MickyFine Seeks Out Joy in 2023, Part 1

Walking out of the house in the winter and being greeted by hoar frost coating the trees and hedges always makes me happy and reminds me of why I live where the air hurts my face. (Photo credit: WherezJeff on Flickr)

I'm Micky, 36 years old, librarian, and generally bookish nerd. I usually have a good mix of reads going on every year with strong doses of romance, sff, historicals, and a dash of non-fiction. This year my goal is to only read books that bring me joy, which means I'm likely to read a bunch of genre fiction. As part of that goal, I'm also striving to re-read more books from my own collection and will be using a D20 to select a shelf and then choose a book from there at least once a month.

I do my best to be chatty on my own thread and in addition to my reading, I'll also discuss highlights of my craft projects (check out my NeedleArts thread if you like more details), board games, what we're watching, and general life goings on often featuring my husband, Mr. Fine, and our two cats, Ash and Smee. Posters and lurkers alike are welcome.

January
1. Captain Carter: Woman Out of Time - Jamie McKelvie et. al.
2. Pies and Prejudice - Ellery Adams
3. Giant-Size Gwen Stacy - Christos Gage et. al.
4. Cranford - Elizabeth Gaskell
5. She-Hulk #7 - Rainbow Rowell et. al.
6. She-Hulk #8 - Rainbow Rowell et. al.
7. She-Hulk #9 - Rainbow Rowell et. al.
8. Paris Is Always a Good Idea - Jenn McKinlay
9. Scattered Showers - Rainbow Rowell
10. Mad and Bad: Real Heroines of the Regency - Bea Koch
11. All the Feels - Olivia Dade
12. Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow - Jessica Townsend (re-read)
13. Have I Told You This Already? Stories I Don't Want to Forget to Remember - Lauren Graham
14. Love on the Brain - Ali Hazelwood
Favourite(s):


February
Favourite(s):

March
Favourite(s):

My rating system:

/ = Ran screaming in the other direction (aka did not finish)
* = Suffered through it for reasons I'm still not sure of
** = Had far more flaws than virtues
*** = A read I don't regret but could use some improvement
**** = A good, solid read that I might revisit
***** = Loved it beyond reason and will probably re-read in short order

My 5-star reads of 2022

A Closed and Common Orbit - Becky Chambers
Bloodlust & Bonnets - Emily McGovern
The Anthropocene Reviewed - John Green (re-read)
Molly of the Mall - Heidi L.M. Jacobs
The Time Traveler's Wife - Audrey Niffenegger (re-read)
The Kaiju Preservation Society - John Scalzi
Seven Stones to Stand or Fall - Diana Gabaldon
Invisible Women - Caroline Criado Perez
Paper Girls - Brian K. Vaughn (re-read)
Phoebe and Her Unicorn - Dana Simpson
Book Lovers - Emily Henry
The Jane Austen BBC Radio Drama Collection - Jane Austen (re-read)
Adult Assembly Required - Abbi Waxman
Cabin Pressure Series 3 - John Fittemore (re-read)
Cabin Pressure Series 4 - John Fittemore (re-read)
Cabin Pressure Zurich - John Fittemore (re-read)

The 2022 Book Meme

Describe yourself: A Woman of No Importance

Describe how you feel: Adult Assembly Required

Describe where you currently live: The Garden of Small Beginnings

If you could go anywhere, where would you go: Troy

Your favorite form of transportation is: Better Late Than Never

Your favorite food is: At Bertram's Hotel

Your favorite time of day is: After the Wedding

Your best friend is: Gallant

You and your friends are: Book Lovers

What’s the weather like: A Closed and Common Orbit

You fear: Flying Too High

What is the best advice you have to give: I Was Told It Would Get Easier

Thought for the day: Am I Overthinking This?

What is life for you: A Likely Story

How you would like to die: Bloodlust & Bonnets

Your soul’s present condition: Seven Stones to Stand or Fall

What was 2022 like for you? All of the Marvels

What do you want from 2023? Happy Ever After

My 2023 thread is officially open for business! Come on in and share with the group a book that brought you joy recently. Whether that means a book that made you laugh a lot, one that reminded you of how fun reading can be, or a book you just wanted to hug when you finished, I'd love to hear about it.

Starred you for 2023 Micky!

Wishing you a comfortable reading year in 2023, Micky.

What a beautiful topper.

>1 MickyFine: Oh.

Oh my.

So so perfectly beautifully evocatively perfect.

Hi Micky, I hope you're setting the bar that high for all your doins in 2023. *smooch*

ed again!!

Dropping a star, Micky. Your topper is full of gorgeous. I miss snow.

Welcome back, Mickey! The topper is gorgeous.

Happy new year, Micky.

>5 MickyFine: - My most recent joy-inducing read was Last Night at the Lobster. I love it (as you may have noticed from my threads over the years ;-))!

>6 SandDune: Lovely to see you, Rhian.

>7 PaulCranswick: Thank you, Paul. I hope 2023 is full of good things for you.

>8 richardderus: Views like that are why I love living where I do. Happy New Year smooches for you!

>9 Berly: Nice to see you, Kim!

>10 Crazymamie: Thanks for the star, Mamie. I can ship you some snow if you'd like, LOL.

>11 drneutron: Thanks, Jim. Thank you for once again setting up the group!

>12 katiekrug: Thanks, Katie. I might have noticed that fave of yours once or twice. :)

I've fully moved over to the 2023 digs and I've filled in my 5-star reads and my book meme post near the top, for anyone who's curious. :)

Happy new year Micky!

>3 MickyFine: A couple of those are high on my TBR for 2023.

Happy New Year, Micky! I look forward to following your reading this year.

Happy new year, Micky!

Happy New Year and happy new thread Micky!

>15 quondame: Thank you, Susan!

>16 lauralkeet: Thanks, Laura! I'll do my best to make sure my reads are interesting. 😊

>17 bell7: Happy new year, Mary!

>18 humouress: Happy new year, Nina!

What's on the agenda: We made it to midnight last night and were in bed by 12:15. Our friends' toddler was actually pretty quiet and I slept a solid eight hours. We're just wrapping up breakfast and we'll probably head home by noon. I think I'm going to power through Sunday chores this afternoon so I can be lazy for my last day of vacation tomorrow. Otherwise just crafting and maybe a board game for afternoon entertainment. Can't remember what's on the meal plan for tonight. Maybe pasta?

What I'm reading: I think I'll start the year with my Captain Carter comics.

What we're playing: We played Star Wars Villainous (our friend A won) and then Cascadia (I won).

What we're watching: A few episodes of Bluey to get us to midnight. It's pretty darn cute.

Hi Micky! I have you starred.

>1 MickyFine: Stunning photos! I don't know how hoar frost is different from regular frost but it looks great! (It's currently 65 degrees F here and I'm dying....)

Best wishes on your 2023 reading!

Happy new year and happy new thread! Your book meme answers bring me joy; I will work on my own answers soon.

Right now I’m reading The Love Hypothesis, which you recommended and which I got through SantaThing. I’m only a few chapters in, but there’s already been some delighted giggling on my part.

Dropping a star and wishing you a happy new year, Micky!

Happy New Year, Micky. Love the wintry topper. Wishing you some stellar reading in 2023.

>21 kgodey: Nice to see you, Kriti.

>22 norabelle414: Hoar frost is basically the more feathery looking frost. This article describes the phenomenon pretty well.

>23 thornton37814: Thank you, Lori!

>24 foggidawn: Oh yay for The Love Hypothesis! I hope it continues to be a good read for you, Foggi.

>25 Berly: Same to you, Kim!

>26 swynn: Thanks, Steve. Happy new year, to you too!

>27 msf59: Thank you, Mark!

What's on the agenda: Last day of my holiday break, sigh. Other than some laundry, I don't have any must do things today. Which means, reading, crafting, a board game, and some TV watching are all likely activities. Plus a walk probably. There is currently discussions about whether supper tonight will be chicken stew or shepherd's pie as we shifted the meal plan around a bit yesterday. My local library is (weirdly) open today, which means virtual craft circle this evening.

What I'm reading: Starting Pies and Prejudice and we'll see how it goes.

What we're watching: We finished TNG last night. Discussion is ongoing about whether we're going to watch the TNG films next or the second season of Picard (both options will be viewed eventually, it's just the order that's up in the air).

>29 MickyFine: I'll cast a vote for the films before s2 of Picard just based on the itchy little inconsistency of knowing what happens at the end before watching the middle.

Entirely my response but hey, if an opinion isn't shared it can't be evaluated can it.

*smooch* for your last expansive day

>29 MickyFine: Oh, I've read that (I thought), I wonder how Mickey will find it, it's so quirkily English? But I've read Pies and Prejudice by Stuart Maconie, which I think is quite different from yours!

Hiya Micky. I'm back for another fun year of books. May you have a great year overall, not just with books.

Hi, Micky - trying to be (much better) with my thread visiting this year, so here I am. Best wishes for a great 2023! :)

Hi Micky, dropping a star - here's hoping I can keep up with you this year! Happy new year and thread

Hi Micky! Love the thread topper, and completely agree that the beauty of winter and snow is (at least usually) worth the prize of your face hurting.

