klobrien2 Karen O Reads in 2023 -- Part 2

I live in Minnesota. This past weekend, people in the northern part of the state were treated to a light show from aurora borealis, the Northern Lights. These photos are all from a Facebook group, That's So Minnesota (Credits: 1. Jeff Schad, Askov, MN; 2. Kristin Bergstrom Gibbs, Grand Marais, MN; and (3) Ben Sunne, International Falls, MN.):







Welcome to my second 2023 reading thread!

I've been with the 75-bookers for many years now, and I enjoy so much the camaraderie and book talk that happens here. I'm very glad to join with you all again!

The year 2023 has continues to be a terrific time for reading. I find myself reading pretty much as the spirit leads. I participate in the American Author Challenge, and plan to continue with them. A long-term project of mine is to accomplish reads from the "1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die" book, so that may guide my reading a little. Current 1001 Books count: 215.

What directs my reading more are my friends here on LT, so keep those recommendations coming!

This is my fifteenth year participating in the 75 Books Challenge. In 2009, I read 94 books; in 2010, I made it to 148!; 153 in 2011; 160 in 2012; 114 in 2013; 92 in 2014; 109 in 2015; 145 in 2016, 210 in 2017, 200 in 2018, 180 in 2019, 225 (3 x 75!) in 2020, 242 in 2021, 286 in 2022. In 2023? Maybe I'll shoot for 287?

In addition to reading books, I've also discovered the world of Great Courses DVD lifelong learning courses. I love them! Below is a list of the courses I've completed, and I will try to always have at least one course going all the time.

A list of the Great Courses I have done can be found here: https://www.librarything.com/topic/331920

I've also begun some serious magazine reading, using my public library as source once again. I keep track of and read some fifteen magazines, on a range of topics: science, quilting, nature, birding, cats, news, etc.

I read three newspapers, two daily (St. Paul Pioneer Press and the Minneapolis Star Tribune), and one more on Sundays -- the New York Times). I also read a lot of daily newsletters from the NYTimes.

Here's where I'll list the books I read (the number at the end of each line represents the post number where I listed the book).

Books from January and February are detailed on my "Part 1" thread: https://www.librarything.com/topic/347174#

The books I read in January:

1. Yellowrocket by Todd Boss
2. Mara's Stories: Glimmers in the Darkness by Gary Schmidt
3. Flying Solo: A Novel by Linda Holmes
4. Murder in the Dark (Phryne Fisher #16) by Kerry Greenwood
5. The Lost Soul by Olga Tokarczuk
6. Agatha Raisin and the Wellspring of Death (Agatha Raisin #7) by M. C. Beaton
7. Molly on the Range: Recipes and Stories from an Unlikely Life on a Farm by Molly Yeh
8. Game of Thrones, Vol. 4 (Graphic) by Daniel Abrahamson
9. The Canary Trainer: From the Memoirs of John H. Watson, MD by Nicholas Meyer
10. Noah's Ark: From Genesis, Chapters 6 - 9 ad. by Linda Falken, from Metropolitan Museum of Art
11. Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Alliance by Larry Millett
12. Cat Kid Comic Club: On Purpose (Cat Kid Comic Club #3) by Dav Pilkey
13. Breakdowns: Portrait of the Artist as a Young &@&*! by Art Spiegelman
14. The Paper Chase by John Jay Osborn Jr
15. Cat Kid Comic Club: Collaborations (Cat Kid Comic Club #4) by Dav Pilkey
16. Captain Carter: Woman Out of Time by Jamie Mckelvie
17. Moonflower Murders (Susan Reyland #2) by Anthony Horowitz
18. Troll Magic: Hidden Folk from the Mountains and Forests of Norway by Theodor Kittelsen, trans. Tiina Nunnally
19. Milk Street: The World in a Skillet by Christopher Kimball
20. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum
21. Selected Poems by U. A. Fanthorpe
22. Number One is Walking: My Life in the Movies and Other Diversions by Steve Martin, illus. Harry Bliss
23. Agatha Raisin and the Wizard of Evesham (Agatha Raisin #8) by M. C. Beaton

The books I read in February:

24. Zabar's: A Family Story, with Recipes by Lori Zabar
25. The Twilight Man: Rod Serling and the Birth of Television by Koren Shadmi
26. Home is Where the Eggs Are: Farmhouse Food for the People You Love by Molly Yeh
27. Museum Masterpieces: The Metropolitan Museum of Art by Richard Brettell
28. A Wealth of Pigeons: A Cartoon Collection by Harry Bliss and Steve Martin
29. Bleeding Heart Yard: A Novel by Elly Griffiths
30. "Modulation," from Best American Short Stories 2009, by Richard Powers
31. Foster by Claire Keegan
32. Library Lion by Michelle Knudsen, ill. by Kevin Hawkes
33. Agatha Raisin and the Witch of Wyckhadden (Agatha Raisin #9) by M. C. Beaton
34. The Adventures of Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi, ill. Robert Ingpen
35. Hickory Wind: The Life and Times of Gram Parsons by Ben Fong-Torres
36. Where the Wild Things Are: The Art of Maurice Sendak by Maurice Sendak
37. Agate: What Good is a Moose? by Joy Morgan Dey and Nikki Johnson
38. A Hole is to Dig by Ruth Krauss, ill. Maurice Sendak
39. Enola Holmes: The Missing Marquess (Enola Holmes #1) by Nancy Springer
40. Where the Sidewalk Ends: The Poems and Drawings of Shel Silverstein
41. Agatha Raisin and the Fairies of Fryfam (Agatha Raisin #10) by M. C. Beaton
42. Verity by Colleen Hoover
43. Small Batch Bakes: Baking Cakes, Cookies, Bars and Buns for One to Six People by Edd Kimber
44. The Cathedral (Great Courses) by William R. Cook
45. Triple Jeopardy (Nero Wolfe #20) by Rex Stout
46. Marigold and Rose: A Fiction by Louise Gluck
47. Lugosi: The Rise and Fall of Hollywood's Dracula by Koren Shadmi
48. No Filter: The Good, the Bad, and the Beautiful by Pauline Porizkova
49. Creature: Paintings, Drawings, and Reflections by Shaun Tan

The books I read in March:

50. Agatha Raisin and the Love from Hell (Agatha Raisin #11) by M. C. Beaton -- 11
51. The Case of the Left-Handed Lady: An Enola Holmes Mystery (Enola Holmes #2) by Nancy Springer -- 18
52. Barnum's Bones: How Barnum Brown Discovered the Most Famous Dinosaur in the World by Tracey Fern, ill. Boris Kulikov -- 28
53. Murder on a Midsummer Night (Phryne Fisher #17) by Kerry Greenwood -- 29
54. Treasures of Egypt: A Legacy of Photographs from the Pyramids to Cleopatra, ed. Ann R. Williams -- 37
55. 1066: The Year That Changed Everything (Great Courses) by Jennifer Paxton -- 43
56. Feels Like Home: A Song for the Sonoran Borderlands by Linda Ronstadt and Lawrence Downes, photographs by Bill Steen -- 56
57. Fen, Bog, and Swamp: A Short History of Peatland Destruction and it Role in the Climate Crisis by Annie Proulx -- 65
58. American Cult: A Graphic History of Religious Cults in America from the Colonial Era to Today, ed. by Robyn Chapman -- 69
59. Bliss on Toast: 75 Simple Recipes by Prue Leith -- 77
60. Agatha Raisin and the Day the Floods Came (Agatha Raisin #12) by M. C. Beaton -- 97
61. The Red Green Book: Wit and Wisdom from Possum Lodge by Red Green (Steve Smith and Rick Green) -- 103
62. North: Poems by Seamus Heaney -- 108
63. Maud Martha by Gwendolyn Brooks -- 110
64. The Rise of Rome (Great Courses) by Gregory S. Aldrete -- 111

I read these books in April:

65. Dr. No by Percival Everett -- 116
66. On Noah's Ark by Jan Brett -- 117
67. Arrowsmith #2: Behind Enemy Lines by Kurt Busiek -- 129
68. The Best American Poetry 2021, guest editor Tracy K. Smith -- 136
69. The Idea of North: The Paintings of Larwen Harris -- 138
70. Agatha Raisin and the Case of the Curious Curate (Agatha Raisin #13) by M. C. Beaton -- 145
71. Mirette on the High Wire by Emily Arnold McCully -- 148
72. The Next Place by Warren Henry -- 149
73. The Case of the Bizarre Bouquets (Enola Holmes #3) by Nancy Springer -- 151
74. Enola Holmes: The Graphic Novels, Volume 1 by Cerena Blasco -- 155
75. Agatha Raisin and the Haunted House (Agatha Raisin #14) by M. C. Beaton -- 207
76. Musical Tables: Poetry by Billy Collins -- 222
77. Dead Man's Chest (Phryne Fisher #18) by Kerry Greenwood -- 230
78. Primates: The Fearless Science of Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, and Birute Galdikas by Jim Ottaviani and Maris Wicks -- 235
79. Two Old Women: An Alaska Legend of Betrayal, Courage, and Survival by Velma Wallis, ill. Jim Grant -- 236
80. Big Tree by Brian Selznick -- 241

Here is where I'll list the authors selected for the 2023 American Authors Challenge, the books I will read, and if I complete them (here's hoping!)

2023 AAC
JANUARY: Children’s classics: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum - COMPLETED
FEBRUARY: Richard Powers: short story "Modulation" -- COMPLETED
MARCH: Poetry: The Best American Poetry 2021, ed. David Lehman -- Reading, North by Seamus Heaney
APRIL: Ursula Hegi -- Going to skip
MAY: John Edgar Wideman
JUNE: Mary Gordon
JULY: US Presidents as authors
AUGUST: Percival Everett
SEPT: American Ladies of Crime
OCT,: Dorothy Canfield Fisher
NOV.: Canadian authors
DEC.: Benjamin Alire Saenz
WILD CARD: AAC 2014 REDUX

My 2003 "Books Read" list (casually kept, and probably incomplete): http://librata.blogspot.com/2012/04/karens-2003-reading-list.html
My 2004 "Books Read" list (see above caveats: things get better!):
http://librata.blogspot.com/2012/04/karens-2004-reading-list.html
My 2005 "Books Read" list (most pathetic list yet): http://librata.blogspot.com/2012/04/karens-2005-reading-list.html
My 2006 "Books Read" list : http://librata.blogspot.com/2012/04/karens-2006-reading-list.htm
My 2007 "Books Read" list : http://librata.blogspot.com/2012/04/karens-2007-reading-list.html
My 2008 "Books Read" list : http://librata.blogspot.com/2012/04/karens-2008-reading-list.html
My 2009 "Books Read" list : http://librata.blogspot.com/2012/04/karens-2009-reading-list.html
My 2010 "Books Read" list : http://librata.blogspot.com/2012/04/karens-2010-reading-list.html

Here is a link to my last thread from 2011: http://www.librarything.com/topic/122919

Here is a link to my last thread from 2012: http://www.librarything.com/topic/138897

Here is a link to my last thread from 2013:
http://www.librarything.com/topic/156012

Here is a link to my thread from 2014: http://www.librarything.com/topic/163564

Here is a link to my thread from 2015: https://www.librarything.com/topic/186139

Here is a link to my thread from 2016: http://www.librarything.com/topic/211096

Here is a link to my last thread from 2017: http://www.librarything.com/topic/268142#

Here is a link to my last thread from 2018: https://www.librarything.com/topic/298557

Here is a link to my one-and-only thread from 2019: https://www.librarything.com/topic/301738

The books I've read in the first half of 2020 (115 of them) are here: https://www.librarything.com/topic/314888

The books I read in the second half of 2020 are here: https://www.librarything.com/topic/322010#

The books I read in the first half of 2021 are here:
https://www.librarything.com/topic/328372#

The books I read in the second half of 2021 are here: https://www.librarything.com/topic/333390#

The books I read in the first quarter of 2022 are here: https://www.librarything.com/topic/338204#n7791489

The books I read in April and May of 2022 are here: https://www.librarything.com/topic/340601#n7851702

The books I read in June, July, part of August of 2022 are here: https://www.librarything.com/topic/342092#

The books I read in August through part of October of 2022 are here:
https://www.librarything.com/topic/343494#n7961305

The books I read from October to the end of year are here:
https://www.librarything.com/topic/345382#

Good reading to you!

Every Friday, I make an assessment where I am with my reading, and plan for the next week. Here is last Friday's

Friday Reading Roundup!

Because I rely on libraries so much for my reading (and do so much eBook reading), what I'm reading at any given time changes often, and changes quickly.

