Storeetllr (Mary) Reads Through the End of the Year
This is a continuation of the topic Storeetllr (Mary) Returns to the 75ers in the middle of the year.
Talk 75 Books Challenge for 2022
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1Storeetllr
Hi, I'm Mary from the Lower Hudson Valley in New York. I like books, coffee, my African Grey parrot, my grandkids, my LT friends, cake, fall color, vermiculture, gardening, Cherry Garcia ice cream, my art, my volunteer work with Moms Demand Action for Gun Safety in America, and tropical beaches. I don't like reading slumps, winter, basement living, cleaning bird poop, winter, my achy joints, the state of the nation (U.S.), climate change, winter, and driving at night.
Happy Día de los Muertos!
Happy Día de los Muertos!
2Storeetllr
Books Read
November
84. Soul of an Octopus by Sy Montgomery. 4.5 stars. Audio. Fascinating look behind the scenes at an aquarium, and even more fascinating look at octopuses (aka octopodes but not "octopi"). If it hadn't gotten quite so precious in a couple of places, and if the reader hadn't been annoyingly gushy at times, it would have garnered a 5-star rating. As it is, I'm so glad I read it. Now I want to reread Remarkably Bright Creatures, which could have been based on this nonfiction book (perhaps it was). I mean, some of the things that happened in this book also happened in the fiction book. Not complaining, just remarking. And, yeah, now I want to go scuba diving with the octopuses. I wonder if our nearby aquarium has any octopodes?
85. Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo. 4.5 stars. audio. I don’t know what I was expecting, but I enjoyed this alternate history of dark academia at Yale a lot. The idea of frat houses as places of magic and the occult, with a 9th house as a sort of policing organization, was compelling. The main character was annoying at first, but as her past was revealed, and her mask was peeled slowly away, I found myself liking her very much. There were a couple of things that need trigger warnings, but, all in all, it was an immensely satisfying and clever read, and the two readers were excellent. Can’t wait for the sequel.
86. Black Diamond by Martin Walker. 3.5 stars. Audio. Third in the Bruno, Chief of Police mystery series set in a small town in France. It was charming, as always, but a little convoluted. Also, what Pamela did was just really weird and stupid. The story illustrates that immigration issues are not just a problem in the US, and violent haters are everywhere.
87. The Serpent in Heaven by Charlaine Harris 4.5 stars. Audio. I really enjoyed this one, even though Gunny Rose was not in it, except for a phone call and a letter. This was about Felicia, her younger sister, and her coming inti her powers at her school for gregoris in the holy Russian empire. Except for a time or 2 when Felicia was just too good, it was highly entertaining and filled in a lot of blanks in the history of the world, Lizbeth Rose’s and Felicia’s families, and the systems of magic.
88. Origins, Revised and Updated by Neil deGrasse Tyson and Donald Goldsmith. 3 stars. Audio read by JD Jackson who is awful and mostly why this garnered only 3 stars. Fascinating subject matter made sleep-inducing by the drone of the narrator’s voice. I listened to the entire book piecemeal because I kept nodding off and then on waking listening for awhile before going back to listen to the part I missed. Take my advice and read this one as text, but, if you decide to listen to the audio, I hope you have better luck with it than I did.
89. Nightwatch on the Hinterlands by K. Eason 4.5 stars. Audio. This was one weird scifi/fantasy mystery set in the world of Rory Thorne (though you don’t have to read those books first). The “magic” was based on rules of physics, and the monsters were from another dimension. The protagonists were both nonhuman tho of different races from different planets. One was a Knight Templar; the other an arithmancer who reads auras and who is a spy posing as ambassador. Best of all are the riev, part-human constructs created for war but now relegated to low-level bot labor (shades of Murderbot!), one of which is my favorite character.
Here’s a blurb from Goodreads that is more specific.THE TEMPLAR: When Lieutenant Iari hears screams in the night, she expects to interrupt a robbery or break up a fight. Instead she discovers a murder with an impossible suspect: a riev, one of the battle-mecha decommissioned after the end of the last conflict, repurposed for manual labor. Riev don't kill people. And yet, clearly, one has. Iari sets out to find it.
THE SPY: Officially, Gaer is an ambassador from the vakari. Unofficially, he's also a spy, sending information back to his government, unfiltered by diplomatic channels. Unlike Iari, Gaer isn't so sure the riev's behavior is just a malfunction, since the riev were created using an unstable mixture of alchemy and arithmancy.
As Gaer and Iari search for the truth, they discover that the murderous riev is just a weapon in the hands of a wielder with wider ambitions than homicide--including releasing horrors not seen since the war, that make a rampaging riev seem insignificant.
November
84. Soul of an Octopus by Sy Montgomery. 4.5 stars. Audio. Fascinating look behind the scenes at an aquarium, and even more fascinating look at octopuses (aka octopodes but not "octopi"). If it hadn't gotten quite so precious in a couple of places, and if the reader hadn't been annoyingly gushy at times, it would have garnered a 5-star rating. As it is, I'm so glad I read it. Now I want to reread Remarkably Bright Creatures, which could have been based on this nonfiction book (perhaps it was). I mean, some of the things that happened in this book also happened in the fiction book. Not complaining, just remarking. And, yeah, now I want to go scuba diving with the octopuses. I wonder if our nearby aquarium has any octopodes?
85. Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo. 4.5 stars. audio. I don’t know what I was expecting, but I enjoyed this alternate history of dark academia at Yale a lot. The idea of frat houses as places of magic and the occult, with a 9th house as a sort of policing organization, was compelling. The main character was annoying at first, but as her past was revealed, and her mask was peeled slowly away, I found myself liking her very much. There were a couple of things that need trigger warnings, but, all in all, it was an immensely satisfying and clever read, and the two readers were excellent. Can’t wait for the sequel.
86. Black Diamond by Martin Walker. 3.5 stars. Audio. Third in the Bruno, Chief of Police mystery series set in a small town in France. It was charming, as always, but a little convoluted. Also, what Pamela did was just really weird and stupid. The story illustrates that immigration issues are not just a problem in the US, and violent haters are everywhere.
87. The Serpent in Heaven by Charlaine Harris 4.5 stars. Audio. I really enjoyed this one, even though Gunny Rose was not in it, except for a phone call and a letter. This was about Felicia, her younger sister, and her coming inti her powers at her school for gregoris in the holy Russian empire. Except for a time or 2 when Felicia was just too good, it was highly entertaining and filled in a lot of blanks in the history of the world, Lizbeth Rose’s and Felicia’s families, and the systems of magic.
88. Origins, Revised and Updated by Neil deGrasse Tyson and Donald Goldsmith. 3 stars. Audio read by JD Jackson who is awful and mostly why this garnered only 3 stars. Fascinating subject matter made sleep-inducing by the drone of the narrator’s voice. I listened to the entire book piecemeal because I kept nodding off and then on waking listening for awhile before going back to listen to the part I missed. Take my advice and read this one as text, but, if you decide to listen to the audio, I hope you have better luck with it than I did.
89. Nightwatch on the Hinterlands by K. Eason 4.5 stars. Audio. This was one weird scifi/fantasy mystery set in the world of Rory Thorne (though you don’t have to read those books first). The “magic” was based on rules of physics, and the monsters were from another dimension. The protagonists were both nonhuman tho of different races from different planets. One was a Knight Templar; the other an arithmancer who reads auras and who is a spy posing as ambassador. Best of all are the riev, part-human constructs created for war but now relegated to low-level bot labor (shades of Murderbot!), one of which is my favorite character.
Here’s a blurb from Goodreads that is more specific.
THE SPY: Officially, Gaer is an ambassador from the vakari. Unofficially, he's also a spy, sending information back to his government, unfiltered by diplomatic channels. Unlike Iari, Gaer isn't so sure the riev's behavior is just a malfunction, since the riev were created using an unstable mixture of alchemy and arithmancy.
As Gaer and Iari search for the truth, they discover that the murderous riev is just a weapon in the hands of a wielder with wider ambitions than homicide--including releasing horrors not seen since the war, that make a rampaging riev seem insignificant.
