David Tennant is my favourite without question, followed by Christopher Eccleston. Matt Smith I was less keen on, but he's brilliant in The Crown.

>173 msf59: Not sure that we have a glut of owls, Mark. You'll just have to come and check it out.

^Yep, I just poured me a tasty pale ale. We are taking off soon, for dinner with friends and then off to see a popular cover band, (they cover late 70s & early 80s Rock). Should be a riotous evening, (for me anyway).

>184 alphaorder: Hooray for getting Sam out to the dog park. Perfect day for it. Bree tries to get Duke to the dog park, at least once or twice a week, in the frigid weather or not.

>185 jnwelch: Happy Saturday, Joe. Hope you had a good time at the March. I think I am going to go with The God of Small Things next, since I yanked it off shelf all ready and it is sitting nearby.

>186 EBT1002: Happy Saturday, Ellen. You should join me on The God of Small Things. I'll be starting it very soon. I love chickadees too, although I haven't seen them at the feeders lately. I do like their song too:

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=cickadee+song&view=detail&mid=E242B...

>187 SandDune: Hi, Rhian. Thanks for chiming in on The Crown and Doctor Who. Based on my pals recommendations, I think I will start with the Christopher Eccleston episodes.

>188 Familyhistorian: I like the sound of a glut of owls, Meg. A guy can dream, right? My daughter and I, were recently discussing visiting B.C.

I am sure we will hear "Lights", tonight:

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=journey-+lights&&view=detail&mi...

Come on, sing along!

Mark--Enjoy your beer tasting. I hope to get some reading time in tomorrow and get back to Black Swan Green. And you don't want me to sing along. I have a good enough ear to know that it is not my forte. : )

Hi Mark and happy Sunday to you!

>192 Berly: Hi, Kim. The beer was good. The music was light and predictable, but we had a nice group get-together, so it was a lot of fun.

I thought I would wrap up Black Swan Green today, but odds are against it.

>193 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. A bit, damp and gloomy here but mild. Most of the snow is gone...once again.

Sounds like a nice night out, Mark! Damp, cloudy and still inching towards 40f but the snow is melting and that's a good thing.

I'll bet you had a great time last night, Mark. Now you can take it easy with the playoffs and the books.

I started Strange the Dreamer, and so far so good. I'm near the end of Roz Chast's Going into Town, and you'll definitely want to get your hands on it. It's a love song to Manhattan, and she's so funny and smart.

Hey Mark, I have no hope of catching up after my vacation, so I'm just starting fresh from here. I'm glad you have sunny vacation coming up! Ours was delightfully restorative and I'm sure yours will be, too.

Hope you enjoyed the gig Mark.

>195 Carmenere: Moving a bit slow this morning, Lynda. The price you pay. My problem is, no matter how late I stay out, I can't sleep in. My curse and I pay for it a bit.

>196 jnwelch: Morning, Joe. I completely forgot to request the new Chast. Glad you are enjoying it. I will have to request it, when I get back from my trip.

>197 lauralkeet: Hi, Laura. Great to see you. Glad you had a restorative trip. We hope to have one of those very soon.

>198 Caroline_McElwee: Hi, Caroline. I am not a big nostalgia guy, but it was a fun time with friends.

5) The White Album: Essays by Joan Didion 4 stars

"The beaches at Malibu are neither white nor as wide as the beach at Carmel. The hills are scrubby and barren, infested with bikers and rattlesnakes, scarred with cuts and old burns and new R.V. parks. For these and other reasons Malibu tends to astonish and disappoint those who have never seen it, and yet its very name remains, in the imagination of people all over the world, a kind of shorthand for the easy life. I had not before 1971 and will probably not again live in a place with a Chevrolet named after it."

I think that paragraph sums up, this collection of essays. A mosaic of snaphots, from the 60s and 70s, captured in Didion's deft, slightly aloof style, with razor-sharp insight and vivid imagery. Not every essay here sings, but there are plenty that do and she covers a lot of territory too, although the bulk, are centered around California. The collection opens with the title essay and it is a stunner. If you only want to read one, make it that one.

