Whisper1 (Linda) Thread #3 of 2018

Soon, the butterflies will surround the bushes in the garden. The sweet smell of the flowers will lure them to alight. The bushes are beginning to grown taller each day, and soon there will be a mass of incredible purple flowers.

Happy new thread Linda my dear.

>2 johnsimpson: Hi John

School will soon be out, how are you doing?

Hi Linda my dear, hope you had a really lovely weekend with your book haul dear friend. After our date day on Saturday we had a nice relaxing Sunday and we sorted our book haul out. We have a few places where getting a decent book haul is easy and I found another whilst trying to find out about a vintage fair. In the past I have been to a craft fair/secondhand book stall at a National Trust property near to us but I haven't been for a while and have not seen any dates, I Googled The property and they have a Secondhand bookshop now and it is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 12noon until 4pm every day from the 24th April to October 28th. I told Karen this and she just said "When are we going", I forsee a large book haul soon.

Have a really lovely week and give our love to Will, sending love and hugs to you both from both of us dear friend.

Hi Cheli. The class of 2018 graduated two weeks ago. I can officially say this was the last class that I will have advised and taught design and writing of yearbook pages, and taught business skills and advertising design to the Lehigh newspaper. From here on out it is my "Last."

My last fiscal year to balance. My last publication for which I will fret if there is enough funds to print, make payroll, and cover all other expenses. My last time to project if there are enough funds to start anew in the fall. Some of my favorite students stopped by to say good bye, promising to keep in touch. From here on out, until I leave at the end of October, it is bittersweet.

There are a lot of vacation days to use of lose by the end of June. Previous years, I didn't care if I lost days. But, since this is my last end of June, I am going to ensure that all vacation days are used. I'll be taking extended weekends and days throughout the week. Wednesday I have spine injections that will render me flat on my back most of the day. Tomorrow, I'm meeting Diane Keenoy at a local Barnes and Noble.

Basically, with the exception of the Dr. appointments, I am going to try to plan relaxing things to do.

How are you my friend?

>5 johnsimpson: Hi John, a large book haul is in your future...What a wonderful thing to look forward to.

BOOK #45 OF 2018


I Am, I Am, I Am: Seventeen Brushes With Death by Maggie O'Farrell
LIBRARY BOOK

This is a fascinating book wherein the author looks back at her life and the near misses that occurred--times when someone she loved, or she could have died....
Died at the hands of two hikers stumbling out of the woods, bent on causing damage to her, and perhaps her baby in the car. Finding the lock to the doors seconds before the hikers arrived to open the doors, O'Farrell, trembled at what could happen as out of frustration, they pounded on the roof.

A childhood case of viral encephalitis rendered her unable to walk and move. She listened as the nurse in the hall mentioned that most likely she would die. When walking on a road less taken, a shady character tried to tie his binocular strap around her neck. Intuitively, she knew she had to remain calm. Glad she had reported this incident to the police, a few days later, a young woman on the same path was found dead, raped and buried in a shallow grave.

While the occurrences might sound depressing, O'Farrell leads the reader to recognize the many times an angel is watching over us, allowing us to escape what would have been a disaster.

Well written, and insightful, this was a good read.

BOOK #46

Too Close To the Sun: The Audacious Life and Times of Denys Finch Hatton by Sara Wheeler


Five Stars

BOOK OFF THE SHELF

If you liked the movie Out of Africa staring Meryl Streep and Robert Redford, then I think you will cherish this book. While the book focuses on the relationship of Denys Finch Hatton and Isak Disenstan, mainly, it paints a loving panorama of the beauty of East Africa. This was the time of big game hunting. Safari's were a great way to see, and slaughter as many animals as possible. Finch Hatton came to realize that shoting from a camera and capturing the stunning beauty of the animal, was much better than the sheer killing for trophy.

If you know if the British subjugation of India, then you will relate to the same behaviors in Africa. Taking over the land that was not theirs to parcel out and collect tax, making the natives unable to pay, all too quickly they took a continent of those who had been there first and made it as though they would not be there to last.

Excellent Book

>1 Whisper1:

What gorgeous purple flowers are these?!

I hope they will grow in Wisconsin!

Happy new thread!

Congrats on that forthcoming retirement! Enjoy every one of those vacation days! Sorry about the pain.

Hi Linda!

"Last" things at work will turn into "first" things of retirement.

>8 Whisper1: I love Maggie O'Farrell's The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox. She's a wonderful writer. I'll have to keep an eye out for this one. I do believe in guardian angels.....

Happiest of new threads, Linda! I will piggyback on >13 karenmarie:'s comment. Especially delightful will be the "first" blizzard you don't need to drive through to get to work. Til then, enjoy and cherish the last of's .

>6 Whisper1: Glad to hear that you're taking the ending with a bittersweet outlook.

As for me, I finished my annual fundraiser and now I can sit back and take some care of myself. My shoulder finally seems to be on the mend so now I can concentrate on my knees and back. I've started Physical therapy for my knee, and the doctor is looking into the injections to replace the cartilage so that hopefully I can manage to walk like a real person again rather than hobble around like an old lady. Then I need to see the back doctor to get injections there too. I'm beginning to feel old when I look at the list of doctors I see and it rivals my 93 year old mother's list. But at least I'm waking up every morning and I can still enjoy a good book.

I'm doing much as you - planning relaxing things to do - high tea, flower arranging class, game days. Books are definitely a big part of relaxing for me.

Enjoy your time, my sweet friend.

Happy new thread, Linda, I hope all the "last" will turn into good memories later on.
(((hugs)))

Sending hope that those olden days of going into work in pain will translate into no work/no pain/no surgery needed!

Happy new thread :)

Happy new thread!

Hello to all. Many thanks for the kind, good wishes. Cheli, I do understand the feeling of too many procedures, too many injections, too many forms to fill. My mantra is "I am not in a wheel chair!" "I do not have cancer!" This usually helps, but last week while grocery shopping, a man who was racing through the same aisle as me stopped in his tracks and very loudly said "Lady, What in the world happened to your neck?" When this happens (not often) I've learned to be kind and not nasty. I simply repeat my mantra out loud. I also mention eight surgeries and that I am very blessed to have sailed through many of them. He kept saying "God Bless You; God Bless You."

He then was in the next check out line and began again with comments regarding my neck and the scars. This time, I ignored him.

Regarding retirement, I had injections in my spine yesterday. Afterward, I slept all day. At night I vomited a lot. I am still here at my desk doing what I love to do. I'm not a martyr, but I know how to handle the pain, and I know it is time to retire so that I can heal faster.

>10 m.belljackson: Thanks for your visit. Here is a link regarding a butterfly bush/tree.
https://www.almanac.com/plant/butterfly-bush

They spread. Fifteen years ago I started out with three. I now have seven trees. They grow rapidly and with a flourish. When the beautiful flowers die, it requires pruning them so that new ones can grow in place. At the end of summer, I dramatically cut back all growth. This takes time as the branches are large. It is worth the effort. In addition to purple colored flowers, some trees produce lilac and a bright pink bloom.

