Anita's ( Figs) reading path in 2023 #5

I decided to start a new thread before I run out of time and get too busy!

My rating system is as follows:

1 = Very Very bad. Either I could not finish the novel, or the plot was ill-conceived

2= Still bad. I managed to finish the book. It was probably boring, unoriginal or poorly written (D)

3= Solid. There was character development, the pace was probably slow or parts of the book were well thought out. Still had the ability to make me think or at the very least want to continue reading, however, something was missing or could have been further developed. Slightly better than average. (C+ or B- or B+)

Subdivided into: Shaky ( barely got there), loose ( average) and solid ( just not quite there for a 3.5 or 4) ( B+)

4= Excellent read. I probably couldn't put the book down till it was finished. The Pace was spot on, complex characters, made me think in a different way and so on ( A -)

5= Absolutely perfect!

Books Read in January



The last beekeeper was a great read. A good debut novel and is still memorable from all the reads this month.

Books Read In February



Favorites: Foster and ghost music. Honourable mention: The sisters of auschwitz.

Books Read in March



Best 3 in no particular order: Kaykeyi, Half of a yellow sun, Hester

Books Read in April



Favorite of the Month: The White Hare

Books Read In May

Books Read In June



Books Read In July

Books Read In August

Comparative Reading List

1. Umberto Eco: The Mysterious Flame Of Queen Laona

2. Fyodor Dostoyevsky: The gambler

Favourite Read Of The Past

Since it's pride month, I thought this would be a good place to showcase a favourite LGBTQ+ read



42. Samra Habib: We Have Always Been Here

At a young age, Samra Habib and her family, decide to come to Canada to seek refuge from a dangerous situation where the Ahmadi sect is being terrorized. However, when she arrives in Canada, Samra finds new challenges and faces discrimination. She tries to navigate her religious beliefs, break free from an oppressive family life all while trying to figure out who she is.

An interesting memoir. This was the winner of the 2020 Canada reads competition.

" We have always been here, it's just that the world wasn't ready for us yet. Today, with all the political upheavals in the Muslim World, some of us, those who are not daily threatened with death or rejection, have to speak for others. They have to tell stories of a community either denied or scorned. Together, through facing distinct realities, we should be united-united in the desire to be, in the desire to enjoy being free, safe and happy. In face of the challenges, our sense of community and our shared aspirations for a better world should make us stronger."

4/5

I think that's it- Welcome!

77. Michelle Min Sterling: Camp Zero

2049, parts of the earth are excruciatingly hot and others extremely cold. Humans are constantly connected to the internet via a chip and the divide between rich and poor is extreme. Some would do anything to get into the floating city.

Told from multiple POV's only a few were developed enough to continue my interest.

It was interesting but I felt that I have read similar doomsday/survival plots that were executed better. This was also the book I read while travelling and given the how hectic it was ( the traveling that it) it could be that I enjoyed it less.....

3/5 ( C-) Meh

Happy new thread, Anita!

Is the picture in >1 figsfromthistle: of the area where you are in Austria?

>14 katiekrug: Thanks Katie! Yes, that's the view from the balcony.

Happy new one, Anita. Beautiful topper!

Happy new thread, Anita!

Back on the old thread, I have to agree that it seems very strange that the birthday person would be the one planning and paying for the birthday celebration. It's just the opposite of what we do here. Hard for me to get my head around that one.

Happy new thread, Anita!

>1 figsfromthistle: Lovely view.

>17 atozgrl: Funny, to me it sounds so normal the birthday person arranges and pays the celebrations. Cultural differences.

Happy new thread Anita, as well as happy traveling.

Happy New Thread!

Happy new thread! I read back on what I had missed at the end of the last one ... I feel like the majority of my passport stamps are from the Frankfurt airport. I don't feel any kind of way about it, but I'd much rather be there than Charles DeGaulle, that's my never-again airport.

And reading everyone's comments about Frankfurt, I feel lucky that our plans worked out when going to Budapest with Jacob - Morgan and I flew together from California and Jacob flew from Denver, then we all met up in Frankfurt and took the same flight to Budapest. Guess that could have turned out very differently!

As for the birthday planning, I know that's a thing in some of these countries. For me, that would remove any pressure because I just wouldn't plan anything and then I'm off the hook for having to deal with a celebration. ;)

Happy new thread Anita!

>13 figsfromthistle: Happy new thread, Anita!

I'm bummed to hear that you didn't think much of Camp Zero... that seems like a book I would have snatched up, based on the description (and I love doomsday/survival plots), but there are so many hours in the day, after all, and so many doomsday/survival books to read! :)

Happy new one, Anita.

Great to see you flying along in 2023!

Happy new thread, Anita.

Your view up in >1 figsfromthistle: is gorgeous!

Happy New Thread, Anita! Lovely image of Austria in your topper! Enjoy your holiday !

Happy new thread! Beautiful view!

Happy new thread!

Happy new thread, Anita!

>16 jessibud2: Thanks!

>17 atozgrl: It is a strange custom. Perhaps that is why they only celebrate milestone birthdays that way...

>18 FAMeulstee: Hi Anita! Yes, it's quite a normal European thing. At least the host gets presents, gift baskets and envelopes with money. It feels more like a wedding ;)

>19 ArlieS: >20 Kristelh: Thanks!

>21 ursula: Hi Ursula. I am glad that the airport works for you. Perhaps it will work for me when I fly back.

>22 quondame: Thanks Susan!

>23 PlatinumWarlock: Nice to see you here. It could have been that because of my mood at the airport, it affected how I read it. Give it a try but I recommend getting it from the library instead of buying it.

>24 PaulCranswick: Hi Paul. Good to see you. It's been a while.

>25 MickyFine: Hi Mickey! The view is great but to the right of me I am enclosed in forest. The best of both worlds.

>26 vancouverdeb: Thanks Deborah!

>27 witchyrichy: >28 drneutron: >29 bell7: Thanks!

Well I have had my breakfast and am all caught up with my thread. Today will be interesting as I have booked a canoe tour through a national park that will bring me into Hungary and Romania. I have never set foot in a canoe before so it may be challenging. I won't bring my camera because the pamphlet says to bring and extra set of clothes and shoes you don't mind if they get wet. I am also going to attend an antique outdoor flea market. Perhaps I will find a book or two ;)

Yesterday evening I went to heurigen with some neighbours. A celebratory dinner to welcome me back. Today I will probably be eating out as well.

Happy new thread, Anita.

Happy Saturday, Anita! Happy New Thread. Have a great time today canoeing. Sounds wonderful.

Happy new thread! I hope you enjoy the canoe tour!

Enjoy your adventure and good luck finding a book or two.

>33 figsfromthistle: That sounds like a fun trip, even if you aren’t a comfortable canoe-er (Canoer? Canoeist? That’s a tough one.) For the future, if you really want to bring your camera on such an outing, there are “dry bags” sold to protect belongings in just that kind of situation. Regardless, I hope it’s fun!

>33 figsfromthistle: Have fun on the canoe tour!

Hope you don't get too wet Anita.

>34 DianaNL: Thanks!

>35 msf59: Thank you. I was able to see quite a few birds and lots of wildlife.

>36 foggidawn: I did. It was a good experience

>37 Kristelh: Unfortunately, I came back book free.

>38 PlatinumWarlock: Thats a great tip for next time. Surprisingly, all went well and it was not as difficult as I thought it would be.

>39 atozgrl: I had a blast.

>40 Caroline_McElwee: Luckily, I did not get wet. A little bit with the shoes but nothing too drastic.

Happy Sunday!

The canoe tour was really great. I am quite glad that I decided to do it.

Today, all the stores in this region are closed. This area still follows tradition and gives families a day off. Luckily I remembered and bought my meat for dinner. Pork tenderloin. I will cut into medallions and make a curry sauce with noodles. Low key kinda day. Today I will probably inform most of my folks that I am here. I may go and visit an aunt of mine and go to a festival in the late afternoon.

Breakfast is a late one. I made poached eggs on a toasted bun with some flat peaches on the side.