*I read this for the AAC. If you want to read a much better review, check out Mamie's.

Morning, Mark!

Morning, Amber!

Happy Recovery from Self-Inflicted Poisoning Day!

>182 msf59:


I just need to find it! I thought Canadian Netflix had it but apparently it doesn't right now. I'll see what my library has available.

>191 msf59: Glad you had a good night out! Journey was before my time but some songs are so good! I'm a big fan of this one!

Mexico sounds wonderful, wonderful wonderful. May your last few days of ice and snow go quickly!

Happy Sunday, Mark.

>203 richardderus: Howdy, RD. Draggin' a bit today, in the Man Cave. I failed to do my usual Sunday morning workout, but I am not that bummed about it. I am getting some reading in, which is good. About 2 hours before game time...

>204 ChelleBearss: Hi, Chelle. I hope to start Dr. Who this week. I'll see if my son will join me. Thanks for the video link. Not sure who the cover band is but that is a pop classic.

>205 streamsong: Thanks, Janet. One more week. Yah!

>206 Ameise1: Thanks, Barb. Good to see you.

Go Vikes!

>208 BLBera: Go Jags and then Go Vikes!

>194 msf59: I want to see the review of Black Swan Green. I was recently gifted a copy.

>210 Oberon: Hi, Erik. I just finished Black Swan Green and thought it was excellent. I will be writing a mini-review on it. Have you read Mitchell before?

Go Vikings!

In Our Woods, Sometimes a Rare Music

"Every spring
I hear the thrush singing
in the glowing woods
he is only passing through.
His voice is deep,
then he lifts it until it seems
to fall from the sky.
I am thrilled.
I am grateful.
Then, by the end of morning,
he’s gone, nothing but silence
out of the tree
where he rested for a night.
And this I find acceptable.
Not enough is a poor life.
But too much is, well, too much.
Imagine Verdi or Mahler
every day, all day.
It would exhaust anyone."

_____________________

"The grass singing
as it sipped up the summer rain.
The owl in the darkness, that good darkness
under the stars.

The child was myself, that kept running away
to the also running creek,
to colt's foot and trilliums,
to the effortless prattle of the birds."

-Excerpt from Hum, Hum

-A Thousand Mornings

^Another excellent collection by one of my very favorite poets.

I have tried to read all of the David Mitchell novels, but so far have only read Cloud Atlas, Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet, and Number9Dream. I tried to listen to Black Swan Green but just couldn't get through it, so Pearl Ruled it. I also spent a great deal of time reading Number9Dream, and you can tell where Mitchell got his start on Cloud Atlas, as N9D was where he did his experimenting for that novel. I know that Black Swan Green is well liked but I just couldn't get into it. I does seem to work for other people.

I have been having a hard time keeping up with LT and all the threads, so have neglected your thread for some days. I had some extra days off due to the cold weather down here but was not able to get anywhere that was open to get access to the Internet, so even though you were posting while it was cold, I was unable to do so until Thursday of this last week.

It is the beginning of the semester so I am busy teaching classes and planning classes so my work schedule has been hectic. I'm not even getting much reading done.

I have been watching PBS Masterpiece and watched Victoria. This is a very good example of transferring historical fiction to the small screen. I plan on watching The Alienist tomorrow. Monday, January 22 is the premier of the first episode of Caleb Carr,s novel and I plan on watching it. It is going to be on TNT so it will be widely available instead of being one of those exclusive streaming services like Netflix. It will be interesting to see what they do with the novel.

I have started a couple of really good books in the last two weeks. I am deep into a great work of non-fiction titled An American Insurrection about the enrollment of James Merideth at the University of Mississippi, and can't wait to get back to reading it when I get home at night. This one is for one of Suz's non-fiction challenges, and 100 pages into it, I can tell it is a winner.

