Mamie's 2023 Madness, page 4

A scene from Pride and Prejudice. I love...I love...I love Mr. Darcy. Most ardently.

I did not mean to fall off the threads so thoroughly in 2022, but life got away from me for a bit.

I'm Mamie. I love that Mary Oliver poem about believing in kindness and in mischief - me, too. I try to squeeze in as much of both as I can in a day. I also have a weakness for snark. And wine. And old movies. For 2023, I am just going to let my mood determine my reading journey.

2\

Currently reading:



Books Completed in February:
20. Fruits Basket, Volume 1 by Natsuki Takaya, translated by Yen Press (Fruits Basket, volume 1)
21. Fruits Basket, Volume 2 by Natsuki Takaya, translated by Yen Press (Fruits Basket, volume 2)
22. Cursed Princess Club by LambCat - 4.5 stars, (Cursed Princess Club, volume 1)
23. Network Effect by Martha Wells - 4.5 stars, (Murderbot Diaries, book 5)
24. Queen of Hearts by Rhys Bowen, narrated by Katherine Kelgren - 4 stars, (Her Royal Spyness, book 8)
25. Lugosi: The Rise and Fall of Hollywood's Dracula written and illustrated by Koren Shadmi - 3 stars
26. Heartstopper by Alice Oseman - 4 stars, (Heartstopper, volume 1) - recommended by Amber

I'm feeling pretty good about my January reading - I read a total of 19 books, and none of them were losers.

Numbers in parentheses are for year to date.

Books read: 19 (19)

Mine, Acquired in 2023: 2 (2)
Mine, Acquired prior to 2023: 15 (15)
Library: 1 (1)
Borrowed elsewhere: 1 (1)

Fiction: 16 (16)
Non-fiction: 3 (3)

Audiobook: 7 (7)
Kindle: 7 (7)
Paperback: 3 (3)
Hardback: 2 (2)

Re-reads: 0 (0)
GNs: 1 (1)
Translations: 5 (5)

Female authors: 9 (9)
Male authors: 10 (10)
Non-binary authors: 0 (0)

Author origin:
America: 6 (6)
England: 4 (4)
France: 1 (1)
Ireland: 2 (2)
Israel: 1 (1)
Japan: 1 (1)
Poland: 1 (1)
Scotland: 1 (1)
Sweden: 1 (1)

1. The Lost Soul by Olga Tokarczuk, Illustrations by Joanna Concejo, translation by Antonia Lloyd-Jones - 3 stars
2. The Optimist's Daughter by Eudora Welty, audiobook narrated by Eudora Welty - 4.5 stars
3. Hot Milk by Deborah Levy - 4 stars
4. Vanishing Fleece by Clara Parkes, audiobook narrated by Clara Parkes - 4 stars
5. The Distant Echo by Val McDermid - 4 stars, (Karen Pirie, book 1)
6. Bleeding Heart Yard by Elly Griffiths - 4 stars (Harbinger Kaur, book 3)
7. Watership Down by Richard Adams, audiobook narrated by Peter Capaldi - 4.5 stars
8. The Weirdies Get Weirder by Michael Buckley, audiobook narrated by Kate Winslet - 4.5 stars (The Weirdies, book 2)
9. Gun, With Occasional Music by Jonathan Lethem - 4.5 stars
10. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum - 3 stars
11. Bel-Ami by Guy de Maupassant, translation by Margaret Mauldon - 3 stars
12. Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren - 3.5 stars
13. Dubliners by James Joyce, audiobook narrated by Gerard Doyle - 4.5 stars
14. Candide by Voltaire, translation by Theo Cuffe - 4 stars
15. The Lost for Words Bookshop by Stephanie Butland, audiobook narrated by Imogene Church - 5 stars - Katie's Dirty Dozen
16. The Twilight Man Written and illustrated by Koren Shame - 4 stars - recommended by Mark
17. The Honjin Murders by Seishi Yokomizo, translation by Louise Heal Kawai - 3 stars, (Kosuke Kindaichi, book 1)
18. Fugitive Telemetry by Martha Wells - 4 stars (Murderbot Diaries, book 6)
19. Did Ye Hear Mammy Died? written and narrated by Seamus O'Reilly - 5 stars - recommended by Richard, Katie recommended the audio

Katie’s 2023 Dirty Dozen:

1. The Lost Garden by Helen Humphreys
2. Now Is Not the Time to Panic by Kevin Wilson
3. I Came All This Way to Meet You: Writing Myself Home by Jami Attenberg - NF
4. Georgie, All Along by Kate Clayborn

Here are the Book Bullets I took for the month:

The List:

1. River of Shadows by Rebecca Solnit - The Weird One
2. Reading Like a Writer by Francine Prose - Judy in NY
3. The Man Who Could Move Clouds by Ingrid Rojas Contreras - Beth - memoir
4. The Crane Wife by CJ Hauser - Charlotte - memoir
5. Babel by R. F. Kuang - Jim thinks I would love this
6. The Barrakee Mystery by Arthur William Upfield - Julia
7. Burning Questions: Essays and Occasional Pieces by Margaret Atwood - Beth
8. The Other Typist by Suzanne Rindell - Queen Judy
9. Amnesia Moon by Jonathan Lethem - The Weird One
10. Parallel Journeys by Eleanor Ayer - Carrie
11. As She Climbed Across the Table by Jonathan Lethem - Joe
12. The Bangalore Detectives Club by Harini Nagendra - Meg
13. A Career in Books by Kate Gavino - Meg - GN
14. The Silent Land by Graham Joyce - Queen Judy
15. The Female Quixote by Charlotte Lennox - Jan
16. A Lady’s Guide to Fortune Hunting by Sophie Irwin - Sandy
17. Godmersham Park by Gill Hornby - Charlotte
18. Radio Silence by Alice Oseman - Amber
19. Mutual Admiration Society by Mo Moulton - Jan
20. Twenty Thousand Streets Under the Sky (trilogy) by Patrick Hamilton - Paul
21. The Twilight Man: Rod Serling and the Birth of Television by Koren Shadmi - Mark - GN Read 1/2023
22. Semicolon by Cecelia Watson - NY Judy
23. The Pleasure of Reading edited by Antonia Fraser - Stasia
24. Queenie: Godmother of Harlem by Elizabeth Colomba - Mark
25. Light from Uncommon Stars by Ryka Aoki - Mary (bell7)
26. The Ardent Swarm by Yamen Manai - Carrie
27. Love on the Brain - Ali Hazelwood - Micky
28. Dearly by Margaret Atwood - Helen - Poems

This should do it - next one's yours!

Happy new one, Mamie! Already!

>7 jessibud2: Thank you, Shelley!

Happy new thread, Mamie. Nice January stats there. And very pleased to see I'm on your list. >:-)

Happy new thread, Mamie!

Your threads go to fast to read each and every message as careful as I wish I could.
Back to one message by me on each thread ;-)

Happy Page 4, Mamie!! Happy February too!

Happy new thread Mamie!

Happy new thread! I’m so impressed that you remember to write down where you get your TBR books. I’m ashamed to say that most of the time I either forget to write it down or lose the list!

Love your topper!

Happy new thread, Mamie.

January has been a great month of reading for so many of us. Let's hope we can continue that into February!

Happy new one!

>3 Crazymamie: excellent stats

Hmm. Read:19
BB's acquired:28

(I'm just pointing this out to distract myself from my January total of 2. I will finish another one in a little bit and it's only the 1st, but still....)

Happy new thread, Mamie

Happy new thread! I saw on your last thread that you're reading The Stone Diaries. Have you reached the part set in Indiana yet?

What's all this talk about January reading totals? Is there something I should know? What am I missing?

Morning, Mamie. Happy New Thread. I loved The Stone Diaries. I am finally doing a Meet Up with Joe today. It has been a very long time. He invited me to the Chicago Bulls game and we will go to dinner first. Looking forward to it.

Sweet Thursday!!

Sweet Thursday, Everyone! Today is Abby's birthday - she is 27. We are doing pizza for dinner and then pumpkin chocolate chip muffins for dessert. Yesterday was a productive one. I got a lot done around the house including going through all the mail, paying bills, filing paperwork and shredding. I even managed four miles on the exercise bike, so Go, Me!

Last night Rae and I watched an episode of Brokenwood Mysteries and an episode of Schitt's Creek.

On the reading front, I started Queen of Hearts on audio - this is the eight book in Rhys Bowen's Royal Spyness series. In correcting the touchstone, I realize I could spend an entire year just reading books with this title. Heh. In the wee small hours I read some more from Network Effect.

The coffee today is chocolate raspberry - a little sweet for me as a morning coffee, but I think it would make an excellent iced coffee. This was a new coffee flavor for us from a company that has been hit or miss - I love that you can get it whole bean, and this is the brand of blueberry coffee that we adore. Their Gingerbread Man is another favorite. Plus their bags are full of fabulous:



Loser flavors from this company (for us) have been Maple Bacon and Highland Grog.

Happy new thread! Your yesterday sounds like my today. Lots of bills and shredding and organzing

Library dude from your last thread made me laugh. Too bad the older dude didn't tell him off

>21 Crazymamie: Those are great bags!!

>21 Crazymamie: Yeah, I can see those flavours being so not wonderful.
Yay for your 'four miles on the exercise bike' ~ I'm being very sedentary these days... we're in a cold spell (-32 oC this morning), so vacuuming is the most active occupation today.

>9 Helenliz: Thank you, Helen! January was very kind to me. I am not shocked you are already on The List.

>10 FAMeulstee: Thank you, Anita! No worries - I'm happy to see you whenever you can make it. Thanks for stopping in.

>11 Carmenere: Thanks, Lynda! Happy February to you.

Sweet Thursday, Mamie and not just because of today's coffee selection ;0)
After a busy Wednesday, I hope you can kick back with Abby and enjoy her day with all good things.
Happy bday, Abby!

>12 quondame: Thanks, Susan!

>13 Oregonreader: Thank you, Jan! I keep a running list on Amazon and just add a book as soon as I am hit by the bullet. This is an easy way to keep track of them, but also I can sort the list by price, which means I can easily see if it is a Kindle deal or sale and pick them up for cheap. And I like knowing how books came into my periphery and why I added them to The List.

>14 katiekrug: Thank you, Katie! Me, too.

>15 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Paul! Agreed - hoping that the January reading vibe holds up through February.

>16 figsfromthistle: Thank you, Anita! I always love reading through everyone's stats.

>17 RebaRelishesReading: Ha! Actually it is 32 book bullets if you add in the Dirty Dozen, so more bullets than days.

The books you read were big ones, Reba - several of mine would fit into one of yours. Plus you had that dog sitting gig.

>18 cbl_tn: Thank you, Carrie! I have not reached that part yet, Carrie. Actually, I picked that one up yesterday and decided to start over from the beginning because it had been too long since I started it and I had not gotten far enough to easily recall what I had read. Hoping to get it restarted this week - probably not today, though.