>30 richardderus: I'm leaning towards films before Picard myself but Mr. Fine is very keen to watch the new season of Picard so we'll see which way the die falls. :)

>31 CDVicarage: That is very, very English. My Pies and Prejudice is set in Georgia and there's a bit magical realism going on along with the cozy mystery of it it all so it's definitely a horse of a different colour.

>32 ArlieS: Nice to see you, Arlie.

>33 lyzard: Thread visiting can be tricky. Nice to see you any time, Liz. :)

>34 vikzen: Welcome, welcome!

>35 PawsforThought: Glad to hear I'm not alone in my love of a beautiful winter, Paws.

What's (been) on the agenda: Back to the real world and back in the office today. We got an early start at 5 a.m. due to Mr. Fine being on the early shift. A decent amount of email to sort through after my week-ish off, but largely quiet as the days between Christmas and New Year are pretty chill. Other tasks today have and will include updating Lucky Day content, responding to customer suggestions, sorting out leave/vacation requests for the trip to Newfoundland, and maybe I'll start on a book list for OverDrive. Dinner this evening is Mr. Fine's pick and I'm not sure if we're eating out or doing takeout.

What I'm reading: Pies and Prejudice sits on that fascinating border between enjoyable and (if my mood were wrong) a little TOO cozy. The antagonist is basically a caricature, which put me off a bit, but otherwise it's not bad for a cozy mystery with a dash of magical realism added in. I'm sticking with it for now but if it starts to bug me more than it entertains, it might be abandoned.

What we're playing: Our first board game of 2023 was Everdell (I won).

What we're watching: A single episode of Miss Scarlet and the Duke.

Book 1



Captain Carter: Woman Out of Time - Jamie McKelvie et. al.

In an alternate universe where Peggy Carter was given the super soldier serum, Captain Carter has been recently discovered frozen in ice after disappearing at the end of WWII. While many things have changed since her life in the 40s, powerful men trying to tell her what to do are a constant. As Peggy grapples with who she is and what her place is in the modern world, she'll also go toe to toe with those who try to abuse their positions of power.

I've loved Peggy a long time and was delighted when this comic series was announced. My wonderful husband purchased this collection for me and it's a really fun read. The story arc really focuses on Peggy and her struggle to find her position, while she learns about the enduring legacy of empire, racism, and sexism that touched her only lightly back in the 1940s. There's plenty of fun appearances by alternate versions of characters and the larger conspiracy/mystery has a really solid resolution. Recommended for fans of Peggy Carter or What If? comics in general.

Rating: ****

What's on the agenda: Back in the office again. Wearing bright pink tights today, which are bringing me a lot of joy, so there's that. Work will include checking staff reported collection gaps, updating stats on our radon screening kits, and all the customer suggestions (there were 247 non-fiction requests waiting for me when I checked in yesterday). We've also got our first group meeting of the year, which has expanded to include all the librarians in our department for the first time so that should be fun. I'm chairing this quarter, which means I get to take minutes so I have to be super attentive. After work, Mr. Fine and I will swing by the library for our weekly visit. Supper tonight is spaghetti and meatballs.

What I'm reading: Hoping to wrap up Pies and Prejudice today. Hopefully I'll manage it before or, at the very latest, by the time we get back to the transit station so it can go back to the library.

What we're watching: An episode each of Willow and Our Flag Means Death.

>38 MickyFine: Ooh, you got me with Captain Carter—it’s on order at my library, and I have it requested!

Karen O

I wanted to let you know I gave The Wayne 'Scythe' for Christmas. He spent a long time this afternoon organizing the pieces and pouring over the rules. I am now scared it'll be too complicated for me :-P

>4 MickyFine: I love this one from your meme: You and your friends are: Book Lovers

That might be a bit of an understatement in these parts!

>37 MickyFine: Yay for board gaming! I love Everdell myself and recently picked up My Lil' Everdell to play with my mother.

>40 klobrien2: Oh nice! It's so rare my comic reading is a BB. I hope you enjoy it, Karen.

>41 katiekrug: I swear it's really not that complicated. I was not a fan of Risk but I do like Scythe, if that helps.

>42 alcottacre: Thanks, Stasia. I thought Book Lovers was apt both for my LT friends and my IRL friends.

We're big fans of Everdell in this house and Mr. Fine is eagerly awaiting the release of the new expansions that are supposed to come out this year.

What's on the agenda: It's WFH today. After doing the loop to drop off Mr. Fine at the bus, I finished getting myself ready for the day, washed dishes, finished a comic I started last night, and squeezed in a bit of cross-stitching. Work today will hopefully see me wrap getting caught up on customer suggestions, putting together an order for our local author collection, and maybe working on a book list for OverDrive/Libby. After work, I'm meeting up with Mr. Fine and then heading to the grocery store. Supper tonight will be one of the several containers of turkey soup that we froze from our Christmas turkey. Crafting in front of the TV as per usual this evening.

What I'm reading: Going to start Cranford on my lunch break.

What we're watching: Jodie Whittaker's first episode of Doctor Who. The Jodie years are all new to me and I'm excited to see how these go. Trying to get caught up before the 60th anniversary special this fall. We also watched an episode of Our Flag Means Death.

Book 2



Pies and Prejudice - Ellery Adams

Ella Mae LeFaye has returned to her hometown of Havenwood, Georgia after discovering her husband was cheating on her with the goal of opening her own pie shop. Supporting her in her efforts is her mother, three aunts, and their long-time maid. However, when the fiance of Ella Mae's long-time nemesis is found murdered and the murder weapon is her rolling pin, Ella Mae's return home is more difficult than she anticipated.

Reading this book I was highly aware that if I'd been in the wrong mood, I would have abandoned it. However, it happened to catch me in all the optimism of a new year and I made it through the whole book but finished it with no intention of returning to this cozy mystery series. The content is pretty run of the mill for the genre although the prose runs a little heavy on the overly descriptive language. The antagonist is an over the top villain who doesn't feel like a real person. The book has a dash of magical realism throughout (Ella Mae's pies can make people feel the emotions she had when making the pie) that tips over into full out fantasy by the end of the novel. The mystery is decent but not particularly suspenseful. Overall, I don't regret the read but I'll likely forget it quickly and be entirely fine with it. Ultimately the best thing about the book is the title.

Rating: ***

Book 3



Giant-Size Gwen Stacy - Christos Gage et. al.

A multi-chapter single issue arc that follows Gwen Stacy (before she met Peter Parker) as she tries to clear her father's name after he's accused of being one of many corrupt cops in the NYC police department.

A really fun story for Gwen that includes a few Easter Eggs to give you a sense of where this falls in Peter Parker's timeline, but is also just a really solid mystery within the Marvel universe. I enjoyed this from start to finish.

Rating: ****

Returning the star - you're right, we do share reading taste. I'll have to take a look at Captain Carter.

Finally making it around the threads and got you starred, Micky. Looks like your reading is already off to a good start :)

>47 dreamweaver529: Thanks for returning the visit, Amanda. I hope Captain Carter suits your fancy!

>48 curioussquared: Lovely to see you, Natalie. *extra hugs*

Hi Micky! Found and starred your thread. At first glance, I get the feeling this thread will have me adding to my TBR list on a regular basis.
Have a great reading year!

Hi Micky! I see your reading year is off to a good start! I love the thread topper. I love looking at snow but I'm not fond of experiencing it. It seems that the older I get, the less tolerant I am of colder temps.

>1 MickyFine: Coming by to say hello! Oh my what a beautiful photo!

>50 Carmenere: Nice to see you, Lynda!

>51 cbl_tn: Thanks for dropping in Carrie. I don't mind the cold but if I'm out in it for any amount of time I bundle up. Snow pants for the win!

>52 leperdbunny: Lovely to see you, Tamara.

What's on the agenda: 5 a.m. wake-ups on Friday are the hardest. It was a real struggle to get out of bed, even for this morning person. I did manage it and did the drop off loop to the bus station. Dealt with a few small chores when I got home, took a shower, and did some cross-stitch before starting my work day. Tasks today include a last few customer suggestions for feature films, suggestions made in OverDrive, an order for our local author collection, and working on a book list for OverDrive/Libby. I also have a meeting at the end of the day with the other librarians in my coaching trio. Tonight's supper will be the leftover turkey soup. We swapped it to tonight from last night in favour of the manicotti we picked up from Costco so we won't be having pasta two nights in a row. Possibly a board game this evening but on early shift weeks Mr. Fine isn't always up for that level of mental engagement so it might just be Lego assembly and then I'll craft or read while he plays video games before we head to bed.

What I'm reading: About 40 pages into Cranford and loving it. I didn't realize how funny Elizabeth Gaskell could be (my only prior read by her is North and South). I laughed so hard over a passage about the Jenkyns sisters retreating to their own rooms to suck oranges so as not to upset each other with the noises required in such a task.

What we're watching: The first two episodes of season 3 of Jack Ryan. Really solid so far.

>54 MickyFine: Well now I think I might need to read Cranford!

Dropping off my star, Micky. I like your reading goal for the year.

>55 curioussquared: I think it's a good idea.

>56 Familyhistorian: Thanks, Meg! The goal is working well for me so far.

