Anita ( figs) Cozying up to fall ( Thread #6)

Welcome to my 6th thread! The fall season has arrived and with that wonderful temperatures, beautiful colours and lots of cozy time to read!

My rating system

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

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

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

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

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

5= Absolutely perfect!

Books Read in January

Books Read In February

Books Read in March

Books Read In April

Books Read In May

Books Read in August


Books Read in September

Books Read In October



Books Read In November

September Stats

September was a great reading month. After the summer reading slump, things are getting back on track. I managed to read nine books :)

Male author: 7
Female: 2
Total pages: 3271
Average per day: 109
Longest book:464 pages
Shortest: 206
Average: 363

Most Disappointing: Reproduction
Most interesting: Lost Moon

"Listen! The wind is rising, and the air is wild with leaves/ We have had our summer evenings, now for October eves!" —Humbert Wolfe

Welcome!

Happy new one, Anita! Today's weather will have me wearing a heavy fall sweater when I go out shortly! Loving it!

>12 figsfromthistle: I quite enjoy this weather as well. Just perfect.

Here, have a pumpkin latte to warm yourself up.

Happy new thread, Anita.

>15 BLBera: thanks, Beth :)

Happy new thread, Anita!

Happy new thread, Anita!
You are right, fall ist a wonderful season - and your picture too.

Happy new thread! It hasn't quite hit fall weather where I live, but the forecast looks promising for cooler temps, and I'm so excited!

>17 katiekrug: Thanks, Katie

>18 SirThomas: Hi Thomas. I found the picture on line and thought it was a perfect fall depiction.

>19 kaylin_b: Hi Kaylin. Welcome :)

New-thread orisons, frumpy-tomato harvester!

Happy new thread, Anita. Thanks for the latte!

>1 figsfromthistle: Envious of the Fall colour Anita.

Happy new thread Anita!

Happy New Thread, Anita! What a lovely topper ! We don't get that kind of colour in my area of BC, thanks to the preponderance of evergreens.

Happy new thread, Anita.

Autumn is my favourite season (not that we get them here in Malaysia).

>21 richardderus: *snork* Thanks, Richard

*smooch*

>22 Kristelh: thanks!

>23 Caroline_McElwee: we have not hit this fall color yet but in three weeks it should look close to the picture

>24 quondame: Howdy doody!

>25 vancouverdeb: At least you have green views in the winter :)

>26 PaulCranswick: Hi Paul. Autumn is quite breathtaking

Happy October, Anita. Happy New Thread. Lovely fall topper. No books read in October? WTH? LOL.

>29 msf59: Ha ha! Soon :)

Happy new one, Anita!

>31 drneutron: Nice to see you, doc!

Hi Anita my dear, Happy New Thread dear friend.

>33 johnsimpson: Thanks,John!

Happy New Thread, Anita.

>1 figsfromthistle: Wonderful fall colours. Looking forward to it.

Happy new thread Anita!

>35 EllaTim: Hi Ella! Nice to see you around. Are you all settled in your new place?

>36 humouress: Thanks!

Happy new thread, Anita! Gorgeous topper! I'm looking forward to the fall weather.

Happy new Thread, Anita!

>37 figsfromthistle: Still working on it. Some repairs are needed, that I have to ask the landlord to do. And lots of smaller or larger stuff. I need new, warmer, curtains for instance. I’ll get there!

>38 atozgrl: Thanks! this time of the year, I make it a point to take time to take in the view.

>39 Ravenwoodwitch: thank you :)

>40 EllaTim: Ah the little touches that make a home feel cozy always take a bit. Enjoy!

Happy Friday!

Tomorrow, my parents are celebrating 50 years marriage!! Quite a milestone. As a family we celebrated today. It was a nice day. Tomorrow, they are spending the day together. Dad has some kind of surprise planned so I am sure they will have a great day.

Yesterday, I decorated the inside and some of the outside of my home for fall. It is beginning to look festive. The day was spent weeding flower beds, and cutting dead branches and flowers. Grass was cut and trimming the edges. Ten more maple trees - small ones propagated in the spring were planted as well. I also put wiring around them to protect from the rabbits. All in all a great productive Thursday.

This weekend will be less productive as I have to work. I have started reading the capital of Dreams

Wow! Fifty years of marriage! Congratulations to your parent's, Anita, and Happy Anniversary to them.

>43 vancouverdeb: Thanks, Deborah. It is quite the milestone for them. My mom was 19 when she got married. Both were young but were able to "grow" together.

Happy Anniversary to your parents, Anita.

>42 figsfromthistle: ...and nary a murder...impressive. Happy next-50 to the saintly sort!

Happy Anniversary to your parents, Anita.

>42 figsfromthistle: Fifty years! Congratulations to your parents. That’s a golden wedding isn’t it?

Show us a picture of your house when you are done decorating? And I love maple trees, well done, planting ten of them.

>45 Kristelh: Thanks! They had a nice day together

>46 richardderus: Ha! I am sure at times there were close calls ;)

>47 SirThomas: Hi Thomas! I did make a black forest cake for them

>48 EllaTim: Hi Ella!

I planted a total of 20 maple trees last week. A lot of maples caught a disease and died so they need to be cut down. So it was essential to plant some to get the balance back in the forest.

I do have a picture of the side entrance of the breezeway. Just simple decoration that looks good from a distance. I try to minimize things I have to water because I am prone to forget. This year I grew some pumpkins for the decorations.

Beautiful cake and nice picture. Enjoy your Sunday, if your working, hope all goes smoothly.

>49 figsfromthistle: Ooo

I want a slice! It looks mouthwatering.

Enjoy the week ahead!

>49 figsfromthistle: That looks delicious Anita.

>50 figsfromthistle: Very nice.

>51 Kristelh: It was a good working weekend. Hope you had a great weekend!

>52 richardderus: It was delicious. It is looking to be a great week weather wise. Hopefully I can get some garden things done

>53 Caroline_McElwee: Hi! Hope you have a great start to the week.

Happy anniversary to your parents. What was your dad's surprise?

Belated congrats to your parents and to all your hard work. The entryway looks great

>47 SirThomas: This looks very tasty, is there enough Black Forest Kirschwasser in it?
My wife's family recipe contains quite a bit of this yummy alcohol...

>55 humouress: They went out to see a play and he took her to a jewelry store and had her pick something out.

>56 jessibud2: Thanks! I wanted to try something simple and something that does not require a lot of maintenance :)

>57 SirThomas: Oh there was plenty of alcohol. I took some homemade Kirschwasser and put it in base of the cake and in the whipping cream. Needless to say , the cake was plenty tipsy ;) i am assuming you enjoy that ingredient in the cake as well?

Happy anniversary to your parents, Anita. Sounds like a wonderful celebration.

>59 msf59: They had a nice day together.

>58 figsfromthistle: Yes, but I prefer to have the ingredient in a jar next to the cake ;-).

>61 SirThomas: Ha ha 😂

>49 figsfromthistle: Happy anniversary to your parents! That cake looks scrumptious. My mouth is watering.

>50 figsfromthistle: I like the minimal decoration. It looks really good!

>63 atozgrl: glad you like the decorations!

