Deborah (vancouverdeb) reads in 2024 1st thread

This my most recent jigsaw puzzle, appropriately titled " Novel Avenue" by Ravensburger.

I'm Deborah, 40 years happily married to Dave, who is retiring in March of 2024. We have two adult sons, Daniel, 39, and William, aged 33. William is married to Serenade, and they have blessed us with two grandchildren, Melissa, 5, and Miles, 3. Besides reading, I do love to do jigsaw puzzles, walk -with or without our dog, Poppy, likely a Poodle- Maltese mix . I've been here on LT for nearly 15 years, and I enjoy historical fiction and mysteries , as well as many other genres. I'm keen to read book prize contenders, lately mainly the Women's Prize for Fiction and the Booker Lists. Last year I read 41 books and I expect to read about the same number this year. In previous years I have managed to read 75 books, but my love of jigsaw puzzles has changed that.

January

1) Drama Free: A Guide to Managing Unhealthy Relationships by Nedra Glover Tawwab American, F, 4 stars library
2) The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman, American, M, 3.5 stars off the shelf
3) Absolution by Alice McDermott , American, F, 3 stars library
4)The Little Book Of Icelanders by Alda Sigmundsdottir Icelandic, F, 3 stars New
5)Reykjavik by Ragnar Jonasson , Icelandic, M, 4 stars Library

February

6) Silas Marner by George Eliot , British, F, 3.5 stars , library book / audiobook

books read 2

Prize winners and nominees

Silas Marner by George Eliot 1001 books to read before you die

Currently reading

The Last List of Mabel Beaumont by Laura Pearson

Welcome to my new 2024 thread! All welcome, drop a star, lurk, delurk, it's all good!

Happy 2024 to everyone!

Favourite reads of 2023

These are my top reads of 2023, as per my 5 star ratings.

The Midnight News by Jo Baker
All the Broken Places by John Boyne
Gin, Turpentine,Pennyroyal, Rue by Christine Higdon
The Bee Sting by Paul Murray
One Puzzling Afternoon by Emily Critchley.
A History of Burning by Janika Oza

Honourable Mention

Weyward by Emilia Hart
Old God's Time by Sebastian Barry
The Prophet Song by Paul Lynch

Deb I am glad to be first up to welcome you back for another year.
I greatly value your warmth, kindness and friendship in the group.

>10 PaulCranswick: Thanks you Paul! Such a kind start to my 2024 Thread. I too value your friendship and kindness and openness in this group.

Books I am looking forward to in 2024 ( that I am aware of for now )

The Road From Belhaven by Margot Livesey - Feb 2024
Long Island by Colm Toibin - a sequel to Brooklyn May 2024
This Strange Eventful History by Claire Messud May 2024

and as per Mary's ( mdoris) knowledge,

Water by John Boyne

>7 vancouverdeb: A very informative tome. I hope it offers a lot for the take-away.

Happy, healtily puzzling 2024 to you and all yours, Deb! *smooch*

Happy new thread and new year, Deb. I miss doing puzzles!!

Happy New Year, Deb. One of my LT highlights of 2023 was having you around regularly. I sure enjoy sharing books and grandkid stories with you. Lets do that again. 😁❤️

Welcome back! Took care of the title for you… 😀

Happy New Year, Deborah - I am looking forward to following your new reading year.

Happy New Year Deb!

>12 vancouverdeb: Hi Deborah. i did a bit of research about the new John Boyne book Water. It is the first in a series, with the titles representing the elements so there will 3 more to follow. It is a novella. It was published Nov. 2, 2003 in the U.K. so who knows when it will be available in Canada. I have asked the library to order it. Fingers crossed!

>13 richardderus: Thanks Richard! Yes , so far I'm finding helpful Drama Free to be a helpful book. I'm about 1 /2 way through. It's good to know you found it a worthy tome.

>14 jessibud2: Happy New Year, Shelley! Perhaps one day you can get back to jigsaw puzzling when you have more time . Or is it your cats who prevent you from jigsaw puzzling ? I have a friend who enjoys doing jigsaw puzzles, but after getting two kittens - now cats, she no longer does jigsaw puzzles because they jump on the puzzles and scatter the pieces.

>15 msf59: You are on Mark! We'll share another year of reading and swapping grandchildren stories. XO

>16 drneutron: Thanks so much , Jim! How embarrassing, titling my first thread of 2024 with 2023. And I did not even notice until another kind LT'er PM'd me to let me know.

>17 ctpress: Thanks Carsten, and Happy New Year to you too! Hmm, what is happening in Denmark with the abdication of your Queen! :-) You know I am on all things royal! I have yet to convince anyone to join the Royal family ( in any country) to get on as staff, not for lack on trying, to find out the inside scoop. On Christmas Day I suggested to my nephew that he get on with the British Royal Family as a Press Secretary , but he claims it is not within his skill set. But perhaps you ?

>18 SandDune: Thanks Rhian. Happy New Year to you too! We have under 3 hours to go here.

>19 mdoris: I looked into the book Water by John Boyne as well, Mary. I found it was available at BlackWells for $25.00 or thereabouts, but no where in North America. I'll do the same as you and put in a library purchase request. Fingers crossed indeed!

Hi Deborah!

Wishing you a great one!

Happy New Year, Susan! Thank you!

>21 vancouverdeb: Maybe, maybe a Press Secretary, who knows? :) I was at work in the morning on December 31. There were no rumours floating around, so it came as a big surprise for everyone and such a quick abdication. Only 14 days to prepare. I'm going to work today also, so that's the biggest story still. I will try if I can find an inside scoop today and prove myself worthy of the job as a royal reporter :)

> I 💙you , Carsten ! So delighted that you might take a job as a Royal Press secretary! I heard rumours that maybe the Danish Queen abdicated because her son , Prince Fredrick was unfaithful to his wife , Mary , and perhaps Mary demanded that she wanted to be Queen if is going to stay with Fredrick? I’m sure you can the big scoop on the story !

I sincerely wish you health, happiness, contentment and many exciting books.

>27 vancouverdeb: Ha, ha...ohh, such juicy rumors I'm not at liberty to comment on :) Looking into it today!!!

We are speculating a lot as to the real reason she's abdicating now as she's always had the same approach as Queen Elizabeth that you were a queen until you died - perhaps in her own words it's just becoming too demanding for her - her back surgery last year proved that. Perhaps she's finally convinced that Frederik is up to the task. Anyhow, I think it's a wise decision to let Frederik and Mary run the show.

Hi Deborah - all good wishes for 2024.

>20 vancouverdeb: - Lol, definitely the cats, Deb. Prior to Theo and Owen's arrival, the last 2 cats I had were geriatric and could no longer jump up onto the table. A puzzler's bliss, let me tell you. But it will be a long time before these 2 are geriatric (they are currently 4 and almost 6 years old) so no, my puzzles wait sadly in their boxes, on a shelf for now...

Hi Deborah. Happy New Year to you.

>2 vancouverdeb: Nice that Dave’s retiring.

Happy New Year and new thread! Hope 2024 is kind to you

>1 vancouverdeb: I love it!

>9 vancouverdeb: Thanks for sharing the list, Deborah! I recently received the Christine Higdon book and have a copy of A History of Burning on pre-order.

Happy New Year! Happy New Thread!

Happy New Year, Deborah. I look forward to following your reading in 2024. I love the puzzle!

That puzzle is a work of art, Deborah. Absolutely beautiful! I simply don’t have the patience for jigsaw puzzles, but will happily wade through a 1,000 page book. Go figure. 🤷🏼‍♀️

Happy New Year to you. I look forward to your book suggestions in 2024. I might have passed on Prophet Song, my No. 2 favorite of the year, if it hadn’t been for your comments. Thank you.

Happy new year! Love the puzzle. Looking forward to reading together in 2024.

>7 vancouverdeb: Sadly, I feel this book would help me at this time. I swear, I could never comprehend how friction in families arose, until it did in our family. :(

>1 vancouverdeb: Wow! that's quite the puzzle.

I have you starred and can't wait to be hit by BB's from you.

Hi Deb and Happy New Year! Like you, my newfound love of jigsaw puzzles has cut into my reading just a bit. We'll see if I can make the 75 mark this year. If not, I refuse to stress about it. :-)

I love your puzzle topper!

>25 Berly: Happy New Year, and thanks for the stars, Kim!

>28 Ameise1: Happy New Year, Barbara!

>29 ctpress: Juicy rumours, indeed, Carsten! I love that sort of thing. I did hear about that she " claims" after the back surgery she reflected back on things and thought it might be best to let Prince Fredrik take over. Sure, sure! :-) Let me know what story you ran with - just gossip, or the Margrethe's claims.

>30 charl08: Thanks Charlotte. All the best to you to in 2024

>31 jessibud2: Those cats, Shelley! But they are very cute! My sister has a cat, Harriet , and she was rescue, so my sister is not sure what age she is - quite elderly now , but she has never bothered my sister with her puzzles. The day will come when you can get back to jigsaw puzzles.

>32 karenmarie: Happy New Year, Karen. Yes, both Dave and I are looking forward to his retirement. He's counting the days. 40 - something of actual work days, I think.

Happy new year! And great puzzle-topper.

>33 ChelleBearss: Thanks Chelle! Great to see you . Happy New Year!

>34 alcottacre: I did enjoy doing that puzzle, thanks, Stasia! I'm glad you have the Christine Higdon book at the ready. I have another of hers that I have not read, The Marrow of Our Bones. I'll let you know what I think of it when I get to it. I think you will enjoy A History of Burning, I really did. Happy New Year, Stasia!

>35 BLBera: Thanks Beth! The puzzle was perfect for my topper, though that is not why I chose it.