Karen's current reading (02/24/2023):

Actively reading

Treasures of Egypt: A Legacy of Photographs from the Pyramids to Cleopatra, ed. A. R. Williams -- p. 67 of 393
Agatha Raisin and the Love from Hell by M. C. Beaton
Murder on a Midsummer Night (Phryne Fisher #17) by Kerry Greenwood -- p. 50 of 220
Prisoner's Base (Nero Wolfe #21) by Rex Stout
Enola Holmes: The Case of the Left-Handed Lady (#2) by Nancy Springer -- p. 33 of 234
Have I Told You This Already?: Stories I Don't Want to Forget to Remember by Lauren Graham
No Filter: The Good, The Bad, and the Beautiful by Paulina Porizkova -- p.61 of 220
Priestdaddy by Patricia Lockwood

I try to participate in the American Authors Challenge. In February, we are reading works by Richard Powers (author of Overstory). I read a short story, "Modulation." In March we are reading Poetry. I plan to read: The Best American Poetry 2021, Tracy K. Smith, editor.

I usually am reading/watching Great Courses. Possibilities for my next course: 1066: The Year That Changed Everything. The Rise of Rome, and Ancient Mesopotamia: Life in the Cradle of Civilization. Which will I get from the library first??

On the Short List for Getting Read

The Off-Islanders by Nathaniel Benchley -- p. 2 of 238
Hollowpox: The Hunt for Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend -- p. 8 of 548 (little pages)
Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont by Elizabeth Taylor -- p. 14 of 138
The Adventure of the Peculiar Protocols by Nicholas Meyer -- p. 3 of 238
Eventide by Kent Haruf -- p. 41 of 281
The Disappearance of Sherlock Holmes by Larry Millett -- p. 0 of 340

Coming to me this weekend:

Fen, Bog, and Swamp by Annie Proulx
An Immense World by Ed Jong
West with Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge

Not-So-Time-Sensitive-But-Still-Want-to-Get-to-Them (so, these are readily available to me although I might not be reading them quite yet or may have had to return them to the library; most are my own books).

Ragtime (1001 Books) by E. L. Doctorow -- p. 58 of 210
Marple: Twelve New Stories by assorted authors
Fairy Tale by Stephen King

Very colourful topper, Karen.

Happy new thread, dear lady.

Happy New Thread, Karen. Hooray for the Northern Lights! Friends of mine just went to Iceland to specifically see the Northern Lights but due to constant cloud cover, missed out. I have never seen them either.

Are you watching anything good? I am loving Narcos (S2) and Single Drunk Female. I also just started Irma Vep on HBO. A slow burn, but I like it.

Happy new thread!

Happy new one, Karen! Thanks for sharing the pictures of the Northern Lights.

Happy new thread, Karen!

>1 klobrien2: I just happened to see the Northern Lights last Monday, a few miles from my home!
It is very rare that it can be seen so far south, so we were very lucky that the sky was clear.

The pictures you show are even more incredible.

>4 msf59: Hi, Mark! I’ll respond to you comment about the northern lights and your question about what I’m currently watching by telling you that we watched the first episode of “The Reluctant Traveler with Eugene Levy” (Apple+) and really liked it. The first episode found Levy in Finland, and the northern lights were one new experience for him.

We’re also about halfway through season 1 of “Trapped” and really liking it (thank you!), “Party Down” (Starz), and “Madame Blanc Mysteries” (Acorn). I’ll have to check out the shows you listed!

>3 PaulCranswick: Hi, Paul! Good to see you here!

>5 drneutron: Thanks!

>6 katiekrug: Thanks, and you’re more than welcome!

>7 FAMeulstee: So cool that you saw the lights close to home! I have never seen them in person myself—that should go on my bucket list!

Thank you all so much for stopping by!

I am gobsmacked to have gotten this Wordle-in-2! I’d just been joking with Art that, since he solved it in 3, I would solve it in 2. I’ll try this strategy every day, I think!

Wordle 621 2/6 irate, above

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50. Agatha Raisin and the Love from Hell (Agatha Raisin #10) by M. C. Beaton



A lot of fun and a pleasant read. There was a little more in-depth treatment of Sir Charles and why he is the way he is (!) Agatha, as always, is interesting and very funny.

I will have to check out “The Reluctant Traveler with Eugene Levy” . Thanks. How is "Party Down"? I loved the original series but I was automatically skeptical on the reboot.

We’re actually only about a third of the way through season 2 of “Party Down” so I have no insight into the reboot. Will have to wait and see, I guess.

Wordle 622 4/6 irate, about, taunt, squat

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Friday Reading Roundup!

Because I rely on libraries so much for my reading (and do so much eBook reading), what I'm reading at any given time changes often, and changes quickly.

Karen's current reading (03/03/2023):

Actively reading

Treasures of Egypt: A Legacy of Photographs from the Pyramids to Cleopatra, ed. A. R. Williams -- p. 205 of 393
Murder on a Midsummer Night (Phryne Fisher #17) by Kerry Greenwood -- p. 71 of 220
Prisoner's Base (Nero Wolfe #21) by Rex Stout -- p. 6 of 186
Enola Holmes: The Case of the Left-Handed Lady (#2) by Nancy Springer -- p. 82 of 234
Fen, Bog, and Swamp by Annie Proulx -- p. 3 of 196

I try to participate in the American Authors Challenge. In March we are reading Poetry. I plan to read: The Best American Poetry 2021, Tracy K. Smith, editor -- p. 5 of 208

I usually am reading/watching Great Courses. My current courses are: 1066: The Year That Changed Everything and The Rise of Rome ("1066" is a short course, only 6 sessions).

On the Short List for Getting Read

The Off-Islanders by Nathaniel Benchley -- p. 2 of 238
Hollowpox: The Hunt for Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend -- p. 8 of 548 (little pages)
Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont by Elizabeth Taylor -- p. 14 of 138
The Adventure of the Peculiar Protocols by Nicholas Meyer -- p. 3 of 238
The Disappearance of Sherlock Holmes by Larry Millett -- p. 0 of 340

Coming to me this weekend:

Q-Squared by Peter David
American Cult (Graphic Novel) by Robyn Chapman
Barnum's Bones by Tracy E. Fern
Feels Like Home by Linda Ronstadt
Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes

Not-So-Time-Sensitive-But-Still-Want-to-Get-to-Them (so, these are readily available to me although I might not be reading them quite yet or may have had to return them to the library; most are my own books).

Eventide by Kent Haruf -- p. 41 of 281
Ragtime (1001 Books) by E. L. Doctorow -- p. 58 of 210
Marple: Twelve New Stories by assorted authors
Fairy Tale by Stephen King

Wordle 623 3/6 irate, crept, trend

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Happy new thread!

51. The Case of the Left-Handed Lady: An Enola Holmes Mystery (Enola Holmes #2) by Nancy Springer



Enola Holmes is on her own, a master of disguise, and a champion of the downtrodden. A young lady has gone missing, and Enola is on the case.

>17 figsfromthistle: Thanks! See you around!

I found today’s Wordle a LEET-le difficult, but made it. Phew!

Wordle 624 5/6 irate, night, twill, topic, toxic

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Fer cryin’ out loud! (Art and I have using this line since A Christmas Story…

Wordle 625 5/6 irate, cloud, shiny, ninny, pinky

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Karen O's "Watching William Wyler Film Festival" (from Wikipedia entry)

Year........Film......................Category......................Result
...................................Academy Awards
1936 Dodsworth..................Best Director.................Nominated
1939 Wuthering Heights..........................................Nominated
1940 The Letter......................................................Nominated
1941 The Little Foxes..............................................Nominated
1942 Mrs. Miniver...................................................Won
1946 The Best Years of Our Lives..............................Won
1949 The Heiress.................Best Picture..................Nominated
.........................................Best Director.................Nominated
1952 Detective Story...............................................Nominated
1953 Roman Holiday.............Best Picture..................Nominated
.........................................Best Director.................Nominated
1956 Friendly Persuasion......Best Picture...................Nominated
.........................................Best Director.................Nominated
1959 Ben-Hur........................................................Won
1965 The Collector..................................................Nominated
.....................Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award.....Won
.....................Directors Guild of America
1952 Detective Story............Outstanding Directorial Achievement.....Nominated
1954 Roman Holiday....................................................................Nominated
1957 Friendly Persuasion..............................................................Nominated
1959 The Big Country...................................................................Nominated
1960 Ben-Hur..............................................................................Won
1962 The Children's Hour..............................................................Nominated
1966 ................Lifetime Achievement Award
1969 Funny Girl...................Outstanding Directorial Achievement.....Nominated

Hi, Karen. Have a good time with Mr. Wyler. I love classic films and I am big fan of this director. A month or so ago, I watched and enjoyed "The Heiress". You reminded me that I want to rewatch The Best Years of Our Lives. Fantastic film. The Bette Davis films are very good too.

Wordle 626 3/6 irate, chore, horse

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>23 msf59: I’m planning to watch all of the William Wyler movies, Mark. I’ve got a few DVDs home from the library, including “The Heiress.” Looking forward to watching it!

I read a bit about Wyler—he picked up a nickname, “Forty Take Wyler,” because of his insistence that they keep filming until the scene was exactly right. Yikes!

Thanks for stopping by to chat!

We finished up watching the second season of “Madame Blanc Mysteries” last night. Fun show, fun characters, reminds me of “Lovejoy” sometimes with its featuring of antiques.

Had such a good time reading, not one, but THREE "Booklist" magazines (they were long in coming to me, maybe some librarian was sitting on them). I tell you, it's like the proverbial "kid in the candy store" to have all that bookish information right in front of one! Requested lots, put others on my TBR here on LibraryThing.

52. Barnum's Bones: How Barnum Brown Discovered the Most Famous Dinosaur in the World by Tracey Fern, ill. Boris Kulikov



Great book for a budding paleontologist, or anyone with an interest in dinosaurs. Lots of great illustrations and back story on Barnum Brown.

53. Murder on a Midsummer Night (Phryne Fisher #17) by Kerry Greenwood



Phryne has two cases to solve in the heat of an Australian summer. As always, the book is engaging and the characters are so interesting. Fun read for a snowy afternoon!

William Wyler update: In my project to watch every William-Wyler-directed film I can get my hands on, and in my new approach, to watch them as much in chronological order as I can, I watched Dodsworth today. Made in 1936, stars Walter Huston, Ruth Chatterton, and Mary Astor. Won Oscars for Best Picture and Best Actor. Wyler as nominated, but didn't win. I really liked the film--again I'm struck by how intelligent and "modern" it seems. Watched it on Prime (included in subscription).

Hi Karen! How did I miss that you are a Minnesotan? I moved there in high school and lived there for several years. My brother is still there. You topper photos of the Northern Lights and the 3 Seasons at once on your old thread are amazing! William Wyler spells his name wrong. There should be an E in there, like in mine. ; )

>2 klobrien2: Hello, Karen, I've finally made it over to your thread. Those pictures of the aurora are spectacular! I'm envious; I've always wanted to see the northern lights.

>22 klobrien2: I am also a fan of classic movies, and Wyler is a good choice. Looking at that list, I see that I've watched most of them. There are a lot of good ones in there! Enjoy your viewing!

>31 Berly: Hi, Berly! Thanks for stopping by to chat!

>32 atozgrl: Good to see you here! I’m really enjoying my William Wyler viewing. I’m finding the combination of excellent actors, great writing, and Wyler’s wonderful directing is a great combination. Thanks for visiting!

Wordle 627 3/6 irate, eager, regal

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I saw Dodsworth decades ago. I remember loving it but I don't remember much about it. Always great to see Walter Huston. My favorite of his, being Treasure of the Sierra Madre, directed by his son John.

>35 msf59: They're a talented family, aren't they?! I might have to have a Huston Fest at some point, I guess. I sure am enjoying my Watching Wyler thing. Next up is "Wuthering Heights."

Thanks for the film tips, my fellow cinephile!

54. Treasures of Egypt: A Legacy in Photographs from the Pyramids to Cleopatra, ed. Ann R. Williams



Magnificent collection of photographs and writings about ancient Egypt, brought to us by the master of these photographic masterpieces, National Geographic.

The book is broken into subject areas, and each area features an introduction and additional sections of interest: "First Photos," "Digging Deeper," "The Seekers," and "Gods and Goddesses" were some of those sections.

The book is physically massive: I had to read it at a table in order to deal with the size and weight (serious poundage here!). I had the thrill of being the first one to read this particular copy of this book, I think--some of the heavily clay-bound pages would stick together a little, and that smell! of the printed photographs was deep.

Can't recommend this book highly enough--it's a treasure!

