Katie's 2022 Reading Room - Part 17

CURRENTLY READING
(Print) (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: 12
Books from Audible/Chirp: 14
Library Loans (print/e-books/audios): 38

AUGUST
68. The Last White Man by Mohsin Hamid (audio) (3.5 stars)
67. Jonathan Unleashed by Meg Rosoff (4 stars)
66. Waiting for Eden by Elliot Ackerman (audio) (4 stars)
65. Northanger Abbey by Val McDermind (2.5 stars)
64. The Sound of Broken Glass by Deborah Crombie (4 stars)
63. The Poet's House by Jean Thompson (4 stars)
62. Adult Assembly Required by Abbi Waxman (4.25 stars)
61. The Wizards of Once by Cressida Cowell (audio) (3.5 stars)
60. Murder is Easy by Agatha Christie (3 stars)
59. Best of Luck by Kate Clayborn (4.25 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 - Q3

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)

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 - The Wizards of Once by Cressida Cowell
- A book with gothic elements - Northanger Abbey by Val McDermind
- 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 - The Sound of Broken Glass by Deborah Crombie
- 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!

>6 katiekrug: So here I am at just the right moment to say "Happy New One Katie" :)

>7 RebaRelishesReading: - Hi Reba!

>8 katiekrug: Hi again Katie!! We're doing a good job of following each other around this morning -- but I'm about to leave so see you tomorrow.

*smooch*

>9 RebaRelishesReading: - :)

>10 richardderus: - *smooch back*

Happy new thread, Katie!

Happy brand new thread, Katie!

Happy new thread, Katie.

Happy Sunday, Katie! Happy New Thread!

“This fifth wine has bright apple and pear notes, with just the barest hint of a blinding headache.”

Happy new one!

>12 Familyhistorian:, >13 figsfromthistle:, >14 BLBera:, >15 msf59:, >17 drneutron: - Thank you, Meg, Anita, Beth, Mark, and Jim!

>16 msf59: - Ha!

Happy new thread, Katie.

Happy new thread Katie.
>16 msf59: *snort*.

>19 PaulCranswick: - Thanks, Paul.

>20 Helenliz: - Thank you, Helen.

Welp, it's Monday. Still hot. I'm getting a little tired of it, but it's supposed to end after tomorrow, I think.

Yesterday was fine. I got some stuff done that needed doing, and we had a nice dinner out (shrimp cocktail and a side of asparagus for me, followed by a stop at the ice cream parlor for a Sunday treat. I got a scoop of coffee and a scoop of cookies and cream). Then we watched a little TV, The Wayne started a movie, I pickled red onions, and went off to bed. I mean, you can't beat us for excitement... :)

Today is the gym and some bits and pieces around the house. TW actually has the day off, so we might do something fun but probably not.

Books:
I finished The Wizards of Once on audio, and I should finish Adult Assembly Required today.

Yesterday's viewing:
An episode of 'The Captain.' This one included 9/11 and the World Series that year, which the Yankees lost and which I still find heartbreaking.

Today's menu:
Fruit and a bagel thin with whipped cream cheese
Black bean tostadas with pickled red onions
Honey-mustard pork chops with roasted potatoes and rainbow carrots

Happy new one.
>16 msf59: Ha! Me at a wine tasting.
The wine yesterday couldn't possibly be the reason for my sub-par feeling today. I deny everything.

I picked up the first in the 'Luck' trilogy by Kate Clayborn and really liked it. Thank you for mentioning it on your thread. I really liked Love Lettering, so I'm not sure how I'd missed that she'd published more. Nice to know I've got two more to read.

>23 charl08: - It's never the wine's fault!

Love Lettering was my introduction to Clayborn - so good. And she has another stand-alone out, Love at First. And one coming out later this year or early next :)

I like the pattern on this one:

Wordle 415 4/6

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Hi Katie, and happy new thread.

>26 karenmarie: - Thanks, Karen!

Do you have a recipe for pickled red onions or just wing it? If you have something you can share I would love to have it :)

Envious of your ice cream and your Monday plans (I could use a day of not much planned right now :P). Whether you and TW go out or hermit, I hope it's a good one!

>25 katiekrug: That's a good wibbleschnootz indeed.

Black beans and pickled onions sound delish together...I don't think I've ever had that combo. Will you have other garnishes...I dunno, cheese and/or sour cream, or cilantro, or...?

>28 RebaRelishesReading: - I've done it a couple of different ways, from different recipes. Today's was this: https://fortheloveofcooking.net/2017/01/quick-pickled-onions.html. I didn't love the apple cider, tbh. I think white wine vinegar works better, at least with the other flavors (Mexican) in the dish the pickled onions were for.

>29 MickyFine: - Thanks, Micky. It hasn't been a great day. More below.

>30 richardderus: - We had cilantro and cheese, and TW doused his in Valentina hot sauce.

So far, today has been very much a Monday. TW got sick and is still feeling a bit icky, though he hasn't rown up again and managed to scarf down lunch.

And I got a text from my uncle that my aunt was not doing well. Waiting for one of my cousins to get in touch with more details, but it's not looking good, I'm afraid.

I'm going back to burying my head in my book...

>32 katiekrug: oh no Katie, I am so sorry to see this news about your aunt. Sending a virtual hug.

>32 katiekrug: Oh heck. I hope it's temporary!

*smooch*

>32 katiekrug: Oh I'm so sorry on both fronts. *hugs*

>33 lauralkeet:, >34 richardderus:, and >35 MickyFine: - Thank you, Laura, Richard, and Micky.

No update yet.

The Wizards of Once by Cressida Cowell

I probably would have liked this more if I hadn't already several books in Cowell's "How to Train Your Dragon" series. As it was, it was a reasonably fun, mindless audio with a lot of similarities to the "Dragon" ones. The best similarity was that David Tennant narrates both, and he is a delight. Beyond that, this story of wizards, warriors, and witches follows a pretty conventional path of quest-adventure stories for younger readers. There is nothing at all wrong with it, I just wasn't as entranced as I might otherwise have been.

3.5 stars

>32 katiekrug: Sorry about your Monday, Katie. Hope the rest of the week makes up for it and you hear better news.

>32 katiekrug: Sorry to hear your aunt has taken a turn for the worse and bummer that TW isn't feeling well either. Indeed hope the week improves from this poor start.

