MickyFine Seeks Out Joy in 2023, Part 2

I love a good romantic comedy and curling up with an old favourite on the couch on a Sunday afternoon is likely to bring me a lot of joy (note that not all films featured in this image are necessarily some of my faves).

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
15. Fangirl - Rainbow Rowell (re-read)
16. The Dark Archive - Genevieve Cogman
17. Pardonable Lies - Jacqueline Winspear
18. Hollow - Shannon Watters, Branden Boyer-White, and Berenice Nelle
19. Ship Wrecked - Olivia Dade
20. Death in the Stacks - Jenn McKinlay
21. Codex Born - Jim C. Hines
22. Take a Hint, Dani Brown - Talia Hibbert
23. Q-Squared - Peter David (re-read)
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

This thread is officially up and running. Come on in, get comfy, and tell me a favourite comfort movie (or two) for you.

Top of brain for me right now is the 1995 version of Sabrina. It's probably why I'm still a sucker for a love triangle, it gave me a love for Paris at an early age, the score by John Williams is fantastic (I actually walked down the aisle for my wedding to the opening theme from this film), and it has Harrison Ford. Need I say more?

Happy new thread! It looks like you had some great reads in January, based on the post on your previous thread!

Happy new thread, Micky!

>3 MickyFine: Not the movie, but the Brideshead revisited TV-series was my favorite to watch over and over again. Only years later I read the book.
I don't watch much anymore, most of the time I am reading ;-)

Happy new thread!

Happy new thread Micky!

Happy new one, Micky! My favorite comfort movie is probably Pride and Prejudice - the Matthew MacFayden one. I also love French Kiss. That Sabrina movie that you mention is a favorite of ours.

Happy new thread, Micky.

A favourite romantic comedy would be There's Something About Mary.

Happy new one, Mickey!

I have lots of comfort films, but the first one that sprang to mind just now was Bridget Jones' Diary.

>3 MickyFine: I posted before you had your question up. Sabrina is a favorite for me, as well. In my 30s, I would often put a movie on and fall asleep to it, and Sabrina was one I used often for that. The Princess Bride is my ultimate comfort movie. Around this time of year, I get a craving for Groundhog Day. I could keep going...

Happy new thread!

Got lost on the previous thread (catching up).
Starring this one and unstarring the other one so I quite looking in the wrong place. Funny how I've done that with several threads this month. All so interesting...

Happy new thread, Micky!

I'm old enough that the original Sabrina from 1954 was one of my favorites when I was young. It's hard to pick just one comfort movie, but I recently came across You've Got Mail, and that's one I never get tired of watching.

>3 MickyFine: I caught most of Dirty Dancing on the TV recently and remembered how much I liked it. I don't often plan to watch a film - on TV or DVD - but do often catch bits of one when I look to see what's on TV.

Happy new thread, Micky!

Most of the movies I own are "comfort movies" or shows in a sense, because I don't watch a lot and then the ones I really like I watch multiple times. But I will say The Princess Bride is up there (I had it nearly memorized when I was a teen), along with the Colin Firth version of Pride and Prejudice and the older version of Fruits Basket (still have to see the new one). Elf and various versions of A Christmas Carol are cycled through regularly in my Christmas watching, too.

Happy February, Micky. Happy New Thread! I am also a huge fan of The Princess Bride, both book & film.

Hi Micky! Like many others, The Princess Bride and You've Got Mail are among my favorites. I also like Sleepless in Seattle, and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and Calamity Jane (the last two aren't rom-coms, but I love listening to Howard Keel's voice ) for comfort watching.

>4 foggidawn: Thanks, Foggi. I started the year off right on the reading front.

>5 FAMeulstee: Nice to see you, Anita. I haven't seen that version of Brideshead Revisited. I watched the one with Ben Whishaw in it.

>6 drneutron: Thanks, Jim!

>7 quondame: Thanks, Susan!

>8 Crazymamie: P&P is an excellent comfort movie choice, Mamie. It's definitely one I'll settle in for too.

>9 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Paul. I've never made it through that film. The sense of humour isn't quite for me.

>10 katiekrug: Thanks, Katie. Bridget is always an excellent choice.

>11 foggidawn: The Princess Bride is an excellent choice, Foggi. That one holds a special spot for both me and Mr. Fine.

>12 figsfromthistle: Thanks, Figs!

>13 SandyAMcPherson: Nice to see you, Sandy.

>14 atozgrl: I like the Audrey Hepburn version of Sabrina too, but I prefer the 90s one (blasphemy, I know). You've Got Mail is also an awesome choice. I tend to pull it out every fall as the line about "bouquets of freshly sharpened pencils" shows up in my brain every September.

>15 CDVicarage: Nice to see you, Kerry. My Mom loves Dirty Dancing and I picked up some of that love by osmosis. I'll always watch it if it's on.

>16 bell7: All excellent choices, Mary. Most of my movies are comfort watches too but since I've merged collections with Mr. Fine there are some in the collection I'd never watch again. :P

>17 msf59: Princess Bride is an excellent choice, Mark.

>18 aktakukac: Nice to see you, Rachel. I don't mind Sleepless in Seattle but if I want Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks, I'll always go for You've Got Mail instead. :)

What's (been) on the agenda: In the office again today but get to do all the commuting solo as Mr. Fine is off work for a medical appointment. Tasks today has/will include updating lucky day content, submitting orders for May titles, going through vendor lists, biweekly meeting for librarians in my department, and some time with publisher catalogues. After work, I'll pick up Mr. Fine who is taking me out for a dinner date (I'm not sure where yet). We'll also fit in a trip to the library either before and after. Plus we have to meal plan and put together the grocery list today for the trip to the stores tomorrow.

What I'm reading: I might wrap up Fangirl today. I'd forgotten it's one of those books where I get sad when I see how few pages are left as I just want to keep hanging out with the characters for as long as possible.

What we're watching: Mr. Fine decided to do a rewatch of Firefly. I'm always a fan of spending time with Captain Tight Pants. :)

Firefly! Yes!

I feel the same way about Fangirl.

Happy new thread!

My comfort movies are Thomas Crown Affair and any of the Harry Potters :)

>21 foggidawn: Glad I'm not alone.

>22 ChelleBearss: Nice to see you, Chelle. Which version of The Thomas Crown Affair?

What's on the agenda: It's a WFH Thursday, which means I got a bunch of small tasks done after dropping off Mr. Fine this morning including folding and putting away some laundry that's been waiting since the weekend, tidying the kitchen, and a bit of cross-stitch. Work today will include putting my notes into the standardized performance appraisal doc in advance of my year end, customer suggestions, and time with publisher catalogues. After work I'll meet up with Mr. Fine to go grocery shopping. Supper tonight is a shepherd's pie we picked up from the Hutterite colony stall at the farmer's market a few weeks ago (it's an actual shepherd's pie made with lamb!).

What I'm reading: Started The Dark Archive at bedtime last night.

What we're watching: Just a couple episodes of Bluey as we got home a bit later from our date and trip to the library.

Happy new thread, Micky. Maybe I will actually be able to keep up with this one, lol.

Book 15



Fangirl - Rainbow Rowell (re-read)

Every time I come back to this novel, I've forgotten just how much I love it. As I mentioned above, it's one of those books that I devour but am also sad that the remaining pages get smaller as I read because I could spend forever with these characters. The combination of Cath's first year at university and the growing pains that come with it continue to be compelling, her romance with Levi still makes me swoon, and all of the sneak peeks at both the Simon Snow narrative and Cath's fanfiction are so much fun. If you haven't read this one yet and like a good contemporary coming of age novel, I can't recommend this one highly enough.