>50 figsfromthistle: Maples disease? That’s a shame. Good for you for replanting.
Your house: I like that look, nice!

>65 EllaTim: The stress of the gypsy moth two years in a row was too much for the older trees. A shame but nothing could be done to save them.

Happy new thread, Anita and happy anniversary to your parents. 😃

>67 Ameise1: Nice to see you. Thanks! Happy mid week :)

58. The Capital Of Dreams: Heather O'Neill

Fourteen year old Sofia is forced to leave the Capital of Elysia due to the imminent occupation of the enemy. Her mother sends a book with her that she ends up losing while fleeing from soldiers shooting. While on the run, she gains a companion ( a talking goose). They travel a great distance to find the black market and meet fellow enemies and citizens who have changed loyalties and would do anything to survive. Sofia must navigate the war but also decide the kind of woman she will be.

This is a bit different from her other books. At first I did not like it but as I have finished reading, it is a story that begins to grow on you.

3.5/5

It's Wednesday!

A office day for me filled with annoying things to do. I can't get anything done working from home so I set myself up at the library for the day.

Garden things: Looking grim. I took out all of the tomato plants. The nights are getting cooler and the tomatoes that were red just did not taste good anymore. On the plus side I am still harvesting beans, carrots and beets. I have lots of endive. It is slightly bitter but will change once he first frost comes. I also cut all of the dead raspberry canes and will have to plant garlic soon.

I am slowly preparing the outside for winter. Getting the wood piles sorted and brought out to the front will take some time yet. I have brought the snowblower forward and have to prepare the barn for the chickens so I can transfer them over easily when the really cold weather hits. I already put tarps over some of the benches around the property ( 10 in total). Two near the front are still uncovered as they are still in use. Patio furniture from the north side has also been stored away. All these little tasks seem to take forever.

On Monday, I am heading to Toronto to visit my 94 year old cousin. I have to work on the weekend so it will be interesting. My mom and I will make a traditional thanksgiving meal and bring it up with us. I am also going to bring her potatoes, beets, lettuce and cabbage from the garden. A nice harvest gift :)

I realize that I forgot to post my list of books I bought for my thingaversary in August.

1.The Clockwork Dynasty:Daniel H. Wilson
2 Underland: A Deep Time Journey : Robert Macfarlane
3. Birnam Wood:Eleanor Catton
4 Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents : Isabel Wilkerson
5.The Lost Massey Lectures: Recovered Classics from Five Great Thinkers (CBC Massey Lecture) by CBC
6.Montrose by Susan Graham Kinsella
7.Aufklärung und Gegenaufklärung in der europäischen Literatur, Philosophie und Politik von der Antike bis zur Gegenwart by Jochen Schmidt
8.Das Goethebild des 20. Jahrhunderts by Heinz Kindermann
9.Exercices de survie by Scholastique Mukasonga
10.Transitions: Making Sense of Life's Changes by William Bridges

Oh, you've had a lot to do in the garden.
Have a great time in Toronto.

>70 figsfromthistle: Nice Thingaversary haul Anita.

Enjoy your visit with your cousin. I'm sure she will enjoy the home grown produce.

>71 Ameise1: Yes, and lots more to do :)

>72 Caroline_McElwee: Thank you. It will be a bit hectic but it should be a nice surprise for her.

It's so kiind of you to visit your elderly cousin, Anita. We'll be having a big Thanksgiving at my sister's place, I think there will be 16 people in total. My contribution will be a plate of chopped veggies as per my sister. We all bring something along to eat to help out, thought of course Kathleen and her husband do the lions share of the work. The Black Forest Cake looks lovely!

>74 vancouverdeb: Hi Deborah! I have been trying to visit on my Sundays off as she has macular degeneration and has difficulties seeing. Trying to keep her as independent as possible so she can continue living on her own. She can be stubborn and won’t let me help her with certain things.

Enjoy your thanksgiving. Sounds like a nice sized gathering.

Hi Anita. I always am impressed with how much work you get done. Nice Thingaversary haul. Enjoy your visit with your Cousin. That is so thoughtful.

>76 Kristelh: Hi Kristel! It is thanksgiving after all and would be a shame for her to spend it alone. I am lucky as my mom and I are cooking the meal together so it makes it easier. My dad ordered the pie from a local baker.

I think in the states they celebrate a little later than in Canada.

Happy Thursday!

Happy new-ish thread, Anita! I hope you have a great day!

Good book haul up there. I loved Underland: A Deep Time Journey & Caste. I recently finished Birnam Wood, which was also very good. Just reviewed it.

Sweet Thursday, Anita.

>77 figsfromthistle: yes, you are right. We celebrate in November with Turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, sweet potato, pies, and cranberry sauce. It’s right up there as my favorite holiday. Happy Thanksgiving to you!

>78 alcottacre: Thanks! My day was spent moving woodpiles closer to the house for winter 🫤

>79 msf59: Hi Mark. I am halfway through underland. It’s ok but different than I expected as I picked it up in the science fiction section! Quite a surprise when I started reading it.

Hope you had a fabulous day.

>80 Kristelh: sounds delicious . I forgot about the cranberry sauce. I will have to get some. Do you make yours from scratch or buy it?

>70 figsfromthistle: Oooo quite the Thingahaul! Enjoy them in good garden health, Anita!

>82 richardderus: thanks, Richard *smooch*

>81 figsfromthistle:, I have a wonderful cranberry recipe. I bake it (cranberries, Granny Smith apples, orange juice, brandy and sugar). Very delicious.

>84 Kristelh: Yummy!

>84 Kristelh: Might you share your recipe, Kristel? It sounds terrific.

Hope you are doing well. Hugs to you and your puppy.

Karen O

P.s. Hi, Figs! I lost track of whose thread I was on!

2 bags of cranberries (24 oz)
2 med granny smit, pealed, cored, cut into 1/2 in cubes
1/4 c orange juice
2 c sugar
2 tablespoons Brandy

Heat oven to 375
In 4 quart oven proof dish, place ingredients, toss to combine. Cover with foil and bake until soft, about 40 min (usually longer than 40). Remove from oven, serve hot, room temp nor chilled with turkey.

>87 Kristelh: Got it! Thank you!

Karen O

>86 klobrien2: no worries 😉

>87 Kristelh: sounds delicious and not overly time consuming.

Happy Thanksgiving to my Canadian LT friends!

6th thread! *whoop whoop*. I am glad to have got to 2 this year.

Sheesh, where do the months go??!?!

>90 figsfromthistle: - And to you too, Anita!

Happy Thanksgiving, Anita!

Happy Thanksgiving Anita!

>91 LovingLit: The months do fly by! I am behind this year compared to where I was last year in posting.

>92 jessibud2: Thank you :)

>93 vancouverdeb: Thanks! I hope you have a wonderful dinner with your family.

>94 Kristelh: Hi Kristel. I just have today to get through at work and then I will be free to enjoy the holiday :)

Huh. I thought Canadian Thanksgiving was US Indigenous People's/Columbus Day. But I think our holiday moves around in date for some reason.

>96 The_Hibernator: Yes, Canadian Thanksgiving does line up with Columbus day....I think that the original reasons for celebrating were slightly different.

