scaifea's 2019 Thread #15

My new workplace!

Hey, everybody!

From the Introductions Thread:
I'm Amber, a one-time Classics professor, turned stay-at-home parent/lady of leisure, soon to turn part-time library assistant. I spend my time sewing, writing, knitting, baking, and, of course, reading. Oh, and I run an Etsy shop and I'm co-writing a Latin textbook with a former colleague. So I keep busy.

My reading life is happily governed by lists, which means that I read a healthy variety of things across various genres.

I'm 44 going on 12 and live in Ohio with my husband, Tomm; our 10-year-old son, Charlie; and our two dogs, Tuppence the Border Collie and Mario the Golden Retriever.



Favorite Books from 2018
The Hate U Give
We Are Okay
Revenge
Uprooted
Doc
Trigger Warning
Sacre Bleu
The Sleeper and the Spindle
You're Never Weird on the Internet (Almost)
84 Charing Cross Road
In a Sunburned Country
Becoming

The five-ish or so books I have going at once and the On Deck books nearly all come from the following categories and lists:

1. A book from the 100 Banned Books book (at least currently. As soon as I finish this list, I'll replace it with another, and oh, I've got tons of lists).

2. A children's book, for Charlie's library. I'm trying to collect books from various award lists, and I like reading them before reading them to Charlie or deciding to add them to Charlie's shelves. For this category, I’m currently working through three lists:
a. 1001 Children’s Books You Must Read Before You Die
b. The Newbery Honor books
c. Cooperative Children's Book Center list

3. A book from the Green Dragon 1001 Fantasy List, in chronological order.

4. A book for the Presidential Challenge. Books for this category are read in chronological (presidentially) order.

5. A list I'm working through together with my best friend, Rob: The Hugo/Nebula/WFA/Bram Stoker (and other) lists (combined, in chronological order)

6. For this category, I cycle through 9 different stacks:
a. Agatha Christie's bibliography (in chronological order)
b. Stephen Fry's bibliography (in chronological order)
c. John Boyne bibliography (in chronological order, sort of)
d. Neil Gaiman's bibliography (in some order other than chronological (don't
ask)).
e. Christopher Moore's bibliography (in chronological order)
f. Maggie Stiefvater's bibliography (in chronological order)
g. The NEH Timeless Classics list
h. The National Book Award list (in alpha order by title)
i. The Pulitzer list (in alpha order by author)

7. An unread book from my shelves.

8. A book from my Read Soon! shelves.

9. A book on Buddhism or from the Dalai Lama's bibliography.

10. Book-a-year challenge: Three years ago, along with a few others in this group (*cough* Paul *cough*), I made a year-by-year list to see how far I could go back with consecutive reads. I've since been trying to fill in the gap years.

11. A book from the couple of series that I'm reading together with my mom.

12. A full-on re-read through Shakespeare's stuff.

13. A read-aloud-to-Charlie-at-bedtime book (or two).

14. An audio book, which I listen to as I knit/sew/otherwise craft/drive.

15. A Discworld book (so many of these are coming up soon on various lists, so I'm just diving into it)

16. This slot is reserved for books that just grab me and shout that they need to be read Right Now.

What I'm Reading Now:
-Lincoln (U.S. Presidential Challenge)
-Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism (Buddhist reading list)
-The Golden Name Day (Newbery Honor Book)
-I Shall Wear Midnight (Discworld series)
-Breaking Stalin's Nose (audiobook)
-Pawn of Prophecy (Charlie's bedtime book)
-The Wise Man's Fear (Read Soon! Shelves)
-Still Life (Read Soon! Shelves)

Books on Deck:

-Uncle Silas (books by year - 1864)
-Read It and Weep (series read with my mom)
-The Taming of the Shrew (Shakespeare re-read)
-Peyton Place (Banned Books)
-The House on the Borderland (Green Dragon 1001 Fantasy list)
-Lord Foul's Bane (BSF Award)
-Secondhand Souls (Moore bibliography)
-(unread book from my shelves)
-(a book from my Read Soon! shelves)

Books Read

JANUARY
1. The Trivium: The Liberal Arts of Logic, Grammar, and Rhetoric (Read Soon! Shelves) - 7/10 = C
2. Viking's Dawn (1001 Children's Books) - 8/10 = B+
3. Journey Outside (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B+
4. Leader by Destiny (Newbery Honor Book) - 7/10 = C-
5. Eugenie Grandet (audiobook) - 8/10 = B
6. The Man Who Was Thursday (Green Dragon 1001 Fantasy Books) - 8/10 = B+
7. The Letter, the Witch, and the Ring (Charlie's bedtime read) - 8/10 = B+
8. Bhimsa the Dancing Bear (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B-
9. Carpe Jugulum (Discworld) - 8/10 = B
10. All the Crooked Saints (Read Soon! Shelves) - 9/10 = A
11. Boy with a Pack (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B+
12. The Robber Hotzenplotz (1001 Children's Books) - 8/10 = B-
13. The Wonderful Year (Newbery Honor Book) - 7/10 = C
14. Treasure of Green Knowe (Charlie's bedtime book) - 9/10 = A
15. If on a Winter's Night a Traveler (Green Dragon 1001 Fantasy Books) - 8/10 = B+

FEBRUARY
16. The Night Diary (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B
17. The Poet X (Printz Award) - 9/10 = A
18. The Puppy Place: Cody (Charlie's bedtime read-aloud) - 8/10 = B
19. Next of Kin (Boyne bibliography) - 10/10 = A+
20. Darius the Great Is Not Okay (Morris Award) - 8/10 = B
21. The Fifth Elephant (Discworld) - 8/10 = B
22. The Knife of Never Letting Go (recommended by my BF) - 8/10 = B-
23. The Book of Boy (Newbery Honor Book) - 10/10 = A+
24. Wish (Read Soon! Shelves) - 8/10 = B
25. Crime and Punishment (Books by Year, 1866) - 8/10 = B+
26. Merci Suárez Changes Gears (Newbery Medal Winner) - 8/10 = B+
27. What the Night Sings (Morris Award) - 9/10 = A-
28. Big Tree (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B

MARCH
29. Storm Front (Green Dragon 1001 Fantasy Books) - 7/10 = C
30. Young Mac of Fort Vancouver (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B
31. This Is Water (Read Soon! Shelves) - 10/10 = A+
32. In the Company of Cheerful Ladies (series I'm reading with my mom) - 8/10 = B+
33. The Battle of Bubble and Squeak (1001 Children's Books) - 8/10 = B+
34. Nicholas Nickleby (audiobook) - 9/10 = A
35. The Two Princesses of Bamarre (Read Soon! Shelves) - 9/10 = A
36. A Study in Emerald (Gaiman bibliography) - 9/10 = A
37. Howl's Moving Castle (Charlie's bedtime read) - 10/10 = A+
38. The Collectors (Schneider Honor Book) - 9/10 = A
39. Unstoppable (Read Soon! Shelves) - 8/10 = B
40. Gold Dust (1001 Children's Books, audiobook) - 7/10 = C-
41. George Washington's World (Newbery Honor Book) - 9/10 = A
42. The Heavenly Tenants (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B-
43. The Two Gentlemen of Verona (Shakespeare Re-read) - 9/10 = A-
44. The Truth As Told by Mason Buttle (Schneider Award) - 8/10 = B+
45. The Truth (Discworld) - 8/10 = B-
46. The Swerve (Read Soon! Shelves) - 9/10 = A-
47. A String in the Harp (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B-
48. Knight's Fee (1001 Children's Books) - 9/10 = A-
49. Lolita (Banned Books) - 9/10 = A
50. Pancakes-Paris (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B+

APRIL
51. New and Selected Poems by Mary Oliver (Read Soon! Shelves) - 8/10 = B
52. The Firefly's Lovers and Other Fairy Tales of Old Japan (Green Dragon 1001 Fantasy list) - 8/10 = B
53. The Book of Three (Charlie's bedtime read) - 9/10 = A-
54. A Visit from the Good Squad (Pulitzer Prize)
55. The Well of the Unicorn (Green Dragon 1001 Fantasy list) - 6/10 = D
56. The Seeing Stone (1001 Children's Books, audiobook) - 8/10 = B-
57. Down Ryton Water (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B
58. Thief of Time (Discworld series) - 9/10 = A-
59. The Puppy Place: Bear (Charlie's bedtime read-aloud selection) - 8/10 = B
60. The School at the Chalet (1001 Children's Books) - 8/10 = B-
61. How the Whale Became (1001 Children's Books) - 8/10 = B-
62. The Mysterious Benedict Society (Read Soon! Shelves) - 8/10 = B
63. Ghosts of Greenglass House (Read Soon! Shelves) - 10/10 = A+
64. Noughts and Crosses (1001 Children's Books, audiobook) - 8/10 = B+
65. Anger Is a Gift (Schneider Honor Book) - 9/10 = A
66. The Winged Watchman (1001 Children's Books) - 8/10 = B-
67. The Last Hero (Discworld) - 8/10 = B
68. Witch Child (1001 Children's Books, audiobook) - 9/10 = A
69. Have You Seen Tom Thumb? (Newbery Honor Books) - 6/10 = C

MAY
70. Uncle (1001 Children's Books) - 6/10 = D
71. The Jazz Man (Newbery Honor Book) - 7/10 = C
72. When Breath Becomes Air (Read Soon! Shelves) - 9/10 = A
73. My Friend Mr. Leakey (1001 Children's Books) - 6/10 = D
74. The Witches of Worm (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10= B-
75. Ficciones (Green Dragon 1001 Fantasy Books list) - 10/10 = A+
76. Dogsong (Newbery Honor Book, audiobook) - 8/10 = B-
77. The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents (Discworld) - 8/10 = B+
78. Ivy Aberdeen's Letter to the World (Stonewall Honor Book) - 9/10 = A
79. Smile (the book that Charlie let me borrow as a Mother's Day present) - 9/10 = A
80. Song of the Pines (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B
81. On My Honor (Newbery Honor Book, audiobook) - 8/10 = B+
82. Night Watch (Discworld series) - 10/10 = A+
83. Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy (Charlie's bedtime read) - 9/10 = A
84. Elidor (1001 Children's Books) - 7/10 = C
85. The Left-Handed Fate (Read Soon! Shelves) - 8/10 = B+
86. The Lover's Dictionary (Read Soon! Shelves) - 7/10 = C+
87. Good Omens (reread before the show is released) - 9/10 = A
88. A Dog So Small (1001 Children's Books, audiobook) - 6/10 = D
89. Picture Us in the Light (Stonewall Honor Book) - 9/10 = A

JUNE
90. News of the World (Read Soon! Shelves) - 9/10 = A
91. Afternoon of the Elves (Newbery Honor Book, audiobook) - 9/10 = A-
92. The Wee Free Men (Discworld) - 9/10 = A-
93. You're All Just Jealous of My Jetpack (picked up at the library today) - 8/10 = B+
94. The Winter Room (Newbery Honor Book, audiobook) - 8/10 = B
95. A Traveller in Time (1001 Children's Books) - 8/10 = B+
96. The Weathermonger (Green Dragon 1001 Fantasy Books) - 9/10 = A-
97. The Name of the Wind (Read Soon! Shelves) - 10/10 = A+
98. Mountain Born (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B+
99. Ash Road (1001 Children's Books) - 8/10 = B-
100. The Ghost in the Mirror (Charlie's bedtime read) - 9/10 = A
101. Onibi: Diary of a Yokai Ghost Hunter (library impulse check-out) - 8/10 = B+
102. Two Years Eight Months and Twenty-Eight Nights (Read Soon! Shelves) - 7/10 = C
103. What Hearts (Newbery Honor Book, audiobook) - 8/10 = B-
104. The Puppy Place: Lucky (Charlie's read-aloud at bedtime) - 7/10 = C+
105. Hurricane Child (Stonewall Award) - 8/10 = B-
106. Maisie Dobbs (Read Soon! Shelves) - 9/10 = A
107. Magic Maize (Newbery Honor Book) - 6/10 = D
108. Doraemon (1001 Children's Books) - 8/10 = B-
109. Going Solo (Read Soon! Shelves) - 8/10 = B+
110. Monstrous Regiment (Discworld) - 9/10 = A
111. From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler (Charlie's bedtime read) - 9/10 = A
112. Lament (Stiefvater bibliography) - 9/10 = A
113. The Silver Pencil (Newbery Honor Book) - 7/10 = C