Rating: *****

>25 alcottacre: Lovely to see you, Stasia. Feel free to just drop right into the middle of things without catching up if that works for you. :)

So what was for date night? Details, Micky! You know I need food-related details!

>28 katiekrug: LOL. I was just talking about this on your thread.

We went to The Keg. Steak, garlic mashed potatoes, and seasonal vegetables (roasted beets and green beans) followed by creme brulee plus I had a Shirley Temple to drink. :)

>29 MickyFine: - That is a most excellent date night!

>29 MickyFine: That sounds delish.

>30 katiekrug: >31 foggidawn: It was an excellent dinner out. And I forgot to mention the complimentary warm bread with their fancy cheesy butter. *drools*

>19 MickyFine: Well, I'd hardly say your preference for the 90's version of Sabrina was blasphemy! It's more a generational difference, I think. I suppose most of us have a soft spot for movies we loved when we were young. And Harrison Ford is hard to beat!

It's been awhile since I read Fangirl, but glad to see it holds up well as a reread.

Your dinner out sounds excellent, and I hope the noise on Saturday isn't *too* bad.

Happy new thread Micky!

>33 atozgrl: Especially 90s Harrison Ford. *fans self*

>34 bell7: Thanks, Mary. I'm hoping the noise isn't crazy either. Two of the noisier guys who come to Mr. Fine's monthly game day aren't coming to this one. This one is a special one-off for a specific game that takes 8 hours+ to play and is a sort of last hurrah for one of his friends whose wife is pregnant with twins.

>35 swynn: Thanks, Steve!

What's on the agenda: Made it to Friday and thankfully it's a WFH day (let's be honest It would be highly unusual to be in the office on a Friday). This morning's free time was spent cross-stitching. Hoping to finish the current page this weekend. Work will include ordering in OverDrive/Libby and time with the core collection tome. Maybe some time with publisher catalogues if I get tired of the tome. At some point today, I need to return a call to our new pastor (if I write it down here, maybe I'll actually do it). Mr. Fine decided to swap shepherd's pie to tonight's supper (we had Costco chicken alfredo penne last night). Possibly a board game this evening but we'll see how energy levels are doing.

What I'm reading: Only a handful of chapters into The Dark Archive but it's going well.

What we're watching: A couple episodes of Firefly and a few of Bluey including the Grannies!

What's on the agenda: Getting up shortly for shower and breakfast. Most of Mr. Fine's friends are planning to arrive for the marathon board game day at 10, which will be after I leave for church, but the one with the massive board game (Twilight Imperium) is arriving at 9:30 so I have to be mildly presentable by then (there are days I'm still wandering in my housecoat 5 minutes before leaving for church). It's supposed to be pretty warm (for February) today so I'll probably go for a walk when I get home from church. Then leftover shepherd's pie for lunch (it was so good!). The rest of the afternoon and early evening I'll probably spend reading and crafting. Supper will be pizza. I've been promised I'll get a whole pizza to myself. Mr. Fine says the guys are leaving by 8 p.m. whether they've finished the game or not (we'll see). If they're done by then, Mr. Fine and I will probably watch a movie.

What I'm reading: Almost halfway through The Dark Archive.

What we're watching: A few episodes of Bluey.

What we're playing: My pick last night was Everdell with the Bellefair expansion and Mr. Fine kicked my butt.

Happy Saturday, Micky! Hooray for a whole pizza to yourself - what are your favorite toppings? Good luck surviving marathon board game day.

We have recently started playing Everdell, and we love it. I'll have to look into those expansions.

>38 MickyFine: Fingers crossed for your own whole pizza!!!
(For a minute I thought "pretty warm for February" was a wry joke but then I remembered that it is actually February...)

>39 Crazymamie: Thanks, Mamie. I'll often go for a veggie pizza (sans mushrooms) but I also like a chicken pizza every once in a while. One of my favourite pizza places does a tropical chicken pizza which has chicken, pineapple, green pepper, caramelized onions, and a dash of barbecue sauce (along with regular tomato sauce and mozza). So much yum. 😋

I like the Spirecrest expansion for Everdell best. It makes the game a little harder but you also get giant critters your regular critters can ride (tiny squirrel on a moose is just so cute!).

>40 norabelle414: Thanks, Nora. It's really nice here today. We're up to 6°C this afternoon. It's a bit icy because of all the melting (although the snowbanks aren't truly endangered yet) but it was really lovely out for a walk.

>38 MickyFine: The word 'housecoat' brings back memories. My grandma used to wear one at home, though my mum never did. I don't - but I do have 'home clothes' which are my ratty old clothes which I can't bear to part with. They're still wearable - just not outside the house or in decent company.

>41 MickyFine: Those all sound yummy. When we make homemade pizza, I always use barbecue sauce instead of tomato sauce.

Thanks for the info on Spirecrest. Critters you can ride!!

>42 humouress: My housecoat is really just a fluffy robe but I grew up calling them the former term.

>43 Crazymamie: Happy to share my Everdell knowledge!

>44 MickyFine: The more comfortable, the better :0)

What's on the agenda: Awake annoyingly early considering I didn't go to sleep until 11. Stupid body clock. Might get out of bed soon for breakfast, Sunday chores, and bill sorting. I took out cranberry orange muffins from the freezer yesterday so I have those to look forward to. Going to do some reading and crafting this afternoon in all likelihood, especially if Mr. Fine follows through on his plan to go to the gym. If he doesn't there might be a board game. Roast chicken with all the fixings for supper tonight.

What I'm reading: Didn't crack a book yesterday due to powering through with some crafting.

Crafting update: Finished another page of my cross-stitch project so photos later today. Ended up going to my church's annual business meeting last night and did nearly four rows on the crochet poncho while there (at over 200 stitches per row, I'm feeling accomplished).

What we're watching: I finished one episode in progress and watched another complete episode of Firefly Lane while having dinner last night. When I got home from church, Mr. Fine and I watched a few episodes of Bluey before turning in for the night.

The promised tree skirt update.

The most recent page:


The big picture:

>47 MickyFine: Wow! That is full of gorgeous!

>47 MickyFine: Wow! That's coming along well.

>48 Crazymamie: Mickey does such complex cross-stitch projects. I fully agree about the 'full of gorgeous'.

>48 Crazymamie: Thanks, Mamie, Nina, and Sandy.

What's on the agenda: It's a rare WFH Monday. I usually like to get my in office days out of the way as early as possible but I have an in-person course later this week so I had to shift things around. Work today will include customer suggestions, time with the core collection tome, and maybe some time with publisher catalogues. Supper tonight will be butter chicken. I'll probably do virtual craft circle this evening.

What I'm reading: I crashed early last night so only managed a couple chapters in The Dark Archive.

Crafting update: I technically finished another page of the tree skirt pattern but it's not really worth an update as it's only 6 stitches (I did complete far more than 6 stitches as I also started the next page). Joys of a curved pattern on rectangular pages. :)

What we're watching: We had a movie afternoon and finally watched Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. In the evening we watched a few episodes of Picard.

Hi Micky, a library-topic conversation with Laura developed and evolved into a swamp of potential alligators. I'm inviting you to join in with words of librarian wisdom, or anything enlightening. Not an exclusive invite, of course. Everyone is welcome!

