Mark's Reading Place: Chapter Four

^The National World War II Museum. New Orleans, LA.

^Mama Great-horned Owl, with chick in top photo.

“We need the tonic of wildness... At the same time that we are earnest to explore and learn all things, we require that all things be mysterious and unexplorable, that land and sea be indefinitely wild, unsurveyed and unfathomed by us because unfathomable. We can never have enough of nature.”

~ Henry David Thoreau

"The play of shine and shade on the trees as the supple boughs wag,
The delight alone or in the rush of the streets, or along the fields and hillsides,
The feeling of health . . . . the full-noon trill . . . . the song of me rising from bed
and meeting the sun..."

-Leaves of Grass- Whitman

Audiobook:



Graphic/Comic:



January:

1- The Singing Bones by Shaun Tan 3.6 stars GN
2- One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez 3.8 stars
3- North Woods by Daniel Mason 4.5 stars (audio)
4- The Yard Dog: A Mystery by Sheldon Russell 3.7 stars
5- Heretic: A Memoir by Jeanna Kadlec 4 stars (audio)
6- All the Quiet Places by Brian Thomas Isaac 4.2 stars
7- Miles Davis and the Search for the Sound by Dave Chisholm 4.7 stars GN
8- Homeland of My Body: New and Selected Poems by Richard Blanco 4.6 stars P
9- The Thing with Feathers by Noah Strycker 3.6 stars
10- Sing, Wild Bird, Sing by Jacqueline O'Mahony 3.7 stars (audio)
11- Yellowface by R. F Kuang 4.6 stars
12- After the Plague: Stories by T.C. Boyle 4.3 stars

February:

13- Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson 5 stars (audio)
14- Barnstormers: A Ballad of Love and Murder by Scott Snyder 4 stars GN
15- Trail of the Lost by Andrea Lankford 4.2 stars (audio)
16- The Bee Sting by Paul Murray 4 stars
17- The Leftover Woman by Jean Kwok 3.7 stars (audio)
18- The Turner House by Angela Flournoy 4 stars
19- Monica by Daniel Clowes 3.6 stars GN
20- The Art of Losing: Poems of Grief and Healing by Kevin Young 4 stars P
21- I Have Some Questions for You by Rebecca Makkai 3.8 stars E
22- Wake: Led Slave Revolts by Rebecca Hall 4.3 stars GN
23- Fire Weather: A True Story from a Hotter World by John Vaillant 5 stars (audio)
24- The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith 4 stars

March:

25- Martin Dressler by Steven Millhauser 3.6 stars
26- Watership Down: The Graphic Novel by James Sturm 4.3 stars GN
27- Raven Black by Ann Cleeves 3.8 stars (audio)
28- Charity: Stories by Mark Richard 4 stars

P: Poetry
GN: Graphic Novel
E: e-reader

^ I have really enjoyed doing our shared reads in 2023 and I would like this to continue through 2024 and beyond. Primarily, I would like to read books off shelf, but I am still catching up with a few titles that I missed in the past year. I also would like to do a few rereads. I will list some titles and if you are interested, we will set a firm date.

2024

The Bee Sting w/Judy, Linda, Ellen, Juli, Kim, Rhonda Feb
Martin Dressler by Steven Millhauser w/Kim, Linda P, Jeff, Bill March (Pulitzer winner)
The Sparrow reread w/Stasia, Donna? March
The Book of Form and Emptiness by Ruth Ozeki w/Stasia, Laura April?
The Razor's Edge May w/Stasia, Jim
Summer by Ali Smith June w/Anita?
The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle reread w/Joe, Linda L, Bill
The Winter Soldier by Daniel Mason w/Ellen, Linda P, Stasia Aug?
Ride with Me, Mariah Montana by Ivan Doig w/Stasia ??

And Yet The Books

And yet the books will be there on the shelves, separate beings,
That appeared once, still wet
As shining chestnuts under a tree in autumn,
And, touched, coddled, began to live
In spite of fires on the horizon, castles blown up,
Tribes on the march, planets in motion.
“We are, ” they said, even as their pages
Were being torn out, or a buzzing flame
Licked away their letters. So much more durable
Than we are, whose frail warmth
Cools down with memory, disperses, perishes.
I imagine the earth when I am no more:
Nothing happens, no loss, it’s still a strange pageant,
Women’s dresses, dewy lilacs, a song in the valley.
Yet the books will be there on the shelves, well born,
Derived from people, but also from radiance, heights.

-Czeslaw Milosz

Hello?? Great Horned Owl chicks.

Happy new thread! (Hope I'm not jumping in too soon.)

Happy new one, Mark!

Happy new thread! So sorry to hear about Sue’s layoff, specially if she enjoyed that job. (If she didn’t, then congrats to her.) How long has she been there?

Love the Jackson pics.

>1 msf59: My one and only trip to LA I did not see that. Now I need to!

>2 msf59: Owls! Yay!

>3 msf59: Yay for Jack pictures too!

>4 msf59: Hope you like Wake. I sure did!

>5 msf59: Looking forward to our shared reads!

Happy new thread, Mark!

Happy New Thread, Mark! That WWII museum looks impressive; glad you got to visit it this time around. Love the Jackson pics and good luck to Sue in her job search. Hope she finds the right fit.

Happy new thread Mark!

>3 msf59: Go Jackson!

Happy new thread, Mark.

>3 msf59: What Susan said!

Hi Mark, Love the Jackson pics! What a cutie! Happy new thread.

New thread orisons, Birddude!

Happy new thread, Mark!

From your previous thered:
So sorry that Sue lost her job, I hope she can find a suitable replacement soon.

>2 msf59: Mama Great-horned Owl isn't easy to spot, great camouflage.

>3 msf59: Jack is growing way to fast ;-)

>5 msf59: Looking forward to read Summer by Ali Smith with you.

Happy new thread! See you tomorrow morning.

>8 foggidawn: >9 katiekrug: Thanks, Foggi & Katie!

>10 Storeetllr: Thanks, Mary. Sue worked at that job for about 10 years and she wasn't always happy there but they paid her well and gave her Fridays and Monday mornings off which was a nice perk. Yah, for Jackson!

>11 alcottacre: Thanks, Stasia. If you are at all a war history fan, the museum is well worth visiting. Hooray for owls & Jackson. I am enjoying "Wake".

>12 kac522: Thanks, Kathy. It will all work out. How about that Chicago weather? 😎

>13 quondame: >14 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Susan & Paul.

>15 mdoris: >16 richardderus: Thanks, Mary & Richard.

>17 FAMeulstee: Thanks, Anita. Sue has been busy getting things in order. Hooray for Mama GHO & our Jackson. I am also looking forward to Summer. 😎

>18 karenmarie: Thanks, Karen. Hasta mañana!

Got some quality Jackson time in today. As a bonus it was sunny and 63F, so we had a fine time at the park.

>21 msf59: It looks like Jackson thinks he has some quality grandpa time!

Happy new thread!

Hi Jackson! And hi and happy new thread to you, Mark!

Sorry to hear that Sue was laid off and wishing her all the best in her job search for something new and better!

I gave Fire Weather to John for Christmas. He really liked it and I'll get to it sooner or later.

Happy New Thread, Mark! I'm glad you enjoyed some quality time with Jack! He looks very happy. Our grandkids are not coming over until Saturday. It was sunny and warm here, I think about 58 F and sunny today and Poppy and I enjoyed a nice long walk.

Happy new thread, Mark!

>1 msf59: I definitely have to get to that WWII Museum one of these days. Maybe we can make a side trip on one of our visits to Mississippi to visit family.

>2 msf59: Love the owls, and >3 msf59: thumbs up to Jackson too!

>19 msf59: I hadn't made it over to your last thread since you got back from your trip, so I missed the news about Sue. I'm very sorry to hear that, and I hope she finds something good instead.

Wishing you both a great weekend!

>22 quondame: Looking forward to more quality Jackson time today too, Susan.

>23 figsfromthistle: Thanks, Anita.

>24 Copperskye: Thanks, Joanne. Happy Friday. Sue has been busy getting her ducks in a row. Glad to hear but not surprised that John liked Fire Weather. I hope you get to it. Has John read anything else by this author. His Siberian tiger book is really good too.

>25 vancouverdeb: Thanks, Deborah and Happy Friday. Looking forward to more quality Jackson time today too. I might be bringing him back here later on. Glad you are also enjoying some fine weather. I hope the grandkids make it over tomorrow.

>26 atozgrl: Thanks, Irene. Sue will find something soon. How far is your family in MS from NOLA? I think it would be worth the trip. Hooray for owls & Jackson. Two of my favorite things!

>21 msf59: Hooray for quality Jackson time - and a fine time at the park!

Have a fantastic Friday and a wonderful weekend!

Happy Friday, Stasia. You have a nice weekend too. Leaving shortly to see Jackson. 😎👍

Happy new one, Mark!

‘Morning, Mark, and happy Friday to you!

>19 msf59: Ten years for Sue. I can’t imagine anybody saying they were always happy in a job, especially after ten years. I hope she finds something wonderful.

>21 msf59: Not a baby any more, with the thumbs up.

>30 msf59: Enjoy today’s Jackson time.

>21 msf59: I second Jack on this...two thumbs up! Have a great weekend.

Happy new thread! Welcome back home to warmer Chicago (that's so not right! LOL). Sorry to hear about Sue's job -- wishing her luck in the search. And glad you are getting to see Jackson again. Two Thumbs Up!!

>31 drneutron: Thanks, Jim.

>32 karenmarie: Happy Friday, Karen. All good here. We went to the park and on a nice walk with Jack & Juno. Thumbs Way Up!

>33 richardderus: Thanks, RD. Enjoying our time with Jack. Have a good weekend too.

>34 Berly: Thanks, Kim. Sue will bounce right back, knowing her. We are having a fine time with Jack. Four Thumbs Up!

I just returned from a trip to sunny warm northern Nebraska and the birds were there in force. Geese, ducks, and cranes. They are arriving and have been in the area for about 2 weeks. Of course, with a week of 70 degree weather they would be on the move north. The wildlife experts say that they are about 2 weeks early and the numbers are way up. Millions of geese and everybody is now concerned about the huge numbers headed for the Artic tundra that can't support that many. Even so, it is amazing to see all those birds take off in the mornings and evenings.

