Katie's 2022 Reading Room - Part 16

CURRENTLY READING
(Kindle) (Audio) (Kindle)

Hello, friends! Glad to have you joining me on another year’s reading (and life) journey.

For anyone new to my thread, I’m Katie: reader, wine drinker, food appreciator, shenanigan-ator, and non-sufferer of fools. I live outside New York City with my husband, "The" Wayne, our cat, Leonard, and our dog, Nuala/Noodles. Last year, I left my job in association management to explore life as a domestic goddess. I hope to do some writing, too, but that requires discipline and motivation, neither of which has ever made a permanent home with me…

My reading varies widely - I love genre fiction (romance and crime), contemporary and historical fiction, and narrative nonfiction. I try to balance my reading in all these areas. I also use my thread as a bit of a life journal, which mostly means I talk about what I’m cooking, eating, drinking, watching, doing, and avoiding doing.

Thanks for being here!

Books Completed

Books Off My Shelf: 4
Books Off My Kindle: 9
Books from Audible/Chirp: 13
Library Loans (print/e-books/audios): 34

AUGUST
60. Murder is Easy by Agatha Christie (3 stars)
59. Best of Luck by Kate Clayborn (4.25 stars)

JULY
58. The Locked Room by Elly Griffiths (4.25 stars)
57. Did Ye Hear Mammy Died? by Seamas O'Reilly (audio) (5 stars)
56. Luck of the Draw by Kate Clayborn (4 stars)
55. Rain Dogs by Adrian McKinty (4.25 stars)
54. The Light Over London by Julia Kelly (audio) (3 stars)
53. Flying Solo by Linda Holmes (4 stars)

Did Not Finish (YTD)
1. These Silent Woods by Kimi Cunningham Grant
2. This is the Story of a Happy Marriage by Ann Patchett (will come back to this one; was just not in the mood)
3. Breathless by Beverly Jenkins
4. Find Me by Alafair Burke
5. Chevy in the Hole by Kelsey Ronan
6. The Island by Adrian McKinty
7. Love, Nina by Nina Stibbe
8. This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub (will borrow again another time)

COMPLETIONS - Q2

JUNE
52. The Cost of These Dreams by Wright Thompson (audio) (4 stars)
51. Beginner's Luck by Kate Clayborn (4 stars)
50. Young Jane Young by Gabrielle Zevin (audio) (4 stars)
49. Recitatif by Toni Morrison (4 stars)
48. Book Lovers by Emily Henry (4.25 stars)
47. Holding by Graham Norton (audio) (3 stars)

MAY
46. The Sun is God by Adrian McKinty (audio) (3 stars)
45. Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt (4 stars)
44. A Very Large Expanse of Sea by Tahereh Mafi (audio) (4 stars)
43. The Girl He Used to Know by Tracey Garvis Graves (audio) (3 stars)

APRIL
42. Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult (3.5 stars)
41. The Lost for Words Bookshop by Stephanie Butland (audio) (5 stars)
40. Miss Lattimore's Letter by Suzanne Allain (audio) (3.5 stars)
39. Ocean State by Stewart O'Nan (4 stars)
38. Good Boy: My Life in Seven Dogs by Jennifer Finney Boylan (audio) (3.5 stars)
37. The War I Finally Won by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley (audio) (4 stars)

COMPLETIONS - Q1

March
36. Beauty by Robin McKinley (audio) (4 stars)
35. The Heiress Gets a Duke by Harper St. George (3.75 stars)
34. Maid by Stephanie Land (audio) (3.5 stars)
33. The Music Shop by Rachel Joyce (audio) (4 stars)
32. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury (audio) (3 stars)
31. See Jane Score by Rachel Gibson (3 stars)
30. Shoeless Joe by W.P. Kinsella (audio) (4 stars)
29. The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley (audio) (4 stars)
28. Wave by Sonali Deraniyagala (audio) (4.25 stars)
27. Wilder Girls by Rory Power (audio) (2.5 stars)
26. A Matter of Class by Mary Balogh (3 stars)
25. State of Terror by Hillary Clinton and Louise Penny (half audio) (3.5 stars)
24. The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn (audio) (4 stars)

February
23. Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell (audio) (3.5 stars)
22. Hero of the Empire by Candice Millard (audio) (3.75 stars)
21. Isabel's Bed by Elinor Lipman (audio) (4 stars)
20. Love & Saffron by Kim Fay (4 stars)
19. Kiss Me Tonight by Emma Hart (audio) (3.5 stars)
18. The Wedding by Dorothy West (audio) (3.75 stars)
17. Last Best Hope by George Packer (audio) (4.25 stars)
16. Here For It by R. Eric Thomas (audio) (4 stars)
15. Ghachar Ghochar by Vivek Shanbhag (audio) (3.5 stars)
14. If Beale Street Could Talk by James Baldwin (audio) (4.5 stars)
13. The Fell by Sarah Moss (4.75 stars)
12. Her Royal Spyness by Rhys Bowen (audio) (4 stars)

January
11. Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan (4.25 stars)
10. As You Wish by Cary Elwes (audio) (3.5 stars)
9. The Last Bookshop in London by Madeline Martin (audio) (3 stars)
8. Mr. Flood's Last Resort by Jess Kidd (audio) (4 stars)
7. Mindful Drinking by Rosamund Dean (3 stars)
6. Passion on Park Avenue by Lauren Layne (3.75 stars)
5. Aliens of Extraordinary Ability by Maeve Higgins (audio) (4 stars)
4. I Loved You First by Various Authors (audio) (3 stars)
3. Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness by Peter Kuper (4 stars)
2. Gun Street Girl by Adrian McKinty (4 stars)
1. Henrietta's War by Joyce Dennys (3.5 stars)

Around the Year in 52 Books:

TITLE
A book with a language or nationality in the title
A book with a time-related word in the title
- A book that uses all five vowels in the title and/or author's name - Passion on Park Avenue by Lauren Layne
- 2 books with the same word in the title - The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
- 2 books with the same word in the title - The War I Finally Won by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
- A book with 22 or more letters in the title - Aliens of Extraordinary Ability by Maeve Higgins

COVER
- A book with an image of a source of light on the cover - Mr. Flood's Last Resort by Jess Kidd
- A book with one of the Monopoly tokens on the cover - Henrietta's War by Joyce Dennys
- A book without a person on the cover - I Loved You First by Various Authors
- A book with handwriting on the cover - Murder is Easy by Agatha Christie

THEME
- A book that features loving LGBTQIA+ relationship - Here for It by R. Eric Thomas
A book related to mythology
- A book with a theme of food or drink - Love & Saffron by Kim Fay
- A book related to a game - Shoeless Joe by W.P. Kinsella
A book related to Earth Day
- A book related to psychology, neuroscience or the mind - Mindful Drinking by Rosamund Dean

SETTING
- 3 books set on three different continents - Ghachar Ghochar by Vivek Shanbhag (Asia)
- 3 books set on three different continents - Miss Lattimore's Letter by Suzanne Allain (Europe)
- 3 books set on three different continents - The Sun is God by Adrian McKinty (Oceania)
- A book set in a small town or rural area - Holding by Graham Norton
- A fiction or nonfiction book that is set during 1900 -1950 - Her Royal Spyness by Rhys Bowen
- A book set on or near a body of water - Ocean State by Stewart O'Nan
- A book with an academic setting or with a teacher that plays an important role - The Locked Room by Elly Griffiths

CHARACTER
A book where the main character is a female detective or police officer
- A book that involves aging, or a character in their golden years - Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell
- A book with a non-human as one of the main characters - Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
- A book about a woman in STEM - Beginner's Luck by Kate Clayborn
- A book with a main character whose name starts with A, T, or Y - If Beale Street Could Talk by James Baldwin (Tish)

GENRE
A book that involves alternate reality, alternate worlds, or alternate history
A book with gothic elements
- A book from the historical fiction genre - The Last Bookshop in London by Madeline Martin

AUTHOR & PUBLISHING
- A book published in 2022 - Book Lovers by Emily Henry
- A book published at least 10 years ago - The Wedding by Dorothy West
A book by a Latin American author
- A book by an Asian or Pacific Islander author - Wave by Sonali Deraniyagala
- A book with a Jewish character or author - Isabel's Bed by Elinor Lipman
- A book by an author with two sets of double letters in their name - Good Boy by Jennifer Finney Boylan

GOODREADS & RECOMMENDATIONS
- A book posted in the 2021 or 2022 ATY Best Book of the Month threads - Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult
- A book connected to a book you read in 2021 - Gun Street Girl by Adrian McKinty
- A book that fits your favorite prompt that did not make the list - The Lost for Words Bookshop by Stephanie Butland (Book with a character who loves books)
- A book with fewer than 5000 ratings on Goodreads - The Fell by Sarah Moss

AWARDS, CHALLENGES and LISTS
A book that won an award from Powell's list of book awards
A book from NPR's Book Concierge
- A book from the TIME list of 100 Best YA Books of All Time - A Very Large Expanse of Sea by Tahereh Mafi

OTHER
A book connected to the phrase "Here (There) Be Dragons"
2 books related to flora and fauna
2 books related to flora and fauna
- The next book in a series - Luck of the Draw by Kate Clayborn
- A book related to one of the 22 Tarot Major Arcana cards - Kiss Me Tonight by Emma Hart (Lovers)
A book related to glass
- A book related to inclement weather - Rain Dogs by Adrian McKinty
- A book less than 220 pages OR more than 440 pages - Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness by Peter Kuper

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

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

(Anything below 2 stars is unlikely to be finished)



WELCOME!