78. Ana Johns: The Woman in the white Kimono

Two timelines. Present day, Tori Kovač learns about a secret her father has kept from her. She travels to Japan to seek out answers. 1950, Naoko Nakamura falls in love with and American but is promised to another. Her choices put her in a precarious position with her immediate family and could lose everything by being a dutiful daughter.

On the surface this is about love, tradition and duty. Some parts of the past were difficult to read orphanage that houses young pregnant women and sometimes kills their offspring

A slow moving story that I believe is this authors debut. It was also a BBC radio bookclub pick.

3/5 (B-)

Hi Anita my dear, Happy New Thread, it sounds like you are having a good trip so far, sending love and hugs dear friend.

>45 johnsimpson: thank you, John. Trip is going well. I am feeling much more relaxed than I have in a while.

New-ish thread orisons, Anita.

>47 richardderus: Hi Richard! Nice to see you. I hope you are feeling better and that the complications of tooth extraction have subsided.

Hi Anita! I'm a little late, but happy new thread and I'm glad you're enjoying your time in Austria :)

>49 curioussquared: Thank you. It's always nice to see you here. The great thing about being in Austria is that visiting other countries is quite easy and relatively close.

Stopping by to say hi, Anita! Glad you are having a relaxing time in Austria and even finding time to read.

Has it been hot where you are? It's been pretty toasty here in western Germany (27-30 most days).

>51 vancouverdeb: Hi Deborah! That's the beauty of vacation-taking time to relax and enjoy.

>52 ursula: Yes it has been warm! Today is 33. It should go back down on the weekend to 26-29 (ish) Today I am spending my afternoon in a stalagmite/stalactite cave so that should be much cooler :)

( not my photo)

HAppy weekend, everyone!

It has been extremely warm here. Luckily, there was a massive thunderstorm which has cooled off the air a lot ( at least for today). I am heading out to look for chanterelle mushrooms this morning.

This weekend I am mostly visiting relatives. Next week will be busy as I am going to Vienna and later, Maribor. For now, I have been visiting border towns. I will be near Italy on Sunday and have packed my hiking shoes as these relatives always take me on a exhausting mountain hike.

I will try to catch up with a few threads today as best as I can.

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>54 figsfromthistle: Good luck with the mushroom hunting - chanterelle mushrooms are a favourite of mine too.

>56 PaulCranswick: I did quite well. there is a forest next to the house and they popped up everywhere after the rain. I took just enough to eat a few times.

HAppy Tuesday!

Today is a cloudy day. I am going with a few friends shopping this morning, lunch and then afternoon to the hot springs.

I finished reading Scaramouche which I found in the bookcase here at home.

Things have been rolling along here and now that I am at the halfway point of my vacation it will certainly fly by. I did attend the formal birthday party. I felt uncomfortable but it was nice to see people I have not seen or ever saw before.

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Already at the half way point of your holiday! That seems to have gone by fast, even to me here in Vancouver. Too bad about the formal dress for the birthday party , but I hope you enjoy your hot springs time. Exploring a cave? Sounds interesting, but was it scary?

>59 vancouverdeb: Hi Deborah! Nice to see you. The caves were not scary. They had good lighting but the stairs were a little slippery.

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Hi Anita, sounds like you are having a lovely time in Europe!

>61 AMQS: Yes, it's going well. The only problem is that there is not a good used book store around here.

79. Rafael Sabatini: Scaramouche

Andre-Louis Moreau is a gentilhomme that is forced to engage in the political storm brewing around him when his friend is killed via a duel. He vows revenge by continuing his friends cause for the revolution. In no time, his speeches put a marker on his head and he must find cover in various roles and company while still making his voice heard.

A good read. Patience is needed when reading as the narration/dialogue demands full attention. I will definitely be reading the follow up- the King Maker.

3.5/5 ( B+)

Hi Anita

I've been remiss in visiting threads and am going to try to visit more often. Congratulations on reading 79 books!!!

>63 figsfromthistle: There are some Sabatini books I've enjoyed, but Scaramouche never appealed in the way Captain Blood did.

>64 Whisper1: It is nice to see you here. I hope you are doing well.

>65 quondame: I have to admit it is the first Sabatini book that I have read. I am looking forward to reading more and comparing :)

It's Friday!!

Today I am heading off to Vienna. Should be nice. I am hoping to have time to go visit some antique bookstores. Vienna is chalk full of them. I was at a local market and there was a book stand. I was able to find a book by the nobel prize winner-Konrad Lorenz. Otherwise nothing that spoke to me. Things have been moving fast here. Lots to see and do and lots of people still yet to visit.

I went hiking up a mountain and in the middle of the grass there was a brass ensemble playing. What fun that was.

I probably won't be on LT until Sunday or Monday. In the meantime, for those who have a long weekend holiday- Happy Weekend!

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Took me way too long ....obviously not enough caffeine.

>67 figsfromthistle: Looks gorgeous, Anita! Vienna sounds so lovely! Enjoy!Happy Long Weekend to you too!

Happy Canada Day!

Hi Anita! Have fun in Vienna! (I'm so brain foggy. I almost called Deb Rhonda, and then I actually did call you Deb! 🤦‍♀️)

Have fun in Vienna. I'd like to spend some more time there. Is it hot? I just returned from Spain, and it was SO hot.

I hope you have a wonderful time in Vienna! I would love to go back there - I was there a few years ago on a choir trip, so my schedule was not my own and I had 45 kids to look after:)

Captain Blood is such a fun book. If you enjoy Rafael Sabatini, definitely give that one a try.

>68 vancouverdeb: >69 richardderus: >70 Kristelh: Thanks! Even though it's not a long weekend here I am still celebrating :)

>71 The_Hibernator: No worries. It is good to see you.

>72 BLBera: At the moment it is 28C although there were some really steamy days last week.

>73 AMQS: Vienna is one of those cities that no matter how many times you go, there is always something to discover. I can't imagine going with 45 kids!

Thanks for the recommendation. I will add it to my list.

Happy tail end of the long weekend!

I am exhausted after a busy weekend and driving partially in the rain. I had a great time and was able to do what I went to Vienna for. I also ate at a fantastic Greek restaurant. Live music and grilling in a great outdoor setting-what more can you ask for?

Today will be a "rest" day. Grocery shopping and laundry and some clean up. Perhaps I will go to the hot springs in the afternoon for a nice massage.

Stats for June

Books Read: 4
Male:2 Female:2
Total pages:1424
Average length: 356
Pages per day: 47.46

Quite sad looking stats but not bad considering I am on vacation....perhaps I will catch up in July.

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It looks like you are having a wonderful time and that your vacation is allowing your body time to recuperate while you catch up with friends and relatives in Austria. I hope things continue to go well while you are travelling, Anita.

>77 Familyhistorian: So far so good. I am having a great time. I just wish that I took an extra week!

Happy Tuesday!

A nice cool day here that is cloudy and some slight drizzle. I have to take advantage of it as the temperatures are going to increase tomorrow and then I will be complaining how hot it is ;)

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>80 vancouverdeb: Looks lovely, Anita. I can't quite say I want some drizzle yet, but it is warm here today. 23 C , and 26 C with the humidex. I'm sure many people would be happy with a bit of drizzle around here, the plants need it.

>80 vancouverdeb: Yes, a little rain always is ok for the plants.

Happy mid week!

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Hi, Anita! I'm so glad to hear that you're having such a lovely vacation, with time visiting relatives and also time to yourself. I was in Vienna for a short time on a study abroad, some 45(!) years ago. I didn't have enough money to do everything I would have liked. I'm glad you were able to do everything you wanted while you were there.

>83 atozgrl: Oh cool! I can imagine on a student budget that one has to be selective about what to see.

Enjoy the vacay!

>85 richardderus: Thanks Richard! It's almost over though and really wish I had more time.

Happy Weekend!

It's been a whirlwind few days here. My Uncle got a ride from my cousin and came to visit. It was unexpected but it was nice to spend three days with him and all the relatives he wanted to see. On the plus side, I was able to get to know my cousin and his wife ( same age as my dad) a bit better. I am hoping that there are no surprise visits this weekend as I really want to relax a bit before I head home next week. I have been staying out late all week and am really missing my beauty sleep.