59. The Clockwork Dynasty: Daniel H. Wilson

Present day: June Stefanov, is a specialist of ancient technology, specifically of automatons. When she tries to reanimate one, she becomes a target from a group of automatons who are at war with another group.

Past: Peter recounts his days in the 18th century, created for the purpose of the Russian tsar. When the tsar dies, he and his sister flee and try to pass as human beings.

The alternate timelines worked really well together. Each chapter alternates at a perfect pace. It was an interesting read that reminded me a bit of Hoffman's Sandman and the movie Bicentennial man with a touch of horror.

3/5 ( Solid B)

60. Off the Record: Peter Mansbridge

Growing up, my parents always watched CBC news and Mr. Mansbridge was the head news anchor. No one talked during the news as his delivery was stable, serious and informative. I also enjoyed his hosting of things such as the olympic games.

This autobiography is set up in little chapters each moving forward in his life at a different point in his career. They are short chapters and easy to read ( especially on a lunch break at work). Unfortunately, there is little depth or real personal revelations. Very little about his childhood or his family life. Instead, the focus is on how he got into broadcasting, the people he met and interviewed. Interesting but nothing extra that you can't find online with a simple search. I did enjoy the pictures provided every so often in the chapter.

3/5 (B-)

Happy Mid week!

boy the days are certainly passing quickly. Thanksgiving Monday went well and my cousin was ecstatic at our surprise visit. She enjoyed the food we brought and left so it was a great day.

Today is office day for me. I have Thursday and Friday off and hope that the weather holds up so I can continue with the backyard cleanup. The wood piles are now where they should be and the chimney is cleaned out. After work yesterday, I planted the rest of the garlic ( 100 cloves). I am hoping I did not plant it too early. There are still a few things to harvest but things are dwindling down. My neighbour who does not take care of her garden at all and has no clue about gardening has beautiful tomatoes ( perfect looking ones!). I have tomato envy ;) Now I can focus on other things such as my forest project.

I also have a lot of inside household things to take care of. Nothing major but I need to start organizing certain areas and culling things I no longer use/need.

>70 figsfromthistle: Nice book haul, Anita.

Happy Thanksgiving.

>101 BLBera: Thanks, Beth :)

>98 figsfromthistle: Well, that one looks like fun!

>103 drneutron: it was a fun one. The ending was a bit lacklustre but I enjoyed the read more than I thought I would

I did watch Peter Mansbridge, but Dave and I were more much more likely to watch CTV news, which featured Lloyd Robertson, and then Lisa La Flamme and now I think Omar Sachidina. Over the past few years I rarely watch the news,but just check CBC online ( and we get the paper).

>105 vancouverdeb: my parents did not have cable (just bunny ears) so we watched the few channels that were available. As soon as CBC was not free I stopped watching the news. When I started university I rarely had time to watch the news but when I did it was CTV. Robertson was also a phenomenal news anchor and according to the book, he and Mansbridge are good friends and regularly are seen eating together at various restaurants in Stratford.

My parents are huge newspaper people. They usually get in print twice a week as the paper has drastically increased in price and decreased in quality.

61. Robert Macfarlane: Underland

Just finished reading this. I must admit that it took almost half the book for me to get excited about reading it but in the end I enjoyed it. I also learned a few things as well which is always a bonus.

3.5/5

Happy weekend everyone!

I had a wonderful two days off in a row. Ended up taking advantage of the nice weather and spent it outdoors. Yesterday, I got the big grape press out, cleaned it and pressed apples for apple cider and juice for making wine and vinegar. The day was perfect for it.

I also harvested some spinach from the garden. And made fresh spinach noodles with it. It will probably be the last harvest although the weather is warming up so you never know. I also managed to get another bowl full of beans.

This weekend is another working one for me. My "long day" today but it should be ok.

I am so impressed with all that you manage to harvest and especially all the things you make from scratch as a result of the harvests! Just wow! Kudos! (and yum)

I agree with jessibud2–it all sounds so delicious and healthy. Great job with the harvesting!

Karen O

>109 jessibud2: >110 klobrien2: Thanks Shelly and Karen. A lot of harvest stuff is shared with my parents. Individually it’s too much but as a team its manageable and even enjoyable 😉

I am another person who enjoys hearing of your harvest.

>112 Kristelh: Hi Kristel! Hope you are having a good weekend so far.

62. The woman outside my door

Georgina becomes concerned when her son ( Cody) claims a stranger he named as " new nanny" talks to him and gives him candy. Unfortunately, her husband thinks it is just a coping mechanism for Cody after the death of his real grandma and that the "new nanny" just an imaginary friend. Is she being paranoid or is there an element of truth?

For a debut novel it was not all bad. Sort of on the track of Ruth Ware and Lisa Jewell but missing a few deeper layers to really hit it out of the box. I looks forward to seeing how this author grows.

3/5 ( B-) A fast read

63. The Antique Hunter's guide to murder: C.L. Miller

When Freya Lockwood's mentor, Arthur Crockleford suddenly dies she is summoned to a reading of the will in a town she had long abandoned. She receives a letter that confirms her aunt's suspicions that Arthur was murdered. She decides to play along and decipher Arthur's coded letter and attend an antiques enthusiasts weekend. It is here where the next clues are that may or may not help her find a murderer or two.

Another debut novel. cozy mystery style that would lend itself to a great series. I enjoyed the twists and turns that had to do with the antique dealers world but a little more thought and development of the main protagonists would have made this more interesting. Freya's personality just started to form towards the end. Also some editing of repetitive statements would have helped as well.

3/5 ( B-)

Not trying to catch up, Anita, but I wanted to check in with you. I hope all is well there!

>116 alcottacre: Nice to see you. Welcome back!

Happy Mid week!

Office day for me which is always packed with paperwork that has been neglected for the week. The last few days we have been enjoying 20+ C weather and what a treat it is. The leaves are in full colour change now which makes it quite beautiful.

Yesterday it was so nice that dinner was prepared outside on the BBQ. Today's weather is equally gorgeous so it will be BBQ ribs for dinner.

Apple pressing is done. Some of the juice was used for apple cider, the rest is fermenting for apple wine. I will cross my fingers and hope it turns out. Last time I made it, it tasted awful :(

I also made 10 apple strudels with my mom. She was responsible for the dough. I usually mess the dough part up because I end up with holes in it when I pull it. I made the filling instead. We put it in the freezer so now anytime I want a strudel, I take it out and put it in the oven fo 30 min and dessert is ready. Tomorrow the sauerkraut will come out of the stone crock and frozen bags portioned for 4 people. Yesterday, I made head cheese. I make it slightly different than the traditional way. I kept it in the simmering water too long so the top part of the casing broke. But I stood it upright and put it in the fridge to stock and it seems ok now.

Not much garden work going on except for clearing leaves :)

Happy Wednesday. Sounds like a lovely day in your little patch of earth!

20 plus C - that is good weather for this time of year. I think it is 10 C here today. But it is sunny. I always have trouble deciding what to wear outside during the autumn transition. A few days ago it was 12 C and I was out walking 4 miles and my light jacket was to warm, but short sleeves were a little chilly. But I wore short sleeves for the most of the walk. What to wear today ? Such a hard life :-)

Have a lovely rest of the week, you busy harvester, you!

