Katie’s In For Another Year of Reading. And Snarking. And Shenanigans. Part 5
This is a continuation of the topic Katie’s In For Another Year of Reading. And Snarking. And Shenanigans. Part 4.
This topic was continued by Katie’s In For Another Year of Reading. And Snarking. And Shenanigans. Part 6.
Talk 75 Books Challenge for 2018
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1katiekrug
Because cute dogs make everything better!
And because I can't resist funny e-cards...
_________________________________
Hi All! I’m Katie and I’ve been with the 75ers since 2011. I live just outside New York City with my husband, The Wayne, and our cat, Leonard. In addition to reading, I enjoy eating my way through New York, drinking my way through the wine store, and attending bookish events, plays, the opera, and anything else that strikes my fancy. I also enjoy traveling (which I mostly do for work, on someone else’s dime), bad jokes, shenanigans, and the occasional indulgence in snark. I do not enjoy the misuse of apostrophe’s (ha!), the current President, or stressing about reading. As far as that last goes, I enjoy literary fiction, genre fiction (mysteries and romances primarily but some speculative stuff as well), classics, and not-dry (moist?) nonfiction.
My favorite reads of 2017 in no particular order:
Exit West by Mohsin Hamid
Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson
Everyday People by Stewart O’Nan
News of the World by Paulette Jiles
The Unwinding: An Inner History of the New America by George Packer
The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson
The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
The Golden Legend by Nadeem Aslam
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood (re-read)
Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt (re-read)
Song Yet Sung by James McBride
Taft by Ann Patchett
Rules of Civility by Amor Towles
Last Night at the Lobster by Stewart O’Nan (re-read)
Honorable Mention:
Home Fire by Kamila Shamsie
Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward
Another Day in the Death of America by Gary Younge
2katiekrug
CURRENTLY READING
.
______________________________________________
2018 BOOKS
13. Red Lightning by Laura Pritchett (3 stars)
12. The Judge Hunter by Christopher Buckley (3 stars)
11. The Power by Naomi Alderman (4 stars)
10. True Grit by Charles Portis (4.5 stars)
9. One Fine Day by Cindy Kirk (2.5 stars)
8. Born a Crime by Trevor Noah (audio) (4 stars)
7. The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion (4.5 stars)
6. Black Water Rising by Attica Locke (4 stars)
5. How To Be a Woman by Caitlin Moran (audio) (4 stars)
4. Running Back by Allison Parr (3 stars)
3. The North Water by Ian McGuire (4.5 stars)
2. He Who Fears the Wolf by Karin Fossum (4 stars)
1. Go Tell It on the Mountain by James Baldwin (4 stars)
.
______________________________________________
2018 BOOKS
13. Red Lightning by Laura Pritchett (3 stars)
12. The Judge Hunter by Christopher Buckley (3 stars)
11. The Power by Naomi Alderman (4 stars)
10. True Grit by Charles Portis (4.5 stars)
9. One Fine Day by Cindy Kirk (2.5 stars)
8. Born a Crime by Trevor Noah (audio) (4 stars)
7. The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion (4.5 stars)
6. Black Water Rising by Attica Locke (4 stars)
5. How To Be a Woman by Caitlin Moran (audio) (4 stars)
4. Running Back by Allison Parr (3 stars)
3. The North Water by Ian McGuire (4.5 stars)
2. He Who Fears the Wolf by Karin Fossum (4 stars)
1. Go Tell It on the Mountain by James Baldwin (4 stars)
3katiekrug
My ratings (based on how the book landed on me, not necessarily on literary merit or anything more worthy than personal opinion):
5 stars - O.M.G.
4 stars - Bravo!
3 stars - Comme ci comme ça
2 stars - Not for me
1 stars - A big ol’ NOPE!
5 stars - O.M.G.
4 stars - Bravo!
3 stars - Comme ci comme ça
2 stars - Not for me
1 stars - A big ol’ NOPE!
4katiekrug
2018 “Plans”
I will be participating in, but likely not completing, several challenges – the American Author Challenge, the Nonfiction Reading Challenge, and various fun ones over in the Category Challenge group. I also plan to continue participating in the Take It or Leave It challenges but only to the extent of checking to see if a completed book fits into one of the challenges that month. Also also, I will follow along with a few non-LT reading challenges such as Book Riot’s Read Harder and the Pop Sugar challenges.
My other “plan” is to try to ensure that the books I read come from a variety of sources – my shelves, my Kindle, my Overdrive wish lists, and my library wish list. We’ll see how that goes, but with over 3000 books in my home/on my Kindle, I need to stop getting so easily distracted!
I will be participating in, but likely not completing, several challenges – the American Author Challenge, the Nonfiction Reading Challenge, and various fun ones over in the Category Challenge group. I also plan to continue participating in the Take It or Leave It challenges but only to the extent of checking to see if a completed book fits into one of the challenges that month. Also also, I will follow along with a few non-LT reading challenges such as Book Riot’s Read Harder and the Pop Sugar challenges.
My other “plan” is to try to ensure that the books I read come from a variety of sources – my shelves, my Kindle, my Overdrive wish lists, and my library wish list. We’ll see how that goes, but with over 3000 books in my home/on my Kindle, I need to stop getting so easily distracted!
5katiekrug
2018 PopSugar Reading Challenge
x 1. A book made into a movie you've already seen - True Grit by Charles Portis
2. True crime
3. The next book in a series you started
4. A book involving a heist
x 5. Nordic noir - He Who Fears the Wolf by Karin Fossum
6. A novel based on a real person
7. A book set in a country that fascinates you
8. A book with a time of day in the title
9. A book about a villain or antihero
x 10. A book about death or grief - The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion
11. A book with a female author who uses a male pseudonym
12. A book with an LGBTQ+ protagonist
13. A book that is also a stage play or musical
x 14. A book by an author of a different ethnicity than you - Black Water Rising by Attica Locke
x 15. A book about feminism - How To Be a Woman by Caitlin Moran
16. A book about mental health
17. A book you borrowed or that was given to you as a gift
18. A book by two authors
x 19. A book about or involving a sport - Running Back by Allison Parr
20. A book by a local author
21. A book with your favorite color in the title
22. A book with alliteration in the title
23. A book about time travel
x 24. A book with a weather element in the title - Red Lightning by Laura Pritchett
25. A book set at sea
26. A book with an animal in the title
27. A book set on a different planet
x 28. A book with song lyrics in the title - Go Tell It on the Mountain by James Baldwin
29. A book about or set on Halloween
30. A book with characters who are twins
31. A book mentioned in another book
32. A book from a celebrity book club
33. A childhood classic you've never read
x 34. A book that's published in 2018 - The Judge Hunter by Christopher Buckley
35. A past Goodreads Choice Awards winner
36. A book set in the decade you were born
37. A book you meant to read in 2017 but didn't get to
38. A book with an ugly cover
39. A book that involves a bookstore or library
40. Your favorite prompt from the 2015, 2016, or 2017 POPSUGAR Reading Challenges (you can easily Google these)
Advanced Reading Challenge
1. A bestseller from the year you graduated high school
2. A cyberpunk book
3. A book that was being read by a stranger in a public place
4. A book tied to your ancestry
5. A book with a fruit or vegetable in the title
6. An allegory
7. A book by an author with the same first or last name as you
8. A microhistory
9. A book about a problem facing society today
10. A book recommended by someone else taking the POPSUGAR Reading Challenge
2018 BookRiot Read Harder Challenge
1. A book published posthumously
2. A book of true crime
3. A classic of genre fiction (i.e. mystery, sci fi/fantasy, romance)
4. A comic written and illustrated by the same person
x 5. A book set in or about one of the five BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, or South Africa) - Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
6. A book about nature
x 7. A western - True Grit by Charles Portis
8. A comic written or illustrated by a person of color
9. A book of colonial or postcolonial literature
10. A romance novel by or about a person of color
11. A children’s classic published before 1980
x 12. A celebrity memoir - How To Be a Woman by Caitlin Moran
13. An Oprah Book Club selection
14. A book of social science
15. A one-sitting book
16. The first book in a new-to-you YA or middle grade series
x 17. A sci fi novel with a female protagonist by a female author - The Power by Naomi Alderman
18. A comic that isn’t published by Marvel, DC, or Image
x 19. A book of genre fiction in translation - He Who Fears the Wolf by Karin Fossum
20. A book with a cover you hate
x 21. A mystery by a person of color or LGBTQ+ author - Black Water Rising by Attica Locke
22. An essay anthology
23. A book with a female protagonist over the age of 60
24. An assigned book you hated (or never finished)
2018 Modern Mrs. Darcy Reading Challenge
1. A Classic You’ve Been Meaning to Read
2. A Book Recommended by Someone with Great Taste
x 3. A Book in Translation - He Who Fears the Wolf by Karin Fossum
4. A Book Nominated for an Award in 2018
5. A Book of Poetry, a Play, or an Essay Collection
6. A Book You Can Read in a Day
7. A Book That’s More Than 500 Pages
8. A Book by a Favorite Author
9. A Book Recommended by a Librarian or Indie Bookseller
10. A Banned Book
x 11. A Memoir, Biography, or Book of Creative Nonfiction - The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion
x 12. A Book by an Author of a Different Race, Ethnicity, or Religion Than Your Own - Black Water Rising by Attica Locke
2018 BingoDOG Challenge
1. Title contains a person’s rank, real or fictional
2. Story involves travel
3. A long-time TBR/TBR the longest
4. Poetry or plays
5. New-to-you author
x 6. Autobiography/memoir - The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion
7. Book with a beautiful cover (in your opinion)
8. Book that fits at least 2 KIT’s/CAT’s
9. Related to the Pacific Ocean
x 10. Title contains something you would see in the sky - Red Lightning by Laura Pritchett