Today I am going to a beer fest where there will be lots of live music, good food and of course beer :)

I have not been reading anything lately but I suppose that will change in a week or so.

>87 figsfromthistle: I am enjoying my diet, Anita, but I am not sure that I could resist a beer fest! Enjoy.

>88 PaulCranswick: Ha! I just posted on your thread! I am driving so really I won't be drinking a lot of beer. Just some tasters from a few select breweries. The rest of the time I will be drinking mineral water with elderflower juice ;)

>89 figsfromthistle: That is a shame, Anita, I had thoughts of you staggering from beer tent to beer tent!

Happy Saturday, Anita. It sounds like your trip is going great. I love beer tents and gardens!! Another B to add to my repertoire. When do you return home?

Hello, Anita. Glad to hear that you're having such a good time! I hope you get the rest you need next week. Enjoy the beer fest!

>90 PaulCranswick: Ha ! I think those staggering days are sadly over for me....I am too old now ;)

>91 msf59: Hi Mark! I return home on Thursday.

>92 atozgrl: It was a good fest. Relaxing yet upbeat atmosphere.

>87 figsfromthistle: Looks lovely! Glad you enjoyed the Beer Fest in moderation.

>94 vancouverdeb: Hi Deborah! Happy Sunday!

How was the beer fest? That sounds fun!

>96 The_Hibernator: The beer fest was great! Lots of good food ,beer and the live music made it more festive. The next day I went to a wine thing and luckily someone else was the designated driver ;)

Hi Anita! While at my bookstore for book buy back day, I stumbled upon Come Fly the World
I wanted to be everything when I was growing up (no focus) and a stewardess was one of them. So, I bought it to see what I've missed.
Hope to get to it soonish

Hoping your return to normalcy isn't too traumatic, Anita.

>98 Carmenere: Hope the book helps you discover the life of a stewardess. From what I have observed, it is a stressful job.

>99 richardderus: Hi Richard! I am hoping that my return flight has no issues. Returning to normalcy is always a little traumatic. It is hard when your heart feels at home in two different places.

Have a good trip!

Just stopping by to say hi and keep your thread warm, Anita. I guess you are home ? And I'm glad you had good trip. It is hard when your heart feels at home in two different places. Isn't that so true! I used to feel so sad when my nuclear family returned from a visit to Winnipeg from seeing our extended family when I was young. My grandparents were effectively my extra parents when I was young, since my mom and sister and I lived with them for the first 3 - 4 years of my life as my dad got his work established in the Vancouver area. I hope you soon feel happy at home.

>101 The_Hibernator: Thanks.

>102 vancouverdeb: Thanks, Deborah! I am home now. I extended my trip a bit ( due to certain circumstances). I am now getting back into the non vacation groove. It is nice that you were able to be close with your grandparents.

Well I am back! I had a great time visiting people and sightseeing. However, the most important part is that I was able to relax. It was a bit different as some of my keystone relatives have passed since I went last time. Other relatives surprised me and stepped up and made a good effort to spend time and begin building a more solid connection.

I will be around the next few days trying to catch up as best as I can.

Welcome back home Anita.

>105 Kristelh: Thanks :)

>104 figsfromthistle: Glad to see you are safely back home after your vacation, Anita.
When do you go back to work?

>107 FAMeulstee: Thanks! I Return to work on Tuesday.

Happy Friday!

I am slowly getting back into the groove. My parents did a great job with the gardens while I was away. Boy, have things grown! The climbing beans are blooming nicely and yesterday was the first bean harvest. I had beets from the garden with my meal and they were delicious. It also appears to be a cucumber year. I shall have to take a picture of the red flowering beans later.

This weekend, I am taking advantage of my remaining days off. I am going to Stratford to see a play and go shopping and have a nice meal.

Yesterday, I bought some books that were on sale. Here is my book haul list:

1. John Foley: Albert Camus: From the Absurd to Revolt
2. Peter McSherry:The Big Red Fox: The Incredible story of Norman "Red" Ryan
3. John Banville: The infinites
4. Jesse Wente: Unreconciled: Family, Truth and Indigenous resistance
5. Susie Yang: White Ivy
6. David L Mearns: The Shipwreck Hunter

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I read the Jesse Wente book last year, I think. It's an important one.

I am heading home today, too. I expect my garden will have exploded too.

Good that you are giving yourself re-entry time.
What play are you seeing? My friend moved to Stratford 2 yrs ago and volunteers at the festival

Happy Friday, Anita. I hope you are doing well. We are off on our next camping trip around Lake Michigan.

I came to visit, Anita, and thoroughly enjoyed spending the end of your European visit with you. You shared some beautiful pictures and memories. I must also congratulate you on flying by the 75-book milestone. At this rate, you might hit the 150 mark. I will feel fortunate to read 100 books this year.

Welcome back! Glad to hear you have a little time to settle back in before you go back to work.

Welcome home, Anita! Glad it was a good time.

Enjoy the decompression time, and readjust well.
*smooch*

>104 figsfromthistle: Welcome back, Anita! I'm glad you had such a good trip, with both good relaxing time as well as spending time with your relatives.

That's another beautiful picture! What building does it show?

>110 jessibud2: I am going to see Richard II tomorrow. I wanted to see King Lear but it did not work out with my schedule. Perhaps on another weekend. I am gad that you are making your way home. Wishing you a good journey back.

>111 msf59: Thanks! Ah lake Michigan....a wonderful area. Have a great trip!

>112 Donna828: Thanks, Donna. Glad you have been enjoying the pictures. I flew past the 75 marker but now it seems that I am stuck....

>113 curioussquared: Thanks! I usually never leave time to settle in after vacation but decided to do things differently this time. I am getting older you know ;)

>114 richardderus: Hi Richard! Thank you . * smooch*

>115 atozgrl: That building is just a random one in a main town square in Hungary. Nothing special about it except that it housed an excellent coffee shop.

Welcome back, Anita.

>117 figsfromthistle: Well, there may not be anything that makes it special, but it's a strikingly attractive building in any case! Glad you gave yourself some time to get settled before returning to work.

>118 BLBera: thanks!

>119 atozgrl: It is always those building that have no "special" function that look soo beautiful. Hope you are having a good weekend so far!

Sunday *smooch*

Thanks, Richard!

Hope you have a great start to the week!

Happy Monday!

Today is a day that will be filled with outdoor and indoor chores. Laundry, clean up, grocery shopping. I also have to pick the black currants, wash and sort them and cook them down to make into a jam ( I have 10 large fully loaded bushes). My parents picked the red currants earlier-while I was on vacation. I also should pick the beans as well. Grass needs to be cut and trimming/edging before the rain arrives. It is supposed to be really hot this week so I prefer to do the majority of my chores today while the temperature is still manageable.

I had a very nice day yesterday in Stratford. Tomorrow it's back to work I go. I think that after being off for almost 6 weeks, it will be a tough/long day. Hopefully everyone shows up!

I have been reading but it is slow going. I have not gotten back into the groove and need to make a point to read a bit each day.

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Sounds like a full day but a nice one to be outside in all that nature.

Hi Anita. Hope you had a good first day at work. And some time to relax, as well.

>124 Kristelh: It was a nice and busy day. It was a good thing that I cut the grass because it rained in the afternoon.

>125 EllaTim: I hope today goes well! First little bit is always hard to adjust to.

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Hi Anita, I'm not much into a reading groove this summer. Lots of family visits though and reading some Middle school titles have added to my book count.
I'm envious of your beans. And in fact all the garden talk. Our green bean seeds popped up in a very patchy fashion. We didn't see any insect pests or bird marauders, so it's a mystery. We love green beans in summer meals, and won't have enough for the varied menu.

>128 SandyAMcPherson: Summer is a slower reading time...more family and outdoor meals. Beans can be a little finicky. Sometimes they just don't sprout and have to be reseeded and sometimes garden critters make off with the seeds. It's not too late to seed them again but they will take at least 50 days to produce.

>129 figsfromthistle: they will take at least 50 days to produce. !!
Oh HA on that. We'll probably have our first frost by then.