>38 Familyhistorian: and >39 RebaRelishesReading: - I appreciate the good thoughts, Meg and Reba.

__________________________

My aunt Liz, who was like a second mother to me after my mom died when I was 21, passed away this evening. She had an infection after a hernia surgery and just couldn't fight it off. She was a fierce and funny pain in the butt, to whom I will forever be grateful for keeping me moored and loved when I lost my anchor. She insisted I call her at least once a week my final semester in college; I was just trying to survive at the time and get through it, and she loved and supported me, especially in my darkest times. I always knew she'd pick up the phone when I called, even if it was just to listen to me cry. She was bossy and opiniated but loved her family so, so much. I will miss her.

Me and Liz on my wedding day:


Liz and my Uncle Bill, married 48 years:

>40 katiekrug: I am sorry to hear that. Much love to you and all the family and friends who are missing her now.

>40 katiekrug: I am so sorry, Katie. My condolences to you and your family.

>40 katiekrug: Katie, I am so very sorry. May those memories sustain you.

>40 katiekrug: I'm very sorry for your loss, Katie. She sounds like a wonderful woman.

I'm so sorry for your loss, Katie. Thinking of you and your family.

So sorry for your loss Katie. I will be thinking of you and your family.

I am sorry about your aunt, Katie.

Thank you, everyone. I was very upset last night but am feeling calmer now, just sad. TW and I will be going to Dallas but are in a holding pattern until we get information on plans.

Not much on today's agenda, though I do need to take Nuala to the vet for booster shots. It's supposed to be disgustingly hot today, but that should be the end of the heat wave. *crosses fingers*

I started two good books yesterday: The Poet's House, which was recommended by Beth recently, and Waiting for Eden on audio.

>40 katiekrug: Safe journey home, Liz. We all join your family in their sadness. You did us all a giant favor, helping our Katie when she needed it. Rest now, we've got it.

So sad for you Katie. Many virtual hugs to you. Have a safe trip back to Dallas. Rest in Peace Liz. Like Richard says, we got this now.

>40 katiekrug: Oh, Katie, I’m so sorry for your loss…you wrote a beautiful eulogy for your aunt! May your good memories help to ease the pain.

Karen O

Thank you, Richard, Reba, and Karen. Her service will be Friday evening. The Wayne and I are flying in Thursday and leaving Saturday, so now I'm trying to sort out animal care, hotel, etc. My uncle asked me to speak at the service, so I have that to work on. I am glad to be busy.

I am so sorry for your loss, Katie. I hope all the travel goes smoothly and the memorial for your aunt is a comfort to everyone who knew and loved her. *hugs*

So sorry for your loss, Katie.
Safe travels.

Thank you, Micky and Anita. Much appreciated.

Finally got around to Wordle today. Another 4, but another pleasing pattern:

Wordle 416 4/6

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PENIS, PROUD, PATCH, PATTY

Take care, Katie.

>57 BLBera: - Thanks, Beth.

Morning, all. Our heat wave has broken and it's positively pleasant out there right now. Busy day today, as I have to drop Nuala off at day care/boarding, do some laundry, make a packing list, pack, etc. Our flight is at 8:15 tomorrow morning, so it'll be an early start, and I want to have everything ready to go. We splurged on first class tickets, and I'm looking forward to a relaxing few hours of good reading time before entering the all-family-all-the-time busy-ness of the next few days.

In other news, we came in 3rd of 19 teams at trivia last night :)

Hello Katie!

I am so sorry for your loss ((hugs))

Glad to hear the heat wave's broken! I think ours is on the way out, though today is still supposed to be humid. Congrats on the trivia, and safe travels tomorrow.

Morning, Katie. I am sorry to hear about your Aunt Liz. Sad to lose a special person. Glad to hear your heat wave has passed. We have been enjoying beautiful weather too.

We're due another hot weeks this week, rain forecast for Monday, so fingers crossed it happens. It's one of those things that mean you know middle age has arrived, when you say "the garden could do with it".

Safe travels.

>60 figsfromthistle: - Thanks, Anita.

>61 bell7: - Thank you, Mary. I hope the humidity dissipates for you soon!

>62 msf59: - Thanks, Mark. I'm just sorry I won't be around to enjoy the good weather, as we are off to Texas. But at least they are out of the triple digits...

>63 Helenliz: - We could really use some rain here! And thanks for the travel wishes.

Wordle 417 3/6

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PENIS, FINCH, CLING

>59 katiekrug: If there is anything that I can do for you on the Texas end, please let me know.

Safe travels, Katie.

I'm glad you were able to make all the travel arrangements so easily, Katie. Great idea to spring for first class, too. I know it will be a busy time but also I hope there are moments of joy, sharing memories of Liz with one another.

>65 katiekrug: Yay! Not the first time that leading with a PENIS proved a winning strategy.

>59 katiekrug: I'm glad y'all chose first class. It's worth the money for a time like this.

>66 alcottacre: - Thanks, Stasia. If you could adjust the temperature, that'd be great ;-)

>67 lauralkeet: - The Irish in us usually allows us to find some joy in these things.

>68 richardderus: - Snort re: your spoiler.

TW is an easy mark for upgrading because he's 6'4" and miserable in regular seats. He just needs to get over his innate frugality with some gentle persuasion :)

>69 katiekrug: Also 6'4' -- we usually look out for the Extra Legroom seats (the bulkhead seats) and pay a little more for them.

I haven't flown in first class but once and that was on an expense account. Aside from the legroom, and the suck up stewardess, really NBD

>70 magicians_nephew: - I get the "good seats" in economy for free on American, but we still prefer First Class. I like getting on and off quickly, and the free drinks don't hurt. I may be a bit of a pretty princess about it. *shrug*

So sorry to hear the news, Katie, and wishing you safe and easy travels.

Oh Katie, I'm so sorry that you've lost your wonderful aunt. I'll be thinking about you.

>72 vivians: and >73 scaifea: - Thank you, Vivian and Amber. I appreciate all the kind messages.

So sorry to hear about your aunt, Katie.

>71 katiekrug: I agree about paying for better seats, Katie. Flying is so not fun these days, that it is worth it to make it less aggravating.

Figured I better get in on this thread whilst it's still in the station! Nothing like boarding before it gets up to speed. Heh.