My week away in photo summary (missing my efforts on the tennis court):

>6 katiekrug: Nice

Happy new thread.

>7 BLBera: - Thanks, Beth!

Happy new one!

>6 katiekrug: Peaceful looking vacation. Yay for that, and for the new thread.

Happy new thread, and welcome home! (Ah, the bliss of returning to one's own bed...)

Hope you successfully got all you wanted to complete before the storms. We should be having some rain, too, and I hope it'll give us relief from the humidity. It's cooler today, but just as sticky and gross as the weekend was here.

Thunderation! Wheeeee

Happy new thread, Katie! Loved all your vacation photos. Counting down to your next break already?

>9 figsfromthistle: - Thank you, Anita!

>10 richardderus: - Thank you kindly, sir.

>11 bell7: - Thanks, Mary! Just back from the grocery store, so the errands are done. Still working on the laundry, of course...

>12 richardderus: - Love me a thunder storm!

>13 MickyFine: - Thanks, Micky! I am looking forward to a mini-break at the end of August (a few night in NYC and two days at the US Open) and then the countdown will be on for London in October :)

>6 katiekrug: Oh nice. Just nice. You didn't really leave the wine unattended, did you?

If you have a moment, you could stop by my thread and follow the link to some of my vacay photos. Copenhagen. It was glorious. About 70°F with a fairly steady ocean breeze.

"For All Mankind" sounds like a good one. Judy and I also often struggle to find things we both like to watch.

Happy new thread!
>6 katiekrug: Excellent holiday snaps.
I love a good thunder storm too. We've not yet had many, which is very odd for us. An English Summer usually being described as 3 fine days and a thunderstorm.

>15 weird_O: - Thanks, Bill. Copenhagen sounds lovely.

>16 magicians_nephew: - It's got interesting human dynamics, in addition to thought-provoking alternate history and science stuff. Give it a try!

>17 Helenliz: - Thanks, Helen!

I love that description of an English summer :)

>6 katiekrug: Nice! And I love your hat.

Happy new thread!

>19 Copperskye: - Thanks, Joanne! That hat was great keeping the sun off, but the brim was so floppy, it was hard to see, hence the interesting shape I wrangled it into :)

Happy new one!

The hat is definitely a winner!

>6 katiekrug: Very nice. And I'm another fan of the hat. Wandering round Vienna in 30+ temps I couldn't get over how few people were wearing them. Clearly better suited to sunshine than me!

>21 drneutron: - Thanks, Jim!

>22 laytonwoman3rd: - Thanks, Linda!

>23 charl08: - I've learned my lesson the hard way about not wearing hats. My skin is very fair and I burn at the, er, drop of a hat... *groan*

Good morning from a less steamy New York-metropolitan area! It should be a beautiful day today, and I am hoping to fit in a walk in between all the other stuff I have to do (yet more laundry, cleaning my office, trying to get my new laptop how I want it, etc.).

Last night was pretty quiet - TW went back to his office to do some work after dinner and I puttered and then read.

Books:
I finally got to listen to more of Did Ye Hear Mammy Died? which continues to be a delight. And I am well-ensconced in The Locked Room - it is reading very quickly which is nice.

Yesterday's Viewing:
Nothing.

Today's menu:
Cottage cheese and Rainier cherries
Salad with leftover rotisserie chicken and homemade dijon vinaigrette
Trivia tonight so whatever strikes my fancy at the pub

>25 katiekrug: Oooh Rainier cherries. I love all cherries but those are always a special treat!

>24 katiekrug: Happy new thread Katie. Love the pun!!

Your vacation looks wonderful. Glad your at-home weather has cooled a bit. Looks like it's our turn now.

>26 MickyFine: - I don't think I've ever had Rainier cherries before, Micky, but a friend recommended them. They are good, but not worth the $10 I paid for the smallish bag :-P

>27 RebaRelishesReading: - Ha - thanks, Reba! Hope you have a wonderful time with your grandkids (and kids)!

Happy new thread, Katie. Looks like you had a very relaxing vacation. It's good but hard to get back into the grove, isn't it? I'm finding it difficult at times.

>29 Familyhistorian: - Hi Meg! It is hard to get back into a routine, though I imagine you have more of a challenge as you were gone longer :)

>28 katiekrug: They are pricy. I might splurge on them once a summer at Costco but this year with the price of fruit in general, I opted just for regular cherries.

>31 MickyFine: - I don't like regular cherries, so I was a bit unsure about the Rainiers, but I can see why my friend told me to give them a try. But I'll probably just stick with grapes and berries the rest of the summer. Oh, and Jersey peaches, The Best Peaches on Earth (tm)!

>32 katiekrug: *waits for Georgia to come for Katie*

ETA Of course, where I live, all the good fruit comes from BC.

>33 MickyFine: - Jersey peaches come with 50% less racism, so they taste better ;-)

Luck of the Draw by Kate Clayborn

The second in the "Chance of a Lifetime" trilogy about three friends who split a winning lottery ticket. I enjoyed this one as much as the first. Clayborn creates characters who feel very real - their concerns and quirks and flaws are all believable and how they talk to each other and communicate (or don't) also feels true to life.

In this one, Zoe is trying to make amends for being a not-very-nice person previously, and one of her biggest regrets is how, as a high-powered attorney, she helped screw over a grieving family. In her efforts to atone for those actions, she crosses paths with Aiden O'Leary. One of the things I love about Clayborn's books is how well she writes male characters. Aiden is both swoon-worthy and infuriating, and his vulnerability is touching.

I'll be reading the 3rd book sooner rather than later.

4 stars

Morning! We had a great time at trivia last night and came in 4th of 19 teams :) I had a margherita flatbread for dinner. Prior to trivia, I got all the laundry done, cleaned up the kitchen, did other assorted annoying things, so it was a pretty productive day. Today will be errands, a walk, some reading, and maybe some writing (I'm finally feeling the itch...).

Books:
Still the same ones on the go.

Yesterday's viewing:
None

Today's menu:
Spicy turkey wraps
Bell pepper nachos

ETA: Just got off the phone with my cousin - my aunt is in the hospital following some complications after hernia surgery. She's in a medically-induced coma :( Please send any good mojo you have to spare Dallas-ward.

Oh, I'm sorry to hear about your aunt, Katie. She's definitely in my thoughts.

>36 katiekrug: Oh dear, I hope that's not as bad as it sounds.
Having said that, it can helpful, in order to let the body recover, so I was told. My husband was put into a medically induced coma a few years ago, after an operation to remove a tooth abcess and sepsis. I will admit that when I got a call from the hosptial saying "This is Intensive care, please don't worry" you do not hear the second part of that sentence.

Trivia and dinner sounds like a great antidote to all those tasks accomplished.

>37 bell7: - Thank you, Mary.

>38 Helenliz: - Yikes! I'd freak out if I got that call. I was bad enough when TW developed cellulitis after surgery on his elbow, and that didn't even involve any hospitalization.

The good news is she's in a medically induced coma. The bad news is she needs to be. I'm glad she's in a city where she can get decent health care.

Happier news soon *whammy*

>40 richardderus: - Technically, she's in Frisco, not Dallas, and apparently her surgeon thought she was doing great, despite not being able to eat, looking like death warmed over, and super low blood pressure. She ended up in the ER and from there to the ICU. Hopefully, she has better doctors now...

Hi Katie, and happy new thread.

>6 katiekrug: Pool, sunglasses and hat, wine, contemplation, and nature, even if it’s a spider web. *smile* Well done.

>28 katiekrug: I had two wonderful bags of just old regular sweet cherries and one bag of acceptable but not stunning Rainier cherries this month. Not $10/bag, though.

>36 katiekrug: Yay for feeling the itch. I’m sorry to hear about your aunt and am sending mojo to her and your cousin.

