karenmarie - glad to be here in 2022, part VIII

Welcome to my eighth thread of Two Thousand and Twenty-Two!

The Good: Family, friends, kitties, books, in constantly-rotating order. I continue to use a treadmill 3 times a week, and low-sodium is my new normal.

The Bad and the Sad: Covid seems to come and go by county now. Our county is low risk right now, but was medium last week. The Supreme Court has overturned Roe v. Wade in a paean to the worship of sperm and control of women here in the US.

The Ugly: The Gang of Psychos is doing more and more to harm to our republic. Even though I have always disagreed with most of their policies, at least they weren't right-wing nut jobs until you-know-who reared his ugly head.

The encouraging: I’ve lost 44.5 pounds and am reaching a weight I haven’t been at for at least 17 years, probably more. I want to lose 8.5 more pounds by October, in time for my annual physical so I can astound my GP. *smile*

I am so glad I’m retired, and am beyond grateful that I don’t have to venture out to work to earn a living ever again. I’ve paid my dues. Every day I don’t work is a cause for celebration.

I read and am a charter member of the Redbud and Beyond Book Club, started in 1997. We’ve established a schedule for May 2022 – February 2023, and I loved the first book. We’ve revised our meeting schedule. We had the same schedule from 1997 – 2020, didn’t meet after March of 2020, and are now meeting the second Thursday at 11 a.m. instead of the first Sunday at 7 p.m. I am President for our local Friends of the Library. At the last minute I found a Treasurer for 2022-2023, so will stay on as President one more year, giving my resignation at the first meeting of the new fiscal year, effective June 30, 2023. I’ll stay on the Board as Immediate Past President for however long the next President serves, then completely leave the Board and just stay on the Book Sale Team. I feel good about this.

I have been married to Bill for 31 years and am mother to Jenna, 28. She will be returning home in July to regroup. Bill and I live in our own little corner of paradise on 8 acres in central North Carolina USA.

We have three kitties. Inara – 15, Zoe – 3 1/2, Wash – 2 ½.


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Last month, June, is the birth month of my father. He would have been 101 this year, born June 25th in Omaha Nebraska. He served honorably in WWII. In addition to playing trumpet, he slogged all over the Eastern European Theater, getting wounded and carrying shrapnel in his right leg ‘til the day he died. Dad’s on the left.
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My goal last year was 100 books and I exceeded it by 3. This year’s goal is reduced to 75, but a bodice-ripper-reading streak in May and June has me at 105 already. My reading mojo has come roaring back with a vengeance. A reduced pages goal made sense, too, but I’ve already read 33K pages.

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Poetry is not a go-to genre by any means, however, I am going to choose a short new poem for each new thread. Not a poem, but song lyrics this time.

You Take My Breath Away – Freddie Mercury/Queen
Look into my eyes and you'll see
I'm the only one
You've captured my love
Stolen my heart
Changed my life

Every time you make a move
You destroy my mind
And the way you touch
I lose control and shiver
Deep inside

You take my breath away

You can reduce me to tears
With a single sigh
Every breath that you take
Every song that you make
Is a whisper in my ear

I would give up all my life
For just one kiss
I would surely die
If you dismiss me from your love

You take my breath away

So please don't go
Don't leave me here all by myself
I get ever so lonely
From time to time

I will find you
Anywhere you go
I'll be right behind you
Right until the ends of the earth
I'll get no sleep till I find you
To tell you
When I've found you
I love you

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2022 - it has to be better than 2020 and 2021, right?

Books Read

January
1. The Guncle by Steven Rowley 12/19/21 1/2/2022 324 pages hardcover
2. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling 9/29/21 1/6/22 audiobook 19 hours
3. Some Die Nameless by William Stroby 1/3/22 1/12/2022 337 pages hardcover
4. Should We Stay or Should We Go by Lionel Shriver 1/14/22 1/24/22 266 pages hardcover
5. Faithless in Death by J.D. Robb 1/25/22 1/29/22 385 pages trade paperback

February
6. Forgotten in Death by J.D. Robb 1/29/22 2/1/22 388 pages trade paperback
7. Midnight in Death in Silent Night by J.D. Robb 2/1/22 2/1/22 90 pages mass market paperback
8. Interlude in Death by J.D. Robb 2/2/22 2/3/22 92 pages mass market paperback
9. Remember When by Nora Roberts 2/3/22 2/6/22 243 pages mass market paperback
10. Big Jack 2/6/22 2/8/22 287 pages mass market paperback
11. Haunted in Death in Bump in the Night by J.D. Robb 2/9/22 2/10/22 100 pages mass market paperback
12. Eternity in Death by J.D. Robb in Time of Death Anthology 2/10/22 2/13/22 108 pages trade paperback
13. Ritual in Death by J.D. Robb in Time of Death Anthology 2/14/22 2/14/22 88 pages trade paperback
14. Missing in Death by J.D. Robb in Time of Death Anthology 2/15/22 2/15/22 96 pages trade paperback
15. Possession in Death in The Other Side Anthology by J.D. Robb 2/16/22 2/19/22 80 pages mass market paperback
16. Killing Floor by Lee Child 2/20/22 2/26/22 407 pages mass market paperback
17. Chaos in Death in The Unquiet Anthology by J.D. Robb 2/26/22 2/27/22 90 pages mass market paperback
18. Woke Racism: How a New Religion Has Betrayed Black America by John McWhorter 2/16/22 2/28/22 194 pages hardcover
19. Taken in Death in Mirror, Mirror Anthology by J.D. Robb 2/27/22 2/28/22 86 pages mass market paperback

March
20. Wonderment in Death in Down the Rabbit Hole Anthology by J.D. Robb 3/1/22 3/1/22 94 pages mass market paperback
21. A Tap on the Window by Linwood Barclay 3/2/22 3/5/22 500 pages hardcover
**abandoned** The Winshaw Legacy by Jonathan Coe 58 pages
22. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows 1/7/22 3/8/22 audiobook 21.5 hours
23. The Locked Room by Elly Griffiths 3/8/22 3/10/22 363 pages hardcover
24. Maus by Art Spiegelman 3/11/22 3/11/22 159 pages trade paperback
25. The Book of General Ignorance: Everything You Think You Know Is Wrong by John Mitchinson 1/21/22 3/11/22 315 pages hardcover
26. Better Off Dead by Lee Child and Andrew Child 3/13/22 3/14/22 325 pages hardcover
27. The Scholar by Dervla McTiernan 3/15/22 3/18/22 360 pages trade paperback
28. Nine Stories by J.D. Salinger 3/12/22 3/20/22 302 pages hardcover
29. The Good Turn by Dervla McTiernan 3/18/22 3/23/22 407 pages trade paperback
30. The Woman In Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware 3/24/22 3/26/22 340 pages

April
31. The Hill We Climb by Amanda Gorman 4/9/22 4/9/22 29 pages
32. Last Words by Michael Koryta 3/27/22 4/12/22 420 pages trade paperback
33. The Adults by Caroline Hulse 4/11/22 4/16/22 368 pages trade paperback
34. The Story of Human Language by John McWhorter 3/9/22 4/20/22 audiobook 18 hours
35. A Personal History of Thirst by John Burdett 4/17/22 4/23/22 301 pages hardcover
36. The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn 4/23/22 4/24/22 416 pages Kindle
37. An Offer From a Gentleman by Julia Quinn 4/24/22 4/25/22 419 pages Kindle
38. Romancing Mister Bridgerton by Julia Quinn 4/26/22 4/27/22 412 pages Kindle
39. To Sir Philip, With Love by Julia Quinn 4/27/22 4/29/22 369 pages Kindle
40. When He Was Wicked by Julia Quinn 4/29/22 4/30/22 381 pages Kindle

May
41. It's In His Kiss by Julia Quinn 5/1/22 5/1/22 373 pages Kindle
42. On The Way to the Wedding by Julia Quinn 5/2/22 5/22/22 430 pages Kindle
43. Because of Miss Bridgerton by Julia Quinn 5/2/22 5/3/22 376 pages Kindle
44. The Girl With the Make-Believe Husband by Julia Quinn 5/3/22 5/4/22 384 pages Kindle
45. The Other Miss Bridgerton by Julia Quinn 5/4/22 5/5/22 337 pages Kindle
46. First Comes Scandal by Julia Quinn 5/5/22 5/6/22 371 pages Kindle
47. Just Like Heaven by Julia Quinn 5/6/22 5/6/22 Kindle 218 pages
48. A Night Like This by Julia Quinn 5/6/22 5/8/22 420 pages Kindle
49. The Sum of All Kisses by Julia Quinn 5/8/22 5/9/22 434 pages Kindle
50. The Secrets of Sir Richard Kenworthy by Julia Quinn 5/9/22 5/10/22 378 pages Kindle
51. The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever by Julia Quinn 5/10/22 5/10/22 322 pages Kindle
52. What Happened in London by Julia Quinn 5/10/22 5/11/22 372 pages Kindle
53. Ten Things I Love About You by Julia Quinn 5/11/22 5/11/22 377 pages Kindle
54. The Lost Duke of Wyndham by Julia Quinn 5/11/22 5/12/22 364 pages Kindle
55. Mr. Cavendish, I Presume by Julia Quinn 5/12/22 5/12/22 370 pages Kindle
56. To Catch an Heiress by Julia Quinn 5/12/22 5/13/22 377 pages Kindle
57. How to Marry a Marquis by Julia Quinn 5/13/22 5/14/22 375 pages Kindle
58. Midnight Marriage by Lucinda Brant 5/14/22 5/15/22 322 pages Kindle
59. Autumn Duchess 5/15/22 369 pages Kindle
60. Dair Devil by Lucinda Brant 5/16/22 5/17/22 Kindle
61. Proud Mary by Lucinda Brant 5/18/22 5/20/22 367 pages Kindle
62. Satyr's Son by Lucinda Brant 5/20/22 5/21/22 345 pages Kindle
63. Salt Bride by Lucinda Brant 5/21/22 5/22/22 350 pages Kindle
64. The Duchess Deal by Tessa Dare 5/22/22 5/22/22 366 pages Kindle
65. ‎The Governess Game by Tessa Dare 5/22/22 5/22/22 372 pages Kindle
66. The Wallflower Wager by Tessa Dare 5/23/22 5/23/22 352 pages Kindle
67. Romancing the Duke by Tessa Dare 5/23/22 5/24/22 370 pages Kindle
68. Say Yes to the Marquess by Tessa Dare 5/24/22 5/25/22 373 pages Kindle
69. When a Scot Ties the Knot by Tessa Dare 5/25/22 5/26/22 376 pages Kindle
70. Do You Want to Start a Scandal by Tessa Dare 5/26/22 376 pages Kindle
71. A Night to Surrender by Tessa Dare 5/27/22 5/27/22 376 pages Kindle
**abandoned** The Blind Duke by Olivia T. Bennet 112 pages
72. A Week to be Wicked by Tessa Dare 5/27/22 5/28/22 356 pages Kindle
73. A Lady by Midnight by Tessa Dare 5/28/22 5/28/22 373 pages Kindle
74. Any Duchess Will Do by Tessa Dare 5/28/22 5/29/22 373 pages Kindle
75. One Dance with a Duke by Tessa Dare 5/29/22 5/30/22 384 pages Kindle
**abandoned** Twice Tempted by a Rogue by Tessa Dare 140 pages
76. Deadly Engagement by Lucinda Brant 5/30/22 5/31/22 276 pages Kindle

June
77. Someone to Watch Over Me by Lisa Kleypas 6/1/22 6/4/22 362 pages Kindle
78. Four Nights with a Duke by Eloisa James 6/4/22 367 pages Kindle
79. Desperate Duchesses by Eloisa James 6/4/22 6/5/22 Kindle
80. An Affair Before Christmas by Eloisa Janes 6/5/22 6/5/22 388 pages Kindle
81. Duchess by Night by Eloisa James 6/5/22 6/6/22 6/6/22 361 pages Kindle
82. When the Duke Returns by Eloisa James 6/6/22 6/7/22 375 pages Kindle
83. This Duchess of Mine by Eloisa James 6/7/22 6/8/22 372 pages Kindle
84. A Duke of Her Own by Eloisa James 6/8/22 6/8/22 386 pages Kindle
85. Three Weeks With Lady X by Eloisa James 6/8/22 6/9/22 378 pages Kindle
86. Seven Minutes in Heaven by Eloisa James 6/9/22 6/10/22 Kindle
87. Wilde in Love by Eloisa James 6/10/22 6/11/22 274 pages Kindle
88. Too Wilde to Wed by Eloisa James 6/11/22 6/12/22 370 pages Kindle
**abandoned** How To Be Champion by Sarah Millican 49 pages
89. Born to be Wilde by Eloisa James 6/12/22 6/13/21 361 pages Kindle
90. Say No to the Duke by Eloisa James 6/13/22 6/13/22 364 pages Kindle
91. Say Yes to the Duke by Eloisa James 6/13/22 6/14/22 386 pages Kindle
92. Wilde Child by Eloisa James 6/14/22 6/16/22 374 pages Kindle
93. My Last Duchess by Eloisa James 6/16/22 6/16/22 254 pages Kindle
94. Much Ado About You by Eloisa James 6/16/22 6/17/22 344 pages Kindle
95. Love, Hate & Clickbait by Liz Bowery 6/14/22 6/18/22 325 pages trade paperback
96. Kiss Me, Annabel by Eloisa James 6/17/22 6/9/22 384 pages Kindle
97. The Taming of the Duke 6/19/22 6/20/22 394 pages Kindle
98. Pleasure for Pleasure by Eloisa James 6/20/22 6/21/22 Kindle
99. Lady Susan by Jane Austen 5/29/22 6/21/22 76 pages hardcover
100. Potent Pleasures by Eloisa James 6/21/22 6/22/22 Kindle
101. Duchess in Love by Eloisa James 6/22/22 6/23/22 Kindle
102. Fool for Love by Eloisa James 6/23/22 6/25/22 355 pages Kindle
103. A Wild Pursuit by Eloisa James 6/25/22 356 pages Kindle
104. Governor by Leslie Richardson 6/27/22 6/28/22 400 pages Kindle
105. Lieutenant by Leslie Richardson 6/28/22 6/28/22 273 pages Kindle
106. Chief by Lesli Richardson 6/28/22 6/29/22 244 pages Kindle
107. Yes, Governor by Leslie Richardson 6/29/22 6/29/22 47 pages Kindle
108. Pet by Lesli Richardson 6/29/22 6/30/22 201 pages Kindle

July
109. Dignity by Lesli Richardson 6/30/22 7/1/22 330 pages Kindle
110. Your Wicked Ways by Eloisa James 7/1/22 7/3/22 Kindle
111. Captivating by Onley James 7/3/22 7/3/22 277 pages Kindle
112. Intoxicating by Onley James 7/3/22 7/4/22 374 pages Kindle
113. Exasperating by Onley James 7/4/22 7/5/22 275 pages Kindle
114. Infuriating by Onley James 7/5/22 7/5/22 361 pages Kindle
115. Satisfying by Onley James 7/5/22 7/5/22 75 pages Kindle
116. Bad Habits by Neve Wilder and Onley James 7/6/22 7/7/22 328 pages Kindle
117. Play Dirty by Neve Wilder and Onley James 7/7/22 7/8/22 247 pages Kindle
118. Head Games by Neve Wilder and Onley James 7/8/22 7/8/22 171 pages Kindle
119. Unhinged by Onley James 7/9/22 7/10/22 294 pages Kindle
120. Psycho by Onley James 7/10/22 7/10/22 269 pages Kindle
121. Moonstruck by Onley James 7/10/22 7/11/22 295 pages Kindle
122. Headcase by Onley James 7/11/22 7/11/22 292 pages Kindle
123. Mad Man by Onley James 7/11/22 7/12/22 281 pages Kindle
124. Domesticated Beast by Onley James 7/12/22 7/13/22 296 pages Kindle
125. Endangered Species by Onley James 7/13/22 7/14/22 222 pages Kindle
126. Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow 4/22/22 7/15/22 audiobook 29 CDs, 35.5 hours
127. Dangerous Breed by Onley James 7/14/22 7/15/22 242 pages Kindle
128. Disciplinary Action by Onley James 7/15/22 7/16/22 281 pages Kindle
129. Novel Affair by Ava Olsen 7/16/22 7/17/22 214 pages Kindle
130. His Cocky Valet by Cole McCade 7/17/22 7/18/22 240 pages Kindle
131. His Cocky Cellist by Cole McCade 7/18/22 7/18/22 384 pages Kindle
132. His Cocky Prince by Cole McCade 7/18/22 7/19/22 389 pages Kindle
**abandoned** Deadly Affair by Lucinda Brant 111 pages
133. Dom of Las Vegas by Tricia Owens 7/19/22 7/20/22 138 pages Kindle
134. Limited Liability by Tricia Owens 7/20/22 7/20/22 156 pages Kindle
135. Acceptable Sacrifices by Tricia Owens 7/21/22 7/21/22 161 pages Kindle
136. Devious Lies by Parker S. Huntington 7/22/22 7/23/22 690 pages Kindle
137. High Roller by Tricia Owens 7/23/22 7/23/22 150 pages Kindle
138. Asher Black by Parker S. Huntington 7/23/22 7/25/22 355 pages Kindle
139. Niccolaio Andretti by Parker S. Huntington 7/25/22 7/25/22 331 pages Kindle
140. Bastiano Romano by Parker S. Huntington 7/25/22 7/27/22 486 pages Kindle
141. Renata Vitali by Parker S. Huntington 7/27/22 7/28/22 Kindle
142. Damiano De Luca by Parker S. Huntington 7/28/22 7/28/22 Kindle
143. Most Wanted by Tricia Owens 7/24/22 7/29/22 Kindle 179 pages
144. Ranieri Andretti by Parker S. Huntington 7/29/22 7/30/22 137 137 pages Kindle
145. His to Keep by Violet James 7/30/22 7/31/22 165 pages Kindle
146. His to Teach by Violet James 7/31/22 8/1/22 306 pages Kindle
147. Darling Venom by Parker S. Huntington 7/30/22 8/2/22 660 pages Kindle
148. One Bossy Proposal by Nicole Snow 8/3/22 8/5/22 518 pages Kindle

Currently Reading:

Pilgrim by Timothy Findley 6/20/22 486 pages hardcover 1999
Criminal Intentions: The Cardigans 7/19/22 Kindle
Lessons in Obedience by Tricia Owens 7/31/22 Kindle
The Federalist edited by Jacob E. Cooke 5/28/22 656 pages hardcover 1961
Gillespie and I by Jane Harris 7/13/22 502 pages trade paperback 2011

Adds. Last year was supposed to be a year of controlling my insatiable need for books, but I fell off the wagon big time. 316 books acquired last year, which was ridiculously high compared to the previous year's 128.

I won't make any promises for this year, though.