>36 benitastrnad: Who were you visiting in Nebraska or what was the draw? Thanks for the bird migration report. Sandhill cranes have been migrating through our area for a couple of weeks now. I saw a large flock today. American Pelicans have also been migrating though too, although I have not seen them.

Happy new thread, Mark. Sounded like you had a great crew with you on your trip to New Orleans. Best of luck to Sue on her job hunt!

>37 msf59:
My sister and I took some furniture up to my nephew. He lives about 80 miles south of the South Dakota border. We basically drover all the way across Nebraska.

>39 benitastrnad: I hope you had a good trip with your sister. I am looking forward to visiting both Dakota states later this summer.

>37 msf59: Do you get the white pelicans up from Florida and Alabackward? I guess it makes sense they would zoom past on their way to the lakes of Manitoba.

I hope you bag one this year in any case. Enjoy the weekend!

"Since his debut in 1955, Tom Ripley has evolved into the ultimate bad boy sociopath, influencing countless novelists and filmmakers. In this first novel, we are introduced to suave, handsome Tom Ripley: a young striver, newly arrived in the heady world of Manhattan in the 1950s."

The only other Highsmith I have read is Strangers on a Train and I have always wanted to get to The Talented Mr. Ripley. I did enjoy the Matt Damon/Jude Law adaptation. Several weeks ago I heard there is going to be a limited series called "Ripley" coming out in April on Netflix, so I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to finally get to the book. I will start it today.

Any Highsmith fans out there? Has anyone read all the Ripley books? Thoughts?

Good morning Mark. I know you've been following Flaco, the Centra Park owl. There's some sad news this morning:
Flaco, Escaped Central Park Zoo Owl and Defier of Doubts, Is Dead

He defied the odds and navigated a number of dangers, but it's still so very sad.

>41 richardderus: Alabackward? I like it. Very fitting. Even Trump disagrees with them. We only see pelicans during migration. Their breeding grounds are in the north. I have seen them in Wisconsin. I love seeing them in flight.

>43 lauralkeet: Morning, Laura. You beat me to the punch. I was just going to post the sad news about Flaco. Flaco showed amazing resilience, but the city was too much for him. Thanks for sharing.

Like, Laura mentioned, Flaco, the Eurasian eagle-owl, who escaped from the Central Park Zoo a year ago, finally
met his demise. Supposedly from a building collision. What a great story about resilience and survival. He was 13 years old and will be missed.

Re: Highsmith - I've read Strangers on a Train and The Talented Mr. Ripley. IIRC, I enjoyed both but didn't love-love them.

I got a breaking news alert on my phone about Flaco from the NYT. He was much loved in the city.

>47 katiekrug: Morning, Katie. I wonder if Highsmith's books haven't aged all that well. It has probably been more than a decade since I read Strangers.

Yep, I can only imagine all the tributes and memorials that Flaco will receive. A statue, perhaps?

It was sunny and 63F here on Thursday and we are waking up to snow and temps in the low 20s this morning. Well, it is still February...and back in the 50s tomorrow.

>48 msf59:
I think that Highsmith's writing is still much respected - in certain circles. They are very suspenseful - I think downright creepy. Personally, that creep factor keeps me from reading them. Talented Mr. Ripley made me think twice about reading any more of her work. They walk that line between horror and suspense and I think that is part of the problem - where do you place them? Who do you market them to? I think that anybody who read Gone Girl or books like that would like Highsmith novels. The other part of the problem is simply a lack of publicity about her work as Highsmith suffers from the same problem that Shirley Jackson does - lack of publicity. This comes from the fact that younger people are not exposed to her writing in their literature classes in high schools and colleges like they should be. That comes from a lack of support for the entire genre of horror, and suspense in those institutions. This is interesting given that Carrie and some of the other works by Stephen King have become such cultural touchstones, but horror/suspense is still in the same place that SciFi and Fantasy was in before the Lord of the Rings movies were released.

>49 msf59: Snow looks good Mark, though you will be glad no longer having to deliver post in it.

>42 msf59: I have never read any Patricia Highsmith, which actually seems criminal at this point. I really must fix that!

>43 lauralkeet: Aw, no!

>46 msf59: What a beautiful owl. It is so sad.

>48 msf59: I have Strangers on a Train on hold at the local library so I hope to get to it soon. I am very curious as to how the book has aged. I just finished reading Strangers in Death in which Strangers on a Train is mentioned.

Hi Mark! I hope things fall right in place for Sue.

I read The Price of Salt, Highsmith's lesbian novel, originally written under a pseudonym. It's pretty good.
I also read a biograpy/memoir about her Highsmith: A Romance of the 1950's , which made it clear she was a mixed bag of a person, alcoholic and difficult with racist and anti-semitic leanings.

>50 benitastrnad: I enjoyed your comments on Highsmith. Hard to pigeonhole her work. The good news is- I am 50 pages in and enjoying it quite a bit. It is well-written.

>51 Caroline_McElwee: Good point, Caroline. The snow has mostly melted away.

>52 alcottacre: Happy Saturday, Stasia. Sad news about Flaco. I am glad you are finally getting to Highsmith. I think I will also be recommending The Talented Mr. Ripley.

>53 banjo123: Happy Saturday, Rhonda. Thanks for chiming in on Highsmith. I was curious about The Price of Salt after reading a graphic biography on Highsmith, that I really enjoyed. Yep, she had some issues.

>46 msf59: oh noooo, poor owl but the picture is amazing

Happiest Newish Thread, Mark!

Here's hoping Sue finds her perfect fit -

I love the photos you took of the owls and also saddened by the Flaco news. I'm wondering if his age was against him, although looking up on Google, it sounds like the Eurasian owl lives longer than the GHO's.

I hadn't thought about it, but the GHO's have gone quiet along my creek. Probably nesting(?)

I was notified that Wake: the Hidden History of Women Led Slave Revolts is waiting for me at the library. I was just too lazy to get up there today.

Hi Mark, I have read The Talented Mr. Ripley and Strangers on a Train and really liked both of them - giving a slight edge to TTMR. I have a few others by her and I'm looking forward to getting to them in the near future.

>28 msf59: I think it's about 2 hours from NOLA. But it's really my husband's family. I've never been since I was old enough to remember, but my father grew up there. I was told that I was there as an infant.

>42 msf59: Given that the movie versions of both Strangers on a Train and The Talented Mr. Ripley gave me cringy/creepy feelings, I've never had a desire to read either of those books, so I probably wouldn't seek out Highsmith. I've got enough things I really would like to read on Mt. TBR.

Wishing you a great weekend, buddy.

>55 Owltherian: Hi, Lily. Flaco became quite a New York story. He will be missed.

>56 streamsong: Thanks, Janet and Happy Sunday! This is the GHO nesting season, so you are probably correct. I really enjoyed Wake: the Hidden History of Women Led Slave Revolts. I am sure you will too.

>57 DeltaQueen50: Hi, Judy. Thanks for chiming in on Highsmith. I am 50 pages into The Talented Mr. Ripley and enjoying it.

>58 atozgrl: Happy Sunday, Irene. 2 hours isn't bad for a visit to NOLA, if you are interested in the museum. I would not see any other reason to go back. I completely understand your thoughts on Highsmith. Her dark, psychological stories are not for everyone.

>59 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Paul. I hope you had a nice weekend too.

^We are doing a shared read of Martin Dressler in March. It won the Pulitzer Prize in 1997 and it is the only Pulitzer winner I haven't read in the past 27 years or so. I have only read one other of Millhauser's books and that was a story-collection. He is more known for his short fiction. If you would like to join us, come on down. I plan on starting it the first week in March.

‘Morning, Mark! Happy Sunday to you.

>42 msf59: On my shelves since 2010. I also have the 5th and final in the series. I just read that the 5 books are called “The Ripliad.” Makes me smile.

>49 msf59: We haven’t had a single snowflake, piece of sleet, or drop of freezing rain this winter. Makes me sad. I love the photo.

>60 msf59: I'm sure he will, the picture is very pretty as well.

I have three unread Highsmith books. Two are in the Ripley series, the third, Carol, is The Price of Salt, which was originally published in 1952 and credited to a pseudonymous Claire Morgan. I checked Wiki, and a search for Carol took me to a long entry on The Price of Salt. Trivial perhaps, but I wanted to know; in 1990 the book was published by Bloomsbury with the title Carol and the authorship credited to Highsmith. Interestingly, The Price of Salt by Claire Morgan sold nearly a million copies between '52 and 1990.

I too saw that Flaco had flown into a building. Bugger.

As I've said here and elsewhere, I've got Martin Dressler close at hand for a March reading.

>62 richardderus: Love the snowy owl, RD. Sadly, I have not seen one in 2 or 3 years. They were scarce in Chicagoland this year.

>63 karenmarie: Happy Sunday, Karen. I hope I inspire you to read The Talented Mr. Ripley. I am actually surprised how much I am enjoying it. Sorry, you have missed out on the snow.

>64 Owltherian: I agree with you about the Flaco pic.

>65 weird_O: Howdy, Bill. Interesting history on The Price of Salt. Carol was the name of the film adaptation. It was a good film. I never read the book. I hope I can inspire you to read another Highsmith.

I am glad you will be joining us on Martin Dressler.

"A beautiful and faithful graphic novel adaptation of Richard Adams’s beloved story of a group of rabbits on an epic journey in search of home."

I just started Watership Down: The Graphic Novel and was immediately swept up in the beauty of this adaptation. It has probably been about 15 years since I first read the novel.

Happy Newish Thread, Mr. F!

As I mentioned, I perused that graphic Watership Down in Pittsburgh (son and DIL had a copy) and I agree; those illustrations are beautiful and captivating. I’m gonna get my hands on a copy.

Did you read Yellowface? I thought it was excellent, and I’m now reading her/their? Babel at the recommendation of son #1. Very good so far. It’s set in a fictitious Oxford.

P.S. i’m sitting on our front porch, drinking coffee and enjoying the mid-50s F temps. Is it still February? (Knocking on wood}.