JULY
114. I'm a Stranger Here Myself (Read Soon! Shelves) - 8/10 = B
115. Feathers (Newbery Honor Book) - 9/10 = A-
116. The Swish of the Curtain (1001 Children's Books) - 8/10 = B-
117. Odd and the Frost Giants (Charlie's bedtime read) - 10/10 = A+
118. Blood Water Paint (Morris Award Finalist) - 9/10 = A
119. A Fire Upon the Deep (Hugo Award) - 7/10 = C
120. A Hat Full of Sky (Discworld series) - 9/10 = A
121. Men, Microscopes, and Living Things (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B
122. The Ear, the Eye, and the Arm (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B+
123. Charlotte Sometimes (1001 Children's Books) - 8/10 = B
124. Hurrah for St. Trinian's (1001 Children's Books) - 7/10 = C
125. Complications: A Surgeon's Notes on an Imperfect Science (Read Soon! Shelves) - 8/10 = B+
126. Ruby Holler (Read Soon! Shelves) - 8/10 = B-
127. The Moved-Outers (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B-
128. A Monster Calls (Read Soon! Shelves) - 10/10 = A+
129. Damsel (Printz Honor Book) - 7/10 = C
130. Check, Please! Book 1: #Hockey (Morris Award Finalist) - 10/10 = A+
131. Naked Lunch (Banned Books list) - 6/10 = D

AUGUST
132. Going Postal (Discworld series) - 8/10 = B+
133. The Ghost of Thomas Kemp (1001 Children's Books) - 8/10 = B+
134. Naturally Tan (Read Soon! Shelves) - 9/10 = A-
135. America Is Born (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B
136. The Vengeance of the Witch-Finder (Charlie's bedtime read) - 9/10 = A
137. His Majesty's Dragon (Green Dragon 1001 Fantasy list) - 8/10 = B+
138. A Heart in a Body in the World (Printz Honor Book) - 8/10 = B-
139. Dreamtime: Aboriginal Stories (1001 Children's Books) - 7/10 = C
140. Men of Athens (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B-
141. The Girl with All the Gifts (Read Soon! Shelves) - 9/10 = A
142. Jennings and Darbishire (1001 Children's Books) - 8/10 = B
143. Apocalypse Taco (I saw this one in a Book Riot New Books list and thought it looked interesting) - 8/10 = B
144. Circe (Read Soon! Shelves) - 9/10 = A
145. The Master and Margarita (Green Dragon 1001 Fantasy list) - 7/10 = C

SEPTEMBER
146. The Avion My Uncle Flew (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B+
147. I Survived: The Attacks of September 11, 2001 (Charlie book) - 8/10 = B+
148. Children of Blood and Bone (audiobook) - 9/10 = A
149. Emily Dickinson: Letters (Read Soon! Shelves) - 9/10 = A-
150. Thud! (Discworld series) - 9/10 = A
151. I, Claudia (Printz Honor Book) - 6/10 = D
152. Ballad (Read Soon! Shelves) - 9/10 = A
153. A Slip of a Girl (found on a New Releases list) - 9/10 = A-
154. The 18th Emergency (1001 Children's Books) - 8/10 = B
155. Down with Skool! (1001 Children's Books) - 5/10 = Blerg
156. Li Lun, Lad of Courage (Newbery Honor Book) - 7/10 = C

OCTOBER
157. The Lies of Locke Lamora (Green Dragon 1001 Fantasy list) - 9/10 = A
158. Dragon's Gate (Newbery Honor Book/audiobook) - 8/10 = B-
159. Wintersmith (Discworld series) - 9/10 = A
160. What Jamie Saw (Newbery Honor Book/audiobook) - 8/10 = B-
161. The Ode Less Travelled (Stephen Fry bibliography) - 9/10 = A
162. Yolanda's Genius (Newbery Honor Book/audiobook) - 8/10 = B-
163. The Broom of the System (Read Soon! Shelves) - 8/10 = B+
164. The Hidden Treasure of Glaston (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B
165. Hocus Pocus & the All-New Sequel (Read Soon! Shelves) - 8/10 = B-
166. Johannes Cabal the Necromancer (Read Soon! Shelves) - 9/10 = A
167. Art Matters (Gaiman bibliography) - 10/10 = A+
168. The Terrible Two Get Worse (Charlie's read-aloud at bedtime book) - 9/10 = A
169. The Brothers Lionheart (1001 Children's Books) - 8/10 = B
170. The Cow-Tail Switch and Other West African Stories (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B+
171. Mr. Pants: Trick or Feet! (Charlie's read-aloud at bedtime) - 10/10 = A+

NOVEMBER
172. Turtles All the Way Down (Read Soon! Shelves) - 8/10 = B
173. Educated (audiobook) - 9/10 = A
174. Maria Escapes (1001 Children's Books) - 8/10 = B
175. The Great Fire (Newbery Honor Book/audiobook) - 8/10 = B
176. Our Only May Amelia (Newbery Honor Book/audiobook) - 8/10 = B+
177. Kildee House (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B+
178. Better Known as Johnny Appleseed (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B-
179. Inkheart (Charlie's bedtime read-aloud) - 9/10 = A
180. Making Money (Discworld series) - 9/10 = A
181. The Breach (Read Soon! Shelves) - 8/10 = B
182. Hope Was Here (Newbery Honor Book/audiobook) - 8/10 = B+
183. The Heart's Invisible Furies (Boyne bibliography) - 10/10 = A+
184. Crusade in Jeans (1001 Children's Books) - 8/10 = B
185. The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Six More (Read Soon! shelves) - 8/10 = B-

DECEMBER
186. A Corner of the Universe (Newbery Honor Book/audiobook) - 8/10 = B+
187. My Great-Grandfather and I (1001 Children's Books) - 7/10 = C
188. The Voice That Challenged a Nation (Newbery Honor Book, audiobook) - 8/10 = B
189. Americans before Columbus (Newbery Honor Book) - 7/10 = C
190. The Doom of the Haunted Opera (bedtime read-aloud) - 9/10 = A-
191. Unseen Academicals (Discworld) - 9/10 = A
192. Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy (Newbery Honor Book, audiobook) - 8/10 = B+
193. The Name of This Book Is Secret (Charlie recommended) - 8/10 - B+
194. A Christmas Memory (Christmas re-read) - 10/10 = A+
195. The Bonny Pit Laddie (1001 Children's Books) - 8/10 = B+
196. The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate (Newbery Honor Book, audiobook) - 8/10 = B-
197. The Defender (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B-
198. Lumberjanes #1: Beware the Holy Kitten (re-read) - 10/10 = A+

Crowley and the Gals:

*settling in*

Hi!

Hey! Nice workplace photo up top!

Happy new thread, Amber. I've been busy with craft shows so didn't get in on the encouragement for the interview, but congrats on landing the job and to them for recognizing that even though you are ridiculously over-qualified, it is just their good luck.

Charlie looks amazing. Did he get a lot of questions about who he was supposed to be? After all, although there are a high percentage of us in this group, I don't know how aware the general public is of Good Omens.

Tuppence looks tired and Mario looks like an ADULT (I still remember her baby pictures).

On the sewing front, I sold 5 walker caddies and 2 utility aprons at my last two shows!

Your library is adorable! Happy new thread and happy Friday!

>6 katiekrug: *waves* Hi, Katie!

>7 lauralkeet: Hi, Laura! Thanks! Isn't is nice-looking?

>8 ronincats: Roni: Good to see you, and congrats on the craft show success - that's wonderful!

Charlie did get people asking him who he was, but that made the times people did recognize him even better. Like a Cool Person Club or something.

And thanks for the belated encouragement!

>9 MickyFine: Micky: Isn't it, though? So cozy and lovely. And thanks!

Happy new thread Amber my dear, your new workplace looks really nice my dear.

Will Charlie be providing us with a "First Day of Work" photo, in return for all those First Day of School photos his mother has shared with us? Asking for a friend.

>12 laytonwoman3rd: - I could be that friend. Great idea!

>11 johnsimpson: Thanks, John!

>12 laytonwoman3rd: >13 katiekrug: Linda & Katie: Ha! Hm, we'll see. I mean, I *do* have pants now...

Happy New Thread, Amber! Love the new Digs!!

>15 msf59: Thanks, Mark!

Happy new thread, Amber.

Congratulations on the new part-time position. When do you start?

Have a great weekend.

>12 laytonwoman3rd: excellent idea!

>17 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Paul! I'm still not sure about a start date because they're still waiting on my background check to go through. At this point, I'm assuming it will be after Thanksgiving, although my two training days may be before then.

>18 lauralkeet: Laura: I'm starting to feel outnumbered...

Today's agenda:

Laundry and vacuuming, and then I think I'll spend the rest of today sewing and crafting and leave the weekend baking for tomorrow.

On the reading front:
I read a chunk of The Breach, which, despite being not really my usual thing (government espionage/thriller/and some aliens for good measure) is turning out to be about 3/4 of a hoot. I'm also nearly finished with Kildee House; hopefully I polish it off today.

Happy new one, Amber. Wishing you a wonderful weekend.

>21 Ameise1: Thanks, Barbara!

>12 laytonwoman3rd: Obviously that should have read "Asking for a whole lot of friends"!

>23 laytonwoman3rd: *grins*

176. Our Only May Amelia by Jennifer L. Holm (Newbery Honor Book, audiobook) - 8/10 = B+
May Amelia lives with her parents and seven older brothers on their Washington state homestead in the late 1800's. She struggles against the idea that she should learn to be a proper young lady and that she's not supposed to do all the things her brothers can, and hopes that the baby her mother is carrying will be another girl so that she won't feel so alone.
Think Little House on the Prairie, but with Finnish immigrants in the Northwest. If you like Wilder's books, chances are good that you'd enjoy this one, too, which Holm wrote based on her great-aunt's actual diary entries.

Happy new thread, Amber!

Your new working place looks lovely and I add my high hope for a first workday picture.

As always appriciating the pictures of Charlie and the girls.

>26 FAMeulstee: Thanks, Anita!

Happy new thread!

>28 RebaRelishesReading: Thanks, Reba!

*leaves a ... star... to mark... her place...*

*wonders... why she is... thinking like... Will...Shatner*

>30 Morphidae:

Today's agenda:
More laundry and then lots of baking, I think (Hawaiian Bread, Gooey Pumpkin Butter Cake, Brownie Cookies), and then Brown Rice and Lentils for dinner tonight. It's possible I'll find some reading time in there somewhere.

On the reading front:
I finished up Kildee House and started listening to Hope Was Here yesterday.