Amending this glib post to express my condolences, Katie. >40 katiekrug: is a fine tribute. Hope your Uncle Bill is ok. It's very hard to part with she who's been the linchpin of your existence for a half-century.

>75 SandDune: - Thank you, Rhian.

>76 BLBera: - I feel zero bad about it, Beth!

>77 weird_O: - Thanks, Bill.

I'm sorry you have lost such a special person in your life, Katie. I have tried to BE that person for my own niece, and your lovely post about her support made me vow that I will ALWAYS pick up the phone when she calls me. *hugs*

Katie, I'm so sorry to hear the news about your Aunt Liz. Safe travels there and back. Texas may be a wee bit hot and sticky. But then you used to live there so you know what it's like. Thank you for sharing the pictures and the lovely tribute. She sounds like a wonderful person who will be greatly missed. (((Hugs)))

I am so sorry to read about the loss of your aunt, Katie. Sending hugs, condolences and wishes for safe travels.

Greetings from I-78. Change of plans. Our flight was cancelled and they booked us on a flight arriving 29 minutes before my aunt's service, so ... yeah. We're now driving. To Dallas. Shoot me now. But needs must and I REFUSE to miss this.

(And yes, I checked other airlines and routing and nothing worked without cashing out my 401(k))

I’m so sorry to hear about your aunt, Katie. Sending a virtual hug.
Safe travels.

>82 katiekrug: Wow, that's quite an unfortunate turn of events. Driving to Dallas doesn't sound like much fun but as you said, you do what you have to do to be there. Safe travels.

That's so stressful, Katie. I'm sorry this happened. Safe travels.

Oh noooo, so sorry about the canceled flight! Thinking of you on the long drive, and hope it goes as smoothly as it can.

By the way, you and and Richard are impacting my library's purchases. When I got the audio and book of Did Ye Hear Mammy Died?, my co-worker asked me to let him know how it went. I started the audio on the way to work yesterday (and had brought the book to skim over any parts I missed on break), and really enjoyed the start. So when I got to work, I had him read the fruit cake paragraph, which he chuckled through and asked how I heard about the book. I told him, and since he orders our nonfiction, he decided to get it for our library.

I saw your Insta posts about the forced change in plans. I hope the drive goes smoothly. *hugs*

>82 katiekrug: My most sincere, heartfelt, and urgent prayers to whichever and whatever gods there are have launched. Your safety, sanity, and healthy arrival were the subject lines. Let's hope they're checking the inbox even though it's August.

What an aggro about the flight snafu. Do travel with care, Katie.

Quick update: we gave up the road trip idea as it was pretty insane. I'm booked on a flight tomorrow, fingers crossed it works out.

>90 katiekrug: Fingers and toes crossed for you, Katie.

Hope your trip goes well and that you have some good family time while there.

>90 katiekrug: Crossing fingers, toes, and all other crossables!

My crossables are all crossed that you're on your way even now and about to land in plenty of time.

>94 richardderus: What he said.

I endorse the remarks of the previous posters.

Mickey Dolenz used to tell about driving cross country on the day after 9/11 to see a friend who needed him in New York. Cops who stopped him for speeding would often let him off with a warning if he sang a Monkees song for them.

>94 richardderus:, >95 laytonwoman3rd:, >96 Helenliz: ditto

Thanks, all. I made it in plenty of time. Heading out for the service shortly. Hope I make it through my eulogy...

>99 katiekrug: Such a relief o know, Katie. Thanks for passing through.

{{{{Katie}}}}

It will be hard but you can do it.

>99 katiekrug: Glad you got there OK and hope your eulogy goes well (I'm sure it will). Hope you all find peace in family being together and in the warm memories you have.

What Reba said. Hope all went well this evening

Hoping that yesterday went as well as these things do.

Sorry you missed your flight and had to take a hellish drive but glad you made it to the service in time. Whew! Are you coming right back?

Hi Katie.

>40 katiekrug: Ah, I am so sorry to hear about Liz.

>99 katiekrug: Whew! Sorry the plans changed to driving, so glad you made it in plenty of time.

Hang in there.

*smooch*

I'm sure it was very, very hard. I'm also sure you rose to the moment.

Hello, friends! I am back from Dallas and more than ready to get back to my routine. My flights were both on time and uneventful. Liz's service was very nice. I didn't embarrass myself giving the eulogy. And it was lovely to be with my family to say goodbye.

The only hiccup was that I left the library book I had with me on the plane, and somehow they still haven't found it. WTF? Looks like I'm going to have to go fess up to my local librarian and buy them a new copy :)

Thanks to all of you who kept my thread warm while I was gone!

Welcome back, Katie. I'm happy to hear that you had a successful visit, once the travel arrangements were sorted. Sorry about the library book though.

Pleased with this one:

Wordle 421 3/6

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PENIS, TRICK, KHAKI

>109 katiekrug: pfft. I scored 6, and it required collaboration with Chris to get there.

>108 lauralkeet: - Thanks, Laura! I just htink it's weird they haven't found the book. They have my flight number and seat and it's not like it was an iPad or something someone might want to keep for themselves :-P Though it was a good book!

>110 lauralkeet: - I just got lucky.

Glad you got to the memorial service, Katie, and got to say goodbye. Too bad about the library book.

>113 BLBera: - The book is all your fault, because it was The Poet's House which I read on your recommendation, Beth! ;-)

welcome Home, Katie

>115 magicians_nephew: - Thanks, Jim.

That's a huge relief to know it went so smoothly. (Well, bar the library book.)

*smooch*

>114 katiekrug: Oh no! I'm glad you were liking it, at least.

Hi Katie.

>107 katiekrug: Glad you have returned safe and sound, sorry about the library book.

>117 richardderus: - I was so glad to be there. Or to be able to be there. I wish I hadn't had to be there, if you know what I mean. xx

>118 BLBera: - I had finished it on the flight, so at least I'm not left hanging. And I did really like it.

>119 karenmarie: - Thanks, Karen. I'm very glad to be home.

I'm glad you finished it. Isn't Carla a great character?

>121 BLBera: - Absolutely. But Oscar was my favorite :)

Glad that it went off well. At least you'd finished the library book, I suppose. It could have been worse!

Welcome home. Glad your trip and the service went well but bummer about the book!