11. Book bought in 2017 that hasn’t been read yet
12. Number in the title
x 13. Book that is humorous - How To Be a Woman by Caitlin Moran
14. Book on the 1001 list
15. LGBT central character
16. Book set during a holiday
17. Fat book - 500 plus pages
18. X somewhere in the title
19. Money in the title - any form of currency, type of payment, etc...
20. Book published in 2018
21. Relative name in the title (aunt, niece, etc...)
x 22. Originally in a different language - He Who Fears the Wolf by Karin Fossum
23. Published more than 100 years ago
24. Title contains name of a famous person, real or fictional
x 25. Read a CAT (middle square) - Black Water Rising by Attica Locke (ColorCAT - January - Black)
x 1. A book made into a movie you've already seen - True Grit by Charles Portis
2. True crime
3. The next book in a series you started
4. A book involving a heist
x 5. Nordic noir - He Who Fears the Wolf by Karin Fossum
6. A novel based on a real person
7. A book set in a country that fascinates you
8. A book with a time of day in the title
9. A book about a villain or antihero
x 10. A book about death or grief - The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion
11. A book with a female author who uses a male pseudonym
12. A book with an LGBTQ+ protagonist
13. A book that is also a stage play or musical
x 14. A book by an author of a different ethnicity than you - Black Water Rising by Attica Locke
x 15. A book about feminism - How To Be a Woman by Caitlin Moran
16. A book about mental health
17. A book you borrowed or that was given to you as a gift
18. A book by two authors
x 19. A book about or involving a sport - Running Back by Allison Parr
20. A book by a local author
21. A book with your favorite color in the title
22. A book with alliteration in the title
23. A book about time travel
x 24. A book with a weather element in the title - Red Lightning by Laura Pritchett
25. A book set at sea
26. A book with an animal in the title
27. A book set on a different planet
x 28. A book with song lyrics in the title - Go Tell It on the Mountain by James Baldwin
29. A book about or set on Halloween
30. A book with characters who are twins
31. A book mentioned in another book
32. A book from a celebrity book club
33. A childhood classic you've never read
x 34. A book that's published in 2018 - The Judge Hunter by Christopher Buckley
35. A past Goodreads Choice Awards winner
36. A book set in the decade you were born
37. A book you meant to read in 2017 but didn't get to
38. A book with an ugly cover
39. A book that involves a bookstore or library
40. Your favorite prompt from the 2015, 2016, or 2017 POPSUGAR Reading Challenges (you can easily Google these)
Advanced Reading Challenge
1. A bestseller from the year you graduated high school
2. A cyberpunk book
3. A book that was being read by a stranger in a public place
4. A book tied to your ancestry
5. A book with a fruit or vegetable in the title
6. An allegory
7. A book by an author with the same first or last name as you
8. A microhistory
9. A book about a problem facing society today
10. A book recommended by someone else taking the POPSUGAR Reading Challenge
2018 BookRiot Read Harder Challenge
1. A book published posthumously
2. A book of true crime
3. A classic of genre fiction (i.e. mystery, sci fi/fantasy, romance)
4. A comic written and illustrated by the same person
x 5. A book set in or about one of the five BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, or South Africa) - Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
6. A book about nature
x 7. A western - True Grit by Charles Portis
8. A comic written or illustrated by a person of color
9. A book of colonial or postcolonial literature
10. A romance novel by or about a person of color
11. A children’s classic published before 1980
x 12. A celebrity memoir - How To Be a Woman by Caitlin Moran
13. An Oprah Book Club selection
14. A book of social science
15. A one-sitting book
16. The first book in a new-to-you YA or middle grade series
x 17. A sci fi novel with a female protagonist by a female author - The Power by Naomi Alderman
18. A comic that isn’t published by Marvel, DC, or Image
x 19. A book of genre fiction in translation - He Who Fears the Wolf by Karin Fossum
20. A book with a cover you hate
x 21. A mystery by a person of color or LGBTQ+ author - Black Water Rising by Attica Locke
22. An essay anthology
23. A book with a female protagonist over the age of 60
24. An assigned book you hated (or never finished)
2018 Modern Mrs. Darcy Reading Challenge
1. A Classic You’ve Been Meaning to Read
2. A Book Recommended by Someone with Great Taste
x 3. A Book in Translation - He Who Fears the Wolf by Karin Fossum
4. A Book Nominated for an Award in 2018
5. A Book of Poetry, a Play, or an Essay Collection
6. A Book You Can Read in a Day
7. A Book That’s More Than 500 Pages
8. A Book by a Favorite Author
9. A Book Recommended by a Librarian or Indie Bookseller
10. A Banned Book
x 11. A Memoir, Biography, or Book of Creative Nonfiction - The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion
x 12. A Book by an Author of a Different Race, Ethnicity, or Religion Than Your Own - Black Water Rising by Attica Locke
2018 BingoDOG Challenge
1. Title contains a person’s rank, real or fictional
2. Story involves travel
3. A long-time TBR/TBR the longest
4. Poetry or plays
5. New-to-you author
x 6. Autobiography/memoir - The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion
7. Book with a beautiful cover (in your opinion)
8. Book that fits at least 2 KIT’s/CAT’s
9. Related to the Pacific Ocean
x 10. Title contains something you would see in the sky - Red Lightning by Laura Pritchett
11. Book bought in 2017 that hasn’t been read yet
12. Number in the title
x 13. Book that is humorous - How To Be a Woman by Caitlin Moran
14. Book on the 1001 list
15. LGBT central character
16. Book set during a holiday
17. Fat book - 500 plus pages
18. X somewhere in the title
19. Money in the title - any form of currency, type of payment, etc...
20. Book published in 2018
21. Relative name in the title (aunt, niece, etc...)
x 22. Originally in a different language - He Who Fears the Wolf by Karin Fossum
23. Published more than 100 years ago
24. Title contains name of a famous person, real or fictional
x 25. Read a CAT (middle square) - Black Water Rising by Attica Locke (ColorCAT - January - Black)
7ChelleBearss
Happy new thread! Hope you are having a wonderful long weekend!
10katiekrug
>7 ChelleBearss: - Thanks, Chelle! Too soon to know about the weekend - I'm still in my robe, drinking coffee ;-) But I think we are going chair shopping this afternoon, so hooray for that!
>8 weird_O: - Almost first, Bill! :)
>8 weird_O: - Almost first, Bill! :)
11katiekrug
>9 jessibud2: - Thanks, Shelley!
12elliepotten
>1 katiekrug: Awwwww! An Andrex puppy! :P
Happy new thread - and looking forward to your thoughts on The Power. It's swimming around on my radar, and I looked for it at the supermarket the other day but they didn't have it on their bestseller lists at all. Which sucks, because it's on everyone else's. It'll probably turn up on there in about six months' time, if past experience is anything to go by.... *rolls eyes in the direction of Tesco's book buyers*
Happy new thread - and looking forward to your thoughts on The Power. It's swimming around on my radar, and I looked for it at the supermarket the other day but they didn't have it on their bestseller lists at all. Which sucks, because it's on everyone else's. It'll probably turn up on there in about six months' time, if past experience is anything to go by.... *rolls eyes in the direction of Tesco's book buyers*
13Crazymamie
Happy new one, Katie! Good luck with the chair shopping.
14karenmarie
Hi Katie and happy new thread.
>10 katiekrug: I was in jammies 'til about 15 minutes ago, and am just finishing up my last cup of morning coffee.
I hope the chair shopping is a success IF that's what you and The Wayne end up doing.
>10 katiekrug: I was in jammies 'til about 15 minutes ago, and am just finishing up my last cup of morning coffee.
I hope the chair shopping is a success IF that's what you and The Wayne end up doing.
15jnwelch
Happy New Thread, Katie!
Cute dogs do make everything better, and I love that "I mean business" e-card.
Hope your weekend is off to a good start.
Cute dogs do make everything better, and I love that "I mean business" e-card.
Hope your weekend is off to a good start.
16katiekrug
>12 elliepotten: - Help a sister out, Ellie... What is an "Andrex" puppy?
The Power is super good!
>13 Crazymamie: - Thanks, Mamie!
>14 karenmarie: - We'll be leaving shortly, I think. Post Office, furniture store(s), DSW, lunch....
The Power is super good!
>13 Crazymamie: - Thanks, Mamie!
>14 karenmarie: - We'll be leaving shortly, I think. Post Office, furniture store(s), DSW, lunch....
17katiekrug
>15 jnwelch: - Thanks, Joe! No complaints... yet ;-)
18MickyFine
Sounds like your weekend is off to a good start, Katie. Good luck with the chair shopping!
19RebaRelishesReading
Happy new thread! Have a really wonderful long weekend, ya hear?
20richardderus
It's a much *happier* new thread now.
24katiekrug
>18 MickyFine: - Thanks, Micky! Success on the chair front - see below....
>19 RebaRelishesReading: - Yes, ma'am Reba ma'am!
>20 richardderus: - Well, hello there.....
>21 BLBera: - Thanks, Beth.
>22 susanj67: - Awww, cute puppies. Thanks for the illustrated explanation, Susan :)
>23 drneutron: - Thank you, Jim!
>19 RebaRelishesReading: - Yes, ma'am Reba ma'am!
>20 richardderus: - Well, hello there.....
>21 BLBera: - Thanks, Beth.
>22 susanj67: - Awww, cute puppies. Thanks for the illustrated explanation, Susan :)
>23 drneutron: - Thank you, Jim!
25katiekrug
Oof, epic day of shopping...
I did find a chair I liked, but it didn't have a matching ottoman, so I will have to find one to (sort of) match. But it's very comfortable, has good arm rests (thank you, Mamie!), and while not as high as I thought I wanted, it supports my shoulders and neck well. Here it is in it's new nook - in addition to the ottoman, I need to get a little table to hold a beverage, and a good reading lamp (I have one, just need to put it in place...)
(The lighting is terrible and makes the chair look brown - it's actually a lovely tweedy grey.)
We also went shoe shopping, ostensibly for The Wayne, but I couldn't help peeking at the clearance racks. Long story short, I was convinced to get a pair of knee-high boots, and a really cute pair of ankle boots, so now I just need somewhere fun to take my trendy self...
We ran some other errands but I've probably bored everyone to tears already, so I'll stop.
I did find a chair I liked, but it didn't have a matching ottoman, so I will have to find one to (sort of) match. But it's very comfortable, has good arm rests (thank you, Mamie!), and while not as high as I thought I wanted, it supports my shoulders and neck well. Here it is in it's new nook - in addition to the ottoman, I need to get a little table to hold a beverage, and a good reading lamp (I have one, just need to put it in place...)
(The lighting is terrible and makes the chair look brown - it's actually a lovely tweedy grey.)
We also went shoe shopping, ostensibly for The Wayne, but I couldn't help peeking at the clearance racks. Long story short, I was convinced to get a pair of knee-high boots, and a really cute pair of ankle boots, so now I just need somewhere fun to take my trendy self...
We ran some other errands but I've probably bored everyone to tears already, so I'll stop.
26Crazymamie
>25 katiekrug: I love the new chair, Katie! And it looks like Leonard agrees with me. And hooray for the boots!
28katiekrug
>26 Crazymamie: - Thanks, Mamie. I am quite pleased with it, and it was an uber bargain. There was a lovely chaise/love seat thing that I was very tempted by...
>27 drneutron: - Thanks, Jim!
>27 drneutron: - Thanks, Jim!
29richardderus
Handsome seating surface. Ottoman-search success *whammy*
31EBT1002
Back to your prior thread, sorry to hear about the board member passing. So sad.
Yes to "cute dogs make everything better" --- puppy!!!!
>25 katiekrug: Lovely! It looks comfortable, even for a cat.
I assume you'll be wearing one of those pairs of boots on the 4th of March.... I mean, "somewhere fun" to take your "trendy self." Just sayin'. Of course, I'll be wearing sneakers, but...
I'm quite enjoying the PopSugar/Read Harder challenges!
Yes to "cute dogs make everything better" --- puppy!!!!
>25 katiekrug: Lovely! It looks comfortable, even for a cat.
I assume you'll be wearing one of those pairs of boots on the 4th of March.... I mean, "somewhere fun" to take your "trendy self." Just sayin'. Of course, I'll be wearing sneakers, but...
I'm quite enjoying the PopSugar/Read Harder challenges!