Hi Micky.
Returning your visit to my thread and then wandered away, (to leave some commentary on Jim's page). I'm easily distracted by conversations elsewhere and lose track of time.
I meant to be scanning the 75-Group Challenge main page for new intros. I'm trying to visit everybody to see whose reading semi-aligns with mine and add them to the ever-growing topics I should follow at least for awhile.

>54 MickyFine: I must get around to reading Cranford. I’ve read several of Mrs Gaskell’s novels but not that one as yet.

>54 MickyFine: I've read Gaskell's North and South as well as Wives and Daughters, but where Cranford is concerned I've only watched the TV adaptation, starring Judi Dench as Matty. I remember that scene! From the way it was handled on-screen I also had the impression the process of eating an orange was considered a bit erotic, in a way most inappropriate for ladies.

The TV adaption had a very different tone from the Gaskell novels I'd read previously. I put that down to the screenwriters, but based on your comments, I'm guessing the book is just a bit lighter in tone. I'm following your progress with interest.

The only book by Elizabeth Gaskell that I've read to date is Cranford, and I do remember being somewhat disconcerted to realize that the "old" single ladies were roughly my age? It gave me a whole new perspective on those maiden aunts in classic children's literature hahahaha.

Happy weekend, Micky!

>58 SandyAMcPherson: Thanks for the visit, Sandy.

>59 SandDune: It's only my second Gaskell but it won't be my last, Rhian. Any of her novels (besides North & South) that you recommend?

>60 lauralkeet: I'm looking forward to watching the Cranford series once I finish the book, Laura. Glad to hear you enjoyed it.

>61 bell7: Right? I remember laughing really hard when I realized that Colonel Brandon in Sense and Sensibility is 35. So aged. 😆

What's on the agenda: Awake before the alarm this morning but got almost a full 8 hours so I'm not complaining. Doing quiet things on my phone until the alarm goes off and Mr. Fine gets up. We'll have breakfast and then head out for church. I believe Mr. Fine wants to be dropped off at the rec centre after church so he can work out but he might change his mind as the New Year's resolutions crowds usually make him grouchy. My plans for the afternoon include reading, crafting, and a walk in there somewhere. It's supposed to get up to a balmy 1°C so I want to enjoy it. Mr. Fine is planning to make lasagna in the slow cooker for supper tonight so we'll see how that goes. Double feature this evening.

What I'm reading: Continuing to really enjoy Cranford.

No viewing or playing (for me) yesterday. Mr. Fine video gamed solo and I cross-stitched for our evening entertainment.

All this talk is reminding me that I want to watch the Cranford series. I read the book last year (year before?) and enjoyed it. I keep meaning to get to N&S...

<62 I really enjoyed Wives and Daughters. It's her unfinished novel, but don't let that put you off, it's only very slightly unfinished and it doesn't detract from the enjoyment.

I have also been meaning to watch the Cranford series. I read the book several years ago - it was my first Gaskell, and I really enjoyed it. Since then I have listened to North and South, and it was full of fabulous. I am hoping to get to Mary Barton this year.

Have a lovely weekend, Micky.

>64 katiekrug: Do it. N&S is gooood and the miniseries starring the ever so swoonworthy Richard Armitage is great.

>65 SandDune: Thanks, Rhian. I'll add it to The List.

>66 Crazymamie: I'll keep my eyes peeled to see what you think of Mary Barton, Mamie.

Around Christmas one of Mr. Fine's friends dropped by for a visit. Her job requires driving to Arizona regularly and so she brought us a few treats we don't get on this side of the border. All this to say, how many Pop Tart flavours do y'all have? I just ate a "Eggo Waffle Frosted Maple" (which tastes like sugar more than anything). I was happy with 5-6 flavours we get up here (I say as someone who hasn't had one in probably 3 or more years before now) but now I'm fascinated by the shenanigans happening on your grocery store shelves. 😆

>68 MickyFine: As someone who grew up on the North side and now lives on the South side of the Canada/US border, it is crazy here. Heck, if you think the Pop-Tarts are crazy, you should see the difference in non-dairy options, esp. for "ice cream" and creamer. My sister and dad are both allergic to the protein in dairy, and both have had to pick their jaws up off the grocery store floors. Then very specific orders when I go home for visits ;)

>68 MickyFine: Most of the flavors are novelty ones that don't stick around very long! The basic flavors that are always around are strawberry, cherry, blueberry, and brown sugar. I do feel like American dry-goods brands (especially at places like Target and Walmart) go really hard into complicated novelty "limited time" flavors

>69 dreamweaver529: LOL. Sounds about right. Every time I travel to the US, I try to sneak in a trip to the grocery store just to see all the things we don't get.

>70 norabelle414: Fascinating. Our standard flavours I usual see are strawberry, blueberry, raspberry, and s'mores.

>68 MickyFine: Haha I'm so old school! Give me an unfrosted strawberry pop tart any day and I'm in heaven!
Surprisingly, those are more difficult to find than you'd think.

What's on the agenda: Awake around 6 again this morning and been quietly playing on my phone to avoid disturbing Mr. Fine. Probably going to get up soon and do some cleaning (my usual chores are all pretty quiet). Whenever he gets up we'll do breakfast and then I'll finish my chores and bill stuff. I want to make a trip to Michaels today for some supplies for a cross-stitch project I'm planning to gift a friend for her birthday in July plus since I'm there I'll probably grab some fibre fill for my future amigurumi project. Also have to pop by the grocery store for chicken broth as we ran out of bouillon. This afternoon there might be board gaming and there will definitely be reading and crafting. Chicken stew for supper tonight.

What I'm reading: I'm hoping to finish Cranford today.

What we're playing: I picked Cascadia yesterday afternoon, which is our newest favourite. Mr. Fine won.

What we're watching: An episode of Our Flag Means Death while we were waiting for garlic toast to bake. First on our double feature bill was The Grand Seduction, which is about a small town in Newfoundland trying to convince a doctor to stay there permanently so the town can get a factory. So-so film but it was lovely to see a bunch of Newfoundland actors in supporting roles and the Newfoundland landscapes are gorgeous. Followed that up with The Glass Onion, which was really fun.

>72 Carmenere: I don't think we even get unfrosted Pop Tarts here, Lynda. Everything has icing (although I like icing so that's not so bad for me).

We really enjoyed The Glass Onion, too. I liked it better than the first, I think.

Have a great Sunday, Micky. I'm off to the grocery store shortly and will have to take a look at the Pop-Tarts ;-)

>75 katiekrug: I apologize for any impulse purchases from the Pop Tart section if they happen. Our impulse purchase was a case of cranberry ginger ale. I love it but you can only get it at Thanksgiving and Christmas, so added some more cans to my stash.

>73 MickyFine: That sounds like a lovely day!

I'm really excited about Glass Onion and the Palest Blue Eye. Hopefully I'll get to watch those soon.

Happy 2023, Micky! Hope you're getting some warmer temps!

>68 MickyFine: If you think their poptarts have lots of choices, you should see their oreos!! I'm very jealous of the American Oreo selection!

No purchases - Pop Tarts are not my thing 🙂

Cranberry ginger ale sounds good, though! We don't really drink soda, but our favorite seltzer is cranberry-lime.

>73 MickyFine: Yay, Our Flag Means Death! I am not a big pop tart consumer and generally go for a simple strawberry or brown sugar if I do indulge.

>79 katiekrug: I didn't realize cranberry ginger ale is a thing I could buy--I've been mixing cranberry juice & ginger ale for years. It sort of tastes like your average non-spiked punch-bowl punch.

But then I'd been doing 1/2 lemonade and 1/2 iced tea for years, and then found out it was an "Arnold Palmer." Who knew?

>81 kac522: - I only knew about Arnold Palmers because my husband likes them. And plays golf :) I don't like iced tea, so it's never appealed much to me - I'm happy with just lemonade!

>77 leperdbunny: The Glass Onion is definitely fun.

>78 ChelleBearss: Chelle! Lovely to see you! And yes it's much warmer here now. Only a couple degrees below zero.

>79 katiekrug: Nice. Canada Dry has a couple flavoured ginger ales they've launched. As mentioned I adore the cranberry. They also have a blackberry, which I haven't tried.

>80 curioussquared: Good flavour choices, Natalie.

>81 kac522: As mentioned above, Canada Dry makes one (although usually it's only available in stores here at Canadian Thanksgiving and December) and I believe Schweppes makes one too.

What's (been) on the agenda: I had an EDO today so other than dropping off Mr. Fine at the bus station (he still had work), there were no real must-dos for me. After the drop off, I swung by Costco for gas and then returned home. Did some bill sorting I didn't get to yesterday. Then got caught up on my She-Hulk comics. Mostly spent the day binging series 1 of Marple (the Geraldine McEwan version) that I borrowed from the library and doing a lot of cross-stitch. A largely perfect day really. I'll pick up Mr. Fine whenever he gets back to the burbs and we're planning mac n cheese from scratch for supper. On the fence about attending virtual craft circle this evening. Might choose just to hang out with Mr. Fine instead.

What I'm reading: The aforementioned comics completed, I'm starting Paris Is Always a Good Idea.