1. Kindle - An Elderly Lady Is Up To No Good by Helene Tursten and Marlaine Delargy
2. Amazon - The Longevity Plan by Dr. John D. Day and Jane Ann Day
3. Amazon - My Name is Red by Orhan Pamuk
4. Amazon - Should We Stay Or Should We Go by Lionel Shriver
5. Kindle - Sam by Lonnie Coleman - RD
00 The Book of General Ignorance: Everything You Think You Know Is Wrong by John Mitchinson - bought December, just added to catalog
6. Amazon - Faithless in Death by J.D. Robb
7. Amazon - Forgotten in Death by J.D. Robb
8. Kindle - Walking on the Ceiling by Aysegül Savas
9. Jenn - A Good Scent from a Strange Mountain by Robert Olen Butler
10. Kindle - Kohinoor by William Dalrymple
11. Kindle - Eight Perfect Murders by Peter Swanson
12. Amazon - Mr. Flood's Last Resort by Jess Kidd
13. Kindle - In the Presence of Absence by Mahmoud Darwish
14. Kindle - Ten Lessons for a Post-Pandemic World by Fareed Zakaria
15. Kindle - South Sea Fever by D.A. Horncastle
16. Amazon - Jim Hanvey, Detective by Octavus Roy Cohen
17. Amazon - Abandoned in Death by J.D. Robb
18. Amazon - Maus I by Art Spiegelman
19. U of Chicago Press - A Brief History of Death by W.M. Spellman
19. U of Chicago Press - Patty's Got a Gun: Patricia Hearst in 1970s America by William Graebner
20. U of Chicago Press - Nuns Behaving Badly: Tales of Music, Magic, Art, and Arson in the Convents of Italy by Craig A. Monson
21. U of Chicago Press - Confederate Cities: The Urban South during the Civil War Era by Andrew L. Slap
22. Amazon - Down the Rabbit Hole by J.D. Robb
23. Amazon - Mirror, Mirror by J.D. Robb
24. Amazon - The Unquiet by J.D. Robb
25. Kindle - Twenty-Five to Life by R.W.W. Greene
26. Amazon - The Book of Disappearance by Ibtisam Azem
27. Amazon - Raise High The Room Beam, Carpenters and Seymour an Introduction by J.D. Salinger
28. Kindle - The Narrative of Sojourner Truth by Sojourner Truth
29. Amazon - Unfinished Business: Notes of a Chronic Re-reader by Vivian Gornick
30. Thrift Shop - Beau Brummell: The Ultimate Man of Style by Ian Kelly
31. Thrift Shop - The Mummy Congress: Science, Obsession, and the Everlasting Dead by Heather Pringle
32. Thrift Shop - Nine Parts of Desire: The Hidden World of Islamic Women by Geraldine Brooks
33. Thrift Shop - Last Words by Michael Koryta
34. Book Sale Volunteer book - Royal Escape by Georgette Heyer
35. Book Sale Volunteer book - Counterfeit Conspiracies by Ritter Ames
36. Book Sale Volunteer book - Marked Masters by Ritter Ames
37. Friends Book Sale - Abstract Aliases by Ritter Ames
38. Friends Book Sale - Fatal Forgeries by Ritter Ames
39. Friends Book Sale - Bronzed Betrayals by Ritter Ames
40. Friends Book Sale - Soul Mountain by Xingjian, Gao
41. Friends Book Sale - Carolina Moon by Jill McCorkle
42. Friends Book Sale - Pulse by Felix Francis
43. Friends Book Sale - Blue Labyrinth by Preston & Child
44. Friends Book Sale - Transcription by Kate Atkinson
45. Friends Book Sale - Miss Kopp Just Won't Quit by Amy Stewart
46. Friends Book Sale - Montana 1948 by Larry Watson
47. Friends Book Sale - The Case of the Caretaker's Cat / The Case of the Perjured Parrot by Erle Stanley Gardner
48. Friends Book Sale - Bland Beginning by Julian Symons
49. Friends Book Sale - Blue Lightning by Ann Cleeves
50. Friends Book Sale - The Color of Lightning by Paulette Jiles
51. Friends Book Sale - The Nine Tailors by Dorothy L. Sayers
52. Friends Book Sale - Postmortem by Patricia Daniels Cornwell
53. Friends Book Sale - The Shadow District by Arnaldur Indridason
54. Friends Book Sale - The Only Story by Julian Barnes
55. Friends Book Sale - Miss Pinkerton by Mary Roberts Rinehart
56. Friends Book Sale - Riding the Rap by Elmore Leonard
57. Friends Book Sale - The Wandering Fire by Guy Gavriel Kay
58. Friends Book Sale - Insidious Intent by Val McDermid
59. Friends Book Sale - Swing, Swing Together by Peter Lovesy
60. Friends Book Sale - Snow by Orhan Pamuk
61. Friends Book Sale - The Summer Tree by Guy Gavriel Kay
62. Friends Book Sale - Midnight Assassin: A Murder in America's Heartland by Patricia L. Bryan and Thomas Wolf
63. Friends Book Sale - An Abundance of Katherines by John Green
64. Friends Book Sale - The Darkest Road by Guy Gavriel Kay
65. Friends Book Sale - A Bitter Feast: A Novel by Deborah Crombie
66. Friends Book Sale - The Simple Art of Murder by Raymond Chandler
67. Friends Book Sale - The Bridesmaid by Ruth Rendell
68. Friends Book Sale - Dick Francis's Gamble by Felix Francis
69. Friends Book Sale - Killing the Shadows by Val McDermid
70. Friends Book Sale - The House of Silk: A Sherlock Holmes Novel by Anthony Horowitz
71. Friends Book Sale - The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn
72. Friends Book Sale - A Puzzle for Fools by Patrick Quentin
73. Amazon - The Adults by Caroline Hulse
74. Thrift Shop - The Intuitionist by Colson Whitehead
75. Thrift Shop - Tar Heel Ghosts by John Harden
76. Thrift Shop - Guilty Not Guilty by Felix Francis
77. Kindle - From Manassas to Appomattox by James Longstreet
78. Leftover from Friends Book Sale - A Personal History of Thirst by John Burdett
79. Kindle - The Road to Oxiana by Robert Byron
80. Amazon - Like a House On Fire by Caroline Hulse
81. Amazon - The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn
82. Kindle - The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn
83. Kindle - An Offer From a Gentleman by Julia Quinn
84. Kindle - To Sir Phillip, With Love by Julia Quinn
85. Kindle - When He Was Wicked by Julia Quinn
86. Kindle - On the Way to the Wedding by Julia Quinn
87. Kindle - Because of Miss Bridgerton by Julia Quinn
88. Kindle - The Girl With the Make-Believe Husband by Julia Quinn
89. Kindle - The Other Miss Bridgerton
90. Friend Karen - Stolen Words: The Nazi Plunder of Jewish Books by Mark Glickman
91. Kindle - First Comes Scandal by Julia Quinn
92. Kindle - Just Like Heaven by Julia Quinn
93. Kindle - A Night Like This by Julia Quinn
94. Kindle - The Sum of All Kisses by Julia Quinn
95. Kindle - The Secrets of Sir Richard Kenworthy by Julia Quinn
96. FoL Audio Visual Sale - The History of the Supreme Court by Professor Peter Irons
97. FoL Audio Visual Sale - Shakespeare's Tragedies by Professor Clare R. Kinney
98. Fol Audio Visual Sale - The Terror of History: Mystics, Heretics, and Witches in the Western Tradition by Professor Teofilo F. Ruiz
99. Fol Audio Visual Sale - How to Read and Understand Shakespeare by Professor Marc C. Conner
100. Fol Audio Visual Sale - 1066: The Year That Changed Everything by Professor Jennifer Paxton
101. Kindle - The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever by Julia Quinn
102. Amazon - Anatomy of a Scandal by Sarah Vaughan
103. Kindle - Ten Things I Love About You by Julia Quinn
104. Kindle - The Lost Duke of Wyndham by Julia Quinn
105. Kindle - Mr. Cavendish, I Presume by Julia Quinn
106. Kindle - To Catch an Heiress by Julia Quinn
107. Kindle - How to Marry a Marquis by Julia Quinn
108. Kindle - Midnight Marriage by Lucinda Brant
109. Kindle - Murder at the Brightwell by Ashley Weaver
110. Kindle - The Duchess Deal by Tessa Dare
111. Kindle - Autumn Duchess by Lucinda Brant
112. Kindle - Dair Devil by Lucinda Brant
113. Kindle - Proud Mary by Lucinda Brant
114. Kindle - Satyr's Son by Lucinda Brant
115. Kindle - The Bridgertons: Happily Ever After by Julia Quinn
116. In the House, found in a drawer - A Southern Album: Recollections of Some People and Places and Times Gone By by Irwin Glusker
117. Amazon - The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story by Nikole Hannah-Jones
118. Kindle - The Plot to Seize the White House: The Shocking True Story of the Conspiracy to Overthrow F.D.R. by Jules Archer
119. Kindle - The Governess Game by Tessa Dare
120. Kindle - The Wallflower Wager by Tessa Dare
121. Kindle - Romancing the Duke by Tessa Dare
122. Kindle - Say Yes to the Marquess by Tessa Dare
123. FoL volunteer book - The Federalist edited by Jacob E. Cooke
124. Kindle - When a Scot Ties the Knot by Tessa Dare
125. Kindle - Do You Want to Start a Scandal by Tessa Dare
126. Kindle - The Blind Duke by Olivia T. Bennett
127. Kindle - A Night to Surrender by Tessa Dare
128. Kindle - A Week to be Wicked by Tessa Dare
129. Kindle - A Lady by Midnight by Tessa Dare
130. Kindle - Any Duchess Will Do by Tessa Dare
00 Homo Deus by Yuval Noah Harari - bought it in 2017 but had forgotten to add it to my catalog
131. Kindle - One Dance with a Duke by Tessa Dare
132. Kindle - Twice Tempted by a Rogue by Tessa Dare
133. Kindle - The Sentence by Louise Erdrich - returned. Ugh.
133. Kindle - Desperate Duchesses by Eloisa James
134. Thrift Shop - Siler City - Verses for the Dead by Preston & Child
135. Thrift Shop - Siler City - Love is Blind by Lyndsay Sands
136. Thrift Shop - Pittsboro - Two Graves by Preston & Child
137. Thrift Shop - Pittsboro - Don't Look Down by Jennifer Crusie & Bob Mayer
138. Thrift Shop - Pittsboro - Duchess by Night by Eloisa James
139. Kindle - Someone to Watch Over Me by Lisa Kleypas
140. Kindle - Four Nights With a Duke by Eloisa James
141. Kindle - Desperate Duchesses by Eloisa James
142. Kindle - An Affair Before Christmas by Eloisa James
143. Kindle - Duchess by Night by Eloisa James
144. Kindle - When the Duke Returns by Eloisa James
145. Kindle - This Duchess of Mine by Eloisa James
146. Kindle - A Duke of Her Own by Eloisa James
147. Kindle - Three Weeks with Lady X by Eloisa James
148. Kindle - Seven Minutes in Heaven by Eloisa James
149. Kindle - Wilde in Love by Eloisa James
150. Kindle - Too Wilde to Wed by Eloisa James
151. Amazon - Reclaiming Two-Spirits: Sexuality, Spiritual Renewal & Sovereignty in Native America by Gregory D. Smithers
152. Kindle - Born to be Wilde by Eloisa James
153. Kindle - Say No to the Duke by Eloisa James
154. Kindle - Say Yes to the Duke by Eloisa James
155. FoL volunteer book - Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann
156. FoL volunteer book - Selected Poems of Langston Hughes
157. Kindle - Wilde Child by Eloisa James
158. Kindle - My Last Duchess by Eloisa James
159. Kindle - Much Ado About You by Eloisa James
160. Amazon - Pilgrim by Timothy Findley
161. Kindle - Kiss Me, Annabel by Eloisa James
162. Kindle - The Taming of the Duke by Eloisa James
163. Kindle - Pleasure for Pleasure by Eloisa James
164. Kindle - Potent Pleasures by Eloisa James
165. Kindle - Memoir of Jane Austen by James Edward Austen-Leigh
166. Kindle - Duchess in Love by Eloisa James
167. Kindle - Fool for Love by Eloisa James
168. Kindle - Governor by Lesli Richardson
169. Kindle - The Wild Pursuit by Eloisa James
170. Kindle - The Complete Works of Alexander Hamilton
171. Kindle - The Affectionate Shepherd by Richard Barnfield
172. Friend Karen - The Mutual Admiration Society: How Dorothy L. Sayers and her Oxford Circle Remade the World for Women by Mo Moulton
173. Amazon - Pietr the Latvian by Georges Simenon
174. Kindle - Lieutenant by Lesli Richardson
175. Kindle - The Canterbury Tales and Other Poems by Geoffrey Chaucer
176. Kindle - Chief by Lesli Richardson
177. Kindle - Yes, Governor by Lesli Richardson
178. Kindle - Pet by Lesli Richardson
179. Kindle - Dignity by Lesli Richardson
180. Kindle - Diligence by Lesli Richardson
181. Kindle - Desire by Lesli Richardson
182. Friend Jan - Open and Shut by David Rosenfelt
183. Friend Jan - First Degree by David Rosenfelt
184. Friend Jan - Bury the Lead by David Rosenfelt
185. Kindle - Your Wicked Ways by Eloisa James
186. Kindle - The Politics of Vaccination ed Christine Holmberg et al.
187. Kindle - Captivating by Onley James
188. Kindle - Exasperating by Onley James
189. Kindle - Infuriating by Onley James
190. Kindle - Satisfying by Onley James
191. Kindle - Bad Habits by Neve Wilder and Onley James
192. Kindle - Play Dirty by Neve Wilder and Onley James
193. Kindle - Head Game by Neve Wilder and Onley James
194. Kindle - Unhinged by Onley James
195. Kindle - Psycho by Onley James
196. Kindle - Moonstruck by Onley James
197. Friend Linda (Whisper1) - You and Me and the Wishing Tree by Nancy Tillman
198. Friend Linda (Whisper1) - You're Here for a Reason by Nancy Tillman
199. Kindle - Headcase by Onley James
200. Kindle - Mad Man by Onley James
201. Kindle - Domesticated Beast by Onley James
202. eBay - Arabella by Georgette Heyer
203. Kindle - Endangered Species by Onley James
204. Kindle - Dangerous Breed by Onley James
205. Amazon - Radioactive: Marie & Pierre Curie: A Tale of Love and Fallout by Lauren Redniss
206. Amazon - Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel
207. Amazon - What Moves the Dead by T. Kingfisher
208. Kindle - The Benefits of Farting Explained (and) A Modest Proposal by Jonathan Swift
209. Kindle - Disciplinary Action by Onley James
210. Kindle - Novel Affair by Ava Olsen
211. Kindle - His Cocky Valet by Cole McCade
212. Kindle - His Cocky Cellist by Cole McCade
213. Kindle - His Cocky Prince by Cole McCade
214. Kindle - Criminal Intentions S01 E01 The Cardigans by Cole McCade
215. Kindle - Dom of Las Vegas by Tricia Owens
216. Kindle - Limited Liability by Tricia Owens
217. Kindle - Acceptable Sacrifices by Tricia Owens
218. Book Warehouse Asheville - Amberlough by Lara Elena Donnelly

Culls. Last year I culled 72. While looking for some books for friend Louise today I saw two very poor quality mass market paperbacks that I should cull... perhaps I can focus on culling unreadable books if they don't hold sentimental or intrinsic value, of course.

I am toying with the idea of culling a book for every book I acquire. Toying only, but I did just find 3 mass market paperbacks with print too small or too yellowed.

1. Kissing the Gunner's Daughter by Ruth Rendell
2. Artists in Crime by Ngaio Marsh
3. A Dark Adapted Eye by Barbara Vine (pseudonym for Ruth Rendell)
4. Some Die Nameless by Wallace Stroby reasonable, but not enough to award it permanent shelf space
5. Cold Shot to the Heart by Wallace Stroby
6. The Heartbreak Lounge by Wallace Stroby
7. The Devil's Share by Wallace Stroby
8. Kings of Midnight by Wallace Stroby
9. Gone 'Til November by Wallace Stroby
10. Suite 606 - contains an Eve Dallas novella, duplicated in another book on my shelves
11. Out of This World - contains an Eve Dallas novella, duplicated in another book on my shelves
12. Dead of Night - contains an Eve Dallas novella, duplicated in another book on my shelves
13. The Lost - contains an Eve Dallas novella, duplicated in another book on my shelves
14. Big Jack - duplicate of a copy in Remember When
15. The Tiger's Wife by Tea Obreht
16. The Winshaw Legacy by Jonathan Coe
17. Number 11 by Jonathan Coe
18. The Power of Babel by John McWhorter
19. The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware
20. A Personal History of Thirst by John Burdett - liked it but not enough for shelf space
21. A God in Ruins by Leon Uris
22. Accused by Lisa Scottoline
23. Betrayed by Lisa Scottoline
24. Corrupted by Lisa Scottoline
25. Keep Quiet by Lisa Scottoline
26. Look Again by Lisa Scottoline
27. Every Fifteen Minutesby Lisa Scottoline
28. The New Oxford Book of Seventeenth Century Verse edited by Alastair Fowler
29. Secret Daughter by Shilpi Somaya Gowda
30. White Oleander by Janet Fitch
31. Lady Sophia's Lover by Lisa Kleypas
32. The Chamber by John Grisham
33. Japanese Proverbs
34. Somewhere I'll Find You by Lisa Kleypas
35. Stranger in My Arms by Lisa Kleypas
36. Midnight Angel by Lisa Kleypas
37. Only With Your Love by Lisa Kleypas
38. Because You're Mine by Lisa Kleypas
39. Dreaming of You by Lisa Kleypas
40. When Strangers Marry by Lisa Kleypas
41. Forever My Love by Lisa Kleypas
42. Untamed Heart by Georgina Devon
43. Those Who Hunt the Night by Barbara Hambly
44. The Wind Dancer by Iris Johansen
45. From Time to Time by Jack Finney
46. Time and Again by Jack Finney
47. 3 by Finney by Jack Finney
48. Larry's Party by Carol Shields
49. Birds of North America by Pearson, Thomas Gilbert. (Revised by David L. Wray and Harry T. Davis).
50. The Quaker by Liam McIlvanney
51. The Drunken Forest by Gerald Durrell
52. Second Sight by Isobel Bird
53. So Mote It Be by Isobel Bird
54. Merry Meet by Isobel Bird
55. Ceremony by Leslie Marmon Silko
56. The Round House by Louise Erdrich
57. A General Introduction to PsychAnalysis by Sigmund Freud
58. An Anonymous Girl by Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen
59. The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn - I have all the other books just in Kindle and don't want to get them all in paper, so...
60. In the Dark House by Deborah Crombie
61. A Bitter Feast by Decorah Crombie
62. Necessary Blood by Deborah Crombie
63. Early Man and the Ocean by Thor Heyerdahl

Statistics Through July 31

145 books read
17 of them on my shelves before 1/1/22 and not rereads
5 books abandoned, 470 pages abandoned
44319 pages read
92.5 audiobook hours
Avg pages read per day, YTD = 209
Avg pages read per book, YTD = 306

Book of the Month: Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow

Books by Month
January - 4 paper books 1312 pages, 1 audiobook 19 hours
February - 14 paper books, 2473 pages
March - 10 paper books, 3193 pages, 1 audiobook 19.5 hours
April - 9 paper books, 3173 pages, 1 audiobook 18 hours
May - 36 e-books, 13344 pages including 2 books abandoned with 252 pages counted
June - 31 e-books and 1 paper book, 10,849 pages, including 1 book with 49 pages abandoned
July - 37 e-books and 1 audio book 36 hours, 10,030 pages including 1 book with 111 pages abandoned

Author
Male 11%
Female 89%

Living 99%
Dead 1%

US Born 89%
Foreign Born 11%

Platform
Hardcover 8%
Trade Pback 9%
Mass Market 6%
Audiobook 3%
e-Book 74%

Source
My Library 89%
Library 1%
Kindle Unlimited 7%
My Library, culled after reading 2%
Borrowed from a friend 1%

Misc
ARC/ER 0%
Re-read 3%
Series 87%

Fiction 97%
NonFiction 3%

Author Birth Country
Australia 5%
England 6%
Ireland 1%
Sweden 1%
US 87%

Original Decade Published
1870-1879 1%
1950-1959 1%
1980-1989 1%
1990-1999 5%
2000-2009 21%
2010-2019 48%
2020-2029 23%

Category
Contemporary Fiction 30%
Crime Fiction - Mystery, Thriller, Suspense 17%
Fantasy 1%
Graphic Novel 1%
Historical Fiction 47%
Informational Nonfiction 3%
Poetry 1%
Science Fiction 1%

Book Acquisition Date
2007 - Joined LT, added 1853 books 2
2011 8
2013 1
2018 1
2019 2
2020 1
2021 5
2022 108
Other 17

Average Rating
2.0 - Bad 3
2.5 - Average 5
3.0 - Good 11
3.5 - Very Good 19
4.0 - Excellent 76
4.5 - Outstanding 30
5 - Masterpiece 1

Average Rating 3.87

July Lightning Round

Dignity by Lesli Richardson 6/30/22 7/1/22 Kindle

Disappointing. No depth of character for our hero and POV character, Kevin Markos, TV news host and commentator, who, after an on-air flameout of epic proportions is fired. Enter US Senator Samuels with Secret Service escort Christopher Bluunt (why two u’s, for heaven’s sake?), coincidentally a former lover, regretfully ghosted since Kevin was in the closet. Coincidences abound, shorthand plot movement, shorthand explanations for motivations, inexplicable offering of Kevin the plum offer of campaign manager and eventual Chief of Staff if Samuels wins the White House. Where the previous series by Richardson gave us characters who logically and emotionally developed into their three-way sexual and emotional relationship, this one is just plain ridiculous. Explicit sex, but chillingly boring. I won’t continue the series.

Your Wicked Ways by Eloisa James 7/1/22 7/3/22 Kindle

Final in the Duchess Quartet, about Rees and Helene, estranged since soon after their elopement to Gretna Green. Ten years later Helene wants a child, and who more logical to have one with than her husband? I enjoyed the musical bits, some of the regret from both of them about their marriage going so badly. However, I didn’t really like it that Helene cut her hair, changed the style of her clothing, and started wearing makeup to entice someone, anyone, to want to have a child with her; it took that to get her husband to pay attention and become infatuated and etc. I did find it interesting to see what all the angst was from Mayne’s viewpoint – see my June Lightning Round notes about Pleasure for Pleasure about Mayne and Josephine.

Captivating by Onley James 7/3/22 7/3/22 Kindle

Shepherd and Elijah’s story. Shep is a high-functioning sociopath and Elijah is a movie star. Shep is hired to protect Elijah, the major plot device of all in this series. Caveat emptor for explicit sex.

Intoxicating by Onley James 7/3/22 7/4/22 Kindle

Linc and Wyatt’s story. Caveat emptor for explicit sex.

Exasperating by Onley James 7/4/22 7/5/22 Kindle

Calder and Robby’s story. Caveat emptor for explicit sex.

Infuriating by Onley James 7/5/22 7/5/22 Kindle

Jackson and Day’s story. Caveat emptor for explicit sex.

Satisfying by Onley James 7/5/22 7/5/22 Kindle

Connolly and Jacob’s story. Caveat emptor for explicit sex.

Bad Habits by Neve Wilder and Onley James 7/6/22 7/7/22 Kindle

Jonah and Caspian’s story. Caveat emptor for explicit sex.

Play Dirty by Neve Wilder and Onley James 7/7/22 7/8/22 Kindle

Madigan and Akil’s story. Caveat emptor for explicit sex. Gotta say that when they are psychoanalyzed – two alpha males who can’t admit they love each other and are borderline psychopaths – I cracked up.

Head Games by Neve Wilder and Onley James 7/8/22 Kindle

Soren and Tobias’s story. Caveat emptor for explicit sex. Gotta love Tobias’s dog Mantis, a small bundle of hell-bound viciousness in destroying toys but loving Soren and Tobias.

Unhinged by Onley James 7/9/22 7/10/22 Kindle

First in a new series, Adam and Noah’s story. Lots of humor in addition to the explicit sex.

Psycho by Onley James 7/10/22 7/10/22 Kindle

August and Lucas’s story. Laugh out loud humor in addition to the explicit sex.

“I want to keep him.”
“Bruh. Those are thinking thoughts not speaking thoughts,” Noah coached. You can’t just go around telling strangers you’ve imprinted on them like some werewolf in a Twilight movie. They won’t get it.”
August shrugged. “He already knows I’m a psychopath”.

Moonstruck by Onley James 7/10/22 7/11/22 Kindle Atticus and Jericho’s story. I liked the development of Atticus’s character, especially that unlike his psychopathic brothers, he’s submissive and actually not a psychopath. I also liked the new plot line of father Thomas and brother Aiden’s dynamic. Caveat emptor for explicit sex.Headcase by Onley James 7/11/22 7/11/22 Kindle

Asa and Zane’s story. There’s some set up for Avi and Felix’s story, up next, which is amusing. Caveat emptor.

Mad Man by Onley James 7/11/22 7/12/22 Kindle

Avi and Felix’s story. Least favorite of the series so far, although we get to see more of Aiden and get hints at the tension between Thomas, the psychopaths adoptive dad, and Aiden. Next in the series won’t be published ‘til the end of August, so I’m off to find another series.

Domesticated Beast by Onley James 7/12/22 7/13/22 Kindle

Mistake – read the 3rd in the series instead of starting at the first because the first didn’t interest me offhand. However, there are too many references to other characters. Not Javier and Bowie, whose story this is, but enough that I wish I’d read Endangered Species first. Ah well.

”You can’t love people out of being mentally ill. Love doesn’t cure depression or anxiety or schizophrenia. It just doesn’t.

I love books by this author because she occasionally tackles a trigger subject – male rape in this case – and treats it with dignity and perception. And how can one not love a ballet dancer and a former convict?

Endangered Species by Onley James 7/13/22 7/14/22 Kindle

First in the series, Cy and Nicky’s story. Cy is in prison, serving 25 years, falsely convicted of killing Nicky’s mother. Nicky , Cy’s stepbrother, researches, gets too close for comfort to powerful people involved in a huge conspiracy, and is put in the same prison, same cell. Sparkage, caveat emptor for explicit sex. Rescue animals, the seeds for the idea of a charity to help abused children, and HEA.

Dangerous Breed by Onley James 7/14/22 7/15/22 Kindle

Last in the series, Memphis and Preacher’s story. In some ways improbable, but does highlight child abuse (not sexual). Caveat emptor. HEA, of course.

