Ellen reads more in 2024 - Book 4

Aloha! I'm Ellen, recently retired reader, beginner sketcher and watercolorist, hiker, camper, cat-lover, wine lover, and LT-er since 2011.

In December 2023 I retired after more than 30 years working in higher education. I currently live in eastern Washington state with Prudence (aka P), my wife of 28 years, and our beloved but sometimes troublesome ginger cat, Carson. We are in the process of selling our house and plan to rent a place in central Oregon for the next year.

I have a "retirement reading" list but I'm following advice I've been given about the first six months of retirement living: no commitments. That said, I'll certainly participate in some group and shared reads as the year progresses.

A quick study of daffodils in a vase and a super quick "landscape." The landscape was an exercise by one of the online teachers I'm following, more about learning how the water and pigment behave than about creating an image, per se. That said, I really like it. It took about 3 minutes to complete (which was the part of the exercise).

Carson waiting for the auto-feeder to give him his next meal.

Carson 2 -- this may have to wait as I'm struggling to upload photos of Carson without the weird gray box covering most of the image. Grrr.

COMPLETED IN JANUARY

1. North Woods by Daniel Mason 4.5 stars
2. How Can I Help You by Laura Sims 4 stars
3. I Am, I Am, I Am: Seventeen Brushes with Death by Maggie O'Farrell 5 stars
4. Loot by Tania James 3.5 stars
5. The Casuarina Tree by W. Somerset Maugham 3.5 stars
6. Rain Dogs by Adrian McKinty 4 stars
7. Western Lane by Chetna Maroo 3.5 stars
8. Nora Webster by Colm Tóibín 4 stars
9. Chenneville by Paulette Jiles 5 stars
10. Blacktop Wasteland by S.A. Cosby 4 stars

COMPLETED IN FEBRUARY

11. Dead Lions by Mick Herron 4.5 stars
DNF The Paragon Hotel by Lindsay Faye
12. The Bee Sting by Paul Murray 4 stars
13. Boundary Waters by William Kent Krueger 4 stars
14. The Magic Fish: A Graphic Novel by Trung Le Nguyen 4.5 stars
15. So Late in the Day: Stories of Women and Men by Claire Keegan 4 stars
16. The Unexpected Inheritance of Inspector Chopra by Vaseem Khan 3.5 stars
17. A Day in the Life of Abed Salama: Anatomy of a Jerusalem Tragedy by Nathan Thrall 4 stars

COMPLETED IN MARCH

18. Lone Women by Victor LaValle 4 stars
19. Qualification: A Graphic Memoir in Twelve Steps by David Heatley 3 stars
20. The Secret Life of Sunflowers by Marta Molnar 4 stars
21. She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan 3 stars
22. Monsters: A Fan's Dilemma by Claire Dederer 4 stars
23. Held by Anne Michaels 4.5 stars

COMPLETED IN APRIL

24. The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny, and Murder by David Grann 3.5 stars
25. The Vulnerables by Sigrid Nunez 4 stars
26. James by Percival Everett 4.5 stars
27. American Cult: A Graphic History of Religious Cults in America from the Colonial Era to Today edited by Robyn Chapman 3.5 stars

COMPLETED IN MAY

28. Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange 4 stars
29. The Searcher by Tana French 5 stars
30. Trust by Hernan Diaz 4 stars
31. It Begins in Betrayal by Iona Whishaw 3.5 stars

COMPLETED IN JUNE

32. What Angels Fear by C.S. Harris 4 stars

COMPLETED IN JULY

33. The Power of the Dog by Don Winslow 4 stars
34. Purgatory Ridge by William Kent Krueger 4 stars
35. The Librarianist by Patrick deWitt 3.5 stars
36. House on Endless Waters by Emunah Elon 4 stars
37. Report for Murder by Val McDermid
38. Strange Flowers by Donal Ryan 5 stars

COMPLETED IN AUGUST

39. The Winter Soldier by Daniel Mason 4.5 stars
40. Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler 4 stars
41. The Hunter by Tana French 4.5 stars

COMPLETED IN SEPTEMBER

42. Wild Houses by Colin Barrett 4 stars
43. A Dark Redemption by Stav Sherez 4 stars
44. A Novel Bookstore by Laurence Cossé 3.5 stars
45. When God Was a Rabbit by Sarah Winman 4.5 stars
46. Orbital by Samantha Harvey 4.5 stars

This year's reading plans that involve friends:

January
✅ I Am, I Am, I Am by Maggie O'Farrell - Real Life Book Group (RLBG)
✅ The Vaster Wilds by Lauren Groff - w Beth & Kim

February
✅ The Bee Sting by Paul Murray - w Mark & others
✅ Chenneville by Paulette Jiles - w Kim & Beth

March
❎ The Lost Journals of Sacajewea Debra Magpie Earling w Beth & Kim -- I enjoyed the conversation. ❤️

May
❎ The White Rhino Hotel by Bartle Bull w Kim & Beth

June
❎ The Known World by Edward P. Jones - w Kim & Beth
❎ Summer by Ali Smith - w Mark

August
✅ The Winter Soldier by Daniel Mason - w Mark

December
Bound to Please by Michael Dirda - w Stasia

About our destination for the coming year:

Camp Sherman is an incorporated little village(?) on the Metolius River in the Oregon Cascade Mountains. The very small community consists largely of summer cabins on the river, many of them 90-100 years old and generally passed along from one generation to the next. There are a few newer homes in small "neighborhoods" (the one we'll be renting was built in 1998). There are several campgrounds, a fish hatchery, and lots of trails nearby. It's about 20 minutes from Sisters, Oregon; this from the Sisters Chamber of Commerce website:

"The Sisters Country, including the charming town of Sisters, Oregon, quaint Camp Sherman, Suttle Lake, Black Butte Ranch, Aspen Lakes Golf Course and Hoodoo Ski Area, all where Central Oregon starts, is a destination like no other. The Sisters Country is an expanse of majestic and inspiring natural beauty reaching from the town of Sisters, Oregon, to the panoramic Pacific Crest Trail. Explore Central Oregon outdoor adventure and cultural experiences including the world renowned Sisters Rodeo, Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show, Sisters Folk Festival, and the Sisters Harvest Faire.

On the edge of town, the Deschutes National Forest offers a 1.6 million-acre playground laced with miles and miles of trails, rivers, lakes, wilderness areas, scenic drives and vistas, clean air, and star filled nights. Choose from rustic cabins, simple campgrounds or world class resorts, all within minutes of downtown Sisters, Oregon. Come for a visit - we guarantee you will want to kick off your boots and stay a while."

The house we're going to rent (we see it Thursday and we're 95% sure we're doing this) is about 1,600 square feet and one of the bedrooms has a sweet little work space facing a window. Can you say Ellen's art space? :-) The house isn't right on the river but it's only about a 5-minute walk away.

Link to article in Bend Magazine

Bend is a town of just over 100K population that is about an hour's drive (38 slow miles) from Camp Sherman.

I finished American Cult: A Graphic History of Religious Cults in America from the Colonial Era to Today, edited by Robyn Chapman. It was interesting. Not all chapters are equal in art or storytelling but I enjoyed it.

Currently reading Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange and planning to start The White Rhino Hotel by Bartle Bulll soon. The latter is a shared read with Kim and Beth.

Next is yours!

HEY HO! I would absolutely hang that landscape in my home! Can't wait to see what else you'll do.

Carson stares at the auto-feeder the way Molly stares at ME, beginning about an hour before the designated time for feeding.

I feel like a bad cat owner - I have no set times for feeding. The bowls are empty, I fill them (I have 2 cats, BTW). Lol

Happy new thread, Ellen!

Happy new thread Ellen!

Your rental sounds like a treasure! I hope all goes smoothly and you can enjoy it to the fullest.

New thread delights and moving ease whammys, Ellen. *smooch*

Happy new thread! I hope the rental works out---the Metolius is so lovely.

>2 EBT1002: Lovely Ellen.

>3 EBT1002: So patient Carson.

>8 EBT1002: Sounds perfect. I shall enjoy tales of when you settle in.

I love your watercolors, Ellen. Camp Sherman sounds great. The area is lovely. I was in Bend a few years ago and loved it.

Happy new thread, Ellen.

Pleased to inform that Beth's post above was the 1,000th to your threads in 2024. xx

Happy new thread, Ellen. Your watercolours are wonderful! I love the thin black outlining in the flower one. Almost not noticeable yet it makes the picture really pop. The other one is amazing, very atmospheric.

Theo stands by his bowl and waits patiently just like Carson. But no automatic dispenser here. I am the dispenser, lol

Happy new thread, Ellen.

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I almost went with prude. LOL

>11 laytonwoman3rd: Thanks Linda. I do need to shift from watching YouTube videos of other people painting to painting my own self! haha And Carson has a very regimented feeding schedule -- four of his small daily feedings are provided by The Moms (P and me) and the other five small feedings are provided by The Machine. He always knows when it's time (and Tummy Clock is indeed often about an hour ahead of time).

