2025 Thread # One Whisper 1 (Linda)

In a tempest-torn world, with peace that seems elusive, my wish for 2025 is a simple statement: It is my hope we can all get along, put differences aside, smile instead of frown, say hello instead of glare, accept each other and embrace what can bring us together, and put aside what may tear us apart.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL MEMBERS OF THIS INCREDIBLE GROUP

That is a positive and hopeful note to start the year with, Linda. I pray that those sentiments come to fruition in 2025. xx

Welcome back, Linda!

>2 PaulCranswick: Paul, It is my hope to be more active on the threads in 2025. I'm finding home ownership without a mate to be a full-time job. Fortunately, these units were well built 25 years ago. Replacement of a water heater and repair of a furnace are to be expected. I am fortunate to have wonderful neighbors.

I often wonder how you manage to keep on top of all the projects you oversee!

>3 drneutron: Many thanks Jim. Happy New Year to you, your son and wife.

>4 Whisper1: Main technique is not much sleep, a lot of coffee, being impervious to stress, a good memory and compartmentalization of time.

Happy New Thread Linda!

Our house is 30 years old and we've had to do a number of periodic replacements over the last few years as well: new boiler, new hot water tank, replacement double glazing and new conservatory roof. I'm hoping that we won't need anything else of this type needing to be done over the next few years, apart from standard decorating.

Happy 1st 2025 thread, Linda!
I love your sentiment in >1 Whisper1:. I share your wish. In a tumultuous world, my hope is that we can make our little corner of it a place of serenity and refuge.

I wish you a very happy 2025!
It's great that you have good neighbors. I'm optimistic for this coming year.

Hello Linda!! Happy new thread and I hope to be a more frequent visitor to your wonderful books and insights. Love your sentiments in Post #1. Wishing you happiness my friend. : )

Hello Linda my dear, i have starred your thread and hope to be a regular visitor this year, i love your sentiments in Post No 1.

Happy new thread Linda!

>5 PaulCranswick: Paul, I like your mandate, except for getting less sleep.

While it it is still 2024, I'll post here that last night, I had a "date." My neighbor and "friend" Bill began a relationship two-three years ago when I was gardening in the front of my house by the mailbox. A tall man with a small white dog stopped by to remark how much he liked my flowers. I instantly liked the little white dog, and when he mentioned that his wife died during the Covid epidemic and that she was retired and watched the dog all day, but now he worried abut Angiely (little angel,) because she was now alone from 5:30 a.m - 6:30 p.m. and if he had commitments at church, the poor dog was alone too long.

Four years before that, I lost Will because of frail lungs and inability to sustain breathing after an open-heart surgery. In addition, I had recently lost my beloved Lilly, and knew my health would not be able to own another dog, it would be a win-win situation for me to watch her a few days a week. This arrangement began a solid friendship.

While we had dinner together, I was quick to say the word "friend" in our communications.

Last night, we actually had a date--my first since Will died. We went to dinner with two of his close married friends who are members of his Catholic church. Then, on to a casino where a band they follow was playing. They were fantastic, lots of guitar, saxaphone, flute and other instruments as well as strong voices and wonderful jazz. They played for 2.5 or more hours. And Bill actually was able to get me to dance.

https://www.theuptownband.com/

Conversation with his friends was good, and to think that after all these spine surgeries, I had the courage and ability to dance was nothing short of incredible!

Conversation always flows easily with Bill, including the two hour trek each way.

I'm not sure if this is a new step, or a continuation of a solid friendship, but, I had one heck of a great time, and I'm trying not to label it as a new step, though it felt that way. I am most comfortable with a special friendship rather than romance.

The New Year is looking mighty swell!

>12 Whisper1: I am so pleased for you, Linda. We need good friends in our life always and you are right to try to enjoy yourself. I am especially happy that you also get the company of "Little Angel" on a regular but not overly taxing basis.
The band looks like it is great fun too.

>12 Whisper1: Thanks Paul! And, thanks also to those of you who stopped by to wish a Happy New Year! I stayed in pjs, read and rested all day.

Surprisingly, while I am tired, I thought the dancing would bring sore muscles, but I'm fine, just very tired with the usual pain. I'm not accustomed to arriving home at 2:30 a.m. We left at 1:00 p.m., so a 13.5 time period with wonderful people, great music, and meaningful conversation was all new to me, and very different from living alone and reading books most of the time. I'm not jumping into anything, but simply saying I had a wonderful time.