32katiekrug
Hi Ellen! We'll have to see about my footwear next month - comfort comes first ;-)
Glad you are enjoying the reading challenges - I am, too!
Glad you are enjoying the reading challenges - I am, too!
33susanj67
>25 katiekrug: Katie, that's a lovely chair! And I like the furry accessory there too :-)
34ChelleBearss
Sounds like a successful shopping day! Love the chair (and the cute kitty!)
35msf59
Happy Sunday, Katie! Happy New Thread. Love the puppy topper. Love those labs. Hope you are still having a good time with The Power. How is Catherine the Great coming along?
36katiekrug
>33 susanj67: - Thanks, Susan! Yes, Leonard is also enjoying the chair...
>34 ChelleBearss: - Thank you, Chelle!
>35 msf59: - I'm nearing the end of The Power, Mark, and may finish it up today. I am really liking it. CtG is going slowly because I am listening to it, and I am not getting a lot of opportunity for audio time...
>34 ChelleBearss: - Thank you, Chelle!
>35 msf59: - I'm nearing the end of The Power, Mark, and may finish it up today. I am really liking it. CtG is going slowly because I am listening to it, and I am not getting a lot of opportunity for audio time...
38karenmarie
Hi Katie!
>25 katiekrug: Looks like Leonard approves. Very nice chair. Good luck on the ottoman and table search!
>25 katiekrug: Looks like Leonard approves. Very nice chair. Good luck on the ottoman and table search!
39RebaRelishesReading
Great chair! Can't wait to see it complete with side table and lamp. And you live in the perfect climate for boots -- how could you not buy them?
40laytonwoman3rd
Love the chair. And what you need is this item, which I treated myself to a year or so ago:
>37 msf59: As I said on FB...when did we get cut down to ONE DAY????
>37 msf59: As I said on FB...when did we get cut down to ONE DAY????
41katiekrug
>37 msf59: - A "day." That's cute ;-)
>38 karenmarie: - Thanks, Karen!
>39 RebaRelishesReading: - Thanks, Reba. I am excited about the boots. One of the pairs is completely impractical (they are suede and have geometric cut-outs in the leather) but whatever. They are super cute!
>40 laytonwoman3rd: - Nice, Linda! The chair is not a recliner so that might be overkill, but I was not familiar with that store, so now I see all sorts of things I want. *sigh*
>38 karenmarie: - Thanks, Karen!
>39 RebaRelishesReading: - Thanks, Reba. I am excited about the boots. One of the pairs is completely impractical (they are suede and have geometric cut-outs in the leather) but whatever. They are super cute!
>40 laytonwoman3rd: - Nice, Linda! The chair is not a recliner so that might be overkill, but I was not familiar with that store, so now I see all sorts of things I want. *sigh*
43BLBera
Nice chair, Katie. Your house looks charming. Love the built ins. You'll have to share pictures of the boots. :)
44richardderus
>40 laytonwoman3rd: That's a perfect piece of furniture. Buy six, KAK.
45katiekrug
>42 scaifea: - Thanks, Amber! I read in my new chair for a good hour this morning while enjoying my coffee. It was most excellent.
Did you notice the Penguin clothbound classics in the photo? ;-)
>43 BLBera: - I love our house, Beth. I wish I could buy it. I can't find a picture of the ankle boots, so I'll have to take one and post it later. Here are the tall boots:
I wasn't sure about the color, but since they were on clearance, there weren't other color options, and it has since grown on me...
>44 richardderus: - Ha! It's a little pricey to buy 6 of them, Richard!
Did you notice the Penguin clothbound classics in the photo? ;-)
>43 BLBera: - I love our house, Beth. I wish I could buy it. I can't find a picture of the ankle boots, so I'll have to take one and post it later. Here are the tall boots:
I wasn't sure about the color, but since they were on clearance, there weren't other color options, and it has since grown on me...
>44 richardderus: - Ha! It's a little pricey to buy 6 of them, Richard!
46Crazymamie
Oh, I love the boots!
50katiekrug
And I finally found the ankle boots online:
You can't really see it in the picture, but they have a zipper on the heel and it totally makes me feel super badass, for some reason!
You can't really see it in the picture, but they have a zipper on the heel and it totally makes me feel super badass, for some reason!
51Familyhistorian
Happy new thread, Katie. Kudos for bringing home such great stuff from your shopping trip, the boots and chair look really chic.
53katiekrug
Thanks, Meg and Karen!
____________________________
Yesterday was nice - got some stuff accomplished around the house including organizing my she-shed and doing some laundry. We went out to dinner (Japanese) which was a bit of an ordeal and the food wasn't great, but then we stopped at our favorite wine bar and just sat and talked for a couple of hours. I love The Wayne - so smart and funny he is.
Today we were going to go see 'Black Panther' but we waited too long and the only seats available are in the first row, and I hate that, so we'll go next weekend. We'll hit the grocery store and Trader Joe's today, instead, and get lunch at a local diner. I really want a waffle :)
I'm hoping to finish The Power this afternoon...
____________________________
Yesterday was nice - got some stuff accomplished around the house including organizing my she-shed and doing some laundry. We went out to dinner (Japanese) which was a bit of an ordeal and the food wasn't great, but then we stopped at our favorite wine bar and just sat and talked for a couple of hours. I love The Wayne - so smart and funny he is.
Today we were going to go see 'Black Panther' but we waited too long and the only seats available are in the first row, and I hate that, so we'll go next weekend. We'll hit the grocery store and Trader Joe's today, instead, and get lunch at a local diner. I really want a waffle :)
I'm hoping to finish The Power this afternoon...
54EBT1002
>37 msf59: And I almost missed it. Well, I did miss it but I also drank wine, so it matters not.
I saw on Amber's thread that you're listening to the biography of Catherine the Great. She sounds like a fascinating person.
I'll be seeing you in just a few weeks! Yay!!!!
Oh, and shoes. Go comfortable. We'll be doing some walking around, it sounds like!
I saw on Amber's thread that you're listening to the biography of Catherine the Great. She sounds like a fascinating person.
I'll be seeing you in just a few weeks! Yay!!!!
Oh, and shoes. Go comfortable. We'll be doing some walking around, it sounds like!
55EBT1002
We had a similar misadventure with getting to see "Black Panther" this weekend, so we saw "Lady Bird" instead. It was quite good!
56richardderus
>54 EBT1002: Ekaterina: The Rise of Catherine the Great on Prime is gorgeous and very interesting.
Hey KAK. *smooch*
Hey KAK. *smooch*
57katiekrug
>54 EBT1002:, >55 EBT1002: - Hi Ellen! Looking forward to seeing you soon! I want to see Lady Bird, but it will probably wait until it's released on one or another streaming service. Have fun in AZ - I know, it's for work, but....
>56 richardderus: - Oooh, I hadn't heard of that one, Richard - thanks!
>56 richardderus: - Oooh, I hadn't heard of that one, Richard - thanks!
58katiekrug
I did finish The Power today - a solid 4 stars. I had a couple of nit-picky issues with it, but it's a very good read. Book club meets tomorrow night to discuss it...
59Berly
>25 katiekrug: Love the chair. Now, find the ottoman, then you can kick up your heels and rest those lovely new shoes where everyone can see them!
>58 katiekrug: I hope one of us FINALLY gets a good discussion out of The Power--I really enjoyed it!
Oh, and happy new thread. : )
>58 katiekrug: I hope one of us FINALLY gets a good discussion out of The Power--I really enjoyed it!
Oh, and happy new thread. : )
60katiekrug
>59 Berly: - I've ordered an ottoman, Kim. It won't be a perfect match, but it should be close enough. I will report back on the book group discussion :)
61AMQS
Hi Katie! Did I miss National Wine Day? I'll need to find a way to make it up:) .
Hope you're well.
Hope you're well.
62katiekrug
Hi Anne! Thanks for stopping by. As far as I'm concerned, every day is National Wine Day :)
63ChelleBearss
Hi Katie! Love your new boots! Fancy!
65karenmarie
Hi Katie!
Congrats on ordering an ottoman.
I just thought I'd mention that Leonard was my grandfather's name, and knowing his quirky sense of humor, I'm sure he'd love knowing that there was at least one cat out there with his name. We had a cat named George when I was growing up, and my mother was terrified that her maternal grandfather George would find out. He was a very stern and NOT humorous man. Fortunately they lived in Iowa and we lived in California, and I think the secret was preserved.
Congrats on ordering an ottoman.
I just thought I'd mention that Leonard was my grandfather's name, and knowing his quirky sense of humor, I'm sure he'd love knowing that there was at least one cat out there with his name. We had a cat named George when I was growing up, and my mother was terrified that her maternal grandfather George would find out. He was a very stern and NOT humorous man. Fortunately they lived in Iowa and we lived in California, and I think the secret was preserved.
66jessibud2
>65 karenmarie: - LOL at the cats' names. My cousin had a dog named Ali, which I am sure he named after our grandmother, Alice, who lived with him all of his growing up years. She had a pretty good sense of humour so I think she would have been ok with it. My own cats are not named for anyone in my family (Mia and Lexi) but I wouldn't rule it out, for future kitties! ;-)
67katiekrug
Good morning, Karen! Hooray for Leonards :) I've always had pets with human names - not sure why. I got a dog when I was 6 or 7 and named him Ralph, and since then I've had Boris, Luther, Nicholas, Louis, Molly, Lisa, and Leonard. The last 3 are cats and the first two of those came with their names. When we got Leonard, we had Louis and Lisa, so I made a joke about thinking of another L name, and then we stumbled on Leonard and it fit him perfectly. Funny how things work out like that, isn't it?
68katiekrug
>66 jessibud2: - My grandmother's name was Mary Alice and she went by Ali :) She would definitely not have minded having a cat named after her. My other grandmother would not have been so appreciative - she was a bit sterner!
69katiekrug
The Power by Naomi Alderman
I love books with shifting view points, where chapters alternate among characters and eventually, they start overlapping and intersecting. This format was especially effective in The Power as it allowed Alderman to build the world in such a way that it didn't seem overly explained or in need of a lot of set-up. The premise of the novel is that women discover a previously hidden ability to inflict pain on others and what this means for society, gender roles, the meaning of violence, etc. It's a fascinating question and this book is a lot more nuanced than "Ha ha, stupid men getting what they deserve." I did have some issues with it - the end felt a bit like the author was losing control of her own story, and a good editor would have caught embarrassing flubs like referring to UNESCO in the context of helping refugees. But overall, this was an entertaining and thought-provoking read; I look forward to a good discussion about it tonight with my book group.
4 stars
Warning: the book is very violent in parts, so if you are especially sensitive to that, proceed with caution.
70susanj67
*thinking hard now about what the refugee bit of the UN is called...*
Katie, I'm glad you enjoyed it (mostly). I am hold #8 on 7 copies in the elibrary, so I might get it soon.
Katie, I'm glad you enjoyed it (mostly). I am hold #8 on 7 copies in the elibrary, so I might get it soon.