>53 SandyAMcPherson: Er ... thanks anyway but ... I have to see a man about a dog ... ;0)

>47 MickyFine: Oh Wow! Very nice.

Happy Tuesday!

>53 SandyAMcPherson: Posted over on your thread.

>55 figsfromthistle: Thanks, Figs!

Yesterday's adventures: It was just a generally full day and I didn't make it over here. I was in the office and had a lot keeping me occupied including sending copies of surveys to a partner organization, removing expired content from OverDrive, making some edits in my diversity audit report, and going through the February issue of Library Journal. After work I had my barre classe. Then home for a supper of chucker out and a bit of unwinding in front of the TV.

What's on today's agenda: In the office again. Tasks have/will include reviewing staff reported gaps (including one for history books on African countries which required a bunch of searching to confirm that very little was available that meets our selection criteria), updating graphs in the diversity audit report, finishing up with LJ and starting on the new issue of Booklist. Supper tonight will be takeout from Press'd. I have my monthly massage this evening and afterwards I'll swing by the library to drop off a couple items that need to go back.

What I'm reading: Started Pardonable Lies on the bus this morning.

Crafting update: I've mostly been working on my poncho the last couple nights but received a text from my SIL this morning asking if I had any fingerless gloves on hand for niece #2 who has lost hers. I don't but I've found a simple pattern and I've promised to try and whip some up before I see them this coming Sunday. Wish this auntie luck!

What we're watching: Monday night was a couple episodes of Alias and a couple of Bluey. Last night was an episode of Firefly, one of Gargoyles, and a couple of Bluey. After Mr. Fine went to his D&D game, I watched an episode of Firefly Lane.

>57 MickyFine: Good luck with the speed knitting!

Book 16



The Dark Archive - Genevieve Cogman

While trying to get to the bottom of why there have been multiple attempts to kidnap her and murder her friends and acquaintances, Irene comes face to face with a former antagonist whom she thought was dead. Of course, all kinds of chaos ensues.

By book seven you should know whether this series is for you or not. This one is decidedly for me.

Rating: ****

>58 foggidawn: Speed crochet but the well wishes apply either way. :)

>60 MickyFine: Oof, I knew that -- but then I second-guessed myself. Happy speed-crocheting!

I can't tell...is most of what you read graphic novel? I'm trying really hard to incorporate graphic novels into my reading, but I find them difficult for some reason. The flow just doesn't feel right. 🤷‍♀️

Micky good luck with the quick making of the fingerless gloves.

>59 MickyFine: I really need to read the first one of these - my daughter Abby loves them.

>57 MickyFine: Once upon a time I decided to knit a bunch of pairs of fingerless gloves for my coworkers who were always complaining that the office was too cold in the winter, and I needed to knit them fast because winter was almost over! However, that time was early March 2020, so now I have 6 pairs of fingerless gloves because I never saw those coworkers in person again.

>61 foggidawn: I totally get it. I do the same.

>62 The_Hibernator: I've read a handful of Marvel comics this year but I wouldn't say I read a lot of graphic novels. Bloodlust & Bonnets might be a fun title in the format for you to try.

>63 Crazymamie: Thanks, Mamie. The Invisible Library is a lot of fun and I think you'd have a good time with the series.

>64 norabelle414: Now you have a pair for (almost) every day of the week?

>65 MickyFine: Alas, I don't need them because I think the office (and everywhere else) is way too hot! It's like an O'Henry story.

>66 norabelle414: Alanis Morissette should have included it in "Ironic," LOL.

Yesterday's adventures: Mr. Fine was asked to switch to early shift for the day so we were up at 5. Dropped him off, got myself ready to go to the office, and then was back at the bus station for my own commute. Most of my morning was spent in a 3.5 hour course, a version of an orientation course that has been adapted as a refresher for long-term staff. It was fine and was thankfully one of the courses where they provide supplies for fidgeting so I felt fine with pulling out my crochet. Started and finished one of the fingerless mitts for my niece during the course. In the afternoon I had a monthly team meeting that was nearly an hour so that left me with not a ton of time for my regular work tasks, so I mostly dealt with email and did a couple small tasks. After work, we swung by the library for our weekly visit. Mr. Fine made mac n cheese from scratch for supper, which was much yum. I managed to start and finish the second fingerless mitt during our TV time. I am the best auntie!

What's on the agenda today: It's a wonderful WFH Friday. Dropped off Mr. Fine at the bus station, went to Costco to top up the gas tank, and at home I managed to empty and reload the dishwasher and do a bit of cross-stitch before going on the clock. Work today will just be all the customer requests in both OverDrive and the ones submitted through our catalogue platform. After work, I'll pick up Mr. Fine and we'll run a couple quick errands before going home. Meatloaf for dinner, probably with mashed potatoes and cooked veggies of some sort. Maybe a board game tonight.

What I'm reading: Odds are good I'll start and finish Hollow today. Depending on how quickly I get through it, I may also start Ship Wrecked.

Crafting update: I'll probably spend my crafting time today working on the cross-stitch project for my friend's birthday (hereafter referred to as the Bday cross-stitch project for speedier typing).

What we're watching: Wednesday night was just an episode of The Muppet Show before I went out for my massage. Last night was a couple episodes of Supernatural, one of Gargoyles, and a few of Bluey.

The completed fingerless mitts for niece #2:

Book 17



Pardonable Lies - Jacqueline Winspear

Maisie Dobbs, Psychologist and Investigator, is asked by Scotland Yard to consult on a case where a 13-year-old girl is the obvious suspect. At the same time, an acquaintance of her former employers hires Maisie to prove that his son, who was an aviator whose plane went down during the Great War, is actually dead. Maisie is reluctant to take on the latter case as she knows it will likely require a trip to France and facing some of her own traumatic memories of the war. However, as she begins to dig into the case, she'll discover it has even more personal ramifications than she expected and bring her yet another mystery to solve.

It's been a while since I picked up a Maisie Dobbs novel and I'd forgotten just how fantastically well-crafted they are, both as mysteries and as historical fiction. Set in the fall of 1930, Winspear expertly creates a world where so many who served in or lived through the Great War are still processing their trauma and beginning to heal. For modern readers there are hints of the troubles to come though as characters are already discussing the early rise of Hitler and the Nazis. The mysteries are also well-crafted with three overlapping cases that are all fascinating in their own ways. It's also wonderful to see Maisie continue to grow as a character as she more firmly settles into her own independence. I definitely won't be waiting as long to pick up the next book in this series.

Rating: ****

>69 MickyFine: - Very nice!

>69 MickyFine: Beautiful speed crocheting!

>68 MickyFine: We're doing meatloaf tonight as well!

>69 MickyFine: Very pretty!

>70 MickyFine: I really should get back to the Maisie Dobbs series.

(Edited to correct a hilarious autocorrect error. “Maoist Donna” sounds like an interesting character, I suppose!)

>71 katiekrug: Thanks, Katie!

>72 norabelle414: Thanks, Nora!

>73 atozgrl: Yay for meatloaf.

>74 foggidawn: That's some excellent autocorrecting, Foggi. And I highly recommend going back to Maisie.

What's on the agenda: Feeling gloriously rested today as I went to sleep around 10 last night and didn't wake up until nearly 7. Huzzah! I'll get up and shower shortly and then we'll have breakfast before getting ready to go to church. Mr. Fine is planning to go to the gym afterwards so I'll drop him off and then head home. Probably some crafting this afternoon while he's out. This evening we've got our monthly game night with friends. They've picked a longer game so we'll see what time we get home tonight.

