scaifea's thread #2

Spreading the Lumberjanes love.

Hey, everybody!

From the Introductions Thread:
I'm Amber, a one-time Classics professor, turned stay-at-home parent/lady of leisure, turned 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 11-year-old son, Charlie; and our two dogs, Tuppence the Border Collie and Mario the Golden Retriever.



Favorite Books from 2019
Next of Kin
The Book of Boy
Ficciones
Night Watch
The Name of the Wind
A Monster Calls
Check, Please! Book 1
Art Matters
The Heart's Invisible Furies

What I'm Reading Now:
-They Called Us Enemy (Read Soon! Shelves)
-The White Stone (1001 Children's Books)
-I Shall Wear Midnight (Discworld series)
-These Old Shades (romance genre list)
-Vanity Fair (audiobook)
-Pawn of Prophecy (Charlie's bedtime book)
-The Wise Man's Fear (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)
-The Experience of Insight (Buddhist reading list)

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

5. 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)

6. An unread book from my shelves.

7. A book from my Read Soon! shelves.

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

9. 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.

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

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

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

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

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

15. A romance novel, using as a guideline an excellent list of authors and works curated by lycomaflower (I know virtually nothing about this genre, but I now work in a library where many, many lovely people come through to check out books of this genre, and I want to know something about it).

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

Books Read

JANUARY
1. Still Life (Read Soon! Shelves) - 9/10 = A
2. Breaking Stalin's Nose (Newbery Honor Book, audiobook) - 8/10 = B-
3. The Golden Name Day (Newbery Honor Book) - 7/10 = C
4. Lumberjanes #2: Friendship to the Max (series read) - 10/10 = A+
5. Lumberjanes #3: A Terrible Plan (series read) - 10/10 = A+
6. Lumberjanes #4: Out of Time (series read) - 10/10 = A+
7. Lumberjanes #5: Band Together (series read) - 10/10 = A+
8. Lumberjanes #6: Sink or Swim (series read) - 10/10 = A+
9. Lumberjanes #7: A Bird's-Eye View (series read) - 10/10 = A+
10. Lumberjanes #8: Stone Cold (series read) - 10/10 = A+
11. Lumberjanes #9: On a Roll (series read) - 10/10 = A+
12. Lumberjanes #10: Parents' Day! (series read) - 10/10 = A+
13. Lumberjanes #11: Time After Crime (series read) - 10/10 = A+
14. The Adventurous Eaters Club (Read Soon! Shelves/Christmas gift from Charlie) - 9/10 = A
15. The Black God's Drums (Alex Award) - 9/10 = A
16. Call Down the Hawk (Read Soon! Shelves) - 10/10 = A+
17. Mr. Justice Holmes (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B

I'm keeping the photo of Tomm and Charlie because I love it and I haven't yet been caught:



Also, The Gals, of course:

Love that Lumberjanes topper!

Happy new thread!

Happy new thread Amber.

Happy new thread Amber my dear.

I can not believe I'm post #10 instead of #110 for once!

>6 lycomayflower: Laura: Right?! *happy sigh*

Thanks, foggi, Adrienne, & John!

>10 richardderus: Hi, Richard!

Happy new one!

>12 figsfromthistle: Thanks!

I left a little Winchestery somethin' in Laura's thread.

>14 richardderus: I know you did (I generally visit her thread before I even visit my own). Oh, those boys... But as lovely as those Winchesters are (and they *are* so pretty), I'm a Crowley girl at heart:

And a Cas girl second:

>15 scaifea: *chuckle* I still see Badger from Firefly when I see him.

>17 richardderus: Fair enough. I'll take Mark Sheppard in any form, to be honest. He. Is. Smokin'.

ETA: Plus, still a bad boy in that one. And I love the bad boys.

That deep gravel-pit voice, the sloe eyes, the sheer voluptuous kissability...yeah *happy sigh*

Happy new thread! I step out for lunch and the party starts right up!

Happy new one, Amber!

>19 richardderus: Richard: Right?! That voice...the accent...the smile...the eyes...

>20 quondame: Thanks!

>21 katiekrug: Thanks, Katie!

Happy 2nd thread of 2020, Amber! Have a great weekend :0)

>15 scaifea: >16 scaifea: Woowhoo! A TV reference I get! (Second one today.)

I love the subversive hub-photo posting! Plus it's a great pic of Tom & Charlie so why not?

>15 scaifea:, >16 scaifea: Durned images aren't showing for me...

Happy new thread!

>23 Carmenere: Thanks, Lynda!

>24 The_Hibernator: Rachel: Woot!



>25 lauralkeet: Laura: Ha! Tomm just prefers to keep as low an online profile as possible, so I do feel a little guilty about it, but it *is* such a good photo...

>26 laytonwoman3rd: Linda: Well, maybe you don't love SPN enough for them to reveal themselves to you...You should maybe watch some more episodes and then try again.

>27 drneutron: Thanks, Jim!

Today's agenda:
I work for a chunk of the day (we're open form 10-2 on Saturdays) and while I'm there, the Scaife Men will attempt the Great Faucet Exchange of 2020 again. *steadying sigh* Hopefully they now have all the proper parts and such. We'll see how it goes.
I made a big pot of soup last night (the recipe is called Family Favorite Soup, which isn't all that descriptive, really, but it's a carrots/celery/potato/tomato/ground beef (but I use turkey)/various seasoning sort of thing. Perfect for chilly, rainy days. So we'll have that and a salad for dinner again tonight. I'm hoping for some reading time this afternoon when I get home. Again, we'll see how that goes.

On the reading front:
I finished up the last of the Lumberjanes that I have out of the library for now, listened to some more Vanity Fair, and read a bit of These Old Shades yesterday. If I'm on cargo duty today, I'll get more Vanity Fair time in. That Miss Sharp sure is a hoot and I love her to bits.

the Scaife Men will attempt the Great Faucet Exchange of 2020 again.

Uh oh. Are there nearby plumbers who have Saturday hours?!

Happy new thread, Amber!

>30 kidzdoc: Darryl: *snork!* Don't know. Not my problem (hopefully).

>28 scaifea: Hmmm....I think you and the Mayflower are in cahoots...

>32 laytonwoman3rd:

Happy New Thread, Amber!

It makes me happy to see A Monster Calls among your favorites. Such a good book.

Did you read 84 Charing Cross Road? I suspect the answer's yes. I just read the follow-up, The Duchess of Bloomsbury Street, and loved it. I wish she was still around.

Thank photo is definitely a keeper :)

Have a fun, short workday!

Happy new one, Amber! Wishing your menfolk the best of luck with the Great Faucet Exchange of 2020. Craig had to replace our faucet (again!) just last year - let's hope Frank Faucet, Jr. behaves himself. Of course, he had to go with the fancy one that is touch sensitive, and now we all look like idiots around regular faucets. And the touch sensitivity is annoying - you go to adjust the temp, and it turns off instead. After one particularly harrowing exchange between Frank and I, Craig gave me some unsolicited advice which is now a recurrent quote at the Pecan Paradisio. He said, "You have to grasp it firmly."

Happy new thread!
I was playing around on my tablet last night and realized that amazon unlimited must be free right now, or maybe I somehow got signed up?, but Lumberjanes came up as a recommended read so I snagged one :)

Happy new thread, scaifea!

>Wow! An excellent and fun set of goals. I really need to make few and stick to to them.

>16 scaifea: I'll have to post an SPN gif of my own soon. :-p

>37 Crazymamie:

>32 laytonwoman3rd: Linda: Always and happily.

>33 lycomayflower: Laura: *snork!*

>34 jnwelch: Thanks, Joe! Isn't A Monster Calls so, so good?!

And yep, I loved 84 Charing Cross Road, but I haven't read the sequel yet. *whispers: 84 is one of the books I'll be wrapping up as a Blind Date with a Book. I hope someone picks it and loves it!*

>35 RebaRelishesReading: Reba: I know, right?! Worth getting into trouble over, even.

>36 richardderus: Thanks, Richard! It was steadily busy but fun.

>37 Crazymamie: Thanks, Mamie! The GFE of 2020 was a success!! I'll post a photo in a minute. Also, I love everything about your own faucet saga - so funny!

>38 ChelleBearss: Hi, Chelle! Woot for Lumberjanes!! I had two more waiting for me when I got to work this morning.

>39 brodiew2: I'm guessing you're referring to my book lists there? Excellent and fun, eh? That's a very tactful way of saying 'crazypants' and I appreciate it.