What we're watching: While Mr. Fine was cooking dinner last night, I squeezed in the first episode of season 4 of Virgin River and then an episode of Bluey. Our viewing together was Star Trek: Generations followed by a couple episodes of Our Flag Means Death.

What's on the agenda: Back to the real world and in the office today. Mr. Fine is on his later shift this week though so we get to commute together both directions. Work today includes three meetings (usually I might have that many a week so three in a day feels rude :P): one department meeting, my biweekly 1:1 with my manager, and an info session with a potential platform provider. Around those I'll do customer suggestions and try and hammer out that OverDrive/Libby list I've been meaning to get to since last week. Supper tonight is butter chicken. Nothing exciting on the evening agenda.

What I'm reading: Paris Is Always a Good Idea is decent so far. I have a feeling it's going to give me a bad case of itchy feet after all the travel descriptions.

What we're watching: Last night's viewing included most of an episode of Virgin River while Mr. Fine was cooking. Our viewing together included finishing season 2 of Miss Scarlet and the Duke and an episode of Our Flag Means Death.

Book 4



Cranford - Elizabeth Gaskell

This anecdotal novel follows the events in Cranford, a small town whose society is largely dominated by women. At the centre of the book is Miss Matty Jenkyns, a kind-hearted but mildly impoverished woman who is eager for her world to provide the best comforts for those she loves.

A gentle, classic novel full of comedic moments. While there's not a lot of plot, there is plenty of funny social commentary, the exploration of the importance of female friendships, and spending time in Cranford is largely a cozy delight. However, be aware that the novel shows its age with a few moments of casual racism. In general, it's a brilliant piece of Victorian-era writing and I had a great time with it. Recommended.

Rating: ****

Do we like your new manager or nah? My voodoo doll is at the ready....

Books 5-7



She-Hulk #7, She-Hulk #8, She-Hulk #9 - Rainbow Rowell et. al.

I'm so glad I had a batch of comics to catch up on in a single go. This stretch of the arc is GOOD. She-Hulk's relationship with Jack of Hearts continues to develop and at the same time their investigation of what caused Jack to lose his powers really takes off, resulting in a big showdown with some villains. Rainbow Rowell's writing is fantastic and the art (from multiple artists over these few issues) is also great. If single issues aren't your thing, I highly recommend seeking out a collected volume of these comics as the story is really solid.

Rating: ****

>87 katiekrug: It's still early days but so far new manager has been really good. She was really lovely (as a human and not just a manager) while I was dealing with the uncertainty after Mr. Fine's mom passed away at the end of last year. She's also provided some useful feedback on a report I submitted recently (a nice change from old manager's approach, which was largely "move this comma"). I've got my year-end performance appraisal next month so if that goes ok, I think I'll safely be able to say I like her and we can get rid of the voodoo doll. :P

>83 MickyFine: Ooh, I would try some blackberry ginger ale in a heartbeat if I ever saw some on the store shelves!

>89 MickyFine: That's good news! Fingers crossed that it continues!

How are you liking Our Flag Means Death so far?

>89 MickyFine: Yay, that's great!

Hi Micky! Glad your reading is off to a good start this year, and that your new manager has been good so far!

Happy Tuesday, Micky! Glad to hear your new manager is an improvement on the last one, and hope your appraisal goes well next month.

>89 MickyFine: I'm glad to see this, Micky. She sounds like a huge improvement over her predecessor.

Is your library making the switch completely from Overdrive to Libby? My library is supposed to be discontinuing Overdrive in the next few months which means I am going to have to learn Libby. I tried it and didn't love it and gave up on it.

>90 foggidawn: Mr. Fine's daughter really loves the blackberry ginger ale.

>91 curioussquared: I enjoyed OFMD but didn't fall in love with it.

>92 aktakukac: Thanks, Rachel!

>93 bell7: Thanks, Mary. I chatted with her in my meeting yesterday about her expectations for my notes on my PA document (the form is standard but every manager I've ever had has approached it differently) and she's much more relaxed about it.

>94 lauralkeet: So far she's leaps and bounds better (although last manager is a low bar :P).

>95 ChelleBearss: Ok, I'm about to give you more detail than you probably want. The OverDrive app and the Libby app are both owned and supported by OverDrive the company. The company made the decision to sunset the legacy OverDrive app over a year ago and users couldn't download the old OverDrive app after last spring, only Libby was available in app stores. The company is currently planning to fully shut down the legacy OverDrive app by the end of April 2023 (the app will stop working full stop) so I'd suggest switching over to Libby in the next month or two. Your library should have lots of support material to help you get a handle on the new interface - check their website or talk with staff the next time you're in a branch. I will say, I really prefer the Libby interface and it offers a lot of great features.

Ugh, so I only have a couple months left with my little overdrive app. Bummer!

I will have to give Libby another chance then. Well, really I have no choice lol. I don't remember what it was about Libby that I disliked so much. I'll download it again today and give it another shot.

What's on the agenda: Second and last of my in office days for the week. Tasks today will include customer suggestions, taking down department holiday decorations (we wait until after Ukrainian Christmas as we have a couple people with Ukrainian heritage in our department), actually doing that OverDrive/Libby booklist (I have to submit it today so it really needs to be done), meet with a local author to plan some events during her featured writer term, and if I have time go through Library Journal a bit. Supper tonight will be take out from Swiss Chalet. Afterwards I'll head out for my monthly massage.

What I'm reading: Should wrap up Paris Is Always a Good Idea at some point today. Then I'll be on to Scattered Showers.

What we're watching: A couple episodes of Willow and we finished Our Flag Means Death.

>97 ChelleBearss: Hopefully you have a better time with it this go around.

>97 ChelleBearss: I'm with you, Chelle! I switched mainly to Libby last summer and I still hate it. I went back into OverDrive to listen to something last week and it was like a breath of fresh air. I even like Sora, their app for school reading, better than Libby. And I have a bunch of books in the OverDrive app that I got from external sources (not borrowed from a library) that I guess will just vanish if I can no longer use the app

I use the Libby app purely for listening to audio books and have no issues with it. I never use it for searching or reading e-books, though, so maybe that's the difference.

Micky, is the Overdrive website staying? That's what both my library systems use for their e-book and audiobook collections, and I have extensive wishlists there....

>101 katiekrug: The public facing web version of OverDrive is still hanging around, yup.

Sooo if I find a book on the overdrive website I would then be able to use it via Libby?

>99 MickyFine: >100 norabelle414: I realized today when I downloaded it to give it a shot that it was the searching via the app that I dislike. I use the overdrive website to find books often instead of the app.

>103 ChelleBearss: Absolutely. You can search, place holds, even check out an item and then download within the app if that works best for you. :)

Sweet! Glad the website is sticking around!

Belated happy reading in 2023, Micky!

>106 FAMeulstee: Thanks, Anita. So nice to see you!

What's on the agenda: Into that cozy WFH life and rocking a Schuyler sisters t-shirt so life feels pretty good. Had just enough time between dropping off Mr. Fine and the start of my day to do a bit of kitchen tidying and take a shower. Big tasks at work today will include customer suggestions and then getting through some issues of LJ and Booklist. After work I'm going for my bivalent COVID booster and then I'll pick up Mr. Fine. Supper tonight beef and broccoli but not sure if we're going to put it on pasta or rice (I'm leaning towards pasta). Quiet night in planned afterwards.

What I'm reading: About halfway through Scattered Showers already and loving it. Also this book is absolutely gorgeous as a physical object. *heart eyes*

What we're watching: One episode of Doctor Who before my massage and one episode of The Muppet Show after I got home.

Book 8



Paris Is Always a Good Idea - Jenn McKinlay

Chelsea Martin is blindsided and less than supportive when her widowed father announces he's getting remarried. When her sister and Dad suggest that her opposition to the idea is a result of her refusing to feel love for anyone in the seven years since her mother's death, it sends Chelsea on a path to retracing her gap year travels and reconnecting with the three men with whom she fell in love. Chelsea wants to try and rediscover the woman she was who was happy and could fall in love so easily. But finding love with someone might just be with the person she least expected.

A cute contemporary romance that involves some world travel, some swoony moments, and an enemies to lovers plot. McKinlay does a great job of describing all of the locations Chelsea visits and also deals solidly with the ramifications of grief and the massive influence it's had on Chelsea's life. While the final conflict is a little over the top, it's resolved very quickly. Ultimately a fun romance that might awaken your wanderlust.

Rating: ****

>109 MickyFine: - That one sounds cute. I'll see if the library has it.

My copy of Scattered Showers is calling my name... too many books to read!!

I stopped by last week to place my star but see I didn't end up posting, so here's a note to say hi and Happy New Year!

>110 katiekrug: I think you'd like it, Katie.

>111 curioussquared: You should answer the call, Natalie (said the enabling enabler).

>112 ronincats: Lovely to see you, Roni!

>109 MickyFine: ...if you're wearing comfortable shoes...

I'm hauling the leftovers around while this super-ick gets done with me.

Was it you who somehow moved ENOLA HOLMES 2 onto my Netflix queue? If so, yay!

>96 MickyFine: So I may have misunderstood the Libby - no Overdrive - thing.