>123 Helenliz: - I would have been really mad if I hadn't finished the book yet!

>124 RebaRelishesReading: - Thanks, Reba. It's a bummer about the book but as that was the only issue by then, it didn't seem such a big deal.

Oscar was great.

So glad to hear all your travels ended up going smoothly. Fingers crossed the library book reappears.

I hope settling back into routine at home is going swimmingly.

>126 BLBera: - Have you read anything else by Thompson, Beth? I have The Year We Left Home unread on my Kindle, I believe.

>127 MickyFine: - Thanks, Micky!

I haven't, Katie. I do have The Year We Left Home somewhere. I will definitely look for more by her.

>129 BLBera: - Same.

I don't think I've ever been so happy to see a Monday roll around - new week, time to re-set and get back to normal life. Today will be taken up by the gym, grocery shopping, and organizing my desk. Plus some cooking and some reading.

Yesterday, I got all the laundry done and meal-planned for the week and then just took it easy. We went out for an early dinner (caesar salad with salmon for me) and then came home and watched some TV. I had a good night's sleep, so today is looking promising.

Books:
I might be able to finish the audio of Waiting for Eden today. I would have finished it while traveling, but I left my earbuds at home. On my Kindle, I'm reading The Sound of Broken Glass by Deborah Crombie. I love this crime series.

Yesterday's viewing:
At dinner, we sat at the bar and watched random dog competitions on one of the ESPN channels. I will watch anything with dogs :-P Once home, we watched the season 1 finale of 'For All Mankind,' which was very good.

Today's menu:
Yogurt
Salad of some sort
Turkey taco chili mac

Wordle 422 3/6

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PENIS, PLACE, POKER.

'Morning, Katie. Happy return to a normal schedule.

>132 katiekrug: Congrats on 3. It took me 5. Your starting word always amuses me.

>132 katiekrug: Wow, nice job on the Wordle. That starter word really helped LOL.

Judy and I have learned our lessons about ear buds- always have them with you.

We went to two art museums this week and both had audio guides but only for your phone and only for your own ear buds

Yay for a return to routine! I hope the week starts great. :)

>133 karenmarie: - It always amuses me, too, Karen :)

>134 lauralkeet: - One day my starter word will be THE word and I will crow in excitement!

>135 magicians_nephew: - Yeah, well, it was a bit chaotic trying to pack on short notice...

>136 MickyFine: - Thanks, Micky!

Adult Assembly Required by Abbi Waxman

Sometimes it takes a village to raise more than a child. Sometimes adults need help, too. Waxman's latest novel brings back some characters from previous books, all of whom help Laura Costello adjust to her new life in Los Angeles and get over some past trauma. The novel features Waxman's signature humor and light touch with heavy issues. I loved getting to know Laura and revisiting old friends. The book can stand on its own, but the read is enriched by familiarity with The Bookish Life of Nina Hill and The Garden of Small Beginnings. This was a charming read which made me eager to get to the two other Waxman books I still haven't yet read.

4.25 stars

"'As you know, the best way to get over someone--"

Nina interrupted her, waving one hand and putting the other over her ear. 'Don't say it, you know I hate--'

Polly ignored her. 'Is to get under someone else.'

Nina made a furball sound. 'There is so much wrong with that, I don't know where to begin.'

Polly shook her head. 'No, it's provably true. I've proved it. The best cure for a sad heart is a--'

'No,' said Nina.

'Happy vagina.'

'Stop.'

'I've got more.'

'Please don't.'"

The Poet's House by Jean Thompson

I enjoyed this quietly humorous novel about a young woman whose eyes are opened to the power of words and creativity. Carla is a landscaper in Northern California who becomes involved with a group of poets and their hangers-on. What begins as something of a fish-out-of-water story becomes a keen exploration of the triumphs and pitfalls of the creative life. Thompson has created well-drawn characters that are easy to care about, and her descriptions of Carla's awakening to the power of words and poetry are beautifully done.

4 stars

My thanks to Beth for bringing this one to my attention!

>138 katiekrug: I'm really looking forward to reading this one but I'm far away enough from the front of the holds queue that I'll be waiting until I get back from my trip. Delighted to see it's a good one though. :)

>138 katiekrug: Interesting premise! I've read (and enjoyed) The Bookish Life of Nina Hill but I didn't realize it was part of a connected set of books. I liked it enough to check the library for the other two, at least.

>140 MickyFine: - Something to look forward to during the post-vacation doldrums!

>141 rosalita: - Unless I missed something, 'Nina Hill' was a total stand-alone, as was 'Garden.' It's only with this latest one that she's sort of connected them, though it truly can stand on its own, too.

>142 katiekrug: Interesting. The library has Garden but not this one. So I've launched myself onto the holds list for it, at least.

>143 rosalita: - I really enjoyed Garden, and think you will, too.

>138 katiekrug: I love the excerpt, Katie. I did like Nina Hill so will look for more by Waxman.

I'm so glad you liked The Poet's House; one thing I really appreciated was the fact that Carla was not a whiner. Some characters in coming-of-age stories tend to be irritating that way, at least irritating to me.

>145 BLBera: - I know exactly what you mean about the whiney coming of age stories, Beth!

>144 katiekrug: I think so, too!

I had to answer the work phone as I was posting earlier, so I forgot to add that I like the idea that linking the books arose organically after she'd already written the first two, and that you don't need to feel like you have "collect the set" in order to enjoy any of the individual books.

All of Waxman's novels (so far) have characters that overlap from one book to the next. They all work as a stand-alones but will reward readers who have read all of her books. It's why I re-read Nina Hill this year as I now knew who was familiar from previous books, added an extra bit of fun to the reading experience. :)

>147 rosalita: - Micky's added a bit of detail that I didn't know...

>148 MickyFine: - So Other People's Houses and I Was Told It Would Get Easier will have familiar characters when I finally get around to them? I didn't realize that...

>148 MickyFine: Now that is even more interesting! My library has the two Katie mentioned in >149 katiekrug:. I was able to borrow I Was Told right away, and put the other one on hold. Do you have any recommendations on whether they should be read in a specific order? It doesn't sound like it would matter but I'm just curious.

It occurs to me if the two I have on hold come in soon, I may need to go on a bit of an Abbi Waxman tear to get them all read before they have to be returned — not sure I've fully thought this plan through. :)

>150 rosalita: - I haven't read them in order. My first was Nina Hill, then Garden, and then Adult Assembly...