Our fancy new faucet!

>44 scaifea: ...that looks intimidating...

>45 richardderus: It is, in fact, substantial.

Happy new thread, Amber!

>44 scaifea: It is smaller that I thought it would be. Looks a bit larger than the one we have now, the one I DO like.
The first one we had was almost twice this size, and it would have fitted perfectly in a professional kitchen. Frank loved the hughe thing, I didn't ;-)

>47 FAMeulstee: Hi, Anita!

It's not as big as I feared it would be; honestly, I kind of like this size. And I'm *so* glad to have a spray nozzle back!

>44 scaifea: At least it's installed and working, haha! Hope your work day went well. You may not get this in children's as much, but we've started getting the daily request for federal tax forms that won't be *shipped* until January 21.

>49 bell7: Hi, Mary! I'm not in children's, really. We're a pretty small library, so we all do a bit of everything and there's only one circ desk. No tax form requests yet, but I suspect they're coming...

>44 scaifea: That looks great. My favorite faucet is the one my sister had installed above her range that was on a swing arm. She has moved out of that apt. in Alexandria and is in Texas now where I know nothing about her kitchen except that she almost never uses it.

Happy Saturday, Amber! Happy New Thread! Love the Lumberjanes topper! I need to return to that series.

>51 quondame: Wow, your sister's former faucet sounds pretty cool...

>52 msf59: Hi, Mark! I am *in love* with the Lumberjanes! So, so good on so many levels.

6. Lumberjanes #4: Out of Time by Noelle Stevenson (series read) - 10/10 = A+
7. Lumberjanes #5: Band Together Noelle Stevenson (series read) - 10/10 = A+
8. Lumberjanes #6: Sink or Swim Shannon Watters (series read) - 10/10 = A+
9. Lumberjanes #7: A Bird's-Eye View Shannon Watters (series read) - 10/10 = A+
10. Lumberjanes #8: Stone Cold Shannon Watters (series read) - 10/10 = A+
11. Lumberjanes #9: On a Roll Shannon Watters (series read) - 10/10 = A+
12. Lumberjanes #10: Parents' Day! Shannon Watters (series read) - 10/10 = A+
13. Lumberjanes #11: Time After Crime Shannon Watters (series read) - 10/10 = A+

I love everything about this series (well, almost everything: they mistreat Greek mythology a smidge, but I'm willing to overlook it because the everything else is so, so good)!! The characters are fabulous, the stories inventive and interesting, and the low-key inclusiveness and the supportive language and atmosphere is excellent. Highly, highly recommended.

Just checking in. I read the first Lumberjanes and really liked it. I should see if my (new) local library has them on the shelves!

>44 scaifea: Very pretty!

(and I see Charlie's school through that kitchen window, yes?)

>44 scaifea: Kudos to the Scaife Boys - I couldn't have fixed it.

Slightly late to wish you happy new thread but have been a bit under the weather these last two days.

>43 scaifea: Crazy Pants for sure, scaifea, but you can do it. I read the first five from Christopher Moore and had a blast with them. I took a break after that and have never been able to reengage. I love his Coyote Blue. Might try Noir: A Novel again this year.

As for Hugo/Nebula, I've read a few and there a lot of great booked there, but The Demolished Man really stood out. Wonderful science fiction thriller about a murder that takes place when telepathy is common among the people.

I hope your day is going well.

Happy new one, Amber. I love the topper. Hurrey for the new faucet. It looks good.

>55 EBT1002: Morning, Ellen! I think you'd continue to love the Lumberjanes if you picked it back up, especially the inclusive feel to it.

>56 EBT1002: I think our wave of home improvements is over for the moment; the next set of projects depends on whether Tomm gets a bonus this year, I suspect.

And yes, that's Charlie's school! How cool is it that it's just right there?! But only for the rest of this year; next year he'll scoot off to the other end of town (not that there's a lot of town here, so it's just about a mile away) for the middle school. But still, the shuttle bus that takes him there picks ups the kiddos almost right outside our door, and in the afternoons he can choose to get off at home or, if I'm working, there's a shuttle stop at the library, too. Perfect!

>57 PaulCranswick: Hi, Paul! Tomm is fair-to-middlin' handy, really, with some choice curse words thrown into the mix now and then...

I'm sorry you've not been feeling your best; I hope you're already on the mend, friend.

>58 brodiew2: I haven't read Noir yet, but I would definitely recommend Sacre Bleu, especially if you're at all a fan of the French Masters. So well done and such a hoot.

The Demolished Man was a good one, I agree.

>59 Ameise1: Hi, Barbara! And thanks!

Today's agenda:
Orange Raisin Scones have already been made and enjoyed, and after I putter around here and finish my tea, I'll get cracking on the laundry, some more baking (Chocolate Chip Brownie Cookies), and a bit of cleaning before settling in for some reading time this afternoon.

On the reading front:
After finishing up all the Lumberjanes that I have out of the library yesterday, I started The Black God's Drums, which is already excellent at only 30 pages in.

>54 scaifea: Wow, you are flying through. I didn't realize there were that many! I just opened up the series page and found out there are 39!!! Wow.

>62 ChelleBearss: Chelle: Ha! Yeah, that's confusing a bit, and I had to look at the list until I was cross-eyed to figure it out: there are upwards of 50-something issues of the comic and currently 12 volumes of collected issues. So there's not as many as it seems, sort of. #13 of the collected volumes comes out soon, I think?

>63 scaifea: Ahhhh that's less daunting!

>44 scaifea: Well, that IS snazzy. And it looks like it was professionally installed....you can quote me.

>64 ChelleBearss: Chelle: Agreed!

>65 laytonwoman3rd: Linda: Ha! Noted.

>54 scaifea: I'm sensing that you like the Lumberjanes series? :-)

>50 scaifea: Oh that's right, you're at the circ desk. Don't know quite where my brain was at the moment. I enjoy that about a small library too. We have one service desk with circulation *and* reference or children's services acting as a "specialist" on the schedule, and as a result I work with patrons of all ages. I love it, especially when I get to talk books or find a resource that's "just right" for someone :D

Your agenda today sounds lovely. We're having abnormally warm weather but I am working 'til 5 today.

>67 jnwelch: Joe: *snork!* Well, yes, Joe, now that you've mentioned it, I believe I do somewhat enjoy that series...

>68 bell7: Mary: We're so small, in fact, that no one is just at the circ desk; we all do everything: circ, cargo, programs, shelving, research librarian services...everything. That's definitely one of the things I love about this job.

Today *has* been absolutely lovely. I've even read a whole book through! Bliss.

14. The Adventurous Eaters Club by Misha Collins and Vicki Collins (Read Soon! Shelves, 271 pages) - 9/10 = A
I fully admit that I wanted this cookbook at first solely because I *ahem* hold Misha Collins in high esteem, first as Cas in Supernatural and now also as the goofy, sweet, full-of-kindness-for-the-world sort of person he seems to be. (Read: I. Am. A. Fan.) So, I convinced Charlie to get it for me for Christmas (no shame!), and it's the first cookbook that I've actually read cover-to-cover. And it's completely worth it. Misha and Vicki (his equally awesome partner, whom I now also love to bits) have an excellent approach to introducing possibly-reluctant kiddos to all sorts of healthy and adventurous foods. The theory and practice seems sound, and I love their openness about their own successes and failures in parenting: they're happily candid about not being or pretending to be perfect parents, and there's a lovely sense that they're not completely comfortable with writing a book about even this one aspect of parenting without stressing that they're not be-all authorities on the subject. Also, the recipes look very doable and very good - I've marked tons of them that we will definitely be trying.
Charlie has been, from an early age, a happy helper in the kitchen, but after reading this I realize that I could be even more open to food adventures and letting him have more autonomy in the kitchen (not that he'll go crazy with ingredient combinations - it's just not his style (he is a "cautious fellow," after all (his words, not mine (I swear I'm not making that up)))). It has also been a good reminder that it doesn't have to be time-consuming or difficult to cut the convenience of processed food out of the mix and out of the house. In short, highly recommended.

>61 scaifea: Your scones reminded me to ask Rob to bring me these butterscotch-pecan scones when he comes to see me next. I made them for him once and he has sworn up and down that he can't bake them so I need to come to his new place and do it for him.

It *almost* worked.

>70 scaifea: What a great cookbook to have! Yay!