I never use my mobile phone for books except the fabulous Scan app in the LT mobile app.
So with Overdrive disappearing, do IUC that only applies to mobile apps?
I access Overdrive on our provincial PL Consortium and perhaps that's staying as is?

>102 MickyFine:, Oh wait! I scrolled down some more and saw that the website library access for Overdrive *is* staying. Thanks for all the clarification, peeps.

>114 richardderus: Even if it wasn't, I will definitely take credit for putting Enola Holmes in your queue. So much fun!

>115 SandyAMcPherson: You're welcome.

What's (been) on the agenda: Dropped off Mr. Fine, then came home and dealt with some stuff in the kitchen, before sneaking in a bit of cross-stitch time. Work today has and will include responding to customer suggestions in OverDrive, finishing up with LJ, getting through an issue of Booklist, and probably watching a course on LinkedIn Learning. Dinner tonight is the planned beef and broccoli dish from yesterday. Last night Mr. Fine decided he wanted to have a date night at one of our favourite pizza places and I don't turn down spontaneous dates. Board game tonight is Mr. Fine's pick and there may be some Lego-ing too.

What I'm reading: Barely read yesterday so Scattered Showers is still on the go.

What we're watching: A couple episodes of Jack Ryan and a few of Bluey. Seriously, friends, Bluey is great and holds vast appeal for more than just its target audience of pre-schoolers. So wonderful. *heart eyes*

Yay, spontaneous pizza date. Bluey looks very cute and while I haven't been tempted to watch it myself, I know many parents who deeply appreciate it.

>118 curioussquared: As a non-parent, I also love it (and so does Mr. Fine). Seriously, if you're looking for something that will just make you happy, I really can't recommend it enough.

Yesterday's adventures: Had planned to attend church in person yesterday morning but there was a freezing rain warning when I got up so opted to stay home and watch online (although the freezing rain did not happen here after all). Got in a fair amount of cross-stitch time and played a board game with Mr. Fine during the afternoon. Perogies and sausage with salad for dinner last night. Did our usual double feature in the evening.

What's on today's agenda: Breakfast will be a pan scramble using the leftover sausage from last night (so yummy). Then we'll tackle the usual Sunday chores and I'll deal with bill things too. I'm thinking of going to the mall this afternoon to look at glasses (the pairs I bought online last year are not the best fit). Otherwise, probably lots of crafting this afternoon. Roast beef with the fixings for supper tonight.

What I'm reading: Started Mad & Bad: Real Heroines of the Regency yesterday and it's pretty good so far.

What we're playing: Friday night we finished assembling Mr. Fine's Lego lighthouse. Yesterday afternoon we played Scythe (I won).

What we're watching: The double feature was Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone and Batman: Mask of the Phantasm followed by a couple episodes of Bluey.

What's on the agenda: It's an up at 5 a.m. week but I'm starting it off with a WFH day so it could be worse. After dropping off Mr. Fine, I came home for a shower and worked on my cross-stitch. I am SO CLOSE to finishing the current page of the pattern so hopefully I'll have photos to share of progress today or tomorrow. As for actual work, customer suggestions, submitting some carts, and time with the core collection tome are all tasks I'm thinking of tackling. Supper tonight is chicken alfredo pasta. Virtual craft circle for me this evening.

What I'm reading: Put a good chunk into Mad & Bad last night.

What we're playing: We pulled out Calico yesterday afternoon (Mr. Fine won).

What we're watching: Star Trek: First Contact, an episode of The Muppet Show, and a couple of Bluey.

Book 9



Scattered Showers - Rainbow Rowell

I've been looking forward to this short story collection since it was announced (and I'm not an avid short story person). I was not disappointed when I finally got my hands on it. First off, the book is just gorgeous as an object. Beautiful end papers, lovely illustrations by Jim Tierney, and a book ribbon all contribute to the joy of holding the physical book. The content is also great. I either liked or loved every story whether they were new to me or works I'd encountered elsewhere before. There's a few short stories that feature characters from Rowell's novels, which is an extra treat for fans (I was particularly delighted to check in with Beth and Jennifer from Attachments). Highly recommended for fans of Rainbow Rowell.

Rating: *****

>122 MickyFine: - I might check this one out, as I did love Attachments (and Eleanor and Park).

>123 katiekrug: Yay! For you, I'd say it's worth picking up (from the library) just for flipping through and reading the Attachments story, really (although I think "The Prince and the Troll" and "In Waiting" might also tickle your fancy).

>45 MickyFine: I wasn't crazy about that first installment. I gave it 2.5 stars. While I'm usually willing to give a series another try, I haven't been in a hurry to get back to that one.

>122 MickyFine: Yay, glad to see this hit the spot! I'll pick it up soon...ish... at some point, lol.

>125 thornton37814: That's fair, Lori.

>126 curioussquared: Whenever ish happens, I'll look forward to your reactions. :)

What's (been) on the agenda: Did the drop off routine and then got myself ready for an in office day. Spent most of the morning going through the January issue of Library Journal, which I snagged off my co-worker's desk (and isn't in this morning so it's all good). I'll work on Lucky Day content for the rest of the morning and possibly into the afternoon. After that, taking a look at a list of titles a community contact would like us to hold for my manager and then maybe some time with publisher catalogues. After work, I'm going to my first barre class at the rec centre near my house. I'm a little nervous (all new things make me nervous). Dinner will be Montreal smoked meat sandwiches and veggies when we get home.

What I'm reading: Almost halfway through Mad and Bad.

What we're watching: Introduced Mr. Fine to Alias, which he's never seen and I haven't watched since it originally aired. Still not sure if I actually saw the pilot or not as parts of it were familiar (although I know that may be because they were in every "previously on" recap for the first season) but some of it felt new. Jennifer Garner is gorgeous and has barely aged. The rest of the cast are adorable babies. I'm looking forward to this rewatch so stay tuned for more (ice cold) hot takes. Also watched an episode of The Muppet Show. The celebrity guest was Joel Grey and while going through his Wikipedia page (I know him from Wicked and was aware he was in Cabaret, but Mr. Fine had no clue who he was) I discovered that he's Jennifer Grey's dad and my mind was blown.

>128 MickyFine: I feel you on the "all new things make me nervous!" I'm sure barre will be great :)

I hope the barre class makes the anticipatory anxiety worthwhile. I bet it will!

I knew Joel Grey was Jennifer Grey's father, but I do remember being surprised when I first learned that little bit of trivia.

Hope the barre class turns out to be fun. New things make me nervous too

>128 MickyFine: Barre class sounds fun and I’m sure you’ll enjoy it. I took adult beginners ballet for a year and loved it (it wasn’t just barre, but a lot of it was barre based). Would like to get back to it some day.

And ooh! Alias! I should re-watch that! I loved that show so much.

Good morning Micky! I eagerly await your thoughts on barre. Are you sore this morning?

I will probably not dip into the new LibraryJournal til next week when my boss is back, but sounds like an excellent day going through all the new and upcoming books :) Looking forward to hearing how the barre class went. Some of my co-workers have done that and enjoyed it.

>129 curioussquared: New situations are always so tough for my brain to process. Logically I know it'll be fine, but still... nerves.

>130 katiekrug: It's such a weird little cross reference.

>131 ChelleBearss: Glad I'm not alone on the new things front.

>132 PawsforThought: I also love Alias as a teen and I'm fascinated to see how I'll like it now. And how much of all the plots have stuck in my brain.

>133 lauralkeet: I'm definitely feeling a few muscle groups today, Laura.

>134 bell7: I had a good time with the LJ and had time to skim through the fiction titles and added a couple to The List.

Barre report: It has been three years-ish since I've taken a barre class (I did a few at home when my barre studio transitioned to online classes in the early days of the pandemic in 2020 but prior to that I was going twice a week) and boy can I tell as I'm pretty sore in a few spots today. It wiped me out but it was a good workout. The class isn't huge (maybe a dozen women, including the instructor) so that helped on the nervous front. Plus Mr. Fine helped me navigate the rec centre (he uses the gym there pretty regularly) so I didn't get too lost finding the change room or the classroom. I will be bringing my own yoga mat next week for floor work as the mats the rec centre provided did not have sufficient padding for my knees/wrists and the wooden floor in the room is HARD. Overall, though it was good and I'm glad I didn't chicken out.

What's on the agenda: It's an in office day again so the usual fun of dropping off Mr. Fine, going home to get myself fully ready for the day, and then back to the bus station for my own commute. Work today will mostly be going through Winter/Spring publisher catalogues (plus a few summer catalogues out already from some overachievers). The only thing breaking up the day will be the biweekly meeting for librarians in my department. After work, we'll go to the good fish n chips place in our town for dinner and then swing by the library to return stuff and pick up holds.

What I'm reading: Started All the Feels on the bus this morning and enjoying it.

What we're watching: I watched a bit of an episode of Virgin River while Mr. Fine prepped dinner. Together we watched one episode of Willow and one of Bluey.

Glad barre went well! I haven't been to a class in years but they always kick my butt when I go. Interested to see how you liked All the Feels! I enjoyed Spoiler Alert but haven't read the author's other books.

Hooray for a good barre class!

