Anita's ( Figs) reading path in 2023 #7

Fall has arrived! The leaves are changing and the smell of pumpkin spice is everywhere :) Welcome to my 7th thread.

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


Best: The Boy with a bird in his chest

Books Read In June



Best: Camp Zero-I know it surprised me too considering my initial thoughts

Books Read In July

Books Read In August

Books Read In September

Books Read In October



Books Read in November

Favourite read from the past



Katie Daubs: The Missing Millionaire

On December 2nd, 1919, Ambrose Small vanishes without a trace. Plenty of suspects have motive to silence him as he has cheated many. Did the millionaire take on a new identity, or was he murdered?

A great mystery that is based on actual fact. A piece of Toronto's history that I knew nothing about.

“No spring nor summer beauty hath such grace as I have seen in one autumnal face.”—John Donne

Welcome!

Happy new one, Anita!

Happy new thread, Anita!

>14 jessibud2: That was quick! Have some pie for being first



>15 katiekrug: Thanks, Katie :)

99. Dena Schrock: Behind Closed Doors

A very short account of how Dena grew up in the Amish community and what lead her to a different path away from most of the family she knew.

It was interesting however the author did not "reveal" too much. Very respectful of her family and it felt as if she was careful about what to write.

Happy Mid week!

It is a hot day today. Temperatures will feel past 30C. I have errands to run and should at some point do some garden work. My back feels better so that certainly will make the work easier. I am quite behind with indoor stuff but it's ok. I will putter along and do what I feel like ;)

Dinner will be pan seared salmon with fried rice and salad on the side. Canadian Thanksgiving is this weekend but I have not figured out what to cook. I want to host it this year as my parents have enough on their plate. I won't make a whole turkey but perhaps turkey schnitzel is a good idea. Perhaps something different like a herbed lamb filet. I will see what ideas my guests have and go from there.

Happy new thread!

Happy new thread, Anita!

>19 foggidawn: Thanks, Foggi and >20 curioussquared: Natalie!

Happy New Thread, Anita! Turkey Schnitzel sounds delicious! We’ll be having a family dinner at my sister’s , and I’ll be taking along a Chocolate Diplomat cake( from the bakery) and my husband has some wine to take . My sister Kathleen hosts the dinner -with her husband- and she makes the Turkey, mashed potatoes and has buns , and the rest of bring along veggies, dessert , other side dishes . It’s a lot of fun!

Oh, that is hot! It was up to 18 C here, and I thought that was nice!

Happy new thread, Anita. x

Happy new thread, Anita!

>22 vancouverdeb: Chocolate diplomat cake.....sounds delicious! How nice that everyone contributes something to the meal. Sounds like a relaxing and wonderful time with family.

>23 vancouverdeb: The temps won't last. I think the weekend will be more autumnal. I did pick more tomatoes today and will probably make a soup.

>24 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Paul.

>25 bell7: Thanks!

Happy new thread Anita!

Happy new thread Anita!

>27 quondame: Thanks, Susan and>28 SirThomas: Thomas!

Thursday!

I finished reading Hollow Bamboo last night. I have a few other books on the go that I hope to complete as well. I suppose it just depends on my mood.

Today is my parents wedding anniversary. Since my dad is unable to drive yet after surgery I was given the task to pick some things up after work. I noticed that my mom already baked a cake. They are celebrating 48 years!

I managed to pick a lot of ripe tomatoes from the garden. Even so late in the season they are nice and sweet. I will probably make tomato soup with fresh mint and make a gourmet grilled cheese with it for supper.

Work is getting a little more challenging as there are entire wigs on lockdown due to covid. I am crossing my fingers that the situation does not get worse and that everyone follows procedure so it does not spread any further.

This one was a tough one for me!

Wordle 838 4/6

🟨⬜⬜⬜⬜
⬜⬜⬜🟩⬜
🟩⬜⬜🟩⬜
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

Happy new thread, Anita!

>30 figsfromthistle: Glad to hear your garden is still producing so well. And congrats to your parents on their anniversary! 48 years is impressive!

Happy new thread Anita!

>30 figsfromthistle: Ooh; tomato soup with mint sounds interesting. The recipe I use has basil.

>12 figsfromthistle: Book title that I thought was in my WL... only wasn't. Is now. Glad you posted it again. Compelling to me what with it having an actual basis in Toronto.

Re: earlier thread, this remedy has never been offered. My physio person is very good at releasing the tight muscles, so I go with that for now. Good to know about the injections option.

I'm currently reading The Vintage Shop of Second Chances (a BB on Kerry's thread (aka CDVicarage) and will also progress with Last Call at the Nightingale, a series I discovered on foggidawn's thread last month.
Both are engaging so far.

I trade reading each of them, because Katharine Schellman's story ramps up the suspense very effectively which pushes me to take a break. The pandemic did a number on my resilience.

Happy New thread!

>31 atozgrl: Thanks! I suspect that the garden will dwindle down once the cold blast of air comes in this weekend. It's supposed to last a while.

>32 humouress: Yes, basil makes a great pairing with tomatoes. I can't say that I use a recipe. I usually wing it. Sometimes I make the soup a little spicy it just depends on my mood and who is going to eat it.

>33 SandyAMcPherson: Both of your current reads sound like good ones! I will have to see what you think about them when you are finished reading. My reading moods change a lot. Sometimes I want popular fiction and other times I can handle more "serious" reads.

>34 Storeetllr: Thank you :)

Happy new thread, Anita.

>36 Kristelh: Thanks, Kristel

>40 msf59: Congratulations to your parent's on 48 years of marriage! Oh no, on wings being locked down at the hospital. That's not fun for anyone.

>38 vancouverdeb: My parents were very young when they were married and grew "together" instead of apart. They are quite a cute pair!

Thankfully, the Covid situation at work is beginning to get better.

Happy Friday, Anita. Happy New Thread. We are really cooling off here. It may not hit 60F (15C) this weekend.
I am enjoying a 2nd Jackson Day today. Yah!

>40 msf59: Thanks, Mark! It is cooling off here as well. Today is supposed to be warm but it is rainy. Enjoy your second Jackson day!

100. William Ping: Hollow Bamboo

William Ping is feeling nervous meeting his girlfriends parents. He knows that they will want an exceptional man but more specifically an exceptional man with a Asian background. As you can imagine, the dinner does not go well. William feels disconnected to his roots and his future in laws can't see past his translucent skin. Both sides are stuck with their own prejudices. William has an accident which brings a spirit to him. The spirit transports him to a time where his great grandfather immigrated to Newfoundland in search of a better life. It is here where the story becomes autobiographical. Williams history is revealed along with Canadian history. This section is very well done. The author shows the difficult atmosphere the immigrants faced at that time. Many micro aggressions and serious racism and too often violence were part of the daily life.

I was relieved when William's first person narration was taken away by the spirit and he became an observer instead. This is also where the so called humorous writing stopped ( which I did not find funny or "get" in the first place). There is a lot that the reader can interpret from this story and there are subtle and not subtle layers to discover. Overall a great debut novel that was sometimes a bit strange.

3.5/5 ( A-)

Happy new thread, Anita

>43 ArlieS: Thanks, Arlie :)

Happy Thanksgiving, Canadian friends.

>45 richardderus: Nice to see you here.
Thanks,Richard *smooch*

Happy Thanksgiving, yesterday!

Happy Thanksgiving, Anita! I hope you don't have to work all of the long weekend.

We're having a very warm weekend here with highs around 21-23°C forecasted from now until Tuesday so we might end up with some of our guests having dinner on the deck when we do dinner tomorrow.

>47 Kristelh: Thanks! You are not late as the "official" holiday is on Monday :)

>48 MickyFine: Thanks! I do have to work this weekend but have Monday off. Lucky for you that the weather is nice to enjoy dinner on the deck. Just plain cold here and raining. Enjoy your time with the family.