>12 alcottacre: LOL Stasia. I'd love to be able to just put food out for Carson and have him self-regulate. He is so food focused; he will eat until he makes himself sick and extremely overweight!

>13 quondame: Thanks Susan. I'm super excited about this rental plan. It was such an off-the-cuff idea and it really feels right.

>14 richardderus: Thanks Richard and *smooch* back your way!

>15 banjo123: Thanks Rhonda. One great thing about this plan is that we'll be a short(ish) drive from Portland so I'll be able to participate in a meetup or two! Yay!

>16 Caroline_McElwee: Thanks Caroline.

>17 BLBera: Maybe you can come to the area again in the next year, Beth? *smile*

>18 PaulCranswick: Thanks Paul. I'm definitely slower on the posting league than I thought I might be when I retired but I have managed to make life rather busy! haha

>19 jessibud2: Hi Shelley. "...I am the dispenser, lol" Carson has both human dispensers and a machine that makes sure he doesn't starve, poor little mistreated feline. Hahahaha

>20 katiekrug: Thanks Katie!

>24 EBT1002: You never know, Ellen.

I got up early-ish this morning and read with my coffee. I'm remembering that, when I was still working, I got up about an hour before necessary to read while P was still asleep and before I had to start getting ready to go to the office. Now I'm sleeping later than that. I do NOT want to start setting an alarm again but I do miss that quiet morning reading time.

>26 BLBera: BIG smile!

Congrats on the house selling so quickly and on your plans for the next year. A cabin in the woods sounds lovely! Do you think you'll miss being close to cultural amenities? How is the wildfire situation there? I've been away from Washington for several years, but that was always on my mind during fire season.

>29 labfs39: You ask exactly the questions I have in mind, Lisa. Of course, any forested area here in the PacificNorthwest is vulnerable to wildfires. Part of the Camp Sherman area burned in a big and heartbreaking fire about 3 years ago. It is something we'll need to stay alert to in the later summer and early fall months. I don't actually know what the snowpack is like in Oregon this year. I know Washington needed a lot more snow than we got.

Regarding cultural amenities, since our current location of Pullman is desperately lacking in cultural amenities, that will be pretty much the same. We'll have the town of Sisters nearby with an excellent indie bookshop, an arts community, etc. and we'll be about 2.5 hours from Portland when we need actual city activity. At present we drive about 90 minutes to Spokane and a full five hours to Seattle.

My sister reports that her wife has turned another corner in terms of health. It's hard to say what it all means but she is sleeping more, eating less, and speaking almost not at all. She does still recognize my sister as well as the staff at the care center where she is, and greets them with warm smiles. That is good news. She is on pain medication to manage pain from an unknown source; at this stage putting her in the hospital for a bunch of tests makes no sense at all. SO - in the midst of all this, I think I'll be getting on a plane rather abruptly sometime in the next few weeks. It will be okay. We'll make it all work out. I want to be there for my sister. Sometimes life doesn't time things very well.

My sister lived in Bend, OR for 5 years back in the 1980's. She worked in Sisters and drove from Bend. She liked living there but the cost of living was high. She liked it because she was, and is, a skier and proximity to the slopes was a priority for her. She didn't go to Portland much at all because the road across the pass isn't good in the winter, but she said there was enough activity in Bend that you didn't need to go to Portland. Bend has everything you need. I never got to visit her while she lived there, and since then she has moved all over the world. She still has good memories of living in Bend. I think you will find that area to be a good place to live.

Happy new thread, Ellen. Nice to have a housing and life plan in place for the upcoming year. Do you think you'll stay there if you like it or are you still intending to buy a place somewhere in Oregon?

Happy New Thread, Ellen. I also enjoyed "American Cult" and agree, some were better than others. You have now read or are reading 2 books that are high on my TBR- James & Wandering Stars.

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Wow, lots of exciting happenings in a short time! Your house in Camp Sherman sounds like a great peaceful adventure. Will you have good internet access? That's tricky sometimes in the mountians.

I'm sorry to hear about your SIL.

Happy new thread, Ellen!
Much to look forward to, a year in Camp Shermansounds great.

So sorry about your sister in law.

I am so sorry to hear about your sister-in-law, Ellen. Hugs. I love dawdling in the morning; it's one of my favorite things about retirement.

BYW - new season of Brokenwood has started. :)

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We’re back from central Oregon. We read, walked, rode our bikes, watched the river go by, sat by the fire, etc. It snowed about an inch on Thursday morning! We saw the house we’re going to rent and it’s lovely. I wish it were unfurnished but we’ll work with it.

Last night, as we watched tv, recovering from the long drive home, I got a call that my sister is in the hospital. Her wife has taken a turn for the worse in the past couple weeks and this seems to be stress-related afib….. Carol (sister) texted me that she’s “basically fine” but I think I’m now on day-by-day in terms of going back to N.C. She had said she wanted me to wait and come after Betty dies (which seems to be any day now), that is when she’ll need me, but we’ll see.

Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange was very good. Now I’m reading The White Rhino Hotel which, after a slow start, has sucked me in.

Glad you had a lovely exploration of where you will spend your year

Sorry to hear about your sister's stress related problem, and that your next visit will be a sad one.

I must get to Tommy Orange's earlier book. It's been in the TBR mountain a while.

{{hugs}} as you both walk this final journey. The stress-related stuff is real and you might want to go sooner rather than later. Since work no longer figures in your timeline, you can stay as long as needed, right? I think your sister may need you more than she lets on, and appreciate your being there with and for her. It still feels fresh and raw for me so I am just saying what I experienced. Strong vibes out to you both, Ellen.

I'm glad the house is as lovely as you hoped, Ellen. It's very exciting.

I am sure your sister is having a rough time of it. I'm inclined to agree with Shelley, but I am also confident you'll do what feels right for you. Holding you in my thoughts.

I'm glad you and P had a nice trip to Oregon and that the house there is a go. I'm sorry to hear about your sister, stress is horrible on the body. I hope it doesn't interfere with her being able to be with Betty at the end. I also hope that the stress of her situation on top of the stress of packing and moving doesn't impact your health. Take care!

>41 EBT1002:
White Rhino Hotel was a grand adventure for me and introduced me to some of the complexities of African history about which I knew nothing. It prepared me for reading some of Abdulrazak Gurnah's books about East Africa. There are three more books in the Anton Rider/Olivio Alevado series. I thought they were all great fun.

I am glad you had a nice trip to Oregon and that the house will work for the two of you. Dealing with a dying person in your family is very hard and I am sure that your sister needs somebody to lean on. I am also sure that you will know when it is the right time to travel to North Carolina. I am also sure that your loving contact with you sister will sustain her until it is time for you to make that trip.

>41 EBT1002: Saddening to learn the unsurprising news that your sister's having stress issues. Your loving supportiveness will unquestionably help at whatever distance it's given.

The Oregon place is furnished...well, short-term it won't be *too* awful I guess but that would rock me back, too.

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I’m going to make French Toast for breakfast this morning. My first time making it….

French toast is one of those things I "whip up" without a recipe....hope yours turned out well.

Your sister's stress is so understandable. Wishing you a clear head to make the decision on when to fly to her side.

>50 EBT1002: >51 laytonwoman3rd: Ohh, yum. I should make some again soon. My favorite way to eat it is as a refrigerated leftover without butter or syrup. Anybody else ever do that? Or am I -- unique?

>50 EBT1002: Le yum! How're the reviews of your first effort?

>52 ReneeMarie: Leftover French toast is not a thing I have ever encountered!

Sorry to hear the toll stress is taking on your sister. You are in a whirlwind of change at the moment, but this sounds important.

We have heard of several catastrophes involving our friends in recent days. It's hard to gauge what would be intrusive and what would be supportive, depending on how well I know a person. I try to offer without insisting, but some people do not let themselves ask. I imagine you know your sister well enough to find the balance.

>41 EBT1002: We’re back from central Oregon. We read, walked, rode our bikes, watched the river go by, sat by the fire, etc.

Sounds like a wonderful trip to me! Glad you had a good time.

I am sorry to hear about your SIL and your sister.

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This was a shocker!

Updates soon from the melodramatic life of Ellen.

>59 EBT1002: I hope that they are not bad updates!

>59 EBT1002: Oh boy oh boy oh boy

Much love! I know things are hard right now. Talk to you soon.

Adding to the hugs Ellen.

All this silence is making me nervous. . .

{{Ellen}}

Sorry to go AWOL everyone. I keep thinking I'll come give updates and I just haven't had the energy. I'll try to cut to the chase: my sister is recovering from cardio conversion and implantation of a pacemaker. She is a TERRIBLE patient -- won't rest, etc. But ultimately it's her body and her life.