Double hooray for fish and chips :)

>137 curioussquared: Thanks, Natalie. I very quickly remembered why I enjoyed my barre classes and also knew exactly where I'd be hurting today.

>138 katiekrug: *tosses confetti*

Book 10



Mad and Bad: Real Heroines of the Regency - Bea Koch

The book describes itself as one that highlights women of the Regency period who go against the popular image of the staid, white, Christian women that appears in popular media. And it kind of does that but with some stylistic choices that baffled me. The author, Bea Koch, is a co-owner of the Ripped Bodice and so several of her chapters make references to depictions of the period in Regency romances, but gets too much into plot details of referenced novels in this reader's opinion for a book that's ostensibly history and not literary commentary. The writing style also felt a bit like an undergraduate history essay, highlighting a few women but then including a conclusion passage (with a paragraph heading of "Conclusion," which made me want to cringe). In more than one chapter, while discussing a single woman there is a paragraph break to discuss a tangentially related woman (with a paragraph heading of "Spotlight on X") and then goes back to the original woman being discussed with a paragraph heading "Back to X." It's a weird stylistic choice and would likely have been better served by a highlight block outside the body of the section. The content isn't bad but it could have been presented much better with stronger editing. That said the book does a solid job of introducing a variety of women who transgressed norms for the period and includes artists, women working in STEM, queer women, women of colour, and Jewish women. It's worth picking up the book to learn the names of these women and the outlines of their lives, but if you're looking for real biographies or histories, I'd look to the titles included in each chapter's recommended reading instead.

Rating: ***

>136 MickyFine: I'm glad the barre class was good!

Do you have a favorite brand of yoga mat? My mat is maybe more of a general-purpose fitness mat. I have the opposite problem to you: it's too thick and squishy. It also moves around a bit during class. I want some padding for wrists etc., but not too much. The Goldilocks of yoga mats, as it were.

>141 lauralkeet: I am not at all yoga mat brand savvy. The one I have we bought at Costco (some quick googling informs me the brand is Lolë).

>140 MickyFine: Becky's book club meets at, well actually outside near, The Ripped Bodice, and she bought this book for me as a gift, as I was very into Regency and dragged her to many Regency events from infancy until she was old enough to leave on her own.

>142 MickyFine: ha ha okay then! Thanks Micky.

Happy New Year, Micky! You're already off to a great reading start. Isn't Cranford fun?

>68 MickyFine: US grocery stores are seriously kooky. Some of the really out there stuff I don't see - I have successfully steered myself away from a lot of the processed or prepackaged stuff, and some of it I photograph at the store and share the photos with my incredulous family. My incredulous US family.

Someone left a case of blackberry ginger ale on top of the refrigerator in the staff room, and as everyone knows that's fair game... Callia reports it's delicious and tastes like her favorite Italian soda she used to get at her college's student-owned bistro.

I get a subscription of School Library Journal, which I got permission to have delivered to my home (no time to read SLJ at school, though once I've placed orders the older issues to live at school). I need to check out Library Journal some time. Pretty sure I can get it at the public library:)

>143 quondame: I would love to visit the Ripped Bodice because I think the concept is so awesome.

>144 lauralkeet: LOL. I will say that my mat might be the goldilocks you're looking for? I think it's pretty well padded but isn't super thick and does have a rubbery back so sliding shouldn't be an issue. But I say that having only used it on our carpeted floor at home.

>145 AMQS: Nice to see you, Anne. I had a great time with Cranford and your comment reminds me that I forgot to see if I could borrow the miniseries from the library. So thanks for that nudge.

LJ is an interesting read not just for the reviews. There's also some decent library news round-ups and a feature article or two that are occasionally interesting (they're very US-centric so it sometimes is of less interest up here).

What's on the agenda: Back to the WFH life so more time for other tasks after dropping off Mr. Fine and before I went on the clock. Today I cleaned litterboxes, did a bit of kitchen tidying, and worked on my cross-stitch. Work today will be customer suggestions, watching a course on LinkedIn Learning, and maybe some time with publisher catalogues. After work I'll meet up with Mr. Fine to go grocery shopping. Dinner tonight is soup and sandwiches.

What I'm reading: All the Feels is super enjoyable so far.

What we're watching: One episode of Doctor Who and one of The Muppet Show.

I finished another page on the Christmas tree skirt on the weekend and am finally getting around to sharing my progress.

The most recent page:


The state of the whole project:

>148 MickyFine: Beautiful! French knots on that bush? I always hated doing those.

>148 MickyFine: Wow, that's pretty awesome!

>148 MickyFine: Gorgeous!!

>148 MickyFine: - Great progress!

>149 foggidawn: Thanks, Foggi. And, yup, all the French knots. I don't mind doing them, but when there's a bunch like this I find it tricky deciding how far to carry my thread from one spot to the next.

>150 ChelleBearss: Thanks, Chelle!

>151 curioussquared: Thanks, Natalie.

>152 katiekrug: Thanks, Katie.

The next update will be pretty boring as it's just the curved bit that's mostly sky and a few tree outlines. But then the top half will be DONE!

>148 MickyFine: Omg, that is beautiful. I wanted to learn how to cross stitch, but I am too lazy to watch videos to learn how to do it right. And I don't think I was really succeeding at my first try, which was baby groot. I'll probably start all over again someday, but right now I don't have the time.

>154 The_Hibernator: Thank you!

What's on the agenda: Happy Friday, friends! I dropped off Mr. Fine at the bus this morning and then spent most of my free-time before work cross-stitching in front of the TV. Work today will include customer suggestions in OverDrive, looking at publisher catalogues, a course on LinkedIn Learning, and some time with my core collection tome. I'm cooking dinner tonight (Mr. Fine does most of the cooking in our house) and making a casserole that in my family is referred to as cottage cheese roast. Board game and Lego are the likely evening entertainments.

What I'm reading: I might finish All the Feels today. We'll see how it goes.

What we're watching: A couple episodes of Jack Ryan and one of Bluey.

>156 MickyFine: I'm going to require more information on this Cottage Cheese Roast. K. Thanks. Bye.

>157 ChelleBearss: What Chelle said. LOL

>148 MickyFine: That's stunning!! OMG.

>136 MickyFine: Glad you are getting back into the barre classes and good thing you have a yoga mat--stretching on hardwood floors is no fun.

Happy weekend!

Delurking to say, "I never heard of barre fitness classes."
Is it low impact? I could use something like this, if my PT person agrees. Sounds nicer than a gym with machines.

>148 MickyFine: I'm in awe! So beautiful.

Hi again Micky, I hope you're having an nice, cosy Sunday.

Snowing like stink here, that fine dandruffy stuff that fools you into thinking, oh this isn't so bad... until you get out on the highway or look outside 2 hours later and say OMG, it's already 2-feet deep.

I popped in really to ask the favour of your visiting to correct me if I mislead anyone on library loan apps. Anita (Figs) was asking and as I don't know which province she lives in, I might be mistaken in what I wrote.

Ok, cottage cheese roast recipe for Chelle and Kim:

2 cups frozen hashbrowns
1 cup cottage cheese
1 cup sour cream
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
1 1/2 tsp seasoning salt
1 tbsp chopped onion
2 eggs, well beaten

Combine all ingredients well. Bake in a greased 1 1/2 quart pan at 350F for 1 hour.

>158 Berly: Thanks, Kim. I'm really pleased with how it's turning out.

>159 SandyAMcPherson: Barre is low impact, Sandy, although it's still a tough workout and I come out sweating every time. It uses a bit of ballet poses (thus the barre) but also often includes light weights and a bit of pilates and yoga for some exercises. Here's a sample YouTube video that should give you an idea of what workouts are like (although it's equipment free so no weights or actual barre).

>160 SandyAMcPherson: I'll pop by and see what's up. :)

The weekend's adventures: Saturday we went to church, which was VERY full as our new pastor was starting and members from other area churches where's he's been an intern/associate in the past came out to support him. He seems good so far and I'm looking forward to how he might change things up. In the afternoon I did some crafting and helped Mr. Fine finish assembling his Lego Mandalorian helmet. In the evening, we had our monthly game night with our friends, M&A. We played Cascadia and M won. Then hung out and chatted for a while and left around 11 p.m. On Sunday there were the usual chores, I went to the car wash to give Trillian a bath, sorted out some bill things, and spent a chunk of the afternoon crafting. We had roast chicken with all the fixings for dinner (so yum!) and ended up doing a double feature.

What's on today's agenda: Mr. Fine's on his later shift rotation this week so we get to commute together both directions for my in office days. This morning will likely be all customer suggestions and then this afternoon I'm meeting with a student from my former library school to talk about my job and what my work looks like. That's a two hour meeting so depending on what I'm up for after that, I might do publisher catalogues for the rest of the day or I might just clean out my inbox. Dinner tonight is chicken stir fry. Virtual craft circle this evening.

What I'm reading: Started a re-read of Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow last night. I'd forgotten just how compulsively readable these books are.

What we're watching: While crafting Sunday afternoon I watched a few episodes of Virgin River and our evening double feature was Star Trek: Insurrection and Star Trek: Nemesis.

>163 MickyFine: Thanks for your mention of Nevermoor—I realized that I had stalled in my reading of this very fun series! I’ve requested Hollowpox (the third book) to get me going again.