>119 Kristelh: I try to enjoy it as much as I can. Hope you had a great Wednesday

>120 vancouverdeb: ha! I know what you mean. Temps are going back to normal tomorrow so back to light jacket it is.

>121 richardderus:. Hi Richard ! Hope you had a nice visit with Valerie. *smooch*

Hi Anita. Happy newest thread.

Skippety-skip-skip.

>70 figsfromthistle: Congrats on your Thingaversary. I have #s 3 and 4, waiting for me to get back to disciplined reading.

>118 figsfromthistle: Wow. Ten apple strudels. Great teamwork. Sauerkraut, head cheese, too.

I love hearing about the harvests, the cooking, baking, putting up, and all the gardening.

>123 karenmarie: Hi Karen!

Glad you enjoy hearing about the harvests and my daily shenanigans 😉

Nice to see you visit.

>118 figsfromthistle: Glad to hear that you are having gorgeous weather! Ours has been up and down here lately.

Hi Anita, I'm all caught up again. I love the fall topper and the pumpkins in the breezeway picture. We are having a major drought here in SW Missouri. No measurable rain for almost two months. I am so tired of watering. Our weather has also been strange. Two days of frosty mornings followed by temperatures in the mid-80s. (Fahrenheit).

It sounds like you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I wish ours was in October as well. I enjoy the holiday, but it gets pushed aside (in my opinion) because the Christmas season seems to start earlier each year. I'm always shocked by Christmas decorations, etc. in stores in the late summer. Way too early!

Happy belated Anniversary to your parents. That Black Forest cake looks amazing. Yummmm.

Hi Anita. Mouth-watering posts here. 10 apfel strudels great. How do you serve them? With whipped cream?

We’re having really nice weather here as well. I love autumn when it’s like this.

>125 alcottacre: Ah the fall season...one day it's 20 and the next it's 10C :)

>126 Donna828: Hi Donna!

It's funny that in the fall I always think that the plants don't need to be watered but they really do. We also have a negligible amount of rain this month.

I know what you mean about decorations and Christmas. Halloween isn't over and there are lots of Christmas stuff in the stores. I even saw a Christmas commercial the other day. A friend of mine is Philippine descent and apparently they start celebrating as soon as September ( all the "ber" months ).

Hope you have a great weekend!

>127 EllaTim: I usually just eat it plain, slightly warm. On a warmer day I eat it with french vanilla ice cream with an apple cognac.

Apple strudel, yum!I've not eaten any in many years. But last week, my son texted me and his wife, I assume, had made little mini apples pies and they had two for us, one each. They were delicious! Was a great treat!

Good morning Miss Anita :)
I have just caught up, once again very impressed with your food haul. The book haul sounds good too.

My American Ignorence got me again, as I didn't realize Canada had an earlier Thanksgiving. Whelp; now I know :)

>129 vancouverdeb: oh yummy! Those pies sound delightful

>130 Ravenwoodwitch: Nice to see you. I am hoping to add to my book haul next week at the library sale 😁

Ooo, an age since I had apple strudel Anita, yum.

>132 Caroline_McElwee: lots of work but definitely worth it.

64. Lisa Unger: The Last girl ghosted

General summary: After finding someone on a dating app, Wren becomes attached to Adam quicker than she thought she would. She tells him something personal and then he disappears. What makes things more strange is that a private investigator contacts her and tells her that he is looking fo the same man who ghosted her but for very different reasons; his last girlfriend disappeared. So who is this man and how does he know about her past?

I read this quickly and found that I was not really interested in the story. I enjoyed the authors last book but this was meh for me.

3/5 (C+)

65. Tarryn Fisher: The Wives

Imagine you found the most handsome, thoughtful, charming all around perfect man. You fall in love and then you are hit with a bombshell that he is a polygamist and you would be sharing him with two other women who live in different cities. Would you continue with the relationship or leave right away? Thursday decides that she is ok with this arrangement but secretly wants to know more about the others. She visits them but it only leads her a downward spiral of jealousy.

Unreliable narrator. At times it was interesting but the second half is what brought the rating from 3.5 down to a 3.

Please note, On LT the reviews of this book say that it is a historical fiction of WW2. So something is out of whack- this is not that book. There are two entries for this book...... the touchstone what I used leads to the correct one.

3/5 (B Solid)

I will definitely read another book by Fisher.

66. Lisa Jewell: The Truth About Melody Brown

For the first time in years, Melody takes a chance to go on a date with a man she met on the bus. He takes her to a show where she participates and is hypnotized. When he snaps his fingers, she faints. A few days pass and Melody begins to remember things from her childhood. She begins searching for answers and discovers a whole new life she forgot.

Interesting, slow burn that alternates between "then" to "now". I enjoy Jewell's writing although this was a little different than other books by her.

3.5/5 ( B-)

Happy Mid Week!

It's almost halloween! I made sure that I have full sized chocolate bars and chips just in case someone decides to knock on the door this year. It hasn't happened for 10 years as I live in the country but with the influx of newer residents in the area you never know.

Today is a office day for me. I sort of look forward to this day as I am able to hide away without anyone bothering me too much :)

The weather is beautiful and warm. So lucky at this time of the year. The garden is holding up. I have lots of endive lettuce and beets and carrots. Lots of herbs that I really should harvest and dry. Hopefully get around to it before the really cold weather comes.

Nothing else to report....things are humming along.

>137 figsfromthistle: Humming along is a good thing indeed. Harvesting the beets, drying the herbs, all the task-oriented stuff that has tangible results and an end, things that make me for one feel happy and productive; hoping the same applies to you! *smooch*

>137 figsfromthistle: Have fun! I hope you get some children’s visits.

>138 richardderus: Hi Richard! getting tangible results is great motivation for me. * smooch*

>139 EllaTim: Thanks, Ella.

67. Cesca Major: Maybe Next Time

If you had the chance to relive a horrible day, how would you change it?

Emma is constantly being pulled in different directions. Work, committee meetings, family all seem to collide together. Unfortunately, Emma forgets the anniversary day of when she met her husband for the second year in a row. Her husband is disappointed and goes out to walk the dog when he is hit by a car and dies. Emma is devastated but when she wakes up the following morning, her husband is beside her and the day begins all over again.

This type of story has been done a few times however, I enjoyed it. It could have done with one less repeated day as it was beginning to lose a bit of momentum.

3.5/5 ( B)

I live in the city, but even so we rarely get Trick or Treater's, Anita. I think nowadays a lot of kids go to the mall, - we have a about 3 here, and they give out treats, as well an area in Richmond that gives out treats, in Steveston. We have some mini chocolate bars , just in case we do get some kids. My church puts on a big Halloween thing, and that draws people too. I took some potato chips in for the church thing, as they already had enough chocolate and candy and requested chips. Maybe I should have sneaked a bag for myself.

>137 figsfromthistle: Lovely view Anita.

>142 vancouverdeb: I had no idea that kids go to the mall for their treats. As a kid I always preferred the little bag of chips and the smarties :) Hope you have a few kids show up. The little ones are always cute-it's the teenagers that are usually more greedy.