>71 richardderus: Richard: I think I got lost in the logic of that sentence...

And yes, it's a great cookbook! I can't wait to try the recipes.

>72 scaifea: *scans brain*

...there was logic in that sentence...?

Ooh, The Adventurous Eaters Club looks great!

I listened to A Monster Calls narrated by Jason Isaacs, which was wonderful. But I listened to it just as I was starting at my current school. I showed up to work with colleagues who didn't know me at all all sniffly and puffy-eyed from sobbing wantonly in the car. Perhaps an inauspicious beginning but I am now in year 7!

Just keeping current here. A new series, a new faucet. Life is good here. : )

Happy new thread, Amber. Love the Lumberjanes cover. I just finished my first Lumberjanes book yesterday and I am happy there are a lot more ahead of me.

>74 AMQS: Hi, Anne! The cookbook is wonderful! And yeah, I think I would have walked into work sobbing, too. Such a powerful book.

>75 Berly: Hi, Kim! Ha!

>75 Berly: Thanks, Meg, and yay for Lumberjanes!

Today's agenda:
Treadmilling and some odds and ends this morning and then work this afternoon/evening. I woke up with a bit of an earache, so I'm not sure what's going on there. We'll see how that progresses today...

On the reading front:
I'm nearly finish with The Black God's Drums, which is short but really good so far, and I think I'll take Call Down the Hawk with me to work and hopefully start it during my lunch break - I'm super excited about this one!

Sooo... I couldn't keep up with anyone last year, but as part of my trying to make an effort and actually post resolution, hi! Seems like things are still going well over here :)

Can't believe Charlie is 11 - I swear last time I managed to post, he was about 8 (I know that's not true it just feels like it!).

>79 BekkaJo: Hi, Bekka! Yep, things are good here at Scaife Manor, and yep, it's weird that Charlie's 11, I agree, although for me his height (same as mine at this point) and his shoe size (larger than mine) are more difficult for me to get my brain round these days!

Cass turns 12 on the 25th - so I feel your pain! She grew over 2cm in height between October - December last year and went up two shoes sizes in the second half of 2019. It's definitely hard to keep up...

>81 BekkaJo: Right?! We bought new pants for Charlie in August for school....and then promptly bought him more new pants in October because the first ones were above his ankles already. Yoicks.

>82 scaifea: I remember the pants thing. My son was a slow grower and back in the day Sears had this deal that if the pants wore out before the kid outgrew them you could get another pair for free (hmm, maybe that is part of why there are no Sears stores in Canada now?) I was able to take advantage of that several times.

Hello scaifea! I hope your day is going well.

>79 BekkaJo: >80 scaifea: I know how you feel. I have 13, 11, and 10. My 11 year old will be 12 next month. There are pictures in the house of him at all stages. So weird to see him so big.

Amber, have you read The Crossover or Booked by Kwame Alexander? I have been pleasantly surprised by the depth of story Alexander tells in verse. There is a GN of the Crossover as well.

We are nearing the end of Booked and I started reading him an illustrated version of The Hobbit. He seemed engaged last night, but we'll see it it continues.

>83 Familyhistorian: Meg: Whoa, that's a great policy! Charlie's never been hard on his clothing, even when he wasn't growing in weed-like fashion, so I don't think I could have taken advantage of it, but I love it all the same!

>84 brodiew2: I've read The Crossover but not Booked, and yep, I enjoy a good novel in verse, too.

Today's agenda:
Welp, Charlie woke up with a fever this morning. I'm working 9-5 today, but Tomm can work from home. This will be my first time leaving my kiddo home sick while I go off to work and even though Tomm will be here and Charlie probably doesn't even need anything (he'll just snooze on the couch today and watch cartoons), I'm still feeling the Working Parent Guilt. Gah.

On the reading front:
I finished The Black God's Drums last night and will post a mini-review soonish. I'm on cargo duty today and there is a metric crap-ton of it, so I should be able to listen to a nice little chunk of Vanity Fair while working on that.

Morning, Amber! Sorry, Charlie woke up with a fever. Glad Tomm can stay home. Is your earache gone? Good luck with work.

>87 msf59: Morning, Mark! Ha! I'd forgotten all about the earache! It mysteriously disappeared of its own volition yesterday morning. Weird. But I'm okay with it!

And yes, I'm really happy that Tomm can work from home - I'm sure it would be fine for me to call in, but I still feel like it's Early Days in this job and I'd rather be more comfortable with my boss before springing something like this on her. She's amazing and very laid-back, so I'm sure it would be no problem, but my niggling brain is still uneasy.

Poor Charlie! I'm glad Tomm is able to work from home today. I understand your mixed feelings about not being there, too. But it will be fine!!!

>89 lauralkeet: Thanks, Laura. I appreciate the mental support! I know it'll be fine, but I also worry that it won't. Because yeah. *sigh*

15. The Black God's Drums by P. Djeli Clark (Alex Award, 108 pages) - 9/10 = A
Creeper is a young girl living on the streets of an alternate, steampunk, late-1800's NOLA. She makes her way as a pickpocket, but dreams of working on an airship. Her dream moves to the realm of possibility when she gets information about a scientist getting kidnapped for his knowledge of a secret and very dangerous weapon called the Black God's Drum, but she'll need to grapple with the tension between her desire to see the world and her ties to the city she loves. Oh, and she also has an orisha sort of living in her brain...
It's quite short (clocking in at just over 100 pages), but boy, this one packs a good storytelling punch. Anyone who can weave such a good yarn, create such interesting characters, build a fascinating world, and set a perfect atmospheric scene in such a few pages is clearly a talent to be watched. Highly recommended.

Congratulations on a newish thread and a shiny new faucet, Amber. It’s those little things in life that keep us going. I hope Charlie feels better soon. You’re lucky that Tomm has that work-from-home option.

I wouldn't mind having an orisha in my brain, if she/he behaved. But I guess gods aren't known for behaving, are they?

Have a good day, Amber. How helpful that Tomm can work from home. I hope Charlie feels better soon.

>86 scaifea: Well, it was bound to happen sometime...you'll check in at lunchtime, and you'll find all is going well, and then you'll go home, and the boys will be glad to see you, but puzzled as to why you were worrying all day...and next time it happens, it. won't. be. any. easier.

>92 Donna828: Donna: Yes! The little things can be so great. And thanks for the Charlie concern; Tomm can't always work from home, but it worked out well today.

>93 jnwelch: Joe: Ha! I think there would be pros and cons to the orisha-braininess. I think you'd like The Black God's Drums if you haven't read it already.

And thanks for the good thoughts re:Charlie!

>94 laytonwoman3rd: Linda: *snork!* Oddly, that's still comforting...

Sorry Charlie is under the weather but sounds like you guys have it covered. Hope he bounces back quickly.

Nice review of The Black God's Drums, Amber. Your review reminded me that Kay (@RidgewayGirl) also liked it, and since the Amazon Kindle version is only $3.99 I just purchased it.

I hope that Charlie is feeling better.

>91 scaifea: Oh, that one's going on the list for sure.

I'm sorry the parenting guilt is kicking in, but it sounds like everyone is in good hands. Huzzah for teleworking - it's saved our butts more than a few times, especially in situations like yours.

>91 scaifea: Nice review! I loved that one too.

>96 RebaRelishesReading: Thanks, Reba. He still has a slight fever, despite medicine, so we'll definitely be watching him tomorrow.

>97 kidzdoc: Darryl: I thought of you as I was reading it, based on your recent NOLA-set read. It would be a nice companion to that one, I think. I hope you like it!

And thanks - as I mentioned to Reba, the fever's still there, so we'll see how it goes tonight.

>98 London_StJ: I think you'll like the Clark, too, London. And it's a super-short read, so you can squeeze it in whenever.

And thanks for the parent support! Yes, thank goodness for the ability to work from home sometimes!

>99 drneutron: Hi, Jim! It's a good one, isn't it?

All was well, of course, and everyone's safe and sound and fed and washed and dried.

...so why am I picturing you staring at your book but not turning pages while Grand Guignol scenes play out in your head...

>101 richardderus: Too tired last night every to try turning a page, I'm afraid.

Today's agenda:
Charlie's fever has held on through the night at a steady 101 even with regular doses of medicine, so here's hoping it breaks at some point today because Mommy needs to sleep tonight. Tomm had already planned to work from home today before Charlie even came down with whatever virus this is, which is good, because I have a mammogram scheduled for this morning and then work from 3-8. It was a long night last night, so here's hoping I can stay functional for everything today.

