Katiekrug Reads and Reads and Reads Some More - Part 18

CURRENTLY READING
(Kindle) (Audio)

Hi All!

For anyone new to my thread, I'm Katie: reader, wine drinker, food appreciator, shenanigan-ator, and non-sufferer of fools. I live outside New York City with my husband, "The" Wayne, our cat, Leonard, and our dog Nuala/Noodles. I work as a senior governance manager for a non-profit engineering association, which used to be fun because I got to travel and now is just a big pile of meh. I recently left my job after 16 years and am hoping to do some writing and generally live a less stressful life as a Big Tech Trophy Wife ;-)

Here's to a great, or at least an improved, new year!

Books Completed

Books Off My Shelf: 33
Books Off My Kindle: 38
Books from Audible: 12
Library Loans: 27

NOVEMBER
110. Faithful Place by Tana French (4.25 stars)
109. The Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Kay Adams (4 stars)
108. A State of Freedom by Neel Mukherjee (3 stars)
107. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley (audio) (3.5 stars)
106. A is for Alibi by Sue Grafton (3 stars)
105. Matrix by Lauren Groff (5 stars)

YTD Did Not Finish
1. Waterland by Graham Swift
2. Adequate Yearly Progress by Roxanne Elden
3. The Boyfriend Project by Farrah Rochon
4. Chasing Shakespeares by Sarah Smith
5. Dear Girls by Ali Wong
6. Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro
7. The Pink Hotel by Anna Stothard
8. The Middleman by Olen Steinhauer
9. The Removed by Brandon Hobson

October
Favorite:
104. Loud Mouth by Avery Flynn (audio) (3.5 stars)
103. The Round House by Louise Erdrich (4.5 stars)
102. Quartet in Autumn by Barbara Pym (4 stars)
101. The Inimitable Jeeves by P.G. Wodehouse (audio) (4 stars)
100. 1984 by George Orwell (2.5 stars)
99. Bookmarked by Wendy Fairey (audio) (3.5 stars)
98. All the Young Men by Ruth Coker Burks (4.25 stars)
97. Not Another Bad Date by Rachel Gibson (3 stars)
96. That Night by Alice McDermott (3.75 stars)
95. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak (4.5 stars)

September
Favorite:
94. What is Left the Daughter by Howard Norman (5 stars)
93. No Mark Upon Her by Deborah Crombie (3.75 stars)
92. The Red Garden by Alice Hoffman (4 stars)
91. The Colour of Milk by Nell Leyshon (4 stars)
90. Amethyst by Lauren Royal (3 stars)
89. The Only Plane in the Sky by Garrett M. Graff (audio) (4.5 stars)
88. I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith (4.25 stars)
87. Animal Farm: The Graphic Novel by Odyr and George Orwell (4 stars)
86. Any Duchess Will Do by Tessa Dare (4.5 stars)
85. Anatomy of a Scandal by Sarah Vaughan (4 stars)
84. West with Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge (4.25 stars)
83. Home Sweet Anywhere by Lynne Martin (3.5 stars)

August
Favorite:
82. The Black God's Drums by P. Djeli Clark (4 stars)
81. Unsettled Ground by Claire Fuller (4.5 stars)
80. Lizzie & Dante by Mary Bly (4.5 stars)
79. Falling by T.J. Newman (4 stars)
78. I'm Not Scared by Niccolo Ammaniti (4.25 stars)
77. A Burning by Megha Majumdar (5 stars)
76. Cashelmara by Susan Howatch (3.5 stars)
75. The Strawberry Hearts Diner by Carolyn Brown (audio) (3 stars)
74. Whiskey and Charlie by Annabel Smith (4 stars)
73. The Trials of the Honorable F. Darcy by Sara Angelini (3 stars)
72. You Deserve Nothing by Alexander Maksik (4.25 stars)

July
Favorite:
71. Against the Loveless World by Susan Abulhawa (4.5 stars)
70. The Frozen Thames by Helen Humphreys (4 stars)
69. Pack Up the Moon by Kristan Higgins (4 stars)
68. The President's Daughter by Ellen Emerson White (3 stars)
67. Becoming by Michelle Obama (audio) (4 stars)
66. All Systems Red by Martha Wells (audio) (3.5 stars)
65. People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry (3.5 stars)
64. The Night Hawks by Elly Griffiths (3.5 stars)
63. The Summer Book by Tove Jansson (4.5 stars)
62. The Bird Tribunal by Agnes Ravatn (4 stars)
61. Born in Death by J.D. Robb (3.5 stars)

June
Favorite:
60. The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris (3.5 stars)
59. The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton (3.5 stars)
58. The Garden of Small Beginnings by Abbi Waxman (4 stars)
57. In the Morning I'll Be Gone by Adrian McKinty (4 stars)
56. The Wallflower Wager by Tessa Dare (4 stars)
55. Summerwater by Sarah Moss (4 stars)
54. Outlawed by Anna North (3.5 stars)
53. Homage to Catalonia by George Orwell (audio) (3.5 stars)
52. Wish You Were Here by Stewart O'Nan (4 stars)

May
Favorite:
51. Last Days of Summer by Steve Kluger (4.5 stars)
50. The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz (4 stars)
49. The Other Americans by Laila Lalami (3.5 stars)
48. Normal People by Sally Rooney (audio) (4 stars)
47. A Kingdom of Dreams by Judith McNaught (3 stars)
46. The New Yorkers by Cathleen Schine (4.25 stars)
45. How to Break a Dragon's Heart by Cressida Cowell (audio) (3.5 stars)
44. On the Way to the Wedding by Julia Quinn (3 stars)
43. Darkside by Belinda Bauer (4 stars)
42. Another Kind of Life by Catherine Dunne (3 stars)
41. Eat Cake. Be Brave. by Melissa Radke (audio) (3 stars)
40. Lord the One You Love is Sick by Kasey Thornton (4.5 stars)

April
Favorite:
39. Unleashing Mr. Darcy by Teri Wilson (3.5 stars)
38. Stories from Suffragette City by Various Authors (3.5 stars)
37. The Duchess Deal by Tessa Dare (4 stars)
36. Lean on Pete by Willy Vlautin (4.5 stars)
35. The Mirror Crack'd from Side to Side by Agatha Christie (3.5 stars)
34. The Crucible by Arthur Miller (audio) (4.5 stars)
33. The Vanishing Point by Mary Sharratt (4 stars)
32. Pride and Promiscuity by Arielle Eckstut and Dennis Ashton (2 stars)
31. Island of the Lost by Joan Druett (4 stars)
30. It's In His Kiss by Julia Quinn (4 stars)
29. The Secret River by Kate Grenville (4 stars)

March
Favorite:
28. Dodgers by Bill Beverly (4.5 stars)
27. The Rogue of Fifth Avenue by Joanna Shupe (3.5 stars)
26. Pirate Latitudes by Michael Crichton (3 stars)
25. Cannery Row by John Steinbeck (4 stars)
24. Shit, Actually by Lindy West (3.5 stars)
23. Difficult Women by Roxane Gay (4 stars)
22. Anywhere for You by Abbie Greaves (3.5 stars)
21. Fat Chance by Nick Spalding (3.5 stars)
20. Memory in Death by J.D. Robb (3.5 stars)
19. Passing by Nella Larsen (3.5 stars)
18. Love by Toni Morrison (4 stars)

February
Favorite:
17. The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver (4.5 stars)
16. The Blood of Emmett Till by Timothy B. Tyson (4 stars)
15. The Weirdies by Michael Buckley (audio) (4.5 stars)
14. The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey by Walter Mosley (4.25 stars)
13. Heaven, My Home by Attica Locke (4 stars)
12. Paradise by Toni Morrison (4.25 stars)
11. Emperor of the Air by Ethan Canin (3.5 stars)
10. When They Call You a Terrorist by Patrisse Khan-Cullors and Asha Bandele (4 stars)
9. Blessings by Anna Quindlen (4.5 stars)

January
Favorite:
8. Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia (2.75 stars)
7. Triangle by David Von Drehle (4 stars)
6. New Boy by Tracy Chevalier (3.5 stars)
5. 13 Ways of Looking at a Fat Girl by Mona Awad (audio) (4 stars)
4. Siracusa by Delia Ephron (4.5 stars)
3. Mrs. Caliban by Rachel Ingalls (4 stars)
2. One By One by Ruth Ware (3.5 stars)
1. Jazz by Toni Morrison (3.75 stars)

My Ratings (revised, once again, as I continue the fruitless search for the perfect scale...)

2 stars = Whyyyyyy?
3 stars = Eh, ok.
4 stars = Definitely worth the time.
5 stars = Perfect *for me*

(Anything below 2 stars is unlikely to be finished)



WELCOME!

7/6

Good show, Katie! Another favorite launching a new thread. I'm going to go vote shortly.

>7 richardderus: - We are not amused... heh.

>8 weird_O: - Hi Bill!

>9 katiekrug: ...what I wouldn't *give* to have that much hair again...even if it is tentacles.

Happy new one!

>11 richardderus: - Snork.

>12 drneutron: - Thanks, Jim!

Happy new thread, Katie!

Responding to a couple items on your previous thread:

Pizza sauce: excited that Karen will be making the recipe I shared (but just to clarify, it's not "my" recipe, it's from a restaurant chef which I decidedly am not!)

Spice Wafers: Bill shared a pic of the Sweetzels brand. I mentioned Ivins. I discovered that the latter are effectively now an Acme store brand so Sweetzels may be more widely available.

Voting: Virginia doesn't allow first-time voters to vote by mail (boo hiss). But we're leaving now to get it done!

>14 alcottacre: - Thanks, Stasia!

>15 lauralkeet: - I know it's not "your" recipe, Laura - I just meant the one you had shared :)

Thanks for the tip about the cookies!

And glad you are voting. I believe VA and NJ are the only states with gubernatorial elections in off-years. I think your race is closer than ours...

Month in Review: October
(#s in parentheses are YTD)

Books Read: 10 (104)
Mine vs Library: 8 vs 2 (80 vs 24)

Non-US/UK Authors: 1 – Australia (12 - 1 Mexico, 1 Canada, 3 Australia, 1 Morocco, 2 Ireland, 1 Finland, 1 Norway, 1 Italy, 1 India, 1 Brazil)
Own Voices: 1 (15)
New-to-me Authors: 6 (58)

Best of the month: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Worst of the month: 1984 by George Orwell
DNFs: 1 (9)

>16 katiekrug: yes, it's a dead heat despite being a race between an experienced governor and a businessman who has never held office. Does that sound familiar?!

>18 lauralkeet: - Insanity.

Loud Mouth by Avery Flynn

An average contemporary romance with two likeable characters. The conflict seemed a bit overblown to me, so the tension and angst didn't totally ring true. I did like that one of the characters is a recovering alcoholic, which you don't often see in this genre.

3.5 stars

>18 lauralkeet: I voted in VA too! I am nervous, but trying to stay optimistic!

Happy new thread, Trophy Wife!

Happy new thread!

Well done on voting. Civic duty done. Hope the right results come out.
Poor TW! Not fully caf coffee?! >:-o I get beans from a small business that's close to a friend, who recommended them. It's a good flavour decaf, not ridiculously strong. I drink it black, so flavour of the bean is important.
And after a long day auditing a supplier (they were lovely, but it was a full day plus 5 hours driving there & back) I was inspired by your previous thread and had pizza for tea. That and it was easy.

Think that's me caught up. >:-)

>21 japaul22: - Yay for voting! And good luck with the results!

>22 BLBera: - Thanks, Beth!

>23 Helenliz: - Good job getting caught up, Helen. And I'm glad you had pizza after such a long day. Nothing better...

I just finished Matrix by Lauren Groff. Wow. 5 stars. More later.

>20 katiekrug: I think I will give that one a pass for now.

>25 katiekrug: I have heard nothing by good things about Matrix. Looking forward to your review - although it is already in the BlackHole.

*waves* Just trying to keep track of you. We are fond of Mama Mary's pizza crusts here. I use Don Pepino sauce, though, and usually brown some Italian sausage with onions for the topping. My husband says he likes my pizza better than most take-out. I say that's only because he can eat mine hot out of the oven. We never have gone out for pizza, in all our years together. It's always been homemade or take-out. Is that weird?

Happy new thread, Katie.

>25 katiekrug: I have heard so many good things about that one that I really need to seek it out.