Not sure that helps, but I've enjoyed them all so don't think they suffered from being read out of pub order.

>151 katiekrug: It definitely helps because now I don't have to worry about it!

>149 katiekrug: They sure will. :)

>150 rosalita: Publication order is most rewarding but again, they all work as standalones. Characters from Garden of Small Beginnings crop up in almost every other book and at least one characters from Other People's Houses makes appearances in I Was Told It Would Get Easier.

The Weird NJ podcast comes to TV! https://deadline.com/2022/08/weird-nj-horror-comedy-series-sony-pictures-televis...

>152 rosalita: - Happy to be of service!

>153 MickyFine: - My memory is such garbage, I probably won't even recognize them :-P

>154 richardderus: - Oh, fun! Thanks for the heads-up!

Morning, all! Our stretch of nice weather is continuing, and I have no complaints. Yesterday was reasonably productive, though I have some items left over from yesterday's To Do list to tackle today. I also need to run a few errands (PO and butcher) but nothing too onerous. My reading nook has gotten very messy with stuff just dropped up there, so I'd like to organize it a bit today, too. I also, uh, need to do some writing, as I've already missed one week with my Substack thanks to last week's chaos. The dinner I made (turkey taco chili mac) turned out fine, but it was a little bland so I'll have to amp up the seasoning next time (and when we have leftovers for lunch tomorrow).

Books:
I finished The Sound of Broken Glass yesterday. Man, I love that series. And I started Val McDermid's modern take on Northanger Abbey, mostly just to fill a prompt from the reading challenge I'm doing. It's just okay so far. I am determined to finish the audio of Waiting for Eden today, and will then decide what's next in that format for me.

Yesterday's viewing:
Nada

Today's menu:
Fruit and a protein waffle
Turkey bacon wrap
Dinner TBD (pub trivia)

>139 katiekrug: Adding The Poet's House to the wishlist

Interesting that among the LT touchstones is From the Poet's House a story about the New Harmony commune

‘Morning, Katie! Happy Tuesday to you.

>138 katiekrug: Your bait worked. I ordered it. And then cancelled the order after I realized that our Library had it and I just placed a hold on it. Not enough coffee to have thought to check the Library first… And when I searched Amazon for it, there was a display of 3 Regency romances at the top, so I got Notorious by Minerva Spencer on Kindle Unlimited.

>142 katiekrug: Glad to know it can stand on its own.

>158 magicians_nephew: - Hope you like it, Jim!

>159 karenmarie: - Happy Tuesday, Karen. I hope you like the Waxman!

It's absolutely gorgeous out there today - no humidity, bright sun, refreshing breeze. I decided to hold off on going to the PO while I was running errands, so I can walk there after lunch :)

I'm craving fish'n'chips...how about that for pub trivia?

(Can't risk eating fish anymore, bad digestive results...so frustrating!)

Just credited you on my thread with two great recent reads - I know you'll keep them coming! I'm adding the Waxman list as well.

I'm enjoying this weather too, Katie. I mowed better than 3/4 of the place yesterday. First time since late June. I'll finish it today. Wonder how long it will be until another cutting will be appropriate.

I'm going to finish a book today! Honest. I was going to finish at bedtime, but conked out.

Have a rewarding rest of the week.

>162 richardderus: - I do love fish and chips, but their's is somewhat hit or miss, and when it misses, it really misses... I'm saving up all my cravings for London in a couple of months!

>163 vivians: - Oooh, I'll be right over to see what I got you with.

The Waxman is a good choice for when you want something a bit non-taxing, I think.

>164 weird_O: - Ugh, mowing. We need to do some...

Good luck with the book finishing.

>157 katiekrug: I hope you enjoy McDermid's Northanger Abbey more than I did. Out of all the books in the Austen project series that I've read, I liked that one least.

I am also holding off on all things fish n chips until Newfoundland because heaven knows I'll be getting tons of it then (especially since I don't eat shellfish).

>166 MickyFine: - I'm not loving it, but it's not bad enough to stop reading.

Hooray for fish and chips! Nothing better, when it's good.

One of the books I'm eyeing in the University of Chicago Press ebook sale is a history of fish and chips. Between that and the conversation over here, I have a powerful hankering for some deep-fried deliciousness right now.

This seems like the best place to tell a fish and chips story from our recent vacation. Our first night in a pub hotel in the Cotswolds, we were enjoying our meal despite a loud American tourist at a nearby table, sharing his opinion on all and sundry with his dinner companions. The server brought him his fish and chips. While it was admittedly a large portion, what he said next floored us: "Honey, look at this! It looks like something we saw at the phallus museum!"

WTF?!

>168 rosalita: -

>169 lauralkeet: - *trying hard not to giggle*

That is something I would totally say, but not loudly :)

Feeling maudlin? Me too!

https://thepresentperfect.substack.com/p/legacy-and-loss?r=9qeb7&s=w&utm...

>171 katiekrug: He said it as if they had actually visited such a place, which made me curious but not curious enough. I absolutely refuse to google "ph***** mu****" for fear of being served all sorts of related ads and search results forevermore.

>173 lauralkeet: - A wise move, methinks.

I doubt it's a real place. It's the kind of joke that sounds oft-repeated by a blowhard...

I have been told that there is a phallus museum in Iceland

Years ago, my husband left a book on a plane. I called lost and found and they actually found it. While I was on the phone with them, getting instructions on where to pick it up, someone else there offered to return it since they were a patron of the same library system. Saved me an 80 mile/$15 toll round trip. I think it was Jet Blue. Obviously years ago (maybe 20).

Glad your sad trip to TX went ok.

"I have a powerful hankering for some deep-fried deliciousness right now." ME TOO. And it's too late at night for me to eat anything, let alone a fried platter. But tomorrow....I know just where I'm going for lunch.

>177 laytonwoman3rd: Yes! There's an Irish pub in Iowa City that has great fish and chips, and I'm seriously thinking about getting some takeout tomorrow!

>175 magicians_nephew: - Huh.

>176 Copperskye: - That was lucky, Joanne!

>177 laytonwoman3rd: - Enjoy, Linda!

>178 rosalita: - Evil Kermit says, again, "Do it."