I just started reading Everyone Brave is Forgiven by Chris Cleave. I saw this author speak in Boston at the ALA winter conference, and thought that the book sounded good. However, it is proving to be a bit of slog getting started. It is for my real life book discussion group so I will have to read it through to the end in order to keep people talking about it at the meeting. I am getting a good start on it, so still have to see how it develops.

I made my final plans for the ALA Winter conference in Denver. It will be February 9 - 13, 2018. I have not heard back from Abby or Tim regarding free passes to the exhibit hall, but will get on that this week and post to your thread what I find out.

I would also like to know if anybody would like to try to do a LT meet-up in Denver. If a couple of people want to meet-up I will set up a thread and we will start making arrangements. I believe that Suz is going to go to Denver, and I and my sister will be there, so that would make three for a meet-up. More would be merrier.

>213 benitastrnad: Hi, Benita. Good to see you. I have missed seeing you around. Sorry, Black Swan Green failed to hold your interest. I know Richard detested it too. I ended up really loving it. I still want to read his earliest stuff, including Number9Dream & Ghostwritten.

I had mixed feelings about the first season of Victoria, so I am not watching the 2nd. Glad you are enjoying it. I'll be looking for your thoughts on the adaptation of The Alienist. I read the book many years ago and remember really liking it.

>215 benitastrnad: Glad your current reads are treating you well. An American Insurrection sounds interesting and I loved Everyone Brave is Forgiven. I should have warbled louder about that one.

I wish I could join you guys at ALA. I am planning a trip to Denver, but not until August. You should contact Joanne, (Coppers, on the 75). She might like to attend a Meet Up.

^I have wanted to read The God of Small Things for years and I think I have had it on shelf for as long. Well, thanks to Joe, who recently read it, it gave me just the nudge to pull it off shelf. I will start it tomorrow.

Any other fans of this one out there? I know she finally released The Ministry of Utmost Happiness last year, which is also on my list.

Hey, this will be back to back OTS reads, after just finishing Black Swan Green and if you throw in A Thousand Mornings, I am on a nice roll.

Happy Dr.Who watching Mark. I've seen several of the older doctors, don't know which ones they were, but fun it was!
I'm way behind on all threads, feeling tired. So slogging behind, sorry.

I've read both Mark - loved them both.

HI Mark, I know you will have the BEST time in Mexico. We went to the R Maya about 18 years ago ...yikes could it be that long ago? The sand is fantastic and the water beautifully warm and lots of fish for good snorkeling. We did some exploring too, not always staying in the resort and that was very interesting (Tulum and Chichen Iza and swimming in cenotes). Have fun! Love to know what you'll be reading when you're there.

>169 msf59: I love that image! What a gorgeously dark view that is :)

>218 msf59: ooooh, this one!!! I loved, but I would recommend reading for the journey, not for the destination. She has a way both words. Also, I own a first edition! (just had to get that in there)

Morning, Mark!

^^Just sayin'...

Stormy Monday morning out there. Raining buckets. Glad it ain't snow...

>219 EllaTim: Hi, Ella. Good to see you. I hope to dip into Dr. Who this week.

>220 BLBera: Good to know, Beth. Thanks.

>221 mdoris: Thanks, Mary. Looking forward to the trip. I had to look up cenotes. LOL. Sounds beautiful. I am planning on going to Chichen Iza.

>222 LovingLit: Hi, Megan. I can't believe I have not read The God of Small Things. Some books get lost on shelf. Well, no longer...

>223 saudarapoker: Morning, Amber!

Morning, Mark - Nice to know it is only one week until vacation! I didn't get very far in A House Among the Trees yesterday, although I am really enjoying it. My sister and I went to see Call Me By Your Name. It was good. Shawn and I are trying to fit The Post in soon too. So many good movies out there - not surprising since it is Oscars season.

Happy Monday, Mark! Woo Hoo! the count down begins! Although you have to contend with some rain today I hope if seems springlike.

>227 alphaorder: Morning, Nancy. I also really enjoyed Call Me By Your Name. I want to see The Post too and I hope to get out to see The Phantom Thread this week. If it is raining up there, good luck on the lake shore walk.

