Berly's Books Chapter Five

Where will my books take me?

For those of you who don't know me, I am a mom of 3, married to a great guy (he introduced me to LT) and besides books, I love TKD, working in glass, and chocolate. I have had an eclectic "career" in nerve regeneration research, advertising, the NBA, and editing. Now I work with my husband cleaning industrial processed water and stormwater, getting it up to EPA standards. I do the marketing and the financial stuff.

There are more books coming in than going out and I am making but a small dent in the TBR piles; I haven't given up hope yet though! I can't because books are everywhere. Some are under the window in my bedroom, some are stacked by my night table, in the study, downstairs in the bookcases, and then there is the Kindle....I know you all understand. Of course, I wouldn't have it any other way. ; )

Reading Now
Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk (K) with Karen, Janet
The Library Book (326 pages) by Susan Orlean -- RL #1 bookclub April
These Truths Part 3 & 4
Summoned to the Thirteenth Grave (A) by Darynda Jones

And Soon...
Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng RL Bookclub
return to Lost Children Archive (400 pages) by Valeria Luiselli
May--The Boy on the Bridge by M. R. Carey with Brynn

Pachinko With Twin and Ellen and Morphy -- June?
A Constellation of Vital Phenomena by Anthony Marra with Morphy
The Mars Room with Twin
A Visit From the Goon Squad (340 pages) by Jennifer Egan

These Truths by Jill Lepore
Four-month Group read
Jan Part 1 (1-150 pages) https://www.librarything.com/topic/301417
Feb Part 2 (151-307, 156 pages) https://www.librarything.com/topic/303118
March Part 3 (308-517, 209 pages) https://www.librarything.com/topic/304319
April Part 4 (518-789, 271 pages) https://www.librarything.com/topic/305408#




Read in May / ??? pages / Total Read
D) These Truths Part 4 (518-789, 271 pages) soon

Read in April / 1,433 pages / Total Read 11,421
C) These Truths Part 3 (109 pages)
32. The Orphan Daughter (A) by Cari Noga DNF (read 150)
31. Irma Voth (215 pages) by Miriam Toews with Twin
30. The Chemist (A) (528 pages) by Stephanie Meyer 3.0
29. The Great Believers (K) (431 pages) by Rebecca Makkai -- RL #2 bookclub April 3.75

⭐️ Favorite(s) of the month
Masterpiece 5.0
Stunning 4.5
Excellent 4.0
Very Good 3.5
Good 3.0
Average 2.5
Eh 2.0
Don't Bother 1.5
Bad 1.0
Anathema 0.5

A=Audio
L=Library
GN=Graphic Novel
IR=Indiespensable Readers
K=Kindle
LT=LibraryThing Early Reviewer



Books Freed = 75



Catalogued 33/50 shelves

Read in March / 3,763 pages / Total Read 9,988 pages
C) These Truths Part 3 (308-517, only read 100 pages)
28. I'm Fine and Neither Are You (266 pages) by Camille Pagan 3.5
27. The Trouble with Twelfth Grave (306 pages) by Darynda Jones 3.75
26. Her Royal Spyness (348 pages) (K) by Rhys Bowen 3.5
25. The Twin (343 pages) by Gerbrand Bakker 3.0
24. Eleventh Grave in Moonlight (321 pages) (A)(Charley Davidson #11) by Darynda Jones 4.0
23. The Sympathizer (Pearl Ruled at 50 pages) by Viet Thanh Nguyen
⭐️ Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine (337 pages) by Gail Honeyman 4.5
21. Fatal Remedies (272 pages) (A) by Donna Leon 3.0
20. Stitches: A Memoir (333 pages) by David Small 4.0
19. Freedom Road (377 pages) (K) by William Lashner 3.0

Read in February / 3,570 pages / Total Read 6,225 pages
B) These Truths Part 2 (151-307, 156 pages)
18. I Will Never Leave You (K) (338 pages) by SM Thayer 2
⭐️ The Snakes (438 pages) by Sadie Jones 4.25
16. Noir: A Novel (A) by Christopher Moore (PR after 1 1/2 hrs or 100 pages)
⭐️ The Fire This Time (224 pages) by Jesmyn Ward with Twin 4.5
14. One Good Turn (541 pages) by Kate Atkinson, Jackson Brodie #2, 4.0
13. Preacher (436 pages) by Camilla Lackberg #2, 3.75
12. Future Perfect by Victoria Loustalot (Pearl Ruled at 71 pages)
11. Start without Me (288 pages) by Joshua Max Feldman, LTER, 3.5
10. Nerve (313 pages) by Dick Francis (Thank you Mamie!) 3.5
9. Rock Needs River (K) (185 pages) by Vanessa McGrady 3.0
8. Once Upon A River (480 pages) by Diane Setterfield 3.75

Read in January / 2655 pages
A) These Truths (150 pages -- Section One) by Jill Lepore 4.25
7. A Ladder to the Sky (384 pages) by John Boyne, INDIEspensable #77 4.0
6. How To Be A Woman (320 pages) (A) by Caitlin Moran 4.0
⭐️ Sometimes I Lie (264 pages) (K) by Alice Feeney 4.25
4. Pavillion of Women (316 pages) (K) by Pearl S. Buck 3.75
3. Ice Princess (420 pages) (K) by Camilla Lackberg 3.5
2. Becoming (448 pages) by Michelle Obama 4.0
1. The Curse of Tenth Grave (353 pages) (A) by Darynda Jones 4.0

RL Book Club #1
✅ February - Becoming by Michelle Obama
✅ April - The Library Book - Susan Orlean
June - In the Midst of Winter - Isabel Allende
August - The Immortalist - Chloe Benjamin
October - There There - Tommy Orange
December - Choose books!!

RL Book Club #2
✅ January - Becoming by Michelle Obama
February - The Audacity of Hope by Barrack Obama
✅ March - Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
✅ April - The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai
May- Everything I Never Told Youby Celeste Ng
September -
October -
November -

Powell's Indiespensable Readers Challenge

Hubby signed me up for this. Over the years I have received 79 installments, but I haven't read all the books yet. Not even close! In an effort to catch up -- I want to read 12 this year. The complete list (such as it is) can be found here:

https://www.librarything.com/topic/301060#

Maybes

October--There, There by Tommy Orange
A Constellation of Vital Phenomena by Anthony Marra with Morphy -- Month TBD
The Bone Clocks by David Mitchell
Mr. Splitfoot by Samantha Hunt

Done
✅1. A Ladder to the Sky by John Boyne
✅2. The Fire This Time in February
✅3. The Snakes by Sadie Jones
✅4. Stitches by David Small
✅5. The Twin by Gerbrand Bakker
✅6. Irma Voth by Miriam Towes with Twin
7. Lost Children Archive by Valeria Luiselli -- reading
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.