>19 weird_O: Bill, turn the page on your calendar - we are on a whole new month. January did go fast, didn't it?

>20 msf59: Morning, Mark! Thank you. How lovely that you are meeting up with Joe!! I know you will have a fabulous time.

Sweet Thursday, my friend!

Happy new one!

>22 ChelleBearss: Thank you, Chelle! I hate doing the paperwork stuff, to be honest, but I always feel very virtuous once it is done.

Older Gentleman should have asked another library person as the ladies in there are always very helpful. I would have liked him to say, Well, that's very unhelpful, young man. He seemed sweet and was obviously not familiar with the library.

>23 SandyAMcPherson: Ha! We had great hopes for the Maple Bacon, Sandy. It smelled awesome.

I need to get back into moving more. I used to routinely walk about 5 miles a day, and now pretty much nothing. We got the exercise bike last year, and I was very good about getting on it every day, but then life got crazy and I let that go. I need to get back into a routine.

I miss cold weather.

>25 Carmenere: Morning, Lynda! Abby is having a sensitive day, so she is upstairs with Birdy and I think they are watching Survivor. I am hoping she will be feeling better later, but if not we will take the party up to her. I will pass along your birthday wishes - thanks for that.

>29 drneutron: Thank you, Jim!

>30 Crazymamie: "I miss cold weather" Uh-huh. I would be glad to off-load some of mine, but I doubt it would be welcome 'down there'. You would definitely not be saying how full of fabulous it was!

Sandy, I genuinely love cold weather and am originally from Indiana. We just moved to Georgia ten years ago, and I am still adjusting to the almost constant sun and heat. Not for me. I think I would be saying how full of fabulous it was - I miss the biting cold where you needed layers and that first breath outside was like a slap in the face.

Aw, happiest of birthdays to Abby!! Pizza sounds wonderful.

>27 Crazymamie: You're so kind, Mamie! Half of February and half of March I will be sitting on the deck of a ship so no excuses and I hope to do much better. I also plan/hope to get back to walking too -- I love deck walking.

Happy birthday to Abby! I hope she feels better soon and that tthe rest of her day is totally wonderful day.

Happy new thread, Mamie. You are zipping through threads this year.

Whew! Keeping (or, in my case, catching) up with threads is tough! Happy new one.

From your last thread:

1. Congrats on a great reading January!
2. Murderbot and ART for the win! (Also Miki, Three, MB2.0, Tellus, and JollyBaby.*)
3. Glad you enjoyed Did Ye Hear Mammy Died? and The Twilight Man as much as I did. Being on LT continues to broaden my horizons!

ETA *what does it say about me that my favorite characters are all robots, constructs, and AI?

Happy birthday Abby. Enjoy the pizza & pumpkin muffins.

>21 Crazymamie: my current coffee beans are from a company called Grumpy Panda, with a grumpy panda on their packaging. Which makes me smile. I had 2, the delectable decaf is alright, the other one was a bit strong and, somehow, earthy, for me.

Happy birthday to Abby and she certainly deserves a less *sensitive* day, of all days! I hope pizza and a party in-place compensates somewhat! Are there balloons, party hats and ice cream, at least?

Many happy returns to Abby!

Hey Mamie, belated thread wishes.
Adding to the wishes for Abby's birthday.

Re the lovely coffee packets - one of our local coffee shops had some Beatles themed packets. I was so tempted!

>33 Crazymamie: Love your description. With us, it's a yo-yo for temperaures, atm.
Overnight a warm front arrived so instead of the -32 oC like we had the night before, it was a 'balmy' -20 this a.m. and we're expecting -8 today and -1 tomorrow. Yay (-1 oC is about 35 oF). There'll be folks wandering around in shorts and a light sweater, I kid you not.

Belated happy new thread, Coffee Sister!

>2 Crazymamie: I’ve had The Stone Diaries on my shelves since before I joined LT. It sounds good, I want to read it, and yet… 15+ years later, it hasn’t called my name. Perhaps once you finish it and comment on it I’ll be moved to read it. *smile*

>3 Crazymamie: Excellent January stats. Congrats. I’ve read 5 of your 19, took a BB on #9, have #13, and have borrowed #6 from a friend.

>21 Crazymamie: Belated happy birthday to Abby, darling young woman that she is. Chocolate and raspberry are two of my favorite flavors, and when I was drinking flavored coffees, I managed to get hold of some every once in a while and YUM.

>30 Crazymamie: Good luck getting back into an exercise regimen. It’s hard to do once you get out… but I have faith in you! Make it so.

>31 Crazymamie: I’m sorry Abby had a sensitive day and hope it got better. If not, upstairs party sounds good to me.

Morning, Mamie. Happy Friday. I had a great Meet Up with Joe yesterday. More details on my thread. Bitter cold here at the moment but it is Jackson Day, so I will get plenty of warmth there. I might be close to finishing My Heart is a Chainsaw today, depending how much reading time I can squeeze in. Good book. Very original.

Morning, Everyone! Yesterday was a bit of a bust since Abby was not having a good day. We ended up just having Daniel come over to get pizza and muffins to take home for them. We did take Abby's gifts up to her room, and she loved the shark theme we had done - she loves the Jaws movies, and has a thing about sharks, so...

Last night Rae and I watched two episodes of Whitestable Pearle. Normally she watches in the Big Bed with me, but last night she sat across the room and wore a mask because she had a sore throat and was not feeling great. Today she is home from work, so she is definitely sick.

It's pouring here today, and I don't have much that has to be done - just need to do a pharmacy run to pick up Abby's meds. I might make some of Abby's favorite cookies later - white chocolate with toasted pecans. Not sure what we are doing for lunch - usually we do Mexican takeaway in Fridays, but we'll have to see what everyone wants.

On the reading front, I listened to more of Queen of Hearts, which is just as fun as the others have been in this series. In the wee small hours, I read more in Network Effect.

The coffee today is pumpkin spice.

I love those Her Royal Spyness mysteries on audio!

I hope Abby has a better day today and that Rae recovers quickly.

>34 scaifea: Thank you, Amber! The pizza was most yum. The last of the Pizza King pizzas we had shipped from Indiana. I think Craig and Daniel have already placed an order for more.

>35 RebaRelishesReading: I hope you get loads of reading and relaxing and walking in on your cruise, Reba. Sounds like just the thing after how busy you have been lately.

As I stated above, yesterday was mostly a bust for Abby, but she is feeling better today.

>36 BLBera: Thank you, Beth! I am sure things will slow down now that we are into February.

>37 Storeetllr: Hello, Mary! Thank you.

January was very kind to me in the reading department.

I also love the robots the best on the Murderbot books.

Those are both books that I probably would not have found on my own, too. Love all the LT recommendations and it has made a huge difference in my reading.

>38 Helenliz: Thank you, Helen. I was thankful for leftover muffins to be enjoyed with this morning's coffee.

Bummer that the coffee is not better as Grumpy Panda is an awesome name.I had to goggle so I could see the logo - most excellent and I love the coffee names!

>39 jessibud2: Thank you, Shelley! I agree with her deserving not to have a sensitive day on her birthday, but the Universe does not consult me on these things. She is having a better day today, so that is happy making.

Alas, no balloons, party hats, or ice cream. There were shark themed decorations and plates and napkins. And she loved the shark bags we found to put her gifts in.

>40 PaulCranswick: Thank you, Paul!

>41 charl08: Thank you, Charlotte!

Beetles themed! How fun - I probably would have brought them home. I can't resist stuff like that.

>42 SandyAMcPherson: Laughing about the shorts and a light sweater, Sandy. One of the things I love about winter weather is getting to wear winter clothes. We get people in their parkas when the temps are in the 50s, which always cracks me up.

>43 karenmarie: Thank you, Coffee Sister!

I am a mood reader, so I totally get that. Luckily, books don't mind waiting.

I am thrilled to have hit you with a book bullet. And the ones you have borrowed are good ones!

Thank you for those birthday wishes - I will pass them along. The chocolate raspberry is one I would have to be in the mood for, but I did like it cold, so one I will remember for iced coffee.

I did five miles on the bike yesterday, and want to repeat that today. Thanks for the encouragement - much appreciated. I did feel better and had a lot more energy when I was walking daily.

Abby is feeling better today - still not up to coming downstairs, but in a lot less pain. She is absolutely loving her new room, so at least she is getting to enjoy the new ambience. The girl kitties are hanging out with her.

>44 msf59: Morning, Mark! Hooray for Friday. I will come read all about your meet-up with Joe- I am sure it was full of fabulous.

Love that Jackson is bringing some warmth to your bitter cold day. *smile* Can't wait for your thoughts on My Heart is a Chainsaw - I just loved that one so much. I am very excited about the second book coming out next Tuesday.

>46 katiekrug: Morning, Katie!

Yes! Katherine Kellgren is the perfect narrator for those books - I'm not sure I would enjoy them a much in print.

Thank you for those good wishes. Abby is feeling better today, which I am thankful for.

Sounds like you and the family did a great job of making Abby's birthday special for her...now if you just could get control of the universe... Glad she's having a better day today anyway.

I'm sorry yesterday was a bust, Mamie, but glad to see Abby is doing a bit better today. I love that you order pizza from Indiana. There are a couple of Cincinnati delicacies -- Skyline Chili and Graeter's Ice Cream -- which are thankfully available at Kroger-owned supermarkets, and I happen to shop at one of those (Harris Teeter) so I can satisfy the craving when needed. Graeters makes an amazing Raspberry Chocolate Chip ice cream that cures all manner of ailments.

‘Morning Mamie. Happy Saturday to you and your family.

>45 Crazymamie: I’m so sorry Abby was having such a bad day on her birthday. Sorry that Rae’s sick, too, hope she’s feeling better by the time you read this. Yuck to the rain and the pharmacy run. I’d say yum to the white chocolate and toasted pecan cookies – meaning I’d make some – but having the Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Chunk Muffins here precludes another homemade sweet. I don’t have to feed the multitudes like you do. I used to love cinnamon coffee, and nutmeg coffee, by simply dumping a bit of spice over the grounds. I might try a pumpkin spice combo one day soon, just for S&G.

Morning, Mamie. Happy Saturday. Yep, I had a good time with Jackson yesterday. Such a good boy. Sorry, to report, that My Heart is a Chainsaw just didn't work the same way it did for you, especially in the second half. Maybe I am just not into the whole slasher/horror thing. Don't be mad. 😉

>52 RebaRelishesReading: Reba, your post made me smile. Thank you so much for the kind words.

>53 lauralkeet: Thank you, Laura. What we miss most about Indiana, besides the cold and the snow and four actual seasons, is our favorite restaurants. Mainly Pizza King and Thai Smile, which served the best Thai food I have ever tasted. They were both regular haunts for us, and there is nothing to compare in this area. I used to shop at Kroger all the time when we lived in Indy! I think maybe Macon has a Kroger. I don't do ice cream, but that sounds like a yummy flavor.