In addition to drawing butterflies, they also draw tiny little, elegantly colored hummingbirds. The smell of the flower is incredibly sweet. Be careful when pruning as they also draw bees who love the sweet nectar. They produce flowers all summer long.

BOOK #47 OF 2018

Fat Girl by Judith Moore
BOOK OFF THE SHELF

Raw, blunt, and, there is nothing sugar coated about the writing and life of Judith Moore. Often as I read it, I wanted to put it down and cry. When I finished I admired the courage it took to write such a honest tale of a little girl, unloved by both parents, abandoned by each parent at varying times in her life, she fought her weight, then gave in to luscious eating patterns.

Called fatso, fatty, ugly, piggy wiggy and a host of other brutal swearing comments, from the early age through college she knew she would never fit in. Periodically there were a friend or two, but they were rare, and the author wondered what redeeming quality she possessed that would allow one person to care for her.

Four Stars

>21 Whisper1:

Thank you for the Link!

Last week I planted a package of Butterfly Bush seeds, but don't recall the colors.
If there's a purple one at "Ladies Night Out" in the newly renovated local nursery,
I 'll bring it home.

We've suggested a name change, with all the behavioral indicators,
but, for now, will just enjoy the range of free treats, raffles, and discounts.

Dropping by to say "how de do" to my friend Linda.

Fat Girl was on my radar a few years ago when it first came out and i never got around to it. Going to look it up now.

Retirement is peeping over the horizon for me here too. I'm ready to go I'm not sorry to go but sometimes i jump up in full panic attack mode. This Labor Day will be the end of it all I'm planning.

The days dwindle down / to a precious few

Love ya!

Just dropping by to say hello, Linda!

Hi, Linda. I'm happy to hear of your upcoming retirement. It seems like a good plan for better healing. I understand the bittersweetness that comes with such big changes. All the "lasts". Come winter, I'm looking forward to hearing about all your new "firsts".

>23 m.belljackson: You are most welcome. My butterfly bushes are beginning to spread. I fear they have taken over the garden space. I may need to get a few out of the limited space. If we lived near each other, I would happily share the wealth of bushes. Good luck with your seeds. I love to plant seeds and watch them grown.

>24 magicians_nephew: Hi Friend. Good thoughts back at you!

>25 tymfos: Terry, Hi. I hope your summer is delightful thus far.

>26 countrylife: Cindy, Hi. I know that the "first" thing I will cherish is not having to go into the office on days when I am in a lot of pain. And, how wonderful it will be not to have to navigate through the snow. Happy Summer to you!

BOOK NUMBER 48 OF 2018


Dreamland by Robert Anderson
BOOK OFF THE SHELF

I'm really not sure how to rate this book. I liked it, but at times it seemed very far fetched, and stretched the limits of believeability.

Dea and her mother are constantly moving. As soon as Dea is accustomed to a new place, her mother suddenly tells her to pack up. Dea and her mother possess a unique ability of going into others dreams. There are rules to this process, and when Dea falls in love with a young man who listens, who cares and does not make fun of her, she breaks the rules and visits his dreams often.

Dea's mother always avoids mirrors, stating that is how the monsters can watch them. In a rented house filled with clocks that chime on time, Dea is learning to rebel. No longer wanting to move along. She know craves friends, whereas before classmates made fun of her and she learned to cope, now that she has Connor and another friend, she wants to stay.

Her mother is found by the monsters, and Dea must try to find her.

I finished the book, but can't recommend this tall tale.

BOOK NUMBER 49 OF 2018

The Silent Girls by Erik Rickstad
BOOK OFF THE SHELF

Well written and suspenseful, this is a great summer mystery read. Frank Rath is a private investigator who formerly wore a detective's badge. The setting is rural Vermont. And, what I liked best about this book is the very detailed description of the area, and those who live there. There is a mixture of those who are poor, with little social skills, and sadly are eeking out a living. And, then there are transplants who like the beauty of the countryside.

When the car of a young girl is found without the girl anywhere near the vehicle, she is judged missing. Rath makes it his mission to discover what happened. Working with a team of others, there is tension between the team regarding how best to proceed. Soon, the fact that many girls have gone missing within specific radius, the hunt is on to find the link between these very dis-similar individuals.

Rath is rough, and he is likeable. When he sister and her husband were brutally murdered at the hands of a sociopath, Rath then adopts his niece. And now, he worries more about his young college-aged daughter, knowing how quickly something can unfold and harm.

A quick read, I'll give this one Three stars.

>20 Whisper1: I admire your ability to respond kindly to such an unbelievably rude person. In my family we'd say he "had no fetchin' up!" Doesn't sound like he learned anything from your wise response, either. Sad. I know you must have mixed feelings about your career drawing to a close, but the fact that you still love what you do is a wonderful thing.

>30 laytonwoman3rd: Hi Linda. Thank you for your nice message. There are few people that I cannot tolerate in this world. I've mentioned Wills cousin and his Aunt. In hindsight, neither one of them wanted me in Wills life. Throughout the years there were snide, nasty comments. Finally, I decided that I didn't need negative, nasty people like them in my life.

It took too long for me to make this decision, but when I did, it was not a decision that would change. Life is good. I have so many wonderful, kind, caring people in my life. They are the ones I choose to surround myself with.

I hope your summer is a good one. It was a weird spring, and now that summer is here, I enjoy the perennials and rose bushes. They make me happy.

All good wishes to you!

BOOK #50 OF 2018


A Crime in the Neighborhood by Suzanne Berne
BOOK OFF THE SHELF

This 1999 Orange prize winner is a book that I read in one sitting. In 1973, a young, little boy is found dead in the woods behind a shopping mall in a suburb of Washington, DC. Ravaged and beaten, his assailant was never found. This was a summer of not- to- be -forgotten occurrences.

When Marsha's beloved father chooses to run off with her mothers aunt, the family is torn apart. A small town on edge, consumed with fear after the murder of the small boy, and now, Marsha and her siblings also have to face the fear of life without a father.

Their mother valiantly tries to carry on. But, life is not easy, and soon the family is made to feel out of place. Acting out, Marsha accuses a single older man who lives next door of the crime. She kept a journal all summer long, and it is filled with tidbits regarding his oddities.

As a country learns of Richrd Nixon and Watergate, both nationally and locally, the world seems to be a very unfair, unsafe place to live.

Excellent!

Four Stars!

Happy Saturday, Linda. I know I am late to the party, but Happy New Thread, anyway!

>8 Whisper1: I have this O' Farrell collection on shelf. I have never read her. Bad Mark?

Dear Linda, I'm happy to read that you're making your way through pain and insult with the goal of retirement looming! I think that it's pretty wonderful that you're going to leave while you still like your job. I spent my last year furious at the wasteful, lazy, clueless administration, students, and their sad parents ... not healthy for me or them.
All your reading sounds interesting! A Crime in the Neighborhood was not even on this Orange Prize lover's radar. Thanks for the boost! I confess that I like the earlier ones much more than I've liked the last four or five winners.