177. Kildee House by Rutherford Montgomery (Newbery Honor Book, 209 pages) - 8/10 = B+
Jerome Kildee retires from his monument sculpting business, builds a small house up against a redwood tree in the middle of the California acres he's purchased, and plans on living the life of of hermit/philosopher. He didn't count on becoming host to several families of racoons and skunks, nor did he foresee befriending young Emma Lou, his neighbor from down the hill, but when he does so, his quiet retirement turns into a bustling life full of new friends, and he decides that he doesn't mind the change in plans at all.
A sweet, cozy little story that makes living in a tiny cabin and cuddling up with a skunk seem not all that crazy, really.

>31 scaifea: *snarfles*

>34 Morphidae: *grins*

Happy new thread and another vote for the first day of work photo, Amber. That's a very nice looking work place as your topper.

>36 Familyhistorian: Thanks, Meg! I'll see what I can do about that photo...

Today's agenda:

Mostly I'll be in my sewing space, working on Christmas projects, I think.

On the reading front:
I listened to a bit of Hope Was Here and read a bit of Better Known as Johnny Appleseed yesterday.

Morning, Amber! I hope you had a fine weekend at the Scaife Manor. I had a perfectly lazy day with the books yesterday. I will finish up The Water Dancer today. Keep this one in mind, for a future audio selection.

>39 msf59: Morning, Mark! We had a good weekend - I hope you did, too! I've got The Water Dancer on the list, thanks to you.

Happy new thread!

>41 foggidawn: Thanks!

Happy New Thread, Amber!

So nice to see Hope Was Here among your current reading. Debbi and I loved that one - and so did my mother when we gave it to her. She became a Joan Bauer fan toward the end of her life.

Great to see your new workplace. What a good feeling it must be to be surrounded by books again.

>43 jnwelch: Hi, Joe! I'm really enjoying the Bauer, and the narrator is doing an excellent job, too.

I'm very excited about the job and the books-all-surrounding thing! Hopefully they'll hear back on the background check soon so I can get started.

Happy new thread! I’ll send my list of books to put on reserve once you’ve had your training...

Just thought I'd mention that Folio Editions is putting out a new edition, Howl's Moving Castle!

>45 drneutron: Thanks, Jim! Ha! I'll be ready!

>46 ronincats: Roni: Yep, I saw that! An excellent Christmas present, I think...

Today's agenda:
I need to make a post office run, but otherwise I think I'll be in my sewing space for most of the day. Charlie's parent/teacher conference is tonight, so we'll be walking over to the school this evening.

On the reading front:
Absolutely nothing to report from yesterday. I need to kick my reading back into gear, folks, because this is ridiculous.

News, everyone!

The background check finally went through (turns out I'm not a criminal, so yay) and I start my new job on December 2nd! I'm going to try to give myself permission to not do much of anything between now and then, and maybe I can get my reading groove back.

In other good but not at all surprising news, Charlie's P/T conference went well. All his teachers love that kid and say that he's kind and respectful always to all people, which makes me happy. They all volunteered that information without me even needing to break out my, "So great, he's doing fine academically, but how is he doing as a person?" question. And I love that his main/homeroom teacher commented that he's very quiet and shy, but that quiet and shy is a very okay thing to be. She seems like a pretty fantastic teacher and Charlie adores her, which is a pretty great recommendation, too.

Today's agenda:
More sewing room time today, I think, and possibly some afternoon reading time. No reading to report again for yesterday; I really need to break back into it soon.

Morning, Amber! Happy Wednesday. Hooray for not being a criminal and starting the new job on Dec 2nd. How exciting.

>49 scaifea: December 2 will be here before you know it! I'm so glad that the cover-up of your nefarious past is holding up. :-D

And congrats to Charlie — of course we already know what a swell kid he is, but it's nice to have others realize it, too. How wonderful to have a teacher doesn't regard being quiet and shy as something to be "fixed".

>51 rosalita: Julia: Ha! Yes, clearly my Mr. Hyde side knows how to cover her tracks...

I can't tell you how much I appreciate his teacher having that attitude. We've had issues with guidance counselors in the past trying to push him into being more outgoing. Just, no.

Great news on Charlie and the job. Yay for not being a criminal! ;-)

>53 foggidawn: *snork!* Thanks!!

>49 scaifea: So you and Charlie both have official confirmation of your status as "good people"! (I personally think the opinion of umpteen LT'ers who have known that for years should have been sufficient, but still...)

>55 laytonwoman3rd: Linda: Honestly, I'll take LT approval over the official business any day!

Good to see the official start day, Amber. You’ll be there for all the fun Christmas stuff!

>49 scaifea: Glad you have a starting date now, Amber, and very happy to read Charlie has such a fantastic teachers.

Always good to have a background check and find our you and your evil doppelganger haven't been caught yet ;)

Glad to hear everything is going well with the new job and Charlie's P/T conference. As a fellow introvert, hooray for a teacher who knows quiet and shy is okay! Congrats again on the new job, and best wishes for your Dec. 2 start date.

I'm glad Charlie is happier at this school this year - I seem to recall there were some awkwardnesses last year. And yay for the new job - great timing!

>57 Familyhistorian: Thanks, Meg! Yes! I'm really excited to get to be around for holiday stuff!

>58 FAMeulstee: Thanks, Anita! Good teachers are *so* important.

>59 bell7: Thanks, Mary! Yes, my doppelganger and I are safe for the time being. *whew*

I can't tell you how happy I am about his teacher being shy person-friendly.

>60 jjmcgaffey: Jennifer: Yes, last year was a rough transition for him after the move, but he loves his teachers this year and has made a couple of really good friends and that has made all the difference. I'm so relieved.

Today's agenda:

Menu planning and prepping the grocery list, a quick trip to the post office, and I need to fill out a couple of forms online for the new job, but then I'm planning on just puttering around this afternoon before Charlie's ballet class tonight.

On the reading front:
Again, nothing to report. Maybe I'll get round to some reading time today?

Joining others in congratulating you on not being a criminal! I had to go through one of those background checks when I became a federal employee (long story), and luckily it was before my notorious criminal career began.

What great news about the P/T conference for Charlie. Good parenting!

Huzzah! Enjoy the down time before your start date. I know the first few weeks of a new job always feel exhausting even when it's the dream gig. :)

>63 jnwelch: I'm not sure we've established that Amber's not a criminal, Joe. Just that she is very very good at covering her tracks. ;-)

>63 jnwelch: Ha! Thanks, Joe!!

>64 MickyFine: Thanks, Micky! Yep, I'm both looking forward to starting and low-key dreading the exhaustion of those first days. Used to happen to me at the beginning of every semester teaching, too.

>65 rosalita: Julia: *snork!* Do I want to be good or clever...? That's a pickle.

Charlie Crowley is ... superb.

>67 London_StJ: Aw, thanks!! I feel good about the vest and jacket, but he really pulls it together with that 'tude.

Today's agenda:
Weekly bill organizing, grocery shopping, possibly some baking, hopefully some reading. Charlie has Nutcracker practice this evening, so I'll have at least an hour of reading then.

On the reading front:
I *did* manage to sit down with a book for a bit yesterday, and spent some time with Making Money.

Today's agenda:
Well, most of it is already finished, to be honest: pancakes made for breakfast, Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake made for the coming week's breakfasts, Turkey-shaped sugar cookies in the oven as I type. I'm looking forward to a relaxing rest of the day, mostly filled with reading, I think.

On the reading front:
I finally finished another book! Whew. Mini review for Better Known as Johnny Appleseed on the way, along with one for Inkheart, which we finished reading aloud last night.

178. Better Known as Johnny Appleseed by Mabel Leigh Hunt (Newbery Honor Book, 209 pages) - 8/10 = B-
This Newbery Honor Book from 1950 is a biography of Johnny Appleseed for kids. It's not bad, but the language hasn't aged well and I suspect it wouldn't go over too well with the kiddos today.

179. Inkheart by Cornelia Funke (Charlie's bedtime read-aloud, 534 pages) - 9/10 = A
Meggie's father, Mo, is *very* good at reading aloud. So good, in fact, that he can read things right out of books. This isn't always a fun or good thing, though, as Meggie discovers when a mysterious man shows up on their doorstep in the middle of the night and sends them all on a dangerous adventure. I *love* books that are about both the everyday magic of books and reading (books can transport you to other worlds,...) and also about books and readers actually being magic, and this one is at the top of that list. The main characters clearly love books in a way that makes me love them both, and the author, too, does a great job of sharing that same love. Definitely recommended.

Today's agenda:

Mostly, nothing! And I'm so excited about that. A day of sitting in my rocking chair with a cuppa and a book. *happy sigh* Tomm's working on my office (he's hoping to have it mostly finished by the end of this week): bookshelves continue to develop, and he'll be painting this week, too, which means all my stuff is out of there and in bits and pieces all over the house (yoicks).

On the reading front:
I spent most of my reading time yesterday with Making Money, and I'm hoping to finish it today. I also started Crusade in Jeans and the three of us started The Doom of the Haunted Opera as our read-aloud last night.

Morning, Amber! Happy Sunday! Sounds like plenty of R & R. Hooray for the new office. Go Tomm!

>74 msf59: Morning, Mark!

Right?! Tomm is taking the whole week off so that he can get more work done on my floor-to-ceiling bookshelves. Such a good guy...

180. Making Money by Terry Pratchett (Discworld series, 394 pages) - 9/10 = A
Moist von Lipwig lives for risk, impossible odds, and the view from the point of no return, but being in charge of Ankh-Morpork's Post Office no longer gives him such satisfaction. Good thing, then, that one of the city's biggest banks needs a new chairman and is in all sorts of trouble. Throw in the threat of an approaching group of golden golems and the suspicion that the Patrician is pulling all the strings (including Moist's, as usual), and Moist may just get what he wants, to his very possible misfortune.
Moist has fast become one of my favorite Discworld characters, and he remains firmly in that position after this entry in the series. Interesting twists, excellent wordplay, and equally fantastic characters. I loved it.

Today's agenda:
Running some errands and having lunch out with Tomm, who has taken the week off, puttering around at home this afternoon, and then taking Charlie to Nutcracker rehearsal this evening.

On the reading front:
I read a bit of The Breach and some Crusade in Jeans last night. Both are better than I expected so far.

>72 scaifea: I loved Inkheart but was less than impressed with the other two books in the trilogy. Hopefully you have a better experience.

>78 MickyFine: Micky: I haven't read the others in the series; I'll keep that in mind...

Hi, Amber.

I'm reading a new YA novel called Catfishing on CatNet that I'll probably end up recommending - I'm very near the end, so I'll finish it today.

P.S. I'm glad you're getting a day of relaxation and reading! They're the best.

>80 jnwelch: Hi, Joe! I can't wait to see your review!

Today's agenda:
A couple of errands again this morning and then puttering at home this afternoon. Nutcracker rehearsal again for Charlie this evening.

On the reading front:
I finished The Breach yesterday (mini-review to come at some point) and read a bit of Crusade in Jeans, too.

181. The Breach by Patrick Lee (Read Soon! Shelves, 376 pages) - 8/10 = B
Thrillers are not my usual fare, but this one was given to me as a Christmas present a couple of years ago and so I thought I should give it a go. The writing was...not great, the characters flat and unevolving, and I'm sure that if I let myself examine the plot beyond a quick glance it would be easy to find a bucketload of holes. But. BUT. Somehow or other - reader, brace yourself - I *enjoyed* it. The story was so over-the-top ridiculous and the twists so crazy and unlikely that I couldn't help but be entertained. Normally the faults I listed above would have me running in any direction that constituted Away, but I just kept wondering what could possibly happen next. So, high literature it most certainly ain't, and don't expect much at all from the characters, but the plotline itself is worth the teeth-gritting in the other categories. Guardedly recommended.