And to get me to read more Books I already own....



Color Challenge
Black -
Brown -
Green -
Yellow - One Good Turn by Kate Atkinson
Blue - Start Without Me by Joshua Max Feldman
Purple -
Pink -
Grey -
Metallic -
Orange -
Red -
White -

And another effort to read off my shelves...

a
b -- Pavillion of Women by Pearl S. Buck
c
d
e
f -- The Fire This Time by Jesmyn Ward
g
h -- Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
i
j -- The Curse of Tenth Grave by Darynda Jones
k
l
m -- How To Be a Woman Caitlin Moran (Crazy & Katie's Fault)
n
o -- Once Upon A River by Diane Setterfield
p
q
r
s -- Start Without Me by Joshua Max Feldman
t
u
v
w
x
y
z

And I can't forget the...



https://www.librarything.com/topic/301134

✅ January - Ice Princess by Camilla Lackberg
✅ February - Fatal Remedies by Donna Leon -- reading
✅ March - Preacher by Camilla Lack-berg
May - Stone Cutter by Camilla Lackberg
July - Gallows Bird alternate title Stranger by Camilla Lackberg
September - Hidden Child by Camilla Lackberg
November - Drowning by Camilla Lackberg

https://www.librarything.com/topic/301134
Dick Francis Horsey Adventures

✅ January-February — Nerve
March-April — Forfeit
May-June — Reflex
July-August — Rat Race
September-October — Break In
November-December — Bolt

I can't resist buying new books!!

I seem to manage to read around 50% of my newbies.

2017 47/85
2018 45/88

Let's see how I do this year!!

2019 13/41 Read

✅ Becoming by Michelle Obama, G*
✅ One Good Turn by Kate Atkinson (Thank you, SS Paul!) G*
3. Strangers on a Train by Patricia Highsmith (Thanks, SS Paul!) G*
✅ A Ladder to the Sky by John Boyne, INDIEspensable #77 *
5. The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne, INDIEspensable #77 *
✅ How To Be A Woman by Caitlan Moran* (Crazy & Katie's Fault) AC*
✅ Rock Needs River: A Memoir About a Very Open Adoption by Vanessa McGrady AP*
8. Smoke and Summons (Numina Book 1) by Charlie Holmberg AP*
9. Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk: A Novel Kathleen Rooney
✅ Nerve by Dick Francis (Thank you Mamie!) G*
11. Happiness by Aminatta Forna (Thank you Paul!) G*
12. Self-Care for the Self-Aware by Dave Markowitz
13. Empathipedia by Dave Markowitz
14. Fluke by Christopher Moore
✅ Once Upon a River by Diane Setterfield (Reba got this one, too)
16. A Spark of Light by Jodi Picoult
17. Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
18. Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
19. A Killer In King's Cove by Iona Whishaw (Thanks, Twin!)
20. Reader, I Married Him edited by Tracy Chevalier (And this one, too!)
21. Audacity of Hope by Barrack Obama
✅ The Library Book by Susan Orlean
23. Late in the Day by Tessa Hadley, INDIEspensable #78 *
✅ The Snakes by Sadie Jones, INDIEspensable #78 *
25. The Bold World by Jodi Patterson, ARC *
26. Freedom Road by William Lashner *
27. A Visit From the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan
28. Manhattan Beach by Jennifer Egan
✅ Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
30. Where the Forest Meets the Stars by Wendy Vanderah AP*
31. Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
32. Calypso by David Sedaris
✅. I'm Fine and Neither Are You by Camille Pagan AP*
34. Lost Children Archive by Valeria Lyiselli, INDIEspensable #79 *
✅ Eleventh Grave in Moonlight by Darynda Jones AC*
✅ Trouble with the Twelfth Grave by Darynda Jones AP*
37. How Music Works by David Byrne
38. brown girl dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson, INDIEspensable #35 missing book acquired
39. The Eighth Sister by Robert Dugani AP*
40. The Orphan Daughter by Cari Noga
41. Inheriting Edith by Zoe Fishman

* = Free (which means I didn't buy it so I don't have to feel guilty!)
G=Gift
I=INDIESpensable
AC=Audible monthly credit
AP=Amazon Prime Kindle Read

✅ = read

Favorites from 2018:
Fiction
The Buried Giant by Kazuo Ishiguro
A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness
Queen of the Tearling (the whole series! -- done) by Erika Johansen
First Grave on the Right (the whole series!!) by Darynda jones
Beartown by Fredrick Backman
The Last Dragonslayer by Jasper Fforde
The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
Hounds of Spring by Lucy Andrew Cummins

Non-Fiction
We Were Eight Years in Power by Ta-Nehisi Coates
Hunger: A Memoir of (My) Body by Roxane Gay
Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike by Phil Knight

Series I want to continue...

#10 Silence Fallen by Patricia Briggs
#3 The Burning Page by Genevieve Cogman
#12 Charley Davidson by Darynda Jones
#6 The Deepest Grave Fiona Griffiths by Harry Bingham
#5 Cormoran Strike series by Robert Galbraith
#1 44 Scotland Street by Alexander McCall Smith
#4 E...by Sue Grafton
#6 Jodi Taylor
#4 The Chronicles of Kazam by Jasper Fforde, 2019??
#11 Charlie Davidson series by Darynda Jones
#2 The Masked City by Genevieve Cogman
#8 Thursday Next by Jasper Fforde
#2 The Rule of Many by Leslie and Ashley Saunders
#4 Jackson Brodie series by Kate Atkinson, Started Early, Took My Dog

Happy new thread!

Love the topper Kim.

Happy new thread, Kim! Your thread is always so bright and colourful! :-)

>13 thornton37814: Welcome! As my first visitor, enjoy some spring flowers! I am so ready for them. : )

>14 Caroline_McElwee: Hello there! Thanks for popping in.

>15 jessibud2: I am glad my thread makes you happy. I aims to please.

Happy new one, Twin. Your thread is so pretty. I'm looking forward to Irma Voth later in April.

You've got some big ones going now. Good luck!

Happy new thread!