Hi Linda, Happy new thread! You’ve been reading some interesting books. I’ve had my eye on the O’Farrell and read (and really liked!) A Crime in the Neighborhood a few years ago.

>20 Whisper1: Wow, I can’t imagine. What is wrong with people.

>21 Whisper1:

Thanks again for the Purple Butterfly Bush inspiration.

Found a nice small one at the new Greenhouses - the large blooming one was $19.99!

I'll be planting the Bush along with a Lead Plant, which I had written on my list,
but can't recall why it was recommended.

>33 msf59: Mafrk, I find that OFarrells books are great or really not so good. Thanks so much for stopping by.

>34 LizzieD: Oh, Peggy, while I leave still liking what I did for 36 years, still, there is a part of me that harbors the nasty comments made a very long time ago by a insecure faculty member. He always made dart-like, nasty comments when no one was around to hear them.

They stung, and I remember at the time realizing that this was not the friend I thought he was, nor was, and neither was he the all around great guy all my co-workers thought he was. He moved up the ladder, and he deserves all the credit for his rise. He was and is a very hard worker. Over the years, he changed. He does not lob, hurtful comments over the unsafety net, but there is a sad part of me that holds on to hurtful nastiness. I know that I need to hold on to those very hurtful times so that I was, and still am, very careful never to let my guard down. I really want to leave without nastiness. I swear that I do not understand the need to be so un-necessarily unkind. And, I wish I could say I was the type of person who could forgive and forget.

>35 Copperskye: HI Joanne. I hope all is well with you. A Crime in the Neighborhood was indeed a well-written book. I picked this one up for $1.00 at a local library sale. Im trying to stick to my goal of reading at least some of the books I recently acquire, then give them away. The stock piles are growing way too high. One of my retirement goals is to slowly go through all books, and if the book no longer hold my interest, I am giving it away.

>36 m.belljackson: Good luck with your butterfly bush. As mentioned, I started with three and now they re-seeded into seven. In the fall, I cut them down dramatically. This allows them to flourish in the summer. They are at their peak in August when the strong-smelling flowers draw humming birds and butterflies.

BOOK #51 OF 2018


Where or When by Anita Shreve.
BOOK OFF THE SHELF

A recent acquisition at a local library sale, this was a quick, enjoyable read. When Cal and Sian were young teens, they met and fell in love at a Catholic summer camp. Years later, Cal happens upon an article complete with a photo of Sian who is now an accomplished author of poetry.

Tripping down memory lane and thinking fondly of those long ago memories, allow Cal a respite from his coastal life in Rhode Island were the economy is fast in a downward spiral. Fearing the loss of his nice house, his car, and his insurance business, a married man and father of three, Cal longs for excitement instead of the pain of watching the town businesses close one by one as foreclosure is the norm.

Reaching out to Sian, he writes a letter. When she returns with a letter to him, they eventually agree to meet at the camp where long ago they held hands and allowed their hearts to glow. Now an upscale inn, they continue to meet. Quickly, they are both obsessed. In the beginning it appeared he was the most obsessed, but as time goes on, Sian happily follows his lead.

She has a husband who is a farmer, and in addition, they both teach at a local college. They share a beautiful three-year old daughter. There is much to lose if the relationship continues. And, at Christmas time, their indiscretions come to light.

I don't usually read romance novels, but this was well written, and good with a surprising ending.

Three Stars

Dear Linda, I'm another who remains hurt when somebody is nasty....maybe we all are. Anyway, I wish that you may look forward with joy!

Linda--I am so glad I am finally here to wish you Happy New Thread!! Retirement is in sight, and I am glad you are going to be able to have more time to take care of yourself and reach wellness. Also glad you are surrounding yourself with people worthy of your time.

Love the butterfly bush!! What great color. : )

Hi, Linda. Just checking in. Fat Girl sounds poignant and moving.

Hi Peggy, Kim and Joe! Thanks for stopping by. Peggy, holding on to the nasty comments allows me to remain cacious. This guy has changed, but there still is the little got you part of his personality. I feel sad for him, but not sad enough to pretend to like him.

Kim...I hope you are staying out of the hospital.

Joe, I am so sorry for the passing of your father, especially so close to fathers day. May the good memories sustain you through these initial days/months of grief.

((((Linda))))

Hi Linda!

>34 LizzieD: and >37 Whisper1: Remaining cautious is a good move. Always protect yourself.

Getting close to retirement was a time of reflection for me on top of the anger I had at what my company had become. We were a US branch of an foreign company, who left us alone the first 9 years I was there, then started meddling and basically ruined it. I switched departments after 20 years in IT and was working 70 hour weeks in a logistics department run by men who both showed favoritism. I was glad to get out. If I was still in my working years I'd never, ever again work for a company based out of that country.

>44 ronincats: Right back at you Roni. I hope all is well with you.

>45 karenmarie: Karen..I am so sorry that you had to go thorough all that. 70 hour weeks -- way too many hours. You most likely had no time to do the things you liked to do..reading?

Lehigh has changed in a lot of ways. It was a place wherein we all helped each other. If we needed an answer, we knew who to call. Now, run like a business model, the walls are up and many of us are retiring.

It's time to leave.

Hi! Wishing you a wonderful weekend. : )

Hi Linda. It sounds like you are celebrating many “lasts” as you are heading towards retirement. You have hung in there a long time despite your health issues. I hope your body will soon get the complete rest it deserves and that retirement agrees with you.

I love my butterfly bushes. They are faithful and resilient.

A lot of work places have changed in the last while so that the bottom line is more important than the people who work there. But still, you can't take away the camaraderie of coworkers. I am sure there were many good times to look back on or else you would not be sad with all your "last times", Linda. Good luck with your upcoming retirement. Speaking from the other side, it is great!

I am back and you are not. Hope you surface here soon. I miss you!! Hope all is well. : )

Sorry I missed the start of your new thread. Hope you are doing well and enjoying your summer!

I've been out of touch. I haven't read a book in weeks. I learned that I need another surgery; number 9. I am not surprised. I've increasingly experienced uncontrollable pain. The only thing that helps, is acupressure, and that is only temporary for a few hours. I hated even mentioning this on my thread. It seems for years, that's been the topic...my pain and my surgeries.

My local surgeon presented my case at a recent conference at Thomas Jefferson. I await word regarding what was discussed. Together, hopefully, a cohesive decision can be made regarding next steps.

The option presented to me by my local surgeon was rather depressing. A plate would be inserted in the back on my skull I would have very limited movement and would only see and function strait forward. In the meantime, I will not allow any surgeries until I can wrap my mind around living like that. This surgery would mean that I would never be allowed to drive.

In the meantime, I will be getting something new to me -- an Occipital Nerve Block. This hopefully will allow control of the pain until something sane can be done.

Thanks to all for walking this journey with me.