>42 karenmarie: - Hi Karen!

Thanks re: my aunt and the new thread wishes :)

Oof....all good vibes for your aunt and her medical team. MIC seems to be used more often these days, so I hope it means she has a better chance of overcoming whatever went wrong.

Sending healing thoughts your aunt's way, Katie.

More good wishes for your aunt from me Katie. Always hard to be far away when you want to be able to go and be supportive.

>44 laytonwoman3rd:, >45 BLBera:, and >46 charl08: - Thank you so much, Linda, Beth, and Charlotte. Greatly appreciated.

Thinking of you and your aunt, Katie, and hoping for good news soon.

>34 katiekrug: Snort

Adding my well wishes for your aunt. *hugs*

I hope the reading and writing are the soothing things you need today.

>48 lauralkeet: and >49 MickyFine: - Thank you, Laura and Micky!

This gave me a laugh:

As did this:

There's a thread in Book Talk (I think) that uses this list as a launchpad for all sorts of blurb interpretation from various LTers. I like these two:

Brave — libellous, but we think we can get away with it
Controversial — we didn’t get away with it, this is the new edition with cuts

>51 katiekrug: Laughing to keep from crying.

>53 rosalita: - Ha! Those are great additions.

>54 MickyFine: - Same.

>52 katiekrug: Hilarious. The sister of a well-known author who shall remain unnamed, told me that when her sister has to blurb a book that she doesn't think is all that great, she calls it "ambitious."

>52 katiekrug: I love it!

>28 katiekrug: I think Rainier's are good but I prefer Bings -- and they're less expensive too. You need to come out and try Washington peaches :)

Definitely sending good mojo for your aunt.

Hi Katie! Happy Thursday to you.

>52 katiekrug: LOL.

>56 BLBera: - Oh, that's great, Beth. I'll have to avoid "ambitious" books from now on :)

>57 lauralkeet: - :D

>58 RebaRelishesReading: - Hi Reba. I'd love to go back to the PNW, and when I do, I'll be sure to try a peach. Assuming they're in season.

Thank you re: my aunt. I haven't heard anything new, so I assume all remains the same.

>59 karenmarie: - Hi Karen! Happy Thursday :)

I love me a Thursday! All that weekend anticipation..... Not much on the agenda worth mentioning - Nuala will go to day care, I'll run a couple of errands, and that's about it. I need to get back into my cleaning routine but ugh. Maybe next week I'll be more organized.

My bell pepper "nachos" turned out pretty well last night. I over-cooked the pepper "chips" so it had to be eaten with a knife and fork, but the flavors were good. Mine could have used more cheese but I was trying to be good :-P

Books: Still enjoying the same audio and print book. I need to make a big push on the audio, as the loan is going to expire shortly. I have about 2 hours left.

Yesterday's viewing:
Two episodes of 'For All Mankind,' which continues to be good.

Today's menu:
Bagel thin with whipped cream cheese (I've been craving a bagel and c.c., so this is my compromise)
Taco salad or ordering from this place
Crispy tofu and noddles (first time cooking tofu - wish me luck!)

EW!

Wordle 404 X/6

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This made me feel better:

#PopCultured #70
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https://histordle.com/popcultured/

Oh no, really sorry about today's Wordle, Katie.
How did you cook the peppers? Were you going for crispy like a tortilla chip or just solid, to scoop & hold the nacho filling?

>62 katiekrug: oh noes! I will be smug with my 4.

Kaboom
#PopCultured #70
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https://histordle.com/popcultured/

We will quietly ignore Yeardle...

I'm also interested in the "nachos" I'm looking for post gym, low carb meals and currently getting rather bored of an omelette/frittata thingy.

>63 lauralkeet: - Thanks, Laura. Just the luck of the guess...

I cut the peppers into square-ish pieces, spritzed them with olive oil and sprinkled a little salt on them, then popped them in the oven to roast. I just wanted them to be slightly cooked, but not too soft so we could pick them up to eat. One minute too long in the oven and they got too soft. But everything was still tasty so I'm not too fussed about it.

>64 Helenliz: - I got Yeardle on my last guess, but I was just firing blindly :-P

These "nachos" or even a taco salad would be great for after the gym. And you can make the meat/bean/whatever mixture in advance say on Sunday, and then just heat it up during the week.

Sweet Thursday, Katie. Happy New Thread. I just started The Cold Cold Ground and I like the style. This may be a crime series that I will continue. It sounds consistently good.

>67 msf59: - Hiya, Mark! Yes, the Duffy series remains high quality throughout. And you love you some grit and darkness, so they're perfect for you ;-)

>65 katiekrug: Thanks for the peppers explanation!

>67 msf59: I checked that book out of the library on Katie's rec, and have since had a couple holds come in so I haven't started it yet. I'm looking forward to it though.

Skunked! Oh dear. Well, I won't mention my own stellar success in getting it in 3 today, then.

Your pepper nachos sound delish, but that seconds-too-long problem can be a killer on any roasted veg. Oiling the foil on the roasting tray and not the peppers, or using the air-fryer, might yield repeatable results.

>69 lauralkeet: - No problem!

>70 richardderus: - Congrats on 3! See, I can be magnanimous in defeat!

I might try the air fryer next time, but I'd have to do it in batches as mine isn't very large. The oven method worked fine, I just got distracted...

>61 katiekrug: Much luck with the tofu! It can be tricky but I think you can do it.

Enjoy your Friday eve!

>72 MickyFine: - Thanks, Micky! I think I'm going to attempt it tomorrow, as I'll have more time then. Having to pick up the dog from day care breaks up my cooking time weirdly...

I just finished the audio of Did Ye Hear Mammy Died?, and I can't say enough good things about it. I'll definitely be getting my own audio and maybe print copy. Just a wonderful, thoughtful, and funny memoir. It made me laugh out loud and shed a few tears.

Thanks to Richard for bringing the book to my attention!

Hi Katie. I am so sorry to hear about your aunt. I will be thinking of her and of you.

>52 katiekrug:, >56 BLBera: LOL.

You got me with Did Ye Hear Mammy Died? back in >25 katiekrug: with the title alone. I'm glad to see you loved it in >74 katiekrug: as I have already put it on my Axis360 audio wishlist.

>75 AMQS: - Hi Anne. Thank you for the good thoughts :)

I hope you love DYHMD? as much as I did!

>36 katiekrug: Oh no! Sorry your hear about your aunt sending overs lots of good healing mojo!

>77 figsfromthistle: - Thank you, Anita!

Morning, all! I'm up a bit early (for me) but that's okay. Lots of time to wake up before heading to the gym :) I ended up doing a bunch of cleaning yesterday, so today will mostly be a lazy day. I have books to return to the library and then I'll probably check out a new coffee place in town and do some reading and/or brainstorming. Going to tackle the crispy tofu and noodles dish for dinner, I think. Last night, we had leftover turkey nacho mixture over shredded cabbage and carrot (cole slaw mix) and it was very good. The cabbage held up better than shredded lettuce, so that will probably be our go-to for taco salads from now on. I then spent most of the evening reading the last 80 pages of The Locked Room, which was very good. More to come on that.

Books: I finished up both my print and audio books yesterday, and so started two new ones: The Wizards of Once on audio (by the author of the How to Train Your Dragon series, read by David Tennant which is the main reason it interests me - he's wonderful!) and Best of Luck, the third in the Chance of a Lifetime contemporary romance trilogy.

Yesterday's viewing:
Nothing

Today's menu:
Fruit and yogurt
Mahi mahi burger in a wrap with lots of veggies
Crispy tofu and noodles

Update on my aunt:
They started lowering her oxygen and pain meds yesterday to begin the process of waking her up and to see how she'd tolerate it. I didn't hear anything more after that, so I am hoping that means it went okay.

You finished The Locked Room already? Wow. I guess you did say you were moving through it more quickly than usual for some reason. I just started it last night so I'm not very far along, but it's nice to be back in Ruth's world.

>79 katiekrug: Glad to hear your aunt is making progress. Hope that the situation improves.

Checking in on the new thread, Katie!

I am sorry to hear about your aunt and hope that the "waking up" process went well.

>80 lauralkeet: - It still took me about a week to read, but that's fast for me these days :-P

>81 Helenliz: - Thank you, Helen.

>82 alcottacre: - Thanks, Stasia. I'm hoping for an update sometime today.

Wordle 405 3/6

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>74 katiekrug: Oh yay! You enjoyed it, but TBH I was really sure you would. He's such a likable sort, it's really easy to see what makes his story so interesting despite its ordinariness.