Wishing my fellow Canadian LT friends a wonderful thanksgiving weekend. May it be filled with good food and great company!

Happy new thread, Anita!

Sorry you had such warm weather, the same here. I hope the real fall comes soon.

>30 figsfromthistle: Congratulations on your parents 48th anniversary!

>51 FAMeulstee: Thanks, Anita! Welcome back. I quite enjoyed the warm weather but it was unusual for this time of the year. Now the temperatures really plunged to 6C overnight and it is rainy ( perfect reading weather).

Sunday

Rain...rain and a dash of cold. I am beginning to think that I really should have taken my parents advice and get my snow tires on last week. I am sure that the "rush" won't be bad next week as most are not thinking about snow yet.

Yesterdays dinner was great. I made a vegetable soup and my mom made traditional apple strudel. It was a great combination. Today after work I will begin with some prep work for tomorrows meal as I did offer to be the host. Not too many of us so it shouldn't be overly taxing.

I finished reading The house keepers by Alex Hay. It was one of 7 library holds that came due to pick up at the same time. The holds are tricky as for a a while there is nothing and then bam! I get it all.

Glad you don't have to work the whole weekend at least, Anita.

We're hosting Thanksgiving for my family as well but we assign dishes to everyone so we (mostly Mr. Fine) don't have to do all the cooking. I hope your shift flies by today!

I hope your shift goes by swiftly and that tomorrow's dinner is a success!

Hi Anita my dear, Happy New Thread my dear friend.

>54 MickyFine: That's a great way to celebrate thanksgiving! Everyone contributes a dish...now who does the washing up? ;) Enjoy the dinner.

>55 EBT1002: Thanks!

>56 johnsimpson: Thank you, John.

101. Alex Hay: The Housekeepers

Mrs. King is a housekeeper for a large wealthy household. When things become personal she is dismissed. This dismissal is necessary as Mrs King assembles some talented thieves to rob the place on the very night a grand ball is to be held. The question of why becomes clearer as the story unfolds.

This really sounded like a great adventure/action read. It was a really slow buildup. 3/4 of the book was about assembling a team, learning each others motives and secrets and planning the heist. I think this is probably better as an audiobook.

3/5 ( B-) Enjoyable but perhaps best to borrow from the library.

Hope that you have had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend, Anita. Does it spill over into Monday?

>59 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Paul. It does spill over into Monday as that is when the actual holiday is.

>57 figsfromthistle: Mr. Fine and my Mom did most of the clean up but it largely wasn't too bad this year.

Happy newish thread, Anita. And Happy Thanksgiving.

>61 MickyFine: Sounds like a good deal!

>62 BLBera: Thank you :)

>58 figsfromthistle: More business for the library, then! *smooch*

>64 richardderus: The library is a great resource and important to support :)

Now Happy Thanksgiving, Anita!

I love that you're reading a lot and having family time too. I wish that COVID flare may quickly die down everywhere. Take care!

Happy Thanksgiving, Anita! 🍂🍁🥮

Happy Thanksgiving, Anita :) >58 figsfromthistle: Good thing I have this one on hold as an audiobook!

Happy Thanksgiving Anita my dear.

A very belated "Happy Thanksgiving" and happy new thread, Anita!

>66 LizzieD: Thanks, Peggy!

>67 Storeetllr: Thank you :)

>68 curioussquared: Let me know how the audiobook is when you get to it!

>69 johnsimpson: Thanks, John.

>70 alcottacre: Thanks! The last of the dishes are all washed. Dinner was really held mid afternoon and went quite well.

Happy Thanksgiving, Anita! We had a great time with family yesterday . Today we are just taking it easy. It's nice!

>72 vancouverdeb: Thanks! I am glad you had a wonderful thanksgiving and were able to relax a bit.

Happy Tuesday!

Thanksgiving is done and I managed to only have a bit of leftovers. Everything went well and it was nice to just exist and relax with family.

Today is supposed to be my normal long work day but because of the holiday I only have to work in the afternoon today :) I shall use the time to catch up on household things as it appears to be a rainy/cold day.

I have begun to read a few books- The last sinner by Jackson, Journal of Helene Berr and Woman, Captain, Rebel

My little kitten is doing well. She has begun to eat some solid food now. I have not come up with a name yet as I need to wait and see what type of personality it develops.

Glad your Thanksgiving festivities went well! Wait, I missed a kitten somehow?

>75 ursula: Hi Ursula! Thanks!

Ah yes my cat had a kitten.... ( 4 or 5 weeks ago) I have not posted a picture yet.

Hi, Anita. I hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving. Enjoy those leftovers. It definitely feels like fall here but the trees are changing and the views are gorgeous. Have a good week.

>77 msf59: Hi Mark! Thanks! The views here are fall like as well. I quite enjoy this time of the year.

Ooh, I definitely wouldn't be opposed to some kitten pictures when you get the chance ;)

>79 curioussquared: I will have to take some :)

>58 figsfromthistle: I purchased The Housekeepers several weeks ago, so too late for me. I'm in the mood for something spooky, but I need to read Chop Suey Nation for a library book club next week. Yes to kitten pictures! I was just going to ask the name of your kitten, but I see it is a work in progress.

>81 vancouverdeb: I think that The housekeepers is one that you will enjoy when you get to it. Close to halloween I do enjoy a little horror/ spooky read as well. I just don't read a lot of it so I will most likely have to visit a few threads where there are plenty of spooky reads to choose from. The kittens name won't be picked out until it shows a bit of its personality.

102. Lisa Jackson: The Last Sinner

Detective Bentz thought that he killed the rosary killer in the swamp a long time ago. However, when murders begin to happen with the same M.O he begins to believe that he is alive. Is he the same person who attacked his daughter? Or is there another killer on the loose who has a personal vendetta against the McKnight family?

#9 in the New Orleans series

>78 figsfromthistle: I'm a great fan of autumn. Love the cooler nights and the golden sunshine. Could certainly do with a good rainfall of course. Western Canada is terribly dry, but this is likely a harbinger of trends worsening.

On that "happy" thought, I just noticed you have passed the 100-book count. Excellent reading progress. Was that your original aim? I reached Book #90 this past weekend (The Reluctant Widow). It was a re-read ~ I found it more amusing than previously, though the MC still strikes me as rather whiny).

>84 SandyAMcPherson: My original goal is the same of the 75ers-to reach 75 books. However, I usually read more. It just depends on the year. Congrats on reading 90 books! I have not read anything by Heyer. Perhaps I will add that one to my list. Is it more of a romance?

>74 figsfromthistle: A kitten? Like Ursula, I missed that too.

Have a wonderful Wednesday, Anita!

>86 alcottacre: Thanks! I hope your mid week is going splendidly :)

>87 figsfromthistle: Thanks, Anita. So far, so good!

>88 alcottacre: Nice!

It's Thursday....

The garden is beginning to look a bit sad. I still have tomatoes but I think I will have to put a dome over them as the nights are chilly ( 4C ). I am also going to have to plant garlic soon. The endive lettuce is growing well. Most of the scarlet runner beans have been picked but I do have a few that are still green. The second apple tree in the backyard is ready to be picked and I still have half a pint of raspberries every day. I have have a row of spinach to take off. I will have to see how much I get done after work today. I should cut the grass as well but we'll see.

I don't feel like cooking today so I think I will put a pizza in the oven and make a salad with it.

Yesterday I changed my summer tires to winter ones. I needed two new ones as they were bald. I thought it may be too early in the season but I am glad it's done now. I avoided the rush and I was able to get good tires and fast service.