>61 msf59: Good to know. I’ll aim to start Martin Dressler early in March too.

>68 jnwelch:
I like the fantasy novels of R. F. Kuang. They are all good reads for fantasy readers. I wasn't that big of a fan of Yellowface. It raised lots of interesting questions but it lost its zing for me somewhere in the middle due to a implausible plot line. I think I was expecting the novel to more realistic. Instead it was a farce, so my problems with it were different expectations. I decided that from now on I will continue to read her fantasy novels with unbridled enthusiasm and not read her realistic fiction. Babel is on my gargantuan TBR list.

I've never read Watership Down if you can believe it! Maybe the graphic novel would suit me. I love my dog and I love many animals, but I'm not big on books with animals as characters. Even when I was a kid, Black Beauty and horse books held no appeal to me. We finally saw Miles and Melissa yesterday afternoon, and we had lots of fun! They sure keep us busy. I can see why it's best to have kids in your twenties and early thirties because you need the energy for that. I think we will see them quite a bit more of them when Dave retires in late March. I hope you had a great weekend.

Hiya Mark! The graphic adaptation of Watership Down sounds awesome. Gotta find my Dressler for a re-read! Happy Monday! : )

>68 jnwelch: Thanks, Mr. W! Happy Monday! The Watership Down GN has been wonderful. I plan on spending more time with it today. I also loved Yellowface. I am so glad to hear you did. It doesn't hit everyone the same way. "Babel" does sound interesting.

Yep, yesterday was another beautiful day in Chicagoland and it looks like we will get a couple more of them this week.

>69 lindapanzo: Glad you will be joining us on Martin Dressler, Linda.

>70 benitastrnad: As you know, I don't read much fantasy these days but where would a good place to start with Kuang.

>71 vancouverdeb: Hi, Deborah. I hope you give the Watership Down GN a try. Hooray for spending time with the grandkids and hooray for Dave's approaching retirement. How is he feeling about it? Some people have mixed feelings about it. I did NOT! We did have a good weekend. Thanks.

>72 Berly: I am sure I will be warbling more about Watership Down GN, Kim. I hope you find that copy of Martin Dressler.

'Morning, Mark!

I've read Watership Down, and watched the 1978 film with Bill and Jenna. And then Jenna and I watched it other times. She and I both love Art Garfunkel's Bright Eyes.

Quiet day, not much going on here, reading/napping/possibly filling bird feeders.

I've had a copy of Watership Down for years but have never read it. Maybe this new GN version is what I need.

>73 msf59: If you've read Yellowface, you've read Kuang, Mark. My son also read and liked Babel: Or the Necessity of Violence. Ms. Kuang has also written the Poppy War trilogy (The Poppy War, The Dragon Republic, and The Burning God). I saw a video of her talking about Babel being disqualified from the Hugos and her frustration with the awards committee's refusal to explain why. She is of the opinion that the committee was kowtowing to the Chinese government.

Kuang isn't close to the top of F&SF authors I'd recommend. I 'd The Dragon Republic for repeated idiocy by a main character. Babel: Or the Necessity of Violence was much better, but flawed and one note.

>67 msf59: Oh! That looks wonderful! Watership Down is one of my all-time favorite comfort reads.

>75 karenmarie: Hi, Karen. Glad to hear you are a fan of Watership Down. I will have to listent to Bright Eyes. I don't remember that song.

>76 weird_O: I hope you can get to either version of Watership Down, Bill. I think you will be surprised how much you will like it.

Thanks for correcting me on the Kuang. I must have had a brain fart on that one. Duh! Also, thanks for the info on Babel and Kuang's other works. I think I may have to check her other stuff out.

>77 quondame: Not a fan, eh, Susan? You read much more fantasy than I do, so I respect your expertise.

>78 Storeetllr: Hi, Mary. I hope to do a lot more warbling on Watership Down. Just sayin'...

-Michael Ramirez

>67 msf59: I could not tell you when I last read Watership Down, Mark. I bet it has been a good 25 years. Too bad my local library does not have the graphic novel version.

Are we reading The Sparrow after Martin Dressler in March?

My husband and I both read Watership Down shortly after it was published in the 1970s. As I recall, we were both quite impressed with it, and later disappointed by Adams' Plague Dogs. I'm not much of a graphic novel reader, as you may know, but I'm intrigued by this one, and just put it on hold at the library. Thanks for bringing it to my attention!

>80 msf59: Yep, there goes the neighborhood....

>81 alcottacre: Hi, Stasia. I hope the Watership Down GN comes your way. Fingers crossed. Yes, we will read The Sparrow in March. I will probably start it around mid-month.

>82 laytonwoman3rd: Hi, Linda. I am glad I put the GN on your radar. I have a feeling you are going to enjoy this adaptation.

>83 kac522: You said it, my friend. How about this Chicago weather? Did we wake up in April?

>74 msf59:
R. F. Kuang started out life as a YA author, so the Poppy War series is a YA series. As such, it is a good entry in the fantasy genre. However, it is not an adult fantasy series and won't read like one. I would suggest that you read Babel: Or the Necessity of Violence and skip the other titles. If you are a fantasy reading nut you won't find much to like about them and will consider them to be mediocre. (sort of the way I feel about the writing in Yellowface.)

>80 msf59: I laughed so darn hard!! I love this cartoon. And, l love the thumbs up photo and the sunglasses photos of your grandson. What joy he brings to you, and now to us as you share your experiences with the group. Many thanks!!!

>84 msf59: One more day of April and then we get to re-visit February for a day, according to the soon-to-be-retired Tom Skilling. I'm gonna miss him.

Dave doesn't have any mixed feelings about retiring at all, Mark. He's counting down the days of work. But he turned 67 this past December, so he's , as someone said to me , " practically 70" and ready to retire. I'm not sure he's practically " 70" but like you did, he has an job that keeps him outside a lot . He's an aircraft mechanic that works on the ramp at Vancouver International Airport, so he's out in the elements all year long, with a lot of walking, stairs , ladders etc , a lot of physical work. He does have a truck to drive around, but it's still a lot of physical work.Plus he works 11 .5 hour long shifts, 5 on / 5 off and works whenever the days fall - Christmas day, Easter , whatever . So he is very ready to retire. I hope we won't drive each other a little crazy. I don't think so, but our townhouse is 1500 Sq feet, and our eldest son moved home about 4 - 5 years ago, so we don't have tons of room . And he is noise sensitive, and he likes the inside temp cooler than I do. I think he will find plenty to do, he likes flying stunt kites with his buddies, we have the dog to walk, we have the grand kids , he likes reading and he'll finally have a chance to watch TV if he wants. He works until 9 pm each night, and in earlier years had the evening shift, 3pm -11 pm and even graveyards. So , he has not had much chance to see if likes TV. He does , I am sure, but he just hasn't had the opportunity to try watching anything.

As far as Spotify goes, I love Coldplay Music of the Spheres right now. I just can't get tired of it, at least not over the past ??? 4 - 5 months. Fortunately I have ear buds, so Dave doesn't have to listen.

>85 benitastrnad: There is a great deal of YA fantasy that I do consider good and even great. The quality isn't dependent on the audience, though I certainly enjoyed books in my first two - and even four - decades that I now consider fatalities of the suck fairy.

The best entries into the fantasy genre are the best books, at whatever level, though any entry is good if it is taken as bait!

>85 benitastrnad: Thanks for giving me the scoop on Kuang. It looks like I will have to give Babel: Or the Necessity of Violence a try. I wonder how they would work on audio?

>86 Whisper1: Glad I made you chuckle, Linda and I am glad I make you smile with my Jack pix. It looks like my job is done here.

>87 kac522: Yep, absolutely freaky weather, Kathy. After tomorrow, it looks like lovely spring-like weather well into next week. No complaints here.

>88 vancouverdeb: I am so glad to hear that Dave is ready to retire. He is retiring 6 years later than I did, so I can imagine he is ready. I hope you can work out a comfortable arrangement at the house. I completely forgot that your son is still living with you. Any future plans for him to move out? Sue and I, both need our separate spaces and our house works perfectly for that. Me on the lower level, Sue on the upper. It works.

I am a fan of Coldplay too, (I saw them in concert too) but I haven't listened to any of their later music. I like the early stuff.

Morning, Mark!

I've got a Libby hold on Babel now (I'm pretty far down the list). If I get to it before you do, I'll let you know how it goes.

'Morning, Mark, and happy Tuesday to you. I hope you enjoy pickleball today.

The birds are probably getting ready to attack me because the feeders are empty, and right now they're being boycotted.

It is almost too true to be funny.

>93 richardderus: - Yikes. And barf!

>91 scaifea: Morning, Amber. Good to see you. Were you doing Babel on audio? That is the format I was thinking about.

>92 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. Looking forward to trying pickleball again. I leave shortly. I hope you can get those feeders filled, before massive rioting starts.

>93 richardderus: LOVE IT!! Perfect representation of what he is! Happy Tuesday, my friend.

>94 jessibud2: Is that a Shelley sighting? 😁

^I have been discussing some music with Mary and mentioned that I have been listening to Liz Phair's debut Exile in Guyville. Yes, it is very edgy and profane but I think it is one of the great albums of the 1990s and still packs a punch, 30 years later. She is also Chicago's own. She wrote some good music after this but she never reached these heights again, IMHO.

>95 msf59: Yep, audio.

>97 scaifea: Great. I will add it to my audio list.

^ I played pickleball today with friends. I have only played the game one time and that was a couple of years ago. I really enjoyed the game but I just didn't put in much effort to play again, until today. I love the game and plan on playing more often. I think I am going to feel sore later tonight.

>93 richardderus: Yep!

>99 msf59: That is a sport that I would love to try, terrible right arm notwithstanding. Glad to hear you had a good time, Mark!

Looking forward to both Martin Dressler and The Sparrow in March!

>99 msf59: Good for you trying out pickle ball, Mark. Since I have osteoporosis I would not be wise to try pickle ball as there is a lot of bending and twisting, and I know some one who slipped and did a faceplant and broke her nose playing pickle ball. I'm sure that won't be you Mark. My sister in law plays it and she really enjoys it.