Morning, all! Going to be another beautiful day here - maybe I'll actually get that walk in...

We came in 7th of 15 teams at trivia last night. I had coconut shrimp. And too much wine.

I might go shopping today, but then again, I might not. I may just make it a quiet day at home. There is nothing majorly pressing that I need to do.

Books:
I didn't finish my audio yesterday, so I'll prioritize that today. I'm still reading the contemporary re-telling of Northanger Abbey, and as I said to Micky yesterday, I don't love it but it's not bad enough to stop reading. So on I go.

Yesterday's viewing:
None

Today's menu:
Cottage cheese and fruit
Leftover chili mac
Sausage and peppers

Rather pleased to have gotten this one in 3!

Wordle 424 3/6

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PENIS, EIGHT, TWICE

>175 magicians_nephew: We're leaving for Iceland on Sunday...somehow my list of "must-sees" doesn't include that stop.

Hope your good weather continues! We are expecting some thunderstorms today, which I love!

I need to find a new fun audiobook. I was on a good roll with them but I'm in a funk now.

>181 katiekrug: Different path, same result. It was a nice treat for being awake since 5.15 to do doctorial stuff.

>182 vivians: - Oooh, Iceland! Have fun.

>183 ChelleBearss: - Hey Chelle! Nice to "see" you :)

Most of my audios this year have been pretty meh, but the memoir Did Ye Hear Mammy Died? was excellent.

We could use some storms - at least the rain - here...

>184 richardderus: - Sorry about the doctoring, RD. That's never fun.

The Sound of Broken Glass by Deborah Crombie

This may be my favorite crime series. Crombie has created wonderful characters in Gemma James and Duncan Kincaid, and I appreciate how she always includes interesting detail about various parts of London or other areas of the UK. And unlike some series with great characters, the mysteries don't seem to be an afterthought. They are well-crafted and intriguing. So, yeah, another winner from Crombie.

4 stars

Fun fact: she is actually American and lives in the town where TW and I got married!

>186 katiekrug: And she has a new one coming after a long wait -- I think early next year. :)

Northanger Abbey by Val McDermid

This was, um, not very good. It's part of the Austen Book Project, which had contemporary authors re-telling Austen's works (it seems to have gone kaput without producing Mansfield Park or Persuasion). NA is not my favorite Austen, but I remember enjoying it. I think I should re-read it to get the taste of this modern version out of my mouth. McDermid seemed to just phone it in and rely on terrible "modern speak" that I've never heard actually come out of the mouth of a real person. And the whole idea of a 17 year old being pursued by grown-ass men was kind of icky.

2.5 stars (generous)

>187 BLBera: - Yay! I still have a few left to read to be caught up; I try to limit myself to one per year, since I'm running out :)

>188 katiekrug: Yup. I actually really love Northanger Abbey and I spent my whole time reading McDermid's version wishing I'd just re-read the original instead. Much more enjoyable.

On to better things!

>190 MickyFine: - Agreed!

>188 katiekrug: That's a shame. Not being an Austen fan (OK, disown me now) these were not high on my read list. But a bad retelling is worse than no story at all.

>192 Helenliz: - No disowning. Different strokes and all that... :)

Hi Katie, I'm delurking to say I totally agree with your assessment of McDermid's Northanger Abbey, I gave it the same rating and remember being disappointed with it.

But Gemma and Duncan get a big hooray! I love that series.

We are also having a lovely spell of warm (but not too hot) weather and we have been taking advantage of our deck. I have become addicted to a Green Apple and Lime Cider that I have been enjoying during our happy hour!

>188 katiekrug: Sounds awful!! Thanks for taking one for the team and reading it.

>194 DeltaQueen50: - Hi Judy! Glad to hear you agree about NA and the Crombie series. Great minds...

That cider sounds lovely!

>195 RebaRelishesReading: - I live to serve, Reba :)

Happy Thursday! Love me a Thursday...

It's going to be a bit warmer today, but the morning is lovely so far. I'll be taking Nuala to day care in a bit and then I might get a pedicure. I need to do some house cleaning, too, and get things prepped for the soup I'm making for dinner. So there's enough to keep me occupied but not too busy. I've been on a reading roll, so I'd like to keep that going...

Books:
In addition to Northanger Abbey, I finished up Waiting for Eden on audio. I haven't started a new audio yet, but I did start reading Jonathan Unleashed on my Kindle, and so far, it's pretty good.

Yesterday's viewing:
Again, nada.

Today's menu:
Protein waffle
Fridge clean-out for lunch
Smoked sausage and bean soup

Hi Katie!

>188 katiekrug: I’m surprised at such a poor effort from McDermid. She must really love Austen to tackle Northanger Abby since mysteries/thrillers are more her style. Thanks for taking one for the team.

>197 katiekrug: Sausage and bean soup sounds gorgeous, but I'm planned in for chili with refritos. *yum* I'm also going to wear out shoe-leather pacing until my tree-book of >188 katiekrug: arrives! Can't wait to get stuck in!

(/irony; think >195 RebaRelishesReading: said it all)

Doing VHH this week or next?

>198 karenmarie: - It was pretty disappointing, Karen. I would have thought she could have at least drummed up some bit of suspense or something, but no.

>199 richardderus: - It was an e-book, so you're safe :)

We only do VHH once a month now - first Thursday. I'll miss September because I'll be at the US Open. Yay! (About the Open, not about missing VHH...)

>200 katiekrug: What?!? You're missing VHH for some little open-access event in a piddly little sub-billion-dollar sport that has women *ptooptoo* among its top earners?

Why, I feel as though I never knew your depraved, indifferent soul before now.

>201 richardderus: - Snork!

Waiting for Eden by Elliot Ackerman

This short novel was a 3.5 hour long gut punch. Eden - what's left of him - lies in a hospital bed in a military facility in San Antonio after an IED blew him up in Afghanistan. His wife, Mary, has been with him nearly every day since his return, three years ago. The book is narrated by his best friend, a fellow Marine who was killed by the IED. He waits for Eden to succumb to his terrible injuries, so far in vain. We get the story of Eden and Mary's relationship, and that of Eden and the narrator. And of the narrator and Mary. You can probably see where this is going...