*smooch*

>85 richardderus: - I adored it. *smooch*

I killed it at the gym this morning. And I have some new things to do because some of what I was doing can't really be done with the next heaviest weights. I maxed out! Go me.
#stronglikeox

Did Ye Hear Mammy Died? by Seamas O'Reilly

This is sure to be on my list of favorite books of the year. Seamas O'Reilly grew up one of 11 children in a Northern Irish Catholic family. His mother died of breast cancer when he was five, and this memoir is both a rumination of the effect that had on him and a celebration of his beloved father, Joe. It could be tragic - I mean, it is tragic - but in that wonderful tradition of Irish writers, the pathos is leavened by humor and the strength of family. I laughed out loud many times while listening, and I got teary-eyed more than once, too. It's a difficult balancing act to acknowledge the grief and hardship but to also celebrate the devotion of his father and the spirit of the family's friends and wider community. O'Reilly walks that line beautifully.

5 stars

NB: This book is certainly a joy in any format, but the author narrates the audio himself, and I can't recommend it highly enough.

The Locked Room by Elly Griffiths

This was a strong entry in the Ruth Galloway series, maybe because it didn't try to force an archaeological angle into a contemporary crime story. Instead, we have Ruth and company in the early stages of lockdown at the start of the Covid pandemic, and Griffiths captures the uncertainty and surrealism of that experience very well. We also have suspicious suicides, a new neighbor on the salt marsh, the push-and-pull of Nelson and Ruth's relationship, and lots of Zoom. A very good read.

4.25 stars

>79 katiekrug: You're mostly lazy Friday sounds lovely. I hope both the new reads are great!

>90 MickyFine: - Thanks, Micky!

>74 katiekrug: I’ve got a paper copy of “Did Ye” home from the library! Isn’t Library Thing wonderful?! I never would have known about the book otherwise, I don’t think.

Have a great weekend!

Karen O

Oh look! It's 99¢ today...and there'll never be enough Cornish-themed reads: The Cornish Wedding Murder

Great comments on The Locked Room, Katie. I agree that Griffiths does a good job with the start of the lockdown, even if her characters weren't the most compliant!

>92 klobrien2: - I hope you love it, Karen!

>93 richardderus: - How much does the Cornish Tourism Board pay you?

>94 BLBera: - Ha! So true, Beth.

>95 katiekrug: erm

Nothing...why? Do you think I should? (hit them up for a stipend, that is)

I’m glad your mini vacation was such a success , Katie. Working your way up to London in October is a good idea. It would be lovely if air travel runs more smoothly after the summer rush.

I’m a few books behind you in the Elly Griffiths series. Sounds like the last one was a hit for everyone that is keeping current.

I hope your aunt comes out of the induced coma feeling well. That sounds like a good option to me. I know if I was that ill, I wouldn’t want to remember it.

>88 katiekrug: Book Bullet! Can’t argue with a 5-star rating.

>96 richardderus: - Doesn't hurt to ask!! Do they have a Publishing Board? You'd be a shoe-in for compensation :)

>97 Donna828: - Hi Donna - I expect travel will be easier in October, and we have a direct flight from JFK to Heathrow, which should minimize any luggage issues...

It was an interesting GRiffiths. The "mystery" was sort of weak (but then I often find that to be the case) - I'm in it for the characters.

I should probably nudge my cousin for an update on my aunt, but I sort of hate to bother him. His brother is on vacation (no comment) so he's the sole support for his father.

I hope you love the O'Reilly when you get to it. It's such a great memoir.

I spent a very nice hour at the new coffee shop in town - Casa de Flora Bar. They also sell fresh flowers. I was greeted warmly when I walked in and the service was excellent, as was the apple cinnamon cronut and iced chai latte I ordered. I'll definitely go back. Look how cute!





I also want to support it because it's in the "revitalizing" part of town that doesn't get a lot of respect, but has some great restaurants and a lot of potential. In fact, I've changed our dinner plans to go back down there for tonight's outdoor dining event :)

>99 katiekrug: Oh cool! A really lovely discovery.

>99 katiekrug: Ooh, so pretty and the food was good? Sounds like a gem!

>79 katiekrug: Still sending Mojo -- that all sounds so frightening.

>87 katiekrug: Go you indeed!

>100 richardderus: - I was so pleased that it was good and not just sort of gimmicky.

>101 MickyFine: - Well, I only had a cronut, but it was delicious :D

>102 RebaRelishesReading: - Thanks, Reba - on both counts.

Happy Saturday, friends. Sunny and warm here, perfect for a trip to an arboretum, which is what is on the agenda for today, followed by lunch out somewhere. It should be a fairly lazy weekend, as I don't have much on my To Do list beyond helping The Wayne with a couple of things and cleaning the master bath. Last night after dinner we came home and watched the Yankees game and then went off to bed. Such an exciting Friday night!

Books:
Only read about half a chapter in Best of Luck yesterday, and listened to a couple of chapters of The Wizards of Once.

Yesterday's viewing:
Yankees win!

Today's menu:
Fruit
Lunch TBD
Crispy tofu and noodles (finally!)

Wordle 406 4/6

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But I got Yeardle in one, so I'm happy :)

Curious about cronuts - the croissant and doughnut hybrid - but have never tasted one. There was a shop in Manhattan that offered them but there was always a long line and i never got to the front of the line in time.

Good on you to support a new shop in that area.

Wordle snap, Yeardle snap.
Never come across a cronut. Am intrigued, as I am about any cake type offering.

>105 katiekrug: I got ZERO letters in 1 & 2, and still managed 4, so I'm pretty okay with the results. Still, what a skunking I was sure I was in for!

>104 katiekrug: I really feel deeply curious about your crispy-tofu-ing, since it's such a polarizing ingredient. I like it, most ways and days, so I feel invested in the outcome.

Cronuts from a can of crescent rolls are easy and delicious.

>106 magicians_nephew: - They are not quite as sweet as donuts (fine by me), and I love that croissant texture. Lots of bakeries offer them now, I think.

>107 Helenliz: - See my note to Jim above trying to describe the cronut. Give it a try if you ever stumble across one.

>108 richardderus: - the crispy tofu with chili garlic noodles will be made tonight. For real. Honest. No funnin'....

I have zero urge to try to make a cronut (or even a donut) at home. Some things are best left to places where I'd have to spend money on them and thus maybe not indulge too often!

Happy last day of July! How did that happen?!?!

We had a lovely time traipsing around the arboretum yesterday. It hadn't gotten too hot yet, plus there was lots of shade. There were some art installations along the main trails, and lots of little cutaways and areas to explore. And not too many people! We spent about 90 minutes trying to cover every trail, but we missed a bit and were too hungry to carry on. A reason to return for sure - and maybe bring Nuala who would love it.

After lunch we ran a few errands and did nothing more very productive. Dithered about dinner and ended up going out because we were both feeling too lazy to cook. Home after and watched some TV. Exciting stuff.

Today is laundry, meal planning, and grocery shopping. In between, I'm hoping to get some reading done. A pretty typical Sunday.

Books:
Neither read nor listened to a single sentence yesterday.

Yesterday's viewing:
Part of the Yankees game. Two episodes of 'The Captain,' the documentary about Derek Jeter. It's very good.

Today's menu:
Bagel thin with whipped cream cheese and some yogurt for brunch
The mythical crispy tofu and chili-garlic noodles for dinner.

Last-day-of-July reading recaps to do today, too. My blog's gang-post went up today and I'm pleased that it's got so much interest already.

I hope you're heading for Prime soon to absorb Paper Girls soon. I think it will resonate with you.

Yay for a good Arboretuming. I took books to the boardwalk's Little Free Library. By the time I got home I was cursing myself...ooowwwwww

>111 richardderus: - I will check out 'Paper Girls' at some point. I've got my hands full with shows at the moment.

I'm sorry your excursion turned into ooowwwwww. That's no fun.

Hi Katie, and happy Sunday to you.

>89 katiekrug: I read this book in March because a friend had ‘her’ bookseller in London send her a copy, which she immediately loaned to me when she’d finished it. I, too, loved it, but was surprised at how upset I got reading about Covid. It brought back so many fears and uncertainties that I thought I’d processed. And the fear that Cathbad might die was almost too much.

>113 karenmarie: - Happy Sunday, Karen!

I've read a few "covid novels" and it really doesn't bother me. But I do agree about your spoiler!

The Wayne got my new laptop all set up - can you tell I'm on it now? Is my post all high tech and sparkling? Heh. I'm reacquainting myself with Windows, as my previous laptop ran Linux because I inherited it from TW who avoids Microsoft stuff if he can at all help it :-P So far so good. I am proud that I was able to install Chrome on my own and get my bookmarks and pinned sites transferred with no fuss or having to ask TW for assistance.