>143 Caroline_McElwee: Yes, the leaves are everywhere but it makes good compost once I get it in the bin.

68. Helen Humphreys: Rabbit Foot Bill

Hugh LeFave befriends William Young a reclusive man who lives in the woods. When one of the towns folk make fun of William, William kills him leaving Hugh as a witness the the murder. Later, Hugh is grown up and becomes superintendent of the Weyburn Mental Hospital in Saskatchewan where William is a patient.

It was a an interesting read, loosely based on real events.

3.5/5 (A)

Happy Halloween, Anita!

Happy Halloween, Anita!

>147 vancouverdeb: Thanks, Deborah and >148 Kristelh: Kristel. As suspected, no trick or treaters tonight but I do have a whole drawer full of good snacks for the next few weeks :)

October stats

Books Read:11
Male author:3
Female:8
Total Pages: 3624
Average per book: 320
Shortest:240
Most pages: 432
Average pages per day: 116

It seems that this month I read a lot of mystery/murder books. I think I have had my fill of them for a bit. It all depends on what holds come through at the library and what I end up reading from my shelves.....The most uninteresting mystery read was The last girl ghosted.

I wasn't home this year for Halloween, instead I went to sea a 20th anniversary screening of the British film Shaun of the Dead.
Not that we really get into Halloween here, but I have enjoyed having something for the neighbourhood kids in the past, and I may just get more and more into it as my kids get older and over it!

>151 LovingLit: that sounds like a wonderful Halloween. How was the film? I have not seen it before.

>152 figsfromthistle: NEVER. SEEN. SHAUN OF THE DEAD.

Your Nerd Card℠ is herewith revoked.

>153 richardderus: sorry to disappoint……..

Morning, Anita. Rabbit Foot Bill does sound interesting. I have liked a couple of her other books.

>155 msf59: it was a good read! I haven’t read anything else by her (I know shame on me). Any recommendations on what you really enjoyed?

Accidental space.....

Ugh. This is the day I've been worried about. But I'm definitely voting!

>159 The_Hibernator: We Canadians are anxious about the election as well. I have avoided news reels so far and will wait until later to check.

>160 figsfromthistle: After 9pm EST is the time to start watching, until then it's just a bunch of waffle.

69. Natasha Sizlo: All Signs Point To Paris

On Natasha's 44th birthday, she is gifted an astrological reading. Her reading details that her should mate is born on November 2, 1968 in Paris. She starts an open search and goes on many dates in two weeks. She also begins to find who she is after her divorce.

Not as exciting as I thought it would be and a different resolution than I would have assumed. It was not for me but it was a light, quick read.

>161 richardderus: Good to know. I won't be able to watch TV until 6PM anyways. *smooch*

Happy Mid Week, everyone!

It has been a busy week so far. The weather is still beautiful and have no complaints. Today after work I am heading to a library sale. It is on for five days but I want to get there on the first day to get a better selection. Too bad I can't go in the morning.....

I watched the news headlines today and must say I am surprised by the outcome of the election. *sigh*

I finished a few books and will post the reviews in-between my meetings with my thesis students.

70. Lecia Cornwall: The Woman At The Front

Eleanor Atherton graduates from medical school only to find out that the barriers she faced in school become worse when seeking a place to practice medicine. She is sent on an errand to care for a young man and to bring him home. However, she proves herself to be much more useful on the front lines.

A wonderfully written historical fiction. Really descriptive and made me feel like I was right there with Eleanor. Or course what would historical fiction be without a love interest as well.

3.5/5 ( A)

71. Fiona Barton: Talking To Strangers

Short Summary: Karen Simmons is trying to find her perfect match. She tries a few dating apps where she finds men who are fun and others that are not for her. Unfortunately, she is found dead, under a tree-murdered. D.I. Elise King and Kiki Nun ( a journalist) begin to find clues about the last few days leading up to her murder. Each has a different strategy but who will find the truth?

It was ok, I have enjoyed Barton's other works better. Perhaps I was less moved by this because I read quite a few crime books last month and may have had my fill for a while.

3/5 ( C+) A good one to borrow from the library.

>165 figsfromthistle: Adding that one to the BlackHole. Thank you for the recommendation, Anita. That one sounds like one I would enjoy a lot!

>167 alcottacre: I hope you enjoy it. Just to let you know there are descriptions of the wounded and such just in case you are squeamish but it's nothing overly gross or gory.

I managed to get to the book sale! It was not as exciting as the spring sale but I did find a few books and catalogued them into my library. I was surprised that there were very few selections of classic english literature, philosophy or poetry this time.

Here is what I found

1.To Paradise by Hanya Yanagihara- looks really long.
2.Course in General Linguistics (Open Court Classics) by Ferdinand de Saussure ( no underlining or highlights-yay!)
3.Sleeping Giants by Rene Denfeld
4.Final Cut by S. J. Watson
5.Crying in H Mart: A Memoir by Michelle Zauner
6.A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan
7.The Zahir by Paulo Coelho
8.The Raintree Rebellion by Janet McNaughton
9.The Lipizzans and the Spanish Riding School: Myth and Truth by Barbara Sternthal

I also found two music books that I can use for teaching piano and loan out to students.

>169 figsfromthistle:, Looks like some good finds, Anita.

>170 Kristelh: I hope they are!

>169 figsfromthistle: What a great haul, Anita! I'm a little jealous that you can find real, tree-books near you.

>168 figsfromthistle: Thanks for the heads up!

>169 figsfromthistle: Nice haul!

>169 figsfromthistle: Nice haul! I loved Crying in H Mart

>172 richardderus: I am surprised that you don't have a bookstore near your place. For me, I live outside of the city so the closest by car is 20min away.

Where do you normally get your books? Do you have them shipped to your home?

>173 alcottacre: I think it would be a good read for you.

>174 banjo123: I have heard great things about that one. I think I heard something about it on CBC and sounded like a fantastic memoir.

Have a wonderful weekend, Anita!

>176 alcottacre: thanks! Good weekend wishes back at ya!

Nice book haul, Anita! Have a good weekend, I'm not sure if you have to work ?

>178 vancouverdeb: thanks, Deborah! I have the weekend off and plan to enjoy it as it is the last weekend off for the next 4 weeks!

72. Lauren Wilkinson: American Spy

Marie Mitchell a former FBI agent is attacked in her home by another spy and ends up killing him. She flees to safety with her two young boys. She knows she must neutralize the threat but leaves a notebook about her story for her children to read in case she does not return.

This was on Obama's recommended reading list. It was ok. Based on a true story. The ending leaves more questions. Not really a thriller as described.

3/5

>180 figsfromthistle: Anita, my library has a copy of this book. I've put it on my list once.
I wish you a relaxing Sunday.

>181 Ameise1: It is quite a rainy Sunday here and am relaxing and puttering around in the house.

>175 figsfromthistle: No, we're bookstoreless in my city of 35,000. I can't drive anymore, and certainly can't afford Uber/Lyft to get to them. And nowadays, my hands are bad enough that I'm all Kindle all the time.