Happy Saturday, Mamie! Hope the girls are feeling better today! Twilight Man is waiting for me at the library.. times like these I wish I had a drone to pick it up for me. It's still pretty
Cold outside so maybe I'll wait till mah jongg Monday when I have a reason to be out.
Have a good one!!

>54 karenmarie: Morning, Karen! Happy Saturday. Abby has made it downstairs yesterday and today, so that is a good sign. Rae is still feeling yuck. I don't mind running errands in the rain as long as it is not a lot of quick in and out stuff. I did not even have to get out of the car yesterday as our pharmacy has a drive-up window.

I am so thrilled that you made the muffins and that you all liked them. I don't have to feed the multitudes, I just like to. *smile* When Abby worked in the coffee house, she often got a request to put cinnamon on top of the espresso in the porta filter before pulling the shot, which pushes the cinnamon down into the espresso infusing the shot with cinnamon. Please to report back on the pumpkin spice when you try it.

>55 msf59: Morning, Mark! Happy Saturday. Hooray for a day with Jack - of course he is a good boy.

I wondered about that with My Heart is a Chainsaw. I grew up watching all those 80s horror movies - it's what we did as teenagers. We'd go in a big group and watch the latest horror release in the theaters. My Heart is a Chainsaw is an homage to all of those films. I loved the whole book and immediately bought my own copy upon finishing it. I'm not mad - I have big love for you. I think it is very cool that different books bring different things to each of us.

>58 Carmenere: Morning, Lynda! Happy Saturday. Abby is better, Rae is the same.

I think you will love The Twilight Man when you get to it. Today sounds like a solid plan. I always try to combine errands and appointments and stuff like that.

Hoping today is kind to you.

20. Fruits Basket by Natsuki Takaya, translated by Yen Press (Fruits Basket, volume 1)

Birdy and I are doing a year long project where she is introducing me to her favorite manga. This is the first book that she chose, and it was fun because all of The Girls love this series. I remember them getting the books from the library and being frustrated because they had to request them and wait for them to come, and then they would show up out of order. Also the library did not have all of the books, and they were out of print. We started searching for and slowly collecting used editions, and it took us a while to assemble to entire series of 23 books. One set of the books, and The Girls shared them and loved them and read them multiple times. Several years ago, they came out with new collector's edition of the books. Beautiful trade paperbacks, each containing two volumes in one book except for the final one which has just the 23rd book in it. Much happy dancing ensued. It worked out great because Abby and Birdy loved the new editions but Rae preferred the originals. We pre-ordered each one as it became available, and the final result was full of gorgeous:



The only disappointment with the new editions was that they had been edited to remove the curse words. This is completely unacceptable to Rae, and Birdy and Abby were unhappy about it, too, but thrilled to have their very own set of the books.

So what did I think of the story? Hmmm...This is not something I would have picked up on my own, but I can appreciate what The Girls like about the storyline. I'm not going to try to summarize the plot because that is still slightly confusing to me after just the first book. I am going to continue to see where it is going and to see if it grows on me. I do think the art is very fun, and I like the Chinese zodiac element.

Morning! Yesterday was lovely and lazy. I made my pharmacy run and then settled in for the rest of the day. I did four miles on the exercise bike. Some laundry. Some cleaning. Mostly reading and watching tv, which was full of fabulous.

Yesterday Abby and I watched the first three episodes of Arcane. Abby has watched this all the way through more than once, and this time I decided to join her. I loved it - the graphics are beautiful and the marriage of music to the story is amazing. I asked Abby if it was based on books, but she said it was a video game first. In the evening, Rae and I watched an episode of Brokenwood Mysteries - we were ready for the first episode of season two, but this one involved spiders, so NO. Not right before bed, anyway, and so we switched to the next episode which had a very fun Clue theme. This reminds me that I forgot to mention that we watched that Rear Window episode of Whitestable Pearle (season 2, episode 2 'Night Terrors') on Thursday, and it was a treat - not as good as the Rear Window episode of Castle (season 5, episode 19 'The Lives of Others'). I was talking to Rae about this and she said, What is Rear Window? What?!!! So now I have to take her to Hitchcock school. I'm hoping we can squeeze in Rear Window very soon.







On the reading front, I listened to more of Queen of Hearts while cycling. In the afternoon I read the first volume of Fruits Basket. In the wee small hours I read from Network Effect.

The coffee today is hazelnut.

Oh no, I hate that Abby had a rotten birthday. That completely stinks!

I really want to get round to Fruit Baskets soon. Charlie and I are diving into manga and anime and loving every minute!

I could not agree more, Amber - it stinks. She had a major episode today, and her CRPS has spread onto her back, so she is exhausted and angry and sad.

I have already started on the second volume of Fruits Basket. I love that you and Charlie are diving into manga and anime together - so fun and what great memories you are making. Birdy has given me my next assignment - Cursed Princess Club. It already has me laughing out loud.

"has spread onto her back" -- OMG Mamie, that's awful and unfair and ... I'm at a loss for words. I'm so, so sorry to hear that.

>65 RebaRelishesReading: It was Bad Day at Black Rock, Reba, as we say here when the sh*t hits the fan. Just awful. Luckily tomorrow is another day, and we will get up and try for a better one. Thank you so much for understanding and for sharing our anger and sadness. The new combination of meds is helping and I feel like she is getting more good days and able to do more on those good days. It's just that for every two steps forward, I feel like we take one step back, and that is frustrating.

Morning! Nothing exciting on the agenda today - just more of the same and hopefully a big chunk of reading time. Yesterday was not great, and we did not watch anything last night, so nothing much to report. I will try to do something exciting today so we can talk about it. Heh. Yeah, probably not.

On the reading front, I listened to more of Queen of Hearts. In the afternoon I started Cursed Princess Club, which is my next book from Birdy - this is a GN not a manga. In the evening and in the wee small hours, I read more in Network Effect - almost done and it's so good.

The coffee today is hazelnut.

I hope today is better for you all!

>68 katiekrug: Thank you, Katie. Me, too.

Morning, Mamie. Happy Sunday. I am glad we are still friends after "Chainsaw". 😉

Me and Juno mostly hanging out today with the books. I am loving Horse. Brooks Rules!!

>70 msf59: Morning, Mark! Happy Sunday. You are cracking me up. Don't be shocked, but I have not read any Brooks. You and Juno and the books sounds like a perfect combination.

It's not fair to be sick on or around your own birthday and she'd been doing well. Too bad that couldn't have coincided with Abby's b'day.

I like the way you've listed your BB's with the responsible parties included.

Morning, Mamie. I hope you can get to Brooks one of these days. I am sure you will enjoy her. Bree asked me to help with Jackson today, so I am heading over there shortly. Yep, pure torture...

Oh, yeah- watched The Sting last night. How fun is this film, right?

Hi Mamie!

>62 Crazymamie: Congrats on 4 miles on the exercise bike.

>64 Crazymamie: I’m sorry to read that it has spread to her back. Exhausted and angry and sad are completely understandable. (((hugs)))

>66 Crazymamie: I’m also sorry it’s not two steps forward and another two steps forward. The one step back sucks but am glad the new combo of meds is helping.

>72 Familyhistorian: Right?! She is having a better day today, Meg.

When I first joined LT, I could keep track of who recommended which books in my head, but not anymore, so I like to just create a list as we go through the year. Gives me a reference, and it's fun to watch it grow completely out of control.

>73 msf59: Morning, Mark! The Sting is such a great film!

Have fun with Jackson today - I know you will!

Morning, Karen! Thank you - I did not get on the bike yesterday, so I need to get back at it today.

Abby is much better today. Very sore after the weekend - she had another episode yesterday. She plans on staying upstairs and taking it easy. Other than being sore, looks like it could be a good day. I'll take it. The hugs are much appreciated.

The new combo has really made a big difference, and we are very thankful for that. I also feel like she has good doctors that are listening to her, and being heard is just so important. Her PCP in particular is a gem. Thank you so much for your kind words.

Morning Mamie! Perhaps you can do a birthday do-over?!
I’m so sorry she’s dealing with CRPS. Having a supportive family and understanding and knowledgeable doctors play in her favor.
I’ve been doing 3 miles on my bike. On account of you, I’m going to work towards 4. Thanks for the motivation

Morning, All! Yesterday was pretty good. I got some household stuff done and did some laundry. Okay, a lot of laundry. Today I need to make a pharmacy run and pick up a couple of things at the market. White bean chicken enchiladas for dinner if I feel like making them.

Yesterday I re-watched the first episode of The Bastards of Pizzofalcone - the series is based on the books by Maurizio De Giovanni. I read The Crocodile last year which features Inspector Giuseppe Lojacono who has fallen from grace because of false testimony that he worked with the mafia. The charges could not be proven or dismissed, so he works on in a kind of limbo - they can't fire him but also don't trust him with the important cases. What happens in The Crocodile sets up his series The Bastards of Pizzofalcone - I have these books and I am wanting to read them this year. Anyway, in The Bastards of Pizzofalcone Lojacono is assigned to the precinct of Pizzofalcone in Naples where he will work with a bunch of other misfits. The powers that be are hoping to slowly push all of them out of the police force. A sort of Slough House for cops, if you would. Rae and I also watched an episode of Broken wood Mysteries and an episode of Agatha Raisin.

On the reading front, I finished both Fruits Basket, Volume 2 and Cursed Princess Club - I really loved the latter one. More on that later. In the wee small hours I read more from Network Effect.

No coffee today yet. I know, shocking!

>77 Carmenere: Morning, Lynda! We did already tell Abby that on a day of her choosing we will do whatever meal and dessert that she wants. Thank you so much for your kind words - deeply appreciated.

I am thrilled to be a motivator. I usually have enough trouble just trying to motivate myself. Heh. Rae has recently started riding five miles every day on the bike, and it has made a big difference to her energy levels. Now I need to take my own advice and get on there every day myownself.

Glad today is shaping up to be a good day and congrats to you and Rae for your exercise levels -- I keep telling myself I will start up again but...

>80 RebaRelishesReading: Thanks, Reba! I hear you. I felt so much better when I was walking every day, and I know this, but I still have to make myself exercise. I have been feeling this to Rae for years, and she finally decided to do it, and I am so proud of how good she has been about it.

Back from my errands, and it's gorgeous out there. I usually don't love a sunny day, but currently it is 62F and sunny and the humidity is only 53%. The Publix did not have the butter crisco sticks that I needed, but luckily Target is just next door, and it did, so hooray for that. I need them for the cookies I am baking later in the week for Daniel to take into some work thing. Target also had Starbucks Toasted Coconut Mocha coffee, which we had not yet tried, so I picked up a package of that. Abby and I are drinking it right now, and we both love it. It make's a delicious au lait with almond milk. Anyway, Monday is off to a great start which is making me slightly nervous. Heh.

>78 Crazymamie: Love the books, what streamer is the show on?

>83 drneutron: Jim, it's on MHz Choice - we have this as one of our Amazon Prime channels. And it was you, by the way, who recommended The Crocodile to me, by the way, so thanks for that!