3Storeetllr
Books Read
December
90. The Cloud Roads by Martha Wells. 4.5 stars. Kindle. Moon is a stranger in strange lands and fears he always will be. He barely manages to fit in by hiding what he is, and then disaster strikes. His true nature is discovered. I won’t go into plot - you can get that on your own - but I will say that I see some of Murderbot in Moon: his need to hide his nature; his mistrust of humans. The world is nothing like Murderbot’s world, and the story ends differently, but the similarities between characters is there, if only faintly. Can’t wait to start the next in the series.
91. Gaudy Night by Dorothy L. Sayers. 3.5 stars. Audio. It's been at least 40 years since I first read Gaudy Night in paper book format. I read and loved the entire Lord Peter Wimsey series but haven't reread any of them since maybe 1985. I vaguely remember Gaudy Night being not my favorite in the series (too much philosophic ruminations for a mystery novel imo), though I think I mostly enjoyed it. This time around, as an audiobook, I found it dated and just a bit cringy, though with the way things are going women may end up in similar straits as the women dons (or dominas, I guess they were called) at Cambridge's women's college. It certainly makes a clear picture of what life was like for intelligent women of that time, and also what life was like for less fortunate women. I also found the denouement - with the histrionic villain's crazy scattershot accusations - a bit overdone. One thing that might have brought it up at least a half star was a different narrator. Why oh why do publishers think old men can do female voices well? Honestly, Ian Carmichael may be fine for audiobooks where the main character is male, but this one - where most of the characters were women - it was awful. (I don't know about anyone else, but I've mostly found that women do men's voices a whole heck of a lot better than men can do women's voices.) Anyway, I borrowed this from the library; now I see that Audible has the audiobook narrated by a woman. I really don't want to relisten to this, but I wish I'd gotten it from Audible instead.
92. Cemetery Girl: The Pretenders by Charlaine Harris. 3 stars. Graphic Audio. I usually read the book first and then listen to the graphic audio version but didn't this time. I found it a bit weird and unlikely, and in a couple of parts gory. The production was great, though. About a young teen, but definitely not a middle school book, I don't think.
93. Working for the Devil by Lilith Saintcrow. 3.5 ⭐️ Graphic Audio (A Movie in Your Mind). It’s been years since I read the Dante Valentine series, so it’s not surprising that I had forgotten lots of the details. I remembered it was gritty and violent, as how could it not be when necromancy and demons are involved, but the format brought that aspect into sharp focus. I’ll continue with the Graphic Audio series, but I’ll be spacing them apart as it really is a dark story.
94. The Quantum Labyrinth by Paul Halpern. 3.5 stars. Audio. Interesting bio of two giants of 20th century theoretical physics—Fineman and Wheeler, including a hefty dose of theoretical physics. I wish I’d taken physics in school, as well as higher math classes. If I had, I might have better understood this book. Alas, as a girl I wasn’t encouraged. Plus, I didn’t like math, or science—or so I thought. Why, in my 70s, that should change is beyond me.
95. Inheritance by Chraraine Harris. 3 stars. Graphic Audio. Continuing the story of The Ghost in the Graveyard. Rather thin story, more YA than I prefer but with lots of violence. I’ll finish the trilogy, but its not my favorite Harris.
96. The Crowded Grave by Martin Walker. 3 stars. Audio I enjoyed this rIght up to the end, then ::TRIGGER WARNING::Gigi was killed , and I just can’t.
97. The Secret Life of Fungi by Aliya Whitely. 4 stars. Audio. Short book/treatise on fungi of all kinds, from common edible mushrooms to poison mushrooms to Armillaria, a vast and ancient fungal organism covering 3.5 square miles in Oregon to Ophiocordyceps unilateralis, a fungus that take over the brains of carpenter ants and turns out to bethe villain of The Girl With All the Gifts. The narrator’s voice was childlike and could pose a problem for some, but it worked fine for me. All in all, a great palate cleanser after the trauma of the last book.
98. Nightwatch Over Windscar by K. Eason. 3.5 stars. Audio. Second in the series/trilogy, it suffers from second-book malaise. If I hadn’t already connected with a couple of the characters, I might have DNFd it. Nonstop action without much character development.
99. Sweep of the Heart by Ilona Andrews. 4.5 stars. Ebook ARC. I love the Innkeeper series, in much the same way and for many of the same reasons I love the Murderbot Diaries. No, it’s not great literature. Yes, it is sometimes a bit over the top. But. The world of the innkeepers is fascinating, the characters—even the less savory ones—are wonderfully drawn, the stories are fun and exciting and contain both humor and grief. In this installment, the Gertrude Hunt Inn has agreed to host an intergalactic The Bachelor pageant with 12 beings of various genders, species, and murderous intent vying to become the Spouse of The Sovereign of the Seven Star Dominion (or to assassinate him) in exchange for help rescuing a werewolf from a corrupt former innkeeper that has abducted him. This series has become one of my comfort rereads, and I highly recommend it to all who enjoy scifi/fantasy.
100. Iron Lake by William Kent Krueger. 3.5 stars. Audio. Taut mystery thriller set in freezing cold Minnesota just before Christmas, had me on the edge of my seat all the way through - untilmy favorite character was bumped off FOR NO GOOD REASON I COULD SEE. I was so upset, it took me 2 days to pick it up again to finish it. Not sure I’m going to continue with the series, though it really was good. Except for that one thing.
December
90. The Cloud Roads by Martha Wells. 4.5 stars. Kindle. Moon is a stranger in strange lands and fears he always will be. He barely manages to fit in by hiding what he is, and then disaster strikes. His true nature is discovered. I won’t go into plot - you can get that on your own - but I will say that I see some of Murderbot in Moon: his need to hide his nature; his mistrust of humans. The world is nothing like Murderbot’s world, and the story ends differently, but the similarities between characters is there, if only faintly. Can’t wait to start the next in the series.
91. Gaudy Night by Dorothy L. Sayers. 3.5 stars. Audio. It's been at least 40 years since I first read Gaudy Night in paper book format. I read and loved the entire Lord Peter Wimsey series but haven't reread any of them since maybe 1985. I vaguely remember Gaudy Night being not my favorite in the series (too much philosophic ruminations for a mystery novel imo), though I think I mostly enjoyed it. This time around, as an audiobook, I found it dated and just a bit cringy, though with the way things are going women may end up in similar straits as the women dons (or dominas, I guess they were called) at Cambridge's women's college. It certainly makes a clear picture of what life was like for intelligent women of that time, and also what life was like for less fortunate women. I also found the denouement - with the histrionic villain's crazy scattershot accusations - a bit overdone. One thing that might have brought it up at least a half star was a different narrator. Why oh why do publishers think old men can do female voices well? Honestly, Ian Carmichael may be fine for audiobooks where the main character is male, but this one - where most of the characters were women - it was awful. (I don't know about anyone else, but I've mostly found that women do men's voices a whole heck of a lot better than men can do women's voices.) Anyway, I borrowed this from the library; now I see that Audible has the audiobook narrated by a woman. I really don't want to relisten to this, but I wish I'd gotten it from Audible instead.
92. Cemetery Girl: The Pretenders by Charlaine Harris. 3 stars. Graphic Audio. I usually read the book first and then listen to the graphic audio version but didn't this time. I found it a bit weird and unlikely, and in a couple of parts gory. The production was great, though. About a young teen, but definitely not a middle school book, I don't think.
93. Working for the Devil by Lilith Saintcrow. 3.5 ⭐️ Graphic Audio (A Movie in Your Mind). It’s been years since I read the Dante Valentine series, so it’s not surprising that I had forgotten lots of the details. I remembered it was gritty and violent, as how could it not be when necromancy and demons are involved, but the format brought that aspect into sharp focus. I’ll continue with the Graphic Audio series, but I’ll be spacing them apart as it really is a dark story.
94. The Quantum Labyrinth by Paul Halpern. 3.5 stars. Audio. Interesting bio of two giants of 20th century theoretical physics—Fineman and Wheeler, including a hefty dose of theoretical physics. I wish I’d taken physics in school, as well as higher math classes. If I had, I might have better understood this book. Alas, as a girl I wasn’t encouraged. Plus, I didn’t like math, or science—or so I thought. Why, in my 70s, that should change is beyond me.
95. Inheritance by Chraraine Harris. 3 stars. Graphic Audio. Continuing the story of The Ghost in the Graveyard. Rather thin story, more YA than I prefer but with lots of violence. I’ll finish the trilogy, but its not my favorite Harris.