Wow! I might even be up for a Huston Fest. So many good ones. Let me know. I think one of the last ones I saw of his was Key Largo, which was fantastic.

>22 klobrien2: That is a great list and a lovely idea, Karen. I might do it with David Lean.

>39 PaulCranswick: It is a great idea, isn't it? I'll have to think about what directors I might want to do this with. Huston and Lean are both good ones, but there are also a lot more. Hmmm....

>39 PaulCranswick: >40 atozgrl: I recently watched Lean's Brief Encounter. Easily his quietest and most restrained film but an absolute gem.

Ooh, gosh, I want to see them all! My husband and I watched all of the Coen Brothers movies, and it was enlightening (and a lot of fun!) Last year I did a smaller "mini-fest" with the movies of Ernst Lubitsch (only two off the top of my head--"The Shop Around the Corner," and "Ninotchka"), and it was great watching. I would certainly love to join in if we get a Huston or a Lean one going. They both would be great.

Thank you all for your comments! See you around the threads!

55. 1066: The Year That Changed Everything (Great Courses) by Jennifer Paxton



Another great Great Course! (see what I did there?) I'd watched a course by Jennifer Paxton previously (my first, The Celtic World) and was pretty sure this one would be as good. Paxton is a great scholar, and a wonderful presenter. And this course has closed-captioning, thanks be!

Only six lessons of 30 minutes length each, so very quick to finish. The accompanying book is only 50 pages or so, so it to is quick to finish.

>41 msf59: I saw that one years ago and remember I really liked it. I had forgotten it was one of Lean's. I'll have to try to find it and watch it again.

>43 klobrien2: I've gotten some Great Courses on sale, but haven't found time to watch them yet. One more thing to add to my list! This one sounds fascinating!

>45 atozgrl: “1066” was fascinating, but I don’t think I’ve come across any of the courses that weren’t. I am an absolute history buff, so that helps. I also have great libraries at my disposal, so no financial impact to me.

Great to see you here!

A bit of flailing about there, but finally got it…Wordle has brought home to me how fascinating the English language is (at least, its five-letter-words).

Wordle 628 4/6 irate, rogue, spree, where

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“Phew!”, indeed!

Wordle 629 6/6 irate, berry, recur, renew, repel, revel

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Watched Wuthering Heights this afternoon. Really enjoyed it--oh, so romantic, and sad (used a few tissues). Film is from 1939, and it won an Oscar for the cinematography (quite beautiful). But only a nomination for William Wyler.

Lawrence Olivier was another one who complained about Wyler's repetitive, demanding direction. Wyler knew what he wanted and would work the actors until they gave it to him, I guess.

Olivier and Oberon are great in their roles as Heathcliff and Cathy, but I think a couple of supporting actors also steal the show--Geraldine Fitzgerald as Isabella and Flora Robson as Ellen are wonderful. And the scenery of the moors is gorgeous (although this was filmed in California!).

Next up are The Letter and The Little Foxes. I'm getting the first from ILL, and don't want to slow down, so I might go ahead with the second. They are from the same years (1940-1941).

Friday Reading Roundup!

Because I rely on libraries so much for my reading (and do so much eBook reading), what I'm reading at any given time changes often, and changes quickly.

Karen's current reading (03/10/2023):

Actively reading

Prisoner's Base (Nero Wolfe #21) by Rex Stout -- p. 17 of 186
Fen, Bog, and Swamp by Annie Proulx -- p. 15 of 196
Q-Squared by Peter David -- p. 12 of 434
American Cult (Graphic Novel) by Robyn Chapman -- p. 27 of 138
Feels Like Home by Linda Ronstadt -- p. 10 of 218

I try to participate in the American Authors Challenge. In March we are reading Poetry. I am reading The Best American Poetry 2021, Tracy K. Smith, editor -- p. 27 of 208

I usually am reading/watching Great Courses. My current course is The Rise of Rome -- lecture 0 of 24

On the Short List for Getting Read

Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes
The Off-Islanders by Nathaniel Benchley -- p. 2 of 238
Hollowpox: The Hunt for Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend -- p. 8 of 548 (little pages)
Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont by Elizabeth Taylor -- p. 14 of 138
The Adventure of the Peculiar Protocols by Nicholas Meyer -- p. 3 of 238
The Disappearance of Sherlock Holmes by Larry Millett -- p. 0 of 340

Just got these from the library:

Agatha Raisin and the Day the Floods Came by M. C. Beaton
The World Record Book of Racist Stories by Amber Ruffin and Lacey Lamarr
Enola Holmes: The Graphic Novel, Book One by Selena Blasco
Einstein (Graphic) by Ottavian and Dye
Profiles in Ignorance: How America's Politicians Got Dumber and Dumber by Andy Borowitz
Dead Man's Chest (Phryne Fisher) by Kerry Greenwood
The Case of the Bizarre Bouquets (Enola Holmes #3) by Nancy Springer

Not-So-Time-Sensitive-But-Still-Want-to-Get-to-Them (so, these are readily available to me although I might not be reading them quite yet or may have had to return them to the library; most are my own books).

The Word is Murder by Anthony Horowitz
IQ by Joe Ide
Eventide by Kent Haruf -- p. 41 of 281
Ragtime (1001 Books) by E. L. Doctorow -- p. 58 of 210
Marple: Twelve New Stories by assorted authors
Fairy Tale by Stephen King

My first word was very useful for me today! I am very pleased, but now dreading the pendulum swing…

Wordle 630 2/6 irate, email

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Little tugboat…

Wordle 631 3/6 irate, dirty, birth

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Wordle 632 3/6 irate, blade, blame

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I watched The Little Foxes, which was based on a play by Lillian Hellman (and she was the main writer for the screenplay for this movie also). My God, it was hard to watch such displays of greed and narcissism. There were a few good characters, but most were a hot mess.

But, the writing and the acting was top notch. The film received 9 Oscar nominations but didn't win any. This set a record, later tied by Peyton Place in 1957. I found it a bleak story, but very well-done.

Next up, I'd like to watch The Letter but still haven't received that from ILL. So, The Heiress is up next.

****************************************************************

Karen O's "Watching William Wyler Film Festival" (from Wikipedia entry)

Year........Film......................Category......................Result
...................................Academy Awards
1936 Dodsworth..................Best Director.................Nominated
1939 Wuthering Heights..........................................Nominated
1940 The Letter......................................................Nominated
1941 The Little Foxes..............................................Nominated
1942 Mrs. Miniver...................................................Won
1946 The Best Years of Our Lives..............................Won
1949 The Heiress.................Best Picture..................Nominated
.........................................Best Director.................Nominated
1952 Detective Story...............................................Nominated
1953 Roman Holiday.............Best Picture..................Nominated
.........................................Best Director.................Nominated
1956 Friendly Persuasion......Best Picture...................Nominated
.........................................Best Director.................Nominated
1959 Ben-Hur........................................................Won
1965 The Collector..................................................Nominated
.....................Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award.....Won
.....................Directors Guild of America
1952 Detective Story............Outstanding Directorial Achievement.....Nominated
1954 Roman Holiday....................................................................Nominated
1957 Friendly Persuasion..............................................................Nominated
1959 The Big Country...................................................................Nominated
1960 Ben-Hur..............................................................................Won
1962 The Children's Hour..............................................................Nominated
1966 ................Lifetime Achievement Award
1969 Funny Girl...................Outstanding Directorial Achievement.....Nominated

Phew! This was a antidote for smugness!

Wordle 633 6/6 irate, mourn, hurry, curvy, burly, surly

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(Note: How often does this happen?! The number of the read matches the number of the post!! Very cool!)

56. Feels Like Home: A Song for the Sonoran Borderlands by Linda Ronstadt and Lawrence Downes, photographs by Bill Steen



I really liked flagdele2451's succinct and descriptive review of this book, so I'm blatantly pulling it into this recap: "A very personal book including a good bit of family, regional, and music history. Evokes a strong sense of place and the Mexican/Indigenous/American history of Arizona and Northern Mexico. The photography is especially beautiful and the recipes have me drooling. A sure hit for any Ronstadt fan or those wishing to learn more about Tucson, the Sonoran Desert, and the surrounding area."

This is a gorgeous book, and it has so much to offer: it is a history book, but it is a family history, and a autobiography. It has beautiful photography, and yes, there are some recipes, and Ronstadt supplies substitutions for the regional supplies that might not be available everywhere. It offers arguments against the harassment of those who come to the border, seeking sanctuary. It labels the obstructing wall as an abomination against the Sonoran desert and its inhabitants (humans and other animals).

An all-around great read!

Just a few quotes:

1. A recipe has the cutest ending: "Assemble the feast: grilled steaks and onions piled into soft flour tortillas smeared with frijoles del la olla (p. 139), with guacamole and salsa (p. 119) on the side, salt for sprinkling, and lime wedges to squeeze over everything, including your cold Tecate beers. Add music and serve." (the bolding is mine).

2. In speaking of the immigrants who flood this part of the country: "Nobody in the world is more vulnerable than a refugee. She has no rights or protections in the country she left, none in the place she wants to go. America was practically invented to solve that problem, or at least that's what we Americans used to tell ourselves. But these days, The Statue of Liberty seems to be off the job."

3. "It's the songs that keep us connected--that tell us who we are, where we came from, and maybe where we're going. Even when it's dark and scary out. In my great-grandparents' and grandparents' day, other things might have seemed like they would connect us across all generations--the Spanish language, maybe, or our religious faith. But those are no longer the bedrock foundations they used to be.

"So I fall back on the music, the unbreakable chain of melody. It hasn't failed us yet.

"Also the food. Don't forget the food."

>56 klobrien2: - I haven't seen the book but have you seen the documentary about her that came out a few years ago, called The Sound of My Voice? It was wonderful.

Happy Wednesday, Karen. I love following your Wyler Marathon. I should see "Little Foxes" again. We talked about kicking off a John Huston Fest. I would be ready to watch The Maltese Falcon anytime.

>56 klobrien2: This does sound good. I love her music.

>57 jessibud2: Yes! The Sound of My Voice was wonderful. Her music was really a centerpiece in my youth; I’m so sad that her health prevents her singing. Feels Like Home helped get me past that feeling.

Thanks for stopping by to chat!

>58 msf59: Yes, let’s do the John Huston Fest! He made so many movies, maybe we could start with the earliest ones. How about this list:

The Maltese Falcon (1941)
Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948)
Key Largo (1948)
The Asphalt Jungle (1950)
The African Queen (1951)

I have seen a few of these (African Queen is one of my all-time faves) but I’m so looking forward to seeing them all!

So, I would consider The Maltese Falcon a “go”! I’m off to find my copy!

Wordle 634 4/6 irate, blend, chess, sweep

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New thread for the “John Huston Film Fest”!

https://www.librarything.com/topic/349424#n8094672

Wordle 635 5/6 irate, grief, risen, wider, cider

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Wordle 636 4/6 irate, peach, beams, mealy

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57. Fen, Bog, and Swamp: A Short History of Peatland Destruction and Its Role in the Climate Crisis by Annie Proulx



"...An urgent and riveting history of wetlands, their ecological role and how their destruction threatens the planet." This is the opening blurb from the inside cover, and it succinctly states what this book does, although the book covers so much ground (literally) and so many topics.

One of the special gifts about reading several books at a time is the synchronicity when two sources talk about the same thing, and there is a kind of echo that happens, and I love it. In the current case, I had THREE books that I am reading reference each other, and it was unexpected, and a real thrill.

First, this book is about wetlands, including bogs. Second, one of my next books (and I've read a few pages already) is Lois Lowry's The Windeby Puzzle and it is about "the Windeby Child," a "bog body" found in Germany. Thirdly, my current Great Course is "The Rise of Rome" and it has already discuss the Roman way of soldiery and the Romans have already started their expansion into other parts of the world. My first book (the current book) tells about Arminius (or as people in Minnesota call him, "Hermann the German"), who led the enemy Romans to the nearby bog, which he knew, and which they did not. Massive numbers of Romans lost their lives that day.

I learned so much from this book, especially how much was lost with the destruction of the wetlands. One of Proulx's statements seemed to echo the book Arctic Dreams: "Wetlands are classified by the values of what-use-are-they-to-humans." Of course, this should NOT be the case.

And I want to keep Proulx's definitions of the types of wetlands for my ongoing edification:
"Fen. Peatland receiving (mostly ground) water rich in dissolved minerals; vegetation cover composed dominantly of graminoid species and brown mosses. Bog. (Muskeg is the word used most in Alaska and Canada). Peatland receiving water exclusively from precipitation and not influenced by ground water; sphagnum-dominated vegetation. Swamp. Peatland dominated by trees, shrubs, and forbs; waters rich in dissolved minerals."