>84 Crazymamie: I'll have to see if it's available on our Amazon Prime. And I'm glad you liked The Crocodile!

MHzChoice is an extra channel that you pay for - totally worth it, IMO. They might have a free trial.

Morning, Mamie. I enjoyed my time with Jackson yesterday. I managed to read him a book, (no easy task, let me tell you) and took him for a stroll in the backyard. He likes to eat snow. Off to Rehab duties this AM. Enjoy your day.

>87 msf59: Morning, Mark! My kids liked to eat snow, too. I bet it isn't easy getting him to sit still at that age. I mean, there is much to be learned and much to explore. Hoping today is a good one.

Morning, Y'all! Yesterday was more productive than I intended. I did 6 miles on the bike! This is only because I was listening to an audiobook, but then Abby and Birdy came in, and I paused my audiobook and we were talking about GNs and manga, and before I knew it I had done 6 miles instead of 4. Heh.

In the afternoon, Abby and I watched an episode of Arcane. After that, Birdy and I watched the first episode of Fruits Basket - The Girls have seen all of this already multiple times, but it was a first for me. It helped me to get the characters straight in my head, so it was actually a big help, and it is very well done. In the evening, Rae and I watched the first episode of The Chelsea Detective - we both liked this one, so will continue with it.

On the reading front, I listened to some more of Queen of Hearts and finished up Network Effect. In the wee small hours I started The Bastards of Pizzofalcone by Maurizio De Giovanni - this is the start of a series that begins where The Crocodile left off.

The coffee today is another new one - LavAzza Perfetto. Abby did not like it, but I did like the bitterness of it. However, it cannot compare to something like Cafe Du Monde, so if I am going for bitter, then that's where I would head.

Hey Mamie!
What channel can I find Brokenwood Mysteries. I'm ok with spiders but snakes are a completely different animal. Pun there.
6 Miles?! Holy smokes! I have to up my game! I suppose listening to a good book makes the time go faster.

Hiya Coffee Sister!

I like that Abby will get a good day Birthday with meal/dessert of her choosing. Yay for 6 miles, sorry the Perfetto didn't please Abby.

I just ground tomorrow's coffee - I usually grind it just before I use it - but wanted to make my version of Pumpkin Spice. It's all ready to go for tomorrow and I'll definitely remember to use it because the Tupperware it's in is in the filter basket so can't proceed without seeing/touching it. 🤗

" In the evening, Rae and I watched the first episode of - we both liked this one, so will continue with it."

Of....? Don't leave us hanging!

Wowzers to the 6 miles. Nicely done.

>90 Carmenere: Morning, Lynda! Brokenwood Mysteries are on the Acorn channel. I am with you about snakes. Usually spiders don't bother me, but not right before bed, thank you very much.

I only got 6 miles because Abby and Birdy were in there talking to me, and I was not paying attention to the screen - just kept peddling as we talked.

>91 karenmarie: Morning, Coffee Sister!

We are also doing Shark Super Bowl. We'll use the shark decorations and plates/napkins that we got for Abby's birthday, and Daniel and Kaitlyn will give her their gifts then. Abby is very excited about it.

We love trying new coffee, so it's fine to get a dud now and then.

Good thinking with tomorrow's coffee. Can't wait to read all about it.

>92 katiekrug: Oh. My. Word. I went to look up the title and then forgot to put it in. It was The Chelsea Detective. Thanks for pointing out my error!

Happy Tuesday, Katie!

Ah, Shark Super Bowl. I love it. Sunday will be here before you know it. I might make a pot of chili and cornbread.

>95 karenmarie: Chili and cornbread! The perfect combo. YUM!

>94 Crazymamie: shoot! I don’t have Acorn.
In lieu of having an Abby and Birdy beside me, I placed my tablet over my screen and watched YouTube’s and Duolingo and did 5.3 miles. Makes riding so much easier. Thanks for the inspiration!

Morning Mamie. I love coming here and reading about your family, but so sorry about Abby’s Unhappy Birthday. It’s good to know she’s feeling better. Life is unfair... So glad the make-up birthday was fun.

I would like to have some of your sunshine if you can spare it. Our temps have gotten more bearable but the sun remains elusive. Congratulations on biking SIX miles! I still get out and pound the pavement with Miss Penny every morning that I can, but we don’t come close to going 6 miles…maybe 2? We missed 5 days last week because of the ice coating. I’m not willing to chance a fall so we just stayed home. Spring can’t come soon enough for me!

Impressed by 6 miles on the bike! You go girl! Seeking bitterness is beyond my understanding, however. The reason I don't like coffee is because it's alway bitter (to me) - shudder!! I don't even want to think about extra bitter!!

Hi, Mamie!

>82 Crazymamie: I bought some of this last week but haven't tried it yet - I'm excited to crack it open now!

>89 Crazymamie: Good to know about that coffee. I have seen it around and was debating if I should try it...I am not particularly fond of bitter coffee so I will give it a pass.

Morning, Mamie. Happy Wednesday. Bree needs my help again today, so I will be heading over shortly. More Jackson time. Yah! Congrats on the bike mileage. Impressive.

‘Morning, Coffee Sister.

The Pumpkin Spice Coffee report: I put 1 ½ t cinnamon, ½ t ginger, and ¼ nutmeg (double the spice combo I use for our pumpkin pie recipe) into the coffee grounds before making coffee this morning and although it’s pleasant and reminds me of fall and pumpkin pies, I really prefer just plain black coffee, no sweetener, no extraneous flavors. However, it was fun to try something different with coffee. I’ll leave the flavored coffees to you and enjoy reading about them.

>96 Crazymamie: I also bought Fritos scoops yesterday, just in case I’m too lazy to make cornbread. They’re not hideous re salt like I thought they might be – only 110 mg sodium per 10 chips. I’ve gotten very good at counting things out in the 15 months. *smile*

This is the recumbent exercise bike that we have.

Morning, Everyone! Yesterday I decided to do my cycling while Birdy and I were watching Fruits Basket, and I got 8 miles in. Birdy and I worked on household stuff, and we got some books boxed up to donate. I also finally made those white chocolate/pecan cookies. Today I plan on mixing up the dough for two batches of toffee/chocolate chip cookies - Daniel is going to take these into work on Friday for a company thing. I want to mix them up and chill the dough today so that tomorrow all I have to do is bake them off. Other than that, just a bunch of household chores that includes dusting - ugh.

Yesterday Birdy and I watched the next three episodes of Fruits Basket - these are each about 20 minutes long. I am impressed with how well done the series is, and I am considering watching it all first and then returning to read the books because the show is making it much easier for me to understand what is going on and to keep the characters straight. In the evening, Rae and I watched another episode of Whitestable Pearle and then my favorite Schitt's Creek episode. Yes. Again.

On the reading front, I finished up listening to Queen of Hearts, so now I need to pick a new audiobook. In the wee small hours I read some more in The Bastards of Pizzofalcone.

The coffee today is gingerbread.

Mmmm.... cookies....

Morning, Mamie!

>97 Carmenere: Bummer, Lynda. And you are welcome. I get much further on the bike with a distraction, too.

>98 Donna828: Hello, Donna! Thank you so much for those kind words. We have not actually had the birthday re-do yet - it will be this coming Sunday.

I would be delighted to send you some of my sunshine. My biking is much easier than your walking, as I am doing it on an exercise bike. Good for you for not chancing a fall. I had a horrible fall several years ago, and I am still wary of falling again.

>99 RebaRelishesReading: Thank you, Reba! Your comments about bitterness made me laugh. I like a bitter flavor in a coffee, depending on the coffee. Especially a milky coffee, but then I like espresso. Birdy, Rae, and Daniel don't like coffee, either. Usually if I don't like a beverage it's because it's too sweet.

>100 scaifea: Hello, Amber! Please to report back after you have tried it. Have you tried their Spring Day Blend? I almost brought a bag of that home with me, too.

>101 figsfromthistle: Anita, that is the first I have tried of the LavAzza coffees. I do know that Jennifer loves their Crema e Gusto, but I have not been able to find that one yet.

>102 msf59: Morning, Mark! Happy Wednesday. Bree is so lucky to have you. And so is Jackson. Have fun today. Thank you for the congrats in the bike mileage - hoping to do the same today.

>103 karenmarie: Morning, Coffee Sister! Thank you for that coffee report. Knowing exactly what you like is its own kind of magic.

Rae loves Fritos scoops with chili! Good thinking, and what a nice surprise that the sodium is not horrible.

>105 katiekrug: Morning, Katie! I have just taken the white chocolate pecan cookies out of the oven, and it smells wonderful in here.

21. Fruits Basket, Volume 2 by Natsuki Takaya, translated by Yen Press (Fruits Basket, volume 2)

I want to see where the Chinese zodiac thing is going, so I have decided to continue with these.

Today's coffee is...drumroll, please...Death Wish dark roast.

Ehhhh. It's okay.

22. Cursed Princess Club by LambCat - 4.5 stars, (Cursed Princess Club, volume 1)

I absolutely loved this! It started as a webtoon and was just recently published in book format.

Here's the publisher's blurb: "Gwendolyn, the youngest of the King’s three daughters, is living proof that princesses don’t always have it all. She isn’t like a typical fairy-tale princess, or other princesses in the Pastel Kingdom. Gwendolyn, with her big heart and love of baking, isn’t particularly attractive. Unlike her sisters who have woodland creatures do their hair and makeup, or have flowers blossom wherever they sleep, Gwendolyn is a bit…different. So when her father proposes marriage for her and her sisters to make an alliance with the Plaid Kingdom, it breaks Gwendolyn’s heart to hear that Prince Fredrick thinks she’s “really ugly.” Overwhelmed and ashamed, she runs away into the forest and encounters the twisted world of the Cursed Princess Club, where her life will never be the same."

At the beginning, I thought this was going to be too sweet and too shallow for me, but it quickly takes a delightful turn, and then I could not stop turning the pages. It's clever and fun. It's about the power of acceptance and kindness, but it is also snarky and full of humor. It had me laughing out loud more than once. And the artwork is perfect.

>111 weird_O: BUt...how are you feeling, Oh Weird One? Heart racing? Feeling the need to clean the entire house from top to bottom? Are you twitching? I need to know these things.

23. Network Effect by Martha Wells - 4.5 stars, (Murderbot Diaries, book 5)

This is the first full length novel in The Murderbot Diaries, and it's full of fabulous. I understand now what Susan said about rereading it - there is a lot to wrap your head around in this entry. It's so well done and slightly mind boggling at the same time. I read this one out of order, as I thought I had read it last year and went on to Fugitive Telemetry, but, um...no. Anyway, now I am all caught up with Murderbot and must wait for November and the next episode.

24. Queen of Hearts by Rhys Bowen, narrated by Katherine Kelgren - 4 stars, (Her Royal Spyness, book 8)

I am not usually a fan of cozy mysteries, but these are so much fun, and the audios narrated by Katherine Kellgren are highly entertaining. This is the eighth book in the Her Royal Spyness series by Rhys Bowen, and in this one we get to go on a cruise to America and then to both New York and Hollywood. Highly recommended, but you want to read these in order, so start with the first one - Her Royal Spyness.