Her wife can hardly eat anything and has declined even in the days since I arrived. She no longer responds with recognition although she seems to know we're good loving people. She's likely in her last 2-3 weeks. At this point a peaceful departure seems best for all. It's hell on my sister who is having a hard time (imho) adjusting her way of interacting. I keep wanting to say "stop trying to get her to eat. Just sit with her and talk to her." Again, not my pasture. I do the best I can.

Meanwhile, P is handling all the business back home regarding the sale of our house. That has been both positive and a bit of a nightmare but we're hopefully on the path to closing June 28.

I finished The Searcher by Tana French and loved it. Now I'm reading Trust by Hernan Diaz.

I fly home tomorrow evening but imagine I'll be back in the next month or so.

Thanks for checking in on me. xoxoxo

>66 EBT1002: Enjoy the newest read, Ellen, and much empathy with you all on the end-of-life issues.

Thanks for checking in, Ellen. I know this must be really difficult for you. Have a safe trip home, hopefully followed by some much-needed rest.

>66 EBT1002: - That's so tough, Ellen. It's good that you can recognize the limitations of what you can/should do.

Deep breaths, Ellen. You can only do what you can do. {{hugs}} as you travel this difficult path. There seems to be so many of us in this group who are traversing this journey lately.

I hope the pacemaker helps your sister's health. It sounds like she hasn't quite let go of Betty yet. So hard. How are you holding up?

Take care , Ellen. I'm thinking of you and yours.

Just adding more positive thoughts and support for you and all your loved ones, Ellen. Really tough to be pulled in so many directions at once.

Adding hugs Ellen. One step at a time, but I hope you get a little time to rest and relax when you get home. Yay for P too.

I hope all is well with your sister and the pacemaker has made a difference. You're on quite a ride, right after retiring. Maybe things will quiet down for you and P. soon.

>50 EBT1002: interested in your French toast adventure! How can it be that you have not made this amazing dish before? I have been making it since I was a kid, and love how easy it is to make something that feels to luxurious to eat :)

Sorry to hear about the troubles in your sister's home.

You know, I won a copy of Trust by Hernan Diaz from a local bookshop a few years back and still haven't read it! I loved his other one though.

Hey everyone. Just a quick update. It'll be a few weeks before I'm more regularly around. My SIL died early Friday morning. I can't go to NC at the moment because we are in the midst of packing and organizing logistics for our complicated move to central Oregon. After we're settled in the rental house I'll make another trip to see my sister.

I finished Trust and gave it 4 stars. I thought it was very good but not a 5-star read.

Now I'm reading It Begins in Betrayal, fourth in the low-intensity Lane Winslow mystery series.

I am still planning to read The Known World and Summer for June shared reads, as well as The End of Mr. Y with Kim and Beth. That said, my reading rate is super low these days. With all that's going on in life and my desire to spend time watercolor painting and doing jigsaw puzzles, I'm only reading about a book a week. I hope I can get back to a more robust reading life once we're settled.

>78 EBT1002:
I am sorry to hear about your Sister-in-law. That is never easy. I also sympathize with the unsettled life of packing and moving as I am doing that as well. Right now I am in Kansas attending my 50th High School Class Reunion and also drawing out what furniture will need to move out and where I will place my furniture when I move. The moving date is now set for the week of October 10 -15, 2024. When I get back to Tuscaloosa I will firm that up with the moving company. But the Prairie Redoubt should be my permanent (and last) home before Thanksgiving.

>78 EBT1002: My condolences to you and your sister. It was not unexpected, of course, but it still is painful. I hope your move goes more smoothly than you imagine, and you are free to offer comfort soon.

Oh, I am so sorry about your sister-in-law! Sending hugs.

>78 EBT1002: I'm so sorry, Ellen. I hope your sister is doing okay, and that you and P are coping with the stress of moving. That's a lot to deal with all at once. My heart goes out to all of you.

That is a lot to deal with and to process, Ellen. Take care.

Condolences to you and your sister.

Sending my sympathy to you and your sister, Ellen. When you're free to visit again, I'm sure you'll be a source of comfort and strength for her.

>77 LovingLit: hee me too, in my family we used Challah, added vanilla and cinnamon and toasted them till crunchy. I still make it now and again

>78 EBT1002: Oh so sorry to hear about your sister in law! sounds like you have so many things going on; I dont think anyone will complain about the lack of updates.. do what is needed for you and your family. Sending hugs

Adding my condolences Ellen. Far too much to be handling at one time. Keeping you all in my thoughts.

>78 EBT1002: Safe journey home. I hope you and your sister will enjoy some intimate healing time when you can get there.

Sending hugs to you all

Adding my condolences, too, Ellen. So many of us are going through this, in one way or another. Gentle hugs to you and your sister. You are juggling a lot of balls in the air right now. Pace yourself.

Sad for you Ellen. Make sure you look after yourself.

So sorry about your SIL Condolences to all of you.

So much going on for you these days. I’m sure your head is spinning.

Love that the Camp Sherman move worked out. Not a bad place to hang out until you decide where you and P want to be long term.

So sorry to hear, Ellen. Hope all goes well with the move.

Sorry to hear about your sister-in-law!

You have a lot going on, Ellen. My condolences to you and your sister.

I am adding my condolences for the loss of sister-in-law and good luck with the packing. Glad you are still joining us on the shared read of Summer.

Sorry to hear about the loss of you sister-in-law. How hard for your sister to be going through her own health issues at the same time and for you to be in the midst of moving and all it entails. Best wishes for plenty of calm time to recover from all that has happened in such a short time.

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>78 EBT1002: Ellen--So sorry to hear about your SIL's passing. Hugs to you and your sister. And best of luck handling all the move commotion. Hang in there. xoxo

Sending love and hugs to you, Prue and your sister.

>78 EBT1002: I am so sorry to hear your news and sending lots of healing to you and your sister.

Just checking in---hope you have a good grip on the reins, and are keeping the wagon steady on the trail.

I'm very sorry to read of the passing of your sister in law. Hugs to you , your sister and Prue.

Abandoning The End of Mr. Y.
Starting The Known World instead.

I hope you are doing okay, Ellen. And your sister. So much happening all at once. When do you leave for Oregon?

>104 EBT1002:
My book discussion group read End of Mr. Y about 20 years ago and none of us liked it. I did finish it but I thought it was pointless. Therefore, your abandonment of it validates my groups opinion of the book. I would also suggest that you send it to the used bookstore.

>107 Berly: >104 EBT1002: I also gave up on it. Did nothing for me. I also abandoned The Known World. Not a good trend. Sigh.

I just finished Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers. I'm reaching for The Known World. Then I read (>107 Berly:) that Kim's already abandoned it. Wha?

I started the book quite a few years ago, and something happened—I have no recollection of what that BIG something was. But I never returned to the story. So I'm starting it and I intend to stay with it through to the end. Regardless or irregardless.

I am so sorry to read of the tragedy in your family.

I will be starting Known World tonight. I have had this book on my shelves for a very long time so it will be good to get it read and done so that I don't have to move it.

Hi, Ellen. I hope all is well on your end. FYI- I am halfway through Summer and really enjoying it. It is a highly ambitious read. A first rate writer.

Summer orisons, Ellen. I hope all has gone well with your move, and you're able to console your sister in her terrible loss.

Hope you are doing okay, Ellen. So many life events in a short amount of time.

Hello friends. Whew -- life is just hectic. It will slow down. My reading has slowed to a snail's pace, fewer completed books each month than in well over a decade. Part of it is being so busy with the move, part of it is my newfound passion for sketching and watercolor painting, part of it is emotional exhaustion and its friend, poor concentration. I finished and enjoyed What Angels Fear, first in the Sebastian St Cyr series. I'll now return to The Known World.

The Seattle Public Library has been having technical issues for weeks. Apparently someone managed to install ransomware and is, you guessed it, holding the digital library for ransom. So I don't have easy access to books. Sigh.

Still, I am well and relatively happy. Just busy and stressed out. This shall pass.

Our nephew is flying over this Friday. Truck gets packed on Saturday. Sunday we drive to our new home. P and nephew will probably be in the U-Haul most of the day and I'll be in our Honda with Carson. ❤️

It’s great to hear from you Ellen. I’m excited for your move and can’t wait to hear more about your new home & location.

>113 EBT1002: Wishing you a bit of calm amidst all the living! Are you still able to check out e-books from your previous library?

>113 EBT1002: keen on truckin', Ellen! Retirement huh? Apparently it's not as restful as we would wish!? A you mentioned, it will pass. ((hugs))

Good luck with your move this weekend. I hope once you get settled, you'll quickly find equilibrium again.

Happy stress is still stress. Be well, take better care of yourself than you think you should, and come home to the knowledge that it's your turn.

Now why would anyone think a library has enough money to pay off a ransom attack?

You must be looking forward to getting settled in your new digs, finally. I hope it all goes smoothly. You deserve a little good luck.