Squeaky-bum time in New Jersey with GOP slightly ahead on votes counted but apparently the unreported districts expected to bring the incumbent home but only just - didn't expect such a close call. I did expect Virginia though in what was a pretty nasty campaign.

Morning, Katie! Adding Matrix to your Dirty Dozen just based on your five stars.

>26 alcottacre: - Hi Stasia. Yeah, you're not missing anything with >20 katiekrug:. But Matrix is excellent.

>27 laytonwoman3rd: - Morning, Linda! When we go out, we don't often order pizza, to be honest. Sometimes, but it's usually more of an at-home thing. So not weird at all!

>28 PaulCranswick: - Matrix is definitely worth seeking out, Paul.

I'm not much in the mood to get into politics right now. It's depressing, and real people's lives are affected.

>29 Crazymamie: - Morning, Mamie! It's a beautiful read.

The sheet metal dude and my favorite plumber, Joe, are here banging away. I'm about to take Nuala to day care so she doesn't go insane with all the noise and activity...

After the intensity of Matrix, I decided to pick up A is for Alibi for a quick read, before starting on the book for next week's RL book group (A State of Freedom).

Not sure what I'll get up to today, as the noise is rather distracting. It may be a lazy day of reading and cooking and laundry. I'm going to make the dirty rice with ground pork for lunch/leftovers in the fridge, and then the chicken piccata for dinner.

ETA: We finished in the middle of the pack at trivia last night. I had a grilled cheese with bacon for dinner at the bar, and the not-very-good house cabernet. On our way home, we stopped at another place so I could get a decent glass of wine, and we ended up staying to watch the cheating Astros lose the World Series. It was a late night...

Happy Wednesday, Katie. Happy New Thread. Glad to see your positive reaction to Matrix. I am on a long list, at the library for that one. I should have requested it much sooner.

>31 katiekrug: - It's worth the wait, Mark!

I’m in the same situation as Mark, eagerly awaiting Matrix. It sounds excellent.

>34 lauralkeet: - I am pretty sure you will love it, Laura.

You got me, Matrix on reserve at the library.

I've been obsessively checking my hold status for Matrix and I'm still stuck at #21.

Sigh.

>36 Helenliz: and >37 richardderus: - I hope you both like it, whenever you get to it!

The Round House by Louise Erdrich

A wonderful novel framed around a typical coming of age story, but with the brutality of the central event hitting like a punch to the gut. As 13 year old Joe navigates life after an attack on his mother, he learns the nature of injustice, suspicion, and fear. Erdrich also includes some vivid Native American themes, thus telling a complex and authentic American story.

4.5 stars

I feel like I will be one of the last to read The Round House but I today grabbed a copy for the Kindle and hopefully, one of these days I will finally get to it!

Happy new thread, Katie!

>15 lauralkeet: I now have a can of Contadina crushed tomatoes and a fresh head of garlic. I’m thinking perhaps Friday or Saturday for pizza using the recipe you shared.

Amazon screwed up and delivered 2 4-oz tins of sweet paprika to me. Said I could keep the second one free. Now I don't want to order the hot paprika because what would I do with 12 ounces of paprika before it goes stale? Heck. What am I going to do with 8 ounces of paprika before it goes stale?

Glad to hear the good New Jersey news this evening, what a relief. But way too close for comfort.

Happy new one!

I sorta lost the last thread but will keep up better on this one :)

>40 DeltaQueen50: - I hope you do, Judy!

>41 karenmarie: - You obviously need to buy a Hungarian cookbook STAT!

>42 vivians: - Yes, my relief is tempered with a lot of WTF?

>43 figsfromthistle: - Thanks, Anita!

A cold and frosty morning out there! I just took Nuala out for her post-breakfast walkabout and actually needed gloves...

We finally turned the heat on in the house - or rather, the part of the house with a furnace that wasn't submerged in the flood :-P So the main floor of the house is nice and toasty and the bedrooms/offices less so. We should have the second unit replaced by next week - the dudes got all the old duct work and the old furnace unit out yesterday, and now they are fabricating all the new duct work. Fun times.

I made chicken piccata for dinner last night and it turned out pretty well! This is the recipe I used: https://www.cookinglight.com/recipes/quick-chicken-picatta-parslied-orzo. I didn't make the orzo but served it with parmesan couscous because that's what I had on hand. My only complaint about the recipe is that the sauce thickened up too fast and so there wasn't a ton. Next time, I will let the pan cool a bit after removing the chicken and before adding the garlic, shallots, etc. I'll also have some white wine on hand to add liquid as necessary. Overall, the flavor was pretty spot-on for a piccata, and I'll definitely make it again. It was very easy. Here's my finished product:



Today is laundry (I never did any yesterday) and paperwork day. I have nothing to cook, so either need to decide on something and go to the store or (more likely) have TW pick somewhere to go out to tonight :)

In books, I'm finally hearing the monster's story in Frankenstein, and A is for Alibi is chugging right along.

Morning, Katie! You dinner looks yum. Sometimes we double a sauce if we want more of it because sauce.

Hooray for heat on the main floor. We have not needed to turn our heat on yet - I am sure you are shocked.

>46 Crazymamie: - Hi Mamie! Good point about just doubling the sauce. I write notes on my printed out recipes, and I'll include that.

Shocked - SHOCKED - you haven't turned your heat on yet ;-)

The chicken piccata looks scrumptious. I'm not a big fan of capers, but the last time I had a dish prepared with them I found they were growing on me.

Matrix by Lauren Groff

I wasn't rushing out to read this novel. I've never read anything by Groff (her books tend to seem a little too off-beat for me) and I'm not big into religious-y stuff. But I do love historical fiction, and there was no wait for the e-book from the New York Public Library because it was the October pick for a WNYC book club. And people I trust were raving about it, so I gave it a whirl. And wow. Just wow. It's beautiful and stunning and so, so compelling. Which is funny, because it's about a nun in the 12th century. Who'd a thunk it?

Marie de France is a little known historical figure - little known by the contemporary world and one about whom little is known. From the hazy details we do have, Lauren Groff has created a remarkable and powerful woman and given her a story worthy of her and worthy of all the women whose stories have gone untold for too long. The writing is lush and gorgeous - I read bits of it out loud because they seemed to have a kind of rhythm to them that I wanted to hear - and the details about life in an medieval abbey grounded and made real a story which seemed at times fantastical. I love how Groff has centered the female, not just in Marie but in the other nuns, in the themes of religion and faith and Christian origins and in the multiple meanings of the title.

There are a lot of things that struck me about the novel - the almost total absence of men, except as looming presences off-stage; the narrative voice where conversations don't so much as happen but are relayed; the reality of life for women in this time period, even intelligent, educated, wealthy ones like Marie... Much of this is addressed in a great interview Groff did with the WNYC book club host, available here: https://youtu.be/DSoqCLBk5T4.

5 stars

>48 laytonwoman3rd: - I like capers, but you could probably leave them out - I'd just add more shallot and maybe a soupcon of vinegar or something to get that bright, briny flavor.

>49 katiekrug: I'm really excited about this one! It's waiting for me on my kindle and I hope to get to it sooner rather than later.

Morning, Katie!

Yes to doubling the sauce. I pretty much always do in every recipe because it's never enough. How people think such a scanty amount of sauce is the proper amount, I'll never understand.

I can't read or hear "capers" without thinking of caperberry gravy. "Surely not - just stir it, Una!"

>51 japaul22: - I think it is most definitely your kind of book, Jennifer.

>52 scaifea: - Snort! Such a timely reference :)

I don't always love super-saucey things, but this got so thick, it could barely be called a sauce. Almost a chutney!

>39 katiekrug: I get to dodge that BB since I have already read it.

>49 katiekrug: I get to dodge that one just because it is already in the BlackHole.

Happy Thursday, Katie!

>49 katiekrug: From the hazy details we do have, Lauren Groff has created a remarkable and powerful woman and given her a story worthy of her and worthy of all the women whose stories have gone untold for too long.

I love that! I think you posted about this book on Insta/FB right? That was the tipping point for me submitting a library request, and your review just confirms the wisdom of doing so.

Thanks for the Chicken Piccata recipe. I plan to make it in the next few days. I've actually never cooked with orzo but its seems perfect so will add that to my grocery list..but maybe the regular kind rather than whole-wheat. I'll keep an open wine bottle handy :)

>54 alcottacre: - You escape unscathed!

>55 lauralkeet: - Thanks, Laura. I did post about it on IG/FB. I'm pretty sure you'll love it.

>56 RebaRelishesReading: - I hope you like it, Reba! I love orzo, and it will go nicely with the rest of the dish. I just wanted to use up something taking space in the pantry :)

Remember to taste-test the wine before adding it to the dish - ha!

>57 katiekrug: Understood about orzo substitution. I don't have anything in the pantry that would work (Rice a Roni? love it but not with Piccata lol -- spaghetti? Hubby loves it but I hate having to fight with my food so, no). As to the wine...tasting? I'll have at least a glass before I use it...have to really know if it will work ;>

Great comments on Matrix, Katie.

>45 katiekrug: That's the perfect sauce for my tastes. I like thick and substantial sauces. So that looks most yum to me.

>45 katiekrug: Your chicken piccata looks great, Chef Katie!

I used whole wheat orzo for the first time last month to make Lemon Chickpea Orzo Soup (Greek Vegan Avgolemono Soup), using a recipe that one of my partners made in September, and I liked the taste of it.



I used vegan bratwurst in it, as my partner did, which made it an even heartier stew.

>49 katiekrug: Nice review of Matrix. Deborah (@Cariola) also gave it 5 stars, so I'll have to strongly consider reading it. Hopefully it will win the National Book Award for Fiction next month.

>58 RebaRelishesReading: - It was good with the couscous (Near East brand), but next time I'll either do the orzo or a short pasta like penne, I think.

>59 BLBera: - Thanks, Beth!

>60 richardderus: - I just wish there had been more of it :)

>61 kidzdoc: - I don't think I've had whole wheat orzo before, but I don't mind whole wheat pastas, so I'd try it. You lost me at vegan sausage, though. I'll stick to my chicken sausage :)

I'd be interested in what you think of Matrix. I'm not sure you'll love it, but I do think you'd appreciate the gorgeous writing.

>62 katiekrug: It's a raw, damp and unseasonably cool day in Atlanta (it's 46º F at 1 pm, roughly 20º below normal, with 88% humidity), so I decided to have a bowl of the lemon chickpea orzo stew for lunch, which absolutely hit the spot. I'm not a fan of vegan sausage, and I wouldn't enjoy it by itself, but it tastes perfectly fine to me in this stew, although I'd probably like chicken sausage a bit better.

I almost certainly won't read Matrix this year, but I'll put it on my list of books to borrow from the Fulton County Public Library in 2022.

>63 kidzdoc: - You can't go wrong with any sort of stew on that kind of day, Darryl. I was just looking at recipes to try next week, and may do a sweet corn, potato, and kielbasa soup - if I can get TW to overlook the corn.

>64 katiekrug: As TW's fellow corn-loather, I can say that leaving it out will not harm you and will enable a corn-loather to eat it hot, instead of having to pick out the nasty little nubbins first.

>65 richardderus: - Ha! I had just been thinking about that - I can buy a small can and add corn to my own bowl :)

>66 katiekrug: Precisely! Now...watching GBBO yet?

Wait...it's Thursday, isn't it. *sigh* When will y'all face the 21st century and get a VPN?!

>67 richardderus: - TW offered to set one up for me, but I declined. Just to annoy you *WINK*

I also loved The Round House, Katie. It may be my favorite Erdrich. Good review of Matrix. Also waiting in that long line for it.

>61 kidzdoc: I am going to have to try that stew recipe. It looks wonderful! Thanks for sharing, Darryl.

>64 katiekrug: Sweetcorn, potato, and kielbasa soup sounds great, Katie! You reminded me that I should cook one of my favorite soups, Red Cabbage and Sausage Soup, which I haven't made for several years. I'll pick up ingredients for it when I go to Publix on Saturday morning.

>72 alcottacre: You're welcome, Stasia!

Great review of Matrix Katie. The women in the novel can only be described as the epitome of "tough broads." That's what came to my mind anyway.

‘Morning, Katie!

>45 katiekrug: That chicken piccata recipe looks and sounds yum. The only time I’ve ever had orzo was when I worked at diners in Connecticut, owned and run by Greeks. They paired it with lamb shanks, which I remember with happiness. I’ve just added orzo to the shopping list. Thanks for the notes about not enough sauce. And Mamie’s about doubling it. We love sauces.