>115 Crazymamie: I too loved the Royal Spyness series and, yes, you need to read them in order :)

>116 RebaRelishesReading: They are delightful. I will be very sad when I run out of the ones narrated by Katherine Kellgren.

>103 karenmarie: >108 Crazymamie: I'm not sure why Fritos scoops are so much better than original Fritos, but they really are. I may go grab a handful - unless Becky or Mike finished them off while I wasn't looking.....

>104 Crazymamie: Almost tempting. Not, but almost, I do love a good piece of tech....

>114 Crazymamie: Since Fugitive Telemetry takes place before Network Effect I'd say that you read them in order.

>112 Crazymamie: hmmm. I wonder if it's appropriate for my kids.

The Chelsea Detective is a good one but I got to the end of the series too fast. I hope they film some more. You've reminded me that I left the Royal Spyness series somewhere in midstream. Rhys Bowen actually taught some workshops at the Surrey International Writers Conference one year but those weren't the books of hers that were being sold there that year. Chapters, a Canada wide book store, makes sure they have a presence there because, if there's one thing they know about writers, they are voracious readers.

Hi, Mamie! Hope Abby and Rae are both doing better. I've had Bones coffee, especially enjoyed

I've read the first 10 Royal Spyness books--must get back to them! And delighted you are enjoying Murderbot!

Morning, Mamie. Sweet Thursday. Sue is heading out to help with Jackson, until noon. Raining here, so I may just hang out with Juno and the books.

‘Morning, Coffee Sister!

>109 Crazymamie: I also love grated extra sharp cheddar in my chili, and might even indulge in an extra 180 mg sodium. White chocolate pecan cookies. Whimper. I want one.

Morning! Gray and overcast here today, and the humidity is high. I don't need to go anywhere, so probably just more household stuff today along with baking up the cookies for Daniel and riding the bike. Yesterday I did 8 miles again, so GoMe!

Yesterday Birdy and I watched 4 episodes of Fruits Basket, three while I was riding the bike and another one later in the day. In the evening, Rae, Abby, and I watched The Great British Baking Show: The Professionals. This is not nearly as fun as the regular show, and I won't be watching more of it, but it was fun to see Liam again - he is one of the commentators.



On the reading front, I started The Wind in the Willows on audio. I also started Lugosi: The Rise and Fall of Hollywood's Dracula by Koren Shadmi - this is a GN done by the same author/illustrator of The Twilight Man. Good so far, but Lugosi is not someone I would want to hang out with. In the wee small hours, I read more in The Bastards of Pizzofalcone.

The coffee today is hazelnut.

Morning, Mamie!

Liam was one of the judges on the GBBO Kids edition. He was, as always, delightful.

Sorry about the humidity, but I know you like the overcast :) Have a good day!

>118 quondame: They are good, aren't they, Susan?!

We purchased the recumbent exercise bike last year so that Abby could use it - I think she would have trouble staying in a regular exercise bike, and there is no way she could do a treadmill. We all like it, and it gets a fair amount of use. Very nice to have a piece of indoor exercise equipment with the Georgia weather which is too hot for this Indiana native about 90% of the time. I did a lot of research before purchasing that particular model, and we are very happy with it.

Very good point about the timeline - I think I would have been slightly confused at the beginning of Fugitive Telemetry had I not read it out of publication order. A happy accident, I guess.

>119 The_Hibernator: Rachel, I would have to look back through it before answering. I want to say yes, but I could be forgetting something.

Hey Mamie! I had my turkey chili over tortilla chips last night but I'm thinking Fritos would be much more flavorful.

Lugosi goes on the wishlist. I just picked up Twilight Man but can't start it just yet. I'm entrenched in 3 other books that are really good. Oh yeah, I also picked up Candide yesterday, looking forward to that one too.

>120 Familyhistorian: It's very good, Meg. We keep trying to watch the second episode and getting interrupted - it's happened twice now, so we'll see if Rae and I finally get to watch it all the way through tonight. Last night Abby came in after we had started it, so we stopped it because I did not know where it was going with the missing woman, and she is sensitive to that kind of thing. She does not watch crime shows the way Rae and I do. The main characters are so interesting in this one.

How fun about Rhys Bowen, and yes, very smart of Chapters Books to make sure there are books for sale at the workshop. You bad no Royal Spyness ones, though. All of mine are on audio.

>121 ronincats: Hello, Roni! How lovely to see you here. Rae and Abby are both doing better, thank you.

OH! I will have to look for that one - not one we have tried yet. Thanks for the recommendation. Don't you just love their packaging?!

I have the first 15 books on audio, and I know that Jasmine Blackborow takes over for Katherine Kellgren on book 11, so that will be a sadness when I get to it. And we LOVE Murderbot - Craig, Birdy and I are all huge fans of the series.

>122 msf59: Morning, Mark! Sweet Thursday again already - how did that happen? Hangin out with Juno and the books sounds like a solid plan. I have finished baking off the first batch of cookies and am getting ready to start on the second batch. The house smells awesome.

>123 karenmarie: Morning Coffee Sister!

Me too with the cheese on top of the chili. And a dollop of sour cream. The white chocolate pecan cookies are truly delicious. Wishing you were here so I could share them with you.

>125 katiekrug: Morning, Katie! Oh, I bet he was great with the kids! I have not watched any of those yet.

I do love the overcast, and since I don't need to go out, the humidity will not bother me today. I was sad that it was too humid to have the windows open last night, though, because I love to do that. Hope your day is also filled with goodness.

>127 Carmenere: Hello, Lynda! We love to use the Fritos Scoops to eat the chili with - even better than chips and dip.

Lugosi was very self centered and self indulgent, but I love the art, and these graphic biographies are a great way to dip one's toes in the water.

Can't wait to see what you think of Candide!

>106 Crazymamie: Haha. I will change my comment to “so glad the make-up part if fun to look forward to”! Knowing you and your family, it will be a party to remember!

Speaking of fun, it looks like I need to get started in the Murderbot books. Lots of fans on LT. I’m (self)committed to reading the Kopp Sisters series first, though. I do love historical fiction and am wobbling on the sci-fi fence. This is my year to try new things (like poetry) so science fiction will get its turn as well.

>131 Donna828: *smile* Thanks for the kind words.

I do think you would love the Murdebot Diary books, Donna. I have those Kopp Sisters books on my Kindle, but I have not gotten to them yet.

Hi Mamie! I'm glad you liked the Rear Window episode of Whitstable Pearl! I agree that it wasn't as good as the one on Castle, but still fun. And it seems to mark a turn in Pearl and Mike's relationship.

I love The Chelsea Detective too. I binge watched that one when I was home with COVID last summer and ran out of episodes way before I was ready for it to end. I'm one of those people who can't focus on a book when I'm sick, so that's when I tend to do my binge watching.

>133 cbl_tn: Hello, Carrie! I agree with you about the relationship.

Good to know that it is SO good. Hoping we actually get to finish the second episode tonight. I tend to binge watch when I am sick, too.

‘Morning, Mamie! Happy Friday to you.

My coffee report is back to the usual: freshly ground medium-roast beans with our good well water.

>129 Crazymamie: I used to like chili with just sour cream and chives or green onions. Now, not onions so much, and I never just keep sour cream in the house but always have sharp cheddar cheese here because of Miss J.

>135 karenmarie: Morning, Karen! Happy Friday.

We are doing hazelnut coffee again today. I have more blueberry coffee coming tomorrow.

I love onions, but I usually don't eat them raw - I like to sauté them first to take the edge off. Or marinated. Or pickled. We always have sour cream - we have BIG love for sour cream. And sharp cheddar cheese is full of fabulous.

Morning, and it's a Friday!! Birdy and I got a lot done yesterday, but the day also got away from us, so no bike riding was done. Bad Mamie. It's gray and overcast here, and we are expecting tons of rain, so I plan on staying put today. Craig and Rae will do the pharmacy run and pick up the prescription cat food on their way home, as they just work a half day on Fridays. Normally we would do Mexican takeaway today, but I never did get around to making those white bean chicken enchiladas, so Birdy and I are making that for lunch today. Yum.

Last night Rae and I finally got that second episode of The Chelsea Detective in. After that we watched an episode of Whitstable Pearl.

On the reading front, I finished up Lugosi: The Rise and Fall of Hollywood's Dracula - not as good as The Twilight Man, and Lugosi was kind of a horrible human being. After that I needed a palate cleanser, so I read Heartstopper, which Amber recommended, and it was so sweet and just what was needed. Thanks, Amber! In the wee small hours, I read more form The Bastards of Pizzofalcone.

The coffee today is hazelnut. We're going into the hazelnut rut again as we almost always hazelnut on the weekends.

Thought I'd share a trio of recent cat photos:


Mercy inside of Abby's birthday box - this is Abby's new room, so please to note the gorgeous wall color and the cork floor.


Mayhem becoming one with the barstool while Birdy and I bake. He is so long that is is very funny how he has compacted himself to fit here.


Mischief hanging out on Abby's legs - she loves to sleep all stretched out like this.

Love the cats pics! My Theo is also a *stretch* kind of guy. Anywhere and everywhere. He has very long arms!

>139 jessibud2: Thanks, Shelley! I love to see them when they are all stretched out like that. Mischief has a very long body, but very short legs - if her body were not so long, she would always look like a kitten.

Cute cats!

And I love Abby's new wall color :)

Chili: shredded cheddar and a little chopped (raw) onion, please. I don't mind a little bit of sour cream with it, but we don't usually have it in the house. Except, I do have some now because I used it in my ham and cheese stuffed potatoes.... And there is chili in the freezer, so.....

>138 Crazymamie: Very cute. And love the wall colour and tiles.

Adorable photos. Funny the positions cats work their way into, isn't it?

Mamie, the room looks lovely. Do cork floors feel different when walking on them? How do they wash? They sure are beautiful!

Hi Mamie, I am just drifting through and getting caught up. I am sorry to hear that Abby is still having to deal with CRPS. Please wish her a belated happy birthday. Your home-made cookies look delicious. I don't do a lot of baking anymore but I did make an Orange, Blueberry, Pecan Loaf the other day that my husband gobbled up!

>135 karenmarie: Our family used to top chili with cheddar, onions, and vinegar. I never heard of anyone else using vinegar, but for me it balances the earthiness of chili.

I love the kitty pics, Mamie! They are all so sweet. And Abby's new room looks great too!

‘Morning, Mamie! Happy Saturday to you.

>136 Crazymamie: I never eat onions raw. My mom never served them raw when I was growing up and I don’t like the flavor. Cooked, on the other hand, are acceptable. And onion rings, when I still ate them, were always a favorite.

>138 Crazymamie: Excellent pics of the kitties. I absolutely love the color of the Abby’s walls and the cork floor. Way cool.