And I've had an otherwise productive day so far - meal planned and prepped my list, roasted some peppers, done two loads of laundry... I'll go to the grocery store around 3:30 - late afternoons on Sunday are usually pretty devoid of other people. Off to do some reading now.

Happy Sunday, Katie. I just finished The Cold Cold Ground and enjoyed it very much. It definitely has "grit & darkness" in spades. I will continue the series. I appreciate you supplying the nudge I needed. I just realized that he had wrote The Chain. Funny, that one never appealed to me.

How is it I haven't said hello here yet today? Hello!

Windows ??!! I haven't used that since I retired 5 years ago. I mean, I'm sure I could re-learn it, but I'd be pretty rusty. I'm impressed you were able to migrate everything. That's the worst part of the process, IMO.

>113 karenmarie: I totally agree with Karen's spoiler. I had to set the book aside for a bit yesterday because of it.

>116 msf59: - I'm so glad you liked it, Mark! And the series just gets better.

The Chain was not very good, so you're not missing anything :)

>117 lauralkeet: - Hi Laura! All I do on my computer is internet based, thanks to Google docs/sheets/etc. so the operating system means very little to me. At the first sign of trouble, I expect TW will convince me to let him deep-six Windows :)

>99 katiekrug: Oh man! How lucky you are to have such a great coffee place. Just add a little bookshelf and it would be perfect!

>119 figsfromthistle: - Maybe I should offer to curate a book nook for them :)

We actually have a lot of cute coffee places around here. I have a list of the ones I want to try.

Ugh - it's a grey, dreary Monday morning here. It made it very hard to get out of bed, but I decided I definitely wanted coffee before going to the gym :-P

Today's agenda involves several little, not-too-onerous tasks. I'm hoping it stays kind of gloomy so I can get some good reading in. Somehow I am less guilt-ridden about reading in the middle of the day on a weekday if it's rainy. *shrug* Yesterday, I got all the laundry done, and had a non-annoying trip to the grocery store. I did finally make the crispy tofu and chili-garlic noodles I'd been threatening to for several days. The tofu didn't crisp up the way I expected, but the whole dish was very good - and very spicy. The Wayne loved it, so it's definitely one I'll make again, with a few adjustments.

Books:
I read a bit in Best of Luck but had no audio time.

Yesterday's viewing:
Nada

Today's menu:
Yogurt and fruit
Salad and half a French bread pizza
Grilled cilantro-lime chicken with baked potato and air fried green beans

(Does anyone have a no-fail method of doing baked potatoes? I seem to struggle with them for some reason... is pathetic, since it should be super easy...)

Hiya Katie

You are not alone! I also feel less guilty about reading on rainy days. And I admit I was curious about "crispy" tofu. My experience is limited, but I have never achieved crispness. I'm glad it was a winner though.

>122 lauralkeet: - The recipe called for tossing the crumbled tofu (after pressing the moisture out) in cornstarch to help achieve crispiness. I did the pressing for the stated 30 minutes, but a friend has recommended trying to do it for at least an hour and to change the papertowels at least once, so I'll do that next time. I think I also needed more oil in the pan...

AT LEAST an hour per changed set of paper towels, and put it out in the morning to cook in the evening. Refrigerate at 3pm for 6pm cooking, f/ex, but keep the pressing up until it's really barely wetting the paper towel.

I'm quite enjoying the greyness. Makes a lovely rest for my a/c when I don't have afternoon sun glaring in the windows.

Irritating Wordle. *grumble*

Oh, I forgot to bring you today's Cornwall Tourism Council announcement: Mysterious disappearances, widows solving them, set in...but there, I needn't say it, need I...for $1.99!
The Lamplighters by Emma Stonex (cool last name, no?)

>124 richardderus: - Duly noted!

Wordle took me 5 today..

>121 katiekrug: I recently saved this baked potato recipe from Skinnytaste, but I haven't had a chance to try it yet. I had to buy kosher salt first, since that's not a pantry staple for me. But I've got it now, AND two potatoes, so maybe that will be supper tonight ...

ETA the actual link! https://www.skinnytaste.com/perfect-baked-potato/

>127 rosalita: - Thanks, Julia! I usually like her recipes (in fact, the chicken tonight is one of hers...), though I sometimes find them sloppily written, as in:

3. Next, season the potatoes with salt and place them on the prepared baking sheet and spritz them all over with olive oil.
4. Season them liberally with kosher salt, and transfer them to the preheated oven to bake.

I'm supposed to season them twice with salt? Salt won't stick until you spritz the oil, so.... yeah.

I'll try this tonight and let you know how it goes :)

>125 richardderus: I have to admit to being less convinced by that one. Excellent idea, not sure about the execution or the ending.
https://www.librarything.com/topic/330790#7514713

Jacket spuds. Select large potato, stab vigorously with a knife - you want to stab the spud, not just break the skin. I tend to do 4 stabs per quadrant for a hand sized spud. Then in the oven for 90 minutes at 180C, gas mark 5. Or, if cooking a casserole at the same time, up to 3 hours at gas mark 3.

If in a hurry, I would shove them in the microwave for 5 to 10 minutes to get them started, but then transfer to the oven for at least 30 minutes.

No oil, no salt, no bother.

>125 richardderus: - We must have cross-posted because I missed this message. I looked at that one but remembered some less than enthusiastic reviews around here, so passed.

>129 Helenliz: - 90 minutes! I need to convert that temperature, because I've only ever heard of putting them in for an hour max. But then, mine never turn out all that well, so..... :)

According to my trusty Delia, gas mark 5 is 190C (but I have a fan oven, so I knock 10C off it) or 375F.

I've done them quicker at a higher temperature, but I just prefer them this way. An hour at gm7, for instance.

It's also dependent on the size of the spud. I tend to go with ones that I can't wrap my fingers around, so a large handful sort of size. But then I have reasonably small hands, so that measure may be as much use as a chocolate teapot.

>131 Helenliz: - I wish we used those handy gas marks. It would be so much easier when cooking on the stove top than trying to decipher "medium" vs "medium high" or "medium low"...

Is a fan oven the same as a convection oven? If so, I might do one your way in the air fryer (which is basically a convection oven) and one a la Skinnytaste in the oven and see which I like better. And give the other one to TW. Ha!

Is a fan oven the same as a convection oven? Apparently yes. Who knew?
I'd have thought a convection oven relied on convection, so would not be fan assisted, but apparently logic doesn't get a walk on part here.

Sneaky, I like your thinking...

>133 Helenliz: - :)

>133 Helenliz: Also known as convection ovens, fan-assisted ovens are – as the name suggests – equipped with a fan inside which forces hot air to circulate around the oven.

That's from a UK site that sells spare parts for cookers, cleverly found at cookerspareparts.com. :-)

Oh dear...so "no" on Stonex. Oh well...my Cornish is up, must convert the Great Unbaked.

>135 rosalita: - Aha!

>136 richardderus: - Snerk.

I didn't do a monthly wrap-up for June and I don't think I'll do one for July. I'm still tracking the things that matter to me, so I'll do a giant year-end summary but it was beginning to feel like work (even though I track a lot less than some of you!). But I feel like July was a decent month for me, and I got some of my reading mojo back. The numbers weren't stellar (6 completed) but I've been enjoying doing other things, so it's all good.

RE: Baked (jacket) potatoes...it is nearly impossible to overcook them. Longer at lower temp is better. And I never stab or pierce them to begin. I usually put what is sold as a "baking potato" in our supermarket in the oven at 375F (no fan) for an hour, then take them out and CAREFULLY cut an X on the top, squeeze gently from the ends and the sides to open that cut up a bit (holding with mitts or heavy pot holders), and put them back in the oven for another 15 or 20 minutes. This lets the steam out and makes 'em fluffy. I found this method on some website or other a few years ago. Works well for us.

>139 laytonwoman3rd: true, and there is nothing worse than an undercooked jacket spud.
Having had a potato explode while cooking on one memorable occasion, I now always stab them well.

How'd it go Katie?

>139 laytonwoman3rd: - Thanks, Linda! I'll have to try that method. Mine are decidedly never fluffy :)

>140 Helenliz: - Both potatoes came out well but different.



The Skinnytaste method (oil spritz and salt) is the top one, the Helen method below that. Yours had a much crispier skin, while the other's was softer. TW liked yours best while I was inclined toward the ST one. I gave us each half of each one so we could compare :) The insides of both cooked well and were a nice consistency, so I call it a double win.

Morning, all! We are moving into a heat wave here - low 90s today after not even hitting 80 yesterday. Ah well, just glad we have good a/c!

