SusanJ's 75 Books Challenge - Thread 3
This is a continuation of the topic SusanJ's 75 Books Challenge - Thread 2.
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Talk 75 Books Challenge for 2018
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1susanj67
Hello, and welcome to my third thread for 2018.
I'm Susan, a Kiwi living in London for the past 23 years. During the working week I'm a lawyer so I love nerdy legal stuff, which crops up in more books than you might expect.
Over the past few years I've started to read a lot more non-fiction, so my reading is now more balanced between F and NF than it typically has been. I think I spend more *time* reading NF than F, but NF books tend to be longer and more complicated than a quick novel.
While I have been reading mostly from the library, I do have a fair few books that I've bought (mostly for the Kindle) and I need to keep my eye on those so that I actually read them instead of just accumulating them. This year I want to focus on reading my own things (famous last words).
Here are my tickers. I'm aiming for 75 books in 2018 as I want to read some NF chunksters and I also want to read more magazines and internetty things. I can feel a bit pressured by a stack of library books, so I'm going to take it easy (and yes, I can hear that laughing from the cheap seats).
I'm Susan, a Kiwi living in London for the past 23 years. During the working week I'm a lawyer so I love nerdy legal stuff, which crops up in more books than you might expect.
Over the past few years I've started to read a lot more non-fiction, so my reading is now more balanced between F and NF than it typically has been. I think I spend more *time* reading NF than F, but NF books tend to be longer and more complicated than a quick novel.
While I have been reading mostly from the library, I do have a fair few books that I've bought (mostly for the Kindle) and I need to keep my eye on those so that I actually read them instead of just accumulating them. This year I want to focus on reading my own things (famous last words).
Here are my tickers. I'm aiming for 75 books in 2018 as I want to read some NF chunksters and I also want to read more magazines and internetty things. I can feel a bit pressured by a stack of library books, so I'm going to take it easy (and yes, I can hear that laughing from the cheap seats).
2susanj67
Books read during 2018
1. The Women's Room by Marilyn French
2. Snow Blind by Ragnar Jonasson
3. Orientalism by Edward Said
4. Roseanna by Maj Sjowall
5. Testosterone Rex by Cordelia Fine
6. Radical Technologies by Adam Greenfield
7. Long Road From Jarrow by Stuart Maconie
8. Manhattan Beach by Jennifer Egan
9. The Spy Who Couldn't Spell by Yudhijit Bhattacharjee
10. Kintu by Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi
11. The Confession by Jo Spain
12. Cure: A Journey Into the Science of Mind Over Body by Jo Marchant
13. In Search of Mary Shelley by Fiona Sampson
14. Pandemic 1918 by Catharine Arnold
15. Artemis by Andy Weir
16. This is How it Ends by Eva Dolan
17. With Our Blessing by Jo Spain
18. Astrophysics for People in a Hurry by Neil de Grasse Tyson
19. Black Edge: Inside Information, Dirty Money, and the Quest to Bring Down the Most Wanted Man on Wall Street by Sheelah Kolhatkar
20. The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock by Imogen Hermes Gowar
21. The Case Against Sugar by Gary Taube
22. The Monk of Mokha by Dave Eggers
23. The Doomsday Machine: Confessions of a Nuclear War Planner by Daniel Ellsberg
24. The Midnight Line by Lee Child
25. The Twelve-Mile Straight by Eleanor Henderson
26. Close to Home by Cara Hunter
27. Young and Damned and Fair by Gareth Russell
28. Exposure by Helen Dunmore
29. Reservoir 13 by Jon McGregor
30. Hearts and Minds: The Untold Story of the Great Pilgrimage and How Women Won the Vote by Jane Robinson
31. Twenty Thousand Streets Under the Sky by Patrick Hamilton
32. The Dark Angel by Elly Griffiths
33. The Power by Naomi Alderman
1. The Women's Room by Marilyn French
2. Snow Blind by Ragnar Jonasson
3. Orientalism by Edward Said
4. Roseanna by Maj Sjowall
5. Testosterone Rex by Cordelia Fine
6. Radical Technologies by Adam Greenfield
7. Long Road From Jarrow by Stuart Maconie
8. Manhattan Beach by Jennifer Egan
9. The Spy Who Couldn't Spell by Yudhijit Bhattacharjee
10. Kintu by Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi
11. The Confession by Jo Spain
12. Cure: A Journey Into the Science of Mind Over Body by Jo Marchant
13. In Search of Mary Shelley by Fiona Sampson
14. Pandemic 1918 by Catharine Arnold
15. Artemis by Andy Weir
16. This is How it Ends by Eva Dolan
17. With Our Blessing by Jo Spain
18. Astrophysics for People in a Hurry by Neil de Grasse Tyson
19. Black Edge: Inside Information, Dirty Money, and the Quest to Bring Down the Most Wanted Man on Wall Street by Sheelah Kolhatkar
20. The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock by Imogen Hermes Gowar
21. The Case Against Sugar by Gary Taube
22. The Monk of Mokha by Dave Eggers
23. The Doomsday Machine: Confessions of a Nuclear War Planner by Daniel Ellsberg
24. The Midnight Line by Lee Child
25. The Twelve-Mile Straight by Eleanor Henderson
26. Close to Home by Cara Hunter
27. Young and Damned and Fair by Gareth Russell
28. Exposure by Helen Dunmore
29. Reservoir 13 by Jon McGregor
30. Hearts and Minds: The Untold Story of the Great Pilgrimage and How Women Won the Vote by Jane Robinson
31. Twenty Thousand Streets Under the Sky by Patrick Hamilton
32. The Dark Angel by Elly Griffiths
33. The Power by Naomi Alderman
3susanj67
A couple of years ago I started a new NF challenge, which is to read the non-fiction winners of the Pulitzer prize. I stole this idea from Reba, who was doing a fiction challenge (and has now finished it. Hi Reba!) This is a long-term project, rather than something to be completed in a year or two. If I can't find the relevant non-fiction winner easily in the UK, I propose to substitute the winner of the history category.
Last year I didn't make great progess, so I'd like to read at least five this year.
Here's the full list:
2014 Toms River: A Story of Science and Salvation by Dan Fagin
2010 The Dead Hand: The Untold Story of the Cold War Arms Race and Its Dangerous Legacy by David E. Hoffman
2009 Slavery by Another Name: The Re-Enslavement of Black Americans from the Civil War to World War II by Douglas A Blackmon
2008 The Years of Extermination: Nazi Germany and the Jews, 1939-1945 by Saul Friedländer
2006 Imperial Reckoning: The Untold Story of Britain's Gulag in Kenya by Caroline Elkins
2005 Ghost Wars by Steve Coll
2004 Gulag: A History by Anne Applebaum
2003 A Problem From Hell: America and the Age of Genocide by Samantha Power
2002 Carry Me Home: Birmingham, Alabama, the Climactic Battle of the Civil Rights Revolution by Diane McWhorter
2001 Hirohito and the Making of Modern Japan by Herbert P Bix
2000 Embracing Defeat: Japan in the Wake of World War II by John W. Dower
1999 Annals of the Former World by John McPhee
1996 The Haunted Land: Facing Europe's Ghosts After Communism by Tina Rosenberg
1995 The Beak Of The Finch: A Story Of Evolution In Our Time by Jonathan Weiner
1994 Lenin's Tomb: The Last Days Of The Soviet Empire by David Remnick
1993 Lincoln at Gettysburg: The Words That Remade America by Garry Wills
1992 The Prize: The Epic Quest For Oil, Money & Power by Daniel Yergin
1991 The Ants by Bert Holldobler and Edward O Wilson
1990 And Their Children After Them by Dale Maharidge and Michael Williamson
1989 A Bright Shining Lie: John Paul Vann and America in Vietnam by Neil Sheehan
1987 Arab and Jew: Wounded Spirits in a Promised Land by David K Shipler
1986 Common Ground: A Turbulent Decade in the Lives of Three American Families by J Anthony Lukas
1986 Move Your Shadow: South Africa, Black and White by Joseph Lelyveld
1985 The Good War: An Oral History of World War Two by Studs Terkel
1984 The Social Transformation Of American Medicine by Paul Starr
1983 Is There No Place On Earth For Me? by Susan Sheehan
1981 Fin-De Siecle Vienna: Politics And Culture by Carl E Schorske
1980 Godel, Escher, Bach: an Eternal Golden Braid by Douglas R Hofstadter
1979 On Human Nature by Edward O Wilson
1978 The Dragons of Eden by Carl Sagan
1976 Why Survive? Being Old In America by Robert N Butler
1974 The Denial of Death by Ernest Becker
1973 Fire in the Lake: The Vietnamese and the Americans in Vietnam by Frances Fitzgerald
1973 Children of Crisis, Vols. II and III by Robert Coles
1972 Stilwell and the American Experience in China, 1911-1945 by Barbara W Tuchman
1971 The Rising Sun by John Toland
1970 Gandhi's Truth by Erik H Erikson
1969 The Armies Of The Night by Norman Mailer
1969 So Human An Animal by Rene Jules Dubos
1968 Rousseau And Revolution, The Tenth And Concluding Volume Of The Story Of Civilization by Will and Ariel Durant
1967 The Problem of Slavery in Western Culture by David Brion Davis
1966 Wandering Through Winter by Edwin Way Teale
1965 O Strange New World by Howard Mumford Jones
1964 Anti-Intellectualism in American Life by Richard Hofstadter
1963 The Guns of August by Barbara W Tuchman
4susanj67
Last year I did the Better World Books reading challenge, which was mostly fun. This year I'm doing the Popsugar challenge https://www.popsugar.co.uk/smart-living/Reading-Challenge-2018-44211686 and I've started sketching out my choices for each category. As I read them, I'll add the covers here.
15. A book about feminism - The Women's Room - COMPLETED
5. Nordic noir – Snow Blind - COMPLETED
32. A book from a celebrity book club - Manhattan Beach by Jennifer Egan - COMPLETED
2. True crime - The Spy Who Couldn't Spell by Yudhijit Bhattacharjee - COMPLETED
30. A book with characters who are twins - Kintu by Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi - COMPLETED
34. A book that's published in 2018 - The Confession by Jo Spain - COMPLETED
16. A book about mental health - Cure: A Journey Into the Science of Mind Over Body by Jo Marchant - COMPLETED
8. A microhistory – Pandemic 1918 by Catharine Arnold - COMPLETED
27. A book set on a different planet – Artemis by Andy Weir - COMPLETED
35. A past Goodreads Choice Award winner - Astrophysics for People in a Hurry by Neil de Grasse Tyson - COMPLETED
14. A book by an author of a different ethnicity than you – Black Edge: Inside Information, Dirty Money, and the Quest to Bring Down the Most Wanted Man on Wall Street by Sheelah Kolhatkar - COMPLETED
20. A book by a local author - The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock by Imogen Hermes Gowar - COMPLETED
9. A book about a problem facing society today - The Case Against Sugar by Gary Taube - COMPLETED
22. A book with alliteration in the title - The Monk of Mokha by Dave Eggers - COMPLETED
38. A book with an ugly cover – The Doomsday Machine: Confessions of a Nuclear War Planner by Daniel Ellsberg - COMPLETED
8. A book with a time of day in the title – The Midnight Line by Lee Child - COMPLETED
3. The next book in a series you started - The Dark Angel by Elly Griffiths - COMPLETED
Still to read
1. A book made into a movie you've already seen
4. A book involving a heist
6. A novel based on a real person – Blonde by Joyce Carol Oates
7. A book set in a country that fascinates you – The Greenlanders
9. A book about a villain or antihero – The Sunne in Splendour
10. A book about death or grief – Stiff
11. A book with a female author who uses a male pseudonym - The Mill on the Floss
12. A book with an LGBTQ+ protagonist -
13. A book that is also a stage play or musical – Alexander Hamilton
17. A book you borrowed or that was given to you as a gift – The Buccaneers
18. A book by two authors – something by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child
19. A book about or involving a sport – Defending Hearts
21. A book with your favorite color in the title – The Colour Purple
23. A book about time travel – 22/11/63
24. A book with a weather element in the title – The Snow Child
25. A book set at sea
26. A book with an animal in the title – The Wolf Border
28. A book with song lyrics in the title – Amazing Grace: The Great Days of Dukes
29. A book about or set on Halloween -
31. A book mentioned in another book –
33. A childhood classic you've never read – Anne of Green Gables
36. A book set in the decade you were born – O Strange New World
37. A book you meant to read in 2017 but didn't get to – The Romanovs
39. A book that involves a bookstore or library
40. Your favorite prompt from the 2015, 2016, or 2017 POPSUGAR Reading Challenges – A book that's been on Mount TBR too long – Through a Glass Darkly
Advanced Reading Challenge
1. A bestseller from the year you graduated high school –Texas (James Michener)
2. A cyberpunk book - Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?
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 - something by Susan Mallery
10. A book recommended by someone else taking the POPSUGAR Reading Challenge - Slow Horses
15. A book about feminism - The Women's Room - COMPLETED
5. Nordic noir – Snow Blind - COMPLETED
32. A book from a celebrity book club - Manhattan Beach by Jennifer Egan - COMPLETED
2. True crime - The Spy Who Couldn't Spell by Yudhijit Bhattacharjee - COMPLETED
30. A book with characters who are twins - Kintu by Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi - COMPLETED
34. A book that's published in 2018 - The Confession by Jo Spain - COMPLETED
16. A book about mental health - Cure: A Journey Into the Science of Mind Over Body by Jo Marchant - COMPLETED
8. A microhistory – Pandemic 1918 by Catharine Arnold - COMPLETED
27. A book set on a different planet – Artemis by Andy Weir - COMPLETED
35. A past Goodreads Choice Award winner - Astrophysics for People in a Hurry by Neil de Grasse Tyson - COMPLETED
14. A book by an author of a different ethnicity than you – Black Edge: Inside Information, Dirty Money, and the Quest to Bring Down the Most Wanted Man on Wall Street by Sheelah Kolhatkar - COMPLETED
20. A book by a local author - The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock by Imogen Hermes Gowar - COMPLETED
9. A book about a problem facing society today - The Case Against Sugar by Gary Taube - COMPLETED
22. A book with alliteration in the title - The Monk of Mokha by Dave Eggers - COMPLETED
38. A book with an ugly cover – The Doomsday Machine: Confessions of a Nuclear War Planner by Daniel Ellsberg - COMPLETED
8. A book with a time of day in the title – The Midnight Line by Lee Child - COMPLETED
3. The next book in a series you started - The Dark Angel by Elly Griffiths - COMPLETED
Still to read
1. A book made into a movie you've already seen
4. A book involving a heist
6. A novel based on a real person – Blonde by Joyce Carol Oates
7. A book set in a country that fascinates you – The Greenlanders
9. A book about a villain or antihero – The Sunne in Splendour
10. A book about death or grief – Stiff
11. A book with a female author who uses a male pseudonym - The Mill on the Floss
12. A book with an LGBTQ+ protagonist -
13. A book that is also a stage play or musical – Alexander Hamilton
17. A book you borrowed or that was given to you as a gift – The Buccaneers
18. A book by two authors – something by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child
19. A book about or involving a sport – Defending Hearts
21. A book with your favorite color in the title – The Colour Purple
23. A book about time travel – 22/11/63
24. A book with a weather element in the title – The Snow Child
25. A book set at sea
26. A book with an animal in the title – The Wolf Border
28. A book with song lyrics in the title – Amazing Grace: The Great Days of Dukes
29. A book about or set on Halloween -
31. A book mentioned in another book –
33. A childhood classic you've never read – Anne of Green Gables
36. A book set in the decade you were born – O Strange New World
37. A book you meant to read in 2017 but didn't get to – The Romanovs
39. A book that involves a bookstore or library
40. Your favorite prompt from the 2015, 2016, or 2017 POPSUGAR Reading Challenges – A book that's been on Mount TBR too long – Through a Glass Darkly
Advanced Reading Challenge
1. A bestseller from the year you graduated high school –Texas (James Michener)
2. A cyberpunk book - Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?
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 - something by Susan Mallery
10. A book recommended by someone else taking the POPSUGAR Reading Challenge - Slow Horses
5susanj67
I have a few series on the go, so in this post I'm going to list them so that I don't forget where I'm up to. Reading in order is important to me :-)
Series I have started and still have squillions to go *happy sigh*
I'm going to list these in date order, because why not.
Steven Saylor's Gordianus the Finder (about 100 BC)
Roman Blood
Ruth Downie's Medicus (Britannia, 108)
Medicus
Terra Incognita
Priscilla Royal's Eleanor, Prioress of Tyndal (East Anglia, 11th century)
Wine of Violence
Ellis Peters' Cadfael (Shropshire, 1135 - 1145)
A Morbid Taste for Bones
One Corpse Too Many
Bernard Knight's Crowner John (Devon, 1190s)
The Sanctuary Seeker
The Poisoned Chalice
Michael Pearce's Mamur Zapt (Egypt, 1908)
The Mamur Zapt and the Return of the Carpet
Mal Sjowall's Martin Beck
Roseanna
Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child's Agent Pendergast
Relic
Stuart MacBride's Logan McRae
Cold Granite
Dying Light
Broken Skin
Flesh House
Blind Eye
Series I'm caught up with and waiting for the next one *tapping foot*
Lee Child's Jack Reacher, obvs
C J Box's Joe Pickett
Elly Griffiths' Dr Ruth Galloway
Vaseem Khan's Baby Ganesh Agency
Abir Mukherjee's Sam Wyndham
Series I have started and still have squillions to go *happy sigh*
I'm going to list these in date order, because why not.