72jnwelch
>69 katiekrug: Oh, good to hear, Katie. Mark like The Power a lot, too. I've WL'd it. I hope it goes well with the book club. Sounds like it should generate a good discussion.
73katiekrug
I hope it does, Joe. Beth's group discussion of it was a bit of a dud, apparently. Fingers crossed!
74vivians
Hi Katie - I read The Power last year and my pathetic memory is already having trouble recalling the details.... I remember loving the premise but finding that some of the story lines worked better than others. Although the politician is especially memorable. Hope you have a good book group discussion.
75katiekrug
That's an excellent point, Vivian, about some of the storylines working better than others. I agree the politician one was very good. I think my second favorite was the journalist...
76jolerie
Belated congrats on the new thread Katie and also belated condolences from your previous thread. :(
I love the new chair as well and I can't help but notice in jealousy how tidy your house is in that tiny snapshot. *looks around at the tornado that is my house*. :/
I have The Power on my radar but am hesitant about the violence...but if it just so happens to be available at the library, I may snag it up.
I love the new chair as well and I can't help but notice in jealousy how tidy your house is in that tiny snapshot. *looks around at the tornado that is my house*. :/
I have The Power on my radar but am hesitant about the violence...but if it just so happens to be available at the library, I may snag it up.
77katiekrug
Hi Valerie! The house is tidy because I don't have 3 kiddos living in it! And between you and me, across from that reading nook is a pile of cardboard boxes I still need to unpack ;-)
78scaifea
Morning, Katie!
>68 katiekrug: I have always loved the name Mary Alice and it was a finalist for Charlie's name, had he not been a Charlie (the other finalist was Josephine, after my dad's mom).
>68 katiekrug: I have always loved the name Mary Alice and it was a finalist for Charlie's name, had he not been a Charlie (the other finalist was Josephine, after my dad's mom).
79ChelleBearss
>69 katiekrug: Another good review for The Power! Glad to see both you and Mark enjoyed it. It's on my list for PopSugar for this year.
80katiekrug
>78 scaifea: - Good morning, Amber! I also love the name Mary Alice and would have named a daughter that. My Granny was pretty cool :) I also love the name Josephine (I'm a sucker for old fashioned names...). I had a friend in high school named Josephine.
>79 ChelleBearss: - Hi Chelle! The Power is a good one - I think you'll like it.
>79 ChelleBearss: - Hi Chelle! The Power is a good one - I think you'll like it.
81katiekrug
My book group's discussion of The Power was very good. There were only five of us there, three women and two men. We talked a lot about how Alderman flipped notions of gender on their head, and where she was most effective in showing the effects of one group dominating another. We all had some issues with the ending to some extent, and we felt like some pieces of the story just got dropped randomly. We wondered if it had something to do with the editing process and trying to tighten up the book... I think we all agreed that our favorite parts were the small things the Alderman included to show the reader how this world worked by reflecting our own world back at us. Anyway, a really good discussion! Apparently a British TV company is planning to turn the book into a series...
Next book club choice is Manhattan Beach but the group is meeting the day I get back from Ghana so I probably won't feel up to going, though you never know!
Next book club choice is Manhattan Beach but the group is meeting the day I get back from Ghana so I probably won't feel up to going, though you never know!
82vivians
Hi and question: I recall there was some talk (some threads back) about beautiful editions of some modern classics - was that here? I'm in need of a bridal shower gift for a passionate reader and thought I might take a look at those. Thanks!
83katiekrug
Hi Vivian! I think you might be thinking of the Olive Editions, which Ellen posted about. They are very nice looking and are contemporary titles...
84laytonwoman3rd
Speaking of cat names...the first cat we ever had (when I was a kid) I named Christopher Columbus. I have no idea why. But he did turn out to be a traveler. We lived on one side of a hill, up and over which were a lot of farms. He'd take off in the winter and live in the barns, where he probably caught mice, and definitely got warm milk straight from the source. In the spring he'd wander back. When my parents sold that house and moved "to town", he wouldn't stay, and ended his days up on the mountain at one of those farms. We brought him back twice, but finally decided he would be happier if we just let him be.
85DeltaQueen50
Hi Katie, I love your new chair and with Leonard choosing to sit there I also know it is very comfortable - cats know all about comfort!
86katiekrug
>84 laytonwoman3rd: - Linda, that is so funny because we had a dog who used to wander away and be gone for a few weeks and then come back for several months and then repeat the whole process. The last time, he didn't come back after about 3 weeks so we went looking for him. We found him at a farm about a mile up the road - there was Boris in the backyard playing with two young kids. I was a teenager at this point and away at boarding school most of the year, and both my parents worked, so we think he got lonely. We talked to the farm family and apparently he had been going to visit them when he would disappear. They were happy to keep him, so we just let him stay. He was a good dog, and I missed him but he obviously needed to be around people a lot more.
>85 DeltaQueen50: - Thanks, Judy! I am quite pleased with the chair - I've gotten some good reading time in it already! And Leonard is quite taken with it, too... obviously!
>85 DeltaQueen50: - Thanks, Judy! I am quite pleased with the chair - I've gotten some good reading time in it already! And Leonard is quite taken with it, too... obviously!
87rosalita
Even if you don't go to the book club meeting for Manhattan Beach, I hope you read it. I loved it, although I think it's gotten some mixed reviews here on LT.
And by the way, someone won a T-shirt in the Valentine's Day Hunt ...
And by the way, someone won a T-shirt in the Valentine's Day Hunt ...
88katiekrug
>87 rosalita: - I plan to red it some time, Julia, but probably not next month...
YAY! for the t-shirt. Now you can stop harassing me about mine ;-)
YAY! for the t-shirt. Now you can stop harassing me about mine ;-)
89jolerie
Will be curious to see what you think of Manhattan Beach. I read it last month and I think it was one of those if I read it at a different time I might have liked it more. It did stick with me after a bit but more so because it was loved by many people and I couldn't go as far as love. :)
90katiekrug
I'll get to it, eventually, Valerie but I'm not dying to read it enough to prioritize it for March :)
91rosalita
>88 katiekrug: I will just have to start harassing you about something else. ;-)
92thornton37814
My first cat had the moniker "E.R.M." I was learning letters at the time I named him so I don't know why I chose that string of letters.
93MickyFine
Belated congrats on the gorgeous chair acquisition! It looks very cozy.
My cozy reading chair is slowly dying due to over-exuberant cat love (i.e. claw marks). Depending on how much space there is in the place The Fianceé and I end up with (his lease ends in May so we'll be hunting for a rental for the two of us in the next month or so, where I'll join him after the wedding) I might acquire a new one. I have to admit Amber's plug for a reading rocking chair has definitely caught my fancy.
My cozy reading chair is slowly dying due to over-exuberant cat love (i.e. claw marks). Depending on how much space there is in the place The Fianceé and I end up with (his lease ends in May so we'll be hunting for a rental for the two of us in the next month or so, where I'll join him after the wedding) I might acquire a new one. I have to admit Amber's plug for a reading rocking chair has definitely caught my fancy.
94EBT1002
Well, now I'm super excited to get to reading The Power so I can learn what you liked about the politician and the journalist story lines.... I have my copy, just need to tee it up!
My cats have tended to have human names, too, although I did have a Tigger when I was quite small. Otherwise, it's been Dewey (okay, that one is a stretch but it morphed from the way my brother said "kittoooeey" in a high-pitched voice, the last two syllables becoming her name), Dorian, Casey (she came with that name), Edgar, Abby....
As I think about Leonard's love of the new chair I am realizing that Abby does not like my new chair. She will not sit in my lap when I'm in that chair. I can't figure out why, although I assume it's something about the angle of my lap. I kind of miss having her sit there while I read and drink wine.
My cats have tended to have human names, too, although I did have a Tigger when I was quite small. Otherwise, it's been Dewey (okay, that one is a stretch but it morphed from the way my brother said "kittoooeey" in a high-pitched voice, the last two syllables becoming her name), Dorian, Casey (she came with that name), Edgar, Abby....
As I think about Leonard's love of the new chair I am realizing that Abby does not like my new chair. She will not sit in my lap when I'm in that chair. I can't figure out why, although I assume it's something about the angle of my lap. I kind of miss having her sit there while I read and drink wine.
95scaifea
Gosh, I love pet name talk!
I named my cat Susie after my mom's when-she-was-a-kid cat, who was also a calico. And if we ever have another one (not likely, but still), I'd name her Mrs. Matuschek, for the never-seen character in The Shop Around the Corner.
I named my cat Susie after my mom's when-she-was-a-kid cat, who was also a calico. And if we ever have another one (not likely, but still), I'd name her Mrs. Matuschek, for the never-seen character in The Shop Around the Corner.
97katiekrug
>91 rosalita: - Yes, indeedy, Julia! Your harassment is always welcome ;-)
>92 thornton37814: - I love that, Lori!
>93 MickyFine: - Micky, I try not to spend too much money on furniture because Leonard likes to claw *everything* so I know it will have to be replaced sooner than most people replace furniture. Luckily, he's cute :)
>92 thornton37814: - I love that, Lori!
>93 MickyFine: - Micky, I try not to spend too much money on furniture because Leonard likes to claw *everything* so I know it will have to be replaced sooner than most people replace furniture. Luckily, he's cute :)
98katiekrug
>94 EBT1002: - Leonard likes to sit along my side as opposed to my lap, which is fine with me. Even better is when he just curls up at my feet. I like him, but I don't need his butt in my face as he arranges himself.... Heh.
>95 scaifea: - Our cat, Lisa, who currently resides with my SIL, could be named Mrs. Matuschek - she is scared of everything, and spends about 22 hours each day under beds :-P
>96 vivians: - You're welcome!
>95 scaifea: - Our cat, Lisa, who currently resides with my SIL, could be named Mrs. Matuschek - she is scared of everything, and spends about 22 hours each day under beds :-P
>96 vivians: - You're welcome!
99karenmarie
Good morning, Katie!
Leonard likes to claw *everything*
I've never had a kitty who clawed furniture until Miss Inara Starbuck, bless her kitty heart. Now my sofa and loveseat need to be recovered, but I won't do it because ..... Inara clawing. Sigh.
Leonard likes to claw *everything*
I've never had a kitty who clawed furniture until Miss Inara Starbuck, bless her kitty heart. Now my sofa and loveseat need to be recovered, but I won't do it because ..... Inara clawing. Sigh.
100katiekrug
Exactly, Karen! And of course he has scratching posts everywhere which he refuses to use... *sigh*
101katiekrug
Last night I decided not to stay up stupidly late to watch the women's hockey gold medal game because I knew I'd regret it. And now I regret not staying up :-P Of course, had I watched it, the US probably would have lost, so....
Tomorrow night, I am going to a hot yoga class with a friend. I've never done yoga, but it's free so I figure I'll give it a whirl. They heat the room to 95F so I'm sure to look and smell super nice afterwards! Anyone here do yoga? Any tips for a not very coordinated person?
Tomorrow night, I am going to a hot yoga class with a friend. I've never done yoga, but it's free so I figure I'll give it a whirl. They heat the room to 95F so I'm sure to look and smell super nice afterwards! Anyone here do yoga? Any tips for a not very coordinated person?