Hi Linda my dear, I am so so sorry to read that you need further surgery, I can only imagine the pain you must be suffering. Do not worry about putting these things on your thread, sadly a few of us are suffering from ailments that affect us daily, it is a part of us that cannot be ignored, I only mention it as part of my daily life and how I try to deal with it.

This is quite a drastic option that you have been given and will need serious discussion before you make a decision. it would certainly be life changing and restrict you. Like me you have a fantastic life partner but it will also affect them although I know that Karen would only want what is best for me and I think Will would be the same. Hopefully the Occipital Nerve Block will give you some relief my dear.

I hope I can talk for all on LT and wish you the very best in whatever you decide and that we all love you very much, we are all here for you and will leave messages of support and that we miss you. Sending all the very best love and hugs from both of us to both of you my dear friend.

>52 Whisper1: I too have been out of touch, much more than you. I just cannot keep up with the threads. But I stopped in because of a remark you made on Kim's thread (?), and I'm horrified to find you are yet again, or still, in such pain. The solution proposed does seem drastic, too.

Being a 'special case' in medicine is not desirable. I am sure your doctors have your very best outcomes in their hearts, and I hope they come up with something that will finally give you relief.

I'm sorry to hear about this, too, Linda. You've already had more than your share of pain by a long shot. Nine surgeries! Oh my goodness.

I'm hoping that some day they'll figure out how to effectively use something like electrical stimulation to ease pain. I've been reading that they've had some success with that as an alternative to opioid use.

It's good to have you back with us on LT! I hope you get some kind of good news on this.

Dear Linda -

Sure hope that you soon have better options based on the collective responses of the doctors with their different perspectives and experiences. Even though not being able to drive is a choice that has come on to you more quickly than when it comes from simple aging,
if you are no longer in pain, that sounds like an incredible change.

Peace and Healing.

So sorry to hear that you will need another surgery, Linda. I hope that the surgeons are able to come up with a better option for you. Keep up your strength, my friend.

Linda--I was worried something was up when you went offline here for a bit. Dang it! I can't believe they haven't been able to fix you yet. It is just totally not fair and I don't love their next suggestions keep pushing them for good solutions. I am so sorry and I wish you the very best as they sort out the next option for you. While you are going through #9, or 10 or 11...however many...just know that you are the least whiny, most upbeat person I know. And it would be okay if you DID complain once in a while!! We love you here. You are safe here and respected. So please don't disappear because you have to go through another one. If you can take it, so can we!! Sending my best wishes. Please keep us posted. Many hugs.

So sorry to see you are still going through the pain. I hope you find some relief soon.

A BIG thanks to all. I've been with this group since 2018, the year the 75 challenge began. I've met so many wonderful, intelligent, kind people.

I read a few books since listing my last one listed here, but I grieve that I haven't been able to keep up with the threads of those I follow, and read at my usual pace.

The good news is that I know the surgeons involved, and I know they are highly skilled and want what is best.

Thanks again for understanding my post regarding this continual saga.

I wish a great day to everyone.

I'm so sorry to hear this news, Linda. So many interventions, and yet no solution to your chronic pain. I can't imagine what you live with on a daily basis, or how you begin to process the decision that will need to be made. You're a strong lady, but you deserve a clear path out of this long ordeal.

I am very sorry to read you have to go through surgery again, Linda. I keep hoping this one will be the last and end your pain.
Sending lots of love and gentle ((((hugs))))

Hi, Linda. Thanks for checking in with us. We have missed you. Sorry, to hear that another surgery will be necessary. We thought the last one, would be the final. As always you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Gentle hug, to my pal.

((((((((((((LINDA))))))))))
You are the best!

Oh, no! You've just been through so much. I hate that you have to have yet another surgery, and to be looking at such a drastic result.

Linda, sending lots of healing vibes. Thinking of you.

Linda - what everybody said, but especially what Kim said: ...you are the least whiny, most upbeat person I know. And it would be okay if you DID complain once in a while!! We love you here. You are safe here and respected. So please don't disappear because you have to go through another one. If you can take it, so can we!! Sending my best wishes. Please keep us posted. Many hugs.

Dearest Linda, I can only repeat what others have said. It really stinks that you have to endure another surgery and one that will limit your movement. But, oh how wonderful if the doctors can relieve your pain. Big decisions ahead. Please keep us informed and never feel that you are complaining. You are one of the bravest persons I know. We love you! XXXOOO

Hello Linda my dear, I hope you are having a good weekend despite the pain you are suffering and send love and hugs to you and Will from both of us dear friend.

Hello to all

Many thanks for all your good wishes. I will meet with the local surgeon on Thursday, and at that time he will tell me about the opinions of the group. From there, we can take next steps.

On Friday, I have my first series of occipital nerve blocks.

We had a terrific storm last night. All the flowers in the front and back of our house were drenched with sustaining water that was needed. As I did a quick look this morning, I could tell how much the flowers loved the shower. The world is good. Despite some days of worriment, I am trying to keep my head up.

Happy Monday

BOOK #52


White Houses by Amy Bloom
Library Book

This was a good novel regarding Eleanor Roosevelt and her long-time lover Lorena Hickok, who was a self taught woman journalist who assisted FDR in covering his presidential campaigns.

Written from the point of Lorena, this is a lovely story of two women finding solace from the everyday stress of their lives. I knew little of this relationship. It was not portrayed in a sorid manner, rather it was kind, soft and gave an overview of the Roosevelts, and the ways in which Eleanor was excellent at helping address social issues of the time.

Three and 1/2 Stars

BOOK #53

After The Fire by Henning Mankel
Library Book

Mankel is best know as the writer of the Swedish crime series Wallendar. This is a story of Fredrik Welin. Previously a doctor, until he made a negligent mistake. Now, he lives alone on an island. There are others who live on sparse islands and there is a main area where goods can be purchased. But, overall, it is a very lonely life. Fredrik has a friend who is the retired mail man. This character is a bit sketchy and wierd. Still, he is tolerated.

The story begins when Fredrik awakes to a raging fire of his home. The house was in the family for many years and built by Fredrik's father. All Fredrik's possessions are gone along with his house.

As the story unfolds, additional houses are burned. Seventy years old and too tired to try to begin again. Fredrik now lives in a camper. As he tries to understand who would burn properties and the motive for it, the story slowly unwinds to the end when the culprit is discoverd by Fredrik.

Well written, but a bit to slow for my liking, I might read more of Mankel's novels, but not right away.

Two and 1/2 Stars

>71 Whisper1: I have been wanting to read that one. There is a fairly recent non-fiction book about the relationship between these two women also, Eleanor and Hick, that I mean to find time for.

Hi Linda

Thanks for noting the recent non-fiction book of the relationship of Eleanor Roosevelt and Lorena Hickok. I'll see if my local library has this one. I enjoy reading novels that lead me to find more about the subject. Certainly, White Houses is such a book.

All good wishes to you for a wonderful summer.