>119 ffortsa: "Now why would anyone think a library has enough money to pay off a ransom attack?" Isn't THAT a good question. Did they just have a big fund-raising campaign for a reno project or something? *Shudder*

Thinking about you and P, Ellen, while you're in the midst of this new adventure. Good luck, and safe travels!

>119 ffortsa: ryeah remember last year when they did the same to LT? bizarre

>113 EBT1002: >119 ffortsa: >120 laytonwoman3rd: Mr SandDune's school was subject to a ransomware attack last year. It took months before things were up and running again properly. The consultants who were dealing with sorting it out told him that it tends to be funded by governments (Russia, China, North Korea) to cause general disruption to public institutions.

>113 EBT1002: Glad you checked in Ellen. Good luck with the move. Hope Carson is a good traveler. Our cats are not. Steve gets carsick and Sophie is just a blonde ball of anxiety. Even a short trip to the vet or groomer is traumatic for all three of us.

I share your pain. I am packing my library. I am also culling my clothes. I decided that I would pay to move books but not to move clothes. I hope to have the books packed by the time I leave to go to Kansas in July. Once in Kansas I get to clear out stuff from my mother's house in preparation for my move to Kansas. My move is scheduled for sometime around October 16th. At least it won't be so hot then.

Good luck with the move. Enjoy your adventure!

Can't wait to have you closer!! Wishing you best of luck with the packing and move. : )

Wishing you a smooth transition Ellen, look forward to hearing how it goes.

Hoping all is going well and that you are just busy, busy, busy!

I am sorry about your SIL, Ellen, and hope that all is going well with your move.

Have a fantastic Friday and check in again soon, please!

Hoping all's well, Ellen.

Hi everyone. I'm so sorry for going AWOL -- what a month it has been!

I've already completed twice as many books in July as I did in the whole of June. Yep, you guessed it: I completed ONE book in June! It was the rather hefty Power of the Dog by Don Winslow, and I did start a couple other books that couldn't hold my attention in the face of life chaos and tiredness, but still.

On the other hand, Prudence and Carson and I successfully made the move to central Oregon. The work involved exceeded all my expectations -- and then we remembered that the last two times we moved, my employer paid for it! This time, most of the labor and logistics came down to us and, well, things just aren't as easy at 63 and 70 as they were in our 40s. Mornings were spent sorting, packing, making dozens of trips to the thrift store and bookstore (I sold a boatload of books to the local used bookstore -- and they came to know and love me -- "the books you bring us are so beautiful,"), and storage unit. By early afternoon we were both too exhausted for much of anything.

Still, it all went rather well. Beloved nephew Frank flew to Pullman, helped with last-minute details, and drove the U-Haul the whole way. P rode with him; I had the sedated Mr. Carson in the car with me. I drove ahead (it was hot so there was no stopping to rest with a cat in the car) and got here, got C settled, unloaded the car, and sat on the front steps of our new home waiting for P and F to arrive. What a wonderful 90 minutes or so that was. I was home! The next day we unloaded the truck and started the job of unpacking and making this place feel like home. The owners had left a lot of their stuff here so our work involved packing up some (a lot) of their stuff in addition to unpacking our own. Frank flew back to Seattle that evening. We are SO grateful for his help!!!

Anyway, we've done some very nice morning hikes along the river, a few bike rides, and I've settled into sketching or painting every day. Carson took several days to settle in but even he acts like it's home now. We're having a HOT spell and no A/C. Perfect for just reading. At least it cools down at night. Just hoping for no fires.....

Today I finished the enjoyable Purgatory Ridge, third in the Cork O'Connor series. This evening I'll start The Librarianist by Patrick deWitt.

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

>131 EBT1002: Congratulations on getting moved in and settled!

>131 EBT1002: yeah for a safe and finished move! sounds like a relaxing place to be!

Sounds exhausting and satisfying Ellen. Glad you all feel like it is home now, including Carson. I look forward to seeing some photos and drawings in time.

Welcome to your new home, Ellen (and P!). I'm glad Carson settled in so easily. I'm looking forward to hearing more about life in your new community.

Glad the move is over and the whole family is settling in. I really want to make art a priority in my life this summer so glad to hear you are finding time every day.

Glad the move went well, Ellen. Stay cool!

Happy for you that everything went well with the move. Hard work but no mishaps. Yay.

When we were temporarily without air conditioning during a very hot week this May, I discovered the benefits of taking an ice-bag to bed with me. A few minutes with it on my chest and belly helped a lot, probably bringing down my core temperature so that I could sleep. And so easy!

That said, hope the weather cools down for you and you enjoy your time here.

Good to hear from you, Ellen, and especially that all went smoothly after all the hard work. Good lad, Carson!

>131 EBT1002: Frank's angel wings are in backorder...he can pick 'em up on his next trip to the Afterlife. Yay and *whew* for being home at last.

Enjoy your cooperative reading weather!

>132 alcottacre: Thanks Stasia!

>133 cindydavid4: Thanks Cindy. It's indeed a pretty special and relaxing place. I'll post a few photos soon.

>134 Caroline_McElwee: Exhausting and satisfying is a perfect description, Caroline. My feelings about this year are not uncomplicated but I can certainly say I'm glad to be HOME!!

>135 lauralkeet: Thanks Laura. I think it will be an interesting year. :-)

>136 witchyrichy: Hi Karen. Making art a priority is still a struggle for me. With all my bragging, I've now gone two days without doing any sketching or painting. We had things to do both days and the heat is, well, it's an excuse, but I'm determined to get back to it tomorrow.

>137 BLBera: Thanks Beth!

>138 ffortsa: The ice pack idea is one I'll make note of, Judy. So far it has been fine -- it really does cool down when the sun drops below the trees (can you say 12% humidity?), but I think we're in for at least a couple nights that don't bring that relief.

>139 laytonwoman3rd: Thanks Linda. Carson is curled up right next to me this very minute. He's a needy little cat but I only love him.

>140 richardderus: Yay for Frank's wings, Richard! I'm not sure what we'd have done without him. I'm always astounded when that next generation actually seems to WANT to spend time with us. I know I wanted to spend time with my (much older) sister, and my favorite Tennessee aunt, but somehow this seems different. I suspect it's just the illusion of point of view.

I'm enjoying The Librarianist. It's certainly a change of pace from Don Winslow. It feels similar to the work of Elizabeth Strout. I loved The Sisters Brothers and I'm not sure this will live up to that but it's good so far.

Welcome home to Oregon!! Hoping this hot weather leaves us in a few days. Yeesh. I have The Librarianist in my TBR soonest pile. : ) Take care and unpack a little at a time.

I'm glad you are enjoyingThe Librarianist, Ellen. Unfortunately I didn't , but I loved The Sisters Brothers.

Happy to see you checking in! Yay for getting moved and settling in. Good to hear Carson is adjusting well.

Hooray for a successful move, Ellen, and for 12% humidity. It's at 57% here in Maine, driving the heat index up to 102F, but it's better than when I was in NYC this past weekend where the humidity was 94%!

I too am on the move. I am now back in Kansas. This time I brought a van load of my patio decorations: pots, tools, and a couple of pieces of furniture. I am getting up earlier in the mornings to unload the van because the temperature here is forecasted to be 100 today and tomorrow.

My sister is coming tomorrow and will be here for two weeks while we clean out things from the house and close up my mothers estate. Starting July 1 the bills for this house are all mine and I now have a target date of moving - October 15th. It will be a good time of year to move as it will be much cooler both in Alabama and in Kansas. In the meantime, I am plan to bring one van load at a time.

>145 Berly: Thanks Beth. I'm losing sleep with red flag warnings every day. Ugh. But we have a fire evacuation kit at the ready. I just hope we never have to use it.

I was underwhelmed by The Librarianist. The latter quarter or so was better and the ending was strong, but I was bored with the middle section. I loved The Sisters Brothers!

>146 vancouverdeb: I agree, Deb, that The Librarianist was disappointing. The Sisters Brothers was so very good, I want him to repeat that level of writing.

>147 SuziQoregon: Thanks Juli. It feels good to be "home," at least for the next year or so. This area is so incredibly beautiful. Just crossing my fingers for no fires in the near vicinity this summer.

>148 labfs39: Hi Lisa. The down side of the low humidity is fire danger and here we are pretty much surrounded by beautiful but vulnerable Ponderosa Pine forests. Still, I'm enjoying the setting.

>149 benitastrnad: Hi Benita. Your plans for the move sound good, both in managing the work load and navigating the heat. Good luck with all the details!

I finished The Librarianist last night. It ended stronger than I thought it would but it absolutely did not live up to Patrick deWitt's The Sisters Brothers. The narrative voice in this one kept reminding me of John Irving whose early works I loved. It was also, at least initially, reminiscent of Elizabeth Strout's work in some ways -- the story of a quiet life with drama in the everyday rather than thriller-level plot twists. I think the section about Bob's relationship with Connie and Ethan just fell flat for me. The sisters June and Ida from his childhood were much more fun.