Steven Saylor's Gordianus the Finder (about 100 BC)
Roman Blood
Ruth Downie's Medicus (Britannia, 108)
Medicus
Terra Incognita
Priscilla Royal's Eleanor, Prioress of Tyndal (East Anglia, 11th century)
Wine of Violence
Ellis Peters' Cadfael (Shropshire, 1135 - 1145)
A Morbid Taste for Bones
One Corpse Too Many
Bernard Knight's Crowner John (Devon, 1190s)
The Sanctuary Seeker
The Poisoned Chalice
Michael Pearce's Mamur Zapt (Egypt, 1908)
The Mamur Zapt and the Return of the Carpet
Mal Sjowall's Martin Beck
Roseanna
Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child's Agent Pendergast
Relic
Stuart MacBride's Logan McRae
Cold Granite
Dying Light
Broken Skin
Flesh House
Blind Eye
Series I'm caught up with and waiting for the next one *tapping foot*
Lee Child's Jack Reacher, obvs
C J Box's Joe Pickett
Elly Griffiths' Dr Ruth Galloway
Vaseem Khan's Baby Ganesh Agency
Abir Mukherjee's Sam Wyndham
8susanj67
>7 katiekrug: Katie, perfect! Welcome!
10susanj67
>9 katiekrug: Ooh, glitter! Thanks Katie :-)
12Crazymamie
Happy new one, Susan!
16RebaRelishesReading
Happy new thread you well read woman, you.
19susanj67
>11 charl08: Thanks Charlotte! I see from your thread that you've been making up for my restraint at the library yesterday :-)
>12 Crazymamie: Thanks Mamie :-)
>13 drneutron: Thanks Jim. I thought it might take me till March, but we are very busy on the threads :-)
>14 Berly: Thanks Kim!
>15 Ameise1: Hi Barbara! Waving back to Davos :-)
>16 RebaRelishesReading: Reba, I try :-)
>17 Helenliz: Thanks Helen :-)
>18 BLBera: Thanks Beth :-)
The Twelve-Mile Straight downloaded itself from the elibrary yesterday. I reserved it after seeing it somewhere, but I think it was a book review rather than LT. But it's excellent! Y'all should read it. Helen Dunmore's Exposure has also arrived in e format (I got that one from Anne's thread) and I still have The Doomsday Machine, which is worrying, but a decent read. I think no-book Sunday may have to be suspended once again.
For the royal fans who visit me, a sweet piece from the Guardian about the Queen's unexpected outing yesterday: https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2018/feb/20/queen-makes-surprise-appearance-...
>12 Crazymamie: Thanks Mamie :-)
>13 drneutron: Thanks Jim. I thought it might take me till March, but we are very busy on the threads :-)
>14 Berly: Thanks Kim!
>15 Ameise1: Hi Barbara! Waving back to Davos :-)
>16 RebaRelishesReading: Reba, I try :-)
>17 Helenliz: Thanks Helen :-)
>18 BLBera: Thanks Beth :-)
The Twelve-Mile Straight downloaded itself from the elibrary yesterday. I reserved it after seeing it somewhere, but I think it was a book review rather than LT. But it's excellent! Y'all should read it. Helen Dunmore's Exposure has also arrived in e format (I got that one from Anne's thread) and I still have The Doomsday Machine, which is worrying, but a decent read. I think no-book Sunday may have to be suspended once again.
For the royal fans who visit me, a sweet piece from the Guardian about the Queen's unexpected outing yesterday: https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2018/feb/20/queen-makes-surprise-appearance-...
20susanj67
In YAY news, it's a good day for women with the Supreme Court judgment this morning upholding damages awards to two women ignored by the police when they reported rapes by the vile and disgusting taxi driver John Worboys. https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/feb/21/john-worboys-victims-win-human-r... It's DISGRACEFUL that the Met appealed, but good that the Supreme Court has seen sense.
Here's the judgment if anyone is interested (just emailed to me by the Supreme Court - I am nerdily signed up to their mailing list :-) ) - https://www.supremecourt.uk/cases/docs/uksc-2015-0166-judgment.pdf
Here's the judgment if anyone is interested (just emailed to me by the Supreme Court - I am nerdily signed up to their mailing list :-) ) - https://www.supremecourt.uk/cases/docs/uksc-2015-0166-judgment.pdf
21ChelleBearss
Happy new thread, Susan!
22Helenliz
>20 susanj67: good. I heard that it was due to be heard on the news this morning, but hadn't heard the result.
I think you might appreciate my latest acquisition. I didn't get any bath bubbles for Christmas, so treated myself to a mixed box from Moulton & Brown. 10 50 mL bottles, so plenty of shower in each bottle. Orange and Bergamot was first up and is fruity without being too sweet. mmm.
I think you might appreciate my latest acquisition. I didn't get any bath bubbles for Christmas, so treated myself to a mixed box from Moulton & Brown. 10 50 mL bottles, so plenty of shower in each bottle. Orange and Bergamot was first up and is fruity without being too sweet. mmm.
23susanj67
>21 ChelleBearss: Thanks Chelle!
>22 Helenliz: Helen, it is a real victory for people fobbed off by the police. The Molton Brown sounds lovely - it is so nice to have something like that for the bleak rest-of-winter time.
I went to the library at lunchtime to pick up Hearts and Minds by Jane Robinson, which is a book about women getting the vote. I can't see it in all the choices for that title, so no link. I didn't borrow anything else, which is probably just as well. However, the weekend is supposed to be freezing cold* and there is snow forecast for Monday, which will settle** so I plan to stay inside and read. I'm going to do my grocery shopping tonight and tomorrow so I don't have to go out.
A friend from NZ is coming over in May, and mentioned that she doesn't mind where we go on the tourist trail, as long as we do 20,000 steps per day. For three days. Gulp.
*in UK weather
**probably only an inch, but snow is snow
>22 Helenliz: Helen, it is a real victory for people fobbed off by the police. The Molton Brown sounds lovely - it is so nice to have something like that for the bleak rest-of-winter time.
I went to the library at lunchtime to pick up Hearts and Minds by Jane Robinson, which is a book about women getting the vote. I can't see it in all the choices for that title, so no link. I didn't borrow anything else, which is probably just as well. However, the weekend is supposed to be freezing cold* and there is snow forecast for Monday, which will settle** so I plan to stay inside and read. I'm going to do my grocery shopping tonight and tomorrow so I don't have to go out.
A friend from NZ is coming over in May, and mentioned that she doesn't mind where we go on the tourist trail, as long as we do 20,000 steps per day. For three days. Gulp.
*in UK weather
**probably only an inch, but snow is snow
24BekkaJo
>23 susanj67: I loved the Natural History Museum when we were there last week. So so good - and a lot of walking ;) It might have helped that I was accompanied by the most enthusiastic, ecstatic, overly excited just 7 year old of all time.
26charl08
20,000 steps? Are you in training yet?
I'm jealous of Hearts and Minds: Hearts And Minds: The Untold Story of the Great Pilgrimage and How Women Won the Vote. Might treat myself to that one...
I'm jealous of Hearts and Minds: Hearts And Minds: The Untold Story of the Great Pilgrimage and How Women Won the Vote. Might treat myself to that one...
27PaulCranswick
Snow and steps a-plenty, Susan.
Happy new thread. xx
Happy new thread. xx
28The_Hibernator
Happy new thread!
29ronincats
Happy New Thread, Susan. Bath & Body Works has decided to stop making the bubble bath I depend on, so I am going to have to find a new supplier!
31susanj67
Goodness, I couldn't post yesterday after my post at >23 susanj67:. It must have been a glitch somewhere. It seems to be OK this morning.
>24 BekkaJo: Bekka, it sounds like Will had a brilliant time :-) My friend is more a V&A person, so we will probably go there for half a day. They have a couple of things on that look decent, but not giant-queue popular. And of course there is the Arts & Crafts restaurant, where we always have scones with cream and jam for lunch, because you can do that when you don't have to set a good example :-)
>25 BekkaJo: Should I wish you snow? You might get some if London does. The Guardian this morning announced "Flake news" and said we are getting the "beast from the east" (Siberia).
>26 charl08: Charlotte, I am not yet in training. I tremble at the thought, to be frank, but it will be warmer by then at least. Hearts and Minds does look good, but is yet another book for the pile. I may need to take my remaining 8 days' holiday just to get through everything.
>27 PaulCranswick: Thanks Paul.
>28 The_Hibernator: Thanks Rachel :-)
>29 ronincats: Roni, enjoy the hunt! There are so many amazing things out there now.
>30 Ameise1: Barbara, it's about ten miles. We've done it before, but I seem to recall falling asleep in a meeting at work the day after her last visit :-)
>24 BekkaJo: Bekka, it sounds like Will had a brilliant time :-) My friend is more a V&A person, so we will probably go there for half a day. They have a couple of things on that look decent, but not giant-queue popular. And of course there is the Arts & Crafts restaurant, where we always have scones with cream and jam for lunch, because you can do that when you don't have to set a good example :-)
>25 BekkaJo: Should I wish you snow? You might get some if London does. The Guardian this morning announced "Flake news" and said we are getting the "beast from the east" (Siberia).
>26 charl08: Charlotte, I am not yet in training. I tremble at the thought, to be frank, but it will be warmer by then at least. Hearts and Minds does look good, but is yet another book for the pile. I may need to take my remaining 8 days' holiday just to get through everything.
>27 PaulCranswick: Thanks Paul.
>28 The_Hibernator: Thanks Rachel :-)
>29 ronincats: Roni, enjoy the hunt! There are so many amazing things out there now.
>30 Ameise1: Barbara, it's about ten miles. We've done it before, but I seem to recall falling asleep in a meeting at work the day after her last visit :-)
32susanj67
22. The Monk of Mokha by Dave Eggers
This was a very good read. It's about a young Yemeni-American man who decides that he wants to resurrect Yemeni coffee and make it a superstar in the world of coffee. He wasn't a big coffee drinker, and there can't be many SWOT analyses that include "Al Qaeda", "pirates" and "civil war" in the Threats box, but he was determined, and now Port of Mokha coffee is the most expensive in the world, his workers are paid a decent wage, and maybe people think of Yemen in some other context than war. As well as the story of how *this* coffee came to be, there's quite a bit in it about coffee generally, which will interest any coffee lover. My library lists it as fiction, but it's a true story, and seems to have been covered quite a bit in the US press, from googling around. Or at least the book has.
I had five hard copies and three ebooks for the weekend, and then the new Jack Reacher came in on reserve for me. Other books? What other books?
33FAMeulstee
>31 susanj67: You were not the only one having trouble posting, Susan, I had some that disappeared.
The "beast from the east" will hit us too, the forcast gives -10C at night next week. No snow predicted yet, so we might get good ice for skating.
The "beast from the east" will hit us too, the forcast gives -10C at night next week. No snow predicted yet, so we might get good ice for skating.
34susanj67
>33 FAMeulstee: Hi Anita! I could see other people posting, which was vexing :-) I hope you stay warm - we are supposed to be getting the coldest weather for five years. Snow is forecast for Monday night in London. I might take my Surface Pro home in case I am stranded in the snow on Tuesday :-)
35Ameise1
>32 susanj67: Great review, Susan. I put it on my library list.
36Helenliz
>33 FAMeulstee: me to with the posting trouble. I'd type, hit "post message" and nothing happened, but if I tried again, I'd get a "duplicate post" message. Couldn't decide if it was me or not, seems it might not have been me.
37BekkaJo
>36 Helenliz: Not just you - I had the same problem. But only on some threads :(
>31 susanj67: We nearly ended up at the V&A - they have a Michael Morpurgo thing on. Though I think that finishes this weekend.
And scones with jam and clotted cream are ALWAYS allowed.
>31 susanj67: We nearly ended up at the V&A - they have a Michael Morpurgo thing on. Though I think that finishes this weekend.
And scones with jam and clotted cream are ALWAYS allowed.
38susanj67
>35 Ameise1: Yay Barbara!
>36 Helenliz: Helen, that was exactly my problem too.
>37 BekkaJo: Bekka, I agree about the scones :-) They do do a nice scone, too. The Imperial War Museum used to have the best gallery/museum scones with cream and jam in London, but sadly they changed them.
Friday lunchtime in the canteen is always "British classics", but they have started doing an extra, small, counter with a global day on it. It's usually a rerun of Punjabi Day, so I headed down there in search of some rice and a couple of samosas, but it was Mexican Cantina Day instead. Yay! That's one of my favourite days. Today there was just rice and a chilli con carne, but that's what I always get anyway, with the deep-fried tortilla chips. They also had a Square Pie counter, but at £8.10 for a pie and mash, um, no. I thought Square Pie had gone into liquidation, but maybe that's just the restaurants.
Then I went to the library (Jack Reacher! Woo-hoo!), and then to the supermarket, so I have everything I need for the weekend of staying in and looking outside at the cold. I dropped by Boots, too, and noticed a promotion for Estee Lauder Double Wear foundation, which I keep reading about on blogs. A girl came over and I asked whether the promotion was still running. She said yes, but the Estee Lauder lady was on holiday, so I couldn't get one. She's back on Wednesday...
But on the subject of Estee Lauder, the company is doing a beauty box with products from all their brands, which is here: https://www.esteelauder.co.uk/product/707/57143/product-catalog/skincare/tools-m... (it should also be available on the websites of all of the brands - here is the Clinique link https://www.clinique.co.uk/product/4323/57142/just-arrived/cherishloveindulge-be... ) and it's £28 for apparently £95 in value. It might make a nice Mother's Day gift or a treat :-)
>36 Helenliz: Helen, that was exactly my problem too.
>37 BekkaJo: Bekka, I agree about the scones :-) They do do a nice scone, too. The Imperial War Museum used to have the best gallery/museum scones with cream and jam in London, but sadly they changed them.
Friday lunchtime in the canteen is always "British classics", but they have started doing an extra, small, counter with a global day on it. It's usually a rerun of Punjabi Day, so I headed down there in search of some rice and a couple of samosas, but it was Mexican Cantina Day instead. Yay! That's one of my favourite days. Today there was just rice and a chilli con carne, but that's what I always get anyway, with the deep-fried tortilla chips. They also had a Square Pie counter, but at £8.10 for a pie and mash, um, no. I thought Square Pie had gone into liquidation, but maybe that's just the restaurants.
Then I went to the library (Jack Reacher! Woo-hoo!), and then to the supermarket, so I have everything I need for the weekend of staying in and looking outside at the cold. I dropped by Boots, too, and noticed a promotion for Estee Lauder Double Wear foundation, which I keep reading about on blogs. A girl came over and I asked whether the promotion was still running. She said yes, but the Estee Lauder lady was on holiday, so I couldn't get one. She's back on Wednesday...
But on the subject of Estee Lauder, the company is doing a beauty box with products from all their brands, which is here: https://www.esteelauder.co.uk/product/707/57143/product-catalog/skincare/tools-m... (it should also be available on the websites of all of the brands - here is the Clinique link https://www.clinique.co.uk/product/4323/57142/just-arrived/cherishloveindulge-be... ) and it's £28 for apparently £95 in value. It might make a nice Mother's Day gift or a treat :-)
39BLBera
It sounds like you have some good weekend reading ahead, Susan. 20,000 steps? You will leave me in the dust. I have Exposure from the library as well, thanks to Anne, but it will probably be a couple of weeks before I get to it.
I added the Eggers to my WL; my favorite work of his has been that based on true stories. This one sounds good.
I added the Eggers to my WL; my favorite work of his has been that based on true stories. This one sounds good.
40susanj67
>39 BLBera: Beth, I am a bit worried about the 20,000 steps, particularly for three days running. Eek! But I might even beat Mamie that week, so there's that :-) I want to read Eggers' Zeitoun, but the library hard copy is gruesome. However, I've seen it recently in the ebooks, so I'll definitely get to it.
I had various intensive reading plans for the weekend, but it turns out to be Magic's 80s weekend on the radio, and OMG Holly Johnson is on from 1pm with 80s number 1s. Then at 6 there's one-hit wonders. And so on. So now I need to read things that go well with 80s music. In a way, everything does, because why wouldn't it, but maybe novels instead of NF. Or I could read NF between now and 1. I really want to make some progress with The Doomsday Machine, as I'm only at about 40%. OK, that sounds like a Plan. I have also done the ironing and put some laundry on, so yay me :-)
I had various intensive reading plans for the weekend, but it turns out to be Magic's 80s weekend on the radio, and OMG Holly Johnson is on from 1pm with 80s number 1s. Then at 6 there's one-hit wonders. And so on. So now I need to read things that go well with 80s music. In a way, everything does, because why wouldn't it, but maybe novels instead of NF. Or I could read NF between now and 1. I really want to make some progress with The Doomsday Machine, as I'm only at about 40%. OK, that sounds like a Plan. I have also done the ironing and put some laundry on, so yay me :-)
41BLBera
Have you read What Is the What? That is by far my favorite Eggers. I also loved Zeitoun when I read it. I've used both in class.
42susanj67
>41 BLBera: Beth,I haven't read anything else by Eggers, but I want to! What is the What is available in the library system :-)
23. The Doomsday Machine: Confessions of a Nuclear War Planner by Daniel Ellsberg
The author is, I think, best known for copying and leaking the Pentagon Papers, which were about the Vietnam War, but in this book he discusses the *other* things he copied, but which were lost before he could do anything with them. They were documents about the development of nuclear weapons, and the plans in place for deployment. If you thought the President was the only one with his finger on the button, that's not true (although quite comforting in current circumstances). And, while we tend to think of the nuclear threat as coming now from unstable third-world nations, that's not correct either. Respectable first-world countries could do far more damage, and have enough nukes to plunge the world into a nuclear winter and wipe out life on earth. It's a compelling read, and Ellsberg ends with a plea for people to insist that the madness is stopped (although he admits that it is unlikely at the moment in the US). Definitely worthwhile. It switches between what was going on in the 60s and the development of the first nuclear bombs in the 40s, and I was pleased to have read about the Manhattan Project before, because I was at least familiar with that bit.
23. The Doomsday Machine: Confessions of a Nuclear War Planner by Daniel Ellsberg
The author is, I think, best known for copying and leaking the Pentagon Papers, which were about the Vietnam War, but in this book he discusses the *other* things he copied, but which were lost before he could do anything with them. They were documents about the development of nuclear weapons, and the plans in place for deployment. If you thought the President was the only one with his finger on the button, that's not true (although quite comforting in current circumstances). And, while we tend to think of the nuclear threat as coming now from unstable third-world nations, that's not correct either. Respectable first-world countries could do far more damage, and have enough nukes to plunge the world into a nuclear winter and wipe out life on earth. It's a compelling read, and Ellsberg ends with a plea for people to insist that the madness is stopped (although he admits that it is unlikely at the moment in the US). Definitely worthwhile. It switches between what was going on in the 60s and the development of the first nuclear bombs in the 40s, and I was pleased to have read about the Manhattan Project before, because I was at least familiar with that bit.