In other news, my boss has asked me if I'd be willing to undergo training to be a Brand Captain for our library branch, which essentially means that I'd be in charge of promotional stuff (ie, making signs for displays and ads and such that conform to the library 'brand'). I happily accepted, provided I'm given the proper headgear and a steady supply of Crunch Berries. Thank goodness I work with people who find me funny and not concerningly weird.

On the reading front:
No actual pages were turned yesterday, but I did get some good listening time in with all that cargo-ing yesterday and I'm happy to report that I'm still very much enjoying the exploits of Miss Sharp in Vanity Fair.

Ooooh, Brand Captain! Do you get a uniform with epaulets? Or at least a snazzy hat? I'll start working on my snap salute for our next meetup.

Your boss is clearly quick to recognize a good thing when she sees it!

Ooh, congrats on being a Brand Captain, Amber! Pretty soon, you will be running the place! I hope Charlie rebounds today.

>104 rosalita: Julia: *snork!* One of my colleagues said that I'd need some epaulets! Great minds.

I think my boss is quick to recognize that no one else wanted to do the thing. Ha!

>105 msf59: Thanks, Mark! And I prefer Cap'n, if you please. A nice "aye, aye!" every once in awhile will be appreciated as well.

And thanks! As of 7am, it looks like the fever has broken - woot! So he'll have a day of resting up before probably heading back to school tomorrow.

Good to hear that Master Charles is on the mend, Cap'n!

>107 rosalita: *salutes*

How I look in my mind:



How I really look:

Anyone who's loved by Mr. Moose can't be bad!

(Also, I've met you, remember? You resemble #1 much more closely than #2, lady.)

>109 rosalita: Ha! True! (That first part, at least.)

Congrats on getting asked to train for Brand Captain. I happily accepted, provided I'm given the proper headgear and a steady supply of Crunch Berries. LOL! Excellent negotiating.

I hope that Charlie's fever breaks today, Amber. Could it be influenza? We've seen a ton of children and adults with it in Atlanta, mainly vaccinated ones with type A, and unvaccinated kiddos with type B.

I suspect that you have the looks of ?Wonder Woman, but are as loved as much as Captain Kangaroo was.

Congrats on your promotion/change of duties. That sounds like fun. That's one thing I miss about work is the excitement of learning something new. But I guess the kids teach me something new every day.

>103 scaifea: I happily accepted, provided I'm given the proper headgear and a steady supply of Crunch Berries. Haaaaahahahahaha. Congrats.

>111 jnwelch: Thanks, Joe! As for the negotiating, you've just got to have your priorities straight.

>112 kidzdoc: Thanks, Darryl - the fever broke early this morning, but of course we've kept him home again today to rest up. He's had the flu shot, as always, so maybe it's the Type A, then? Whatever it is has been fairly mild: the only symptom he has is the fever and the blah-ness that goes with a fever. Not vomiting or anything like that, thank goodness.

That's Captain Marvel up there, and I love you to bits for your suspicions, however unfounded they may be. And we should all aspire to be as lovable at Captain Kangaroo, no? Although I admit that it was Mr. Green Jeans who really stole my 3-year-old heart.

>113 The_Hibernator: Thanks, Rachel! Not really a promotion, although I will absolutely revel in the Captain title. Just another duty added to the others so far.

>114 lycomayflower: Laura: This is a fun and slightly silly group (and I love that), so I wouldn't be shocked if an actual admiral's hat or some such doesn't show up on my desk once I've finished the training...

Glad to hear that Charlie's fever broke today! Another day of rest and hopefully he will be back to his normal self tomorrow

Congrats on your promotion to Captain! Glad you found a great bunch of people to work with so you can be your awesome self.

>117 ChelleBearss: Thanks, Chelle! It's always such a relief when that fever breaks, isn't it? I hate sending him to bed with one. Worrisome.

And thanks! I'm pretty lucky with the people I work with - there are only five of us, total, in this branch, and the other four are all very cool.

Hope Charlie's fever does break today and that he'll soon be on the mend.

And, I hope your new Captain's hat fits nicely lol How nice you work with people with a sense of humor. That's so important imo.

Hi very late to the party. Just dropping off my star.

>119 RebaRelishesReading: Reba: Yep, fever is gone and he's definitely on the mend today! Woot!

And yes, I definitely agree that co-workers with a similar sense of humor is Key.

>120 BBGirl55: Hi, Bryony!

>121 scaifea: Hooray!

It's good to hear Charlie's on the mend!

Even later to the party, glad to read work's going so well and that Charlie is feeling better.

Captain Amber's supermompowers banish the Evil Lurgy! W00t for (now free to sleep) mom!

Capn Library Crunchberry! Yay! I'm really excited about your "promotion," Amber, and not surprised they quickly identified your potential.

Now if Charlie would only get better ...

>118 scaifea: Very! I’m lucky that both my kids sleep deep enough that when they are sick I can sneak in with the ear thermometer and take their temp without waking them, usually.

Glad Charlie is on the mend. My oldest has been home sick for the past two days with a fever. It is no fun! He appears to be on the mend with a low-grade fever right now. His teacher said that 8 students out of 17 were absent today!! There is definitely something going around

Thanks, all, for the Charlie well-wishes. I wish I could report that he's still on the mend, but the fever is back. Yoicks. And he's really upset at the prospect of possibly not going to school tomorrow. Poor kiddo. Gah.

>127 ChelleBearss: Chelle: Oh, Charlie sleeps like a thick, very-difficult-to-move log, so taking the temp is never an issue; waking him up to take medicine, however, it just nuts.

>128 jayde1599: Oh, so much agreed that it is no fun. I'm sorry that you're going through it at the moment, too!

>54 scaifea: My local library has a couple of the books in the Lumberjanes series. I will have to check it out!

>91 scaifea: I have that one. I need to get it read. Thanks for the reminder, Amber.

Glad to hear that Charlie is on the upswing!

>130 alcottacre: Stasia: I hope you have a good time with Lumberjanes and the Clark - they're both excellent!

Charlie's upswing has momentarily halted, as the fever is making a comeback. *sigh*

Hope Charlie is better soon.

I read Vanity Fair in high school for English. I loved it though I was one of the few that did.

..and here is a link to a librarian's book date that you might enjoy (the comments are good too) - it begins - 'Loyal followers. We bring sad news.
As part of our research into the Top 5 Most Borrowed Books 2019 we found that one book hadn't been borrowed for a very long time. It's just been there, collecting dust, staring out the window at other books achieving their book destiny....'
https://twitter.com/RHUL_Library/status/1217416919386599424

>132 avatiakh: OH! That story made my day! I've been thinking about making a book display by researching which books having been checked out the longest and then writing up blurbs to get them noticed, so this is perfect!

I'm really enjoying Vanity Fair so far - I'm glad you liked it, too!

And alas, Charlie is not yet fever-free. Gah.

Today's agenda:
I've send a message to my boss that I'll not be in today; Charlie's fever is *still* hanging around, so it's a stay-home day for us both. I also need to cancel our trip to Indiana this weekend, I think, since even if he's better by Saturday, I'm not sure a 4-hour drive both ways would be best for him, and I'm also worried that I may come down with whatever it is, too. I do not want to take any kind of illness to my 80+ parents.

On the reading front:
Nothing to report. Work yesterday and a sick kiddo means not much time for turning the pages. Today, though, should lend some reading time, since we'll just be home all day resting. I do need to run out at some point for more medicine for him; I need to get him on the scales first, though, because I think he's ready for the next step up in meds. We currently give him the liquid kiddo stuff, but the box says ages 7-11; he's 11, but he's a big, tall 11, and I wonder if it's the right dosage. So, a chat with a pharmacist is in order, I think.

>134 scaifea: damn! I'm so sorry to hear Charlie is still under the weather. I really, really hope one more day does the trick, perhaps with a change in meds too. Take care Amber.

>135 lauralkeet: Thanks, Laura. I'm hoping that the fever will break today, too, but we'll see. He's complaining of a sore throat for the first time this morning, so a visit to the doctor's office may be in order if strep throat is a possibility...?

Aww sorry to see Charlie's fever is back! Hope he isn't feeling too terrible

>137 ChelleBearss: Thanks, Chelle. He's more frustrated at missing school than anything, I think.