Next up: House on Endless Waters by Emunah Elon, a shared read with Beth and Kim. I picked up my copy at the Deschutes County Library where I'm now a proud card-holder. 😀

>150 EBT1002: I also hope the fires won't be a problem - for you and of course for all of us. Though a recent move does make contemplating evacuations more of a burden.

It sounds like you had quite the move, Ellen. Good that things are pared down for the next one! Nice that everything (and one) arrived intact and that you are back reading again.

>142 EBT1002: I shoot for "dailyish" but it is easy for the days to slip away.

>144 EBT1002: I just found The Librarianist on my shelf. It fits with my book theme but may wait based on your review.

>131 EBT1002: Moving sounds like a huge deal. I hope to do it approximately no more times in my lifetime. We have lived here for about 18 years now, the first one we have bought. I could maybe give it a makeover one day, but we love this neighbourhood for now.

>152 EBT1002: I have yet to read Patrick De Witt's The Sisters Brothers, it came highly recommended by a few LTers!! Reminiscent of John Irving/ Elizabeth Strout though!!! Sounds pretty good to me!

oh it is excellent, a fav of the now defunct online bookgroup I was in the early 2000s. Need to reread it

Hi Ellen, hope that you are settling in, and enjoying Central Oregon.

Has anyone told Deschutes County about you? Seems like a good idea to give them some warning that a Reader has set up residence.

Read well this weekend, Ellen!

Are you getting a lot of smoke, Ellen? We're getting quite a bit here in the Bitterroot and "they" are identifying the source as Oregon fires.

Are you in Oregon, Ellen? I see you're a member of the Deschutes County Library. I will be in Corvallis in August and hope to have a meetup August 10-13.

>154 quondame: Thanks Susan. We had some really hot days and there are fires all over the state but so far none very close to us. I have stuff packed and ready in case we need to evacuate.

>155 Familyhistorian: Thanks Meg. I'm quite happy to have the move behind us!

>156 witchyrichy: Hi Karen. I think daily-ish is a good description of my sketching and watercolor practice. The Librarianist was good, just not as good as The Sisters Brothers.

>157 LovingLit: Hi Megan. To be clear, The Librarianist reminded me of Strout and Irving. The Sisters Brothers was its own thing and, for me, a better read.

>158 cindydavid4: The Sisters Brothers was a favorite read for me, too, cindy.

>159 banjo123: Hi Rhonda. We went on a lovely 6-mile hike along the Metolius River today. Now that it has cooled off, we're starting to really enjoy central Oregon!

>160 richardderus: Haha Richard. I get the feeling little Sisters, Oregon has its share of readers. It has an excellent bookshop for such a small town. *smile*

>161 streamsong: We are getting a good (bad?) bit of smoke, Janet. Eastern Oregon is experiencing several big fires, two of them approaching 200K acres each. It's really bad. There are also significant fires on the west side of the Cascade Mountains but your smoke is probably coming from the Malheur and Baker City region. So sad and scary.

>162 The_Hibernator: Rachel, yes, we are in central Oregon. I'd love to participate in a meetup if it can work out. Coincidentally, a friend of ours from Corvallis is coming over here the weekend of August 9-10. I don't think she's staying all weekend so I might be able to trek over to Corvallis for a day.

We got a wee bit of smoke today, but it seemed to disappear quite quickly. Sorry you are getting such bad smoke. Our smoke is likely coming from Spences Bridge in BC, or really, any number of wild fires around BC. It has cooled off a little bit here today too. I'm glad you and P enjoyed your hike.

the northern part of our state, the places where we from drier parts go to get some relief from the heat have been severely restricted due to fires. Most of them are from lightening, from our seasona monsoon showers. the rest are questionable. Going to San Diego soon crossing my fingers the fires wont follow us there

I look forward to catching up with you on Sunday, Ellen. When we were in Tahoe, it seemed hazy a lot, and I noticed an irritated throat.

Hi, Ellen. I know you have been super preoccupied with the new house and other things but I wanted to shoot you a reminder- I have you down as doing a shared read of The Winter Soldier in August. Stasia and I will be starting it early in the month.

We sure miss seeing you around.

>171 msf59: We sure miss seeing you around.
I second that! I hope all is well with you and P, Ellen.

I finished Strange Flowers by Donal Ryan last night and I'm giving it five stars. I love how the threads of the story gradually untwined and Ryan's beautiful prose. Beautiful.

>168 vancouverdeb: The smoke was terrible yesterday and we woke up this morning to clear, crisp air. Quick, open the windows!! *smile* I don't want to hurry the summer away but I'm ready for fire season to end.

>169 cindydavid4: I hope San Diego gives you a bit of relief, cindy-- it's definitely a tough year for fires and smoke all across the western part of the country.

>170 BLBera: It was great connecting, Beth. I'm glad we both enjoyed House on Endless Waters.

>171 msf59: Hi Mark! I was just remembering about The Winter Soldier in August. Since Seattle Public Library's online services are STILL down due to the ransomware attack, I'll need to acquire a copy. It gives me a good reason to head to the lovely local bookshop!

Thank you for your kind words. We're actually pretty settled now and I have plenty of time on my hands so I will be around more. The WiFi is usually - but not always - pretty good. It can be a limiting factor. If P or we are watching something on tv, I often have to disconnect my device.

>172 lauralkeet: Thanks for the sentiments, Laura. We are doing well and, as our finicky WiFi allows, I'll be on LT more in the coming months.

>173 EBT1002: funny coincidence, I just finished All We Shall Know last night, also by Donal Ryan. Another one with threads that gradually untwine. It's the first book of his I've read but I have a feeling it won't be the last.

>177 lauralkeet: Strange Flowers is my third by Donal Ryan, Laura, and my favorite so far. I read and very much liked both From a Low and Quiet Sea and The Queen of Dirt Island. I'll be looking for a copy of All We Shall Know.

I've started The Winter Soldier and so far it's quite enjoyable.

Popping in to say HI! Loved catching up with you. Hoping the skies stay clear and the WiFi cooperates. Looking forward to Octavia Butler with you!

>178 EBT1002: My library has four Donal Ryan novels (besides All We Shall Know and I've added them all to my list for future hold requests: From a Low and Quiet Sea, The Queen of Dirt Island, The Spinning Heart, and The Thing About December. He's one of those authors, like Claire Keegan and Carys Davies, with a gift for telling an exceptional story in less than 250 pages (and often less than 200).

Count me in as a huge Donal Ryan fan too. I've loved them all and am eagerly awaiting the next one. I'm curious to hear how you like The Winter Soldier - I think it might end up in my top ten this year.

>180 Berly: Hi Kim! I'm looking forward to The Parable of the Sower with you and Beth. I'll probably read it after I finish the so-far excellent The Winter Soldier.

>181 lauralkeet: I think I'll put All We Shall Know on hold at the library, Laura. I've finally figured out how to access Seattle Public Library via Libby (their legacy system seems to have been permanently crashed by the ransomware attack).

>182 vivians: It's early yet but so far I'm really liking The Winter Soldier, Vivian. The prose is wonderful.

I got out my copy of Parable of the Sower. I look forward to a reread. I hope the smoke is better, Ellen.

>150 EBT1002: I was underwhelmed by The Librarianist too. I still need to get to The Sisters Brothers!

>173 EBT1002: I really need to read more of Ryan's books. To date, I have read exactly 1.

>183 EBT1002: I am about 100 pages into The Winter Soldier and very much enjoying it. I hope we both continue to do so!

Nice to see all the admiration for Donal Ryan here. From a Low and Quiet Sea and The Queen of Dirt Island were winners for me, and I have a copy of Strange Flowers on the shelf.

It's good to see you posting again, Ellen. I'm glad to hear you feel mostly settled, and I certainly hope fire season is winding down.

>184 BLBera: The smoke has been better despite two consecutive days above 100F. Tomorrow is supposed to be cooler. I sure hope so!

>185 alcottacre: Hi Stasia! I'm truly a fan of Donal Ryan. And I'm sitting here with Carson on my lap, reading The Winter Soldier. I just finished chapter 6 (page 107, according to my Kindle) and I'm continuing to enjoy the story and the writing.

>186 laytonwoman3rd: I hope you enjoy Strange Flowers when you get to it, Linda.

Fire season will likely last into and perhaps through September, at least. On this morning's bike ride, savoring being surrounded by beautiful Ponderosa Pine forest, I began hoping for an early first snowfall this autumn.

I've been painting a series of loose florals and now I'm digging back into limited-palette abstract landscapes. When I get stressed out about politics, painting is really soothing. Oh, and we've been watching some of the Olympics. I enjoy the swimming and women's gymnastics, and I look forward to some track and field competition.

Here is one of my favorite loose florals from yesterday's painting session. It's on 5x7 watercolor paper.