96. The Crowded Grave by Martin Walker. 3 stars. Audio I enjoyed this rIght up to the end, then ::TRIGGER WARNING::
97. The Secret Life of Fungi by Aliya Whitely. 4 stars. Audio. Short book/treatise on fungi of all kinds, from common edible mushrooms to poison mushrooms to Armillaria, a vast and ancient fungal organism covering 3.5 square miles in Oregon to Ophiocordyceps unilateralis, a fungus that take over the brains of carpenter ants and turns out to be
98. Nightwatch Over Windscar by K. Eason. 3.5 stars. Audio. Second in the series/trilogy, it suffers from second-book malaise. If I hadn’t already connected with a couple of the characters, I might have DNFd it. Nonstop action without much character development.
99. Sweep of the Heart by Ilona Andrews. 4.5 stars. Ebook ARC. I love the Innkeeper series, in much the same way and for many of the same reasons I love the Murderbot Diaries. No, it’s not great literature. Yes, it is sometimes a bit over the top. But. The world of the innkeepers is fascinating, the characters—even the less savory ones—are wonderfully drawn, the stories are fun and exciting and contain both humor and grief. In this installment, the Gertrude Hunt Inn has agreed to host an intergalactic The Bachelor pageant with 12 beings of various genders, species, and murderous intent vying to become the Spouse of The Sovereign of the Seven Star Dominion (or to assassinate him) in exchange for help rescuing a werewolf from a corrupt former innkeeper that has abducted him. This series has become one of my comfort rereads, and I highly recommend it to all who enjoy scifi/fantasy.
100. Iron Lake by William Kent Krueger. 3.5 stars. Audio. Taut mystery thriller set in freezing cold Minnesota just before Christmas, had me on the edge of my seat all the way through - until
4Storeetllr
Currently Reading
Raised Bed and Container Gardening by Emma Andrews. LTER. PDF
Next Up
Demetrius, Sacker of Cities by James Romm
How the Multiverse Got Its Revenge by K. Eason.
Mediterranean Instant Pot. Kindle
Haunted by Charlaine Harris. Graphic Audio.
Wishlist
The Hands of the Emperor Kindle.
John Dies at the End
The Universe by Paul Murdin. Audio
Egypt's Golden Couple
Cast in Eternity
Lost in the Moment and Found
Sleep No More
Blood, Fire & Gold
The Wordhord. Audio.
Raised Bed and Container Gardening by Emma Andrews. LTER. PDF
Next Up
Demetrius, Sacker of Cities by James Romm
How the Multiverse Got Its Revenge by K. Eason.
Mediterranean Instant Pot. Kindle
Haunted by Charlaine Harris. Graphic Audio.
Wishlist
The Hands of the Emperor Kindle.
John Dies at the End
The Universe by Paul Murdin. Audio
Egypt's Golden Couple
Cast in Eternity
Lost in the Moment and Found
Sleep No More
Blood, Fire & Gold
The Wordhord. Audio.
5Storeetllr
DNFd
Shutter by Ramona Emerson. Audio. Got 23% of the way in, stopped listening, and didn’t feel like picking it up again. Maybe another time.
Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer. Audio. Got about 1/4 in, stopped listening to go to bed, and just never picked it back up, mostly because I got distracted by other books. It was good but apparently not what I needed to read just now. Another time.
November Road by Lou Berney. Got about 10% in and stopped. I just disliked the character so much.
Other Minds by Peter Godfrey-Smith, audio read by Peter Noble-The reader put me right to sleep.
If This Book Exists, You're In The Wrong Universe by Jason Pargin. Kindle. Found out this is 4th in a series so will read it in order.
Shutter by Ramona Emerson. Audio. Got 23% of the way in, stopped listening, and didn’t feel like picking it up again. Maybe another time.
Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer. Audio. Got about 1/4 in, stopped listening to go to bed, and just never picked it back up, mostly because I got distracted by other books. It was good but apparently not what I needed to read just now. Another time.
November Road by Lou Berney. Got about 10% in and stopped. I just disliked the character so much.
Other Minds by Peter Godfrey-Smith, audio read by Peter Noble-The reader put me right to sleep.
If This Book Exists, You're In The Wrong Universe by Jason Pargin. Kindle. Found out this is 4th in a series so will read it in order.
6Storeetllr
Welcome!
Happy Autumn!
Halloween 2022
Happy Autumn!
Halloween 2022
9Storeetllr
Thanks, Susan and Mary! The idea was Ruby's. She's obsessed with Wizard of Oz. My daughter figures they have one or two more years where they can dress up as a themed group, then one or the other of the kids is going to want to do their own thing, so they're really going all out on costumes. (I was supposed to be the Wicked Witch, but I just didn't feel up to it.)
10Storeetllr
One more of Ruby/Dorothy:
Somewhere Over the Rainbow
Okay, one more:
In Front of the Redbud Tree that was my Mother's Day gift a couple of years ago
Somewhere Over the Rainbow
Okay, one more:
In Front of the Redbud Tree that was my Mother's Day gift a couple of years ago
11jessibud2
>6 Storeetllr: - Happy new thread, Mary. Love the pics and how fun, the Oz bunch! :-)
12PaulCranswick
Happy new thread, Mary. Love those photos too. Captured the Judy Garland look perfectly!
14lauralkeet
Hi Mary! Nice new digs you have here. I love the Halloween photos! Your daughter is wise to take advantage of the opportunity while she has it.
15figsfromthistle
Happy new one!
16witchyrichy
Happy new thread! The pictures are wonderful. What an adorable Dorothy.
17richardderus
So. Deeply. SWEET!
*smooch* for a happy new thread
*smooch* for a happy new thread
18Storeetllr
>11 jessibud2: Thanks, Shelley! Yes, they had a lot of fun with this year's group costumes.
>12 PaulCranswick: Hi, Paul! Thanks. That one pic "Over the Rainbow?" Judy Garland to the life!
>13 FAMeulstee: Thanks, Anita! Glad you like them!
>12 PaulCranswick: Hi, Paul! Thanks. That one pic "Over the Rainbow?" Judy Garland to the life!
>13 FAMeulstee: Thanks, Anita! Glad you like them!
19Storeetllr
>14 lauralkeet: Well, thank you, ma'am! Glad you came by and hope to see you often! My daughter's the smartest mom I know (including me) in so many ways!
>15 figsfromthistle: Thanks, Anita!
>16 witchyrichy: Hey, Karen! She did make a pretty amazing Dorothy. Of course, she rehearses constantly. I don't think a day goes by that she doesn't put on her Ruby slippers and Dorothy dress and carry Toto (or his cousin, another stuffy) around in a basket.
>17 richardderus: Thanks, Richard! I agree!
>15 figsfromthistle: Thanks, Anita!
>16 witchyrichy: Hey, Karen! She did make a pretty amazing Dorothy. Of course, she rehearses constantly. I don't think a day goes by that she doesn't put on her Ruby slippers and Dorothy dress and carry Toto (or his cousin, another stuffy) around in a basket.
>17 richardderus: Thanks, Richard! I agree!
20DeltaQueen50
Hi Mary. Beautiful family pictures, they all good great in their costumes. Halloween slipped by practically unnoticed by us. Since we moved into an apartment - no trick or treaters! Of course there was plenty of firecrackers going off outside.
21richardderus
Happy weekend-ahead's reads, smoochling!
22Donna828
Those are some wonderful pictures to start out your new thread, Mary. Sorry you weren't up to being the Wicked Witch. That comment made me smile...as did your list of likes and dislikes. I guess you really dislike winter as it made the list twice! I am so with you on that. Brrrrr....
23Storeetllr
>20 DeltaQueen50: Thanks, Judy! They all had a lot of fun dressing up. We didn't have any trick or treaters either; the kids went elsewhere for their Halloween fun. On Saturday, they marched in our little town's Halloween Parade, and on Monday they took the littles out to one of our main streets to make the rounds and get candy. We had candy here just in case, so now we have ours plus what Ruby brought home. (Rowan's still not sure about the taste of candy.)
SOOOO glad we don't have firecrackers going off for Halloween here!!!