>16 Berly: Love those flowers! I think most of us are ready for spring. I'm not sure my allergies are, but the body itself is.

Happy Sunday, Kim. Happy New Thread. I love those current reads, along with your April picks. You should be flying high with those choices.

Happy new thread!!

Happy new one, Kim!

Happy new thread!

>18 BLBera: Twin, I've got Irma Voth ready to go, but not till later in the month. : )

>19 mstrust: Thanks! Got any gems to spare?

>20 thornton37814: My nose is just going to have to suck it up because I am mentally ready for spring! Come on flowers!

>21 msf59: I am excited about my April reads. I am just feeling a little guilty being behind on my very own These Truths read, but I will catch up! You must be loving this time of year with all the birds everywhere.

>22 ChelleBearss: I see you started a new thread today, too! Happy new one right back atcha.

>23 katiekrug: Says the woman who is rocking the threads. Thanks!

>24 quondame: Hi and thank you! : )

Also, just to let any fellow readers know....

We are on the last month of Jill Lepore's These Truths--join us!!

Part IV
The Machine, 1946-2016
pages 521-789

https://www.librarything.com/topic/305408#

(Links to the earlier months can be found at the top of my thread.)

Happy new one!

Happy new thread, Kim. Lots of good reading.

Happy new thread, Kim. Looks like I am behind on These Truths again. Is the fourth section as long as the third?

>28 figsfromthistle: Thank you! Happy Monday back to you.

>29 Oregonreader: Nice to see you here. : ) Did you love the weekend weather or what? Beautiful!

>30 Familyhistorian: I am behind as well and the fourth section is the longest. I am just trying to keep going a little at a time and I am really enjoying it even though history is not my thing--so that says a lot!

Happy New Thread, Kim! I do like your thread topper, although I can't help but try to read the text pieces to figure out what book was sacrificed for it.

Happy New Thread, Kim!

Happy 5th thread, Kim! Have a wonderful Monday!

Happy new thread, Kim!

>2 Berly: If the weather continues, my red tulips will bloom within a week! I have never seen them so early in the year.

Happy new thread, Kim!

Happy new one, Kim!

Happy new thread!

Happy new thread, Kim!!

Happy new one, Kim. I love the topper which is leading to a secret place.

>32 ronincats: Hi Roni! Ouch. I am hoping it was a book that was already damaged so the artist made something better with it!

>33 kidzdoc: Darryl, so great to see you! I will have to hop over to your thread and catch up again. I fear I have fallen behind and am missing out on not only great books, but also recipes. : )

>34 Carmenere: Happy Monday, C! Five is a good number, don't you think?

>35 FAMeulstee: Oh, I am so jealous. I love tulips. Enjoy!

>36 humouress:, >37 Crazymamie:, >38 drneutron:, >39 RebaRelishesReading: Thanks you guys! You are the best.

>40 Ameise1: Exactly! That's what I feel books do for me, lead me to exciting new places.

Hi Kim my dear, happy new thread and sending love and hugs to you and the family from both of us dear friend.

>25 Berly: I'm ready when you are.

Happy New Thread, Kim!

Our tulips have at least got their green shoots out there. We still have a lingering chill, but it's supposed to get warmer in the next couple of days.

Happy new one Kimmers!

>43 johnsimpson: Hi, John. Thank you and hugs in return.

>44 BLBera: Great, Twin. Thinking the second half of the month for Irma Voth. I've got two bookclub books to get through first. ; )

>45 jnwelch: Joe--I had lots of tulips at my last house. Now? Only ones I get at the grocery store and pu tin vases inside the house. I miss them. Enjoy yours.

>46 PaulCranswick: Hi, Paul. Thanks!! Love seeing you here making the rounds.

So, I have my next TKD pe-test on Saturday. I know the curriculum pretty well, but my stamina is just not up to par after all my antibiotics and health stuff this year. My pain has been up and I have resorted to Oxy a few times. Taking it a day at a time and we'll see. I really don't want to fall further behind my group of friends. Crossing my fingers!

You work in chocolate? In that case, I will be right over! That's my favourite food group. Happy New thread . I am very sorry to read that your pain is up . Having pain from the osteoporosis that I have helps me better understand chronic and severe pain. Wow! You have two RL book groups. That must be both a lot of work and also a lot of fun. Take it easy.

>49 vancouverdeb: If my figure is any indication, I have a doctorate in chocolate!! You should definitely come over and check out my credentials. : )

Sorry you have the whole pain thing going on, too. I am pretty good at ignoring it, but lately it has been winning.

Yeah, two RL book groups. One meets monthly and the other is every other month. And the monthly tends to take a break in the summer. They tend to choose very different books which is kinda fun.

Happy Tuesday!

Hi Kim! Happy new thread.

Sorry about the pain (temporarily) winning.

Two RL book clubs. I have a hard time keeping up with one.

BTW, speaking of book clubs, I need to start Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk soon. Should we just comment randomly on each others threads or should I create a group read thread? I think @streamsong Janet mentioned possibly reading along, too.

Happy Tuesday to YOU!

Hi Karen! It might be easier to discuss Lillian on a separate thread but I am also good with random comments. So helpful, aren't I? : ) I need like 3 or 4 more days to finish up at least one RL bookclub read, then I could start. Does that work for you?

Today still is not a good day and the pain, aside from being painful, also wipes me out. If it doesn't clear up soon I might not be able to recover in time to do the TKD test Saturday. Ugh.

Hoping Wednesday is kinder. : )

>47 Berly: Works for me. I have a book club book and some library books that have people waiting for them...

>53 BLBera: Awesome!

So, in the month of March

I read 10 books
Cataloged/added 238 books
Culled Freed 65

>52 Berly: Here 'tis! Group Read: Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk

>55 Berly:
65! Congratulations.
238! Congratulations!
A friend of mine, Rhoda, says that unreads books on our shelves are like money in the bank.

Culling 65! Impressive Twinnie.

>52 Berly: Sorry the pain is bad again and hoping, with you, that Wednesday is better

>55 Berly: 65 books? Gosh, I wish I could manage that. Impressive stuff.

Cull. Cull. Such an ugly word. Couldn't you say you are freeing them so others can enjoy them?

>48 Berly: Good luck with your test Kim. Sorry to hear you are still in pain though.

>56 karenmarie: I have plenty of "$" in the bank then!

I will start the thread for Lillian. Yay!

>57 BLBera: Thanks! I have another batch to take in when I can find the time. : )

>58 RebaRelishesReading: Wednesday has been better and I went in to have a bunch of tests done, so we'll see what shows up.