Okay, so I called the office nurse to see if she thinks it's worth a trip in and we have an appointment with his pediatrician this afternoon, just to make sure it's not anything that might flare up over the weekend (like strep) when we won't have access to the doc again until Tuesday.

Good idea to visit the doc. Jeesh, there are some really persistent bugs out there this year. I've been hearing this kind of thing a lot here in the metropolis. You're smart to check on the dosage, too; my guess is you're right, and he's ready for a change.

I was just telling Mark that I walked to the doctor's office this morning (routine visit), and I was too cold for the nurse's thermometer to work! She said we had to wait until I warmed up - and sure enough, it worked once I did. That was a first for me.

P.S. I love a kid who wants to go to school that much.

>140 jnwelch: Joe: Too cold for the thermometer! Wow, I've never heard that one either! Pretty funny!

I especially want to check in with the doc before this long weekend starts, because it's a sure thing that if we didn't, he'd get worse tomorrow night when we'd have to wait until Tuesday to get in again.

And yes, I'm so glad that he's back to loving school again. Last year was a little rough, but now he'd back to his regular, adorably-nerdy self and I love it.

Poor Charlie! I hope there's no secondary infection taking hold....good idea to get to the doctor post haste and be sure.

>142 laytonwoman3rd: Thanks, Linda. On the plus side of the long weekend, he'll at least have four days to rest and recover before missing any more school...

Hugs to poor Charlie. Hope he's better soon.

Hello scaifea!

>103 scaifea: Congrats on the Brand Captain position. Sounds like an interesting new challenge.

>134 scaifea: I hope Charlie's fever finally departs today. Being sick is no fun.

As we (my near 12 year old and I) finished up Booked, I started reading him The Hobbit as well. He has really engaged the opening, but it is an illustrated edition and he is concerned about the giant spiders later on. we'll see how it goes.

>144 RebaRelishesReading: Thanks, Reba. Me, too.

>145 brodiew2: Thanks, Brodie. I'm excited about the new job duties. And thanks for the sick kiddo sympathy.

Feel free to call me Amber, if you like. Most folks do.

So we're back from the doctor's office; no flu, no strep (at least the initial test was negative and they're sending it off to the lab for a second test just to be sure), so it looks like some sort of viral thing that will just have to run its own course. No fever right now, and he's graduated to normal acetaminophen pills. I feel better for having taken him, just to know what it's not at least, and he does seem to be feeling a bit better now that the fever is on the way out (for now). We got milkshakes on the way home, which is the best medicine for a sore throat that I know, and now we'll just have an easy day and see how he's feeling this evening.

I hope you, Charlie, and the rest of your family have an illness free weekend. It's too bad you had to cancel plans, but clearly you made the right choice.

>147 scaifea: I hope he's turning cartwheels into the drapes by this time tomorrow.

You too.

>148 quondame: Thanks! The canceled plans are fine; it'll be nice to have a quiet weekend at home, too.

>149 richardderus: You and you both, Richard.

My favorite patrons this past week:

-A older gentleman came in witha drawing he had made that he wanted enlarged just a little because he was going to get it as a tattoo. The sketch was of a pinup-type woman in a mechanic's overall outfit, flanked by wrenches and such. It was gorgeous and so well drawn! When I told him so, he beamed - he was clearly proud of the excellent job he'd done and it was lovely to see his face light up at the compliment. He was so kind and gracious for the help with the copy machine, and he promised to come back in to show me the finished product! (I didn't think to ask at the time where he was getting the tattoo, but it's large enough that I think the library will be safe from any untoward exposures (I'm thinking it'll be on his back/shoulder)).

-A woman came in with a tall stack of post-its, torn half-sheets of paper, and bits of cardboard, all with book titles and authors scribbled on them in all sorts of ink and large magic marker, and she needed help putting holds on all of them. It was an adventure of sussing out what the scribbles were and tracking down the books, but in the end I managed to get holds put in for her for all of them. We were both reduced to giggles a few times trying to read what she had written and we cheered each other at the end for puzzling them all out. As it turns out, she works at the nearby Amazon distribution center. Whenever she packs an order with a book that looks interesting, she grabs whatever is at hand to write down the title and author, sometimes *very* quickly, before getting back to work. Hence the scribbles and interesting collection of writing materials. I loved it, and I love her subversive spirit, and I love her.

Great patron stories, Amber! I'm also glad to see Charlie's not *super sick* so let's hope he continues to improve over the long weekend.

>152 lauralkeet: Thanks, Laura! And yes, here's hoping that Charlie continues to improve. So far so good today - he's acting more like his normal self this afternoon and that's a good sign.

Love your patron stories Amber. I tend to write book titles on whatever's at hand also, only problem is I also tend to lose said bits of paper so I forget the titles I'm looking for *sigh*.

Glad Charlie's sore throat is nothing more sinister, hope he continues to improve quickly.

>154 fairywings: Thanks, Adrienne! I'm really impressed that this woman was able to keep track of all her bits of paper!

And thanks - he's definitely feeling better and it's a relief.

Sorry to hear Charlie is fighting a bug but glad to hear he's on the mend. Wishing you both a restful weekend!

ETA: Both your patron stories are lovely. That tattoo design sounds super cool.

I LOVE these patron stories, Amber! You may have to collect them somewhere; they're treasures.

>157 jnwelch: Aw, thanks, Joe! I'm so happy you like them!

Well, I am sorry that Charlie's fever came back, Amber. I do hope that you do not end up with whatever it is! Hopefully his fever will go away for good soon!

>157 jnwelch: I agree with you, Joe!

Brand Captain! Sounds amazing - congratulations!

Well, I went to school all sniffly and puffy-eyed again this week as I finished a book just as as I was pulling into school. It would have been better to finish as I was coming home for the day, but a book ends when it ends.

You got me with The Black God's Drums - sounds great!

Sorry to hear that Charlie is still not feeling well. Hopefully, the fever will break soon :)

>160 AMQS: Thanks, Anne!

Ha! What book had you crying this time? So funny.

And here's hoping you love The Black God's Drums - I suspect you will.

>161 figsfromthistle: Thanks, figs. By the end of the day yesterday he acted much more like his normal self, had no fever, and said he felt much better despite the fact that it seems to have devolved into a plain old cold (stuffy head and coughing). This morning the cold symptoms are still there, of course, but the fever's back, too. The good news is that he still says he feels much better than he did before, and he's swallowing the adult acetaminophen like a pro (I thought we might have a fight on our hands with those).

Today's agenda:
Grocery shopping this morning, then a day of just hanging out and resting for both Charlie and me. I now have a slight fever and a sore throat, which is so AWESOME. *sigh* Hoping for tons of reading time with honey-ginger-lemon tea by my side this weekend as a consolation prize.

On the reading front:
I finally got started on Call Down the Hawk, which is just as amazing as I knew it would be, and also Mr. Justice Holmes, which is just as unexciting as I suspected, but still just readable enough to keep going. Ah, Newbery Honor Books. Always a crapshoot.

Oh dear Amber, I hope you can keep your bug at bay! I'm glad Charlie seems to be on the mend though, and taking his meds like a boss.

>164 lauralkeet: Thanks, Laura. Honestly, I prefer being sick myself to Charlie, which I know you sympathize with as a mom, too. It's just...easier. Lots less worry.

And yes, I'm so relieved that he's transitioned to pills so easily! I think it probably has something to do with how much he despises the taste of all liquid medicine. I just assumed he'd be a difficult about it as I was when I was a kid (and still am, sometimes). I fought swallowing pills for so long. Ha!

Glad Charlie is feeling better but wish it didn't come with you feeling sick. Good for him for taking to pills right away! I had a terrible time getting the hang of swallowing them when I was a kid.

>166 lycomayflower: Laura: Thanks! I made it to the grocery store and back without getting too exhausted, so that's a good sign, I think.

And me, too, with the pills. Sometimes I still have trouble with them.

Bummer that you're coming down with something too now!! Hope it doesn't last long.

Dr. Koons prescribes for Amber: complete book rest with copious applications of tea (any form) and tender tending from dogs and husbands for three days straight. Periodic foolishness is also recommended, if not too strenuous.

>168 RebaRelishesReading: Thanks, Reba. Me, too!

>169 laytonwoman3rd: Linda: Just on my way to my rocking chair with tea and a book now, in fact. Will likely have both dogs at my feet as they tend to follow me around and bring their napping with them. As for husbands tender tending me, I usually like to be left as alone as possible when I don't feel good, but Tomm tries to hover. He's a dear for it, but I can't help but get grumpy about it. *self tsk* Also, one hovering husband is quite enough - no need for plurals!