Friday Reading Roundup!

Because I rely on libraries so much for my reading (and do so much eBook reading), what I'm reading at any given time changes often, and changes quickly.

Karen's current reading (03/17/2023):

Actively reading

Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes
The Windeby Puzzle by Lois Lowry -- p. 0 of 204
A Dangerous Business by Jane Smiley -- p. 0 of 208
Q-Squared by Peter David -- p. 12 of 434
American Cult (Graphic Novel) by Robyn Chapman -- p. 98 of 138

I try to participate in the American Authors Challenge. In March we are reading Poetry. I am reading The Best American Poetry 2021, Tracy K. Smith, editor -- p. 40 of 208

I usually am reading/watching Great Courses. My current course is The Rise of Rome -- lecture 10 of 24

On the Short List for Getting Read

Agatha Raisin and the Day the Floods Came by M. C. Beaton
The World Record Book of Racist Stories by Amber Ruffin and Lacey Lamarr
Enola Holmes: The Graphic Novel, Book One by Selena Blasco
Einstein (Graphic) by Ottavian and Dye
Dead Man's Chest (Phryne Fisher) by Kerry Greenwood
The Case of the Bizarre Bouquets (Enola Holmes #3) by Nancy Springer
Dr. No by Percival Everett
David Copperfield by Charles Dickens
The Off-Islanders by Nathaniel Benchley -- p. 2 of 238
The Adventure of the Peculiar Protocols by Nicholas Meyer -- p. 3 of 238
The Disappearance of Sherlock Holmes by Larry Millett -- p. 0 of 340

Not-So-Time-Sensitive-But-Still-Want-to-Get-to-Them (so, these are readily available to me although I might not be reading them quite yet or may have had to return them to the library; most are my own books).

Prisoner's Base (Nero Wolfe #21) by Rex Stout -- p. 17 of 186
IQ by Joe Ide
Eventide by Kent Haruf -- p. 41 of 281
Ragtime (1001 Books) by E. L. Doctorow -- p. 58 of 210
Marple: Twelve New Stories by assorted authors
Fairy Tale by Stephen King

Wordle 637 3/6 if “y” wasn’t the last letter, let’s try it as the first letter: irate, taffy, yacht

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An update on my Watching-William-Wyler project: I watched The Letter, a 1940 film starring Bette Davis, Herbert Marshall, and James Stephenson. The screenplay was based on a play by W. Somerset Maugham. IMDB's description: "The wife of a rubber plantation administrator shoots a man to death and claims it was self-defense. Her poise, graciousness and stoicism impress nearly everyone who meets her. Her husband is certainly without doubt; so is the district officer; while her lawyer's doubts may be a natural skepticism. But this is Singapore and the resentful natives will have no compunction about undermining this accused murderess. A letter in her hand turns up and may prove her undoing."

The film was nominated for seven Oscars, didn't win any. Ouch. Copies of the film are pretty hard to locate: I had to use ILL (I love ILL!) to find a copy.

I really enjoyed the film. It was well-acted and filmed, with the hot and humid atmosphere of Singapore coming through loud and clear. The segregation and colonialism is also very apparent. I thought the acting of the three major characters was excellent; I don't think I've seen Herbert Marshall in anything (he was one of the brothers in Little Foxes!), but he was great here. Very understated, very realistic. As was Bette Davis--maybe not her usual style.

58. American Cult: A Graphic History of Religious Cults in America from the Colonial Era to Today, ed. Robyn Chapman



Eighteen separate graphic "chapters" about eighteen different cult groups, presented as "an engrossing primer on the bizarre and often deadly cults that sprout from American culture like weeds." (Matt Bors, on the cover).

I thought that Chapman's definition of "What is a cult?" was very good: "1. A cult is a group, but it's better described as a community or even a family. Fellowship and a sense of belonging are really important in a cult. 2. A cult is totalitarian in nature. Cult leaders have authority over their followers and control many aspects of their daily lives. 3. A cult is held together by a shared belief system. People usually join a cult because the group's ideology resonates with them--not because they were "brainwashed." 4. A cult does not conform to cultural norms. Its members' beliefs and way of life challenge mainstream values.

I remember reading about quite a few of these groups in the news as I was growing up. This is an eye-opening and informative look at American cults. Thanks to msf59 (I think) for recommending this book.

Happy (lucky) Wordler today!

Wordle 638 3/6 irate, wreck, credo

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My luck continues (balancing out those unlucky days, I guess!)

Wordle 639 3/6 irate, globe, glove

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I did watch Bringing Up Baby yesterday. One of the best screwball comedies ever. I loved Hepburn in this one. Her first comedic role too. Howard Hawks is another Hollywood treasure. Not sure there are many directors with as many big hits as this guy. He also directed two of my very favorite westerns, Red River & Rio Bravo. Just sayin'...

>65 klobrien2: I am so glad to see that you loved Fen, Bog, and Swamp. I love Proulx and have this one saved on my Audible list. She is another one who can excel at both fiction and NF.

>69 klobrien2: Glad you liked American Cult. Yes, I warbled about it. Good stuff.

>72 msf59: I've seen Bringing Up Baby--I love it! And I thought of another "treasure" director--Martin Scorsese! Totally different kind of director and works.

I'm actually close to winding up my William Wyler thing. I really have enjoyed it, and I'm having fun with our John Huston festival. (Hint, hint...here's the link for anyone who happens to be passing by here (I'll use some bolding, too): https://www.librarything.com/topic/349424#n8094672

Everyone is welcome!

Funny, I recently did a Scorcese retrospective. I watched 7 or 8 of his best, from Mean Streets to The Departed. One of my favorite directors. I would still like to rewatch The Aviator which I haven't seen in many years.

An update on my Watching-William-Wyler project: I watched The Heiress, a 1949 film starring Olivia de Havilland, Montgomery Clift, Ralph Richardson, Miriam Hopkins, and Vanessa Brown. The screenplay was "suggested" by the novel Washington Square by Henry James. IMDB's description: "A young naïve woman falls for a handsome young man who her emotionally abusive father suspects is a fortune hunter."

The film was nominated for eight Oscars, and won four (including Best Actress for de Havilland).

I really enjoyed the film. It was so interesting to see de Havilland's character develop. The setting and clothing (Edith Head's work).

Next up is Detective Story from 1951.

****************************************************************

Karen O's "Watching William Wyler Film Festival" (from Wikipedia entry)

Year........Film......................Category......................Result
...................................Academy Awards
1936 Dodsworth..................Best Director.................Nominated
1939 Wuthering Heights..........................................Nominated
1940 The Letter......................................................Nominated
1941 The Little Foxes..............................................Nominated
1942 Mrs. Miniver...................................................Won
1946 The Best Years of Our Lives..............................Won
1949 The Heiress.................Best Picture..................Nominated
.........................................Best Director.................Nominated
1952 Detective Story...............................................Nominated
1953 Roman Holiday.............Best Picture..................Nominated
.........................................Best Director.................Nominated
1956 Friendly Persuasion......Best Picture...................Nominated
.........................................Best Director.................Nominated
1959 Ben-Hur........................................................Won
1965 The Collector..................................................Nominated
.....................Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award.....Won
.....................Directors Guild of America
1952 Detective Story............Outstanding Directorial Achievement.....Nominated
1954 Roman Holiday....................................................................Nominated
1957 Friendly Persuasion..............................................................Nominated
1959 The Big Country...................................................................Nominated
1960 Ben-Hur..............................................................................Won
1962 The Children's Hour..............................................................Nominated
1966 ................Lifetime Achievement Award
1969 Funny Girl...................Outstanding Directorial Achievement.....Nominated

59. Bliss on Toast: 75 Simple Recipes by Prue Leith



I picked this book up because the author is one of the hosts from "The Great British Baking Show," and the concept of it seemed really great. And it is!

These are simple recipes, but glorious in their ingredients and concepts. The author explains the theory behind the book: "This little book comes out of a long habit (the 30-odd years since my children left home) of eating something on toast on Sunday nights in front of the TV."

The book is split into sections: Cheese and Eggs, Vegetarian and Vegan, Fish, Meat and Poultry, and Desserts. A section called "Keen Cooks" provides recipes and instructions for those who wish to up the complexity of the recipe and "cook their own" sauces, etc.

Bee-yoo-tiful photography! The recipes have lots of asides, and tips for substitutions, etc. I saw many recipes that I wanted to make immediately for myself. I might need to get my own copy of this book.

>76 klobrien2: The Heiress is so good, and Olivia de Havilland was great in it! I'm glad you liked it.

>74 klobrien2: Odd about Bringing Up Baby. I like the old screwball comedies, and I'm a fan of Katherine Hepburn. I was reading books about old movies before I ever saw this one, and was so looking forward to actually watching it. But then when I finally saw it, I didn't really care for it. I've probably seen it at least three times, and I still can't get into it. I just find Katherine Hepburn's character in this movie annoying. It's odd, since it's the kind of thing I ought to like, but I just don't.

>78 atozgrl: You’ve really given it “the old college try”! It’s been a while since I watched it, but,…maybe the role or the direction made Hepburn act way out of her nature?

Great to see you here!

Guessy-guessy at the end—aargh!

Wordle 640 4/6 irate, doubt, touch, tough

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An update on my Watching-William-Wyler project: I watched Detective Story, a 1951 film starring Kirk Douglas, Eleanor Parker, William Bendix, and a young Lee Grant. IMDB says: "Jim McLeod is a hard-nosed and cynical detective. He believes in a strict interpretation of the law and doesn't believe in turning the other cheek. The current object of his zealousness is Karl Schneider, an abortionist responsible for the death of several young women. Schneider's lawyer tells the precinct lieutenant that McLeod has his own personal reasons for going after his client. It turns out that his wife was a patient before they met, although Jim knew nothing of it. His world suddenly turned upside down, McLeod is too late in re-evaluating his priorities."

Screenplay was by Philip Yordan and Robert Wyler (older brother to William Wyler), based on a play by Sidney Kingsley. The movie did seem very play-like in its filming, with some remarkable long shots of the police detectives’ room. All of the action takes place in the squad room, or in a few other locations at the police station.

This is a fast-paced film; lots of great characters and subtle details. Douglas's character is brash and bold, and I didn't like him very much through most of the film. Eleanor Parker steals the show with her acting, I thought. William Bendix is also very good, as a more compassionate character (kind of a flip-side to Douglas's).

Nominated for 4 Oscars (including Best Director), didn't win any of them.

Next up is Friendly Persuasion from 1956.

****************************************************************

Karen O's "Watching William Wyler Film Festival" (from Wikipedia entry)

Year........Film......................Category......................Result
...................................Academy Awards
1936 Dodsworth..................Best Director.................Nominated
1939 Wuthering Heights..........................................Nominated
1940 The Letter......................................................Nominated
1941 The Little Foxes..............................................Nominated
1942 Mrs. Miniver...................................................Won
1946 The Best Years of Our Lives..............................Won
1949 The Heiress.................Best Picture..................Nominated
.........................................Best Director.................Nominated
1952 Detective Story...............................................Nominated
1953 Roman Holiday.............Best Picture..................Nominated
.........................................Best Director.................Nominated
1956 Friendly Persuasion......Best Picture...................Nominated
.........................................Best Director.................Nominated
1959 Ben-Hur........................................................Won
1965 The Collector..................................................Nominated
.....................Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award.....Won
.....................Directors Guild of America
1952 Detective Story............Outstanding Directorial Achievement.....Nominated
1954 Roman Holiday....................................................................Nominated
1957 Friendly Persuasion..............................................................Nominated
1959 The Big Country...................................................................Nominated
1960 Ben-Hur..............................................................................Won
1962 The Children's Hour..............................................................Nominated
1966 ................Lifetime Achievement Award
1969 Funny Girl...................Outstanding Directorial Achievement.....Nominated

Had to slow way down to get it today…

Wordle 641 3/6 irate, noted, duvet

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Happy mid week!

>82 klobrien2: Good job! it took me 5 tries today. Thats what I get for attempting wordle before my morning coffee.

>83 figsfromthistle: That’s always a risky proposition!

Thanks for stopping by!

Almost had it in 2! Should have gone alphabetically. Still happy because I now have my Wordle-in-3s equal to my Wordle-in-5s.

STATISTICS

342
Played
98
Win %
63
Current Streak
76
Max Streak
GUESS DISTRIBUTION
1
0
2
25
3
89
4
110
5
89
6
21

Wordle 642 3/6 irate, stain, staid

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>85 klobrien2: Congrats on getting it in 3 today! It took me four, but I could have had it in three. I was debating between two words and guessed the wrong one.