But thanks for the encouragement. We did re-plant. I hide each bean seed under a protective cap to stop the crows for pecking the seeds. I think it was actually a case of the sudden cold snap we had for a few days in mid-June (the neighbour's roof was glistening and twinkling in the morning sun). Whatever, only one of the re-seeded plants appeared.

>130 SandyAMcPherson: Oh Bummer about the frost. We used to get frost earlier in the season but each year the frost date gets pushed back a bit later. Frost in these parts don't usually show up till end of September. I do however, cover the beans when I think frost may come and then uncover during the day. this extends the season a bit :)

Have a good return-to-work experience, Anita.

A double-post! those almost never happen any more.

Did you get your outdoors stuff done before the heat? We have to play soccer today. It's 95F.

🤦‍♀️

>132 richardderus: Thanks, Richard! So far it has been ok but busy. Lots of people not showing up/calling in. So far my vacation happiness is still effective.....we shall see in a week or two if it lasts!

>133 richardderus: A rarity indeed!

>134 The_Hibernator: I managed to get what I needed done before the heat. This afternoon there is a strong thunderstorm watch. We are under a heat warning. We are at 91 ( without humidity) and with humidity 96F.

Ouch! 95 F is quite high. I hope you are staying cool!

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Happy Saturday!

Yesterday I cut the grass and got a sunburn in the process. I don't know what I was thinking as it was a very warm day. There were instant blisters on my skin. Luckily after putting on some ointment it does not burn.

I harvested spinach and cleaned it. Today after work I will make spinach noodles. I also bought some local blueberries and will make jam on the weekend. On a very happy note, six cherry tomatoes already turned red! It will be a week or so and I will have tomatoes coming out of my ears ( I hope). Now I am eating cucumbers daily.

I actually started and finished a book! My reading groove has been non existent. Susie Yang: White Ivy was an ok and average read for me.

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It is pouring rain here as we speak but I think the temps are coming down, thank goodness! Most of my tomatoes are still green but I have been harvesting one or two red (and orange ones too) almost daily. My raspberries are doing well and I have my first tiny eggplant but I noticed a mark on the end and I hope it's not rotten. I don't mind the rain as it means I don't have to water (I am also tending my next door neighbour's gardens until she returns home from visiting family at the end of August).

Boo hiss on your sunburn. Glad you caught it before it started hurting. I spent Thursday at a friend's house outside Acton, sort of rural and just beautiful. We ate lunch out on her deck which is shaded. It was great but I am now covered in mosquito bites! As a kid, I always had a ton but as an adult, hardly any and it's making me crazy!

>138 jessibud2: It rained a lot here as well. Lately, we have also been receiving tornado warnings.

You garden sounds to be a nice and healthy one. I have never grown eggplant before but love eating it. How nice of you to also take care of your neighbours garden!

I hear you about the mosquito bites. I thought that I was the only one that noticed an increase in these pesky insects. Everyday I go outside I get at least 10 bites. I think I will have to wear a repellant. They also seem to be extra large this year....

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Clearly I wasn't thinking

Congratulations on 75 Anita! Your Austrian trip visiting family and doing your own thing too sounds lovely. Sadly, I can't comment on growing fruit and veggies in my garden because I don't though I have vague ambitions to.

Have a good Sunday's reads, Anita.

>141 humouress: Thanks! ah perhaps someday you will have the energy to try a little garden/planter box.....I find gardening therapeutic ( most of the time).

Hope you have a great start to the week!

>142 richardderus: Thanks, Richard!

80. Susie Yang: White Ivy

A coming of age story about a first generation family that desperately wants to fit in with the elite. For Ivy, acceptance into the Speyers family and Gideon's romantic attention is all she could ever dream about. Years later, she gets another chance to impress but an ex boyfriend of hers could derail everything she worked for and worse yet, make her question everything she thinks she knows about herself and the Speyer family.

3/5 ( C-)

Hi, Anita. Just checking in after our big camping trip. Sorry, to hear about your HEAT. We had beautiful weather in MI. Congrats on hitting 75! I recently hit that milestone too.

>145 msf59: Thanks! I actually reached this goal at the end of May but have not been reading a lot since then. Glad you made it as well!

Your trip looks like it was wonderful. MI certainly is picturesque.

No rain in the prairies to wet down the smoky air. Watering frugally as we can, but vegetable growing sure runs up the water bill!

>143 figsfromthistle: Fun to see that you also find gardening "therapeutic most of the time".
I sweated myself silly thinning the strawberry plants in the 28 oC heat mid-morning yesterday, despite being mostly shaded by the oak tree. "Therapeutic" was the tepid shower afterwards and cold lemonade.

Anita, sorry I have not visited in so long! I just have been busy with " real life" , enjoying life , but still reading. The weather here has been great, not enough rain, but personally I am not missing it, though we start on level 2 water restrictions due to the lack of rain. We are very lucky to not yet be affected by smoke in the area. There is a very bad fire in Osyoos right now. I'm glad you had such a wonderful trip!

>147 SandyAMcPherson: It certainly is a challenge to ted to a garden in dry conditions. I don't have to worry too much about cost as I have a water well. I just need hydro for the water pump.

Back in May, I read something about Saskatchewan having a lot of wildfires and thick smoke . The smoke affected the air quality of many Canadians. I have not heard anything about the fire since then ....I hope it has all cleared up.

>148 vancouverdeb: Hi Deborah. Nice to see you visit. We have been lucky with enough rain that I don't have to water the gardens. Although it is quite warm. Glad you are not affected by the smoke coming from Osyoos. Hopefully, the fire can be contained quickly !

Happy Tuesday!

Long day for me at work. Hopefully it goes well.

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>150 figsfromthistle: Nice Wordleing, Anita! Survive well.

Happy Tuesday, Anita! I hope work is not "too long" for you today :)

Hi Anita! Hope you had a nice day!

Hi >151 richardderus: Richard, >152 alcottacre: Stasia and >153 The_Hibernator: Rachel. Great to see you all here :)

The day was not too bad. A few "surprises" due to a lack of communication from my boss but nothing drastic. I don't feel as tired as I thought I would and as a result I have begun reading The First Ladies.

Happy Hump Day!

Yesterday, I heard a very loud noise and went to check on my chickens. Turns out there were two tall birds in the field behind my home. I think they were sandhill cranes. I am not certain. I went to get my camera and upon return they were out of sight.

I am almost finished reading The First Lady: Benedict. My stats for July were awful. I only read one book which has never happened to me before. Hopefully August will be better.

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>155 figsfromthistle:, I had sand hill cranes in my yard briefly this year too. I also had a great horn owl sitting on the grass in the middle of the day (again briefly). Never time to get a camera to record the occurrence.

>155 figsfromthistle: The cranes sure add interest to the day!

>155 figsfromthistle: Cranes in the backyard, wow!
I have my mobile phone in my back pocket for making fast pictures. But I can forget about cranes.

>156 Kristelh: It is funny how any time there is something great to photograph, the camera is no where near. Ah well.

>157 quondame: They certainly do. What I did not realize is how loud they are!

>158 EllaTim: I rarely take my mobile phone with me when I am outdoors. So many great photo opportunities lost. I looked for the cranes today but they have not returned.

Cool! Sandhill cranes. They are pretty common around here, but I'm not entirely sure if I could identify them. Your vegetable garden sounds yummy! We don't have one because we live in a townhouse and B- we are lazy! We were over at my son and his wife's place for dinner tonight ( and our two grandkids ) and we enjoyed zucchini and green beans from their garden. They just planted a fig tree, so we'll see how that goes. It's nice for for young kids to see where food really comes from when you live in the city/ burbs. I recall my grandparents always had a fabulous vegetable garden, I guess born of WW11 and the victory garden concept, as well as living in the dirty 30's.

>160 vancouverdeb: It sounds like you don't need a garden since your son has one. Perfect way to get good vegetables :) It is great for kids to see where food comes from and to cultivate an appreciation for it as well.

I wish I could have a fig tree but the winters here are too cold and I would always have to bring it indoors. Good luck with the figs.

It is interesting that when times are better, city people forget about gardening. During covid and now with interest rate hikes, more people are taking up gardening for financial and mental reasons. I don't find a garden to be "cheap" as the seeds and water costs can run more than buying in the store. I do however think that people who begin gardening are recognizing the difference in taste and quality.