>228 Carmenere: Morning, Lynda. Yep, in exactly a week, we will be sitting in the airport, waiting for our flight. B.A.G.

>229 jainsonsindia: Go AWAY!

^Next up on audio, is Strange Weather. This should also qualify for my OTS Challenge, since it has been languishing on my Must Read Now Shelf for a few months, (I also have it in print). I like Joe Hill. Looks a lot like his famous Dad, doesn't he?

Oooh, only one week to go. Chosen the reading you are taking yet Mark?

Happy Monday, Mark! One week countdown, yahoo!
Enjoy the Joe Hill! He really is as odd as his father in both looks and writing!

Just one week? Sounds wonderful. I'm also wondering >232 Caroline_McElwee:

Good morning, Mark! Are you counting the hours yet? :-)

'Morning, Mark! I hope your day goes well.

Anticipation is half the pleasure, so enjoy happy thoughts of Mexico!

Blech - Patriots. There are a lot of unhappy people out there who Do Not Want To See the Patriots In Another Super Bowl.

Okay as I really didn't care too much - Eagles. They whupped the Vikings and looked real good doing so. Who'da thunk Foles? We stopped watching third quarter and continued with our binge watching of Grace and Frankie.

Morning, Mark. Even though it wasn't exactly my cuppa, I think you're going to like The God of Small Things a lot. Good for you for reading the Didion collection. I should give her a go some day.

Rainy out there - I couldn't believe the racket it was making last night. Hope the day goes all right for you. You're getting near that sunny vacation!

Morning, Mark! WahHOO to only one more week before vacation!

It stopped raining! It stopped raining! Yippee! Perfect timing too, as I head out...

>232 Caroline_McElwee: >234 charl08: Thanks, Caroline & Charlotte. I will post the books I plan on reading. I think I have it narrowed down, to 2 print books and my handy Kindle, which is loaded with gems or at least potential gems.

>233 ChelleBearss: Morning, Chelle. In one week, we will be winging our way southbound. The Hill is off to a very good start.

>235 harrygbutler: Morning, Harry. Not counting hours yet, not great at math, grins, but I will, closer to the weekend.

>236 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. Happy it is so mild out here, low 50s but still very pumped about Mexico.

I sure wish the Jags could have pulled it off. So close...

I am happy for the Eagles but I wish the Vikings hadn't sat that one out. Made for a lop-sided win.

>237 jnwelch: Morning, Joe. Looking forward to cracking The God of All Things on my next break.

And yes, I am glad the rain stopped just as I was starting the route. Happy Camper.

>238 Crazymamie: Morning, Mamie. We should be getting ready to land, one week from now! Smiles...

Good morning, Mark!

>214 benitastrnad: I watched The Alienist preview on TNT last night. I loved the book, but I'm still on the fence about the show. The production and casting is excellent, I'm just not sure I want to keep watching. Sometimes you just get a check in the spirit on something. I'll give it another episode or two.

This Monday's weather here is truly Mamiesque in its sheer horribleness. Dank, cloudy, unpleasant-looking, just flat *nasty* and we all know who holds that opinion of all Mondays....

>236 karenmarie: >240 msf59: The Iggles win was a Sunday highlight as far as I'm concerned. Who'da thunk Foles? Lots of us.

And I even read some more of N₂.

Hi Mark, and a happy Monday to you. One week to go until your vacation - I am also counting down to our moving day which is going to be February 2nd. So while you are basking in the sunshine, I'll be shifting boxes and arranging furniture! I am curently reading the first book in the Forsyte Saga which after a slow start is getting quite good. I am also just starting Magpie Murders as my very long library hold finally came in. I think I am going to like this one.

>226 msf59: Okay on the cenotes, I found this book that looks like a new edition. It is probably fun to have a peek at it but maybe not to buy, but to see how gorgeous these spots are. Maybe your resort will have the book.

here

So there are many of these cenotes and some are on commercial tours and some not commercial and some have crocodiles (YIKES) (as perhaps the rivers do too) so care must be taken but there are some gorgeous spots with high jumping for the young folks. We did go to both and in the non commercial one we did see crocodile trails/worn tracks on the bank (that's after we got out!!!).