Love the cat pics. >:-)

Morning, Mamie. Happy Saturday. Love the kitty photos, especially the stretched-out Mischief. Ooh, I will have to give Lugosi: The Rise and Fall of Hollywood's Dracula a try. I like to know more about him. Have you ever seen Ed Wood? Great film- Martin Landau plays Lugosi and he is perfect.

This is the color of the rugs we bought for the upstairs hallway and bathroom, but we went with a runner and a rectangular version. The colors are full of gorgeous.

Morning! It's gray and overcast here with more rain on the way today. I'm looking forward to some solid time with the books as I did not get much yesterday. Our white bean chicken enchiladas hit the spot yesterday for lunch, and for dinner I just made a charcuterie board. The rugs we had ordered for upstairs came, and Craig got the felted rug liner cut and the rugs placed - very happy making, and they look great. We are hoping that besides looking awesome they will help Abby with less falling and a softer landing if falling does occur. We also did some cleaning and of course, the ever present laundry. I also managed 6 miles on the bike.

Yesterday afternoon, Birdy, Rae and I watched three episodes of Fruits Basket and then the first episode of Agatha Raisin, which Rae and I had watched before but Birdy hadn't seen. In the evening, Rae and I watched an episode of The Brokenwood Mysteries.

On the reading front, nothing until the wee small hours when I read more from The Bastards of Pizzofalcone.

The coffee today is hazelnut.

>141 katiekrug: Thanks, Katie! I also love Abby's new wall color - it is very calming and restful in there.

Love reading how everyone likes their chili!

>142 Caroline_McElwee: Thank you, Caroline! The cork flooring is so interesting - it is not tiles but comes just like wood flooring does in planks.

>143 RebaRelishesReading: Thanks, Reba! Yes, cats are highly entertaining in so many ways. I especially love when they get into a tight circle with their bodies for a nap and then somehow manage to turn their heads upside down. Cracks me up every time.

>144 jessibud2: Thank you, Shelley! The cork does feel different when walking on it - much easier on the feet than hard wood or tile. It also absorbs sound. You seal it after you lay it, so then you can clean it. I think it has to be resealed every 5-7 years. We absolutely love how it turned out.

>145 DeltaQueen50: Hello, Judy! Thank you so much for those kind words. I will give Abby your birthday wishes.

Your loaf sounds amazing, and how different that it uses orange instead of lemon with the blueberry. It sounds delicious. I am not surprised that your husband gobbled it up.

>146 quondame: Okay, the vinegar is so interesting, Susan. Never heard of that - Craig is a huge fan of vinegar, so I will have to ask him if he has ever tried that.

>147 lauralkeet: Thank you, Laura!

>148 karenmarie: Morning, Karen! Happy Saturday!

The only thing I like raw onions on are chili cheese dogs. That is how my Dad ate them, and how I still love to eat them. Other than that no to raw onion for me mainly because then I feel like I am eating it for the rest of the day. Yes to onion rings - I have BIG love for those.

Thank you - glad you love the photos and the room choices Abby has made.

>149 Helenliz: Thanks, Helen!

>150 msf59: Morning, Mark! Happy Saturday. Glad you love the photos.

I have not seen Ed Wood - I will have to try to track that one down. He was quite the character, wasn't he?! Obviously, he show up in the book.

>154 Crazymamie: My father wouldn't "allow" onions or garlic in any form in the house so I never ate them as a child. I now am very fond of garlic and cooked onions but I don't like raw ones. If they come on my salad, for example, I will carefully transfer each and every morsel to Hubby's salad where they will be appreciated. Good onion rings are a blessing from God though.

>148 karenmarie: Thank you for calling attention to the cork floor in >138 Crazymamie: (cute cat photos too) - it is surely gorgeous.

>151 Crazymamie: Lovely!

>153 Crazymamie: Maybe it provides a bit of the tart that sour cream does, but I always avoid sour cream as a topper though I always seem to go for tart tastes.

>151 Crazymamie: I love the colours of the rug! Those chicken enchiladas sound delicious!

Happy weekend reading :)

Smoochling...I'm sorry Abby's birthday wasn't pain-free but am unsurprised she loved her gifts.

I read Fruits Basket decades ago but remember being impressed by them.

*smooch*

>156 RebaRelishesReading: I adore garlic and cooked onions, Reba. I am the same with onions on my salad. For me, they have such a strong aftertaste, and I feel like I am eating them for the rest of the day. I do like chopped raw Vadalia onion on top of a chili cheese dog, but that is because I grew up eating them that way - one of my Dad's favorite things.

>157 quondame: Thanks, Susan. We are very happy with the cork flooring and are also going to put it in the bedroom that Abby and Birdy will be using as a studio.

I agree about the rugs - the colors are full of gorgeous. Birdy picked them out.

I mentioned the vinegar to Craig, and he is going to try it that way next time, so I will report back. *smile*

>158 figsfromthistle: Thank you, Anita. The enchilada recipe is one of our favorites. Here is a link to it: Chicken and White Bean Enchiladas with Creamy Salsa Verde

Thanks for those good wishes! Hoping your weekend is also full of reading happiness.

Morning, Mamie. Happy Sunday. I hope you can track down Ed Wood. It is a hoot and Johnny Depp is great in it too. We are going to my cousins today to watch the game. His wife is a terrific host, so there will be plenty of tasty eats and beverages.

>159 richardderus: Richard!!!!! You have just made my day! I am so happy to see you here. *smooch*

Thank you for those kind words about Abby. We are doing a birthday do-over today, which she is very excited about.

I am loving the Fruits Basket story - it's so sweet and layered. They made a lovely tv series out of it, and watching it has helped me to get the characters straight in my head.

Wishing you well and happy, and we will settle for nothing less than feeling full of fabulous. I am so impressed by the progress you have already made. All of us here at the Pecan Paradisio send our love - hoping you got our card with Abby's hand written message inside. I offered to write it for her, and she said, But mom, it's RICHARD. I need to do it myself so he knows how much it matters to me.

Hoping you know how much it matters to all of us, dear one. *second smooch because I can*

'Morning, Mamie! Happy Sunday to you all at the Pecan Paradisio.

It's rainy here. We have no plans to go out. Chili, soccer, reading, and the Superbowl are on the schedule for today.

>164 karenmarie: I just came from your place, Karen! Happy Sundayness to you and yours.

Gray, rainy, and overcast here, too. Just like I like it. We are doing pizza and breadsticks with cheese sauce from our favorite Indiana pizza place - this time Daniel and Kaitlyn are providing the feast.

Morning, Everyone! We have made it to Super Bowl Sunday - it's late this year. No huge plans for today except watching the game tonight. Daniel and Kaitlyn are coming over here to watch with us, and they ordered pizza and breadsticks from Pizza King in Indiana which arrived frozen on Friday. Can't wait to bake them off tonight. YUM.

Yesterday was a great combination of productive and lazy. We got household stuff done and then spent the rest of the day reading and watching tv. We ordered Chinese takeaway for dinner. I watched the first episode of Trapped, which I loved so thank you, Laura, for recommending it. Rae and I watched an episode of The Brokenwood Mysteries and an episode of Whitstable Pearl.

On the reading front, I had trouble deciding what I wanted to read and so read a little from several different books - Comrade Aeon's Field Guide to Bangkok by Emma Larkin, Icebound: Shipwrecked at the Edge of the World by Andrea Pitzer, and The Bastards of Pizzofalcone by Maurizio De Giovanni. In the wee small hours, I read more form Bastards.

The coffee today is hazelnut.

I hope Abby is feeling better for her birthday do-over! Your SB dinner sounds excellent. I'm leaving ours in TW's hands, so not sure what we're having, but it will involve cheesy puffs becaise it's Tradition.

>167 katiekrug: She had a rough day yesterday, but is feeling better today, Katie. Not 100%, but good enough to enjoy celebrating.

Cheesy puffs go with everything, so really you can't go wrong.

>168 Crazymamie: I really hope the do-over goes well! Am sending mojo to Abby to feel better as the day goes on and to thoroughly enjoy her birthday celebration. She certainly deserves it!.

I’m so sorry Abby is still not feeling 100%. I hope she’s able to enjoy her belated birthday celebration. Belated birthday wishes to her from me.

>151 Crazymamie: Lovely rug! That’s a heavenly color blend.

>169 RebaRelishesReading: Thanks, Reba, for those good thoughts and kind wishes. Unfortunately, everything has gone to hell, and she has had another major episode during which she dislocated her wrist. We just got her settled back upstairs in her bed, gave her some meds, and are hoping she can get some sleep.

>170 Storeetllr: Thank you, Mary - see my post to Reba above.

We are very pleased with the rugs - Abby said they remind her of sea glass with their beautiful colors, and I agree.

>151 Crazymamie: Ooo, like that.

I'm so sorry about Abby. It must be so discouraging (to put it lightly) for her and you. I have a rule: a birthday isn't over until you've gotten your last card or gift or had your birthday party, even if it's weeks later than the actual date. (Ruby's 4th birthday party was held last Saturday, though her birthday was Jan. 21. She was sick on her big day, and since then it's been one of us or her friends sick ever since.) Hugs to Abby (and you) and heartfelt hope that she can celebrate soon.

I'm so sorry about Abby. Please give her my best. Hugs to all of you!

Hell seems to have altogether too many doors revolving. Here's hopping Abby gets some good days real soon now.

>138 Crazymamie: What a great photo!

Love to all at the Pecan Paradisio.

Good to see that Abby got a birthday celebration do over. Everyone needs one of those if the big day goes awry.

I know what you mean about raw onions. I have take everyone of them out of a salad before I eat it. They are good cooked though.

>166 Crazymamie: That was one of the best Super Bowl games ever -- so many touchdowns and back and forth on who was winning! Hope you had fun watching it, too, and hope everyone in your family is on the mend. We just celebrated birthdays a little early here because my daughter S is leaving on Wednesday and then my oldest daughter J is leaving right when she gets back! We did drinks and desserts and it was fun. Wishing you a great week ahead.

So sorry to hear that things are so rough for Abby lately (and the rest of you). I hope things calm down soon.

‘Morning, Coffee Sister!

A BB for me, Icebound: Shipwrecked at the Edge of the World, simply based on clicking the touchstone to see what it’s about. I love this type of nonfiction.

>171 Crazymamie: Poor darlin’. Give her gentle (((hugs))) from me and all things calming for you and your family.

Morning, Mamie. You missed me up there yesterday. We must have cross-posted. Yep, a terrific Super Bowl. The Chiefs are absolutely amazing. I am going over to help with Jack this AM.

>162 msf59:, >181 msf59: Morning, Mark! I am so sorry I missed you yesterday, and thank you so much for letting me know. I did not know Johnny Depp was in the film! If I can't find it free somewhere, I can always rent it from Amazon. Thanks for the head's up about it.

I bet you had a good time at your cousin's house. We had fun, too, and it was a good game! That does not always happen at the Super Bowl. Heh.

Have fun with Jack today - I know you will!

>172 Caroline_McElwee: The rugs are just what we were wanting, Caroline.