>161 figsfromthistle: - I agree 100%. When I was growing up, my mum made a small vegetable garden in our back yard. From that time, I learned what tomatoes are supposed to taste like and have always tried to grow my own ever since. The store-bought ones, especially those not grown locally (or out of season) are simply tasteless. Not terrible but simply not *tomatoes*!

>162 jessibud2: It is interesting the memories we keep from childhood. Some of my strongest ones are that of growing up on the farm. the two years spent in the city, I can recollect very little.

Did you grow tomatoes this year? My cherry tomatoes are turning red and now the bigger tomatoes are beginning to redden.

I am growing tomatoes. I have 2 plants of cherry tomatoes, reds and orange. For the first time, I have one plant of beefsteak tomatoes. One is already turning orangey-red and I swear, it looks like it will turn into a pumpkin! Also, for the first time this year, I am using an upside-down tomato planter and so far, I am having success. I posted some pics on my thread. I have been harvesting and devouring some of the cherry tomatoes for a couple of weeks already!

>164 jessibud2: Sounds wonderful! I remember seeing your upside down tomato planter on your thread. I am glad that it is working out for you. Those beefsteak tomatoes sure grow big! Enjoy :)

It's Friday!

I finished reading The First Lady: Benedict and started Wasteland: Oliver Franklin-Wallis

After work I should cut the grass. I am not sure which day this weekend that I will have time to do this. I work three days and then have the Civic holiday Monday off.

Today's meal is going to be meatloaf with some fried zucchini and parsley potatoes from the garden. It should be enough that I have leftovers for the next day.

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Happy Friday, Anita. I love sandhill cranes. We have a few pairs that breed here but mostly they stay north. It is always such a treat to see and hear them during migration.

>161 figsfromthistle: I agree about the expense of gardening. We usually don't start plants from seed, but buy the small plants at the garden store in the spring. Also, when you need to buy soil or amendments (like a bag of Black Kow), that is really not cheap! But it is worth it for the fresh veggies! Much better than store bought. I really need to get back into it more next spring. I haven't been growing as much the last few years.

>167 msf59: Cool! They are quite stunning birds that demand attention. This is the first time that they were right in my backyard! I have not seen them since but am always on the lookout.

Happy weekend!

>168 atozgrl: I did notice that natural fertilizer is quite expensive. Luckily, I have lots from cleaning out the two chicken coops ;)

81. Marie Benedict: The First Ladies

Civil rights activist, Mary McLeod Bethune becomes friends with Eleanor Roosevelt. Together they accomplish great things and begin to break down barriers.

Alternating POV's ( Eleanor and Mary). I would have preferred less of Eleanor and more from Mary. Eleanor's narrative overshadowed Mary's and was a bit repetitive. A bit more depth/grit would have knocked this one out of the park.

I quite enjoyed the book and did learn something. I hope to find some primary sources about Dr Bethune.

3.5/5

>161 figsfromthistle: I don't think I'll be getting any veggies from my son and his family as their garden is pretty minimal. I'm not sure why they planted it, perhaps mainly for the kids to see where food comes from ? My DIL teaches kindergarten and that sort of idea would be hers. Some of the schools around here have communal gardens for the kids to see how pumpkins grow etc, and my granddaughter mentioned digging up potatoes from a pot at her preschool, so I think it is a very good idea. In my city, the majority of people live in condos ( apartments) so for many people , I guess the idea of being able to grow veggies is just a concept, nothing concrete. The city has quite a few community gardens, which is good idea. There is a waiting list , and it costs between$ 45 - 90 to rent one for a year. My sister is a big floral gardener, and I know that is quite expensive. I'm less familiar with the cost of vegetable gardens. I agree, home grown veggies are much tastier.

>171 vancouverdeb: Hi Deborah! It's great to see that there are many programs in place for kids. I have seen community gardens around here as well. I just assumed that they were "free" plots reserved for low income families.

Hope you have a great long weekend :)

HAppy Monday and happy Civic holiday to those who celebrate!

Looks to be a rainy day here. I have the day off today and it's a holiday weekend here. I technically have a lot of household chores to catch up on. I will see how I feel as all my joints are swollen, stiff and painful today.

Today's dinner will be roast beef with gravy, mashed potatoes, beets and salad.

I finished reading The Way of all Flesh: Ambrose Parry. The first in the series. It was a so so read for me. I may give the second book a chance at another time.

I almost flunked wordle today but still managed to survive!

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>173 figsfromthistle:
Happy Monday and day off, hope those joints loosen up for you. I busted with Wordle today.

>173 figsfromthistle: Mmm your dinner plans sounds delicious and perfect for a rainy day. I hope your joints feel a little happier as the day progresses.

> 174 Thanks! I found that yesterday's word was difficult as well.

>175 MickyFine: I am looking forward to it. I will have leftovers for my long work day tomorrow so I won't have to cook when I get home. So far my joints have not improved. I am going to soak my hands and feet in an ice bath and see if it helps.

Hope you have a wonderful Monday!

82. Ambrose Parry: the Way Of All Flesh

Will Raven has secured an apprenticeship with a renowned doctor ( Mr. Simpson). This doctor is desperately trying to find a solution to patients pain during surgeries and child birth. The chemists discover an early form of chloroform and have great success with it. All goes well until women begin to die. One of these women is a former lady of the night that Will used to frequent and whose debt he takes over from back alley creditors. Will begins to inquire about his friends death while trying to avoid creditors and jump start a career as a doctor.

This is the first in the series and the timeline is set in Edinburgh 1850's. There is a lot of description of child birth- particularly complications and some go into a lot of detail ( just a warning for those who are a little more sensitive).

I found Sarah ( the housemaid ) to be interesting but can easily predict what her storyline will be in the next book. I cared less for the other protagonists. Also, the tension between Sarah and Will/Raven was great until the author tried to make it into a sexual tension. There were a lot of things that did not work for me but I think that many others will enjoy it more.

3/5 - A very generous C-

>170 figsfromthistle: Marie Benedict The First Ladies is now on the TBR pile. Thanks for your excellent review.

>178 figsfromthistle: Oh nay nay nay! Thanks for the warning. That detail would very much not fly with me!

>179 Whisper1: It's nice to see you here! I hope you enjoy it when you get to it :)

>180 richardderus: You are welcome, Richard. Glad I was able to be of service ;)

>170 figsfromthistle: Marie Benedict: The First Ladies is a book I want to read. My library doesn't have this one. Did you buy it from a book store? I think I've read every book that Marie Benedict has written with the exception of this latest one.

Thanks for the excellent review! And congratulations of reading so many good books.

>182 Whisper1: I have also read everything by Benedict. I received this book from the library. It is the latest one so it may take a while until your library has it.

Happy Mid week!

It's Wednesday......

Today is my cousins 93rd birthday. I baked a cake and made a roast chicken. Today I am driving to Toronto to visit. She still lives in her own home. I will bring some work clothes and shoes just in case there is something that she wants me to do for her. It will be a longish day as a roundtrip is 360km.

My garden is looking great and now I am harvesting a lot of tomatoes. I still have a lot of cucumbers so much so that I am eating 3 a day plus I am giving lots away.

I think I am slowly getting back into a reading groove. Not the way I was before but it's getting there.

I stopped sharing my wordle every day and just do so when I feel like it but after three days in a row barely squeaking by, I get this magical result.

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Nice wordle today. It took me 6 tries!

>178 figsfromthistle: I read (and reviewed) Parry's novel in 2021 and you've illustrated some points I missed considering. I had awarded 3 stars as well, but in retrospect, am now begrudging that, since it's a misleading rating on my part. The crime aspect is so overshadowed by the medical practice details.
I like your way of qualifying ratings like 3-stars: A very generous C- Exactly!

>184 figsfromthistle: Good for her. And for you too.

>184 figsfromthistle: My MiL is the same age. We made a trip to Mississippi back in May to do some of the same things, and help out my SiL. Your cousin is fortunate to have your help!

Good work with the Wordle!