>36 Donna828: It's been a long time since I managed a chunkster of 1000 pages, Donna. Last year my longest book was 656 pages, , The Bee Sting, but the pages really flew by. I think I managed 100 a day. But that is not my usual reading pace. Thanks re the puzzle. Had Prophet Song not been been up for the Booker and an online vlog encouraged me to read it, I might have missed Prophet Song too. Glad you enjoyed it.

>37 witchyrichy: Thanks Karen! Happy New Year!

>38 LovingLit: I am finding Drama Free to be very helpful, Meghan. Though my family has always been very close, there has been friction between me and my parents ( and others - one of my sister's and my SIL don't get along) it's rare that I feel a need to read a book to try to resolve the problem. It's a been a helpful book , as was another I finished a couple of days ago - I can't remember the title, but it is on my last thread. I was relieved today when I wished my mom Happy New Year today via text - she is very hard to hearing - and she texted back, and - for the first time in our lives, I told my mom I loved her , and she replied that she loved me too. So for now, I think all is resolved. I have had trouble sleeping over the issues, but I should sleep better tonight. I wish you well with your family . Family tension is hard. I'm sorry that it is troubling you too.

>39 figsfromthistle: I always look forward to sending BB's, Anita! I just hope you enjoy them.

>40 EBT1002: Happy New Year, Ellen! Yes, our jigsaw puzzles do cut into reading time. I only managed to read 41 books and that was just fine by me.

> 43 Thanks Rhonda! I'm glad you too enjoy my jigsaw puzzle topper.

Happy reading in 2024, Deborah!

Resolutions in the New Year beat new year's resolutions all hollow, Deb. I'm so very pleased for you and your mother's quiet rapprochement.

*smooch*

Hi Deb! Oooohhhh... I do love a good puzzle. Your thread topper pic is fabulous! Wishing you a wonderful 2024.

WOW it's busy on L.T., can't keep up already! Hope all's well with you and that is a fabulous puzzle on your topper.

Happy New Year, Deb!

Happy new year, Deborah! I love the puzzle - I did it over the summer and it was such fun. The artist has a new one coming out with Ravensburger this month, I think. It's soon, anyway.

My daughter and I just moved our puzzle onto the dining room table where there's more room, better lighting, and it can get more attention! : )

Nice puzzle topper, Deborah. I finally took one of my puzzles out of the box. Only 500 pieces but it’s a start.

>47 FAMeulstee: Thanks Anita! Happy reading to you as well.

>48 richardderus: Thanks Richard. I'm glad my mom and have solved things. It's a load off my mind, and yes, Drama Free was a helpful book. * smooch*

>49 lkernagh: Hi Lori! It's great to know that there are other jigsaw puzzle lovers besides myself . Best wished in 2024 for you too.

>50 mdoris: Yes, things are going well here, Mary. Dave just put through his retirement stuff to his company online. It is a busy time on the threads. I think usually January is , because people are starting new threads and we are busy visiting one another.

>51 Carmenere: Thanks Lynda! Happy New Year to you too!

>52 susanj67: Another puzzler, Susan! I do love Demelsa Haughton's puzzles. I've done quite a few, The Secret Garden, Happy Halloween, Enchanted, and I'm in the midst of doing a 500 piece puzzle by her called " Enchanted " - it is Christmas themed. I have another one waiting, a 2000 piece, If Fish Could Walk. I'll look forward to seeing her new puzzle.

>53 Berly: What puzzle are you working on with your daughter , Kim? More lighting and more room sound great.

>54 Familyhistorian: Thanks Meg! Great to see you. Of course, I am curious as to what puzzle you are working on too.

Happy New Year, Deborah!

That is a lovely puzzle in your topper. It's time for me to dig out a new one for January. I like working on them in the long evenings with a bit of TV for background noise. A few years ago I bought a coffee table with the hinge that allows it to elevate to regular table height. I have a fold up cardboard puzzle board to protect the pieces from my cat.

I haven't read any of your favorite books from last year, but I also enjoyed Old Man's Time and was gifted The Prophet by my 75'er Santa, Paul, so I hope to get to that soon.

Congrats on finishing your first book!

Have a wonderful Wednesday, Deborah!

Hi Deborah my dear, Happy New Year. Looking forward to visiting you throughout 2024 dear friend.

>58 streamsong: Thanks Janet. I do enjoy doing puzzles and I am surprised at how much good company I am in here on LT. I also have a puzzle board that I use, that tilts. It only goes up to 1500 piece size, so I couldn't use it for Novel Avenue , since it was 2000 pieces. I've just started on a 1000 piece puzzle by Cobble Hill, and that I am doing on my puzzle board. I'm still in the sorting phase. I'm glad you also enjoyed Old God's Time, and I'll bet you will enjoy Prophet Song too. Thanks, it was a helpful book to read.

>59 alcottacre: Thanks , Stasia! I did , and today is going well too.

>60 johnsimpson: Thanks John! Wishing you a wonderful 2024, and yes, visit often.

Another fellow puzzle lover! Happy new year, Deb. I hope to follow along with your reading (and puzzling!) this year.

Beautiful puzzle, Deborah.

I will be at work the weekend we officially will have a new king. Still haven't solved the mystery in Barcelona. To get in the mood, I'm watching the new season of The Crown - but alas, it is so sad all around.

Hi Deb, your opening picture is a gorgeous puzzle. I used to love putting puzzles together but I think I did too many during the Covid lockdown and I haven't touched one in a couple of years now. Maybe I will try again later this year.

>62 katiekrug: Hi Katie! I'm glad to discover a fellow puzzler and reader! I'll be by your thread shortly.

>63 ctpress: Thanks Carsten. I did enjoy doing the puzzle. Hmm, what is mystery in Barcelona ? I thought that socialite that Prince Frederik was in a dalliance in happened in Madrid? But , both are in Spain. The Guardian is speculating on the affair and the Queen abdicating now. You must find that scrap of paper in the Danish Palace. I'm sure you can do it! I've not watched The Crown at all, being the " expert " on British Royalty that I am. What's to know ? ;-)

>64 DeltaQueen50: Great to see you , Judy. Yes, maybe you just needed a bit of a break from puzzles. Give one a try later this year.

Hi Deb.

I have been working on a fun jigsaw puzzle by Galison. I find jigsaw puzzles very therapeutic; they are better for managing anxiety than reading is because they require different concentration.

I hope you have a good weekend ahead of you!

Hi Deborah, I finally made it over to your thread and I'm dropping a star.

>1 vancouverdeb: When you mentioned this puzzle on your previous thread, I looked it up, and it was available at Target. I didn't order it at the time. I looked again earlier this week, and now it's out of stock. I'm hoping they'll get it again and signed up to be notified when it's back in stock.

Here's to a good reading year ahead!

Happy 2024, Deborah! I'm looking forward to seeing what you are reading this year!

>1 vancouverdeb: Beautiful puzzle! 1000 pieces is my preference but I don't think I've ever even tried 2000.

>66 EBT1002: The last puzzle I did was a Galiston and my current one as well. And you're right - I can work on a puzzle when I'm anxious or worked up about something and it's very calming (well, except when the cat comes by).

>66 EBT1002: I enjoy jigsaw puzzles as you know, Ellen. Sometimes a I find them relaxing, other times I find them frustrating and somewhat anxiety producing. But overall I do love doing them. I look forward to seeing your Galison Puzzle!

>67 atozgrl: Great to see you Irene! Thanks for dropping a star. I hope they will get Novel Avenue in stock again for you too.

>68 Copperskye: Hi Joanne! This was my first 2000 piece puzzle too. It took me a while to summon up the courage to do a 2000 piece, but I have done 1500 pieces in the past,and it wasn't any more difficult. I'm glad you also find puzzles relaxing.

I'm really enjoying my current read, The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman. Now I wonder why I let in languish on the shelf for a over a year. I have to thank Laura here on LT for a bit of push. She had a Thursday Murder Club quiz link on her thread late last year, and apparently I am most alike to the character Joyce. Then I was more curious about the book. So thanks Laura. If can find the quiz link I'll add it here for others to try.

This is Miles, our 3 year old grandson up at Whistler this past weekend. I know we all have the cutest grandchildren here on LT - but ..

And here is Melissa, 5 years old, also at Whistler.

My husband and I had our second date up at Whistler way back in 1982. I'm glad the kids are learning to ski / snow board early in life. It's a fun sport.

Happy new year of reading Deb! Love that puzzle.

I love the photo os your grandchildren. So cute 😍. I fully agree that kids should learn skiing early when they get zhe opportunity to do so.

They are indeed cute kids - good that we are not all in competition and can share in mutual admiration!!

Have a lovely Sunday, Deb.

Lovely pictures of your grandchildren Deb!

>70 vancouverdeb: I'm so happy you're enjoying The Thursday Murder Club! It's such a fun series and Joyce is a hoot. Re: the quiz, I went back to my 2023 thread and found the link. It was published by Penguin UK, and written by Richard Osman:

Which member of the Thursday Murder Club are you?

>71 vancouverdeb:, >72 vancouverdeb: Your grandkids are absolutely adorable!

Happy Sunday, Deb. LOVE the pics of Miles. He sure looks like he is having a grand time. Lots of snow there. I also enjoyed The Thursday Murder Club. I will have to remember to read the second one in the next couple of months.

Oh my goodness, Miles and Melissa look like they're having a blast! Hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Little ones seem much better able to enjoy the snow than we do (or maybe I should say, than I do!) They are adorable, Deb.

Miles and Melissa are adorable! I wish I had kept up skiing, but alas, I developed a terrible phobia of slippery surfaces - not a good trait for a skiier!

>71 vancouverdeb: >72 vancouverdeb: Adorable overload!