>173 Storeetllr: That is a very good rule, Mary. Your Ruby shares a birthday with my Dad. Thank you so much for the kind words and for the hugs and good wishes for Abby. Much appreciated.

>174 katiekrug: Thanks so much, Katie! Will do - it will make her smile that you were thinking of her. And hugs are always appreciated.

>175 quondame: Too true, Susan. Thank you so much for those good thoughts.

>176 PaulCranswick: Thank you, Paul!

>177 Familyhistorian: Well, it didn't go the way we wanted, Meg. Abby had another big episode in the afternoon, dislocating her wrist. She ended up taking meds and sleeping for most of the rest of the day. She did wake up in the evening and enjoy pizza and breadsticks with cheese sauce with us, but she stayed upstairs. She is doing better this morning.

Me, too, with the raw onions.

>178 Berly: It was a very good game, Kim! I love when that happens and anyone can win up to the end.

Your birthday celebrations sound perfect. Hoping your week is also full of greatness.

>179 ursula: Thank you for that, Ursula. Much appreciated.

>180 karenmarie: Morning, Coffee Sister! Hooray for the book bullet - I am liking it so far. "I love this type of nonfiction." Me, too!

I'll be sure to deliver the gentle hugs - thank you. And calm is good, so thank you for those thoughts, too.

Morning Mamie. I'm so sorry to hear Abby had yet another bad day. She just can't get a break. I hope today is better for all of you.

Pizza King pizza has a thin crisp crust and the toppings go all the way to the edge. Also the toppings are chopped. They slice it completely differently than traditional pizza. The first time we had it shipped from Indiana, Craig sliced it like regular pizza, and he got in big trouble for disrespecting da King.

Morning! Monday again, but the last one was actually good, so I have hope. Nothing much on the agenda today - I plan on sticking close to home in case Abby needs me. So probably just some household chores and riding the bike and reading. I did manage 4 miles on the bike yesterday, which is actually kind of amazing, everything considered.

Last night we watched the Super Bowl. The pizza and breadsticks shipped from Indiana were full of fabulous.

On the reading front, I was not in the right mood for The Wind in the Willows while biking, so I started New Ways to Kill Your Mother by Colm Tóibín. This is a collection of essays which explores the relationships between writer's and their families and how this affects their writing. The first essay is titled 'Jane Austen, Henry James and the Death of the Mother' is excellent and Tóibín reads this one himself. The rest will be read by Gerard Doyle. I had to go straight to Amazon and pick this up on Kindle, too, so I could highlight the quotes that spoke to me. In the wee small hours, I read more from The Bastards of Pizzofalcone.

Today's coffee is hazelnut. Again.

*edited to clean up the wording under the photo - not sure what happened

>186 lauralkeet: Morning, Laura! Thanks so much for those kind words. I agree about Abby not being able to catch a break lately - hoping that is about to change.

I love the random photos you share each morning, Mamie. That pizza looks yummy!

I'll await your final verdict ont he Toibin. It sounds interesting.

>189 katiekrug: Morning, Katie! Aw! Thanks. The pizza was so good - my very favorite kind of pizza.

If the remaining essays are even half as good as the first one, it will be fabulous. Hoping it holds up.

>171 Crazymamie: Oh no! So very, very sorry...and sad.

Sorry to hear that Abby has been struggling, Mamie. Sending good karma your way.

>191 RebaRelishesReading: Reba, thank you for caring so deeply. Means a lot to me. The important part about falling down is to remember how to rise up. Abby is up and cheerful and having a better day. Crossing my fingers that the entire day is a good one for her.

>192 BLBera: Thank you, Beth. Good karma is much appreciated.

I hope Abby is feeling comfortable today Mamie.

Pizza looks good.

Hi Mamie! That pizza looks delicious. Sorry to hear Abby is having a rough time. I'm with you on raw red onions -- I can just about do raw normal onions, and I can do pickled red onions, but when I eat raw red onions I just can't handle the aftertaste.

>194 Caroline_McElwee: She is, Caroline. Having a much better day so far.

Pizza was delicious!

>195 curioussquared: Hello, Natalie! It was most YUM. Thank you in regards to Abby.

Yeah, the aftertaste that goes on forever. I love red onion both pickled and marinated.

Heh. I just finished my lunch - chicken salad on multigrain with raw red onion :)

Maybe I'll go try to give The Wayne a smooch...

>197 katiekrug: Yes to chicken salad and to multigrain, but no to raw red onion.

I am sure that The Wayne would love a smooch, raw red onion or no. *grin*

Delighted to hear Abby is having a better day, and I know even when she is in her room, having it so delightfully decorated must take her feel a bit better about it. Adore the colors in the rugs, and even more so the cat photos!

Raw, red onion, sounds like heaven to me...I like me some sulfrous crunch. It makes everything less tedious when making a meal out of salad, as do chickpeas and olives.

Morning, Mamie. My time with Jackson went well. I will see him again on Friday. I have Rehab duties today. Still enjoying some mild temps. I watched The Hustler last night. One of my favorites and my second favorite Newman performance. What a terrific cast.

'Morning, Coffee Sister, and happy Valentine's Day to you and yours.

I've made Valentine's Day cookies and will have one for brekkie - sugar cookies with cream cheese frosting and red sugar sprinkles. They are heart-shaped and a good size.

Morning, Mamie! I love the paint and cork floor combo. Really works well together!
Sea Glass rugs! I love it!!

I’m so sorry to read Abby is going through more pain issues. Gentle hugs.

Lev is a stretcher cat as well. I had never seen anything like it and thought maybe he was double jointed or something. Glad to see he’s not alone.

>199 ronincats: Hello, Roni! Abby is having a very good morning, which is SO happy making. She is downstairs and has made the coffee, and she and Birdy are having a conversation about gaming that I only understand half of. Bliss. You are right that the new room has made a huge difference to her. She wanted to create a restful space, and she is doing a fabulous job of it.

The rugs are awesome - glad you like the colors. And the cat photos!

>200 richardderus: Hello there, dear one! I will happily give you all of my raw red onion.

>201 msf59: Morning, Mark! Hooray for Jackson time - of course it was well spent.

I have not seen The Hustler in years! Love Paul Newman, and I would be hard pressed to choose a favorite without doing a major re-watch, which sounds like a fun project. One of his I have a soft spot for is The Long Hot Summer. I also think he is perfect in Nobody's Fool.

>202 karenmarie: Morning, Coffee Sister! Happy Valentine's Day - one of Abby's very favorite days and it always has been because pink and hearts and sprinkles.

I wish I was at your house to enjoy one of those cookies. I love sugar cookies.

>203 Carmenere: Morning, Lynda! Glad you like the room choices - we are in love with it. The rugs really do have the colors of seas glass in them.

Thank you for those hugs for Abby - much appreciated. Today is off to a very good start for her, so fingers crossed the entire day can be like that.

Love to see a cat all stretched out like that - makes me smile. And Mischief also usually crosses her front paws, which is something that our dog Barnum always did, so it is a lovely reminder of him.

>204 Crazymamie: Hi, Mamie! I just watched Nobody's Fool a couple of months ago, after reading Newman's memoir. He is so good in that! And I heartily agree about The Long Hot Summer — va-voom!

>206 rosalita: Hello, Julia!! Yes! I just love him in both of those movies. I have not read Newman's memoir, but I want to.

Which of these is not a penguin?

Happy Valentine's Morning! It's sunny and going to 72F here today, so very cheerful out there. I'm hoping to make a market run and then spend the rest of the day at home. We're planning a lazy day - Abby is having a good day, so we are just going to hang out and have fun. Yesterday was okay - I was not feeling very energetic so did not fully commit to anything. Ran a load of towels and a load of my stuff, tidied the kitchen, made coffee and rode the bike just 3.5 miles, so not horrible but not great.

Yesterday afternoon, Birdy and I watched three episodes of Fruits Basket. Nothing viewed in the evening, and I went to bed very early.

On the reading front, I started a historical romance yesterday - When a Scot Ties the Knot by Tessa Dare. In the wee small hours I read more from The Bastards of Pizzofalcone.

The coffee today is Toasted Coconut Mocha.

>208 Crazymamie: ha! I love a penguin. I reckon I can tell...

>209 Helenliz: Hello, Helen! Abby also loves a penguin - Mercy has positioned herself amongst a small contingent of Abby's collection.

>208 Crazymamie: - LOL! Great pic!
Happy Valentine's day to you all and yay for a good day for Abby!

>211 jessibud2: Glad you like the photo, Shelley! Mercy is a very funny cat and keeps us highly entertained.

Thanks so much for those good wishes. Hoping your Valentine's Day is full of fabulous!

I'm so glad Abby is having a good morning, and I'll keep my fingers crossed for the rest of the day!

And yay for a Tessa Dare :) That is one I have not read, so I look forward to hearing how it lands on you.

>213 katiekrug: Thank you, Katie! I keep finding myself holding my breath because I want it for her so much.

Mine is off to a good start - we'll see if it holds up.

Thank heavens for a good day. It seems like it's been a long time. I hope it continues and that she can totally enjoy it.

>215 RebaRelishesReading: Reba, thank you so much for that!

More cheers for Tessa Dare from me. I got all excited thinking I'd missed one. Sadly, not.

I love the penguins. Someone has good taste there!

>208 Crazymamie: I love the penguins LOL!
I hope Abby's day has continued to be as good as it started out.

Morning, Mamie. Happy Wednesday. I plan on hitting the trails this AM, despite the blustery weather. Things get cold again tomorrow. I watched The Good, the Bad and the ugly last night. Despite it's epic length, it is still a terrific film. The 3 leads are perfect. I watched Fistful of Dollars a couple of weeks ago.

>217 charl08: Now Charlotte, why I am not surprised that you have read them all?!

Abby adores penguins and has quite the collection.

>218 lauralkeet: *grin*

Abby had an episode about 5pm, but the rest of the day was god for her, so we are counting it as a win.

>219 msf59: Morning, Mark! Happy Wednesday. No bluster here - we have the French doors to the screened-in porch open. Currently it's 46F out there, but I really needed some fresh air, so...Going to 72F today.

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly and Fistful of Dollars are both great films. The music from those has become iconic.

I've had the window into my room cracked for days both for fresh...if cold air and because the heater is next to my bed so I need the chill to survive.

>222 richardderus: Totally get that, Richard. Love me some fresh air. *smooch*

Morning Mamie!! I need to binge Clint's spaghetti westerns. I love them all - in fact all of Clint's movies.
Have a good one!

>224 Carmenere: Morning, Lynda! I love most of his movies - he is just fun to watch.

Hoping your day is also a good one!

>208 Crazymamie: Aw! So cute!

I'm glad to hear Abby is feeling better, Mamie.

I wanted to let you know that a month or so ago you got me with a book bullet - Dubliners. I just picked up the same Penguin classics edition and it is just beautiful (I love that series). I've been wanting to give Joyce a try and your comments gave me a good nudge. Now I just need to start it...