>185 Kristelh: I got lucky and it was a nice change from the last few days :)

>186 SandyAMcPherson: I find that 3* ratings are really tricky so the extra rating helps ( I hope) others make a better informed decision about if they want to read it or not. Glad it helped you :)

>187 ArlieS: Yes, we are happy that she is able to be in her own home and remain mostly independent. I hope she enjoys many more years in her home.

>188 atozgrl: Well we all do what we can for family, right? Is Mississippi far from where you live?

I would travel more often to be with her but the traffic makes the trip really long. This time, there was construction on the way up and a certain section that is 18km took 45 min to get through making the journey a whole 3.5 hours long. They way home was more typical with a 2.5 hour drive.

I was able to cut the grass for her. I brought up the food and the cake. She will have leftovers for a few days and I also brought fresh vegetables from the garden for her to enjoy. She has a garden as well but it is quite small.

>190 figsfromthistle: I suspected you must have brought some of your fresh vegetables for her. Good for you! I know she must have liked that. I'm sure she also appreciated your mowing and your company.

Yes, Mississippi is a long way from here. About 14 hours to drive, including meal stops. Longer if there's a traffic incident or construction. There's no way to avoid going through Atlanta, which is not fun to drive, unless we take the alternate (less direct) route, but that goes through Knoxville, which is as bad as Atlanta these days. As a result, we can't make it over there very often. And of course COVID put a stop to the trips for awhile. My husband's sister lives there and can take care of their mother most of the time, but it's starting to become a burden as she ages and can't do as much for herself any more. And his sister and her husband are also getting older and have their own health problems. Dealing with aging is not easy!

>184 figsfromthistle: Anita, What a lovely message of outreach to someone who just might need company! You are such a kind soul.

>184 figsfromthistle: Nice wordle score , Anita! You cousin is indeed fortunate to have you visit. That is a long drive . I've not yet read a book by Ambrose Parry, but I'll keep your review in mind. Any ideas on what you might read from the Booker Long List?

>192 Whisper1: That's nice of you to say.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend ((hugs))

>193 vancouverdeb: I think there are a few that I want to read. A spell of good things, all the little bird hearts. Pearl and this other Eden all look interesting to me. I will have to see what the library has.

Happy weekend-ahead's reads, Anita!

>195 richardderus: Thanks, Richard! *smooch*

Happy Weekend!

Looks like today is a rainy day. Glad I cut the grass the other day. Its a working weekend for me but I don't mind.

I finished reading Lisa Jewell: None Of this Is True

Todays supper is going to be roast pork with rice and beets. I will also make a cucumber and tomato salad as I have too many in the garden. Yesterday, I had homemade hamburger on the BBQ and ate outside. It was the perfect weather for it.

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>191 atozgrl: She is always happy to get vegetables. Even at her age she still enjoys canning.

Wow that is a long drive! Atlanta is always busy. I usually try to drive around it if I can but it adds time. It is fortunate that your husbands mom has so many looking out for her. Does the states have a homecare/buddy program where someone can come in either everyday for a few hours or just a few hours a week? I know inCanada we have something like that but unfortunately, my cousin is stubborn and refuses.

Anyhow, have a great weekend!

>170 figsfromthistle: Adding that one to the BlackHole. Thanks for the mention, Anita. I have run across Bethune quite a bit in my Black Studies reading.

Have a wonderful weekend!

>199 alcottacre: Do you have any primary literature to recommend about Bethune?

83. Lisa Jewell: None Of This Is True

Alix Summers, a successful podcaster crosses paths with Josie Fair at a local gastropub. Both are celebrating their 45th birthday. Josie contacts Alix later and convinces her to record her life story about her marriage and her strange children. As Alix delves deeper, she can no longer tell the truth from the lies. All she knows is that no one is who they portray to be.

If you like Ruth Wares writing than this will perhaps work for you. I did not like it as much as other books written by her. Certain things did not sit well with me but I maybe I am being a little picky/oversensitive.

3/5 ( B-)

>198 figsfromthistle: You are right that Atlanta is always busy. We used to take the I-85 route, and found the best time was to hit Atlanta on a Sunday night. In more recent years, we've started taking back roads down to I-20 in South Carolina, then staying on that all the way to Mississippi. The I-20 route through Atlanta just seems to work better.

There are various home healthcare/assistance programs available in the US, but what's available depends on where you are. I'm not sure exactly what's available where she lives, but her sister (who is almost the same age) did have someone coming in to help her after a surgery a couple of years ago. Then my SiL ran into the health care person out and about somewhere when she was supposed to be at the aunt's house, and that was the end of that. I think my MiL is like your cousin, too stubborn to accept that kind of help.

I hope you also have a great weekend--or at least, what's left of it!

>201 figsfromthistle: I haven't read any Jewell to date, but had to smile at a recent interview where she said that she didn't reread books, as she had 200 books and wanted to read every one of them! Probably LT not required hehe.

>202 atozgrl: It was a good weekend. Busy at work and today was very hectic but glad I am off on Monday!

I think home healthcare and assistance is extremely important. In the long run cost way less than funding for nursing homes and such. Many seniors only need a little bit of care and if it helps them stay in an environment they are comfortable and familiar with then better access to this service is important.

>203 Caroline_McElwee: If you have not read any Jewell yet then I don't recommend starting with this one. Watching you or The Family upstairs may be a better introduction to her writing. I also read an article recently ( by the Guardian) that she once read 40 Agatha Christie novels in a year.

Hope you have a great start to the week.

>204 figsfromthistle: Yes, I agree with you completely. Home health care is much better for most elderly, who can stay at home. It would be better to keep the nursing homes and other care centers for those who need more care. I just hope we can find enough home health care workers to make that possible!

>205 atozgrl: There certainly is a great shortage of health care workers. Many do not get the respect from their employers that they deserve and are often burnt out.

Hope you are having a great start to your week!

84. Claire McMillan: Alchemy Of A Blackbird

1939, the war and deportation of Jewish nationals have just begun in France. Spanish painter, Remedios Varo and her lover, poet Benjamin Péret, are shuttled to a safe house and later find passage to Mexico. While Benjamin longs for France and his best friend, Remedios begins to come alive. She and her close friend become interested in tarot cards and the occult.

A story about friendship, and a sort of coming of age story as an adult artist.

3/5 ( B-)

85. Gail Tsukiyama: The Brightest Star

Anna May Wong wants nothing more than to be a famous hollywood actress. However, the 1930's provide many difficulties for Asian Americans. Most roles are out of the question and those that are cast are highly racial and discriminatory. Anna wants to shatter the boundaries all against her parents wishes. Will she remain obedient or will she follow her dreams?

3/5 ( B)

Happy Tuesday, Anita!
Just jumping in with another recommendation, I really enjoyed Turn of the Key by Jewell.
I sometimes wonder if there will be any heath care workers (home or assisted living facilities) when we're in our golden years. They do so much and not paid enough for it.

>209 Carmenere: I am not sure if I read turn of the key. I think I did but can't remember ;)

I think that there are shortages for many types of jobs. Somewhat problematic is that for trades such as masonry there isn't adequate schooling in place. In Europe, every trade ( even selling clothing) has a minimum two year course plus apprenticeship and for certain trades, a national exam. The lack of knowledge and encouragement to learn a trade has to improve. The USA and Canada would benefit to adapt a European model in this case.

Edited to add: I looked it up, turns out I did read it and enjoyed it- go figure ;)

>210 figsfromthistle: Ha! Don't I know it. I searched for mason to rebuild my front stoop. Prices were outrageous! Finally, found one through my SIL. He was great and well below the first estimate I rec'd. Unfortunately, he doesn't do chimney repairs. So, still on the hunt for that. Phone calls go unreturned. :0(

>211 Carmenere: I know a lot of masons do not like to do chimneys because it's a lot of work. Good luck finding someone to do it soon :)

I've just read one book by Lisa Jewell, The Girls in the Garden and I enjoyed it. My sister is big fan of hers and mostly lately my sister Tannis has been urging me to read mysteries by Riley Sager, a Canadian author. I hope you enjoy A Spell of Good Things when you get it from your library . As far as labour shortages, I know that my husband's trade as an aircraft mechanic has shortages and when Dave retires next year, he wonders what they will do without the experienced " old guys". Likewise, my brother's tell me their is a pilot shortage, which may benefit my nephew who is in aviation college and I think he graduates this fall. My mom just had to hire a plumber for a large leaking pipe and $3000 dollars later it's fixed. Dave tackled minor jobs for her, but this was to big for him. A lot of people don't realize that trades can be lucrative and satisfying jobs, I think.