>241 brodiew2: Hi, Brodie. Thanks for chiming in on The Alienist adaptation. I liked the book too but not sure about the show.

>242 richardderus: Howdy, RD. Sorry to hear about your cruddy, gloomy weather day. I hope the temps were at least mild enough. We were in the low 50s.

>243 weird_O: I will definitely be rootin' for the Eagles, Bill. I sure hope they make a game of it, unlike the Vikings lackluster performance.

>244 DeltaQueen50: Hi, Judy. We are definitely looking forward to our Mexico trip. Good luck with the move. I hope it all goes smoothly.

I am sure you will LOVE, Magpie Murders!

>245 mdoris: Thanks, Mary and I appreciate the link to the book. I am pretty sure there are cenotes, aplenty, for a snorkeling adventure. I think there may be one in Cozumel, where we plan to go for a day.

I may skip the SB this year as the idea of watching the Patriots again makes me gag.

I saw The Post last weekend and it is excellent and so relevant in the age of a President who calls the press “the enemy of the people.” Hmmm, just like Stalin.

We're off to see the Blackhawks, buddy. They're perilously close to not making the playoffs for the first time in a long time. Fingers crossed.

>248 brenzi: Hi, Bonnie. It would sure be nice if the Eagles could pull off an upset. I'll watch it, just in case.

Good to know you enjoyed The Post. It is on my list.

>249 jnwelch: Go Hawks, Joe. Have a good time at the game.

Yeh for the rain ending just as you got out to do your route. Our rain actually stopped while I was out walking around in it and there was sunshine! Not much longer for you to wait to get to see lots of sunshine in Mexico!

One week to go! I know you're excited. I would be!

I love the link to the chickadee song. They also have a spring song that only the males sing. It's my favorite. Black Cap Chickadee spring song
Listen all the way through because it starts with their usual song but then transitions.

I'm glad you're enjoying The God of Small Things. I'll get to it one of these days.

Speaking of Mexico, I'm reading Tell Me How it Ends: An Essay in 40 Questions right now. It is excellent.

Happy Tuesday when it gets here, my friend!

>251 Familyhistorian: Hi, Meg. We are back chilly again today but still above normal and no precipitation. Yah!

>252 EBT1002: Hi, Ellen. I love the male chickadee song too. We should start hearing that one in the coming weeks. Lot of sound, for such little guys.

I am sure you will adore The God of Small Things, once you get to it. Bump it up, if you can. Tell Me How it Ends sounds interesting too. Thanks.

Good morning, Mark, and happy Tuesday to you.

The Carolina Chickadees have been visiting my feeders a lot, lately. They are so much fun to watch.

Good morning, Mark! A rainy day in store here, which means the feeders are likely to be quiet.

>254 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. We have Black-Capped Chickadees here. They look very similar. Love their song.

>255 harrygbutler: Morning, Harry. It has been very quiet at my feeders the past couple of days. I did see a pair of mourning doves, feeding on the ground, when I got home. I have not seen them, in a couple of months.

Morning, Mark!

Happy Tuesday, Mark! Hope it's a dry route for you today! It's supposed to alternate between rain and snow here today.

>257 scaifea: Morning, Amber.

>258 ChelleBearss: Morning, Chelle. We have a coating of light snow on the ground, but the temps will stay above the freezing mark, so it shouldn't be too bad out here.

Good luck with your weather.

Wow. I didn't realize how much Joe Hill looked like his dad. At first glance, I thought it was a picture of his dad as a younger man, but it's clearly not when you look closely.

Thanks for rooting for the Vikings, lol. I don't really watch much football, but I have to admit that game was exciting. I didn't watch the horrible performance that followed last Sunday, though. I was busy having fun with the kids. Much more exciting. :)

>260 The_Hibernator: Hi, Rachel. Have you read Joe Hill? This collection has been really good. I have enjoyed all the books I have read by him.