No sign of Daniel moving out. It's so expensive to rent here - about $2500 to rent a one bedroom apartment. Even to rent a room and share a house with another person / people ranges from $ 900 - 1300 per month. He did live away from home from the age of 22 to 35, but he's back. The place he was renting went to a family member in the house he had the suite in. He has said " not forever, but for now, " but we'll see.

But yes, I hope Dave and I can figure out a good way to live around each other after he retires. I'll just yell at him a bit and he at me, and we'll sort it out.

>100 alcottacre: Pickleball is a lot of fun and great exercise, Stasia but of course not for everyone. Hooray for our upcoming shared reads.

>101 vancouverdeb: Happy Wednesday, Deborah. Sorry, you have to deal with osteoporosis. Most of the people playing pickleball were older than me and I am really impressed that the seniors found a sport they can really enjoy and it isn't wimpy at all.

$2500?? That is disgusting. Not sure exactly how much renting would go for a single person here but I know it is also very high. I hope my son Matt never breaks up with his girlfriend. Fingers crossed.

Just a heads up- We are also doing are shared read of The Sparrow in March. This will be a reread for me but I was blown away by this book, the first time I read it, (back in 2010) and MDR became a favorite author. I will start it mid-month or a bit after. If you would like to join us, jump in anytime. More the merrier.

^Napping next to Grandpa, while the old man gets some reading in...❤️

‘Morning, Mark! Happy Wednesday to you.

>103 msf59: I read The Sparrow in 2007 for my RL book club. It was stunning and harrowing. I have the sequel, Children of God, on my shelves, but haven’t ever wanted to read it.

>104 msf59: Reading and Jack are two great things.

>80 msf59: lol!

>99 msf59: Good for you! It looks like a fun sport. I was thinking of trying it in the spring. My small community has a drop in and play day once a week and then competition on other days. I had no idea that it is such a serious sport!

>104 msf59: Aww, how peaceful.

Happy hump day!

Happy Wednesday, Karen. Hooray for The Sparrow & napping Jack. I hope you get to more MDR, even if you skip Children of God which I really liked. Do you own Doc? A wonderful novel.

>106 figsfromthistle: Happy Wednesday, Anita. I hope you give pickleball a try. See if they have a beginner class available. It helps. Yes, this sport has exploded.

Freeze not this weird Wednesday, Birddude.

It’s good to catch up with you, Mark. I’m sorry about Sue’s job. Hopefully she will find another one soon. Or maybe she should just join you in retirement. We have a similar house division, except we have 3 levels with the middle level being “neutral” for meals and the very few TV shows we watch together. It works well for us.

I’m looking forward to a reread of The Sparrow in a few weeks. I will probably follow up with Children of God, a new-to-me book.

>109 richardderus: It is currently sunny and 28F and with those winds, it makes it uncomfortable out there. I am staying in mostly, until I have to pick up the "kids". Happy Wednesday, RD.

>110 Donna828: Hi, Donna. Thanks for catching up. Sue is on unemployment now and she will slowly begin to look for part-time job. I like the sound of your house arrangement. Ours is very similar. Glad you are joining us on The Sparrow. I also think you will enjoy Children of God.

>104 msf59: Oh yes, one of the easier states in which to appreciate the wonders of small life. What a darling.

Well, our eldest tell us he never plans to get married, nor live with anyone, so he won't be splitting the rent with a girlfriend. Fingers crossed for Matt and his girlfriend. It's actually working out fine, just I suppose we could use that bedroom. Cute picture of Jack!

>112 quondame: Amen to that, Susan.

>113 vancouverdeb: I am glad you are dealing with your current arrangement, Deborah. We love our son dearly but he leaves a large footprint when he is around. That said, at least we saw him when he lived here. Now, weeks go by without seeing him. He lives maybe 15 minutes away.

I have been listening to Lucinda Willimas, starting off with Car Wheels on a Gravel Road which is her masterpiece. I would highly recommend any of her albums during this period. She is a Americana/roots artist. A great songwriter. A national treasure.

'Morning, Mark, and sweet Thursday to you.

No bird food, no birds.

Our weather turned last night, too, and we had a violent cold front go through. It was 32F this morning, and it's only going to get to a high of 53F today.

Morning, Karen. Can anyone else help you with the bird seed? I am asking for myself and for the birds. I wonder if you experienced the same cold front we did. Keep warm.

At the Feeder

First the Chickadees take
their share, then fly
to the bittersweet vine,
where they crack open the seeds,
excited, like poets
opening the day’s mail.

And the Evening Grosbeaks—
those large and prosperous
finches—resemble skiers
with the latest equipment, bright
yellow goggles on their faces.

Now the Bluejay comes in
for a landing, like a SAC bomber
returning to Plattsburgh
after a day of patrolling the ozone.
Every teacup in the pantry rattles.

The solid and graceful bodies
of Nuthatches, perpetually
upside down, like Yogis…
and Slate-Colored Juncoes, feeding
on the ground, taking only
what falls to them.

The cats watch, one
from the lid of the breadbox,
another from the piano. A third
flexes its claws in sleep, dreaming
perhaps, of a chicken neck,
or of being worshiped as a god
at Bubastis, during
the XXIII dynasty.

-Jane Kenyon

Hey, Buddy. Done with Jo-Bob's Lethal White. Deck is now clear for a 12:01 a.m. tomorrow launch of Martin Dressler. Just 14 hours away! My eyes are twitching side-to-side, my hands are sweating.

So how's by you?

"Raven Black begins on New Year’s Eve with a lonely outcast named Magnus Tait, who stays home waiting for visitors who never come. But the next morning the body of a murdered teenage girl is discovered nearby, and suspicion falls on Magnus. Inspector Jimmy Perez enters an investigative maze that leads deeper into the past of the Shetland Islands than anyone wants to go."

^I might be one of the last people to finally get to the Shetland Island series. I know my LT pals have been enjoying it for years. Never too late, right? I started the audiobook today.

*I want to give Katie a shout-out for reminding me about Libby and e-audiobooks. DUH!!! I used to use it regularly years ago when I worked, by transferring the books to an MP3 player. It didn't work well with my android cellphone back then but that was the technical Dark Ages. It works great now. DOUBLE DUH!!

>119 weird_O: Sweet Thursday, Bill. All fine here. Glad you are excited about Martin Dressler. Me too. I want to knock a chunk of Watership Down: The Graphic Novel out but I might dip into it today.

I enjoyed the first 3 Cormoran Strike books but never had the itch to continue the series, despite her consistency.

>120 msf59: Oooo! Enjoy the story, and I will be sitting here huddled against the windchill awaiting the audiobook review. Whoever narrates it has quite a task ahead.

Enjoy.

>115 msf59: So, you like Lucinda Williams? (Hehe) I concur!

Karen O

I read both Sparrow and Children of God and thought that Children of God was a great sequel. In fact, I often tell people that COG is the way to write a sequel. It is just as exciting of a novel as is the first one - Sparrow. Take it off the shelf and read it. It is very good.

>122 richardderus: Not very far into Raven Black, RD, but I have been enjoying it. Sweet Thursday!

>123 klobrien2: Yep! How did you know? 😁

>124 benitastrnad: I also liked Children of God. I think it was a quieter, less suspenseful follow-up but it was still well-done.

-Mike Luckovich

"Young Martin Dressler begins his career as an industrious helper in his father's cigar store. In the course of his restless young manhood, he makes a swift and eventful rise to the top, accompanied by two sisters — one a dreamlike shadow, the other a worldly business partner. As the eponymous Martin's vision becomes bolder and bolder he walks a haunted line between fantasy and reality, madness and ambition, art and industry, a sense of doom builds piece-by-hypnotic piece until this mesmerizing journey into the heart of an American dreamer reaches its bitter-sweet conclusion."

Martin Dressler seemed to have come out of nowhere to win the Pulitzer Prize for Best Fiction in 1997. I am curious to see how many LTers have read this or had even heard of this author. I had heard of Millhauser through his short fiction and I have read two of his story collections, which I really liked. For our Pulitzer Prize Winner Challenge, we decided to do a shared read of this one for March. If anyone else wants to join us- jump in. I dipped into the novel a bit today and it starts out fine.

>104 msf59: I am with Karen: Reading and Jack are two great things.

>120 msf59: I am late to the series as well, Mark. I did not start it until late last year :) To date, I have only read the first book but it is on my list of series that I am actively reading, so I will be reading it until I finish.

>124 benitastrnad: I agree, Children of God is very good. If I can find my copy, I am likely to re-read it after I am done with the shared (re)read of The Sparrow.

>90 msf59: Can’t believe you’ve been retired for 6 years, Mark. I would’ve guessed just 2 or 3 years.

I’ll probably get started on Martin Dressler soon too.

Finally stopping in to say Hi!
1> wasn’t the WW II museum well done?!

Good for you for picking up pickleball!
I just started line dancing classes and find it’s a real workout and so much fun.
Hope the books and birds are doing well!

>128 alcottacre: Happy Friday, Stasia. I am glad to hear that I am not the only one that put off the Shetland Island series. Of course, we will see if it is worth continuing. Glad to hear from another fan of Children of God.

>129 lindapanzo: Hi, Linda. In regard to retirement, I was referring to age and not to number of years retired. I will have been retired 4 years September 1st. I still can't believe it has been that long. I hope you enjoy Martin Dressler.

>130 Carmenere: Happy Friday, Lynda. Good to see you. Yep, WW II Museum was very impressive. Glad to hear you started line dancing classes. It is important to get exercise. My books have been treating me just fine but I am not getting in as much birding as I would like, due to a busier schedule. That will pick up.

Happy March, everyone! I cannot recall a milder February in my life but that said, I am glad to move forward. Of the 12 titles I read in February, nonfiction easily came out on top. 2 of those titles, Caste & Fire Weather will be on my best of the year list. Trail of the Lost was another NF winner. I enjoyed my shared read of The Bee Sting and I am glad I finally got to I Have Some Questions For You & The Talented Mr. Ripley. A good month.