SOOOO glad we don't have firecrackers going off for Halloween here!!!
24Storeetllr
>21 richardderus: Thank you, Richard! *smooches*
>22 Donna828: Thanks, Donna! I had the green face paint and the clothes, since black is my color anyway, but I just couldn't this year. I still sometimes play the Wicked Witch when I'm upstairs and Ruby's in a Dorothy mood. One of these days, I may put on my "costume" and face paint and really get into the part. I'll get you, my pretty. And your little dog too!" is my best line.
Actually, "winter" was on the list three times. THAT'S how much I don't like it. :)
>22 Donna828: Thanks, Donna! I had the green face paint and the clothes, since black is my color anyway, but I just couldn't this year. I still sometimes play the Wicked Witch when I'm upstairs and Ruby's in a Dorothy mood. One of these days, I may put on my "costume" and face paint and really get into the part. I'll get you, my pretty. And your little dog too!" is my best line.
Actually, "winter" was on the list three times. THAT'S how much I don't like it. :)
25Copperskye
Your Wizard of Oz Halloween photos are so sweet! Especially Ruby/Dorothy and Toto on the steps in >10 Storeetllr:.
The flying monkey scene in WofO always freaked me out. Ruby must be a lot braver than me!
I wanted to thank you for last years’ recommendation of A Night in the Lonesome October. Last year I started late and had to hurrry through to catch up. This year, I started on Oct 1 and pretty much kept to a chapter a night and absolutely loved it. Snuff and Graymalk are the best.
The flying monkey scene in WofO always freaked me out. Ruby must be a lot braver than me!
I wanted to thank you for last years’ recommendation of A Night in the Lonesome October. Last year I started late and had to hurrry through to catch up. This year, I started on Oct 1 and pretty much kept to a chapter a night and absolutely loved it. Snuff and Graymalk are the best.
26Storeetllr
>25 Copperskye: Oh! So glad you're enjoying A Night in the Lonesome October! I love it so much, I wanted to start a reread as soon as I finished it - on October 31! (I managed to not race through it this year, which was hard, as if I hadn't already read it three times.) Yes, Snuff and Graymalk are absolutely wonderful! (Do you think of Skye and Boomer when you read about them?)
Ruby loves The Wizard of Oz, but, the last time we watched it together, which was probably a month ago, she made me fast forward through the scariest parts, so, not sure she's any braver than you were. I don't know if she's able to watch the whole thing all the way through now.
I just love that photo of her on the steps (>10 Storeetllr:) looking so Judy Garland/Over The Rainbow-ish. The pose wasn't planned, which makes it all the more fun.
Ruby loves The Wizard of Oz, but, the last time we watched it together, which was probably a month ago, she made me fast forward through the scariest parts, so, not sure she's any braver than you were. I don't know if she's able to watch the whole thing all the way through now.
I just love that photo of her on the steps (>10 Storeetllr:) looking so Judy Garland/Over The Rainbow-ish. The pose wasn't planned, which makes it all the more fun.
27Storeetllr
I haven't posted anything here about my Wordling (or Quordling, or Phrazzling, or Phoodling), but I was pretty stoked to get it in three today. adIEu, sINGE, BEGIN . I also did well in the others: I successfully Quordled in 6 tries (3, 4, 5, and 6), a first for me); got Phrazzle in 3 tries; and got Phoodle in two! LoUie, LUNCH . All before finishing my first cup of coffee. I really enjoy the word games and usually work all four of them while I'm having breakfast. Helps me stay off social media and, thus, enjoy life a little while longer.
Speaking of which, I used to enjoy Twitter. Well, enjoy may not be the right word, but I got a lot out of it, mostly breaking news and thoughts of folks whose opinions I respect. Now, however, it's become a cesspool, so I've stopped going there. Instead, I'm trying a couple of new sites: Counter Social and Mastadon. Not thrilled with either, but it may just be the learning curve.
Took a few fun pics of Ruby the other day, climbing on her playhouse. I hope her mom doesn't get mad at me for letting her stand up there. She was pretty careful. (My heart was in my throat.)
Went to a gun violence vigil last week at a church in a neighboring town. The names of all victims of mass shootings from November 1, 2021 to October 31, 2022 were read, and for each of those names a ribbon was tied to a string of lights outside. The picture below shows them all. (The total of ALL gun violence victims, not just mass shootings, was around 20,000; those injured by gun violence was around 40,000.) It took about 2-1/2 hours to read all the names, along with the dates of death and where it happened. It was pretty intense, especially when they read the names of babies and children.
Finally, on a lighter note, here's a pic of me after casting my early vote last Monday. To all my friends in the U.S., have you voted yet?
Speaking of which, I used to enjoy Twitter. Well, enjoy may not be the right word, but I got a lot out of it, mostly breaking news and thoughts of folks whose opinions I respect. Now, however, it's become a cesspool, so I've stopped going there. Instead, I'm trying a couple of new sites: Counter Social and Mastadon. Not thrilled with either, but it may just be the learning curve.
Took a few fun pics of Ruby the other day, climbing on her playhouse. I hope her mom doesn't get mad at me for letting her stand up there. She was pretty careful. (My heart was in my throat.)
Went to a gun violence vigil last week at a church in a neighboring town. The names of all victims of mass shootings from November 1, 2021 to October 31, 2022 were read, and for each of those names a ribbon was tied to a string of lights outside. The picture below shows them all. (The total of ALL gun violence victims, not just mass shootings, was around 20,000; those injured by gun violence was around 40,000.) It took about 2-1/2 hours to read all the names, along with the dates of death and where it happened. It was pretty intense, especially when they read the names of babies and children.
Finally, on a lighter note, here's a pic of me after casting my early vote last Monday. To all my friends in the U.S., have you voted yet?
28jessibud2
Looking good, Mary! And wow, that photo above you is grim. I will NEVER understand gun violence and the mentality behind it. To my mind, there is only one use for a gun: to use it. How is that ok? I refuse (and have, for years and years) to watch any tv programs that involve guns. Having *enforcers* use guns doesn't make it ok. *shudder*. And yep, that pretty much limits my tv watching to Jeopardy and CBS Sunday Morning. Ha! And that's ok with me.
29msf59
Hi, Mary. Love the family Halloween pic! Love your voting pic too! I hope blue folks come out in droves.
30Copperskye
>27 Storeetllr: I do this same - work on word games with my morning coffee. It eases me into the day (not that my days are particularly stressful). I got Wordle in three today, too. I haven’t tried the others you mentioned. I also do the Spelling Bee and the Crossword Daily Mini on the Times’ game site.
I love all your photos.
So sad to think of all those people who go with all those names.
>28 jessibud2: My husband and I started watching Jeopardy at the start of the year. Good fun.
I love all your photos.
So sad to think of all those people who go with all those names.
>28 jessibud2: My husband and I started watching Jeopardy at the start of the year. Good fun.
31jessibud2
>30 Copperskye: - Tomorrow's Jeopardy is an *exhibition* game and it is one I am really looking forward to!!
32Copperskye
>31 jessibud2: We’ll be rooting hard for Mattea at our house!! :)
33jessibud2
>32 Copperskye: - I hope there aren't too many American-centric questions, for Mattea's sake; not that that ever gave her trouble before. I will be rooting for her, of course, but i think the other two will be faster and maybe stronger.
34richardderus
Hi Mary, happy Humpday & a merry little weekend to come. *smooch*
35Storeetllr
>28 jessibud2: Grim is a good word for it, Shelley. I don’t understand it either.
>29 msf59: Thanks, Mark. Halloween is the kids’ favorite holiday. As for yesterday’s election, it turned out better than I had feared but worse than I’d hoped.
>29 msf59: Thanks, Mark. Halloween is the kids’ favorite holiday. As for yesterday’s election, it turned out better than I had feared but worse than I’d hoped.
36Storeetllr
>30 Copperskye: Hi, Joanne! I haven’t tried the ones you mentioned. Four seems to get me through breakfast just fine. Any more would be too much. (I say that now, but who knows? I might just check them out.)
Glad you enjoyed the pics.
I forgot to mention that they also read the ages of the victims, which ranged from 1 year up to people in their 80s.
Glad you enjoyed the pics.
I forgot to mention that they also read the ages of the victims, which ranged from 1 year up to people in their 80s.