Wordle 845 3/6

⬜⬜⬜⬜🟩
⬜⬜🟩🟩🟩
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

I'm getting my winter tires put on Monday. It's still a bit warm here for them but Canadian Tire had a deal so a little early it is. It's cool enough in the mornings for them at least.

>91 MickyFine: Now you have one less thing to think about when the really cold weather hits!

>90 figsfromthistle: A pizza from the oven and salad is cooking. Actually taking something other than condiments from the refrigerator for a meal counts as cooking in my book.

>93 quondame: Ha! I worked very hard on it ;) It was a nice change and quite welcome because after work my car would not start and I had to wait for CAA to give me a boost. I really had no patience for cooking an elaborate meal.

I think you would really enjoy The Bee Sting, when you get a chance to get to it. It's really a great read. So much going on with each character, particularly the husband and wife, Dickie and Imelda.

Glad you have your winter tires on. Sorry you needed to call CAA for a boost. They can take so long.

>95 vancouverdeb: Actually, CAA came within the hour. The boost itself only took 3 minutes. I will most likely get them to come out and replace my battery. They come directly to the house.

I put the bee sting on hold at the library. They are still in the process of ordering the book and I am first in line when it goes through cataloguing.

I feel you on the just-above-freezing temperatures and sad tomatoes!

>97 The_Hibernator: Sadly, the season is at it's end. In general it was a good garden year. Also it was a bumper crop for fruit.

Saturday!

Yesterday was a whirlwind of a day. Busy at work and after, I had a lot of appointments and such. I managed to sit down and eat just in time to watch Jeopardy at 7:30PM. It was a long day ( 5AM wake up).

I also had a new car battery installed . The person who came to my home was friendly but had strange conversation. The fist thing he asked when he stepped out of the car was if I have security cameras. What does that have to do with my car battery? It was followed by a few more questions and comments that made me feel uncomfortable. Perhaps I was being overly sensitive and cautious. Then the mobile terminal did not work so I had to pay with cheque and he said he was going to e mail a receipt. I assumed he could not give me a physical copy. I texted him to remind him about my receipt and he texted a bit later that he left a physical copy at my front door. So why did he not give me one from the get go? This just means that he came onto my property without notifying me. Which makes me think....is he scoping out the place? Anyhow like I said it was strange but it's probably nothing.

I am close to finishing a few books. Every time I am close to the end I start another one *sigh*

Wordle 847 3/6

⬜⬜🟨⬜🟨
⬜🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

>99 figsfromthistle: - That is strange, Anita, and would set off all sorts of alarm bells for me. Do take care.

Anita, if this guy was from CAA, I would call them and report this. Ask if it's normal to be asked about having a security camera and if your answer had been yes, why would that have made a difference. And why was it necessary to return to your property twice. Did he wear a name badge? It's a strange world and you can't be too careful. You have every right to ask those questions and receive answers. CAA is supposedly a reputable company and if this is not normal behaviour, they need to know. If the guy did not have name ID on him, then then should still be able to know (or find out) who was sent to do the job at your home.

And it probably isn't a bad idea to get an outdoor security camera that has motion detection.

>99 figsfromthistle: I agree with Katie and Shelley. It sure sounds shady to me. Call CAA and make some inquiries. It can’t hurt and it may keep you safe.

>99 figsfromthistle: That is strange behaviour and questions from whomever changed your battery. I’m glad you live next door to your parents. If you are able to contact the company that the fellow came from , I would do so . Take care, Anita.

>100 katiekrug: Hi Katie! I definitely thought it was quite abnormal behaviour.

>101 jessibud2: I told him that there is always someone home, that I have a security system and a dog that bites ( I really don't have a dog). He mentioned that there are a lot of break ins. I said-here in my area? He then said that people in general drive by and see a beautiful house..... and then motioned to mine. He then told me that his buddy had two trucks stolen outside of this area. Perhaps it was just his way of making small chat but I expected more professionalism. CAA hires people ( or subcontracts) them out. However, the conversation made me feel uncomfortable enough that I felt I had to make it clear that I do have security.

>102 Storeetllr: >103 vancouverdeb: What made it strange as well was the payment. The portable machine did not work so I assumed that I would write a cheque to be paid to CAA. He said that it gets made out either to his name or cash and he then gives CAA the money. Either way I will have to phone them and make sure. I do have his name and he did give me a legitimate receipt will CAA logo on it and warranty info.

>104 figsfromthistle: - I would write a cheque to be paid to CAA. He said that it gets made out either to his name or cash and he then gives CAA the money. And what proof would you have of that?

Whoa!! No, no, no. No company as big and legit as CAA would do that, I am sure. Anita, please call them or email them and tell them EVERYTHING that went on. Especially about the payment and also about his first question to you, about a security camera. Copy and paste it from here if that's easier. This guy sounds like a first class con artist. Did you actually give him a cheque? Do you have his name (if it's real)? You may not have a dog but do you actually have a security system?

This whole transaction sound suspect, to me.

>105 jessibud2: I do actually have a security system :)

I will phone CAA and tell them about my interaction and ask about the payment procedure. I did give him a cheque and took a picture of it. I have the the yellow copy of the receipt which indicates I paid by cheque so I think that parts ok and looks legit at least. These days people can be sneaky and it never hurts to be overly cautious.

>85 figsfromthistle: Georgette Heyer's novels fall into at least three themes:

1. Georgian and Regency eras of British society.
There is generally a mild, but unconventional romance in these stories. Heyer was assiduous in keeping to the mores and historical events of the time. However, she always has a very strong female character and some adventures.

2. Murder mysteries: I generally dislike these. YMMV, as folks say on this thread.

3. I think Heyer's strengths lay in her historical adventures and her Regency novels.
An Infamous Army, Royal Escape and The Spanish Bride are examples of the Georgian period and provide good English historicl background..
Certain novels harken to GH's deep knowledge of the wartime histories and strategy, such as the Peninsular war in Spain and some of the novels cover the "100-year" war (1337-1453) which France and Britain held . Titles that I've enjoyed are Simon the Coldheartand Beauvallet.

Dip into what folks rate highly on LT! There is a huge GH following here on this group. Tell us what you think!

>107 SandyAMcPherson: I did not realize that there is such a large GH following. I will have to read something by the end of the year and find out why :) Thank you for the recommendations. I will scroll through and see what catches my eye. There certainly is a lot to choose from.

>107 SandyAMcPherson: >108 figsfromthistle: A whole group I spent years with started out as a group of Heyer fans.

>109 quondame: Oh cool!

Happy Monday!

It another cold/rainy day here. Luckily it's my day off. I do have a lot of errands but I am making a trip to the library and perhaps the bookstore later in the afternoon. I am having lunch with a friend. It will be good to catch up with her.

I finished reading Double Indemnity and watched the first episode of Frasier ( the new one). Has anyone started watching it? For me it's a bit too early to tell if its going to be as good as the original series. I did think that the tribute to John Mahoney was well done.

Wordle 849 3/6

🟨🟨⬜⬜⬜
⬜🟩🟩⬜⬜
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

103. Robert Whitlow: Double Indemnity

A lawyer and a pastor become entangled in the lives of a wealthy couple. When one of them dies, the pastor becomes a prime suspect. However, there are many who would profit from a ruling of accidental death.

Most of the action happened towards the middle. What was going to happen and who committed the crime becomes quite clear from the beginning. I can't say it really was a "legal thriller" as described on the jacket. It was more of a christian mystery.

3/5 ( C- )

>99 figsfromthistle: I also agree with Mary, Katie and Shelley.
That guy sounds like a creep and your story sure set off alarm bells for me. It was maybe a bit scary, too, because you were perhaps alone when he was there, and maybe live in a quiet neighbourhood.