Hi Amber, I'd heard of Inkheart but didn't know it was about magic reading and books. Will have to have a look.
Found this quote in my recent read - hope it makes you laugh.
https://www.librarything.com/topic/312763#6977451

>84 charl08: Charlotte: Ooh, I think you'll love Inkheart!

And Bwahahaha!!! That's awesome and hilarious. And true. Completely true.

Today's agenda:
Tomm and I have some banking business to do this morning, and then I need to do laundry and pack for Charlie's and my trip to Indiana tomorrow (we'll leave *super* early tomorrow morning when the road are empty). We'll be back on Saturday, have Thanksgiving with Tomm on Sunday and then put up the Christmas decorations.

On the reading front:
I read a nice chunk of The Heart's Invisible Furies yesterday, which is fantastic so far, and some of Crusade in Jeans.

Morning, Amber! Happy Wednesday. Have a great Thanksgiving with your folks. I am so glad you are having a good time with Invisible Furies. Keep A ladder to the Sky in mind too, because it is just as good.

>87 msf59: Morning, Mark! I'll get to Ladder eventually, since I'm making my way through all his stuff. I have no doubt that it's amazing, too.

And thanks! Charlie and I agree that this is our favorite weekend of the year.

Happy Thanksgiving, all! We're just about ready to head out for Indiana and we'll be back Saturday afternoon. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Happy Thanksgiving to you, Tomm and Charlie, Amber!

Enjoy your Indiana idyll

Hi Amber my dear, hope you, Tomm, Charlie and the family have a really lovely Thanksgiving Day and send love and hugs to you all from both of us dear friend.

Amber--Okay...random comments on all your news I just caught up on: Congrats on the new job and Dec 2 sounds like a perfect start date; Glad to hear Charlie continues to do well in school and that you are not a criminal; Hope you enjoyed Thanksgiving in Indiana and that round two goes well tomorrow; Also good luck with the Christmas decorations! ; )

>90 jnwelch: Thanks, Joe!

>91 johnsimpson: Thanks, John!

>92 Berly: *snork!* Thanks for all of that, Kim!!

We had a great time in Indiana, as we always, always do, and I got some good reading in, too!



182. Hope Was Here by Joan Bauer (Newbery Honor Book, audiobook) - 8/10 = B+
Since she was a premature baby in the NICU and was abandoned by her mother, Hope has lived with her Aunt Addie, and since Addie is a cook who travels from job to job, Hope has lived in many places and is becoming a fairly good traveling waitress, too. She loves Addie, but hates all the uprooting, and is convinced that she will hate their latest relocation - a small town in Wisconsin. But when the owner of the restaurant where they work announces that he's running against the corrupt mayor in the upcoming election, Hope finds herself involved in this place and its people more than she would ever have guessed.
A lovely and sweet story that doesn't get too saccharine, with nicely developed characters and a thoughtful message. Definitely recommended.

183. The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne (Boyne bibliography, 508 pages) - 10/10 = A+
This novel follows the life of Cyril Avery from his birth in Dublin in the 1940s through his travels in Europe and the U.S., and then back to Dublin for his later years. It follows the hardships and heartaches he suffers growing up gay in Ireland and doing his best to hide that from everyone, and my heart broke and suffered with his and cheered him on through his small triumphs and eventual happiness. Like every other of Boyne's works I've read, this one blew me away. It's gorgeous in its every turn of phrase, in its characters and how they weave in and out of each other's stories. It is fantastic and beautiful and clever and funny and gut-wrenching and gleeful-making. My favorite read of the year and will easily remain one of my favorite reads for long after.

184. Crusade in Jeans by Thea Beckman (1001 Children's Books, 311 pages) - 8/10 = B
A teenage boy travels back in time and finds himself in the middle of the Children's Crusade in 1212. He quickly becomes an advocate for the children and an important member of the group, helping them through famine, disease, and battles with local peasants and townspeople. He never believes in the mission, really, and from the beginning something doesn't feel right to him about the entire business, so he works to discover what the wrongness is and then fights for the safety of the children.
It was rough at the beginning (the book jumps right into the story without any sort of lead-up or introduction to the characters or situation, and not in a way that seems well thought-out), but once the story gets going, it's a decent one.

185. The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Six More by Roald Dahl (Read Soon! shelves, 225 pages) - 8/10 = B-
Dahl is one of my very favorite children's books authors, but his short stories for grown-ups don't seem to do much for me. *shrug*

I enjoyed your comments on Hope Was Here. A lovely and sweet story that doesn't get too saccharine, with nicely developed characters and a thoughtful message. Well said.

I'm going to give Becca Mr. Pants: It's Go Time for Hanukkah, on your recommendation. It looks like a hoot.

>98 jnwelch: Thanks, Joe! I should also say that the audio version of Hope Was Here was very well done, I thought.

And yay for Mr. Pants! There are a few now in the series and they're all hilarious.

>95 scaifea: I saw your comment on the Boyne book on Facebook, but I've been so busy that I've commented very little on anything there. Did some sorting today and trying to get some books into boxes until I have shelves for them.

>100 thornton37814: Hi, Lori - did you have thoughts on the Boyne book?

Happy not so new thread, Amber! Good luck tomorrow! You lucky girl!!

>102 Carmenere: Thanks, Lynda!

Morning, Amber! Happy December 1st! And hooray for Invisible Furies. A+ sounds about right.

>104 msf59: Hi, Mark! Boyne can do absolutely no wrong.

Today's agenda:

It's my first day at work! Woot! So...that's pretty much what I'll be doing today. Working. At my job. At the library. *giggles with excitement*

On the reading front:
I got in some good reading time this weekend, spending time with The Wise Man's Fear, starting and abandoning The Christmas Box Collection (waaaay too syrupy sweet and preachy for me), starting My Great-Grandfather and I, listening to more of A Corner of the Universe, and starting and already loving Still Life.

Also, as I'm typing this, Charlie is making a packed lunch for me. How did I get such an adorable and thoughtful kiddo?

Enjoy your first day, Amber! You'll have to let us know what you had for lunch. And, well, let's face it: you'll just have to tell us EVERYTHING about your day! So exciting.

Go get 'em, Tiger!

>107 lauralkeet: Thanks, Laura! Oh, I'll definitely report back. You know I will!

>108 rosalita: Thanks, Julia!!

As promised *cough*Linda*cough*, here's my First Day of Work photo, courtesy of Charlie (he's all about the artsy photography, apparently):

It looks like Charlie is having a busy morning, with the lunch-making and the photo-taking :-) Have a great first day, Amber!

Have a good first day!

>110 scaifea: Great photo! Also: nice pants. 😀

>110 scaifea: Sorry to be late checking in....I suppose you are hard at work already. You. look. marvelous! And I agree with Laura....nice pants. Wherdja gettem?

Hope your first day is going well. You look great and Charlie made sure you had a good send-off so things definitely started on a good note. Looking forward to the evening report.

Happy first day of work!

Good luck on your first work day, Amber!

>110 scaifea: Looking good!
(thanks Charlie)

Joining the votes for "looking good", Amber. Nice photo, Charlie. I hope your first day went well.

I love that Charlie made your lunch and took your first day photo, Amber. Hope your first day was fun!

Thanks so much, everyone! I had a great first day, of which one of the highlights was getting my library card upgraded to some sort of special employee status. I have no idea what the perks of such a thing are, but I'm still excited about it! I spent most of the day at the circulation desk and loved it!

>114 laytonwoman3rd: Linda: The pants came from, Loft, I think. Or possibly Gap. Or Banana Republic. I honestly can't remember which store I was in at the time (that shopping day is a bit of a blur at this point).

>120 scaifea: Ooooh, special library-card status! You know that's the best perk of all around these parts. :-)

So glad your first day went so well. I mean, I figured it would but I'm sure it's nice to have it behind you and feel like now you can settle in. I'm trying very hard not to be jealous!

Sounds like an awesome first day from start to finish! Hope all proceeding days are as great as the first!

>120 scaifea: A special upgraded library card sounds worth the work already!

I'm sure that I would love working in a library, Amber. My ambition - if it could be called that - is to cash in my chips in twelve years time and have a bookstore/coffee shop. Hani will take care of the latter part of course and probably keep the pair of us afloat and I will read all day and extract some income from it.

Hurray for the first day and the special library card!! And you DO look fabulous. : )

>121 rosalita: Julia: I have one more day of training in Newark, which will be pretty much the same as today (mostly at the circ desk, but also checking in and sorting books), and then I start at my really real library tomorrow.

>122 Carmenere: Thanks, Lynda!

>123 PaulCranswick: Paul: Right?! I don't even need to know what the special part is, I just know I'm happy to have it! Ha!

I long thought it would be wonderful to run a used bookshop/coffee and tea house/yarn shop combo, and yours (minus the yarn) sound wonderful!

>124 Berly: Aw, thanks, Kim!

Today's agenda:

As I said to Julia up there, more of the same today: I'll still be at the Newark library for one more day of training, and then Charlie has Nutcracker rehearsal this evening.

On the reading front:
I read a few pages of the Lincoln bibliography during my lunch yesterday, and I finished up A Corner on the Universe on my way to Newark yesterday and My Great-Grandfather and I last night before bed. Mini-reviews to follow at some point...

My favorite patrons from my circ desk time yesterday:

A little boy (probably about 4 years old) came up to the desk with a big stack of books. He plopped them down pulled one out of the stack, hugged it and said, "This one is my FAVORITE BOOK!" His mom, standing behind him, just shook her head and whispered to me, "He says that about a different book every time." So I immediately loved him, of course.

Then there were two older women who were sharing a large shopping bag on wheels, and between the two of them they filled the entire thing with books. As they were piling them on the desk, I asked, "So, how long until you'll need to come back for a refill?" They giggled between them and said, "Oh, about a week." I loved them immediately, too.

I also met a man who has just gotten out of the homeless shelter after beating an addiction. He's got a new apartment and said that one of the first things he wanted to do, then, is get a library card. He needed help filling out the form and I felt honored to help him; he was so happy and excited to get that card.

This job is happiness-making.

>127 scaifea: *heart eyes emoji* What lovely stories, Amber. (Note to self: I need to find a fellow old lady to be my library chum!)

Morning, Amber! I am glad to hear the job is off to a good start. Yah!!

Sounds like a great time, Amber! I'm super happy for you! :D

>127 scaifea: Ooh, favorite patrons -- this could be a new regular feature on your thread! I can see why the job would be "happiness making". I'm very happy for you!

>128 rosalita: Julia: Right?! I, too, want an old lady library partner. Those women were the coolest.

>129 msf59: Thanks, Mark!

>130 Ape: Thanks, Stephen! I makes me happy that you're happy for me!

>131 lauralkeet: Laura: Yes! The Favorite Patrons Regular Feature sounds like a plan to me. And thanks!

>127 scaifea: Glad the job is going so well, I am *of course* mighty intrigued by the special status library card. Secret book access? Extra loans? Please advise when you find out!

>133 charl08: Thanks, Charlotte! And yes, I'll definitely report back!

Glad to hear the first day went so well, Amber! Congrats on new library-employee-status on the card too. Can't wait to find what it does ;)

I'm 99 percent sure the special library card will unlock a secret vault under the library with all sorts of books filled with forbidden knowledge!

>135 bell7: Thanks, Mary!