What I'm reading: Started Ship Wrecked yesterday evening, which has a very steamy opening chapter.

What I'm crafting: The secret cross-stitch project is on black fabric and after lots of tilting all kinds of directions to try and get it well lit on top while also getting enough light on the white pillow I put on my lap underneath so I can see the holes in the fabric, I've decided this is a daylight hours only project. So I'll be working on that this afternoon.

What we're watching: I was doing the aforementioned stitching while also watching Mr. Fine play the first little bit of Hogwarts Legacy.

>69 MickyFine: Very cute!

>70 MickyFine: Maybe I should look into this series. *sigh* yet another possible BB. I haven't been keeping up as it is.

Hi Micky! Catching up after my vacation. I need to start The Invisible Library series soon and I am intrigued by Maisie Dobbs...

>77 humouress: Thanks, Nina. Maisie Dobbs is a long series but I've enjoyed the first few books immensely.

>78 curioussquared: Lovely to see you making the rounds, Natalie! Both series are great reads although in very different ways. :)

Yesterday's adventures: We were up early-ish to get all the cleaning done before noon (and successfully managed it). We had all of my family over for lunch yesterday and it was a lovely gathering. Pre-pandemic we were doing weekly family dinners but as there are now 4 niblings and they're a little older, it's harder to manage that. But I think we're going to attempt doing it once a month. Niece #2 was very pleased with her fingerless mitts and they were an excellent fit so I'm chuffed. After everyone cleared out, I started my own game of Hogwarts Legacy, which is really fun so far. We had leftover soup from Saturday for dinner as neither of us felt like cooking after hosting the family. Watched a bit of TV before heading to bed.

What's on the agenda today: Mr. Fine is on early shift this week but I'm WFH today so a little more relaxed start for me. Took a quick shower and played a bit more Hogwarts Legacy before going on the clock. Work today will mostly be customer suggestions and maybe some time with AudioFile. This afternoon the librarians in my department are having a meeting with the librarians in another (largely) behind the scenes department for info sharing. This is the second meeting for the group but the first I've attended so we'll see what it's like. Supper this evening will be chicken and broccoli in alfredo sauce. Virtual craft circle this evening.

What I'm reading: Ship Wrecked continues to be a solid romance.

What I'm crafting: Last night I managed nearly 2 rows on the crochet poncho.

What we're playing: Game Night on Saturday we played Scythe and Mr. Fine won.

What we're watching: Last night was a couple episodes of Picard.

Book 18



Hollow - Shannon Watters, Branden Boyer-White, and Berenice Nelle

It's October and Izzy Crane has just moved with her parents to Sleepy Hollow where the residents of the village lean HARD into the Legend. Izzy is less than enthused by all the headless horseman love until she meets Vicky Van Tassel who is involved in every one of Sleepy Hollow's events. However, Izzy and Vicky's blossoming relationship is complicated by a curse on the Van Tassel family that threatens Vicky's life.

This graphic novel is a fun riff on the elements of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, while also encompassing an adorable queer romance and plenty of humour. The art is gorgeous and, as I'd expect from one of the co-creators of Lumberjanes, the story is sweet and funny with just a dash of spooky. Hollow would be a fantastic Halloween read. Recommended.

Rating: ****

>70 MickyFine: Nice review, Micky. I have neglected carrying on reading in this series. This looks to be one not to miss.

>82 SandyAMcPherson: Thanks, Sandy. I really enjoyed sinking into this one and was a little surprised at how quickly I read it. I hope you enjoy going back to the series whenever you get to it.

What's on the agenda: Mr. Fine and I are both off today - not because of Valentine's Day, but because he has a medical appointment. So he's currently sleeping in (I, of course, am awake because body clock has no snooze) and I'm playing on my phone. His appointment is at 8:40 and after we go to that we're planning to go out for breakfast (fingers crossed it's not super busy with the holiday). Afterwards we might swing by the bookstore as I've already been told my Valentine's gift is getting to pick my own book. The rest of the day is largely unplanned and will probably involve crafting and video gaming. I have barre class at 5 and Mr. Fine is planning to come along for some time in the gym. Our traditional Valentine's Day spaghetti dinner and a rom com this evening.

What I'm reading: Over halfway through Ship Wrecked now and really curious where it's going at this point.

What I'm crafting: Worked on the tree skirt during craft circle last night.

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

>84 MickyFine: Breakfast/brunch is probably the best bet for going out to eat on Valentine's day, especially when it falls during the week. Enjoy your day!

Your Valentine's plans sound lovely!

>85 foggidawn: It was definitely a good way to go. We usually avoid eating out on Valentine's Day entirely but our week day breakfast was super chill.

>86 curioussquared: It was a pretty great day.

What's (been) on the agenda: Back to work today and I'm in the office. With the day off yesterday it's like a weird Monday. Tasks today have and will include catching up on email, updating Lucky Day content, checking staff reported gaps, our biweekly meeting of librarians in our department, submitting some carts, and going through AudioFile. After work, Mr. Fine and I have a few errands to run including stopping GameStop, picking up his prescriptions from yesterday's medical appointment, the weekly library visit, and picking up shawarma for dinner.

What I'm reading: Hoping I'll finish Ship Wrecked today.

What I'm playing: Friends, I have been playing Hogwarts Legacy a lot in the last few days. Assume any reference to video gaming from now on is for this game. So far Mr. Fine and I are doing a pretty good job of splitting time evenly (we've each got our own game going - I'm Hufflepuff, he's Gryffindor). I wasn't sure if the game play would be too complicated for this poorly skilled player but so far putting it on Easy has worked ok for me.

What I'm crafting: Made some decent progress on the secret cross-stitch project.

What we're watching: My rom com pick for Valentine's Day was Your Place Or Mine on Netflix. Not perfect but it was pretty cute.

Micky, are you on Twitter? The Romance Ever After Podcost account is conducting its annual Valentine's Day romcom bracket competition. https://twitter.com/RomEverAfter/status/1624275510250307588?s=20

Every day, they post polls for people to choose which movie in each match-up to advance. It's been fun to follow and to be reminded of movies I'd forgotten about (e.g. Return to Me) and to learn about new ones I'd never heard of but now want to watch (e.g. Something New).

Just thought I'd mention it...

>89 katiekrug: I deleted my Twitter account just before a certain someone took over (I'd stopped using it early in the pandemic though since the stream just stressed me out). However, this match up looks delightful and it's fascinating to see what movies I know and which are new to me.

>90 MickyFine: - Yeah, it's a fun little distraction during the day :)

What's on the agenda: In the office again today, so usual early morning routine for that. We're going to be on early mornings for a long stretch now. Due to the timeslot Mr. Fine can get for a treatment he's trying for his eczema, he needs to be on early shift for the next 8 weeks (9 weeks total because he was already on early shift this week). I'm trying to prep my brain for all the 5 a.m. wake-ups - wish me luck! Tasks today include a job shadow, going through the EarlyWord galley chat spreadsheet, finishing up with AudioFile, and customer suggestions. After work, I'll commute back to the 'burbs and then pick up Mr. Fine. He's done earlier than me and rather than waiting for me as usual, he's taking an earlier bus so that he can start on grocery shopping without me. Costco is happily walking distance from the bus station so we're going to try and time it so that he's done at Costco at around the time I can get there once I get off the bus (the joys of being the only driver in our house). Then we'll swing by our other regular grocery store and then head home. Soup and sandwiches for dinner tonight.