Disciplinary Action by Onley James 7/15/22 7/16/22 Kindle

I really liked this book. I didn’t understand the sexual dynamics, but I liked the characters of Cal and Gideon, plus the bad guys lost. Caveat emptor.

Novel Affair by Ava Olsen 7/16/22 7/17/22 Kindle

Shallow, too many short cuts, very disappointing. An author I won’t look for again.

His Cocky Valet by Cole McCade 7/17/22 7/18/22 Kindle

Ash and Brand’s story, caveat emptor for explicit sex.

His Cocky Cellist by Cole McCade 7/18/22 7/18/22 Kindle

Wes and Amani’s story, caveat emptor for explicit sex.

His Cocky Prince by Cole McCade 7/18/22 7/19/22 Kindle

Brendan and Cillian’s story, caveat emptor for explicit sex.

Dom of Las Vegas by Tricia Owens 7/19/22 7/20/22 Kindle

Ethan goes to Las Vegas for a Security Convention and meets a powerful man. FBI or relationship? Caveat Emptor.

Limited Liability by Tricia Owens 7/20/22 7/20/22 Kindle

Second in the Ethan/Max series, Ethan moves to Las Vegas. Caveat Emptor.

Acceptable Sacrifices by Tricia Owens 7/21/22 7/21/22 Kindle

Third in the Ethan/Max series, Ethan and Max go to South America to follow a client who’s determined to trade hidden treasure coordinates for info on his long-time missing children. Ethan and Max reach a new level of understanding. Themes of love and keeping things from loved ones for their own sake are well written. Caveat Emptor.

Devious Lies by Parker S. Huntington 7/22/22 7/23/22 Kindle

Amazing book, with my favorite romantic themes of a powerful, alpha male, and a romantic interest who’s also strong and doesn’t take any crap. The story starts when Emery is in high school and ends up 5 years later. Nash, the powerful, alpha male, is now a billionaire. Family secrets, threats from the FBI and SEC, and Emery’s eccentricities are a joy. Caveat Emptor re sex.

High Roller by Tricia Owens 7/23/22 7/23/22 Kindle

Fourth in the Ethan/Max series. Highly improbable story of a gambler who cannot lose and hires Elite to protect him. He wants Ethan, and is also questioning his sexuality. Ethan makes some pretty bad decisions, there’s a gypsy curse, but all’s well that ends well. I almost abandoned it at one point. Caveat emptor.

Asher Black by Parker S. Huntington 7/23/22 7/25/22 Kindle

Lucy and Asher’s story. Lucy calls the cops and gets the attention of a Mob fixer – I know, I know – and Asher comes up with the brilliant idea of letting her take the place of the woman he had hired to be his fake fiancée. I loved the first person told from Lucy’s viewpoint, her backstory of foster care, Asher’s of being a neglected child and taken in by a powerful member of the Mob. I’m a sucker for alpha male stories. Lots of slow burn and teasing, but definitely caveat emptor re sex.

Niccolaio Andretti by Parker S. Huntington 7/25/22 7/25/22 Kindle

Minka and Niccolaio’s story. Mostly ugh, with Minka being someone I really don’t like at all. Niccolaio is more relatable, but their story is strangely flat and boring. Caveat emptor re sex although most of it is slow burn and teasing.

Bastiano Romano by Parker S. Huntington 7/25/22 7/27/22 Kindle

Bastian and Ariana’s story – another Mafia story with Ariana being an FBI agent AND secret illegitimate child of a mob boss. This one was quite good with themes of mortality, family, and loyalty. Plus the sparkage between Bastian and Ariana is immediate and explosive. Caveat emptor re sex.

Renata Vitali by Parker S. Huntington 7/27/22 7/28/22 Kindle

Prequel to Damiano De Luca, the story of Renata and Damian. Teenage love, power grab by Damian against his father, slow burn, caveat emptor re sex. I love this quote by Renata:

"Nothing is less lonely than a room full of books." I breathed in. "And the smell. Definitely the smell."

Damiano De Luca by Parker S. Huntington 7/28/22 7/28/22 Kindle

Renata and Damian’s story. Too repetitive after the novella, although a few of the scenes from the novella had extra bits for the novel. Interesting finale, with – I know you won’t read the series, but just in case - a Mafia BBQ seven years later with kids and wives and etc.

Most Wanted by Tricia Owens 7/24/22 7/29/22 Kindle

Fifth in the Max/Ethan series, with Ethan guarding a popular actor/children’s book author and his 2-year old son. Ethan yearns for children, Max doesn’t want them. I always wanted a child and found the discussions of childless vs w/children interesting. The best thing about this series is the serious issues discussed. Of course caveat emptor re sex.

Ranieri Andretti by Parker S. Huntington 7/29/22 7/30/22 137 137 pages Kindle

Ranie and Gallo’s story. Mixups, miscommunications, and deliberate sabotage by a secondary character make this novella of Niccolaio’s brother Ranie actually much more satisfactory than Niccolaio and Minka’s story. Caveat emptor re sex.

His to Keep by Violet James 7/30/22 7/31/22 Kindle

Alpha male is obsessed by woman from the first time he meets her. HEA. Caveat emptor re sex.

103 books read

0 Masterpiece
17 Stunning
51 Excellent
28 Very Good
6 Good
1 Average
0 Bad
0 Very Bad
0 Don't Bother
0 Anathema

Best Fiction
Life of Pi by Yann Martel
An Unnecessary Woman by Rabih Alameddine
Widow of the South by Robert Hicks
Lily and the Octopus by Steven Rowley
The Mandibles: A family, 2029 – 2047 by Lionel Shriver

Best Nonfiction
Killing Lincoln by Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard
Ties That Bound: Founding First Ladies and Slaves by Marie Jenkins Schwartz
Never Caught by Erica Armstrong Dunbar
A Promised Land by Barack Obama
Men Explain Things to Me by Rebecca Solnit

Top five overall for the LT Top Five Books of 2021 list:
An Unnecessary Woman by Rabih Alameddine
Lily and the Octopus by Steven Rowley
Killing Lincoln by Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard
Ties That Bound: Founding First Ladies and Slaves by Marie Jenkins Schwartz
A Promised Land by Barack Obama

…...

Welcome!

Happy new one!

Happy new thread, Karen.

Wow! What a last two months you have had reading wise!!

Happy new thread!

>6 karenmarie: That's alotta books! Some sound interesting, and others not so much. I am always amused by historical romances that are littered with dukes all over the place. Like, I don't think there were really that many of them in real life? I too am a sucker for romances involving people recovering from emotional wounds.

Happy new thread, Karen!

>5 karenmarie: Your reading really skyrocketed since May, and you kept up in June. Amazing!

Happy new thread, Karen. The book which includes information about creating those fantastic hairdos sounds interesting.

>10 figsfromthistle: Hi Anita, and thank you.

>11 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Paul.

>12 quondame: Thank you, Susan.

>13 justchris: Hi Chris. It sure it a lot of books, and given that my goal for this year was 75, I’m surprising myself. I’ll continue reading bodice rippers and the previously uncharted territory of Lesli Richardson until my interest wanes.

LT has greatly expanded my fiction choices since October of 2007, and I’m grateful for it. (I'm looking forward to my 15 year badge.) I used to read as many romances as I did mysteries/thrillers/suspense. I’d gotten away from them, always excepting Georgette Heyer. I see that you’re reading the Alastair series by Heyer. They are among my favorites by her and have an honored place on my shelves. I started reading Heyer when I was 13, so 56 years now. That choice has made me familiar with Georgian and Regency words, sentence structure, and etc., which is currently helping me read, with ease, The Federalist.

Oh yes, there are too many dukes, and perhaps even too many earls. The power of these men and by extension their duchesses and countesses is one of the things that attracts me. The romances with emotional and physical wounds pull me in, too.

>14 FAMeulstee: Hi Anita, and thank you. I’ll go with the flow until I mentally run out of ‘romance’ room. This spurt of reading romances may be an emotional need/catharsis because of my heart attack last November, otherwise I can’t explain it.

>15 Familyhistorian: Hi Meg, and thank you. I knew that then, as now, that trying to attain high-end fashion carried things to extreme, but I didn’t realize how awful things were with wigs. Tallow – Hard fat obtained from parts of the bodies of cattle, sheep, or horses, and used in foodstuffs or to make candles, leather dressing, soap, and lubricants. (The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition.) – has a strong odor that I don't like. I attended a tallow candle making session in Old Salem during Jenna’s 2001-2002 school year as a parent chaperone for a class visit and even bought some tallow candles. In the romances I’ve always read it was a distinct class distinction as to who had to use tallow candles and who was privileged to use wax candles.

…
I need to start getting the Friends financial reporting for this fiscal year finalized and write out some documentation for my new Treasurer starting this weekend for our first transition meeting next week.

But for now it’s coffee and reading and LT all the way. I listened to Federalist No 19 AND Federalist No 20 yesterday on the treadmill and will be posting messages about them anon.

Wordle 378 3/6* adieu, greet, egret

⬜⬜⬜🟩⬜
🟨🟨🟨🟩🟩
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

Several middle paragraphs of The Federalist No 19, written by James Madison With the Assistance of Alexander Hamilton, in my copy of The Federalist, edited by Jacob E. Cooke.

December 8, 1787

To the People of the State of New York.
…
If more direct examples were wanting, Poland as a government over local sovereigns, might not improperly be taken notice of. Nor could any proof more striking, be given of the calamities flowing from such institutions. Equally unfit for self-government, and self-defence, it has long been at the mercy of its powerful neighbours; who have lately had the mercy to disburden it of one third of its people and territories.

The connection among the Swiss Cantons scarcely amounts to a confederacy: Though it is sometimes cited as an instance of the stability of such institutions.

They have no common treasury – no common troops even in war – no common coin – no common judicatory, nor any other common mark of sovereignty.

Here’s the link to the YouTube reading I used: Insufficiency of the Present Confederation to Preserve the Union continued

Last paragraph of The Federalist No 20, written by James Madison With the Assistance of Alexander Hamilton in my copy of The Federalist, edited by Jacob E. Cooke.

December 11, 1787

To the People of the State of New York.
…
I make no apology for having dwelt so long on the contemplation of these fœderal precedents. Experience is the oracle of truth; and where its responses, are unequivocal, they ought to be conclusive and sacred. The important truth, which it unequivocally pronounces in the present case is, that a sovereignty and sovereigns, a government over governments, a legislation for communities, as contradistinguished from individuals; as it is a solecism in theory; so in practice, it is subversive of the order and ends of civil polity, by substituting violence in place of law, or the destructive coertion of the sword, in place of the mild and salutary coertion of the magistracy.

Here’s the link to the YouTube reading I used: Insufficiency of the Present Confederation to Preserve the Union continued

Friend Jackie on her ROOTs thread has read this book. A discerning reader, she rated it 4.5 stars. It's available on Kindle for $.01 here in the US, so I immediately snagged it.

The Politics of Vaccination, various editors

Morning, Karen!

I Wordled in 5 today, but had only had two sips of coffee, so I'll take it as a win :)

Happy new thread, Karen. Another Queen fan here! :-)

I am stuck at 4 in wordle today but am not giving up. I think I will go run some errands before it gets too hot then return to it later I have 3 of the letters, 2 in the correct positions, but for the life of me, can't pull it off. I think I need the break and to come back with fresh eyes.

Happy new thread! I am sorry to say I just read my first Heyer last month! But I am ready for more and I *love* your list of bodice-rippers. Seems like perfect poolside reading. I managed to get the Wordle but it took all six tries.

Ok, got the right one!

Horrible. *smooch*

Madison wasn't a lovely person, but he could Think.

>20 katiekrug: Hi Katie, and congrats. Any Wordle less than a skunk is a win, in my book, although I must admit that 3s and 4s make me just that much happier.

>21 jessibud2: Hi Shelley! Queen is my go to for emotional support AND for treadmill time, although Thursday and yesterday I discovered that listening to The Federalist works well in a different way and kills two birds with one stone.

I know that quite a few people mull over Wordle as the day goes on when they’re stuck, but I NEED to solve it before I start my day so occasionally use my Wordle spreadsheet or even check the list of 2,309 words.

>22 witchyrichy: Hi Karen. You’re in for a treat with Heyer. Thanks re my list of bodice rippers. I don’t sit poolside, but carry my Kindle around and have a lot of time to read right now. Six is better than skunk, see my comment to Katie above.

>23 drneutron: Thank you, Jim!

>24 richardderus: Hi RDear. I was listening to chapter 30 of Alexander Hamilton yesterday and wanted to look it up in the book to post an interesting opinion by Aaron Burr about James Monroe, who was also involved in the exposure of the Maria Reynolds affair, also culpable and not exactly a gentleman regarding it. Aaron Burr, although a political opponent of Hamilton at this time, 1797, worked very hard to prevent a duel between Monroe and Hamilton.

When Monroe’s name later surfaced as a possible presidential candidate, Burr jotted down this scathing assessment of him:

Naturally dull and stupid; extremely illiterate; indecisive to a degree that would be incredible to one who did not know him pusillanimous and, of course, hypocritical; has no opinion on any subject and will always be under the government of the worst men; pretends, as I am told, to some knowledge of military matters, but never commanded a platoon nor was ever fit to command one…. As a lawyer, Monroe was far below mediocrity.

Davis, Memoirs of Aaron Burr, vol 2, p. 434.

Alexander Hamilton, p 542.

Hi Karen, Happy new thread! You really are ripping through those rippers*!

(*Autocorrect corrected my “rippers” to “strippers”, which I almost didn’t correct back)

Hi Karen, I'm making the rounds, post-vacation. I have no hope of catching up; rather, I'm just zipping to the bottom of threads to say hello and I'll start fresh from here.

Hi Karen my dear, Happy New Thread, wishing you, Bill, Jenna, Inara, Zoe and Wash a really nice weekend and we both send love and hugs to you all dear friend.

Happy new thread!

>19 karenmarie: Thanks! I snagged it too. That's a huge savings for a book rated 4.5 stars by a discerning reader. I look forward to giving it a try.

>25 karenmarie: That description of Monroe could almost be of TFG, except TFG isn't a lawyer.

Happy Sunday, Karen. Happy New Thread. I missed a day in there. Spent a big chunk of Saturday, with Bree and family, along with my son Matt. As usual Jack stole every moment. Getting ready to meet my birding buddies, so you have a very fine day. Fill those feeders?

>25 karenmarie: Haw!!! I agree with >29 Storeetllr: about Monroe sounding like 45.

Sunday orisons, Horrible me lurve.

>26 Copperskye: Hi Joanne, and thank you. Yes, June was still a bodice ripper month. We’ll see about July.

>27 lauralkeet: Hi Laura. Hello. I completely understand because I’m getting to that point with threads myself.

>28 johnsimpson: Hi John, and thank you. Sending love and hugs to you and Karen, too, and special kitty skritches to Felix.

>29 Storeetllr: Hi Mary, and thank you. I’m immersed in Alexander Hamilton and The Federalist, of course, but perhaps my next nonfiction read? Or, can I expand my bandwidth to encompass another nonfiction read since I’m listening to Alexander Hamilton in the car?

TFG – that f***ing guy? The filthy geezer? Wait – I just did a duckduckgo search and realize you’re nicer than me and mean the former guy.

>30 msf59: Hi Mark, and thank you. Glad you had such a good day yesterday. Enjoy time with your birding buddies. Alas no, and today I need to take care of all four – sunflower, wild bird seed, suet (but that only means actually putting it back out), and hummingbird. I continue to be a bad bird mommy. I also need to clean and refill the birdbath, too.

>31 richardderus: Hi RD, and Sunday orisons to you, too. *smooch*

…
Ah, as always, coffee.

Visiting Louise and taking care of the above-mentioned bird feeders and birdbath are on the agenda, in addition to doing some Friends Treasurer spreadsheet activity to get the reporting for fiscal 2021-2022 ready and to also write out some more notes for my new Treasurer John. We’re meeting on Tuesday.

Wordle 379 3/6* adieu, chain, lilac

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>32 karenmarie: Me, too...3 because seasons.

Hiya, RDear. Unfortunately, today was one of those days where I had to resort to the spreadsheet to see which words had those letters in them and not in those positions. I'm not proud of it, but there it is.

I posted this on Mark's thread in reply to seeing a Beer T-Shirt.

A friend of mine sent me the link for this T-Shirt, and as soon as Jenna saw this, she said “I’d wear that.” I have now ordered one for Jenna in white and one for me in turquoise. I’m not quite sure what this says about us. I probably don’t want to know.

>34 karenmarie: LOL

Possums are hideous, foul-smelling critters. Enjoy y'all's tshirts extolling their scavenging lifestyle!

My stupid brother-in-law works for a possum rescue organization. I keep telling my sister that I consider them vermin. Useful vermin, but vermin.

*smooch*

Still early enough to hope the rest of your day goes as planned, Karen.
>32 karenmarie: and >33 richardderus: Four for me is better than my getting-to-be-normal five, so I'm happy.

A neighbor once opened her kitchen towels drawer and found a baby possum curled up on top. Cutest little animal ever - but how on earth did one baby possum get into a drawer in her house????? Unsolved mystery. I wouldn't wear that tee though.

>32 karenmarie: "The former guy" was how Biden referred to Orange Cheeto, so I started referring to him as TGF. Because I still can't stand to even say his name or write it. I'm sure I need therapy for PTSD, and I didn't even have it bad personally during those four years, except to the extent I had trouble sleeping and was always worrying about what fresh hell he'd get us into. "That f***ing guy" and "the filthy geezer" also work for me.

Hope you're having a lovely Sunday!

Likely I already mentioned the story of the little possum moving into our visiting neighbor cat's
new warming house, so just want to add that every night I turn the porch light briefly on
and roll out an apple, calling "Here's your apple, Perry Possum!"

Okay, either he/she or the doe and fawns or the groundhogs or a raccoon, wild turkey, or ??? eat the apple.

>37 LizzieD: Hi Peggy! Oh yes – I just came back from visiting Louise. I will be filling the bird feeders soonish, as soon as the hummingbird food is ready. Yay for Wordle in 4.

Baby possum in a drawer. Amazing. Jenna would definitely wear the T in public, I’ll most likely only wear it here at the house. I bought a T in 2020 that only had the numbers 8645110320 on it, knowing I’d only wear it at home but still deriving a lot of satisfaction from wearing it.

>38 Storeetllr: Ah, I get it, Mary. I go through phases of feeling I want to write his name and times when I don’t. My favorite thing to call him is Mar-a-Lardo, courtesy of Stephen Colbert. Immature, I know. I’m having a fine Sunday, thank you – hope you are, too.

>39 m.belljackson: Sweet story, Marianne. I must admit that I fed a possum back in January of 2018. Good black oil sunflower seeds and a bit of wild bird seed, too. Here’s proof:

Perry Possum has quite a large tail. I never saw a possum close up. The little red nose is cute as well.

>38 Storeetllr: I'll go so far as to write DT.

As long as the possums aren't teasing my dogs, I have no quarrel with them.

>41 Whisper1: Hi Linda. The first time I saw a possum was when I'd heard scrabbling around in the roof of a house I owned in California. I went outside, looked up at the roof, saw movement, flashed the flashlight up there, and saw red eyes, sharp claws, a pointy nose, and then this creature hissed at me. I said he could live in my attic forever.

The second and subsequent times were out here in NC. One time a baby possum was strolling down the driveway when we were on our way home but wouldn't move out of the way. I had Bill stop the car, I got out, went up to him, and the little possum also hissed at me. I think I got a twig and shooed him gently over to the side of the driveway so Bill could drive down.

Many possums later, >40 karenmarie: above.

>42 quondame: Hi Susan. Heh. DT gives me the DTs.

I don't want possums to hurt my kitties, but so far, in the 24 years we've lived here, none have. So, no quarrel here, either.

...
Time to head upstairs and read.

I once had a possum on my front lawn, drinking out of the birdbath. A face only a mother could love... and he didn't run fast when I went outside in an attempt to chase him off. I was probably more scared than he was...

>43 karenmarie: The possums harmed not pets, no, and perhaps could have been said to entertain them. Lying along a branch, dangling her tail and watching the idiot dachshunds bark their fool heads off. While the idiot dachshunds probably didn't mind, I, and probably the neighbors, certainly did.

I think of possums much like raccoons. They are unpredictable and can be messy if they get into stuff, but they're also kinda cute.

Morning, Karen. Happy 4th of July. Sue returns today from her "girls" camping trip in MI. It sounds like she had a very good time. I am going to slip out and do a solo walk, before the heat arrives and then take care of some stuff around the house. Books in the PM. Have a great holiday. Love the opossum!

"Ah, as always, coffee." Amen, my friend.

>44 jessibud2: Hi Shelley. Definitely a face only a mother could love. They tend to amble or play dead, never run fast. They’ve never scared me. Sorry it scared you.

>45 quondame: I like the vision of the idiot dachshunds barking their fool heads off, Susan.

>46 The_Hibernator: Rachel! So nice to see you here. We have both out here, but the raccoons are much smarter and able to leap tall buildings in a single bound – I refer to getting into trashcans and up un-baffled poles to get at bird seed. Raccoons are serious carriers of rabies, and although possums can carry rabies, they rarely carry and even more rarely transmit due to their lower body temperature inhibiting the virus being able to live in their bodies.

>47 msf59: ‘Morning, Mark, and happy Fourth of July to you, too. Glad Sue’s returning after a good time with her friends. Yay for a solo walk and then house stuff. Even yayer (I know, I know…) for books in the PM. Bill and I won’t celebrate the Fourth of July per se. I cooked last night so probably won’t cook tonight, so we’ll each be winging it for dinner. Thanks re the possum. He/she lived in the Tiger Grass outside the Sunroom for quite a while, and I fed her/him for quite a while, too. Then all of a sudden, poof! No more possum. And no, we weren't involved in the demise of the possum.

We tried another brand of coffee, Melitta, because they had a good deal on a bag of medium roast, but it turns out that we prefer the brand Bill found (after our grocery store stopped providing their own medium roast whole bean we loved, and Amazon had consistency, freshness, AND availability problems.)

So this morning's coffee is the last of the Melitta and tomorrow we're back to second/Covid best.

Wordle 380 6/6* Aack. adieu, cheep, tenet, fewer, lever, sever

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Hi Karen! You've piqued my curiosity. I'm familiar with your coffee dilemma from back when your store stopped carrying their own brand. You may have mentioned it, but what is the "second best" brand you're returning to?

I'm glad you squeaked by with the Wordle. Hope you have a great day!

Hi Laura!

Real Good Coffee Co Donut Shop Medium Roast

Bill has the equivalent of Amazon's Subscribe & Save, so we get a percentage off - I'm not sure how much - and it's delivered weekly with the option of stopping a shipment when we're suddenly flush. 2 pounds a week is just enough too much that we can skip a shipment every 4th week or so.