43BLBera
>42 susanj67: Scary stuff, Susan. I think I'll pass on that so I can sleep at night.
44charl08
>42 susanj67: I didn't know this guy existed until watching the film with Meryl recently. (Poor, I know). Should I ask how he lost the papers?
Watching the latest Life on Death Row programme about the Arizona attempt to get through the people on Death Row before the drugs they used expired (!!!). Mindblowing stuff.
Watching the latest Life on Death Row programme about the Arizona attempt to get through the people on Death Row before the drugs they used expired (!!!). Mindblowing stuff.
45susanj67
>43 BLBera: Beth, it is very gloomy!
>44 charl08: Charlotte, he gave the papers to his brother (or maybe brother in law) who hid them in his basement and then buried them in the garden but then moved them to a spot in the town dump, and then there was rain and a landslide at the dump, and they were properly buried forever. Having read that book about the dyslexic spy recently, what they *should* have done was bury them in a national park, and taken a careful note of the trees so they could find them again. (The dyslexic spy used GPS but that wasn't around then). I've just watched The New-Builds Are Coming, which probably needs no explanation...
Ooh, but last night I watched Seeing Allred on Netflix, which is about Gloria Allred the famous US lawyer, who I hadn't actually ever heard of before, but who I now recall in news clips whenever there were stories about abominable men. (No wonder they're making a documentary about her now). I can see how she would polarise opinion, but it was interesting to hear about some of her earlier cases, fighting for things that we now take for granted.
>44 charl08: Charlotte, he gave the papers to his brother (or maybe brother in law) who hid them in his basement and then buried them in the garden but then moved them to a spot in the town dump, and then there was rain and a landslide at the dump, and they were properly buried forever. Having read that book about the dyslexic spy recently, what they *should* have done was bury them in a national park, and taken a careful note of the trees so they could find them again. (The dyslexic spy used GPS but that wasn't around then). I've just watched The New-Builds Are Coming, which probably needs no explanation...
Ooh, but last night I watched Seeing Allred on Netflix, which is about Gloria Allred the famous US lawyer, who I hadn't actually ever heard of before, but who I now recall in news clips whenever there were stories about abominable men. (No wonder they're making a documentary about her now). I can see how she would polarise opinion, but it was interesting to hear about some of her earlier cases, fighting for things that we now take for granted.
46susanj67
24. The Midnight Line by Lee Child
This is book 22 in the Jack Reacher series, and I gobbled it all up this morning, pretty much in a single sitting. This one is very topical, and pretty sad, because you can guess a key plot point before it's revealed (but Jack's OK - no-one worry). But it was a great read and, as usual, Jack only killed people who needed killing.
Sky News currently has an expert from Public Health England talking about the forthcoming Cold. It's about 3C here at the moment, and forecast to be 0C tomorrow morning. Heh :-) And of course the snow. It's brilliantly sunny outside so there is no sign of snow yet, but it does look cold.
47susanj67
Amazon UK has six John Steinbeck books today, for 99p each https://www.amazon.co.uk/b/ref=s9_acsd_al_bw_clnk_r?_encoding=UTF8&node=4725...
Holy carp, look at that link! It works, though :-)
Holy carp, look at that link! It works, though :-)
48Helenliz
>46 susanj67: cold here today as well. I gave the tree it's annual haircut as its a nice dry day. Did wear 3 jumpers and a fleece to keep me warm. Even a fur hat. Yup, I'm a cold weather wuss. >:-)
49ChelleBearss
Glad to see you enjoyed the latest Reacher! Another good one :)
Hope you don't get too much snow. 0C isn't too cold. Is that below normal for your area?
Hope you don't get too much snow. 0C isn't too cold. Is that below normal for your area?
50charl08
Beautifully sunny here. Found some spring bulbs have made it through the slugs, when picking up all the beech leaves that have come down across the garden. Not sure if they will survive the weather forecasted though.
Glad Jack continues to carry out his one man just war successfully. Do you think anyone's ever carried out a bodycount on the series? I feel like the Lamb one might have sparked a public inquiry by book 4.
Glad Jack continues to carry out his one man just war successfully. Do you think anyone's ever carried out a bodycount on the series? I feel like the Lamb one might have sparked a public inquiry by book 4.
51susanj67
>48 Helenliz: Helen, you were very brave to go out at all :-)
>49 ChelleBearss: Chelle, it was good, wasn't it! I still can't get over how Lee Child is British, when the books are so American. This weather is unusual for the UK at this time of year - it's coming in from Siberia, which is not the norm (but adds a certain glamour), and the wind chill may take it down to -10C to -15C. Parts of the UK will feel colder than the Arctic Circle! http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-43190440
>50 charl08: Charlotte, I'm not sure there has been a bodycount on the series (like that one where they worked out that Midsomer was the deadliest place to live in the UK) but there are a lot of baddies around.
I've read a bit more of the Catherine Howard book, but I am a little booked out for today (what am I *saying*?!!). There is no sign of the snow yet, but it is dark, so maybe it's out there in the distance. I wish I had a full-time weather channel, instead of just the Sky News ladies. Well, I suppose there is always the internet.
>49 ChelleBearss: Chelle, it was good, wasn't it! I still can't get over how Lee Child is British, when the books are so American. This weather is unusual for the UK at this time of year - it's coming in from Siberia, which is not the norm (but adds a certain glamour), and the wind chill may take it down to -10C to -15C. Parts of the UK will feel colder than the Arctic Circle! http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-43190440
>50 charl08: Charlotte, I'm not sure there has been a bodycount on the series (like that one where they worked out that Midsomer was the deadliest place to live in the UK) but there are a lot of baddies around.
I've read a bit more of the Catherine Howard book, but I am a little booked out for today (what am I *saying*?!!). There is no sign of the snow yet, but it is dark, so maybe it's out there in the distance. I wish I had a full-time weather channel, instead of just the Sky News ladies. Well, I suppose there is always the internet.
52charl08
We've got a yellow warning of snow.
Which sounds disgusting, frankly.
I think I might abandon Sapiens. I've counted he's said three things already that should be the basis for a substantialfight discussion about the nature of human society, and we only meet at bookclub for 50 minutes!
Which sounds disgusting, frankly.
I think I might abandon Sapiens. I've counted he's said three things already that should be the basis for a substantial
53Helenliz
We have a yellow snow warning for tomorrow afternoon and an amber one for Tuesday.
>52 charl08: *snort*
>51 susanj67: Metoffice detailed weather forecast for nearest location is my go-to weather service. Gives an hour by hour forecast for the next 2 days, including temperature, feels-like temperature, precipitation probability and sunstate.
>52 charl08: *snort*
>51 susanj67: Metoffice detailed weather forecast for nearest location is my go-to weather service. Gives an hour by hour forecast for the next 2 days, including temperature, feels-like temperature, precipitation probability and sunstate.
54susanj67
>52 charl08: We also have a yellow warning, but it should be higher to take into account the fact that two tablespoonsful of snow brings the entire city to a halt. It goes to amber on Tuesday. End of days :-) That's a shame about Sapiens. It's one that I mean to get to.
55susanj67
>53 Helenliz: Thanks for that link, Helen. I've bookmarked it. The words "bitterly cold" appear for Tuesday. I'd be tempted to stay home, but I have to trawl through some boxes in the office tomorrow, to finish a piece of work. Of course, if there really is snow and the transport collapses (like that famous day a few years ago when Boris cancelled all the buses) I may have to wait.
56BekkaJo
Everything is on alert over here too - even though we are far less likely to get any snow! I could just do with a couple of snow days though.
That said, I'd end up owing days at work with no way of repaying the time :/
That said, I'd end up owing days at work with no way of repaying the time :/
57susanj67
>56 BekkaJo: There are actual snowflakes falling outside my bedroom window now! And Transport for London sent an email in the middle of the night blaming snow for everything, just in case.
58susanj67
It turns out that Transport for London has activated its cold weather plan.
Overheard at TfL head office:
*****
"I have the plan right here in this envelope.
There's a plan? I thought we just ran around yelling "The sky is falling"?
Well, let me just open...yup, here it is...yes, that's what we still do, but now it's official. It has a number.
But what about Americans?
What about them?
Last time I told an American lady to Look At The Snow she laughed and laughed and asked me if I'd ever been to Wyoming.
What's in Wyoming?
I think it's cold there.
Well, did you move to step 2, using 'midday' and 'fortnight' in the same sentence?
But they don't understand those wor - oh.
There's a reason I'm team leader, Kevin.
Some of them might though, if they've lived here a while.
Then it's time for "quite". As in "Normal service will be resumed quite soon." It's all in the plan.
But they think that means -
Are we the United Nations, Kevin? All together now - "The sky is falling! The sky is falling!" "
*****
Overheard at TfL head office:
*****
"I have the plan right here in this envelope.
There's a plan? I thought we just ran around yelling "The sky is falling"?
Well, let me just open...yup, here it is...yes, that's what we still do, but now it's official. It has a number.
But what about Americans?
What about them?
Last time I told an American lady to Look At The Snow she laughed and laughed and asked me if I'd ever been to Wyoming.
What's in Wyoming?
I think it's cold there.
Well, did you move to step 2, using 'midday' and 'fortnight' in the same sentence?
But they don't understand those wor - oh.
There's a reason I'm team leader, Kevin.
Some of them might though, if they've lived here a while.
Then it's time for "quite". As in "Normal service will be resumed quite soon." It's all in the plan.
But they think that means -
Are we the United Nations, Kevin? All together now - "The sky is falling! The sky is falling!" "
*****
59Ameise1
>58 susanj67: LOL
Wishing you a wonderful start into the new week.
Wishing you a wonderful start into the new week.
60ChelleBearss
>58 susanj67: Ha! So things are going smoothly with the storm then?
61susanj67
>59 Ameise1: Thanks Barbara :-) I pulled out my very warmest puffa coat this morning, with a super-deep hood. I have to go all the way across the road from my front door to the bus stop :-)
>60 ChelleBearss: Chelle, it's going about as well as we would expect. Train companies are saying we should all get home by 6pm, just in case.
Here's the Evening Standard with pictures and commentary:
https://www.standard.co.uk/news/transport/get-home-by-6pm-rail-firm-tells-commut...
>60 ChelleBearss: Chelle, it's going about as well as we would expect. Train companies are saying we should all get home by 6pm, just in case.
Here's the Evening Standard with pictures and commentary:
https://www.standard.co.uk/news/transport/get-home-by-6pm-rail-firm-tells-commut...
62Crazymamie
>58 susanj67: This made me laugh out loud!
Look at you getting to wear your warmest puffa coat! Safe travels to you, Susan!
Look at you getting to wear your warmest puffa coat! Safe travels to you, Susan!
65SandDune
Mr SandDune told me to come home early because of the snow as it was coming down heavily and sticking everywhere. So I did do that, and now I feel a complete fraud as there was no snow at all until I got within 2 miles of home, and only about a quarter of an inch (where it hasn't been walked on) at our house. Seems the weather front goes through the middle of our town, on the side where he works it was pretty heavy, on our side hardly anything!
67Helenliz
>65 SandDune: at least you were home and not stuck the wrong side of the front. Weather's quite amazing when you think of it.
I'm in a similar situation today. I should be in the office, but with the amount that's forecast later, the husband is adamant I'm not even going to work. Which, when you think about it, doesn't say much for his faith in my driving ability. So I'm working at home as a result of about 1/2 inch snow...
Stay safe all.
I'm in a similar situation today. I should be in the office, but with the amount that's forecast later, the husband is adamant I'm not even going to work. Which, when you think about it, doesn't say much for his faith in my driving ability. So I'm working at home as a result of about 1/2 inch snow...
Stay safe all.
68susanj67
>62 Crazymamie: Mamie, I was pleased to revisit the warmest puffa. It has a deep hood, with fur (fake).
>63 BekkaJo: Yay Bekka! That's more than I've seen this morning.
>64 charl08: Charlotte, I think it adds glamour. Siberian weather is so much colder-sounding than just "snow".
>65 SandDune: Rhian, it's like that near me too. I live about three minutes from Canary Wharf as the crow flies, and yet it will sometimes be pouring as I leave the office and bone dry when I get home.
>66 BLBera: Hi Beth!
>67 Helenliz: Helen, I hope some eventually arrives, to make you feel vindicated :-)
I am at home today due to a bad headache all night, and possible slight poisoning from Spanish Day. I'm not feeling too bad right now, though. It was bright and sunny in London this morning but it's getting cloudier, and the weather lady from Sky (who was broadcasting from the roof out near Heathrow) reminded us that there is more to weather than just London. I'm half-watching the new Valeria Bertinelli show on the Food Network, but mostly reading the AWESOMELY good The Twelve-Mile Straight, which I am going to be recommending that y'all RUN out and get. Have we been talking about it in the 75ers, or did I just pick it for the cover?
>63 BekkaJo: Yay Bekka! That's more than I've seen this morning.
>64 charl08: Charlotte, I think it adds glamour. Siberian weather is so much colder-sounding than just "snow".
>65 SandDune: Rhian, it's like that near me too. I live about three minutes from Canary Wharf as the crow flies, and yet it will sometimes be pouring as I leave the office and bone dry when I get home.
>66 BLBera: Hi Beth!
>67 Helenliz: Helen, I hope some eventually arrives, to make you feel vindicated :-)
I am at home today due to a bad headache all night, and possible slight poisoning from Spanish Day. I'm not feeling too bad right now, though. It was bright and sunny in London this morning but it's getting cloudier, and the weather lady from Sky (who was broadcasting from the roof out near Heathrow) reminded us that there is more to weather than just London. I'm half-watching the new Valeria Bertinelli show on the Food Network, but mostly reading the AWESOMELY good The Twelve-Mile Straight, which I am going to be recommending that y'all RUN out and get. Have we been talking about it in the 75ers, or did I just pick it for the cover?
69katiekrug
Sorry you had a rough night, Susan. Good for you for taking the day off.
I have not heard of Twelve Mile Straight but I guess I'll be adding it to my WL!
I have not heard of Twelve Mile Straight but I guess I'll be adding it to my WL!
70charl08
Sorry about the headache Susan: hope you're feeling a bit better now. Will also follow instructions and look for the book!
71susanj67
>69 katiekrug: Thanks Katie. Back to the office today. In the snow :-)
>70 charl08: Thanks Charlotte. I'm fit for work, I think. More importantly the buses are running, so I can leave any time.
We have Proper Snow here today! Very exciting. Other places have more, but we have heaps for London. Once again, the Sky weather forecast was outside. For all their live broadcasts, they have the place and local time in the top right-hand corner of the screen, so today said "Sky News Roof".
25. The Twelve-Mile Straight by Eleanor Henderson
Set in Georgia during the Depression, and a chunky 560 pages long (so much story!), this is Made. Of. Awesome. I can't believe that everyone hasn't already read it and that I seem to be the first 75er to review it. (Of course, I could be using the search feature incorrectly). It's described as "Southern Gothic" in reviews, which means that Southern Gothic is different to what I thought (my version involves misty bayous and witchcraft, and there isn't any of that, although there is Spanish moss) but, whatever it is, it's really, really well done, and please get it ASAP because I need people to discuss it with.
>70 charl08: Thanks Charlotte. I'm fit for work, I think. More importantly the buses are running, so I can leave any time.
We have Proper Snow here today! Very exciting. Other places have more, but we have heaps for London. Once again, the Sky weather forecast was outside. For all their live broadcasts, they have the place and local time in the top right-hand corner of the screen, so today said "Sky News Roof".
25. The Twelve-Mile Straight by Eleanor Henderson
Set in Georgia during the Depression, and a chunky 560 pages long (so much story!), this is Made. Of. Awesome. I can't believe that everyone hasn't already read it and that I seem to be the first 75er to review it. (Of course, I could be using the search feature incorrectly). It's described as "Southern Gothic" in reviews, which means that Southern Gothic is different to what I thought (my version involves misty bayous and witchcraft, and there isn't any of that, although there is Spanish moss) but, whatever it is, it's really, really well done, and please get it ASAP because I need people to discuss it with.
72susanj67
This is funny (if you don't live in China). The letter "N" was temporarily banned in a new round of censorship. Shades of Ella Minnow Pea... https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/28/china-bans-the-letter-n-internet-x...
73Ameise1
Glad to hear that you feel much better today. Is it still so cold at your place? Here it's the coldest one since temperature dropped during the last few days. Luckily, the wind stopped.
74Helenliz
Good that you're up and about again. And a BUS! how exciting!!
Just come off a call with work. People in Norwich with ~ ft of snow can;t get the car out. People in Germany have no snow but it is -15C! I'm feeling a bit left out with my inch or so of snow. The world does look nice though. And I was a good samaritan and put fresh water out for the birds this morning.
Just come off a call with work. People in Norwich with ~ ft of snow can;t get the car out. People in Germany have no snow but it is -15C! I'm feeling a bit left out with my inch or so of snow. The world does look nice though. And I was a good samaritan and put fresh water out for the birds this morning.
75susanj67
>73 Ameise1: Thanks Barbara. It is FREEZING in London - the coldest I can remember. I have a relatively short walk from the bus stop to my office and usually don't bother with gloves or a hat, but today I was half-way here and my hands were going numb. I had to put my hood up :-) We don't have much wind, fortunately.
>74 Helenliz: Helen, yes, it's anyone's guess about the buses in weather like this. When Boris cancelled them all a few years ago it was mostly because the depot entrances weren't ploughed so they couldn't get out. I checked the TfL website this morning and saw a lot of Overground trains not running because of "absence of operators", which I think means the drivers didn't show up. Then on the bus I heard the control centre on the radio telling all the drivers they would be getting people from the Overground as a lot of it just wasn't running at all. I have a friend who I think is still working from home in Kent, as he has been all week. But -15! Eek! I think I might just stay in bed. I had 3 - 4 inches on the balconies this morning, which is more than I've seen for years.