Adorable pictures!

Happy New Year of reading, Deb. Love that jigsaw puzzle. And the pictures of grandchildren are so nice. What beautiful smiles.

>1 vancouverdeb: how many pieces was that puzzle? They look tiny!

Hi Deborah!

>71 vancouverdeb: and >72 vancouverdeb: Such cuties. Thanks for sharing.

posting is not working. I will try later......

>71 vancouverdeb:, >72 vancouverdeb: Hi Deborah, thanks for posting those adorable pictures of Miles and Melissa. So cute!

Happy New Year Deborah!

Very cute pictures of Miles and Melissa. Children and snow, they go together well!

Nice puzzle as well. I do my Jigsaw puzzles digitally nowadays, but the real ones are better. Very calming, indeed.

What cuties!

Your grandchildren are lovely...and happy! I'm sure they bring a lot of joy to you and your husband.
>1 vancouverdeb: What a wonderful puzzle. I also like putting them together. I usually aim for the 1,000 piece puzzles. While I haven't acquired as many puzzles as books, I confess to five large plastic containers full of puzzles.

Cute grandson, Deborah. I am jealous of all your snow!

>1 vancouverdeb: As I grow older, I am more forgetful. Can you please remind me how you imported the image of the puzzle in post number 1? Thanks.

Well, I just popped into your new thread...and what did I find as a topper? Your jigsaw puzzle. You KNEW that would hook me! :D You were right. You've been starred.

I adore the pictures of your grandchildren. They are such cuties!

>74 WhiteRaven.17: Thanks Kro ! Happy reading to you too. Glad you love the puzzle. It was fun to do.

>75 Ameise1: Thanks Barbara! I agree, if you have the chance to learn to ski / or ski board , it's good to learn when you are young. I think as we get older it can seem like a scary sport. I was lucky that my school had a " ski club" , where we just paid rental fees for out skis etc, and a group fee for each person , and we were driven up to our more local mountains, Seymour, Grouse or Cypress. I know you enjoy skiing!

>76 PaulCranswick: Pip is very cute, as are all the grandchildren here on LT, Paul, I agree! Fortunately, no it is not a competition. I enjoy seeing others post pictures of their children, grandchildren and themselves. It was chilly one out there today on my walk, but yes, a good day.

>77 SandDune: Thanks Rhian. I am rather taken with them.

>78 lauralkeet: I enjoying The Thursday Murder Club , Laura, and thanks for posting the link to the quiz. Joyce is lovely , but Elizabeth is rather canny and interesting too. All of the characters are great so far.

>79 msf59: Thanks Mark! There is a lot of snow at Whistler - or so it appears in the picture. Here in Vancouver we are supposed to get a wee amount maybe tomorrow. We've had a mild winter, and I was just reading in the news that Whistler Mountain has been suffering from a lack of snow this year, as have the local mountains. But it looks good snow-wise when they were there. I have a couple of short videos of the kids snow boarding and in tire going down the hill in the snow, and they sure had a great time by the looks of it.

>80 bell7: Yes, they did have a blast, Mary. I saw them briefly on their way home from Whistler and they were very happy indeed.

>81 jessibud2: I agree , Shelley. I used to really love to ski, but as I have gotten older, it's perhaps mainly my osteoporosis that prevents me from enjoying the snow and colder weather. After 3 fractures, one a spinal compression fracture, I don't want to fall or slip on ice or snow - or go skiing!

>82 katiekrug: Thanks Katie! Yes, a fear of slippery surfaces would not work well when skiing.

>83 quondame: Thanks Susan! We are fortunate to have our two grandchildren. I think they are the only two we will get.

>84 banjo123: Thanks Rhonda! I thought so too! :-)

>85 Kristelh: That was a fun jigsaw puzzle, Kristel. They do have a lovely smiles, thanks.

>86 The_Hibernator: It was a 2000 piece puzzle, Rachel, the first one that I have done over 1500 pieces. I don't think the pieces were any smaller than a 1000 piece puzzle, but I could be wrong. Just more pieces!

>87 karenmarie: Thanks Karen! Lovely of you to say so.

>88 mdoris: Thanks Mary! You have adorable grandchildren too, and quite a few of them. I did look for the Onion book you just read, and put a hold on it at the library.

>89 EllaTim: Hi Ella! Great to see you. I agree , children and snow do well together. I used to love it too, when I was younger. Not so much now that I am older. I've not tried the digital puzzles, but I have a friend who does them on her tablet.

>90 drneutron: Thanks Jim!

>93 Whisper1: I am the same, Linda! I had to go have a little think about how I imported the picture and write it down. I took the a picture of the puzzle on my iphone , then went to library thing on my Iphone, went to my profile, found where it says " add picture" on the right hand side, and upload the image from my iphone to my member gallery. Then just like we do when putting a book cover on our threads, use " copy image link." I think some use their junk drawer but I don't know how. I hope that helps , Linda. Thank you re my grandkids.

>94 SqueakyChu: Oh fabulous, Madeline! I had to tempt you to my thread somehow and if a jigsaw puzzle would do it, super! Thanks re my grandkids.

Nice pictures of Miles and Melissa, Deborah. I saw pictures on the news of people waiting to get onto the ski slopes in Whistler when it finally snowed lower down. I'm not looking forward to it getting down to our level though!

>102 Familyhistorian: Thanks Meg. Yes, I understand that there has been a lack of snow in the mountains, our local ones and also at Whistler, which is that much futher away. They were lucky to find a good amount of snow. I'm not looking forward to it snowing down at our levels either. Maybe it will be a mix of snow and rain - and very brief . At least I hope so.

>72 vancouverdeb: Miles and Melissa. Wow, what charmers. Understandably a proud grandmother.

>95 vancouverdeb: Thomas and I are still hard-working skiers. But we were both on skis at the age of two. We did the same with our daughters. We've always had the opportunity to go skiing and will be travelling to Davos again for a fortnight in mid-February.

>72 vancouverdeb: How cute. I hope they are having a blast learning how to snowboard!

Happy week ahead.

Love the grandbaby pictures! How cute!

I also really enjoyed the Thursday Murder Club. I plan to continue with the series once my holds come in. They are surprisingly long for the second and third books in the series.

>70 vancouverdeb: Hi Deb! I enjoyed that a year or two ago, need to get back to that fun series.

>71 vancouverdeb: SO cute! And clearly having a great time in the snow!

>104 ctpress: Thanks Carsten. Yes I guess I am a proud grandma.

>105 Ameise1: That is great , Barbara. I didn't learn to ski until I was 14 I think, through the school ski club. Dave and stopped skiing initially due to the cost, but at the age of 48 or 49, I discovered I had a spinal compression fracture from osteoporosis, so skiing seemed a little too risky for me. I agree, best to start skiing at young age.

>106 figsfromthistle: Thanks Anita. Yes, I think the kids did have a blast learning to snowboard. Thanks . So far the week is going fine, and I've gotten a fair bit of reading in today, but it is pouring rain.

>107 ChelleBearss: Thanks Chelle! I'm really enjoying The Thursday Murder Club and plan to read the next in the series. I'll check my library , but I know my SIL has a least the 2 nd in the series that I can borrow.

>108 EBT1002: It is a fun series, Ellen! Yes, Miles and Melissa are indeed so cute.

Hi Deborah, I was a bit intimidated by how many posts there were here, and then saw that there were cute photos of grandchildren and All Became Clear... Hope you are having a good week of reading and puzzling (and everything else). No snow yet here, just 0 degree temps. (Which is quite enough extreme weather for me!)

>72 vancouverdeb:, >71 vancouverdeb: They're too cute! My Papaw circuits are overheating!

Happy Tuesday, Deb. *smooch*

>70 vancouverdeb: I have enjoyed all of the books in that series, so I hope you do too!

>71 vancouverdeb: He is adorable! He looks like he is having a great time.

>72 vancouverdeb: Her too!

>71 vancouverdeb: Miles looks so happy to be in the snow. Love those pink cheeks!
>72 vancouverdeb: Another cutie! Aren’t grandkids fabulous?

>111 charl08: Thanks Charlotte and thanks for stopping by my thread . So far a good week of puzzling and reading . It’s not bad weather wise here, but we are supposed to get to -10 C overnight later this week , and get some dreaded snow ❄️. Ugh!

>112 richardderus: So kind , Richard. I think they are very cute too. Wednesday *smooch*

>113 alcottacre: I am very much enjoying the first in the series , and The Thursday Murder Club is sitting in my lap as I type . I can hardly put it down. Thanks re the grandchildren. , and I hope your cruise .

>114 Donna828: Grandchildren are fabulous indeed , Joanne . And you have a lovely group of them as well . 💞

>71 vancouverdeb: Miles is soooo cute!!

>96 vancouverdeb: I have throughly enjoyed The Thursday Murder Club Series! I am on #3 The Bullet That Missed.

I grew up skiing, and my fourth date with my Hubby was at Snowmass over Christmas vacation with his family. I only took up snowboarding when my oldest daughter wanted to learn -- after three brutal days of falling ( I thought since I am a good waterskier, that it wouldn't be that hard, but there's no rope to pull against!) I now enjoy it. Black diamond skier, still only a blue snowboarder. : )

January 11 and I'm already in catchup mode! Happy New Year! The kids look cute, the snow looks great (missing it here in NYC), and the jigsaw is pretty. I'd love to go back to my own puzzles, but space is at a premium, of course, in the aforementioned NYC. Maybe this year, if I get rid of enough stuff...

Hi Deborah, did you get any snow over there today? We got enough to stick to the roads and sidewalks.