Yes, health care workers for the elderly . Definitely they do so much and are not paid well.

>213 vancouverdeb: Hi Deborah! Nice to see you :) I have not heard of Riley Sager before. I will have to give it a go. I quite enjoy a good mystery.

Wow! 3000? Soon hiring someone from the trades will cost more than going to the dentist ;)

Happy mid week.

Happy mid week!

The time just flies by. Yesterday was a rainy day. One of those perfect days to stay inside and read and putter around. Today is bright and sunny. I am not sure but I think I injured myself/tore something while helping my parents rip down drywall in the garage. They want to spray foam it before winter. I emptied the garage and took down shelving and it is half way finished. Unfortunately my elbow and arm on the right hand is so swollen that I can barely bend it. I will have to keep an eye on it and see if it is serious or if it is related to my arthritis. Who knows!

I have not figured out dinner yet. A cabbage head split in the garden after the rain so I may make cabbage noodles..... Yesterday I was really lazy and just had pizza.

The garden is still thriving. I am eating so many tomatoes and cucumbers but still not sick of them. My beans are beginning to slow down but thats ok since I have enough frozen already for winter.

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86. Michael Finkel: The Art Thief

A book that looks into the thievery skills and life of Stephane Breitwieser . What is truly amazing is that all the thievery happened without anyone getting injured. Of course he had great helpers.

A short, engaging read.

3.5/5 ( A-)

Ouch about the arm!

I'm especially jealous of your homegrown cucumbers. I love 'em!

>217 katiekrug: Hi Katie!

I have to admit that I love cucumbers as well. I even eat them at breakfast and still am not sick of them :)

Oh, I'm sorry about your arm - I hope it mends itself quickly!

>219 scaifea: Thanks, I hope so too :)

>215 figsfromthistle: I'm sorry about the arm and hope it isn't anything serious and heals quickly.

>221 quondame: I just over did it with the hammer and working above my head on a ladder. The pulling on the drywall and taking all the screws out was also difficult. I think I am just not used to it anymore ;)

Happy Thursday! Ooo sorry to read you're in but of pain. Sounds like you were in an awkward position which uses muscles not normally used.
Hope the swelling has gone down and maybe a nice relaxing soak would do you well.

87. Ronald. H Balson: The Girl From Berlin

Liam, a private investigator and his wife Catherine ( a talented lawyer) are approached by a friend and restaurant owner to help with a family matter in Italy. Gabriella Vincenzo, a sweet older lady is being evicted from her land and farmhouse by a big company claiming they own the land. This company is bribing lawyers, policemen and others. The question is why would they go through all that trouble? Catherine begins reading a memoir that Gabriella gave to her. In it is a wonderful story about Ada, a young Jewish lady who wants nothing more than to be first violin with the Berlin Philharmonic. She auditions for the juniors and begins to turn heads with her talent- even the German soldiers are impressed. Soon Ada, must flee and seek safety and music elsewhere but not before everything is shaken up.

I really enjoyed Ada's coming of age story and her passion for the violin.

3/5 ( B-)

>223 Carmenere: Yes, it was an awkward position and required a lot of muscle use. Who would have thought that demolition is that hard! The swelling and pain is still there and I took some pain relief medication. I am also using Franzbranntwein that I brought with me from Europe. It's a type of rubbing alcohol made out of pine tree sap that you massage into your muscles. It has a minor soothing effect.

>224 figsfromthistle: I don't get how those two stories interwine...but in any event, a B- read ain't vaulting onto my TBRs.

Happy Thursday *smooch*

Hi Anita! I hope your arm feels better soon -- that's a bummer :(

>215 figsfromthistle: I hope your arm feels better!

>226 richardderus: Ada's story helps Catherine prove ownership of the vineyard. I don't think it would be one you would enjoy....

I have not had a out of the ballpark read for a while. I think I am overdue for a 4* read!

>227 curioussquared: >228 The_Hibernator: Thank you :)

HAppy Friday!

The hydro went out for most of the evening yesterday. I was exhausted and fell asleep on the couch at 7pm until a really loud crack and bang from thunder came. Even though I slept so long, I could still go back to bed now. Pain in my hands was unbearable and when the medication wore off-it woke me up. This morning they seem to be a bit better :)

Yesterday, I dug out half of the potatoes from the garden. The soil has been oversaturated and as a result they need to get out of the ground. I also need the space to plant endive lettuce at the end of the month.

Wordle 790 5/6

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Happy Sunday!

Another working weekend for me. I have Monday off so that will be nice. today's dinner will be oven roasted chicken with with natural jus and rice. I have not decided on the vegetables yet. Perhaps beets or carrots and beans.....

Yesterday I made zucchini soup. It turned out great. I have so many zucchini's in the garden!

I am reading a few books at the time right now. The one closest to completion is The Sister's Tale

Wordle 792 3/6

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Happy Sunday Anita. Your menu’s are always so great sounding. I see very beautiful colors and aromas when I read about them. Great wordle today.

>231 figsfromthistle: Crispy breaded zucchini heroes? How bout some of those? 'Tis the season for every single zucchini to be put into its party clothes and trotted around for its star turn.

Hi Anita.

Have you ever made chocolate zucchini bread? So delicious! I have a recipe if you want!

>232 Kristelh: Glad to provide you with some aroma therapy ;)

>233 richardderus: I agree, Richard. I have been preparing zucchini in many different ways. I also freeze it as well for zucchini soup in the winter.

>234 jessibud2: Oh wow! I did not think that chocolate and zucchini would go together. recipe would be greatly appreciated :)

>235 figsfromthistle: - It's been a few years since I last made so I had to go find it. It's a bit long so rather than hijack your thread, I can post it on my thread.

>236 jessibud2: Great. I will go over and look.

88. Beth Powning: The Sister's Tale

Somewhere in a small, quaint village in New Brunswick, a pauper auction is being held. Josephine Galloway "buys" a young girl named Flora Salford. However when tragedy strikes at the Galloway home, things begin to change. Josephine opens up a boarding house and invites one man to stay who is slightly "off". In the meantime, Josephine's adult children are doing what they can to improve women's rights.

At times a great read. The story is based off of a true one and you can tell that the author did due diligence with research. There is simply too much going on here. Suffrage movement, pauper auctions, death, love, abuse, murder and a grand search for a missing sister and more murder. Certain things really were hard to bear. If Josephine was fiercely protective of Flora, why did she allow her to hang out with questionable characters?

3.5/5 ( B- : A Generous one as my true rating based on my feelings would be more a C+. However, that would not be fair.......)

>238 figsfromthistle: Sounds interesting, Anita. I own the book, and I think I started it but did not finish. I maybe have to revisit that one.

>239 vancouverdeb: It is one that will stick with you for a while. I think that it is one that you would enjoy. Writing style is similar to Glynis Peters or Genevieve Graham.

HAppy Tuesday!

It's my long day at work today. Yesterday, I had a lot of errands to do. I also had a person over to finish programming the blinds. I am crossing my fingers that there will be no more issues with them. I definitely will not be going with the company again.

Dinner was easy- I just made a cucumber salad with sour cream, a bit of garlic and dill. The rest of the meal was leftover chicken.

I managed to find my way into a bookstore yesterday. My thingaversary is on August 25th. Apparently I joined in 2014!! Where did the time go? I joined the 75 ers in 2016 and only started to be social in 2020. I don't know what I would have done without this group and am thankful to have found al of you :)

I still have a few books to buy for my thingaversary but so far:

1. Robert Moor: On trails, An Exploration
2. Erin Bartels: The Words Between Us
3. William Kamkwamba: The boy who harnessed the wind
4. Karl Sabbagh: A rum Affair: A True Story of botanical fraud
5. Wade Shepard: Ghost Cities of China

Wordle was a good one today. I guess I had the right amount of coffee this morning ;)

Wordle 794 3/6

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Happy Fast Approaching Thingaversary, Anita! Glad you found a home with the 75. Somehow you found the best. I hope work is going well.