I thought the Vikings had a terrific season. Too bad it ended on a sour note.

It's over 50° for the second day in a row! It was foggy and rainy, now just cloudy and gloomy. I swaNEE! Our vice-goddess which art in Georgia is chortling madly.

>262 richardderus: Howdy, RD. Congrats on the mild temps. Sweet. I hope it holds. It was back to damp and cold here, not quite breaking the freezing mark. The snow only amounted to an inch or less, so that is worth cheering for.

>253 msf59: We don't get chickadees, in Europe. They look like fun birds in the video, lovely name as well!

>98 msf59: We binged the last few episodes of The Crown just before Victoria started up. Didn't want to commingle the monarchs. Both shows have us continually pausing to google so it takes us about time and a half to get through any episodes.

>104 msf59: Watch the rest of Broadchurch.

I'm picking up the new Binti at the library on my way home tonight. I'm about 50 or so pages from the end of A Land More Kind Than Home So good.

We just started watching Doctor Who a few month ago. Such fun. Start with the 2005 reboot with Rose.

We'll be Eagles fans for the Super Bowl too.

Hi Mark! One week to go!! Getting close. ; )

>253 msf59: Yeh, for no precipitation. I am getting a bit tired of all the rain but it could be worse, this could all be snow as it is some of the trees along the river are about to slide down into the water because it has widened so much.

Morning, Mark! Mexico is coming soon! I'm excited for you!

>264 EllaTim: Hi, Ella. Chickadees are a staple around here. We like them.

>265 SuziQoregon: Hi, Juli. I still have 3 eps of The Crown to watch. I am savoring. Not watching Victoria, this time around. Yes, I need to get back into Broadchurch. Really liked that first season.

I snagged a Kindle copy of Binti The Night Masquerade. Only 4 bucks! It will be one of my vacation books.

I did watch the first 2 Dr. Who eps, starting with "Rose". Not sure it is my cuppa, but I will watch a few more.

GO EAGLES!!

>266 Berly: Hey, Kimmers. Actually five days, to be more accurate. B.A.G. We leave early Monday morning.

>267 Familyhistorian: Hi, Meg. I know you guys get a lot of rain, during the season but this sounds excessive. Hope it backs off. We are just cold and gloomy at the moment.

>268 scaifea: Morning, Amber! Yep, the Freeburgs are getting pumped. Off tomorrow and then 2 more work days. Yah!

Good morning, Mark! I hope your Wednesday goes well. Nothing particularly happening on the bird front at our feeders, aside from the visit by a flock of starlings a couple days ago.

Morning, Harry. Also very quiet on the bird front, both at the feeders and on the route. Must be laying low for some reason.

Heading out...

Good morning, Mark, and happy Wednesday to you. Looks like it's a bit raw at your end of the world, weather-wise.

My feeders are a bit quiet, too. The snow's gone and they're able to find more natural food, I suppose.

I know where all the birds are - here! Both feeders are very crowded this morning - some kind of meeting or perhaps a party in session out there. Morning, Mark!

Morning, Mark.

I'm glad you got a hold of the new Binti. I neglected to warble about it, but I thought it was great. What a trilogy.

I liked Strange the Dreamer a lot. It's going to be two books, and I already can't wait for the second.

I'm back to The Odyssey, and I also started Rules of Magic.

Hope it goes okay today. Supposed to be about ten degrees warmer tomorrow. We're heading over to Ann Arbor by train tomorrow to see my dad.

>273 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. My commute in to work was BAD. Black ice on many roads, with spin outs and crashes all along the way. Yikes. It looks like the rest of the day should be decent.

>274 Crazymamie: Morning Mamie. Hooray for the active bird feeders. Mine have been quiet for several days now. Come on birdies!

Nice score on the new Binti.

Ice is no fun. Be careful out there.