102BLBera
Hey Katie - I am also not coordinated, but most yoga instructors are pretty forgiving, especially if you are new. I really get hot when I exercise though, and I hate going into the room after a hot yoga class. It is much too hot for me.
103BLBera
>81 katiekrug: Finally, a book group that had a good discussion of The Power. It sounds like you have found a good group. I loved Manhattan Beach but not as much as A Visit from the Goon Squad.
104RebaRelishesReading
I had a hair dresser a few years ago that did hot yoga. She thought it was wonderful. I like yoga but a 95 degree room sounds like a trip to hades to me -- no thank you very much!!
105katiekrug
>102 BLBera: - Thanks for the input, Beth. If I don't like the hot part, but do like the yoga part, I can always find another place to go. Of course, I'm only trying this because I get a free week, and I have someone to go with!
>103 BLBera: - I haven't read any Egan, though I have Good Squad on my shelf. I would have read MB if I thought I had a serious chance of making the meeting, but it's only a few hours after my flight lands, and my total travel time will have been about 18 hours including a red-eye from Accra to London. I think I'll probably just crash when I get home :)
>104 RebaRelishesReading: - I kind of like the idea of sweating a lot, to be honest. It always feels so cleansing :) And the heat is supposed to be good for your muscles and joints or something... We'll see!
>103 BLBera: - I haven't read any Egan, though I have Good Squad on my shelf. I would have read MB if I thought I had a serious chance of making the meeting, but it's only a few hours after my flight lands, and my total travel time will have been about 18 hours including a red-eye from Accra to London. I think I'll probably just crash when I get home :)
>104 RebaRelishesReading: - I kind of like the idea of sweating a lot, to be honest. It always feels so cleansing :) And the heat is supposed to be good for your muscles and joints or something... We'll see!
106jolerie
I stayed up late and totally regretted it..haha
I could have just slept at a decent hour and then woke up to read about the bad news instead of throwing things at the TV.
Coffee time! :D
I could have just slept at a decent hour and then woke up to read about the bad news instead of throwing things at the TV.
Coffee time! :D
107charl08
Hope you enjoy the yoga, Katie. I've never tried hot yoga - sounds tempting in our frosty weather.
Most classes I've been to they give beginner options, and then more advanced ones, and make sure to check if anyone has any injuries or worries at the beginning.
Most classes I've been to they give beginner options, and then more advanced ones, and make sure to check if anyone has any injuries or worries at the beginning.
108katiekrug
>106 jolerie: - Sorrynotsorry, VAlerie ;-)
>107 charl08: - Thanks for the info, Charlotte! I'll probably make a hash of it, but as I've gotten older I find I care less and less about looking silly!
>107 charl08: - Thanks for the info, Charlotte! I'll probably make a hash of it, but as I've gotten older I find I care less and less about looking silly!
111jessibud2
>99 karenmarie: - I have had my living room sofa covered with a slip cover for years now, thanks to my cats. One uses the various scratching posts I have around the house. For the other, only the furniture will do. I am dying to get a new reading chair for my living room, too, but, like you, I hesitate.....
112laytonwoman3rd
<109 We often call our cat "catty whompus" and many other things that are not really her name. Like "Puma", or "Puss Kitten" or "Minou". That's part of the fun of having a critter in the house--she never objects no matter what we call her.
113katiekrug
>111 jessibud2: - It's a conundrum, isn't it, Shelley?
>112 laytonwoman3rd: - We variously refer to Leonard as Len, Lensicle, Leonardo, and Dumbass :)
>112 laytonwoman3rd: - We variously refer to Leonard as Len, Lensicle, Leonardo, and Dumbass :)
114MickyFine
Smee is technically Mister Smee but he rarely gets the full moniker. It's usually Smee, Smee-baby, kittenface, or bubbalicious.
116ChelleBearss
>101 katiekrug: I tried to stay up but I fell asleep on the couch when Canada was up 2-1. I woke up after they had lost and wished I had just gone to my nice comfy bed instead of sleeping crooked on my couch with the TV and half the lights on.
118The_Hibernator
>101 katiekrug: sleeping is always best, even when you think it's not. That is...ummm...it's best when it's best. Always is a long time. lol
119ChelleBearss
Nah, Ellie took pity on me and slept until after 7am so I was ok! :)
120EBT1002
I used to do hot yoga and I loved it... to a degree (heh). The place I went set up their rooms to have zones and I always put myself in the "cool" (85F) zone. The middle was 95 and the front of the room was 105. I was in the 95 zone once and had to leave the room to overcome my wooziness. I don't handle heat well, though. But I loved the overall experience. I stopped going a few years ago when, as I was getting out of the car to go into the yoga studio, my phone rang and I had to rush back to campus to deal with the aftermath of a tragic and dramatic suicide. I never got back into yoga but I keep thinking that I both want to and should....
121jessibud2
I began yoga the first time maybe 30 years ago and did not like it at all. Then I tried again about 2 years ago and love it. I don't think hot yoga would work for me though. I once passed out in a sauna and my blood pressure tends to the low end of normal. I don't do well in extreme heat, so no thanks.
122katiekrug
>118 The_Hibernator: - LOL, Rachel! I knew what you meant.
>119 ChelleBearss: - Good girl, Ellie!
>120 EBT1002: - Interesting about the zones, Ellen. I don't think this place does that, but maybe I can find a spot near the door ;-)
>121 jessibud2: - Shelley, I have a friend who had a similar experience with trying yoga and hating it and then giving it another go and really liking it. I am hoping my experience working out in the Texas heat will prevent me from wilting too much in the yoga studio!
>119 ChelleBearss: - Good girl, Ellie!
>120 EBT1002: - Interesting about the zones, Ellen. I don't think this place does that, but maybe I can find a spot near the door ;-)
>121 jessibud2: - Shelley, I have a friend who had a similar experience with trying yoga and hating it and then giving it another go and really liking it. I am hoping my experience working out in the Texas heat will prevent me from wilting too much in the yoga studio!
123karenmarie
Hi Katie!
I particularly like your calling Leonard 'Dumbass'. We have quite a few nicknames for our kitties too, Kitty William's best ones, IMO, being Katman, Katmandu, and K'William. Less creative is Naras for Inara Starbuck.
I particularly like your calling Leonard 'Dumbass'. We have quite a few nicknames for our kitties too, Kitty William's best ones, IMO, being Katman, Katmandu, and K'William. Less creative is Naras for Inara Starbuck.
124katiekrug
>123 karenmarie: - Good morning, Karen! Your kitty names reminded me of another we have - Catzooka (long story)...
Oh, the drama last night! The Wayne left his phone on the bus so arrived home all sorts of pissed off. I suggested perhaps he call the bus company, and they were great and tracked down his phone and he was able to drive over to the dispatch office and pick it up at about 10:30pm. But he gets so mad at himself over stuff like that - and then goes on about it endlessly, and I'm just like, "Dude. Shit happens. You got your phone back. All's well that ends well." *eye roll* I should probably be more understanding (and really, I am - up to a point) - I think his jerk of a dad got on him about really minor stuff when he was a kid...
ANYWAY, it's Friday! And I might actually finish a book today! And I have my first yoga class!
Quiet weekend planned - we want to see 'Black Panther' and we are going to dinner on Saturday at a friends' house. Other than that, not too much on the agenda :)
Oh, the drama last night! The Wayne left his phone on the bus so arrived home all sorts of pissed off. I suggested perhaps he call the bus company, and they were great and tracked down his phone and he was able to drive over to the dispatch office and pick it up at about 10:30pm. But he gets so mad at himself over stuff like that - and then goes on about it endlessly, and I'm just like, "Dude. Shit happens. You got your phone back. All's well that ends well." *eye roll* I should probably be more understanding (and really, I am - up to a point) - I think his jerk of a dad got on him about really minor stuff when he was a kid...
ANYWAY, it's Friday! And I might actually finish a book today! And I have my first yoga class!
Quiet weekend planned - we want to see 'Black Panther' and we are going to dinner on Saturday at a friends' house. Other than that, not too much on the agenda :)
127katiekrug
I survived hot yoga! Apparently, this was only "warm" yoga, but I sweated :) I also need to build up my strength and flexibility, but I really liked it! I especially loved the stretching and breathing parts. I will definitely be going back!
128msf59
Happy Friday, Katie! Sorry, to hear about the drama but glad to hear that The Wayne got his cell back. Whew!
Glad you survived hot yoga. Not sure what that is...grins.
I would like to see Black Panther on Sunday. Hope it happens. I was planning on seeing it on Tuesday, with my son, but then the flood came...
Glad you survived hot yoga. Not sure what that is...grins.
I would like to see Black Panther on Sunday. Hope it happens. I was planning on seeing it on Tuesday, with my son, but then the flood came...
129lauralkeet
>124 katiekrug: I'm so glad Wayne's phone saga had a happy ending, Katie. I wouldn't have given that much of a chance. I bet your little bit of armchair psychology is spot on though. Over the years, Chris and I have processed issues large and small and had some aha moments about our families of origin.
130katiekrug
>128 msf59: - Hiya, Mark! Hot yoga is just yoga in a room heated to 90-95 degrees. Yay for seeing Black Panther tomorrow!
>129 lauralkeet: - Morning, Laura! I'm glad The Wayne got his phone back, too, or I would still be hearing about it ;-) It is interesting what we come to see about ourselves and our lives as we get older. I'm not much of a "navel gazer" but I am more reflective than I used to be, for sure.
See you in less than a week!!
>129 lauralkeet: - Morning, Laura! I'm glad The Wayne got his phone back, too, or I would still be hearing about it ;-) It is interesting what we come to see about ourselves and our lives as we get older. I'm not much of a "navel gazer" but I am more reflective than I used to be, for sure.
See you in less than a week!!
131jnwelch
Hiya, Katie. I'm glad the hot yoga worked so well. I hope you get to Black Panther. So good!
For us, today is a day of seeing Oscar-nominated movies at a local theater - four of them! We've never tried this before (a friend recommended it), so we'll see.
For us, today is a day of seeing Oscar-nominated movies at a local theater - four of them! We've never tried this before (a friend recommended it), so we'll see.
132katiekrug
Morning, Joe! I've always wanted to do one of those Oscar-nominated film marathons... this year looks like a good field - enjoy!
133Crazymamie
" It is interesting what we come to see about ourselves and our lives as we get older. " This is so true.
Hooray for the hot yoga (which I had never heard of before, but the girls knew what it was). I took yoga in college, and I found it very valuable just for the learned ability to consciously relax and reset.
Hoping that your weekend is full of fabulous, my friend.
Hooray for the hot yoga (which I had never heard of before, but the girls knew what it was). I took yoga in college, and I found it very valuable just for the learned ability to consciously relax and reset.
Hoping that your weekend is full of fabulous, my friend.
134katiekrug
Hi Mamie! I really liked the stretching and breathing bits. The contorting was not so much fun ;-) I'm a little sore this morning, but not too bad.
Have a great weekend yourself!