>119 Berly: Well, Kim, I think so too! I'm really enjoying The Thursday Murder Club and hope to finish it soon, and I will definitely read the rest of the series. You are a much better skier than me, Kim. I mainly stuck to green runs, some blue and very few Black Diamond Runs. I have never gone snowboarding.

>120 ffortsa: I'm also in catch up mode, at the moment , Judy. Been busy out with my mom all day yesterday and mainly reading today. I'll by your thread shortly.

>121 Familyhistorian: Ugh, yes, we did get some snow, yes, Meg. Dave was out trying to do some grocery shopping later in the day and found he could not get to our usual Save On Foods due too icy roads and backed up traffic to the tunnel. He did make it to Safeway earlier in the day and to a closer by Save On Foods. My brother was in from a flight at YVR at around 4:15 pm, and I hope he made it home to Ladner, since the Tunnel was so bad. But he could always stay at my mom's place her in Richmond. Very slippery here today.

Hi Deborah! Happy new-ish thread! (I'm a few days behind... 😬) I hope 2024 brings you lots of joy, good health, and fine reading. 😁

Cute grandchild alert alright! I still have a 15 year old and a 12 year old (who is officially still cure), but when I need a dose of pure cuteness, I go next door and hand out with my 5 year old neighbour, who loves me too, and we have proper kiddie time together.

>123 PlatinumWarlock: Thanks Lavinia! So far, the year has been good, except for the current cold and ice.

>124 LovingLit: Thanks Megan. I do think they are cute, alright. Your two are still relatively young, and glad you still have an officially cute child. Glad to hear you can get a dose of pure cuteness right next door.

Miles and Melissa are adorable, Deborah :-)
It is fun to see them in the snow.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend, Deb. I am a little chilly here in Kuala Lumpur but it is the airconditioning!

>71 vancouverdeb: >72 vancouverdeb: Miles and Melissa are adorable and look like they are having lots of fun!

Happy weekend to you. Be safe in the weather. We've just gotten rain and more rain and wind.

Saturday orisons, Deb. Hoping the reads are doing you proud. *smooch*

Stay warm, Deborah!

Hi Deborah!

>97 vancouverdeb: Yikes. 3 fractures, one spinal compression fracture, osteoporosis. I guess your skiing days are over – I regret, in a very minor way, that I never had the chance to ski. Minor since I do not like the cold and would probably have screamed a lot.

>98 vancouverdeb: I do not anticipate grandchildren. Jenna doesn’t want to carry children, but if she had a partner who wanted children, Jenna would be happy to make that happen for them.

Hope you are staying warm this weekend!

>126 FAMeulstee: Thanks Anita. I think they had a lot of fun in the snow, because luckily we don't get much snow here . Maybe 2 - 5 days per year, which is plenty! But they were up at a ski mountain, so they had fun. I like your boots on your thread, by the way.

>127 PaulCranswick: Thanks Paul. I've had a busy weekend. Walking the dog, walking the dog etc etc, and meeting up with my brother and his wife for a bite to eat, my mom's birthday and I've not gotten any reading done for a couple of days. Well, I'm not sure what is worse, chilly weather or chilly air conditioning. I think very cold weather might be worse.

>128 witchyrichy: We got a small amount of snow on Thursday , I think it was, but mainly it has been the cold temps and the ice has played havoc with the traffic here. I don't have to deal with the traffic, but I know a lot of people who do. I'm glad you are just getting rain, Karen. We should be back to rain later this week - but we may get a bit more snow on Wednesday. We'll see .

>129 richardderus: Thanks RD. I really enjoyed The Thursday Murder Club. I've been busy this weekend, in a good way, so have not been able to get to my next read. Soon, I hope. * smooch*

>131 karenmarie: You are so kind regarding my osteoporosis. I find many people , my mom and my sister in law don't really understand how bad osteoporosis can be, particularly the spinal fracture I have had. So they are puzzled by the fact that Dave does most of the grocery shopping as I am not supposed to lift heavy loads, and can't understand that I cannot do the housework that I used to be able to do, like vacuuming or scrubbing floors on my hands and knees. So I really appreciate your understanding that. Ha! I'm not not sure if you would have screamed from the cold. But maybe . I had a lot of fun in my skiing days. I wish I had been able to do more, but money, time - now osteoporosis. But there is much to enjoy in life, so - no big deal.

As for grandchildren we have just the two and that will be all we get, which is fine. Our older son told us some years ago that he never planned to to marry or have children. He is 39 , so I am certain he will not change his mind. He has girlfriend, but that is all he wants. It's great that if Jenna finds a partner that wants children, she is willing to make that happen. My sister in law did not want children and she and her husband have been happily married for 39 years. It's A Okay with me.

>132 figsfromthistle: Thanks Anita, yes, I have been staying fairly warm. Dug out my heavy parka, a pair of gloves and my winter boots. My legs were a little cold on some of the days as I was just wearing jeans. But Poppy, our 18 lb dog had a bit more trouble staying warm. She has a fleece lined jacket, but won't wear boots, so her feet were pretty cold. Yesterday we walking a mile and then she was shivering. so we headed home . Today though, at -1 C, she did really well and we walking a couple of brisk miles. The weather is warming up, which is great.

Adorable Grandchildren!!!! They are both beauties.

I'm sorry to find from Karen's thread that we have a nasty in common, osteoporosis. I did the two years of daily shots of Forteo, followed by annual treatments of Reclast, and now Prolia. I'm happy because I have just gotten results from a Dexa and find that the Prolia has maintained my bone density over the past few years (still -porosis in the spine but -poenia in the hips). I happily have not had a compression fracture, but my back is not good, and I have to be careful. My poor mother is minimally mobile because of her back - so many compression fractures that the doc couldn't tell which was the new one the last time it happened. I had two great aunts whom I never saw out of bed, and I'm sure osteoporosis was the reason.
As we age, I suspect that we'll have worse things, but this one is a nasty, and I'm sorry you're bothered with it.

>136 LizzieD: I think they are very cute, Peggy! Thank you. I am sorry to read that you also have osteoporosis. You are braver than I am as far as taking the medications. I might have considered Forteo, but in Canada it's not payed for by insurance, and the cost is about $8000 per year. ( I think it was more when it was first recommended to me 12 years ago . Reclast was also offered to me, but I read so many bad things about. I have a nieghbour who takes Prolia injections, but I have not done that either. I have read that when you discontinue Prolia, you have a high risk of multiple spinal compression fractures, so that was a turn off for me. I can't swallow pills well at all, so another no go for me. I am sorry to hear about your mother too - those spinal compression fractures are painful . I don't have any relatives that I know of that suffer with osteoporosis , but my mother in law did, and it was quite awful and a very rapid decline for her. Hers I think was complicated by the fact that she had rheumatoid arthritis, and thus took large doses of steroids each day for the pain. She was eventually confined to a wheelchair and passed away at the relatively young age of 70, from a stroke.

Yes, I think there are worse things out there as we age - and fingers crossed, let's hope we don't experience them to soon.

The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman 3.5 stars

This was an excellent cozy murder mystery. Four elderly people become friends at the upscale retirement village of Coopers Chase. Elizabeth is a former member of the British Secret Service, Joyce a retired nurse, Ibrahim a mostly retired psychiatrist, and Ron , a former Union Activist. When a local developer is found dead near Coopers Chase, the four band together to solve the murder(s). This was well on its way to being a 4 plus star read for me, but the who murdered who and why , proved difficult to follow. Thus I deducted 1/2 a star. Nonetheless, an excellent read, entertaining and witty. I look very forward to next books in the series.

Yikes! I see, Deborah. I certainly wouldn't have taken any of those treatments had I not had insurance that covered them. When I started Prolia, I was told that it was "for life," and I've tolerated it well so far.

As to fun and games! I'm currently reading the second Thursday Murder Club book, and it's at least as good as the first, maybe better.

Happy Wednesday, Deb. Not much to add on the grandchildren discussion. I think they are a bit over-rated, if you want me to be completely honest. 😁

Finally getting out of the deep freeze today. Whew!

Hi Deborah!

>138 vancouverdeb: I’m reminded that I need to continue the series. I gave this one 4*, the second one 4.5*, and have the 3rd and 4th ones on my shelves.

>71 vancouverdeb: >72 vancouverdeb: Those rosy cheeks! So cute! I used to work with a woman who loved skiing Whistler and would fly up there once or twice a year. From Colorado.

Sorry to hear about your osteoporosis, Deborah, and how painful and limiting it can be. Thank goodness your husband understands.

I loved The Thursday Murder Club books and think that the fourth (and last, perhaps) was the best one. Much to look forward to!

Hi Deborah, Woke up to massive amounts of snow, at least 6 inches and more if forecast to be on its way. Yikes. It is bright and beautiful though.

I am sorry about your osteoporosis but more sorry for those who don't seem to understand. You are fortunate to have your husband!

>138 vancouverdeb: I thoroughly enjoyed the Thursday Murder club series and agree with >142 Copperskye: that the fourth is the best. I would, however, be very sad if it was the last one!

>139 LizzieD: Thanks Peggy. Other than Forteo, all of the other treatments would be paid for by insurance, or I'd have very an affordable fee. But as I mentioned, I am wary about the medications. I'm very glad they have worked so well for you. Good to know that the next in Thursday Murder Club series is as good, or better than the first book, which I loved.

>140 msf59: Yes, the grandchildren are so overrated, aren't they. Mark ;-) Let carry on with the myth. Aren't they a nuisance at times!I'm glad you are out of the deep freeze. We got a big dump of snow which has crippled the area. I had a dentist appointment tomorrow for a crown and they just to postpone it until next week. Today people aren't going much of anywhere and the city has called a snow day for the schools and asked people to not drive unless it's essential and you have snow tires.