You've played Wordle twice as many times as I have. I'm thinking the word I guessed in 3 is one that may have been used before, and if I had known that I would have guessed the other word.

>86 atozgrl: I think Karen (karenmarie) keeps track of the words that have been used, so she never goes with a word that has been used before. That would definitely be a good way to get organized.

It's amazing how quickly the Wordle games stack up! It's just a regular part of my morning routine now. I still love it just as much as I ever did (except when I bomb out; then, I don't like it so much!)

Thanks for stopping by!

I think it's been a while since I updated my TV-watching schedule for this thread. I've been watching a fair number of movies, which I have documented here, but not the TV stuff.

I watched the first episode of Call the Midwife (PBS), season 12 today! I just adore that show, and this season looks to be another good one. It's now April 1968 in the show.

Ted Lasso (Apple+), season 3 recently started up, and we've watched the first two episodes now, two times a piece (the show moves fast, and there are a lot of details and jokes/references in the script which we don't want to miss). It's again excellent, and I can't wait to see what happens next!

Picard (Paramount), season 3 is over half done, and it's a corker! Great plot, great reappearances of Star Trek Next Generation regulars, and the special effects are fantastic.

Shrinking (Apple+), Season 1 (and there will be a Season 2) is excellent, and there is only one episode left in Season 1. Terrific writing, terrific cast. It's the kind of show that segues from hilarious to heart-breaking, and does it all well. Jason Segel is amazing--his face is so expressive, and his acting is right on. Harrison Ford is in this, too, and this is my favorite thing I've ever seen him in (including anything "Star Wars" or "Indiana Jones").

And then we went back in time and watched Party Down (Starz) Seasons 1 and 2 (2009-2010), currently watching Season 3 (ten+ years later). Very funny, quite silly at points, but always entertaining.

And that got us watching Silicon Valley (HBO). There are six seasons, and we've just started the first one. Similar to Party Down; makes fun of a working environment, this time, the tech startup culture of Silicon Valley. I believe there will be a seventh season, though IMDB says just six at this point. There have been recent commercials, however, so I have to think there will be a seventh.

Well, that's it! (haha) We really enjoy our TV!

>87 klobrien2: I've missed so many Wordles that I don't know what has been used so far or not. I can remember a lot of the ones I've played, but I hadn't actually thought to write them down. (That's a thought!) But since I've missed so many, I don't know a lot that have been used already. I just suspect that since my third guess stair is more common than the correct answer, it was probably used some time in the past, on a puzzle I didn't play.

I've been trying to get to them every morning now too. It's a lot easier to do that now that I'm retired!

Happy newish thread, Karen. What great photos of the Northern Lights! One of the perks of living in the North.

Happy Friday, Karen. I will have to rewatch "The Detective Story". It has been many years and I don't remember it well. I stopped watching Call the Midwife a few years ago. I felt that was enough but I totally agree that it was a consistently excellent show. You are the second person that recently mentioned "Shrinking", so I will add that one to the list.

Fun words today…

Wordle 643 3/6 irate, tromp, grout

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>89 atozgrl: >90 BLBera: >91 msf59: Happy Friday, all! Thanks for stopping by!

>90 BLBera: Speaking of the northern lights, they were apparently visible as far south as Asheville (NC) last night! They showed some pictures on the news a few minutes ago. I wish we could have seen them here.

>94 atozgrl: My Facebook was just filled with pictures people in northern Minnesota had taken. Even the ones taken with phones were spectacular. I'm so used to thinking in terms of catastrophes that I wonder, what's going on? rather than just enjoying the beauty of it.

Friday Reading Roundup!

Because I rely on libraries so much for my reading (and do so much eBook reading), what I'm reading at any given time changes often, and changes quickly.

Karen's current reading (03/24/2023):

Actively reading

Dead Man's Chest (Phryne Fisher) by Kerry Greenwood
Dr. No by Percival Everett
The Windeby Puzzle by Lois Lowry -- p. 0 of 204
A Dangerous Business by Jane Smiley -- p. 0 of 208
Q-Squared by Peter David -- p. 12 of 434

I try to participate in the American Authors Challenge. In March we are reading Poetry. I am reading The Best American Poetry 2021, Tracy K. Smith, editor -- p. 43 of 208; North by Seamus Heaney -- p. 0 of 0

I usually am reading/watching Great Courses. My current course is The Rise of Rome -- lecture 18 of 24

On the Short List for Getting Read

The World Record Book of Racist Stories by Amber Ruffin and Lacey Lamarr
Enola Holmes: The Graphic Novel, Book One by Selena Blasco
Einstein (Graphic) by Ottavian and Dye
The Case of the Bizarre Bouquets (Enola Holmes #3) by Nancy Springer
David Copperfield by Charles Dickens
The Off-Islanders by Nathaniel Benchley -- p. 2 of 238
The Adventure of the Peculiar Protocols by Nicholas Meyer -- p. 3 of 238
The Disappearance of Sherlock Holmes by Larry Millett -- p. 0 of 340

Just got from the library

The Red Green Book: The Wit and Wisdom of Possum Lodge by Steve Smith, Rick Green
The Idea of North by Peter Davidson
Broken (In the Best Possible Way) by Jenny Lawson
The Ecclesiastical History of Orderic Vitalis
Maud Martha by Gwendolyn Brooks

Not-So-Time-Sensitive-But-Still-Want-to-Get-to-Them (so, these are readily available to me although I might not be reading them quite yet or may have had to return them to the library; most are my own books).

Prisoner's Base (Nero Wolfe #21) by Rex Stout -- p. 17 of 186
IQ by Joe Ide
Eventide by Kent Haruf -- p. 41 of 281
Ragtime (1001 Books) by E. L. Doctorow -- p. 58 of 210
Marple: Twelve New Stories by assorted authors
Fairy Tale by Stephen King

60. Agatha Raisin and the Day the Floods Came by M. C. Beaton



Lots of fun and excitement, on holiday at Robinson Crusoe Island, and at home in Evesham. New neighbor for Agatha; a new kind of relationship for her?

>95 klobrien2: The reports I saw just called it a powerful or severe geomagnetic storm. I guess it was stronger than usual.

>98 atozgrl: That doesn’t seem so bad, although if one was caught in the middle of it, it would be a different story! The effects sure were lovely. Thanks for easing my fears. Have a great weekend!

I did a bit of flailing about today…

Wordle 644 4/6 irate, trend, retro, voter

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Less flailing today—there just were no other words that worked after my second guess.

Wordle 645 3/6 irate, tilde, untie

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Bad news for those who check the “2309” word list for Wordle—today’s word is not on it. It was the only word that I could see working, so I tried it anyway. Et, voila!

Wordle 646 4/6 irate, bland, spank, guano

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61. The Red Green Book: Wit and Wisdom of Possum Lodge by Red Green (Steve Smith and Rick Green)



Broad, corny humor, but so good for the soul. This book was really meant for fans of the long-running (Canadian) television show. Like a letter from home! Thanks to mstrust for the heads-up!

A regular feature of the show (and the book!) is the poetry. Here's one for you:

ON A STARRY NIGHT (by Red Green)

It is winter.
They say on a cold
clear winter night,
If you go outside and
look up,
You'll see a hundred
stars shining
overhead.
But if you stand
there long enough
The dark works its
magic
And soon you'll see a
thousand stars
And then ten thousand
twinkling specks.
And eventually the
cold will freeze
your head into a
block of ice
And when you fall
backwards on the
hard ground
Your frozen brain
will shatter into a
million pieces.
So I'm staying inside
and watching reruns
of "The A-Team."

>103 klobrien2: Ah Red Green. We watched that a lot in our house when I was a kid.

Wordle 647 4/6 irate, round, scrub, hurry

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Wordle 648 3/6 irate, steed, beset

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Wordle 649 4/6 irate, arena, wreck, bread

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62. North: Poems by Seamus Heaney



Loved this book of poems, discovered when I was reading Fen, Bog, Swamp. Visions of Ireland, seen through its physical landscape and its position as a land invaded by English and by Scandinavians.

These poems stood out to me:

NORTH

I returned to a long strand,
the hammered shod of a bay,
and found only the secular
powers of the Atlantic thundering.

I faced the unmagical
invitations of Iceland,
the pathetic colonies
of Greenland, and suddenly

those fabulous raiders,
those lying in Orkney and Dublin
measured against
their long swords rusting,...

(the poem continues)

KINSHIP (part II)

Quagmire, swampland, morass:
the slime kingdoms,
domains of the cold-blooded,
of mud pads and dirtied eggs.

But bog
meaning soft,
the fall of windless rain,
pupil of amber.

Ruminant ground,
digestion of mollusc
and seed-pod,
deep pollen bin.

Earth-pantry, bone-vault,
sun-bank, enbalmer
of votive goods
and sabred fugitives.

Insatiable bride.
Sword-swallower,
casket, midden,
floe of history.

Ground that will strip
its dark side,
nesting ground,
outback of my mind.

Wordle 650 4/6 irate, bower, rerun, every

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63. Maud Martha by Gwendolyn Brooks



Wonderful first novel by this poet "portrays one woman's quest and love for life despite its difficulties."

The book reads with the density and clarity of poetry, often. Here's one example. Maud Martha's family is facing possible eviction, having to move. Maud Martha thinks,
"But she felt that the little line of white, somewhat ridged with smoked purple, and all that cream-shot saffron, would never drift across any western sky except that in back of this house. The rain would drum with as sweet a dullness nowhere but here. The birds on South Park were mechanical birds, no better than the poor caught canaries in those "rich" women's sun parlors."

Loved this book--I'll have to look for more by Brooks.

64. The Rise of Rome (Great Courses) by Gregory S. Aldrete



Excellent course, very good presenter. Closed-captioned! 24 lessons of 30 minutes each.

Friday Reading Roundup!

Because I rely on libraries so much for my reading (and do so much eBook reading), what I'm reading at any given time changes often, and changes quickly.

Karen's current reading (03/31/2023):

Actively reading

Enola Holmes: The Graphic Novel, Book One by Selena Blasco -- p. 60 of 188
Dead Man's Chest (Phryne Fisher) by Kerry Greenwood
Dr. No by Percival Everett -- p. 35 of 213
The Windeby Puzzle by Lois Lowry -- p. 48 of 204
A Dangerous Business by Jane Smiley -- p. 0 of 208
Q-Squared by Peter David -- p. 12 of 434
The Idea of North: Paintings by Lawren Harris

I try to participate in the American Authors Challenge. In March we are reading Poetry. I am reading The Best American Poetry 2021, Tracy K. Smith, editor -- p. 76 of 208

I usually am reading/watching Great Courses. My current course is: oh, no! I am course-less!

On the Short List for Getting Read

Einstein (Graphic) by Ottavian and Dye
The Case of the Bizarre Bouquets (Enola Holmes #3) by Nancy Springer
The Off-Islanders by Nathaniel Benchley -- p. 2 of 238
The Adventure of the Peculiar Protocols by Nicholas Meyer -- p. 3 of 238
The Disappearance of Sherlock Holmes by Larry Millett -- p. 0 of 340

Not-So-Time-Sensitive-But-Still-Want-to-Get-to-Them (so, these are readily available to me although I might not be reading them quite yet or may have had to return them to the library; most are my own books).

Prisoner's Base (Nero Wolfe #21) by Rex Stout -- p. 17 of 186
Eventide by Kent Haruf -- p. 41 of 281
Ragtime (1001 Books) by E. L. Doctorow -- p. 58 of 210
Marple: Twelve New Stories by assorted authors
Fairy Tale by Stephen King

I’m completely surprised but pleased!

Wordle 651 2/6 irate, march

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And, here’s an opposite kind of Wordle-day!

Wordle 652 6/6 irate, doubt, thong, stomp, stool, stock

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Wordle 653 4/6 irate, marsh, angry, flora

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65. Dr. No by Percival Everett



Really good! I'm excited to read more by Everett. Wicked, twisty plot, and there are some real villains!

66. On Noah's Ark by John Brett



Gorgeous drawings/paintings of all kinds of animals. Sweet story.

Some very bad news ahead, regarding my dear husband, so I will "spoiler" it: I had a big tragedy happen in my life, as my husband Art fell very badly and then passed away (he'd been undergoing chemotherapy). I am in shock, grieving, not having much success in concentration or enjoyment. Reading is comforting, puzzles are comforting. My kids and other family have been so good and helpful, but I am pretty much a mess.

I probably won't want to talk much about this, but I love the conversations that happen on LT so I wanted to let you know.