>59 charl08: Thank you! I am taking a bow. LOL

>60 weird_O: Good point. I am sure someone else will enjoy the books I said goodbye to. I changed it to "freed" in 55. It has a much happier feel to it. ; )

>61 Caroline_McElwee: I am fifty-fifty on whether or not I can do the test. Seeing how I feel Saturday morning I guess.

Hey, Kim, getting older is the pits, isn't it? I'm just so impressed at your TKD activity at all!

>52 Berly: Chronic pain is horribly draining. Sorry you are dealing with it. It's the pits. *hugs* Hope you are feeling bright and shiny for your tests on Saturday. Go, go, mojo!

>6 Berly: How fabulous that your husband signed you up for that. Happy New Thread!Sorry to hear about the pain. I hope it clears up so you can do your TKD test on Saturday.

Kim, I’m sorry that you may have to miss the TKD test Saturday. I guess we have to listen to our bodies. Here’s hoping that your body gives a resounding “Yes!” when you wake up tomorrow and/or Saturday.

Good job on freeing those books.

>31 Berly: Longer? Oh no, I am still back in the third section. These Truths is just so hard to get to as it is such a brick.

Good luck with your TKD test on Saturday, Kim. I hope you are up to doing it and able to keep up with your group.

>27 Berly: I will have to head back to the library and see if it is there....I read part 1, but this section sounds rea;;y interesting

>50 Berly: If my figure is any indication, I have a doctorate in chocolate LOL- surely no! Mine is in chips/chocolate/sweets. That is kind of my mantra when searching the house for bad-for-me things.

Good luck on your TKD test today!

>64 ronincats: I have had health issues my entire life. I was just hoing I had paid my dues and would go gracefully in to the night. Looks like it might be a bit of a battle though. Perseverance is my middle name though. I can take it. LOL.

>65 Morphidae: My mojo is a no show. Today is sheer stubbornness. ; )

>66 vancouverdeb: Thanks. Pain is not gone. Ran a bunch of bloodwork and the doctor says I test like a teenager. So he ordered more tests. Haven't gone in yet to donate. Next appointment with him is on the 15th.

>67 Donna828: I am ignoring my body's No and still going to the test. I will, however, not be giving my usual 110%. Maybe 60%. I have to pace myself--it's a 2 1/2 hour test!

>68 Familyhistorian: I am still also finishing up the 3rd section, but I am enjoying it and I will definitely keep going. Hope you have fun with it, too. Brick that it is! : )

>69 LovingLit: I hope you can find These Truths again at your library. Just read it at home because they don't allow food in the library and I am sure you can find some chocolate at home. ; )

>70 ChelleBearss: Thanks! I am going to give it a go and we'll see if I make it through. Still feeling off. Can't wait for 3:30 today when it is over!!

Also it is my anniversary today. Told hubby I will probably be toast after the test so we are celebrating tomorrow night. 28 years!

Congratulations on your anniversary, Kim. Sorry you aren't feeling up to snuff though :(

Thanks, Reba. I just painted my toenails, so even if I don't have perfect forms, my toesies will look awesome!!

And I can't believe I have been married that long: I have now lived more with my hubby than without. I am so lucky he is such a great guy. : )

What does testing like a teenager mean? Is that a good thing? (Youth?) I was terribly pleased when they said at the dentist I had the calcium levels of an 18 year old. I can't say I know what it means really though... Hope you get some relief from the pain.

Sending you lots of positive thoughts for the test today. Go, go, Kim, yay, Kim!

We'll have been married 29 years in June, so I understand the, "We've been married HOW long?" thoughts! It just doesn't seem to have been that long. And he still makes me laugh like a loon.

Hi Kim my dear, congratulations on your 28th wedding anniversary and hope you have a good celebration. I hope the TKD test goes well for you and know you will give it everything. Have a really great weekend with the family and sending love and hugs to you all from both of us dear friend.

Happy Anniversary, Twin. Take care.

Congratulations on your 28 th anniversary ! I hope your TKD test goes well!

Happy Anniversary!

Happy 28th anniversary and good luck on the TKD test!

28th anniversary! Well done both of you - We are five years behind you.

Knock 'em out with the test (well you know what I mean!)

Congrats on the 28 years, and good luck with the TKD exam!

>75 charl08: Test results like a teenager--he told me my sugars and cholesterol were awesome! And my heart rate was stellar. : )

>76 Morphidae: Laughing is a great thing. Congrats on being such good friends with your hubby.

>77 johnsimpson: I survived and even passed my TKD test!!

>78 BLBera: Thanks Twin. I held back a lot so I could have the stamina to make it through the test and not get injured! I normally go at it 110%, but that just wasn't in the cards. I came home and promptly took a three hour nape. LOL

>79 vancouverdeb: After my longish nap, I felt well enough to head out for an Anniversary Dinner with my hubby. We went to a wonderful Mexican restaurant and managed to land a table right in front of the fireplace. The food was excellent and it was nice and romantic. Happiness!

>80 thornton37814: Thank you! We spent the whole day together and there were no kids involved! Don't get me wrong, I love my kids, but it was kinda like when we first met, just the two of us. They did all send us wonderful texts and cards. : )

>81 figsfromthistle: I passed my test and celebrated my anniversary--what a great day!!

>82 PaulCranswick: Thank you!! And congrats on 23. TKD went well. Passed! No knockouts, but I did break some boards.
Here is a video of my axe kick. I am the second one in.

https://www.facebook.com/kim.weyler/videos/pcb.2177045052387590/2177039375721491...

>83 charl08: Thank you!! It was a great day. : ) TKD went well. Passed! Here is a shot of me and Master Kim (his last name). He is a two-time World Champion and Olympic Gold Medalist in sparring and the nicest man. : )

Big congrats Kim!

Congratulations on the TKD test my dear, hope you are having a lovely Sunday dear friend.

>88 jessibud2: >89 johnsimpson: Thanks!! Phew. Glad that is over. Six months until the next one.

I also got asked to join the competition team; just not sure I have the time or the energy. It doesn't start for a few weeks so we'll see. Still, it is a HUGE compliment!!

Congrats on passing the TKD test, Kim. And on your anniversary. Sounds like it turned out to be a perfect day!

>90 Berly:, It is a HUGE compliment my dear and obviously well deserved, I can see it would be a big commitment but it is worth considering rather than dismissing it out of hand. I am sure that if you said no straight out, you might kick yourself at a later time. Well done dear friend.