What I'm reading: Started Death in the Stacks last night.

What I'm crafting: Did a bit of work on the tree skirt last night.

What we're watching: A couple of episodes of Doctor Who including one where Alan Cumming showed up playing King James I.

>92 MickyFine: Regular schedules do have some advantages, but there is the enough already factor to early rising.

Book 19



Ship Wrecked - Olivia Dade

Peter and Maria had a one night stand, and when Maria left the hotel room while Peter was sleeping, he expected to never see her again. Except then he did at his audition that afternoon, where they were both cast in the television series, Gods of the Gates, for roles that required the two of them to work only with each other and a small crew on a small Irish island. For years. For everyone's sake, they decided not to pursue a relationship but after 6 years, the show is ending. As Peter and Maria explore the idea of dating, they'll have to determine if they can overcome their past experiences to turn their outstanding chemistry into a real relationship.

The third book in the Spoiler Alert, again overlaps in timelines with the previous two books, although almost half of this novel takes place before the previous two books. Peter and Maria's relationship is supposed to be a slow burn and the book struggles a bit with the pacing of it. I feel like the structure of the book didn't quite do justice to Peter and Maria's relationship, but I'm not entirely sure what edits would make it better. That said, their relationship is lovely and it's wonderful to see Dade writing a romance where both leads are fat. It's also steamy as heck; I can't remember the last time I picked up a romance novel that opened on a sex scene. While Peter and Maria both have their own traumas, their miscommunication issues are realistic and watching them grow as people is really rewarding. Plus the book is full of excellent banter. While not the strongest of the three books set in this universe, I still recommend it, especially for the epilogue where every character has a bow put on their happy ending.

Rating: ****

>93 quondame: There's only an hour difference for our routine for early shift vs late shift but my brain has a huge hang up around 5 a.m. that doesn't exist for 6 a.m. *shrug*

>94 MickyFine: I struggled with this one, although I liked the characters. I'm wondering if it was because I haven't read the others in the series. It seemed like there was a lot of irrelevant stuff with seemingly minor characters, but I'm guessing they were the people from the other two books.

>95 MickyFine: I'm with you on the 5 am hang up! It just doesn't seem like a reasonable time to be awake, lol.

Totally with you about 5am vs 6am!

I am determined to finally get to Dade next month...

Oof, good luck with the early schedule! My alarm is usually set for 7:15, and anytime I have to go earlier than that (even a half hour...) can really throw my off.

I watched the two episodes that starts with Silence in the Library today so it will be awhile 'til I'm all caught up with where you are in Doctor Who.

>96 Eat_Read_Knit: It's definitely a series that benefits from being read in order.

>97 curioussquared: Ok, I'm glad I'm not alone on that one.

>98 katiekrug: I am totally in favour of reading Dade. I've got plans to explore some of her other books too, now that I've finished this series.

>99 bell7: I am a morning person so that helps but 6 is about as early as I like to go.

Silence in the Library is So Good. It's so tempting to go back to Tennant basically always.

Well after thinking I'd be spending another 8 weeks straight getting up at 5, it turns out Mr. Fine's work is fine with him missing more work on the weeks he'd typically be working his later shift, so our alternating weeks should stay (largely) consistent after all. Yay!

What's on the agenda: Dropped off Mr. Fine, did some tidying in the kitchen, and then did some video gaming before starting my shift. Tasks at work today have and will include finishing up with the newest issue of AudioFile, checking customer suggestions and doing the weekly order in OverDrive/Libby, responding to customer suggestions in our catalogue, and maybe some time with publisher catalogues. Dinner tonight will be Costco manicotti, probably with salad and garlic bread. Not sure if Mr. Fine will have the energy for a board game this evening so it might just be crafting time.

What I'm reading: I should finish Death in the Stacks today and I'm hoping to also get started on Codex Born.

What I'm crafting: More work on the tree skirt.

What we're watching: A couple episodes of Supernatural (I'm really eager to wrap up this season as I actively do not care about any of the big overarching plots) and a couple of Bluey (perfection as always).

Book 20



Death in the Stacks - Jenn McKinlay

Olive Boyle, the newly elected President of the library board, is not well-liked by anyone in Briar Creek. So when she's found murdered after the library's biggest fundraiser of the year, the list of suspects is long. Topping the list, however, is Lindsey's newest employee, Paula, who Lindsey knows is innocent. Of course, the best way to prove Paula's innocence is for Lindsey to do a bit of investigating of her own.

As the eighth entry in this cozy mystery series, I'm impressed at how well McKinlay uses the formula but still manages to keep the plot feeling fresh and allowing all of her characters to continue to grow as the series goes on. The character of Olive felt almost unrealistically obnoxious, making even the reader a bit relieved that she's the murder victim for this outing, but otherwise the novel was perfectly satisfying. Fans of McKinlay's other cozy mystery series will be delighted to see characters from both the hat shop and cupcake bakery appear in this entry (I don't read those series but know they exist). A solid read for followers of the series.

Rating: ****

What's on the agenda: Of course I'm awake over an hour before the alarm because me. Doing quiet things on my phone until the alarm does go off. Then it'll be up for a shower, breakfast, and then off to church. Afterwards, I'll drop Mr. Fine off at the gym and then come home for reading and crafting time. We might play a board game when Mr. Fine gets home or it might be some Lego assembly. Not sure what supper will be this evening. We planned out all the meals but haven't actually put them on our schedule so at this point it's a surprise. Then our usual Saturday movie night.

What I'm reading: Already 50 pages into Codex Born. It doesn't hurt that the font is on the larger side in the edition I'm reading.

What I'm crafting: Didn't pick up any of my projects yesterday.

What we're playing: I picked Cascadia last night and Mr. Fine and I tied (using the tiebreaker, I won).

What we're watching: Nada.

I woke up at 6:00 this morning, which is a big boo. Your Saturday sounds nice and relaxed.

Boo to waking up before the alarm!

>104 katiekrug: Sorry to hear you were also awake early. Fingers crossed we both sleep in tomorrow.

>105 curioussquared: I heartily second that boo, Natalie.

What's on the agenda: Awake at the same time again today (around 5:50 for those keeping score) and could not get back to sleep. Apparently sleeping in this long weekend just isn't going to happen. Keeping quiet and putzing around on my phone for a bit until Mr. Fine wakes up. Not quite sure what order we'll do things in today but there's a few things on the list. Of course, there's the usual Sunday cleaning and bill sorting to do. Mr. Fine is planning to go to the gym and I plan to video game while he's out. There's a chance of shoveling today as the forecast includes 2-4 cm of snow. At some point I need to take the car to the car wash as Trillian is filthy and I want to clean her before it gets super cold on Monday night. I've got a craving for ice cream so Mr. Fine and I will nab some while we're out for the car wash. We'll possibly squeeze a board game in there somewhere. And there's a good chance of crafting and/or reading too. If I remember the meal plan right, I think it's charcuterie for supper tonight.

What I'm reading: Over halfway through Codex Born.

What I'm crafting: Lots of cross-stitch time yesterday. I made progress on both the secret project and the tree skirt.

What we're watching: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (my favourite of the films), a couple episodes of Gargoyles, and a couple of Bluey (we're now into season 2).