My daughter went shopping and found some great books to help her kids (and all of us) with this whole situation:

The Next Place by Warren Hanson (gorgeous!)
Touching Two Worlds: A Guide for Finding Hope in the Landscape of Loss by Sherry Walling
What on Earth Do You Do When Someone Dies by Trevor Romain
Right Now, I Am Fine by Dr. Daniela Owen, ill. Gulce Baycik
The Memory Book: A Book About Grief by Joanna Rowland

Karen, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. That is a terrible blow. Please take time to take care of yourself, however that manifests. Your friends here will be thinking of you.

{{Karen}}. I am so sorry. Take your time and do whatever you need to do for you. Lean on those close to you and allow them to share grief with you.

Oh, Karen, I am so sorry. I am stunned, and at a loss for words. Please take the time you need for your grief, however long that is. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. {{hugs}}

Karen, I am so very sorry. What a terrible shock. My heart goes out to you. Please take all the time you need to grieve and care for yourself. (((hugs))).

Our deepest condolences, Karen. Our hearts go out, to you and your family. Good luck with moving forward- I am sure it will be a long process. We are here if you need us.

>120 katiekrug: >121 jessibud2: >122 atozgrl: >123 vancouverdeb: >124 msf59:

Oh how sweet your words are to me! Thank you for them. I know I’ll be rereading them again and again.

I got four letters with my usual first guess, so I was pretty certain with my second guess, but you never know…

Wordle 654 2/6 irate, ratio

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Adding my condolences at this terrible time, Karen. Wishing you all the comfort that friends, family, and good books can provide. *hugs*

>127 MickyFine: Thank you so much...this helps.

67. Arrowsmith #2: Behind Enemy Lines by Kurt Busiek



Beautifully imagined and illustrated. Can't wait for the third entry.

I am calling a stop (or at least a hiatus) to "Watching William Wyler." I have watched nine of the movies I had selected, and made it from 1936-1954. I might complete it at some later point, but I don't think I have the concentration or patience for the rest right now. I truly enjoyed these movies!

Karen O's "Watching William Wyler Film Festival" (from Wikipedia entry)

Year........Film......................Category......................Result
...................................Academy Awards
1936 Dodsworth..................Best Director.................Nominated
1939 Wuthering Heights..........................................Nominated
1940 The Letter......................................................Nominated
1941 The Little Foxes..............................................Nominated
1942 Mrs. Miniver...................................................Won
1946 The Best Years of Our Lives..............................Won
1949 The Heiress.................Best Picture..................Nominated
.........................................Best Director.................Nominated
1952 Detective Story...............................................Nominated
1953 Roman Holiday.............Best Picture..................Nominated
.........................................Best Director.................Nominated
1956 Friendly Persuasion......Best Picture...................Nominated
.........................................Best Director.................Nominated
1959 Ben-Hur........................................................Won
1965 The Collector..................................................Nominated
.....................Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award.....Won
.....................Directors Guild of America
1952 Detective Story............Outstanding Directorial Achievement.....Nominated
1954 Roman Holiday....................................................................Nominated
1957 Friendly Persuasion..............................................................Nominated
1959 The Big Country...................................................................Nominated
1960 Ben-Hur..............................................................................Won
1962 The Children's Hour..............................................................Nominated
1966 ................Lifetime Achievement Award
1969 Funny Girl...................Outstanding Directorial Achievement.....Nominated

>118 klobrien2: So sorry for your loss, Karen, my condolences.
(((hugs)))

Thank you. That’s sweet to hear.

I wonder if Wordle is too much for me right now, with my mind so occupied with Art’s passing. I think I have to keep trying, though; it was one of the puzzling things we shared.

Wordle 655 4/6 irate, coach, smash, slash

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I am so sorry for your loss. My condolences to you and your family. My heart goes out to you ((hugs))

Thank you for your sweet comments. It's been one week today.

And thank you so much for stopping by...

68. The Best American Poetry 2021, guest editor Tracy K. Smith



Probably a mistake to continue reading this, since I wasn't enjoying it too much even before the events of the last week. I don't know what it was--I couldn't identify with two many of the poems. Except for the ten-page "Love" by Alex Dimitrov; the poem consists of (mostly) one-sentence lines that describe all the things that the poet loves. Here's a little sampling from the first page:

I love you early in the morning and it's difficult to love you.

I love the January sky and knowing it will changes although unlike us.

I love watching people read.

I love photo booths.

I love midnight.

I love writing letters and this is my letter. To the world that never wrote to me.

And it goes on like that, for ten pages! And I found myself agreeing with most of the "loved."

Wordle 656 3/6 irate, meany, leafy

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69. The Idea of North: The Paintings of Lawren Harris by Steve Martin, et al



Beautiful art book, filled with paintings, photographs, and drawings by one of the "Group of Seven," Lawren Harris, whose major works are considered "as iconic in Canada." Lots of ice, bergs, oceans, and the most beautiful blues. This book, from 2015, documents a show that was curated by Steve Martin (yes, that Steve Martin) and his colleagues, presented by The Hammer Museum at UCLA and the Art Gallery of Ontario.

Sections include: "Lake Superior," "Loomings" (icebergs), "The Arctic" (those blues!), and "The Rockies."

Lovely, cool art here!

I should probably try to get hold of that book, too. It was a big deal here in Ontario when Steve Martin did that show. I visited the AGO (Art Gallery of Ontario) a few weeks ago and while there, I did see some of Harris's paintings. There is a gallery just outside of Toronto dedicated to the Group of Seven as well as other Canadian art. It's called The McMichael.

>138 klobrien2: What a beautiful image on the front page of that book . I do love the Group of Seven, and once was fortunate enough to have their works come to the Vancouver Art Gallery, and I was quite in awe of seeing the paintings in real life. That's book I'll have to look for. Thanks for the BB.

>139 jessibud2: I need to increase my knowledge of the Group of Seven! Thanks for stopping by to chat!

>140 vancouverdeb: I bet seeing the real-life paintings was amazing! And this book is lovely! Good to see you here!

After an inauspicious first word, I found a good second word and a quite cool solution, so, “yay!”

Wordle 657 3/6 irate, cloud, locus

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>142 klobrien2: Good job. Karen! How did you ever?!!

>143 Carmenere: Second word was just a guess to see if the third and fourth letters were there. At that point there weren’t too many words that could fit, at least in my mind. I did check the old “2309” to see if the solution was there and then decided to go for it.

Have a great weekend and thanks for stopping by!

70. Agatha Raisin and the Curious Curate (Agatha Raisin #13) by M. C. Beaton



Very nice installment in the series. Murders are happening, including the handsome new curate, and Agatha is there to solve them!

Friday Reading Roundup!

Because I rely on libraries so much for my reading (and do so much eBook reading), what I'm reading at any given time changes often, and changes quickly.

Karen's current reading (04/07/2023):

Actively reading

Enola Holmes: The Graphic Novel, Book One by Selena Blasco -- p. 60 of 188
Dead Man's Chest (Phryne Fisher) by Kerry Greenwood -- p. 41 of 121
Einstein (Graphic) by Ottavian and Dye
The Case of the Bizarre Bouquets (Enola Holmes #3) by Nancy Springer
The Windeby Puzzle by Lois Lowry -- p. 48 of 204
A Dangerous Business by Jane Smiley -- p. 0 of 208
Q-Squared by Peter David -- p. 12 of 434

I try to participate in the American Authors Challenge. In April we are reading Ursula Hegi, but haven't a clue what to read.

I usually am reading/watching Great Courses. I have three courses home with me, and they all sound good: Building Your Resilience, Creation Stories of the Ancient World, and The Scientific Wonder of Birds.

On the Short List for Getting Read

The Adventure of the Peculiar Protocols by Nicholas Meyer -- p. 3 of 238
The Disappearance of Sherlock Holmes by Larry Millett -- p. 0 of 340

Not-So-Time-Sensitive-But-Still-Want-to-Get-to-Them (so, these are readily available to me although I might not be reading them quite yet or may have had to return them to the library; most are my own books).

Prisoner's Base (Nero Wolfe #21) by Rex Stout -- p. 17 of 186
Eventide by Kent Haruf -- p. 41 of 281
Ragtime (1001 Books) by E. L. Doctorow -- p. 58 of 210
Marple: Twelve New Stories by assorted authors
Fairy Tale by Stephen King

Reached the level of my previous streak (79). Let’s see how long I can keep it going…

Wordle 658 4/6 irate, bloke, lunge, ledge

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71. Mirelle on the High Wire by Emily Arnold McCully



Thanks to Whisper1 for her recommendation! Beautiful paintings and story.

72. The Next Place by Warren Hanson



Providing some comfort at this difficult time. Daughter Cindy brought this to my attention.

Took me a while!

Wordle 659 4/6 irate, flaky, smash, snafu — another word not on the 2309 list!

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73. The Case of the Bizarre Bouquets (Enola Holmes #3) by Nancy Springer



Another great entry in this very fun series. Enola solves the case, and Sherlock and Mycroft are becoming aware of her as a serious detective. Enola stays true to herself, and is a benefactor to the poor and an aid to the helpless. And, she can run and she can defend herself!

Wordle 660 4/6 irate, rogue, udder, under

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I am so sorry to hear about your husband, Karen. My condolences. I will be thinking of you. Take care.

>153 BLBera: Thank you! And thanks for stopping by to give me such nice thoughts.

74. Enola Holmes: The Graphic Novels, Volume 1 by Serena Blasco



Great timing for this read, as I just finished the third of the original books that are incorporated here. There some differences in details, but none that really changed the plot. Very nice drawings and formatting.

Wordle 661 4/6 I love when we get to use the “qu”! irate, bland, loamy, qualm

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>155 klobrien2: That looks like a fun graphic novel, Karen. Great work on Wordle 156. You continue to be in my heart.

>157 vancouverdeb: Thank you! For all your lovely sentiments! And (this is definitely more than you bargained for!), I feel the need to give a status:

I’m proceeding through every day, doing what needs to be done (memorial planning, taking care of cats, getting our financial stuff approaching organization). Our financial guy is coming over this morning to get paperwork moving. My kids and I have a Zoom meeting this afternoon to plan the service with the church people. Fortunately, we planned the memorial for 4/22, so we have had time to do things.

I’m starting to craft out my life going forward. Library Thing will definitely continue to be a treasured part of it.

Thanks again for visiting and your sweet words!

Never did I ever think that this was the word, but couldn’t think of another to fit. Checked the old 2309 to find it there. Et, voila!

Wordle 662 3/6 irate, moral, borax

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Happy Wednesday, Karen. Just checking in to see how you are doing. It sounds like you are managing the best that you can. I am glad that you have your kids there to give you help and comfort.

I am sure you have put the John Huston Filmfest on hold, which is perfectly understandable. I have both The African Queen & Moulin Rouge waiting for me at the library.

>160 msf59: Hi, Mark!

I’m still planning to watch at least some of the John Hustons. My concentration is a little iffy right now, but I do have a few DVDs home from the library (the 1931 Maltese Falcon, Key Largo) so I might try watching in portions.

I’m looking forward to the two you mention, too!

Have a great trip and thanks for stopping by!

>159 klobrien2: That was a tough one!

>158 klobrien2: Not at all more than I wanted to know. Thanks for letting me and others know who things are going. I can't imagine losing my husband, and so suddenly and unexpectedly. I hope that the meeting with the financial guy was productive. I'm glad you have kids to help support you through this difficult time and I hope the Zoom meeting went well. Hard enough for beloved husband to pass suddenly and then all the " grief work " one has to do. Planning for the service, paper work etc. I am thinking of you several times a day and wishing you the very best. Your thread was already starred , and thanks for starring mine.

I'm so glad you plan to continue here on Library Thing. I'm amazed you have the concentration to read or be on LT at all . So glad to see you here. (((Hugs)))

>162 vancouverdeb: Both meetings went great, and things are proceeding well. I do find myself lacking patience with my brain, and today’s Wordle really had me working; almost thought I should just skip it (but that would be admitting defeat, ha).

Your words are just beautiful and bring me such comfort. Thank you!

And, here’s that thinks-its-so-tough-Wordle:

Wordle 663 3/6 irate, abort (didn’t really think it would be this), carat

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So sorry, Karen, to read about your husband's death. Been there. I know how hard it is. Please accept my condolences. LT is a stellar support group, and I know help from children is good to have.

>164 weird_O: Thank you! Yesterday was a big day, with meeting with our financial guy in the morning and the church people in the afternoon. I was just wiped out at the end of the day, and still am. Taking a “time out” day today, only doing what must be done today (talked to funeral director first thing—there was an error in their obit posting so that poor Art was 965 years old! That’s what can happen when “1958” becomes “1058”).