>113 SandyAMcPherson: It was a weird conversation but sometimes people just don't know what is "appropriate". I am going to give him the benefit of the doubt. I did call CAA to make sure that they received the payment and that turned out fine.

104. Nando Parrado: Miracle in the Andes

Nando Parrado and his rugby team were on the way to Chile to play a rugby exhibition game. It was supposed to be a fun trip, nothing too serious so his mother and sister came long as well. However, things turned out very bad when all of a sudden the plane was ripped in two and they crashed deep into the Andes. The survivors had to think quickly and be inventive about things like shelter, water and food. Eventually Nando decides to climb the mountain to find the tail of the plane and see if he can summon some help.

This is one of those memoirs that packs an emotional punch. Nando is quite candid about his 72 days on the mountain and the toll it took on him emotionally, spiritually and physically.

Recommended

>115 figsfromthistle: The story chills(!) me every time I hear about it...amazing event, and could've been even worse.

Happier week-ahead's reads, Anita.

>116 richardderus: Hi Richard! It is quite amazing that there were any survivors at all. There has been a lot published about the crash and a few film adaptations. It is amazing what one can endure.

>115 figsfromthistle: >116 richardderus: Emotional punch is right!
A story I know I couldn't endure reading. I had only read news reports (no TV or internet in those days for us). That was bad enough.

A similar chilling tale is a true account of a terrible climbing accident. I read Touching the Void many years ago and the story has stuck with me ever since. A colleague at work was actually an acquaintance of Joe Simpson and loaned the book along with telling a few stories of some aftermath incidents. Chilling, absolutely chilling. But not near as awful as the Nando Parrado story, I'm sure.

>118 SandyAMcPherson: I have not heard of Touching the Void. I will look into that. I am a big fan of survivor stories. Nando Parrado was quite honest about his experience and provided a bit of background about certain people. Although it was chilling it was also uplifting. He was able to show both sides equally.

Happy Thursday!

Wordle 852 3/6

⬜⬜🟨⬜🟩
🟨🟨⬜🟩🟩
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

>120 figsfromthistle: - Nice! I also got it in 3, though as I was typing in my 3rd guess, I was saying to myself, "Surely it's not this."

I remember seeing the movie Alive about the Andes crash. It was very well done.

>119 figsfromthistle: I'm impressed re: Nando Parrado showing both perspectives in the survival and the personalities involved.

In Touching the Void, Simpson focused on his survival story.
While shocked at how the scenario had to play out for him, the book is one of courage and the acknowledgement that the kind of climbing he and Yates were doing is full of choices that can go wrong. I learned a lot about how edgy the high-altitude rock climbs can be.

I hope you can find a copy of the book. In its way, the chronicle is also uplifting. I suspect you would find it as engrossing as was Miracle in the Andes.

>121 katiekrug: I will put the movie on my watch list and see which provider has it.

>122 SandyAMcPherson: I have added it to my list. Perhaps I will find it at the big library book sale tomorrow :)

105. Ruth Ware: Zero Days

Jack Cross and her husband own a security business. They are hired by companies to try to break in. Pen testing can be dangerous but Jack is up for the challenge. One evening, she is caught and brought to the police station. Upon her release she goes home to discover that her husband has been killed. She becomes the primary suspect and decides to run. She will have to find the killer to clear her name.

I enjoy Ruth Wares books. This one has more action and it is quite obvious who the killer is. In my opinion it is less psychological. There were a few plot fillers that added little. Overall I enjoyed this short read and was pleasantly surprised by Wares slight deviation from her regular style.

B-

Happy weekend!

Today I attended the big once a year library book sale. The last few years were a bit of a letdown. I find less books than I would at my small local library book sale. However, I did manage to find a few.

1. Spare: Prince Harry The Duke of Sussex

2. When We Were Orphans: Kazuo Ishiguro

3. Woman in the Nineteenth Century - A Norton Critical Edition: An Authoritative Text, Backgrounds, Criticism (Norton Critical Editions, Band 0) :Reynolds, Larry J.

4. Voices of Gallipoli: Maurice Shadbolt

5. Beyond the Trees: A Journey Alone Across Canada's Arctic: Adam Shoalts

6. First Into Nagasaki :The Censored Eyewitness Dispatches on Post-Atomic Japan and Its Prisoners of War: George Weller, Anthony Weller

7. Tutankhamen - illustrated - King Tut - Friends of History Special Limited Edition - illustrated: Raymonde De Gans

Most of the history section was full of books and I did not have to compete for space. The general fiction section was overcrowded and picked over after the first two hours of opening. I'm not sure if that is a good thing but worked out for me as I was able to get a few interesting history books.

* Not all the touchstones are working*

>125 figsfromthistle: That's a respectable haul. Always interesting to see what people donate, and then what gets gobbled up...says a lot about the community.

My big library book sale is next week and I'm getting very excited for it seeing everyone else's hauls from theirs. I guess late October is big library book sale season!

My sister Tannis, ( I have two sisters) is a big fan of Ruth Ware, Lisa Jewel and the like, and lately Robert Goddard. She loves a good mystery or thriller. Oh, and lately Riley Sager. I really enjoyed The Death of Mrs Westway by Ruth Ware, but I have not yet read any others.
Nice haul!

>126 richardderus: It really does. At my local small library the book sale has quite a different selection. It is interesting that at this big sale, there was very little classic literature and a very pathetic language section. Strange given the demographic.

>127 norabelle414: Yes, October is the month for book sales. I am also attending my local sale at the beginning of November. Happy hunting at your library book sale next week!

>128 vancouverdeb: I have not read anything by Riley Sager. I remember the first book I read by Ruth Ware was the Woman in Cabin 10 and was instantly hooked. Lisa Jewel has always been a guaranteed solid mystery read for me.

>125 figsfromthistle:. Voices of Gallipoli should be interesting. We saw an exhibit about Gallipoli in New Zealand, and it was fascinating, though hard.

>130 banjo123: I can imagine that it is something to take in small doses.

Happy Monday!

I am back connected to the net. My area had some kind of outage for internet and phone. It was supposed to last until Monday night but they fixed it early. I have no clue what was wrong/why the outage in the area happened. I now realize how reliant I really am on the internet. It was funny trying to look for the manual switches for things like lights. Not having the convenience of information within seconds was also annoying.

I did however manage to read a few books.

Today is my usual day off. I have a laundry to catch up on and a few errands as well. Today I will make a pan seared pork chop and thicken the jus a bit.

The garden needs some attention but it has been too wet and rainy to get in there and do anything. The next few days there should be a warm up. I hope that will be enough time to finish winterizing the flower beds.

Hope your Monday is productive. I need to see to some chores today but they involve buying groceries and picking up things in town which burns up way to much time. Have a good week.

>133 Kristelh: My chores are quite similar. I like to go in the morning to avoid the traffic and crowds but I am most productive at home in the morning and find that I get less done in the afternoon. I will have to make a better effort today :)

>134 figsfromthistle:, Exactly the same for me.

>125 figsfromthistle: Nice haul up there, Anita. I think I have a copy of the Ishiguro on shelf, if you are interested in doing a shared read, at some point.

Enjoy your day off. I hope you get a few things done, along with plenty of R & R.

>132 figsfromthistle: I'm glad for you that you got some reading done, since events forced you off the information superhighway. Looking forward to hearing about the books! *smooch*

>135 Kristelh: Hope you were able to get everything done!

>136 msf59: Thanks, Mark! it would be nice to do a shared read. For that one, I probably won't get to it until next year.

>137 richardderus: I was also able to sit down at the piano and get some quality playing time in as well.

>76 figsfromthistle: Congratulations on the arrival of a little kitten in your life!