>50 katiekrug: @jnwelch got me with this one in October, so it’s already on my wish list. But I’m glad to read your review.

>52 scaifea: Had to look up the reference, didn’t remember it, but love BJD. I may need to watch it again soon.

>64 katiekrug: I’ve got a wonderful Hungarian Sausage and Potato Soup recipe that does not include corn – I just posted it on my thread in case it might appeal to you.

Food will always draw me like a magnet, Katie and there is plenty of good stuff here!

>49 katiekrug: Also your review really caught my eye and I will look out for it in the stores here.

>71 msf59: - I've only read a couple Erdrich novels, Mark, despite having a ton on my shelves. I should do better :)

>72 alcottacre: - *waves at Stasia*

>73 kidzdoc: - I've saved that recipe, Darryl. I love both main ingredients...

>74 brenzi: - Thanks, Bonnie. I guess to survive in those times, toughness was a necessity!

>75 karenmarie: - Let me know if you make the piccata, Karen, and how it turns out! And thanks re: the soup - I'll look for the recipe on your thread.

>76 PaulCranswick: - I hope Matrix makes its way to Malaysia, Paul.

Blerg. I was awake from 3:30 until 5:00 this morning, and got up at 7:00. I thought I heard a noise and then I was convinced the house was about to explode and then I started thinking about mold and then I decided I was probably dying. So that was good fun. I'm skipping the gym this morning because I don't need any more negativity in my life...

We went out to dinner at a local Italian place, because the bar is quiet and the atmosphere good (or so I thought...). The food is mediocre but then I eat less of it, so that's okay. I had linguini carbonara. We were subjected for the first 30 minutes of our visit to a table of loud, angry old people who railed against (1) vaccine mandates; (2) the federal and state government; (3) Mexicans (who, they said - and I shit you not - are "very promiscuous"); and (4) marijuana dispensaries. We then learned that one of the women was forced to take "a socialism class" in college, where they called it a "science" and I'm pretty sure she was required to take a social science course and is just a fucking idiot. And THEN, the cherry on top, was the discussion of reparations for Black Americans, and how one of them had a Black nanny and she was treated like a member of the family, so "don't tell me they were oppressed." I was incandescent with rage and kept giving them dirty looks and was tempted to say something, but they appeared to be regulars at the restaurant and since none of the staff felt the need to ask them to at least lower their voices, we won't be going back there.

I'm sorry you had a disrupted night's sleep - yeesh to explosions, mold, and death. I've been up since 4 - tried to sleep unsuccessfully 'til 5, then got up because ... coffee.

I'd boycott that restaurant too - meh food and poisonous, obnoxious patrons that you couldn't avoid hearing.

>78 katiekrug: Omg, GROSS. Just...UGH.

>78 katiekrug: There is no part of that post that makes me anything except angry on your behalf. *smooch*

>78 katiekrug: >:-o Mind boggled...

>77 katiekrug: Sounds good. Please let me know what you think of it.

>78 katiekrug: Sadly I'm not one bit surprised, as I've been hearing and reading comments like those for all of my adult life, and I've had to deal with hateful name calling, both in person and online. Just another day in America...

>78 katiekrug: OMG that's absolutely horrible. And no wonder you didn't sleep well either. It probably made you more restless and susceptible to midnight anxieties. Ugh.

I think you guys need to treat yourself tonight, in some fashion.

>79 karenmarie: - Morning, Karen. Yeah, it was all around not a great evening/night.

>80 scaifea: - Yup.

>81 richardderus: - Grateful for the smooch!

>82 Helenliz: - Same.

>83 kidzdoc: - I'm not a naive person and I know people who think like that exist and I've seen comments like that online, of course, but this is the first time I was present to hear such garbage being voiced in person. It shouldn't have shocked me, I guess, but it did.

>84 lauralkeet: - Our treat tonight is frozen pizza and the latest GBBO/S :D

>78 katiekrug: OK, that sounds like one of the worst eating out experiences ever. I am sure you are glad to cross that local restaurant off your list of potential eating places.

I do hope you have a happy Friday in spite of your troubled Thursday night.

>78 katiekrug: "they appeared to be regulars at the restaurant and since none of the staff felt the need to ask them to at least lower their voices, we won't be going back there." Wise decision. Obnoxious behavior, ignorant opinions and bitter hateful twisted hearts. "We don't NEED that kind around here."

>69 richardderus: I love that kid. Never saw the full picture with the dog in it before. Does anyone else think that's little Melissa McCarthy?

>78 katiekrug: OMG that would definitely ruin the appetite!! May have cost you a night's sleep too. People like that make me seriously worry for this country.

>87 laytonwoman3rd: I have no idea, but it does strike me as a darn good possibility. Katie? Any pop-culture expertise to share?

>87 laytonwoman3rd: Nope, it's Tabitha Lupien and it's from a 1993 movie called Look Who's Talking Now, apparently.

ETA: Hi, Katie!

>86 alcottacre: - Thanks, Stasia.

>87 laytonwoman3rd: and >89 richardderus: - I believe the gif is from Look Who's Talking Now and it is not Melissa McCarthy.

>88 RebaRelishesReading: - Maybe a nap will make me feel better. Not about the state of the world, just about the state of myself :)

>90 scaifea: - Cross-posted!

Hi Amber!

Hate to punish a restaurant merely for seating assholes at the next table.

But if the food is bad - thats reason enough to give the place a pass.

A lot of people out there seem testy and "Temper-y" snapping at every little thing and enjoying nothing. Insisting on their "Rights" and ignoring their responsibilities to their neighbors.

Sigh.

>92 katiekrug: Ha! *fist bump*

>93 magicians_nephew: - Eh. Plenty of other places with much better food to patronize around here.

>94 scaifea: - *returned*

Well, we are finally mold-free and can move ahead with the duct work and furnace replacement and renovations of the ground floor. As I mentioned, we won't be rushing to do anything after the furnace is in, but we probably should at least get some insulation in on the outer walls...

Anyway, I look forward to not having to go outside to get my laundry done :)

>90 scaifea:, >91 katiekrug: I didn't think it really was Melissa McCarthy, just that there was a resemblance. I've actually seen photos of her as a child, and she didn't look much like that. I'm glad to have the little person identified, though.

Hooray for the mold-free status and indoor laundry!

>96 katiekrug: Congratulations on finally being mold-free!

♫Mmmmoooold freeee♫
free from the stuffed nose
as free from the stink-rose
that's how mold-free you willll beeeeee♫

>85 katiekrug: Your first experience with "garbage" comments from fellow diners came 43 years after mine, when I and my family were openly referred to as "dirty niggers" by a White family in a roadside restaurant in Ohio as we drove from Philadelphia to Cincinnati to visit relatives, on our way to New Orleans to drop me off at Tulane for my freshman year of college. That wasn't the first time I had been called that, but it was the most memorable and hurtful one.

In other news, is Aaron Rodgers officially the biggest asshole in the sports world? Asking for a friend.

>97 laytonwoman3rd: - I didn't think you did, but I wasn't 100% sure, Linda :)

>98 bell7: - Thanks, Mary!

>99 alcottacre: - Thanks, Stasia! Let's just say, that particular company will not be on our list of valued service partners :)

>100 richardderus: - That's a lovely ditty, RD. Did you compose it just for me?

>101 kidzdoc: - I'm so sorry, Darryl. It was bad enough hearing that stuff; I can't imagine being the object of such hate.

I saw a funny thing on FB, I think from Trevor Noah: "Is Aaron Rodgers trying to show that COVID is fake or that CTE is real?"

>102 katiekrug: My #GBBO thinkings. For after you've watched.

Which you could very, very easily have done DAYS ago. But we needn't revisit that particular stressor, need we.

>103 richardderus: - No, we need not. I love watching it Friday evening - a perfect way to wind down the week :)

GBBO/S: >102 katiekrug: - The only good part of this week's episode was that it reminded me how much I love Twix bars. George had to go and it was obvious mid-way through the technical. No recovery from two really bad bakes. I kind of hated this week, probably because I'm not a huge caramel fan, and I thought the show-stopper domes were a dumb requirement. Lizzie will likely be the next to go, and even though her show-stopper was a mess, I thought the presentation was very striking. And I was annoyed that they seemed to disparage the fact that she did a trifle when they had said it could be any sort of dessert. Jurgen deserved to win, but it was a pretty low bar, so a dissatisfying episode all around.

Last night was frozen pizza and salad and GBBO/S. And then I read a bit. I've started A State of Freedom for my RL book group next Thursday. Too early to tell how it is.

This morning, we'll be dropping off a box of papers at the town shredding "event" at a local park, trying a new-to-us bakery, and then braving the crowds at Costco. Once home, I am planning to make a loaf of banana bread and do more laundry. We'll probably go out for an early dinner and then watch a movie at home tonight.

Good luck with the weekend Costco crowds!

>106 katiekrug: Oh, Costco. We need to go soon, but dang, I don't want to. It's always *so* crowded. I like the sound of a new bakery, though! And banana bread!

>107 MickyFine: - Thanks, Micky! I offered to go during the week but TW wanted to go, so.... *puts on brave face*

>108 scaifea: - When TW inevitably gets annoyed, I will have to refrain from pointing out he could have avoided the whole experience :)

I am very much looking forward to the banana bread. TW doesn't eat it, so it's All Mine.

>109 katiekrug: “ When TW inevitably gets annoyed, I will have to refrain from pointing out he could have avoided the whole experience :)” you are a model of self control for us all! 😀

>110 drneutron: - Just call me Saint Katie!

Hi Katie!

>93 magicians_nephew: A lot of people out there seem testy and "Temper-y" snapping at every little thing and enjoying nothing. Insisting on their "Rights" and ignoring their responsibilities to their neighbors. You’re so right, Jim. Way too much going on in the last 6 years, pandemics and horrible politics.

>96 katiekrug: Good news, and am glad to hear that you don’t have to go outside to get your laundry done.

>106 katiekrug: Good luck at Costco, Saint Katie. Early in the pandemic, when I was not going anywhere except the grocery store, gas station, and pharmacy, we let our Costco membership lapse. We only used it perhaps twice a year anyway, and I was able to source things other ways. But I still miss just perusing the aisles and finding things, especially books, for great prices.

>111 katiekrug: ...do I have to keep a straight face when I do...?

Do you use pecans in your banana bread? I tried it, I liked it. Also, shock! amazement! when Haul Pollywood said in 2016 (?) that basil goes with bananas, I made basil sugar and used it in a banana bread recipe...it was outstandingly good. (Buy a bunch of basil, put it in a 1# container and dump sugar in it. Leave for a week. Shake it every day. Fish out the basil & use the sugar.) That recipe was female. (Nut-free.)

>96 katiekrug: Major step forward -- but, yes, do get some insulation in your exterior walls :)

>101 kidzdoc: Even though it was some years ago, your experience makes we want to (1) scream, (2) cry and (3) give you (Darryl) a hug. There are far too many nasty people in the country.

Actually you deserve a hug too, Katie, for having to sit through that!

Never been in a Costco. Bad Bill? Or lucky Bill?

>112 karenmarie: - Morning, Karen! Yeah, a Costco membership doesn't make sense if you only go a couple of times a year. We go about every 6 weeks or so. A little less frequently at the moment because our big storage room/pantry is out of commission, so there's not a lot of space to put anything.

>113 richardderus: - No, no nuts or anything in my banana bread. I like it simple, with cinnamon.

That basil sugar is intriguing....

>114 RebaRelishesReading: - The Wayne has assured me that the insulation is at the top of his list of things to do...

And thanks for the hug!

>115 weird_O: - Neither bad or lucky, really. If you don't have any need to shop in bulk, there's no point in going. And it's not really that bad. Just busy on the weekends, though today wasn't horrible.

All caught up, and your cooking adventures make me think about doing more in the kitchen. We are still using HelloFresh, but I was thinking of taking down my soup cookbook as the season gets colder, and maybe even using my almost virgin Instapot.

>101 kidzdoc: Regarding Rodgers, whatever good will he garnered from hosting "Jeopardy" is subtracted again and twice and thrice over

Happy Saturday, Katie! I hope it has been a good one for you.

>118 magicians_nephew: Right you are. I knew nothing of him when I saw him on Jeopardy! and I liked him in that role. Now I'm very glad he wasn't given the permanent gig.

>117 ffortsa: - Go for it, Judy!