Have a great weekend yourself!
135katiekrug
The Judge Hunter by Christopher Buckley
I'm a fan of Christopher Buckley's novels, especially his contemporary ones. This is his second historical novel, after the great The Relic Master. In this one, Buckley takes us to 17th century New England, home of Puritans, Quakers, outlaws, and Native Americans. Our "hero" is the hapless Balty, brother-in-law of Samuel Pepys, who is charged with finding two regicidal judges wanted back in England. But is that really his mission?
He is paired with Hiram Huncks, a soldier and fixer, who helps Balty navigate the New World. This novel is amusing in parts, but never laugh-out loud funny like some of Buckley's better work. The best parts were those set in New Amsterdam, governed at the time by Peter Stuyvesant. Here we see the kidnapping of a parrot, get descriptions of the pastoral beauty of what is now Manhattan, and witness the bloodless takeover by the British (who re-name it New York). Buckley obviously knows his history and has done good research but somehow I never became immersed in the story. It may be that the very contemporary-sounding language prevented me from buying into the portrait of 17th century America. Still, it was a diverting read, and I will follow along to wherever Buckley takes us next.
3 stars
This was an ARC, courtesy of NetGalley. The book is scheduled for publication in May.
Conversation between Balty and Peter Stuyvesant, touring the defences of New Amsterdam:
"'People now are saying we must have a bigger wall."
'Not on our account, I hope.'
Stuyvesant shrugged. 'If to this it comes, maybe I will ask your King Charles to pay for it.'"
136weird_O
Katie. Asking for a friend. If this friend were to encounter you and your husband, say at a British-ish pub in Philadelphia, how should she/he address your husband. Does he go by "The" or "Wayne"? Hoping to avoid a social blunder. My friend is. Hoping.
137RebaRelishesReading
Glad you enjoyed the "warm" yoga. "Warm" sounds good..."hot" not
138katiekrug
>136 weird_O: - Hi Bill! Well, I call him "Stinky" so he is not easily offended ;-) Many of my friends call him The Wayne or T-Dubs, but Wayne is just fine too.
>137 RebaRelishesReading: - I am going to work my way up to hot, Reba!
>137 RebaRelishesReading: - I am going to work my way up to hot, Reba!
139jolerie
Hot yoga sounds fantastic. Nothing like a good sweat to feel refreshed..haha.
Hope you having a relaxing weekend. I'm sitting here waiting for the hubby to bring home a nice warm steeped tea for me. :)
Hope you having a relaxing weekend. I'm sitting here waiting for the hubby to bring home a nice warm steeped tea for me. :)
140laytonwoman3rd
"Quiet weekend planned - we want to see 'Black Panther' and we are going to dinner on Saturday at a friends' house" This made me chuckle---that's a rip-roarin' packed with activity kinda weekend at our place!
141charl08
The yoga class sounds like a win, Katie. Sorry about TW's phone loss bugging him - kind of amazed to hear he got it back safely though.
142lauralkeet
>136 weird_O: ha ha Bill, I hope Katie eased your friend's anxiety on that point.
143BLBera
Glad you liked the yoga, Katie. It's always nice to find an exercise class that is fun.
The Buckley sounds good; I might try one. I chuckled at the wall conversation.
Have a great Sunday.
The Buckley sounds good; I might try one. I chuckled at the wall conversation.
Have a great Sunday.
144katiekrug
>139 jolerie: - I love a good sweat, Valerie! Hope you had a good weekend - mine was a mixed bag...
>140 laytonwoman3rd: - Well, Linda, as it turned out, we missed the movie so it was even quieter than expected!
>141 charl08: - Hi Charlotte! I think he was able to get the phone back because we called right away, and they were able to contact the driver, so at his next stop he could go look for it. It's a private bus service, so never very busy or full...
>142 lauralkeet: - Hi Laura!
>143 BLBera: - Hi Beth - if you want to try a historical Buckley, I'd recommend The Relic Master. OF his contemporary political novels, my favorite is Florence of Arabia but Boomsday and Supreme Courtship are pretty funny, too.
>140 laytonwoman3rd: - Well, Linda, as it turned out, we missed the movie so it was even quieter than expected!
>141 charl08: - Hi Charlotte! I think he was able to get the phone back because we called right away, and they were able to contact the driver, so at his next stop he could go look for it. It's a private bus service, so never very busy or full...
>142 lauralkeet: - Hi Laura!
>143 BLBera: - Hi Beth - if you want to try a historical Buckley, I'd recommend The Relic Master. OF his contemporary political novels, my favorite is Florence of Arabia but Boomsday and Supreme Courtship are pretty funny, too.
145katiekrug
We had a great time at dinner last night - it was with my friend, Kate, who I met when we were 14 and assigned to share a room our freshman year of boarding school. So we go waaaaay back :)
Unfortunately, today, I felt ill most of the day - queasy and exhausted with a terrible headache. We ended up not going to the movies, even though our tickets were purchased, so that kind of sucked. I am feeling better now, and The Wayne made some delicious chicken noodle soup which is not making me nauseous, so yay for that!
Unfortunately, today, I felt ill most of the day - queasy and exhausted with a terrible headache. We ended up not going to the movies, even though our tickets were purchased, so that kind of sucked. I am feeling better now, and The Wayne made some delicious chicken noodle soup which is not making me nauseous, so yay for that!
146richardderus
>145 katiekrug: Oh boo hiss! I'm sorry the lurgy kept you away from Black Panther, which is a must-see.
I myownself am allergy-ridden and wishing an extinction event on the world's molds.
I myownself am allergy-ridden and wishing an extinction event on the world's molds.
147ChelleBearss
Sorry that you are feeling ill and unable to go to your movie but props to Wayne for taking care of you with soup! What a sweetie
148msf59
Sorry, you are not feeling well, Katie. I hope you bounce back quickly and feel much better tomorrow. We did not see Black Panther this week either, due to issues at the house but we are going to try again Tuesday evening.
I plan on starting Catherine the Great on audio tomorrow.
I plan on starting Catherine the Great on audio tomorrow.
149lauralkeet
Ugh, sorry you had le crud yesterday and missed seeing the movie. I had a 1-day thing last week that knocked me flat, but was mercifully short. I hope you're feeling better today, Katie.
150katiekrug
>146 richardderus: - I'm sorry you are afflicted, Richard! It's the pits. If I could just get rid of the headache, I would be A-OK at this point...
>147 ChelleBearss: - The soup was most excellent, and The Wayne took excellent care of me (which mostly involved letting me sleep ;-)
>148 msf59: - Hiya, Mark! We'll have to wait for the weekend after next to see BP, as next weekend we will be in Philadelphia. I am feeling better, but have a lingering headache which is most annoying...
>149 lauralkeet: - Thanks, Laura. It was weird. I honestly just thought I was a bit hungover at first, but it just went on and on, so there must have been something else at play. I'm better now, which is good, because I only have two more weeks before our next Board meeting and LOTS to do!
>147 ChelleBearss: - The soup was most excellent, and The Wayne took excellent care of me (which mostly involved letting me sleep ;-)
>148 msf59: - Hiya, Mark! We'll have to wait for the weekend after next to see BP, as next weekend we will be in Philadelphia. I am feeling better, but have a lingering headache which is most annoying...
>149 lauralkeet: - Thanks, Laura. It was weird. I honestly just thought I was a bit hungover at first, but it just went on and on, so there must have been something else at play. I'm better now, which is good, because I only have two more weeks before our next Board meeting and LOTS to do!
151Crazymamie
SO sorry that you were feeling so poorly yesterday, Katie. Hooray for The Wayne's soup - what a sweetie.
I also have the hanging on headache - I think mine is weather related. The rest of the gang saw Black Panther this weekend, and they all loved it. Rae and Abby weren't feeling well, but they went anyway because they REALLY wanted to see it. Ah, youth.
I also have the hanging on headache - I think mine is weather related. The rest of the gang saw Black Panther this weekend, and they all loved it. Rae and Abby weren't feeling well, but they went anyway because they REALLY wanted to see it. Ah, youth.
152katiekrug
Thanks, Mamie! The headache is finally abating, I think. I'm still pretty tired, though, so I have a feeling it will be early to bed for me tonight.
I can't wait to see BP. Glad your gang enjoyed it!
I can't wait to see BP. Glad your gang enjoyed it!
153katiekrug
Right. Books.
STILL listening to Catherine the Great - the weather is getting better so maybe I will actually do some walking and get some listening time in...
I've started Red Lightning by Laura Pritchett - it's a follow up to Sky Bridge and it's okay so far. I'm not loving it like I loved Hell's Bottom Colorado or Stars Go Blue...
STILL listening to Catherine the Great - the weather is getting better so maybe I will actually do some walking and get some listening time in...
I've started Red Lightning by Laura Pritchett - it's a follow up to Sky Bridge and it's okay so far. I'm not loving it like I loved Hell's Bottom Colorado or Stars Go Blue...
154RebaRelishesReading
Glad you're feeling better. Hope the headache goes completely away, though, and that you get a lovely early night and good sleep!!
155vivians
Hi - hope the recovery trend continues for you. I saw Black Panther last week. I really liked it, despite the way-over-the-top combat scenes. I guess those are part of the draw for an action movie....
Did I hear talk of a Philly meet-up? I'll be there this weekend to "chaperone" my daughter's attendance at a bachelorette weekend (actually she's just too shy to go alone).
Did I hear talk of a Philly meet-up? I'll be there this weekend to "chaperone" my daughter's attendance at a bachelorette weekend (actually she's just too shy to go alone).
156katiekrug
>154 RebaRelishesReading: - Thanks, Reba! The headache is now gone - hooray!
>155 vivians: - Is the bachelorette for your future DIL? That wedding is getting close, right? April?
Yes, there is a meet-up - if you think you'll have some free time, PM me and I'll share the details. It's mostly Sunday, but with an informal thing Saturday around 5:00pm...
>155 vivians: - Is the bachelorette for your future DIL? That wedding is getting close, right? April?
Yes, there is a meet-up - if you think you'll have some free time, PM me and I'll share the details. It's mostly Sunday, but with an informal thing Saturday around 5:00pm...
158jolerie
Boo to the headache? Any chance it could have been due to the yoga? Excessive heat and sweating could lead to dehydration causing headaches and such?
I had a bout of nausea and headache on Saturday night as well. No reason why and it just passed after awhile. Thank goodness!
Hope you are feeling better now. :)
I had a bout of nausea and headache on Saturday night as well. No reason why and it just passed after awhile. Thank goodness!
Hope you are feeling better now. :)
159katiekrug
>157 vivians: - :)
>158 jolerie: - Hi Valerie! The head is much better, thanks. I don't think I can blame the yoga, as I was totally fine on Saturday. Part of it was having a wee bit too much to drink Saturday night, but I think that combined with a minor bug or something. Anyway, I'm pretty much back to normal now!
>158 jolerie: - Hi Valerie! The head is much better, thanks. I don't think I can blame the yoga, as I was totally fine on Saturday. Part of it was having a wee bit too much to drink Saturday night, but I think that combined with a minor bug or something. Anyway, I'm pretty much back to normal now!