>141 karenmarie: Good to know, Karen! I do look forward the rest in the series. I can borrow them from the library, or I quite certain my sister in law has at least the second in the series which I could also borrow.


>142 Copperskye: Cool, Joanne , that friend flew from Colorado to Whistler to ski . It's really a great place to ski - and a nice place to visit year round. Great to hear from another person who also enjoys The Thursday Murder Club series. It seems very promising.

>143 mdoris: Yikes indeed, Mary ! We have a lot of snow here too. It was forecasted, but still nothing I wanted to see. Dave is off work today, and he just dug out the car and headed out to the store for groceries. He does have snow tires, but was a little uncertain about going anyway earlier today.

>144 witchyrichy: That a kind way to think about it, Karen. I'm pleased to hear that there is likely a 5th in the series . I think I shall get to them all in time.

I'm really enjoying Absolution by Alice McDermott. I'm just over 1/3 of the way through the book and if you think you might enjoy the book, get on your library waiting list. I think I waited maybe 3 months? And there are quite few more people waiting on the list. I enjoyed The Ninth Hour by the same author, so I was optimistic about this book too.

I love the talk of grandkids. P calls their cuteness "protective camouflage" as we know what mischief they can get up to.

Hi Deborah! I also have osteoporosis, and had a compression fracture a couple of years ago. That was when I was diagnosed. I am taking Fosamax, which so far has been fine for me. The compression fracture was so painful, and I still have some pain, but physical therapy has helped.

It does make me feel wary about activities like skiing or biking. I haven't done either since, but I haven't gotten rid of my bike or skis either.

Nice to see that you read the first of the Thursday Murder Club books, Deborah. Will you continue the series?

We got about 10 to 12 inches of snow when all was said and done. More tomorrow, as if we needed it!

>149 mdoris: Well, grandkids can get up to mischief and be a bit of a handful at times, Mary. P is quite right about their cuteness being a "protective camouflage. I quite often think that it is good thing that our dog, Poppy has protect cuteness camouflage, with the way she behaves sometimes.

>150 banjo123: Sorry to hear that you also have osteoporosis and have also had a compression fracture. I was also diagnosed after my compression fracture, but it took about a year after the fact for the doctor and me to sort that out, as I was about 48 at the time and no one expected that someone as young as that had osteoporosis. I was in the ER once of twice due to the excruciating pain I hand initially and the doctors thought it was pancreatitis or perhaps my gall bladder. Finally, a year or so later, I suggested to my GP that maybe the pain was in fact from my spine. So I went for a X Ray and the saw the healed fracture and from there I got the DEXA scan etc. I no longer ski or bike either.I have great difficulty swallowing pills which prevents me from taking oral bisphosphonates. I'm glad that is working for you, Rhonda.

>151 Familyhistorian: Definitely, yes, Meg, I will continue with the Thursday Murder Club series. I really loved the first book. We also got a lot of snow here Meg, I'm not sure how much - maybe 8 inches - maybe more ? Definitely far more than I wanted. I look very forward to it melting . I dare not go out with my car, and I feel a bit of cabin fever. I'm going to try to get out tomorrow, if only for a walk . I don't have snow tires, just all seasons.

It is snowing heavily here right now. ☃️

Deborah, that sounds like a lot to contend with from an early age (osteoporosis). Sounds like you have made some very good decisions about activities while being able to stay fit. Well done!

>148 vancouverdeb: Oh good, I am glad to hear that. I have it on hold at the library. She is an author I used to follow and read but I have let her slip into the shadows over the past couple decades (and maybe she hasn't written as much? - I should check into that). I have Absolution on hold at the library and I'm looking forward to it.

>69 vancouverdeb: The Novel Avenue puzzle came back in stock, and on sale too. I was going to order another puzzle with it, but I waited a few days to order and by the time I went to place the order, the second puzzle was out of stock. Boo! I wound up ordering a different puzzle, since I could get free shipping with two of them, and they arrived today. The second puzzle I got is called Constellations, and I'm pleased with it. I still have to clear off my big table before I can start working on any puzzles, though.

>148 vancouverdeb: With your enthusiasm Deborah I put it on hold and there are 33 copies in my system (she must be popular) so I will get it soon. No 3 month wait! With thanks.

>154 mdoris: It was not snowing here at the time you posted, Mary, but by the time I got for a walk, it was snowing fairly hard. It was so treacherous on the sidewalks, so many people have not shovelled their sidewalks, it was a brief walk of about 20 minutes. I was getting a bit of cabin fever , so a little later Dave ( who has snow tires - I don't) took me for an " exciting drive " to Save on Foods" and the Library. We had a bit of a drive around Richmond, with Dave reasoning he needs to get his money worth out of the snow tires since we so seldom get snow . ( And A good thing too! )

>155 mdoris: It was a bit of a shock at the time to find out I had osteoporosis, yes, but I've tried to make the best of it, changed my diet a bit , not that much, but I make sure I get 3 glasses of skim milk a day ( I was always a milk drinker, but now I make certain to get 3 glasses a day ) started taking Vitamin D as per the doctor and having seen a physiotherapist and dietician at the same time as I saw the endocrinologist , I quit doing my 50 - 75 curl ups every few days , and quite a few other exercises and now I stick to walking. I just decided to try eating grass fed butter, instead of margarine, because grass fed butter has Vitamin K , which is also good for bones. So , fingers crossed and I try to be careful with physical activities.

>156 EBT1002: I've only read one of Alice McDermott's novels, The Ninth Hour , previous to this one, Ellen. I did really love it, and at page 200 or so right now, I am enjoying Absolution . As far as I know, The Ninth Hour was her last novel , and that has been a few years.

>157 atozgrl: Oh, no, you missed ordering Novel Avenue. That has happened to me before, the puzzle I am working on currently , which is proving quite challenging - maybe too challenging. I looked up Constellation and it looks beautiful, Irene. Perhaps more difficult than Novel Avenue, but no doubt you will have no problem . I'll be keen to see the finished product. Wait, did you get both Novel Avenue and Constellations. I am also a sucker for free shipping. What's another puzzle or three - just like books?

>158 mdoris: Great news, Mary! 33 copies in your system, that is a lot . I checked out my library system today , and there are just 2 copies, with 7 holds behind me. I guess that explains my 3 month wait. As far as I know Alice McDermott is a popular writer. I hope you enjoy the book.

I read That Night by Alice McDermott last year (year before?), and thought it was pretty good. I have a few others by her in my stacks, including The Ninth Hour.

Happy Friday, Deb. It is Jackson Day. Hooray. I sure missed the little guy. I think it has been nearly 2 weeks. I will bring him back here for the afternoon too. More snow here and cold temps. Ugh! Have a good weekend.

I can’t believe I hadn’t visited your thread already to wish you a Happy New Year (and new thread). Well, better late than never!

>71 vancouverdeb: >72 vancouverdeb: Adorable! Looks like they really enjoy the snow, as do my grands. Glad someone is happy when it snows. 😉

Arthritis sucks, whichever kind it is. As for spinal issues, I lost more than 2 inches between 2013 and 2016. It was only last year that I had an MRI done on my lower back. All my providers who’ve seen it are horrified (tho they find day it, I can see it in their eyes). Pretty sure I inherited the disease from my grandma, though she never acted as if she were in pain. Either she was lucky out of a generation that didn’t share their personal business.

>160 vancouverdeb: Hi Deborah, I clarified over on my thread. I got a notification that Novel Avenue was back in stock and found another puzzle I wanted to get with it. But I didn't place the order for a few days, and by the time I ordered the second puzzle was out of stock! So I ordered Novel Avenue and Constellations. It may be awhile before I get to them; there's a lot of "stuff" on the table I need and I have to clear it off, and I've got other more pressing decluttering that needs to be done first.

Happy Birthday, Deb. Have a great weekend. Are you seeing the grandkids? 😁❤️

Deborah, it's really your birthday? Well a huge HAPPY BIRTHDAY then! Have a great day and hope you get spoiled rotten!

🎂🎁🎉⭐️❤️

Happy Birthday! 💐

Happy Birthday!

How annoying that it took so long to diagnose the osteoporosis. My doctors are pretty quick to do an X-ray when there is pain.

Happy Birthday Dear One!!! I hope it's been a good day thus far.

>165 atozgrl: Where do you order your puzzles?

Happy Birthday! I am happily spending the day watching the snow melt away. :)

Happy birthday, Deb! Hope you got to celebrate

Deb-- Sorry that you (and all the others too) have to deal with osteoporosis. I don't have that, but I have some sympathy for you -- I had a congenital bone cyst in my upper left humorous as a child and broke it 8 times and had 3 surgeries on it. Broke it once raising my hand to answer a question in school! LOL. It is now "healed," but slightly shorter and a little bowed. And, of course, I did all sorts of crazy things once it was better -- hence black diamond skiing, rugby, playing on the men's water polo team in college, and now TKD. I may have overcompensated a little. : D Stay whole and don't feel bad about what you can't do anymore. Like you said, there's so much in life to enjoy!!! Happy Birthday!!!

Happy Birthday, Deborah!

>170 Whisper1: Hi, Linda, these puzzles were available online from Target. Since I've got an account set up with them, it was an easy place to order.

Thanks everyone! It is my birthday, yes . Unfortunately I am feeling quite unwell today . A bad cold , perhaps a sinus infection. I did a Covid test last night , it was negative, but I will try again tomorrow. I think it is just a bad cold/ sinus infection. I’ll be back on my thread properly as soon as I feel up to it . Thanks again!

That is not good to be sick on your birthday. Hope you are feeling better soon Deborah.

Feel better soon. Sending lots of healing vibes. 🍯🍵

Belated Happy Birthday - sorry to hear you weren’t feeling well.