>95 MickyFine: my brain has a huge hang up around 5 a.m. that doesn't exist for 6 a.m. My brain has a huge hang-up with 6 a.m. as well, which is when I got woken up this morning. Usually Mr SandDune gets up about 6.20. Over our working life it’s normally been me that’s worked furthest away and it’s normally been him that gets up earlier.

>108 SandDune: I'm a morning person so that does help with early wake ups, thankfully.

What's on the agenda: It's Family Day in Alberta so both Mr. Fine and I have the day off work. He's planning to go to the gym relatively early this morning and I'll probably video game while he's out. Still need to get to bill stuff and the car wash that I didn't do yesterday. The new pastor at my church is coming for a visit at 1 (he's trying to visit with all the members over the course of his first year). Not sure how long that will be, probably an hour or so. Other than that, no firm plans. Possibly a board game. Maybe just reading and crafting. Beef stew for dinner tonight.

What I'm reading: Just a couple chapters in Codex Born.

What I'm crafting: Did a couple rows on the crochet poncho.

What we're watching: Finished our rewatch of Picard season 1 and watched the first episode of season 2, the latter of which is new for us. We're both quite pleased with how things have kicked off. Watched an episode of The Muppet Show too.

>110 MickyFine: Finished our rewatch of Picard season 1 and watched the first episode of season 2

We watched the first episode of Picard season 3 (we’ve watched the first two seasons already) and it was pretty good! Good to see familiar faces!

Karen O

>111 klobrien2: We're excited for season 3 too. By the time we get through season 2, all of season 3 might be released. 😊

Enjoy your day off! It's Presidents' Day in the US and Tim has it off but I don't. Boo.

>111 klobrien2: I will second that! I saw the first episode of Picard season 3, and it was a good one. I'm interested to see how this season plays out.

>109 MickyFine: I used to be a morning person. I miss all the mornings that just aren't there anymore.

Hope you enjoyed your day off yesterday and are having a good day today, Micky!

>113 curioussquared: My sympathies. Being the one who has to work when the other partner is off (especially when you work from home) is absolutely no fun.

>115 quondame: To be fair, if given enough time off work, my body tends to settle into a schedule of going to bed at 11 and waking up at 7 so I'm not a super early bird by inclination. But my body clock is so well trained now due to our work week schedule that it's hard for me to make it past 6:30 more mornings than not.

>116 bell7: Thanks, Mary. It was an excellent holiday Monday and the only bad bit is that there wasn't more of it. :P

What's on the agenda: Our cold snap started in earnest today. The high is -17C (1F) and with the wind it feels even colder. Glad I paid for a parking pass at the transit station so I can have access to the stalls with plug-ins for my car. Mr. Fine is on later shift but starts his new biweekly medical appointments today so we commuted together this morning but will head home separately. Work today is a little emptier than originally planned as my manager is home sick so our biweekly meeting has been postponed. Still plenty of things to work on though with customer suggestions, removing expired content from OverDrive/Libby, and a job shadow. Maybe some time with publisher catalogues depending on how many customer suggestions came in during the long weekend. After work, I've got my barre class. Dinner tonight is butter chicken.

What I'm reading: Started Take a Hint, Dani Brown, which is off to an excellent start.

What I'm crafting: Did a bit of work on the secret cross-stitch project and did three rows on the crochet poncho.

What we're watching: A few episodes of Alias and a couple of Bluey.

>118 MickyFine: Oww, oww, I love that book! I look forward to seeing what you think.

As for your weather: ICK! Having moved out of the Midwest (though, what's mid or west about Wisconsin, I have no idea), I do not miss dealing with that. Stay warm!

Book 21



Codex Born - Jim C. Hines

Isaac has settled into his new role as a researcher trying to determine the source of the dark magic that lurks inside books and threatens to destroy the world. However, when a wendigo is found murder and Isaac is asked to help investigate it reveals a larger conspiracy that threatens everyone Isaac cares about.

As the second book in the Magic Ex Libris series, this book suffers a bit in comparison with the first volume. It's full of action and plenty of references to delight any book nerd (particularly SFF readers) but the darker plot means this book doesn't feel quite as fun as the first volume. That said, it sets up a development for the larger conflict that has me willing to pick up the next volume. A solid read but not quite as sparkling as I'd hoped.

Rating: ***

>119 dreamweaver529: Glad to hear you enjoyed it. I had a good time with the first book in the series so I'm looking forward to seeing what this one holds.

Funnily enough, I was talking with an Australian friend today about the difference between her weather and mine and I was saying I'd rather deal with this cold snap than the 40C (104F) she currently has. She did not feel the same, LOL.

>121 MickyFine: 40C/104F in Febuary! ICK!

If I had to choose, I would definitely agree with you. Then again, I'll take the 2C/36F here on Vancouver Island today.

>118 MickyFine: Our weather in the southeast US is going in exactly the opposite direction. Temperatures here were normal yesterday, but going into the 70's (F) today and tomorrow, then 80's (!) on Thursday. They think we may break the all-time high temperature for the entire month of February. Seems crazy that they're predicting extreme cold and blizzards for the northern US and Canada at the same time that we're having weather much hotter than it should be!

Another Dani Brown fan here! Hope you enjoy it :)

>121 MickyFine: Agreed. I hate being cold, but I'd rather be able to bundle up by a fire and be cozy than just be uncomfortably hot everywhere.

>122 dreamweaver529: Your temperatures do sound lovely but I like sunshine, lol.

>123 atozgrl: Weather is so fascinating. For a while in junior high, meteorologist was on my list of possible careers but all the math would have made it a poor choice for me, I think.

>124 curioussquared: Precisely. The last time I was in Hawaii it was beautiful but I ended up with heat rash (and it wasn't even that hot). I'd rather bundle up than deal with that mess again.

>125 MickyFine: I got heat rash when we were in Mexico a few years ago and it was awful. So far haven't had heat rash in Hawaii, but I did get heat exhaustion on our last trip when we did a tough hike in the morning that was entirely in the sun without much in our stomachs. I was pounding water but not replenishing enough electrolytes. I was super sick the whole day -- do not recommend. On our trip to Costa Rica I brought literally 50 packets of Liquid IV hydration electrolyte mix powder because I was NOT going through that again and it was honestly the best decision I made on that trip. So yeah, I like visiting the heat but do not want to live there!!

>120 MickyFine: I guess I'm aware that increasing stakes is the done thing in fantasy, but I kind of wish there were more series like cosy mysteries, that the central characters could just keep exploring neat stuff and solve different but not more immense problems. Well, Penric is close. Still, Magic Ex Libris sounds interesting. Ooops, I read Libromancer and it wasn't to my taste.

>125 MickyFine: Weather is fascinating, isn't it? After I had gotten into my career, I had wondered whether pursuing meteorology would have been something I would have liked, but you're right, the math probably would have been too much.

Like so many of you, I would like to avoid the over 100 (F) heat. I don't care for it when it gets really cold, but heat over 95 (F) is really unpleasant, especially here in the southeast when it's usually accompanied by high humidity. Mr. A. and I took a week's vacation to Florida at the end of September one year, and the heat and humidity were off the charts. I decided then that I could never live in Florida full time.

>126 curioussquared: I've done a few warm weather destination vacations and it was the first time I ended up with heat rash and I can say I 100% do not recommend. Thankfully, I have not had heat exhaustion. Totally with you on visiting the warm places but not living there. :)

>127 quondame: There is some cozy fantasy that might be more what you're looking for, Susan. I haven't read it yet but Legends & Lattes might be exactly your speed.