6 is definitely better than skunked, and thanks for the wishes for a great day. I hope you have a great day, too.

First paragraph and first two sentences of the second paragraph of The Federalist No 21, written by Alexander Hamilton, in my copy of The Federalist, edited by Jacob E. Cooke.

December 12, 1787

To the People of the State of New York.

Having in the three last numbers taken a summary review of the principal circumstances and events, which have depicted the genius and fate of other confederate governments; I shall now to proceed in the enumeration of the most important of those defects, which have hitherto disappointed our hopes from the system established among ourselves. To form a safe and satisfactory judgment of the proper remedy, it is absolutely necessary that we should be well acquainted with the extend and malignity of the disease.

The next most palpable defect of the subsisting confederation is the total want of a ꜱᴀɴᴄᴛɪᴏɴ to its laws. The United States as now composed, have no power to exact obedience, or punish disobedience to their resolutions, either by pecuniary mulcts by a suspension or divestiture of privileges, or in any other constitutional mode.

How could I not include the first and second sentences of the second paragraph? I had to get to the word mulcts, which I don't remember hearing before. It means fine or penalty, of course, easily gotten to by context and confirmed by Merriam-Webster online.

Happy Sunday and 4th. I love the possum t-shirt. We have them at the back of the property and they really do play dead if a dog gets close. We rarely see them though except on the security cameras. I will take them over groundhogs who can destroy a crop in one night and he squirrels who have figured out how to open the sunflower seed container.

>51 karenmarie: "mulcts" is one of the ugliest words English ever Frankensteined up. Yech. The Online Etymological dictionary says:

from Latin mulctare, altered (Barnhart calls it "false archaism") from multare "punish, to sentence to pay a fine," from multa "penalty, fine," which is perhaps from Oscan or Samnite Klein, or perhaps connected to multus "numerous, many," as "a fine is a 'quantity' one has to pay" de Vaan. Sense of "defraud" is first recorded 1748. Related: Mulcted; mulcting; mulctation (early 15c.).

*shudder*

Have a perfectly pleasant Fourth, m'dear. *smooch*

>50 karenmarie: Thanks Karen! We have a subscription with LaColombe. They had a coffee shop near us in Philly, and we grew fond of their dark roast. I really like the subscription model for coffee. We go through a lot of it and it's an easy way to keep a little stockpile on hand at all times.

>8 karenmarie: love these memes :) They always get a smile from me.

>48 karenmarie: I got the Wordle in 4 this time, and felt like quite the hero (if I do say so myself). It was a tricky one.

>52 witchyrichy: Hi Karen! Happy Sunday and the 4th to you, too. Thanks re the possum T-shirt. We have groundhogs, unfortunately, and I really need to get somebody out here who can either capture and release to the wild or … well.

We keep our sunflower seed and our wild bird seed in metal trash cans in the garage and have squirrel-proof bird feeders.

>53 richardderus: You’re right, RD, it’s not a pretty word to hear, but I was impressed with Hamilton’s use of it. Our Fourth has been just like a weekend day – Bill watching TV and me reading, playing here on LT, and working on Friends Treasury stuff for my meeting tomorrow with my new Treasurer.

>54 lauralkeet: You’re welcome, Laura. I’m glad you’ve got a good subscription service for a coffee you’re fond of.

>55 LovingLit: Hi Megan, and thanks re the memes. Congrats on getting Wordle in 4.

…
I have no idea if we’ll hear fireworks and/or firearms tonight, but either way we’ll be safe and sound in the house and far enough away from whatever craziness might go down.

Morning, Karen. Yep, another horrific day in America. I am afraid this is the new norm and it is heart-breaking. I can't stop thinking about all those families, that were touched by that incident.

I had a nice solo walk yesterday and I have my Rehab stint today. Of course, it will be in the mid-90s again. Sighs...

'Morning, Mark. Hell is knowing this is not going to end. Young, disaffected, and ultimately evil young men have access to guns after having found 'their kind' on the Internet.

i hope Rehab goes well today, sorry for the heat.

It will be hot and humid here today, too, and I'll have to be out in it. Library to meet with my new Treasurer, bank to get him on our checking account.

Wordle 381 4/6* adieu, devil, yield, field

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>58 karenmarie: Mary did the same thing you did! My alpha-order fetish saved me. It was a 3 day for me.

>56 karenmarie: "mulcts" *shudder*

'Morning, RD!

As soon as I would start an alpha-order fetish I'd get screwed, so I guess I'll continue with my random approach and go with whatever my mood says to go with.

Still on about mulcts. I still agree that it's an ugly word. It sounds like a particularly revolting baby bird in the process of losing feathers.

Morning, Karen. Happy Wednesday. Rehab went well yesterday, despite the intense heat & humidity. Had a great time hanging out with a large gang of young racoons. Cuteness overload. The heat is moving out for a few days. Yah! Meeting a birding buddy this AM. Enjoy your day.

'Morning, Mark. Happy Wednesday to you, too. A Raccoon Rehab day sounds like just thing to get some of the world- and US- angst out of your system. Glad the heat's moving out, and have a good birding time with your buddy.

Bill's gone to work, which means that I have the house to myself today. I need to work on some Friends stuff if I'm in the mood and get the Sunroom back under control. Books and Friends stuff are all over the place. I will also go use the treadmill at the senior center since they were closed Monday and I was busy with Friends stuff yesterday. *grumble*

Wordle 382 5/6* adieu, burst, chump, young, fluff

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>62 karenmarie: It was a rough one to solve today. I was very surprised by the way I got it.

*smooch*

Hiya, RD. I agree that it was particularly rough. Only by eliminiating most consonants did I finally get to it.

First paragraph and paragraph 8 of The Federalist No 22, written by Alexander Hamilton, in my copy of The Federalist, edited by Jacob E. Cooke.

December 14, 1787

To the People of the State of New York.

IN addition to the defects already enumerated in the existing Fœderal system, there are others of not less importance, which concur in rendering it altogether unfit for the administration of the affairs of the Union.
…
But this is not all; what at first sight may seem a remedy, is in reality a poison. To give a minority a negative upon the majority (which is always the case where more than a majority is requisite to a decision) is in its tendency to subject the sense of the greater number to that of the lesser number. Congress from the non-attendance of a few States have been frequently in the situation of a Polish Diet, where a single veto has been sufficient to put a stop to all their movements. A sixtieth part of the Union, which is about the proportion of Delaware and Rhode-Island, has several times been able to oppose an intire (sic) bar to its operations. This is one of those refinements which in practice has an effect, the reverse of what is expected from it in theory. The necessity of unanimity in public bodies, or of something approaching towards it, has been founded upon a supposition that it would contribute to security. But its real operation is to embarrass the administration, to destroy the energy of government, and to substitute the pleasure, caprice or artifices of an insignificant, turbulent or corrupt junto, to the regular deliberations and decisions of a respectable majority. In those emergencies of a nation, in which the goodness or badness, the weakness or strength of its government, is of the greatest importance, there is commonly a necessity for action. The public business must in some way or other go forward. If a pertinacious minority can controul the opinion of a majority respecting the best mode of conducting it; the majority in order that something may be done, must conform to the views of the minority; and thus the sense of the smaller number will over-rule that of the greater, and give a tone to the national proceedings. Hence tedious delays—continual negotiation and intrigue—contemptible compromises of the public good. And yet in such a system, it is even happy when such compromises can take place: For upon some occasions things will not admit of accommodation; and then the measures of government must be injuriously suspended or fatally defeated. It is often, by the impracticability of obtaining the concurrence of the necessary number of votes, kept in a state of inaction. Its situation must always savour of weakness—sometimes border upon anarchy.

A very long paper, with many other defects described in great detail. I’ve removed the footnotes. If you want to read the paper yourself, here’s a link: Federalist No. 22

>65 karenmarie: If a pertinacious minority can controul the opinion of a majority respecting the best mode of conducting it; the majority in order that something may be done, must conform to the views of the minority; and thus the sense of the smaller number will over-rule that of the greater, and give a tone to the national proceedings.

Welcome to McConnellverse.

Hi RD! I'm still pretty much eschewing the news in order to not sink down a particularly vile rabbit hole. I'm listening to a book about a man who worked tirelessly to ensure that our Union survived and reading papers about why the particular form of our Constitution is necessary.

McConnell and McCarthy and all the other members of the gang of psychos do not care a jot about We the People.

Wordle 383 3/6* adieu, atone, agape. I like thinking that this word is in its Ancient Greek meaning - highest form of love and charity; and for those who are monotheistic, the love of God for man and the love of man for God.

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...
I listened to The Federalist Nos 23 and 24 yesterday. The posts about them will follow pretty quickly.

Morning, Karen. Sweet Thursday. We had a good bird walk yesterday, covered several miles. Lots of birds, but only 30 species. I am going to just run a few errands this AM and then come back and cut the lawn. I have not mowed in at least 3 weeks.

'Morning, Mark, and a very sweet Thursday to you. I'm glad you had a good bird walk. Only 30 species. A+ from my point of view. *shudder* to the mowing. We're going to be glad to have Jenna home, because she knows how to mow our ~4 acres and it's getting to be too much for Bill. So, we at least have this summer covered.

My day includes coffee, reading, a bit of research for the Friends, the treadmill, then an appointment with my eye doctor.

Third and fourth paragraphs of The Federalist No 23, written by Alexander Hamilton, in my copy of The Federalist, edited by Jacob E. Cooke.

December 18, 1787

To the People of the State of New York.
…
The principal purposes to be answered by Union are these—The common defence of the members—the preservation of the public peace as well against internal convulsions as external attacks—the regulation of commerce with other nations and between the States—the superintendence of our intercourse, political and commercial, with foreign countries.

The authorities essential to the care of the common defence are these—to raise armies—to build and equip fleets—to prescribe rules for the government of both—to direct their operations—to provide for their support. These powers ought to exist without limitation: Because it is impossible to foresee or define the extent and variety of national exigencies, or the correspondent extent & variety of the means which may be necessary to satisfy them. The circumstances that endanger the safety of nations are infinite; and for this reason no constitutional shackles can wisely be imposed on the power to which the care of it is committed. This power ought to be co-extensive with all the possible combinations of such circumstances; and ought to be under the direction of the same councils, which are appointed to preside over the common defence.

The italics are as in the original paper. I thought it important to show how Hamilton felt strongly that any purpose established by the Constitution should be given unlimited powers to support the ‘authorities essential to the care’ of that and all principle purposes.

Congrats on today's Wordle, Karen. I failed -- too many combinations using the third and fifth letter. I like your take on the solution though.

Hi Laura.

I dislike it when there are so many choices once we get a few letters. Sorry you failed. Today I had luck and inspiration. I only resorted to my cheat sheet of 2,309 official Wordle words to see if the actual word was a valid word on the list, not to try to 'find' a word. I am chuffed.

Here's a rabbit hole I just went down:
While trying to answer a PM I wanted a particular quote in the journal of quotes I kept at starting in 1969 and going through about 1975 or so. That journal is on shelf S11 here in the Sunroom. It's only one of two quotes journals I've ever kept. The quote is by Eustasia Vye in Return of the Native, I think, and I wanted to confirm that. Couldn't find it.

Found a partial poem by e.e. cummings - wherelings whenlings - and thought to use that on my next thread, so wanted to confirm the wording. Pulled Complete Poems 1913-1962 from shelf L42 in the Library and brought it to the Sunroom after realizing that my copy of 50 Poems, on 'shelf' P52x, the original source, was buried behind a stack of boxes in the Parlour.

Created a ninth thread referring to this poem.

Still looking for the Eustasia Vye quote, I discovered STORY by Janet Frame and wanted to confirm my quoting of it. Can't find that online for some reason, but will probably scan it for my ninth thread instead of using wherelings whenlings. Changed the new ninth thread to reflect the Frame poem.

Saw a bunch of quotes that I love, and am considering just putting myself out there by showing what was important to me during those years. They're definitely all over the place.

So, 50 minutes later, I finally responded to the PM without the quote, still haven't written the post for The Federalist No 24, and now have two more books down on the desk.

Sigh.

First two paragraphs of The Federalist No 24, written by Alexander Hamilton, in my copy of The Federalist, edited by Jacob E. Cooke.

December 19, 1787

To the People of the State of New York.

TO the powers proposed to be conferred upon the Fœderal Government, in respect to the creation and direction of the national forces, I have met with but one specific objection, which, if I understand it rightly is this—that proper provision has not been made against the existence of standing armies in time of peace; an objection which I shall now endeavor to shew, rests on weak and unsubstantial foundations.

It has indeed been brought forward in the most vague and general form, supported only by bold assertions—without the appearance of argument—without even the sanction of theoretical opinions, in contradiction to the practice of other free nations, and to the general sense of America, as expressed in most of the existing Constitutions. The propriety of this remark will appear the moment it is recollected, that the objection under consideration turns upon a supposed necessity of restraining the LEGISLATIVE authority of the nation, in the article of military establishments; a principle unheard of except in one or two of our State Constitutions, and rejected in all the rest.

Your adventures into your commonplace book sound very rewarding! I'm glad that, in spite of their nasty belief in slavery's acceptability, they were clear-sighted enough to believe a Constitution needs to be flexible. The inflexibility of the modern radical right scares me.

*smooch*

>67 karenmarie: I thought the same thing about today’s Wordle solution! I got it in 3 also, which knocked my socks off.

Karen O

Checking in on the "new" thread, Karen! Not even trying to catch up on the 70+ posts I am behind though.

Good night, Karen. I came over here to say how charmed I am at your enjoyment of Pilgrim. Everybody reads the same book so differently! Maybe the three of us can chat when we're all through. I was just saying to Stasia that I'm on p. 300, and that's good for me, seeing how little time I find for concentrated reading and how pulled away I am by fluffier entertainment. (You'd be glad to know that today it was my current *In Death*, Judgment.)

As you know, I love random quotations.

Off to read another page of *P* before I fall asleep!

Morning, Karen. Happy Friday. It looks like it will be a long Jackson day. I go to Bree's in an hour or so and then I will be bringing him back here in the early afternoon, so I can tag team with Sue and share the love. Bree will pick him up later. I hope I can squeeze some reading in. Enjoy your day.

Happy Friday, Karen!

>74 richardderus: Hiya, RD! Hamilton, who grew up in the Caribbean and saw slavery first hand, was always an abolitionist. However, slavery was always going to tear this country apart, it just took until the 1860s for it to almost destroy the Union. The modern radical right is only more dangerous than in earlier times, IMO, because of the Internet. *smooch*

>75 klobrien2: Congrats on your 3 yesterday, too, Karen. And here’s to three Karens, because I told my friend Karen in Montana about my Wordle success of yesterday when we chatted last night, and she jokingly said “We’ll make a Christian of you yet.” I went to a private Christian university – Pepperdine – from 1971-1975 and had to take quite a few religion courses. The Christianity stuff was pervasive.

>76 alcottacre: Hi Stasia, and thank you for visiting.

>77 LizzieD: I’m thoroughly enjoying Pilgrim and now want to study Jung. I’m only up to page 99 but when I read it I am entranced. I’m also thoroughly involved with Alexander Hamilton, The Federalist, and the various romances I’m powering through.

I’m happy that you’re reading the In Death series. You’re moving right along with #11. It looks like I’m 2 behind, needing #55 and #56 - Desperation in Death and Encore in Death. I still haven’t read Abandoned in Death. Sigh. However, I’m pleased that I got caught up on all the novellas earlier this year.

Enjoy Pilgrim, Judgment in Death, and your other reads.

>78 msf59: ‘Morning, Mark, and happy Friday to you, too. Enjoy your long and tag team day with Jackson.

>79 katiekrug: Hi Katie, and thank you!

…
Bill went to work today – I suspect because of the lure of lunch out with the Office Manager Jessica more than anything else – which means that I have the house to myself TWO days this week.

I’ve already finished Wordle, am drinking coffee, and my only obligation today is to work out and take my backup glasses to the eye doctor so they can send them out to get fitted with a new prescription. I need one power up on the close-up portion of my bifocals, which are computer/close-up.

It looks like two new variants of Omicron are percolating along through the population. I'm double boosted but still wearing masks when out. I fell off the wagon by going to the wedding maskless on June 24th, but it turns out that most of the Pentacostals at the wedding were vaccinated. I also ate out with a friend two weeks ago, maskless, but the restaurant was almost empty, they had plastic shielding up between us and the order taker and us and the person who prepared our drinks, and the woman who delivered our order wore a mask.

And from earlier this week until today, the CDC's county risk assessment for my county has gone from low to high. This is the first time since using the CDC's county page I've seen my county at high risk. Thank goodness I wore a mask the entire time I worked out yesterday and was at the eye doctor's. Today will be no different.

Wordle 384 5/6* adieu, exist, bride, chime, voice

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Happy Friday, Horrible. It's been an annoying morning, but it's not like anyone will die as a result.

Two extremely infuriating books reviewed, too. The world, the world....

*smooch*

Hi RD, and thank you. Happy Friday to you after a less than stellar start.

I've already visited your thread. Yes, the world is in serious danger. We're currently at 100 seconds to Midnight on the Doomsday Clock, still at the worst ever, starting in 2020, according to this graph:

Last paragraph of The Federalist No 25, written by Alexander Hamilton, in my copy of The Federalist, edited by Jacob E. Cooke.

December 21, 1787

To the People of the State of New York.

...

It was a fundamental maxim of the Lacedemonian commonwealth, that the post of Admiral should not be conferred twice on the same person. The Pelopponesian confederates, having suffered a severe defeat at sea from the Athenians, demanded LYSANDER, who had before served with success in that capacity, to command the combined fleets. The Lacedemonians, to gratify their allies, and yet preserve the semblance of an adherence to their ancient institutions, had recourse to the flimsy subterfuge of investing LYSANDER with the real power of Admiral, under the nominal title of Vice-Admiral. This instance is selected from among a multitude that might be cited to confirm the truth already advanced and illustrated by domestic examples; which is, that nations pay little regard to rules and maxims calculated in their very nature to run counter to the necessities of society. Wise politicians will be cautious about fettering the government with restrictions, that cannot be observed; because they know that every breach of the fundamental laws, though dictated by necessity, impairs that sacred reverence, which ought to be maintained in the breasts of rulers towards the constitution of a country, and forms a precedent for other breaches, where the same plea of necessity does not exist at all, or is less urgent and palpable.

I include the entire paragraph, but have bolded the important fragment of the penultimate sentence and the last sentence.

Up early this morning after a good night's sleep. I'm getting spoiled and am waiting for the other shoe to fall.

Those first sips of coffee are one of the reasons I come downstairs in the morning. Yum. I need to get the refrigerator cleaned out today. Other than that, same old same old.

Wordle 385 3/6* adieu, shade, stead

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First paragraph and first two sentences of the second paragraph of The Federalist No 26, written by Alexander Hamilton, in my copy of The Federalist, edited by Jacob E. Cooke.

December 22, 1787

To the People of the State of New York.

IT was a thing hardly to be expected, that in a popular revolution the minds of men should stop at that happy mean, which marks the salutary boundary between POWER and PRIVILEGE, and combines the energy of government with the security of private rights. A failure in this delicate and important point is the great source of the inconveniences we experience; and if we are not cautious to avoid a repetition of the error, in our future attempts to rectify and ameliorate our system, we may travel from one chimerical project to another; we may try change after change; but we shall never be likely to make any material change for the better.

The idea of restraining the Legislative authority, in the means of providing for the national defence, is one of those refinements, which owe their origin to a zeal for liberty more ardent than enlightened. We have seen however that it has not had thus far an extensive prevalency: That even in this country, where it has made its first appearance, Pennsylvania and North-Carolina are the only two States by which it has been in any degree patronised: And that all the others have refused to give it the least countenance; wisely judging that confidence must be placed some where; that the necessity of doing it is implied in the very act of delegating power; and that it is better to hazard the abuse of that confidence, than to embarrass the government and endanger the public safety, by impolitic restrictions on the Legislative authority.

Morning, Karen. Happy Saturday. We ended up with Jack overnight. A little more detail, over on my thread. I am doing a short walk and lunch with a few birding buddies and then a graduation party. A gorgeous day in Chicagoland.

'Morning, Mark, and I'm glad you got so much time with Jack, sorry he's teething. I remember those drooly and cranky days, almost 30 years later.

Enjoy your day - sounds quite wonderful, actually.

Good morning, Karen! As predicted with the Wordle. I got it in 5, so you got it in 3. Good for you!

>80 karenmarie: Desperation in Death is not coming out until September 2022 and Encore in Death is not due for release until 2023, Karen. Not sure if you knew that or not :)

Have a super Saturday!

>88 LizzieD: 'Morning, Peggy. My starting word gave me 3 of the letters, even if they weren't in the correct positions. Thanks. Sorry about your 5, but 5 is better than 6 or a skunk.

>89 alcottacre: Thanks, Stasia. Now I don't feel quite so overwhelmed. I started Abandoned in Death earlier this year sometime, but it wasn't calling to me so i ... ah... abandoned it before reading more than 5-10 pages.

...
I'll be going out to run errands with Bill today. He only got 2 hours of sleep, and I can do some of the walking around - recyclables and going into the restaurant to pick up food - and save his knees.

Happy erranding today, Horrible. The Foundling is on Kindlesale for $1.99. For my part...it's Saturday, I got nothin' much. *smooch*

Hiya, RDear, and thank you.

The Foundling ranks at 2* in my lifetime rating, 3* on LT. I've only read it once, so admit that I might find it more compelling and worth more stars upon re-reading.

In the meantime, Hamilton! Federalist! Romances! Pilgrim! I'm happy.

It's not her best...but for $1.99 it's not bad Kindle-furniture.

>89 alcottacre: Good to know, Stasia! I recommended that my library purchase Desperate in Death. I'm sure it will; it has all the rest.

>90 karenmarie: I don't remember what I thought of Abandoned in Death, but the various books in the series have been up and down for me. I usually enjoy them, but some more than others.

Sorry to hear about the uptick of Covid cases in your area. I always wear a mask when out, but I'm not so careful at home. With all the repair people coming and going, I should be more diligent about wearing a mask.

Thank you for sharing The Federalist excerpts. I've been enjoying them. I may have to get The Federalist Papers and read them all, but I'm not sure I have the focus right now. I think it would take a lot of concentration to read them properly. Even reading the excerpts takes almost more focus than I have right now.

Have a great weekend!

IT was a thing hardly to be expected, that in a popular revolution the minds of men should stop at that happy mean, which marks the salutary boundary between POWER and PRIVILEGE, and combines the energy of government with the security of private rights.

It's impossible to be in stasis while living. Stasis is death. Better to keep flailing!

>2 karenmarie: Just saying Hi!
Also posted a question and didn't get an answer, the new style LibraryThing as a type of Wikipedia thing doesn't seem to work very well.