>12 Whisper1: - Linda, that sounds so wonderful and refreshing! An evening out in good company can't be anything but great and it sounds like it was, indeed. Congratulations for giving yourself permission and courage to *step out*! Wishing the very best for the new year!

>15 jessibud2: Thanks Shelley!

>12 Whisper1: I'm so glad to hear you had such a lovely night out. A special friendship with man or dog is a true gift, and you seem to have found both! I hope they continue to bring you joy.

>17 laytonwoman3rd: Thanks Linda. I deeply appreciate our kind comments. I send all good wishes to you for a wonderful New Year of reading and relaxing.

>12 Whisper1: Linda, a wonderful person like you deserves happiness and I'm overjoyed that your friend, Bill, is adding a little zing to your life. haha you go, girl!

Hi Lynda...You made me smile! Thanks for your kind words. I'm glad you were able to see Will and his friend over the holiday!

>12 Whisper1: Hurray for deepening friendships and new adventures!! I am so happy for you. I can feel your smile from here. Here's to more fun in your future. : )

>21 Berly: Thanks Kim. I'm taking it slow. This is not a romance, it is a good friendship with a very kind, sensitive, generous man.

>22 Whisper1: Absolutely! Which is a wonderful thing. And there's a dog, too. : )

>12 Whisper1: A strong, stable friendship is the rock in the surf. I am so happy that Bill can offer you this. Enjoy life, dancing, being together, having fun.

>12 Whisper1: Well, that's a wonderful story!

Thanks to all for your encouragement. My life is taking care of a house that is too large for me, walking and reading, as well as being with friends. It is very nice to leave the house for a long period of time and enjoy having dinner with someone, laughing, and sharing in-depth conversations. It is so good to laugh. I'm not jumping into anything. I've known Bill for 2-3 years.

>12 Whisper1: How lovely! Dancing is the best, and with congenial company the very best!

Happy New Year! I am so happy that you have a special friend to enjoy dinner and dancing and conversation with.

That sounds like a fun night! Congrats on having a good friend to go out with!

Congratulations on your "date"! Happy New Year. I hope 2025 is a good one for you.

Starred your thread. I always enjoy the wonderful picture books you read.

>12 Whisper1: Sounds like a great friend. Time will tell how it will turn out. Enjoy the company :)

Happy new beginnings, my dear.

Sue, Carrie, Jennifer, Beth and Anita,

Many thanks for your good wishes. For now, and the last 2.5 years since we met, I am very comfortable in this friendship. It is lovely to simply have someone to have dinner with, attend a concert, or go to a winery.

He is a great listener, knows I love to read, and on a trip to see his sisters and mother in Colorado where they live, he purchased a copy of Undaunted Courage as well as a beautiful book bag that notes a book store in Breckinridge, Colorado. I mentioned that I very much like the documentaries of Ken Burns, and in particular his CD regarding the Lewis and Clark expedition. That was a long time ago when I mentioned this.

He remembered, and this was one of the presents this year..something he tucked away to give to me this year. I guess that means he had hope for the future.

I appreciate your emotional support! It means a lot.

Dear Linda, I understand only too well how the upkeep of a good-sized house (plus upkeep of my mother) can eat into not only posting but also reading time. But I am thrilled, THRILLED, I tell you, to hear about your "new" relationship. I hope it brings you much joy.

>34 ronincats: Roni. I am taking this very slow. I've made some mistakes in the past, at 72 I want to walk a new pace, not be forced to be someone different than the person I am. There was a lot of stress with Will. I understand that now and acknowledge that I felt on edge too many times when I did not respond and tell him how I felt.

It never to old to learn, and I'm taking my learning experience into this relationship. And, as the Dorothy Parker poem, Indian Spring states, and if you don't like me so, to hell my love with you!

Indian Summer

Dorothy Parker 1893 –1967

In youth, it was a way I had
To do my best to please,
And change, with every passing lad
To suit his theories.

But now I know the things I know,
And do the things I do;
And if you do not like me so,
To hell, my love, with you!

---------------------------------------------

I found this poem way back in college days, and it has stayed with me all this time!

Happy 2025, dear Linda

I sincerely wish you a happy, healthy and fulfilling new year. May all your wishes come true. Happy reading 2025.

Hello and happy 2025! I agree wholeheartedly with your opening statement!

Here's to a new and better year -- let's go 2025!!

Happy New Year. I loved reading your update in >12 Whisper1:. Very best wishes for your new year.