>170 scaifea: LOL! Yes, one is definitely enough! And I agree about being left alone to suffer....except when I need another cup of tea, or a fresh box of tissues, or something. Those should be brought at precisely the right time, without asking, and without fuss---that's the sort of tending I mean.

>171 laytonwoman3rd: Ha! Yes, exactly!!

>170 scaifea:, >171 laytonwoman3rd: I want to be left alone when ill, and have my requests granted when I make them. I really don't make a lot of them because I want to be able to drop in and out of sleep as my body demands, not pay attention to someone else.

Your Amapatron is my kinda people indeed.

Sending hugs and virtual chicken soup.

>151 scaifea: That woman sounds amazing! I could totally see myself doing that if I worked in a book store or similar!

Sorry to see you have caught the crud now! Hopefully it passes quickly for both you and Charlie!

>173 richardderus: Thanks, Richard.

>174 ChelleBearss: Chelle: She was so cool and funny and sweet. I loved her.

And thanks- me too.

>169 laytonwoman3rd: Who does what now?

>176 lycomayflower: I’m putting you in charge of the not-too-strenuous foolishness...

>177 scaifea:

>178 lycomayflower:

Today's agenda:
Feeling slightly better this morning, but I'm definitely going to take it easy for the most part this weekend, outside of a little baking today. Peaches and Cream Oatmeal Bake is in the oven now, and I think I'll make some Milk Bread and some Boston Cream Pie Cookie Cups later today. Otherwise, it's the rocking chair, books, and multiple cups of tea for me.

On the reading front:
I'm about a third of the way through Call Down the Hawk and it's everything I hoped it would be so far. I love these characters and their stories and Stiefvater's writing is fantastic. I'm really looking forward to diving back into it today.

>180 scaifea: The oatmeal bake sounds interesting. I found a recipe with that title as 12 Tomatoes. Is that the one you use? I ate gingerbread oatmeal for breakfast. It was some I found at Aldi. Wishing you a speedy recovery.

Saw this on FB. figured you could steal it...

>181 thornton37814: Lori: I found the recipe in a Kroger magazine thing that came in our mail. It was tasty!

>182 drneutron: Jim: *snork!!* I love it!!

>183 scaifea: I may try the one I found. It looked good too! There were several other ones on the Internet if that one doesn't pan out. The others just didn't have the wording as you'd stated it.

>184 thornton37814: NB: The "cream" in Peaches and Cream = ice cream. So.

>179 scaifea:



>182 drneutron: Haaaahahahahaha

>186 lycomayflower: *melt*

The Boston Cream Pie Cookie Cups turned out fairly well:

>188 scaifea: Um hello yes. I will be right over.

>188 scaifea: Oh YUM

>189 lycomayflower: Any time, friend!

>190 bell7: Thanks, Mary!

>188 scaifea: If they are anything like Dunkin's Boston Cream Donuts (or better), I'll take a few!

>188 scaifea: Yum!

I told Debbi the story about the Amazon distribution center patron, and she loved it.

Hope you're having a good weekend, Amber.

>192 thornton37814: Lori: I have no idea what those taste like, but I can say that these are really good.

>193 jnwelch: Thanks, Joe! And I'm glad Debbi liked the patron story!

>188 scaifea: Ooooo, those look really yummy!

>195 RebaRelishesReading: Thanks, Reba! It was a new recipe and they turned out great! I'll definitely make them again.

>180 scaifea: Glad to hear that Call Down the Hawk is good. I loved The Raven Boys series, so I will definitely be checking out the Dreamer Trilogy.

Feel better soon, Amber!

Ooh, the Boston Cream Pie cookie cups look amazing!

>162 scaifea: it was When All is Said. Totally worth it - I loved the book!

>197 alcottacre: Stasia: Stiefvater is one of those authors who can do no wrong for me. I love the Raven Boys characters so much and I'm so happy to have them back in my life right now! Ronan is very...Ronan-y in this one and I love it!

And thanks! I'm feeling a bit better this morning, although I'm still fighting a headache a bit.

>198 AMQS: Thanks, Anne! I'll definitely add the cookie cups into the rotating dessert menus - they were a big hit here at Scaife Manor.

Ha! When All Is Said is already on my list! I'm glad to see that you liked it, despite the tears.

Today's agenda:
A couple of laundry loads, and a bit of cooking (we'll have leftovers from the last couple of days - Meatloaf and Dal Soup - but Charlie and I are also going to try a new brussel sprouts recipe from the Misha Collins cookbook), but otherwise I've nothing on my schedule but sitting in my rocking chair, reading and drinking tea.

On the reading front:
I plowed through a huge chunk of Call Down the Hawk yesterday, and I suspect I'll finish it up today, plus I read a bit more of Mr. Justice Holmes last night before falling asleep.

Enjoy your relaxing day!
That's so great that Charlie will eat brussel sprouts willingly! I hope my girls grow into vegetables one day as it's exhausting having to force it on them right now.

>201 ChelleBearss: Hi, Chelle! Charlie is a healthier eater than I am, really; he'll choose fruits and vegetables over anything else any day. Weird. But good.

>188 scaifea: Yummers!

>200 scaifea: If y'all think of it, photos of the new sprouts preparation would be welcome. Always hunting up ways to make the yummy things yummier.

>203 richardderus: I'll try to remember to take a photo, Richard. The recipe is, essentially, baking a few strips of bacon to doneness, then tossing the halved sprouts in the reserved fat along with salt and pepper, roasting them, then drizzling with a bit of maple syrup. We'll see how it goes.

16. Call Down the Hawk by Maggie Stiefvater (Read Soon! Shelves, 472 pages) - 10/10 = A+
Since this is the first in a new series containing the characters and backstory of the Raven Cycle books, I can't really talk about the plot without giving away all sorts of things about that previous series. So instead I'll just say that Stiefvater is Everything. I mean, EVERYTHING. She can craft a character like really crafty people craft really crafty things (read: she's super good at it.). Her stories are a perfect mix of real and fantasy, incorporating bits and bobs from folklore and myths seamlessly and beautifully. And her prose is devastating. Absolutely. She breaks your heart multiple times with single sentences and makes you love the pain and long for more of it. So, don't read this one if you haven't read The Raven Cycle first, and if you haven't read The Raven Cycle, what even is your life right now?! Fix that, soonish like.

One of our favorite restaurants has an appetizer of maple bacon brussel sprouts and they are DELISH!

>206 katiekrug: Woot! Here’s hoping these are too!

>188 scaifea: It's the perfect day for baking, and these look splendid.

First Born is 12 today, and requested peanut butter cupcakes with chocolate icing. I just finished them, and swiped a taste of the icing. I have to say, if the cupcakes are as good as the frosting I can expect another proposal from my chocolate-and-peanut-butter-loving wife! And my birthday giant should be pleased.

Hope health continues to improve, and lots of reading is enjoyed!

>204 scaifea:, >206 katiekrug: I made these:
Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
for Thanksgiving this year. So simple but we all absolutely LOVED them.

We were at a party recently where there was a dip a lot like the spinach/artichoke ones you see around except it was made with Brussels sprouts. It was amazing and this reminds me the hostess promised me the recipe but hasn't come through. I need to remind her.

>210 RebaRelishesReading: I enjoy dips, and one that blew me away was chopped artichoke flat bottoms, mayo & parmesan baked and served with corn chips. A topping of breadcrumbs makes it prettier, but it disappears almost instantly, so it hardly matters.

Morning, Amber! I hope you had a nice weekend at the Scaife Manor and got some reading in. I am off today, with the holiday and I am pretty certain books will be involved, at some point.

>208 London_StJ: London: Aw, happiest of birthdays to First Born! Those cupcakes sound amazing.

>209 lauralkeet: Laura: That recipe is pretty close to this one, which turned out amazing and everyone loved them! We'll definitely be making it again.

>210 RebaRelishesReading: Reba: Huh, that sounds interesting - I hope you can track down the recipe!

>212 msf59: Morning, Mark! It's been a Recovery Weekend here at Scaife Manor, so yes, lots of reading and resting.

Today's agenda:
A little baking (Lemon Bars), a little laundry, and more reading and tea.

On the reading front:
After finishing Call Down the Hawk I picked up I Shall Wear Midnight and will probably stick with that one today.