>128 atozgrl: I am so grateful that I live on the dry prairies, particularly in the summer. That whole humidex thing is just awful.

What's on the agenda: Remember how Mr. Fine was supposed to be on his later shift this week? Yeah, they switched him to early shift for the rest of the week. *yawns* Oh well, I'm WFH today so it's not so bad. Dropped off Mr. Fine, took a shower, and video gamed for a bit before going on the clock. Tasks at work today include customer suggestions, removing expired content from OverDrive/Libby, meeting with our print vendor since they've had a lot of staff changes recently, checking staff reported gaps, having a discussion with another librarian in our department about the study guides we order for provincial standard tests, and maybe time with publisher catalogues. After work, I'll pop by the local library to pick up a couple holds. Supper tonight is take out and my choice and I currently have no clue. Maybe the mac n cheese place since it's freezing here today and I could go for some comfort food.

What I'm reading: Take a Hint, Dani Brown has been really fun so far.

What I'm crafting: Nothing yesterday.

What we're watching: An episode of Firefly and a couple of Bluey.

>130 MickyFine: Not the shift bait and switch!

That's really annoying about the change in Mr. Fine's shift (I initially typed "shit" ha!) schedule.

Now that I've finally taken your advice to read Olivia Dade, next on my Micky recommends list will be Talia Hibbert :)

>131 curioussquared: Mr. Fine prefers early shift and, to be fair, if I was done work at 3, I probably wouldn't mind either. But alas, I'm chained to the desk until 4. :P

>132 katiekrug: *snort* for your typo. I'm so glad Olivia Dade is a hit with you so far. And I think Talia Hibbert will also be decidedly up your romance alley (although that sounds really dirty).

Sorry about the shift switch, Micky but now that you mention he finishes work at 3, I guess it does have its benefits. For him anyway!

About Prairie weather ... Chris and I follow a YouTube channel about cycling, hosted from the UK. They recently got into a friendly debate with some Canadian followers about whose winter was worse: the wet English winter or the dry Canadian Prairie winter? I'm not wanting to recreate that debate here, but having followed your thread for a while it's been funny to see the English hosts complaining about their winters being the worst in the world.

Have a great day!

>134 lauralkeet: To be fair, I'd rather deal with my dry, cold, and sunny winters than a damp, grey British winter. Here's a fun article from the Toronto Star about the difference between Alberta winters and Ontario winters that's in the same vein as your videos (with opinions from climate scientists!).

What's on the agenda: In the office today so all the bundling up to go out rather than all the bundling in the basement. :P Work today will include customer suggestions, a job shadow, going through lists from our A/V vendor, my biweekly meeting with my manager, and time with publisher catalogues. Dinner tonight is leftover chili from the freezer.

What I'm reading: Good odds of finishing Take a Hint, Dani Brown today.

What I'm crafting: A few rows on the crochet poncho.

What we're watching: I picked up season 1 of the new All Creatures Great and Small from the library yesterday and we watched the first three episodes. I'm really enjoying it so far and finding it fascinating what bits feel familiar from watching the series from the late 70s/early 80s that I watched with my mom growing up (also borrowed from the library). We also watched a couple episodes of Bluey.

>135 MickyFine: Thanks for sharing that article, Micky. I enjoyed it!

>136 MickyFine: We've watched all three seasons of the new All Creatures Great and Small (just finished S3 on Sunday), and have really enjoyed it. When it first came out we would often watch one new episode and one old, just to compare. We love both series. The new one gives the female characters more depth and I especially appreciate that.

>65 MickyFine: lol! Bloodlust and Bonnets looks fantastic!

>137 lauralkeet: Glad the article was of interest.

This is Mr. Fine's first encounter with anything Herriot related so it's fun seeing him encounter these people (and animals) with fresh eyes. Meanwhile, Tristan's antics, Helen's loveliness, and Siegfried's oddities are familiar and cozy for me, which holds its own charms.

>138 The_Hibernator: It's a lot of fun and was one of my 5-star reads last year.

>136 MickyFine: >137 lauralkeet: We've also been enjoying the new series of All Creatures Great and Small. I agree about the female characters having more depth (especially Mrs. Hall), and Tristan is less of a playboy. But I miss seeing the real characters that so many of the local inhabitants were in the original series, and there's a lot less veterinary work being shown, which I also miss. The new series has so many fewer episodes that the romance between James and Helen felt rushed. I liked the slower development in the original. But we do still very much enjoy the new series; it's just different.

>140 atozgrl: It's been probably two decades since I watched the original series so I only have fuzzy memories of it and can't do a true compare and contrast between the two. It's interesting to see what differences you and Laura have picked up on.

What's on the agenda: Did the early morning drop off routine, put on yet more cozy clothes (in theory the weather should start warming up tomorrow from frigid to regular cold), and got in some video gaming time before starting my WFH day. Tasks will include customer suggestions in OverDrive, general OverDrive/Libby ordering, looking at lists from our A/V vendor, and time with publisher catalogues. Supper tonight will be frozen mini pizzas. Then I have to head over to church for a practice with the church member who's playing piano tomorrow as I'm leading song service. Might play a board game when I get home but more likely that it'll be a bit of crafting time before collapsing in bed for reading and sleep.

What I'm reading: I'll be starting Q-Squared today. This was a frequent re-read in my tweens and teens (always borrowed from the library) and after finally finding it in a secondhand bookshop a couple years ago, I'm looking forward to seeing how it holds up as an adult re-read.

What I'm crafting: I did a few more rows on the crochet poncho last night. I only have a couple more rows to go of straight houndstooth half-double crochet and then I get to start on the lace rows.

What we're watching: Finished season 12 of Supernatural, which means we also watched the season 12 gag reel. Plus a couple episodes of Bluey.

Yay All Creatures Great and Small! My best friend and I have just started watching season 3.

Book 22



Take a Hint, Dani Brown - Talia Hibbert

When a photo of Dani Brown and her campus security guard friend, Zaf Ansari, goes viral the positive publicity has great implications for Zaf's charity that he runs as a side project. As a result, Zaf asks Dani if she'd be ok with fake dating for a bit to help with ongoing promotion until the hype dies down. Zaf's a good friend and Dani's been considering asking him to be her next no-strings sex partner, so while she's sworn off relationships after bad experiences with both former boyfriends and girlfriends, fake dating should be fine. Until she discovers that beneath Zaf's grumpy, sarcastic exterior is a romance-novel-reading believer in happily ever afters. As the deadline for their fake relationship ending draws ever closer, Zaf and Dani will discover there be might something real between them after all.

This romance novel is so good and my attempts at describing the plot don't really do it justice. Hibbert creates wonderfully complex characters in both Dani and Zaf. Dani deals not only with her perceived inability to be in a romantic relationship but is also pursuing a career as a Black female academic and Hibbert gives equal weight to both. Hibbert also crafts Zaf's character with equal detail, treating his anxiety disorder with empathy and care and giving just as much attention to his work with his charity as she does to Dani's career. The romance between the two characters sparkles (and is Very Steamy), there's plenty of banter, and there were lots of lines that made me laugh out loud. Highly recommended for fans of the genre.

Rating: ****

>143 curioussquared: I'm so delighted that I have a few seasons that I can watch since I've come to the show a bit late.

>144 MickyFine: - Ok, I definitely need to get to this series pronto!