Have a great week!

Book 11



All the Feels - Olivia Dade

When Alex Woodroe gets into a fistfight at a bar, the producers of the show Alex stars in, Gods of the Gates, have had enough and hire former ER clinician, Lauren Clegg to be Alex's minder from the end of shooting through to the end of the press tour for the final season of the show. Neither Lauren nor Alex are particularly enthused about the situation but Alexander finds himself fascinated by Lauren whose dry wit and orderliness is such a contradiction to his own impulsiveness and his constant activity (a symptom of his ADHD). When another scandal lands Alex in hot water, will Lauren and Alex's blooming relationship be able to weather the challenges?

Alex and Lauren initially appeared in Spoiler Alert and the timeline of this novel overlaps with that book a bit and I was delighted to see what was going on with Alex and Lauren during that time. Dade artfully navigates serious issues that both Alex and Lauren have dealt with while still building a slow burning and swoony romance. Smart and funny, I thoroughly enjoyed the read and highly recommend it.

Rating: ****

>164 klobrien2: Happy to put it back on your radar, Karen. The fourth book is scheduled for publication this fall so you have lots of time to get caught up. :)

Yay Nevermoor! I was bummed when the pub date for book 4 was pushed back, but oh well, it's not like I don't have enough to read in the meantime :)

>165 MickyFine: Putting this one on hold at the library!

I really need to get to Dade's books...

Happy Monday, Micky!

Ooh, a re-read of Nevermore! Maybe I should read all the books again before the next one is released?! I've ordered Dade's books for work, but haven't read any yet. Glad you enjoyed your most recent read :)

>167 curioussquared: Agreed. There are always plenty of books. Like, All the Feels, lol.

>168 katiekrug: I think you'd enjoy them, Katie. The fanfic culture of the first book might not be as much your jam (I still think you'd like it) but I think this book will really be in your wheelhouse.

>169 aktakukac: I think I'm going to read a Nevermoor book each quarter this year in prep for book 4. And I really enjoy Dade's books so if you're in the mood for a romance on the slightly steamier end of the spectrum, I'd highly recommend them.

What's on the agenda: Another in office day, yay? I've still got some customer suggestions left to tackle, we're having a brief meeting with our OverDrive rep to discuss upcoming changes, I'll pull some expired content from OverDrive, and the rest of the day will be spent with publisher catalogues, I think. I'm leaving work right at 4 today as I have to get back to the 'burbs for my barre class at 5, which means Mr. Fine is on his own for getting home (later shift means he's not done until 4:30). Supper will be ravioli and salad.

What I'm reading: Good odds of finishing Nevermoor today.

What we're watching: A couple episodes of Alias. I forgot that every episode ended on a cliffhanger, which makes it really hard to be a responsible adult and go to bed on time (although I did it).

>171 MickyFine: - I had that problem (being responsible and not watching episode after episode) last night with Jack Ryan...

A Nevermoor book per quarter sounds like an excellent plan!

>163 MickyFine: Your car’s name is Trillian? I love it!

>172 katiekrug: Being a good grown-up is such a drag.

>173 curioussquared: I'm pretty pleased with the plan. 😊

>174 foggidawn: Yup, Trillian is a good car.

What's (been) on the agenda: Last in office day for the week (yay!). Tasks this morning have included updating the guidelines we provide to authors/creators who want the library to purchase their works, entering our upcoming Featured Writer's book list into the catalogue, and updating a book list for Let's Talk Day (do I have feelings about Marketing asking me to update the list ON Let's Talk Day when it's an annual event that they knew was coming and could have provided more advance notice about? Maybe). For the rest of the day I'll go through staff reported gaps in the collection and continue reviewing publisher catalogues (unless something else comes up because it seems like it's one of those days). After work, we'll do our weekly visit to the library. Planning to get dinner from Burrito Libre but not sure if we'll eat there or take it home.

What I'm reading: Started How to Be a Wallflower on the bus this morning.

What we're watching: Finished the first season of Willow last night and was pleased with the show overall. We'll be back if it gets a season two.

Book 12



Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow - Jessica Townsend (re-read)

Such an excellent opening volume for a series. I'd forgotten just how solidly wonderful this book is.

Rating: *****

I'll be interested to see how you get on with the Eloisa James. She's hit or miss for me, and I've tended to like her earlier novels better.

>177 MickyFine: I'm also a fan of the Nevermoor books. We had a black cat named Morrigan a few years back.

>178 katiekrug: Well, I read about 170 pages yesterday and then decided it wasn't what I wanted and abandoned it. Not bad exactly but a bit of a mess. However, I did have fun laughing over the line "Astor was a name that excited women like a salt lick did deer" with another romance reading friend. Such a choice for a simile.

>179 avatiakh: Morrigan is an EXCELLENT cat name.

>180 MickyFine: - Good to know! I think I might give up on her - or only read the older stuff.

And that simile... oof.

What's on the agenda: Enjoying that sweet WFH life (flannel PJ pants are the best work wear :P). Before I started my day I did a bit of kitchen tidying, folded some laundry that's been sitting in the dryer since the weekend (just towels so wrinkles don't matter), and a bit of crochet. Work today will include calendar management stuff, customer suggestions, going through some lists from our A/V vendor, and time with the core collection tome. This afternoon there's the system-wide virtual meeting, so that will take up some time. Dinner tonight will be chicken fajitas.

What I'm reading: As mentioned to Katie, I abandoned How to Be a Wallflower as it wasn't meeting my goal of bringing me joy (not terrible but not good enough to keep going). I'll be starting Have I Told You This Already? at lunch.

What we're watching: A few episodes of Doctor Who, one of the Muppet Show, and a couple episodes of Bluey.

>181 katiekrug: I was bummed because the back of the book blurb sounds good and the contents a) didn't quite match the summary and b) weren't as fun as the back of the book made it sound.

I'm definitely jealous of your WFH day today because it's windy, cold, snowy, and the drive into town wasn't fun on the back roads today! It's nice to have some snow though, so I can't complain too much. I may try watching some Bluey with the boys this weekend. I tried it a while back and they weren't interested but I think they may be this time.

Hope your next read is better!

>180 MickyFine: Absolutely cackling at the simile! I can't take Eloisa James seriously because my friend and I bought The Taming of the Duke from a Walgreens together in high school specifically to giggle over some of the naughty bits. We chose it because it had the best shirtless guy on the cover of the available romance novels at the pharmacy, lol.

>184 aktakukac: Ugh, I'm sorry you had a gross commute, Rachel. It's pretty warm here today (6C/43F) but it's grossly windy (30-50 km/h wind gust). Starting tonight the temperature is supposed to start dropping and heading back to the more typical winter-y range.

I hope the boys enjoy Bluey!

>185 curioussquared: Snort. That's a delightful memory.

>38 MickyFine: I'm more familiar with the MCU than with Marvel Comics (I think I've only read one and that was an alternative reality; Death of Spiderman - which sort of put me off) but I loved the TV series about Ms Carter. Do you think Captain Carter would work for me or would I miss too many references to the alternative versions of characters?

>97 ChelleBearss: Pretty much how I feel about it.

>102 MickyFine: So we'll still be able to use the Overdrive website and even if we can't use the app, we can find books on the website but read them in the Libby app?

I went looking for the latest in the Morrigan Crow only to find out it hasn't been released yet. Boo hiss. I guess I will wait.

>187 humouress: No, Nina. I think you could jump in with Captain Carter and you'd enjoy it. The nice thing about comics is that if you start with the first issue/volume in a series they do enough to set it up for you that you can enjoy it. There might be some Easter eggs for hardcore fans that might go over your head, but it won't make the story confusing at all.

As for your OverDrive/Libby question, yes you can search the web version of OverDrive (and check things out, place holds, etc) and then read in the Libby app on your device of choice if that's how you want to do it. :)

>188 ChelleBearss: Yeah, book 4 is scheduled for this October. Lots of time to do a re-read in advance. :)

Hi Micky! I'm new to the 75 Books Challenge this year, and also got a little bit of a late start. I've been looking around at some of the threads to see who's here, but of course the threads have been underway for a month already, and it's taking me awhile to read through them. So I'm a little late to the party.

But I wanted to comment on your thread, because I was so taken with the frost photo you posted at the top. That picture is absolutely gorgeous!

I also love your goal to only read books this year that bring you joy. That's an inspiring goal! My goal this year, as a recent retiree, is to try to read many of the books that have collected on my TBR shelves over the past years now that I have more time to read, so I don't know if they'll all bring me joy this year.

>29 MickyFine: Have you watched any of Picard yet? I absolutely loved the first season, but I didn't like the second season as much.

>190 atozgrl: Lovely to have you here! Your goal sounds like an excellent one and I hope you find lots of new favourites on your shelves.