Happy belated birthday! I hope you're feeling a bit better this morning.

Happy belated birthday!

Hope you are feeling a bit better

Belated birthday wishes, Deb, and I hope you feel better soon!

>175 vancouverdeb: A gross kind of birthday gift, that one. I hope against hope it will not be COVID and will be better soon.

Belated birthday *smooch*

Belated birthday wishes, Deb, including a wish for a speedy recovery. 🎉🎈💐🎁🎂📚

Hi Deborah!

>173 Berly: Deb-- Sorry that you (and all the others too) have to deal with osteoporosis. I don't have that, What Kim said – I was rear-ended at age 21 by a drunk driver going 50+ miles while I was stopped to turn left, and have had back problems off and on ever since. problems with back, bones, anything structural, sucks.

>175 vancouverdeb: Belated Happy Birthday. I’m sorry you aren’t feeling well. I hope the Covid comes negative again today – it sucks that that’s the first we have to think about now, isn’t it? Regardless of what it is, take good care of yourself.

Hope you feel better soon, Deborah.

Oh, to be sick on your birthday can be a real downer. And since the 21st is my birthday, you get all my sympathy. I hope you rally soon and can move any birthday celebration to a brighter tomorrow.

Happy Birthday and Get Well Soon!

Sending belated birthday wishes and hope you're feeling better today!

Belated Happy Birthday, Deborah. Adding to the well-wishes!

Belated birthday wishes! Hope all our healing thoughts have helped you get at least a little better!

Hello, Deborah, sorry to hear that you have been unwell. I hope it was not COVID, and I hope you are feeling much better today!

Sorry I missed your birthday on LT, Deb (but I think I may have sent you birthday wishes on FB). Sorry you were sick on your birthday -- that just seems unfair.

I hope by now you are feeling more chipper.

A belated Happy Birthday, Deborah. I hope you are feeling better.

I have all weather tires on my car so feel a lot more confident driving in the snow than I used to with all season tires.

>162 katiekrug: I've not read That Night by Alice McDermott, Katie, but I did read The Ninth Hour and really enjoyed it.

>163 msf59: You've not seen Jackson for two weeks, Mark ? Why not ? I am sure you enjoyed your time together.

>164 Storeetllr: Thanks for visiting my thread, Mary. I'm sorry to hear about your loss of height and spinal issues. So you have arthritis, rather than osteoporosis? Sorry you inherited that from your grandma.

>165 atozgrl: I'm pleased that you got both Constellations and Novel Avenue, Irene. I really enjoyed Novel Avenue, and Constellations looks beautiful too. I'm currently working on The Alchemists House by Eeboo - I gave up on my Winter Scene by Cobblehill. It's rare that I do that, and maybe I will go back to it, but while I was feeling unwell, I didn't want to drive myself mad with frustration over a jigsaw puzzle.

>166 msf59: I was supposed to see Miles and Melissa for my birthday , yes, but unfortunately my bad cold put a stop to that. I stayed home for 3- 4 days, feeling unwell and also not wanting to give anyone what I had. I'm pretty much back to normal now. At least William and the kids stopped by at the door , the kids in the car and he handed me a birthday present and I had ordered a cake for a get together, which did not happen, but I had a slice or two of cake.

>167 mdoris: Thanks Mary. Yes, it was really my birthday, but I did not spend it the way I wanted . Blowing my nose, taking advil and huddled up with blankets and sleeping a fair bit. But thanks for the wonderful well wishes! I did get some gifts and cake , so all was not lost.

>168 quondame: Thanks for the birthday wishes, Susan! So kind!

>169 banjo123: Thanks Rhonda. As for the slow diagnosis, it was frustrating yes, but I think both me and the doctors did not realize where the pain was coming from. I thought it was from my upper abdomen, and as soon as I went to the Emergency room, they offered to " drop me some morphine" for the pain, which I declined. The doctor also ordered a CT scan of my abdomen right away, but they saw nothing. It was about a year later that I thought it might be my spine rather than my upper abdomen, and I soon as I mentioned that to my GP , he looked dubious, but ordered an X ray right away. So , just one of those things, I guess.

>170 Whisper1: Thank you for the lovely wishes, Linda! I hope you are feeling okay - and much better than that.

>171 DeltaQueen50: Thanks Judy. I was very glad to see the snow melt too! I'm not thrilled with the rain , but so much better than snow!

>172 jessibud2: Thanks, Shelley. I just stayed home and felt very unwell, unfortunately, but I am feeling better and I did get some gifts and cards that day.

>173 Berly: Oh, man, Kim, raising your hand and fracturing it that way ? Oh no!Good grief , broke it 8 times and 3 surgeries. You are a strong person. You've been very brave. Most likely I got the compression fracture in my spine from , ironically, being at the gym as I used to be several times a week, doing 50 - 75 situps. That kind of sucks. But I don't do them any more. You are right, so much in life to enjoy.

>174 atozgrl: Thanks , Irene!

>176 mdoris: Feeling better, yes, thanks, Mary.

>177 Ameise1: Thanks for the healing vibes, Barbara.

>178 SandDune: Thanks,Rhian!

>179 lauralkeet: Thanks Laura. I finally left the house on Jan 22 , which was great. Just to walk the dog nearly 2 miles and a quick trip to the grocery store wearing a mask. I had to walk the dog and was going slightly mad with cabin fever.

>180 figsfromthistle: Thanks Anita! Yes, not 100 % yet, but much , much better, thanks.

>181 katiekrug: Thanks Katie, and feeling a lot better now, thanks/

>182 richardderus: Thanks Richard. Yes, indeed, a gross birthday gift indeed. I did do two covid tests, 48 hours apart and both were negative, so I assume it was a bad cold , or possibly the flu. Who knows these days.

>183 Storeetllr: Thanks Mary, for the belated Birthday wishes and well wishes.

>184 karenmarie: Hi Karen! Thanks for stopping by. Very sorry to read about your accident at the age of 21, and ongoing back problems. That sucks! It is too bad we have to consider covid anytime we are unwell these days , yes. I had to cancel a dental appointment , and hair cut appointment and my birthday get together. . But, I wasn't feeling up to them anyway. And thanks yes, the covid tests came back negative twice.

>185 charl08: Thanks so much, Charlotte.

>186 ffortsa: Thanks Judy, and I hope you had a wonderful birthday on the 21st. January is a good month, I think.

>187 Kristelh: Thanks , Kristel.

>188 Copperskye: Thank you , Joanne. I hope the books have been treating you well.

>189 EllaTim: Thanks for stopping by , Ella , with the good wishes!

>190 witchyrichy: Thank you , Karen! I have popped on my thread to read the well wishes over the past days, and they certainly have made a difference. Thanks to all of you!

>191 atozgrl: Not covid, according to two tests that I did, Irene, and I don't think it was . Talking to my son , he told he tested postive with his first go round with covid, which he described as " nothing" and yet, he tested negative with covid this past December when he had it again in December 2023 and he ended up with myocarditis / pericarditis from covid, and spent part of the day in hospital . But I think mine was just a bad cold.

>192 EBT1002: I am definitely feeling much better , Ellen , thanks. And thanks for the Birthday wished on Facebook. I hope you and P are enjoying Kauai? I think you are still there ?

>192 EBT1002: I am glad you are able to get out in your car again, Meg. I am glad to get in mine too. What is the difference between all weather tires and all season tires? As best I know, I have all season tires, and I wasn't heading out in the snow with those. Dave has proper snow tires, and he did fine with those. I am feeling much better, close to 100 %, but not quite. But maybe 85 %? Much better!

Absolution by Alice McDermott 3 stars

After reading The Ninth Hour and Someone, and giving them 4.5 stars and 4 stars respectively, I was disappointed in Absolution. Though it takes place in Vietnam in 1963, this is not a story of war, but rather one of friendship between Tricia and Charlene . Tricia is a shy, newlywed who accompanies her husband to Saigon, Charlene is outgoing, has three children and has been married for some years. The two meet in Saigon, and Charlene takes Tricia under her wing. While Charlene is a friend, she is also manipulative and cunning. The two try to do charitable work for those native to Saigon. There are tender moments, and some less so. The ending was abrupt, and I was left feeling let down. Nonetheless, I will look forward to more of the author's books.

The Little Book Of Iceland by Alda Sigmundsdottir 3 stars

A collection of mini-essays about life in Iceland . A perfect read when you are feeling unwell, as I was, but overall a disappointment. There were some interesting parts, that of the Icelandic naming committee, the necessity of showering naked before entering a public swimming pool or hot tub, and the " shower police", but most of the Icelandic customs and way of life were very similar to ours.

Thanks so much for all of your get well wishes and Birthday wishes! It is much appreciated! Now that I have caught up on my thread, I'll get around your threads tomorrow. Thanks again!

Hi Deborah. Belated Happy Birthday. I hope you are feeling better. I am on the library reserve list for Absolution; I think I am number 10 now.

The essays on Iceland sound good.

Sweet Thursday, Deb. Glad to hear you are feeling better. I will be heading out for Jackson day. I hope you get to see the grandkids over the weekend. Warming up here but still lots of snow and ice around.

Glad the Covid tests came back negative, Deborah. Whew. Although false positives and positive negatives seem to abound.

Glad the Covid tests came back negative, Deborah. Whew. Although false positives and positive negatives seem to abound.

I’m glad you are feeling better, Deborah. There should be a law against being sick on your birthday! It was also our daughter-in-law’s birthday on January 20. We took the family out to a new Italian restaurant. So good and the weather cooperated nicely. I’m glad you had cake and presents to enjoy. Any new books?

>205 BLBera: Thanks Beth. I am feeling much better, thank you. I hope you enjoy Absolution when your turn comes up at the library. I think you would enjoy The Little Book of The Icelanders. It's a very short read, but interesting.