BOOK #54


Wallis in Love The Untold Life of the Duchess of Windsor, the Woman Who Changed the Monarchy by Andrew Morton
Library Book

Well written and interesting, this book follows Wallis Simpson from her early years through the end of her life. Vilified as the tramp who stole Edward from the throne, this book painted a different picture.

It was the future and short-lived role of King, that Edward clearly did not want. In many ways, Wallis helped rescue him, rather than how she is painted by many authors. He was a play boy who never really studied for the throne. His father in particular thought very little of him.

When her father died, her mother had to scrimp to live. Relying on Wallis' Uncle Sol, it was he who paid for Wallis' boarding school tuition. Young when she was drawn to an air force pilot, she moved to Florida and tried to make a lonely life worth living. This husband was incredibly abusive. Living in an age when women took the blame when there was a divorce, Wallis tried hard to move up through the social classes.

A second divorce occurred so that she could marry the King. She regretted this decision. Supremely unhappy together, Edward didn't want the throne, but life with Wallis was not something to relish.

Three Stars

BOOK #55

Redemption: Martin Luther King Jr.'s Last 31 Hours by Joseph Rosenbloom
Library Book

Well researched and written, this was incredibly engaging and hard to put down. I've read many books about Martin Luther King and the Civil Rights movement. As the title suggests, this focuses on his last hours of life on earth. MLK was at his height during the years of the Civil Rights movement. He was indeed the "King" who made it possible to fight the unjust system imposed upon the black people in the United States. Accolades poured in, and he is best known for his "I Have A Dream" speech when he took the podium at the Washington DC march for jobs.

A riveting speaker, a commanding presence who magnetically drew people, and especially women, to him. He met with two presidents, JFK, and LBJ. John Kennedy was so taken by him that after his march on Washington and his I Have a Dream speech, he immediately welcomed King into the Oval office where he and his close team were given accolades for pulling together such a large crowd wherein not one act of crime was committed.

While Kennedy pushed for the Civil Rights Amendment, it was Lyndon Johnson who took the credit for pushing this through after JFK was killed.

One of his crowning moments was when he received the Nobel Peace Prize. While many worked for and with him to push for the dismantling of the Jim Crow South, it was Martin that was always center stage.

Sadly, at the end of his life, all around seemed to be crumbling. He tried to pull together another massive march on Washington, this time with the focus of the abolition of poverty and the disparaging wide berth between the rich and the very poor. Unable to garner the assistance and the momentum for this march, some thought it was simply Martin longing for glory while looking back into the past.

Previously known as the preacher and accomplisher of non violent means of winning his goals, in Memphis during a march for the sanitation workers who were striking for better pay and better conditions, violence erupted. Windows were smashed, looting occurred and it was necessary for police to quell the crowds of rowdies.

Organizations that previously had large coffers to support the cause of civil rights, now were drained and funds were not pouring in.

Disparaged by the looting, by the lack of support for another march, by those who previous supported him grew tired of his position upstaging others, Martin Luther King was in great sorrow the months, days and hours before his assignation.

Those who supported H. Rap Brown and others who though violence was necessary to accomplish goals, now demanded money to be included in his second march for the sanitation workers. This time, the demand was for 1 million dollars in return for a guarantee of non looting and non violence.

Whereas previously, thousands upon thousands marched with King, now another day was coming when people grew tired of the slow pace of civil rights and demanded freedom at all costs.

When a no account, low life James Earl Ray shot a bullet that killed King on the balcony of the Lorrane hotel in Memphis, TN, it was incredibly sad not only that he died, but that his dreams seemed to be in peril. The night before his death, in front of a large crowd of supporters he spoke as though he knew his hours were numbered.

Five Stars

Glad you got some rain, Linda. We have had one brief shower here when a lot more was predicted. We're dry, and the river gets lower and lower.
Mostly, I'm here just to let you know that I think about you and send out long-distance support.

>76 Whisper1: Great review and sounds like a great book. Glad your flowers got some rain. Happiness. : )

You got me with a couple of BBs for White Houses and Wallis in Love, Linda. I hope that everything goes well for you on Thursday.

>77 LizzieD: Hi Peggy. Another storm last night which sent Lilly rapidly running to the nearest bedroom. Thanks for your support.
>78 Berly: Hi Kim...always good to hear from you
>79 Familyhistorian: Hello Meg. Both of those books are good. I haven't read a book in a few weeks. I have picked up many, started to read, and then put the book down.

Sorry reading isn't working for you right now, Linda. And also, so sorry about Lilly's storm terrors. Poor lady.

UPDATE REGARDING SURGERY

Before I met with my local surgeon to give me the news of what the team of surgeons at Thomas Jefferson had in mind, I knew that I would refuse to have surgery #9. I was glad to hear that the team also thought the same way. I've had enough. With each surgery, there is never a guarantee that it will lessen the pain. In fact, most of the surgeries brought on additional pain.

Last Friday, I had an occipital nerve block. It was painful when the needle went in the nerve, but that was temporary. Some have had great success with this. Thus far, the relief of pain is remarkable. The area where the latest screw is broken was in C1-C2, which is high in the cervical area, and is where most of the pain has been since last November. Thus, the shot was aimed there and it is working.

I still have a lot of spine pain, but that constant nagging nasty level 8 pain at the top of my spine, is now down to #1!

I hope the nerve block lasts a while and your pain can be controlled to manageable levels. I can certainly understand your decision not to undergo any more surgery, especially as it has not provided the hoped-for relief in the past.

>82 Whisper1: Wow! From pain level 8 down to 1 is awesome! Dealing with pain for this long at such a high level is completely draining. I am so glad you are getting some relief from the occipital nerve blocker. I hope it lasts a loooooong time. And I am glad that you and the surgeons are on the same page. Big hugs. And wishes for lots of books.

>82 Whisper1:

Sure hope to hear that the rest of the spine pain can be treated down to a #1 very soon.

>82 Whisper1: Dear Linda, I understand you don't want a next surgery. Good the team was thinking the same.
Very glad to read the nerve block is working for you.

Big ((((hugs))))

So glad to see that you have found some relief! From an 8 to a 1 is remarkable!

That does sound good, Linda. Fingers crossed for you.

Hope the nerve block continues to work!

Pain levels down! Yeah!

>82 Whisper1: Dear Linda, what a relief to have the decision made and supported!!! I'm completely thrilled that your pain has lessened. Hope that block stays up for a long, long time and that something similar can be done to ease the rest.
Bless you!

That sounds wonderful, Linda.

So glad the nerve block is working!

Hope you are faring better. Hugs!

Hi Linda!

What >84 Berly: Kim said!

Interesting books you've been reading. I've never heard anything positive about Wallis at all, so am intrigued with the thought that she wasn't just conniving and wanting to be Queen.

Hi Linda my dear just passing by to see how you are and hope that the level of pain I still at one and that the nerve block is doing its job. You have been reading some interesting books of late and I love to see what you are reading.

Sending love and hugs to you and Will from both of us dear friend.