We've watched the first season of Picard (I think it may have been what motivated us starting Star Trek Sundays) and are currently debating whether we're going to rewatch it before we start season 2. We have until Sunday to decide. :)

What's on the agenda: Happy Friday, friends! The drop off loop this morning was a little interesting as we managed to hit the window when precipitation was transitioning from rain to snow - the roads weren't bad yet (they probably are now) but the rain was freezing to the windshield and I had to use windshield washer fluid multiple times to clear it to see out. Did stop at Costco for gas before I headed home and by then it had switched to fluffy snowflakes. At home I cleaned litterboxes and did a bit of crochet before starting work. Tasks today include customer suggestions in OverDrive, going through the core collection tome, and a big chunk of this afternoon will be spent recording as I'm going to be a guest on the library's podcast. It's a fun way to spend a Friday afternoon. Later this afternoon some members of our church are going to drop off condolence flowers for Mr. Fine. Dinner tonight is charcuterie. Probably board games and Lego tonight, but depending on how tired Mr. Fine is, it might just be Lego.

What I'm reading: Starting Love on the Brain today.

What we're watching: We finished the newest season of Jack Ryan (solidly good stuff, I'll keep watching it as long as they keep making it), watched a couple episodes of Batman: The Animated Series (I can already see why it's one of Mr. Fine's favourite versions of Batman), and a few of Bluey.

Book 13



Have I Told You This Already?: Stories I Don't Want to Forget to Remember - Lauren Graham

Lauren Graham's second memoir in essays was exactly as delightful as I'd expected. Full of the humour that you'd expect from her it includes a selection of wondertful essays including one reflecting on how working in Hollywood has influenced how she views her boobs, the many weird health retreats she's gone on, and her experiences adopting a puppy during the pandemic. If you're a fan of Lauren Graham, you'll want to pick up this collection.

Rating: ****

My BIL had us watch some of the animated Batman series when we were there over New Years, and it was pretty fun. It's on our "filler" list - things to watch when you are in-between series or want a quick hit of something...

>193 MickyFine: Oh, the Lauren Graham book sounds great! I really enjoyed her first book. Thanks for the heads-up!

Karen O.

>194 katiekrug: Mr. Fine and I usually have one half hour show on the go that we watch if we don't have enough time for a full hour long episode. Recently went to having his and hers half hours though, thus the Batman.

>195 klobrien2: If you enjoyed her first collection, this one will also be a hit. And it's a quick read as it's just under 200 pages.

What's (been) on the agenda: Got up, had a nice big breakfast, and then went to church. After the service, I dropped off Mr. Fine at the rec centre. Been curled up in the sunny spot on our couch and reading while I wait for a text from him saying he's done (the windchill is currently -28°C and I won't make him walk home in that). Probably a board game and crafting to take up the rest of the afternoon. Our new pastor is hosting a Zoom meet and greet at 5 p.m. and I think I'll drop in on that. Supper tonight is chicken pot pie soup. Double feature likely for the evening.

What I'm reading: Love on the Brain has completely sucked me in.

What we're playing: Assembled the Lego kit for Mr. Fine's 1960s (Adam West) Batman cowl.

>193 MickyFine: Oo, my local library has that one! I will have to check it out soon.

Have a wonderful weekend, Micky!

Hi Micky! Ooh, I so loved the Morrigan Crow books, though the third one felt eerily prescient with its pandemic and assault on the capital.I have the new one on my ordering list and keep moving it to my next list each time I actually place an order.

>197 MickyFine: Sounds like a nice day, Micky, but especially the big breakfast part. :D

>198 alcottacre: Thanks, Stasia. I hope you enjoy your time with Lauren Graham. 😊

>199 AMQS: Yeah, I'm interested to see how re-reading book three feels, since I first read it December 2021 while on temp layoff due to COVID.

>200 PaulCranswick: Mr. Fine does all the cooking and he loves a big breakfast so they happen often on weekends.

What's on the agenda: Up earlier than I wanted to be to get Sunday chores out of the way before a bunch of Mr. Fine's friends descended on our house for their monthly game day. Mr. Fine did make me an omelet before they arrived though so it's not so terrible (plus I snarfled one of their doughnuts). I've just finished all the bill sorting so other than moving loads of laundry through the machines, the day is all mine. Probably will do a bunch of crafting in front of my laptop and get some reading done too. Depending on when the guys wrap up (they've parked in our driveway so my car is trapped in the garage), I'll try and sneak over to the mall to pick up my new prescription sunglasses. Dinner tonight is soft tacos.

What I'm reading: Should wrap up Love on the Brain today.

What we're watching: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets followed by an episode of The Muppet Show and a few of Bluey.

>191 MickyFine: Thanks, Micky! Have fun watching Picard, whichever season you decide to watch!

>193 MickyFine: Nice! I love her so on the list it goes!

>196 MickyFine: Our couples show right now is The Good Place. I was getting bored of it, but Nate loves it so we plowed forward. I'm using our TV time to try and work on crochet too, instead of being on my phone.

>197 MickyFine: EW to that wind chill! We have a decent amount of snow now, but thankfully we are only sitting around -6!

>203 atozgrl: We definitely did.

>204 ChelleBearss: Crafting while watching TV is my default mode. It keeps my hands busy but I can look up as much or as little as I want to keep track of things.

It's not the coldest cold snap we've had this winter and we're supposed to be back to 0°C by this coming weekend so it's not too bad.

What's on the agenda: I have an EDO today but Mr. Fine still had to work so up at 5 anyway. Dropped him off, got some laundry sorted, and put some chili in the slow cooker this morning. Also did a bit of crafting in front of the TV (crochet as I did a bit too much cross-stitch yesterday and am not feeling it today). I'm meeting a friend for coffee at a cafe midway between us (we live about an hour's drive apart). Haven't seen her in a few months and I'm excited. Plus the cafe specializes in cake so I'm excited for that too. Depending on when we're done I'll probably craft some more this afternoon. Aforementioned chili for supper. Craft circle this evening.

What I'm reading: Starting a reread of Fangirl.

What we're watching: During Mr. Fine's game day, I finished season 4 of Virgin River and started Firefly Lane. In the evening, we started a rewatch of season 1 of Picard.

Ooooh, cake! Enjoy.

>207 katiekrug: Black forest cake. It was very good.

What's on the agenda: Back to work and in the office today. Tasks today will include catching up on all the email from yesterday, customer suggestions, and updating our Lucky Day content. I also get to be shadowed briefly this morning (it's a department-wide shadow so I spend about 20 minutes talking with a staff member). This afternoon there's the quarterly meeting for all librarians. It was supposed to be 2 hours and in-person but got bumped to online late last week as there was only half an hour of content added to the agenda (not the biggest fan of these meetings so I'm not upset). After work I'll be off to barre. Soup for dinner.

What I'm reading: Fangirl is still as satisfying as I remember.

What we're watching: I watched a few episodes of Firefly Lane while crafting yesterday morning. Mr. Fine was home early and I skipped craft circle last night so we got in a few episodes of Alias and one of The Muppet Show.

>208 MickyFine: Ooh, black forest cake sounds good!

>209 MickyFine: I found Fangirl in the little free library a long time ago. I was pleasantly surprised by it and enjoyed it. I put it back in the library when I was finished with it for someone else to enjoy.

Enjoy that black forest cake-yummy!

Book 14



Love on the Brain - Ali Hazelwood

Dr. Bee Konigswasser is delighted when her application to run a project at NASA is accepted, where she'll use her neuroscience background to help design a helmet that will help astronauts focus better. Her delight dims slightly when she learns that her engineering co-lead is Levi Ward who has hated her since they met in grad school. However, as she and Levi work closely on the helmet, she'll discover all is not as it seems both with the project and with her and Levi.

I was thoroughly delighted by this contemporary romance from Ali Hazelwood. Again she brings life to the world of women in STEM while crafting a really steamy romance. Bee and Levi's romance is charming and full of plenty of good banter. The plotline about Bee's career in science is also super compelling. Recommended for romance readers.

Rating: ****

>210 foggidawn: It was really good. Real whipped cream and just the right level of cherries.

>211 figsfromthistle: Sadly, it was just the one slice of cake yesterday. But it was really good.

I've re-read Fangirl multiple times (it lives in my collection for just that reason) and I enjoy it every time.

You can have all my Black Forest cake, Micky :) I'm not a big cherry fan.

I need to move the Hazelwoods up the pile, obvs...

January Summary






Numbers in parentheses are for year to date.

Books read: 14 (14)
Books abandoned: 1 (1)

Fiction: 12 (12)
Non-fiction: 2 (2)

Adult: 12 (12)
YA: 1 (1)
Children's: 1 (1)

Library: 7 (7)
Mine: 7 (7)
Borrowed elsewhere: 0 (0)

Re-reads: 1 (1)

Female authors: 13 (13)
Male authors: 5 (5)
Non-binary authors: 0 (0)

Pages: 3,212 (3,212)
Hours: 0 minutes

Average rating: 4.0

Average time to read book: 2.36 days

Favourite book(s): Scattered Showers was a fantastic collection of short writing from Rainbow Rowell.

>214 katiekrug: I will happily snarfle anything with cherries (Mr. Fine shares your dislike though).

And yes, you should definitely read Hazelwood. She's on my list of favourite romance authors after just two books.

All right, friends. I'm not likely to finish another book this month so come join me on my February thread.

You got me with Love on the Brain, Micky. Onto The List it goes!

>218 Crazymamie: Happy to hand you a BB, Mamie. :)