>136 Ape: Stephen: *snork!* Well, that's torn it. If it's anything less, I'm going to be severely disappointed.

>136 Ape: I'm sorry to report that there is no secret vault -- I used to work there, and I think all my staff card got me was fine-free status. Unless, of course, they wiped my memory after I left, so I couldn't take any forbidden knowledge with me!

Morning, Amber!

Good luck with the second day of training. I love your Favorite Patron stories. That four-year-old - oh my goodness.

Special library status - love it! I was thinking you might get a discount on those free books? I like Stephen's "unlock the secret vault" idea. Maybe all the signed Gaimans are in there.

>138 foggidawn: That's what you WANT us to think! :P

Sorry I missed your first day, Amber. I hope day two is just as great!

In my experience, staff privilege is usually just not having to pay overdue fines. :)

>76 scaifea: The Industry novels are absolutely my favorite Discworld sub-series - I'm glad you're enjoying them, too!

>110 scaifea: >120 scaifea: I'm glad your first day went well! I'm so happy for you

Glad your first day went so well, Amber!
Love your favorite patrons, and would love to this continued :-)

I just gifted myself per December 1st a "star library subscription", for a few Euro's more I have no more overdue fines, no costs for library holds (within the province), 20 books instead of 10, and 2 times renew instead of 1 :-)

Hi Amber, glad your first day at the Library went well dear friend.

Just checking in to see how the first two days went. Also love the "favorite patron" stories! Excited that you will be at your "home" library starting tomorrow.

Finally finding time to check my computer and so glad to find you had such a good first day!!

I hope that the patrons at your home library are even more special than the ones you met at your training library, Amber.

>138 foggidawn: Ha! Yup, I asked yesterday and was told just that: no real benefits other than the honorary title thing (Distinguished Borrower sounds pretty fantastic, though, right?), because it used to be no fines when there actually were fines. Oh well, I still love it.

>139 jnwelch: Joe: That boy was wonderful! Made my day.

I'm still holding out hope for a secret vault at my own branch. Maybe I'll find out today...

>140 Ape: Stephen: *snork!* Right?!

>141 MickyFine: Thanks, Micky! And yeah. And since they've done away with fines altogether here...well...yeah.

>142 London_StJ: I also think that Pratchett just got better at writing them as he went along, so the later ones are just naturally better? Anyway, yes, I'm definitely enjoying them!

>143 London_StJ: Thanks!!

>144 FAMeulstee: Thanks, Anita! I'm so glad folks like the Favorite Patron thing. I'll try to keep it going.

I love the idea of a Star Library Subscription! Very cool!

>145 johnsimpson: Thanks, John!!

>146 ronincats: Hi, Roni! I'm so excited for today and the chance to get started here at my own library branch!

>147 RebaRelishesReading: Thanks, Reba!!

>148 Familyhistorian: Meg: Oh, that's a wonderful wish, and I hope so, too!

Today's agenda:
I'm really excited to start at my own library today! This is one of my 5-hour days, so I'll have some time at home this afternoon to relax a bit after a whirlwind start to the week, and I'm glad that Charlie has the night off from Nutcracker rehearsals, too.

On the reading front:
I took The Wise Man's Fear with me yesterday and spent my lunch hour with Kvothe, listened to The Voice That Challenged a Nation on my commute, and started Americans before Columbus last night before bed.

Yesterday's Favorite Patrons:

A woman came up to the desk with a stack of books in one hand and a baby on the opposite hip. She sat the baby on the counter along with the books so that she could get her card out of her purse, and I had a lovely little chat with the wee one while helping to hold him up (he had clearly just learned how to sit up and was a bit wobbly). He had dimples everywhere: cheeks (along with the sweetest, biggest grin), elbows, and knees. And he helped hand me the books from the pile to check out (well, I'm interpreting pudgy little hand slaps on the covers as helping). Definitely a future reader, and I count my day as successful because I managed to make him laugh one of those wonderful baby belly laughs. *happy sigh*

Honorable Mention:

A man and his 4-ish-year-old son (another adorable 4yo!) came up to check out a stack of movies. One of them was a collection of Bob the Builder, Fireman Sam, and Thomas the Train episodes, and so the boy and I had a lovely discussion on the merits of all three: he favors Thomas, but I've always been partial to Fireman Sam, and he seemed to take that into careful consideration, and we both agreed that Bob is a pretty amazing builder, but that Wendy is certainly the real boss of the show. Then the dad was checking out a season of Mama's Family, and I hadn't thought of that show in *years* so we had a funny conversation about Iola Boylen and Mama.

>153 scaifea: Clearly, you were born for this job. ;-)

>149 scaifea: Distinguished Borrow is a wonderful status to have, even if it's now honorary :)

I have to have two library cards, one because the town where I actually live needs to be my "home" library and another because I need to be able to log in to our system with the Grand Poobah account (that's what IT calls it, so it's official) and I need to have the library I work be the home library rather than the town.... Why they didn't consider what to do with people who, ahem, live in a different town where they work I'm sure I don't know - there was going to be all sorts of confusion when I worked in two different libraries and should've had accounts that gave me different permissions so this is actually a relatively easy solution!

>154 foggidawn: Aw, thank you!

>155 bell7: Wow, my eyes went a bit crossed while reading that - ha! I do love the Grand Poobah label, though.

Ha! Your library sounds great, Amber. Thanks for sharing the stories.

A thought: when your fellow staffers start saying befuddling things, like "I enjoy pimento, too, Winston", when neither is named Winston, they're probably talking about the secret vault.

>157 jnwelch: Joe: *snork!!* That's a great tip - I'll keep it in mind.

Saw your badge on Facebook - one question: Why are you Licking the County Library? 😂😂😂

Glad work's going well!

>159 drneutron: Yes, the county name is... unfortunate. I don't miss having to explain it to people, now that I live in a different county with a much more conventional name.

>159 drneutron: Jim: *snork!* It's the thing to do here in Ohio, dontchaknow?

>160 foggidawn: I really don't mind it, to be honest.

186. A Corner of the Universe by Ann M. Martin (Newbery Honor Book, audiobook) - 8/10 = B+
Hattie Owen spends one memorable summer getting to know her Uncle Adam, about whose existence she only just found out from her family. He's been in a special school for the mentally challenged since Hattie was just a baby, but the school has closed and so Adam - a 21-year-old with the mind of a child - is coming home. Adam and Hattie soon become close friends, but Hattie discovers the true meaning of Adam's particular needs one dramatic night at the traveling fair, and that night and the events that follow will change all of their lives forever.
A good story well told, in which both Adam's and Hattie's characters are believably portrayed. Recommended.

>162 scaifea: I didn't know Ann M. Martin had written anything besides Baby-Sitters Club books! Glad it was an enjoyable read.

>163 MickyFine: Micky: Ha! I didn't recognize her as the Baby-Sitters Club author!

187. My Great-Grandfather and I by James Kruss (1001 Children's Books, 245 pages) - 7/10 = C
A boy stays with his great-grandfather and his grandmother while his sisters are recovering from the measles, and he and his great-grandfather spend their days making up stories and poems.
Meh. This one just didn't catch my attention at all, I'm afraid. Maybe it just hasn't aged well...?

>156 scaifea: Ha, sorry, that's my fault for taking a somewhat complicated situation and not making it clear. I blame it on trying to hurry up and write a post before I ran out the door to my job! :D

>166 bell7: Ha! No, I meant that the actual situation you were describing sounds crazy, not your explanation!

>167 scaifea: oh good, glad to know I was clear while describing the crazy situation ;)

>168 bell7: *snork!*

Today's agenda:

Work, menu planning and prepping the grocery list, taking Charlie to Nutcracker rehearsals.

On the reading front:
I spent some time yesterday with Still Life and Americans before Columbus, but didn't have much reading time at all. Will have more today because of the rehearsal time.

Sweet Thursday, Amber!

Do you read Patricia MacLachlan? I'm feeling like I should read more of hers. I've liked every one I've read, starting with Sarah, Plain and Tall.

If you're already familiar with this, then excuse me, but I'm excited and wanted to share...

Every year the wife and I watch the Hogfather miniseries together, on Amazon Prime. Having just done so, we saw that there's a Going Postal miniseries as well, and last night caved and watched the first part. It. Is. Delightful. We're not big tv watchers, but this is well done and ticks a lot of boxes for us - it's quite charming.

>171 jnwelch: Hi, Joe! I have read a few of MacLachlan's books; I would highly recommend The Poet's Dog for you - I think you would *love* it.

>172 London_StJ: I remember seeing that that existed not too long ago, but I had forgotten already, so thanks for the reminder!

I did love The Poet's Dog! I'm glad you did, too.

>174 jnwelch: Joe: Great! How about The Iridescence of Birds: A Book About Henri Matisse - have you seen that one? It's a picture book, and it's just gorgeous, which makes sense on several levels, of course.

Today's agenda:

It's my first day off, so I'm spending it on grocery shopping, sorting through the weekly bills, and hopefully a bit of just sitting and staring off into space. We'll see. Charlie has more rehearsal tonight before his first performance tomorrow.

On the reading front:
Yesterday I started Unseen Academicals and read a bit more of Americans before Columbus.

Oh, The Iridescence of Birds looks like just my cuppa, Amber. Thanks. Added it to the WL.

Happy Friday! And Happy Day Off, Librarian and Seeker of the Secret Vault.

>177 jnwelch: You're welcome, Joe! And thanks! Ha!

Sending "break a leg" wishes to young Master Charlie!

And happy day off wishes to you, Amber! :)

>179 MickyFine: Thanks, Micky! I'll pass on the leg-breaking wishes!

Hooray for your day off, and hope you were able to recuperate well! Best of leg-breaking luck to Charlie tomorrow and in subsequent performances.

>181 bell7: Thanks, Mary!

Today's agenda:

Making Gingerbread Men, figuring out my next knitting project, revising my Daily Schedule to accommodate the New Job, sorting out the Christmas gift shopping list, and then we're off to Charlie's first performance this evening.

On the reading front:
I read a nice chunk of The Wise Man's Fear yesterday and some of Americans before Columbus, oh, and I finished listening to The Voice That Challenged a Nation (mini-review to follow at some point).

Ooh, The Iridescence of Birds. I like the sound of that one. Swoons a little...You might also like The Lost Words, which is also a picture book, with poetry.

Morning, Amber. Happy Saturday. It sounds like you are really enjoying the job. Yah! Funny, if I worked at a circulation desk, I would always be jabbering about books, but very rarely do these people comment on the many, many books I check out. Interesting, right?

>184 msf59: Thanks for the tip on The Lost Words! I'll keep an eye out for it.

Well, so far at least, I'm definitely a book-jabberer with the patrons. We'll see if that changes as I go along, but I suspect it won't. If I were at a busier branch and things got hectic, then I suspect I would try to tone it down and just get folks through the line, but my branch is small and cozy, and although it has a healthy amount of users we never seem to get crazy-busy all at once. So there should pretty much always be time for book chit-chat. Moral of the story: You should come to my library to check out books and I'll be happy to chat with you! Ha!

188. The Voice That Challenged a Nation by Russell Freedman (Newbery Honor Book, audiobook) - 8/10 = B
A biography of Marian Anderson, the singer who broke barriers for the Civil Rights Movement and also for people of color in the music industry and sang one famous Easter Sunday on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Intended for young people, this book is a good introduction to Anderson and her influence, although it can be a bit dry at times.

Today's agenda:
Charlie has a performance this afternoon, but until then I'll be working on unpacking my books and putting them on my newly-finished floor-to ceiling bookshelves!! WOOT!