I'm so glad you're not going to have any more surgeries. The proposed solution sounded so gruesome to live with. And as you said, most of the surgeries weren't any particular help anyway. I hope the shots continue to afford you relief, so you can enjoy your retirement.

Hi Linda--just keeping your thread warm here. Hope all is well and that you stop by here again soon. Big hugs.

And just because it's pretty...

Sending hugs. I can't remember when your retirement date is/was? Are you there yet?

I've been back in the midwest the last couple of weeks visiting family, so am catching up on the threads this week. I am so happy the nerve block was effective and hope that treatment continues with those results. ((((Linda))))

Hello to all, and many thanks for your messages of support. The occipital nerve block lasted. I had two full weeks without nagging, constant pain in my neck. Gradually, the pain returned, but not to the original levels. This Friday I'll have trigger point injections, and then six weeks later another nerve block. While I don't like all that medication in my system, the balance of less pain is fine.

I had cataract surgery on my left eye last week. What an amazing difference. Though, while Michael Jackson may have loved propocal, for me it creates nausea and tiredness. Next eye is mid September!

I wasn't able to read for a month, and I missed it terribly. Audio books were ok, but I miss holding the book.

It is another steamy hot day in NE Pennsylvania. What a summer, hot, hot, hot with lots of rain that did not bring relief.

Two months until I retire!!!! Lots of books await.

Thanks again to everyone!

BOOK #56


I Know You Know by Gilly Macmillan
BOOK OFF THE SHELF
This tale holds the reader, until the plot thickens and becomes too convoluted. Still, it is worth the read because this is an author who knows how to write suspense. Approximately 20 years earlier, two eleven year old boys were found buried in a space behind a local dog race track. Detective John Fletcher was on scene, and sadly, one of the children died in his arms.

Fast forward to current time when the body of a man is found in the same area, and detective Fletcher is anxious to find a thread linking the murder of the boys and the murder of a local near-do-well man who scammed many out of their life savings.

Cody Swift was one of the three boys who were constantly at each other's side in a run down, poverty-stricken neighborhood. Two were murdered, and because he disobeyed his mother and was made to stay inside on the night his childhood friends were murdered, his life was spared.

Now an adult, and still haunted by the death of his friends, Cody starts a pod cast. Opening up the story of the tragic death of his friends upsets more than a few members of the community, including John Fletcher.

A mentally challenged man was charged with the crime of murdering two boys. He hung himself. Cody and others doubt that the man charged was guilty. John Fletcher may know this truth, and hopefully the pod cast will solve who really murdered the young boys.

The premise of the book is good; the writing is above average, but still, I was disappointed at the convolution at the end. When I have to go back and read pages because the story is difficult to follow, then, I deem the book wanting.

I wish that the end would have been wrapped up in a more clear manner.

>101 Whisper1: It's good to hear from you, Linda! Glad you are getting some relief from the pain.

Sorry you needed cataract surgery, Linda, above all other pain.
Almost retiered, only two more months to go. I hope there will be a lot of good memories to take with you.

I'm glad you had some significant relief from your pain, Linda. And yay for improved vision. I know so many people who have had the successful cataract surgery; that's little short of a miracle, I feel.

I echo your other friends, Linda. It's so good to hear that you're living with less pain. Use the meds! (I'm about ready to give up my cataracts too. I just don't think mine are quite ripe enough to go.)
Always glad to see you posting about your reading.

Linda--SO glad the pain has lessened and that the cataract surgery went well. You are on the mend! Keep going with the audio until you can get to print. The mystery sounds good, if not perfect. Great to see you. : )

Hi Linda, I am back in the loop after a busy August getting jobs in the garden done and then helping move Amy and Andy into their new home after five years of renting. I see from previous posts that you have also had cataract surgery and it has gone well and that the back pain has lessened which is good news. Apart from the surgery and the back pain I hope you and Will are well and enjoying life as much as you can my dear.

We are both well and are looking forward to our holiday in Tenby, West Wales from the 8th to 15th of September, sending love and hugs to both of you from both of us dear friend.

Glad to read the first eye went well. Hoping the second one does just as well!

I'm happy that the nerve block worked and that your first eye's cataract surgery went well. Good luck with the other eye.

Hi Linda
Just here to offer encouragement about the cataract surgery- I found that I saw colour much better after cataract removal! Whites were whiter, and I didn't realize that colours were becoming more " yellow-y" before surgery.
Take care

So happy that the nerve block is working for you! The decision about further surgery must have been so hard to make, so I am glad that there is good news for you about a way to lessen the pain. And that your first eye surgery went so well. May all good wishes shower your days until your retirement!

I'm so happy that something finally worked the way it was supposed to and dealt effectively with the pain. Short-timer, let the count-down begin!

(((((Linda)))))

Hi Linda!

I'm glad the block worked for a while, at least, and that you have a non-surgery approach to the pain.

Yay cataract surgery - I hope the second surgery goes well for you too. Sorry about the adverse drug reaction - nausea and tiredness.

I had both eyes done, one week apart, in December of 2014, and it was a game-changer as far as night-driving went and changing my prescription from being near-sighted to farsighted. My distance vision is now 20/25 without correction (used to be 20/200 left and 20/400 right without correction!), and I use a prescription bifocal for computer reading and close up reading. Works for me.

Two months and counting. I'm happy for you.

Hello and Thanks To All! I am always amazed at the strong bond of this group. Even though I haven't posted a lot, still there are messages to make me smile.

It is another hot, hot day. I know I would not fare well in Florida or any state with this never-ending heat. But, it is a good day to stay inside and read.

I am very thankful for all the kind messages. It means so much to me!

BOOK #57

LIBRARY BOOK

Because I read so much about the Civil Rights Movement and Martin Luther King, Jr., when I read the synopsis of this book, I thought I would like it a lot. Alas, in all honesty, the plot was just too convoluted. A rare coin is missing and documents need to be found. I just could not grab hold to any thing that held my interest. There was a lot about the mutual hatred between MLK and snippy, snide J. Edgar Hoover, but nothing that I didn't already know. In the end, I felt there were too many plots and too many characters to make this come together to a cohesive story.

Because I read so much about the Civil Rights Movement and Martin Luther King, Jr., when I read the synopsis of this book, I thought I would like it a lot. Alas, in all honesty, the plot was just too convoluted. A rare coin is missing and documents need to be found. I just could not grab hold to any thing that held my interest. There was a lot about the mutual hatred between MLK and snippy, snide J. Edgar Hoover, but nothing that I didn't already know. In the end, I felt there were too many plots and too many characters to make this come together to a cohesive story.

BOOK #58


Killing Kennedy The End of Camelot by Bill O'Reilly
LIBRARY BOOK

I admit that I avoided Bill O'Reilly's Killing_________ series. I thought they would be too trivial and uninteresting. I was wrong. This is a fascinating look at The Kennedy presidency and the relationships that we know all too well, but still, the way in which the author portrayed the characters pulled me in and I found interest, sympathy, and sadness.