Ooh did I catch you in time before you jet off for a nice warm vacay! Nice to see you busy around the threads and reading up a storm Marky Mark! :D

>275 jnwelch: Morning, Joe. Nightmarish commute. Black ice on many roads. Glad I slid in safely.

I am bringing the Bindi on vacation with me.

>277 SuziQoregon: Morning, Juli. Much better now. Some of the sidewalks are still a bit icy, so I am treading carefully.

No slips! No falls! Mexico beckons and you need all four limbs to properly enjoy it.

>278 jolerie: Valerie stopped by! Valerie stopped by! Yippee! Great to see you, stranger. Just made my day.

>280 richardderus: LOL. Amen, to that RD. Much better walking now, than driving, earlier. Gloomy and overcast but with no wind, it isn't bad.

Lots of skimming has gotten me "caught up" on your thread, Mark - I was about 175 posts behind, I think.

Are you down to counting the hours rather than the days to your vacation?!?

Hi Mark. Lemme tell ya, as someone who knows, be careful on that slippery stuff.

Surprised that no one has yet noted the passing of Ursula Le Guin. Your AAC introduced her to me, and have have The Left Hand of Darkness on my bedside auxiliary TBR stack. Moved it to the top of the stack last night. When I heard the news. Oh boy.

Almost...almost...at the halfway point in N₂. I'll pass it today.

Have a good time in Mexico. (Why am I saying that? I already know you will.)

>283 weird_O: TBH, Bill, it's too raw for me personally to discuss yet. It's a horrible blow to me because so much of what I absorbed from UKL's work went into defining my aesthetic and my politics.

I was pleased to note that NPR had a lengthy obituary piece on her this morning. I loved the Earthsea Trilogy and keep pushing her work to many of the YA crowd. She truely was a groundbreaking author.

>282 katiekrug: Hi, Katie. Thanks for skimming through the madness. I doubt you missed much.

Still counting days but hours are coming up soon. B.A.G.

>283 weird_O: It was not bad out there, walking today, Bill, but I was my usual cautious self.

Congrats on NN. I am glad I wrapped that one up when I did. Good luck.

>283 weird_O: >284 richardderus: >285 benitastrnad: I saw the obit on Le Guin, this A.M. before leaving for work. I have not read much of her work but recongnize why she is adored. She was an AAC author, so I am proud of that.

I didn't realize she has such an impact on your life, RD.

I have good news for those of you who will be going to, or thinking about attending, the American Library Association Mid-Winter conference in Denver, Colorado from February 10 - 12, 2018. Librarything is going to pay for passes to the Exhibit Hall. Once again, Tim Spaulding will be at the ProQuest booth on the Exhibit Hall floor, so if you sign up for the free passes, please take time to find him and say thanks. Here is the link for the passes.

Free exhibit hall passes, yes, we were able to get them from ProQuest again this year:
complimentary Exhibit Hall Only registration badge:
https://www.compusystems.com/servlet/ar?evt_uid=335&oi=f7TMsNUASN3HoIiGjo9vo... ProQuest Exhibitor VIP Code: V132

I hope that those of you who live within driving distance of the Denver Convention Center will attend. This is a great chance to get free ARC (Advance Reader's Copy) of books that will be published in the next three to four months. It is also a way to get nice books very cheaply, as not all of the books on the Exhibit floor are free. You can use the visit to talk with publishers about what is coming out, and there are always authors in the booths of the various publishers to sign copies of the books.

If any of you are interested in a meet-up let me know. I was thinking that we could meet for supper on Saturday, February 10, 2018 someplace close to the Convention Center. If there is interest in gathering to talk about books I will set up a separate thread for the group where we can post about our plans and I can give you tips about how to find things on the exhibit floor and, of course, start finding a place to meet.

>288 benitastrnad: Thanks, for supplying this ALA info, Benita. I wish I could attend.

Hey there, Lone Ranger! A quick stop to wish you a fabulous vacation to Mexico! Should be wonderful and the whole family going too! Not so easy when the kids become adults.