March Reads:

Raven Black (audio)
Martin Dressler (shared read)
Charity: Short Stories by Mark Richard AlphaKit: R
After Visiting Friends by Michael Hainey AlphaKit: H
The Sparrow (reread, shared read)

**Note to self- I need to do much better on my mini-reviews. I have really been slacking.

‘Morning, Mark, and happy Friday to you.

>117 msf59: Bird feeders will get replenished today, whether it’s me or Jenna. It will take all of 10 minutes, and is not too strenuous, really.

>126 msf59: Glad to read the senile old white guy’s leaving… wonder which whack job they’ll put in his place?

>133 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. Glad to hear that those feeders will be tended to. I was never a fan of McConnell, even when he bucked against Trump. Probably the worst speaker we ever had. Good riddance but you are right- they will put another POS in that important slot.

Hi Mark. It sounds like your trip to NOLA was a good one.

I did not know there is a graphic novel of Watership Down. I'll definitely be on the lookout for a copy of that!! I've never read the novel.

Mark, I really enjoy images of the little guy.. I know it is not too much longer and I won't be able to use the term little guy. He brings so much joy in your life. That makes me smile~

>135 EBT1002: Happy Friday, Ellen. We had a good time in NOLA. I should finish the Watership Down GN this weekend. I highly recommend it.

>136 Whisper1: Thanks, Linda. I can't believe Jack will not be 3 for nearly 6 more months. He is so darn smart already. I will see him a little later on today.

-Liam Francis Walsh

>138 msf59: IJBOL

I love this! I think most people do this nowadays.

I too jumped the starting gun on Martin Dressler. I read a couple of chapters before powering down my bedside lamp. I'll get busy later today, after I burn time on the Internets.

>126 msf59: Luckovich is pretty dependable. That reflects my view of McConnell. Skunk.

>128 alcottacre: Touchstone Follies. The TS for Children of God presents to correct cover, but the text block is all about The Sparrow. No clue as to the topic of CoG.

>138 msf59: All Mr SandDune's are online now. They have parent's evening organisation software. He gets 5 minutes per child with a one minute break between.

>139 richardderus: Glad I put a smile on your face, RD. My job is done.

>140 weird_O: How far did you get today with MD, Bill? I finished the reading day, at the 95 page mark. I am enjoying Martin's journey. A real go-getter, right?

>141 SandDune: Hi Rhian. Good to see you. Does Mr SandDune prefer this approach?

-Lonnie Millsap

Just a quick hello from the Lower Hudson Valley on this soggy Saturday. Hope you have a great weekend.

Last year, when I reread The Sparrow after a number of years, I was surprised to find that some of the events that I had thought were in it had actually come from Children of God.

‘Morning, Mark, and happy Saturday to you. Enjoy your solo birding and time with Sean.

>138 msf59: I like this one a lot.

>141 SandDune: Five minutes per child with a minute break between. OMG.

>143 msf59: *smile*

Trying to keep current...love Lucinda Williams, that picture of Jack asleep OMG, and FIVE minutes per parent conference???WHAT?

Anyway, don't miss the March thread in the AAC.

>140 weird_O: I'm making progress, Mark. No need to hurry. I think Marty is just getting started. Is he building an empire? I don't know, but I am sure we'll all find out.

Besides MD, I took in small chunks of a TED book on graphic design by Chip Kidd, a book cover designer. (I'll find the book and write in the title here: Judge This!.) Also a half-chapter or so in a book about being an introvert. (I'll find the book and write in the title here: The Secret Lives of Introverts.)

>141 SandDune: What good comes of that? I think that dis-serves the student, the teacher, and the parents.

IIRC, Rhian's husband works at a boarding-day school with a lot of international students, so I'm sure scheduling these things is a challenge. I went to boarding school and there were no parent-teacher conferences, but extensive written progress reports each semester; and of course, if parents wanted to speak to a teacher or dean, that happened.

>144 Storeetllr: Happy Weekend to you too, Mary, in soggy NY! Looking forward to my feelings about The Sparrow on reread. Love me some MDR!

>145 karenmarie: Hi, Karen. Enjoyed my solo bird walk. 17 species, along with deer and chipmunks.

>146 laytonwoman3rd: Happy Saturday, Linda. Always good to see you. Hooray for Jackson and another Lucinda Williams fan. I will have to stop by the March AAC. Thanks.

>147 weird_O: Howdy, Bill. Glad to hear you are ambling along with MD. I am about 140 pages in. Not familiar with Chip Kid. I will watch for further thoughts.

>148 katiekrug: Thanks for that explanation, Katie. Now, it makes much more sense.

I love it when I take him to his little park district class and afterwards he goes to this chair and selects a book. It makes Grandpa proud...❤️

>140 weird_O: Well, that is just weird, Bill :) Children of God basically picks up where The Sparrow ends. Sandoz has returned to Earth but is pressured to return to Rakhat because it turns out that there was another survivor.

>143 msf59: *Grin*

>150 msf59: It makes honorary great-aunt Stasia proud too

Have a super Saturday, Mark!

>147 weird_O: I filled in the blanks, Mark. Judge This! by Chip Kidd and The Secret Lives of Introverts by Jenn Granneman.

You may not remember Chip Kidd, but you'll recognize his work. I posted a selection in July 2020, after reading and reviewing his book The Learners. Here's a link:

https://www.librarything.com/topic/322046#7219956

>118 msf59: This poem is so true! I remember when I first put out our feeder at our house, I watched for awhile to see what birds would come, and no one was showing any interest. Finally a chickadee came down to investigate, took a seed, and flew off. The chickadees always seem to be first, for some reason.

Lots of good cartoons since I last stopped by. >93 richardderus: especially, it's so accurate.

Have a great weekend, Mark!

>150 msf59: A person who has a good relationship to reading is a good relative!

>142 msf59: >145 karenmarie: >147 weird_O: >148 katiekrug: I think he thinks are swings and roundabouts to the new system - it certainly keeps everything to time. And when Jacob was at school I'm not sure I spoke to any individual teacher for more than about five minutes anyway to be honest. There were quite a few individual teachers to get around to - if you think about it, each student will have probably at least 10 teachers to see (if they try and see all their subject tutors). As a parent I'd probably prefer the new system - a lot less hanging about - and as Katie says not all parents will be local. I think teachers have to be more focused on getting over what they want to say succinctly, but it can be done.

I suppose the problems will arise when a teacher has a lot to say about an individual student, but it's always possible to arrange a further meeting or phone call if necessary. I don't know how many schools here do the parents evening's online but I would have thought it's pretty common.

Hi Mark! I have been reading some Jane Kenyon, and just read this poem!

>152 weird_O: I love Chip Kidd. I stumbled across his Ted Talk and now I'm always going to look at who designed the book covers. Among many others he designed the cover for IQ84

Here's his talk... https://youtu.be/cC0KxNeLp1E?si=2BseowEp5FxUKs8Y

I thought the Shetland Island series was good, but not great, Mark. It was a bit slow for my liking. But I think I read 4 books in the series.

>150 msf59: Such a cute picture of Jack, Mark. He looks good reading books! Grandpa's boy.

‘Morning, Mark! Happy Sunday to you.

>150 msf59: Sweet pic. Of course it makes Grandpa proud.

>155 SandDune: Boarding day school makes it different, Rhian. I’m remembering my parents coming to conferences and then Bill and I going to conferences, all in what in the US are called public schools. Even when Jenna was in high school 13 years ago, conferences were 15 minutes long. None of it, of course was online, or even via phone. Problems were frequently addressed through emails, though.

Too dark for the bird report.

>151 alcottacre: Hooray for honorary great-aunt Stasia! You have a good memory. You reminded me that COG opens with Sandoz healing from his injuries. I had a fine Saturday. Thanks.

>152 weird_O: Thanks for filling in the blanks, Bill. I may have to look into Chip Kid. He somehow avoided my radar, up until now.

>153 atozgrl: Happy Sunday, Irene. You landed on an interesting observation about chickadees. They are "alarm" birds and other birds like to hang with them, as lookouts for predators. I haven't seen this behavior at my feeders but have seen it in the wild.

>154 quondame: Amen, Susan. You nailed it.

>155 SandDune: Thanks for filling us in and clarifying the teacher counseling role, Rhian. It is a lot to juggle for a teacher.

>156 banjo123: Hi, Rhonda. I am slowly making my way through Kenyon's collected poems. She reminds me of lighter version of Mary Oliver. Of course, I always enjoy the nature poems.

>157 mahsdad: You and Bill have me intrigued on Chip Kid. I will have to swing back here and check out the Ted Talk. Thanks for sharing.

>158 vancouverdeb: I am still in the first half of Raven Black and I am enjoying it. Still undecided if I will continue the series. Hooray for Grandpa's Boy!

>159 karenmarie: Happy Sunday, Karen. Slowly brightening up here. It looks to be another beautiful day, inching up to 70.
Wowza!

>159 karenmarie: How does it work if the teacher is teaching more than one class in a year? If they were teaching 2 classes with (say) 30 children in each and they say everyone for 15 minutes that would take the teacher hours and hours just to do the consultation. Or do you just have meetings with the one teacher for all subjects?

>157 mahsdad: That was a fun and interesting Ted Talk, thanks for posting it.

Have a nice Sunday Mark. Weather is brightening up here as well. Yesterday we saw a Sparrow Hawk, and the birds have started singing!

>162 SandDune: Interesting point, Rhian.

>163 EllaTim: Happy Sunday, Ella. It will be close to 70F here today. So, no complaints. Congrats on seeing your sparrow hawk. We call them American Kestrels here. I love seeing them.

>162 SandDune: In my experience (US) there used to be two teacher in-service days, when students didn't go to school, and during which the teachers did their conferences.

If you are doing a group read of Ride With Me, Mariah Montana by Ivan Doig I would be able to join in. just let me know when you will start on it. You also have me curious about Martin Dressler and I see that our library has it, so I might just get it and read it as well.

>160 msf59: Interesting about the chickadees. I didn't realize that they were considered "alarm" birds. I always think about blue jays when I think of birds giving an alarm. Chickadees would be more pleasant to be around than the jays, I think.

>166 benitastrnad: Not sure when we do a shared read of Ride With Me, Mariah Montana. Probably later in the year. I think you would like Martin Dessler. An interesting but quiet story.