Mainly, I was surprised at the way in which the close relationship between Jackie and Jack was portrayed. This is a book worth reading!

BOOK #59


The Perfect Girl by Gilly MacMillan
LIBRARY BOOK

The plot is twisted and complicated. The story begins with Zoe, a teen aged prodogy. Found guilty of killing three teens in her car while she was under the influence of alcohol, Zoe is now free from the detention center. Still, she finds that her mistake follows her.

When she leaves the center, she longs for Chance #2. Alas, this doesn't happen. Her mother divorced her father after the trial, and she married a rich, obsessive, nasty, wife-beating man. Zoe sees how he treats his son, and how her mother turns herself inside out to be the best wife ever.

I very much liked the book, BUT, it was way too drama filled. Every event told was over the top. I really believe the book would have been much better had the drama not been over the top.

Good morning, Linda! I'm so happy to read the occipital nerve block worked wonders and is an option to surgery #9. My mom had cataract surgery about 7 years ago and, as you said, the results were miraculous. She hasn't required glasses since. :0)
I'm sure your second surgery will complete your miraculous process too!

Hi Lynda. Thanks for stopping by.

So good that the nerve block continues to work for you!

My 43 year old daughter received her first Occipital shots in her neck today and had enough immediate relief to
celebrate by searching at Whole Foods for Green Valley LF yogurt (surprisingly cost less than local chain grocery),
carrot/cucumber/avocado Nori rolls, & a couple of great vegetables, plus a lovely super fresh salad.

It's so cold (50s) here near Madison, Wisconsin that we got inspired to start planning Thanksgiving dinner -
always a challenge since she eats mostly GF, LF, and Vegan. I wish The British Baking Show would send over a drone
with delicious Gluten Free rolls - ours, even using King Arthur's usually great flour, are pretty lacking.

>122 m.belljackson: Check the books by Libby Klein - they have gluten free recipes. The author came to my book club and brought gluten free brownies - YUMMY!

Lovely to see you posting and reviewing!

And hooray for retirement! Karenmarie and I will be happy to show you the ropes as we're both loving it and you will, too.

Hi Linda! Love to see you here writing reviews again. I am not usually a history buff, but >119 Whisper1: looks very good. Pass on the drama of Perfect Girl--too bad. I wanted to like it. Happy weekend. (Have to say that now, before retirement, while you can still appreciate it!)

Glad to see that you are able to read again!
Hope the nerve/pain blocker is helping!

I recently read a children's book that I think you would like, Linda. Out of the Woods : A True Story of an Unforgettable Event, written about the author's grandfather. It was published in 2015, but the illustrations are old-fashioned and charming.

Happiest of birthdays deeeaaarrrr, Lindaaaaa - Happiest of birthdaaaaaays tooooooo youuuuuuu!

Have a happy birthday!

My Sweet friend, hoping you have a sensational birthday! Pain free would be tremendous!

Stopping by to wish you a very happy Birthday!

Wishing you a very happy birthday Linda my dear, I it is my daughter Amy's birthday today as well. Sending love and hugs dear friend from both of us.

>122 m.belljackson: Thanks for stopping by. What great news about the occipital nerve block working so well for your daughter. I had one thus far, and at the end of the month, I will have another. Within ten minutes after I left the pain management office, I felt tremendous relief. It only lasted for two weeks....But, that was marvelous! I hope the next one lasts longer. Please send some of your cold weather to my neck of the woods. Today is another hot/humid/sticky/mucky day. This summer brought a lot of rain, and a lot of heat. Sadly, the rain did not stop the heat. There was no refreshing air afterward. All good wishes to you!

>123 cyderry: HI Cheli. I cannot wait for retirement and the chance to see you again. I retire October 31. Halloween day. I hope all is well with you.

>124 streamsong: Yes, I so look forward to a relief from the stress. I had cataract surgery on Thursday, a follow up appointment on Friday, a day off yesterday from discomfort, gritty sand like feeling in the eye, plus swelling. It is good to have an eye doctor for my mate. He was a great help and provided a lot of guidance.

>125 Berly: Hi Kim. Are you staying out of the hospital? I hope you are feeling well! Once again, my time is limited and I haven't been on the threads...I miss my friends! The Perfect Girl had too much drama...never ending drama!

>126 ChelleBearss: Hi Chelle...Thanks for visiting here, and thanks, as always, for your kind wishes.

>127 countrylife: HI Cindy. I checked and found that my local library has the book. I'm stopping there on my way home.

>128 Carmenere: Hi Lynda...Thanks for your bd wishes. I am 66 today. Life is zipping right on by.

>129 bell7: Hi Mary! Thank you for so much, including the lovely card you sent a few weeks ago...It brought tears.

>130 cyderry: Hello...Regarding pain free...you know I wish the same for you. Take care, and thanks!

BOOK #60


Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
Book off the shelf

I rarely read romantic novels. This particular book was on the top of a pile under my living room end table. I looked at it often, and finally read it. Set in England, both in the countryside and in London, Louisa looses her long-term job at a small coffee house/bakery. This coincides with her father's loss of his job. Louisa becomes the primary wage earner when she takes a job wherein she keeps company of Will, a parapalegic.

Will mistakenly stepped in front of a fast moving vehicle when his sight was impaired because of a pouring down rain storm. He held a very high-profile, high wage job in London. Now, to move home in a small village community where he lives with his parents and is helped by a physical therapist who basically assists with the every day tasks that Will cannot perform. Louisa originally feels stuck with the job of keeping company with a man who has an unyielding nasty attitude.

As the relationship progresses, Louisa pushes him to get out of the house as she and Nathan, the PT, work together to take him places that are handicap friendly. She is not a long-legged blonde who agrees with everything he says. And, she is anything but shallow. She dresses in what is considered a weird style, wearing bright unmatched clothes, and she tries as best as she can to accommodate him and to understand his anger regarding his limitations.

I won't spoil the story line, but I will say this is a book that is very well written, and the love story is not sappy and over dramatic. This book was so good that I decided to read the other two in the trilogy. They are equally good.

Four Stars

^I hope you are having a great day, Linda. I am glad to see you are knocking some books out. The perfect therapy, IMHO. Boo, to the HOT weather. Keep cool, my friend.

A very Happy Birthday, Linda!

I'm sorry you've had some discomfort and side effects. I hope it is feeling better today. It certainly is a miracle operation.

I had cataracts removed from both eyes last year. The worst side effect I had were sudden light flashes across my eye. I was sure my retina was becoming detached, but no; just light glinting off the newly implanted lenses. Eventually it stopped - but it sure scared me!

>135 msf59: Hi Mark! So good to see a message from you! Thanks for the BD wishes. It was a good day.I hope all is well with you my friend.

>136 streamsong: Yes, cataract surgery is a marvelous thing. I was amazed at the vibrancy of colors. I'm sorry for your side effects. My grandmother's retina did become detached when she had cataract surgery. Sadly, she lost all vision in that eye. When I met Will, a retired eye doctor, and told him the name of the surgeon that my grandmother saw, he said that the doctor was known for his sloppy work. I spent a lot of time trying to find doctors who would try to re attach the retina. Every surgery was non productive.