I didn't get as much done yesterday as I had planned because I got side-tracked by other things. But good things, so no harm-no foul. Dinner was excellent (you can see my fancy serving platter above - TW couldn't figure out what the occasion was - ha! I just wanted to take a nice picture of the meal because I was so proud of how it turned out...) and then we had a quiet evening. Well, I did. He was trying to get my new laptop to connect to the printer, which is becoming quite an adventure.

Nuala is going to day care today, and then I have some errands to run. After that, I'll do some cleaning and then some writing. Trivia tonight!

Books:
I read a decent chunk in Best of Luck - this is such a good trilogy. I'm on the third and all of them have been a cut above the standard contemporary romances. No listening time, but I'll get some today while driving around.

Yesterday's viewing:
Zilch

Today's menu:
Treated myself to an iced latte with oatmilk from Dunkin' this morning. I woke up stupid early and thought about taking a walk but decided to get coffee instead.
Lunch will be wraps with the leftover chicken from last night.
Dinner is TBD, as we'll be at the pub for trivia. I'm leaning towards a Greek salad wrap with chicken but that might be too similar to what I have for lunch...

Welp, this was annoying.

Wordle 409 X/6

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>141 katiekrug: yay.

>143 katiekrug: yup. Different route, same result.

But: Kaboom!
#Yeardle #133
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https://histordle.com/yeardle/

>144 Helenliz: - I got Worldle in 1 (it was stupid easy)!

TW also got Yeardle in 1 so now I'm mad at both of you ;-)

Good morning Katie. Today's Wordle was a beast. Absolutely evil. Interesting baked potato results. I haven't had one in ages so now I have a craving, tyvm.

>88 katiekrug: Adding that one to the BlackHole. Thanks for the recommendation, Katie! I wish my local library had it.

>99 katiekrug: I do not do coffee, but I can certainly appreciate the loveliness of the shop. I bet it smells wonderful in there too.

Have a terrific Tuesday!

>143 katiekrug: It took me 5. I was really irked by the word, but it's a word (and an act) that annoys the snot outta me anyway.

>141 katiekrug: Pretty! I'm always about crispy skins since I eat them with more relish than the glop in the middle.

It won't get to 90° here, but it's a lot warmer than yesterday. Not too sunny, either.

>146 lauralkeet: - But you got Wordle in 4! You're a beast-slayer!

YVW re: the baked potato :)

>147 alcottacre: - Bummer about your library, Stasia. It's such a great book.

The shop has tea and other drinks, so you know, if you're ever in the neighborhood... *grin*

>148 richardderus: - A 5 is better than my skunk *pout*

I like the skin of potatoes, too, and that crispy variety will be perfect for when I want to make tater skins or stuffed taters.

Update on my dear aunt: she is off the IV antibiotics and is fully conscious and communicating! She will probably have to go to a rehab facility for a bit, but given that she has a bunch of other health issues of long-standing, I was really worried she wouldn't pull through at all. There is much joy in Krug-ville :)

>151 katiekrug: That's wonderful news Katie!! Woo hoo!

>151 katiekrug: Fantastic news about your aunt. May she continue to see rapid improvement. We need the good people in the world to stay with us as long as possible.

>142 katiekrug: They LOOK delicious. I prefer a crispier skin, while JC likes his softer...and even then he doesn't always eat all of it (so I do...of course).

>143 katiekrug: SAME. No, actually WORSE.
Wordle 409 6/6

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>151 katiekrug: Marvelous news! I hope she does well in rehab.

>151 katiekrug: That's Excellent news.

>151 katiekrug: Excellent news! Could not be happier for y'all.

>152 lauralkeet:, >153 rosalita:, >154 laytonwoman3rd:, >155 Helenliz:, >156 richardderus: - Thank you, Laura, Julia, Linda, Helen, and Richard!!

>154 laytonwoman3rd: - Linda, I got SKUNKED so you did better than me :)

Also, someone not finishing a potato in any form Does. Not. Compute.

So delighted to hear about your aunt, Katie. I hope the day continues to be filled with good things!

Good news about your aunt, Katie.

>158 MickyFine: and >159 BLBera: - Thank you, Micky and Beth! We are all very relieved.

I did a thing. Am doing a thing...

https://thepresentperfect.substack.com/p/welcome?r=9qeb7&s=w&utm_campaig...

>157 katiekrug: OH, so you did. I saw the pattern was the same as mine, and didn't quite catch that you hadn't solved it! (You should have kept quiet.)

>161 katiekrug: YAY!

>157 katiekrug: Oh, yeah...I only saw that the pattern was the same as mine! (You should have kept quiet.)

>162 laytonwoman3rd: and >163 laytonwoman3rd: - Ha! I guess I should have!

>161 katiekrug: welcome to the club! Can’t wait to see where this takes you.

>165 lauralkeet: - Thanks, Laura :)

>161 katiekrug: Good job! I subscribed.

No pressure, but I expect GREAT THINGS.

>161 katiekrug: Duly subscribed!

>167 BLBera: - Thanks, Beth!

>168 BLBera: - Ha. I'll do my best :)

>169 MickyFine: - Thank you, Micky!

I didn't get today's WORDLE either.

Double letters are not my friend

we tend to cut taters up into quarters or so and then bake them on the cookie sheet with olive oil and salt.

>171 magicians_nephew: "we tend to cut taters up into quarters or so and then bake them on the cookie sheet with olive oil and salt." I'm doing that tonight! So many wonderful ways to treat and eat potatoes.

>171 magicians_nephew: and >172 laytonwoman3rd: - Potatoes are God's most perfect food (says the good Irish lass)!

>173 katiekrug: Fact.

Hi Katie. I totally agree with you that potatoes are perfect! So many things one can do with them.

I am very happy to read that your Aunt is doing well.

>174 lauralkeet: - :)

>175 DeltaQueen50: - Hi Judy! Yes, I love the flexibility of potatoes, too.

And thank you re: my aunt!

Hello Heatwave Hump Day! Going to 90 today; tomorrow is supposed to be the worst of it at about 98. I can deal with a day... We came in 3rd of 19 teams at trivia last night! Sadly, there is no prize for 3rd place, which I think is an outrage. I had buffalo shrimp and shared some tater tots with The Wayne.

Yesterday wasn't super productive on the To Do list front since I got focused on writing and launching my Substack. So today will be catch-up, plus TW has had some thoughts about money things so I need to contact our financial advisor and set up a meeting. I'm hoping I can do it over email and avoid the dreaded phone call :)
I also need to get to the grocery store, but I need to figure out what I'm getting because the meal plan has been re-jiggered. And amid all that, I'm hoping to finish my current read.

Books:
I have less than 100 pages left in Best of Luck and it may be my favorite of the trilogy. I should be able to finish it. I have a couple of hours left in the audio of The Wizards of Once, which is fun but not as good as How to Train Your Dragon.

Viewing:
We watched some of the Yankees game at the bar last night.

Today's menu:
protein waffle and fruit
glazed Asian meatballs and brown rice
tbd

UGH
90° is ghastly, and yes it's August aka "Satan's Favorite Month" and "Revenge of the Winterhaters" but really?!

Anyway. I don't have to go outside until tomorrow, so this is me huddling before my a/c.

>177 katiekrug: Third out nineteen teams for trivia is super impressive! Crossing my fingers that no phone calls have to be made. I share your dread of those. Good luck keeping cool!

>178 richardderus: - It'll seem positively temperate compared to tomorrow...

>179 MickyFine: - We were really pleased with the result. Given the number of teams, and that most of them have more than just 2 people, it was probably our best result. We've gotten 2nd twice and won once, but that was on evenings with way less competition :)

I went out to the store earlier and it wasn't too hot yet, and now I have no reason to go out again today, so I'll pull a Richard and huddle in the a/c for now.

>180 katiekrug: Ugh. May you be completely proved wrong and the high tomorrow actually is 70°

>181 richardderus: - From your lips...

>88 katiekrug: Oh yay! The book is on its way and the audio isn't far behind. I'm looking forward to this one.

ICK on tomorrow's weather, and hope you stay cool!

>183 bell7: - You may have to give yourself time to adjust to the audio - I found the accent combined with his sort of soft voice made it difficult sometimes to hear/understand. But then I got used to it.

Hello, friends! 98F today with a "feels like" number in the triple digits. Normally, I'd just hole up inside with the a/c, but I have an appointment at the eye doctor, so out I must go. I may treat myself afterwards to an oat milk iced latte :) Other than that, it should be a fairly quiet day. I have virtual happy hour this evening.