Plan to do a lot of catch up reading and sleeping (I hope).

Yes, LT is great! Family and friends are great!

Thanks again for stopping to chat!

Good for you for taking a "time out," Karen. It's so important to recognize that need.

Oh, dear! about the date :)

Karen, I agree completely with >162 vancouverdeb:. I am absolutely amazed that you have been able to continue reading and continue to post on LT! I've come down with some bug this week and haven't been feeling great, so I haven't kept up well with the threads. And this is nothing compared to what you're going through.

I'm glad to hear that your meetings have been going well. It's so hard that there's so much paperwork to deal with when all you really want to do is grieve. My thoughts and prayers continue to be with you and your family.

>166 katiekrug: Hi, Katie. It was good to be still (pretty much) for a day. I have a few things to do today, but all over the computer.

>167 atozgrl: I’m finding that my normal things are helping to keep me steadier. Art and I shared our love of the online jigsaw puzzle and Wordle, so when I do them, I feel a connection.

Bless you both for stopping by to chat. I treasure your words.

Wordle 664 3/6 irate, ethic, thief

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Friday Reading Roundup!

Because I rely on libraries so much for my reading (and do so much eBook reading), what I'm reading at any given time changes often, and changes quickly.

Karen's current reading (04/14/2023):

Actively reading

Agatha Raisin and the Haunted House (M. C. Beaton), p. 40 of 200
Dead Man's Chest (Phryne Fisher) by Kerry Greenwood -- p. 41 of 121
The Windeby Puzzle by Lois Lowry -- p. 48 of 204
A Dangerous Business by Jane Smiley -- p. 0 of 208

I try to participate in the American Authors Challenge. In April we are reading Ursula Hegi, but I haven't a clue what to read.

I usually am reading/watching Great Courses. Currently reading/watching: Creation Stories of the Ancient World, completed lecture 1 of 12.

Coming to me soon

Two Old Women: An Alaska Legend of Betrayal, Courage, and Survival by Velma Wallis
Big Tree by Brian Selznick
Forager: Field Notes on Surviving a Family Cult: A Memoir by Michelle Dowd
Maureen: A Harold Fry Novel by Rachel Joyce
All the Beauty in the World: The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Me by Patrick Bringley

Not-So-Time-Sensitive-But-Still-Want-to-Get-to-Them (so, these are readily available to me although I might not be reading them quite yet or may have had to return them to the library; most are my own books).

The Adventure of the Peculiar Protocols by Nicholas Meyer -- p. 3 of 238
The Disappearance of Sherlock Holmes by Larry Millett -- p. 0 of 340
Prisoner's Base (Nero Wolfe #21) by Rex Stout -- p. 17 of 186
Eventide by Kent Haruf -- p. 41 of 281
Ragtime (1001 Books) by E. L. Doctorow -- p. 58 of 210
Marple: Twelve New Stories by assorted authors
Fairy Tale by Stephen King

>168 klobrien2: Indeed! I can see how continuing your normal routine would help. I'm glad that doing some of those simple things you shared is helping you keep that connection.

May God give you...
For every storm, a rainbow,
For every tear, a smile,
For every care, a promise,
And a blessing in each trial.
For every problem life sends,
A faithful friend to share,
For every sigh, a sweet song,
And an answer for each prayer.

>171 atozgrl: Thank you! That is beautiful!

My connections here on LT are helping me maintain stability and learn what my new normal will be.

So good to see you here. Have a nice weekend!

Wordle 665 3/6 irate, sauna, agony

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Wordle 666 4/6 irate, bless, knelt, dwelt,

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Nice work with Wordle 666. It took my 4 as well, though my path was different . Thinking of you, Karen. Eventide was a very good read, I hope you enjoy it when you get to it. I've enjoyed all of Kent Haruf's books.

>175 vancouverdeb: Hi, there! It’s funny, but with my current lack of patience and willpower, I took a couple of books off my never-ending I’ll-read-this-soon list, and Eventide was one of them. Sorry! And, don’t tell Mark! I know that, someday, I’ll give it another go, but I just don’t have the heart for it right now.

Great to see you here! Thanks for stopping by to chat.

Wordle 667 4/6 irate, shiny, which, whiff

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Hi, Karen. Just checking in. I hope you are doing a bit better. We are doing a shared read of Eventide next month but you may still not be up for it then. I watched The African Queen last night. Details on the Filmfest thread.

Hi, Mark! I saw your posts over on the Huston thread. I’m going to get my hands on a copy of The African Queen soon. Of course, I haven’t gotten to Key Largo (which I have from the library) or Blackboard Jungle yet!

Still having trouble buckling down to anything even a little intellectually challenging. I’m afraid that leaves me out of the Eventide loop. That book has been on my “read it soon” list forever, but I couldn’t get past the first forty pages. And that was before my recent bereavement.

Thanks for stopping by, and I’ll be sure to keep up with all that you’re reading and watching!

Ackk! Was so pleased with my second guess that I tried to solve too quickly and almost missed it! Hated this guessy-guessy Wordle.

Wordle 668 6/6 irate, mound, found, pound, sound, hound

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>180 klobrien2: That's just about what my Wordle looked like today. I got pound on three, but it took me all the way to the 6th one to guess the correct word. Too many options today.

Third word was a total guess, to incorporate the two letters I did know. Got me really close to the solution!

Wordle 669 4/6 irate, cloud, thumb, thump

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>180 klobrien2: I avoid Wordle. Have never opened it. But yesterday, at a track meet her daughter (my granddaughter) was competing in, my DiL showed me her success with that very game. She got it in 2. How she got from that first word directly to the winner is baffling. Oy!

>183 weird_O: Nice work with wordle! I got mine in 4 as well, though I have not yet posted that to my thread. I hope you are doing okay. Read what you enjoy, I am sure no one minds at all, as you see, least of all good old Mark. I'm half way through Wandering Souls. I'm trying to make my way through the Women's Fiction Longlist - well, just part of it. Yesterday I headed out to the dentist because I had a chipped lower front central incisor. I also got my teeth cleaned etc and thankfully the chip did not even need freezing, just a bit of roughing up and a filling applied. But I have two cavities so I must return to the dentist. It is raining quite hard here today, not uncommon at all, and it's off to walk the dog in rain soon.

Wishing you a reasonably good day. Hugs.

>183 weird_O: Hello, there. Those who do Wordle have a hard time explaining their thought processes sometimes. Sometimes it’s almost a hunch. Other times, you’ve used so many letters that there are very few possibles left. I just know that I’m still enjoying playing, so what the heck.

Thanks for stopping by—always great to see you!

>184 vancouverdeb: Nice to see you here and to read your update. I’ll have to take a look at Wandering Souls—looks intriguing. I’ll stop by your thread later.

Happy with today’s Wordling!

Wordle 670 2/6 irate, plate

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Tough Wordle today. Used the 2309 list after my word 4 because I kept drawing a blank.

Wordle 671 5/6 irate,
gloam, squad, papaw, kayak

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Friday Reading Roundup!

Because I rely on libraries so much for my reading (and do so much eBook reading), what I'm reading at any given time changes often, and changes quickly.

Karen's current reading (04/21/2023):

Actively reading

Agatha Raisin and the Haunted House (Agatha Raisin #14) by M. C. Beaton -- p. 155 of 246
Dead Man's Chest (Phryne Fisher #18) by Kerry Greenwood -- p. 112 of 221
The Windeby Puzzle by Lois Lowry -- p. 48 of 204
A Dangerous Business by Jane Smiley -- p. 0 of 208
Two Old Women: An Alaska Legend of Betrayal, Courage, and Survival by Velma Wallis -- p. 17 of 146
Big Tree by Brian Selznick

I try to participate in the American Authors Challenge. In April we are reading Ursula Hegi, but I haven't a clue what to read.

I usually am reading/watching Great Courses. Currently reading/watching: Creation Stories of the Ancient World, completed lecture 1 of 12.

Not-So-Time-Sensitive-But-Still-Want-to-Get-to-Them (so, these are readily available to me although I might not be reading them quite yet or may have had to return them to the library; most are my own books).

The Adventure of the Peculiar Protocols by Nicholas Meyer -- p. 3 of 238
The Disappearance of Sherlock Holmes by Larry Millett -- p. 0 of 340
Prisoner's Base (Nero Wolfe #21) by Rex Stout -- p. 17 of 186
Marple: Twelve New Stories by assorted authors
Fairy Tale by Stephen King

>188 klobrien2: Nice work with Wordle. It was a tough one, and I feel that since I am Canadian, kayak should come to me a little easier. Nice Friday round up. Marple: Twelve New Stories has interested me. I've looked at book stores, but perhaps I ought to look my library for it.

I have been praying for you and your family , Karen , and are often on my mind . I pray that your beloved husband’s memorial service goes beautifully and is of great comfort to you and your children and grandchildren. 💕

>191 vancouverdeb: Thank you, dear Deb. It should be a beautiful service. Kids and grandkids are here. I’m trying to be mindful of each moment, to store them up.

Bless you for your sweetness!

Wordle 672 3/6 irate, prove broke

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As usual, I am behind, so I just learned your news. I am glad you have your puzzles and Wordle to stay connected with Art and I am wishing you the easy recall of many happy memories. Enjoy your family and I am sending best wishes for a beautiful weekend.

>194 Berly: Thank you, Berly, for your lovely thoughts and wishes. Art’s memorial service was yesterday, and was a real blessing. Lots of relatives and friends (his, mine, and ours), and the service was great, with lots of music and scripture. The food was great, and we’d ordered too much (luckily) because we feasted last night on the leftovers, and will do so again today.
I am just beat today. Good thing I have my grown kids and young grandsons to run errands or give hugs upon request.

So, I guess I used my reply to your post as a way to mark the event in history. So, thanks, even more, for visiting!

The 2309 list was invaluable when I had my first two letters!

Wordle 673 4/6 irate, minus, unify, unzip

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I'm glad to hear the service was a good one, Karen. Sending more hugs for you today.

>195 klobrien2: Karen, thanks for sharing. I'm so glad to hear that the service was so good and that so many were there. Also nice for all the food, so that you don't have to cook today and can take it easy. And for the kids and grandkids as well! Sending my own remote {{hugs}} to you.

>197 MickyFine: I love those hugs! Thank you!

>198 atozgrl: Lots of good memories from the service. Beautiful flowers, full of springtime and life. So many good friends and family, from all parts of our lives. The cards were wonderful, and many wrote beautiful, loving sentiments that were/are such solace.

And, thank YOU, Micky, for the hugs—they are wonderful!

Cindy, Mike, and lovely grandsons went home to Duluth yesterday. Son Jerry will leave this afternoon, but he’s comfortingly close, in Minneapolis. It will be strange to have the house so quiet again, with just me and my three very quiet kitties. Luckily, they are great cuddlers!

So, on we go. I’m so grateful for the LT connection, and for the wonderful support and camaraderie I feel here. Thank you!

After my word three, the last letter was apparent to me. And, thus, the solution.

Wordle 674 4/6 irate, filth, minty, ditto

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Hi Karen. I missed much of this thread in recent days. Glad to read that the weekend (service, people, food, etc) went so well. Readjusting to the *new normal* will take time. Be gentle with yourself and let those kitties give you lots of cuddles!

>201 jessibud2: Great advice, and I will take it to heart. Thanks for visiting!

I'm glad you had a meaningful memorial for Art. It's such a comfort to be among family and friends and to share memories. Best to you, Karen.

>203 katiekrug: Thank you, Katie!

>195 klobrien2: I just found out that you lost Art, Karen, and am so sad for the hole his absence has left in your life. The memorial sounds like it was a lovely day, and hooray for having your ducks in a row. (Mostly)

You know you have a good support group here, all of us have dealt with losses by now, so remember that you are welcome and even invited to reach out to us whenever that would be of use to you.

Big hugs and smoochings

>205 richardderus: There you are! So good to see you here again.

My life is, truly, upside down right now, but I’m starting to find my way. It helps that I have lots of “things to do” to keep me centered as I move forward. And LT is an enormous help with connection and involvement.

Thank you so much for your presence (and the wonderful hugs and smoochings!)

Wow! It has been a while since I finished a book! I have given up on a few since Art passed--turns out I have little patience for anything more complicated than a magazine or newspaper (and I'm pretty religious with those). Good old Agatha Raisin kept me reading...and it's my 75th book!



75. Agatha Raisin and the Haunted House (Agatha Raisin #14) by M. C. Beaton



This was a good one, with a new detecting buddy/possible love interest, and then Sir Charles turns up again! Agatha finally determines to become an official detective! Good fun.