37Storeetllr
>34 richardderus: Thanks, Richard! The week is just flying by. They tend to do that when you’re busy, and I’ve been really busy this week.
38Storeetllr
Went for my Covid booster and flu shot early this afternoon. Got both in the same arm. So far, I don’t have any side effects and no ache in the injection sites. I’m just relieved to have gotten the shots before the holiday season starts.
39Storeetllr
No side effects at all from the shots! Not sure if that’s a good thing or what.
Started Soul of an Octopus last evening on audiobook and already halfway through! It’s so good. It’s a good companion read to Remarkably Bright Creatures, which I read a few months ago and now want to read again.
Started Soul of an Octopus last evening on audiobook and already halfway through! It’s so good. It’s a good companion read to Remarkably Bright Creatures, which I read a few months ago and now want to read again.
40richardderus
>39 Storeetllr: I'm pretty sure it's good...I had little to nothing, either, and didn't get sick in spite of rushing into a grocery shopping expedition without any mask! Three weeks later, it's clear I'm clear.
41Storeetllr
>40 richardderus: Good to know! Still haven't felt any side effects, so I'm happy. I wonder if it's because I got the Pfizer shot rather than Moderna. I know all the Moderna shots knocked me out.
42Storeetllr
So, there's a conversation going on over at Richard's thread about dreams. I was going to post this on his thread, but it kept getting longer and longer, and I didn't want to bore anyone, at least not on someone else's thread, so I decided to post it here instead.
I always loved to dream, and mostly remembered my dreams, which were vivid ones of me flying, driving, swimming, going to a museum, and, weird but a favorite, me living someplace and suddenly discovering a room in the house that I never knew was there. The one when I was in high school on finals day and forgot where my classroom was and realized I'd never been to that class were about the worst of my nightmares, except for the one where an H-bomb went off and I could see the mushroom cloud in the distance. That one was the absolute worst. Then a few years ago, I stopped dreaming. Well, I probably had dreams, just didn't remember them. Dreaming returned about a year ago, though I don't remember very many of them. I do remember the one I had the night before Election Day, as I thought it was odd but in retrospect seems prophetic. I dreamed I was a prisoner and President Obama came and broke me out. Dreams are weird.
I got my photo scanner up and running again and scanned a few old photos. Here's one I took on my trip to Cancun back in 1990: it's on the coast near the ruins of Tulum.
I always loved to dream, and mostly remembered my dreams, which were vivid ones of me flying, driving, swimming, going to a museum, and, weird but a favorite, me living someplace and suddenly discovering a room in the house that I never knew was there. The one when I was in high school on finals day and forgot where my classroom was and realized I'd never been to that class were about the worst of my nightmares, except for the one where an H-bomb went off and I could see the mushroom cloud in the distance. That one was the absolute worst. Then a few years ago, I stopped dreaming. Well, I probably had dreams, just didn't remember them. Dreaming returned about a year ago, though I don't remember very many of them. I do remember the one I had the night before Election Day, as I thought it was odd but in retrospect seems prophetic. I dreamed I was a prisoner and President Obama came and broke me out. Dreams are weird.
I got my photo scanner up and running again and scanned a few old photos. Here's one I took on my trip to Cancun back in 1990: it's on the coast near the ruins of Tulum.
43richardderus
It's weird how dreams morph with us. We're constantly evolving, so they do too...but "going dark" is always a sign to me that I'm in trouble. I'm glad you're back among the dreamers now, Mary.
*smooch*
(nice pic of Tulum!)
*smooch*
(nice pic of Tulum!)
44Storeetllr
Thanks, Richard! I’m glad too.
I especially like the pic of Tulum for what I think is its dreamlike quality.
I especially like the pic of Tulum for what I think is its dreamlike quality.
45quondame
>42 Storeetllr: I do try to remember one strong image from a dream when I wake as recreating it when I go to bed helps a lot with getting to sleep more quickly. I've got a good one for tonight, which has been rare as some how I seem to be dreaming in ledger entries - at least just before I wake up.
46msf59
Hi, Mary. I like your thoughts about dreams. I sure wish I remembered more of them. The human mind is quite a trip, isn't it? I will have to visit Tulum one of these days. Looks beautiful.
47Storeetllr
>45 quondame: Huh. I’ve never tried to recall a dream at bedtime to hasten sleep. I’ll have to try that! But ledger entries? Yikes! Why? Is that to do with your work?
48Donna828
Hi Mary. It’s always fun catching up with you.
>39 Storeetllr: Soul of an Octopus has been on my radar awhile now. I really liked The Good Good Pig by Montgomery when I read it a decade ago. Seems like yesterday.
What a cool but scary picture of Ruby on top of the playhouse. I’m glad my younger grands are cautious. The older three spent too much time in emergency rooms. I’ve lost track of their record of broken bones!
Its good to know that I’m not the only one that dreams about discovering new rooms. One of my recurring dreams involves a gypsy family taking over my house and revealing all sorts of surprises. I may need to visit a therapist!
>39 Storeetllr: Soul of an Octopus has been on my radar awhile now. I really liked The Good Good Pig by Montgomery when I read it a decade ago. Seems like yesterday.
What a cool but scary picture of Ruby on top of the playhouse. I’m glad my younger grands are cautious. The older three spent too much time in emergency rooms. I’ve lost track of their record of broken bones!
Its good to know that I’m not the only one that dreams about discovering new rooms. One of my recurring dreams involves a gypsy family taking over my house and revealing all sorts of surprises. I may need to visit a therapist!
49Storeetllr
>46 msf59: Thanks, Mark. Tulum was wonderful, but that was back in 1990. I’ve heard the tourist crowds are now enormous. Back then, there were no guards or other forms of protection for the ruins, and I remember worrying that people would harm them. I mean, you could just walk into the building and touch anything, take anything. I hope that’s changed.
As for dreams, I love remembering (most of) my dreams and missed being able to. Usually, the dream fragments and fades after awhile, but occasionally a dream is so impactful it stays with me.
As for dreams, I love remembering (most of) my dreams and missed being able to. Usually, the dream fragments and fades after awhile, but occasionally a dream is so impactful it stays with me.
50Storeetllr
>48 Donna828: I think you’d really enjoy Soul of an Octopus, Donna! It wasn’t only about octopodes, but those were my favorite parts.
I know what you mean about Ruby’s daring. Rowan’s the same. Both love climbing and are daredevils. We’re in for it, I just know it.
Wow, gypsies! That was some dream! I wonder what your mind was trying to work out. Just last night, I had a dream about finding a new room, and I woke up feeling so happy! I have no idea what it means, but I’m here for it!
I know what you mean about Ruby’s daring. Rowan’s the same. Both love climbing and are daredevils. We’re in for it, I just know it.
Wow, gypsies! That was some dream! I wonder what your mind was trying to work out. Just last night, I had a dream about finding a new room, and I woke up feeling so happy! I have no idea what it means, but I’m here for it!
51quondame
>47 Storeetllr: I haven't a clue about the tabular nature of my semi-dreaming mind these days. Well, maybe I do and it's a riff on my LT "Your books" list, because there are embedded images mostly off to the left, could be eBay as well. But tabular, definitely.
I have been long freed of the working world, though at one point I dreamed in shift registers when I was deciphering and recoding a Wang programmable calculator application for a medical laboratory. Original programmer didn't know there was a difference between the sum of the logs and the log of the sums. Among a host of other errors.
I have been long freed of the working world, though at one point I dreamed in shift registers when I was deciphering and recoding a Wang programmable calculator application for a medical laboratory. Original programmer didn't know there was a difference between the sum of the logs and the log of the sums. Among a host of other errors.
52PaulCranswick
>42 Storeetllr: I am also a dreamer of the most vivid of dreams - many of them possible un-explainable and a tad disturbing (to me anyway). I do notice that I dream more after reading poetry and I have awoken occasionally with a poem fully formed in my mind fresh from dreaming.
53Storeetllr
>51 quondame: Yes, I can see how LT or eBay lists could be the reason for your ledger dreams. I’m like that long-ago programmer—I don’t know the difference either, and I’m not going to look it up. 😆 That reminds me of when I was taking a conversational Italian course. I was having trouble keeping up until suddenly I was having dreams in Italian. It was weird, but that’s when it started to click for me.