160ffortsa
Oh, I fell so far behind! I mustn't do that again, I realized, at about entry #20.
eta: it must be the vodka
eta: it must be the vodka
161richardderus
Rosemary and Rue is the final nail in the coffin. I officially Do Not Like Seanan McGuire's writing.
162katiekrug
>160 ffortsa: - LOL, Judy! Looking forward to seeing you and Jim this weekend!
>161 richardderus: - I am not familiar with that author, but I shall steer clear!!
>161 richardderus: - I am not familiar with that author, but I shall steer clear!!
163LovingLit
My 9 year-old went to see The Black Panther, and came back thoroughly enthused about *action movies*. Don't look at me, I didn't take him...It was for his friend's birthday, and the dad came back a bit sheepish, stating it was rather violent and full of swearing. The boys LOVED it ;)
164lauralkeet
>150 katiekrug: I'm better now, which is good, because I only have two more weeks before our next Board meeting
Um ... hello?! And a certain Philly meetup just a few days away! GET YOUR PRIORITIES STRAIGHT WOMAN!
Um ... hello?! And a certain Philly meetup just a few days away! GET YOUR PRIORITIES STRAIGHT WOMAN!
165katiekrug
>163 LovingLit: - I like action movies, Megan, so it should be right up my alley :)
>164 lauralkeet: - As if anything would keep me from THAT! Can't wait!
>164 lauralkeet: - As if anything would keep me from THAT! Can't wait!
166katiekrug
Tonight for dinner I made chicken cacciatore in my Instant Pot. I used this recipe: https://www.skinnytaste.com/instant-pot-chicken-cacciatore. It was excellent, especially once The Wayne "doctored" it with additional seasoning :)
I served it over spaghetti squash which I also made in the IP. The Wayne was skeptical of it but ended up really liking it. Said it wasn't "squashy" - heh.
I served it over spaghetti squash which I also made in the IP. The Wayne was skeptical of it but ended up really liking it. Said it wasn't "squashy" - heh.
167DeltaQueen50
Hi Katie, sorry that you have been a little under the weather, and I hope you are feeling better now. Your dinner sounds delicious, I do love spaghetti squash and that sounds like a great way to use it.
168ChelleBearss
I was thinking about buying an instant pot but I figure I've got allllllllll the other gadgets and should probably sit this one out. I would like to start using my slowcooker more though
Is your one of the 8in1 cookers that may be melting? If you haven't yet you should check your model number.
Is your one of the 8in1 cookers that may be melting? If you haven't yet you should check your model number.
169katiekrug
>167 DeltaQueen50: - Hi Judy! All better now, thank goodness :) I think I had spaghetti squash a few times as a kid, but The Wayne had never had it, and we both really liked it. I think it will be entering the rotation more often...
>168 ChelleBearss: - I love my Instant Pot, but I'm not really much of a cooking person, Chelle. It can replace a lot of gadgets, so there is that, though I have never used it as a slow cooker or anything. I don't have the Gem model, so no worries about melting here!
>168 ChelleBearss: - I love my Instant Pot, but I'm not really much of a cooking person, Chelle. It can replace a lot of gadgets, so there is that, though I have never used it as a slow cooker or anything. I don't have the Gem model, so no worries about melting here!
170ffortsa
>169 katiekrug: I've been thinking about the Instant Pot, if only that it would take up less space than my slow cooker, which I never use, and my pressure cooker, which I have used a lot in the past. Or maybe I will just make room for it somewhere.
My sister has one and was raving about the hard boiled eggs, but I make them the old-fashioned way easily enough. The chicken cacciatore looks great, though. I might try it in my pressure cooker first.
My sister has one and was raving about the hard boiled eggs, but I make them the old-fashioned way easily enough. The chicken cacciatore looks great, though. I might try it in my pressure cooker first.
171katiekrug
Hi Judy! I do love how the hard boiled eggs come out in the IP. I've never been able to get them to peel easily until now, and mine always had rubbery whites. Anyway, I love mine but it's not for everyone.
172Crazymamie
Morning, Katie! That recipe looks yummy - I am going to give it a go, but I will have to double it.
Hoping your Tuesday is a good one.
Hoping your Tuesday is a good one.
173katiekrug
Thanks for the good Tuesday wishes, Mamie!
When you try the recipe, add a lot more seasoning. It was bland even after I included some garlic. The Wayne added "Tuscan Sunset" which is a favorite Penzey's spice blend, some extra basil, and I forget what else.
Also, don't dice the vegetables - they'll disintegrate and it's supposed to be chunky. I left them in long strips...
And I couldn't find bone-in thighs, so used skinless/boneless.
When you try the recipe, add a lot more seasoning. It was bland even after I included some garlic. The Wayne added "Tuscan Sunset" which is a favorite Penzey's spice blend, some extra basil, and I forget what else.
Also, don't dice the vegetables - they'll disintegrate and it's supposed to be chunky. I left them in long strips...
And I couldn't find bone-in thighs, so used skinless/boneless.
174Crazymamie
>173 katiekrug: Oh, thanks for that!
175karenmarie
Hi Katie!
Congrats on the chicken cacciatore in your Instant Pot. I don't have an Instant Pot, but keep forgetting about chicken cacciatore as something fun and tasty make anyway. I like the idea of serving it over spaghetti squash. I just need to persuade Bill that spaghetti squash won't ruin his reputation as a meat-and-potatoes guy.
Congrats on the chicken cacciatore in your Instant Pot. I don't have an Instant Pot, but keep forgetting about chicken cacciatore as something fun and tasty make anyway. I like the idea of serving it over spaghetti squash. I just need to persuade Bill that spaghetti squash won't ruin his reputation as a meat-and-potatoes guy.
176richardderus
>173 katiekrug: Sunny Paris is my fave rave Penzeys mix. And Green Goddess for salad dressing, though the YGC likes it in shrimpy rice crockpottery.
177RebaRelishesReading
>163 LovingLit: I feel for the dad. I once took my son and his friend to see Stand By Me and spent the entire film thinking "his mother is going to KILL me".
178RebaRelishesReading
>171 katiekrug: I finally learned how to make eggs come out perfectly and peel perfectly a year or so ago. The secret is to steam them in a vegetable steamer. Get water boiling in a pan, (prick egg shells if you have a "pricker"), put eggs into the steamer and lower it into the pan above the boiling water, lid on and leave it alone for 12 minutes then immediately put the eggs into ice water. The peel slides off like it can't wait to be gone and the eggs are perfect -- no rubbery whites, no green line around the yolk. Really, it's totally easy and fail proof.
179katiekrug
>174 Crazymamie: - You're welcome, Mamie!
>175 karenmarie: - The Wayne was concerned about the spaghetti squash because he doesn't like squash, but I think he just doesn't like the mush zucchini and summer squash you often get at restaurants... Anyway, it was a hit!
>176 richardderus: - I will have to check out Sunny Paris. I am also a fan of the Fox Point on steamed vegetables...
>177 RebaRelishesReading: - Huh. I don't think of 'Stand By Me' as that gorey or inappropriate or controversial. I'm pretty sure I saw it in the theaters, so I would have been maybe 10-12 (too lazy to look up its release year!)...
>178 RebaRelishesReading: - Ha! I just got done making a batch, Reba! To be honest, that sounds like a bit more work than in my IP (cup of water in the bottom, eggs on a trivet or in a basket, 5 minutes high pressure, 5 minute wait, ice bath). Plus I get all the lights and beeps from my IP ;-) I just ate one for lunch, still a bit warm inside - delish!
>175 karenmarie: - The Wayne was concerned about the spaghetti squash because he doesn't like squash, but I think he just doesn't like the mush zucchini and summer squash you often get at restaurants... Anyway, it was a hit!
>176 richardderus: - I will have to check out Sunny Paris. I am also a fan of the Fox Point on steamed vegetables...
>177 RebaRelishesReading: - Huh. I don't think of 'Stand By Me' as that gorey or inappropriate or controversial. I'm pretty sure I saw it in the theaters, so I would have been maybe 10-12 (too lazy to look up its release year!)...
>178 RebaRelishesReading: - Ha! I just got done making a batch, Reba! To be honest, that sounds like a bit more work than in my IP (cup of water in the bottom, eggs on a trivet or in a basket, 5 minutes high pressure, 5 minute wait, ice bath). Plus I get all the lights and beeps from my IP ;-) I just ate one for lunch, still a bit warm inside - delish!
180richardderus
>179 katiekrug: *drool* Also excellent!
181charl08
>179 katiekrug: 1986 Katie?
The Little mermaid was more my speed!
The Little mermaid was more my speed!
182katiekrug
>180 richardderus: - Now I'm hungry.... My banana for breakfast and egg for lunch are not cutting it!
>181 charl08: - Ok, so maybe I didn't see that in the theater, as I would have been 8! My parents didn't restrict our viewing at all, but I just don't think that would have been on interest to me! I did see Dirty Dancing in the theater - my inappropriate aunt took me (age 9) and my sister (13)...
ETA: Much of it went over my head!
>181 charl08: - Ok, so maybe I didn't see that in the theater, as I would have been 8! My parents didn't restrict our viewing at all, but I just don't think that would have been on interest to me! I did see Dirty Dancing in the theater - my inappropriate aunt took me (age 9) and my sister (13)...
ETA: Much of it went over my head!
183richardderus
Naners 'n' eggs ain't near enough. I had oatmeal *yawn* and am craving grilled cheddar cheese and bacon on pumpernickel. With a side of fries. And my dipping sauce, mayo/Tabasco/ketchup.
And I. Cannot. Have. Them. Goddammit.
And I. Cannot. Have. Them. Goddammit.
185RebaRelishesReading
>179 katiekrug: I imagine it is easier with an Instant but for those of us who don't have one it's pretty easy and does make perfect eggs that I was never able to achieve any other way
186EBT1002
>183 richardderus: *drooling*
And I can't have them either. *sigh*
Katie, your chicken cacciatore sounds pretty good. We don't have an Instant Pot but lots of friends who love theirs.
See you soon! Yay!
And I can't have them either. *sigh*
Katie, your chicken cacciatore sounds pretty good. We don't have an Instant Pot but lots of friends who love theirs.
See you soon! Yay!
187katiekrug
>185 RebaRelishesReading: - Reba, I wished I'd known you when I got out of college and couldn't figure out how to make them so that the shell would come off!
>186 EBT1002: - Can't wait for this weekend, Ellen!
>186 EBT1002: - Can't wait for this weekend, Ellen!
189msf59
Hi, Katie! Loved Black Panther! Another winner from Marvel. As good as Wonder Woman, maybe even better.
BTW- I am well into Catherine the Great, on audio. Over 200 pages so far. I am really enjoying it. I knew nothing about this woman. And I think I found a new favorite NF author.
BTW- I am well into Catherine the Great, on audio. Over 200 pages so far. I am really enjoying it. I knew nothing about this woman. And I think I found a new favorite NF author.