>190 EBT1002: That's lovely, Ellen!

>190 EBT1002: I love the colors you chose, Ellen, and the loose shapes look to me like blooms illuminated from behind.

Happy weekend-ahead's reads!

>190 EBT1002: - Oh, I love that, Ellen! Well done.

>190 EBT1002: Oooh...I like it!

>190 EBT1002: Lovely!

Have a wonderful weekend, Ellen!

>190 EBT1002: Delightful!

>190 EBT1002: Ellen, that is absolutely gorgeous! The colors are soothing and yet the magenta-pink also really pops.

>190 EBT1002: That would make a lovely card design. I would buy it! My daughter used to do a lot of art, and we made cards for personal use using Shutterfly.

>190 EBT1002: Love it Ellen.

>190 EBT1002: Beautiful!!

>190 EBT1002: That is lovely, Ellen!

>190 EBT1002: joining the chorus of praise for this lovely watercolor. Lovely colors and balance.

Thank you, Darryl, Richard, Katie, Linda, Stasia, Susa, Laura, Lisa, Caroline, Juli, Beth, and Judy, for the kind words regarding my painting. I'm really enjoying exploring this new (for me) creative outlet. Oh, and it turns out that buying art supplies is similar to buying books -- almost as much fun as using/reading them and sort of its own separate hobby. Haha.

In reading, I finished The Winter Soldier by Daniel Mason last night and I'm giving it 4.5 stars. Set in Eastern Europe during WWI, it's a wonderful read. Margarete is a character I think I'll never forget.

Up next: Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler.

>203 EBT1002: I gave The Winter Soldier 4.25 stars, so very close to your 4.5. I very much enjoyed the read and look forward to reading more of Mason's books.

>204 alcottacre: I waffled between 4.0 and 4.5, Stasia, so we're right on with each other. I just don't go as fine as quarter points. :-)

I quite enjoyed North Woods earlier this year. Maybe I need to find a copy of The Piano Tuner.

Checking in about the Booker Prize long list. I've read Held (4.5 stars), James (4.5 stars), and Wandering Stars (4 stars). I'm not sure yet which others I want to read this time around.

I also gave James 4.5 stars, Ellen. I started reading Wandering Stars eatlrlier today, and Orbital and My Friends are on deck.

>205 EBT1002:
Piano Tuner by Daniel Mason was one of my personal best books of the year back in 2010. I am glad to be participating in this group read because I think he is a very very good author. Mason deserves a wider readership.

>207 kidzdoc: I hope you enjoy Wandering Stars, Darryl. I've put a couple more nominees on hold at the library, including Orbital. I'm trying to keep my commitment not to buy books at least until they are released in softcover. The Booker Prize nominees usually tempt me....

>208 benitastrnad: Good to know about The Piano Tuner, Benita. I'll reserve it at the library. I agree that Mason deserves a wider readership.

>190 EBT1002: Absolutely gorgeous! I also find I can escape the outside world through creating. Get in the flow.

>210 witchyrichy: Thanks Karen!

Borrowing from Karen who borrowed from Deb, the Booker Prize long list:

Wild Houses by Colin Barrett - in library queue
Headshot by Rita Bullwinkel
✅ James by Percival Everett - 4.5 stars
Orbital by Samantha Harvey - in library queue
Creation Lake by Rachel Kushner
My Friends by Hisham Matar
✅ Held by Anne Michaels - 4.5 stars
This Strange Eventful History by Claire Messud - in library queue
✅ Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange - 4 stars
Enlightenment by Sarah Perry
Playground by Richard Powers
The Safekeep by Yael van der Wouden
Stone Yard Devotional by Charlotte Wood

Sweet Thursday, Ellen. I love your floral painting. You landed a solid BB, with Strange Flowers. I love Irish fiction and have not read this author. I am thoroughly enjoying The Winter Soldier and moving right along. The doctor has returned to Vienna. I was reminded of The English Patient at times, especially when the title character arrived.

>212 EBT1002: I want to read several of these. I highly recommend Orbital. Wandering Stars fell short for me.

I loved Orbital, Ellen. I think it's one you might like. >212 EBT1002: It seems like a good list; there are several that I have been wanting to read.

I'm glad you are excited about the Booker Long List too. So far I have read My Friends and This Strange Eventful History . I'm about 50 pages in to The Safekeep and it's good so far. I own James and Enlightenment , so I will get to those too, as well as any that interest me. I'm glad you liked Held, I'll put a hold on it at my library.

Hi Ellen. Your painting is lovely and I think the peace it gives you shows in your subjects.

Good to see that you have settled in to your new home. Any pics to share? Has Carson given the paws up?

How is your sister doing? This year has been quite the roller coaster for all of you...

>205 EBT1002: Ah OK, Ellen. I wish I did finer than quarter stars at times, lol. My local library has a copy of North Woods and I am hopeful of getting to it soon.

>206 EBT1002: I am currently reading This Strange Eventful History which is going slowly. Unfortunately I am limited by what my local library has and that is only a few of them. I have James on hold and should have it read by the end of the month. I am disappointed that it does not have Held.

Have a wonderful weekend!

>213 msf59: Hi Mark. I think Donal Ryan's work is right up your alley. I hope you do read some of his work.

I'm glad you're enjoying The Winter Soldier and super glad for the shared read. I think it will be one of my top reads of the year.

I have Orbital on hold at the library. It may be a few weeks before I get it.

>214 BLBera: I wondered if the Booker list would interest you this year, Beth, as it is less male-dominated than usual. I'm looking forward to Orbital, especially now that both you and Mark have recommended it!

>215 vancouverdeb: Hi Deb. You've done a lot of reading from the Booker long list so far! I think you'll like James; it was definitely a highlight of my reading so far this year.

>216 jessibud2: Hi Shelley. It has indeed been a year. Thanks for asking about my sister. She took a bad fall about 1-2 weeks ago and broke her orbital bone!! She spent one night in hospital and they determined there was no damage to the eyeball or lens. Thank goodness.

Carson has edged into a difficult patch. He gets very anxious at night, paces and yowls through the night. This is not good for sleep. There don't appear to be animals coming around but I spent last night sleeping on the couch downstairs to help soothe him. He was a little better but something's got to give. I'll be calling a vet tomorrow to talk about anti anxiety medication for him. He's on a Calming Care probiotic but we may have to resort to true pharmaceuticals. He sleeps happily all day (especially if he can be on a lap) but is agitated all night long.

Thanks for the kind words about my painting. I'm enjoying it a lot.

>217 alcottacre: Hi Stasia. I have This Strange Eventful History on hold. I think they said I have an estimated 7 weeks to wait. :-/

I broke a crown or lost a filling or something Thursday evening. Ugh. It's a bit more painful each day, although still managed mostly with ibuprofen, and I see a new-to-me dentist on Tuesday. Meanwhile, I'm chewing on the right side of my mouth.

Oh, and, in reading ... I'm enjoying Parable of the Sower. It's not roaring along but it's definitely interesting and Octavia Butler was perhaps more prescient than I wish.

We've been fairly lazy while the Olympics were happening and it's been hot and smoky. Carson has loved all the lap time! We're now going into a cooler spell (high tomorrow predicted to be 79F!!) and the smoke has mostly dissipated so tomorrow we have a hike planned. Yay! We live in the middle of nature and I need to get out in it. Then I'm going to spend my afternoon practicing painting trees. You see why reading is going so much more slowly for me these days....

Good luck with the dentist. I hope Carson settles down. Do you think it's the move?

Yes, there are a few on the Booker longlist that interest me. I am waiting for my turn with James and the Messud book. Stone Yard Devotional also sounds good.

Have you considered perhaps getting Carson a younger cat?

Awww, poor sweet Carson. I'm sure he's reacting to the move, but it's really hard to know how to help them. I hope the vet has some good ideas. We've used medication on dogs and it's been helpful.

This is a profound quote from Parable of the Sower. It seems like a pedestrian little paragraph but it struck me as the central theme of the novel and the essence of optimism:
"The world is full of painful stories. Sometimes it seems as though there aren't any other kind and yet I found myself thinking how beautiful that glint of water was through the trees."

>222 EBT1002: I feel your pain, really. I have one crown and developed an abscess under it. Since the crown is 18 years old, I guess it's had a good life. Anyway, I'm having a root canal tomorrow and a new crown put on Thursday. Fun couple of days.

>223 EBT1002: Octavia Butler was perhaps more prescient than I wish

Scarily so unfortunately. Do you plan to read the sequel?

>225 BLBera: We just don't know what's got Carson agitated, Beth. He seemed to have adjusted to the move and then, a couple weeks ago, he went bonkers. Last night was much better. He started getting agitated as it got dark out, but we sat up watching an old episode of Death in Paradise on BritBox, he settled down with us, and he had a much better night. *shrug*

>226 BLBera: I'm looking forward to reading the Messud book, as well.