>74 Helenliz: Helen, yes, it's anyone's guess about the buses in weather like this. When Boris cancelled them all a few years ago it was mostly because the depot entrances weren't ploughed so they couldn't get out. I checked the TfL website this morning and saw a lot of Overground trains not running because of "absence of operators", which I think means the drivers didn't show up. Then on the bus I heard the control centre on the radio telling all the drivers they would be getting people from the Overground as a lot of it just wasn't running at all. I have a friend who I think is still working from home in Kent, as he has been all week. But -15! Eek! I think I might just stay in bed. I had 3 - 4 inches on the balconies this morning, which is more than I've seen for years.
76susanj67
London snow pictures :-) https://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/enraptured-londoners-share-pictures-of-da...
77Ameise1
>76 susanj67: Beautiful photos.
78ChelleBearss
Lovely photos! Hope you got to work from bed today!
79susanj67
>77 Ameise1: We are so proud of our snow, Barbara!
>78 ChelleBearss: Chelle, I'm in the office, but if drops to -15C then that will be the day that I don't make it in :-) Apparently there is even more snow forecast tomorrow and Friday.
One of my friends is holed up in the Weald of Kent, and supplies are running low - particularly supplies of wine. They're still eating Sunday's beef stew. Slowly.
Former Office Roomie just showed me a video his wife sent him, of someone skiing down the road past her office. It's a flat road, there's about an inch of snow, and they were "walking on skis" rather than actually skiing, but still. Any excuse with the snow :-)
>78 ChelleBearss: Chelle, I'm in the office, but if drops to -15C then that will be the day that I don't make it in :-) Apparently there is even more snow forecast tomorrow and Friday.
One of my friends is holed up in the Weald of Kent, and supplies are running low - particularly supplies of wine. They're still eating Sunday's beef stew. Slowly.
Former Office Roomie just showed me a video his wife sent him, of someone skiing down the road past her office. It's a flat road, there's about an inch of snow, and they were "walking on skis" rather than actually skiing, but still. Any excuse with the snow :-)
80Helenliz
I've just walked into town to get bread & milk. And came home looking like the Abominable snowman! Hit a real heavy snow flurry as I was walking back up the hill to home. It wasn't as cold out as I thought it would be, but then I was wrapped up well.
We'd run out of a lot before we ran out of wine...
We'd run out of a lot before we ran out of wine...
81susanj67
>80 Helenliz: Helen, that's very good news about the wine :-) We've had a super-heavy shower here this morning, too, although it's sunny now. It won't be long before Londoners' attention spans reach peak snow, but for the time being it's fun :-)
82Crazymamie
>80 Helenliz: Helen, that is a relief - good to know you have your priorities straight.
Susan, I am very excited about your snow! Those photos were lovely, so thanks for posting the link. I also liked the article about the temporary banning of "n" in China. That boggles the mind.
I think I have to read The Twelve-Mile Straight since you loved it so much and since it is set in Georgia. Your review made me laugh - especially the part about the Spanish moss. According to the Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Literature, "Southern Gothic is a mode or genre prevalent in literature from the early 19th century to this day. Characteristics of Southern Gothic include the presence of irrational, horrific, and transgressive thoughts, desires, and impulses; grotesque characters; dark humor, and an overall angst-ridden sense of alienation. While related to both the English and American Gothic tradition, Southern Gothic is uniquely rooted in the South’s tensions and aberrations."
Susan, I am very excited about your snow! Those photos were lovely, so thanks for posting the link. I also liked the article about the temporary banning of "n" in China. That boggles the mind.
I think I have to read The Twelve-Mile Straight since you loved it so much and since it is set in Georgia. Your review made me laugh - especially the part about the Spanish moss. According to the Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Literature, "Southern Gothic is a mode or genre prevalent in literature from the early 19th century to this day. Characteristics of Southern Gothic include the presence of irrational, horrific, and transgressive thoughts, desires, and impulses; grotesque characters; dark humor, and an overall angst-ridden sense of alienation. While related to both the English and American Gothic tradition, Southern Gothic is uniquely rooted in the South’s tensions and aberrations."
83Fourpawz2
Twelve Mile Straight is on the you-list although it could be a while before I get to it.
Congratulations on your snow. I know you'll pardon me if I don't swoon with envy, but am so glad you are enjoying it. I know you often speak longingly of the stuff and it were possible I would have shared mine with you long ago. Fortunately I have none. All I have are a number of crocuses in my yard and temps in the low fifties. The world is most definitely turned upside down.
Congratulations on your snow. I know you'll pardon me if I don't swoon with envy, but am so glad you are enjoying it. I know you often speak longingly of the stuff and it were possible I would have shared mine with you long ago. Fortunately I have none. All I have are a number of crocuses in my yard and temps in the low fifties. The world is most definitely turned upside down.
84susanj67
>82 Crazymamie: Mamie, thanks for that definition. The book would count as Southern Gothic, according to that. We have yet more snow, although not heavy new stuff in London. There is another picture gallery half-way down this link - a couple of repeats from yesterday but some great new ones:
https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/tfl-travel-update-deep-freeze-and-heavy-snow-...
>83 Fourpawz2: Hi Charlotte! I know for sure that EVERYONE will love The Twelve-Mile Straight, so I'm pleased it's going on your list. And that is excellent about your crocuses and decent temperatures!
This morning's snow is a rainy, thin kind, blowing around. Yesterday's was big fat flakes. I should ask FOR what the Scottish words are, as his wife is Scottish and he often uses different words for what I would just call "rain". I got off the bus at the stop under the DLR track, and walked through the malls, thereby avoiding the weather. But last night there was no heating on the bus *and* someone had opened the windows, so I sat there with my groceries getting gently snowed on.
https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/tfl-travel-update-deep-freeze-and-heavy-snow-...
>83 Fourpawz2: Hi Charlotte! I know for sure that EVERYONE will love The Twelve-Mile Straight, so I'm pleased it's going on your list. And that is excellent about your crocuses and decent temperatures!
This morning's snow is a rainy, thin kind, blowing around. Yesterday's was big fat flakes. I should ask FOR what the Scottish words are, as his wife is Scottish and he often uses different words for what I would just call "rain". I got off the bus at the stop under the DLR track, and walked through the malls, thereby avoiding the weather. But last night there was no heating on the bus *and* someone had opened the windows, so I sat there with my groceries getting gently snowed on.
85Ameise1
>84 susanj67: Good morning, Susan. We got snow too and it's the fluffy nice one. It looks like that it won't stop soonish.
86susanj67
>85 Ameise1: Barbara, your snow sounds better :-)
We just got an email from the managing partner, reminding everyone that we are actually still open for business, and people should come to work. LOL :-) The malls were like a ghost town this morning, so I suspect we're not the only building that is light on staff. The people in today are the ones who think that Thursday is a bit early to start the weekend, but I bet tomorrow it is even emptier.
We just got an email from the managing partner, reminding everyone that we are actually still open for business, and people should come to work. LOL :-) The malls were like a ghost town this morning, so I suspect we're not the only building that is light on staff. The people in today are the ones who think that Thursday is a bit early to start the weekend, but I bet tomorrow it is even emptier.
87Helenliz
>86 susanj67: ha! How nice of them to remind you... I love the fact that I can work from home, it saves all the bother of having to make it into the office. But I get that not everyone is in that position. And I'd like to quash the rumour that I work in my jammies. I may be in my slippers, but I do get dressed.
88ChelleBearss
someone had opened the windows, so I sat there with my groceries getting gently snowed on. Well that would be rather annoying!
We are due snow today. Apparently it's going to be a mix of rain then snow . Possibly upwards of 20cm. I'm not impressed. I was quite enjoying the sunny 10c days!
We are due snow today. Apparently it's going to be a mix of rain then snow . Possibly upwards of 20cm. I'm not impressed. I was quite enjoying the sunny 10c days!
89susanj67
>87 Helenliz: Helen, yes, we appreciated the reminder, although it did not go unnoticed that someone had sent it on his behalf...I could perhaps work from home, but free heat, lunch, multiple screens and the snack machine are all missing from home, so I'm not too sad to be here. OMG, I may have been taken over by aliens.
>88 ChelleBearss: Chelle, yes, it was annoying. I couldn't reach the necessary windows so I just had to put up with it. Fortunately it's a short trip home. I hope your snow isn't too annoying.
We are having a bit of drizzly snow right now - FOR reported that the correct term for today's snow is "sneesl". Yesterday's was "skelf". Scotland. It's like a whole other country.
>88 ChelleBearss: Chelle, yes, it was annoying. I couldn't reach the necessary windows so I just had to put up with it. Fortunately it's a short trip home. I hope your snow isn't too annoying.
We are having a bit of drizzly snow right now - FOR reported that the correct term for today's snow is "sneesl". Yesterday's was "skelf". Scotland. It's like a whole other country.
90katiekrug
Public Service Announcement:
The Twelve-Mile Straight is a Kindle Monthly deal - $2.99 in the US.
Hi Susan!
The Twelve-Mile Straight is a Kindle Monthly deal - $2.99 in the US.
Hi Susan!
91susanj67
>90 katiekrug: Katie, that is excellent! Buy it now, everyone!!!
92Crazymamie
Sweet Thursday, Susan. You will be happy to know that I was here earlier but went immediately to Amazon when I reached the public service announcement. Rest assured that The Twelve-Mile Straight is now safely on my Kindle. Katie and you make a great team.
Sorry to hear that the snow is no longer the skelf kind. And about the open windows on the bus last night - that must have been so invigorating.
Sorry to hear that the snow is no longer the skelf kind. And about the open windows on the bus last night - that must have been so invigorating.
94RebaRelishesReading
I've got Twelve Mile Straight on my list of books to get when we're at Powell's. The price is certainly tempting for the Amazon version though.
We got snow down to 2500 feet on Tuesday which I expected to be able to see from our living room since there are higher mountains than that on the horizon but it's too misty or something because I can't see it at all :(
We got snow down to 2500 feet on Tuesday which I expected to be able to see from our living room since there are higher mountains than that on the horizon but it's too misty or something because I can't see it at all :(
95susanj67
>92 Crazymamie: Mamie, that is great news! Skelf *was* more fun than sneesl. Now it is just grey and getting dark and misty, and probably slippery underfoot. I will have to pick my way to the bus stop shortly. The Jubilee line should be pretty empty for a change, but I have no confidence that my connecting Overground train will be running.
>93 charl08: Charlotte, yeah, I checked that. Boo indeed :-( I have gloves today, as last night was just ridiculous. I think it's going to be less snowy here tomorrow but Wales and the south-west are looking bad. I wish I hadn't booked an appointment in west London for 9am on Monday. What was I thinking? They offered me the whole morning. I booked it a while ago, though, when 9am was just annoying, and not an actual trek.
>93 charl08: Charlotte, yeah, I checked that. Boo indeed :-( I have gloves today, as last night was just ridiculous. I think it's going to be less snowy here tomorrow but Wales and the south-west are looking bad. I wish I hadn't booked an appointment in west London for 9am on Monday. What was I thinking? They offered me the whole morning. I booked it a while ago, though, when 9am was just annoying, and not an actual trek.
96susanj67
>94 RebaRelishesReading: Hi Reba! Well, that view needs to get its act together :-) Because if no-one sees the snow, does it actually exist? :-) The book is very long, so if you have any hand/arm issues with holding chunky books open, grab the Amazon version.
97RebaRelishesReading
I did see it on the news, so I think it's real but I'm disappointed I can't just look out the window and see it. I don't have a problem holding big books besides which I often read with a pillow on my lap to support the book or at my desk with the book propped a bit. Big advantage to the Kindle is for travel...but then I don't have the real book on my shelves to remind me of it and keep me company. (I have a real "issue" with books I'm afraid).
98charl08
Friends have been sending snow pictures - the one from Edinburgh is of a main road with people walking down it (ETA the road bit, not the pavement, I mean!). The one from Bath looks like Narnia. Ours has degenerated into deceptively melted walkways with the odd bit of ice to keep you on your toes (or not, as was nearly me last night!). As I introduced myself at a meeting today:
I'm Charlotte, and I'm cold!
I'm Charlotte, and I'm cold!
99susanj67
>97 RebaRelishesReading: Reba, you are lucky to be able to wrangle the heavy ones. They give me pause for thought now, and I always check for a e edition, preferably from the library :-)
>98 charl08: Charlotte, I may steal that meeting intro! It is still cold down here but no more snow, and we are back to a yellow warning.
Oof, I just had a funny turn at the top of a tube escalator and had to wait before tackling the next one. The first one was switched off, but by the time I realised there were 5000000 people behind me, so I had to walk up. And I really struggled, and then came over all strange at the top, like I was going to faint. It was one of those times I would have paid £100 for a seat to sit down on and a bottle of water, even for a minute. Instead, I just milled about a bit at the side of the escalator, before continuing slowly to the next one. I confessed this to a pal in the kitchen, who said that the same thing happens to him when he's not expecting to have to walk. He said he bounds up stairs or escalators with no problem when he intends to, but a surprise set of stairs knocks him out. That made me feel a bit better, but still about 105.
Anyway, on to something less feeble, which is book 26.
26. Close to Home by Cara Hunter
This is the first in a new series of police procedurals (I think - although it is described on the cover as a thriller). An eight-year-old girl goes missing from a party, and DI Adam Fawley has to work out who took her. It goes in all sorts of directions and might upset readers who don't like books about children as the victims of crime. I read it in pretty much a single sitting, and it certainly rattles along, but there is perhaps a bit too much plot, if that's a thing, and I didn't like the way that the point of view switched from the first person to the third all the time, and the pretend tweets and news reports. But this seems to be the author's first book, so I'll look out for book 2 when it's published in July.
>98 charl08: Charlotte, I may steal that meeting intro! It is still cold down here but no more snow, and we are back to a yellow warning.
Oof, I just had a funny turn at the top of a tube escalator and had to wait before tackling the next one. The first one was switched off, but by the time I realised there were 5000000 people behind me, so I had to walk up. And I really struggled, and then came over all strange at the top, like I was going to faint. It was one of those times I would have paid £100 for a seat to sit down on and a bottle of water, even for a minute. Instead, I just milled about a bit at the side of the escalator, before continuing slowly to the next one. I confessed this to a pal in the kitchen, who said that the same thing happens to him when he's not expecting to have to walk. He said he bounds up stairs or escalators with no problem when he intends to, but a surprise set of stairs knocks him out. That made me feel a bit better, but still about 105.
Anyway, on to something less feeble, which is book 26.
26. Close to Home by Cara Hunter
This is the first in a new series of police procedurals (I think - although it is described on the cover as a thriller). An eight-year-old girl goes missing from a party, and DI Adam Fawley has to work out who took her. It goes in all sorts of directions and might upset readers who don't like books about children as the victims of crime. I read it in pretty much a single sitting, and it certainly rattles along, but there is perhaps a bit too much plot, if that's a thing, and I didn't like the way that the point of view switched from the first person to the third all the time, and the pretend tweets and news reports. But this seems to be the author's first book, so I'll look out for book 2 when it's published in July.
100BekkaJo
>99 susanj67: Hmm - take it easy though. The problem with walking up escalators is that the steps are that bit bigger than a normal stair so they take you by surprise.
101susanj67
>100 BekkaJo: Bekka, good point! I felt so feeble though, with everyone else zooming past me on the left-hand side. Note to self: check escalators are actually working next time.
I see there are now heavy snow showers forecast for London, due to start anytime soon. Humph.
I see there are now heavy snow showers forecast for London, due to start anytime soon. Humph.
102thornton37814
>99 susanj67: I think I might hold off until the second one comes out and see if it's a series I want to begin or not based on her progress as a writer.
>101 susanj67: We didn't get a good snow this year. Just a couple of "wimpy" ones.
>101 susanj67: We didn't get a good snow this year. Just a couple of "wimpy" ones.
103Helenliz
I'm bored of snow now. 4 days of it and it's no longer fun.
I think climbing escalators is harder than climbing stairs. they are bigger and I'm sure that you're not getting the same fresh air as you would outside. The underground's always a bit stuffy, even in the middle of winter. Finding a quiet spot is the problematic bit.
I think climbing escalators is harder than climbing stairs. they are bigger and I'm sure that you're not getting the same fresh air as you would outside. The underground's always a bit stuffy, even in the middle of winter. Finding a quiet spot is the problematic bit.
104charl08
I don't like climbing escalators either. For me it's going down that's worse - one knee gives out around half way, always when there's someone behind!
105susanj67
>102 thornton37814: Lori, good plan. I should get the second one here when it comes out, so I will read it and up-date :-) I think we got All The Snow this year.
>103 Helenliz: Helen, yes, another day of freeze is a bit dull. I was just glad that Super-Fit Friend wasn't with me yesterday. She scorns escalators and bounds up them even when they're working.
>104 charl08: Charlotte, I know what you mean. Sometimes I literally forget which foot goes next going downwards. Spooky.
Well. Last night I discovered something amazing. I looked up YouTube on my phone, to check on all the drama about Tati Westbrook's new line of vitamins, and found my subscription page, which was a good start. I started tapping the icons to see what they were all for, and suddenly the phone popped up a message saying that it was casting to the Viera V6 nearby, and the videos started playing ON THE TV. I was so amazed I didn't know what to think. You can queue up the videos and autoplay them too. Who knew? I'm going to see whether it works with other sites, or whether YouTube only did it because there's a YouTube app on the telly.
Grey and cold again today so I'm staying in. I've read a bit more of the Catherine Howard book, and the first hundred pages of Twenty Thousand Streets under the Sky. It's a trilogy of three books, which makes me wonder how many I could count it for. Hmmm. I'm also planning to catch up with the first episode of the new BBC Civilisations, although the BBC Arts correspondent has only given it two stars out of five. Yeesh. If you can't love your own products, what's the point?!