The question I asked was: Will there only be e-books available for early reviewers? No physical books? The last batch didn't have any books but e-books.

I'm glad you happy being retired. I retired January 1 of this year. My wife and I have 50 and a half years married.

>85 karenmarie: Sure wish The Federalists had listened to John and John Quincy Adams on Slavery.

>93 richardderus: I’d like to get all my Heyers in trade paperback eventually, perhaps I’ll get The Foundling that way sooner than later.

>94 Storeetllr: Hi Mary! I’ve only read the In Death series once, and read them so far apart in time that I don’t remember many of them.

Thanks re Covid. It bounces between low to medium to high then back to low… next week I will have to make a decision about whether to hold the Friends of the Library meeting on the 18th in person or via Zoom, depending on where the risk is next week.

You’re welcome re The Federalist. I’m enjoying reading them and reporting on them. If you use a Kindle, they are available for $.99. I adore my hardcover edition, have also enjoyed listening to them on YouTube. I only read them when I feel like I can focus properly.

Thanks re our weekend – same to you!

>95 richardderus: Yes, things always swing one way or another – power or private rights. Right now it’s the power of mostly white men in power controlling women’s bodies, unfortunately. However, the private right to guns – WELL!

>96 CharlesBoyd: Hi Charles – I was thinking about our fun challenge recently and am so glad you’ve stopped by to say hi. I have gotten used to the new LT style although I definitely prefer the older one(s).

Looks like there were 30 paper offerings and 113 eBook offerings for July. I requested one of each. I haven’t requested an Early Reviewer book in a long time.

I love being retired, and have been retired for 6 ½ years. I’m happy for you, and hope that you and your wife are enjoying 50 years or marriage and your being retired.

>97 m.belljackson: The Federalists were an interesting mix, Marianne, because both John and John Quincy Adams and Hamilton, among others, were abolitionists. The Republicans, especially Jefferson, Madison, and Monroe, were all slave holders who, with the exception of Jefferson who freed some of his children with Sally Hemings but not Sally Hemings herself, did not free any of their slaves. Washington freed his slaves upon the death of his wife, but she had many of her own from her first marriage. Washington was not a Federalist or Republican, not affiliated with either party and not beholden to either.

The putting off of the slavery question for 20 years, no sooner than 1808, was to ensure that the Constitution would be approved and the United States formed with a stronger federal government than under the Articles of Confederation. It seems abhorrent now, but the Southern States would not have voted for ratification otherwise, and then we would have been in the position of having another weak federal government or several weak federal governments. It was what it was, we’ve gone through the Civil War, and now are seeing more right-wing white supremacists than since the Jim Crow days.

I’m brokenhearted as to where our country is right now, but I’d much rather be brokenhearted under our Constitution, even as the Supreme Court and the Gang of Psychos are trying to destroy our Republic. I'm hoping we can prevent them from returning all women, 2SLGBTQIA+, and people of color inferior to white men under law. I don’t have an answer, that’s for sure.

Wordle 386 4/6* adieu, stole, there, berth

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Morning, Karen. Happy Sunday. It is beautiful here right now. I am going on a solo bike ride this AM and then some chores. Not sure what the afternoon will bring. Another bike ride with the whole crew? Possible...
Have a great day.

>99 karenmarie: Heh...it was a "gimme" for me this morning. *smooch*

>100 msf59: 'Morning, Mark! I hope you enjoyed your solo bike ride and possible crew bike ride.

>101 richardderus: Hiya, RDear. Yay for a Wordle gimme. *smooch*

...
Well, yesterday got away from me. I was busy coming up with a list of expectations for Jenna living here, and a list of expectations for Bill's interactions with Jenna since he can occasionally be unreasonably critical or contentious. When she was home June 23-28, I had a few more twinges in my heart than I normally do. The cardiologist wasn't worried about a small number of short-duration twinges, but I played the heart attack card with Bill and said certain subjects were taboo and that Jenna and I were going to have a safe word if he was saying things that stressed either of us out. It seems ridiculous to have to have done this with my husband. I love him AND he sometimes doesn't have proper filters/concern for the feelings of others.

So discussions with both of them - Bill in person and Jenna at our afternoon phone call, and I hope things will be good when she actually gets home this week. Doing this was rather stressful and I was somewhat resentful at having to sit down with Bill like he was a toddler.
...
Coffee, reading, work on the Sunroom. The power-washing guy might come over today, or at least be in touch, about doing quite a bit of power washing for us. It's definitely needed.

Wordle 387 3/6* adieu, broad, madam

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Karen, I'm sorry to hear yesterday was a bit stressful for you. You're wise to think through the implications of Jenna living with you for a while. It's much better to anticipate potential issues and try to head them off, than to just assume everything will be wonderful on its own.

>102 karenmarie: Sorry you had to talk like this with Bill, Karen. I hope it does prevent future trouble, and saves more stress than it did to you now.

--
I got Wordle in four today peony, mirth, mamma, madam, the Dutch Woordle with luck in two, so an average of three :-)

>103 lauralkeet: Thanks for the positive words, Laura. The last time Jenna lived with us was in 2012. It was still so close to when she graduated high school, 2011, that it just felt like a continuation of child Jenna, frankly. She'll be 29 next month, and a separate grown up, so this is a huge change for all of us.

>104 FAMeulstee: Hi Anita, and thank you. I hope so, too. At least Jenna and I have some tools in place to head off unpleasant converations, and Bill understands what those conversations are.

Congrats on your Wordle in four, and your Dutch Woordle in two. I'm impressed.

>105 karenmarie: I know what you mean. Julia lived with us for a few months after graduating from college. We discussed things like meals (we agreed she could join us for dinner if she wanted to, but it was not expected), and her comings and goings (no curfew or anything like that). But it still felt like more of a "continuation" than it would now.

Morning, Karen. Had a good solo ride yesterday. We didn't hook up with Bree but we visited friends in the afternoon and I squeezed in a lot of reading in between. A fine day. Doing Trail Watch duties later this AM. I hope your week is off to a grand start.

>106 lauralkeet: Good point about the comings and goings. At that time, when Jenna was 19, she was rebellious about NOT letting us know when she was coming and doing even though I put expectations on her. I forgot to include those expectations this time, which are that if she's going to be home after midnight or stay out overnight she will have to text her dad and me - not with details or who she's with, just with arrival time. I remember looking out onto the concrete pad and feeling just a tad desperate when I didn't see her car there in the morning.

>107 msf59: 'Morning! I'm glad you had a fine day yesterday, Mark! I hope Trail Watch duties go well.

So far so good with my day - coffee, watching the birds although it's pretty much only finches right now. Bill's staying home today so the TV's on, so I just put in my wireless earbuds and have a bit of white noise going. I'm getting much crankier in my old age about the TV.

>102 karenmarie: Bill is Bill. He's way too old to make fundamental changes now...accept that, it gets easier. Why are you in the middle? Because the poles ain't movin'...like father, like daughter.

*there there, pat pat*

I Wordled in 4.

*smooch*

Have a wonderful week, Karen! Glad to hear that you are enjoying Pilgrim.

>104 FAMeulstee: like my friend said about my employer, sometimes you need to manage them. I think its good to pre-empt such situations.

>102 karenmarie: I do understand living with different output filter values and how hard it can get. Becky stayed with us every summer during her college years, so there hasn't been any massive readjustment. For us at least.

Stopping by to say hello! And echo others about making sure you are setting expectations and boundaries for Jenna and, maybe more for Bill. I moved home when I was 25, and my parents and I had some conversations about expectations and boundaries. It's funny about familial relationships: even now at 60 years old, when I go to visit, my mothers "mothers" me in ways that can feel a little much, but I know she does it out of love.

I am enjoying reading the excerpts of the Federalist papers. I may tackle them now that I feel like I have the time to focus. Does your copy have commentary? I'm worried about getting mired in the thick language.

Morning, Karen. We had a lengthy walk on Trail Watch yesterday, covering over 4 miles. We got rained on a bit too but not bad. I got the Rehab stint today and thank God it will be not another scorcher, like the last 2 weeks.

>109 richardderus: Hiya Rdear. I don’t like the idea of someone playing the “The I’m too old to change” card, and frankly, I think that if it’s specifically asked for by someone you love, you should at least try to either change or make the appearance of change. Upsetting your daughter to the point of having her feel like she needs to leave the room or just keep her mouth closed is unacceptable, IMO.

I’ve always been in the middle, frankly, because, and - this is a generalization that happens to apply to me and many women – I became the de facto person responsible for the emotional content/well-being of our family once we had Jenna. I’m also much more intuitive than Bill about when things might be heading south and have had to run interference with Jenna and her dad for quite a bit of her life. Do I like it? Not always. Would I rather be in this position than cede power? Usually.

Ah well, I haven’t had enough coffee to make more sense than this. *smooch*

>110 alcottacre: Hi Stasia, and thank you. Pilgrim is a book that I’m savoring, rather than powering through like the romances I’m reading right now.

>111 LovingLit: Hi Megan! I needed to be crystal clear about how I wanted this return of Jenna to the fold to go, especially after having had my heart attack last fall and still feeling a bit vulnerable. Having a few additional heart twinges when she visited June 23-28 made me realize that Expectations Had To Be Set, for both of them.

>112 quondame: Hi Susan. I know Becky’s living with you, and it does seem to be going well, from what I can see on your thread. Obviously there’s the behind the scenes stuff, as there is with every family.

Jenna is not thrilled with the idea of coming home but realizes that it’s her best option now. I think that she’s relieved to be leaving Asheville and not having to worry about some Adulting Things for a while, in addition to being closer to her best friend and her high school friend Justin.

>113 witchyrichy: Hi Karen. Thanks for sharing about your experience of going home at 25 and how your mother till mothers you perhaps a bit too much. Jenna will let me know if I mother her too much, for sure, although I think she’ll be happy to let me spoil her a bit.

Thanks re The Federalist. My copy does not have commentary, but has a fairly long Introduction and extensive notes for each paper. Frankly, I haven’t read the notes as it involves going back and forth from the text to the notes, which are at the back of the book. All original footnotes by the authors of the papers are embedded into each paper.

I’m sure there are excellent editions that provide commentary, it’s just that I found this edition in the Friends of the Library Book Sale room and snagged it. As a member of the book sale team and President of the Friends I do not feel bad at all about occasionally taking an additional volunteer book.

As I’ve written about above, I have read everything by Jane Austen except Emma, which I have started and abandoned twice, much to my chagrin. In addition, and this may sound silly but it’s not, I’ve read all and re-read most of Georgette Heyer’s Georgian and Regency romances and all her historical novels.

Heyer essentially established the historical romance genre and its subgenre Regency romance. Her Regencies were inspired by Jane Austen. To ensure accuracy, Heyer collected reference works and kept detailed notes on all aspects of Regency life. Whilst some critics thought the novels were too detailed, others considered the level of detail to be Heyer's greatest asset. Her meticulous nature was also evident in her historical novels; Heyer even recreated William the Conqueror's crossing into England for her novel The Conqueror.
Wikipedia

Coffee in hand, the only things on my agenda for today are moving things out of the dresser in Jenna's New Bedroom/the Former Guest Bedroom and slinging them into the Parlour, which Jenna has said she'll help me get back under control this summer and using the treadmill at the Senior Center. Oh, and reading, too, of course.

Wordle 388 3/6* adieu, visit, night. Pure luck, considering that there are 8 words that end in ight that don't have an e in them.

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Wordle 388 3/6

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After staring at the four letters I had right for at least 5min, it emerged as from itself. AEONS, MIRTH, NIGHT

Bravo, RDear. We's twins.

The NC twin is getting ready to clean out the dresser and the closet for Jenna then go work out. We've got a FofD's (friend of friend Dwain's) who has a pressure washing company and is coming out to give us a quote sometime after 3.

>117 karenmarie: Ohhh, it's all getting serious, then...dressers emptied, house powerwashed...The Prodigal Returneth.

Happy times ahead! *smooch*

Happy Tuesday, Karen! Just checking in.

Good luck with the transition of having Jenna home again. I hope all goes smoothly!

>115 karenmarie: When Becky left for college in Illinois I gave her the account with all the money for her education. She had to decide how it would be allocated. We actually ended up paying for a couple of semesters, but that wasn't because she ever outspent the budget, just that there wasn't quite enough and we all agreed that doing a post-grad semester was a worthwhile gamble/investment. So that gave me confidence that she can budget and figure out the basics of adulting. But, yes, there is a bit of behind-the-scenes - mostly me getting snarky when she makes assumptions about the car or that will significantly inconvenience Mike or me. She doesn't react gently to that.

>118 richardderus: Serious as a … well… heart attack, if I may be so bold. Closet space, refrigerator space, freezer space, etc. The power washing is pretty much for me. 2 guys, all day, everything I wanted and a few bits more, all for $700 on the 26th.

Turns out that Jenna’s not getting the truck ‘til 4 p.m. today, so I guess she’ll be home tomorrow, then has to return to Asheville to finalize things with the apartment complex on Friday.. I’ll probably go with her.

I have 4 days to decide whether to RSVP that Jenna and I will go back to Asheville, rent a hotel room, and celebrate a college friend's birthday, her wife's birthday, and their 14th 'legal wedding anniversary' as they put it, from the 22nd - 24th. We'll go the 22nd, party as only rowdy seniors can party on the 23rd with daughter in tow, then come back home on the 24th. I'm inclined to go and have already mentioned it to Jenna.

>119 alcottacre: Hi Stasia, and thank you. Frankly, I’ll just be glad when it’s Saturday and most of it should be over.

>120 quondame: Thanks for sharing, Susan. Even though Jenna only got a 2-year degree instead of the 4-year degree the money we and Bill’s Mama put into an investment account for her at Morgan Stanley, I think that she’s still got some of it left. She doesn’t think she’ll have to touch it for the move. She will come home with a depleted checking account and the smallish stock account she has at the bank. Sounds like Becky AND Jenna are good at budgeting and figuring out the basics of adulting.

By my making lists of my expectations for both Bill and Jenna and going over them with each on Sunday, I think we’ll have less stress than we would have had otherwise. Behind-the-scenes snarking is to be expected here, and although I’m not glad to see it in SaMo, it’s life and family.

I was only half joking when I told Bill that Jenna and I had a safe word and we’ll use it when he starts arguing about weird things contentiously or says something that his filters should have kicked in on. The word is unicorn – a word we do not use at all in normal day-to-day. They both laughed at it, but I’m confident that since Jenna and I don’t do well with certain types of discussions that Bill thinks he has the right to hold on his terms, and that I’ve told him for 31 years stress me out, and that I’m still recovering (nicely) from a Heart Attack, it will help to use this word occasionally.

I don’t know how Becky doesn’t react well to your demands and it’s not my business for the details, but both Jenna and I are non-confrontational and passive aggressive and will simply flee the situation. Our house is large enough for her to go upstairs to her bedroom or the Retreat to play on her PS4, and I will and do come into the Sunroom here. Cars are not an issue, although we’re paying for Jenna’s. She understands that she has to take over the car payment starting the month after she gets her first check at whatever job she finds. Food and etc. are her responsibility although I’ll pay for all the basics that we’d also eat.

Am I stressed? Yes, some, but I’m more glad to have her come home to regroup than rent a room from friends who sound very disorganized and have 2 dogs that are too rambunctious or ‘living out of my car’ as she puts it.

My, my. I’m verbose this morning.

Coffee in hand, I’m going to tackle Federalist No 27 here in a few minutes.

Wordle 389 3/6* adieu, broad, bland

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Morning, Karen. Happy Wednesday. I think I slipped in under the wire yesterday and you missed me. Rehab went well yesterday, and I even slipped out early. Meeting birding buddies this AM. I am glad I inspired you to pick up Gillespie and I. I am 70 pages in and quite enjoying it.

‘Morning, Mark! Sorry for missing you yesterday.

>114 msf59: Four miles. That boggles my mind, since it takes me 4 days on the treadmill to go that far, and that’s on a treadmill, not real life. I have much better stamina on the treadmill than when I started on it in December, and could probably even actually do some walking, but given the uneven terrain around here I’d probably have to walk an indoor track at this time of year. There’s a good outdoor track at the Library for non-wicked-heat-and-humidity days. Something to look forward to in the fall, perhaps. Maybe even with Jenna. Glad you’re Rehabbing.

>122 msf59: Yay for having a BBA – birding buddies adventure – today. It will take me forever to get through Gillespie and I, no doubt, but like I wrote on your thread, I like the tone and first person narrative so far. Plus, I love the map.

I’ve got a bunch of finches and sparrows working the sunflower and wild bird seed feeders. I’ll put out the suet and hummingbird feeders after Bill gets up since the front door’s tight seal makes noise when it’s opened and might wake him. Aren’t I a nice wife? *smile*

...
It took almost 24 minutes, but a nice young man at Amazon refunded my gift card credit of $8.14 for a clearly not new copy of Radioactive: Marie & Pierre Curie: A Tale of Love and Fallout. I tried to return it to 2 UPS drop off sites unpackaged as Amazon had decided I should return it, but both said they only take wrapped Amazon stuff. And, I don't have to return it. I was going to donate it to the Friends, but once I got all the used labels and the $3 sticker off (really? $3 and I was forced to pay $8.14?) the only defects now are the cocked spine and damaged lower corners. I've added it to my catalog.

First and third paragraphs of The Federalist No 27, written by Alexander Hamilton, in my copy of The Federalist, edited by Jacob E. Cooke.

December 25, 1787

To the People of the State of New York.

IT has been urged in different shapes that a constitution of the kind proposed by the Convention, cannot operate without the aid of a military force to execute its laws. This however, like most other things that have been alledged (sic) on that side, rests on mere general assertion; unsupported by any precise or intelligible designation of the reasons upon which it is founded. As far as I have been able to divine the latent meaning of the objectors, it seems to originate in a pre-supposition that the people will be disinclined to the exercise of fœderal authority in any matter of an internal nature. Waving any exception that might be taken to the inaccuracy or inexplicitness of the distinction between internal and external, let us enquire what ground there is to pre-suppose that disinclination in the people? Unless we presume, at the same time, that the powers of the General Government will be worse administered than those of the State governments, there seems to be no room for the presumption of ill-will, disaffection or opposition in the people. I believe it may be laid down as a general rule, that their confidence in and obedience to a government, will commonly be proportioned to the goodness or badness of its administration. It must be admitted that there are exceptions to this rule; but these exceptions depend so entirely on accidental causes, that they cannot be considered as having any relation to the intrinsic merits or demerits of a constitution. These can only be judged of by general principles and maxims.

…

The hope of impunity is a strong incitement to sedition—the dread of punishment—a proportionately strong discouragement to it—will not the government of the Union, which, if possessed of a due degree of power, can call to its aid the collective resources of the whole confederacy, be more likely to repress the former sentiment, and to inspire the latter, than that of a single State, which can only command the resources within itself? A turbulent faction in a State may easily suppose itself able to contend with the friends to the government in that State; but it can hardly be so infatuated as to imagine itself a match for the combined efforts of the Union. If this reflection be just, there is less danger of resistance from irregular combinations of individuals, to the authority of the confederacy, than to that of a single member.

My god, this man was speaking for the ages in paragraph 3, given our current bad situation with 45 and January 6, 2021. 🤞 that we survive this threat to our Republic.

>124 karenmarie: I believe it may be laid down as a general rule, that their confidence in and obedience to a government, will commonly be proportioned to the goodness or badness of its administration. It must be admitted that there are exceptions to this rule; but these exceptions depend so entirely on accidental causes, that they cannot be considered as having any relation to the intrinsic merits or demerits of a constitution.

People gonna be people. Some aren't good. Can't base a government on the lowest of the low, like the Gang of Psychos want to, and expect it to last.

A turbulent faction in a State may easily suppose itself able to contend with the friends to the government in that State; but it can hardly be so infatuated as to imagine itself a match for the combined efforts of the Union.

They overestimate the appeal of their cause, and do so by the echo-chamber fallacy. Since liberals and progressives do it, too, it's hard to knock 'em for our common sins. The difference being what *we* want to take away from *them* is the ability to impose their will on people who don't want to live like them...and that's what they say we're doing to them!

There is no shouting loud enough, no honey-trap sweet enough, to convince them that not being on absolute top is not fatal.

Hiya, RD!

This is the second of three papers that discuss the use of a federal military for internal purposes. Hamilton came out on the wrong side of history on this one mostly, although today's National Guard comes close.

The National Guard is a state-based military force that becomes part of the reserve components of the United States Army and the United States Air Force when activated for federal missions.

Wikipedia

>121 karenmarie: The whole needing your own place sometime between 18-25 is largely an artifact of the 2nd half of the 20th century and does make sense if housing is reasonably priced, but much less these days.

Becky paid 5K toward the nearly new Prius we got when the Smart Car drowned itself, but then she had killed the Lexus in IL shortly before returning home.

I've worked pretty hard at not being passive aggressive - I pretty much had no choice growing up among loud forceful, sometimes violent, family members, and try to just state what I want with out demanding it. I am not considered a push over. Snicker.

Here's to large (enough) houses! I think my mother died from economizing on her retirement home. They could easily have afforded something twice the size and she would not have been trapped in compact living room with my pipe-smoking father after having a much larger domain to herself every weekday.

Hi Susan!

Interesting. I was raised to want to be independent, but perhaps that was Mom and Dad just wanting an empty nest... The only one who bounced back regularly was my brother. And then our dad died in 2006 and our mom died in 2016 after kicking my brother out of the house and disinheriting him. I think he's in Phoenix, but he hasn't been in touch for almost a decade, which makes me very sad. Whew.

Brava for Becky for contributing such a substantial chunk. Jenna gave us $1,500 when we traded in the new Ranger we had bought for her 12 years ago after owning it 3 years for the Focus that got totaled in March, for improved gas mileage. That $1,500 was half of what it cost to move to her the Focus, and it was definitely hard-earned money for her.

Being raised to be independent was an interesting contrast to the Victorian-era home life I had. My paternal grandmother moved from Nebraska to live with us when I was very young, perhaps 2. She wanted to be called Mom, which made my mother Mommy. Children were to be seen, not heard, unless the adults wanted that. And, asking for something took a great deal of courage and assertiveness, neither of which were/are my go-to-methods of interaction with people. I probably am considered a push over, although I occasionally dig my heels in.

I love having a large home. We currently have two rooms that we don't even use - Media Room and Parlour. I'm sorry your mother felt she had to eonomize with their retirement home. The house we're in is, theoretically, our retirement home. No way we could pay less than our current mortgage for anything else. Ugh. Pipe smoking. I'm so grateful that Bill doesn't, and hasn't, ever smoked. That's one area of assertiveness in my life - in 1987 I deliberately stopped dating men who smoked regardless of how attractive they were otherwise.