The prose is razor sharp and while I can't say I enjoyed the read, I certainly appreciated it. I was left a bit flummoxed by Mary's refusal to accede to Eden's final wish. I need to ponder it more, I guess, but on the surface it seemed perversely selfish and cruel.

I listened to this one on audio, and the narration was quite good.

4 stars

Friday! We made it :)

It's going to be in the low 90s here today, so I'll probably lie fairly low. We do have the gyn this morning, but other than that - nada. Yesterday was also pretty low-key. I made soup in the slow cooker for dinner, so that was nice and easy. And I read a lot. No complaints there.

Books:
I started the audio of The Last White Man by Mohsin Hamid, which is very good so far. And after finishing Jonathan Unleashed, I picked up the next-for-me in the Eve Dallas series, Creation in Death.

Yesterday's viewing:
One episode of 'The Captain.'

Today's menu:
Yogurt
Leftover soup
Probably out for dinner

>204 katiekrug: We do have the gyn this morning
Thank you for sharing ... 😂

Happy Friday! A low-key day sounds about right now that the heat is returning.

Gym! GYM!

>206 katiekrug: Somebody call for Jim?

>207 laytonwoman3rd: - HELLO.

We're only smacking up against the 82° mark today, blessedly. I still don't plan to tip a trotter out of the a/c until after sundown. (LFL dropoff trip.)

The gym was good. I've been changing a few things up and enjoying doing new exercises and using different machines. I'm proud to say that as of today, I've lost 36 pounds since my pandemic high in May 2020. I took a long break in 2021 from watching what I ate and mostly maintained, but I've kept at it with the gym since August 2020. And since getting back on the healthier eating wagon in May, and reducing my wine intake, I've lost almost 15 pounds, so I'm very pleased. It's always easier for me to eat better in the summer with so much great produce, but I'm determined to do better than usual this coming winter.

/brag

(I know I would have made more progress by being stricter, but I like food and wine too much, and I'm okay with balancing a slower loss with being able to still enjoy some things I love.)

>209 richardderus: - 82! I'm jealous. Our high is projected to be 92. *pout* But I've made a deal with the universe that I'm okay with hot weather through next week, if I can just have at most low 80s (and preferably no humidity) for the US Open Aug.31 and Sept 1. I mean, that's not too much to ask for, right?

The universe HAD BETTER NOT let me down...

>211 katiekrug: If you have that level of juice with the Weather Goddess, pleasepleaseplease whomp up some snow this Thanksgiving!

Your low-key Friday sounds awesome. I hope it's full of all the good things!

>212 richardderus: - I'll see what I can do...

>213 MickyFine: - Thanks, Micky!

>210 katiekrug: Glad you had a good session at the GYM (tee hee). And kudos on your weight loss. I agree with your philosophy, too, about balancing a slower loss with enjoying things you love. Whatever you do needs to be a more-or-less permanent lifestyle change, so it's important not to deny yourself enjoyment.

>210 katiekrug: I keep promising myself that I will eat more healthfully and exercise more -- wish I was better at keeping those promises :( Currently hoping the new fitness center will help since it's close to home (I could walk there) and offers a wide range of things I think I would enjoy. You keeping setting a good example and I'll try to follow.

>215 lauralkeet: - You're exactly right. I track my food through Weight Watchers and appreciate its focus on balance and healthy habits, not just weight loss. I think that's important for long-term success.

>216 RebaRelishesReading: - The new-to-you fitness center sounds like it has some great options, Reba. I'm a tad jealous. I'm a total slug and have only maintained my gym habit because TW and I go together. On non-gym days, I should really do more. As in, anything. But again, I'm a slug :)

>217 katiekrug: I tend toward slugness myself although I usually end up feeling so much better afterwards that I'm glad I went. We have so much going on with daughter's having surgery (and needing various kinds of help afterwards) and visitors that I'm going to have a struggle getting over there for the next few weeks but I'm hoping the newness will call to me enough that I'll actually make it fairly often. After Sept. 22 I don't expect to have too many excuses though.

>218 RebaRelishesReading: - I'm sure your hubby could entertain the visitors for an hour or so while you escape!

I'm somehow 60 posts behind but all caught up now.

>210 katiekrug: Congrats on the weight loss!

>220 figsfromthistle: - Thanks, Anita!

>219 katiekrug: You're right Katie but they're MY relatives so I feel responsibility (and besides I really like them and went to spend time with them) :)

>222 RebaRelishesReading: - You're a better hostess than I am :)

>138 katiekrug: I really need to get some of her books read. I own The Bookish Life of Nina Hill and still have not managed it. *sigh*

>139 katiekrug: Adding that one to the BlackHole. Thanks for the recommendation, Katie.

>188 katiekrug: I am one of those people who does not like to see authors updating other authors (especially "classic" authors) work. A hard pass for me on that one.

Have a super Saturday!

Happy Saturday, all! I was up rathe early for me, especially on a weekend morning, but oh well. I'll head out in about an hour to the farmers market and get a good start on the day. We have some yard work to do, and I want to clean up my "dressing room" a bit, so that's the agenda. The Wayne is going to a whisky tasting thing tonight, so I have the evening to myself. I expect I'll order in (I'm thinking Thai or Vietnamese) and watch some sort of period drama he wouldn't be interested in. Last night, we went out for tacos and margaritas, neither of which was all that great. The frozen yogurt afterward sort of made up for it :)

Books:
I'm well-ensconced in Creation in Death and have about an hour left in The Last White Man. I could finish it today, if I remember to listen while cleaning...

Yesterday's viewing:
I watched part of one of the Tom Holland Spiderman movies with TW but before giving in to fatigue and heading to bed.

Today's menu:
Maybe an apple cider donut at the farmers market?
Leftover soup for lunch
Takeaway for dinner

>224 alcottacre: - Morning, Stasia! The Waxman books are great. I hope you give her a try soon. The Poet's House was a nice surprise. I hope whoever found it on the plane and decided to keep it (grrrr) enjoys it...

>224 alcottacre: I know, irritating, isn't it? I have left books inadvertantly too - and all you can hope for is that someone else got some enjoyment out of it.

Note to self: Must move Waxman books up in the BlackHole. . .

Hi Katie!

>210 katiekrug: Wow. Congrats on losing 36 lbs since May 2020. Losing weight slowly means there’s a better chance of keeping it off, especially with lifestyle changes.