>118 magicians_nephew: - Truth.

>119 alcottacre: - Thanks, Stasia. It was.

>120 laytonwoman3rd: - He's an asshat.

Yesterday was pretty good. I got more laundry done, I tidied the kitchen and cleared off The Counter That Catches Everything. And I made banana bread. The Wayne tore out more dry wall downstairs so he can get the insulation project going, and then we went out to dinner. After that, we came home and watched Clear and Present Danger. I slept through the last quarter or so. Oops.

Nuala and I were both wide awake at 5am, so that was fun :-/ There may be a nap in my future... I'm making chicken and white been chili in the crock pot for dinner, and maybe - finally - some corn bread. We'll see about the last part. I also have more laundry to do. So super exciting day here!

'Morning, Katie, and happy Sunday to you.

Yum to chicken and white bean chili, and thanks for reminding me about it! I might make a pot this coming week.

I've never made corn bread with white chili before. Bill would love it, of course. He'd eat corn bread with pretty much any meal.

>123 karenmarie: - Morning, Karen! Yeah, the corn bread doesn't really go with this kind of chili, but I really want corn bread... Heh.

Morning, Katie!

My very favorite meal is what my parents call Soup Beans but I think most people call Ham and Bean Soup, plus cornbread: Crumble a big square of cornbread into the soup bowl, then ladle the soup over the bread. Eat with a side of cornbread with So. Much. Butter. And for dessert: cornbread with butter and jam. Perfection.

I almost always have cornbread with butter and jam, not just for dessert.

>122 katiekrug: Woo hoo. Partay you wild thing you.

Chicken and white bean spicy stew with some canned-corn-enhanced cornbread? That is a luscious dinner.

You already know your Sunday surprise...how much I *adored* The Colour of Milk! What a beautiful book.

>125 scaifea: - I love ham and bean soup, so I'll have to try it with corn bread next time!

>126 karenmarie: - I don't think I've ever had corn bread with jam. Must try.

>127 richardderus: - You totally made my day with that excellent review!

Kerrigold butter AND Simply Fruit Raspberry. I've now become addicted to Kerrigold for toast and cooking. It's too expensive for baking, IMO, so I also keep store-brand salted and unsalted butter for baking.

>124 katiekrug: Cornbread doesn't go with chicken and white bean chili? Whyever not? Put a bit of jalopeno in it. Mmmmmm..

Hot cornbread with lots of butter and maple syrup = breakfast. A side of bacon doesn't hurt.

Happy Sunday, Katie!

Spread peanut butter on corn bread. Works for me.

>129 karenmarie: - Kerrygold is fantastic. I first encountered it at my aunt's St. Patrick's Day dinner, where we slathered it on fresh-baked Irish soda bread. So Good.

>130 laytonwoman3rd: - The Wayne put the kibosh on the corn bread because he's not a fan, so we had tortilla chips with the chili instead. I'll just have to make the corn bread for myself sometime soon.

>131 alcottacre: - Happy Monday, Stasia!

>132 weird_O: - Huh. That's an interesting (dare I say "weird"?) combo, Bill...

The chili was pretty good - a bit one-note in flavor, so I'll have to try to jazz it up next time. Sunday was mostly quiet, except when the Giants won their game and then the Dolphins followed suit. I was watching the former and following the latter on my phone so I could give TW updates as he worked outside.

I believe I'll be calling the dentist when I get back from the gym this morning. I have a sore and slightly swollen gum near a crown that she had previously identified as likely to become problematic. I think she was right. *sigh*

The duct work guys are coming this morning to start putting in the new ducts, so that's fun. One step closer to the new furnace...

I should finish up A State of Freedom today, which has been pretty meh so far. My RL book group members are garbage at picking books. They should let me pick them all ;-)

I may also finish Frankenstein on audio, which has been good, thanks to Dan Stevens' narration. As many of you said, it certainly is very different from what many of us think of as the classic story.

Morning, Katie!

I'm sorry about the sore gum - I hope it's a quick and easy fix.

I seriously want some cornbread now. Last week our CSA box included a bag of what was described online as "corn meal," but the package is labeled "corn grits". I don't mind grits but they're not my fave and Chris doesn't care for them. A bit of googling says corn meal can be anywhere from fine to coarse, and corn grits are at the coarse or coarser-than-coarse end of the scale. I'd like to find a good cornbread or muffin recipe to experiment with.

Hope you get the dental situation fixed ASAP, Katie!

>134 katiekrug: Nasty about the gum issue. I hope it's transitory, or easily amended.

Yay for ductwork activity! (Not the disruption, the fact of.)

*smooch*

Hi Katie!

>134 katiekrug: I'm sorry about the gum/crown problem, hope it gets resolved without replacing the crown. Yay for the duct-work guys coming today.

>136 lauralkeet: Laura, I've posted my favorite cornbread recipe on my thread. It's not Southern, but even my NC-born husband really loves it. If the grits are too coarse, perhaps you could refine them in a food processor?

>135 scaifea: - Thanks, Amber. I forgot my dentist is closed today, so it'll have to wait until tomorrow. It's not bothering me much right now, so that's good.

>136 lauralkeet: - I want corn bread, too. I have a mix, but I don't have milk, so I might pick some up at the store tomorrow...

>137 richardderus: - Thanks, RD. The duct dudes have discovered a mystery duct that basically goes nowhere. This house is so weird... The Wayne thinks the previous owners did a lot of work themselves but didn't really know what they were doing. He is excited to "fix" some of the wiring. I let him do electrical work, because his degree is in electrical engineering and he did a lot of stuff for his parents. One of his first priorities is to put in a new circuit in the garage so we can charge the car :)

>138 karenmarie: - The crown is going to have to be replaced eventually. It was put in ages ago, and I forget exactly why, because it's not over a root canal. When it does get replaced, I'll probably have to have a root canal done. Joy of joys.

Thanks for sharing your corn bread recipe! It looks nice and easy, which is good for me :)

I forgot to mention that today's cooking adventure is baked pasta with sausage and spinach. I will, of course, report back...

I finished my workout at the gym today in 32 minutes. It usually takes me the full 45. I'd like to think I'm just getting that good and fast, but I think Joel the Devil and I used to talk so much that it slowed me down. Oops. I've asked Julian, the new trainer, to put together another set to add to my strength day, since I now have "extra" time.

The workout and the pasta adventure both sound like lots of fun. You'll get the benefits from both with minimal re-investment!

>142 richardderus: - I'm more looking forward to the pasta, of course.

I've got to get outside and address the uncompleted tree-and-weed pruning work. I'm hearing those voices. They are telling me to burn things.

Busy weekend -- catching up now

>113 richardderus: Banana bread without some kind of nuts (prefer pecans) just isn't finished :)

>118 magicians_nephew: I thought he stunk as Jeopardy host and was glad when his week was over. Now more so than ever. What a jerk.

---I'm planning chili for dinner tonight and now I want cornbread. Must see if I have what it takes on hand.

---Our Costcos (here and prior to here in San Diego) can get busy sometimes but the check out was so efficient it made up for a lot. Parking and just maneuvering could be an issue though.

---Last night I made your Chicken Piccata, Katie, and it was great. Thank you for the advice to have white wine at hand because it did need a shot of that to keep the sauce from getting crazy thick but it was really good. I made it with the orzo from the recipe and some roasted broccolini. Big success -- thank you Madam Chef :)

--Hope your tooth/crown stay quiet until you can see the dentist.

>144 weird_O: - Best to listen to those voices, Bill.

>145 RebaRelishesReading: - I'm so glad you liked it, Reba! I can't wait to try it with the wine at the ready.

>138 karenmarie: thanks Karen, I'll head over to your thread right now!

>139 katiekrug: looking forward to the results of today's cooking, Katie.

>109 katiekrug: I just found a recipe for Banana Cornbread that I am going to try this weekend.

>147 lauralkeet: - Me too :)

>148 ELiz_M: - That sounds interesting, Liz. Let me know if you need a taste-tester!

>149 katiekrug:, >148 ELiz_M: ...with Kerrygold butter...and peanut butter...*swoon*

Good to see that you now have a handle on the mold problem and they are working on getting a furnace in before it gets too cold. You got me hunting the library hold list for Matrix. I'm now #138 in line but there are 21 copies.

>139 katiekrug: "The duct dudes have discovered a mystery duct that basically goes nowhere. This house is so weird..."

Well *clearly* it leads to a hidden annexe, with many more rooms and maybe even a library.

I KNEW IT. This is the secret attic all over again.

Tap some walls, or look for a cleverly hidden switch.

>150 richardderus: - You and Bill and peanut butter on corn bread... I guess I'll have to try it at some point, but it just seems like it wouldn't work.

>151 Familyhistorian: - Hi Meg! Matrix is pretty short, so the hold list should move quickly :) We *should* have the furnace connected by the end of the week.

>152 susanj67: - Why didn't I think of that, Susan?!!? Will investigate further. I did find out there is a big crawl space under part of the house, but it's not a finished space or anything, so I guess it doesn't count as a secret chamber...

This recipe (https://www.skinnytaste.com/baked-pasta-with-sausage-and-spinach/) was a big winner. It made a ton, but supposedly it freezes well, so I might try that. The chicken sausage I used was already cooked, so I just sliced it and browned it a bit in the pan before adding the garlic, etc. I feel like this is a hard recipe to mess up, so perfect for me :)

In other news, I finished both my print read and my audio yesterday, so yay for that since I wasn't loving either of them. Didn't hate 'em, but am glad to move on to something else. I've downloaded The Bromance Book Club to my Kindle, and a nonfiction book about 'The Office' to my phone.

Today I'll be calling the dentist to try to get squeezed in; emailing the flood insurance company about putting in for additional money; and other various and sundry exciting tasks. Trivia tonight, so no cooking.

>154 katiekrug: That recipe is a lot like lasagna, but without the fiddly noodles, so that's a win in and of itself. I'm glad it was a winner!

>155 lauralkeet: - Laura, as I was making it, I thought to myself, "Now I don't need to bother trying my hand at lasagna" :)

>156 katiekrug: For sure! My thoughts went in a slightly different direction. I happen to love my MIL's lasagna recipe and your recipe made me ask myself why I only make it with lasagna noodles (which means, I don't make it often). If I could cut and serve my lasagna in nice neat squares that showed off the layers, it might be worth it. But more often than not it just glops onto the plate so I might as well use whatever type of pasta I feel like using.

>157 lauralkeet: - Ha! to glopping. This recipe layers things, which is just silly because it all kind of collapses together. Next time, I'll probably not bother trying to layer and just mix everything together. I am already looking forward to lunch when I'll have a piece :)

I make lasagne with pasta sheets. Some days it sits as a nice layers thing and some days it, umm, doesn't. I've never quite worked out what the difference is, as I basically do the same thing each time.
Then my cheat is pasta bake, which is basically the same as lasagne, but has pasta shapes mixed in the bolognaise sauce and then cheese on top. Takes about 30 minutes less and 1 fewer saucepans to wash up. >:-)

>159 Helenliz: - This was basically a pasta bake. So easy!

Hi Katie!

>154 katiekrug: I hope you’re successful with getting into the dentist as soon as possible. Bill chipped a tooth Sunday, wasn’t in pain, called the dentist yesterday, and he’s going this afternoon.

>161 karenmarie: - No dice for today, but they'll call me if they have a cancellation. At least it's not bothering me much...

A is for Alibi by Sue Grafton

A solid opening to a series that I plan to continue. My sister-in-law is a fan, and I remember my mom reading the series, so I am already pre-disposed to like it.

3 stars

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Everyone who said the story is nothing like you think it is was correct. I kept waiting for villagers carrying torches and pitchforks... Anyway, this was a good listen with excellent narration by Dan Stevens. I don't really have anything new to say about the book - it's a classic for a reason, I guess.

3.5 stars

>153 katiekrug: The crawl space is for stashing the bodies, Katie. Didn't you watch L. A. Confidential?

>165 weird_O: ^^^What he said

>158 katiekrug: I think there's a reason to layer...it has to do with the rates at which things cook, the moisture each needs/has, and the end result being a collapsed mess is less a bug than a feature of successful cooking.

CookWise and BakeWise. Bible's got nothin' on 'em for eternal verities and practical advice.