...
Jenna's driving the mostly-already-packed truck out here today. We've got a friend who will help her put things in storage, which is just 3 miles away, and then we'll help bring some stuff down to the house. Tomorrow she and I will go to Asheville to get the rest of the small stuff, turn in the keys/officially shut down the apartment, and she'll drive her car back. Busy days for her, busy tomorrow for me.

Wordle 390 3/6* adieu, given, liver

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First paragraph of The Federalist No 28, written by Alexander Hamilton, in my copy of The Federalist, edited by Jacob E. Cooke.

December 26, 1787

To the People of the State of New York.

THAT there may happen cases, in which the national government may be necessitated to resort to force, cannot be denied. Our own experience has corroborated the lessons taught by the examples of other nations; that emergencies of this sort will sometimes arise in all societies, however constituted; that seditions and insurrections are unhappily maladies as inseparable from the body politic, as tumours (sic) and eruptions from the natural body; that the idea of governing at all times by the simple force of law (which we have been told is the only admissible principle of republican government) has no place but in the reveries of those political doctors, whose sagacity disdains the admonitions of experimental instruction.

Hamilton’s fertile mind is on display here for the sheer ability to write about scenarios to get to his goal – a standing national army.

Morning, Karen. Sweet Thursday. We are enjoying some beautiful weather in Chicagoland. Sunny and 80F today. May it continue. Not much planned for today. I do have a volunteer meeting with the Trail Watch group late this afternoon. I am really enjoying Gillespie & I. I read nearly a 100 pages yesterday.

Are you still going to track down a copy of Radioactive? I absolutely loved that GN.

'Morning, Mark, sweet Thursday to you, too. Sounds like a good day - volunteer work and maybe some reading?

I ah, well, may have actually kept the defective copy that Amazon said I didn't need to return. They gave me my $8.14 back, which barely covers the gas I spent, much less my time. I used Goo Gone to get the labels residue off and even with a cocked spine and damaged bottom corners is readable. I objected to them selling it as "new" when it was clearly not.

>129 karenmarie: "Never let the facts mar a beautiful philosophical construct." Like democracy.

*sigh*

>128 karenmarie: I was a 5er today. Me and the alphabet....

Yay for Jenna getting everything back into some kind of order. Sometimes things not working out is the best thing, so may that be true for her here and now.

*smooch*

Hiya RD!

5 > skunk.

Things will settle down at the weekend, and I'll be able to breathe again.

In the meantime, I finished another romance, read 2 chapters of Pilgrim, posted No 28, and etc.

Bill finally got up and is grinding coffee beans.

>128 karenmarie: I made the decision not to date smokers around 30, when, fortunately, there were starting to be many fewer smokers in the dating pool. Unfortunately, one of my boyfriends was dishonest about it and thought it wouldn't be blazingly obvious that he wasn't just around smokers, but was himself smoking.

Best wishes for Jenna settling in smoothly - moving is always a stressor and doing so for anything but the best reasons even more so.

Good luck with the move-in and, yes, be glad you have the space! Although in a year or two, I'd love to downsize. ; ) No smokers for me -- it doesn't mix well with asthma. Both my parents had to quit when I was born (doctors orders and they complied), so they have me to thank for their healthy lungs! LOL

Happy Friday!

>134 quondame: Smokers do have that definite smell, don't they?

Until I was about 8 or so, my dad smoked 3 packs a day and my mom smoked 2 1/2 packs a day. Then Dad was diagnosed with Bronchiectasis, so they both quit cold turkey. So, 1961 or so. I just looked up Bronchiectasis to get the spelling, and it doesn't say anything about smoking. Dad never had the symptoms that I've just read about. Now I'm puzzled but don't have anybody to ask.

I was severely affected by the cigarette smoke at the home, and got bronchitis for the first time when I was 17 and had it quite frequently until about age 45 or so. Then, poof, gone.

Thank you re Jenna. We're all hanging in there. I was proud of her for driving a 15-foot UHaul trailer out here yesterday and working with a friend of Bill's to unload stuff into a storage unit.

>135 Berly: Hi Kim. Thank you. I'm glad your parents loved you enough to quit smoking from the second you were born, I've never smoked and don't understand that particular addiction but know how real it is.

Frankly, I can't imagine downsizing because of my books. I've got 5300+. I can see getting rid of perhaps 500 or so, old MM paperbacks or things I know I won't read, Jenna won't read, and I won't re-read, but still. I'd still also need at least a 3-bedroom whatever to accommodate Bill and me sleeping in separate bedrooms (he snored me out decades ago and I'm used to sleeping alone now) and Jenna visiting.

...
So Jenna and I will be leaving about 8 a.m. for Asheville. She'll drive my SUV. We'll finish cleaning out her apartment, finish cleaning her apartment, turn in the keys, and come home. I'll drive my SUV and she'll bring her car. Tiring day, but necessary.

In the meantime, coffee, Wordle, and preparing the list for my house cleaner Alex. Bill will be home today so can let him in, supervise, then pay him when he leaves.

Wordle 391 3/6* adieu, drove, wedge. I admit to using my list of 2,309 words to get it, but cleverness counts, right?

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Have a safe trip, Karen. I hope all goes well.

>136 karenmarie: I hope the day is not too long for you - or for Jenna for that matter.

Morning, Karen. Happy Friday. Safe travels today. Don't overdo it, my friend. I have a Jackson day and I will be bringing him back here for the afternoon too, so Sue can enjoy him too.

Safe journey, happy homecoming! *smooch*

Having just finished Obsessive Genius: The Inner World of Marie Curie and announcing I didn't need to know anything more about her, I am intrigued by Radioactive and will be interested in hearing what you think. Maybe I do need to learn more.

Safe travels.

>136 karenmarie: My mother quit smoking before my father retired, but I don't think it was before I left for college. Then of course there were always smokers at work well into the 1980s if not beyond - the anti-smoking law was 1995, but I think that higher rates from insurance companies may have had influence earlier and fewer people were smoking in any case.

I am far behind here but dropping in to say hello :)

>137 lauralkeet: Thanks, Laura. It went well. See below.

>138 alcottacre: Long day, Stasia, but we were gone a total of 12 hours, got back about 45 minutes ago. I’m in jammies, ate a bit of dinner, decided to visit here on LT, and am heading upstairs pretty soon.

>139 msf59: ‘Morning, Mark, and happy Friday, rather late in the day, to you, too. I did not overdo it – Jenna wouldn’t let me! Yay for Jackson days.

>140 richardderus: Thanks, RDear! *smooch* back at’cha.

>141 witchyrichy: Hi Karen – I’ll try to get to it sooner than later, but until I finish The Federalist don’t want to start another nonfiction book. I did finish listening to Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow on the way home. Started it late May and finished it mid-July. I’ll probably write a review tomorrow.

>142 quondame: I worked for a company in LA from 1986-1990. They were a bit ahead of their time – no smoking on the premises at all, and they offered smoking cessation classes during work hours and rewarded people for reaching specific non-smoking goals.

>143 figsfromthistle: Hi Anita! Glad you came to visit.

…
So we left at 8:30, got stuck on I40 because of a bad accident, which added about 45 minutes to the drive. We didn’t mind – yakked the whole time. Spent ‘til about 4:45 getting the apartment emptied and cleaned up. I paced myself and packed boxes and bags. Jenna packed the vehicles. We got home at 8:30. Time to head upstairs.

Job well done!! And now you have the weekend to unpack. I mean relax. ; )

Thank you, Kim. Unpack, repack, relax. Jenna ran out of get-up-and-go when she and her friend packed up the apartment in the Uhaul on Wednesday. What's in our vehicles is a combination of storage stuff and live-here stuff, so we'll stage everything in the garage and Jenna will go through it somewhat at her leisure - I do, after all, want to be able to park in my garage sooner than later - then we'll take the last bits of storage stuff there and the rest will go up into her bedroom.

In the meantime, both Jenna and Bill are still sleeping. I crashed about 11 or so, didn't move 'til 6:20. Ah, coffee!

Wordle 392 3/6* adieu, color, roomy

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126. Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow
4/22/22 7/15/22





From Amazon:

The #1 New York Times bestseller, and the inspiration for the hit Broadway musical Hamilton!

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Ron Chernow presents a landmark biography of Alexander Hamilton, the Founding Father who galvanized, inspired, scandalized, and shaped the newborn nation.

"Grand-scale biography at its best—thorough, insightful, consistently fair, and superbly written . . . A genuinely great book." —David McCullough

“A robust full-length portrait, in my view the best ever written, of the most brilliant, charismatic and dangerous founder of them all." —Joseph Ellis

Few figures in American history have been more hotly debated or more grossly misunderstood than Alexander Hamilton. Chernow’s biography gives Hamilton his due and sets the record straight, deftly illustrating that the political and economic greatness of today’s America is the result of Hamilton’s countless sacrifices to champion ideas that were often wildly disputed during his time. “To repudiate his legacy,” Chernow writes, “is, in many ways, to repudiate the modern world.” Chernow here recounts Hamilton’s turbulent life: an illegitimate, largely self-taught orphan from the Caribbean, he came out of nowhere to take America by storm, rising to become George Washington’s aide-de-camp in the Continental Army, coauthoring The Federalist Papers, founding the Bank of New York, leading the Federalist Party, and becoming the first Treasury Secretary of the United States. Historians have long told the story of America’s birth as the triumph of Jefferson’s democratic ideals over the aristocratic intentions of Hamilton. Chernow presents an entirely different man, whose legendary ambitions were motivated not merely by self-interest but by passionate patriotism and a stubborn will to build the foundations of American prosperity and power. His is a Hamilton far more human than we’ve encountered before—from his shame about his birth to his fiery aspirations, from his intimate relationships with childhood friends to his titanic feuds with Jefferson, Madison, Adams, Monroe, and Burr, and from his highly public affair with Maria Reynolds to his loving marriage to his loyal wife Eliza. And never before has there been a more vivid account of Hamilton’s famous and mysterious death in a duel with Aaron Burr in July of 1804.

Chernow’s biography is not just a portrait of Hamilton, but the story of America’s birth seen through its most central figure. At a critical time to look back to our roots, Alexander Hamilton will remind readers of the purpose of our institutions and our heritage as Americans.

The ending, called Conclusion, was not epistolary. It was informative and to have continued in epistolary form might have taken half again as many pages.

Why I wanted to read it: I brought it downstairs when I chose McWhorter’s The Story of Human Language to relisten to in the car earlier this year thinking “What the heck”. Nothing more beyond wanting something substantial to listen to.

Since I didn’t know anything about Alexander Hamilton beyond his famous duel with and death at the hands of Aaron Burr, I was totally immersed in this beautifully written/read and intensely fascinating biography.

Hamilton was an admitted adulterer, impetuous contributor to his own political downfall, and loving husband and father of 8 children. He was an aide-de-camp to Washington. He was a contributor to the Constitution, created many of the institutions of government that we now take for granted but which rocked the world of the early days of our country. He and Eliza split parenting duties as needed. He loaned money he barely had to friends. He never profited from his duties as Treasurer, no matter how hard or often the Republicans tried to find the dirt. He wrote a diatribe against Adams that split the Federalists, giving power to the Republicans. He was a lawyer who did pro bono work when his practice and family could ill afford it.

He wrote and wrote and wrote and wrote. I am currently reading The Federalist, most of which were written or co-authored by Hamilton.

After Hamilton's death, Chernow continues with the story of Aaron Burr and the story of Eliza Hamilton, a remarkable woman in her own right. She lived 'til the age of 97, 50 years after the death of her dear Hamilton.

I’m not sure I would have actually been able to read this book, but as an audio book, it worked perfectly. Narrator Scott Brick brought just the right clarity of voice and pacing. I did, however, look at all the illustrations in my huge, 731 page trade paperback several times, even just now again as I write this minimalist review. I wish there had been a family portrait of the Hamilton family but don't even know if one exists, but other than that, the illustrations were well chosen.

This is the first book I've rated 5 stars since The Great Believers by Rebeccah Makai 2019. I only have 10 books with a 5* rating total, now including Alexander Hamilton. It says a lot about the book to me that I wish I gave a few 6* reviews, à la Richard, so I could give 6* to this book.

A stunning achievement, written impartially in my opinion. Chernow doesn't pull punches about Hamilton's worst characteristics and behaviors, but also excoriates Adams, Jefferson, Monroe, Burr, and others. Jefferson seems to have been treasonous in some of his behaviors, mostly before he became President. Adams comes off as a petulant and crazy old man, who spent almost more time away from the capital when President as there. Monroe released the documents to the Maria Reynolds affair after giving his word as a gentleman when that was important, to not release them. Burr seems to have decided that 1804 was time to play his political cards against Hamilton by forcing a fuel. I'm still not clear as to whether he intended to kill Hamilton or not, but his shot did so. Hamilton's shot, either first or as a spasm after being shot, was 10 feet high and 4 feet to the right of Burr. Burr's political life was effectively over, although he was still Vice President and served 'til the end of Jefferson's first term in office.

Read it, listen to it, be as fascinated by Hamilton and the early days of our country as I was. I will be listening to Washington: A Life, also by Chernow, next.

Six word review: Nothing works in six measly words.

Morning, Karen. Happy Saturday. Glad your trip with Jenna went well and that you didn't overdo it. Jackson day went well. I had him nearly 12 hours. Nothing planned for this AM. I did get rid of that fallen limb yesterday, thanks to a neighbor with a chainsaw.

Great review of Alexander Hamilton. I hope to get to that, one of these days.

>147 karenmarie: I'm so glad it was a good read for you! There aren't enough eyeblinks ahead of me to read a 731pp book anymore so I'm grateful to know someone does who loves it.

>146 karenmarie: I Wordled in 4 (again).

>144 karenmarie: It makes me think there's only so much time in a life to worry about trucks and parking. Well done you! *smooch*

Great review of the Hamilton bio, Karen. I probably don't have it in me, but it does look interesting.

I'm glad your trip with Jenna was a success. Now the settling-in begins. I'm sure you will enjoy having Jenna around and she will benefit from being in a supportive environment.

>148 msf59: ‘Morning, Mark, and happy Saturday to you, too. Yes, Jenna didn’t let me overdo it. I’m surprised at how good I feel so far today. Yay for a good Jackson day, glad that huge dead limb is gone. Finally, thanks for my review of Alexander Hamilton.

>149 richardderus: Hiya, Rdear! I can understand not wanting to spend your eyeblinks on a 731 page book, glad I was able to step in and give you the gist. Ah, Wordle in 4 consistency. There’s a lot to be said for consistency.

Jenna is a championship-caliber packer. She envisions what can go where and makes it all fit. I just threw things into boxes and bags – exactly what Jenna needed from me – and we’ll sort it all out here at the house, using the garage as staging, in the next however-many-days. *smooch* back

>150 lauralkeet: Thank you, Laura. Like I said, I could never envision actually reading it, but listening to it was perfect. So what if it took 2.5 months? *smile*

I was looking at your post when Jenna wandered into the Sunroom, read the last paragraph out loud to her. She nodded her head, especially about being in a supportive environment. Thank you.

…
So I just made up a batch of Stasia’s low-sodium taco seasoning. I thought I needed to buy cumin, didn’t check to see if I had a fresh bottle, so now I have two fresh bottles less 5 T.

Turkey tacos this coming week. Can’t wait.

How did I let so much time pass without speaking here? I have no idea. I'm apparently not in control, and I haven't even gotten Mama up this morning.

YOU are the Wordleator! I barely made it in 6 today.

Peace to your household. TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF!!!!!!!!!

>147 karenmarie: I read it some years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Glad Jenna's move is done. Best wishes to all three of you for the coming months.

>152 LizzieD: Hi Peggy! Priorities? Your mama? Your DH? Wordle? Your reading? Etc? We're good, you know - we visit when we can.

I didn't even cheat - just knew what the word was on the third guess. The green proved I was right.

Thanks - things are going pretty well here. We're watching Castle and loving it. Jenna and her dad are getting along so far.

>153 RebaRelishesReading: I'm impressed with anybody who actually read the book, Reba.

Thanks re the move. We're glad, too, and thanks for your good wishes.

Hi Karen. I'm so glad that Jenna is back home with you and Bill. Now you all can start the "new normal" (ugh, I hate that phrase) of setting up routines, etc. Our oldest son moved back in with us when he was in his early 20s. He liked it so much that he didn't move out until our moving van came to pack the house up and move us to Colorado Springs! Life is all about new adventures...

Morning, Karen. Happy Sunday. I ended up hiking with Bree, Jack & Duke yesterday. We walked over 4 miles and we managed to see over 30 bird species. Duke was getting tuckered out by the end of it but he is eight years old, which is getting up there for a shepard. So far nothing lined up for this AM. Have a great day.

>155 Donna828: Hi Donna! Thank you. I first had to use "the new normal" when Jenna was 3 months old and Bill was making "I wish things would get back to normal" noises. I had to snarl "This is the new normal", but that was almost 29 years ago when the phrase was new to me.

That's funny about your son moving back home and then you moving the home. I do hope he's doing well these days.

>156 msf59: 'Morning Mark, and happy Sunday to you, too. I'm glad you, the kidlet, the kidlet's kidlet, and the kidlet's dog had a good hike yesterday. Your physical activities are amazing to me, since my working out using a treadmill for 30 minutes 3 times a week is about as much as I like doing. And of course you know that's only because I have to. Enjoy your plan-less morning.

...
Jenna's still sleeping, Zoe is on the printer watching Bill through the window into the kitchen. I can hear her purring from here. Today Jenna and I are going to empty her belongings from my Escape into the garage, then probably go grocery shopping.

Wordle 393 5/6* adieu, gloat, parch, canny, wacky

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Exciting news! Our dear friends Dawna and Leslie are celebrating their 70th birthdays AND the 14th anniversary of their legal wedding next weekend. They live west of Asheville, so Jenna and I are going BACK to Asheville to celebrate with them, spending two nights in a hotel.

I met Dawna when I was at Pepperdine. She wasn't a student there, but was dating a friend of my boyfriend Michael's and I got to know her quite well.

>158 karenmarie: West of Asheville? Like Bryson City/Sylva west? Betsy and I had a parcel on Fontana Lake where we planned to retire. Sold it in the late 90s (I think).

Close - Wayneville NC. They attend Congregation Beth HaTephila in Asheville, and the party will be at the Dave Social Hall.

OMIGAWD

Wayneville!! The reason we fell in love with the area was Lake Junaluska! (Albeit not the religious nuts whose playground it was then. And now, one supposes.) *sigh* Lives unlived.

Good mid-day, Karen! How exciting that you and Jenna get to go back to the mountains next week!!!!
Yep, Richard, Lake Junaluska is still as you have described it. My own religious playground (probably a hair less nutty, but it depends on who you talk to) is Montreat with its tiny jewel, Lake Susan. It's been 8 years since my best HS friends and I rented a cottage for a long weekend. *sigh*

Karen, I was Fiver again too. *sighsigh*

>161 richardderus: Karma!

>162 LizzieD: Good evening, Peggy. I haven't seen Dawna and Leslie since about 2004, so it will be wonderful to see them and celebrate with them. Plus, fun with Jenna.

Five is better than six is better than skunk.

We just finished watching The Princess Bride, which we haven't watched in years. So much fun.

Harrumph

Wordle 394 6/6* adieu, sloop, blown, clock, block, flock

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Morning, Karen. I had a perfectly lazy day yesterday and nearly finished Gillespie and I. I thought it might take a while to get through a 500 page book but I zipped through it. Good stuff. I have my annual physical this AM, so no other plans set. The heat moves back into today too. Boo!!

>165 msf59: Thank goodness it's just the Sahara shipping heat northward that impacts Europe, right?

>164 karenmarie: 4 for me today...for once I was right to get annoyed with my responses!

>164 karenmarie: Six for me too, Karen. In fact, only my second guess is different from yours. I started with your word, used your #2 at #3 and then went your way. GGrrrrrr.

>147 karenmarie: I started that one, got midway through, and had to stop because I was attempting to read it on my phone, which just did not work for me. I really need to get back to it!

I hope you have a wonderful week!

Morning, Karen. Everything okay? I see you had not been by here since very early yesterday. Not much to report. I just have Rehab duties today and once again it will be HOT.

I had a busy day yesterday between preparing for the Friends of the Library Board meeting and being busy with Jenna, and just now, with Mark’s message this morning realize I hadn’t gotten back here at all.

>165 msf59: Hi Mark, and glad you’re almost done with Gillespie and I. I hope your annual physical went well, sorry about the heat. It’s been a total heat wave here and we’ll be 94-98F through next Monday.

>166 richardderus: Hiya, RD! Congrats on the 4. My 6 was just barely tolerable.

>167 LizzieD: Wordle makes us crazy, doesn’t it, Peggy?

>168 alcottacre: I cannot imagine reading Hamilton on a phone, but don’t you do a lot of listening while walking the amazing amounts you walk every day? I personally found this book absolutely stunning, and am still coming down from that high. Thanks re my week – I hope yours is wonderful, too.

>169 msf59: ‘Morning, Mark, and happy Tuesday to you. Yes, as I wrote above, everything’s fine, just got busy and distracted yesterday. The Board meeting prep took 3 hours then the Board meeting was from 10-11. Grocery shopping, take out with Jenna, then just … read the rest of the day. I hope your Rehab duties go well – stay safe and hydrated.

…
I need to use the treadmill today and am having dinner with the wife of a Friend of Bill’s. In the meantime, coffee, chatting with Jenna, and etc.

Wordle 395 3/6* adieu, aorta, angry

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Yah!! You are okay!!

Hmm. I can see, with my recent medical history, that absence might be nervous-making. Sorry if I caused any worry, Mark.

>170 karenmarie: *eccchhhh* on the heat wave. It's supposed to get into the upper 80s here, too...entirely awful enough, if you ask me.

I was a 3-fer today as well.

*smooch*

Hiya, RDear. Yes, blech to the heat. Dry heat would, of course, be almost tolerable, but it's this nasty humid soup that is so draining. Yay for your 3-fer. Here comes #29...

*smooch*

The ninth paragraph of The Federalist No 29, written by Alexander Hamilton, in my copy of The Federalist, edited by Jacob E. Cooke.

January 9, 1788

To the People of the State of New York.

There is something so far fetched and so extravagant in the idea of danger to liberty from the militia, that one is at a loss whether to treat it with gravity or with raillery; whether to consider it as a mere trial of skill, like the paradoxes of rhetoricians, as a disingenuous artifice to instill prejudices at any price or as the serious offspring of political fanaticism. Where in the name of common sense are our fears to end if we may not trust our sons, our brothers, our neighbours, our fellow-citizens? What shadow of danger can there be from men who are daily mingling with the rest of their countrymen; and who participate with them in the same feelings, sentiments, habits and interests? What reasonable cause of apprehension can be inferred from a power in the Union to prescribe regulations for the militia and to command its services when necessary; while the particular States are to have the sole and exclusive appointment of the officers? If it were possible seriously to indulge a jealousy of the militia upon any conceivable establishment under the Fœderal Government, the circumstance of the officers being in the appointment of the States ought at once to extinguish it. There can be no doubt that this circumstance will always secure to them a preponderating influence over the militia.