Last night's dinner was pretty good - Asian-glazed turkey meatballs with roasted bell peppers and air-fried green beans. The sauce/glaze was a bit sweet, so I'll play with the ratio of ingredients next time. But it was super easy to throw together, since I used pre-cooked, frozen meatballs. I read most of the evening, or what was left of the evening, and went to bed on the early side.

Books:
I finished Best of Luck and started on Murder is Easy.
No audio time.

Yesterday's viewing:
Nothing.

Today's menu:
bagel thin and whipped cream cheese; fruit
fridge clear-out/smorgasbord
mixed green salad with blackened chicken and honey balsamic from our favorite delivery place

Sweet Thursday, Katie. Sorry to hear about your heat wave. Ugh. The Midwest has dealt with some heat but nothing like what the coasts are experiencing. Keep cool. Ooh, that salad sounds good.

>186 msf59: - Hiya Mark! It's just one day where it's really bad. I don't love, but can deal with around 90 or so which is what most of the week has been.

Hi Katie!

>115 katiekrug: Congrats on your new laptop and getting stuff set up on your own.

>185 katiekrug: Ugh to 98F. Dinner sounds wonderful.

>149 katiekrug: If I am ever in the neighborhood, I will certainly try the tea :)

>151 katiekrug: Hooray for joy in Krug-ville!

Have a thunderous Thursday!

>188 karenmarie: - the new laptop is now the bane of my existence. Or Windows is. Probably the latter. The Wayne is switching it to Linux this weekend. But thanks! :D

>189 alcottacre: - Thanks, Stasia!

YAY for Linux conversion and BOO for heat and Microsoft. We're getting so much less that y'all thanks to the sea breeze. Still muggy but not like inland!

Happy VHH Day!

>190 katiekrug: I know nothing about Linux but I did come to detest Windows during my working days. I'm glad you have such excellent tech support at home Katie. Is the switch due to the printer difficulties you mentioned?

Tomm is a huge fan of linux! I don't know much about it either way, but I hope it works better for you than Windowns, which is a real pain.

What I think of when someone mentions Linux:

>191 richardderus: - Windows and heat are both the work of the Devil...

>192 lauralkeet: - It is nice to not have to worry about tech stuff, I'm not gonna lie!

I'm switching because of the printer issues, as well as weird problems with my wireless mouse and keyboard. And because if I switch, I'll hear a lot less grumbling from a certain someone about helping me when I need it... Heh.

>193 scaifea: - Windows is The. Worst. I should have listened to TW in the first place...

>194 lauralkeet: - :)

>195 katiekrug: Preach, Soul Sibling. Preach the truth.

>197 katiekrug: - Always!

I'm back from my eye appointment. I can't remember if I mentioned it here but at my annual exam in June, the doctor was concerned that I might be developing glaucoma (I have family history of it). Today I had a field of vision test and some other thing, which were both good. But the pressure in my left eye was a little higher than it had been in June, so I have to go back in another two months for another check. She doesn't want to just start me on the drops for glaucoma because once you start, you can't really ever stop taking them, and I'm rather young. Also, they can cause weird discoloration of the eye and surrounding area and because I'm so fair, I'd look like a total weirdo (my word) if I was only treating one eye.

So not terrible news (I was convinced I had failed the field of vision test and would be told I would be blind in a matter of weeks) but not super great either. Getting old sucks.

>198 katiekrug: Glad the optometrist appointment is much further on the good side of the good/bad news line. *hugs*

>199 MickyFine: - Thanks, Micky!

>198 katiekrug: What >199 MickyFine: said. Sorry it didn't miraculously clear up but the news is better than it might have been.

>201 lauralkeet: - Thanks, Laura. I did ask if eye pressure can fluctuate such that in October, mine might be lower and she said yes, but that since today was higher than June's reading, she wanted to monitor it. She also said glaucoma was slow-developing but waiting until next year's regular exam was not advisable. So I'll just do what I'm told :)

Has anyone ever joined a canvassing effort for a political candidate (walking a neighborhood and knocking on doors)? I kind of hate the idea of the in-person equivalent of cold-calling people, but I really love my Congressional rep, and it's only a few hours on a Saturday, so I'm thinking of doing it. Plus, having never done it before, I'd be paired up with an experienced canvasser...

>203 katiekrug: I have done it; I think you'd ***HATE*** it. Like being the customer service rep for Elon Musk, it's very high-stress and a lot of people will shout at you.

>203 katiekrug: Don't follow the lead of our last canvasser. He was wearing a rosette the size of his head. I laughed at him before firmly shutting the door in his face. And I suggest that was probably a more polite response than many he got.
If you can deal with the rejection, then fine, but you have to expect a lot of rejections. Not all of them polite.

Monitoring the eye thing is better surely than sticking your head in the sand and hoping it will go away (knowing it won't...).

HAppy Friday, Katie!

Hope you are staying cool. We are also in a sticky weather mess. It feels like over 100F. The problem is that there is little relief. This must be what it feels like to live in the amazon ;)

Glad you went to see the optometrist.

>204 richardderus: - Hmmmm. I don't think there would be much shouting, as it's in a very blue town, but I'll mull it over some more.

>205 Helenliz: - Ha! A rosette. I don't think we do that here. I don't mind rejection - at least I don't think I do...

You are right about dealing with the issue rather than pretending it doesn't exist!

>206 figsfromthistle: - I really can't complain, Anita, as we have a/c in the house and lots of people don't. I'll just ride it out. We might get storms later but they aren't supposed to help much.

Happy Friday, friends! I had a great sleep last night and am looking forward to tackling the day. First up is the gym, and then I'll be doing some cleaning around the house. And some writing. And some reading. Not a bad agenda.

Virtual happy hour last night was great. We wrapped up by 8pm, so it wasn't a long, boozy ordeal :) I won't have another one for a while, as our next scheduled one is while I'll be at the US Open.

Books:
Read a bit in Murder is Easy yesterday afternoon and before bed. Also listened to some more of The Wizards of Once while driving yesterday.

Yesterday's viewing:
Episode 3 of 'The Captain,' the doc about Derek Jeter
A little bit of one episode of 'Reacher,' which TW was watching when I finished HH.

Today's menu:
Begel thin with whipped cream cheese and fruit
Leftover salad from last night
Lemon-basil chicken a la Amber, with quinoa and zucchini

>207 katiekrug: here you go, a rosette.
https://www.rosettesdirect.com/conservative-special

Seriously, it was huge. And rather ridiculous.

>203 katiekrug: I've not done in-person canvassing but I've done a lot of the get-out-the-vote/candidate advocacy cold-calling. I found it went a lot better when I had a firm grasp of the candidate's positions on various issues, and when I sincerely believed what I was saying. You don't have to be super-polished with your spiel (in fact it can be bad to seem to practiced) but projecting sincerity goes a long way.

>198 katiekrug: Getting old sucks. Yeah, it does, but there are compensations. I am glad to hear that the news was not terrible.

Have a fantastic Friday, Katie!

>209 Helenliz: - Sort of like a Texas homecoming mum:

https://www.centraltexasspiritwear.com/post/it-s-a-texas-thing-history-of-the-te...

>210 rosalita: - They have phone bank opportunities, too, but I thought I'd prefer to be out and about, seeing as how much I loathe the phone...

>211 alcottacre: - Thanks, Stasia!

>212 katiekrug: OK, Texas wins at taking a thing and making it oversize. Again.
>:-)

>213 Helenliz: - It's its one talent.... :-P

"So I'll just do what I'm told" Good Katie!

As for the canvassing, don't come knocking on MY door, lady! Seriously, I just wouldn't answer the door. I personally hate being approached like that, or by phone. I wonder if it is beneficial in getting out the vote or convincing anyone whose mind wasn't already made up. I dunno.

Political disagreement was all too seldom the reason I was shouted at...usually it was the incumbent's record on {thing} that caused umbrage in the oddest corners.

Does New Jersey have election judges? That seems to me to be the absolute best place for you to make a boots-in-dirt difference.

Friday *smooch*

>215 laytonwoman3rd: - Y'all are doing a good job of convg me not to do it! I mean, it must work or people wouldn't still do it...?

>216 richardderus: - I'll have to check out election judges. Maybe I can just be a poll worker or something.

Being a poll worker is on my list of "things to do when I retire" so I definitely endorse that idea. Things aren't likely to get overly contentious in Jersey but if they do I have confidence that you can hold your own against any random wingnut or flock of wingnuts. :-)

Gary volunteered as a poll worker when he retired two years ago and loves doing it. It's a long day (5:30AM until 9PM). You couldn't pay me enough to have to talk to all those people all day, but it's definitely his thing.

>218 rosalita: and >219 vivians: - I've submitted an application :) The only issue might be that I'll be in London at the end of October and that could prevent me from attending training (date TBD) or helping with early voting. We'll see!