>103 Helenliz: Helen, yes, another day of freeze is a bit dull. I was just glad that Super-Fit Friend wasn't with me yesterday. She scorns escalators and bounds up them even when they're working.
>104 charl08: Charlotte, I know what you mean. Sometimes I literally forget which foot goes next going downwards. Spooky.
Well. Last night I discovered something amazing. I looked up YouTube on my phone, to check on all the drama about Tati Westbrook's new line of vitamins, and found my subscription page, which was a good start. I started tapping the icons to see what they were all for, and suddenly the phone popped up a message saying that it was casting to the Viera V6 nearby, and the videos started playing ON THE TV. I was so amazed I didn't know what to think. You can queue up the videos and autoplay them too. Who knew? I'm going to see whether it works with other sites, or whether YouTube only did it because there's a YouTube app on the telly.
Grey and cold again today so I'm staying in. I've read a bit more of the Catherine Howard book, and the first hundred pages of Twenty Thousand Streets under the Sky. It's a trilogy of three books, which makes me wonder how many I could count it for. Hmmm. I'm also planning to catch up with the first episode of the new BBC Civilisations, although the BBC Arts correspondent has only given it two stars out of five. Yeesh. If you can't love your own products, what's the point?!
106RebaRelishesReading
Cool that you stumbled onto something new you phone will do. We got a new TV Christmas 2016 with a remote with only two or three buttons on it. I still haven't figured out how to shift it from cable to streaming mode...I suppose I could go on line and find the user manual and figure it out but I wish it would just work...or somebody else would do it...or show me how...or I'd find a magic button on my phone :)
107Helenliz
>105 susanj67: I found Civilisations is available as a box set on iplayer. So I've watched 3 while working on the ironing mountain. Tomorrow should see me at the bottom of the ironing mountain...
108susanj67
>106 RebaRelishesReading: Reba, you need to borrow a Young Person to sort out the TV. I would volunteer Oldest Nephew if he lived closer :-)
>107 Helenliz: Helen, yes, I saw it was all available. I think I'll watch the others as they're broadcast, though. I didn't realise there were three presenters. Good luck with that ironing mountain!
I'm making decent progress with the Catherine Howard book, so I'll try and finish it tomorrow and take it back. I've also watched the Harvey Weinstein documentary, which is worth a look, and I've got the Versace programme to watch tomorrow.
>107 Helenliz: Helen, yes, I saw it was all available. I think I'll watch the others as they're broadcast, though. I didn't realise there were three presenters. Good luck with that ironing mountain!
I'm making decent progress with the Catherine Howard book, so I'll try and finish it tomorrow and take it back. I've also watched the Harvey Weinstein documentary, which is worth a look, and I've got the Versace programme to watch tomorrow.
109BLBera
I'm glad you're enjoying the snow, Susan. Great comments on The Twelve-mile Straight; I'll try to fit it in soon, so we can discuss. Have a great weekend.
Are you tired of the snow yet?
Are you tired of the snow yet?
110RebaRelishesReading
>108 susanj67: Oh how often I think that! My grandkids will probably be there sometime but right now only know about phones and games.
111susanj67
>109 BLBera: Beth, the snow is over now, I think, at least here in London. Today is bright and sunny and seems warmer, although I'm too scared to look at the weather forecast.
>110 RebaRelishesReading: Reba, you'll get there :-) I just handed my phone over to Oldest Nephew when I arrived in NZ and he instantly made it text. So now I can send texts :-)
I'm typing on the Surface Pro but I think it's hurting me, so it's back to the laptop.
>110 RebaRelishesReading: Reba, you'll get there :-) I just handed my phone over to Oldest Nephew when I arrived in NZ and he instantly made it text. So now I can send texts :-)
I'm typing on the Surface Pro but I think it's hurting me, so it's back to the laptop.
112susanj67
OK! Back again. It's amazing what a bit of sun does for a person's mood. I can't believe I'm up and dressed and mid-face-mask and it's only 9.07. I've even paid a bill online, but that was mostly to avoid having to find my chequebook. Maybe tomorrow I'll be able to turn the shower down a bit from super-hot :-)
Today's goals:
Finish the Catherine Howard book and find the Tudors bookazine that came with a BBC History magazine last year, to read on the bus
Finish book 1 of Twenty Thousand Streets. This is a superb read and I love it :-) It's in three books, each following the story of one of the main characters.
Non-booky goals:
Laundry
Maybe vacuuming (maybe even with attachments). Ooh.
Visit some threads and actually post, instead of reading and thinking I'll post later, because later never comes.
Watch the first two episodes of Life And Death Row so I can see the third one tonight on BBC2 because Charlotte is watching it.
*scurries off to get started*
Today's goals:
Finish the Catherine Howard book and find the Tudors bookazine that came with a BBC History magazine last year, to read on the bus
Finish book 1 of Twenty Thousand Streets. This is a superb read and I love it :-) It's in three books, each following the story of one of the main characters.
Non-booky goals:
Laundry
Maybe vacuuming (maybe even with attachments). Ooh.
Visit some threads and actually post, instead of reading and thinking I'll post later, because later never comes.
Watch the first two episodes of Life And Death Row so I can see the third one tonight on BBC2 because Charlotte is watching it.
*scurries off to get started*
113RebaRelishesReading
>112 susanj67: Hope your day is going as planned. Twenty Thousand Streets sounds interesting. I'm looking forward to your comments.
114charl08
Sounds like you had a busy day! Hope it was a bit warmer - ours seems much milder now, thank goodness.
I have no plans to vacuum or clean or any of that: a day or two off after the cleaning /dusting panic of the last couple of days!
I have no plans to vacuum or clean or any of that: a day or two off after the cleaning /dusting panic of the last couple of days!
115Berly
Sounds like you have a busy day planned! Glad the sun was able to energize you. : ) Have fun.
116Helenliz
Just to say that I thought Civilisations was worth watching. Finished it and pretty much finished the ironing pile as well. The episodes presented by Simon Sharma were, I think, the stronger ones in the series. Less of an axe to grind was my impression. Also did some embroidery, which I do in front of the TV to keep my hands busy, so I haven't actually done 9 hours ironing in 2 days. Just in case anyone was worried I'd be abducted by aliens >:-)
117susanj67
>113 RebaRelishesReading: Reba, my reading goals have not moved forward, but the rest of the day has been excellent :-)
>114 charl08: Charlotte, I got heaps done in the way of admin and housework. I even braved the HSBC live chat to order a new chequebook, and then stupidly thought my luck might hold with Santander and a bond that they keep rolling over without telling me. But it didn't. Then at lunchtime I thought I'd see if maybe the iPlayer would co-operate for the first two episodes of Life and Death Row, and it played flawlessly so I thought I should probably just keep watching, and ended up watching all four, plus something from BBC Three, plus episode 1 of the Assassination of Gianni Versace and then something on the Duke of Wellington.
>115 Berly: Hi Kim! Yes, I felt unusually energised, so I thought I should make the most of it. I haven't even had a nap.
>116 Helenliz: Helen, I'm glad you enjoyed it. I'll keep going with it. I don't know why Simon Schama can't say "mountain" or "fountain" properly, but it's marginally less annoying than David Starkey's "yurrs". I used to watch heaps of telly while I stitched, but now I do crosswords. I am relieved that you haven't had to do nine hours of ironing.
As it's only 7.20ish, I'll get some reading in now, I think, before my eyes go square.
>114 charl08: Charlotte, I got heaps done in the way of admin and housework. I even braved the HSBC live chat to order a new chequebook, and then stupidly thought my luck might hold with Santander and a bond that they keep rolling over without telling me. But it didn't. Then at lunchtime I thought I'd see if maybe the iPlayer would co-operate for the first two episodes of Life and Death Row, and it played flawlessly so I thought I should probably just keep watching, and ended up watching all four, plus something from BBC Three, plus episode 1 of the Assassination of Gianni Versace and then something on the Duke of Wellington.
>115 Berly: Hi Kim! Yes, I felt unusually energised, so I thought I should make the most of it. I haven't even had a nap.
>116 Helenliz: Helen, I'm glad you enjoyed it. I'll keep going with it. I don't know why Simon Schama can't say "mountain" or "fountain" properly, but it's marginally less annoying than David Starkey's "yurrs". I used to watch heaps of telly while I stitched, but now I do crosswords. I am relieved that you haven't had to do nine hours of ironing.
As it's only 7.20ish, I'll get some reading in now, I think, before my eyes go square.
118LovingLit
>112 susanj67: what a productive day (you had planned)!
I think you are right about sun. I am dreading winter, indoors, children fighting....*shudder*.
I think you are right about sun. I am dreading winter, indoors, children fighting....*shudder*.
119ChelleBearss
Wow, you had a busy day planned yesterday. Hope you got a decent chunk of reading in! I had a no reading day but I hope to rectify that today
120susanj67
>118 LovingLit: Megan, I hope summer lasts and lasts for you, in that case :-)
>119 ChelleBearss: Chelle, in the end I only read half a chapter of my Kindle book on the Romanovs, but the day was good anyway.
This morning I saw the dermatologist surgeon, and Nose Day is the 22nd - way over the other side of London at 8am (oh yay) and then the plastic surgeon later in the day at a hospital nearer to home. Quite a day of it. But by the time I got in to the office I'd racked up 4,700 steps, so that was something.
I just took a book back to the library and found Reservoir 13, which I have reserved as an ebook, and borrowed The Almighty Dollar, by Darshini David who is one of the presenters on Sky News, and also an economist, it seems. She filled in for their last business news host when he left, and I was annoyed on her behalf that she didn't get to replace him permanently, because she is excellent.
>119 ChelleBearss: Chelle, in the end I only read half a chapter of my Kindle book on the Romanovs, but the day was good anyway.
This morning I saw the dermatologist surgeon, and Nose Day is the 22nd - way over the other side of London at 8am (oh yay) and then the plastic surgeon later in the day at a hospital nearer to home. Quite a day of it. But by the time I got in to the office I'd racked up 4,700 steps, so that was something.
I just took a book back to the library and found Reservoir 13, which I have reserved as an ebook, and borrowed The Almighty Dollar, by Darshini David who is one of the presenters on Sky News, and also an economist, it seems. She filled in for their last business news host when he left, and I was annoyed on her behalf that she didn't get to replace him permanently, because she is excellent.
121rosalita
Hi, Susan. Chalk me up as another one who succumbed to your recommendation of The Twelve-Mile Straight. I've read almost every book written by Anne Rivers Siddons and I always think of her work as Southern Gothic — especially Fox's Earth.
122charl08
Finally watched the fourth episode in the series on the death penalty Susan. Gosh. Gut wrenching. The bit at the very end where the interviewer asks the Governor of Arkansas about his re-election. Argh.
123susanj67
>121 rosalita: Julia, I'm sure you'll love it. I must check out Anne Rivers Siddons...
>122 charl08: Charlotte, it was a really impressive series, I thought. They have some good things on BBC3, although that one made the crossover to BBC2 as it was listed for Saturday night. But once I got the iPlayer going, I thought I should just make the most of it :-)
27. Young and Damned and Fair by Gareth Russell
This is a biography of Catherine Howard, the fifth wife of Henry VIII. I probably know less about her than the other wives, so I enjoyed this a lot. It's pretty long, and took me a while because of All The Books, but it was a good read, and I'll look for other things by this author.
>122 charl08: Charlotte, it was a really impressive series, I thought. They have some good things on BBC3, although that one made the crossover to BBC2 as it was listed for Saturday night. But once I got the iPlayer going, I thought I should just make the most of it :-)
27. Young and Damned and Fair by Gareth Russell
This is a biography of Catherine Howard, the fifth wife of Henry VIII. I probably know less about her than the other wives, so I enjoyed this a lot. It's pretty long, and took me a while because of All The Books, but it was a good read, and I'll look for other things by this author.
124charl08
Susan, did you see Penguin are having a pop up shop for Women's Day? I don't know how near / convenient it is for you though! It looks lovely from the video. I want the penguin + book display on my wall :-)
https://www.penguin.co.uk/likeawoman/
https://www.penguin.co.uk/likeawoman/
125susanj67
>124 charl08: Charlotte, I hadn't seen that - thanks for the link! The shop is up in Shoreditch, and getting there by closing time would be a bit of a squeeze. However, I love the great big long list of books in the rest of the post...
I've finished book 1 of Twenty Thousands Streets, and I still love it. Next is Jenny's story. I remember this as a TV adaptation some years ago now, so I have a very definite Jenny in mind. I may also need to check the iPlayer, just to see whether, by chance, it might still be available.
I've finished book 1 of Twenty Thousands Streets, and I still love it. Next is Jenny's story. I remember this as a TV adaptation some years ago now, so I have a very definite Jenny in mind. I may also need to check the iPlayer, just to see whether, by chance, it might still be available.
126charl08
Oh what a shame - but I agree, the website is tempting enough! I should be reading but the day has been pretty full on so vegging over a recording of the Portrait Artist of the Year. I do love Joan Bakewell, but also just want to be able to paint...
127susanj67
>126 charl08: Charlotte, at that time I was watching Benidorm, but let's not go into that...
Happy International Women's Day to all my visitors! Today is FOR's daughter's birthday, and she is 1. He said that she's celebrating by trying to be wide awake for as many of the 24 hours as is humanly possible. She started at 2am, apparently, which is, spookily, the time she was born. There is a tea party on the weekend. I asked if any of her little friends were invited and he said No! they had learned their lesson about parties for babies, and it would just be grown-ups.
Happy International Women's Day to all my visitors! Today is FOR's daughter's birthday, and she is 1. He said that she's celebrating by trying to be wide awake for as many of the 24 hours as is humanly possible. She started at 2am, apparently, which is, spookily, the time she was born. There is a tea party on the weekend. I asked if any of her little friends were invited and he said No! they had learned their lesson about parties for babies, and it would just be grown-ups.
128BekkaJo
Happy International Women's Day to you too! I started it up to my elbows in hairspray and facepaint (costumes for postponed World Book Day). Not feeling fabulously empowered.
129katiekrug
I've been to a few babies' parties with lots of babies, and it's awful. TBH, I've never seen the point of parties for babies, even if it's for adults. The kid isn't going to remember it. I mean, if you want to have family over, great. But some people here make it a huge deal with themed decorations and all the trimmings, and I just don't get it.
*shaking my curmudgeonly head*
*shaking my curmudgeonly head*
130susanj67
>128 BekkaJo: Bekka, lol, that doesn't sound very empowered :-) I hope the kids had fun though.
131susanj67
>129 katiekrug: Katie, I haven't been to many, but I think at 1 there probably isn't much point. I think FOR and his wife are just having family over to mark the day. They had a dinosaur party for his three-year-old a couple of weeks ago, which seemed to go OK but I suppose the kids can do a bit more by then. There was a dinosaur cake, anyway, and other dino-themed fun. And a giant helium "3" balloon that was taller than his little boy :-)
132katiekrug
Oh, yes, I get it once the kids are old enough to actually be interacting with adults and other children.
I am spending International Women's Day working to make other people look good and be successful in their jobs, which seems sadly about right...
I am spending International Women's Day working to make other people look good and be successful in their jobs, which seems sadly about right...
133Crazymamie
AH! Baby's first birthday! We always just had family over, and mainly because they insisted on coming. Heh. We gave each child the same thing for their first birthday - just one present and it was the Fisher Price farm. They each have a slightly different version (because Fisher Price kept changing them), and they all still have them.
Happy Thursday, Susan!
Happy Thursday, Susan!
134susanj67
>132 katiekrug: Katie, yes, I am spending my day in a similar manner. And I just got an email about a new committee of 15 people which has just three women on it. #IWDFail
>133 Crazymamie: Mamie, what a lovely idea for a gift :-) It's so sweet that they all still have them, too. There is apparently a lot of baking going on at FOR's house, and he has been co-opted into taste testing. Gee, if only they lived closer...
>133 Crazymamie: Mamie, what a lovely idea for a gift :-) It's so sweet that they all still have them, too. There is apparently a lot of baking going on at FOR's house, and he has been co-opted into taste testing. Gee, if only they lived closer...
135ChelleBearss
We always have a small family party for the 1st birthday and it's usually our girls first bite of cake :) (E was snuck some early at Nate's birthday this week and she didn't care for it :)
136susanj67
>135 ChelleBearss: Chelle, I just assumed kids liked cake from the very first time they got their hands on it!
Random Young People keep smiling at me. I think they are the new trainees, who changed departments over the weekend. I gave a talk as part of their induction programme, so I hope that's who they are, because otherwise why are they smiling? Most unnerving.
Random Young People keep smiling at me. I think they are the new trainees, who changed departments over the weekend. I gave a talk as part of their induction programme, so I hope that's who they are, because otherwise why are they smiling? Most unnerving.
137Crazymamie
>136 susanj67: This post made me laugh out loud!
138BLBera
>136 susanj67: Hah.
139RebaRelishesReading
International Women's Day -- I had no idea!
140Helenliz
>136 susanj67: lovely!
On international Women's day, I'd like to share this article. Richard Herring spends the day on Twitter replying to all the small minded numpties asking when international men's day is. 19November for the curious.
Noble effort, sir.
https://www.thepoke.co.uk/2018/03/08/richard-herring-correcting-men-no-male-inte...
On international Women's day, I'd like to share this article. Richard Herring spends the day on Twitter replying to all the small minded numpties asking when international men's day is. 19November for the curious.
Noble effort, sir.
https://www.thepoke.co.uk/2018/03/08/richard-herring-correcting-men-no-male-inte...
141Familyhistorian
Happy International Woman's Day, Susan. Young people smiling at you is better than frowning I supposed. I loved all the drama of the snow up thread. There is almost as much drama when it snows here and it did this February just after I had seen the first daffodils and crocuses. Happily most of the snow has disappeared now.
142charl08
>136 susanj67: Hope they don't have a Cunning Plan, Susan...
(I'm sure it's just you were the one that ran the v. good session that didn't send them to sleep or put the mighty fear into them...)
>140 Helenliz: Can't believe how much cash he managed to raise for women's refuge this way - brilliant.
Snow has all but entirely melted away. That was quick!