The divisiveness in our country now, especially in the time of the Internet, when like-minded whack jobs can organize and almost bring down our Republic on January 6, 2021, was, obviously, inconceivable to Hamilton. Admittedly this is White Male Perogative speaking here, but I’m still convinced that the Constitution and the early decisions made based on that Constitution are still a miracle worth preserving.

Morning, Karen. Wordle was a 3-for-all today. YAY!!!

I'm cooking for my absence tomorrow to get the eye shot. Cooked yesterday too. My only other news is that all our phones have stopped texting. I think it's AT&T but will try to find out today.

>175 karenmarie: *sigh*

I wish he'd lived and Burr hadn't.

*smooch*

>176 LizzieD: Hi Peggy! Such a proud day. Yay.

Ah, your eye shot. I hope things go well. You're way more organized than I would be.

And phones all stopped texting? I hope AT&T was able to fix their problem. Very strange.

>177 richardderus: Oh yes, I wish he'd lived and Burr hadn't. What if, what if, what if.

>147 karenmarie: Wonderful review and you have me hooked, especially since I know you are stingy with your stars.

>147 karenmarie: I didn't know there was a book before the musical! Looks like this one wowed you :)

>175 karenmarie: Thanks for sharing this Karen!!!

Morning, Karen. Happy Wednesday. Glad you are doing fine. I am meeting my birding buddies this AM. Glad to report that my hummers have been back. Great to see them. Otherwise, not much else exciting at the feeders.

>179 Berly: Hi Kim, and thank you very much. Yes, me and my stars. *smile*

>180 LovingLit: Hello Megan. I was and continue to be wowed. When I started reading the book, I was not inclined to want to see Hamilton, but now, perhaps. I have looked at a clip or two on YouTube, but not the duel. It still breaks my heart.

>181 Whisper1: You’re very welcome, Linda. Jenna being home has, even though I'm ecstatically happy to have her here, put me off my regular routine. I can see it getting a bit back to normal mid-week next week after all her stuff is situated, she and I are back from our birthday party visit to Asheville, and the power washing is done on Tuesday.

>182 msf59: ‘Morning, Mark, and a happy Wednesday to you, too. Yes, thank you, I am doing well. Enjoy your birding buddy time. I’ve only seen male hummingbirds so far this season. Jenna’s keeping my feeders filled, bless her, and right now it looks like the birds are past first breakfast and not yet hungry enough for second breakfast. Nary a visitor.

…
Ah, coffee. Bill’s at work, and Jenna and I are going to relax but also get some of the areas of the house back under control touched by Hurricane Jenna.

Wordle 396 4/6* adieu, white, sprite, trite

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>183 karenmarie: I bet you're gladder than ever that Alex comes regularly. Another person adds so much to mess!

Have a lovely, sweetiedarling. *smooch*

Jenna informs me that she's only a Tropical Depression since all her stuff's not in the house.

Thanks, RDear! *smooch* back at'cha.

Happy Thursday, Karen.

Not much to say, so I wil include you in my Thursday rounds, to say something at least once a week.

Hi Anita! Happy Thursday to you, too. I'm glad to be included in your rounds. That's a good idea - to just make sure I visit everybody once a week. I've been terribly lax about visiting recently.

...
Ah, coffee, for me, one of life's true pleasures. Bill and Jenna are both still asleep, the house is quiet, I'll be doing some reading soon. Two errands today - to work out and to stop at the grocery store and get a few things.

Wordle 397 3/6* adieu, avoid, aphid

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Morning, Karen. Sweet Thursday. I am getting ready to head out and start my Jackson day. Bree mentioned he was quite a handful yesterday, possibly teething, so I am hoping he is doing better today, since I will be there until the early afternoon. Fingers crossed. I started This Tender Land. You were a big fan, right?

'Morning, Mark. Sweet Thursday to you, and I hope it goes well with Jackson today. Fingers definitely crossed.

I had to go back through my reading records to answer your question. I have read one standalone by Krueger, Ordinary Grace, not This Tender Land. I've also read the first two in the Cork O'Connor series but haven't continued. I have #s 3, 6, and 10 on my shelves for when I want to start reading the series again.

Good morning, Karen. Have a thunderous Thursday!

Hi Horrible! I slept in today...if you didn't notice, I was reviewing up a storm yesterday...and came dashing over here before my coffee was done to tell you about the Prime-linked sale at Woot! on Fire 4K televisions:
https://www.woot.com/plus/amazon-fire-4k-tvs-other-amazon-devices

Really, really good prices.

Anyway, good on yinz for getting Wordle in 3. I can't tackle it yet, too little caffeine.

>191 alcottacre: Good afternoon, Stasia! Thanks. The very same to you.

>192 richardderus: Hiya, RDear. I did notice that you reviewed up a storm yesterday. Thanks for the link.

Thanks re my 3.

I'm heading out to loan some books to Louise then go work out. Grocery store on the way back home. Sigh. Such an exciting day.

Lots of changes in your life but they sound like good ones, Karen.

Hi Meg! Yes, lots of changes. Settlling Jenna in, and I've got an appointment in a while for my knees, which started acting up again 2 weeks ago. I'm still getting in 30 minutes on the treadmill 3 times a week, though.

In the meantime, coffee, a bit of reading (I'll come back to LT after I get back from the Orthopedic Clinic).

Wordle 398 3/6* adieu, storm, tryst

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Morning, Karen. Happy Friday. My Jackson day went well. Some fussy moments but considering the length of time I was there. It wasn't bad. He sure likes falling asleep in my lap. It happened twice. Meeting a bird buddy this AM. I am really enjoying This Tender Land.

Happy Friday, Karen! I hope you have a fantastic day.

BTW - You mentioned about listening to Alexander Hamilton on audio. However, I HATE listening to nonfiction on audio. I like to be able to look at the footnotes, and more importantly, the bibliography. I am just going to have to break down and buy it some time in future.

>195 karenmarie: I hope your knees aren't going to be a problem, Horrible.

Happy weekend-ahead's reads! *smooch*

Answers to posts tomorrow. We have had a good day.

Wordle 398 3/6* adieu, storm, tryst

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Good morning, Karen. I'm eager to hear what the orthopedist had to say about the knee. I"m glad that your day was good. Meanwhile, I have 4 on Wordle again - two days in a row. Much better than five or six or skunk!

Happy, Happy, Happy weekend!!!!!

*smooch*

>196 msf59: Hi Mark! Now it’s happy Saturday to you. Glad it went mostly well, sorry about the fussy moments. Glad you’re enjoying This Tender Land.

>197 alcottacre: Thanks, Stasia. I went to the ortho clinic, got steroid shots for my knees, which already seem to be kicking in without cortisone flare.

Audio worked for me. I had great plans to read the footnotes and bibliography while listening to A.H., but that never happened. I did look at all the portraits and etc. in the book.

>198 richardderus: Hi RD! No problems. I even slept 8 hours straight last night and didn’t wear a brace when Jenna and I went to Wally World to buy a new mouse since I forgot the USB receiver for the one I brought but left in the USB hub.

Jenna and I went to a book store yesterday. I only bought one book – Amberlough by Lara Elena Donnelly. *smooch*

>200 LizzieD: Hi Peggy, and good morning to you, too. Wordle took me five today. I blame it on not being at home in my normal routine. *smile*

The Ortho PA said that I’m a candidate for knee replacements, both knees, and all I will have to do is get clearance from my cardiologist when I meet with her in November. I’m on one drug for sure that I need to be off of before any elective surgeries, but the Ortho PA put me on the surgery schedule for early next year for my right knee. We won’t even bother with arthroscopic surgery for the loose bodies, since knee replacement will eliminate those. She also said not to worry about the steroid shots breaking down the cartilage because the knee replacement will get rid of that problem, too.

Wordle 399 5/6* adieu, fiend, tilde, dirge, midge

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Happy Saturday, Karen. Have a great time with Jenna in Asheville. Stormy here today so I am staying indoors, with chores and books. I am leaving for Cleveland tomorrow, with friends for a few days. Brewery hopping and hiking.

Upcoming knee surgery sounds like it might be a good thing, Karen. I'm glad the shots are helping you but the surgery is supposed to be the cure-all...after the longish recovery period. I have a friend that had both knees done at the same time. I don't think she recommends it, though. I'm glad my knees don't bother me. Now my hip is another problem altogether. Ah, the joys of aging. *sigh*

I'm surprised that you only found one book in the bookstore to purchase.

Morning, Karen. Happy Sunday. I met Bree & Co yesterday for lunch, which meant I got to hang with Jack 3 days in a row. Yah! I am heading out shortly. I will see you when I get back.

>203 msf59: HI Mark! We’ve been having a great time. Indoors if there are storms is a good idea. Enjoy your brewery hopping and hiking trip.

>204 Donna828: Hi Donna. Oh yes, it’s something I definitely need sooner than later, and I am so glad she just treated it as the next logical step,, as soon as I get clearance from the cardiologist. I would never, ever, do both knees at once, and I’m not even sure they would do it that way out here. Plus, being a heart patient, I don’t think that, even with my good echocardiogram results, weight loss, and adherence to everything they’ve asked of me, they’d let me go through that double burden. Ugh to your hip problem.

I’m trying very hard to not be too whiney about the joys of aging, because I faced the alternative last November and I much prefer being here with … stuff… than not. I also realize that, except for the heart attack and knee/hip problems, I’m pretty darned healthy.

I should have, could have, gotten more books, but nothing grabbed me.

>205 msf59: Hi Mark, and happy Sunday to you. Sounds like a very nice Saturday. Three days in a row – just about enough to sustain you when you leave for the wilds of Cleveland. Have a good, safe trip.

Wordle 400 4/6* adieu, lover, cower, power

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We had a wonderful time with Dawna, Leslie, and their friends at the party. There were perhaps 40 people there. The happy surprise was her sister Robin, who I haven't seen since the late 1970s. She came with her younger daughter Danita. We sat at the table with them, Jenna next to Danita. The young women had quite a lot in common, especially true crime podcasts and their music.

Dawna's ex and her wife came from Atlanta, so i also got to see Nina again, met a few wonderful and interesting folks, ate wonderful Persian food, and etc. We got back about 9:15, hung out. I was in crisis mode - my Kindle wouldn't connect to the guest wifi, and I couldn't download two new books, so Jenna had the brilliant and I-should-have-thought-of-it idea of hotspotting her cell phone to the Kindle. Both downloads went quickly, and I was happy to have the book I was really interested in available.

Off to brekkie, back to relax then check out, then we'll stop for a bite of lunch, then home.

>206 karenmarie: The hotspotting thing is absolutely a life-saver, so I am delighted that y'all got that handled. Happy visit indeed, and hopefully only the first of more.

Happy Sunday! *smooch*

>206 karenmarie: Just for the record, I had both knees done at the same time in 2014. My surgeon explained the pros and cons of either doing one at a time or both and let me choose. I've never regretted getting it over with for a second.

>207 richardderus: Hiya RDear. My kid was a hero, for sure. I did have other books on my Kindle I could have read, of course, but I wanted the books I wanted. *smile*

>208 RebaRelishesReading: Hi Reba. Wow. Both knees. I'm impressed. I will keep an open mind.

...
Woke up early after only 4.5 hours sleep, but that's okay. The siren call of coffee pulled me downstairs, and I'm happy to get some quiet time in with Bill and Jenna asleep.

I still need to unpack my suitcase. Jenna and I will get extraneous things off the porches today in anticipation of the power washing tomorrow. I'll probably go to the grocery store. We might have turkey tacos for dinner, using Stasia's low-sodium taco seasoning.

Wordle 401 5/6* adieu, cloke, glove, slope, elope

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>202 karenmarie: You only bought one book? Are you sick or something? :)

Glad to hear the good news about the knee replacement surgery. I hope it all works out for you!

Have a marvelous Monday!

Hi Stasia! Not sick, but definitely tired and distracted. I could have gone nuts, but didn't want to go nuts for the sake of simply buying books. I have already bought 85 paper books this year, and that doesn't count Kindle. It also does not count gifts and Book Sale Team freebies. I did look for particular books and couldn't find them, and did look for particular audio books and couldn't find them. C'est la vie.

Thanks re the knee replacement surgery next year. Just need to get cardiologist approval, off one drug for sure perhaps more, and other ducks in a row. Frankly I'm hoping Jenna will still be at home - she's already been such a help.

The first two paragraphs of The Federalist No 30, written by Alexander Hamilton, in my copy of The Federalist, edited by Jacob E. Cooke.

December 28, 1787

To the People of the State of New York.

IT has been already observed, that the Fœderal Government ought to possess the power of providing for the support of the national forces; in which proposition was intended to be included the expence of raising troops, of building and equiping fleets, and all other expences in any wise connected with military arrangements and operations. But these are not the only objects to which the jurisdiction of the Union, in respect to revenue, must necessarily be empowered to extend—It must embrace a provision for the support of the national civil list—for the payment of the national debts contracted, or that may be contracted—and in general for all those matters which will call for disbursements out of the national treasury. The conclusion is, that there must be interwoven in the frame of the government, a general power of taxation in one shape or another.

Money is with propriety considered as the vital principle of the body politic; as that which sustains its life and motion, and enables it to perform its most essential functions. A complete power therefore to procure a regular and adequate supply of it, as far as the resources of the community will permit, may be regarded as an indispensable ingredient in every constitution. From a deficiency in this particular, one of two evils must ensue; either the people must be subjected to continual plunder as a substitute for a more eligible mode of supplying the public wants, or the government must sink into a fatal atrophy, and in a short course of time perish.

First salvo in Hamilton’s belief in the need for a national bank.

Dropping in to wish you a happy Monday!

>212 karenmarie: Took almost 85 years from the time that vandal Jackson destroyed Hamilton's work, until Woodrow Wilson gave away the keys to the Treasury in 1913, for there to be any kind of central bank. How much value was destroyed by 1837, 1873, 1893, 1907 panics? Lincoln, financing the Civil War by creating money, was the only one of the 19th century presidents whose economic record wasn't abysmal.

Oh well. At least the 21st century's worse!

*smooch*

>213 figsfromthistle: Hi Anita, and thank you.

>214 richardderus: Hiya, RDear. Jackson has a lot to answer for. It says a lot that 45 venerates Jackson. I'm still feeling that without Hamilton, we would either not be as in independent country or not be the Republic that we are.

The 21st Century is more of a time of upheaval even than the 1960s and early 1970s, IMO. That was only rebellion and protesting wars - this is economic and nuclear conflict that may well destroy us and the world. I'm not sanguine right now.

However, I'm enjoying some fun books about alpha males and strong-willed women, among other books. Jenna's home, and etc.

Wordle 402 4/6* adieu, spoil, pinch, cinch

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It's been way too exciting around here. We lost power yesterday around 9:15 a.m. Jenna and I started getting the generator prepped, then realized the propane valve was open instead of closed, which means that there could have been propane leaking into the shed, knew we had to wait about an hour for any fumes to dissipate, came back in, and the power was back on. Then last night when I went upstairs to bed the AC was off and there were no lights on the thermostat. The power glitch could have affected it somehow, but we don't think so. Anyway, it was 79 up there, so Jenna slept downstairs and I slept in the retreat with the ceiling fan on. At 4:30 a.m., the AC was miraculously on again. The HVAC people are coming out on the 12th to check the systems unless we have a problem before that again.

Way too much stuff yesterday.

And now the power washing guys are here all day. It's a good thing, but nevertheless two people making lots of noise around here most of the day.

I have had half a cup of coffee and am slowly coming out of my fog.

Hi Horrible. I'm not clear about when, exactly, I hit "full caffeination" as there doesn't appear to be a light or a buzzer anywhere, but I know my 4/6 today was due to my insufficient caffeination. I ignored a green letter. So annoying.

'Morning, RDear!

Alas for insufficient caffeination. I've got Wordle set on hard mode - I think it keeps you honest on either yellow or green or both. It still doesn't prevent you from using a word that is not in the 2,309 list of words to choose from.

*smooch*

You guys. I'd already drunk 3 espresso shots (in a latte vente) when I got Wordle in 6. Grrr.

Hope your A/C woes are ended soon. I don't think the heat's going away anytime soon.

I hope everything is back to working order after the glitch yesterday, Karen. We finally have summer here as well and the temperatures are up to 32C today (90F if Google is to be believed).

I hope you don't need a whole new AC! They are expensive!

>219 Storeetllr: Hi Mary! I don't think there's a direct cause and effect for everybody with caffeine and Wordle success. For decades I drank decaf - we're talking 1970s-2017 when I retired - and I felt competent and alert in the mornings. I always said that I had my body confused. And then Gevalia stopped selling decaf whole beans.

The AC went back out sometime late yesterday, so Bill relaunched the call ticket with the HVAC people and will text me when he gets info about when they can come out. Fortunately, it wasn't quite as hot upstairs last night and sleeping in the Retreat, with the ceiling fan on, worked for me. Jenna once again slept downstairs in the Library.

Today - Friday will all be in the mid 90s, with chances of thunderstorms late afternoon and overnight. We had rain yesterday when Blake had finished pressure washing and we walked around the house. I joked that I was so sweet I'd melt...

>220 Familyhistorian: Hi Meg. See above re the AC. I guess 32C-90F is hot for you?

>221 The_Hibernator: Hi Rachel. We got three new HVAC systems 6 (?) years ago and spent something like $18K. We definitely needed them since they were ~18 years old when we replaced them. We're on a maintenance contract, which is not super cheap, but then we only pay for parts.

...
Sigh. Today's treadmill, pharmacy, and grocery shopping. I think we're going to have turkey tacos for dinner tonight, using Stasia's low sodium homemade taco seasoning. I made some up the other day. Spice Island Chili Powder is the lowest sodium chili powder I've found that has any reasonable amount of flavor - 120 mg per T.

Wordle 403 4/6* adieu, proof, combo, motto

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>222 karenmarie: I'm glad you're enjoying the process, Horrible. *smooch*

It was a 3 day for me. I really couldn't make anything except the answer fit!

Hi RDear. I was quite busy today, thought I'd answered but here I am - having not answered.

Yay for a three.

*smooch*

Happy Thursday, Karen!

>222 karenmarie: Like you, I got Wordle in four yesterday. Today again in four.

Hi Anita, and thank you. The same to you.

Today's Wordle took me 5. Getting it was a lucky guess.

Wordle 404 5/6* adieu, cloth, tooth, front, stomp

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Ah, coffee. Such a pleasure. I've got a call with the Friends Treasurer about 10 a.m., a call with our insurance agent at 11 a.m. to go over our account, the HVAC guy coming out between 1-3, and I need to go to the Senior Center and use the treadmill sometime in there.

>211 karenmarie: It sounds like Jenna being there is working out. I hope it continues to be so.

Have a thunderous Thursday! Sounds like it is going to be a busy one around your place.

Hi Stasia. So far so good re Jenna. She bites her tongue, her dad has been mostly good about adhering to my expectations, and I just love having her here. A friend of mine has pointed out that this may be the last time - in a good way - that we have this extended time with her since we hope that this regrouping and getting her feet back under her will make her next step successful.

She's very happy to be closer to friends. She's going to visit her BFF this weekend and attend a party with some friends she hasn't seen in 7-8 years mid-August. These things just weren't possible, at least in her mind, while she lived in Asheville.

I hope you have an excellent day.

The first and fifth paragraphs of The Federalist No 31, written by Alexander Hamilton, in my copy of The Federalist, edited by Jacob E. Cooke.

January 1, 1788

To the People of the State of New York.

IN disquisitions of every kind there are certain primary truths or first principles upon which all subsequent reasonings must depend. These contain an internal evidence, which antecedent to all reflection or combination commands the assent of the mind. Where it produces not this effect, it must proceed either from some defect or disorder in the organs of perception, or from the influence of some strong interest, or passion, or prejudice. Of this nature are the maxims in geometry, that “The whole is greater than its part; that things equal to the same are equal to one another; that two straight lines cannot inclose a space; and that all right angles are equal to each other.” Of the same nature are these other maxims in ethics and politics, that there cannot be an effect without a cause; that the means ought to be proportioned to the end; that every power ought to be commensurate with its object; that there ought to be no limitation of a power destined to effect a purpose, which is itself incapable of limitation. And there are other truths in the two latter sciences, which if they cannot pretend to rank in the class of axioms, are yet such direct inferences from them, and so obvious in themselves, and so agreeable to the natural and unsophisticated dictates of common sense, that they challenge the assent of a sound and unbiassed mind, with a degree of force and conviction almost equally irresistable.
…
A government ought to contain in itself every power requisite to the full accomplishment of the objects committed to its care, and to the complete execution of the trusts for which it is responsible; free from every other control, but a regard to the public good and to the sense of the people.

This paper is eloquent, logical, and forceful. I’m continually stunned by Hamilton’s intelligence.

Morning, Karen. Sweet Thursday. I appreciate you keeping my thread warm while I was gone. We had a good time. Hiking, biking, brewery-hopping. I even got a nice chunk of reading in. Today, will be a regroup day and I need to take care of my feeders. Poor birdies.

>229 karenmarie: ...it's "...the intelligence of the people" that makes me long for some sort of test of suitability to vote.

Pobody's nerfect.

*smooch*

Good morning, Karen, I've lurked but been too rushed or sleepy to speak - those two and having absolutely nothing to say. Glad to see you busy and enjoying Jenna and Hamilton & Co. too!

Hey hey, hiya. Say hey to Bill and Jenna too.

It's time to get off my kiester and so some deeeep cleaning. I visited my trusted chiropractor on Tuesday, and he poked and prodded, worked his thumbs deep into my lower back. It's not sciatica, he said. It's some other nerve that sprouts from the hip flexor and extends down the thigh. Anyway, he worked me over real good. My leg felt better yesterday, and today some better. So. Get busy, Billy.

Pop by, if you have a chance, to gawp at the first of my wonderful Copenhagen photos. Of course, if you are uncomfortable visiting Google Photos (following a link I posted), I understand.

Have a good day, Karen.

>229 karenmarie: Meaningful and especially timely in today's political climate. I only wish it were more easily comprehensible so that everyone - even those who lack good reading skills and who don't want to take the time to parse the meaning of the antiquated phrases - could benefit from the wisdom.

>230 msf59: Hi Mark! Today got away from me – busy with phone calls, waiting on the HVAC guys, who STILL haven’t shown up, working out, dinner, and Castle. I like visiting your thread – no hardship there. Glad you had a good time.