>205 scaifea: Who is this Stiefvater person? Oh. Guess I'll have to fix that, soonish-like.

Hope you enjoy your day! Are you both feeling better?

>216 swynn: Hi, Steve! Ooof, yes! Fix it! Start with The Raven Boys.

>217 ChelleBearss: Thanks, Chelle! I'm feeling much better; Charlie says he does, too, although he has a lingering cough that I don't; Tomm is wallowing a bit in his not-feeling-well. *shrug*

I haven't read Raven Cycle, so guess I have my work cut out for me!

>219 jnwelch: Joe: Yes, you do!

Ooo, lemon bars are a favorite

>214 scaifea: I will send her an email when I finish here.

>221 London_StJ: London: Right?! We love 'em.

>222 RebaRelishesReading: Reba: Nice!

>205 scaifea: That is a must read for me. Thanks for bringing the book to my attention, Amber!

Boo hiss on still lingering in the icky-ptooptoo stages of illness. I guess we can all be glad that we're not in the nCoV spread zone.

>224 alcottacre: Stasia: Be sure to start with the first series; the first book is The Raven Boys.

>225 richardderus: Richard: Meh, we're all more or less on the mend now, so no big deal.

>188 scaifea: I know that was a few days ago but dang, if I lived in the neighborhood I'd be on my way over!

And did I mention that I'm a super-fan of lemon bars?

You got me with The Black God's Drums. I read something recently that was giving P. Djèlí Clark some love as an author to watch.

By the way, The Haunting of Tram Car 015 was pretty good too!

>226 scaifea: I have read all of The Raven Boys series to this point. I think I read them all last year.

I hope you are completely well now!

>227 EBT1002: Ellen: You are welcome here at Scaife Manor any time! Just give me a bit of warning and I'll have the lemon bars ready! They're one of Charlie's favorites, too.

I think you'll enjoy the Clark; the buzz about him seems completely on the nose.

>228 drneutron: Jim: Good to know! I'll definitely add it to the list! I suspect Clark will be one I'll want to keep up with.

>229 alcottacre: Stasia: Oh, excellent! If you liked the Raven Boys, you'll love this next one. I saw a tweet today from her saying that people have told her Call Down the Hawk it the Stiefvateriest book ever, and in some ways I agree. It is fantastic.

And thanks! I do feel much better!

Today's agenda:
Welp, back to work today, so I'm very glad that I'm feeling better. Charlie's back to school and Tomm's back to work, too. It's a very Mondayish-feeling Tuesday. Tonight we have the Informational Meeting for middle school band; Charlie is *so* excited. Should be a good time.

Last night we tried another recipe from The Adventurous Eaters Club cookbook: Triple Pea Pasta (although ours was actually just a Single Pea Pasta). Bow tie pasta cooked, tossed with olive oil, lemon juice, and salt, then peas cooked in the salted pasta water and tossed in with the pasta, along with shredded parmesan. That's our Single Pea version, at least; there's also pea shoots mixed in and then a sauce made with blended peas and some seasoning, but we opted for a simpler version. Charlie and I both *loved* it (Tomm can't have pasta but was happy with some leftovers along with some of the peas)!

On the reading front:
I read a nice chunk of I Shall Wear Midnight and finished Mr. Justice Holmes (mini-review to come).

I don't want to go back to work, Amber! Waaaaah! The fact that it is currently 0 degrees F does not help, let me tell you!

The pea pasta sounds really tasty, and easy to throw together. I'll have to give it a try sometime.

>232 rosalita: Julia: I haven't had this feeling of going back to work after a long weekend in years! It's strange. But I'm happy to say that although I didn't relish getting up early (and I would have had to do that anyway), I love my job and don't dread going one bit. I'm debating with myself whether I want to walk today in this cold or cheat and drive. I'm leaning toward being good and walking. We'll see.

The pasta was so good and *super* easy! Charlie even mentioned it again this morning and how much he loved it!

(ETA: I'm not suggesting that you don't love your job; I'm just reveling in the idea that I love mine!)

17. Mr. Justice Holmes by Clara Ingram Judson (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B
A Newbery Honor winner, this is a biography of Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. aimed at Middle Grade readers. The language is slightly dated, but overall it was more engaging than I expected it to be, and I think that young history buffs would still enjoy it.

Mmm, lemon bars. I have a good recipe for them; maybe I will make some tonight.

Even with a job I enjoy, I sometimes feel grumbly about going to work. It's the getting out of bed, getting dressed, getting to work part that seems to be the problem -- once I'm there's I'm generally quite content.

Amber, can you get Meyer lemons locally? They're a cross between a mandarin and a lemon, and for which to expire in sweetart taste. The lemon bars they make...!

Enjoy y'all's usual busy busy day!

Hello Amber! I hope your day is going well. Just stopping in to wave.

My son and I started The Hobbit, but it is slow going as he keeps falling asleep. :-P

>235 foggidawn: We *love* lemon bars, and they're relatively fast and easy, which is also a big plus.

I agree that it's the getting out of bed and putting on real pants part that sometimes stinks, but I'd have to get up early anyway since Charlie goes to school and as a mom I should probably be helping him with breakfast and such...

>236 richardderus: Richard: Yup, love the Meyer lemons. Tomm have even tried growing an indoor tree a couple of times, but without much success.

>237 brodiew2: Brodie: It's a delicate balance between reading being a sleep aid and wanting them to pay attention, isn't it? Ha! We actually just stuck to picture books this past week since Charlie was feverish and prone to falling asleep fast and he didn't want to miss anything in our current read-aloud.

Today's agenda:
A few odds and ends this morning (including getting on the treadmill, which hasn't happened in a while), then work this afternoon/evening.

On the reading front:
I took I Shall Wear Midnight with me to work yesterday and managed a few pages over my lunch break, then started The White Stone at bedtime. Oh, and it was my turn to pack up the cargo again yesterday, so I listened to more of Vanity Fair, too.

I finally finished wrapping my Blind Date with a Book books for next month's display and in celebration I thought I'd share some of my dating descriptions with you all in a sort of reverse game to see who can guess the titles. Most will likely be pretty easy here, although some will be more obscure. First one:

-Classic Adventure Story
-Loves to Travel
-But Don't Expect Much Time for Sightseeing...

Hi Amber!

Here's my guess, which I have spoilered:

Around the World in Eighty Days

>241 susanj67: Well done, Susan, yes!

>242 scaifea: Oh my word! I'm usually hopeless at these :-)

>243 susanj67: Looks like you're pretty good at them to me!

Let's try another? This one will be cake-like, I'm sure:

-Classic Tale of Sisterly Love
-Young Tomboy Writer Marches to Her Own Beat
-Civil War-Time Coming of Age Story

Yes - Little Women

Not much slips past this crowd!

>246 thornton37814: Lori: Yup!

>247 richardderus: Richard: Well, of course not.

Well at least I got the second one :)

>249 RebaRelishesReading: Ha! Yay!!

Today's agenda:
Charlie has a dentist appointment (regular cleaning/check-up) this morning, then once he's back in school I'll do some treadmilling before getting ready for work this afternoon.

On the reading front:
Not a page turned yesterday. No time before work and too tuckered after. Hopefully I'll have more luck today.

How about another Blind Date with a Book Quiz?

-Classic Adventure on an Epic Scale
-*Very* Extended Sea Cruise
-Long Distance Romance

Morning, Amber! Sweet Thursday. I hope you can squeeze some reading time in today.

>253 msf59: Morning, Mark! And thanks - me, too!

Morning, Amber! I have no idea about the blind date book, but I'm sure it will be obvious to me once someone provides the answer. *grin* Hoping you have good reading mojo today.

>252 scaifea: Sounds like Moby Dick except for the romance part, which sounds like almost anything but Moby Dick.

>255 Crazymamie: Hey, Mamie! I'm thinking that if Joe comes round, he'll know what that one is, but he's likely a little preoccupied right now with that new cutie-patoot. I'll leave if for a bit longer to see if anyone else can figure it out.

>256 swynn: Steve: *SNORK!* Nope, not Moby Dick.

I was thinking Treasure Island for >252 scaifea:, but I don't remember any long distance romance. Is it a YA/middle grade book (did I miss the rules?)?

>258 jnwelch: Joe: Aw, nope! Hint: I ordered the new translation of this that you and others have loved but I haven't gotten round to reading yet. Otherwise, this book is right up my street...