I haven't read a lot of LeGuin but in college one of my favorite classes was "The American Novel" (big surprise, eh?). One of the works I remember most from that class was The Left Hand of Darkness. Now I think a reread is in order.

Six days and counting?

>291 EBT1002: Hi, Tonto! Thanks for the good vacation wishes, but I hope to see you a few times before we go on Monday. Grins...

I heard the NPR piece on Ursula K. Leguin this morning - it was really well done. I want to see if I can find it on their website and listen again.

Back to Riveria Maya - we also did Tulum and Coba, couldn't fit Chichen Itza into the itinerary, but hope to someday. We visited Tulum after Xel-Ha, and I was 5 months pregnant at the time, so I didn't get as much out of the guided tour, I was just too tired to listen and spent the time wandering around the ruins. The coastline and ruins were beautiful. Coba was also very interesting. It had a couple of Ancient Mayan ball game courts and it was fascinating to hear about the game. You could also walk up the steps of one of the temples - Ed did this, but I wisely decided to stay at the bottom as I was feeling quite tipsy. Some of the trees along the paths at Coba are supposed to be very poisonous, and they caution you not to touch them.

Regarding Doctor Who, I've been a fan since the early 80's, with the original, or classic Who. If you watch any of those, I would start with the 4th Doctor, Tom Baker, and the 5th Doctor, Peter Davison. The first 3 Doctors each had their good and bad side - 3 was stuck on earth, so his adventures are a little different than the others. I would skip Doctor 6 - I think he was universally hated, but 7 had his moments. Typically, the Doctors have been sort of grumpy in some way or another, which contrasts with new Who, which started back up in 2005. Personally, I have liked each of the new Who Doctors in their own way, however, some of the companions have ruined my enjoyment a bit. I happen to like Peter Capaldi, as I think he is more in line with the Doctors from classic Who. I think with Eccleston, Tennant and Smith there was too much of a suggestion of romance between the Doctor and some of the companions, which is why I believe Capaldi was the choice for the succeeding Doctor - and I agreed with that.

I might actually recommend watching some of the best episodes from each season first to decide if you would like it - from new Who season 1, I would highly recommend the episodes The Empty Child and The Doctor Dances, which are connected. From season 2, The Girl in the Fireplace got very good reviews, but I personally enjoyed Tooth and Claw. Blink is another classic with David Tennant as are Silence in the Library and Forest of the Dead. The first Matt Smith episode The Eleventh Hour and Vincent and the Doctor are very good Matt Smith episodes along with several others. For Capaldi, his first season contained a lot of story arcs, so you have to watch several episodes to get a complete story, but Heaven Sent and Hell Bent are probably the best. The last 3 episodes World Enough and Time, The Doctor Falls, and Twice Upon a Time are also very good.

Packing for holiday?
I have teed up a Le Guin book for my library WL, a friend on Facebook is mourning her passing and I asked him for a recommendation for a Le Guin novice. he recommended The Left Hand Of Darkness. And now in my household we are mourning the passing of Mark E Smith of the Fall, a favourite of my lovely other. Only 60, but a victim of his lifestyle....

Morning, Mark!

Howdy! Woo hoo! The clock is ticking! Hope the work hours leading up to your vacay are eesy peesy!

>293 drneutron: Thanks, Jim. I will look for that.

>294 rretzler: Hi, Robin. Thanks for stopping by and sharing such invaluable information. I appreciate it. We plan on doing one ruins tour and it most likely will be Chichen Itza. I will try to avoid brushing up against the poisonous trees.

It looks like you know, your Dr. Who. I think I will sample a couple more Eccleston eps and then I may sample each of the others. Not sure this is my cuppa, but I will stick it out for awhile.

>295 LovingLit: I am off today, so I am going to start doing some packing. Got to pull out all my summer gear. Sorry to hear about Le Guin and Mark E Smith.

I would like to read another Le Guin, this year in tribute.

>296 scaifea: Morning, Amber.

>297 Carmenere: Morning, Lynda. I have the day off today and then just 2 work days left. Yah!