(I'm sure it's just you were the one that ran the v. good session that didn't send them to sleep or put the mighty fear into them...)
>140 Helenliz: Can't believe how much cash he managed to raise for women's refuge this way - brilliant.
Snow has all but entirely melted away. That was quick!
143susanj67
>137 Crazymamie: Mamie, I'll be on the lookout for more smiling today...
>138 BLBera: Hi Beth! Do you get the same thing with a new intake of students - all eager to please?
>139 RebaRelishesReading: Reba, yup, it's quite a thing here anyway :-)
>140 Helenliz: Helen, ha! Although I would be tempted to say that every day is men's day...
>141 Familyhistorian: Hi Meg! Yes, the UK does manage to turn snow into quite a drama :-) Well, the southern UK. They're used to it up in Scotland.
>142 charl08: Charlotte, I think they're busy trying to impress everyone, until they work out who is worth focusing on. That list will not include me. But I did want to pat myself down to make sure that e.g. my hair wasn't in curlers (although I have never used a curler so I'm not sure how it could be) and I had my face on straight. Good to hear your snow has melted, just in time for the weekend :-)
28. Exposure by Helen Dunmore
Ooh, this is excellent :-) Thanks to Anne for a great recommendation! It's set in 1960 in London, and it's about Russian spies (strangely topical this week in the UK). I can't really say much more, but I loved the writing and the characters and I'm left wondering why I haven't read any other books by Helen Dunmore. I had to bookhorn this one in because it's a library ebook that I had reserved, but I'll look out for more.
>138 BLBera: Hi Beth! Do you get the same thing with a new intake of students - all eager to please?
>139 RebaRelishesReading: Reba, yup, it's quite a thing here anyway :-)
>140 Helenliz: Helen, ha! Although I would be tempted to say that every day is men's day...
>141 Familyhistorian: Hi Meg! Yes, the UK does manage to turn snow into quite a drama :-) Well, the southern UK. They're used to it up in Scotland.
>142 charl08: Charlotte, I think they're busy trying to impress everyone, until they work out who is worth focusing on. That list will not include me. But I did want to pat myself down to make sure that e.g. my hair wasn't in curlers (although I have never used a curler so I'm not sure how it could be) and I had my face on straight. Good to hear your snow has melted, just in time for the weekend :-)
28. Exposure by Helen Dunmore
Ooh, this is excellent :-) Thanks to Anne for a great recommendation! It's set in 1960 in London, and it's about Russian spies (strangely topical this week in the UK). I can't really say much more, but I loved the writing and the characters and I'm left wondering why I haven't read any other books by Helen Dunmore. I had to bookhorn this one in because it's a library ebook that I had reserved, but I'll look out for more.
144BLBera
Yes, Susan, the first couple of weeks are generally the honeymoon. After that -- all bets are off.
Ooh. I have this one from the library. Another great recommendation for Exposure. I hope to get to it soon.
Ooh. I have this one from the library. Another great recommendation for Exposure. I hope to get to it soon.
145RebaRelishesReading
>143 susanj67: I just had my head in the sand. When I watched the news last night, Women's Day activities were a huge feature.
147susanj67
>144 BLBera: Beth, I'd move it up your list :-)
>145 RebaRelishesReading: Reba, there seemed to be even more than last year, which was good to see.
>146 charl08: Charlotte, ha! It would, though, be unusual for me to read something proper that you hadn't already got to :-)
Today must be 15C warmer than last Saturday. I went out in a short-sleeved t-shirt and my lightest puffa and I was still too hot. Nuts! I walked up into the City, as the Superdrug website promised a branch in Paternoster Square that was open on the weekends (a lot of shops in the City are closed on the weekends). And there is! And it was gorgeous. I bought fairly dull bits and pieces, but I did find a great eyeliner, so I'll give that a try tomorrow.
Today I'm wear-testing the new Makeup Revolution foundation, https://www.tambeauty.com/en/Makeup-Revolution-Fast-Base-Stick-Foundation---F3/m... which isn't going that well. I'm going to try it again tomorrow with a different moisturiser and maybe no primer, because it isn't sitting very well on my skin. I can, however, report that their Conceal and Define concealers are *awesome*. https://www.tambeauty.com/en/Makeup-Revolution-Conceal-and-Define-Concealer---C3... They're supposed to be a dupe for the Tarte Shape Tape, which I have never tried because it's £22 OMG but the vloggers who *have* tried the Tarte version say that Conceal and Define is just as good, and I have found it excellent.
I started Reservoir 13 last night, and I want to finish it today as I can't renew it and I'm trying to get things back to the library if they're due back while I'm off. It's got a very different style, but I don't NOT like it. Mind you, I have only read two chapters. Then some more of the suffrage book, which is just OK, but which I know I should read.
>145 RebaRelishesReading: Reba, there seemed to be even more than last year, which was good to see.
>146 charl08: Charlotte, ha! It would, though, be unusual for me to read something proper that you hadn't already got to :-)
Today must be 15C warmer than last Saturday. I went out in a short-sleeved t-shirt and my lightest puffa and I was still too hot. Nuts! I walked up into the City, as the Superdrug website promised a branch in Paternoster Square that was open on the weekends (a lot of shops in the City are closed on the weekends). And there is! And it was gorgeous. I bought fairly dull bits and pieces, but I did find a great eyeliner, so I'll give that a try tomorrow.
Today I'm wear-testing the new Makeup Revolution foundation, https://www.tambeauty.com/en/Makeup-Revolution-Fast-Base-Stick-Foundation---F3/m... which isn't going that well. I'm going to try it again tomorrow with a different moisturiser and maybe no primer, because it isn't sitting very well on my skin. I can, however, report that their Conceal and Define concealers are *awesome*. https://www.tambeauty.com/en/Makeup-Revolution-Conceal-and-Define-Concealer---C3... They're supposed to be a dupe for the Tarte Shape Tape, which I have never tried because it's £22 OMG but the vloggers who *have* tried the Tarte version say that Conceal and Define is just as good, and I have found it excellent.
I started Reservoir 13 last night, and I want to finish it today as I can't renew it and I'm trying to get things back to the library if they're due back while I'm off. It's got a very different style, but I don't NOT like it. Mind you, I have only read two chapters. Then some more of the suffrage book, which is just OK, but which I know I should read.
148susanj67
Ooh, I just watched the second episode of Civilisations (very good), but I noticed when I was searching for it on the iPlayer that they also have the original Civilisation series from 1969. How did I not know about this? I've watched the first one. It's called Civilisation on the basis that there is only one (European) and everyone else is described as barbarians. Imagine if someone tried that today. Anyway, I adore the very British accent of the presenter, and the fact that he's always wearing a suit, wherever he is. And a very natty overcoat occasionally. It's interesting to compare the script and presenting style with modern documentaries. It's much more involved and academic than the sound bite-y presentations today, and he expresses Opinions, which again are not encouraged these days.
149BLBera
Are you going to finish Reservoir 13 or ditch it?
I hope to get to Exposure soon; I have a bit of a library book problem right now.
Have a great weekend.
I hope to get to Exposure soon; I have a bit of a library book problem right now.
Have a great weekend.
150katiekrug
Have a great weekend, Susan. I'll be at Heathrow Tuesday morning, so if you feel a disturbance in the Force, it's just me :)
151susanj67
>149 BLBera: Beth, I plan to finish it. Were people ditching it when you all read it for the Booker? I hope your weekend is a good one too :-)
>150 katiekrug: Katie, I have been keeping an eye on the weather forecast as I knew you were coming, and at this point there is no meteorological drama forecast, so everything should be fine. I hope your layover isn't too long.
So far I haven't read a thing all day. Very poor. Must do better.
>150 katiekrug: Katie, I have been keeping an eye on the weather forecast as I knew you were coming, and at this point there is no meteorological drama forecast, so everything should be fine. I hope your layover isn't too long.
So far I haven't read a thing all day. Very poor. Must do better.
153susanj67
>152 katiekrug: Katie, that's not too bad I suppose. There may be more security around after the attempted assassination of the Russian spy and his daughter in Salisbury last weekend, but it's a bit late now in my opinion. However, if there is extra hassle, that will be why.
29. Reservoir 13 by Jon McGregor
I read about this in an article in the Guardian about the popularity of books involving villages and village life, and the slightly sinister element in a lot of modern writing about them. I put it on hold at the elibrary, but then saw it on the shelf in hard copy at the library, which was like a sign that I should get it immediately. The author's style is unusual, but it fits what he's trying to do in the book, which is to show that life goes on even when newsworthy events intervene. There are lots of characters, and I did have a bit of trouble keeping track of them all, but I wondered whether even that was intentional - to show that even though people are so wrapped up in their own lives, in the end we're all just here for a short time, and no-one else is really that interested in us. But I could perhaps just not have paid enough attention :-) I must find more by this author.
29. Reservoir 13 by Jon McGregor
I read about this in an article in the Guardian about the popularity of books involving villages and village life, and the slightly sinister element in a lot of modern writing about them. I put it on hold at the elibrary, but then saw it on the shelf in hard copy at the library, which was like a sign that I should get it immediately. The author's style is unusual, but it fits what he's trying to do in the book, which is to show that life goes on even when newsworthy events intervene. There are lots of characters, and I did have a bit of trouble keeping track of them all, but I wondered whether even that was intentional - to show that even though people are so wrapped up in their own lives, in the end we're all just here for a short time, and no-one else is really that interested in us. But I could perhaps just not have paid enough attention :-) I must find more by this author.
154susanj67
Today's goal is some solid progress on Hearts and Minds, which is growing on me. The first couple of chapters don't seem to follow any timeline, which is why I didn't love it from the outset. But I'm getting into it now.
I've decided to stay at home and potter, which means that I can try the Omorovicza balancing moisturiser which was in my beauty box for March: https://www.lookfantastic.com/omorovicza-balancing-moisturiser-50ml/10997774.htm.... It's a lovely 30ml sample in a frosted glass bottle with a pump - far and away the fanciest thing I've received so far. And, on the basis that 50ml retails for £85, the sample is worth £51. WIN!
Other things in the box were:
A Skimono foot mask, which I'm looking forward to trying when it's warmer and I can do it outside on the balcony with a bowl of water: https://www.lookfantastic.com/skimono-beauty-foot-mask-for-total-conditioning-16... (£9.99)
A 30ml sixe of the Renu Flash Relax Mask: https://www.lookfantastic.com/renu-flash-relax-mask-100ml/10949732.html (about £10.50 based on the full size price)
A Skin Chemists Rose Quartz Youth Defiance Lip Plump https://www.lookfantastic.com/skinchemists-rose-quartz-youth-defence-lip-plump-8... (I am sure that this doesn't actually retail for the price listed here. There are quite a few on ebay for about £20, no doubt all from the beauty box :-) )
Two little Doucce eyeshadows, which are meant to go into one of their magnetic palettes. But they also cling nicely to the base of a make-up mirror :-) These apparently retail for $10 each. https://www.doucce.com/product/eyes/freematic-eyeshadow-mono/ My shades were a bronzey-brown and a golden-bronze, and they're lovely.
A STYLondon foundation brush, which doesn't seem to appear on their website, but there are quite a few on ebay :-) It's about the size of a toothbrush: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-StyLondon-Sty-London-Oval-Face-Brush-Soft-Bristle...
I think this may be the best month so far, although I'm slightly terrified of the lip plump.
I've decided to stay at home and potter, which means that I can try the Omorovicza balancing moisturiser which was in my beauty box for March: https://www.lookfantastic.com/omorovicza-balancing-moisturiser-50ml/10997774.htm.... It's a lovely 30ml sample in a frosted glass bottle with a pump - far and away the fanciest thing I've received so far. And, on the basis that 50ml retails for £85, the sample is worth £51. WIN!
Other things in the box were:
A Skimono foot mask, which I'm looking forward to trying when it's warmer and I can do it outside on the balcony with a bowl of water: https://www.lookfantastic.com/skimono-beauty-foot-mask-for-total-conditioning-16... (£9.99)
A 30ml sixe of the Renu Flash Relax Mask: https://www.lookfantastic.com/renu-flash-relax-mask-100ml/10949732.html (about £10.50 based on the full size price)
A Skin Chemists Rose Quartz Youth Defiance Lip Plump https://www.lookfantastic.com/skinchemists-rose-quartz-youth-defence-lip-plump-8... (I am sure that this doesn't actually retail for the price listed here. There are quite a few on ebay for about £20, no doubt all from the beauty box :-) )
Two little Doucce eyeshadows, which are meant to go into one of their magnetic palettes. But they also cling nicely to the base of a make-up mirror :-) These apparently retail for $10 each. https://www.doucce.com/product/eyes/freematic-eyeshadow-mono/ My shades were a bronzey-brown and a golden-bronze, and they're lovely.
A STYLondon foundation brush, which doesn't seem to appear on their website, but there are quite a few on ebay :-) It's about the size of a toothbrush: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-StyLondon-Sty-London-Oval-Face-Brush-Soft-Bristle...
I think this may be the best month so far, although I'm slightly terrified of the lip plump.
155charl08
How much?! Wow. I like the idea of magnetic make-up. Never lose anything again!
I was going to read and swim today (not at the same time) but looking at the garden and wondering if I am tempting fate (or snow) by trying to tidy it up a bit. Surprisingly mild!
I was going to read and swim today (not at the same time) but looking at the garden and wondering if I am tempting fate (or snow) by trying to tidy it up a bit. Surprisingly mild!
156BLBera
>153 susanj67: It sounds like you liked the book in the end, Susan. Great comments. They make me want to pick it up right away!
157susanj67
>155 charl08: Charlotte, I know! Crazy prices. I do wonder who buys this stuff, because it can't just be lottery winners. There are some good magnetic palettes around, some of which just have one large magnetic space rather than dividers, so you can put different-sized products inside.
>156 BLBera: Beth, yes, I did. He has an unusual style, but it really works.
I just took a couple of books back to the library and picked up the new Ruth Galloway! Yay! I know that a few of y'all got this as an ARC but I managed to keep a lid on my extreme jealousy. This is a brand new hardback. Swoon.
30. Hearts and Minds: The Untold Story of the Great Pilgrimage and How Women Won the Vote by Jane Robinson
This is one of the books written for the centenary of votes for (some) women in the UK. Women in New Zealand had already had the vote for 25 years, and I am now interested to read some more about how they did it. But *anyway*, this was excellent. I felt a bit confused by the first couple of chapters, but I'm going to blame that on my poor concentration rather than the author, because once I got into it it was very easy to follow, although it does jump back and forth in time.
"Votes for Women" was the slogan of the suffragettes, who are probably the women best remembered for the campaign. However, this book is about the suffragists - women (and men) who campaigned, but non-violently. Had I been around then, I would have been a suffragist, because I have never liked the violence of the suffragettes (if I'm honest, with my paranoia about post going missing, I am horrified that they blew up post boxes).
At the time, there was a lot of confusion in the minds of the public at large between the 'gettes and the 'gists, and the 'gists found themselves disapproved of because of what the 'gettes were doing. The Great Pilgrimage was an attempt to stop that, and show the country that the 'gists were non-violent, and making a good point. Six routes converged on London for a rally, and women came from all over the country. The author looks at the experience of the marchers, and it's fascinating. Very highly recommended for lovers of social (or political) history. This would also fit the "micro-history" category of the PopSugar challenge.
>156 BLBera: Beth, yes, I did. He has an unusual style, but it really works.
I just took a couple of books back to the library and picked up the new Ruth Galloway! Yay! I know that a few of y'all got this as an ARC but I managed to keep a lid on my extreme jealousy. This is a brand new hardback. Swoon.
30. Hearts and Minds: The Untold Story of the Great Pilgrimage and How Women Won the Vote by Jane Robinson
This is one of the books written for the centenary of votes for (some) women in the UK. Women in New Zealand had already had the vote for 25 years, and I am now interested to read some more about how they did it. But *anyway*, this was excellent. I felt a bit confused by the first couple of chapters, but I'm going to blame that on my poor concentration rather than the author, because once I got into it it was very easy to follow, although it does jump back and forth in time.
"Votes for Women" was the slogan of the suffragettes, who are probably the women best remembered for the campaign. However, this book is about the suffragists - women (and men) who campaigned, but non-violently. Had I been around then, I would have been a suffragist, because I have never liked the violence of the suffragettes (if I'm honest, with my paranoia about post going missing, I am horrified that they blew up post boxes).
At the time, there was a lot of confusion in the minds of the public at large between the 'gettes and the 'gists, and the 'gists found themselves disapproved of because of what the 'gettes were doing. The Great Pilgrimage was an attempt to stop that, and show the country that the 'gists were non-violent, and making a good point. Six routes converged on London for a rally, and women came from all over the country. The author looks at the experience of the marchers, and it's fascinating. Very highly recommended for lovers of social (or political) history. This would also fit the "micro-history" category of the PopSugar challenge.
158susanj67
Here's a good article about five books to help us understand the future: https://www.theguardian.com/books/2018/mar/12/further-reading-michio-kaku-books-...
159ChelleBearss
>158 susanj67: That's an interesting article. Technology has come so far in my lifetime and I can't even imagine where it will go during my kids lifetimes.
160charl08
>157 susanj67: I've booked to hear her speak in Preston, so hoping that I can crack on with her book (and indeed, like it) before the event, otherwise it might be a bit embarrassing.
Are we still on for the event at the Museum of London, or has the surgical affair interfered?
Are we still on for the event at the Museum of London, or has the surgical affair interfered?
161susanj67
>159 ChelleBearss: Chelle, I can't even imagine!
>160 charl08: Charlotte, I hope we are still on, but it depends how hacked about I am and whether I'm in a fit state to go out. I'll have to PM you after the surgery - sorry to be vague.
I have reserved the book by the author of that Guardian article. I couldn't help myself. But currently I'm down to three hard copy library books and The Power, which came in as an ebook over the weekend. I'm going to save it for next Thursday when I'll be doing a lot of sitting around, unless anyone tells me it's too gory/violent/depressing and I should maybe read romance instead.
>160 charl08: Charlotte, I hope we are still on, but it depends how hacked about I am and whether I'm in a fit state to go out. I'll have to PM you after the surgery - sorry to be vague.