>183 richardderus: Oh wow! I would have thought that with 35000 people there would be a bookstore or a library. The small town near me must be full of bibliophiles because with a population of 7000 it has a library, a bookstore and about 20 little free libraries scattered around. The small library also has two book sales a year.

I know what you mean about pain in the hands holding books. Sometimes I have days where I have to rest the book on my lap while reading. I have not tried an e book yet.

73. Susanna Clarke: Piranesi

Just finished reading this one and I quite enjoyed it. It is a book that you will either really like or not. Lots of great reviews here on LT so I won't write one ( also I am feeling a bit lazy).

3.5/5

>185 figsfromthistle: I am not sure if Piranesi is for me, but it is Women's Prize Winner, so bravo, Anita.

I rated #73 4 stars but I liked her Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell better.

>186 vancouverdeb: Hi Deborah! I am not sure it it is something you would normally read (Fantasy/philosophy/YA)

>187 Kristelh: I will have to look for that one. I do think that the author is quite talented.

Hi, Anita! Happy Monday!

>185 figsfromthistle: I love Jonathan Strange, but be warned. It’s a real doorstop of a book! You might want to make it your first e-read, if you decide to try it.

Hi Anita! I have enjoyed catching up with you. Your harvesting and baking are amazing - I love the thought of all of those apple strudels waiting for you! It reminds me of Mr. Putter and Tabby Pick the Pears which is an all-time favorite:)

And planting 20 trees - wow!

>184 figsfromthistle: I don't have trouble with my hands, but I do with my eyes. Sometimes my vision is blurry even with glasses on. So the big print on my phone is fantastic. I'm on my phone when on LT, and that print is small, so I have to psych myself up to thread hop. I try to once a week while I'm stuck somewhere waiting (like at my dad's hour-long cardiac rehab appointments).

>189 Storeetllr: Good to know!

I hope the beginning of the week is going well for you.

>190 AMQS: Hi Anne!

I planted 20 maple trees but also planted a lot of cedar trees as well. I didn't get around to planting other trees and hope to order my fruit trees for the spring soon. Now I am trying to plant tulip bulbs. Lots of daffodil bulbs remain but the squirrels usually feast on tulip bulbs....

>191 The_Hibernator: Oh man! I think I rather take the painful hands. My whole family has eyesight problems and so far I am ok in that department.

>184 figsfromthistle: Oh no, the lifrary's part of the community. I don'r have access to bookSTORES not books!

>193 richardderus: Ha! Ok ; For a second there you had me worried :)

74. Atul Gawande: Better

Dr. Gawande writes about limitations doctors, caretakers and nurses come across that alter the outcome of the health and care of the patient. He writes about hand hygiene, malpractice lawsuits and moral complications. Each chapter focuses on a different story/viewpoint. Dr Gawande does a great job immersing the reader in the medical environment. He also shows that through mistakes, improvement is born through innovation, education and improved access to healthcare.

A quick read

3.5/5 ( A)

>156 figsfromthistle: You asked about Humphreys up there. I have read The Frozen Thames & The Lost Garden and both were terrific.

>169 figsfromthistle: Nice book haul. I am a big fan of H Mart & Goon Squad.

Good morning, Anita. I hope your week is off to a good start.

>195 figsfromthistle: Adding that one to the BlackHole. I enjoyed Gawande's Being Mortal when I read it several years ago. Thanks for the review, Anita!

Have a terrific Tuesday!

>195 figsfromthistle:, I really enjoyed Being Mortal too.

>196 msf59: Thanks for the recommendations. I realize now that I have read one other book by her and is intact still on my shelf- The Evening Chorus.

I managed to find a few good books at the sale and I am happy :)

>197 alcottacre: It was an interesting read. Hope you enjoy it when you get to it.

>198 Kristelh: Nice!

Happy Mid week everyone!

I must admit that I had a crappy day yesterday that led to a panic attack in the afternoon. All is good now but I have not had such an attack for five years or so. Ah well

The garden is still looking sparse but ok. I still have endive and beets in there and am looking at the weather forecast to make sure I can take everything out when the weather is consistently cold. On the plus side, I am still harvesting a handful of raspberries every other day.

I have been focusing on chopping and stacking wood. I have plenty for the winter and am now working on next winters supply. It is one of those things that if I see free wood, I have to grab it. I am also quite busy with clearing leaves. With so many maple trees it is constant. I also take those leaves, shred them and put them into the compost. I took down the fall display outside and will take out the pumpkin seeds and dry them. The pumpkins will also go into the compost.

Today is an office day. I am spending it in the library because I really want to be uninterrupted-no constant questions and people coming in and out.

Dinner will be something quick. I am in no mood to cook time consuming meals lately. Pork tenderloin cut into medallions with a mushroom cream sauce sounds like a great 30 min meal to do.

Sorry about your panic attack Anita. I've never had one, but I do deal with a lot of generalized anxiety that at times has been close to paralyzing. I know it's not the same, but I do sympathize with you.

>201 The_Hibernator: I am sorry you have had to experience anxiety that is debilitating. Definitely not fun!

75. Alone: Brett Archibald

Brett and a few of his friends charter a boat to the Mentawai islands of Indonesia for a epic surf trip. Unfortunately, Brett ends up falling overboard and it is not until the next morning that the crew and his friends notice.

Quite an amazing story of human resilience and hope.

Oh no about the panic attack. I have contended with them since I was 18. But I take medication and they have been well under control since my early 40's or so. But they are frightening. My dad had them too, to a lesser degree, though he took a month of work when he was thirty, convinced he was dying of heart problems. I think I might have hundreds of panic attacks in the past. I think perhaps there can be a genetic factor to them.

>200 figsfromthistle: I'm sorry to hear that, Anita.
>203 figsfromthistle: Congratulations on reaching the magic number!

Congratulations on 75 Anita!

Oh, I'm sorry - those are scary - and exhausting. Hope you have the time and space to give yourself some grace to recover.

Sorry to hear about your panic attack Anita, I hope that doesn't repeat itself.

I enjoyed both of these >185 figsfromthistle: >195 figsfromthistle:.

Feel better soon, Anita.

>203 figsfromthistle: Brava for the milestone beating read!

>204 vancouverdeb: Oh wow! I am glad that you were able to get them under control. Luckily for me, it does not happen often. I do remember reading an article that stated that researchers found the specific gene responsible for panic disorders. Genetic factors and a period of accumulated stress are contributing factors.However, I think it is mainly to do with the hippocampus. I also read somewhere that those genetically susceptible also are susceptible to other medical woes such as kidney disease. It was a long time ago that I read the article about it so I am foggy on the details. I suppose something to look back in my journal reading log and see.

>205 SirThomas: Thanks, Thomas!

>206 Kristelh: Thank you :)

>207 AMQS: Yes, they are exhausting! More lingering effects than I thought. Yesterday I spent my office day at the library to have some peace. Today was a day off which I spent rearranging my library. Calming indeed.

>208 Caroline_McElwee: They were good reads

>209 jessibud2: Thanks :)

>210 richardderus: thank you, Richard. It seemed to take forever to get there this year.

>203 figsfromthistle: Congratulations on reaching goal!

Congrats on hitting 75!

>213 quondame: >214 thornton37814: Thanks!