Double congratulations Kim, on your anniversary, and on passing your TKW test. Great photo >87 Berly:.

>85 Berly: Hooray for naps, Mexican food, tables by the fireplace and romance!!

>87 Berly: Yay for passing! And for being asked to join the team! You've accomplished a lot!

Passing the test - hooray! Nap - hooray! Anniversary with a wonderful romantic meal - hooray!

And being asked to be on the competition team - well I'm blown away even if you decide against it.

Sounds like a Wonderful Perfect day!

May you have many more!

Congratulations on passing the TKD test, Kim! Great work and being invited to the join the team - great going!

Hooray for my Badass Book Buddy! Congrats, Kimmers. I hope you celebrated with a cold one or two.

And Happy Anniversary, my friend. We will be celebrating our 30th next month.

Congratulations on the TKD, Kim, and a belated Happy Anniversary!!

>87 Berly: So cool, Kim!

Congrats Twin! I will NOT mess with you. Glad you had a nice anniversary.

Congratulations and Happy Anniversary, Kim!

Congrats on the TKD test AND on the anniversary!

>91 katiekrug: It was indeed a wonderful day!

>92 johnsimpson: Thanks for the encouraging words about the competition team. I haven't written it off and I really would like to do it, but until I figure out what is going on with me (tired ALL THE TIME and a fair amount of pain) I don't think I can commit to another workout. This is my second time being asked by two different Masters, so when I am feeling better I think they will let me join. I hope. : )

>93 Caroline_McElwee: Thanks and I am glad you like the photo. Master Kim and I are the same age and and we have even played soccer together. He has a killer shot on goal--so fast!

>94 RebaRelishesReading: I know, right? A great combination. : )

>95 mstrust: It was a great day and I am super psyched to be one step closer to Third Degree Black Belt!! My long-term goal (if the body cooperates) is make it to Fourth Degree which is Master. That will take another four years. And just to be clear, there are several levels of Master. The ninth you can only get posthumously. Master Kim is 7th or 8th.

>96 streamsong: Thank you!! I am very honored to be asked to join the competition team. It was a great reward for persevering and doing the test. : )

>97 vancouverdeb: Thanks so much! I am somewhat of a perfectionist and because of that I can kinda stress myself out. Hubby filmed a lot of the event and I was happy to see that even though I wasn't feeling great I did well compared to the masses. But I am still greatly relieved it is over, LOL.

>98 msf59: I know it was National Beer Day and I thought of you a time or two. I certainly hope you celebrated it! ; ) And early congrats on your 30th! Are you going to do anything special to celebrate?

>99 ronincats: Thank you! Lots of stuff going on in RL. I'll get to posting about books again soon, I promise.

>100 jnwelch: Right? If there is ever a showdown, I definitely want Master Kim to be on my side!!

>101 BLBera: Hi Beth! But twins are supposed to mess with one another. : )

>102 kidzdoc: Thanks, Darryl. And thank you for all the recipes over the years. Keep 'em coming!

>103 banjo123: The Anniversary is really a bigger deal than the TKD test. I feel very lucky to have such a great guy as my partner.

Okay! Back to some book talk. Last Thursday I saw....



She was amazing! After her talk I marched right out into the lobby and purchased her book, brown girl dreaming. I am packed for reading in April, but maybe May. My daughter came with me and she said it was the best one she has seen so far. If you want to read her bio here is the link.

https://literary-arts.org/2019/04/jacqueline-woodson-2018-2019-portland-arts-lec...

Her talk is not up yet on the Archive Project, but check out the other free audios of past authors/events on i-Tunes. (There are actually 30 this month, but I could only get 22 on my screen shot.)



https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/literary-arts-archives/id968204382

And tonight, I have my RL bookclub and we are discussing Susan Orleans's, The Library Book. Fascinating stories about libraries, the people who staff them and the people who visit, the architects, community, arson and politics. Crazy stuff here!

>108 Berly: - That book is the first of Woodson's that I read and loved it. Just yesterday, I finished another of hers, Another Brooklyn but of the 3 I've read so far, the one I loved best was Show Way. Visually, that one was also fantastic. Linda (Whisper1) posted a link to her Woodson reads on my thread after I reviewed Show Way. It was a past thread. I will try to find it and edit it in here for you. I would have LOVED to see her speak. Lucky you!

>110 jessibud2: Yay! Another Woodson fan. I am sorry you didn't get to see her, but I will try to post when her talk comes up on the Archive Project on i-Tunes. I think they are also listed under OPBs website. And please do add the link if you can find it!

>111 Berly: - Found it, Kim! Here is what she wrote (it was in my final thread of last year so thankfully, I didn't have far to search!). I had no idea she has written so many!:

from Linda: I discovered Jacqueline Woodson through my YA readings. Since the first book of hers that I read, I've never stopped following her. Here is a list of the excellent books I've read that she wrote.

https://www.librarything.com/catalog/Whisper1&collection=-1&deepsearch=J...

Good to hear that Jacqueline Woodson was amazing, Kim! I loved Brown Girl Dreaming.

We're going to see the poet Andrea Gibson in a few minutes. She's my favorite performance poet; it should be good.

I loved Brown Girl Dreaming -

Will you report back on your book club's discussion on The Library Book?

>112 jessibud2: Thanks Shelley! I had no idea she was so prolific. How could I not have heard of her before this?! That's part of the reason I love attending Literary Arts--they really expand my horizons.

>113 jnwelch: Joe--I am excited to get to brown girl dreaming and am further encouraged knowing you liked it!! Have fun with your poet and I will look for comments in your thread tomorrow. : )

>114 BLBera: Yay! Another JW fan. My bookclub loved The Library Book. Each person shared the part that surprised them the most and then we had a general discussion of favorite libraries and librarians, how we came to love books, etc. We really enjoyed all the stories that Susan Orleans tied together in her exploration of the LA fire. Recommended!

(touchtones not working tonight...)

Congratulations on passing your TWD test, Kim…and your 28th Anniversary. You had quite a weekend! Thanks for sharing how your book group shared their thoughts on The Library Book. I have my book club tonight. We will talk about The Sympathizer. If I remember correctly, this was a DNF for you. I rather liked (appreciated) it but it was a real downer.

A Belated Happy Anniversary to you and the Mr.

Congrats on surviving and passing your TKD test!!