>195 klobrien2: (((hugs)))

>207 klobrien2: Congratulations on reaching 75!

>207 klobrien2: I can't think that "official" will make a big difference given Agatha's...erm, unconventional shall we say, methods...

Congratulations of reading 75 books so early in the year, Karen! I am so glad that Art's service went so well. I can only imagine how upside down you must feel right now. Hugs!

I am so glad the memorial went well and that there was plenty of family and food. : ) Things may feel empty and as you said, upside down, so take care and I am glad you find comfort here on LT. And congrats on reaching the magic 75! Never heard of Agatha Raisin. Guess I have to fix that!

Congrats!

>208 FAMeulstee: Thank you!

>209 richardderus: Yeah, how things will or will not change for Agatha remains to be seen! Thanks for stopping by!

>210 vancouverdeb: Thanks, Deb! Every time I successfully finish a bit of paperwork or successfully conclude a session with another horrible customer service entity, I feel a little more serene. Thanks for the hugs!

>211 Berly: I hope you give Agatha Raisin a shot, but I’ll warn you, you might not like them. Good thing is, they’re short and sweet, so you don’t have to invest too much time in finding out.

>212 drneutron: Thanks, Doc!

Thank you all so much for stopping by! So glad to see you here!

Well, it had to happen sometime…my latest winning streak ends at 95. I got caught in a guessy-guessy vortex. Oh, well, there will be another Wordle tomorrow!

Wordle 675 X/6 irate, morel, rodeo, cover, power, boxer, (joker)

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Just squeaked in with 6/6 with Wordle today. I was lucky, as there were so many choices. I think I'm a 101 day streak with worldle right now and let's hope it continues. I have read a few Agatha Raisin books in the past, as well as a couple of Hamish McBeth books. They are nice light cozy mysteries akin to Agatha Christie's easy going mysteries. Good for you on completing the paper work bit by bit and feeling a little more serene as you go. Hugs.

>215 vancouverdeb: Ducked into the 2309 for a quick look after my word 2 because I was feeling shaky after yesterday’s bomb-out. Nice sense of relief after word 3!

Wordle 676 3/6 irate, meter, metro

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>216 klobrien2: - I have heard many here talk about this *list*. Where does one find it? I have never used any list and am not sure I even want to but I am curious about it anyhow.

>217 jessibud2: Hi, Jessi! I google “2309” and it shows right at the top. It’s just an alphabetical list of words. I look at it kind of like a safety net, or a memory jog, since I sometimes get a word in my mind that won’t budge.

>218 klobrien2: - Thanks. I will check it out

>216 klobrien2: ... and a new streak has begun...

Happy Humpday, Karen O.!

>219 jessibud2: Thanks for stopping by!

>220 richardderus: Hi, Richard! Day 1!

76. Musical Tables: Poems by Billy Collins



Inside the front cover of this little book of little poems is an explanation of the format: Collins "has found a new form for his unique poetic style: the small poem. Here Collins writes about his trademark themes of nature, animals, poetry, mortality, absurdity, and love--all in a handful of lines." Collins says he has "faith in poets who can go short."

And I found these poems, by and large, charming and fun to read. Here's one:

An Exaltation of Frogs

I know it's supposed to be larks,
but their full-throated croaking
early this rainy morning
after a night of more rain
is lifting me slightly off the floor.

Here's another that caught my fancy:

Children

There's a new movie out
titled Children.

I don't know
what it's about

but I like the voice
on the radio

when it says:
"Children: now playing everywhere."

These poems don't make you think too hard, or too long (perfect for my life these days!). But they invite revisiting and mulling over, sometimes. A fun collection.

>222 klobrien2: Billy Collins is one poet I don't loathe. His directness is refreshing. "Children" really appeals to me. A small moment of found poetry put into a short observation.

>214 klobrien2: I didn't make it to your thread yesterday, but I see you had trouble with the Wordle. As I mentioned on another thread, that one was like one of the ones I ran into when I first started doing Wordles regularly. I had blank, O, blank ER by the third line, but then kept guessing the wrong words. It foiled me that time, and I needed a seventh line, because the only thing left that would fit using the letters I had remaining was the answer that day. I got it yesterday on 5 with one of my guesses from the previous time. There are just way too many words that fit that pattern. So I really relate to your frustration. I hope you get a long winning streak started with the next one!

I also didn't know about the 2309 list that I've seen a lot of folks on LT refer to. I've decided to try to avoid it. I'd rather see what I can find in the dictionary when I get really stuck. I've only recently started checking what Wordlebot says, and it surprises me how many people get some of the words quickly. It makes me think maybe they're just looking at the 2309 list and getting the answer that way. I don't think I want to go down that route. Maybe if I get really, really stuck, but I'm going to try to avoid it.

Take care, Karen. My thoughts are with you as you adjust to a different life.

>222 klobrien2: This sounds interesting. I like Collins and will look for this one.

Congratulations on reaching 75 already.

>223 richardderus: I picked up Musical Tables from someone on LT but now I can’t remember who. Well, thanks to them, whoever they are! Collins almost reminds me of Ogden Nash at times; other times, he is so quietly sad that it’s heartbreaking.

Good to see you here! Have a wonderful day!

>224 atozgrl: I’m of two (or more) minds about the 2309 list. It is kind of a last ditch thing, it’s no longer complete (Wordle has started used words other than the 2309), and I’ve found it useful only when I have the first few letters. I thought of using it today, but I only had the LAST two letters, and I wasn’t about to scan through the whole list. I’m with you—I’ll use it only when I’m desperate, and otherwise, try to leave it alone.

Great to see you here! Thanks for stopping to chat!

>225 BLBera: Thanks for your kind words. So nice to see you here!

Went out on a limb at word three, and had a little luck.

Wordle 677 4/6 irate, shiny, mimic, logic

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77. Dead Man's Chest (Phryne Fisher #19) by Kerry Greenwood



Really fun story about Phryne and her household on vacation at the shore. But of course, there is a mystery, with missing persons, and a legend of old pirate's treasure.

One of my favorite passages: "The idea which had been floating around in the Antarctic Sea of her mind crystallized into an iceberg."

Dear Karen, I just wandered over here from Beth’s thread and saw your very sad news. I’m so sorry for your loss and hope your family and your memories bring you comfort.

>231 Copperskye: Thank you for your kind thoughts. These condolences and, indeed, family, friends, and memories will sustain me, I believe. The LT community is wonderfully supportive, and a great place to take refuge.

Thank you so much for stopping by! I’ll be by your thread in a little bit.

And Wordle is a refuge and a wonderful memory of life with my Arthur. He loved playing, and we compared results every day.

Today I had those three important letters that had to go…somewhere…

Wordle 678 3/6 irate, rainy (very rainy in Minnesota today), (the last letter was going to be something unusual), so… circa

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I’ve started working on thank-you notes for Art’s service. We collected memorials to his favorite cause, https://bridging.org/, and we’ll have a really nice amount to give them. He would have LOVED that!

78. Primates: The Fearless Science of Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey and Birute Galdikas by Jim Ottaviani, ill. Maris Wicks



I think I learned about this fascinating graphic book from Whisper1--thank you very much!

The book is well-written, very nicely illustrated, and pulls together the accounts of the different scientists, with all their individual quirks and strengths, in a very intriguing whole of a story. Good read!

79. Two Old Women: An Alaska Legend of Betrayal, Courage, and Survival by Velma Wallis, ill. Jim Grant



Another wonderful book comes off of my "to be read" list. I think I heard about this one from Blbera? or Berly? Whoever it was, thank you!

Excellent story about two old women in the wilds of Alaska, who are left behind by their people in the stark and severe winter. The women band together, facing incredible odds, and manage to survive and even more, spectacularly survive.

The story behind the book (the story of Velma Wallis) is just as exciting and interesting.

Beautiful pen and ink drawings illustrate throughout.

Friday Reading Roundup!

Because I rely on libraries so much for my reading (and do so much eBook reading), what I'm reading at any given time changes often, and changes quickly.

Karen's current reading (04/28/2023):

Actively reading

The Windeby Puzzle by Lois Lowry -- p. 50 of 204
A Dangerous Business by Jane Smiley -- p. 24 of 290 (large-type)
Big Tree by Brian Selznick -- p. 189 of 525 (tiny pages, lots of illustrations)
The Case of the Peculiar Pink Fan (Enola Holmes #4) by Nancy Springer
Unnatural Habits (Phryne Fisher #19) by Kerry Greenwood
Prisoner's Base (Nero Wolfe #21) by Rex Stout -- p. 17 of 186

I try to participate in the American Authors Challenge. In April we are reading Ursula Hegi, but I haven't a clue what to read. I think I'll be passing on this author.

I usually am reading/watching Great Courses. Had to stop with "Creation Stories of the Ancient World" because it was wanted by someone else. Boo. I've got it requested again. Hopefully, by the time I get it back, my concentration will be better.

Not-So-Time-Sensitive-But-Still-Want-to-Get-to-Them (so, these are readily available to me although I might not be reading them quite yet or may have had to return them to the library; most are my own books).

The Adventure of the Peculiar Protocols by Nicholas Meyer -- p. 3 of 238
The Disappearance of Sherlock Holmes by Larry Millett -- p. 0 of 340
Marple: Twelve New Stories by assorted authors
Fairy Tale by Stephen King
The Bob-iverse books! (reread)
The Murderbot books! (reread)

Happy weekend ahead's reads, Karen O.!

I love Wordle too. I've not read a Phyrne Fisher book, but I loved the series on TV. Wishing you a happy weekend, Karen.

Wordle 679 4/6 irate, early, shear, cedar

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80. Big Tree by Brian Selznick



Selznick has done it again. A so charming and involving juvenile fiction, with lots of "real life" and science. What starts out to be a love story between a mother sycamore tree and her two little seed siblings turns into a story about the universe and the history of the earth and its inhabitants. Lovely fantasy, terrific drawings.

My only quibble is the physical makeup of the book. It's a brick: heavy, very tightly bound, and difficult to hold open so that one can see the entire page. The pages fly by, however.

The author ends the book with this poem:

Place (W. S. Merwin)

On the last day of the world
I would want to plant a tree

what for
not for the fruit

the tree that bears the fruit
is not the one that was planted

I want the tree that stands
in the earth for the first time

with the sun already
going down

and the water
touching its roots

in the earth full of the dead
and the clouds passing

one by one
over its leaves

Hi Karen - You got me with three titles this time. Primates, Two Old Women and Big Tree all go on my wishlist. I love the poem.

>242 BLBera: That’s great! I really liked all three, and I hope you do, too!

It’s always more fun when you do well! After I had the first three letters, I bopped over to the 2309 list to see what was available.

Wordle 680 3/6 irate, plank, plaza

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I think it was crazymamie? who posted about the TV show “C. B. Strike” but whoever it was, thank you! I’ve watched the first set of three in season 1, “The Cuckoo’s Calling,” and I’m really liking the show, AND I’ve got the Rowling book on which it is based on my Nook.

Hi, Karen. I'm glad to see that you had already solved Wordle today - and in THREE! - before looking at the spoiled spoiler on my thread.

>245 klobrien2: I honestly am surprised that show didn't make it onto US network television. The books sell well here so I just can't figure out what stopped the establishment from making the show or at least buying it for broadcast.

Sunday *smooch

>247 richardderus: And I watched the next story arc (“The Silkworm”) today. I really like the characters and the stories so far. I think I’m hooked! Can’t explain its non-appearance on US TV.

Good to see you here, Mr. D!

>246 LizzieD: Hey, Lizzie! I make a point of NOT visiting any threads until I’ve solved Wordle and posted it on my thread. I don’t want any temptation to peek!

Happy Wordle-ing to you!

Sorry to tempt you with my Wordle's posts and how I got there. I have so much fun comparing how people arrive at their wordle Word. I also do sometimes check the 2309, but I understand that there are additions to the 2309 list as of couple of weeks ago? , so now it's not as helpful as it was. Don't you love it when you get the correct first letter of World quickly? I do . Makes it so much easier to figure out the word.

>250 vancouverdeb: Hi there…yes, I knew about the sanctity of the 2309 list changing, but it still can be very handy at times. I really like it when Wordlers “show their work” and it bugs me when they don’t.

Thanks for stopping by to chat!

Wordle 681 4/6 irate, arose, large, range

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>252 klobrien2: Merry Monday, Karen O.! Here's hoping that the day brings some outstanding reads.

*smooch*

>253 richardderus: Good wishes and smooches right back at you, Richard!

Kind of a slow start today, but I made it!

Wordle 682 5/6 irate, cloud, lumpy, bulky, sulky

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