>260 katiekrug: Katie: Woot!! That's it! Well done, lady!

Okay how about another lemon-squeezy one:

-Classic Story of Childhood in the Depression-Era South
-Big Trial in a Small Town
-Unlikely Friendships and Gifts in Tree Trunks

To Kill A Mockingbird??

ETA Darn, I thought I had snuck in there first!

>262 katiekrug: >263 ChelleBearss: Yep! Chelle, let's call it a tie!

>260 katiekrug: Well, of course it is. Nicely guessed.

I'm not so sure about the no-romance in Moby-Dick...but that's as may be. Happy reading day, I hope!

>266 richardderus: No long-distance romance in any case. I agree one is strongly implied between Ishmael and Queequeg.

>266 richardderus: >267 swynn: *snork!!* I am now completely shipping Ishmael and Queequeg!

>268 scaifea: Oh, yeah...that's in there. Herman himself quite liked slim pretty young men.

>269 laytonwoman3rd: He is not alone in this.

>269 laytonwoman3rd: Linda: ...That's...I didn't...Herman has just become infinitely more interesting! *love*

>270 richardderus: Ha!

Well, you must be feeling better, Amber, with all the Blind Date with a book hints coming out. Good to see you are all doing well.

>269 laytonwoman3rd: Definitely true.

>271 scaifea: Well, he was pretty dull, actually. He never figured out what to DO about it, apparently.

>272 Familyhistorian: Thanks, Meg!

>273 lycomayflower: Laura: V. Cool.

>274 laytonwoman3rd: Linda: Aw, poor thing! And he had all that whale trivia to use as small talk...

Today's agenda:
Treadmilling, grocery shopping, a few odds and ends around the house, and then Tomm and I are going out for a schmancy dinner tonight (the in-laws are coming to hang out with Charlie *sigh*). I'll try to get a new thread up soonish, too.

On the reading front:
I did manage a bit of reading time yesterday and spent it with Kvothe (The Wise Man's Fear), So, so good. I also read a few pages in The White Stone before falling asleep.

Happy Friday!

Enjoy your schmancy dinner ;)

>277 figsfromthistle: Ha! Thanks, figs!

Please report back on your schmancy dinner!

Hey Amber, I miss a few days and I miss the whole thread ;0)
Glad you and Charlie have returned to good health
Also happy that you're loving the Lumberjanes. They are awesome.
Nice faucet, size does matter.
Enjoy your shmancy dinner! Let us know what's on the shmancy menu.

>279 katiekrug: >280 Carmenere: Katie & Lynda: We're eating at Del Mar, which is on some lists at one of the top ten new restaurants in the country last year, so we'll see. It's a Cameron Mitchell joint, so it's probably pretty good:

https://delmarcolumbus.com/

I'll have the curry clams and the swordfish, kthxbye.

(Am I the only one who stalks restaurants/menus that people mention?)

Ugh. Sorry about the in-laws.

Enjoy your date night!

>282 katiekrug: Nope, I totally checked it out too. I think I'd go for either the lobster roll or the halibut

>282 katiekrug: Nope, I do it all the time!

Ha! I see the answer to the latest quiz. Good one! Yeah, your hint made it much easier for me, as we’ve been talking about translations.

Wise Man’s Fear - another good one from him. I hope the third one comes out in my lifetime! (He has a short palate cleanser that’s pretty good).

>281 scaifea: Strange to see SoCal as a restaurant designation! We have great food here in my part of So. Calif., but most of it is from somewhere else - Iran, China, India, (we used to have good Thai food, but it's pretty meh these days) Nepal, Korea, Philippines and, of course, sushi.

>282 katiekrug: Nope. I want the crispy skate with mixed greens after my curry clams.

Boo hiss on your outlaw inlaws. Thank goodness Tomm doesn't take after them. Hug Charlie from me!

>282 katiekrug: Katie: Oh, no, you're certainly not the only one. It's the reason I gave the link to their website! They're having a special dinner for two menu this weekend, so there may be stuff that's not on the regular menu, though.

>283 Crazymamie: Mamie: Yeah. But Charlie doesn't mind spending time with them sometimes, so *shrug.*

>284 ChelleBearss: Thanks, Chelle! I love checking out menus, too!

>285 drneutron: Jim: Right?!

>286 jnwelch: Joe: Yup! I don't know if that translation will beat Lombardo for me, and honestly I don't know when I'll get round to it, but I happily ordered it for my display.

And I have the palate cleanser on my shelves waiting for me...

>287 quondame: Yeah, I'm not really sure what they're trying to do with the So Cal thing, but Cameron Mitchell is pretty great, so I'm looking forward to it.

>288 richardderus:: Yeah, I'll let you have the skate and clams. *shudders*

So I am getting the idea that books 6 through to 13 were pretty good then huh? lol

They do look good :)

May I just say, also, that the goofy gifs on this thread are very amusing.

>291 LovingLit: Hi, Megan - good to see you! I'm so glad you like it here!

Today's agenda:
Working for me; the Scaife Men are cleaning the house and possibly running some errands, if the roads aren't too slick.

On the reading front:
I read a tiny bit of The White Stone yesterday. Gah. I need to figure out how to balance things so that I get more reading time...

Dinner last night was fantastic! I went with the Lobster Bisque, Beef Tenderloin with celery root puree and teeny potatoes, and the olive oil cake, all of which was so, so delicious. When we ordered, I hesitated at the main course and Tomm started laughing because he knew what I was thinking: I love steak, but I love it medium-well to well-done and I know that it's not sauve or whatever to order it so cooked. The waiter looked quizzical and I decided to stop being embarrassed enough to tell him why I was hesitating, and he was so sweet and funny and adorable about it, and encouraged me to order it however I wanted. Academically I love the idea of letting people love what they love, and I feel like I'm pretty good at it with other people, but I need to be better about it with myself. So I'm thankful for that little but important lesson from our fabulous waiter. Oh! And Tomm's dessert (coconut sorbet, which was the absolute best thing ever) came in a coconut shell! Very cool! We don't go out just the two of us very often at all because we enjoy doing stuff as a family with The Charld so much, but it's lovely on the rare occasions we do have a date. Last night was sweet and romantic and wonderful. /end of report.

>293 scaifea: awww, that sounds like a lovely evening. Date nights were rare for us as well, it takes a real effort to make them happen. Now that our nest is empty, it's easy to decide "hey let's go out tonight" but still takes that extra touch to make the evening special.

>294 lauralkeet: I agree that it takes a little extra effort to make it special. It helped that we were in the Short North, which is just north of downtown and is gorgeous at night. It was nice just to walk around the area together after dinner. Just lovely.

>293 scaifea: Hooray for a lovely date night! One of our favorite places to "go out" makes its own coconut ice cream, which is to die for. I'm going to have to suggest they start serving it in a coconut shell though. Your hesitation about ordering your steak well done is nothing to feel guilty about...some places actually will refuse to cook meat that way, or at the very least will make you feel bad about it. I'm really glad your waiter was so encouraging...I hate snobby establishments and places where they will not accommodate reasonable requests.

Your evening sounds full of fabulous, Amber.

It sounds like the loveliest kind of date night. Glad you got your steak your own way!

>296 laytonwoman3rd: Linda: This coconut sorbet was so creamy it didn't even taste like sorbet. Amazing. And yes, do let them know that they need to start the shell business, because it was adorable.
I was worried that the place might be fancy enough that they wouldn't cook the steak the way I wanted it, but I was very happy that they were so accommodating to my farm girl tastes.

>297 Crazymamie: It so definitely was, Mamie!

>298 richardderus: Richard: Yep, it was. And me, too!

Glad you had a lovely, romantic date-night. Your meal sounds wonderful as does the restaurant itself. Hope Charlie had a fun time too.

>300 RebaRelishesReading: Reba: Charlie and the in-laws watched The Mandalorian, so yeah, I think they had an okay time.

>301 scaifea: Great. I know that's not a given.

Hi Amber! Slowly I'm making my way around the threads and placing stars. Looking forward to reading more about your reading and seeing all the supernatural memes! I've got to get back to watching that myself. I stopped somewhere in season 13.

>302 RebaRelishesReading: Reba: Yup. I'm always a little uneasy and then relieved when nothing goes haywire.

>303 Kassilem: Hi, Melissa! I'm on Season 10 of SPN right now. Such good stuff, right?!

New thread is up:

https://www.librarything.com/topic/315959