On the reading front:
I read a bit of Still Life yesterday, and that's just about it. We'll see if I find any reading time today.

I hope the shows are going splendidly! Well done, Charlie.

>187 scaifea: Congrats on the bookshelves. You are so lucky to have an in-house furniture-maker!

I love the favorite patron stories but I want to hear about the Ick! Ptooey! patrons, too!

Pic of the bookshelves, pretty please?

>185 scaifea: Oh I love that you can have those conversations with patrons, and while I don't always I love the days I get a chance to talk books with folks! Some people don't realize we recommend books (the fancy librarian term is "readers advisory"), but personally I love to and sometimes having those conversations is a low-key way to do that and start sharing titles back and forth, which is great. Anyway, all that to say if I'm ever in your area of course I'll come to your library and talk books with you ;)

>127 scaifea: I, too, work circulation at a public library, and the customer relations part of it is my favorite thing. By and large, people are wonderful (it gets a little iffy around the full moon :) ). I'm glad you're finding such happiness!

Karen O.

>188 London_StJ: Thanks! Two shows down and they're all doing a great job! Five more shows next weekend...

>189 RebaRelishesReading: Reba: He's done an amazing job on the shelves. I think I'll keep him around...

>190 Morphidae: Morphy: So far, no ick stories to tell, though...

>191 katiekrug: Katie: Sure thing, but you must wait until I'm finished putting the books on. I took some Before photos, too.

>192 bell7: Mary: Book talk with the patrons is definitely a favorite thing so far. And I'd love to see you at my library!!

>193 klobrien2: I can't imagine why anyone who doesn't like people would take this sort of job, yeah?

Today's agenda:
I'll be spending most of the day working on unpacking my books and shelving them (woot!), but I also need to get my parents' presents sorted (they rely on me to order gifts for them to give to Charlie for Christmas), and I also need to make time to hop on the treadmill since I didn't exercise at all last week.

On the reading front:
I read a chunk of The Wise Man's Fear while waiting for Charlie to finish his performance yesterday, finished Americans before Columbus, and started The Name of This Book is Secret.

"You should come to my library to check out books and I'll be happy to chat with you! Ha!" Yep, I wish you worked at my library, but then again, we would get chatting so much, that the line, would be out the door.

Morning, Amber! I hope you had a good weekend, at the Scaife Manor.

>197 msf59: Good point, Mark. Between the two of us, we'd likely get me fired... Ha!

Yes, we could not let that happen. I just like a little engagement. I am sure not everyone that works at the library is a book fanatic like us, right?

>199 msf59: I think you're right, but honestly, how can you not be a book fanatic and work at a library?! Seems like a missed opportunity to me. I don't know how many times last week I said, "Oooh, this looks good!" or, "Oho, you're going to LOVE this one!" while checking out books for people. My favorite book chats so far have been with kiddos, though. So fun.

Morning Amber, How did the Nutcracker performance go? Charlie being an old hat at this, no doubt, enjoyed it immensely!

>201 Carmenere: Morning, Lynda! His first two performances went really well - he'll have five more next weekend.

189. Americans before Columbus by Elizabeth Chesley Baity (Newbery Honor Book, 241 pages) - 7/10 = C
A history of the pro-Columbus Americas intended for children. Pretty darned dry for a kid's book, to be honest. I suspect there are better ones out there at this point.

Morning, Amber!

I'm glad Charlie's first two performances went so well. Five this weekend?! He's going to be a tired (but happy, I'm sure) buckaroo.

>204 jnwelch: Morning, Joe! Yeah, he gets pretty tuckered, but he loves it tons. I love that he loves being on stage, especially since he's so shy face-to-face with people.

Today's agenda:
I need to try to get started on the couple of Christmas projects I want to make for Charlie before I leave for work at noon, and then, well, I'll be working the rest of the day.

On the reading front:
Not much to report from yesterday since I spent my reading time working on unpacking books. I did manage a few pages of The Name of This Book Is Secret before falling asleep last night.

>206 scaifea: Are you still enjoying your library job? I'm so glad you got your "dream job."

>207 thornton37814: Lori: Well, I've only been working a week, but YES, I love it!

>208 scaifea: That's good! I'm sure you'll find lots of good titles to bring home to read!

Sounds like your own library and patrons are as wonderful as they were at the training library, Amber. Are there any special things happening at the library because of Christmas? Kudos to Charlie for enjoying his time on stage in the Nutcracker. Sounds like he is having fun.

>209 thornton37814: Lori: Oh, I'm certain that will become an occupational hazard.

>210 Familyhistorian: Meg: Not too many things happening here at our branch, but the main branch has a ton of holiday events. They brought a Santa in here a couple of weekends ago, but I wasn't here for it.

Today's agenda:
Finish unpacking my books, work on Charlie's Christmas present project, then head to work this afternoon.

On the reading front:
Not much to report. I took the Lincoln biography with me to work but didn't crack it open at all during my lunch break. I read a few pages in The Name of This Book Is Secret before bed, and we did finish our read-aloud book last night, too (review to come), but that's it.

Yesterday's Favorite Patron:

A little girl and her mom checked out a board game for the first time (a Memory game - I loved those as a kid and also playing them with Charlie when he was little!), and then proceeded to set it up at one of our tables to play. After 30 minutes or so, the little girl came back up to the desk to hand the game back to me. I asked her, "Do you want to take it home with you to play some more before giving it back to us?" Her eyes got wide and she turned to her mom to ask, "Can we?" The mom looked at me and asked, "Can we?" And I responded, "Yes! It's checked out to you just like a book, so take it home and enjoy!" The little girl did a happy jig and the mom, who thought they could only check them out for time in the library, was excited, too. So sweet.

aww that's really sweet.

>214 lauralkeet: Laura: She was *so* sweet. I hope she comes back for more games (and books)!

190. The Doom of the Haunted Opera by John Bellairs (bedtime read-aloud, 153 pages) - 9/10 = A-
When Uncle Jonathan and Mrs. Zimmerman leave town for an old friend's funeral, Lewis and Rose Rita think they'll have a quiet couple of weeks researching a school project on the local defunct opera house. They're wrong, of course, because the opera house is haunted, of course.
We love this series for its great characters and its spooky-but-not-too-scary atmosphere. Perfect for kiddos who like supernatural sorts of stories but don't actually like to be scared.

>213 scaifea: Love it!

The Bellairs books weren't on our menu when the kids were young, but we've got a niece who loves them. Spooky but not too scary - that does sound good.

Is that an Edward Gorey cover, or someone else? I love his covers and illustrations; I'm watching a Masterpiece Theater mystery series, and they start each one with his dancers before going into the story.

>217 jnwelch: Hi, Joe! Board Game Girl was absolutely adorable. I sure hope I get to chat with her again soon.

And yes, that *is* a Gorey cover! He did a whole string of covers for the Bellairs books. He's so fantastic. I'm happy to hear that other kiddos still like Bellairs, too!

>213 scaifea: Ahhhh

>219 RebaRelishesReading: Reba: Right!? So sweet.

Today's agenda:
Working, then Charlie has ballet class this evening.

On the reading front:
I only managed a few pages of the Lincoln biography on my break yesterday and was too tuckered to crack a book at bedtime. *sigh*

This working is tough stuff, even when you like it, isn't it?

>222 ronincats: Roni: Ha!

Today's agenda:
Grocery shopping and finishing up the Christmas shopping, then I need to work on the presents I'm *making* for Charlie. He has a Nutcracker performance tonight, two on Saturday, and one on Sunday.

On the reading front:
I started Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism yesterday and spent some time with The Name of This Book is Secret.

>224 scaifea: I did a tiny bit of Christmas shopping yesterday. I mostly have gift cards remaining. I need to figure amounts on those and create a list before I go to purchase them.

>225 thornton37814: Well, I say that I'm finishing up, but I'm not, exactly. Charlie and I will go shopping one day next week so he can get something for Tomm, and I want him to help me pick out something for Tomm's nieces/his cousins, but that's more fun than a chore anyway. Today is finishing up Charlie's gifts (the purchased ones, anyway).

Happy Friday, Amber. Go Charlie! I hope you all have a great weekend.

>227 jnwelch: Thanks, Joe! You, too!

Today's agenda:
Work this morning, then Charlie has two performances today. The in-laws are coming down for the matinee, then we'll have an early dinner with them before taking Charlie back for the evening show. So, busy day, plus I need to get some orders packed up to ship out from my etsy shop, and I'm scrambling to finish up the Christmas present projects for Charlie. Yoicks. *deep breath* It'll all get done somehow *deep breath*

On the reading front:
Another day of nothing to report. Again I say Yoicks.

Morning, Amber! Happy Saturday. Good luck with Charlie's performances today and I hope you can squeeze in a little reading time.

>230 msf59: Morning, Mark! I'll pass on the good wishes to Charlie, and thanks for the reading wishes, too. Here's hoping...

>229 scaifea: I've always been impressed by your time management. You've got this. I just hope you enjoy it!

>229 scaifea: The in-laws are coming down for the matinee...

I'm sorry. -hugs-

Break a leg, Charlie!













(And if should happen to be your grandmother's ... well, accidents happen.)

>234 rosalita: LOL! This goes on my ever-growing list of "I wish I'd said that" comments!

>235 laytonwoman3rd: :-)

>234 rosalita: Ha!

>232 London_StJ: Thanks! I just need a bit more time to adjust to the new kind of hectic, that's all. And starting during the holidays was a brilliant idea, of course, because I'm not extra busy at this time of year or anything...*self-critical eye roll*

>233 Morphidae: Thanks, Morphy. It was fine, though, for the most part. Just a low-level annoying, which is about as good as it gets.

>234 rosalita: Julia: *SNORK!!!* You are the best!

>235 laytonwoman3rd: Linda: Right? Julia is the coolest.

Today's agenda:

Charlie's last performance is this afternoon and I admit that I'm not sad about it - this year it has been particularly hairy getting him to and from rehearsals and performances with the new job and such. The rest of the day will be spent cloistered in the sewing room working on one last project. The new shelves are finished and I LOVE them, but I'm holding off on photos until I can find curtains I like to match the new paint. Plus, I have some brand new artwork that needs framed and wall-attached first. So, photos to come, eventually.

On the reading front:
I finally managed some reading time yesterday day and made a bit of progress on Unseen Academicals. Whew.

>239 scaifea: Plus, I have some brand new artwork that needs framed and wall-attached first. ❤

>240 lycomayflower:

Today's agenda:
Charlie has a doctor visit (just an annual checkup) today, so I'll pull him out of school early for that, and then we'll go shopping for his present for Tomm and get the shopping done for Tomm's nieces, too. We have a bit of snow on the ground this morning and I'm waiting to see if they call a 2-hour delay. If so, I'll just not send to school Charlie at all today, since he'd only be there 30 minutes before I'd need to pick him up for the appointment. I also need to find time to work on his present today.

On the reading front:
I had Still Life in the car with me while Charlie was at his last performance yesterday, so I made a bit of progress there.

Today's agenda:
I'm working today, and the way the weather's acting, Charlie may be going with me - it sounds like freezing rain out there, so I suspect there will either be a delay or cancellation. Charlie is rooting for the 2-hour delay option: he doesn't want to miss a whole day of school but also wants to be in the library before it opens to the public. I'm raising that nerd right. I'm starting to panic slightly about getting that Christmas project finished in time; I think I may need to start putting in some late nights. *sigh*

Charlie's eye exam went really well and he's cleared for another year. And we managed to get the rest of our Christmas shopping done despite his dilated eyes and celebrated with Fancy Starbucks HoCho afterwards.