54Storeetllr
>52 PaulCranswick: Wow! That’s so cool, Paul! If I thought poetry would enrich my dream-life, I’d read more of it. Do you write the dream poems down, or do they fade away too quickly?
55PaulCranswick
Thank you as always for books, thank you for this group and thanks for you. Have a lovely day, Mary.
57witchyrichy
>27 Storeetllr: A sobering picture of the candles but a good picture of you and Ruby.
I am enjoying the conversation about dreams. Mine come and go and I do try to jot them down if I can get to them in the am. But, lately, it has been more like "lucid" dreaming where part of my brain still seems awake and watching me sleep. I haven't watched myself dream per se...maybe the dream is me sleeping?
Happy Thanksgiving from Bottle Tree Farm
I am enjoying the conversation about dreams. Mine come and go and I do try to jot them down if I can get to them in the am. But, lately, it has been more like "lucid" dreaming where part of my brain still seems awake and watching me sleep. I haven't watched myself dream per se...maybe the dream is me sleeping?
Happy Thanksgiving from Bottle Tree Farm
59karenmarie
Hi Mary!
I’m thankful for my LT friends, who I’ve been not good about keeping up with this year. I shall strive to do better. Today is a hard reset.
.
I’m thankful for my LT friends, who I’ve been not good about keeping up with this year. I shall strive to do better. Today is a hard reset.
.
60richardderus
Happy Thursday, Mary! *smooch*
61DeltaQueen50
Happy Thanksgiving, Mary!
62Storeetllr
Thanks so much for your Thanksgiving wishes, Paul, Karen, Shelley, Karen, snd Judy. Hope you all had a lovely day! I had a nice time with the family. I’ll post a picture or 2 of the festivities when I’m back on my laptop.
>56 PaulCranswick: Yes, dreams do fade too quickly sometimes, Paul.
>59 karenmarie: I don’t keep up with others as much as I’d like either, so don’t feel too bad. I blame the fact I’m using my phone to post, which isn’t easy, what with the small screen and tiny keyboard, but I confess I probably wouldn’t do much better on a laptop. Though I would love to try. Maybe this year I’ll be able to save up enough for a good one.
>57 witchyrichy: Love the photo montage, Karen! Intriguing thoughts on lucid dreaming. My niece, a psychologist, is a lucid dreaming therapist. I wonder what she’d say about that.
>60 richardderus: Saturday salutations, Richard!
>56 PaulCranswick: Yes, dreams do fade too quickly sometimes, Paul.
>59 karenmarie: I don’t keep up with others as much as I’d like either, so don’t feel too bad. I blame the fact I’m using my phone to post, which isn’t easy, what with the small screen and tiny keyboard, but I confess I probably wouldn’t do much better on a laptop. Though I would love to try. Maybe this year I’ll be able to save up enough for a good one.
>57 witchyrichy: Love the photo montage, Karen! Intriguing thoughts on lucid dreaming. My niece, a psychologist, is a lucid dreaming therapist. I wonder what she’d say about that.
>60 richardderus: Saturday salutations, Richard!
63Storeetllr
There really should be a way for me to copy and paste a photo in a post using my iPhone. How does everyone else do it? HELP!
64richardderus
There is!
Step 1. smash iPhone into expensive flinders
Step 2. buy a cheap Android phone
Step 3. do your web-browsing on your tablet/laptop.
Problem solved.
Step 1. smash iPhone into expensive flinders
Step 2. buy a cheap Android phone
Step 3. do your web-browsing on your tablet/laptop.
Problem solved.
65Storeetllr
1 & 2-Yes, well, that’s not going to happen. 😂🤣😅
3-The only laptop I have is so slow and clunky, it drives me to distraction so I seldom can bring myself to use it. I’ve been saving up for a fast new one, but then, as soon as I have almost enough, some emergency sends me back to square one. Maddening.
3-The only laptop I have is so slow and clunky, it drives me to distraction so I seldom can bring myself to use it. I’ve been saving up for a fast new one, but then, as soon as I have almost enough, some emergency sends me back to square one. Maddening.
66Copperskye
>63 Storeetllr: Let me know when you find out! The only way I know to add photos to a thread is to first add it into my LT gallery and then from there, copy it to the thread, adding “Img etc, that I always have to copy from an earlier post. It’s the same whether I’m on my iPhone, iPad, or HP laptop, and rather clunky.
67Storeetllr
>66 Copperskye: I don’t hold out much hope, Joanne. But thanks for the reminder of the gallery. I’ll try that. It won’t matter if it’s clunky if it works.
68Storeetllr
Testing 
Nope, didn’t work.
Nope, didn’t work.
69Storeetllr
Didn’t work that way either.
This is what I was trying to post as an image: www.librarything.com/pic/9520279
This is what I was trying to post as an image: www.librarything.com/pic/9520279
70msf59
Can you try this- img src=""
with a directional arrow on each end.
paste image in between quotes.
What image were you trying to share?
with a directional arrow on each end.
paste image in between quotes.
What image were you trying to share?
72msf59
Put in reverse directional arrow img src="" forward directional arrow
copy image link in between quotes
copy image link in between quotes
73Storeetllr
>70 msf59: >71 msf59: >72 msf59: Not sure what I’m doing wrong, but that’s what I did. I’m tired tonight so I’ll try again tomorrow. Thanks, Mark!
74Donna828
Hi Mary,
Ugh, pictures are tricky to upload but they're worth it. I'm going to post a few on my thread later if my strength holds out. It was fun being in CO for Thanksgiving. I sure wish we had a second home out there, but it's a long drive so probably wouldn't get used that much. I'll be back in a few days to check out the festive pics. You can do it!
Ugh, pictures are tricky to upload but they're worth it. I'm going to post a few on my thread later if my strength holds out. It was fun being in CO for Thanksgiving. I sure wish we had a second home out there, but it's a long drive so probably wouldn't get used that much. I'll be back in a few days to check out the festive pics. You can do it!
75Copperskye
Any little wrong character will throw the whole thing off but you’ll get it!
Have you looked at the 75ers wiki page, under groups? There’s a ‘How to do fancy things in your posts’ thread that’s very helpful.
Have you looked at the 75ers wiki page, under groups? There’s a ‘How to do fancy things in your posts’ thread that’s very helpful.
76lauralkeet
Hi Mary!
>75 Copperskye: The 75ers wiki page is very helpful. The "how to do fancy things" part in particular. There's a lot in there, so here's a direct link to To put an image, such as a book cover, in your post:
https://wiki.librarything.com/index.php/Basic_HTML_/_How_to_do_Fancy_Things_in_Y...
>75 Copperskye: The 75ers wiki page is very helpful. The "how to do fancy things" part in particular. There's a lot in there, so here's a direct link to To put an image, such as a book cover, in your post:
https://wiki.librarything.com/index.php/Basic_HTML_/_How_to_do_Fancy_Things_in_Y...
78Storeetllr
>74 Donna828: I wish I were still in Colorado too, though being with the kids and watching them grow is wonderful. Glad you enjoyed your time there, even if you didn’t get to meet up with the others.
79Storeetllr
>75 Copperskye: The post about images in that thread is what I always use to post photos. And for other things. Ive got it starred so I don’t lose it.
80Storeetllr
>76 lauralkeet: Thanks, Laura!
81Storeetllr
Argh!
Wordle 530 5/6
⬜⬜⬜🟨⬜
⬜🟨⬜⬜⬜
🟩⬜🟩⬜🟩
🟩⬜🟩🟩🟩
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩
Wordle 530 5/6
⬜⬜⬜🟨⬜
⬜🟨⬜⬜⬜
🟩⬜🟩⬜🟩
🟩⬜🟩🟩🟩
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩
82richardderus
>81 Storeetllr: Oh, the Dreaded Guessing Game day. Ick. I'm really quite sure those days were sent by their gawd to punish any of us who might have the temerity to be enjoying themselves.
Better luck tomorrow!
Better luck tomorrow!
83Storeetllr
>82 richardderus: Yes. I dislike puzzles like this. But at least I’ve got my medicare for next year figured out. What a nightmare maze that was. We as a country really do need to go to socialized medicine of some kind.