>116 Donna828: Thanks, Donna. I hope you have a great discussion of The Sympathizer. I just could not get into it (3x) and then I kept hearing it was not exactly uplifting and I just gave up. Done.

>117 SuziQoregon: Thanks, Juli. : ) Now I am post-test sore. LOL

>72 Berly: I am sure you can find some chocolate at home.
There is always the baking drawer, in which there is always a stash of chocolate chips :)

>119 LovingLit: Nope. I just ate mine. LOL I am chocolate-bare. And I think I will leave it that way for a bit because then Easter chocolate will take over the house!

Books Freed = 75 (Thanks to Bill for suggesting using a more fun word than "culled"!!)



Catalogued 27/50 shelves

Making progress!!

Congrats on passing your TKD test Kim. I don't know how you power through all the pain but you certainly are inspirational. And on your "freeing" so many books. Clearly inspirational.

Great work on the cataloguing! Super work on freeing the books. I have hard time with that too.

Hi, Kim. You asked about anniversary plans for our 30th. We are holding off, until later next year, to celebrate, and we are hoping to make an Australia/New Zealand trip. It will also be a retirement celebration for me and Bree will also be turning 30. It should be a big year.

>122 brenzi: Hi Bonnie. I think everyone has things they have to overcome to do all they want to do, but I am glad you see me as an inspiration. Thanks. : )

>123 vancouverdeb: Deb--I am determined to keep books in the shelves, except for my under the window TBR piles. So, I have to free some books that were good but not great. Hopefully someone else will enjoy them, maybe even more than me!

>124 msf59: Mark--Whoa!! That is gonna be a HUGE year. Definitely worth waiting for a blow-out trip celebrating so many things. Fun!

Oh yeah, I will also be turning 60 this year. OMG!!

LOL, my head is spinning!!

BTW--If you want someone to carry your bags for you on the trip just let me know. ; )

>120 Berly: Oh, there is chocolate in the house - I stowed it away 3 days ago....

I am coming over to your house!! : )

>130 Berly: You do like Russell Stover's Maple Eggs, yes?

You mean these?



I have never tried them. Be right there. : )

>132 Berly: Yep. We drove past the Russell Stover outlet and did a 5-mile back to detour so I could pick up a couple of boxes for transport back to CA. I think that was on one of the Illinois trips. My daughter went to college in Peoria and for a couple of years my husband had jobs in Bloomington/Normal.

Oh man! A Russel Stover outlet store? Good thing I don't live near one. I would not be able to resist.

>132 Berly: Maple cream egg?!? How have I not heard of this before?

Congrats on passing your TKD test!!

Hi Kim!

Congrats on your TKD success.

I am going to ignore all the Easter candy discussion - I'm going to try to resist. (I love See's Jelly Eggs and dark-chocolate marshmallow eggs that come in egg cartons)

After book sales and various and sundry I'm getting back to Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk. I'm on page 61. And I'm a tad behind on These Truths, with 60 pages to go in part III.

BTW, I'm most impressed by your TKD prowess!

>135 ChelleBearss: Oh you can blame that one on Q!! >131 quondame:

Thanks. I am a happy camper.

>136 karenmarie: Oh sure. Pretend to resist and then mention your favorites to suck me in.

I was busy prepping for TKD and I am behind on both of them!! Trying to get back in the swing of things...

>137 RebaRelishesReading: : )

More congrats on your TKD -- fun to see the video of you kicking board there.

Judy and I have been together for almost 25 years but never got around to getting married so no anniversary to celebrate. One of these days we'll tie the knot and see if they will backdate it

>121 Berly: You are an inspiration! I was going to go through shelves this weekend, but I took a nap instead. :)

>139 magicians_nephew: To pass the test, we had to break four boards, two hand and two feet. It's actually kinda fun!

Wedding or no, you must have some day you celebrate? If not pick a random one or maybe you prefer the year-round celebration approach? Congrats on 25. : )

>140 BLBera: Well, I guess I am not very inspiring! LOL

>86 Berly: That was really impressive, Kim! Congratulations on passing your test!

Thanks! I just found out last week that I have to compete in either a forms or sparring competition sometime before my next test (it's a qualification). Ugh. I chose forms so I don't get creamed by the youngsters in sparring, since it is all based on belt degree. I am going to one in Washington tomorrow to get it out of the way. I am trying not to stress. It doesn't really matter how well I do, just that I do it. But still, three judges score you and I am a perfectionist sometimes....

Good luck with your competition, Twinnie. And just to add on to your stress, any thoughts about when you want to start Irma Voth? I ask because I am between books now and would like some guidance. Should I start a different one, or should I start Irma?

So, in-between practicing the TKD form in my living room, I have been de-stressing by cataloging my books. Three more shelves done! And I came across a wonderful inscription from my sister in my Thomas Hardy leather-bound collection and two childhood favorites: The Secret Garden and Misty of Chincoteague. (Ha! I spelled that right from memory!) I think I might reread them. : )

>145 Berly: That sounds great!

Hey, I just read one by an Oregon resident that I think you would like If, Then.

>144 BLBera: Bless you! I am so far behind on books this month. Can we stall a little on Irma? : )

>146 BLBera: OK--I'll look that one up...

Intriguing! I especially like the OR connection. Thanks!

Works for me. Let me know when you're ready.

Deal. : )

>144 BLBera: >148 BLBera: >149 Berly:

May I join you with Irma Voth when the time comes?

>132 Berly: Looking for those in the next grocery store I enter.

>150 EBT1002: Yes! The more the merrier.

Oh, hi Twin. I knew you wouldn't mind if I said yes to Ellen, who is an honorary twin. :)

>150 EBT1002: Yes! Please join us on Irma Voth! I can start in after my next RL bookclub which is on Wednesday the 17th.

I love chocolate Easter eggs!

>153 BLBera: We could be triplets you know. Ellen does have a B and and E in her name. ; )

So I did it! Survived the Oregon TKD Open Tournament today. Placed third in forms and first in board breaking!! Whoohoo! Thank goodness no sparring. ; )



One inch boards like this but stacked 10 high. I used hammer fist technique and broke 6 first try. Finished them off with second strike.

Congratulations Kim. Wonderful achievement.

WOW!! Congrats!. So, do you actually get to rest now for a bit? ;-)

Congratulations, Kim! Did you break broads, as Mark asked on your Facebook post, or boards?

>156 Caroline_McElwee: Thank you! I feel good about it and I am glad it is over--both!