On the reading front:
I spent my bit of reading time yesterday with The Wise Man's Fear, which continues to be excellent. Our current nightly read-aloud is The Golden Compass; the first two chapters are a bit slow to get going for an 11-year-old, but last night we met The Lady with the Golden Monkey and now he's hooked (*polishes nails on shirt* I'm pretty good at Bad Guy Voices, so I'm taking some of the credit here)...

In a shocking turn of events, the school district decided that ice with snow on top (and it's still snowing) is no cause for alarm or delay. Charlie is irritated to say the least. I don't actually mind, since we both walk to school/work and it's only a block for each of us. *shrug*

>244 scaifea: With the way this winter is predicted to go, I'm sure Charlie will get his 2-hour delay one of these days.

Charlie is rooting for the 2-hour delay option: he doesn't want to miss a whole day of school but also wants to be in the library before it opens to the public.

Sounds like my kind of kid! Too bad he didn't get that delay after all. We've got a dusting of snow and continuing ice/rain today, but no cancellation for my work either (school was cancelled, however).

>245 foggidawn: WOOT! I *love* snowy winters and really missed having tons of the stuff last year. (Wisconsin had so much more snow, obviously.)

>246 bell7: Mary: I'm really surprised that they didn't have a delay, because we had freezing rain and then some pretty serious snowing on top of that right at school time. Weird.

Today's agenda:
Scramble to work more on the Charlie Christmas Project this morning and then work from 12-8. Tomm and Charlie are going shopping this evening (I've schooled Charlie repeatedly on how I *really* want the Misha Collins cookbook for Christmas, so we'll see how that goes).

On the reading front:
I didn't even crack a book (to read) yesterday. Gah.

I always found 12-8 shifts rough. There's not quite enough morning to really dig in to something before work and 8 is just late enough in the evening it prevents doing much then too. Does your library close at 8?

I just saw this on Facebook, a 32 room bookstore that takes up a whole city block right there in Columbus Ohio! Have you been?



My nephew and his family had a snow day Monday thanks to the 9 inches of snow there in Kansas. Too bad Charlie didn't get his.

>249 MickyFine: Micky: Well, I get up at 5am, so I manage to get some stuff done, but I understand that non-crazy people tend to have more normal morning hours and so I get that 12-8 is weird for them.

>250 ronincats: Roni: Yup, many, many times. It's a fabulous place and one of my favorite bookstores. In fact, it was one of the places I missed most when we moved away and I'm definitely happy to be back close to it! A whole city block is an exaggeration, but it is pretty big.

Today's agenda:
More work on the Christmas Project and then more Work. Charlie has ballet class tonight and Tomm will take him for the first time. We'll see how *that* goes.

On the reading front:
I read a bit of Lincoln during my lunch break and a bit of The Name of This Book Is Secret before bed. Still, I'm feeling so behind on my reading; I'm hoping to do some catch-up reading while in Indiana this coming weekend.

Well, it has happened, folks: Charlie is very interested in getting his own Librarything account. He's very sad that he needs to wait two more years before he meets the age requirement. The sweetest thing is that he asked if I thought you all would let him be part of this group! I told him that he's practically an honorary member here already.

" Charlie is very interested in getting his own Librarything account." Yippee! I think Charlie would be a fine addition over here! And we can always use another dude that reads.

Morning, Amber! Sweet Thursday. I hope the job is going well and I hope you find sometime to read today.

>254 msf59: Mark: Dudes that read are the best kind.

The job continues to be fabulous and I think my body is starting to adjust to Doing Stuff again - I've not been as utterly knackered this week as I was last week. I'm hoping for some reading time at least during my lunch break. We'll see.

Of course Charlie will be welcome to join the 75ers! And the good news is he has two years to think of a really cool, clever username. :-)

I can't wait to see Charlie posting around here. That is both completely predictable and completely wonderful!

>256 rosalita: Julia: *snork!* So very true!

>257 lauralkeet: Laura: Ha! He has made a countdown calendar, even, so he's pretty excited.

>253 scaifea: Aww! You're right; he's pretty much an honorary member already, but it will be cool to see posts from him in a couple years.

>259 foggidawn: Aw, yay! Although I'm beginning to suspect that I'll have to take second place in the Most Popular 75er at Scaife Manor contest...

>260 scaifea: Well, duh. :)

>261 Morphidae: Morphy: Good lord, I can feel the love around here. Yeesh.

>262 scaifea: Awww, you know we love ya.

But we *adore* the Charlie monster.

>253 scaifea: Well, who didn't see THAT coming? *rubs hands together* He may not be quite ready for Faulkner in two years, but.....Ima get 'im....eventually...

>263 Morphidae: Typical.

Amber Scaife: Taking Second Place to That Charlie Kid Since 2008.

*tsk*

Welcome Charlie!

>266 RebaRelishesReading: Reba: Aw, thanks! I'll pass on the good wishes!

How cool that Charlie has a countdown clock until the time he can join the 75ers. Bet he is poised to join right on his birthday!

Hi, Amber. I'm still amazed that you have a one block walk to school, and to your job at the library. That's living the good life.

Now I know a good bookstore to go to if I ever end up in Columbus!

The sweetest thing is that he asked if I thought you all would let him be part of this group! I told him that he's practically an honorary member here already. Ha! Ain't that the truth. It will be fun when he can join in. I wish we could get Mamie and her girls back.

>269 jnwelch: I wish we could get Mamie and her girls back. And a heartfelt Amen to that! (Culturally not spiritually, ha!)

I worry that there is something seriously wrong medically in the family. It's the only thing I could think of that would keep all of them away.

I did get a note from Abby a couple of months ago. She didn’t say what’s up, but that it’s been a rough year at the Pecan Paradisio. Also said Mamie will likely be back next year. I think something medical is a good bet.

>268 Familyhistorian: Meg: Ha! He did say something about getting him set up on the afternoon of his birthday...

>269 jnwelch: Joe: It is very definitely the good life here, you'll get no arguments from me. And I will happily take you to The Book Loft should you ever come to visit! It's in the area of Columbus called German Village, which is gorgeous and has tons of excellent restaurants, too.

I think about Mamie and her family tons, too. Here's hoping they return in 2020.

>270 Morphidae: That was the impression I got some time back, too, but I can't remember why now.

>271 drneutron: Thanks for the update, Jim. I sure hope we see them all again soon around here.

Today's agenda:
A full work day for me today, and then Charlie and Tomm will pick me up for our annual Last Day of School before Break dinner at one of our favorite restaurants, followed by Christmas lights sightseeing. Tomorrow morning Charlie and I are off to Indiana until Monday.

On the reading front:
Nothing to report again for yesterday. I'm looking forward to lots of reading time this weekend!

>273 scaifea: Have a lovely weekend, Amber - great meal and family time as well as a safe journey to Indiana.

Enjoy your celebration dinner and have a great weekend in Indiana, Amber.

Medical problem sounds like a good possibility for Mamie and the clan. I'm glad Abby let Dr. Jim know that Mamie will likely be back next year.

>274 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Paul!

>275 jnwelch: Thanks, Joe! I'm looking forward both to the meal and seeing my parents, as always. And I'm very much looking forward to the return of Mamie, too!

Hope your evening was fun, Amber. Safe travels!

>277 Familyhistorian: Thanks, Meg! It was fantastic! The food was excellent and we loved seeing all the gorgeous lights.

Welp, Charlie and I are packed and ready to head out soon for Indiana. We'll be back on Monday - have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

Morning, Amber! Happy Saturday. Safe travels with Charlie! Have a great time with your folks!

Soviet Santa says "Happy Yule!" Solstice Greetings to all. Read more here: https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/soviet-santa

Hope you're having a great weekend in Indiana, Amber! And OF COURSE we're excited for Charlie to join in a couple of years :D

Hope you have a great Christmas, and hope Santa is kind to Charlie

>280 msf59: Thanks, Mark! We had a great time, as usual, in Indiana and are now back home safe and sound and ready for Christmas!

>281 richardderus: Thanks, Richard!

>282 bell7: Thanks, Mary!!

>283 ChelleBearss: Thanks, Chelle - Happy Christmas to you, too!

191. Unseen Academicals by Terry Pratchett (Discworld, 400 pages) - 9/10 = A
The authorities of Ankh-Morpork try to tame football and make it an official sport, but he wizards are involved, so it quickly becomes absurdly complex and ridiculous. And then there's the strange new fellow working in the candleworks in the basements of UU, and his appearance will also complicate things in some interesting ways.
I never thought that a wizard book would become one of my favorite of the Discworld series, but, well, here we are. Nutt and Glenda immediately became well-loved characters and they made me love this book despite the presence of both Rincewind and sports.

Or in other words, Happy Christmas! And have a great New Year as well.

>286 SandDune: Thank you, Rhian!!

Today's agenda:

Laundry, baking (Mince Pie for tomorrow and Peanut Butter Cookies for Santa), some family game time (my parents gave Charlie a couple of new games for Christmas), and hopefully some reading.

On the reading front:
I finished a couple of books in Indiana, so I still owe one review. I'll try to get that up sometime today.

Apologies if this thread is getting a little long in the tooth, but it seems silly to start a new one at this point. Please to endure along with me for a few more days.

192. Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy by Gary D. Schmidt (Newbery Honor Book, audiobook) - 8/10 = B+
When a new minister moves into a small Maine town, his son finds it difficult to adjust to the attitudes he finds there. But then he meets and finds a friend in Lizzie Bright, who is also on the margins of this small-town society.
This one started out as a usual outsider-kids-meet-and-find-comfort-in-their-friendship, but toward the end it took a turn for the much more serious. It's a good read, but I did find that change in tone a bit abrupt.

Happy holidays to all at Scaife Manor!

>290 RebaRelishesReading: Thanks, Reba! Happy Christmas to you, too!

Amber, I'm so glad your 'happiness making' dream job at the library is working so well with you. I love it when I can do a quick book chat when checking out books. Thanks for sharing some snippets from your favorite patrons. I also think it's a wonderful idea for Charlie to have his own thread when he reaches the magic age. We need more young people around here.

>292 Donna828: Thanks so much, Donna! I feel pretty dang lucky about this job; it's perfect and I love it tons so far. And yes to young readers joining our ranks! Charlie is excited at the idea of you all welcoming him here. I talk about this group a bunch, so he feels like he knows you already!

193. The Name of This Book Is Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch (Charlie recommended, 360 pages) - 8/10 - B+
A cool concept mystery novel for MG readers, in which the characters' 'real names' have been protected, along with many other details about their lives, and the author himself hides his own identity and periodically harangues his reader for reading such a secret book. I'd summarize the plot but, well, it's secret.
Charlie read and absolutely loved this book and wanted me to read it too. So, of course, I did, and I'm glad for it. A fun story with some cool twists in the telling of it.

194. A Christmas Memory by Truman Capote (Christmas re-read, 38 pages) - 10/10 = A+
I try to re-read this one every year. It's one of my very favorite things, and I can't thank Linda (laytonwoman3rd) enough for sending it our way a few years ago. Here's my original review:

"Gosh, but I love this one. It makes me alternately sad and near-deliriously happy, and it's so, so beautifully written. Such a treat."

This time around I'll add that this line, "As for me, I could leave the world with today in my eyes," and the ending just break me and my poor heart in half every time.

Merry Christmas Amber, Tomm, Charlie and the dogs from both of us dear friend.

>296 johnsimpson: Thanks, John! Happy Christmas to you, too!!