>154 katiekrug: I make something very similar, and may never go to all the frippery of making "real" lasagne again. Although I found that using unbaked noodles (NOT the no-bake kind, just regular ones) and increasing the amount of sauce and the length of the baking time to accommodate them was not only easier and totally satisfactory, but helped a lot with the setting up process. You do have to let the stuff rest a while before cutting into it, and that was always hard for me to do.

>165 weird_O: - Saw it ages ago!

>166 richardderus: - I think layering makes sense for some things, but this recipe would be just fine (I think!) without it. I'm putting a note on it to try just mixing everything together, spreading it evenly in the dish, and topping with cheese...

>167 laytonwoman3rd: - I've never been a big lasagna fan, which is weird because I like all the components. I think there is something about those noodles texture-wise that I don't love...

The "al dente" of lasagna noodles is always the hard thing to achieve to one's satisfaction. Rigatoni etc are easier to work with.

I'm intrigued by the lasagna noodles. We get lasagna as sheets are 4 inches by 6 (ish), which seem easier to manage than the noodles, which seem to be strips. I wonder if the broader aspect ratio makes a difference to the effectiveness of layering when dishing up (sometimes).

>162 katiekrug: Sorry, but at least it’s not bothering you much.

>163 katiekrug: I re-read/got caught up on the series A-Y in 2018, the year after Grafton died. I love it, so hope you continue enjoying it.

>167 laytonwoman3rd: I use my sister’s lasagna recipe that calls for unbaked regular lasagna noodles. It calls for an additional cup of water, not extra sauce, and letting the lasagna rest for 15 minutes after baking.

Glad to hear your pasta dish turned out so well. Looking forward to your thoughts on Bromance Book Club as it's been on The List for a while but I haven't got round to it.

>169 richardderus: and >170 Helenliz: - See, this is why lasagna seems too complicated to bother with!

>171 karenmarie: - I have a few random entries on my shelf, Karen, and my SIL has them all, I believe, so I should be able to make some headway easily. If only there weren't so many other books clamoring for attention...

>172 MickyFine: - It's charming so far, Micky!

Ooof, a bit of not-fun excitement here this afternoon. One of the duct dudes pounded on the front door, needing to know our address for 9-1-1. One of the other workers, a 30-ish woman, was having a seizure in the basement. Fire department and EMTs duly arrived and after a bit, took her off to the hospital. She was conscious but very out of it, apparently. I hope she is okay. I'd spoken to her a few times over the past couple of days, and she is very sweet.

The one silver lining is that I met more of my neighbors - three guys who live around our corner came over. They are all retired so have not much better to do than keep an eye on the neighborhood goings-on ;-) They were super nice, and I'm glad to make some more connections in the neighborhood...

>174 katiekrug: >:-o not what anyone wants. Hope ducting dame is OK.

>173 katiekrug: Unfortunately, husband has a soft spot for my lasagne. It's the first thing I cooked him when we were dating. And he still married me!

>174 katiekrug: Have yourself a lie-down after that! Whew...not the preferred way to meet the neighbors, is it.

>174 katiekrug: Oh no! Wow, what a thing to have happen in your house! I hope the woman makes a full recovery.

>174 katiekrug: Wow, not the kind of excitement you want. I hope she's OK. Nice side benefit of meeting neighbors though.

Thank you for the commiseration, Helen, Richard, Amber and Reba. It was very disconcerting, and I didn't even see the episode. The guy who came knocking was quite upset by it, naturally.

I'm just back from the grocery store. Apparently 2pm on a Tuesday is the time to go - or not the time to go. It was empty is my point :)

Hello, Katie!

>174 katiekrug: Oof! I hope she is okay. That's the wrong kind of excitement, but meeting some of the neighbors is good. We have met a lot of our neighbors through their dogs because for some strange reason our house is like a mecca for dogs - dogs that have gotten out of their yards or away from their people head to the Pecan Paradisio. This is actually how we got our HVAC guy who is da Bomb with all that heating and cooling stuff.

Your shared recipe got me all excited about making a deconstructed lasagna like that, and it's in the oven right now! I used penne pasta like in the recipe and undercooked it the 4 minutes, then made my lasagna sauce and layered it like she did with our sauce and cheeses. I can't wait to try it. And I will also make the recipe you shared, which sounds yum. My lasagna recipe makes a big lasagna, so I had enough sauce left over to make an actual mini lasagna in a loaf pan - it looks adorable.

>170 Helenliz: I want those lasagna sheets - that makes so much more sense.

>174 katiekrug: Oh, goodness. I hope she is OK, and that you HEAR that she is OK soonish.

This day is hard to believe. It is so pleasant here. Warm. Sunny. Quiet. I'm sitting on the deck, no sweater or jacket. Taking a break from yard work.

>180 Crazymamie: - Hi Mamie! I hope the pasta works well for you. I can't imagine it won't :)

The duct dudes just left and I asked after Samantha. She called the head dude a little bit ago - she's doing okay but will be in the hospital overnight. Apparently this was not her first seizure.

The neighbors were pretty funny - two guys probably in their 50s, and an older one probably in his late 70s. They were very smart alecky and wise-cracking and very Jersey, but the good kind of Jersey not the gross kind. And they all loved Nuala, so yay for dogs bringing people together!

>181 laytonwoman3rd: - Thanks, Linda. See my note to Mamie above. At least she's lucid now...

>182 weird_O: - Yes, such a gorgeous day, Bill. It definitely doesn't feel like November, which I am thankful for since only half the house has heat :D

>163 katiekrug: Hi Katie - I have recently restarted the alphabet series as well. I've been listening to audiobooks, and they work pretty well for these. I'm up to "D."

I agree the latest GBBO was disappointing. Really no one did particularly well. Caramel is tricky. I think you are right about the next person to go.

The Bromance Book Club is a delight so far! Really loving it.

>184 BLBera: - Cross-posted with you, Beth! I will have to try some of the alphabet on audio. I can see how they'd make for good listening. Thanks for the tip.

I hope GBBO returns to form this week.

Wow, poor Samantha. I'm glad they were able to update you on her condition.

Also nice that you made some new neighborhood friends. 🤪

>174 katiekrug: It's good to hear Samantha is okay. If you're ever in NYC for dinner or drinks, remind me to tell you my Roofing Guys story.

>174 katiekrug: They are all retired so have not much better to do than keep an eye on the neighborhood goings-on ;-)

Uhhhh, exxxccuuse me but as a retiree I probably don't have time to follow the goings on in my neighborhood Katie. Well, not every single day anyway. Well, not every hour of every day. Or not every minute of every day. You know what I mean. I'm an unreliable narrator most of the time🥴

>174 katiekrug: I hope that things work out all the way around, Katie, and that the "duct lady" is OK.

Good to hear that Samantha is doing OK.

>187 lauralkeet: - I doubt I'll hear anything more, as the duct work is finished now...

>188 ELiz_M: - Will do! We should make that happen soon :)

>189 brenzi: - It was said very tongue in cheek, Bonnie, especially as I have joined your ranks!

>190 alcottacre: - Thanks, Stasia.

>191 Helenliz: - Yes, it was a relief. Poor woman.

Let's see... trivia was good. We finished in the middle of the pack. We only had one point (of 20 possible) in the first round but battled our way back, helped by two perfect rounds :)

I'm still really enjoying The Bromance Book Club and the audio about 'The Office' is off to a good start.

This morning, I have to take the car in to have them look at a weird message we were occasionally getting which, of course, has not appeared at all since I made the appointment last week :-P But I'm going to have them put the front plate on the car, and pick up the floor mats we ordered, so not a wasted trip. I have some other errands to run and may stop in at the local bookstore for a treat and to pick up some Christmas gifts. I'm also going to try *again* to get into the dentist.

Sheet pan chicken fajitas for dinner...

>193 katiekrug: Sounds productive. *delicate shudder* I, OTOH, am planning to lounge about reading Cornelia Funke while sipping coffee.

Took a break from Funke-ing to digest some Goyl prejudices, and found out a book you should read is 99¢ today!
https://smile.amazon.com/Wardrobe-Mistress-Patrick-McGrath-ebook/dp/B06XNW8WWF/

The Wardrobe Mistress is post-WWII historical fiction with a really savage bite. I intended to review it last decade and apparently did not. *sigh* The Kindle file is not lendable or I'd hand it over to you instanter to bypass the piffle of "can't, don't have time, too much to read already" that is de rigueur.

If necessary I *will* spend the buck, one-two-hundredth of my worldly cash possessions, to get you to read it. That is how much it matters.

Hi Katie!

>174 katiekrug: Well, never a dull moment. I also hope she is okay, and it’s always nice to meet neighbors, especially super nice ones.

>179 katiekrug: Yay for the empty grocery store.

>194 richardderus: - 3 hours at the dealership does not count as productive, except in terms of reading time :)

>195 richardderus: - SOLD!

>196 karenmarie: - Hi Karen! I could use a full dull moments... And yes! to the empty grocery store. I think I've settled on Tuesday afternoons as my regular time, with Friday afternoon in reserve in case I need to refresh anything :)

I made good progress in my book this morning as I waited at the car dealership. They found the error/warning I was getting. To fix it, they need to do a bunch of things that will take a while (like a couple of days, apparently) and the next appointment available with a loaner car is not until January. So I brought it home - it's perfectly fine to drive - and TW and I will discuss if we want to wait until January or just get a rental on our own and have the work done sooner. Probably TMI - sorry. My life is so boring now :)

I'm heating up some pasta bake for lunch and then will look over my To Do list to see if there is anything I feel like tackling. Maybe just the trip to the bookstore!

>198 katiekrug: Leftover pasta bake sounds really tasty.

>197 katiekrug:

>199 richardderus: - Like so many things, the baked pasta is better as leftovers. I still have half the dish left, so I think I'll have to freeze some.

Woot! Finally got word that my dentist can see me tomorrow morning at 9:00. Just in time, as the issue is starting to bother me more...

>201 katiekrug: EXCELLENT!!

>200 katiekrug: Freezers...second only to hot-water heaters as The Angel's Kiss of ignored appliances.

>202 richardderus: - We still need to replace our chest freezer, which succumbed to the flood... Right now, we are making do with the crappy freezer in our crappy refrigerator, which seriously cramps my Costco purchases :)

I finished The Bromance Book Club. An utter delight - really enjoyed it. More later...

have now started Faithful Place, next up for me in the Dublin Murder Squad series.

Looking forward to your review on Bromance Book Club. And I find your life updates fascinating, not boring. :)

Hope the dentist visit is an easier fix.

>204 katiekrug: Looking forward to the review of that one.

I found Faithful Place to be another solid entry in that series. I hope you enjoy it, Katie.

Good luck with the dentist today.

>205 MickyFine: - Thanks, Micky!

>206 alcottacre: - I'm only about 50 pages in, Stasia, but Faithful Place has me hooked.

>207 Helenliz: - Thanks, Helen!

Dentist this morning, book group tonight. Which of these am I looking forward to more?

The sheet pan fajitas came out pretty well last night, so that's a keeper.

Faithful Place is very good so far - it's hooked me earlier than either of the previous two in the series, both of which I enjoyed a lot.

After the dentist, I have a couple of errands to run, and then I want to re-read the beginning of my book group pick for tonight's discussion and think about why the book as a whole didn't work for me. Book group meets at a Greek restaurant, so that's dinner sorted. The Wayne is on his own.

Morning, Katie!

Good luck at the dentist - I hope it's an easy fix. It is still hurting?

And YES to the Greek restaurant! That sounds so good.

>210 scaifea: - It doesn't hurt, exactly. It's just mildly uncomfortable - like I can *feel* it whereas normally I don't feel my teeth :)

It's not the greatest Greek restaurant around, but it'll do. If my tooth can take it, I'll probably get falafel...

Oooh, a falafel gyro would go down a treat.

Have fun at the dentist! You'll feel better afterwards, and there's no guarantee that this will be true of your book group.

I really liked Faithful Place. I rated it higher than the previous two, and the plot was less contrived than The Likeness.

Morning, Katie! Thank goodness you finally got an appointment with your dentist. I also liked The Bromance Club - delight is a good word for it. Our pasta bake was gone in two eatings. My lasagna recipe works perfectly with the penne, so thanks so much for you posting the link and the resulting conversation here that led me to try it that way. I will definitely make it again.

Sweet Thursday, Katie. Cold and rainy here. A perfect day to hang out with the books. I also enjoyed Faithful Place but I also loved the first two. Broken Harbor may be my favorite.

>212 richardderus: - No, I think I'm going to enjoy book group more. See below...