Congratulations on passing 75 books already, Anita!

>216 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Paul! A couple of summer months with almost no reading really delayed reaching the goal. Last year, I reached 75 books at the end of May.

>217 figsfromthistle: I'm also behind my last year numbers but work has been freakishly stressful this time around.

Hi, Anita, congratulations on reaching 75! I'm sorry about the panic attack, but glad you are feeling better.

Congrats on hitting the goal!

>218 PaulCranswick: Yes, you have been quite busy with work and being a grandparent ☺️

>219 atozgrl: Thanks ☺️

>220 drneutron: Thanks Doc!

Congrats on reaching 75, Anita!

So sorry to hear about the panic attack. I’ve gotten them occasionally, full-blown ones, but none since I retired. Now, the worst I suffer is anxiety attacks.

>221 figsfromthistle: To be fair Anita, the Grandparent gig has kept me far less busy than I would have liked. I miss my team like crazy much of the time.

>222 Storeetllr: Thanks!

Anxiety attacks are also not pleasant to deal with. I am just hoping that the panic attack was a one off and it does not become a regular thing.

>223 PaulCranswick: I can imagine being so far away from family is difficult. FaceTime is great but not substitute for being there. I am sure that you will be able to reunite with them soon or make a permanent move to the U.K.

Congrats on reaching 75, Anita. I hope you have a relaxing weekend.

Congrats on 75!

I'm so sorry about your anxiety and panic attack. I know many people here in the US dealing with the same due to the political situation. Be safe and breathe.

You pulled up your tomatoes because they weren't tasting good anymore. I suspect that they were still much tastier than anything I can get in a store here. :)

>225 BLBera: thanks! I have to work the weekend but so far it’s going ok

>226 streamsong: thanks! The tomatoes were pulled a long time ago. I bought some last week and they were horrible-no flavour. Luckily I canned tomatoes so I will abstain from fresh ones until they regain some taste.

I hope you have a great weekend!

Congratulations on hitting 75 reads Anita.

>228 Caroline_McElwee: Nice to see you. Thanks!

76. S J Watson: The Final cut

Alex, a filmmaker visits a small town and begins to ask questions about three girls who disappeared years ago. The townspeople are afraid to speak with her and others feel that she is poking a beehive. Alex needs answers and with them she can find out about her own past.

It was an ok book that had some great moments.

3/5 (B-)

Congratulations on reaching 75 books, Anita!

Congrats on 75!

>231 vancouverdeb: >232 banjo123: Thanks, Deborah and Rhonda!

Hello Anita, Over for a visit! Congrats to your parents on their 50,th. Congrats to you on your 75 books read. Well done and hope you are feeling well. I love to do the seasonal decorating too!

I'm so sorry you had that panic attack; I hope your days are significantly calmer.
But congrats on reaching 75!!

>234 mdoris: Hi Mary! Nice to see you visit. I hope you are having a great start to the week. I am getting prepared for holiday decorating but won't start that until December.

>235 Ravenwoodwitch: Thank you :)

77. Mona Awad: Bunny

Samantha is a MFA student and taking part in an exclusive workshop program at Warren University. She is suffering from writers block and is turning up nothing for her thesis supervisor. A really select group of women send her an invitation to join their group. She discovers a different world one aided by imagination and drugs. Lines between reality and make belief begin to blur and things become strange.

This was not my kind of read and I am probably not the target demographic for this. One strange psychedelic ride that was too much for me.

2.5/5 ( C)

Found in a little free library and will promptly put it back.

Happy New week!

The weekend was a busy one at work but nothing out of routine. I was feeling miserable on Saturday but after a good nights rest I felt much better. A week ago, I started organizing/culling some books from my library. I also dusted them and cleaned the shelves. Of course now I have all these books stacked high on the floor because I decided to change the arrangement of books. Once you touch one shelf it's like a domino effect, much like sorting photos into and album. It needs to look "right".

Speaking of books, lunchtime was spent browsing in a used shop. These are the additions:

1.The Memory Man by Lisa Appignanesi
2.Natalie Haynes: A thousand ships
3.The Future of the Brain: The Promise and Perils of Tomorrow's Neuroscience by Steven Rose
4.The Sun Does Shine: How I Found Life and Freedom on Death Row by Anthony Ray Hinton
5.The Last Girl: My Story of Captivity, and My Fight Against the Islamic State by Nadia Murad

>237 figsfromthistle: Really didn't resonate with this one either...liked her Rouge significantly better, so I'll recommend that one to you.

Better days ahead!

It's always nice to have a book haul, especially a second hand one. I got a book from Indigo, The Christmas Jigsaw Murders, and I started a book I have had for about ? 4 or more years and it is good. I picked up a hold from the library as well, Dark Wives, so I feel well set with my reading.

>238 figsfromthistle: we culled and then we refilled, lol

But I do understand about the shelves. Once I start organizing, there's no going back. The WHOLE thing has to look right.

>239 richardderus: thanks for the recommendation . I will see if my library has it. Her writing is truly immersive.

>240 vancouverdeb: I have to admit most of my book hauls are from used book shops. Something thrilling about discovering things there.

Sounds like you are all set book wise. Enjoy your reads.

>241 Ravenwoodwitch: the chair that is in the library sits at eye level with certain shelves. The books on those shelves get picked more often while other shelves are ignored. I took the less viewed books and put them on the more visible shelves in hopes that I pick more from them.

Hope you are feeling better and that the panic attacks do not return. Always fun to play with books. Almost as much fun as reading (sometimes more fun).

>244 Kristelh: Rearranging and reading certainly brings me joy !

Since I am almost 50 posts behind, I am not even trying to catch up, Anita. I am just checking in on you!

>246 alcottacre: Hi Stasia!

it was a pretty uneventful day at work but a happy one.

78. Michelle Zauner: Crying in H Mart

A wonderful memoir about family, love, loss and tradition.

4/5 (A)

Happy weekend Anita.
>248 figsfromthistle: This book sounds exciting. I have put it on my library list.

>248 figsfromthistle: That one is already in the BlackHole or I would be adding it again. I am glad to see you enjoyed it so much!

Have a wonderful weekend, Anita!

Have a good weekend Anita. Are you working?

Happy Saturday, Anita. Congrats on hitting #75! I will add "Alone" to the obese TBR. Sounds good. I also really enjoyed H Mart.

>249 Ameise1: It was a nice, short memoir. I hope you enjoy it when you get to it.

Hope your weekend is off to a good start.

>250 alcottacre: Thanks! It is a cold, miserable weekend so it makes for perfect indoor reading time. Have a great weekend.

>251 Kristelh: Good weekend wishes back at you! Yes, I am working. Unfortunately I have 9 weekends to work in a row. I did manage to snag two Sundays off though in December

>252 msf59: hi Mark! Nice to see you.Thanks! I think that #75 is one that you will enjoy.

Congratulations on reaching nr 75!

>253 figsfromthistle: Glad you managed those Sundays.

>248 figsfromthistle: I keep hesitating on this one for some reason. Maybe its time is here.

Week-ahead orisons, Anita!

>254 EllaTim: Thank, Ella!