>225 katiekrug: Ah, that’s where TW’s going. I do hope you enjoy your alone time. I’m jealous of the whiskey tasting – a friend has offered to introduce me to the joys of whiskey after he and his wife return in October from her traveling nurse job in Oregon. I expressed ignorance about whiskey and he offered.

>227 alcottacre: - I'd be less irritated if it hadn't been a library book...

>228 karenmarie: - Thanks, Karen!

I am not a whisky fan, though a trip to Scotland is in our future, so maybe that will help give me an appreciation for it. And even if I still don't like it, at least I'll be in Scotland :)

Lovely morning for a trip to the farmers market. I got two bunches of wildflowers, cauliflower, carrots, bell peppers, grapes, baby potatoes, radishes, and green beans. I successfully resisted the baked goods so treated myself to an iced toasted almond oatmilk latte on the way home :)

>230 katiekrug: WHAT

You were there where the fresh apple-cider donuts are and DID NOT PARTAKE?!

Who even are you?

Shocking what these young people think of as "acceptable behavior"

>231 richardderus: - It was hard, especially as they were right next to the scones!

>232 katiekrug: *gasp*

You resisted donuts and scones?! Fresh ones? You're made of sterner stuff than I, madam.

I'm not a whisky fan either -- in fact, the only alcohol I really enjoy is wine. But, that said, I would drink some if it meant I could go to Scotland again. Beautiful place, home to many of my ancestors.

>233 richardderus: - Not always, but today, yes :)

>234 RebaRelishesReading: - I've only visited two cities in Scotland, so I'm looking forward to exploring more.

Jonathan Unleashed by Meg Rosoff

I'm a sucker for books with dogs, and this was a good one, though not quite what I expected. I guess I should have expected something a little more high brow since it was a National Book Award Finalist. Jonathan is in his early 20s, recently moved to New York City, with a job he hates, a girlfriend he thinks he likes, and a lot of questions. He is flailing, trying to figure out how to be an adult in a world that gives him no clues. Lucky for Jonathan, the two dogs he is taking care of are posessed of great wisdom. They help him to eventually figure things out. This was a good read, and a very funny one at times.

4 stars

Envious of your flower bouquets from the market. One of my coworkers was staycationing this past week and went to a U Pick Flower farm, which looked so awesome.

>237 MickyFine: - If she was staycationing, it can't be too far from you! And don't you have a long weekend this weekend? Hint, hint...

Well, poop. TW's whisky club got postponed to next week, as the host has The Vid. So no Katie-time tonight...

You're a better man than I, Gungadin. I failed to resist the baked goods and scoffed some tiffin. But them you've lost loads and I, well haven't. I'm a notch on the belt tighter, so something's working, but could do better.

Single malt Scotch can just about blow the top of your head off.

But in a very nice way.

Well, I went to the farmers' market this a.m., and did NOT resist the baked goods. But I only bought 1 scone. There were no donuts.

Your farmer's market finds sound excellent! Sorry for no Katie-time tonight, but hope you have a good weekend overall.

>238 katiekrug: They're having a memorial for the owner's mom (I think?) on Sunday and it isn't open Mondays. 😢 Next summer I guess.

>240 Helenliz: - What is tiffin, exactly? Yes, I could look it up but it's more fun to find out from an actual person :)

>241 magicians_nephew: - I'll let TW keep enjoying having his head blown off on his own!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

>242 laytonwoman3rd: - I'm regretting not getting the scone, tbh....

>243 bell7: - Can't complain about the weekend! Thanks, Mary.

>244 MickyFine: - Well, boo!

Morning, all! (And afternoon to my international friends!)

I didn't sleep great last night, mostly because I ate too much and I'm not used to that. And it was Italian, so So Much Cheese... But it was delicious and there are leftovers! I've signed up for a yoga class this morning at 10:30 - a "Gentle Beginner" class. I've done yoga before but it's been a few years, so I thought I'd start from the beginning. I'm really looking forward to it. After that, I'll come home and shower and hit the grocery store in the afternoon. I've also got laundry to do and a bit of food prep that needs doing. So a pretty typical Sunday around here.

Books:
Still enjoying Creation in Death. I finished The Last White Man on audio yesterday but haven't started anything new yet.

Yesterday's viewing:
After dinner, TW went into his office to play on the computer, and I re-watched the first 2 episodes of season 2 of Bridgerton. And I didn't fast forward through the boring bits...

Today's menu:
-Dunno
-Probably leftovers
-TW is either cooking tonight or we are going out/getting delivery.

>246 katiekrug: Good morning Katie! Sorry you didn't get to have your solo evening. "Gentle Beginner" yoga sounds perfect, especially since you're feeling a little rough around the edges this morning. Hope you enjoy it.

I hope the yoga class goes well, Katie.

I am shocked, SHOCKED that Bridgerton showed up on your screen again. 🤣

I've been doing yoga on and off for about 25 years and I always feel better physically and mentally when I'm doing it. Hope you enjoy - it can take a little trial and error to find a teacher you connect with and a style of yoga that suits you.

>247 lauralkeet: - Thanks, Laura! Hopefully, I'll get my solo evening next weekend.

>248 MickyFine: - Ha! It's different this time - I'm not starting at episode 3 and skipping all the Featherstone/Whistledown nonsense :)

>249 japaul22: - I did hot yoga for a while back in 2017-2018 and liked it, though I wasn't very good. I'm ow that I'm stronger, thanks to the personal training, that I'll be better at it. We'll see!

Hi.

Have a lovely.

How was your yoga class?
I do Yoga with Adrienne on youtube when I'm in a yoga mood. She slightly awkward and a little goofy which I appreciate.

>251 richardderus: - Thank you, kindly.

>252 ChelleBearss: - It was very gentle and very beginner-y :) But it felt good to do all that stretching, and I didn't embarass myself during the sun salutations, so I'll probably go back.

YwA has lots of fans here on LT, it seems. I might have to give it a try.

The yoga class was very chill (because yoga). There were only 4 other people in it, plus the instructor. It was mostly stretching, with a little bit of flow which I managed to do. Everyone else seemed to have been in the class before so had a head start, but I think I acquitted myself reasonably well.

My reward was a blueberry protein waffle with peanut butter when I got home :)

I started a new thread. Follow the continuation link to find me!