#bringonthewingnuts

>208 katiekrug: Ooh, Mr. Fine and I both really enjoyed Reacher.

Around here the only door knocking I've seen is when the candidates for our County Council were running (and that was the candidate herself going door-to-door). Poll working would be fun though. I love voting so helping other people do it would be great, I think.

>221 MickyFine: - Hi Micky! I'll probably sit down a watch a whole episode or two to see how I like it. TW was really enjoying it. Maybe I can get him to read the books...

I hope the poll working works out :)

Oh, you guys. You may remember me mentioning my friend, Esther, who passed away a couple of months ago. We first met when I moved to DC after college, and over the years she had a bunch of health issues, and then I heard through another friend that she had passed. Anyway, I got a card in the mail today. There was a Post-It on it from her husband: "I found this note in Esther's address book. I wanted to make sure you felt her love."
So already I'm in tears, and she wrote the 7 sweetest sentences, the kind of message we should all be sure we send to those we love and care about.

A truly amazing, funny, and strong woman:



That is all.

>223 katiekrug: Oh.

How extremely lovely of him. And how delightful to know she thought of you when she knew the end was near.

You are a lucky, lucky friend indeed.

>223 katiekrug: Oh my. That's something to treasure, Katie.

>224 richardderus: - I certainly am lucky to have had her in my life.

>225 lauralkeet: - Definitely, Laura.

Hello, all. Beautiful morning here, leading into another warm and sunny day. I'm planning to go to the farmers market in a bit to pick up some produce for next week's meals. After that, I'll be doing some yard work and futzing around the house. Last night, we ended up going out to dinner and then had a quiet evening at home.

Books:
I'm almost finished with Murder is Easy, and I might finish my audio today. I love Book Turnover Days!

Yesterday's viewing:
Yankees game

Today's menu:
Bagel thin with whipped cream cheese
Lunch TBD
Lemon-basil chicken with quinoa and zucchini

Hopefully the farmer's market isn't too nutty.

Dinner sounds super tasty!

>228 MickyFine: - Thanks, Micky!

I've been to the farmers market and was very restrained. Only bought one thing not on my list (bacon-cheddar-tomato quiche, because duh). *proud*

I've also mowed the front and side lawns, so that's probably enough productivity for the day...

TW isn't feeling great, so I think it will be pretty quiet around here, which is fine with me.

Bacon-cheddar-tomato quiche! Yes indeed, that is a must-buy whenever spotted.

Saturday sounds *perfect* at yours. There's not a thing outside that still needs doing. Enjoy!

>231 richardderus: - Ha! There's actually a lot outside that needs doing, but... *shrug*

>232 katiekrug: If no fire hazards or immediate dangers to life and limb are present, *everything* can wait at 98° humidex.

Best of Luck by Kate Clayborn

The third in a trilogy, Best of Luck is the best of the three. And that's saying something, because I really enjoyed all of the books. This one is Greer's story. In the previous two books, Greer was something of a cipher - she's quiet, a little mysterious (to the reader) but possessed of uncommon insight and good sense. Clayborn gives her an interesting back story and a worthy love interest. I like opposites attract stories, and this one delivered, though as Greer and Alex learn, they aren't quite as different as they assume.

While this is a contemporary romance, and the love story is very good, Clayborn gives us a really well rendered portrait of female friendship, the kind that empowers and encourages but also isn't afraid to be truthful and frank. Best of Luck actually has less about the friendship than the previous two books but there was enough there to be satisfying. Greer, Kit, and Zoe are a triumvirate I wish I could hang out with more.

4.25 stars

>233 richardderus: - Excellent point. *smooch*

>235 katiekrug: :-)

>234 katiekrug: I hope it's being developed for filmed entertainment. Women as friend-units are still underrepresented in that arena. (I'm assuming you'd've mentioned it if the Bechdel Test was failed.)

>236 richardderus: - No clue about the Bechdel Test. I mean, I know what it is, I just don't pay attention for it.

Murder is Easy by Agatha Christie

Eh, this was fine, I guess. I didn't guess whodunnit for a good long while, but I just found it kind of boring and not very believable. If you're looking for a Christie without the annoying Miss Marple or pompous Poirot, you could probably do worse.

3 stars

There is no way I can resist a quiche of (almost) any flavour. My farmers' market indulgence this morning was a pot of salmon pate, as the fish man didn't have any prawns. Looking forward to lunch tomorrow, that's for sure.

And dieting me resisted the myriad of cake stalls and other sweet treats (OK, so there are probably only 3 of them, but when you're not allowing yourself cake above once a week, they seem to be everywhere!)

>239 Helenliz: - I'm actually not a huge quiche person, but sometimes I get a craving. I didn't have a craving until I saw this one :)

Good on you re: the cake! I agree, it's hard to resist, especially at a market where you know it will all be fresh and so delicious. I also resisted, so *high five*!

A potpourri of things here since I'm trying to catch up from a week away...

>115 katiekrug: Very, very impressed by the technical talent you displayed there! Also, GREAT news about your aunt!!

Baked Potatoes:
>127 rosalita: That's the way I do them. I put them directly onto the oven grate/shelf but put a cookie sheet underneath to catch any drips.

>139 laytonwoman3rd: I agree about it being nearly impossible to bake them too long but I always prefer a high heat. If the potatoes are large I put an aluminum "nail" into them (lengthwise) which transfers the heat to the middle and allows it to get done in less time. I also do the X-cut squeeze to open the top up to receive all of the goodies you want to install.

I once had a potato expose in my oven and now I would never, ever put one in without piercing it a couple of times with a fork -- really, it's an awful mess to have to clean up and it CAN happen.

I canvassed for a representative once and, although we didn't get much rudeness, I can't say I'd volunteer again mostly because I didn't really feel like we accomplished much. Those who were likely to vote for him already knew that and the others didn't seem to want to hear about it. Just sayin'

So, whew! I think that catches me up now.

>241 RebaRelishesReading: - Welcome back, Reba! I was thinking just yesterday, "I wonder when Reba gets back" :)

Happy Sunday, folks! I woke up a bit earlier than I would have liked but c'est la vie. Not much on the agenda - grocery run, laundry, etc. Yesterday was very quiet, as expected. I got a lot of reading done, which was nice. Dinner was a bit of a fail - I overcooked the chicken, the quinoa had no flavor, but the zucchini was good :) After dinner, we had a double feature movie night which hadn't happened in a while, so that was fun.

Books:
I'm really enjoying Adult Assembly Required and read a big chunk yesterday. I have less than an hour left in the audio of The Wizards of Once, so I'll probably finish that up today.

Yesterday's viewing:
Rom-com double feature of Notting Hill and Deadpool. I'll let you guess who chose what :)

Today's menu:
Quiche for brunch
Dinner TBD; will probably go out unless TW feels like cooking something. Sunday is night off for me!

Hi Katie.

>223 katiekrug: How thoughtful of him, and how wonderful to get 7 sweet sentences.

>243 katiekrug: Sounds like a good day ahead. 31 years into my marriage, I won’t watch anything with Bill anymore that I wouldn’t want to watch alone, so Deadpool’s out. You’re still obviously in a honeymoon phase. *smile*

>244 karenmarie: - I love Deadpool! It's very funny.

Ack, sorry about the chicken, Katie. Quinoa and zucchini need lots of seasoning to make them interesting, too. But your quiche sounds pretty great!

Sounds like a fun double feature night.

The parts of tonight's double feature. mooshed together, would make an interesting film.

Dry chicken is such a bummer! Of course it happens, so we just chalk it up to learning to be extra attentive, but the meal's pleasures are so reduced.

I think it's a PBJ day chez moi, when it's this kind of hot I just don't care about eating enough to fuss with anything. Happy-Sunday *smooch*

>242 katiekrug: Ah, how nice!! I've already found your message on my thread and that you for that too.

>246 lauralkeet: - The quinoa was my fault - it was a "kit" with pesto to mix in but TW isn't a huge fan, so I left it out. I should have known to add something. After a week of cooking, I am often off my game by Saturday :)

>247 MickyFine: - It was!

>248 richardderus: - That would be an interesting mash-up. It was funny because there is a riff on the Notting Hill "I'm just a girl" line in Deadpool... I hate cooking chicken. It's so unforgiving.

Now I want a PBJ. And I just had a piece of quiche (which was good, but not PBJ good!).

>249 RebaRelishesReading: - I miss my buddies when they're absent!

I think I'll start a new thread...

https://www.librarything.com/topic/343382

My lunchtime PBJ had whipped cream cheese and fig preserve. (I ain't goin' out just to buy butter and I'm tired of strawberries today.)