Happy Thingaversary, Anita!

>241 figsfromthistle: Early Thingaversary wishes, Anita. I'm at the stage where a book-a-year purchasing would present a big challenge, but still acquire books that I suspect I wouldn't otherwise because of the celebration.

I missed my Thingaversary. You reminded me to check. Happy Thingaversary (upcoming). I joined in 2010. not sure when I joined the 75ers, I’ll have to check.Hope you had a great day.

>242 msf59: Thanks! I agree, the 75er's are the best. I am grateful that I have found y'all and can't think of a better group of people that are kind, intelligent, interesting and love to read books!

Work has been quite pleasant lately.

>243 curioussquared: Thank you :)

>244 richardderus: Thanks, Richard! It is a good excuse to acquire new books. I have been more selective in what books I buy vs borrow from the library.

>245 Kristelh: Thanks, and happy belated one to you as well ;)

Happy Thingsaversary, Anita! I'm pleased that you found your way to a bookstore!

>247 vancouverdeb: Thanks, Deborah! I will be heading to a bookstore on Friday as well to get the rest of my quota and perhaps a bit more ;)

Wordle 795 4/6

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Hi Anita!

Congrats on your almost Thingaversary. I love the books that you have chosen already in >241 figsfromthistle:. I see they are mostly non-fiction. I love fiction, but mostly buy non-fiction - I guess I feel I am more likely to want to refer back to non-fiction. I'm really tempted to read The boy who harnessed the wind for Paul's upcoming Southern Africa read

I'll be interested to see what else you choose on your upcoming expedition.

Happy Almost Thingaversary, Anita. Have a nice trip to the bookstore. (Nothing beats going to a bookstore, so I’m sure you’ll have fun).

>250 streamsong: Thanks! I have also been adopting a different buying method. Popular non-fiction I try my best to get from the library. If it's a really good read I may buy it. I focus more on books that are not as common, easy to find or that will spark conversation when friends come over and browse through my shelves.

The boy who harnessed the wind looks to a nice short read.

>251 EllaTim: Thanks Ella! It's great to see you here :)

Happy Friday!

Today it's back to work and a browse in the bookstore at lunch. My joints have not gotten better since switching medications. Apparently it takes a while to be effective. My hands now remain swollen for most of the day and extreme pain all the way to the elbow. I will take an extra pain killer with me to work just in case.

Todays dinner will be pork tenderloin-pan seared with fresh fingerling potatoes and parsley. I have not decided on the veg yet...perhaps beets or fried zucchini.

Today is my official Thingaversary and I just wanted to say how blessed I am to have found this group! It has been nice getting to know you over the years and look forward to many more :)

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Happy Official Thingaversary, Anita!

Happy Official Thingaversary, Anita! Yep, let's keep this thing going.

Happy Thingaversary, Anita!

So sorry to hear about the pain continuing! Have the doctors figured out what exactly is going on?

Happy thingaversary!

>253 figsfromthistle: Official Thingaversary℠ Blessings.

Hoping for the new meds to kick in for you sooner rather than later. *smooch*

>253 figsfromthistle: Happy ThingAversary Anita.

I hope your new meds kick in soon.

Happy Thingaversary, Anita!

I am sorry to hear about the pain you are in and hope the new meds work soon!

Happy Thingaversary!

Happy Thingaversay Anita!

>253 figsfromthistle: I am sorry you are in pain Anita. Hopefully the pain, and the swelling will abate soon. Please keep us posted.

All good wishes for a relaxing weekend.

>254 Kristelh: >255 msf59: >256 katiekrug: Thanks, Kristel, Mark and Katie!

>257 jessibud2: Besides the inflammatory arthritis they are not sure. Yesterday, I had more blood work done where they apparently are testing for Lupus. The problem is that today, my hands are almost back to normal but it traveled to my knees and have extreme pain when bending/going up the stairs. I had to take a pain tablet because I also have a fever. I just hope I make it through the work day :)

>258 richardderus: Thanks, Richard *smooch*

>259 Caroline_McElwee: Hi Caroline! Thanks :)

>260 alcottacre: thank you :)

>261 drneutron: Great to see you Doc!

>262 quondame: Thanks!

>263 Whisper1: Thank you, Linda. I keep on telling myself that I am far to young for such problems but I will have to take it a day at a time :)

We made it to the weekend!

Yesterday I went to the bookstore to complete my Thingaversary purchases.

6. Jeremiah Brown: the Four Year Olympian
7.Monica L Smith: Cities
8. Charlotte Gray: Murdered Midas
9. Vanessa Riley: Island Queen

And I did buy one extra- Derek B. Miller: Norwegian By Night

Wordle 798 4/6

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>266 figsfromthistle: Never heard of Norwegian by Night before now! It sounds like fun, and I hope it is!

>264 figsfromthistle: Ow! I hope this proves manageable, and you and the docs figure out how to manage it pronto. Or better yet, how to get rid of it entirely, but at my age with that kind of issue my first thought is management.

Belated Happy Thingaversary wishes! I'm sorry to hear that you are still having so much pain, and I hope the doctors can figure out the source soon. Sending wishes that the new meds will help ASAP!

>267 richardderus: I hope it turns out to be a good read as well!

>268 ArlieS: I have to admit that the "attacks" seem to be quite random. I barely made it through the work day today. I got up from my break with great difficulty and had tears in my eyes. I was in so much pain. I can't bend the knee now. I had to call my parents to help me out of the car. Needless to say, I took a sick day for tomorrow to rest and hopefully it will get better!

>269 atozgrl: Thank you :) I can't wait for the medication to be effective.

I'm so sorry you're in so much pain, Anita :( That sounds frustrating and very uncomfortable. I hope your day off helps and I'm glad you got the rest of your thingaversary books.

>264 figsfromthistle: That isn't good, Anita. Hoping that the pain gets lost and you can have a decent weekend. xx

{{hugs}}, Anita. I hope you have a better night and wake tomorrow with less pain to deal with.

Oh, Anita, that sounds dreadful. I hope the pain passes and you get some answers about what's causing it.

>270 figsfromthistle: I am so sorry you are having so much pain. I'm glad your parents are close and were able to help you get out of your car. I sure hope the Doctor's can sort it out as soon as possible. (((( hugs)))) and every good wish, Anita. Buy all the books you like, if that helps( from home, of course ) .

>271 curioussquared: Thank you! It is quite frustrating but something I just have to deal with.

>272 PaulCranswick: I am hoping too. The heavy pain medication is only doing so much...

>273 jessibud2: Thank you, my dear :)

>274 PlatinumWarlock: Me too!

>275 vancouverdeb: I built a house right beside theirs so I am lucky that they are close. It takes forever to get a doctor's appointment and usually they can't do much. I am hoping that it will go away with rest today. I called in sick for the day and feel guilty about it but I rarely call in and I would not be able to stand/walk all day anyways.

89. Madeline Martin: The Keeper of Hidden Books

WW2, Poland, the Germans are culling all libraries of undesirable books. Zofia and a few friends create an underground library and begin hiding these books. Of course it is dangerous as anyone caught will certainly be killed. Zofia's best friend Janina is also facing her own problems in the Jewish sector. Both join a resistance group and do what they can to help others.

Madeline Martin writes well and has researched her theme quite well. At times it dragged on for me and there were a few eye roll moments.

Overall, not bad and probably a great book for a book club.

3.5/5 ( B+)

Happy Sunday!

Today will be a day filled with rest! Perhaps I will be able to read as well. Things will be busy next week. My dad is getting both knees replaced on Thursday. He will be in the hospital for a few days. He is a little nervous. Everything he needs is ready to go and his hospital bag is all packed. His cane for later came in handy for me yesterday and today ;)

Today, my parents taking pity on me said they would cook supper. So it's a mystery-I didn't ask what's for supper. I'm just glad that I don't have to cook it!

Yesterday I finished a book but went to bed quite early ( 8 P.M) I also watched and episode of antique roadshow. It's been ages since I've seen that!

Wordle 799 3/6

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