>167 atozgrl: Chickadees are not as noisy as blue jays but they can work up quite a chatter if they want to.

^Red-winged blackbirds began to arrive a few weeks ago and their numbers are quickly growing. Their unique song fills the air. The males arrive early to set up territories and the females will arrive later on, although we saw 2 females today.

^I also saw 3 white-tailed does on Friday. They are fairly tame in the forest preserves, so they don't bolt away.

>169 msf59: Cute! We also saw red-winged blackbird today, but ours were not as photogenic.

>171 banjo123: The red-wings like to sing, so they will sometimes perch low enough and close enough for a photo op. All the sunshine helped too.

Nice nature pictures and I like the one of reading Jack. You convinced me to have a look for the GN of Watership Down, Mark. My library has it and it looks popular. I'm number 22 in the hold line. They do have 8 copies though.

<127 I read Martin Dressler pre-LT.

Spring is starting to spring here. The flickers, finches, and chickadees are definitely singing a lot more each morning. Love to hear it!

I read Martin Dressler in 2016 and gave it 4.5 stars.
You were reading a Ripley book, yes? I’ve read them all and loved them all. Also seen all the films. The American Friend by Win Wenders is my favorite although Dennis Hopper is not the best Ripley.

>169 msf59: >170 msf59: ooo, lovely captures Mark.

>173 Familyhistorian: Glad you like the pics, Meg. I am nearly finished with Watership Down: the Graphic Novel. It is a winning adaptation. Glad to hear you are in the queue.

>174 Copperskye: Glad to hear that you have read Martin Dressler. I had never heard of the novel until I spotted it on the Pulitzer list. Sounds like you are also enjoying an early spring. Go birdies!

>175 dianeham: Thanks for chiming in on Martin Dressler, Diane. I do not think I will be rating it that high but I have been enjoying it. I saw The American Friend a couple decades ago. Of course, I didn't realize then that it was based on a book. I am a fan of Wenders.

>176 Caroline_McElwee: Thanks, Caroline. I like sharing my photos, but I need to get the right opportunities.

‘Morning, Mark!

>162 SandDune: The parent/teacher conferences in Jenna’s high school were held over the course of a week or more, I think, but I honestly can’t remember. I would imagine some parents didn’t come in, and some conferences were shorter than the allotted time. I do remember waiting outside classroom doors with other parents/kids. One set out, a few minutes for the teacher to prepare, then the next set in.

>169 msf59: and >170 msf59: Yay for the Red-winged Blackbirds and white-tailed deer.

Birds are decimating the sunflower seed feeder. Either Jenna or I will get more black oil sunflower seed (50 lb bag) and wild bird seed (40 lb bag) Thursday. It’s her day off, and I may be feeling well enough to actually run an errand or two.

Morning, Karen. I like all these signs of an early spring. I hope you get to the store to pick up the bird seed. These birds are not cheap, that is for sure.

>168 msf59: Whenever you decide to do the shared read of Mariah Montana, let me know. I will sneak in a read of Rascal Fair prior to.

>169 msf59: >170 msf59: I love the pictures! Thank you for sharing.

Have a marvelous Monday!

>180 alcottacre: Hi, Stasia. We can do Mariah Montana later in the year, so that will give you plenty of time to read Rascal Fair. Glad you like the pics. How are you doing with Martin Dressler?

-Christopher Weyant

>182 msf59: - Ha! Give him time...

>181 msf59: I should finish up Martin Dressler tomorrow. While I am enjoying the read, I am a bit confused as to why it won the Pulitzer. What am I missing?

Hi Mark, I've cracked the covers on A Bird in the Hand so far I find there is lots of info about birding and twitchers in Norfolk. In the bio at the start of the book it states that Ann Cleeves worked as a bird observatory cook. Sounds like she had a lot of chances to see birders in action.

>169 msf59:

>170 msf59: Great pictures, Mark. I rarely see a deer. They don't hang out in my area, and I'm not sure why not . Perhaps because we have coyotes, or they would have to swim to the island that Richmond is on ? I don't know.

>183 jessibud2: I am with you on that one, Shelley. 😁

>184 alcottacre: I agree with you on MD, Stasia. I wonder what worthier books were overlooked for that year? The last third of the book has been my last favorite so far. I will also finish it today.

>185 Familyhistorian: Hi, Meg. I see that A Bird in the Hand hasn't been well-reviewed, despite a cool title. Is it any good? Bird observatory cook? Imagine putting that on your resume?

>186 vancouverdeb: Thanks, Deb. I am also curious about your lack of deer. I think it is doubtful it has anything to do with coyotes but being on an island might be your answer, although I do know deer can swim but how far, I have no idea.

‘Morning, Mark! Happy Tuesday to you. Sorry you have a cold. Always a good excuse to stay inside with a good book, right?

>182 msf59: and >183 jessibud2: Yes, and I’m afraid so.

Morning, Karen and thanks. I am hoping for a bigger rebound today. Sue, Jackson and I seem to pass around colds, that the parents seem to avoid. Sighs...

" Four Daughters is a 2023 Arabic-language documentary film directed by Kaouther Ben Hania. Olfa is the mother of four daughters in Tunisia. One day her two older daughters disappear. To fill the void left, film director Kaouther Ben Hania invites professional actresses and brings the viewer closer to the life stories of Olfa and her daughters."

^I highly recommend this excellent documentary, told in a very unique style. It is beautifully crafted and highly emotional. It is streaming on Prime for a few bucks.

Hi poetry friend- I’ve started a thred here in 75 https://www.librarything.com/topic/358983#8450425
Stop by, I hear you like birds.

>191 dianeham: Welcome to the 75, Diane. So glad to have you aboard. Yes, I love me some birds. ❤️🐦

The Ear is an Organ Made for Love

It was the language that left us first.
The Great Migration of words. When people
spoke they punched each other in the mouth.
There was no vocabulary for love. Women
became masculine and could no longer give
birth to warmth or a simple caress with their
lips. Tongues were overweight from profanity
and the taste of nastiness. It settled over cities
like fog smothering everything in sight. My
ears begged for camouflage and the chance
to go to war. Everywhere was the decay of
how we sound. Someone said it reminded
them of the time Sonny Rollins disappeared.
People spread stories of how the air would
never be the same or forgive. It was the end
of civilization and nowhere could one hear
the first notes of A Love Supreme. It was as
if John Coltrane had never been born.

- E. Ethelbert Miller

>190 msf59: - This is on my list to watch. It was showing at our local artsy cinema, which is how I first heard about it...

>184 alcottacre: >187 msf59: I haven't started it yet but now I wonder whether I should.

>194 katiekrug: I am glad it is on your list, Katie. I think you will really like this doc. I am still thinking about it.

>195 lindapanzo: It is strictly up to you, Linda. I just finished the novel. A bit underwhelmed but glad to have finally read it. The first half to 2/3rds kept my attention, as you follow along with Martin's trajectory. It is just the last third that fell short for me.

>196 msf59: I will finish it today since I have come this far, but it is disappointing to hear that the last third falls short.

Have a terrific Tuesday, Mark!

Tuesday orisons, Birddude. Keep feeling better.

Hi Mark - still waiting for the annual Red Wings to sing with on Portage Road -

yesterday, I met with my Doe and we told each other about Love!

>196 msf59: >197 alcottacre:. I'm only about a 1/3 into MD, and I'm glad to see I'm on the same page with my opinion of it. Its good, but a bit underwhelming.

I went and checked, in '97, the other nominees were

The Manikin by Joanna Scott. I've never heard of this book. 3.5 rating here on LT.
Unlocking the Air and Other Stories by Ursula K. Le Guin. 3.5 rating here. Never heard of this either, but its going on the WL, as its Le Guin.

The bookends to this was, in 1996, Independence Day won, and in 1998, it was American Pastoral.

Guess 1997 was an off year.

>197 alcottacre: Sorry, Stasia. I did not mean to discourage you from continuing MD. That was not my intention. I hope the last third works better for you. It certainly is thought-provoking.

>198 richardderus: Thanks, RD. Getting plenty of rest.

>199 m.belljackson: Hi, Marianne. You must have seen or heard some blackbirds already, right?

>200 mahsdad: Hi, Jeff. I definitely didn't mean to discourage anyone from reading or finishing Martin Dressler. Actually, I enjoyed nearly 2 thirds of the novel and I didn't completely dislike the final third. It just wasn't as satisfying and maybe that was the author's intention, in regard to the American Dream.

Like you, I was curious about the notable books from 1997 and it was a lukewarm year in fiction. The top novels were Cold Mountain (which won the National Book Award), The Memoirs of a Geisha and The God of Small Things, (which won the Booker). I really liked all 3 but I don't think they are award winning.
It was a terrific year for nonfiction though. Two of my NF favorites came out that year- Into Thin Air and The Perfect Storm.

>201 msf59: No discouragement here, I'm going to finish it. It is an engaging story, at least so far. :)

I have The God of Small Things on the shelf. It won the Booker that year, so certainly everyone doesn't necessarily agree. And that's a good thing.

And as far as NF goes, those two are excellent reads. Strangely, I know I've read Into Thin Air but its not in my catalog. I must have read it before I started tracking my reading, MANY years ago.

>202 msf59: I'll at least give it a try. It's just that every group book read I've joined with you has been a top book of the year for me.

I'm beginning the final quarter of Martin Dressler. I don't think I get it. I'm just left flat, so far. But I don't think it's alone as a Pulitzer winner that's a disappointment.

>187 msf59: A Bird in the Hand was first published in 1987 and has recently been released again. That's probably why there are few reviews. I'm liking it so far. Ann Cleeves had a varied career before she made her living from writing. It probably helps when coming up with characters.

So far the book is holding my attention. I'll post a review once I'm finished.

>203 mahsdad: I may have to revisit Small Things at some point. I gave it 3.5 stars the first time around, so no big award winner for me. I am not sure how many rereads you do these days, but Into Thin Air may be one to consider.

>204 lindapanzo: We would sure hate for you to break that streak, Linda but these things happen in our bookish world.