>157 jessibud2: Yes!!! Seeing a movie tonight and doing NOTHING tomorrow. : )

>158 kidzdoc: LOL. I didn't pick up on that until about an hour after he posted. Yes, I broke boards and the other broads were scared of me!! ; )

So, back to my shelves. Today I found a very tattered edition of Mistress of Mellyn by Victoria Holt. It is truly falling apart, but I can't bear to get rid of it. One of my true favorites as a youngster -- I signed the inside front page. Mine!



And then I found my Cliff Notes from college for...



Hmmmm. I don't seem to have any for The Iliad....!

Found 4 of my original Nancy Drew mysteries. I paid $1.75 for these hardbacks and I remember saving up my allowance to go get them at the local bookstore. The rest of my collection is at my parent's house. I really ought to get them some day. : )

>161 Berly: - I used to own them ALL! Eventually, I gave them to younger cousins as they grew into them. However, I have bought a few, including this one, at flea markets, over the years.

>162 jessibud2: Awesome! I don't think I ever owned them all, but I have lots more at my parent's house. This copy is from 1961, which was a few years before I could read. : )

>163 Berly: - Ok, I just had to go check the list on the back of one of the three I currently own. I owned (and read) 45 of the titles listed there. Either that was how many there were back when I was reading them or that was where I stopped when I *outgrew* them. I was too old by the time the newer series came out and when I see those newer covers, they just sort of make me sad, mainly for the nostalgia of the originals. I am quite sure, if I were to reread one now, even of the originals, there would be far more sentimental value than *literary* value, lol!

>164 jessibud2: Forty-five is a lot of the titles for Nancy Drew to own!! I know I read all of them up to the new series, but I think I only own about 30 of them. I just have books 1-4 in my actual possession intros house. And, like you, I love the old covers. A reread would totally be fun!

>155 Berly: Congrats, Twin. I told Scout you could break boards, and she was impressed. :)

I have quite a few of the Nancy Drews, and even a couple that were my mom's in blue covers. Yes, I remember saving my allowance to buy them, too. And I didn't read them in order.

Hi Kim!

Congrats on your outstanding results in the Oregon TKD Open Tournament.

>161 Berly: I still have some of the yellow spine/back hardcover Nancy Drews that I bought with my allowance, too. I’ve also acquired some of the early 1930s blue editions over the years. I can’t imagine re-reading them, though – but I might get a bee in my bonnet one of these days. You just never know.

>166 BLBera: Well, if I impressed Scout, my job is done!

Blue covers were before my time. I have the ones with the yellow siding, but I don't like the new new ones that have that banner across the top of the cover. I don't think I read them in exact order, but rather earlier to later.

>167 karenmarie: I was so excited to go down to the bookstore on Saturday morning with my saved up allowance to go check out the Nancy Drews and decide which one I would take home with me. I used to use the library a ton, but for some reason, those were the ones I wanted to own. I also had other series like Little House on the Prairie, the Land of Oz and my favorite horse, Misty of Chincoteague, but I think those were more gifts. I wouldn't want to do a reread of the whole Drew collection. Just one book. I am thinking the first one?

>121 Berly: Seventy-five liberated books! Your generosity astounds me.

>155 Berly: YAY YOU!! *smooch*

I spent a lovely day yesterday with Rob...first time in weeks I've seen him for more than a wave, since I ordered him to stay away from my virus-shedding self...mostly him fussing over my ouchie foot (dropped a 12-pack of Old Stuff's *shudder* Pepsis on my arch). I thought he'd be bored but was touched and pleased that he was put out when I said I had to go home to sleep or the bed-check lady would call the cops to search the town for me.

>145 Berly: Misty of Chincoteague! And Shoe the Wild Mare. I loved those books.

Congratulations on your anniversary and your TKD success! I hope your pain is subsiding, and/or the docs track down what the problem is and fix it. As Morphy said, pain is exhausting.

As for Jim and me, the relevant date is February 7, 1995, the day we met during my first day at a new job. I'm pretty sure it was a Tuesday.

Oh, and I had the blue Nancy Drew books when I was a kid. I don't recall what they cost or if I bought them myself - my folks were book worshippers, so they would have bought them for me.

>159 Berly: Heh, just had visions of the next great reality show: "Broads breaking Boards"!

The aunt for whom I was named sent me a book for my birthday every year. The first few years they were from the "Honey Bunch" series and then they were from Nancy Drew. I loved them and they are almost the only presents I got as a child that I still remember, even though through many moves I don't have them any more :(.

I grew up on the "Nancy Drew" series and a lot of other series books like that "Honey Bunch" was one of them and the "Bobbsey Twins" too. Then on to Tom Swift and other lesser known series from the World War II era. Thank you Uncle Bert.

Was in a trivia contest and they asked me to name the four Bobbsey's - I could do it too

>173 magicians_nephew: - Nan, Bert, Freddie and Flossie. ;-) Does that date us....?!

>169 richardderus: SO glad you are finally feeling better. A month is a long time to be feeling under the weather. How's the foot doing?

>170 ffortsa: See? I knew you two had a special day to celebrate your lasting relationship. Bookworshipping parents are the best. : )

>171 drneutron: I like the sound of that. When is casting?

>172 RebaRelishesReading: Now that's a great aunt! Funny how those books leave a lasting impression. They are still some of my favorite presents.

>173 magicians_nephew: I don't remember reading "The Honey Bunch," but apparently it was a winner. I remember the Bobbsey Twins better, but could not have named them.

>174 jessibud2: But Shelley can!!

So incredibly sad.

>177 Berly: heartbreaking Kim, I couldn't believe it when I saw the images last night.

>177 Berly: Yes, it is heartbreaking. I'm so glad I got to see it. I hope they can rebuild.

>175 Berly: The gout's finally subsided, thanks, and not a second too soon. I'm out of darn near everything! Groceries ho!

>177 Berly: A book I got earlier this year offers a bit of reassurance, Kim. Restoration: The Rebuilding of Windsor Castle by Adam Nicolson. In 1992 a huge fire destroyed a significant portion of Windsor Castle, one of the British monarch's official residences. The fire consumed the roof and several floors, with all the rumble settling onto the ground floor. Construction on Windsor began in 1070. The British rebuilt what as destroyed. And the book recounts both the fire and the rebuilding. Words and many photos.

Already, the British are reassuring the France that Notre Dame can and will surely be rebuilt.

         

>181 weird_O: I've seen the restoration, and it is impressive. So good to know such great crafts people still exist.