>146 katiekrug: Do! I have reread all three books already, and am heading in for another reread. I find the author handles so many intersectionalities so well. I love all of them.

>140 atozgrl: I miss seeing the real characters that so many of the local inhabitants were in the original series
I didn't realize that! Now I miss it too 😃

and there's a lot less veterinary work being shown
When the new series first came out I read in the press that this is due largely to new regulations about animal treatment in TV/film. In the old days the actors actually stuck their arm up inside a cow (for example), and these days only licensed professionals are allowed to do that. Which I gotta say, makes complete sense.

>144 MickyFine: I worked with a woman named Dani Brown. Weird to see her name in a book title. We've lost touch but I wonder if she knows about it?!

>148 lauralkeet: and there's a lot less veterinary work being shown
Thanks for letting me know about that! I had not heard. It definitely does make sense, and explains the dearth of veterinary scenes.

In the original series, the knackerman was notable, with his "stagnation o't lung" explanation for most of the illnesses. So many of the farmers were also real characters, and the fact that they were hard for an American to understand added to the flavor. I do miss that.

>144 MickyFine: That sounds like a good one for when I'm in the mood for a romance.

>134 lauralkeet: IMHO, the worst type of weather is what Atlantic Canada gets to "enjoy" ~ massive snow, ice storms, high humidity summers interspersed with torrential rain, and floods.

>146 katiekrug: I definitely think you'll enjoy it, Katie.

>147 dreamweaver529: It's always a bit odd when a character has the same name as someone you know.

>150 quondame: I quite enjoyed it, Susan. I hope you do too if you try it.

>151 SandyAMcPherson: I wouldn't want to live in the Maritimes in the winter, for sure. It's lovely to visit in the fall though.

What's on the agenda: Went to bed a bit later, alarm isn't required until 7:30, and... I still woke up around 5. Gave up on going back to sleep at 5:40. Sigh. Played a few games on my phone while waiting for Mr. Fine to wake up. I'll get up for a shower shortly, then have breakfast and get myself ready for church. Planning to get there a bit early so I can make sure everything is set for leading the song service. After church I'll drop off Mr. Fine at the gym. Then lunch, crafting, and reading time are on the docket. Possibly a board game after Mr. Fine gets home. Supper tonight is a shepherd's pie we bought from the Hutterite colony at the farmers market a couple weeks ago. Then our usual Saturday night movie.

What I'm reading: Q-Squared is holding up well and I'm enjoying the reread so far.

What I'm crafting: Finished the last of the regular rows on the crochet poncho. Officially on to the lace section now.

What we're playing: No board game last night but we did some Lego assembly of Luke Skywalker's helmet (Red 3, for the Star Wars nerds).

>153 MickyFine: “What I'm reading: Q-Squared…”

I found a copy of “Q-Squared” at my local lib, and I’m really looking forward to reading it. Q is one of my favorite characters from Star Trek.

Happy weekend!

Karen O

>154 klobrien2: I'm impressed your library still has a copy of the book, given its age. I hope it's an enjoyable experience for you!

As someone who has lived in both Halifax and Calgary, I'd take Nova Scotia weather over that in Alberta. But I still prefer the weather in Vancouver over both of those except for right now when we're having a snowstorm. What's with that?

I've been getting lots of romance BB's following up with your thread, Micky.

>156 Familyhistorian: I hope the snowstorm isn't too disruptive for you, Meg. Vancouver has such a rough time with those.

Happy to spread the romance love. 😊

What's on the agenda: I slept until almost 6 this morning! Progress! Have to get up and do the regular Sunday chores first thing as Mr. Fine is hosting his regular monthly game day with the guys. After cleaning is done, I'll have breakfast. Then planning to go to the comic book store to pick up the newest issue of She-Hulk and then to the gas station to top up the car. The rest of the afternoon, I'll probably craft and maybe play video games a bit. Stir fry for supper this evening.

What I'm reading: Just a couple chapters in Q-Squared.

What I'm crafting: Made good progress on the secret cross-stitch project and did a few of the lace rows on the crochet poncho.

What we're playing: Mr. Fine picked Everdell as our board game and then kicked my butt at it.

What we're watching: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire followed by a few episodes of Bluey.

>156 Familyhistorian: We are having snow in So Calif hills. Our mountains yes, but our hills! Just a bit of hail in my neighborhood, and that's happened before.

What's on the agenda: It's another week of early shift for Mr. Fine and a WFH Monday for me. Did the drop off routine, took a shower, and played video games before going on the clock. Tasks today will include customer suggestions, preparing my March carts, ordering replacement copies for expiring content in OverDrive/Libby, time with publisher catalogues, and my monthly librarian coaching trio meeting (although we're currently a duo as one of the librarians is on medical leave). Dinner tonight is pasta and salad. Virtual craft circle this evening.

What I'm reading: Didn't crack a book yesterday.

What I'm crafting: Did a couple rows on the crochet poncho. Also went to the fabric store yesterday and finally acquired some buttons for this project.

What we're watching: One episode of Picard and a few of Bluey.

What's on the agenda: In the office today. This morning's bus was just a regular bus instead of the usual double-decker (yup, my county is cool and has double-decker buses for the commuter routes) so while I had a seat and didn't have to stand, it was a little squishier than usual. Tasks today have and will include putting together a draft response to a request for reconsideration (one of the directors is eventually the person who puts their name on and sends the response but initial drafts are put together by our team), meeting with a vendor rep about our standing orders, updating the standing order spreadsheet (it's a beast), updating our Lucky Day content, and more time with publisher catalogues. Barre class after work. Then home where Mr. Fine will have prepared soft tacos.

What I'm reading: Going to try and finish Q-Squared today so I can include it in this month's stats, but we'll see how it goes.

What I'm crafting: Another couple lace rows on the crochet poncho.

What we're watching: A couple episodes of All Creatures Great and Small. Should finish season 1 this week and I've put a hold on season 2, which I should be able to pick up on the library trip tomorrow since it's on shelf.

Book 23



Q-Squared - Peter David (re-read)

Picard has never been delighted when Q makes an appearance. When Q arrives with Trelane, another member of the Q Continuum, in tow and asks for Picard's help, Picard is even less enthused. But when Trelane taps into the chaotic heart of the multiverse and attempts to collapse three alternate timelines into one, Picard may be the only one who can intervene.

I'm pleased to say that this novel that I loved greatly in my tweens holds up well for this adult reader. Of course, it includes one of my favourite timey-wimey plots with alternate timelines. Plenty of what ifs for all of the main characters in the TNG universe are offered up, which makes for great fun. Plus lots of Q being Q. If you're a Star Trek: TNG fan and you like Q, this one is worth a look.

Rating: ****

February Summary





Numbers in parentheses are for year to date.

Books read: 9 (23)
Books abandoned: 0 (1)

Fiction: 9 (21)
Non-fiction: 0 (2)

Adult: 7 (19)
YA: 2 (3)
Children's: 0 (1)

Library: 7 (14)
Mine: 2 (9)
Borrowed elsewhere: 0 (0)

Re-reads: 2 (3)

Female authors: 7 (20)
Male authors: 2 (7)
Non-binary authors: 0 (0)

Pages: 3,099 (6,311)
Hours: 0 minutes

Average rating: 3.96

Average time to read book: 2.96 days

Favourite book(s): Take a Hint, Dani Brown was a really fun romance.

And with that, this thread is wrapped up. Come on over to my March thread!