Happy New Year, Linda. And what a lovely first step. Congratulations! Plus---sweet dog, need one say more. :) Best wishes and take care. :)

>35 Whisper1: I hear you, dear one; know all about that. While I don't think I'm ever going to be interested in a new relationship, I still hope this one might give you some joy.

Happy New Year, Linda!

Happy New Year, Linda. We've been in our townhouse for 24 years now, and I we have replaced the furnace, the hotwater tank maybe twice , the roof twice and the fencing. But at least in a townhouse, the decision is made by the strata council to replace the fence and the roof, so we don't have to organize that. I'm glad you have a good friend, Bill to go to plays , restaurants . My husband's mom passed away at age 70, and my FIL remarried two years later. But it was to a widowed old girlfriend from his teens, so they reconnected and that worked out well for them. They have both since passed away.

Happy New Year and Happy New Thread, Linda.
>1 Whisper1: What a beautiful motto!
>12 Whisper1: That's wonderful news, I'm so happy for you.
All the best for 2025.

Happy New Year, Linda!

>12 Whisper1: I'm glad you had such a nice date!

Happy New Year and happy new thread!

Hope your year is off to a good start! I finally got to your thread. Looking forward to all the children's books!

Hello, dearest Linda. Happy New Year and happy first thread of 2025.

>1 Whisper1: Excellent statement and graphic.

>12 Whisper1: My, my. A date. A big step, and I’m happy to read that it went well.

>35 Whisper1: It’s always good to see past behaviors and try to correct them for the future.

I'm looking forward to following you this year and trying to do a better job at posting more frequently.

Looking forward to following your reads again in 2025, Linda. And adding my well-wishes for your friendship with Bill. May you bring each other joy and companionship!

Happy New Year, Linda! I haven't been able to keep up with anyone's threads (much less even make one!) since my husband retired, even my favorite LT-ers like you. So I was happy to read your new year's thread and see that you are doing well after everything. I wish you a wonderful journey along the path which 2025 gives you.

Happy New Year, Linda! I love your topper image and the thoughts and hopes you expressed so eloquently.

>12 Whisper1: Dancing! How full of fabulous. What a lovely story and I am so happy that you have found a friend who is good company when you are wanting some. I also think you are very wise to think about the things you mention in >35 Whisper1:. We learn as we go through life, and correcting things we wish we had done differently in the past is a powerful thing.

Wishing for you much happiness in 2025.

Thanks to all for stopping by and leaving such wonderful comments of support and caring! When I think back to 2008 when a co-worker told me she found an ad on Good Reads about a group where you could catalog books, she mentioned that she read 50 books a year. On a whim, I joined this "new" group titled 75 book challenge.

It is an under statement to say that my life has changed as a result of that one interaction that lead to not only
noting books I currently owned, but adding new ones as I purchased them, but I also found a group of kind, sensitive and caring folk who grew to dip our toes in the journey of talking about ourselves, asking questions that led to knowing others and creating long-term, very important bonds.

It started small, and now look at how we have grown, shared, cared and emotionally supported each other through losses of friends, spouses, pets, neighbors and loved ones. In addition, we focused on our gains -- our additions of new friends, new marriages, great books, not so wonderful books, the birth of children, grandchildren and became comfortable with posting as much as we wanted, knowing there would be no judgment or negativity.

And, as "social media" became a buzz word, our group found that we were/are positive, not negative, caring, not nasty, open minded, and have the ability to create a wide berth when we may not agree with the political choices of others.

People may ask how can you call someone a friend if you haven't met them, yet we do that in our group. We care, share and reach out in concern and support. And, surprisingly, in choosing to attend a meet up wherein we gather together at a specific place, we find that the person across the table from us is indeed the one we thought they would be -- not a stranger, but a friend!

I am so very glad that I posted that first communication, which led to a bridge between towns, cities, states, and countries!

Amazingly, we grieve when we lose a member, and the circle shares our love of someone who passed and our memories of interactions, the books they liked, their mates, their pets, where they walked, and their spirit lives on in us.

BOOK #1 OF 2025


Diva by Daisy Goodwin

I honestly do not know where to begin in writing a review of this book. How do we define "well written?" While the author has a talent, there are huge gaps of text that meander and head down to dead-end stories that lead to no where. Then, there were sentences that sparkled.

After watching the recent excellent NetFlix episode titled Maria, I wanted to learn more. Sadly though, this book focused on the love life of Maria to the detriment of shining a bright light on her stellar, incredible voice.