I have reserved the book by the author of that Guardian article. I couldn't help myself. But currently I'm down to three hard copy library books and The Power, which came in as an ebook over the weekend. I'm going to save it for next Thursday when I'll be doing a lot of sitting around, unless anyone tells me it's too gory/violent/depressing and I should maybe read romance instead.
162charl08
>161 susanj67: No worries Susan - whatever suits you, really. I think you have a get out of jail pass.
Three library books? Wow. I am in awe. I'm down to 17 again if I can finish Killers of the Flower Moon.
(Baby steps!!)
Three library books? Wow. I am in awe. I'm down to 17 again if I can finish Killers of the Flower Moon.
(Baby steps!!)
163BLBera
The new Ruth book? I am so jealous. It's not out here until May. That's it - I must move to England.
164susanj67
>162 charl08: Charlotte, it's hardly jail! I want to come! I don't know yet, though, how long I have to keep my face dry for (which means no showers or hair-washing. Ewww) I love your baby-steps :-)
>163 BLBera: Beth, I didn't think it was out here yet, and planned to reserve it from "Ordered" status, which they give to books in the catalogue that they don't actually have. But then I saw it was available all over the place, so it's not my fault...
I nearly finished Twenty Thousand Streets last night (reluctantly, because I want MORE of it). I thought I should go to bed because I had to be up early this morning for a call at 8 in the office, but I should have just finished it, because I barely slept. Only coffee and sugar will keep me going. Also, there is no sign of the other people for this call, which is vexing.
>163 BLBera: Beth, I didn't think it was out here yet, and planned to reserve it from "Ordered" status, which they give to books in the catalogue that they don't actually have. But then I saw it was available all over the place, so it's not my fault...
I nearly finished Twenty Thousand Streets last night (reluctantly, because I want MORE of it). I thought I should go to bed because I had to be up early this morning for a call at 8 in the office, but I should have just finished it, because I barely slept. Only coffee and sugar will keep me going. Also, there is no sign of the other people for this call, which is vexing.
165Crazymamie
I love the Beauty Box Report, Susan! And I am delighted that Charlotte currently has 17 library books out.
I am also jealous of the new Ruth. *envy eyes*
I eagerly await your thoughts on Twenty Thousand Streets - is this a book or a tv show?
I am also jealous of the new Ruth. *envy eyes*
I eagerly await your thoughts on Twenty Thousand Streets - is this a book or a tv show?
166RebaRelishesReading
I hope you make it through the day ok. It happens too often that one doesn't sleep soundly the night before one needs to get up early. Such a pain!!
167susanj67
>165 Crazymamie: Hi Mamie! I'm glad the beauty box entertained you :-) Twenty Thousand Streets Under the Sky is a book, and it's superb. I'll finish it tonight. It was also a TV show on the BBC a while ago, so it might come up on one of the Netflix/Prime etc platforms.
>166 RebaRelishesReading: Thanks Reba. I had to give a talk at lunchtime, too, but the day is nearly over now.
Just before lunch I got an email from the second of next week's hospitals, with many attachments about my admission. Scanning them, I saw that I had to have a MRSA screening, at least five days before my visit. Yikes (also yikes that I have received nothing from the first hospital). I thought I'd better get it out of the way, so I nipped over on the tube (fortunately the second hospital is nearby). What a palaver! But it's done now, no thanks to the girl at registration who had apparently never heard of my surgeon, so left that field blank because she couldn't find him on the computer. "This means the result won't go anywhere," said the nurse, tutting, as she went back to sort it out. But on the way out I saw a VIP making his way through the door, with a walking stick. I stepped to one side of the narrow corridor to let him pass, being careful not to look directly at him, and his close protection officer said "Thank you". Aah. Always good when you're on the same side as the people with the guns.
I've just filled in all the admission forms online, so I hope they can use the same information at the first hospital as they are owned by the same company. At this rate, the paperwork will take longer than the procedures.
>166 RebaRelishesReading: Thanks Reba. I had to give a talk at lunchtime, too, but the day is nearly over now.
Just before lunch I got an email from the second of next week's hospitals, with many attachments about my admission. Scanning them, I saw that I had to have a MRSA screening, at least five days before my visit. Yikes (also yikes that I have received nothing from the first hospital). I thought I'd better get it out of the way, so I nipped over on the tube (fortunately the second hospital is nearby). What a palaver! But it's done now, no thanks to the girl at registration who had apparently never heard of my surgeon, so left that field blank because she couldn't find him on the computer. "This means the result won't go anywhere," said the nurse, tutting, as she went back to sort it out. But on the way out I saw a VIP making his way through the door, with a walking stick. I stepped to one side of the narrow corridor to let him pass, being careful not to look directly at him, and his close protection officer said "Thank you". Aah. Always good when you're on the same side as the people with the guns.
I've just filled in all the admission forms online, so I hope they can use the same information at the first hospital as they are owned by the same company. At this rate, the paperwork will take longer than the procedures.
168BekkaJo
Ooof - forms are the pits aren't they! I remember going in to have my gall bladder out a few years ago, really minor at the end of the day and no real issues expected. Arrived at hospital, sat down, was presented with a portfolio's worth of forms and information. Despite a 'pre-visit' several days earlier at which I'd already authorised them to slice and dice if necessary!
Anyway, I lose track of what I'm trying to say (it's been a bloody long day already) but I suspect what I'm trying to get at is that, yes, I'd fully expect the paperwork to take longer.
That said, many hugs!
Anyway, I lose track of what I'm trying to say (it's been a bloody long day already) but I suspect what I'm trying to get at is that, yes, I'd fully expect the paperwork to take longer.
That said, many hugs!
169charl08
Who was it? Who?! (enjoying the not knowing)
>164 susanj67: Let me know when you know. No pressure.
Who?
>164 susanj67: Let me know when you know. No pressure.
Who?
170susanj67
>168 BekkaJo: Bekka, yes, it is annoying, particularly as I've been a patient at this hospital group (HCA) on and off for years. They already have all my information on the system, but putting in my patient number didn't magically fill in any boxes. I'll be very cross if I have to do it all again when I get there. Thanks for the hugs :-)
>169 charl08: Charlotte, it was a politician. So not a glamorous person, but still...
31. Twenty Thousand Streets Under The Sky by Patrick Hamilton
This was originally published as three separate books, but I will be good and only count it as one. Set in London in the 1930s, it's the interconnecting stories of three people - Bob, a waiter at The Midnight Bell pub, Ella, the barmaid and Jenny a prostitute. Ella is obsessed with Bob, Bob is obsessed with Jenny and Jenny is obsessed only with herself. I absolutely LOVED it, particularly Ella's story, which is the last one. I'm so glad I finally found a nice clean copy, and I want to read this author's other work.
>169 charl08: Charlotte, it was a politician. So not a glamorous person, but still...
31. Twenty Thousand Streets Under The Sky by Patrick Hamilton
This was originally published as three separate books, but I will be good and only count it as one. Set in London in the 1930s, it's the interconnecting stories of three people - Bob, a waiter at The Midnight Bell pub, Ella, the barmaid and Jenny a prostitute. Ella is obsessed with Bob, Bob is obsessed with Jenny and Jenny is obsessed only with herself. I absolutely LOVED it, particularly Ella's story, which is the last one. I'm so glad I finally found a nice clean copy, and I want to read this author's other work.
171thornton37814
>170 susanj67: Always nice to find an author you enjoy.
172Crazymamie
>170 susanj67: You hit me with that one, Susan. Adding it to The List.
Ugh to the paperwork involved with medical procedures. We went through all of that when Daniel broke his ankle and needed surgery, then again just a year later when he broke his collarbone and needed surgery. You would think they would have all the info in the system since it had only been a year and he was using the exact same surgeon. We had to do it all over again even though nothing had changed but the insurance. Of course, when we got the bill, they had changed everything but the insurance. Completely nutty - I had to call about it and get it corrected.
Ugh to the paperwork involved with medical procedures. We went through all of that when Daniel broke his ankle and needed surgery, then again just a year later when he broke his collarbone and needed surgery. You would think they would have all the info in the system since it had only been a year and he was using the exact same surgeon. We had to do it all over again even though nothing had changed but the insurance. Of course, when we got the bill, they had changed everything but the insurance. Completely nutty - I had to call about it and get it corrected.
173susanj67
>171 thornton37814: Lori, isn't it?! I borrowed another one of his at lunchtime.
>172 Crazymamie: Mamie, yes, you would think that more information would be kept, particularly as we are forever being told that governments and big business knows EVERYTHING about us. Sometimes I just wish they actually did, because it would cut down the number of forms. I think yesterday involved a lot of paperwork because I'm a surgical day case for the reconstructive surgery, but only an outpatient for the Mohs procedure. Or the other hospital is just very behind with its paperwork. Still, the MRSA screening will work for both if I need it. Weirdly, the form said I could have it up to six weeks before my admission, so I don't know what they do if you catch it in between.
I returned Twenty Thousands Streets to the library at lunchtime, and wasn't intending to borrow anything else, but somehow I got Patrick Hamilton's Hangover Square and a Walter Scott nominee, The Clocks in This House All Tell Different Times. It might be too weird for me, but I'll give it a go. Oh, I see it has a Fantasy/Sci-Fi spine label on it. Hmmm. The bus was stuck in traffic last night, so I started The Power. I hope it gets a lot better really soon or I'm giving up on it.
>172 Crazymamie: Mamie, yes, you would think that more information would be kept, particularly as we are forever being told that governments and big business knows EVERYTHING about us. Sometimes I just wish they actually did, because it would cut down the number of forms. I think yesterday involved a lot of paperwork because I'm a surgical day case for the reconstructive surgery, but only an outpatient for the Mohs procedure. Or the other hospital is just very behind with its paperwork. Still, the MRSA screening will work for both if I need it. Weirdly, the form said I could have it up to six weeks before my admission, so I don't know what they do if you catch it in between.
I returned Twenty Thousands Streets to the library at lunchtime, and wasn't intending to borrow anything else, but somehow I got Patrick Hamilton's Hangover Square and a Walter Scott nominee, The Clocks in This House All Tell Different Times. It might be too weird for me, but I'll give it a go. Oh, I see it has a Fantasy/Sci-Fi spine label on it. Hmmm. The bus was stuck in traffic last night, so I started The Power. I hope it gets a lot better really soon or I'm giving up on it.
174BLBera
>170 susanj67: This sounds really good, Susan.
175RebaRelishesReading
You definitely are a BB machine when I'm concerned. I already have Twelve Mile Straight on my list for Powell's and now 20000 Streets (that's a lot of miles and streets!!). I also have A Book of American Martyrs at the top of Mt. TBR grinning over at me. I'm sure I will enjoy them all, however.
Sorry about your logistical problems with your surgeries. One thing (of many) that I love about the group we belong to is that all of our medical records since we joined (almost 30 years ago) are in the computer and all we ever have to do is provide our membership number and any practitioner in the system has our entire medical history in front of them (using the new gender-neutral "singular" pronoun).
Sorry about your logistical problems with your surgeries. One thing (of many) that I love about the group we belong to is that all of our medical records since we joined (almost 30 years ago) are in the computer and all we ever have to do is provide our membership number and any practitioner in the system has our entire medical history in front of them (using the new gender-neutral "singular" pronoun).
176susanj67
>174 BLBera: Beth, it is :-) I had a bit of a break between the first and second books just because I didn't want to finish it and then not have it to read any more.
>175 RebaRelishesReading: Reba, if only I was on commission! I dream of joined-up medical records. The doctors seem to be OK, but the hospitals, not so much. The NHS has a grand plan to digitise everyone's health records so that they are instantly available to every medical person, anywhere in the country, although the plan has run into problems from privacy campaigners and technological ineptitude. I'd have thought the private sector would be ahead of the game, but no.
The roomie and I have run out of steam this afternoon so we took a look at the latest offerings from Uniqlo. I am definitely NOT allowed to get this:
https://www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/product/women-studio-sanderson-for-uniqlo-graphic-t...
"It's a Sanderson print," I explained. "It's *meant* to look like curtains". But still no, although I think that under a plain navy cardigan, so there wasn't as much...pattern, it could work.
However this got the seal of approval:
https://www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/product/hokusai-blue-short-sleeve-graphic-t-shirt-4...
And so did this:
https://www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/product/women-sprz-ny-dry-ex-printed-short-sleeve-t...
But that last one is from their sports range, so maybe not.
>175 RebaRelishesReading: Reba, if only I was on commission! I dream of joined-up medical records. The doctors seem to be OK, but the hospitals, not so much. The NHS has a grand plan to digitise everyone's health records so that they are instantly available to every medical person, anywhere in the country, although the plan has run into problems from privacy campaigners and technological ineptitude. I'd have thought the private sector would be ahead of the game, but no.
The roomie and I have run out of steam this afternoon so we took a look at the latest offerings from Uniqlo. I am definitely NOT allowed to get this:
https://www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/product/women-studio-sanderson-for-uniqlo-graphic-t...
"It's a Sanderson print," I explained. "It's *meant* to look like curtains". But still no, although I think that under a plain navy cardigan, so there wasn't as much...pattern, it could work.
However this got the seal of approval:
https://www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/product/hokusai-blue-short-sleeve-graphic-t-shirt-4...
And so did this:
https://www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/product/women-sprz-ny-dry-ex-printed-short-sleeve-t...
But that last one is from their sports range, so maybe not.
177susanj67
Aaaarrgggh - hospital rant coming up - feel free to skim.
I just got an email asking me to call the pre-assessment nurse at the hospital where I'm having the plastic surgery. She said I was having surgery very late to be discharged the same day and they might want to keep me overnight. I said my insurance company wouldn't pay for overnight. She said they would if there was a medical need. But they said to *me* it wasn't a medical need just because you have late surgery when, if you'd had it at 10am, you could have gone home. Nevertheless, bring night things. She should have added "and your credit card", because last time I had to stay overnight in a private hospital which the insurance wouldn't pay for, it was £800. And that was ten years ago. And just for the room.
Then "How was I getting home?" I said a cab, or the tube. She said I can't get the tube. I wanted to ask how they would stop me, but managed not to.
Then would there be someone at home, as I had written "no-one" in response to that question on the form. Well, no. She said that even the NHS doesn't like discharging people to homes with no-one. I did manage not to laugh out loud and refer to one of the many stories in the papers about pensioners with dementia sent home to cold houses at 2am in a taxi. Well, I said, there will never be someone at home, so if that's going to be a requirement we should just cancel the entire procedure right now.
Perhaps seeing Money Leaving the Company she moved on to fasting. What had the plastic surgeon told me? I said nothing, as I have had no information from them. However, the admission pack from the hospital said two hours for a local. She said it might turn out to be sedation, or a general. I asked how long in that case and she said six hours. She could contact the plastic surgeon...I said I would just do the six hours. It's six for food and two for water. I don't expect I'll be that hungry after the morning procedure anyway. But now I remember the insurers saying that they wouldn't pay for a general, or maybe not with the procedure code that I have, so I'll have to call them.
I really, really object to a tick-box exercise being turned into "We have your well-being at heart." No, they don't. They just need to tick their boxes on the form. They could at least be honest about it. Heaps of Londoners live on their own. Assuming that people are being picked up in nice cars and going home to houses full of people who will stay up all night looking after them is just ridiculous.
Aaarrrgh. I'm tempted to just pull the plug and continue as normal. The internet says I shouldn't do that, but all the pages are written by doctors...
I just got an email asking me to call the pre-assessment nurse at the hospital where I'm having the plastic surgery. She said I was having surgery very late to be discharged the same day and they might want to keep me overnight. I said my insurance company wouldn't pay for overnight. She said they would if there was a medical need. But they said to *me* it wasn't a medical need just because you have late surgery when, if you'd had it at 10am, you could have gone home. Nevertheless, bring night things. She should have added "and your credit card", because last time I had to stay overnight in a private hospital which the insurance wouldn't pay for, it was £800. And that was ten years ago. And just for the room.
Then "How was I getting home?" I said a cab, or the tube. She said I can't get the tube. I wanted to ask how they would stop me, but managed not to.
Then would there be someone at home, as I had written "no-one" in response to that question on the form. Well, no. She said that even the NHS doesn't like discharging people to homes with no-one. I did manage not to laugh out loud and refer to one of the many stories in the papers about pensioners with dementia sent home to cold houses at 2am in a taxi. Well, I said, there will never be someone at home, so if that's going to be a requirement we should just cancel the entire procedure right now.
Perhaps seeing Money Leaving the Company she moved on to fasting. What had the plastic surgeon told me? I said nothing, as I have had no information from them. However, the admission pack from the hospital said two hours for a local. She said it might turn out to be sedation, or a general. I asked how long in that case and she said six hours. She could contact the plastic surgeon...I said I would just do the six hours. It's six for food and two for water. I don't expect I'll be that hungry after the morning procedure anyway. But now I remember the insurers saying that they wouldn't pay for a general, or maybe not with the procedure code that I have, so I'll have to call them.
I really, really object to a tick-box exercise being turned into "We have your well-being at heart." No, they don't. They just need to tick their boxes on the form. They could at least be honest about it. Heaps of Londoners live on their own. Assuming that people are being picked up in nice cars and going home to houses full of people who will stay up all night looking after them is just ridiculous.
Aaarrrgh. I'm tempted to just pull the plug and continue as normal. The internet says I shouldn't do that, but all the pages are written by doctors...
178Crazymamie
Susan, I completely understand your frustration. That nurse handled everything so poorly. And really, they do need to work with your insurance because you cannot be expected to pay gratuitous sums out of pocket. But DO NOT pull the plug. We love you and need you to take very good care of yourself despite the fact that the world is full of idiots. That is all.
179BekkaJo
Very very much >178 Crazymamie:!
Frustrating, inconsiderate and down right farcical - but hopefully all over soon.
Frustrating, inconsiderate and down right farcical - but hopefully all over soon.
180ChelleBearss
Sorry to see your frustrations! I hope you will go forward with it despite that nurse's poor bedside manner!