190katiekrug
>188 BLBera: - All better, Beth - thanks! I am very much looking forward to the meet-up :)
>189 msf59: - Hiya, Mark! Glad you liked BP. I hope to get to it the weekend after next...
We are in about the same place with Catherine. It's very readable and smooth, isn't it? Fascinating stuff.
>189 msf59: - Hiya, Mark! Glad you liked BP. I hope to get to it the weekend after next...
We are in about the same place with Catherine. It's very readable and smooth, isn't it? Fascinating stuff.
191katiekrug
I finished Red Lightning last night (more on that later) and started Big Guns by Steve Israel, a former Congressman. It's in the vein of Christopher Buckley's political books - insider-y, funny, and scathing. This is from NetGalley - I was "invited" to read it by the publisher, so I feel very important now ;-) And the plot - about guns in America, lobbying efforts, grassroots, etc. - is very timely.
192magicians_nephew
>166 katiekrug: Judy and i have been getting "Fresh Direct" meals in a bag for two - all ingredients included.
Wwe like them but always look at each other after and say "well that was pretty bland".
Have to try doctoring the sauces a bit next time around
Wwe like them but always look at each other after and say "well that was pretty bland".
Have to try doctoring the sauces a bit next time around
193karenmarie
'Morning, Katie, and happy Thursday to you!
194katiekrug
>192 magicians_nephew: - Jim, as I attempt to do a little more in the kitchen, I have noticed that recipes tend to be super bland - which makes sense, I guess, but as someone who faithfully follows recipes, the results are often disappointing. I need to at least be more adventurous in adding extra seasoning!
>193 karenmarie: - Thank you, Karen, and to you!
>193 karenmarie: - Thank you, Karen, and to you!
195EBT1002
>191 katiekrug: "...so I feel very important now..."
As indeed you should. :-D
As indeed you should. :-D
196katiekrug
>195 EBT1002: - It's the little things, right? Heh.
197susanj67
>191 katiekrug: Katie, that does sound important :-) I hope it's good. I'm glad you're feeling better too.
199RebaRelishesReading
>187 katiekrug: But I didn't know then either! One reason I'm so eager to share it is because I only learned the trick a year or so ago.
201Crazymamie
Are we skipping Wednesday then? I did not get the memo. *pouts a bit*
203EBT1002
I don't know about everyone else, but I'm doing Wednesday. I'm doing it in bed with a cold but still, I'm doing Wednesday.
205katiekrug
>201 Crazymamie:, >202 katiekrug:, >203 EBT1002: - OH! I just read back a bit and saw Karen's message. It totally snuck by me on first reading :-P
206ChelleBearss
>193 karenmarie: >201 Crazymamie: I know I'm sick but I didn't think I had missed a whole day! Sheesh :)
208katiekrug
Red Lightning by Laura Pritchett
This is the follow-up to Sky Bridge, which was, I believe, Pritchett's debut novel. I read SB a couple of years ago and liked it, but not nearly as much as the first two of hers I had read - Hell's Bottom, Colorado and Stars Go Blue. Pritchett writes about the Western plains, specifically in Colorado, and I love her spare, evocative prose. Unfortunately, this novel seemed overwritten in parts, and I didn't fully buy into the characters and their motivations. It's told int he first person and, oddly, the narrator was the least believable of the characters. It's about identity and redemption and grace, and while Tess searches for hers, she sees it clearly in others. I just didn't buy that this would be so black and white.
It's worth reading for Pritchett lovers, but if you are new to her, do not start here...
The good: "Thank god. Thank some god for my sister, who seems to be willing to keep her heart open for at least a moment despite all the very good reasons not to, proving, I suppose, that we humans are kinder and more generous than whatever god struck us into life."
The bad: " 'Yes. I want to let the winter come down around me and just... hold me. I need to make some peace. Connect myself. Put the puzzle pieces back together. Merge. Solidify. I need to find the ways to leave my worst self and find my better one. A unified better one.' "
3 stars
210Crazymamie
>209 katiekrug: Nicely done, Katie! And NOW it is Thursday.
Love the good and the bad quotes from your latest read - the bad is really awful. SO, I am thinking I can safely skip that one.
Love the good and the bad quotes from your latest read - the bad is really awful. SO, I am thinking I can safely skip that one.
211katiekrug
Happy Thursday, Mamie!
Yeah, who talks like that? It was even internal dialogue - she was saying this to her (ex-) boyfriend... *eye roll*
Yeah, who talks like that? It was even internal dialogue - she was saying this to her (ex-) boyfriend... *eye roll*
212RebaRelishesReading
<209 Yay you indeed. Hope you keep enjoying it.
213karenmarie
I'm really laughing about missing Wednesday because I got totally confused about what day it was yesterday, thought it was Thursday, went to my hair appointment a day early, then didn't realize it was the last day of the month and didn't place my Melaleuca order for the month and will now get my backup order of vitamins, which I don't need. Sheesh.
Today is Thursday. Today is March 1.
Today is Thursday. Today is March 1.
214katiekrug
>212 RebaRelishesReading: - Thanks, Reba! I enjoy the "after" of it - the actual doing is sweaty and gross and painful (in a good way) :) I had to keep wiping my face with a towel because my glasses were in danger of slipping right off every time we bent over!
>213 karenmarie: - Happens to the best of us, Karen! Notice I didn't even realize it until Mamie pointed it out and then I still didn't get it right away! Oy.
>213 karenmarie: - Happens to the best of us, Karen! Notice I didn't even realize it until Mamie pointed it out and then I still didn't get it right away! Oy.
215katiekrug
I am really enjoying Big Guns and can't get over how timely it is. I do wonder if they advanced its release date due to current events. It's got some great lines - describing one right-wing conspiracy theorist: "During his senior year he'd run, unsuccessfully, for senior class president on a platform of withdrawing from the Model UN and arming the marching band."
The basic premise is the mayor of Chicago calling for stringent gun control and a weapons manufacturer convincing a Congressman to introduce legislation *requiring* that every American own a gun. And the NRA is in there, along with amoral lobbyists, an ineffective President, a progressive small town mayor, etc. etc. etc. Good fun but with a lot of wincing and shaking of my head...
The basic premise is the mayor of Chicago calling for stringent gun control and a weapons manufacturer convincing a Congressman to introduce legislation *requiring* that every American own a gun. And the NRA is in there, along with amoral lobbyists, an ineffective President, a progressive small town mayor, etc. etc. etc. Good fun but with a lot of wincing and shaking of my head...
216Familyhistorian
Good for you enjoying the yoga, Katie, well, at least the after effects. Sounds like you are all set for a great meet-up this weekend. Don't forget to take photos.
218nittnut
Hi Katie.
>208 katiekrug: That's kind of disappointing. It's on my list because I loved Hell's Bottom, I will probably still read it, but "the bad" is pretty bad.
>208 katiekrug: That's kind of disappointing. It's on my list because I loved Hell's Bottom, I will probably still read it, but "the bad" is pretty bad.
219laytonwoman3rd
I love chicken cacciatore, and next time I make it I may just try it with the spaghetti squash, which I also love. But I'm kinda shuddering a little bit about the boneless chicken part---that may be part of the reason it was bland. Bones do add to the flavor profile. I deplore the growing tendency of stores not to stock meat with its bones still in.
220katiekrug
>218 nittnut: - Jenn, have you read Sky Bridge? You don't *have* to have read it first, but I think it makes it slightly more interesting... I have her latest The BLue Hour still to read.
>219 laytonwoman3rd: - Linda, the store did have bone-in thighs with skin. I so detest handling raw chicken that I decided I would rather have boneless than have to remove the skin myself :) Next time, I will make it on the weekend when The Wayne is around to deal with the gag-inducing prep for me!
>219 laytonwoman3rd: - Linda, the store did have bone-in thighs with skin. I so detest handling raw chicken that I decided I would rather have boneless than have to remove the skin myself :) Next time, I will make it on the weekend when The Wayne is around to deal with the gag-inducing prep for me!
221laytonwoman3rd
>220 katiekrug: Ah...I see. Just one more reason to hang on to The Invaluable Wayne!
223Berly
Playing catch-up! Here goes--glad you loved The Power and very glad that SOMEONE FINALLY got a good discussion out of it (as it should). Glad The Wayne found his wallet. Loved your dog story, about the one that found a new home, although it would make me sad to lose him. Nice job on the cooking front! I love hot yoga because I am more flexible, but it also wipes me out. Have fun with it. Happy Friday!
225katiekrug
I am eagerly awaiting lunch time, so I can have my leftovers from dinner last night:
Fusili al forno with roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, crumbled sausage, and house-made ricotta. This was from one of our favorite local places - Luna Wood Fire Tavern - that we can walk to :) It is super rich, so I only managed about a third of it last night!
Fusili al forno with roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, crumbled sausage, and house-made ricotta. This was from one of our favorite local places - Luna Wood Fire Tavern - that we can walk to :) It is super rich, so I only managed about a third of it last night!
227lauralkeet
>219 laytonwoman3rd:, >220 katiekrug: Chicken thighs have become my go-to poultry choice. They have a richer flavor than chicken breasts. I have several recipes that call for boneless thighs, but also ones that call for bone & skin, and I definitely pay attention to that because it makes a difference in the flavor.
228katiekrug
>226 Crazymamie: - Heating up my lunch now :)
>227 lauralkeet: - The Wayne much prefers the thighs, and I am coming around to them. They definitely have more flavor than chicken breasts.
T-minus 27 hours!
>227 lauralkeet: - The Wayne much prefers the thighs, and I am coming around to them. They definitely have more flavor than chicken breasts.
T-minus 27 hours!
231katiekrug
>229 jolerie: - No worries, Valerie!
>230 richardderus: - If it makes you feel any better, it wasn't nearly as good re-heated...
>230 richardderus: - If it makes you feel any better, it wasn't nearly as good re-heated...
232katiekrug
I think I will start a new thread shortly. I'll be gone most of the weekend in Philadelphia for The Great Philthy LT Meet-Up of 2018!
ETA: New thread's up! Follow the linky-thingy :)
ETA: New thread's up! Follow the linky-thingy :)
233jessibud2
>232 katiekrug: - How many of you will be at the meetup? I expect photos. Lotsa photos!
234katiekrug
I believe there will be 11 of us - The Wayne and me, Laura the CHampion Organizer (laurelkeet), Judy (ffortsa), Jim (magicians_nephew), Jim (drneutron) and Mrs. drneutron, Katharine (qebo), Bill (weird_o), Vivian (vivians), and Ellen (EBT1002) whose visit to Philly was the impetus for the whole thing.
Six of us are coming from out of town/state - of course, that's assuming we all make it. Bad storm here right now, but by tomorrow it's just supposed to be windy, I think (I hope!).
Six of us are coming from out of town/state - of course, that's assuming we all make it. Bad storm here right now, but by tomorrow it's just supposed to be windy, I think (I hope!).
235jessibud2
>234 katiekrug: - The weather down there has made our news here. Stay safe, everyone!!
This topic was continued by Katie’s In For Another Year of Reading. And Snarking. And Shenanigans. Part 6.