>205 weird_O: It sounds like you caught up quickly, Bill. Sorry, that MD isn't tooting any horns for you. I doubt the last quarter will turn things around for you either.

>206 Familyhistorian: Thanks for the A Bird in the Hand update, Meg. Glad you are enjoying it.

-Mike Luckovich

>208 msf59: Yes indeedy-do, makes the same amount of sense.

I was wondering how you'd like Martin Dressler, Mark, and didn't realize it was a group read so I do enjoy reading others reactions, as well. Sometimes I think I'm off base especially when a book is a prize winner.

I don't remember a thing about it except that I didn't like it. Unfortunately, I read it at a time when I was still finishing books even if I wasn't enjoying them.

>209 richardderus: Luckovich has become a favorite, RD.

>210 Copperskye: It looks like Martin Dressler will fall short for most our small group, Joanne. Funny, I would have never read it, if it hadn't won the Pulitzer, despite liking this author's short fiction.

^I had a surprise visitor today, thanks to Grandma. It was a short visit but one that made me smile.

>212 msf59: Aw, what great pictures!

>212 msf59: Wonderful pictures! Such an honesr grin on his face…he’s a very happy lad!

Karen O

>212 msf59: Adorable, no other word will do!

>200 mahsdad: Unlocking the Air includes political stories of a somewhat fanciful nature if my memory is accurate, rather than the sf-mythical Le Guin is more known for.

>212 msf59: The joys of victory - I always assume Jackson is victor in a contest with toys!

>104 msf59:>212 I love it that the group is watching Jack grow up. Thanks for taking time to share these beautiful photos!

Ah, more cute pictures of Jack! I'll keep Four Daughters in mind. My sister in law was born in Germany, but spent a lot of her growing up years in Tunsia. She and my brother have been there several - many times and really like it there. My sister in law, Donia, even inherited an apartment from her parents there. Her parents are both still alive, but since her dad is suffering from dementia, and her mom doesn't like to fly , and her brother doesn't want to go to Tunisia, it's hers . An interesting place. As Donia has told me, you need to know your way around the local customs there, and she and my brother do know them.

>213 foggidawn: >214 klobrien2: >215 mdoris: Thanks, Foggi, Karen and Mary. That's our Jackson.

>217 quondame: How did you guess, Susan? 😁

>218 Whisper1: You are welcome, Linda. As you can tell, I have no intention of slowing down on the Jack pics. It sure helps how photogenic he is.

>219 vancouverdeb: If you enjoy a good film, please check out "Four Daughters". Thanks for sharing your SIL's experiences with Tunisia. The film mostly deals with the immediate family, rarely departing from their residence, although religion and politics come into play later on.

-Harry Bliss

Hiya Mark! How are you on this very dark and rainy Wednesday?

>222 Owltherian: Morning, Lily. All good here. We will have a partly sunny day, reaching the low 50s. Perfect for a bird walk with my buddies. Good luck with that rain.

‘Morning, Mark, and happy Wednesday to you.

>189 msf59: I remember the sharing of germs when Jenna was little, and sorry you’re going through it with Jackson. Hope you’re better sooner than soon.

>203 mahsdad: I have and have read Cold Mountain, had the other two on my shelves but culled them without having ever read them. I also have read and still have Into Thin Air on my shelves.

>208 msf59: Oh my, truly LOL.

>212 msf59: Nice pics, sweet boy.

I'm just starting Martin Dressler over lunch. Not too far into it but I do like the old timey feeling.

>223 msf59: I got a little soaked, although i am dry now

>221 msf59: Ha. This was running through my mind as I finished up Martin Dressler. Not this exact cartoon, but the message. Why in hell would you opt to shuffle through a stage-set nature instead of experiencing the real thing?

>221 msf59: Perfect! Bliss always gets it!

>224 karenmarie: Hi, Karen. I guess that is the one hazard of hanging with our Jackson and it is completely worth it. Glad you like the pics.

>225 lindapanzo: Glad to hear you started MD, Linda. It certainly has that "old-timey" feel. I think the author captured the time and place very well.

>226 Owltherian: Glad to hear you are all dried out, Lily. You should be at home by now.

>227 weird_O: Good point, Bill. Nice observation. I am trying to put my review together. Looking forward to seeing yours...your review that is. 😁

>228 mdoris: He has been pretty hit or miss lately, Mary but nailed this one.

Feeling like, as glad as I am this wretch is going, it might be too little too late.

>230 richardderus: I think we are in total agreement that this man is a total POS, but I shudder thinking of who will replace him.

Martin Dressler by Steven Millhauser 3.6 stars

“...Was there then something wrong with him, that he couldn't just rest content? Must he always be dreaming up improvements? And it seemed to Martin that if only he could imagine something else, something great, something greater, something as great as the whole world, then he might rest awhile.”

The setting is New York City, in the late 19th century. Martin Dressler is a teenager with big ideas and even bigger dreams, as he toils industriously at his father’s cigar shop. In his mid-teens he finds work at a famous hotel landmark and quickly begins to move up in the world.
By his early 20s, he owns a string of restaurants. During this rise, he has befriended a pair of sisters- one he marries and one becomes a business partner.

This novel is an odd mix of the mundane and the fantastical, as Martin’s dreams become mystically grotesque, growing so unwieldy and unlikely that he is destined for a downfall. I was reminded of the over-indulgences of Citizen Kane. The first two- thirds of the book is fairly conventional and well-written. For me, in the final third, as the American Dream begins to implode, the narrative falters. That might have been the author’s intention but it was a failing in the story for me. Guardedly recommended.

** I enjoyed doing another shared read and we get to cross off another Pulitzer Prize winner. It looks like my next unread Pulitzer winner is Rabbit at Rest, 1991. Any interest?

>232 msf59: Glad you finished it, I'm probably 5 days or so behind you. As far as Updike goes, I have a combined Rabbit, Run and Rabbit, Redux book on the shelf and I swear I read the first one, but don't have it marked. Since Rabbit at Rest looks like the 4th book, I think I'll pass for now. But it is good incentive to read what I have.

>232 msf59: Thanks for your comments, Mark. I’m plugging away on MD.

>229 msf59: Yep, ive been home for a few hours now, passed out on the couch after taking some meds so i have been busy i guess i can say.

You and Sue enjoy a lovely evening and overnight with Jack.

>233 mahsdad: I have 2 collections of the Updike Rabbit books, Jeff. I have read the first and the third but the third was decades ago. Maybe this will finally get me to read Redux too.

>234 lindapanzo: I hope that didn't spoil anything for you, Linda and I am glad you are planning on finishing MD.

>235 Owltherian: I hope you had a good night's sleep, Lily and are pumped up and ready for school.

>236 vancouverdeb: Hey, Deb. I enjoyed hanging out with Jack for a bit last night. Hopefully, Sue and he had a peaceful night's sleep. They are still sleeping.

^Juno- standing sentinel and looking pretty good at it.

Hi Mark! Great pic of Juno. Is she a Rottweiler? The DNA results for our pup Ellie showed Rottweiler as one of her more predominant breeds. She's not as stocky as Juno (yet) but I do see similarities especially the head.

‘Morning, Mark, and sweet Thursday to you.

>230 richardderus: and >231 msf59: Alas, I agree with you both. I keep thinking it can’t get worse, and it always seems to.

>239 lauralkeet: Morning, Laura. Thanks. Yes, she is pure Rott and a good looking one too, if I must say myself. She is just a little neurotic from time to time.

>240 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. I guess we need to keep chuckling to keep ourselves from crying. It is going to be a painful election year...again.

>229 msf59:, >228 mdoris: Go have a listen to the man himself on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7bN-RMdLic&ab_channel=ORCAMedia

>242 richardderus: Brilliant! Thank you Richard.

>243 mdoris: Really worth the watch, right Mary?

I have settled on Radiant: The Life and Line of Keith Haring as my current read. Bought a copy yesterday at the Firefly Bookstore, which is located about 3–4 blocks from Haring's boyhood home. Too many distractionary demands on my time to get much reading done.

Good review of Martin Dressler. I'm working up some comments on MD as well as a list of unreported reads.

Happy happy, joy joy.

28- Charity: Stories by Mark Richard 4 stars

“With Charity, Mark Richard again secures the distinction of poet laureate of the orphaned poor, the broken, the deceived, and the unrelieved. In stylistic brilliance, he renders their conditions with grace and compassion, and redeems and transports their tragedy with wicked humor.”

You can tell Richard is a fan of southern gothic and that he has some Faulkner and Flannery O’ Connor blood coursing through his veins. This is pitch-black, hillbilly noir, presented in eleven twisted stories, focusing mainly on outcasts and the downtrodden. There are some stand out tales to be found here but my favorite has to be “The Birds For Christmas”, which feature 2 young boys stuck in a hospital for the holidays, begging the nurses to let them watch Hitchcock’s The Birds, on Christmas Eve. Of course, these stories and Richard’s style of writing my not be for everyone, but if you don’t mind getting your hands a little dirty, give this one a shot.

*Has anyone hear read this author? Inquiring minds...

AlphaKit March: R

>242 richardderus: Thanks for sharing the Harry Bliss video presentation, Richard. I watched a few minutes of it and will have to circle around to finish it. I wonder if this was before he teamed up with Steve Martin?

>245 weird_O: Thanks in regard to my MD review, Bill. I was happy with it. I am not familiar with Keith Haring so I will watch closely for your thoughts on this bio and his art.

Hiya Mark!

>248 Owltherian: Hi, Lily. How was school? Did you behave yourself?

-Nick Anderson

I very much did, although it was quite loud so i had to put on my headphones

Your dog is stunning!

>251 Owltherian: Well that is good, Lily. They allow headphones and cellphones in your school?

>252 dianeham: Thanks, Diane. She is our girl.

>238 msf59: Handsome girl!

It looks like my library has the WD graphic on order so I went ahead and put it on hold. Have you listened to the audio, read by the late, great Ralph Coshen? I'm guessing you probably have, but if not, it's excellent.

>244 richardderus: Right Richard! I have put a few of his books with Steve Martin on reserve and Bliss has oodles of books for kids that he has illustrated.
Number One is Walking a Graphic Novel
A Wealth of Pigeons
Should be fun!