Most of this book surrounds the love life of Maria and Aristotle Onassis. Analogous to the rich operatic tales she sung, the story ends in tragedy. And, this is true of the life of Maria Callas. the book begins in 1940 when she was a mere sixteen-year-old grossly overweight under-loved girl with a beautiful voice.

For most of her life, she was exploited, beginning with a mother who was cruel, abusive and self serving, through a tumultuous relationship with the billionaire Aristotle Onassis who used her as he used all women for his purpose to then discard them to degradation

In a cut-throat atmosphere were standing up for oneself equates to a highly negative term of diva, Maria had to fight her way through to the well-deserved top of the cream of the crop of vocal ability.

Tragically, she died at the relatively young age of 53, after losing the ability to climb the scales to the top and to hold the notes that previously went on and on and on.

I wish this book would have focused more on the amazing places her voice soared, rather than the sad, stoic notes of woman finds man, woman falls in love, woman is exploited, and in the end, the women is dumped for another of lesser talent and qualities.

I wanted to like this book and hoped I could learn more about her talents rather than reading chapter after chapter of an emotionally abused woman who wasn't smart enough to leave when she was ahead.

BOOK #2 OF 2025


The Christmas Star by Marucs Pfister

Beautifully illustrated, this is, as the title states, a book of the star that shone over the place where the baby Jesus was born.

Recommended for young children who would be captivated by the shiny places of illustration throughout the story.

BOOK #3 OF 2025


Nathan's Song by Leda Schubert with illustrations of Maya Ish-Shalom

This is the story of Nathan who has a beautiful voice. Saving money for him to take a ship to Italy to study opera, his family wishes him well in his endeavors. In a crowded atmosphere, Nathan takes the wrong ship and lands in New York City.

There he sings on the street for coins to pay for expenses. This leads to singing on cruises, for weddings and special events. Eventually he is found by a man who trains him in how to develop his voice where eventually he performed on the Broadway stage.

Nathan meets someone, falls in love and marries, saves enough money to bring his family and an apartment with enough room for all.

Based on a true story inspired by the author's grandfather who immigrated from Russia to the United States who not only sang in three Broadway musicals, but also was featured in radio programs.

The illustrations are lovely and carry the story beautifully.

>54 Whisper1: Thank you for your wonderful words, Linda.

>54 Whisper1: Such wonderful and accurate sentiments you have expressed so well Linda. And I am happy for you that you have such a special new relationship developing in RL.
I fell off the face of the earth (at least so far as LT is concerned) early last year. I will try to do better this year.

Hi Linda and Happy New Year. I'm excited to hear that you have someone to spend time with. I love that Dorothy Parker poem. I know you will take it slow and let things develop over time. I look forward to hearing more about your new friend.

I've spent today putting Christmas ornaments in their boxes. I'm not finished, but will work on this project again tomorrow.

Last night as I was here in the loft on the computer, I heard a crash, boom and the sound of breaking ornaments. Meow the cat ran into the tree and it fell over. Many ornaments were spread throughout the living room, and the three pieces of the tree were apart. I collect Hallmark light and sound ornaments, and some of my favorites were broken. I checked ebay and a few are for sale.

Usually, I've purchased current 2024 ornaments that sometimes are on sale 1/2 off. I've stayed out of the stores. I'm really trying to stop collecting things. Of course, that hasn't applied to books. I've purchased quite a few already this year. I'll post them at a later time.

>54 Whisper1: A lovely expression of the wonderfulness that is LT. : )

>55 Whisper1: Sorry this one didn't turn out well. I am listening to Cher's memoir and she didn't have an easy time of it either.

>56 Whisper1: >57 Whisper1: Three books done and reviewed already! You rock.

>61 Whisper1: Dang cat. Bummer about the ornaments. Collecting books doesn't count! LOL

Hello, Linda, I have finally made it over to your new thread. Belated Happy New Year wishes!

>1 Whisper1: I love your sentiments here. I agree completely!

>12 Whisper1: It sounds like you had an absolutely wonderful evening! I hope for you that you have more of those this year.

>54 Whisper1: You could not have said it better! This truly is a wonderful community. Thanks for expressing it for us.

>58 SirThomas: Thanks for stopping by Tom!
>59 arubabookwoman: so very happy to see a message from you. I'll be sure to visit your thread more often in 2025!
>60 Donna828: Hi Donna. It is always good to hear from you.
>62 Berly: Hi Kim. Let's hope 2025 is a lot more healthy for us than 2024 was!
>63 atozgrl: Hi Irene. Thanks for all the kind comments.