84Storeetllr
NOVEMBER READING STATS
Books Read: 6
By genre:
Scifi/fantasy: 1
Memoir/natural history: 1
Astrophysics: 1
Fantasy:1
Mystery: 1
Fantasy/Alternate history: 1
Ratings
4.5/5 stars: 4
3.5/5 stars: 1
3.0/5 stars: 1
My favorite read was - Gah! I had 4 favorite reads this month. I guess, if I have to choose one, it would be Soul of an Octopus by Sy Montgomery because it made me so happy and so sad and was really heartwarming at times and also heartbreaking at times but always interesting. Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo, The Serpent in Heaven by Charlaine Harris and Nightwatch on the Hinterlands by K. Eason were also really good, in different ways.
Books Read: 6
By genre:
Scifi/fantasy: 1
Memoir/natural history: 1
Astrophysics: 1
Fantasy:1
Mystery: 1
Fantasy/Alternate history: 1
Ratings
4.5/5 stars: 4
3.5/5 stars: 1
3.0/5 stars: 1
My favorite read was - Gah! I had 4 favorite reads this month. I guess, if I have to choose one, it would be Soul of an Octopus by Sy Montgomery because it made me so happy and so sad and was really heartwarming at times and also heartbreaking at times but always interesting. Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo, The Serpent in Heaven by Charlaine Harris and Nightwatch on the Hinterlands by K. Eason were also really good, in different ways.
85Storeetllr
First book of December was so good! I was afraid to read it, afraid I’d be disappointed, because I love Murderbot so much and it couldn’t possibly be as good as those books. I was wrong. Loved Cloud Roads and going to start the next book in the series soon.
86quondame
>85 Storeetllr: Cloud Roads was great and I enjoyed The Serpent Sea but didn't feel The Siren Depths was quite up to those two. I liked the final two and the story collections better than TSD.
87Storeetllr
>86 quondame: Thanks for the heads up, Susan! I find that the third book in many series don't measure up. Even Rogue Protocol in the Murderbot Diaries wasn't my favorite - until about the third reread (Murderbot is my go-to comfort read when I REALLY need comforting). Now it's one of my favorites.
88Storeetllr
Was it something I said?
Sorry I haven’t posted lately. Nursing a bum knee and waiting for January when my new insurance kicks in so I can see an orthopedic surgeon.
Sorry I haven’t posted lately. Nursing a bum knee and waiting for January when my new insurance kicks in so I can see an orthopedic surgeon.
89Copperskye
>88 Storeetllr: Lol, Hi Mary!
90Storeetllr
>89 Copperskye: Heh. Feeling sorry for myself is never a good look. Hi, Joanne.
91Copperskye
>90 Storeetllr: I often feel that way myself on my thread…
93richardderus
>88 Storeetllr: *smooch* for new-insurance speed.
I've got a wound-care nurse visiting weekdays now for the latest old-age indignities. *sigh*
I've got a wound-care nurse visiting weekdays now for the latest old-age indignities. *sigh*
94figsfromthistle
Sorry to hear about the knee.
Happy weekend reads :)
Happy weekend reads :)
95Storeetllr
More visitors! Is it weird to feel so excited about that?
>91 Copperskye: Right?!?
>92 msf59: Thanks, Mark. My bum knee has not stopped me from reading. In fact, reading has been one of the few things I can do. It’s getting better but still not 100%, or even 50%. I hate the idea of surgery (I went my entire life without any surgery except a c-section, and suddenly in my 70s am facing lots).
>93 richardderus: Yikes! I hope whatever the wound care is for heals quickly and completely, Richard. 😘
>94 figsfromthistle: Thanks, Anita.
>91 Copperskye: Right?!?
>92 msf59: Thanks, Mark. My bum knee has not stopped me from reading. In fact, reading has been one of the few things I can do. It’s getting better but still not 100%, or even 50%. I hate the idea of surgery (I went my entire life without any surgery except a c-section, and suddenly in my 70s am facing lots).
>93 richardderus: Yikes! I hope whatever the wound care is for heals quickly and completely, Richard. 😘
>94 figsfromthistle: Thanks, Anita.
97bell7
Hi, Mary! I'm still reading along, just don't always post unless I have something specific to say. And no it's not weird at all, I'm the same anytime I see a new post on my thread :)
98DeltaQueen50
Hi Mary, I have been seriously working on getting Christmas on track here and today I finished the wrapping and some baking. Our plans are set and we will be having a busy weekend and then I am heading over the see my family on Vancouver Island. I will be back in the New Year. I hope you have a lovely holiday, enjoy those grandkids!
99Copperskye
>95 Storeetllr: Nope. :)
100richardderus
Hiya Mary. I wrote eleven...11!...book reviews for my new thread today.
Ow.
Ow.
101witchyrichy
I have been offline most of the month, busy baking, crocheting, traveling, and reading but didn't want to let the end of the year pass without wishing my LT friends good blessings!
103richardderus
Have a holly jolly ho-ho-ho, Mary!
104PaulCranswick
Malaysia's branch of the 75er's wishes you and yours a happy holiday season.
105Storeetllr
>96 drneutron: >97 bell7: >99 Copperskye: Thanks, Jim, Mary and Joanne. It’s good to know I’m not alone in this!
>98 DeltaQueen50: Hi, Judy! Sounds like you’re having a lovely holiday season! Hope your Christmas was merry and bright and that the new year is filled with all good things!
>98 DeltaQueen50: Hi, Judy! Sounds like you’re having a lovely holiday season! Hope your Christmas was merry and bright and that the new year is filled with all good things!
106Storeetllr
>100 richardderus: Holy moly, Richard! I was just over to your thread and are your fingers recovered yet from all that keyboarding? Good reviews. Actually, I found three books I want to read and have bookmarked them.I’ll be back over to your thread shortly to talk more about it.
107Storeetllr
Thank you, Karen, Susan, Richard, and Paul for your Christmas wishes!
Ours was quiet - we are having cascading covid infections (first son-in-law last week, then Ruby tested positive on Friday; the rest of us will be tested again on Wednesday) so no big celebrations this year. Still, we had a lovely day watching the kids open their presents and enjoying Chinese takeout for dinner. I was masked for most of the time, then Ruby ate in her room with her dad, and the rest of us ate in the dining room.
Lest you feel bad for Ruby being shut in her room, she got to watch a movie, so she was happy with the whole situation. What movie did she choose to watch, you ask? Home Alone. Yes, and our 3-almost-4-year-old loved it.
Happy holidays!
Ours was quiet - we are having cascading covid infections (first son-in-law last week, then Ruby tested positive on Friday; the rest of us will be tested again on Wednesday) so no big celebrations this year. Still, we had a lovely day watching the kids open their presents and enjoying Chinese takeout for dinner. I was masked for most of the time, then Ruby ate in her room with her dad, and the rest of us ate in the dining room.
Lest you feel bad for Ruby being shut in her room, she got to watch a movie, so she was happy with the whole situation. What movie did she choose to watch, you ask? Home Alone. Yes, and our 3-almost-4-year-old loved it.
Happy holidays!
108jessibud2
Happy holidays, Mary. Hope the rest of you stay plague-free. Are you snowed in? I know you are not near Buffalo. where they got hit particularly hard. Where I am, in the city, we didn't have much accumulation but bitter cold and crazy winds and that was plenty for me! Didn't lose power, thank goodness though a friend of mine outside the city was without power for nearly 2 days.
109Storeetllr
Thanks, Shelley! I hope so too, but Rowan and Ruby are in each other’s faces, so he’ll probably get it, and he’s going through a spitting/raspberry stage, so I’ll probably get it too. Though I did get boosted last month.
It’s been down in the single digits at night here, but no snow. We lost power twice I think it was Thursday night, but we live a few doors down from a hospital, so the power came back on within an hour each time.
It’s so scary to think of being without power during this cold snap. Wishing you safe and warm!
It’s been down in the single digits at night here, but no snow. We lost power twice I think it was Thursday night, but we live a few doors down from a hospital, so the power came back on within an hour each time.
It’s so scary to think of being without power during this cold snap. Wishing you safe and warm!
110Copperskye
Merry, merry, Mary!
Fingers crossed that everyone recovers quickly and double fingers crossed that no one else gets sick!