'Morning, Mark, and happy Friday to you.

Too early for the bird report. Somebody's out there chattering, but I'm not good with most bird calls at all.

>253 msf59: Yes, but when the bell rings you have to put them away.

>254 Copperskye: Glad you like the Juno pic, Joanne. She's our nutty girl. I am sure you will love the WD GN. Yes, that is the audiobook I had listened to many years ago. I remember it was excellent.

>255 mdoris: I enjoyed A Wealth of Pigeons but I have not read their second collaboration. A good team.

>256 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. I have not checked out back yet. We have rain moving through which might slow things down.

>257 Owltherian: Sounds like a progressive school. Good for you. Good luck today.

"Michael Hainey had just turned six when his uncle knocked on his family’s back door one morning with the tragic news: Bob Hainey, Michael’s father, was found alone near his car on Chicago’s North Side, dead, of an apparent heart attack...A stirring portrait of a family and its legacy of secrets, After Visiting Friends is the story of a son who goes in search of the truth and finds not only his father, but a rare window into a world of men and newspapers and fierce loyalties that no longer exists."

Probably a decade ago, I met an LT buddy (I forgot exactly who), that passed a copy of After Visiting Friends: A Son's Story on to me, which was very kind. Like the good friend I am, I came back home, placed it on shelf and promptly forgot about it. I think my intention was to get try it on audio and of course that never happened. I wanted to get one more book in before starting The Sparrow so I chose this one. I start it today. Better late...

AlphaKit March: D

>258 msf59: Yeah, so far im in choir and the teacher is playing guitar since Friday is usually karaoke

I’m about two thirds through MD. I’ll finish it but I’m disappointed with it. Don’t care for most of the characters and the book just plods along.

I do like reading about that era, though.

>259 msf59: Mark, I read Hainey's book when it first came out in 2013. I enjoyed the parts of the book with the local references. We grew up in Park Ridge, and one of my brothers knew an older brother of the author. One of my brother's friends worked with Michael Hainey at our local grocery store in Park Ridge (Thompson's on Touhy).

Happy Friday, Mark!

Great portrait of the noble looking Junk Juno!

>254 Copperskye: I second Joanne’s recommendation of Cosham narrating Watership Down. It is wonderful.

>259 msf59: Knowing the end, the only thing I can safely say is, if you do not enjoy the style, quit immediately.

>260 Owltherian: I hope you enjoyed choir! Are you a good singer?

>261 lindapanzo: Sorry to break your group read streak, Linda. Maybe, we will get back on top next time. Have a great weekend.

>265 msf59: I would say im an okay singer, i have been singing since i was a little kid, in Glee club, choir, you name it.

>262 kac522: Happy Friday, Kathy. I am so glad to hear that you have also read After Visiting Friends and that you remember the brothers from your childhood. Pretty neat. Did you like the entire memoir or just the Chicago references? My parents were married around the same time as Michael's parents. I remember hearing them mention a couple of those same clubs. I am only 50 pages in but I am enjoying it.

>263 Storeetllr: Happy Friday, Mary. Who you calling "Junk"? 😁 I also listened to that audio version of WD. It was excellent.

>264 richardderus: Good advice, Richard. I am liking the style so far. He is a good writer. Did you like the book? I didn't see a review from you on Good Reads.

>250 msf59: That picture is actually unblocked and that is extremely funny

>267 msf59: I very much did not like it.

>267 msf59: I would say it was so-so for me outside of the places and people that I recognized. I think I already knew (from a local newspaper article or TV piece? not sure where) before I started that it wouldn't end well.

>266 Owltherian: >268 Owltherian: Glad to hear that you been singing since you were a little kid. I am not much of a singer, other than in the shower from time to time. Glad you like the comic I shared. Have a good weekend, Lily.

>269 richardderus: >270 kac522: I am 80 pages in. I will probably stick it out. He definitely takes an unusual approach but I find it interesting in the early going.

Came by to wish you a wonderful weekend, Mark!

Thanks, Stasia. I hope you do the same and I hope you feel better and get lots and lots of reading in.

>267 msf59: Hahaha, spellcheck strikes again.

>271 msf59: Thank you, for sharing the comic, and have a good weekend yourself.

>274 Storeetllr: That one cracked me up and it caught me off guard for a moment too. 😁

>275 Owltherian: Thanks, Lily.

>238 msf59: A lovely picture of Juno.
She has changed a lot since she came, looks so much more confident and mature!

>277 FAMeulstee: Thanks, Anita. Juno is a good girl. A nice fit for us. Happy Saturday.

>276 msf59: You're welcome Mark.

'Morning, Mark! Happy Saturday to you.

Finches and a Carolina Chickadee. I saw a Downy on the suet feeder yesterday. A male Cardinal just came in for a sunflower seed, rejected it, and is now on the wild bird seed feeder. It's raining and a bit windy.

>280 karenmarie: Hi, Karen. I also have cardinals and finches at my feeders but I have only glanced outside. We had our all day rain yesterday.

-Clay Bennett

^^WTH was this?? Yikes!

>282 msf59: It was like a grim SNL sketch.

Hiya, Mark! I saw you mention 'Poker Face' on some other threads. I keep meaning to start it. I take it you are enjoying it?

A lot of parts of it were filmed in the Hudson Valley, which is where I grew up, so I'm looking forward to spotting familiar places. There is an episode that involves a zoo, and that was filmed at the zoo at my high school!

>283 richardderus: Perfect comparison, RD. 👍

>284 katiekrug: Hey, Katie. We are about halfway through Poker Face. They are most stand-alone episodes, each featuring the same Natasha Lyonne character. We are enjoying it but some eps are better than others. So far most of it is taking place in the southwest.

I finished MD. Kind of meh for me. The first two thirds was OK. Not great but somewhat interesting, though dreary. The last portion, especially once he concocted his last business effort, was just painful to read.

Not enough story. Characters I really disliked.

>276 msf59: Seriously.

Happy weekend!

>67 msf59: Watership Down was the book that prompted the start of one of my book clubs :)

>253 msf59: >257 Owltherian: My kids' school has had a cell phone ban for years, and I love it ("off and in your bag" is the instructions they are given). And last year, the main opposition party campaigned on banning cell phones in schools, they got in, now no schools are meant to have them. It is great I think for break times not to be all about phone-chatting.

>288 LovingLit:
I agree. Cell phones should not be allowed in schools. For some reason they are very addictive to young people and distract them from learning in schools. They should be banned from schools for the same reason that we have age limits on alcohol. Young people need time to grow up without the nonsense and pressures brought about by what they can find on their cell phones. Including excessive phone calls to parents. As a school teacher I found that to be as much of a distraction as all the hate stuff and shaming that went on with them in schools.

>282 msf59:
Since Senator "Karen" Britt was a student at UA I forced myself to listen to the speech and was appalled by what I heard. This cartoon made me laugh and restored my sense of humor. I think the cartoonist got it exactly right. And so did most Republicans. This speech probably set her political back a long way.

Glad you are enjoying the weekend, Mark. I see a lot of robins and today saw a black capped chickadee. But I think they overwinter here, or at least some of them. Stepped in some Canada Goose poop and that was not so fun. It's very hard to avoid. My province is also restricting cell phones in school . Unless you have some sort of disability that requires that you have one , you cannot have one in public school. I think it's a good idea. It is in response to sextortion via cell phone images in particular.

Little Miles stopped by today with William briefly today. He has a fun sense of humour and pretended that I was Grandpa Dave, though Dave was at work. So I pretended I thought that he was Melissa. It's fun what these little folks think is hilarious .

Happy Sunday!

I am happy to see a lot of Robins in my backyard. Just a matter of time before the weather gets warmer and other birds arrive.

As for the cel phone discussion- We used to be able to bring our phones to school however, had to put them in the locker or keep them in the backpack out of sight. Quite frankly, there is far too much reliance on phones. My parents made me keep my phone at home on school days ;)

>286 lindapanzo: Once again, sorry MD broke your streak. It happens. I liked the book just a bit more. We will get it next time, my friend.

>287 Storeetllr: Happy Sunday, Mary.

>288 LovingLit: Hi, Megan. Were you a fan of Watership Down when you read it? I would think cellphones would at least be disallowed in class and maybe just available at lunchtimes.

>289 benitastrnad: >290 benitastrnad: I have to agree with you on cellphones in school, Benita. It must be tough for the kids but I am sure they get used to it.

How did Senator Britt get elected? Like MTG or Bobert, these people are complete whack-jobs. Also was Britt, the best the GOP could come up with to deliver this speech? Wasn't it screened first?

>291 vancouverdeb: Hi, Deb. Thanks for the bird report. Here, robins are coming through in droves. Have the snow geese left?

Glad you got to see the grandkids, even briefly. It sounds like you enjoyed your little role-playing. 😁

>292 figsfromthistle: Happy Sunday, Anita. Hooray for the returning robins. In regard to your cellphone comment, I thought these were the restrictions most schools had.

'Morning, Mark, and happy Sunday to you. Enjoy your birding adventure.

Hmmm. A female Cardinal, a male Cardinal, and a between-small-and-medium-sized bird with gray beak, gray feathers although I couldn't see her/his chest, short tail, that I'm installing Merlin on my cell phone to try to identify.

>294 msf59: Do believe this one says it all.

>295 karenmarie: Hi, Karen. Thanks for the feeder report. Let me know if you identify the gray bird.

>296 richardderus: Yep, I think that sums it up, RD. 👍

>290 benitastrnad: I appreciate your passion, but you should know that your using the name “Karen” as an insult can be hurtful! Surely there are other words that can be used!

Karen O

>190 msf59: 'The Four Daughters' goes on my list Mark. Tunisia was the second country I visited, I think I was 19 or 20.

>193 msf59: Thought provoking poem, and new to me poet.

>207 msf59: Yup, just don't get those women. I heard Sharon Osborne saying she met him once, and he didn't treat her badly, but if he didn't find a woman attractive he turned his back on her and ignored her. I think he probably did those women a favour.

>212 msf59: Sweet, smiley Jackson.

>238 msf59: Statuesque Juno.