>231 richardderus: Well, I’d agree, RDear, except that the people in power would/will and are currently trying to control who gets to vote, so I’d rather let more people vote than less. *smooch*

>232 LizzieD: Hi Peggy. I’m glad you delurked. Yes, I’ve been busy. Jenna and I have been amusing ourselves for sure. I need to get back to The Federalist more regularly.

>233 weird_O: Hi Bill! Nice to see you visiting. Will do with hey to Bill and Jenna.

I love visiting the chiropractor – my next visit is scheduled for 8-11. I’m glad you got a good work over. I’ll have to visit tomorrow.

>234 Storeetllr: I’ve mentioned several times and in several places that I seem able to understand archaic language better than your average bear and enjoying losing myself in the structure and logic. Hamilton, more than Madison and Jay, clearly had a complete grasp of everything he wanted to say and a most eloquent and specific way of saying it. Try duckduckgo-ing or google-ing “The Federalist in Modern Language” to find several options. I personally would not enjoy reading it except in the original language, but most people would probably enjoy the papers more and understand them better. Not that I understand everything, mind you, just that I understand enough.

Morning, Karen. Happy Friday. Getting back into my usual routine. I hope to get out with my birding buddies this AM. It is going to be a beautiful day.

"I love visiting the chiropractor" Me, too. Hope to get in next week.

Have a fantastic Friday and a wonderful weekend, Karen!

>236 msf59: 'Morning Mark, and a happy Friday to you, too. Routine is good. Enjoy your BBA, glad you've got a good day ahead. We've still got nasty heat and humidity today, alas.

>237 alcottacre: Hi Stasia, and thank you. The very same to you, too.

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Coffee joy, AC joy. The AC was on at 3 a.m. when I woke up. Bill was still awake so I came downstairs to get the story. The guy didn't finish up 'til about 2 a.m. Jenna helped him with the upstairs bits as I had hidden out in the Retreat with just the door cracked for the kitties. She made sure the kitties did not get into the attic: open door = kitty opportunity. The poor techs are working 17-hour days because of the horrible heat and AC problems.

Alex the house cleaner is coming around 11 today. I haven't even thought of a list yet, but it's still early. Two things on my agenda: go to the bank, in one town, and go work out, in another. Driving time = listen to Washington: A Life time. We're up to 1777 in the abridged audio book. I was upset at first to think I'd been stupid enough to get an abridged version of the book, but while I needed to listen to Alexander Hamilton unabridged, this is perfectly okay. I just need to find the next book to listen to in the car.

Wordle 405 4/6* adieu, queer, clued, upset. And I just realized I shouldn't have used a word with a D. Only half a cup of coffee rookie mistake.

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Happy Alex-with-a/c Day! *smooch*

Thanks, RDear! So far so good - Bill brought home grilled chicken salads for Miss Jenna and me for lunch, we watched a Castle, Alex is here, Jenna's now playing a game upstairs on her PS4, and I'll be leaving in a while to work out.

*smooch*

Karen, I haven't visited threads for a few weeks. My energy level is low. I'm sorry to hear of your need for knee replacement. My friend had surgery for both knees. It helped a lot. Good luck.

Hi Linda! I'm sorry you haven't been 'out and about' on the threads. I'm the same, with a few exceptions, alas. You'll visit when you can.

I'm very sorry to hear that your energy levels are low.

...

I hope to be able to take a nap later on, since I'm wide awake at this ridiculous hour. Jenna will be visiting her friend Amber today and tomorrow. Amber just moved into her new house, they haven't seen each other since 2020, and are BFF.

Wordle 406 4/6* adieu, brunt, blush, bluff

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Oh no! Get in that nap, for sure! And have a nice visit!

Morning, Karen. Happy Saturday. I am sure you will get that nap in later. We are watching Bree's dog Cooper for the weekend and I just let him out in the yard. We do not have a fenced yard, so we are using a tie-out. Bree & Co are up in Racine at their boat. It is easier for them, dealing with one big dog. I miss Jack. I haven't seen him in a week. ☹️The only thing on the agenda, this AM is chores and some food shopping. Enjoy your day.

Hope you get that nap in, Karen! The Wayne was up early, too (though not as early as you), and I've promised not to grumble if he wants to take a nap later ;)

>243 karenmarie: GadZOOKS! that's waaay too early. Nap later sounds like the only way to make it to dinnertime!

*smooch*

ETA for when you and Bill are ready to move, there's this marvelous waterfall house in Frankln:

https://www.zillow.com/homes/2008-Walnut-Creek-Rd-Franklin,-NC-28734_rb/65644958...

Note to self: Karen in the wee hours is brighter than Peggy in the morning. *sigh* I used your first word, Karen, and finally nailed it down in six.

By all means, nap when ready!

>244 The_Hibernator: Hi Rachel. Nap might happen. Probably later this afternoon.

>245 msf59: Hi Mark, and happy Saturday to you, too. Nice that you’re ale to watch Cooper, sad tht you haven’t seen Jackson in a week. Chores, food shopping, and … books? Enjoy your day, too.

>246 katiekrug: I hope to nap later. Naps are a good part of life, so I hope TW gets one in. You’re a Good Wife for not grumbling.

>247 richardderus: Oh yes, RD, it was way too early. I simply couldn’t sleep, and the siren call of coffee and quiet time with Jenna and Bill sleeping had me hauling my carcass downstairs before it was light. I’m already feeling a tad sluggish. *smooch*

>248 LizzieD: Ha. We seem to be fairly well matched, sometimes just different days.

Some mornings I use the old cheat sheet, but today all I used it for was to check valid words. A nap’s beginning to sound more and more attractive.

Naps are good, Karen. Take one everyday.

Hope you had a nice relaxing nap and are content in a cleaned house.

Morning, Karen. Happy Sunday. I am meeting my birding buddies this AM. Not sure what is happening later but I am sure a big chunk of it will be devoted to the books. Still nothing exciting happening at my feeders. Definitely a lackluster summer. When I took Cooper out back yesterday, I heard a nuthatch but never did see him.

>250 weird_O: Hi Bill. I didn't take a real nap, with bad results - see below.

>251 quondame: No nap, Susan, but after the cleaner comes I'm always happy. Since he started coming in January, things are looking really good.

>252 msf59: 'Morning, Mark, and happy Sunday to you. Yay for birding buddies, and whatever works out for this afternoon, I hope it is pleasing. I've had quite a few White Breasted Nuthatches. Right now, though I just saw a male Cardinal, and a Carolina Chickadee. I've got all four feeders out there with food in them.

Yesterday, I dozed in my chair here in the Sunroom with my legs up on the desk, around 2 or so. When I undozed, I realized my right foot was asleep, gave it a few seconds, which normally works, then stood up and took a step and my right ankle collapsed and I fell. Hard. So now I have a bruise on my right foot and it hurts a lot when I walk and my left knee isn't feeling wonderful either. I've got a compression sock on my foot and my knee brace on. There's been improvement, though, since yesterday everything hurt all the time, even with Tylenol. I took two Tylenol w/codeine at 9 last night and all I can say is wow - losing almost 50 lbs and not taking it for months really let it kick in. I took 2 extra strength Tylenol at 6 his morning and went back to sleep 'til about 8:30. Now I'm in my chair after getting the bird feeders out (suet and hummingbird come in because of the raccoons) and making coffee.

Wordle 407 5/6* adieu, slant, champ, clamp, cramp Grrrr.

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>253 karenmarie: So sorry to read you fell hard, Karen. At least the painkiller started to work a bit.
Take it easy, and sending some virtual (((hugs)))

Thank you, Anita. I'm definitely feeling much better than yesterday. Pain killers and braces/compression socks are the best. I appreciate the hugs.

OW!! No falling, this is Verboten from here on out. Do it not.

*worried smooch*

So sorry about your fall, Karen! I'm glad you are already feeling better, though.

>256 richardderus: Aye, aye, captain. I think the last time I fell, truly fell, was down 3 stairs when Jenna was a niblet. Fortunately, I was younger and don't remember any repercussions. Worry not - I'm already doing much better. *smooch*

>257 katiekrug: Hi Katie, thanks. I'm moving better and not in any pain at all when sitting.

...
And, I just finished Federalist No 32.

The first paragraph of The Federalist No 32, written by Alexander Hamilton, in my copy of The Federalist, edited by Jacob E. Cooke.

January 2, 1788

To the People of the State of New York.

ALTHOUGH I am of opinion that there would be no real danger of the consequences, which seem to be apprehended to the State Governments, from a power in the Union to controul them in the levies of money; because I am persuaded that the sense of the people, the extreme hazard of provoking the resentments of the State Governments, and a conviction of the utility and necessity of local administrations, for local purposes, would be a complete barrier against the oppressive use of such a power: Yet I am willing here to allow in its full extent the justness of the reasoning, which requires that the individual States should possess an independent and uncontrolable authority to raise their own revenues for the supply of their own wants. And making this concession I affirm that (with the sole exception of duties on imports and exports) they would under the plan of the Convention retain that authority in the most absolute and unqualified sense; and that an attempt on the part of the national Government to abrige them in the exercise of it would be a violent assumption of power unwarranted by any article or clause of its Constitution.

Further down in this paper Hamilton refers to a NEGATIVE PREGNANT, a legal term still in use today.

A negative pregnant is the denial of some part of an allegation such that the denial is “pregnant” with the possibility that the allegation as a whole may still be true, except for that detail. In other words, an individual’s refusal to categorically deny the entirety of an allegation gives that individual’s denial an implied meaning that is closer to an admission that the allegation is mostly true.

For example, if a teenage defendant who is accused of theft by conversion of her friend’s lollipop and silver necklace on January 2, 2014 issues a denial stating, “I did not steal my friend’s silver necklace on January 2, 2014,” this denial is pregnant with the possibility that:

1) the defendant stole the silver necklace on another day, and/or that
2) the defendant did steal the lollipop on that day.

Cornell Law School

I'll assume a negative pregnant was named by a man who'd never fathered a child.

*smooch*

>260 richardderus: Maybe he had fathered a child but was in denial about it.

Oh Karen. Please be careful. I'm what the Pennsylvania Dutch call "dopic", that is awkward and clumsy, prone to stumbling. I worry sometimes about getting labeled, as hospitals do with inmates, of being "a fall risk." But I also worry about actually being a fall risk. That would totally blow up the way I'm living now. I do hope you are feeling better.

Oh, Karen. I'm sorry about that fall but thankful that you're better today. At least you didn't do something stupid to earn it. I try to be more careful every single day, but sometimes all the care in the world doesn't help. What a sorry thought!

Be pampered!

So sorry to hear about your fall and hope your poor foot and knee recovers soon from it. Hope you can stay sitting until that happens! I hate to admit it, but I'm prone to falls. It's been getting worse the older I get, so I have to be really careful. I really don't want a broken hip or other bone fracture.

Karen I'm so sorry to hear about your fall! Take it easy and hopefully you'll be right as rain soon.

>260 richardderus: Isn’t that phrase a riot? I haven’t spent too much time trying to find the source or how long it’s been around, but it was definitely common, at least among the legal community, in 1788. *smooch*

>261 weird_O: Ha. Wishful thinking that he hadn’t fathered a child.

>262 weird_O: Thanks, Bill. Haven’t heard of ‘dopic’. Getting labeled can be catastrophic, especially by the medical community. No falls for you either.

>263 LizzieD: Thanks, Peggy. I’m doing a lot better and hope to be able to work out later this week. I don’t think I’ll even try for tomorrow or Tuesday – I want to give my foot and knee a chance to really heal before attempting 30 minutes on a treadmill. Funny – I feel like I was stupid but I guess I shouldn’t be hard on myself. I’m usually very careful. Yes, sometimes stuff just happens.

>264 Storeetllr: Thanks, Mary. My foot/ankle are a bit swollen, actually, but I’ve been elevating my foot quite a bit today. Yesterday I had it iced. I’m sorry you’re prone to falls, glad you’re really careful. No broken hips! No other bone fractures.

>265 lauralkeet: Thanks, Laura. Just resting and reading.

>253 karenmarie: Yicks! I'm so sorry about the fall. A comfy chair is invaluable in retirement.

Morning, Karen. Sorry, to hear about your fall. I hope you are feeling better today. Take it slow. I did get to see Jack briefly yesterday, in his car seat. At least I got a smile. I plan on a solo walk this AM and will probably team that up with some volunteer trash pickup at a local forest preserve.

>267 quondame: Hi Susan. You're right about a comfy chair. I need to actually sit in an Ekornes Mayfair and see if it's as stressless as they advertise. It turns out that a local VERY high end audio store, where Bill knows the owner and used to buy equipment from, carries them. We might need to take a field trip. Of course, that's on top of getting a treadmill at home. It's only money, right?

>268 msf59: 'Morning, Mark, and thank you. I am feeling better, yes, but looked at my foot and ankle last night and am bruised much more than I thought. I'm glad you got to see Jackson for a bit, sorry a longer visit hasn't happened for a while.

Wordle 408 4/6* adieu, gaunt, about, quart

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...
Meeting with Treasurer at Edward Jones for review and to get him on the account this morning. A bit of shopping in the Pitt, and an errand or two, too.

>269 karenmarie: Shrouds don't have pockets.

It took me 5 today. Irritating word. *grumble*

Anyway, sounds like a pleasantly productive day! *smooch*

Hi RD! I had a productive AND relaxing day. *smooch*

...
>5 karenmarie: July Statistics

>6 karenmarie: July Lightning Round. Still stuck in bodice ripper mode, although I'm now calling it extreme romance mode.

>271 karenmarie: I see you are still on a reading roll, Karen.
More pages read than me, for three months in a row :-)

>253 karenmarie: Sorry to hear about your fall.

Hope you are taking it easy!

Morning, Karen. Hope the foot is doing even better today. I have my Rehab stint today, after taking off last week. Books in the PM. Enjoy your day.

>272 FAMeulstee: Hi Anita. Yes, I’m still on a reading roll, possibly even an obsessive one right now with the types of books I’m reading. I’m enjoying myself, though.

>273 figsfromthistle: Thanks, Anita. I’m taking it as easy as I can, and Jenna being home is a God send.

>274 msf59: ‘Morning, Mark, and let’s see. Foot and ankle are still telling me they’re there, but they are slowly improving. Rehab in the morning, books in the PM. Not a bad thing at all.

…
I have a 10 a.m. September Book Sale Planning then grocery shopping, then R&R.

Wordle 409 6/6* adieu, north, woozy, folly, nobly, coyly

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Have fun with the planning, Horrible. I was only one guess ahead of you on Wordle.

*smooch*

'Morning, RDear, although another 22 hours have passed since you posted. I went to the meeting, got cash to pay our friend for window cleaning, went grocery shopping, then came home. My ankle is still noticeably bruised, alas, and my left knee has been protesting. I'm going to have to break my 3x a week on the treadmill rule and not go again today, but perhaps tomorrow.

Today is our daughter's 29th birthday. Presents, cards, special brekkie, special dinner, pumpkin pie for birthday cake.

She wants me to watch an episode of The Great British Baking Show, having just discovered it herself. I know it's gotten a lot of press here in the 75ers, but I wasn't interested. However, if Jenna wants to show it to me on her birthday, well, who am I to say no? *smile*

Wordle 410 4/6* adieu, burst, thump, youth.

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Morning, Karen. Happy Wednesday. Glad to hear you are taking it slow. It is for the best. Rehab went well yesterday. There are a lot of volunteers helping out, especially with the seasonal assistants. Not much planned for today. It is going to be a hot one, so I made no birding plans.

Hi Mark! I just visited your thread, glad to see that you liked The Cold, Cold Ground. I've tagged it '2022 toberead' to remind myself that I'd like to get to it sooner than later.

Happy Wednesday, Karen. I hope you have a wonderful day!

>277 karenmarie: Oh boy oh joy, you're finally gonna watch GBBO! I hope she chooses one from season 10. (That's Netflix collection 7.)

Have a lovely time today, Mom! I'll be there for waffles directly.

>280 alcottacre: Hi Stasia, and thank you. Pumpkin pie made and in the fridge. Jenna's upstairs playing on her PS4. It's been a good day so far.

>281 richardderus: Jenna wanted to show me one she'd watched - the first episode of season 8. I really enjoyed it and will probably watch more with her. I did not realize Sandi Toksvig was a presenter. Icing on the cake, as it were.

We did have the waffles - NOT a low sodium version because I wanted them to be exactly as she knows them - and we were both happy to have them. Where were you?

Wild caught Alaskan salmon and fresh cauliflower for dinner. Bill doesn't like cauliflower, so might make him a low-sodium version of church rice.

Happy Thursday, Karen!

And a belated happy birthday to Jenna.

Morning, Karen. Sweet Thursday. Bree is getting her roof done today, so she is bringing Jack over here. I have Trail Watch duties, so Sue will watch him until I get home. It will be good to see him. My feeders have been hopping and finally seeing a few other visitors. Hummers nearly every day.

>283 FAMeulstee: Hi Anita, and thank you.

>284 msf59: Hi Mark, and a very sweet Thursday to you, too. Yay for a new roof, yay that you'll get to have some Jack time today. My feeders have been quiet, and nobody's there now at all.

Wordle 411 5/6* adieu, phone, choke, theme, rhyme

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Quiet, coffee, LT. Bliss. Bill and Jenna are still sleeping. Dwain's coming at 8:30 to do the inside windows. I might try to work out today. I need to confirm that the closer of the two Senior Center's exercise room is open again.

>285 karenmarie: I hope the blissful day continues! Good luck with the work out - I hope all goes well.

Hi Stasia, and thank you.

I just called and the closest-to-me Senior Center's exercise room is open again. Even if I can't get 30 minutes in, I think I'll go.

The fourth paragraph of The Federalist No 33, written by Alexander Hamilton, in my copy of The Federalist, edited by Jacob E. Cooke.

January 2, 1788

To the People of the State of New York.

This simple train of enquiry furnishes us at once with a test by which to judge of the true nature of the clause complained of. It conducts us to this palpable truth, that a power to lay and collect taxes must be a power to pass all laws necessary and proper for the execution of that power; and what does the unfortunate and calumniated provision in question do more than declare the same truth; to wit, that the national legislature to whom the power of laying and collecting taxes had been previously given, might in the execution of that power pass all laws necessary and proper to carry it into effect? I have applied these observations thus particularly to the power of taxation, because it is the immediate subject under consideration, and because it is the most important of the authorities proposed to be conferred upon the Union. But the same process will lead to the same result in relation to all other powers declared in the constitution. And it is expressly to execute these powers, that the sweeping clause, as it has been affectedly called, authorises the national legislature to pass all necessary and proper laws. If there is any thing exceptionable, it must be sought for in the specific powers, upon which this general declaration is predicated. The declaration itself, though it may be chargeable with tautology or redundancy, is at least perfectly harmless.

Almost any paragraph from this paper could have been chosen. Here's a link to the whole paper: Federalist No 33

Jenna sent this to me. She knows her mother well.

Ha! That's great.

>289 karenmarie: Yep.

>288 karenmarie: Time to expand the court to 13 and Biden to get 4 justices.

Belated Happy Birthday to Jenna and Happy Jenna's Birthday to you and Bill. Sounds like the food was a winner, and I'm tickled that you're happy with GBBO too. Our Explorer channel used to air them, but not lately. 5 tries for me today too....... Glad the nearer center has reopened, but be kind to yourself. (I know you will be. It just makes me feel better to give you an instruction.)

>289 karenmarie: There you go!

>291 richardderus: Works for me. Yay, Kansas!

Hi Karen my dear, i am slowly catching up with the threads as i was absent from the 18th July until 2nd August. The first week missing was due to our heatwave and getting ready for our holiday and then i forgot to pick up the laptop to take with us down to Devon.

Hope all is well with you, Bill, Jenna, Inara, Zoe and Wash and we both send love and hugs to you all dear friend.

Morning, Karen. Happy Friday. I did spend a couple of hours with Jack yesterday. I read to him and he fell asleep in my lap again. His favorite place. He was a good boy. I am hoping for more of the same this AM. I plan on taking him for a walk. We have been having a female grackle hanging around the feeders.

Happy heatwave, Horrible dear. Hoping it breaks soon. *smooch*

>290 katiekrug: Thanks, Katie. I should have mentioned that Jenna sent it to me. I’ve just fixed the message to give her credit.

>291 richardderus: Hiya, RD. That would be great, to have 13 on the Supreme Court. More unwieldy, but at least initially we would have a liberal majority.

>292 LizzieD: Hi Peggy. Thank you. Yes the food was a winner, and I liked GBBO a lot. Haven’t watched any more, but will, for sure. Yuck to 5 on Wordle – it also took me 5 today. I decided to not go use the treadmill at all this week – my foot is still bruised and today it hurts worse than yesterday. I was amazed that Kansas voted the way they did.

>293 johnsimpson: Hi John. Nice to see you here. I’ve been remiss visiting threads, too. We’re doing pretty well except for me falling last Saturday and still having a very bruised right foot. Sending love and hugs to you and Karen and kitty skritches to dear Felix.

>294 msf59: ‘Morning, Mark, and a very happy Friday to you, too. I’m glad you got some Jackson time and will get some today, too. I haven’t seen a grackle around here for a while. I love their iridescent feathers.

>295 richardderus: Thanks, RDear. Today will be low-mid 90s, heat index of 100-105. Jenna and I are going out to lunch with Rita the Branch Librarian, but that will be mostly indoors with just walking back and forth to the car.

Wordle 412 5/6* adieu, count, curly, gummy, buggy

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Me too, Karen, me too - Fiver to the end. It's hard to believe that these evil words are random picks.

I'm glad you're giving your foot a rest. I walked yesterday for the first time this week. The walk was fine, but my foot (torqued one day a week or so ago in this #(#&!^ foot sleeve that I wear for swelling and lingering fasciitis) was more sore later. Take care!!!!

Hi Peggy.

Yes, I simply needed to give in to resting it and let the guilt go hang. Jenna approved of my decision.

I'm sorry you torqued it and sorry that walking made it sore. It sure would be nice if you could get back to swimming, wouldn't it? Dratted Covid. You take care too, dear friend.

...

Morning, Karen. Happy Saturday. I had a fine day with Jack yesterday. We went for a nice hike. He slept through most of it. It was warm and buggy. I have bites to prove it. I draped him in netting to keep him safe. I did manage to see 20 species. Nothing much planned for today but some house chores.

'Morning, Mark! A nice quiet nap with Grandpa, protected by mosquito netting. Lucky boy. Sorry you got bit, but at least you had a reward of 20 species. Chores is chores...

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Wordle 413 2/6* adieu, alien

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TWO! I'm happy. My starting word really paid off this time.

...
Quiet times here. Jenna's arm is sore from getting her Covid booster. Bill only got 2.5 hours of sleep last night. I wimped out last night and took an oxy and slept well for many hours.

Off to start my new thread.