>206 msf59: I was good Thursday , Mark. I got out and walked the dog and the rain had pretty much stopped. I went just before dark and sometimes it seems a little magical walking after dark. I headed out to the library as well, and stopped by my mom's place. I don't think I will our grandkids this weekend. I need to text William and see what is up with his schedule .

You're back!! Glad you are feeling better. Happy Friday. : )

>207 karenmarie: I'm glad too that the covid tests came back negative. I don't think false positives happen, from what I have read, but false negatives are possible 30 times out of 100. So not super accurate , the rapid tests.

>209 Donna828: Thanks , Donna. I agree, there should be a law against being sick on your birthday. It did not suit me at all. I'm glad your family and daughter in law got out for a lovely Italian dinner for her birthday. It's good day, January 20th! :-) I had just purchased two books prior to my birthday, Frankenstein and The Dickens Boy: A Novel . I got those for a bargain price , which was great. But I just ordered The Bookseller of Inverness, in part on Charlotte's recommendation. I checked my library , and they don't have it. And shhh - I also purchased Ashes of London, a book I'd looked at for a while, but just never bough it. Once again, the library did not have it. I'm trying to use the library more. My sister gave me some money for a jigsaw puzzle and I just ordered one, a " pre- order" jigsaw puzzle, just like we sometimes pre - order books. Or at least I do occasionally.

It's this puzzle , and he is favourite puzzle artist of mine , Dean McAdam.

https://www.puzzlewarehouse.com/look-out-little-pigs-1000-pieces-by-ravensburger...

>211 Berly: I am very glad to be back and feeling better. Thanks Kim! :)

So glad you’re feeling better! Sorry you were sick on your birthday, but presents and cake and being able to stay all cozy in bed all day isn’t the worst thing in the world. 😉

Happy, healthy weekend *smooch*

Glad that you are feeling better Deborah and out and about with Poppy. Agree there should be laws against being sick on birthdays!

>212 vancouverdeb: That's a cute pigs puzzle, Deborah. Charlotte got me with a BB for The Bookseller of Inverness too. I have it on hold at VPL but there are a few people ahead of me.

We had sun today! So much sun that I had to put down the sun visor in my car and there were lots of people out and about on the Coquitlam Trail. I hope you got sunny weather over there too.

Happy you are feeling better now, Deborah - not ideal to celebrate a birthday with a bad cold.

The Little Book Of Iceland sounds interesting. The necessity of showering naked before entering a public swimming pool is also a Danish thing or Scandinavian thing :). I go to a sauna place in town from time to time, but they even sometimes have both men and woman naked showering together which is too much for me, I must admit. So I have to check every time I go there that I don't get a "naked surprise" :)

>210 vancouverdeb: It sounds like you are getting back to normal. Don't do too much too fast. Nothing wrong a few more days of lounging and reading.

Better weather helps as well, doesn't it?

>214 Storeetllr: Thanks Mary. Yes, I guess there are worse things than being sick on my birthday, but I sure was glad to feel better!

>215 richardderus: Thanks Richard. The weekend has been good, if uneventful so far, which is just fine by me!

>216 mdoris: I am so glad to be out and about again, Mary. I am planning to go the evening ( 6 pm ) church service that I used to attend , many years ago. Wish me luck, as I am not sure if I will know anyone, which is always a bit scary.

>217 Familyhistorian: Dean McAdam makes a lot of fun puzzles, Meg. You can tell I am a real puzzle nerd when I know some of the puzzle illustrators names! :-) I hope you enjoy The BookSeller of Inverness when you get to it. I am reading quite slowly right now , so it will be a while until I get to it.

>218 ctpress: Thanks Carsten. I did not know that showering naked prior to a sauna, public swimming pool was also a Danish thing. Eek ! I would feel just as you do. No naked surprises for me either! The Little Book of Icelanders. I think I was also quite interested in the ' Iceland Naming Committee " and checked out what names are approved on the list . Deborah is, but neither of my sisters names, and perhaps just one of my brothers names. Good thing we were all born in Canada, though I am sure we could adapt to the system if we lived there.

>219 witchyrichy: Thanks Karen! I am feeling pretty much back to normal , whatever that is. I have been taking it fairly easy. Better weather is indeed a plus.

Glad you're feeling better, Deborah - just popping in to say hello!

>99 vancouverdeb: My husband and daughter plan on doing a 5000 piece puzzle once we find room for it in the basement.

>212 vancouverdeb: re-ordering puzzles! I have never heard of that. I usually stumble upon mine, and them impulse-buy them :)

Good to see that you are feeling better, Deborah. Having you been having power outages out your way? Between today and yesterday we've had 3 or 4. I gave up adjusting the clocks for now but the power stayed on tonight so maybe its safe now.

>222 PlatinumWarlock: Thanks for stopping by, Lavinia! I do love your stitching and enjoy seeing it on Instagram.

>223 The_Hibernator: Oh, that is so cool, Rachel! What a 5000 piece puzzle do are you planning to do ? I think 2000 pieces will be the biggest puzzle I ever do, but you never know.

> 224 I don't think I've ever pre - ordered a puzzle before myself, Meghan. Books yes, but not puzzles. I follow a couple of puzzle artists on Instagram, so that is how I learned out this new puzzle. I think it arrives February 5th.

>225 Familyhistorian: Yes, I am feeling better, thank goodness and have been for a while now. Thank goodness, no power outages in my area. I hope your power stays on and you can reset your clocks.

Well, I just got back from dropping my husband Dave at Emerg at the hospital. I am quite sure he has cellulitis on his toe, which has started to spread up his lower leg, and it's all puffy and red etc. I had it several years ago and they gave me IV antibiotics each a day in the ER for 4 days, so I suspect he is in for something similar to that. Oh well. So far he has been in the ER for nearly an hour and has not been seen by the triage nurse.

Reykjavik by Ragnar Jonasson 4 stars

An excellent atmospheric mystery. In Iceland in 1956 , a young woman , Lara, decides to work as a maid for a well off couple who live on a small isolated island called Vidney. She intends to stay for the entire summer, but goes missing at the beginning of August. Kristjan, a young police officer is called to investigate. He is unable to investigate as he would like to do as the husband of the couple, is a high -ranking lawyer, and Kristjan is called off the job by his superiors . But he continues to keep that case on his mind.

In 1986 , an eager young journalist , Valur, begins to look into the the case again, and makes good progress. The novel takes an unexpected turn and this was a fascinating read for me that I really enjoyed.

Highly recommended.

>228 vancouverdeb: BB, sounds gorgeous 😀.

Sorry to hear that you've been under the weather. Sending lots of strength over the pond.

>227 vancouverdeb: Oh No! I hope Dave is home soon and gets the treatment he needs.

>230 figsfromthistle: Thanks , Anita . Dave is home now , and I am off to bed shortly . As I thought it is cellulitis. They gave him IV antibiotics, and he’ll back in each evening for another round of antibiotics. I think he’ll have 3- 5 days of IV antibiotics. His foot and leg are very sore. But they saw him quickly once the triage nurse examined him, so was not too bad . I guess I’ll be walking the dog morning , afternoon and evening for a few days. But I am glad he is home . They did an x ray to be certain that had not gone to his bone , and thankfully it had not .

>231 vancouverdeb: I'm glad Dave is home and you have a treatment plan. I hope he starts to feel better soon.

Oh dear, I hope Dave gets better soon.

>231 vancouverdeb: Sorry to hear about Dave, Deborah, and hope he recovers soon!

Sweet Thursday, Deb. Dropped by to see an update on Dave. Glad he is home. He must be wiped. I am starting The Bee Sting today.

Deborah that is not good news but so glad that Dave his back home and the treatment is underway. Please Dave get better soon! It is weird because that is what my son-in-law had in London Ontario a few weeks ago and it was across his face. They sent him home with an IV pole.

>228 vancouverdeb: *ow*ow*ow*

You got me!

>228 vancouverdeb: Now on the library reserve list, with thanks!

>231 vancouverdeb: Glad Dave is getting treatment and hope he will be better soon. I've never heard of cellulitis but it sounds awful!!

>231 vancouverdeb: Hi Deborah. I am sorry to hear that Dave has cellulitis, but glad that it was identified and there's a plan to treat it. And also glad he doesn't have to stay in the hospital the entire time. I hope he recovers quickly!

I hope Dave feels better soon, Deborah.

>228 vancouverdeb: This sounds good. I've heard good things about this author.

I hoping Dave feels better soon as well. That doesn't sound nice.

>227 vancouverdeb: Oh no... I hope Dave's feeling better. That sounds terrible. IV antibiotics are almost certainly the best approach, even if it means going back for the infusion every day. Sending healing thoughts!

>229 Ameise1: It was a great read, Barbara! Thanks for the good wishes.

>232 lauralkeet: He is feeling somewhat better, thanks Laura. He's off right now for his third round of antibiotics . The doctor will assess tonight whether he needs more IV antibiotics, and I suspect I will need a couple more days of them.

>233 Ameise1: He is on the mend, Barbara, but not there yet. Thanks!

>234 alcottacre: Thanks Stasia. I must admit some of the day he is driving me a little crazy, a little too much time together. How are you and your husband doing with retirement ? Dave retires March 24 , I think it is. Uh oh! :-)

>235 msf59: Dave is gradually feeling better, Mark. I hope you are enjoying The Bee Sting as much as I did.