>227 ronincats: We have indeed considered getting Carson a baby sister kitten, Roni. If we had done so when we first brought him home from the humane society, I think things would have been better. Now we're hesitant to bring another animal into the home and, TBH, Prudence is kind of done with pets. I think she feels we'd be better able to travel if we didn't have to worry about a pet or pets. And we're getting older.... Between you and me, she's really best with older cats who need less active play and interaction.

>228 lauralkeet: Thanks Laura. As I told Beth above, last night was better but yes, the move has been a bit hard on him. And we'll be moving again within a year or so!

>230 labfs39: Ugh - good luck with the root canal and new crown, Lisa!

I'm not sure whether I'll read the sequel to Parable of the Sower. Depending on how this ends, I may be curious about where Lauren's journey goes next.

Ouch for the lost crown. I hope you can resolve that in a hurry.

I just had a discussion about dogs with friends who have two. They imported a rescue from somewhere south of us about a year ago, and he's quite difficult, barking at everyone and menacing to hands. I wouldn't be able to put up with that. But that aside, we had always said we would get a dog when we retired, and now that we are well retired, we don't want the complications of a pet. So I completely understand P.

>234 ffortsa: Hi Judy. I also understand P and, honestly, I regularly think life would be less complicated without animals. Then Carson crawls up onto my lap, as he is right now, and I can't imagine not having him! It's a sacrifice either way.

>223 EBT1002: theres a BB !Love that quote, and its a Octavia Butler I havent read. perfect

Ohh, sorry about the lost crown or filling. I hope the new dentist is very good and you soon have that sorted out. Sorry to read about your sister and her fall and the fracture to her orbital bone. Oh dear! As far as pets go, we have out nearly 11 year old dog Poppy. We find we can't travel as she is well, very lovable but challenging to care for. We are used to it, but she will growl at us if we pat her when she doesn't want to pet, or even put teeth on her. If she is stressed, she wont eat, so I think we could not really leave her with anyone. We have a dog walker once a week and Poppy stayed with her a couple of times with no problem, but our dog walker no longer boards dogs. So yes it is hard. I am sorry Carson is going through a difficult time.

>222 EBT1002: Fingers crossed that the new dentist can help you.

>236 cindydavid4: Parable of the Sower was a good read, Cindy.

>237 vancouverdeb: Thanks so much, Deb. I have seen pics of sweet-but-difficult Poppy. Like you, I take my commitment to animals very seriously, so we'll do what needs to be done. I admit that last night, when I was lying awake with tooth pain and Carson started meowing for attention, I had a moment of despair about keeping him. We will keep him. That is that. But it is hard sometimes.

>238 Ameise1: Thanks Barbara. More about the dental adventures in my next post.

I saw the dentist on Tuesday and loved, loved, loved him. Calm, competent, respectful, with just the right touch of appropriate humor. Walked me through my options, gave me good info about pros and cons of each. SO - the tooth is cracked and the option I chose is extraction and an implant. That surgery is scheduled for August 28. It means 7 days of NO. CHEWING. after the surgery. Not just soft food. Uber-soft food! Food that can be eaten without chewing. Mashed potatoes, yogurt, ice cream, pudding, broth, bananas. Anyway, all good and well except that last night the pain spiked a bit and it was unrelenting through the night. I can handle the pain but I got concerned that an infection might be developing. I called this morning and the dentist shared that concern. I see him again this afternoon and he may get me started on antibiotics now instead of waiting until the day before the surgery. We'll see.

P and I were supposed to go for a bike ride today with new local friends, out to Smith Rock, a famous climbing spot, to watch the climbers, and then to the nearby alpaca farm to feed and pet the alpacas. We had to postpone. *sad face*

In reading: I finished and enjoyed Parable of the Sower. I didn't love, love, love it, but definitely appreciated it and enjoyed the main character, Lauren. The whole Earthseed thing just struck me as kind of weird.

I started The Hunter by Tana French yesterday and I think it will be a worthwhile sequel to The Searcher. It's also just about perfect for my current state of mind and concentration (hopefully to improve as soon as the antibiotics kick in, if that is what needs to happen).

>240 EBT1002: Oh no re dental woes! I'm the queen of implants, have a bunch of them. I found an endodontist I really, really trust, and that has made all the difference. Good luck and enjoy The Hunter - I'm a big French fan.

My sympathies regarding the tooth stuff. I had 3 extractions a couple of years ago in anticipation of getting implants, and then I dithered and dithered and now it's been so long, I'm embarrassed to call the oral surgeon to get it done. Sigh. But I will. I must!

Dental must be the word for August. Since I had dental coverage when I retired the University said I could keep it for the $8.88 per month I was paying. I got a letter at the first of August saying that they are dropping this coverage for retirees. I have found replacements but they cost $35.00 per month. Since I have good teeth and have never used my dental insurance for anything but coverage for twice yearly cleanings I am thinking of dropping the dental. However, I have a bit more checking to do before I do that permanently.

I also have to make a decision about vision insurance. That is also being dropped. I have lots of investigating to do this next week in Tuscaloosa.

When I retired one of my retired friends told me that my full time job from the day of my retirement would be to keep track of all my insurances. He is right because I am also having to deal with car and house insurances right now. All of this is making my brain hurt.

Ugh, I'm so sorry to read about your dental woes. These things are always more difficult to handle when you're new to an area and haven't established all those connections yet. So feeling great about the new dentist is a real bonus. Sorry you had to miss an outing with new friends though. I hope it can be rescheduled soon.

>241 vivians: I'm sorry to hear you have several implants, Vivian, although perhaps selfishly glad to know someone who has them and is here to tell the tale. I'm a bit nervous but I want the tooth taken care of. So far, The Hunter is good. I like Trey and Lena and Cal.

>242 katiekrug: Well, I'll let you know how all this goes, Katie. Maybe -- hopefully -- I'll be able to encourage you.

>243 benitastrnad: Sorry to hear about those changes in your insurance, Benita. And I agree with your friend about all the details to remember and manage regarding insurances. It was so bloody easy while still employed (and I'm well aware how lucky I was to have good medical, dental, and vision coverage included in my benefits!).

>244 lauralkeet: Thanks Laura. I will say that everyone in Sisters, Oregon -- bankers, dentist, hair cutters, everyone! -- has been friendly and competent. Thank goodness.

>240 EBT1002: Ouch. a cracked tooth. I'm surprised by the chewing restrictions, though. I've had three teeth extracted (not counting the horrors of wisdom teeth, those vestigial monsters), and two implants, and didn't really have any restrictions of more than a day.

I'm still debating the wisdom of doing the third implant, as it's all the way in the back and I've gotten used to no tooth there. And it's been an expensive year, so far.

>243 benitastrnad: I feel your pain, Benita. I'm very fortunate to have retiree medical coverage. When I retired in 2017 I also had dental, but the company dropped that in 2021. We obtained insurance elsewhere, at higher cost obviously but it didn't break the bank. Now our dentist just notified us they will no longer be in network for any insurance provider, which means we'll pay a portion of each visit. Preventive services won't be too bad, but if either of us needs something more involved ... ugh. We really like this dentist though, so are not likely to switch.

>246 EBT1002: I'm pleased you've had such a good experience finding the services you need Ellen. We've experienced both sides in different moves, but our move to VA turned out very well in that respect.

I've never found dental insurance useful once I retired. They might be good if you don't already have a team of dentists, but at least in NYC, the ones I like don't take any insurance either. The main coverage when I did have employer based insurance was the usual cleaning - it certainly didn't pay for implants. As I recall, not even crowns, unless you used their dentists. So I just bite the bullet, so to speak, and pay up.

Good luck with the tooth treatment Ellen (and good you like your new dentist). I have an appointment on Saturday, a mint extracted an old filling recently, and another tooth needs attention. Fortunately no pain at the moment.

Good luck with all the dental stuff, Ellen. I really enjoyed The Hunter as well. French is a good story teller. I think she's going to write another in this series.

Sweet Thursday, Ellen. I didn't like The Searcher as much as others did, so I had no plans to read The Hunter. Can you change my mind?😀

Well, the surgery has been moved up to tomorrow morning! Let the soft diet begin.

>247 ffortsa: If this tooth were further back, I'd not bother with the implant, Judy. It's just close enough to the front to warrant the action.

>248 lauralkeet: I'm grateful to have the dental insurance. Yes, I'll pay out-of-pocket for some of the cost but my insurance will cover about 65-70% of it. That's worth it for me.

>249 ffortsa: I feel lucky that my insurance has and continues to cover most - but not all - of the cost of crowns and this extraction/implant.

>250 Caroline_McElwee: I hope your appointment goes well, Caroline, and yay for no pain!

>251 BLBera: I'm enjoying The Hunter so far, Beth. It's not gripping thriller territory and there's no literary complexity but, as you say, she tells a good story. And I like her characters. And the dogs!