>138 figsfromthistle: I got all the chores in town done. I started prepping for my meal that I am serving to my book group this Thursday. We’re having Chicken Tortilla Soup, spooky snack mix and some blue tortilla chips, carrots, cucumbers and I am making a bean dip and same salsa Roja. I will be doing more tomorrow.

How did you do with your Monday, Anita?

>139 Whisper1: Nice to see you Linda! The kitten is quite quick and does not seem to sit still for a photo. I will keep on trying :)

>140 Kristelh: Oh nice! That chicken tortilla soup sounds great. Quite a bit of food you are preparing for book club. The attendees are lucky!

I did manage to get the running around done and some chores at home but not all of it. I had a few distractions and longish phone call with two relatives. Ah well.

>141 figsfromthistle:, phone calls, I am behind in connecting with some of mine. I need to do that!

Happy Tuesday!

The weather here is beginning to warm up in the 20 C range for the next few days. I hope to get all the necessary things finished before the temperature drops again. Yesterday morning was our first frost.

Dinner today will be fish and homemade chips. I'll probably make coleslaw because I still have 1/4 cabbage head leftover.

Wordle 857 3/6

⬜⬜🟨⬜🟩
⬜🟩⬜⬜🟩
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

>142 Kristelh: Yes. I am quite bad with phone calls. Most people end up calling me because I am so lax about making them. I communicate a lot more via Whats App sending photos and brief messages. I only phone when I know I have enough time. I always find it annoying when someone calls but they are in a hurry and can't really "talk". Quality over quantity, I suppose.

>144 figsfromthistle:, my particular friend(s) that I have to make time to call do not use any technology for communicating so it’s phone call only. And I have to plan it because she likes quality and quantity and she works so the window for phone calls is limited.

I need to get outdoors and do my mowing and other chores as it is suppose to get very wet and then very cold starting at the end of today.

>145 Kristelh: Phone calls are more personal. It is hard to work around others schedules plus your own. Most of the time I have to make my calls on my days off because I have to account for time differences too.

106. Helene Berr: Journal Of Helene Berr

During the German occupation of France, Helene kept a journal. In it she quotes a lot of English literature to portray her feelings, and general angst, danger and inhumane acts surrounding her. From the beginning of the journal to the end there is a difference in her awareness about certain realities surrounding her. Her naiveté from the beginning quickly turns and it is here where she is forced to face her difficult reality.

Helene was a student of literature at the Sorbonne and was involved in a network that saved Jewish children from deportation.

107.Stealing Rembrandts: The Untold Stories of Notorious Art Heists: Anthony M Amore

This was an interesting read about why and how people steal art, and the misconceptions about art heists. There is historical background as well. I found it interesting and it was a BB from Whisper1 (Linda) who generously passed the book onto me.

Happy Mid Week!

Yesterday I was able to get some yard work done. Mulching some leaves, cleaning up the south side flower bed. Of course there is still a lot to do. The weather feels like summer but will only last until Friday so I really want to take advantage while I can.

>132 figsfromthistle: Ye gods. You have "smart" devices that are controlled by something way off in the cloud, not by an app running on your very own computer? That seems like a very failure-prone design to me. I'm glad I have nothing of the sort.

>150 ArlieS: Ha! it is not the best system. My "smart" devices are on an app on my phone but I do not have data on my phone so they run on wifi connectivity. Luckily, nothing important runs solely on these apps and I am able to use devices and such the old fashioned way :)

Happy Friday!

I managed to get a lot of yard work done these past few days. Some things that were quite overdue. I trimmed the mulberry tree ( so many dead branches) and I completely sawed off the elderflower bush ( it grows quite big each year). Trimmed a few other things and I also edged around the flower beds. All the garlic is planted and a few things remain in the garden that can handle a bit of frost.

Yesterday, the morning was grey and rainy. I was able to clean my car and the garage. I also vacuumed the house and did two loads of laundry. I brought my dad to physiotherapy at the hospital and got a few grocery items.

Reading wise, I am done with Spare I abandoned The Wren, the wren because I have to bring it back to the library. It was not a read I was in the mood for so I will try it again later.

Today after work I will make schnitzel with a potato salad. Tomorrow I am thinking a butternut squash pasta. I don't have any homemade noodles left....perhaps I will use store bought. I certainly won't have time of patience to make them after a long day at work.

Happy Friday Anita. You’re still on a roll. I mostly had been working on getting ready for bookclub. The food all went over well. No one had finished the book so we only briefly discussed it and then just enjoyed talk and food. Today it is 34 degrees F with strong winds so I doubt I will get much done outside today. We are entering a long cold spell here in Minnesota. I had hoped to trim up some trees but did not get to that yet.

We have a lot of outdoor clean-up to do. I think Saturday will be the day for (most of) it. I'm always impressed by how much you seem to get done!

>153 Kristelh: No doubt the food was a big hit! What book did you guys sort of discuss? Hope the cold spell doe not last long!

>154 katiekrug: Hi Katie! Good luck with the clean-up!

Most of my productiveness comes after work. I find that if I get to it right away I am more likely to complete my tasks. As soon as I sit down, there is no hope ;)

>155 figsfromthistle:. Our book for October was The Shadow of the Wind by Zafon. I had looked forward to reading it and then ending up not liking it very much. But most people really like it. It was bitterly cold today and there is snow in the forecast for the next couple days. It won't stick.

>156 Kristelh: Ah yes, that one was quite popular. I read it a while back but can vaguely remember the story. I think it was the first in a series....

Hope you are able to avoid snow and if it must come that it is just a light dusting.

108. Spare: Prince Harry

This memoir can be broken down into three sections.The first is about Harry's Childhood leading up to graduation from Eton. The second ( an longest part) was about Harry's military training and missions. The third is about meeting his future wife.

The middle part could have been shortened. It was not really a tell all/gossip that I thought it would be. I do however feel that Harry was directing a lot of anger towards the press/paps and his brother. It is sad that he was essentially alone. His father seemed really detached from Harry's life and did not have a clue of how to help when it was asked for. Unfortunately, Harry couldn't count on his brother either. I would have assumed that the two would be inseparable. Such a shame. I hope that they can figure it out and start acting like real brothers.

I did laugh out loud when I read that he thought he was financially poor. He is quite out of touch with reality here and I found his complaining about it more than annoying.

3/5

Happy Saturday, Anita. Let me know when you are in the mood for the Ishiguro. Next year is fine. It looks like our warm weather has blown away. Chilly temps for the next week.

Happy weekend! I enjoyed Spare a bit more than you did, Anita, but I too remember thinking his definition of poor and mine are probably miles apart. Then again, I’m sure my and someone living in a cardboard box’s definitions don’t look much alike either.

>158 figsfromthistle: Poor little Prince! Becky told me that she thought we were poor because most of the other students at her private school lived in mansions and had huge blowout Bar Mitzvahs and birthday parties.

>159 msf59: Sounds good. I shall let you know :) Our warm weather has turned as well.

>160 Storeetllr: I suppose he is poor for royal standards ;)

>161 quondame: It is interesting what people do with their wealth. Nothing but showmanship for some. Becky was lucky to have sensible parents that kept her in the best schools, well grounded and forge true and meaningful friendships that outlast any pop and circumstance.

>162 figsfromthistle: Becky has a close circle of friends now, which is great because spending 13 years, in a couple of cases 15, within that milieu only yielded a couple of short term close friends and a scattering of acquaintance. But I got to sit next to Eddie Murphy (the man smelled so good) and behind Barbara Streisand, and Rob Reiner even complemented Becky's script memory when she played Elephant child at 6, though he later snubbed me at a private party.

My master stroke was giving Becky free reign with her college fund at 18. She chose a private college with only a very partial financial support in a distant and very different city, so she learned to be strict with her finances.

>163 quondame: Oh wow! That was quite a group! Those school plays must have been amazing!