>236 mdoris: Thanks Mary. Yes, treatment is underway and he is at the hospital right now for more IV antibiotics. It's been busy walking Poppy so much! I'm sorry to hear about your SIL . I'm glad he could take his IV home and either he or your doctor must have some medical experience ? I recall many years ago my sister in law suffered with hyperemeis gravidum with each of her four pregnancies, and by the third child she did her own IV stuff at home. I guess cellulitis is always around , you just have to be unlucky that a bug makes it through your skin to your system.

>237 richardderus: Thrilled to send you a BB, Richard! * weekend smooch*

>238 mdoris: I am delighted to send you a BB too, Mary. I think you will enjoy it as much as me. I also got my copy from the library. I'm trying to use the library more, but the odd new book creeps in .

>239 RebaRelishesReading: Dave is suffering with his cellulitis, yes. I had it on my elbow about 7 years ago and I need IV antibiotics for 4 days. But I did not suffer as much as Dave , likely because it was on my elbow, which I dont have to walk on , and is natuarally elevated most of the time. Dave is putting his foot up a lot though.

>240 atozgrl: I'm relieved Dave did not need a hospital stay too, Irene. I think, but I don't know, he will be feeling a fair / lot better maybe Sunday after what I think will be his last round of antibiotics.

>241 BLBera: Thanks Beth. I have read a quite a few books byRagnar Jonasson and I've enjoyed them all. I think I've read about 7 of his books. I prefer this to his Dark Iceland Series. This is a stand alone, which is a good place to start.

>242 SandDune: Thanks Rhian . His recovery is underway.

>243 PlatinumWarlock: I agree, Lavinia, IV antibiotics are usually the best course of action for cellulitis, unless you have a very mild case and then I know they will use just oral antibiotics.

I had to chuckle at Dave the other night after he came home from his second round of antibiotics. I guess wherever there is socialized medicine, this is the case. Dave thought the $ 3.50 per hour parking cost is a BIG RIP OFF. At least we don't have to worry about any other payment for an ER visit, medications etc.

>212 vancouverdeb: I like your new puzzle. It is very busy. As soon as I am finished with the projects I need to do, I plan to start putting my 1,000 piece puzzles together. I really enjoy putting them together.

I'm glad you are feeling better. And that you have time to put together a puzzle.

All good wishes!!!

>250 vancouverdeb: Thanks, Linda. I'm glad you like my new puzzle. I do like busy puzzles. I find them more interesting and easier to do, for the most part. I'll look forward to seeing your puzzles. Thanks, yes, I am feeling better and have a puzzle on the go.

Dave just got home from the hospital. The doctor told him he could have more IV antibiotics or could start on oral antibiotics. So he's starting on oral antibiotics for his cellulitis. He'd rather not wait around at the hospital, like almost all of us. If it they don't work well, he can go back on IV antibiotics. So, good news.

>251 vancouverdeb: Glad Dave is on the mend, Deborah.
I missed your thread a few days, so I got immediately to the better news he could finish with oral antibiotics.

Glad Dave is feeling better, Deborah.

>228 vancouverdeb: I need to check if this is on my wishlist, sounds good. Always in the mood for some scandi crime.

>251 vancouverdeb: just catching up here, and the oral antibiotics sounds like a great idea. I hope they work as well as the IV.

I can also relate to you being driven a bit batty by the "togetherness" and having to take care of a lot of things on your own while he recovers. Hang in there!

Happy Saturday, Deb. Glad to hear that Dave is on the mend. I am missing Jack. Hopefully I can sneak in a visit this weekend. I am really enjoying The Bee Sting. I am impressed how fast and smooth the narrative is.

Glad there has been some good news for Dave and I hope the oral antibiotics work for him.

Yikes! I miss a few days and your thread exploded! Well, metaphorically speaking anyway. Glad Dave is on the mend. I had to Google cellulitis as I’d not heard of it before. Scary stuff! (Going now to put a bandaid on the little cut on my thumb.)

I am glad Dave is on the mend, that sounds scary.

Ouch!! Sending best wishes to Dave and I hope he has a lot less pain today. Wishing you happy puzzles and books! And I agree--busy puzzles are more fun, maybe because they are easier for me to do. : )

>252 FAMeulstee: Thanks Anita. It's a relief that he is on the mend.

>253 charl08: I did really enjoy Reykjavik, Charlotte, and I think you will too. I enjoy Scandi Crime too.

>254 lauralkeet: Thanks Laura. Dave seems to be feeling a lot better today and he is driving me a lot less batty . Maybe not at all .

>255 msf59: As you know, I really enjoyed The Bee Sting. I'm glad you are too. I haven't seen Melissa and Miles in a while either. They headed off to Hong Kong for week last Saturday night , and they hope to return tonight, but as they are flying stand- by, they weren't sure if they would make it tonight, Sunday , or Monday. I hope they make it home this evening. I hope you have had a chance to get over and see Jack.

>256 RebaRelishesReading: Thanks Reba. So far, so good!

>257 Storeetllr: Hi Mary. I'm glad he is feeling better. From what I know, it's just kind of bad luck to get cellulitis , unless you have some underlying problem like diabetes. I think it's either strep or staph that causes cellulitis, and those bugs are always around. It's just sometimes it will get into some microscopic opening in your skin. I'v had it about 7 years ago and 4 days of IV antibiotics and follow up oral meds did the trick. In my case it was thought some cracked skin on elbow, that was dry, was were the bug got it. It's pretty random.

>258 banjo123: Thanks Rhonda. I'm relieved that Dave is feeling better too.

>259 Berly: Thanks Kim - I almost called you Berly. He is in a lot less pain today, and has been out walking Poppy, our dog, which is a relief to me. I have nearly finished my puzzle and nearly finished my book, which I am mainly listening to , but also have the library book . Yes, busy puzzles are I think easier and more fun . That's why I like them.

Good to hear that Dave is better Deborah and that the grandkids might be home soon. Enjoy your weekend!

So glad Dave is feeling better. My husband got cellulitis in his arm after elbow surgery and it was Not Fun. He was able to avoid IV antibiotics but it was a near thing...

I'm glad Dave is feeling better.

>228 vancouverdeb: Good to know that this is a standalone. I might give it a try.

I'm glad Dave is doing better, Deb!

>251 vancouverdeb: I'm very glad to hear that Dave is doing better and can start on oral antibiotics! I hope they do the trick. And I also hope he'll be back at work soon so he won't drive you crazy. Although, I guess he'll be home for good soon.

Skimming through, Deb. Sorry to hear about Dave but glad he is feeling better.

>212 vancouverdeb: That is a fun puzzle image. I also shop at Puzzle Warehouse as well as Serious Puzzles and, sometimes, direct from the puzzle company. Like books, there are so many wonderful puzzle images out there! One thing I have missed while on Kauai (we are still here, and here for one more week) is having a jigsaw puzzle in the works. We brought a 500-piece one and may still get to it but we don't have an ideal space for it.

>263 mdoris: Thanks , Mary! I did have good weekend, overall. William sent me a text this morning, and they did get back from Hong Kong this am. I glad that worked out good for them.

>264 katiekrug: I'm very glad Dave is feeling better too, Katie. Elbow surgery is bad enough, without needing IV antibiotics too. I'm glad that The Wayne just needed oral antibiotics.

>265 BLBera: I think you would enjoy it, Beth. Reykjavik was a good stand alone novel . He has another standalone, The Girl Who Died, but I haven't read , so I can't say if it is as good of a read or not.

>266 The_Hibernator: Thanks Rachel. I know you have a lot to cope with, with your dad being older etc, so you would understand very well what is like when someone is unwell.

>267 atozgrl: Thanks Irene. He'll be back to work this Friday. He works 5 on, 5 off shift work, so today would have been his last day and he is back to work on Friday. It's actually a weird 5 / 5 / 4 on , off shift work. But yes , March 23 or 24 is his last day before retirement.

>268 EBT1002: I really loved the image too, Ellen. I think my puzzle is supposed to arrive tomorrow. In Canada , we are a bit more limited in where we can order from, because a lot of puzzle companies don't ship to Canada, like Eeboo, Ravensburger - probably most of the companies. I'm not sure if Puzzle Warehouse ships to Canada either. But as you can tell, I can find places to get my jigsaw puzzles from . Puzzles Canada is the company I use the most, since their shipping is just 7.99, or free if you order $69.00 or more. This time I used a new place, Game Shack Canada, but it was the only place I could find this particular puzzle. You are right, there are so many great puzzles and books to chose from. I hope you and P find a place to do your 500 piece puzzle in Kauai. I hope you are getting good weather.

I was quite delighted to finish off Silas Marner last night, in particular because I listened to most of it by audio book, which I was not sure would work for me. I also had the book out from the library, so I read that too. I think just once before I tried an audio book , and that was Atonement, which I also had out from the library in physical book form. It's a good way to puzzle and " read " at the same time.

Hi, Deb. I did get to see Jack for a nice chunk of Saturday. I had to share him with several other family members but just having him in my proximity is enough for me. I hope you had a good weekend.

How are you today Deborah?

Hi Deb. Good to hear that Dave is on the mend.

I miss puzzles! But, as you know, it will be some time before I can get back to them, thanks to my boys. I have a few good ones waiting for me on my shelf...

>272 msf59: I am glad you got a chance to see Jack on Sunday, Mark. Aww, had to share him with other family members. I did have a good weekend, yes.

>273 Owltherian: Hi Owl. I'm very well , thanks!

>274 jessibud2: Yes indeed, Dave is well on the mend. Back to work for him on Friday. I can really understand missing doing jigsaw puzzles. I guess when you boys get a little older, you can get back to the puzzles . I have a friend with a similar problem. She enjoys jigsaw puzzles too, but after getting two kittens, now young cats, she can't do jigsaw puzzles either.

Please follow me to my new thread, and I hope not to make an error in it's title, as I have the past two times. Thanks again to Jim, Dr Neutron.