>213 lauralkeet: - Despite the crazy plot, I did enjoy The Likeness, thanks to the strong writing. But yes, I think this will surpass that one.

>214 Crazymamie: - I'm glad the pasta bake worked so well, Mamie!

>215 msf59: - It's sunny and crisp here, Mark. Also a perfect day to hang out with the books, as far as I'm concerned ;-) Good to know about BH!

Welp, I am the proud possessor of a prescription for antibiotics, and referrals to an endodontist and an oral surgeon. Ugh. Basically, one tooth definitely has to come out, and I either need to get a bridge (depending on the condition of the two on either side which may be questionable) or an implant. I had to have the dentist write out exactly what I need each specialist to do, because there was no way I was going to remember it all. I love my dentist and wish she could just do all the work to fix me up, but alas...

>217 katiekrug: I am going to be in that same boat soonish. That tooth that I had a root canal on last year just before Daniel's wedding still has sensation. My dentist said the only thing he can think of is that it is cracked way up in there.

It's an epidemic! I'm having a root canal next week, getting some implants as well. I'm very dental-phobic (and my husband is one!). I feel your pain (and Mamie's).

Hiya, Katie, hooray for the Bromance Book Club being a good read, sorry to hear about the dental problems, and hope the duct lady is okay. Sounds quite eventful, honestly, and I'm glad that the car fix is something that can wait.

You remind me that I really should catch up on GBBS, I've only watched the first two episodes now...

>217 katiekrug: Oh dear. Suboptimal news, I'm saddened to learn. *smooch*

Oh, dang. I'm sorry about the tooth news, Katie. Blerg. I see milkshake treats in your future, though, maybe...

Today while I was in line to check out at the grocery store, behind me was a woman with a toddler, and the little boy was pretty seriously looking at the chocolate bars in the line display. The woman told him that he didn't need one because he had a milkshake in the car, and before I could even think to stop myself I said, "Man, I wish *I* had a milkshake waiting for me in the car," and people laughed at me from two lanes over... I wasn't really making a joke, but sure, I'm hilarious today I guess.

Oh boo for the dental news. Hopefully both specialists are great and your other teeth are in good shape.

Ugh, that's a nasty bit of dental news, Katie. But worth getting done, no doubt. Hope it's all pretty straightforward.

>218 Crazymamie: and >219 vivians: - We should start a support group!

>220 bell7: - It's been quite a week, Mary. And yes, get yourself caught up so you can join in our critiques!

>221 richardderus: - *smooch back*

>222 scaifea: - Mmmm, milkshakes... And mashed potatoes. I guess it's not all bad news!

>223 MickyFine: - Here's hoping!

>224 lauralkeet: - Thanks, Laura. Apparently, one of my roots is weirdly curved which makes it "complicated." *sigh*

I've picked up my prescription, which I have to take 3x a day, so I am waiting until 3pm to take the first dose... And I'm trying to get motivated to call the specialists, which I really don't want to do because (1) I hate making calls and (2) maybe if I ignore things, they will go away? I wish.

I did treat myself to a stop at the bookstore today - I picked up a book for my uncle for Christmas, and bought myself a copy of the new Lily King short story collection and a keeper copy of Matrix for my shelves.

>226 katiekrug: I understand both...but (2) is the one that'll get you in *bad* trouble this time!

Poor you re the dental work Katie. I am also supposed to either have an implant or a bridge from when I had my tooth extracted, but I can get up very little enthusiasm for either so have buried my head in the sand about the whole thing.

Ow. The dental work sounds not very pleasant. I have my routine checkup in a fortnight...

>227 richardderus: - I know, I know... I've got my endodontist appointment set for tomorrow (they had a cancellation).

>228 SandDune: - I sympathize, Rhian.

>229 Helenliz: - Hope you have a better result than I did! The dentist actually said she was shocked by the situation, given that in April, there was no major issue - they were just going to "keep an eye on" a slight shadow they saw on the x-ray. She showed me April's x-ray compared to today's and yowzers! My poor tooth :(

>230 katiekrug: Well, I'm sorry it's all come to this, but it's good you've got a speedy appointment. The sooner it's begun, the sooner it's behind you. I hate dental work, and I've never had to HAVE any, beyond a few minor cavities back in my yout'. Fingers crossed for you---I know it's less awful than it once was.

Sorry about the dental news, Katie. I hope all the treatment goes as planned.

>230 katiekrug: My dentist said she was seeing a lot of covid-related stress showing up in people's teeth. Not sure if that's relevant but I thought it was interesting. Hope the meds have helped things settle down for the short term though.
Mine is "keeping an eye" on a shadow too. I shall be trying not to think about that!

Looks like your life is pretty eventful for a retired person, Katie. Sorry to hear about Samantha's seizure and your poor tooth. Too bad the restoration work on your house didn't work as fast as your teeth gremlins. You threw me with the falafel from a Greek restaurant. Here they are usually found where donairs are sold.

Morning, Katie!

That's good news about getting an appointment already for today! Good to get the ball rolling.

>231 laytonwoman3rd: - I was initially freaked out, Linda, but it'll be fine. Not fun, but not the end of the world. I appreciate the sympathy, though!

>232 BLBera: - Thanks, Beth.

>233 charl08: - I don't think it's COVID/stress-related, Charlotte, just a bad job done years ago coming back to bite me. I hope your shadow doesn't turn into anything!

>234 Familyhistorian: - You've thrown me with mention of donairs, Meg, so I had to look that up :) A donair seems somewhat similar to a gyro, which is Greek. Around here, you can get falafel at any Greek or Middle Eastern restaurant.

>235 scaifea: - Morning, Amber! Yes, I'm glad to get things going so I can put it behind me :)

Book group last night was good. I missed some of the discussion of the book because I was chatting with another woman about GBBO. Oops. Most people seemed to like the book more than I did. I'll write up my thoughts on it later today - I was holding off until after our meeting to see if I gained any insight.

It's grey and blustery here, but not chilly, so kind of weird. We have a gym session at 9:00 and then I have the endodontist appointment at 11:30. The furnace guy is coming to hook up the new unit sometime this morning, too. This afternoon will be reserved for a grocery run and some paperwork sorting. And reading, of course.

Tonight is frozen pizza and salad and this week's GBBO episode.

>237 katiekrug: *drums fingers impatiently*

Yay for the furnace guy hooking things up! That's basically just in time, given where we are in the year.

Hissbooooohiss on the paperwork. But that's my far-worse-than-death response at all times.

>238 richardderus: - Yup, I think we're getting in just under the wire with the furnace. It's going to get chilly next week.

The paperwork is my own fault because I just throw things into a pile until it gets unwieldy. Must do better...

Welp, I've got a crush on my endodontist. What a cutie. He is rather young, and was kind of nervous going over things with me, but I finally got him to loosen up with the ol' Katie charm. Basically, since I've pretty much decided to get the implant after my tooth extraction rather than a bridge, I don't have to do anything with the tooth the dentist wanted him to evaluate. We can just keep an eye on it, or I can have it retreated after my implant. He did note that it was close to a nerve and could be a bit "tricky" which made me shudder. But I don't have to worry about it right now, so yay for that.

Now to call the oral surgeon...

OOooh, cute dentist! Nice. And also yay for not having to do anything about that one tooth, right now at least! (I'd totally go for the implant, too.)

>241 scaifea: - It's pricey, but I think insurance and our FSA will cover most of it... And I'll be happy not to have to think about it any more!

One of my favorite reads of last year is currently on sale for $1.99 on Kindle: Rules for Visiting is a little gem of a novel about loneliness and connection. Highly recommended!

>242 katiekrug: I can't say enough about implants' worth. You're young enough that decades of use will amortize the cost completely!

>244 richardderus: - That's what I'm thinking, too.

New furnace is in and working! I can't say enough good things about Joe the plumber, even if he is a Cowboys fan...

>246 katiekrug: ...wow...that is *praise*...

>245 katiekrug: Srsly just do it!

>247 richardderus: - Oh, I am doing it. But I have to get a hold of the oral surgeon, as it's not something I want to do myself. Heh.

>248 katiekrug: Scaredy rabbit! Self-surgerying your tooth is a doddle, just grab and yank.

Using the car.

>249 richardderus: - I'll leave it to the professionals!

How good to be on the "building up" end of your flood recovery with the "tearing down" part all behind you. Also glad you've got your dental issues sorted. Not fun but necessary and the long-term looks good.

I hope all goes well with the dental work, Katie. I know what a pain that can be!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Hi Katie, reading about all your cooking is making me hungry! I am glad that you are enjoyed Faithful Place it's my favorite of the ones that I have read so far.

Happy weekend!

>240 katiekrug: Having a good looking endodontist surely helps motivate another visit. Implant is a great idea. You do get what you pay for.

Anyhow, Happy weekend!

>251 RebaRelishesReading: - Thanks, Reba! There is still some "tearing down" to do, but we can do it at our own pace, which is nice.

>252 alcottacre: - A literal pain, Stasia! :)

>253 DeltaQueen50: - Hi Judy! How far along in the French series are you? I'm really loving FP.

>254 figsfromthistle: - Here's hoping the oral surgeon is at least half as good looking :D

Not much going on - it's sunny and cool this morning and I need to go to the grocery store because I didn't go yesterday. Then I need to do some cleaning and organizing. We'll probably go out for dinner tonight - we've been talking about Indian, so there may be massive amounts of garlic naan in my future...

Faithful Place continues to be excellent, and I'm enjoying my audio about 'The Office.' I may re-watch some episodes soonish.

I could have a meal of garlic naan and saag paneer and raita without feeling even slightly deprived. Oh so yum!

Free-from week. *snort*

A State of Freedom by Neel Mukherjee

This was the November pick for my book group, and I was excited to read it as the description sounded like it would be right up my alley. Alas, it was not. Less a novel than interconnected stories about individuals in India trying to make new and better lives for themselves, the tenuous connections between the stories were not enough to make the whole of it hang together well. I don't mind bleak in my reading if there is some point to it, but whatever Mukherjee's point (beyond "life is hard") was was lost on me.

3 stars because I'm feeling generous

>257 richardderus: - I hope next season is free from free from week.

>259 katiekrug: A-women.

>258 katiekrug: *sigh* There's just no accountin' for other peoples' taste is there. I'm frequently left thinking, "...but you don't *act* deranged..."

>259 katiekrug: :) At least each challenge was a different "free from." But I'm with you, those are my least favorite weeks. Instead they should have two cake weeks. I love cake week. :)

>258 katiekrug: Hm, I like short stories but otherwise that sounds like "not my taste at all". Hope your next read is better.

>260 richardderus: - Snort.

>261 BLBera: - I like cake week, too. Also, biscuit week and bread week :)

>262 bell7: - It's definitely skippable, Mary!

>258 katiekrug: Sounds like one I can pass by. I hope your next read is better for you, Katie.

Happy weekend!

>264 alcottacre: - Thanks, Stasia!

Oops... I had typed a whole long post this morning, but I guess I never hit send? Annoying! Short version:

We had a great dinner out at our favorite Indian place (chicken madras for me, lamb vindaloo for TW) and then came home and watched 'Red Notice' which was silly and fun and very tongue-in-cheek. If you're in the mood for something like that, definitely check it out.

So far today, I've put together soup in the crockpot for dinner and cleaned up a bit. I'm still reading and loving Faithful Place, which I *might* finish today since the Giants have a bye this week so I can ignore football if I want to. I'm also still really enjoying the audiobook about 'The Office.' It has an entire chapter on my favorite episode ever - 'The Injury.'



I'm planning to type up some comments on The Bromance Book Club at some point this afternoon, too. Other than that, the only other thing on the agenda is to make the drop biscuits Mary shared the recipe for recently. I'll do that a bit closer to dinner-time.

Hope everyone is having a good Sunday!

How about let's force the GBBO people to give us a sweet breads week and a regular breads week? Maybe kidnap Noel and Matt and hold them hostage until we're promised "no more weirdo bakes"? The whole world would love us...

I like that episode a lot, but The Dinner Party is my hands-down favorite, babe.

For a while I listened to the Office Ladies podcast hosted by the women who played Pam and Angela. It was a fun episode-by-episode recap with a lot of behind the scenes stuff.

>267 richardderus: - I'm willing to try anything! I do like the two separate bread weeks idea....

>268 lauralkeet: - Ha! I just finished listening to the chapter about 'The Dinner Party,' babe. I had totally forgotten the bit about Michael's itty-bitty flat screen TV, or that he sleeps on a bench next to the bed. Such great details...

The Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Kay Adams

“Modern romance novelists use the patriarchal society of old British aristocracy to explore the gender-based limitations placed on women today in both the professional and personal spheres. That shit is feminist as fuck.”

“Don’t be ashamed for liking them. The backlash against the {pumpkin spice latte} is a perfect example of how toxic masculinity permeates even the most mundane things in life. If masses of women like something, our society automatically begins to mock them. Just like romance novels. If women like them, they must be a joke, right?”

In addition to being a fun novel, The Bromance Book Club is a great defense of romance as a genre and the validity of women-centered stories. What puts it a cut above is that in addition to the female point of view, we are given a strong male one, too. And much of the understanding of the power of the novels comes from the title group - several men who have improved their relationships by reading romances so that they can better understand their partners. The two quotes above come from male characters.

It’s a cute premise and wouldn’t be more than that except that Adams is smart enough to not make this into a male-bashing story or faultless-woman-saves-bumbling-man narrative. Both her leads are fleshed out and nuanced with believable baggage that threatens their relationship. For a time, I was afraid it was veering into “Happy wife, happy life” territory, but it ultimately didn’t. (And if you ever want to hear my rant about that abhorrent little phrase, let me know.)

4 stars

>255 katiekrug: I have read 5 of the Dublin Murder Squad books and I hope to get to #6 early next year. It's a great series! I also have a couple of her stand-alone mysteries that I need to fit into my reading schedule at some point.

>270 katiekrug: Adding that one to the BlackHole. Thanks for the review and recommendation, Katie!

I hope you have a wonderful Sunday!

>271 DeltaQueen50: - I have a copy of The Searcher, along with the rest of the DMS series on my shelf... So. Many. Books.

>272 alcottacre: - You're welcome!

I had a mostly lazy day yesterday, though I did clean a bathroom, stayed on top of the dishes, and made soup and biscuits. The soup turned out great (https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/hearty-sausage-soup/) though it was rather bland despite my upping all the seasoning. Paprika would be a good addition, if anyone wants to try it. And the drop biscuits were fabulous (thanks, Mary!). I didn't use ranch seasoning - instead I added garlic powder and shredded cheddar. So yummy. And easy!

After dinner, we watched some cooking shows and an episode each of 'Only Connect' and 'Mastermind,' both of which I am slightly obsessed with. Gotta love YouTube...

We have a gym session this morning and then it's a Get Shit Done day. I am determined to make my way through my To Do list, which includes several phone calls I keep putting off. But if I get it all done, I've promised myself an Only Good Things day on Tuesday :)

I should finish up Faithful Place today. Not sure what will be next.

>270 katiekrug: I read somewhere that the author had come across several RL egs of similar bookclubs after writing her novel. I really *want* this to be true and not just publicity puffery.

>274 katiekrug: oooh, that sounds like a delicious substitute. I'll have to give it a whirl next time!

Morning, Katie! Your comments about the book on The Office made me order ti for Daniel for Christmas - he is a huge fan, and that sounds like something he would love, so thanks for helping with my Christmas shopping.

I'm off to follow the link to that soup recipe!

Garlic and cheddar biscuits sound delightful indeed, and your "Only-Good-Things" dodge is genius. Talk about motivating!

>275 charl08: - It's nice to think that may be true!

>276 bell7: - Next time, I'm going to add some chives, I think.

>277 Crazymamie: - Yay! I hope Daniel enjoys it. I'm pretty sure he will.

The soup recipe made a TON - I almost couldn't fit it all in my crock pot. Once the cabbage cooked down, though, it was fine.

>278 richardderus: - I hope the motivation works!

Mmm, I'm having a leftover biscuit for breakfast as reward for surviving the gym. I popped it in the microwave for 20 seconds and it got soft and warm. Delicious.

Okay - now to shower and get going with my day!

Every day is "Get Shit Done day"

Alas, not every day is "I got shit Done yesterday" day.

When is cornbread week?

>281 magicians_nephew: - I like to make sure not every day involves getting shit done. Sometimes one needs to just be lazy!

I finally caved and bought some cornbread at the store the other day. Not half bad for a store bakery...

I am not a fan of The Office (cringe humour is not for me) but Mr. Fine quite likes it so I'll have to tell him the oral history is good.

And you'll be pleased to know that I picked up Bromance Book Club when I went to the library last week and it's next up after my current read. :)

>283 MickyFine: - The Wayne is also not a fan of The Office for the same reason, Micky.

I hope you love BBC. Can't wait to hear what you think.

My girl Nancy Pearl chats with Julia Quinn.

THAT Julia Quinn.

>285 richardderus: - Thanks for sharing! I'm bookmarking it to watch later today.

Morning, peeps! Sunny and brisk out there, just like autumn should be. I got lots of my To Do list finished yesterday, so I get to goof off today. Not really - I still have some errands to run, but I'll also be getting a pedicure and doing lots of reading. We may or may not do trivia tonight - The Wayne has a work thing until 7pm, and by the time we get to the pub, it might be full. If it is, we'll just go somewhere for dinner.

I made lemon chicken thighs in the InstantPot for dinner last night, with Israeli couscous and green beans on the side. Meh, not my favorite. I'd probably like it better with chicken breasts, and I've decided I prefer non-Israeli couscous (I'm not sure what it's designated...). We planned our Thanksgiving meal, so I'll pick up a few things for that today when I go to the store.

I finished Faithful Place which was excellent, and have started on The Kitchen Boy. And I'm still enjoying The Office audio - I feel like a broken record about that one. It's kind of long...

Morning, Katie!

>279 katiekrug: That's what happens when I make cabbage and sausage in our slow cooker - it barely fits with some inventive shoving and balancing of the lid until it cooks down a bit. I just got a new slow cooker, and I thought it was going to be the same size as my old one, but it is actually smaller (the new one is a 6 quart, and the old one is a 7 quart). Whoops. I can actually set the new insert inside of the old one. So this will be a learning experience for me. But I do love the smaller footprint of it and it's much easier for me to move around. Plus shiny and the insert and lid can go in the dishwasher.

>288 Crazymamie: - Morning, Mamie! What slow cooker did you get? Ours still works, but the lid latch thingamajig broke off, and to take the lid off, I have to wheedle a utensil between it and the lip of the pot and then it usually dips into whatever is cooking and I have to clean it off. It's annoying, so now I want a new one.

Morning, Katie!

I got rid of my slow cooker when I got the IP, but I've since regretted that decision because the slow cooker part of the IP doesn't really do very well. *sigh*

I got the new GreenPan one:



I loved being able to sauté or brown something and then switch over to slow cook in my old one, so I wanted that feature. I also like that the insert is rectangular instead of oval. I have not used it yet as it just came this weekend.

Anything new on your Thanksgiving menu? I can't believe it's next week!

*back to add that you really do need a new one!

>290 scaifea: - Yeah, I've heard the slow cooker function of the IP isn't great. Sounds like you need to buy one, too :)

>291 Crazymamie: - Oooh, it's purty! I'll look into that one.

Not really anything new on the menu. The question mark is usually what vegetable we'll have, and we've decided on balsamic bacon brussel sprouts. And we're going to try a Skinnytaste recipe for slow cooker turkey breast (an entire bird is too much for just the two of us, even accounting for leftovers) that's supposed to yield a gravy, too.

Oh! The sprouts sound most YUM. Craig is in charge of the turkey, and the girls and I do all the sides. Last year, Daniel and Kaitlyn brought pineapple casserole, which is a Thing down here and her grandmother's recipe of dressing - very Deep South and totally different from mine (which is a cornbread/chorizo kind of thing with some heat to it). I keep trying to cut down on the sides, but each one is someone's favorite and apparently we cannot do without it.

Sounds a bit like our Christmas dinner problem. I think my record is 10 different vegetables on the plate. and that was not accounting for the pigs in blankets and stuffing. I like vege. I'm less of a fan of hot turkey, but I do love me a cold turkey sandwich, so we have one anyway. Just a rolled breast joint, just the 2 of us it doesn't make sense to do anything else.

>293 Crazymamie: - The sides are my favorite part of Thanksgiving. I am still trying to perfect my mom's stuffing - it's a sausage one, and I get pretty close to it, but it's never as good. I would have to pass on the pineapple casserole...

>294 Helenliz: - Leftover turkey for sandwiches is The Best. I usually have a bit of hot turkey and gravy but it's also not my favorite.

Nuala is ensconced at day care and I've mailed off the flood inspector's report and insurance check to the mortgage company. The check is made out to me and to the mortgage company, so they need to endorse it, which is annoying. Hopefully, they'll turn it around quickly.

I'll be heading out for my pedicure soon. I might add extra leg and foot massage onto it, so I get more reading time :) But I can't go until I talk to an insulation company that's supposed to be calling this morning. We have a weird crawl space under part of the house that got flooded, so all the insulation had to be removed and the area remediated. Now we need insulation put in, and The Wayne is not interested in lying in the dirt for several hours doing it. Can't say that I blame him! Anyhoo, hopefully these guys can get it done before the real cold sets in so our heating bill doesn't spike.

I kept my Hamilton Beach Set It and Forget It 6 Quart Slow Cooker after I received my Instant Pot as a Christmas gift, as several of my IP owning friends said that it wasn't a great slow cooker, and I'm glad that I did, especially since it still works great after nearly eight years of use.

I think that the "regular" couscous is called Moroccan couscous.

>296 katiekrug: Good luck with the insulation people! Hope it's all sorted soon.

Slow cookers...is anything actually wrong with the CrockPot $30-at-Kohl's kind? I have two...a four-quart for food, a ten-quart for quickbreads and cakes...and they work fine. The Instant Pot was a disaster, kept tripping the breaker in this relic of a building. Dammit anyway!

pssst it's Winter not Fall the equinox is MIDautumn so Winter starts six weeks later ie now

>295 katiekrug: Abby is the only one of us that likes it - it's very traditional here in the Deep South. Along with tomato pie, which I also do not care for. Like Helen, I am not much for turkey, but I do like it leftover in a sandwich.

Ugh to the insulation woes.

>298 richardderus: I don't care for the $30-at-Kohl's kind. I want to be able to do more with it than just slow cook.

>296 katiekrug: Have fun making your toes pretty! Do you have a default colour you do or do you change it up all the time?

>297 kidzdoc: - Hi Darryl! Yup - everything I heard said not to use the IP as a slow cooker.

I don't know how old the slow cooker we have is - I'm pretty sure it came along with The Wayne...

Moroccan! Yes!

>298 richardderus: - It's autumn until after Thanksgiving, as far as I'm concerned :D

Nothing wrong with the basic variety - that's what we currently have, and as I said to Darryl, we've had it forever and it still works fine. I do like the idea of maybe doing more with it, as Mamie's new one does. But I'm not sure I want to pay that much. I'd put it on my Christmas list, but I am opposed to kitchen/household goods as gifts...

>299 Crazymamie: - Has Abby had COVID and lost her sense of taste? ;-) Heh.

All this talk of turkey sandwiches is reminding me that I'll need to buy bread. I am very particular about the type of bread I have leftover thanksgiving turkey sandwiches on.

>300 MickyFine: - I like to mix up the colors - up to a point. I don't like pastels, because my skin is so pale. I had had a lovely deep reddish purple up until today, but now they are a shimmery autumn brown that I really like.

I also splurged on extra massage time, so I'm a happy camper.

>301 katiekrug: I'd LOVE kitchen stuff for a prezzie! (As long as I chose it.) What I really, really, really hate as a gift is clothes. (My mother chose school clothes for xmas gifts until I was seventeen...underwear! socks! wrapped as gifts! *grrr*)

>302 richardderus: - Nope, kitchen stuff shouldn't be presents because it's necessary. Presents, if at all possible, should never be necessary stuff (see: your mom and school clothes!). The only acceptable clothing for presents are silly t-shirts or similar.

>303 katiekrug: Awomen! And also fancy-schmancy clothes, like a tux or a ball gown.

Happy Tuesday, Katie!

>302 richardderus: I agree about kitchen stuff. I've had all the necessities for 40 years or so. The nifty implements and gadgets would always be welcome as gifts. My mom gave me a waffle iron one year, and it thrilled me. I had never made waffles, and neither had she. (She was a dab hand at pancakes, though. I still can't make those turn out well.) What fun we had learning to use it. Neither of us were ever without one after than.