>226 Copperskye: Thank you, Joanne!

I am so happy to have hit you with a book bullet - especially such a lovely one. Those Penguin deluxe Classics are my favorite. Hoping you love it as much as I did.

Morning, Mamie. Sweet Thursday. Looks like we will have rain today, turning to snow this afternoon. I hope for a dry spell to take Juno out. Otherwise, it will be me, Juno and the books.

Morning! We have made it to Thursday, and honestly, that feels close enough to Friday so I am taking my day full of lazy today. Yesterday was a busy one, and Birdy and I got a ton of stuff done. I also did the marketing. And five miles on the bike. Today no promises about anything.

Yesterday in the late afternoon Birdy and I watched three episodes of Fruits Basket. In the late evening I watched an episode of Vera - the rest of the house was sleeping and I felt very decadent with my glass of wine and my headphones and the latest season of Vera. A stolen moment.

On the reading front, I listened to The Wind in the Willows while cycling. In the wee small hours I read some more from The Bastards of Pizzofalcone.

The coffee today is Toasted Coconut Mocha.

>228 msf59: Morning, Mark! Sweet Thursday. We are supposed to get rain tomorrow. Today it is sunny and going to 79F. Ugh. Hoping you can snag a break in your weather to walk the dog.

Morning, Mamie! I have a cup of the Toasted Coconut Mocha this morning, too, and I'm loving it! Also, woot for a lazy day! Same here, now that I have the menu planning and grocery list ready for tomorrow.

Morning, Amber! Hooray for Toasted Coconut Mocha! I am very much in need of a lazy day, so the timing is perfect that I can make today one. Good luck with the menu planning and grocery list - I am so happy to have done that yesterday.

Enjoy your lazy day!

How is Birdy, by the way? Tell her I said hi :)

>233 katiekrug: Thank you, Katie! Birdy is sitting right here, and she says Hi back. She is doing great, and honestly, without her help I do not know how we would be getting through life right now. She and Abby have a really great story arc that they are going to develop into a series of graphic novels, so they are working on that a lot.

>234 Crazymamie: - That's so cool about their graphic novel! I don't much read GNs, but I'll purchase it when it's published :)

‘Morning, Mamie. Happy Thursday to you.

>205 Crazymamie: And you would be sooooo welcome to visit! I’d love it.

>208 Crazymamie: Oooh, so wonderful. Sneaky kitty. Sneaky photographer.

>221 victoriaramirez4: and >223 Crazymamie: We have only 4 of the … rapidly counting… 25 windows in the house screened, so fresh air is confined to two bedrooms a hallway, and the Sunroom. But Jenna and I actually ate lunch outside yesterday – in the fresh air – and it was quite wonderful.

>230 Crazymamie: We love Vera. I’ve been in the black hole of soccer recently so we aren’t watching much of anything else, but it’s an outstanding series. Thanks for the reminder.

>234 Crazymamie: I love to hear about all your children – thanks for sharing about Birdy and Abby.

>235 katiekrug: What Katie said.

>235 katiekrug: You are so sweet!! It's still in early stages, but their world building is really cool. I love hearing them talk about it.

>236 karenmarie: Morning, Karen! Happy Thursday.

*smile* That would be lovely.

Mercy is a hoot and keeps us on our toes almost as much as Mayhem does. Abby is very good with capturing the cat antics.

There were no screens in any of the windows when we moved in here, which came as a shock as it was not something we thought to check. Craig has made screens for all of the windows we want to open, and it is a wonderful thing. I love to have the French doors to the screened in porch open as often as possible, but sadly, that is not often down here with the heat and humidity. Love eating outdoors at restaurants - so glad you got to do that yesterday.

Rae and I both adore Vera! I was very excited when I realized that season twelve was available.

You are welcome - I am always happy to share.

Like Katie, you are so sweet!!

Hi Mamie - I just heard about this film and, of course, thought of you!

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6722802/

>230 Crazymamie: 79&deg...in February...which lawyer is representing you in the Federal lawsuit demanding that spring be reinstated?

Somehow I got hopelessly behind on your threads, Mamie, but here I am sort-of caught up. Glad Abby's having some better days and getting settled in the new room. What version of Fruits Basket are you watching? I own an older one, but it was redone in 2019, I think, and I have yet to watch that one but it's on my list.

Just keeping current and popping in to say Hi!

Morning, Mamie. Happy Friday. I may have to check out "Vera". Currently, I am hooked on both "Trapped" (Prime) and "Single Drunk Female" (Hulu). I highly recommend both. I have Jackson duties today and then I will be bringing him back here in the early afternoon, so Sue can get some loving in.

Hi Mamie! Best wishes to you and yours. Aiming to get back into the action here. I missed you and all the Georgia pecans. I might even do some reading later today. Oh ye gods!

>238 katiekrug: Whoot! How did I miss that one? I had not heard of it, so thanks so much for bringing it to my attention, Katie. You da Bomb.

>239 richardderus: Right?! It was gross for February. Today is it much cooler as we have a storm front moving in. It's currently 57F, but still 72% humidity. Rain and high winds and it has brought a killer hedahce for me with it. Fun times. *smooch*

>240 bell7: No worries, Mary. I almost always feel hopelessly behind on the threads. Abby had an excellent day yesterday and is having a good day today so that is very happy making.

We are watching the newer version, which The Girls say is better than the original. It is full of fabulous. Hoping you can get to it sooner rather than later.

>241 Berly: Hello, Kim! Thanks for stopping in and delurking.

>242 msf59: Afternoon, Mark! Happy Friday. We love Vera. I mentioned on your thread that I had watched the first episode of Trapped and really liked it - it's one that Laura mentioned when I asked for things to watch on Acorn. We do not subscribe to Hulu currently, but I will make a note of that title for a later date.

Friday and Jackson sound like a winning combination.

>243 weird_O: Hello, Bill!! I am most excited to see you here. Thank you for the good wishes and for missing us. We have missed you, too. Hoping you do return to action here on the threads, And reading, too! Take it easy and don't overdue it. Baby steps and all that, Oh Weird One.

Yesterday was slow and lazy and completely indulgent. Birdy, Abby, and I played Everdell in the morning - Birdy won. Again. We made nachos for lunch, and then Abby went off to nap while Birdy and I gamed. In the evening, Rae, Birdy, and I re-watched favorite episodes of Bones.

On the reading front, nothing got done until the wee small hours when I read more from The Bastards of Pizzofalcone. I really need to get going with the books again.

The coffee today was hazelnut.

*We have a weather front coming through, and I have a terrible headache, so I will not be making my rounds on the threads today - hopefully tomorrow.

Hi Mamie! I hope your Friday has improved. Headaches are a bummer - for me, there's usually no reading, just staring at a television screen. Ha it doesn't matter if it off or on.
Anyway, hope the front and the headache move on so you can enjoy the remainder of the weekend :)

>246 Crazymamie: Delurking to commiserate with you on the headache.
Mine is likely due to hidden sulfites in food that used to be 'safe' for me to eat.

I hope your headache has abated and you can enjoy your Saturday!

>247 Carmenere: Hello, Lynda! Friday was kind of a lost cause, but I am feeling better today. I did manage some reading but not until about 10pm. Thank you so much for your good wishes.

>248 SandyAMcPherson: Sorry about the hidden sulfites, Sandy. Hoping you are feeling better today.

>249 katiekrug: Thank you, Katie. Much better today.

*edited to fix the post reference

Happy Saturday, Angel Flower. I'm going to do something shockingly mean to you: Kath addicted me to a 27-volume cozy mystery series set on the Isle of Man, starting with Aunt Bessie Assumes (Isle of Man #1) by Diana Xarissa and I stayed up until 2am reading it. Involving enough to keep me reading, not tricksy or cutesy, and deeply satisfying reading. Plus cheap on 'Kindle (some in the series are free). #sorrynotsorry

Morning, Everyone! Crisp this morning for Georgia - just 37F and only 61% humidity, which feels like a gift. Going to 60F today, which is much cooler than it has been lately. Yesterday was a bit of a bust because of the headache, but there was Mexican takeaway for lunch. I watched an old movie that I came across starring Bess Armstrong, who is a favorite of mine, and the cast included Celeste Holm. It was called This Girl for Hire - not great but also not terrible. Made in 1983.

On the reading front, no reading until late, but I got started on Ivanhoe, which Stasia and I are reading together. I'm listening to the audio narrated by Davie Rintoul, who is fabulous, and following along on my Kindle. The Kindle edition I have has some great illustrations and a few annotations. It's this one:



In the wee small hours, I read more from The Bastards of Pizzofalcone.

The coffee today is hazelnut.

>251 richardderus: Happy Saturdayness, BigDaddy! I'm adding that title to The List, thank you very much. I actually don't mind being hit with a new series - I love being spoilt for choice. Heh. So, SO lovely to see you here! *smooch*

Well, I am belatedly checking in, just in time for you to start a new thread, lol

Have a wonderful weekend, Mamie!

>254 alcottacre: It's never too late, Stasia! Hoping your weekend is also full of some wonder. I know it is not an easy weekend for you.

>252 Crazymamie: Ivanhoe's a odd book, part riot, part lecture, part eww factor. I look forward to seeing what you make if it.

>256 Helenliz: Oh, dear! I have read the first five chapters so far, and the plan is to get to chapter 10 today. My only other experience with Scott is Waverley, which Stasia and I read together last year.

I am pleased that the headache has dissipated, Mamie.

>256 Helenliz: I agree with Helen that Ivanhoe is a strange book - a heroine who he is ambivalent about and of a race he is just as ambivalent about. Not my favourite of his but oddly readable. xx

>252 Crazymamie: I remember reading Ivanhoe in 11th grade because I'd found a list of books that said it was an 11th grade reading level and so I wanted to read it. I don't remember much other than having to read with a dictionary next to me and encountering the word "perfidious" (doesn't that just roll of the tongue?) for the very first time.

>258 PaulCranswick: Me, too, Paul!

I'm still not far enough into Ivanhoe to render an opinion - I feel like he is still setting things in motion.

>259 bell7: I love the word perfidious, Mary! I had a teacher who used that word all the time along with pernicious while I was doing my intern year at the hospital, and it cracked me up. I had to look up Palmer as I was not familiar with that term. I love Kindle for this type of read because I can just highlight the word and pull up the dictionary or Wikipedia. SO easy.

We had a lazy Sunday morning today. Craig went out and brought back doughnuts, and Daniel came over to hang out. We watched A Knight's Tale (Daniel's favorite movie) while enjoying our maple glazed doughnuts and coffee. Yum. Now I have the laundry going and we are are going to tidy up the kitchen and do the vacuuming. Right - not nearly as fun but at least productive.

Last night Rae and I watched an episode of The Brokenwood Mysteries and an episode of Agatha Raisin. There was a charcuterie board and wine, so it was full of fabulous.

On the reading front, I did not get much done - listened to some of Ivanhoe, and in the wee small hours I read more in The Bastards of Pizzofalcone.

The coffee today is hazelnut.