>164 figsfromthistle: Rob Reiner's son was not an attraction, but some of the other students showed that they had the chance to develop abilities under excellent trainers. And they were a lively and attractive group of young people. The most amazing thing I saw was the son of Kiss's lead singer interacting with an old professional and observably growing as an artist right there on stage. Reba McEntire's finale was also a highlight. And of course Teach Your Children Well featured.

>165 quondame: Neat! It sounds like a wonderful school.

>154 katiekrug: / >155 figsfromthistle: - Well, our clean-up didn't happen, other than blowing leaves off the deck. I had forgotten that The Wayne wasn't supposed to do anything too strenuous for a couple of days after his eye procedure, so I gave him the day off :)

>167 katiekrug: Ah well, there will be other days! It was nice of you to give The Wayne the day off. Hope he is doing ok after his eye procedure.

Happy Monday!

Day off for me. I need it as this working weekend was more stressful/brutal than usual. I am going to rest up as tomorrow I have a long day.

Dinner today will be chicken made with a Hungarian pepper sauce ( chicken paprikash) The chicken is pan seared to get that extra flavour for the sauce. It will come with noodles. Perhaps buttered egg noodle. It will be enough for leftovers tomorrow.

It appears to be a cold/rainy day today. I will most likely do indoor work. I was also hoping to pick wild grapes but I won't do that in the rain.

I also need to make a trip to the library and pick up some holds. My reading has been all over the place lately. I start reading and then start another...none complete. I had to put down Peaces because I was not in the mood for such a jumbled story. Perhaps later in the week. right now, I think I just want a good murder/mystery.

I really thought I would get this sooner considering my excellent start.

Wordle 863 4/6
🟩🟩🟩⬜⬜
🟩🟩🟩⬜⬜
🟩🟩🟩⬜⬜
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

Wishing you the best of Mondays which means getting some reading done as well as reading! And enjoy you day off.

Morning, Anita! It's a rainy Monday here, too, and I have the day off as well! I hope you enjoy yours and get your rest!

Hi Anita! I think I liked Spare a bit more than you did, although I understand the criticisms. My favorite bit was when he talked about shopping at TK Maxx and how he loved all the deals you could find there. So funny.

>170 Kristelh: Thanks, Kristel! My Monday was nice. Hope you had a great start to the week

>171 scaifea: Hi Amber! Hope your day off was a good one.

>172 curioussquared: Yes, that was funny. At first I thought he was joking when he mentioned it. I couldn't believe that he would shop there on sale days! Could you imagine someone in the UK bumping into him at the store? Or fighting for the last jeans in a particular size?

It was a gloomy day outside but still some nice fall colours.

Long work day for me. I have not looked outside but it was -5 overnight so I hope that the laneway is not slippery after all the rain. I did not put any salt down...I am sure it will be fine. The kids tonight better bundle up!

After work tonight I am going to a haunted house tour. I am not a fan of these type of things but a group of friends are going and I have already said no to going out on three occasions in a row. It will make for a very long day. The haunted house is more traditional so at least there are no chainsaws!

Hope everyone has a fantastic day!

Happy Halloween. I hope your haunted house tour is loads of fun so that you’re not feeling the “long” day. I have snow on the grass and driveway this morning and the temperature is not predicted to warm up much today. Also windy. This is too early for November, even in Minnesota.

>174 figsfromthistle: Gloomy days make for lovely color photos. Happy new-week's reads! *smooch*

Oh, that sounds fun, Anita! You're off to a Haunted House. I'm heading out to the dentist today, so that will be my Halloween Fright. Wishing you a good week ahead!

>174 figsfromthistle: Great pictures, Anita. Looks lovely there.

I'm a big royal fan, but not of Harry and Megan. I've had to boycott the book! :-)

>174 figsfromthistle: Wonderful - thank you for sharing, Anita.
I love autumn.

>176 Kristelh: The haunted house tour was great! I was tired but the cold temperatures revived me :) This morning we have a light dusting of snow on the grass as well.

>177 richardderus: Thanks, Richard! *smooch*

>178 vancouverdeb: >179 vancouverdeb: Hi Deborah! Ouch! I hope the dentist visit went smoothly. The haunted house tour was very well done. It was extremely cold though.

>180 SirThomas: Glad you like the photos. Autumn and spring are my favourite seasons.

Happy mid week!

There is snow on the ground! None on my driveway though so it's all good. The temperatures are supposed to rise in the next few days so it won't last.

Wordle 865 4/6

⬜⬜⬜🟨🟩
🟨⬜🟨⬜🟩
🟨⬜🟨🟨🟩
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

I missed those fall pictures above. Lovely garden. It has to be such a mediative place to spend time.

>183 Kristelh: It is. There is quite a bit of property and forest. I quite enjoy a stroll through the forest. It helps me clear my head.

Reading stats for October

Male authors: 5
Female: 5
Total books read: 10
Total pages: 3464
Shortest book: 134 pg
Longest: 448
Fiction: 5
Non Fiction: 5
Average pages per book: 346
Average pages a day: 111

Best of the month: William Ping: Hollow Bamboo

>185 figsfromthistle: Looks like you had a pretty solid October as well! Seems most of the group did okay this month. Hollow Bamboo sounds like it was a really interesting read. I was half-expecting it to be non-fiction....

>186 richardderus: Hi Richard! October was a great reading month overall. You had a fantastic month!

Hollow bamboo was interesting. It is a mixture of memoir, biography and fiction and is based on the true story of the authors grand parents. It also sheds light on the difficulties Asians had after immigrating to St Johns in the 1930's.

Friday!

Day off for me. I have to go grocery shopping and hurry home. I have so much to do- inside, outside I will see what I can get done

Wordle 867 3/6

🟨🟩⬜🟨⬜
⬜🟩🟨🟨⬜
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

Happy Friday, Anita. Enjoy your day off. I like the fall pics up there. Leaves are falling like crazy here. While walking in the woods yesterday, many trees were already bare. Sighs...

Happy Friday, hope town didn't burn up too much of your time.

Brr ! Your Halloween Haunted House visit sounds very cold! I'm in awe of you reading 111 pages a day, on average, Anita. But I know you don't watch tv. I"m afraid I usually watch something in the evening.

>189 msf59: Thanks! It was a nice day. The leaves are rapidly falling here as well.

>190 Kristelh: It burned up more time than I wanted. My mom came with me because her car has been acting up. So I ended up going to a few more stores than I wanted to.

>191 vancouverdeb: It was really cold! The weather is a bit warmer now but it won't last. I do watch a bit of TV in the evening. Usually a total of an hour. I read during my lunch break at work. I have found a comfortable and mostly quiet space where I can hide from my co workers ;)

Happy weekend!

Another working one for me ( quelle surprise!) I managed to get grocery shopping and some other minor errands done yesterday. I also cleaned a couple windows and screens. Outside , I raked some leaves, took out some flowers and planted some bulbs. After work today, I am going to tie the big grass bushes up so they don't fall over when the snow comes. I am also preparing a section of the barn for the chickens. I was going to leave them in the coop ( it's insulated) but I would have to shovel a long way to get to it every day in the winter. So back into the heated barn they will go.

Reading wise I am almost finished with The defector and will probably start The double life of benson yu

>192 figsfromthistle: Hey fellow one-hour-of-tv watcher! We rotate through different shows each night too so it can take us months to get through a series with multiple seasons available.

I too watch TV in the later part of the day. I say maybe a couple hours. I like watching Jeopardy. I watch the local weather (old fashioned) and some news. I seldom watch a movie or other programming. I might start watching U-Tube on my tv.

I read when I can and always before going to bed.