181susanj67
>178 Crazymamie:, >179 BekkaJo:, >180 ChelleBearss: Thanks ladies. I'm feeling very down about the whole thing. I rang the insurers, who said it would be OK if the procedure code changed on the day (e.g. I needed a different anaesthetic, or more accurately an anaesthetist, which the local doesn't require) but they were cagey on the overnight stay issue. They said they would "try" to work with the hospital, but that leaves just one person paying the bill if they can't. I should just focus on the fact that I *can* pay the bill, I suppose. It's just all such an energy-sapping palaver.
182charl08
Sorry Susan. Hope it all runs smoothly and with no need for an o/n or anything other than local.
183RebaRelishesReading
>176 susanj67: That first one is right in the spirit of Duchess of Cambridge's dress at the Ambassador's residence in Sweden. lol
More seriously, so sorry about all of the hassle with the insurance and the hospital. I certainly hope they get their act together and that medical decisions are made for medical reasons. So annoying to have to deal with all of this nonsense when you should be concentrating on healing!
More seriously, so sorry about all of the hassle with the insurance and the hospital. I certainly hope they get their act together and that medical decisions are made for medical reasons. So annoying to have to deal with all of this nonsense when you should be concentrating on healing!
184Helenliz
>177 susanj67: I think that's a pretty justified rant. Hoping it all works out OK in the end.
I once got sent home for work, but they wouldn't let me go home on the train (like I arrived). I ended up having to find a friend to come and get me. How was that supposed to work then?
I once got sent home for work, but they wouldn't let me go home on the train (like I arrived). I ended up having to find a friend to come and get me. How was that supposed to work then?
185SandDune
>177 susanj67: even the NHS doesn't like discharging people to homes with no-one They certainly wouldn't discharge my mother a few years ago when she broke her arm when she had no one at home. Which proved to be something of a problem as she'd refused to tell her nearest and dearest that she was actually in hospital at all ...
186susanj67
>182 charl08: Thanks Charlotte. I have just bought a tiny toothpaste and a toothbrush, just in case. I wondered about new pyjamas, but I really don't need any (weekend job: sort out excess of pyjama items. Also, stay away from nightwear departments at Westfield). I'll get some slippers at M&S tomorrow, though.
>183 RebaRelishesReading: Reba, I will have to look up those photos! I didn't see a huge amount of coverage of that trip. But if the Duchess looks like curtains, well, it's good enough for the rest of us :-)
>184 Helenliz: Helen, yes, I just want to say to them "Meanwhile, in the real world..." I also object to the warning not to bring cash or credit cards - oh, but you can't take the tube. And to bring something to entertain yourself, - there is free wi-fi! - oh, but the lockers aren't big enough for laptops.
>185 SandDune: Rhian, it's good that they checked in your mother's case. There are some awful stories in the papers, though.
Today I am only a little bit residually cross. Yesterday I had hospital-related crossness plus lengthy conference calls (homicidal crossness), so by the time I got home I was fit only to go straight to bed. I started Man of Iron, which is about Thomas Telford. Somewhere near me there is a statue of him, but I can't remember where. I've looked at it, though. I will have to detour a bit when I walk my usual routes, and see whether I can find it again.
Our coffee machine is broken, so I had to go to the other side, where the fancy coffee is now "Blend Number One", which is described as "Carefully blended using beans from Kenya, Guatemala and Nicaragua, Blend Number One offers fresh lime acidity, honey sweetness and a gingerbread spice finish." The lime, honey and gingerbread must be there in truly minute quantities, but fancy is fancy. Except now I would quite like some gingerbread to go with it. Darn.
>183 RebaRelishesReading: Reba, I will have to look up those photos! I didn't see a huge amount of coverage of that trip. But if the Duchess looks like curtains, well, it's good enough for the rest of us :-)
>184 Helenliz: Helen, yes, I just want to say to them "Meanwhile, in the real world..." I also object to the warning not to bring cash or credit cards - oh, but you can't take the tube. And to bring something to entertain yourself, - there is free wi-fi! - oh, but the lockers aren't big enough for laptops.
>185 SandDune: Rhian, it's good that they checked in your mother's case. There are some awful stories in the papers, though.
Today I am only a little bit residually cross. Yesterday I had hospital-related crossness plus lengthy conference calls (homicidal crossness), so by the time I got home I was fit only to go straight to bed. I started Man of Iron, which is about Thomas Telford. Somewhere near me there is a statue of him, but I can't remember where. I've looked at it, though. I will have to detour a bit when I walk my usual routes, and see whether I can find it again.
Our coffee machine is broken, so I had to go to the other side, where the fancy coffee is now "Blend Number One", which is described as "Carefully blended using beans from Kenya, Guatemala and Nicaragua, Blend Number One offers fresh lime acidity, honey sweetness and a gingerbread spice finish." The lime, honey and gingerbread must be there in truly minute quantities, but fancy is fancy. Except now I would quite like some gingerbread to go with it. Darn.
187Crazymamie
I think you should get the new pyjamas, Susan. And some chocolates.
188SandDune
>186 susanj67: There are some awful stories in the papers, though. Oh yes I know. But if something goes wrong in 1 case in a 1000 it’s always the one that goes wrong that’s going to make the papers not the 999 that goes right! All three of us have had a number of treatments on the NHS over the last few years and I havn’t really had any complaints apart from a rather long wait in A&E once. I’d happily pay more tax for it to be better funded though.
189susanj67
>187 Crazymamie: Mamie, I got some mini-eggs :-)
>188 SandDune: Rhian, there's a book reviewed in the Times today - Also Human: The Inner Lives of Doctors which looks interesting.
Other interesting reads included a "Viking noir" novel, which is Kin by Snorri Kristjansson (I can't find a touchstone so here's the Amazon link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Helga-Finnsdottir-Mysteries-Snorri-Kristjansson/dp/1786... and a fictional account of the Donner Party, who were trapped in the Sierra Nevada mountains in 1846-47. That one is The Hunger by Alma Katsu. I have already reserved it :-)
There's also The Deadly Trade: The Complete History of Submarine Warfare from Archimedes to the Present - um, no, but probably a good one for military history fans, and The Death of Democracy: Hitler's Rise to Power, which is timely. (On that subject, did anyone see the first episode of series 2 of The Good Fight (on on the UK two days ago) - I love what they've done with the opening credits and all the awful Trump quotes. That strikes me as brave, particularly coming from one of the big networks).
There's also Writers and their Mothers https://www.amazon.co.uk/Writers-Their-Mothers-Dale-Salwak/dp/3319683470/ref=sr_... and Living With Leonardo, which is about "Fifty Years of Sanity and Insanity in the Art World and Beyond.
It is snowing here :-( And COLD. Not as bad as a couple of weekends ago, but still cold. I did to to Westfield briefly this morning, and my purchases included some eyelashes. I didn't get the magnetic ones, because the reviews are not good, but there are plenty of others. Quite a bewildering selection, in fact. The first brand I picked said "Real hair" so I put them back quickly. Ewwww. I got a couple of pairs from Eyelure, and I'm going to try them tomorrow. I've never tried them before, but the vloggers all love them. A girl in my university debating team once applied falsies while we were on the 922 bus going over the Auckland Harbour Bridge, and I was in awe.
>188 SandDune: Rhian, there's a book reviewed in the Times today - Also Human: The Inner Lives of Doctors which looks interesting.
Other interesting reads included a "Viking noir" novel, which is Kin by Snorri Kristjansson (I can't find a touchstone so here's the Amazon link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Helga-Finnsdottir-Mysteries-Snorri-Kristjansson/dp/1786... and a fictional account of the Donner Party, who were trapped in the Sierra Nevada mountains in 1846-47. That one is The Hunger by Alma Katsu. I have already reserved it :-)
There's also The Deadly Trade: The Complete History of Submarine Warfare from Archimedes to the Present - um, no, but probably a good one for military history fans, and The Death of Democracy: Hitler's Rise to Power, which is timely. (On that subject, did anyone see the first episode of series 2 of The Good Fight (on on the UK two days ago) - I love what they've done with the opening credits and all the awful Trump quotes. That strikes me as brave, particularly coming from one of the big networks).
There's also Writers and their Mothers https://www.amazon.co.uk/Writers-Their-Mothers-Dale-Salwak/dp/3319683470/ref=sr_... and Living With Leonardo, which is about "Fifty Years of Sanity and Insanity in the Art World and Beyond.
It is snowing here :-( And COLD. Not as bad as a couple of weekends ago, but still cold. I did to to Westfield briefly this morning, and my purchases included some eyelashes. I didn't get the magnetic ones, because the reviews are not good, but there are plenty of others. Quite a bewildering selection, in fact. The first brand I picked said "Real hair" so I put them back quickly. Ewwww. I got a couple of pairs from Eyelure, and I'm going to try them tomorrow. I've never tried them before, but the vloggers all love them. A girl in my university debating team once applied falsies while we were on the 922 bus going over the Auckland Harbour Bridge, and I was in awe.
190SandDune
>189 susanj67: I've just been to Stansted airport to pick up J and I didn't find the driving fun at all. All the snow is sticking quite nastily ...
191LovingLit
>179 BekkaJo: farcical is happening so much these days in dealings with institutions.....it is a situation we would expect from a Dostoevsky novel!!!
>181 susanj67: It is *so frustrating* dealing with that level of silliness. Deep breaths, you can do this!
Keep warm in that snow! I saw my UK friends on Facebook putting up pics of snow. And here I was this weekend with views of 2x snow-less ski-fields!
>181 susanj67: It is *so frustrating* dealing with that level of silliness. Deep breaths, you can do this!
Keep warm in that snow! I saw my UK friends on Facebook putting up pics of snow. And here I was this weekend with views of 2x snow-less ski-fields!
192charl08
>191 LovingLit: Dostoevsky is right. Was told on Friday I couldn't cancel an appointment, because I'd already confirmed it. Huh?
Kin (The Helga Finnsdottir Mysteries) (the Snorri Kristjansson one) sounds really good. As does the book about doctors. Although maybe that's one to read after you've had your surgery?!
Kin (The Helga Finnsdottir Mysteries) (the Snorri Kristjansson one) sounds really good. As does the book about doctors. Although maybe that's one to read after you've had your surgery?!
193susanj67
>190 SandDune: Rhian, we got some more overnight and it has stuck here too, which is unusual. Pretty, but that's because I don't have to go out in it.
>191 LovingLit: Thanks Megan :-) I am keeping warm. It doesn't seem to be as cold as yesterday although there is more snow, which doesn't seem to make sense.
>192 charl08: Charlotte, did the computer say no? :-) That's nuts! The doctors one is about the junior doctors and the beasting they go through with crazy hours and inadequate supervision, and asks why we aren't more concerned about it. I'm looking forward to the Viking noir, because the reviewer said it was a new genre, so I might be able to get in at the beginning instead of never being able to catch up.
Today's (lovely) face mask is the blue one from the new Kiko Milano collection: https://www.kikocosmetics.com/en-gb/skin-care/face/beauty-masks/GREEN-ME-On-the-... I bought the trio yesterday, along with an eyeshadow palette, which was poor but Look How Pretty:
Today I should be reading more of Man of Iron, but I'm very tempted by the new Ruth Galloway, which is sitting there all new and beautiful, and probably reserved by someone else, so I should prioritise it. Wow, 2.5 lines and I've convinced myself.
I started watching Wild, Wild Country on Netflix yesterday, which is a six-part documentary series about the Rajneeshee commune in Oregon set up in the early 1980s, despite the disapproval of the locals in Antelope, which was the nearest town. I had never heard of this, so I don't want to google and find out what happened to them, but it's really well done. Netflix are making some great documentaries. I watched Take Your Pills yesterday, which is about Adderall. Apparently many young people in the US take drugs like this, to help them concentrate for longer and ace their jobs. I haven't heard of that here, but then I am not a young person any more.
>191 LovingLit: Thanks Megan :-) I am keeping warm. It doesn't seem to be as cold as yesterday although there is more snow, which doesn't seem to make sense.
>192 charl08: Charlotte, did the computer say no? :-) That's nuts! The doctors one is about the junior doctors and the beasting they go through with crazy hours and inadequate supervision, and asks why we aren't more concerned about it. I'm looking forward to the Viking noir, because the reviewer said it was a new genre, so I might be able to get in at the beginning instead of never being able to catch up.
Today's (lovely) face mask is the blue one from the new Kiko Milano collection: https://www.kikocosmetics.com/en-gb/skin-care/face/beauty-masks/GREEN-ME-On-the-... I bought the trio yesterday, along with an eyeshadow palette, which was poor but Look How Pretty:
Today I should be reading more of Man of Iron, but I'm very tempted by the new Ruth Galloway, which is sitting there all new and beautiful, and probably reserved by someone else, so I should prioritise it. Wow, 2.5 lines and I've convinced myself.
I started watching Wild, Wild Country on Netflix yesterday, which is a six-part documentary series about the Rajneeshee commune in Oregon set up in the early 1980s, despite the disapproval of the locals in Antelope, which was the nearest town. I had never heard of this, so I don't want to google and find out what happened to them, but it's really well done. Netflix are making some great documentaries. I watched Take Your Pills yesterday, which is about Adderall. Apparently many young people in the US take drugs like this, to help them concentrate for longer and ace their jobs. I haven't heard of that here, but then I am not a young person any more.
194Fourpawz2
More snow?! Sounds as if Old England is pretty much resembling New England these days. My condolences.
I'm sure you've explained how it works somewhere previous, but I can't imagine how or why anyone would want to be using magnets on something so fiddly that is right next to the eyes. I'll try to be happy with my natural, under-performing - length-wise - eyelashes.
I'm sure you've explained how it works somewhere previous, but I can't imagine how or why anyone would want to be using magnets on something so fiddly that is right next to the eyes. I'll try to be happy with my natural, under-performing - length-wise - eyelashes.
195charl08
>193 susanj67: Viking noir sounds really interesting. I'll look out for the book.
Our snow came and just about went, thank goodness!
Our snow came and just about went, thank goodness!
196susanj67
>194 Fourpawz2: Charlotte, yes, it is unusual for this late (at least down here in the south). The eyelashes come in two parts, one which lies on top of the top lashes, and the other underneath them, and voila according to the vloggers, but reviews from real people say they are terrible, so I got the ordinary kind just to try for a change.
>195 charl08: Charlotte, we're supposed to have it till about midnight, but tomorrow we have 5C and a ! on the BBC weather site, which I suppose means some sort of warning.
I have two finishes to report!
32. The Dark Angel by Elly Griffiths
This is the latest instalment in the Ruth Galloway series and, while there *is* a crime/mystery element to it, most of it is about the various complicated relationships of all the characters, and much of it takes place in Italy, so this isn't the one to start with if you're new to the series (which kinda goes without saying as that would be the FIRST book). I loved it - I really like the way that the relationships keep developing over time and it's not all wrapped up in one book. There are some shocks in this one, and it ends with an "ooooh" moment, so now I have to wait impatiently until next year.
33. The Power by Naomi Alderman
Ehhh. I know this won prizes and everyone loved it, but I didn't. I started it on the bus when we were stuck in traffic last week, so I didn't just not like it today - I haven't liked it for several days. Maybe it's because someone I don't like recommended it to me in real life, which set me against it...who can say? But this was a no from me, although obviously if I can shoehorn it into the PopSugar challenge I will.
>195 charl08: Charlotte, we're supposed to have it till about midnight, but tomorrow we have 5C and a ! on the BBC weather site, which I suppose means some sort of warning.
I have two finishes to report!
32. The Dark Angel by Elly Griffiths
This is the latest instalment in the Ruth Galloway series and, while there *is* a crime/mystery element to it, most of it is about the various complicated relationships of all the characters, and much of it takes place in Italy, so this isn't the one to start with if you're new to the series (which kinda goes without saying as that would be the FIRST book). I loved it - I really like the way that the relationships keep developing over time and it's not all wrapped up in one book. There are some shocks in this one, and it ends with an "ooooh" moment, so now I have to wait impatiently until next year.
33. The Power by Naomi Alderman
Ehhh. I know this won prizes and everyone loved it, but I didn't. I started it on the bus when we were stuck in traffic last week, so I didn't just not like it today - I haven't liked it for several days. Maybe it's because someone I don't like recommended it to me in real life, which set me against it...who can say? But this was a no from me, although obviously if I can shoehorn it into the PopSugar challenge I will.
197thornton37814
It's really a shame the places who are getting so much snow can't share a bit of it with places that would appreciate a little bit. Of course, I think at this point, everyone is ready for spring.
199rosalita
I have so much envy over the new Elly Griffiths book, Susan, but I'm delighted to hear that you liked it so well.
200vancouverdeb
Hmm, Susan, I know that The Power will not be my cuppa without even reading it. I read a review or two and I knew it was not for me. Take care with your upcoming surgery. Sorry it's becoming so difficult.
202susanj67
>197 thornton37814: Lori, we are definitely ready. The forecast was for a warmer day today, but the weather didn't get that memo. Brrr!
>198 charl08: Charlotte, we can't win 'em all :-)
>199 rosalita: Hi Julia! You will definitely love it, and it's not that long till the US release in May.
>200 vancouverdeb: Deborah, I couldn't resist all the chat about it, but it wasn't for me either.
>201 charl08: LOL! (I was just down in the mall thinking I would come back up and start a new thread :-) )
Now I'm going to start a new thread. BRB.*
* that means "Be right back". The roomie taught me. Also the hand shape for "loser", but I'm not sure what she meant by that.
>198 charl08: Charlotte, we can't win 'em all :-)
>199 rosalita: Hi Julia! You will definitely love it, and it's not that long till the US release in May.
>200 vancouverdeb: Deborah, I couldn't resist all the chat about it, but it wasn't for me either.
>201 charl08: LOL! (I was just down in the mall thinking I would come back up and start a new thread :-) )
Now I'm going to start a new thread. BRB.*
* that means "Be right back". The roomie taught me. Also the hand shape for "loser", but I'm not sure what she meant by that.
This topic was continued by SusanJ's 75 Books Challenge - Thread 4.