>182 Caroline_McElwee: I just had the unfortunate thought that these destructions do provide opportunities to masters of dying crafts.

>182 Caroline_McElwee: I think it took more than 5 years though? Maybe it just seemed like it took ages...

Considering the great Gothic cathedrals mostly took more than a generation to finish, five years doesn't seem all that startling for a restoration.

Yes, it's just so sad about Notre Dame isn't it? :(

I hope you're doing well! :) I hear you're having much better weather than us. But we'll have 70 degree weather Saturday and be able to start training for our walking marathon! Yay!

Congrats on your competition last weekend! Good job!

I didn't find a copy of Irma Voth while in Seattle earlier this week so I may not be joining you after all.....

>178 Caroline_McElwee: It just made me cry.

>179 BLBera: I have been lucky enough to see Notre Dame in my 20s and my girls saw it together, but my son has not had the chance yet.

>180 richardderus: Did you walk the aisles and grab what you needed? My fridge is pleasantly stocked with and recipes chosen.

>181 weird_O: That is good news and I appreciate the lift. Cool book.

>182 Caroline_McElwee: Exactly! : )

>183 quondame: I like how you look on the bright side of this!

>184 charl08: Five years would be far less than the centuries it took to build the first time.

>185 richardderus: See? What I said!

>186 The_Hibernator: Ohh! Good luck on the training. I am impressed. : ) We had a stellar day today. Sunny and 73. Perfect.

>187 SuziQoregon: Thank you! Glad it is over. I took a break this week from TKD and I leave next Tuesday for Florida. I am going to visit my parents. Just me, myself and I!

>188 EBT1002: Shoot. Library? OR pretty cheap on Kindle?

>192 Berly: Sounds good - what books are you packing?

>192 Berly: Have a delightful visit! Flahdah's about as close to perfect weather as it ever gets this time of year. I hope it offers you its best.

Have a great trip Kim! Hope you get some rest and have a great visit with your family.

>177 Berly: that is a lovely image of the cathedral- I had a picture of one of the stained glass windows on my school folder when I was 16, I loved that image.

W's school friend and his family were in Paris and had visited the cathedral precisely the day before it burned!!!

Happy Easter weekend, Kim.

Happy Easter, Kim!

Congrats on your anniversary and doing well on the TKD test and forms, Kim. Safe travels!

Hope you have a good trip with your parents!

Have fun in Florida. It's pretty nice now in Minn. Just saying.

Irma Voth?

Hi Kim. I am taking advantage of a rainy Easter Monday to catch up on threads. Congratulations on your anniversary. Well done on passing your TKD test and surviving the Oregon TKD Open Tournament! Very impressive you were asked to join the competition team!

Wishing you a fabulous time in Florida visiting your parents!

Hello Everyone!!

Thank you all so much for the wonderful messages.

Life is hectic to say the least.

-- I helped TWO children this past weekend, packing and moving.
-- Then I hosted Easter dinner at my house.
-- Monday was a madhouse at work and then home to pack and
-- Out the door again to go see the OR Book Awards in the evening.
-- Tuesday morning I left bright and early for Florida
-- Where I am now spending some time with my parents.

Hopefully I will find more time to say a little more on some of these things. But not tonight. I am going to BED!!!

: )

Oh, and Twin? I am starting Irma Voth tomorrow. : )

>203 Berly: Exhausted from reading that

Enjoy your trip and hope you get some time to relax!

I was going to say congrats on the TKD test, but then I keep reading and you've been breaking boards in tournaments too! You are ferociously awesome! (And completely rock that TKD outfit, whatever the proper name for it is). Remind me to recruit you when I form my super crime-fighting world-rescuing posse.

>203 Berly: WOW!! You've been busy. I hope you're taking time to rest a bit now.

Hi Kim my dear, you have been a busy lady this past week, I hope that you enjoy your visit to your parents and get to re-charge your batteries. Hope all the family are well and that you are ok after recent illness etc, we are both fine after a busy Easter and slight issues with my back but are now relaxing and enjoying ourselves.

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

Relax, Twin. I am in the middle of A Woman Is No Man right now, so I'll start Irma Voth when I finish, probably this weekend.

I hope you're having a good time in sunny Florida. We're expecting snow this weekend.

>205 richardderus: Exactly! Perfect picture. LOL

>206 ChelleBearss: Having fun so far. Managed some pool time and attended a balance class with my parents. I am proud to say I did not have to use the chair or wall for balance. ; ) Actually a really great class. There were threee people attending who are in their 90s!! Very inspiring.

>207 evilmoose: Apparently my Dad has been telling everyone down here about my board breaking so all the guys wanted to know how many and how thick they were and what technique and on and on. It was funny and touching at the same time. Let me know when you form this super crime-fighting world-rescuing posse--I'm in!!

>208 RebaRelishesReading: Well, I don't know about rest, but the weather has been nice and I have hit the pool twice. I also helped my Mom go through and get rid of a bunch of really old clothes. And I have been busy dusting all their fake plants. Now they are green instead of grey!! Tomorrow I am helping my Dad purge.

>209 johnsimpson: Glad your back is feeling better and I hope you had a great Easter as well. Life has surely been busy lately. Thanks for keeping my thread going. ; ) Hugs to you and Karen.

>210 BLBera: Phew! I only got 5 pages in today. LOL Who knew (my parent's) retirement was so busy?

Well, I hope you get some rest at your parents'. But it's good for me that you haven't finished IV already!

Hi Kim!

>203 Berly: Just reading about your activities exhausted me! I hope you’re getting a chance to get caught up in Florida, what with balancing classes and helping your parents get rid of stuff.

>203 Berly: Made me almost relieved to be sitting in the hospital......resting!

I am home now and I am hopeful that your Sunday will be restful.

Happy Sunday, Kim. I hope you are enjoying your visit, with the folks, soaking up some sun and getting some R & R in. We have snow on the ground here. Ugh!

Happy Sunday, Kim!

>109 Berly: So I'm reading The Library Book when it occurs to me to check which library I borrowed it from. Yep, Santa Monica library, five miles from my within walking distance branch of the Los Angeles Library. I'm really enjoying it, though getting my head around someone who went to library school in 1979 reminiscing about Will and Ariel Durant. Also, it's great fun to go back and re-read the 'references' at the start of each chapter when I get to the end!

Hope you're having a good visit with your folks.

I need a fresh start....new thread!!!