Yes, I managed to find someone to take my shift on this two days. Usually, I go to Toronto to help out my cousin with whatever stuff she can't do. Sunday is the perfect day because the traffic is not as hectic and frustrating.

>255 richardderus: The memoir worked for me. Lots of food descriptions and a lot about dealing with her mothers fight with cancer. It was quite a short memoir so not much time lost if it does not work for you.

Yesterday, at the end of my work day from job #1 going to job #2 I found my way to a used bookstore. I didn't have a lot of time to browse but managed to come home with these books:

1.Long Island by Colm Tóibín
2. Lady in Waiting: My Extraordinary Life in the Shadow of the Crown by Anne Glenconner
3.The Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread by Kate DiCamillo ( bought for one of my students as a reward for being diligent about practicing piano)
4.Stealing Water: A Memoir by Tim Ecott
5.How I Survived a Chinese "Reeducation" Camp: A Uyghur Woman's Story by Gulbahar Haitiwaji
6.Speak, Memory: An Autobiography Revisited by Vladimir Nabokov
7.The Mysterion: Rumi and the Secret of Becoming Fully Human by Kabir Helminski
8. The fury by Alex Michaelides

Did I mention it was a 50% off sale?

Garden news:

All herbs have been cut and are now drying. Endive lettuce coming out of my ears and took some out to store in the cold cellar. All the carrots are out, cleaned and chopped and frozen. Not much else in the garden to worry about.

I still have some tulip bulbs to plant ( around 100 more to go)!

Food: Tomorrow is my day off and I am taking the time to make sausage. This time I am trying something different. Pork, potatoes, fried bacon and onion. I already have the casings soaked in brine water. Time will tell if this combination is a good one....

I also had a delicious supper today and made salmon with the last of the fresh dill from the garden. Yummy!

Hi Anita! I really enjoyed Crying in H Mart which I listened to in early summer. I was so glad I had finished the book before I was diagnosed with melanoma or I probably couldn't have read it. My book club chose it also, but I have a book club made up of retired ladies + me, so I cannot go to book club unless it's a school break. I was particularly sorry to miss this one because we have 2 H Marts in Colorado (unfortunately not terribly close to me) and the book club met at one of them. It's a good audio as well.

Oh, your student is a lucky duck indeed to be getting The Tale of Despereaux!

>257 figsfromthistle: Impressive haul Anita.

Nice book haul and garden haul and the meal sounds great. You’ll have to let us know how the sausage turns out.

>258 AMQS: I can see how that type of memoir could be a difficult one. She truly captures all the emotions that one is faced with in such a situation.

Too bad you missed that book club meeting. It would have been really cool. I think with any generation that comes from immigrant parents each culture has their own "H mart" they go to. I remember Saturdays at the European grocery store/bakery with my parents. It was like a tradition. It was also a day where they would buy me more treats than I was usually allowed :)

I give books to my piano students to mark certain milestones. This particular student is 8 years old so I am hoping that it is age appropriate......

Hope your week is off to a great start/

>259 Caroline_McElwee: Thanks! The colder months always puts me in a book browsing mood ;)

>260 Kristelh: The sausage turned out great! Not too much fat but still juicy that you would not even know that only 1/3 or it has meat. In hindsight, the bacon added a lot of sodium so it was a bit on the salty side as I also salted the meat. Next time I make a batch, I won't add any extra.

79. David Nicholls: You are here

Marnie, a 38 year old divorcee is finding it hard to make connections. She has let friendships fizzle and prefers to stay in her home. One friend that remains convinces her to go on a walking trip. It is on this trip where she meets Michael. He prefers solitude and is also a bit awkward emotionally after his divorce. They set on a journey to walk 500 miles across Britain and begin to let go of the emotional baggage that has been crippling them from living.

3/5 ( B)

80. Michael Connelly: The Waiting

Book # 6 in the Renee Ballard series.

The LAPD’s Open-Unsolved Unit is quite busy with a serial rapist case that leads to uncovering a terrorist plot. Bosch's daughter ends up joining the unit and Harry Bosch is itching to help out.

There were quite a few things going on in this one. Despite this, it seemed to lag. At least there is more focus on Renee this time and Harry is just hanging out in the background like a spare.

3/5 ( C+)

>261 figsfromthistle: It might be a little high for her. If she's a good reader it will be just right, and if she's not a strong reader yet, it will be a book to enjoy soon. Or aloud with a grownup, or a readalong with the excellent audio. In any case it is a terrific choice!

Nice haul, Anita! I enjoyed Long Island earlier this year. I hope you do too.

>265 AMQS: Good to know! She is reading above her grade level so it should be ok.

>266 vancouverdeb: Hi Deborah. I am looking forward to the read wither this month or next.

To my American friends on LT

>268 figsfromthistle:. Thank you Anita. I'm busy cooking and enjoying all the wonderful smells. The Turkey is brining. The sweet potatoes are ready for reheating as is the mashed potatoes. I've got the stock for the gravy. The wonderful cranberries are done. I have the pies and dressing to put together.

>269 Kristelh: Oh my that all sounds delicious! I am sure everyone will enjoy the meal you prepared. Yummy!

Happy Thanksgiving Anita! >257 figsfromthistle: That's quite the haul!

>257 figsfromthistle: Enviable haul, Anita! Thursday orisons.

>271 The_Hibernator: It’s a good thing I only had a half hour to browse or I would have found more books!

>272 richardderus: Hi Richard! I hope you had a wonderful thanksgiving

I second what Anne says about The Tale of Despereaux - Kate DiCamillo is great. Nice book haul in general, even better because you hit a sale.

I am impressed by your garden work.

>274 BLBera: Sales are always fun!

It looks like the garden work is done for the season. I always have grand plans for spring and end up completing 1/4 of those. One day, I hope my vision will be realized :)

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Hi Anita! I am amazed, you make your own sausage! Wonderful. I never even thought of doing something like that for oneself.

Good book haul, and the book for your student seems like a perfect gift.

>276 EllaTim: Hi Ella!

It's actually easier to do than you would think. I grew up with my dad always making sausage so it's just normal for me. The key are the spice blends to get right.....

Hope you are having a good weekend so far.

81. Barbara Goldsmith: Obsessive Genius

All about Marie Curie, her life and research that led her to be awarded the nobel prize in Chemistry and Physics.

Before reading this, I knew little of Curie except that she is responsible for the discovery of the elements polonium and radium . I found this biography to be informative. Quite heavy on the science side which I enjoyed. Goldsmith mixes personal correspondence and journal entries into the biography which really helps the reader get a sense of her personality and inner thoughts.

Apparently her daughter, Eve wrote the first biography about her. It would be interesting to read as well.

Please join me over at my new thread!

>264 figsfromthistle: Our library's copy of this just arrived today. Sorry it wasn't up to par. I know we have several Connelly readers so I know it will check out.

>278 figsfromthistle: I read a biography of Curie when I was in elementary school and found it interesting. I could not tell you the author, but I can almost picture the cover with a silhouette of her.

>280 thornton37814: Don't get me wrong it was an ok read. I am enjoying the series.

>281 thornton37814: Madame Curie certainly had a tough life and was quite dedicated to her research.