>148 figsfromthistle: I was looking for a non-fiction to add to my WL at the PL. This one looks right interesting. Thanks for posting your reviw.

>158 figsfromthistle:, >160 Storeetllr:, >161 quondame: Interesting concept of what indicates "poverty", isn't it?
I don't plan to read Spare; it's only one person's perspective and I do feel "the public" is unlikely to ever know the whole circumstances. Sad situation all 'round and the family was already totally dysfunctional, imho. I can't see a resolution.

As to being impoverished, depends what requirements ones life has, I think. We (in my family) do not require staff with a high level of personal security qualifications, for instance.

Also, an insight into what young kids think constitutes being poor can be very revealing: one of my daughter's friends (aged 10) thought we were poor because we didn't own a TV or have a sofa; plus, we "had" to hang our clothes on the line to dry.

>197 SandyAMcPherson: OK, bottom line, having to hang out clothes is poverty. Been there, done that. Hate it! Fluffy drier towels forever!!!!

>194 ursula: Hi Ursula! I have to admit that I watch a bit more on the weekends. I do find that reading relaxes me better.

>195 Kristelh: I enjoy watching Jeopardy as well. Lately I have been missing it.

>196 SandyAMcPherson: I hope you enjoy it when you get to it.

>197 SandyAMcPherson: >198 quondame: I can't really agree that hanging clothes out on the line is always a poverty thing. My parents always made me hang the clothes outside because it was better for the fibres of the clothes, it reduced the amount of ironing needed, smelled great and was better for the environment. Towels were ok in the dryer. I still hang clothing out but never in the winter ;)

>199 figsfromthistle: Personal definition only. I understand that some are so moved by sun dried laundry as to prefer it, but I welcomed the drier with glad cries and was glad never to have to rewash a linen tablecloth that had been bird-blessed.

>200 quondame: Ha! Those birds somehow do have a knack to find freshly laundered linens don't they? I personally quite enjoy the convenience of the drier. Not having to lug out the laundry and hang it up and take it down and lug it back in again and then still have to put it away does save time.

>201 figsfromthistle: I know even my young shoulders hated holding the damp laundry up to pin and what that would feel like now - not to be thought of.

109. Chris Hadfield: The Defector

It's the cold war era and tensions are high between Russia and USA. Israel is at the beginning of a war when a Soviet test pilot lands with the MiG fighter jet on their soil. The pilot claims he wants to defect and is willing to give up valuable information. He is brought to the most secret zone in the USA and debriefed. Everything is not as it seems and many are playing a high stakes game.

This was a book full of action, murder, espionage and aerial combat. I enjoyed the first in the series and really enjoyed this one as well. You can read this as a standalone.

3.5/5

>202 quondame: Good thing you have a dryer now :)

>204 figsfromthistle: As an adult, always.

>198 quondame: and others following: had no idea that mentioning drying laundry on the clothesline would spark this chatter. I enjoyed everyone's p.o.v., too.
Re the towels fluffed in the drier: when we finally bought a dryer (here in the cold, cold, *dusty* prairies), I discovered how lovely the towels become with about 7 or 8 minutes being tumble dried, but I hated seeing all the wear being collected in the lint screen. I missed the sunny ozone effect, too. So if the weather is co-operating, I do tumble for a bit and then hang the towels up.

Some years ago I read about this 'fragrance' in outdoors, line-dried textiles. There was some interesting analyses about this effect but... I never wrote down the title/author. Does this topic ring a bell with anyone? I have tried to be all science-y and look up the book that way but I don't have enough detail to make searching productive.

I know. Not a very important book or article on which to spend brain cell time. In fact, I like that on this group, one can be very frivolous in talking about such "life-is-so-daily" topics.

I loved Susan "bird-blessed" phrase. Where else would one hear such descriptions but here?!

>206 SandyAMcPherson: Thank you. I do like the smell of line dried linens, but not enough. And as long as fabric softeners are kept far far from the laundry, just clean smells good to me.

I've spent too much time in countries where dryers are not the norm. In Italy, we hung the laundry on the balcony if it was nice, on a drying rack in the apartment if it wasn't. In Turkey, we used a drying rack. (Towels and bedding went to the laundry place.) Here, we have a (terrible) dryer that the landlords let us use. We dry a few things in there but again, mostly use a laundry rack on the balcony or in the apartment.

>205 quondame: >206 SandyAMcPherson: >207 quondame: A friend of mine has a whole routine of how to clean the laundry. It has to be done exactly so that no one is allowed to do the laundry. ( lucky kids!). It is interesting how we all develop our own preferences for something so mundane.

>208 ursula: I do think that European countries are not used to dryers as much. I have no clue what the reasoning is for that. Just like a lot of those same countries don't seem to have central air conditioning either ;)

Happy Sunday!

Time change so I gained an extra hour. I am not a fan of daylight savings time. It takes a while for my circadian rhythm to adjust. However when gaining time it is not as bad.

I finished reading The defector. It was a great read. Lots of action.

Todays supper will be oven roasted steak with onions. Perhaps some mashed potatoes to go with the gravy and some green beans. It will be an easy thing to pop in the oven when I get home. By the time I have raked a few leaves and done some other yard work, the dinner should be almost done.

The extra hour sleep must have helped me today.

Wordle 869 2/6

⬜🟨🟩⬜⬜
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

Congrats on a 2 in Wordle. I got a 3 today.

Laundry for me is my favorite chore and I hang clothes outdoors because it makes me happy and on a drying rack when unable to hang outside. I do have a dryer and I dry my towels year round. I also use it more in winter. When in Florida, I go back to hanging outdoors. Yesterday I washed and hung sheets for maybe the last time this year.

I woke at 3:30 am which happens with time change. It takes me awhile to adapt. I seldom able to sleep an extra hour and I try to stay up last night to try to make the adjustment but it didn’t work.

>211 Kristelh: Thanks! Tis rare for me these days. My average has been 4 guesses.

Hopefully you will be able to adjust to the time change faster this time. there are talks in my province to stop with daylight savings but these talks have been going on for years.....

I also got wordle in 2 today, Anita! A lucky day for me. I weighed in on Sandy's thread re clothes dryers vs line drying. I have done both, but always have had a clothes dryer. Now in in a townhouse, we cannot have a outside line, so mainly I use the clothes drying, but we also have a couple of indoor rack for drying delicates etc.

I am waiting for BC to also go to permanent daylight savings time. Apparently we are waiting on the Western US states to do so as well. So when will that be, I don't know.

>210 figsfromthistle: Congratulations, Anita!
Have a wonderful start into the week.

>210 figsfromthistle: - Don't hold your breath, Anita, re Ontario's move to permanent daylight time. They say it depends on the States, border crossing issues for businesses. BS, if you ask me. Just another excuse not to do what makes sense. I actually forgot to change the clock in my bedroom and as such, got to watch the entire BBC show, Escape to the Country, because it was 5 o'clock when I thought it was 6 a.m., this morning! I do like that program but not enough to deliberately get up at that time!

>213 vancouverdeb: Hi Deborah! I know that some places forbid hanging clothes outside due to aesthetic issues.

In Ontario a bill was passed in 2020 to end daylight savings time. We are waiting for Quebec and New York to pass similar bills. Ah well.

>214 SirThomas: Hi Thomas! I should have a good week as I took a whole week vacation :)

It's Monday!

I took a week vacation so I am free to do as I please.

I finished reading The Village: Lalwani which was an ok read but a bit disappointing. The writing was good though. I am hoping to go to my local library book sale on Wednesday. I already brought a box of books to donate for the sale.

I almost got it in two guesses again

Wordle 870 3/6

🟨🟩🟩⬜⬜
⬜🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

Enjoy your time off, Anita!

>217 figsfromthistle:, enjoy your week off!