Fingers crossed that everyone recovers quickly and double fingers crossed that no one else gets sick!
111PaulCranswick
>107 Storeetllr: Hoping and praying that all of you are ok with the COVID virus circulating again.
I am also feeling a little under the weather so I have cheated and asked Erni to do the curried turkey.
I am also feeling a little under the weather so I have cheated and asked Erni to do the curried turkey.
112bell7
Oh sorry to hear about Covid cycling through the family, Mary. I'm glad Ruby was able to enjoy her celebration, even if it wasn't what the adults would've planned. A couple of my co-workers on Friday had similar things happen where family members getting sick impacted their plans dramatically, and they're hoping for New Year's celebrations instead.
Glad to hear you're all good with the cold snap and have electricity.
Glad to hear you're all good with the cold snap and have electricity.
113msf59
Hi, Mary. I was checking in, to see how your Christmas went- Sorry to hear about the Covid issues. WTH? I hope things are improving. You will have to share more grand pics! 😁
114Storeetllr
>110 Copperskye: Thanks so much, Joanne. I’m right there with you, crossing fingers and toes and even my eyes. I do NOT want another bout with covid.
115Storeetllr
>111 PaulCranswick: Aw, and I know how much you wanted to make that curry. 😉 Seriously, I hope you feel better soon. Just rest, get lots of fluids, and take very good care of yourself so you can welcome the new year with good health and energy. Maybe do some reading. That sounds like it might help.
116Storeetllr
>112 bell7: Thanks, Mary. With a teacher son-in-law and a toddler in preschool, catching every little bug is inevitable, but this is a really lousy time for it. Like your friends, we're hoping to celebrate on Friday, assuming no one else gets sick.
And, yes, thankful for heat and electricity during these freezing days and nights! Though I have my flashlight and camp lamp ready just in case.
And, yes, thankful for heat and electricity during these freezing days and nights! Though I have my flashlight and camp lamp ready just in case.
117Storeetllr
>113 msf59: Right?!? The absolute worst time to come down with an illness, though, really, when is ever a good time for it?
I have some really great pics and will post them soon. Can’t wait to see Jackson’s Christmas pics!
I have some really great pics and will post them soon. Can’t wait to see Jackson’s Christmas pics!
118Storeetllr
By popular demand, I present pics of the kids' Christmas fun!
First three pics titled: Fun at Bronx Zoo's Christmas Lights!
Rowan is Entranced
Ruby Loves the Lights
Ruby and Rowan Confer on What To See Next
Next three pics are titled Grammy's Presents Hit the Mark!
Ruby with Encanto's Isabella Doll (She also loved the makeup kit but that disappeared into her room so fast I didn't get a photo of it.)
Rowan with his Dinosaur Stuffy
Rowan's Ball Pit (Rowan LOVES playing with balls!)
Lastly: Ruby's Dollhouse is taller than she is!
First three pics titled: Fun at Bronx Zoo's Christmas Lights!
Rowan is Entranced
Ruby Loves the Lights
Ruby and Rowan Confer on What To See Next
Next three pics are titled Grammy's Presents Hit the Mark!
Ruby with Encanto's Isabella Doll (She also loved the makeup kit but that disappeared into her room so fast I didn't get a photo of it.)
Rowan with his Dinosaur Stuffy
Rowan's Ball Pit (Rowan LOVES playing with balls!)
Lastly: Ruby's Dollhouse is taller than she is!
119Copperskye
What a great doll house!! You can really appreciate the detail of it in Rowan’s ball pit photo. And what a great ball pit - ingenious.
Who put the doll house together or was it pre-assembled?
Who put the doll house together or was it pre-assembled?
120jessibud2
I LOVED dollhouses when I was a kid. Ruby's would have been a dream for me!
Such fun photos, Mary!
Such fun photos, Mary!
121quondame
>118 Storeetllr: Maximum cute! And those zoo pictures are epic! That really is some dollhouse!
122msf59
Love all the grand pics, Mary! Ruby looks like such a perfect big sister. Hooray for Rowan's Ball Pit and Ruby's doll house! 😁❤️
123Storeetllr
>119 Copperskye: It is truly amazing, Joanne! It’s so large, we had to keep the parts in our neighbor’s basement, because we had no room for it anywhere Ruby wouldn’t see it. It was in parts, and Meg put it together on Christmas Eve after the kids went to bed.
Rowan loves balls, and has already caught on to the concept of playing catch. The pit is an attempt to keep them and hum corralled, at least mostly.
Rowan loves balls, and has already caught on to the concept of playing catch. The pit is an attempt to keep them and hum corralled, at least mostly.
124Storeetllr
>120 jessibud2: You and me both, Shelley! I was so proud of my little dollhouse when I was a kid, but this puts that one to shame. 😂 Glad you liked the pics.
I’ve got a snapshot of me with that dollhouse somewhere. I’ll post it if I can find it.
I’ve got a snapshot of me with that dollhouse somewhere. I’ll post it if I can find it.
125Storeetllr
>121 quondame: Thanks, Susan! I didn’t get to go to the zoo this year. I’m looking forward to getting my knee and hip replaced (or whatever) so I can go next year.
126Storeetllr
>122 msf59: Thanks, Mark. She is a great big sis, and she loves Rowan so much! They really had a good Christmas this year!
127Storeetllr
I don’t usually mention my Wordle score, but I think today’s warrants it. It was a matter of elimination more than anything.
Wordle 557 3/6
⬜⬜🟨🟩⬜
⬜🟨⬜🟩⬜
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩
adieu, rites, impel
Wordle 557 3/6
⬜⬜🟨🟩⬜
⬜🟨⬜🟩⬜
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩
128richardderus
>127 Storeetllr: Yay for a 3day! I'm so pleased for you...it was a good choice of a word, wasn't it.
129karenmarie
Hi Mary!
Sorry about all the Covid-y stuff, love the Christmas pics.
Sorry about all the Covid-y stuff, love the Christmas pics.
130Storeetllr
>128 richardderus: Thanks! It was a good word, but I impressed myself, getting it on 3 with only 2 vowels. 🤣
>129 karenmarie: Thank you, Karen! I hope you’re having a wonderful holiday.
Speaking of covid-y holidays, now the baby has it, tested positive on Tuesday. So no holiday celebration this week either. By some miracle, my daughter doesn’t have it. She must be one of the lucky ones with natural imm - Wait. I’m not finishing that thought. Don’t want to jinx it. Anyway, I’m staying away, and it’s so hard! I went up the other day (masked, of course) to drop off a painting I had done for Ruby at her request and borrow some bananas for my 3-ingredient oat bites (thank you again Joanne for turning me on to them). Rowan was in the dining room, asking me to pick him up (he calls me Mimi!!!), and it was all I could do to resist. I miss them so much.
>129 karenmarie: Thank you, Karen! I hope you’re having a wonderful holiday.
Speaking of covid-y holidays, now the baby has it, tested positive on Tuesday. So no holiday celebration this week either. By some miracle, my daughter doesn’t have it. She must be one of the lucky ones with natural imm - Wait. I’m not finishing that thought. Don’t want to jinx it. Anyway, I’m staying away, and it’s so hard! I went up the other day (masked, of course) to drop off a painting I had done for Ruby at her request and borrow some bananas for my 3-ingredient oat bites (thank you again Joanne for turning me on to them). Rowan was in the dining room, asking me to pick him up (he calls me Mimi!!!), and it was all I could do to resist. I miss them so much.
131Copperskye
Well, that stinks. Sorry to hear Covid is still an unwelcome guest. I hope he recovers quickly.
Mmm….oatmeal bites! Yum!
Mmm….oatmeal bites! Yum!
133Storeetllr
Thanks, Joanne and Mark. Ruby and her dad have recovered. Rowan’s still in the middle of it. I was able to spend some time with Ruby yesterday; depending on how Rowan’s doing today, I may be able to spend some time with them.
134Storeetllr
Happy New Year! I hope 2023 behaves itself and we get some justice for the nightmare we’ve been put through by tRump and his gang of crooks. Also that peace covers the earth, especially in Ukraine.
135Storeetllr
Last post on this thread, I promise. Just wanted to let anyone interested know I’ve got my 2023 thread up at https://www.librarything.com/topic/347299#n8021922. Hope to see you there!