I've fallen threads and threads behind, but I just had to wish you, Thom, Charlie and the pooches a great Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Happy Holidays, Amber!

>298 ffortsa: Thanks, Judy!

>299 jnwelch: Thanks, Joe!!

I hope the Christmas at Scaife Manor is a merry one! Enjoy the holidays!

Hope you're all tucked up with visions of sugarplums...Merry Christmas!

>301 Familyhistorian: Thanks, Meg!

>302 laytonwoman3rd: Thanks, Linda!

Glad you had a good time with your folks, Amber! Have a great Christmas Day with the boys!

>304 msf59: Thanks, Mark!!

My Christmas morning haul:



Tomm and Charlie know me so well, don't you think?

We're settling down for a cozy and quiet day, with ham and all the fixings for our Christmas lunch (plus that Mince Pie I made yesterday that made the house smell *amazing*) and then we'll have an afternoon of playing the new games Charlie got for Christmas, including Apples to Apples, a Doctor Who board game, and a new deck of Magic the Gathering cards. Just now I'm getting ready to relax in my rocking chair for a bit with a book. Happiness. I'm also wishing all of you a wonderful, wonderful holiday, or, if you don't celebrate this particular one, then I hope you have a fabulous regular day! Hugs all round, friends - I'm more grateful for all of you than I have eloquence to express.

>306 scaifea: From low-Earth-orbit I'd know that haul was destined for you. Enjoy it all!

>307 richardderus: Ha! Thanks, Richard! I've already made a significant dent in the chocolates...

There were books and chocolates under our tree in abundance as well...it's almost like magic...

>309 laytonwoman3rd: Linda: Magic or otherwise, I'll take it!

195. The Bonny Pit Laddie by Frederick Grice (1001 Children's Books, 191 pages) - 8/10 = B+
Dick assumes that living in a mining town means that he'll soon be asked to leave school and start working in the pit like his father and brother before him, but his encounter with the mining boss, encouragement from his teacher and his grandmother, and a near-deadly accident in the mines themselves start him to thinking that his may be a live outside the pit town in which he's grown up.
I enjoyed this one much more than I expected to; it's well-written, the characters are strong and likable, and the story is nicely paced. Recommended.

Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Solstice, some other tradition or none at all, this is what I wish for you!

Thank you for keeping me company in 2019.......onward to 2020.

Merry Christmas to you and your family!

Thanks, Roni, Paul, & Anne!

Today's agenda:
I'm going to try to clean my desk off (it's gotten a bit cluttered in the past couple of weeks), and then work through a few To Do odds and ends before going to work this evening. The spray nozzle at our kitchen sink has a broken handle, so Tomm is replacing the entire faucet system today (apparently you can't buy just the nozzle thing? or maybe he's just fed me a load of hooey because he wants a new faucet?). I'm hoping to get my odds and ends finished in time for a bit of reading before work, but we'll see. And the best thing about the day after Christmas: Mince Pie for breakfast.

On the reading front:
After finishing The Bonny Pit Laddie yesterday, I started The Defender, another shortish Newbery Honor Book that I should get through in the next couple of days, I think. It's nothing too inspiring, but it's a sweet little story so far.

>315 scaifea: Uh, yeah....I'm pretty sure you can just buy the nozzle. But if Tomm is decent at that sort of thing, why not go for a whole new system?

>316 laytonwoman3rd: Ha! Busted! But yes, why not? He has discovered this morning, though, that the plumbing in our house is not...ideal. Apparently you can only shut off the hot water *at* the source, so if he works on anything, we lose water access for the entire house while he's at it...

calm and I could use some friends over here in this new joint...

The 2020 Group is up!

>318 drneutron: I noticed Jim was posting on lots of threads and thought WOO HOO! Oh yeah I'm excited.

>318 drneutron: Jim: WOOT!!!

>319 lauralkeet: Laura: Right!?

Heh - this is what happens when I'm sitting around a Mission Operations Center watching a spacecraft fly by Venus. We get a new group!

>321 drneutron: Jim: That has to be one of the coolest posts ever typed.

I finished these legwarmers a couple of weeks ago, but didn't manage to post a photo of them:

Your Christmas "haul" looks perfect. Sounds like you had a lovely day :)

>324 RebaRelishesReading: Reba: We did have a lovely day - I hope you did, too!

>325 scaifea: It was very low-key but lovely. We had celebrated with family last weekend so we were quietly at home. Called family for an on-the-day greeting and had friends over for dinner.

>326 RebaRelishesReading: Reba: I love low-key holidays.

Glad you had a wonderful Christmas, Amber! And wow, what lovely legwarmers! I haven't done intricate colorwork like that and it looks gorgeous.

Delurking...Best wishes this holiday season!! See you in 2020!

>317 scaifea: Well, shut off at the source is not good but I have you beat, I had to shut down half my complex (1/2 of 58 townhouses) to have some plumbing done at one point, after I went to the city to find out where the main water shut off for the street was - thankfully someone in the city had once lived in our complex so knew that info. Plumbing is such fun - not.

Love your Christmas haul!

I'm in a condo complex that consists of 242 units in 5 buildings. Each building has a water shutoff - so yeah, any time anyone has work done, the entire building loses water for a few hours (and once, the shutoff refused to reopen, and my building was two days without water...). Such a pain.

It's usually possible to buy a part, like the sprayer - but it often costs a huge chunk of the cost of a new faucet, and is often very fiddly to install. I don't know what you had, or what you (or Tomm) got, but getting the new one may have been the simpler option.

Sounds like a lovely Christmas!

>328 bell7: Thanks, Mary! I'm pleased with how they turned out.

>329 Berly: Thanks, Kim!

>330 Familyhistorian: Meg: Holy moly. That's crazy!

>331 jjmcgaffey: Jennifer: That is also nuts!! Well, we have a separate faucet and sprayer, but Tomm has long wanted one of those industrial-looking faucets with the arched spout and detachable spray nozzle, so yeah. That's what he bought. Still not installed because he needs parts that he doesn't have, apparently.

Today's agenda:
A full work day today, while Tomm and Charlie get to stay home.

On the reading front:
I managed a few pages in The Defender yesterday; hoping to get a bit of reading time during my lunch break today.

A full work day today, while Tomm and Charlie get to stay home.

Oh, the agonies of being a Library Mogul... 😀

>334 drneutron: Jim: RIGHT?! I'm *so* glad someone understand me.

>332 scaifea: Tomm has long wanted one of those industrial-looking faucets with the arched spout and detachable spray nozzle, so yeah. That's what he bought.

That must be a male thing, Frank wanted the same when we came to live here, and got it as the kitchen is mainly his domain. I did not like it. It started to leak a few years back, and we now have a smaller, more functional one.

>336 FAMeulstee: Anita: Ha! Yes, maybe it is a guy thing. I'm not encouraged by your experience, I have to say...

>337 scaifea: we have one of those faucets! It was standard equipment when this house was built in 2017, and while it took a little getting used to, now I like having the spray nozzle integrated with the spout.

I've got one too - my new one (about a year and a half old). It's not the high-arched type though (I think those look silly), but a lower arc - but the spray pulls out from the mouth of the faucet. I usually keep it just popped so it can swivel easily, and pull the hose out only occasionally (especially since the weight that pulls it back in tends to get caught on things under the sink). Mine also does filtered water through the same mouth; I love it. I don't like filtered water from the fridge, it's too cold - tap-cold is perfect for me, and my faucet has a large stream of filtered water (about twice the usual thin stream).

>338 lauralkeet: Laura: I feel like it will take me a little while to get used to it, too (should it ever actually get installed...).

>339 jjmcgaffey: Jennifer: Well, ours is the silly kind, and no filter, but we have a water cooler for that (I will *not* drink tap water).

Today's agenda:
I work today until 2pm, then I need to make gingerbread to take with us tomorrow to Tomm's family holiday gathering. Tomm and Charlie are installing the faucet today, and I'm not even remotely sorry that I won't be here for that.

On the reading front:
I spent some time with Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism and The Defender yesterday. I'm also listening to The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate and got some good listening time in while working on the outgoing library cargo yesterday. It's a good story, but the narrator isn't wonderful, which is a shame, really.

>341 scaifea: Laughing about the faucet...Laura had that kind in her house (before she moved, don't know if she does now), and I thought it was sort of neat, but also a little silly. I have to admit the spray nozzle off to the side (above the side of the sink where my dish drainer is) can be a bit awkward to use. But now, about leaving the house while plumbing is going on...are. you. sure?

>341 scaifea:, >342 laytonwoman3rd: It's easier to ambush people with the spray when the nozzle is attached to the faucet. No telling extraneous reaching. Just saying.

Hiya, Amber. Heh - this is what happens when I'm sitting around a Mission Operations Center watching a spacecraft fly by Venus. We get a new group! I agree with you - that must be one of the coolest sentences ever!

>342 laytonwoman3rd: Linda: Oh, I'm sure. I want no part of the cursing that will happen. Tomm gets GRUMPY when doing house repairs.

>343 lycomayflower: Laura: *takes notes*

>344 jnwelch: Hi, Joe! Right?! My coolest friends are 75ers, hands down.

>345 scaifea: Man, he sounds like me! I hate plumbing. Lots of cursing. Plus, you know, plumbers pants...

>344 jnwelch: By the way, we hit the target point with millimeter per second accuracy. Our navigators are awesome!

>346 drneutron: Jim: *snork!* Aaaand, it didn't get done today. Apparently there was some part missing so he (thankfully) didn't even get started.

Also, WOW!! Amazing!

196. The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly (Newbery Honor Book, audiobook) - 8/10 = B-
Follows nearly-12-year-old Calpurnia Tate, living in post Civil War Texas, as she discovers the joys of Darwinism and scientific observation, new ways to negotiate life with a bushel of brothers, and an unexpected friendship with her gruff-on-the-outside grandfather.
I liked this one okay, but the narration was...not great, and that put me off more than just reading it myself likely would have. *shrug*

>348 scaifea: - Oh, dear. I have this one saved on audio....

>349 katiekrug: Katie: Well, I'm *incredibly* picky about my narrators, so maybe you won't think it's so bad.

197. The Defender by Nicholas Kalashnikoff (Newbery Honor Book, 138 pages) - 8/10 = B-
A man living in the mountains in Siberia struggles against village rumors and fights loneliness by befriending the wild rams also living in the mountains.
Too simple and saccharine for my tastes.

>346 drneutron: So great!

Happy Last Day of '19, Amber.

I found Calpurnia Tate a bit disappointing, after reading positives about it. No great shakes, IMO.

I did just finish a five-star-er, Girl, Woman, Other. Impressive!

>352 jnwelch: Hi, Joe!

Oh, whew! I'm relieved that someone else felt the same about Calpurnia. Not that I'm happy you weren't happy, just, you know, it's nice to know that I didn't miss something big there.

I'm adding Girl, Woman, Other to the list!

198. Lumberjanes #1: Beware the Holy Kitten by Noelle Stevenson et al. (re-read, graphic novel) - 10/10 = A+
A re-read for me. I loved it the first time and intended to continue with the series and somehow just didn't. So this is a re-read to prep for the second one. My original mini-review:

A group of adorably quirky girls discover that their summer camp isn't terribly normal. They, however, seem very much up to the challenge.
I loved it. The banter among the campers is fast and funny and it's easy to fall in love with all the characters immediately.

>354 scaifea: Oooh, can't wait to see your reactions to later volumes. I love Lumberjanes so much!!!

>355 MickyFine: Micky: Right?! I loved this first one tons! I can't believe I didn't immediately request others.