>218 katiekrug: >219 Kristelh: Thanks, Katie and Kristel!

Enjoy your vacation, Anita!

>221 curioussquared: Thanks, Natalie!

>212 figsfromthistle: We turned our clocks back here the weekend before you. It's kind of weird, it's the first time I've had to deal with it in 3 1/2 years since Turkey doesn't do it. It's nice not to have the sun coming up at 8:15 anymore I suppose, but in the end it's really just a short amount of "daylight" (mostly it's cloudy/rainy enough that it's hard to tell it's daytime), whenever the hours fall.

>223 ursula: Hi Ursula! I do enjoy the fact that it is lighter in the morning when I go to work but don't like it that it gets dark so early in the evening. Either way like you said, the days are shorter regardless of time change.

HAppy Tuesday!

It is nice to sleep in and relax in the morning for a change. Yesterday I had to stack some more wood that was delivered. Raked some leaves and mulched them with the tractor. I also secured the big grass bushes with string so they don't fall over when the snow hits ( the can be annoying when stuck in the snowblower) It was good timing because just shortly after I finished, we had a thunderstorm.

Today looks to be a rainy day. I have phone calls to make and indoor chores. The weather is getting colder.

I finished reading The Personal Assistant and will see what I read next.

I haven't figured out supper but I know I am going to have some soft boiled eggs for breakfast.

>225 figsfromthistle: Soft-boiled eggs sound nummy. I don't think of making eggs now that my left side's just weak enough that I don't quite have the grip to manage two-handed tasks like simmering eggs. (Little rice-cookers can do wonders, you know.)

Spend a lovely day being thundered over.

>226 richardderus: Hi Richard! Breakfast was delicious. It was nice to take my time and have a lazy breakfast.

I don't know much about rice cookers as I haven't used one before but I am glad you are finding it helpful.

*smooch*

>209 figsfromthistle: European here, with dryer (ever since I moved out in 1982) and airco upstairs, so I can sleep in summer :-)
Most people I know do have a dryer, airco is less common over here.

>228 FAMeulstee: Hi Anita! Yes air condition is less common in Europe. The houses are built differently as well ( blocks and heavy outdoor blinds that block out the heat). As the temperatures in Europe have climbed I see more of my friends and relatives adding air conditioning units to their homes.

110. The Village: Nikita Lalwani

Ray works for the BBC and is on assignment with two others to film a unique prison in India where everyone there has committed a murder. What makes the prison unique is that the inmates are not locked up. They live as a community and each are expected to contribute to living there and provide for their families. None of them attempt to escape and almost none reoffend.

This sounded like a great idea for a book. The writing was good but in the end the story did not live up to my expectations. I really disliked Ray's co workers and find that the story focused more on the awful dynamic between them.

3/5 ( C)

111. The Personal Assistant: Kimberly Belle

Alex is an online influencer constantly posting photos of herself and her family. When she reaches a million subscribers she celebrates with her personal assistant and her husband. Unfortunately, in the morning she wakes to a PR nightmare. Someone posted a video of her slamming another influencer. this begins to affect her family in major ways as threats and strange things begin to occur. Worst of all, her personal assistant is missing and a dead body shows up in her carriage house. Alex begins to think about the people who she surrounds herself with and who ( if any) she can trust.

It was a good slow burning suspense. If you enjoy Mary Kubica, Shari Lapena or Ruth Wares writing then this may just be up your alley.

3/5 ( B+)

Not even trying to catch up, Anita, but returning your visit :)

I hope you are doing well - and your dad. Have a wonderful weekend!

>232 alcottacre: Nice to see you! All is well. My dad is recovering better than expected but he still feels that the healing should go faster. One knee is further advanced than the other despite treating both equally while doing physiotherapy.

Happy weekend ahead!

It's Thursday!

Yesterday was a cold day. We had some ice rain that thankfully turned into normal rain during the night. Today I am going grocery shopping and then heading over to my local book sale. It is a four day event but due to the weather I missed it yesterday and apparently people were lined up to get in. Hopefully, theres still some good books there.

I managed to get some household things done. I cleaned all the windows upstairs ( including blinds/screens). This is my least favourite task to do but it had to be done. I am also beginning to organize my two walk in closets upstairs. That means trying everything on, seeing if it fits ( and how far away it is from fitting) and then putting it in the donation box if it no longer works for me.

Wordle 873 3/6

⬜⬜🟩⬜⬜
⬜🟩🟩⬜🟩
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

>234 figsfromthistle: I probably need to do that kind of closet cleaning some time this winter.

>235 foggidawn: It can be quite therapeutic :)

All-purpose *smooch* with a sidebar for some better reads upcoming....

>237 richardderus: Happy weekend, Richard!

Friday......

I managed to find a few books at the book sale even though I did not go on the first day. 13 books in total. Heres the list

1. John Banville:April in Spain
2. Patti Callahan: Once upon a Wardrobe
3. Jane Goodall: Reason for hope
4.Sheri Reynolds: A Gracious Plenty
5. Elena Ferrante: My Brilliant Friend
6. William Douglas: Russian Journey
7. Tracy Kasaboski: The Occupied Garden
8. Mémoires de la marquise de La Rochejaquelein by marquise de La Rochejaquelein Marie-Louise-Victoire
9. Hans Von Baeyer: The Fermi Solution: Essays on science
10.Liang Zhang: Gold Mountain Blues
11. Larry Loftis: The Watchmaker's daughter
12. Kristine Barnett: The Spark
13. Keith Wiley: Designing and planning a woodland garden

I finished reading The double life of Benson Yu

>239 figsfromthistle: Hi Anita! Sounds like a good haul! And timely, it’s the season for a good book. And winter’s the time for planning a garden, so nr13 seems useful.

>139 Whisper1:, Good haul Anita! Happy Friday.

Happy Friday, Anita. Nice book haul. That will keep you busy for awhile.

>174 figsfromthistle: Love the colour in your garden Anita. And sounds like it is ready for winter.

>234 figsfromthistle: I got ride of 2 huge bags of clothes and shoes to the charity shop a couple of months ago which was very satisfying.

>239 figsfromthistle: Thats a fine book haul.

>239 figsfromthistle: What luck! A great haul indeed...that Sheri Reynolds is unknown to me, so I look forward to hearing your thoughts when its turn comes.

>240 EllaTim: Hi Ella! The garden book appealed to me because I have been slowly getting the forest in order and made a vegetable patch in one of the clearings. I also want to create natural pathways with some flowers, fruit and such. I hope the book has a lot of suggestions for my planting zone.

>241 Kristelh: >242 msf59: Thanks, Kristel and Mark!

>243 Caroline_McElwee: The garden is *almost* ready. Nothing drastic that can't be done in the spring if need be.

>244 richardderus: Hi Richard! I have not read anything by Sheri Reynolds so I will most likely read that one soon (ish).

Popping by to say hello, Anita! I'm (very) slowly catching up with everyone from the past month or so. I enjoyed reading about your autumn garden chores... this is the first year I really had to put my raised veggie beds "to bed", and it's a learning curve. I'm still at the point of having to buy compost, although in a year or maybe two, I think we'll be creating our own. Do you put some down and then cover with mulch? (Like I said... learning curve!) I saw a video recently where a guy filled up a large trash bin with dead leaves and then stuck his weed whacker down in it to make mulch - sounded brilliant!

Hope you have a lovely weekend - stay warm and dry. 😀

>246 PlatinumWarlock: It's great to see you here! I bet those raised garden beds look wonderful. I don't have raised beds but I do add mulched leaves to the top of my garden bed before winter. I also incorporate it with other types of compost as I have chickens that produce a bit of fertilizer as well. Most of the time the ground sucks everything up by spring.

Happy weekending!

Please join me over at my new thread :)