>252 msf59: Hi Mark. If you didn't enjoy The Searcher enough to continue the series, nothing about The Hunter so far leads me to think you should change your mind. I enjoy Tana French's storytelling and I like her characters, but it's not everyone's cuppa. Thanks for stopping by!

I hope your dental surgery goes perfectly and the soft stuff isn't too much of a trial.

Good luck tomorrow!

do not understand why dental is not covered by medicare. or hearing aids. and when they are covered by private ins prices you pay are ridicuolous

hope all goes well . I was on the liquid diet for two weeks, lived on chocolate power drinks, apple juice and banana pb smoothies. Oh and I was allowed icecream. enjpy the excuse!

Best wishes tomorrow for the extraction, Ellen. Besides my wisdom teeth, I had to get a tooth - a molar extracted in my late 40's. I went to an oral surgeon and it was a quick and painless and healed fast. It was an upper tooth, and I think they are easier. I hope it goes very smoothly and best of luck with the liquid diet and implant. I didn't get an implant because it was a the last molar on my right side, and I didn't feel I needed it.

Our dental is covered by Dave's retirement plan , but it's not much , just $800.00 per year , for each of us. Fortunately it is not a problem for us financially . Hearing aids are not covered either. Vision, but just $250 every two years, I think. But at least medication is paid for, and a semi private room if one of us should need to be in hospital. We do pay $125.00 per month for the plan though.

Good luck with the moved up surgery Ellen, and the baby food.

Best of luck with the dental issues, Ellen. It will be behind you before you know it!

I'd like to say I'll be thinking about you today, Ellen, but really....I'd rather not! Dental work gives me the shivers. I'm very good about daily hygiene, and regular cleanings, because I HOPE that helps stave off the more serious stuff. Seriously, though, I wish you an easy time of this.

Happy Birthday, Ellen. I hope your mouth isn't bothering you too much and that you can celebrate!

Happy birthday! If you can't eat cake, I bet ice cream would work!

It's your birthday?!?!

Happy Birthday!

Happy birthday Ellen! Today is my half-birthday, so please send me half of your cake.

Addng my birthday wishes Ellen. Yes, if cold doesn't annoy your teeth, ice cream to celebrate. What is your favourite flavour. Rum and raisin or pistachio for me.

Happy Birthday, Ellen!

I'm sorry cake is not currently an option. The universe owes you!

Happy Birthday! Hope the dental work went well.

A belated Happy Birthday. I hope the healing is progressing swiftly.

>266 lauralkeet: I'm such a dope, I forgot you wouldn't be able to eat birthday cake this year. I hope you still managed to celebrate in some fashion, and that you are healing well.

Happy birthday!! Hope your mouth feels better soon.

Personal new year orisons, Ellen!

Hi Ellen! Everyone caught COVID and we didn't go to Corvallis. 🤦‍♀️

Oh bummer!

Hey everyone -- thanks for the good dental wishes! All went well and today is my first day with license to chew again. It has been a week of yogurt, applesauce, soup, ice cream, refried beans....

I got very caught up in watching the Democratic National Convention, unusual for me. I usually pay little attention to them. This one was electric and joyful and hopeful. Fingers crossed for November.

I finished reading Tana French's The Hunter this morning and quite enjoyed it. I'm not sure what I'm reading next.

I also watched the convention, Ellen. I love Michelle Obama.

I'm glad your dental work is going well.

Hi Ellen -- glad the dental work went well and is over now!

We only watched the last night of the convention but thought Kamala did well. I was impressed by her sister too. Crossing fingers, holding breath, anything to help November be OK.

The Convention was the opposite of the RNC, and of most modern conventions. It felt almost like the old-timey ones where the candidate was actually selected by the conventiongoers. Hard to get that much buy-in for an anointure, usually.

Happy slide into fall!

Yay for the dental stuff being over! Phew! I also watched a lot of the convention in our hotel room. My husband (normally a Republican but not this year -- he says his party has died) actually was really impressed and we both thought it uplifting and fun. About time!

I also had a great time watching the convention (when I finally got my TV back). It was great fun and the speakers were so uplifting. I even liked Bill Clinton's speech - though the newscasters thought it lackluster. He had a good time poking fun at himself because 2 days before his speech he turned 78 and made a point of telling the crowd that he was an elder statesman and the same age as the "other candidate."

Great to talk!

Hi Ellen. Roni's visit is coming soon and I'm organizing a meetup. We're planning to meet at 11:30 at Cheryl's Restaurant and then those who wish will go on to Powell's. I'll be making a reservation so please let me know if you can join us. (See Oregon meetups)

>283 RebaRelishesReading: I will definitely be at the meetup on Saturday, September 21!!!

I was impressed by her sister too.

https://chieusangmpe.com/

>284 EBT1002: I'm looking forward to meeting you.

I'm coming!! : )

I really enjoyed A Dark Redemption by Stav Sherez. It's a suspenseful thriller set in London with back-story centered in war-torn Uganda 20 years prior. Tense, propulsive, and dark.

Now I'm reading A Novel Bookstore by Lawrence Cossé, translated from the French by Alison Anderson.

Have I mentioned that Prudence and I booked a week in Paris in October? *smile*

Congrats on your Paris week!

I enjoyed A Novel Bookstore. I just started Let Us Descend and it is amazing so far, hard to read, but amazing.

>288 EBT1002: I love Paris Ellen, have a lovely time.

Paris 😍 sounds wonderful. When will you be there?

>288 EBT1002: Paris!? Did the Olympics inspire? (of course, I could be bah humbug as you previously had NZ plans, but I choose to be happy for you ;))

Glad the tooth got sorted out! Teeth can really get in the way of a pain-free life! In related news...my friend recently did 2 weeks of a liquid-only diet to clear up a stomach issue, I really don't know how she handled it. I would hate to have my greatest love (food) unavailable to me.

>288 EBT1002: So many people tell me that Autumnal Paris is the best Paris, Ellen. I am sure that you will both love it.

I enjoyed A Novel Bookstore by Laurence Cossé. Set in Paris (*smile*), it's a love story -- about the love of reading and the complicated love between people. But it's not a romance; if anything, it's a slow-paced mystery. Ivan and Francesca decide to establish the kind of bookstore they wish existed, one that only stocks truly great novels (as determined by a secret committee of eight literary "experts"). The bookstore, hugely popular with Paris reading society, elicits hostility and even threats from, well, from whom?

>289 BLBera: Ack! I need to start reading Let Us Descend! I got distracted by my collection of Europa Editions.

>290 Caroline_McElwee: Thank you, Caroline. We've been to Paris once, in 2007, for just four days. I'm excited about this trip.

>291 Ameise1: I'm pretty excited about our Paris trip, Barbara. We'll be there October 12-19. Yay!

>292 LovingLit: Actually, Megan, we were indeed inspired by the Olympics. We will still be coming to NZ but it will be in October or November of 2025.

>293 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Paul. I'm definitely looking forward to it!

For our Paris visit, we've booked a day at the Louvre and a day at Versailles. Other than that, we have a couple more museums we want to visit but we're planning to do a lot of just walking around the city. There will be consumption of pastries. And wine. Maybe not together, though. Haha.

I guess I did Paris wrong because I consumed wine and pastries together on more than one occasion 😁

>296 EBT1002: Fauchon! oh my heck, the fanciest, prettiest little nibbles of glory ever! I hope that features, along with Shakespeare & Company. Gave a great meetup to come, too.

>296 EBT1002: As with London you are spoilt with museums in Paris. This is one of my favourites:

The Guimet

https://www.guimet.fr/en

Lesser known and not generally heaving with visitors, though it is some years since I was last there Ellen.

Happy Wednesday, Ellen. Enjoy your Seattle trip and your Meet Up with the Portland group. Tell everyone I miss them.

There are so many delights in Paris! I know you'll have a great time.

>296 EBT1002: Sounds like fun!

>295 EBT1002: We will be in Paris in the autumn as well Ellen, but from 21st to 26th. I think we will be doing a lot of walking as well. I've just bought Paris Walks which looks good for wandering about.

>296 EBT1002: That sounds great.

I am about halfway through When God Was a Rabbit by Sarah Winman and it's wonderful. It started out a bit slow but it keeps taking my breath away. What an incredible writer she is.

Enjoy Paris, Ellen! You are keeping very busy.

>305 EBT1002: - I really loved that one, too, Ellen. I believe it was one of my first ER wins after I joined LT.

>297 katiekrug: lol Katie. You know I'll likely do the same when it comes down to it.

>298 richardderus: oh, Richard, Shakespeare and Company is DEFINITELY on the Paris agenda!!

>305 EBT1002: I LOVED that one!

>309 BLBera: Hi Ellen - I'm echoing the love for Sarah Winman. I loved Tin Man and Still Life even more. Eagerly awaiting her next. Shakespeare and Co rivals all the other Parisian sites in my opinion! Well, maybe not the Musee d'Orsay.:)