>304 richardderus: - Don't those count as necessary? Heh.

>305 alcottacre: - Hi Stasia!

>306 laytonwoman3rd: - I should probably admit to giving The Wayne kitchen stuff on occasion - one year, I was convinced he was getting me a gorgeous handbag I wanted from Coach, so in a fit of "fair play" I bought three pieces of Le Creuset cookware for him. And, um, I was wrong about the bag...

I'm also in the process of planning our Thanksgiving dinner at my parents' house, which I've had to take the lead on the past two years due to my father's cognitive decline, my mother's Alzheimer's disease, and the deaths of my non-biological uncle and his wife a few months apart. My father can still cook, but I doubt that he can make more than two things, and since our other guests don't cook much the bulk of the responsibility may be up to me. Now that I've taken on a greater role in cooking Thanksgiving dinner I've become more interested in incorporating some non-traditional foods into the meal, which has been well received by family and friends.

Here's what I'm thinking so far:
* Turkey (I have a coupon from Giant Supermarket for a free one, so I'll certainly use it. I've never cooked a whole turkey before, so I'm reluctant to do so the first time for Thanksgiving, but my mother's beloved stuffing recipe calls for two turkey thighs)
* Ham (from The Honey-Baked Ham Company)
* Creole chicken and Andouille sausage jambalaya (my parents, brother and cousin all love it, and my New Orleans relatives routinely made it, and gumbo, for Thanksgiving dinner)
* Ny mother's Cornbread Stuffing with Turkey Thighs
* Macaroni and cheese (my father will do that)
* Yotam Ottolenghi's Sumac Sweet Potato Fries (I made them for Thanksgiving three years ago, and my brother, his significant other, and my cousin devoured them like starved wombats)
* Jacques Pépin's Thanksgiving Brussels Sprouts with Bacon (another recipe I've made which they all love; very easy!)
* Collard greens
* Sweet potato pecan pies (my brother's specialty)

I might also make Greek eggplant and lamb moussaka on Thanksgiving Eve in place of jambalaya, but I think the family would prefer the latter.

Hopefully I won't have to cook all of this!

>308 kidzdoc: - But... but... where's the mashed potatoes?!?!? As a good Irish girl, I need potatoes in some form. Sweet potatoes don't count. Also, I hate them.

I'm so glad you linked to the brussels sprouts recipe, because I had remembered your mention of this as a favorite, so I was going to look it up and see if The Wayne wanted to do the sprouts that way. I'll share the link with him...

>292 katiekrug: >309 katiekrug: We get a weekly vegetable box and tomorrow we have Brussels sprouts and neither of us are a fan. But balsamic bacon Brussels sprouts sounds quite nice.

Blimey, that's some operation!

I can't get my head around cheese on the same plate as gravy, so I'm eyeing the macaroni cheese askance.

>309 katiekrug: phew! I'm not a fan. Give me a proper spud, anyday, but I'd go roasted with a joint.

>309 katiekrug: Ha! I'm not a huge fan of mashed potatoes, and we didn't routinely have them for Thanksgiving in my extended family. However, I love this recipe for Colcannon from Bon Appétit, which I often make for St Patrick's Day alongside corned beef & cabbage or the slow cooked Irish lamb stew that Caroline (@cameling) shared with me several years ago. (My paternal great-grandmother was an Irish immigrant, so I proudly claim my 1/8th Irish heritage!)

Sweet potato casserole is too, um, sweet for me, but the sumac sweet potato fries are fabulous! Baked or microwaved sweet potatoes served with butter are also delightful.

I've made those Brussels sprouts more often than anything else over the past 12 months, as this is my favorite vegetable. I'll make some again today, to go with a salmon burger from Publix for dinner.

>311 Helenliz: This shouldn't be as hard as it looks, especially if someone else cooks the turkey, or if I only cook the turkey thighs on Thanksgiving Eve. The ham is already cooked; collard greens just have to simmer on the stove for a few hours after they come to a boil; the jambalaya isn't hard or overly time consuming; and the sweet potato fries and Brussels sprouts are quick and easy. The only thing I haven't made before is the stuffing, so that will be the biggest challenge, especially since my mother doesn't remember how to make it. Fortunately her recipes, kept in her recipe box, are generally thorough and precise, and if I follow it I think it will turn out okay. It would be even better if my cousin or brother make it instead of me.

The Southern style macaroni & cheese we (my father and I, using different recipes) make is very firm and not at all runny. It can be cut into slices, so it won't run into the gravy. We always had turkey with gravy, stuffing and macaroni & cheese on our Thanksgiving plates, and the combination was never a problem.

>301 katiekrug: Right?! Abby HAS had COVID and lost her sense of taste and smell, but she said she got them back again.

I did not even blink or hesitate at the price tag of the new slow cooker - we use ours ALL the time and the previous one lasted us over a decade, so...

What kind of bread do you like your leftover turkey sammies on?

>302 richardderus: Me, too!

>306 laytonwoman3rd: Yep - I love getting kitchen gadgets/fancy appliances for gifts.

>308 kidzdoc: We have the same ham recipe! Creole chicken and Andouille sausage jambalaya sound most YUM.

Heavens! I've been making colcannon all my life without knowing it had a name.

No peel on the smashies = "just a tiny dot, please."

"Sweet" "potatoes" are the Devil's Own...stringy, sickly, disturbingly Day-Glo.

ALL UNWANTED BRUSSELS SPROUTS MAY BE SENT TO MY ATTENTION AT:

>310 SandDune: - They're really delicious, Rhian. Give them a try and report back!

>311 Helenliz: - I love a good roasted potato. I also love 'em just boiled with lots of butter and salt and pepper :)

>312 kidzdoc: - Colcannon is a favorite of ours, too. There's an Irish pub nearby that used to have it on the menu, but they took it off for some inexplicable reason.

You can have ALL the sweet potatoes, even in fry form.

>313 kidzdoc: - My MIL's mac and cheese is similar to yours/your dad's. I don't hate it, but I prefer a gooey-er preparation...

The Wayne and I were discussing cooking logistics last night and what we could make on Wednesday, or at least get started before the day itself. My family's tradition for Thanksgiving Eve is to order pizza and then make the icebox cake. When we lived in Dallas, this is what we always did, and my cousins and I had big fights over the proper way to make the icebox cake. I don't make it now just for TW and me, but my family is threatening to FaceTime me while the kiddos make it next week.

>314 Crazymamie: - Abby is obviously lying to you ;-)

It's absolutely worth the investment since you use it so much. I only drag mine out once a month or so...

Leftover turkey sammies must be on Pepperidge Farm sliced white bread. With mayo and lots of salt and pepper. If I were in Dallas with my family, I'd also include an uber-thin layer of cranberry relish, but I don't make that, so I have to go without. My aunt's cranberry relish is fabulous - lots of orange and the sweet/tart balance is perfect. I wonder if she could ship me some...

>315 richardderus: - I'm so loving this conversation! I like peel-on and peel-off. For Thanksgiving, it's peel off.

*fist bump* on the sweet potato gak factor.

No unwanted sprouts here, sorry.

The Publix makes a Cranberry Orange Relish this time of year that we love. I get it for Thanksgiving, and I like to use it leftover in chicken salad using their spicy cranberry (or something like that) rotisserie chicken.

I always leave the peel on with mashed potatoes these days because of my CT - too much work, but also we love them with the skin still on. I have never had colcannon, but now I want some.

>317 Crazymamie: Oh Mamie...sweet summer child...colcannon (as I now know to call it) is simply from which to expire in the realms of stodge-you-shouldn't-eat-but-screw-it. I myownself make my cabbage in milk laced with mustard powder, because of course, but one needn't.

Adding pickled jalapeño brine with some chopped jalapeños themselves adds something ineffable to cranberry-orange sauce. But almost no one eats my favorite fruit side anymore...pickled crabapples. Hard to find, even harder to find the crabapples themselves.

>316 katiekrug: Trade you my entire lifetime's rations of turkey for yours of sprouts....

>308 kidzdoc: So what time's dinner? i can make Philly by mid-day Thursday.

>309 katiekrug: I usually skip the mashed potatoes, but this past year I found a recipe for Norwegian comfort food that is basically full-fat mashed potatoes, mixed with flaked cooked cod, and topped with roasted vegetables. Yum.

>310 SandDune: For people that generally don't like Brussel sprouts i have a sautéed shredded sprouts with toasted hazelnuts recipe that usually goes over well.

>312 kidzdoc: My sweet potatoes are usually in the form of a four-ingredient soufflé -- mashed sweet potatoes, eggs, a dash of cinnamon, and dark rum -- which I maintain is an entrée, not a dessert. It is heavenly.

>317 Crazymamie: - Jealous of that Publix relish! I should maybe look at some of the more specialty groceries around here and see what they have on offer. Oooh, project! A day exploring tiny food markets!

>318 richardderus: - No deal. Maybe Rhian will give you hers, though once she discovers the joys of balsamic and bacon with them, you may be totally SOL.

>319 ELiz_M: - Oooh, that Norwegian dish sounds excellent. TW wouldn't touch it because of the fish, but I'd snarfle it right up. His mashed potatoes are also full fat, which presented an issue at the store today, because they had ZERO heavy cream and a sign saying supply chain issues were behind it and the shortage was expected to last a few weeks. So there's another reason I need to go on The Great Market Trek...

Whew - a whole lot of cooking talk. I'm not that interested in the sport, but I'm always surprised at what people like or don't like, or find hard or easy. My mother never understood why people think turkey is hard to make, and she always made it on Thanksgiving and it was always simple and delicious. And while I love Brussels sprouts any way they are prepared, I really love sweet potatoes, as long as they are not contaminated with other sweet things or marshmallows or other strange stuff. So do send your orange potatoes to me please. I'll let you keep the sprouts - I can get my own.

This. Was. EPIC.

Gosh I'm loving all the Thanksgiving food talk! I'll be doing a very simple meal this year. Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, and probably boring old peas and onions. Maybe roasted butternut squash with bacon and garlic. There will only be 3 people at my table, so we have to go easy. I like to roast thighs the day before, and make gravy from those drippings, so I'm not messing around with that at dinner time. The first time I cooked a turkey was the first year I was married, and my parents came to Louisiana for Thanksgiving. It turned out beautifully, and I was enormously proud of myself. I have a photo of my Dad carving it, and picking off the crispy bits (carver's prerogative) for himself. I really do think roasting a bird is one of the easiest special things to do. But I hate the clean-up!

>321 ffortsa: - Hi Judy! It is interesting what people like and don't and why and what different traditions are. I should start a new thread, but I'm enjoying the discussion too much. Though perhaps it's reached its natural end... You are welcome to all my sweet potatoes :)

>322 richardderus: - What was?!?!?!

>323 laytonwoman3rd: - Making gravy the day before is a great idea. It's so fiddly. I remember my mom would stress out about the gravy more than anything else. Clean-up is never fun, but worth it in the end for a delicious and special meal.

Morning, all! We came in 11th (out of 16 teams) at trivia. Blerg. But we had fun, and I enjoyed my California chicken club, hold the avocado (so I guess it was just a chicken club...)

Today is laundry day and maybe a run to the library to pick up a hold and return a book. I might wait until the weekend, though, because the library is right near the high school, and it can be hard to find a parking spot during the week.

I'm about halfway through The Kitchen Boy, which is okay. The story is good but I don't love the writing. Still, I'll finish it because it's holding my attention well enough. My audiobook about The Office is progressing. We're now into the later seasons, which I did not enjoy much, so it's not as fun to hear about. Though it is interesting to get various perspectives on where people think the show went wrong.

Meatball and orzo casserole for dinner tonight.

>322 richardderus: >324 katiekrug: I'm guessing GBBO. RD likes to lord his early access over the rest of us, ya know (insert comment from RD about how easy it is to set up and why haven't we done so already LOL).

Morning, Katie! I have also been enjoying all the food conversation.

>326 lauralkeet: - Oh! I thought it aired on Wednesdays in the UK, so it didn't cross my mind.

I think RD owns stock in a VPN company ;-)

>327 Crazymamie: - Yay! I wouldn't want to bore people. I really should start that new thread, though...

New thread!

https://www.librarything.com/topic/336799

>325 katiekrug: I liked The Kitchen Boy up to a point. And I won't tell you what that point was, but I'll be curious to see your final thoughts on it. I will say that having read it, I had no inclination whatsoever to follow up with any of the author's other Romanov tales.