I am glad that in the end, your cataract surgery was successful!!!

Did you miss John and me at >131 ronincats: and >132 johnsimpson:?

BOOK #61


After You by Jojo Moyes

Library Book

The second in the trilogy which began with Me Before You. In this book Louisa is hurting badly and struggling with grief after Will's decision regarding not wanting to live in a wheel chair and having someone bath, feed and take care of all needs that he was not able to do.

Living in London in an apartment she was able to purchase with the money Will left her, she seeks to adjust to the city and her overwhelming feeling of being alone. One night as she steps along the ledge of the roof top, Louisa dramatically falls off the roof to the many floors beneath her. An EMT named Sam helps her and holds her hand as she fights to stay alive.

Hospitalized as the many broken parts need mending, she cannot take care of herself and returns to home with her parents.

While writing this review, I realized that while I liked this book, I really can't recommend it. The previous book was more compacted and well written.

Two and 1/2 Stars

>139 Whisper1:

How weird - AFTER YOUsounds like a reprise of the plot of ME BEFORE YOU, only without Will.

I enjoyed the first one because of the open-ended interactions, both sensual and dialogue, between Will and Louisa.

>140 m.belljackson: Most of the book is about Louisa's inability to move on after losing Will. She finds Sam, the ambulance driver who saved her when she fell from many stories while walking on the edge. Using alcohol to numb the pain, she eventually attends a support group.

The book was good, but not as good as Me Before You.

Linda, so sorry I missed your birthday. Belated birthday greetings!

After You sounds a little contrived, with Louisa winding up (at least temporarily) in something of the position Will was in. Yet that whole trilogy was incredibly popular at our library. We had people clamoring for everything Moyes ever wrote. I think I'll pass, at least on the second one.

I think I would like to give Me Before You a try and just leave it at that. ; )

>142 tymfos: Terri, I admit that I had Me Before You on the top of a pile of books for a long time. Finally, I decided to read it. While originally I thought it might be sappy. Honestly, romance is not the type of book I usually read, but this one was very well written and captivating.
Thanks for your birthday wishes. I turned 66, will collect social security mid October and will work until October. Then, I will join The Friends of the Library. This is a group who helps get the books ready for books sales and then participates in the sales. I won't be able to handle heavy books, but I can sit and sort, and tell people how much they owe. The group also goes on bus trips to local points of interest, and they socialize by going to diner together. I also want to make an attempt at going through my books and giving away those I collected, but know I won't read.

I read the entire trilogy. The first was by far the best.
How is the Amazing Sig?

>143 Berly: Kim, I think you would like Me Before You. I was skeptical, but read it through a few sittings. Then, rented the movie, and it really was good.

BOOK #62

Still Me by Jo Jo Moyes
LIBRARY BOOK

This third book in the trilogy of Louisa Clark struggling to live without the constant pain of loss. While some of the portions seemed contrived and sappy, I still read this book. Mainly, I stuck with it because this is an author who is a very good writer. No, she isn't Hemingway, but she writes a good story about a very likeable woman who is learning to stand on her feet and open her heart again.

This book finds Louisa accepting a position as a social secretary to a very rich and very dramatic New York City upper Echelon. Louisa has little time to enjoy the city as the spoiled woman soaks up every minute of her time.

This was worth reading, but it wasn't as strong as the other two that came before. Some of the plot is predictable.

Three Stars

Hi Linda, sorry about missing your birthday here, but I did manage to send you some birthday wishes on FB. Congrats on your new pain-fighting tactics. I think avoiding more surgery is a fantastic idea as long as you can tolerate the nerve block treatments. It sounds like Jojo Moyes is good medicine for you. I haven't read anything by her…yet.

Retirement is just around the corner for you. Just think, more time for reading and playing with the neighbor children! I imagine it's a rather bittersweet time for you as I know how much you have loved your job at the university.

>146 Donna828: Thank you for your kind message Donna. I've made a list of things I hope to accomplish during my first year of retirement. Mainly, I want to rest and give my body time to heal after all these surgeries.

I hope all is well with you.

ENJOY EVERY MINUTE!

It's almost time for Retirement to commence!

I'm a big fan of retirement, Linda. I think you're going to enjoy it.

Hi Linda my dear, I am sure you will enjoy your retirement, being able to do what you want, when you want instead of knowing what you have to do every day whether you want to do it or not.

Sending love and hugs to you and Will from both of us dear friend.

Hello To All. Whenever I am absent, it is because the pain level is high. I actually called my local surgeon and asked his office to move up my appointment. Retirement nears and I have eight vacation days to use or lose. I'm taking off every Friday and Monday. It allows my body and spirit to rest.

Thank you for your kind presence. It means the world to me!

>152 Whisper1: Great idea! I am so happy for you getting so close to your retirement!! You are going to love it!

BOOK #63


Bringing Adam Home The Abduction that changed America by Les Standiford with Det. Sgt. Joe Matthews.

This is most likely the most difficult book I've read. When six year old Adam Walsh was abducted and murdered in July of 1981, America changed. As a child, my sisters and I could let the screen door slam and tole our mother that we would be back later. There was no fear that something could happen to us, no fear that a pedophile, and very sick man by the name of Ottis Toole would lure us into his vehicle and violently rape, chop our heads off, and partake of some of our bones while he burned and buried thee remains.

But, since this occurrence, nationwide, parents learned of just what could happen if children weren't kept by their sides and kept close.

ReVee Walsh took six year old Adam to a local Hollywood, Florida Sears store. While she looked at lamps for a few minutes, Adam was left with other children who were playing video games at the Sears store. When she returned, he was gone. As she panicked and continued to call for Adam, seeking help from mangers, little did she know he was already headed ten miles away where he was tortured and murdered.

Another travesty occured when the detectives time and time again missed or buried the truth that a man on their radar was indeed the killer. Toole had bragged to numerous sources what he did to little Adam. But, the men in charge, simply refused to take Toole at his word.

When Adam's 34th birthday occurred, finally, under the direction of Detective Sergeant Joe Matthews, who painstakingly spent countless hours going over each and every document, tracing the dots and all the errors that were made and was finally, without a doubt, able to prove that Ottis Toole was indeed the man who killed Adam.

By then, Toole had died, a victim of liver failure, he cried on his death bed to God that he was so very sorry about that little boy. However, the Walsh family finally had the legal team on their side and the state attorney's office made the decision once and for all the Toole was the murderer.

Through their grief and pain, the Walsh's worked to host a TV show, America's Most Wanted, which advocated for missing children.

The crime was horrifying, the written description of what happened to Adam was very difficult to read. But, I was reminded why to this day when my granddaughter is ten minutes later than she said she would be, I try not to panic. But, still my mind wonders What IF!

While I rate this five stars, it was indeed incredibly hard to learn the details.