BOOKS ACQUIRED IN JANUARY 2025

1) Maria Callas: Sacred Monster
2) Greek Fire: The Story of Maria Callas and Aristotle Onassis
3) Cast a Diva: The Hidden Life of Maria Callas
4) The Sunflower: On the Possibilities and Limits of Forgiveness
5) Nemesis: The True Story of Aristotle Onassis, Jackie O, and the Love Triangle That Brought Down the
Kennedys
6) Aristotle Onassis
7) The Cheshire Cheese Cat: A Dickens of a Tale Illustrated book
8) The Day the Germans Came
9) Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge Illustrated Book
10) Ghosts of Gettysburg: Spirits, Apparations, and Haunted Places of the Battlefield
11) The Wednesday Surprise Illustrated Book
12) Horsefly and Honeybee Illustrated book
13) Stay Where You Are & Then Leave
14) The Boy at the Top of the Mountain
15) Moon Shot: The Inside Story of American's Race to the Moon
16) Caps for Sale: A Tale of a Peddler, Some Monkeys and their Monkey Business Illustrated book
17) Dreamcather
18) Rocket Men: the Epic Story of the First Men on the Moon
19) the Case For Mars: The Plan to Settle the Red Planet and Why We Must
20) Curse of the Thirteenth Fey: The True Tale of Sleeping Beauty
21) Girl, Woman, Other: A Novel (Booker Prize Winner

BOOK #4 READ IN JANUARY 2025


The Circles in the Sky by Karl James Mountford

This is a wonderful book, both in content and illustrations. In addition, the cover is beautiful.

A fox awakes to the sound of birds singing for all to hear. He thought this sound was different than their usual music in that it wasn't happy or sad -- is was simply different.
Following the different sound, the journey took him across water, past an old house, woods with a lot more stumps than trees, and led to a place of flowers where the birds where gathered silently.
And when they left, there was a bird that was not moving. Curious regarding why the bird was silently still, a moth noticed his interest and explained that the bird simply wasn't here anymore.
Sitting quietly with the non-moving bird, the moth then moved and made a circle in the sky.

Using a beautiful analogy of the fact that when the sun goes down, and the moon rises, the sun isn't there, but the light is so bright, even on dark nights, the sun reflects in the moon. Thus, we can remember that the sun was once here.

The fox was very sad that the bird would not be with them. Noting that the moon will always remember the sun, the moth taught the fox a lesson about the cycle of life and the importance of remembrance.

Stunningly beautiful in cover, illustrations and content, this is a very special book to be added to my favorite illustrated books.

Highly Recommended

Five Stars

>65 Whisper1: >66 Whisper1: Look at you go already!!

>67 Berly: Hello Dear Friend. I smile every time I see a post from you. You make our group extra special--no doubt about it!

Awwww. Thank you. Look who's talking. : )

BOOK #5 READ IN JANUARY 2025


The Girl in Red Written by Aaron Frisch illustrations by Roberto Innocenti

This is a very disturbing revisiting of the fairy tale of Red Riding Hood. This misses the mark however and it makes no sense whatsoever. The girl in a red coat lives in a tumble down city, filled with graffiti on the walls, lots of traffic, odd looking motorcycle riders and garbage literally.

I bought the book because Innocenti is a very gifted illustrator. However, I'm disappointed that he used his talent in this fashion.

No Stars, No recommendation, and no posted illustrations

>70 Whisper1: That one sounds like a real loser! The earlier fox story sounds much better!

>66 Whisper1: The Circles in the Sky looks lovely! I’m off to find a copy. Thank you for bringing it to our attention!

Karen O

>66 Whisper1: I love those illustrations, Linda. Thanks for sharing.

>54 Whisper1: Linda - What an eloquent way you have described people who have joined LT!

The Circles in the Skylooks like a gorgeous read, Linda! Thanks for sharing.

>71 thornton37814: Hi Lori, It is unusual that I find a book that I react negatively toward. The illustrations were downright scary, and I would never read this to a child. Thank for stopping by.
>72 klobrien2: I thought of you when I was reading Circles in the Sky. It is a beautiful book!
>73 Crazymamie: Mamie, It is so good to see a post from you! I am going to try to visit threads more often this year, of course, including yours!
>74 m.belljackson: Thanks Marianne! This group means a lot to me...And, of course, you are an integral part of why I like the 75 challenge group so much!
>75 vancouverdeb: Hi Deb. Thanks for stopping by.

BOOK #SIX READ JANUAARY 2025


The Paperboy by Dav Pilkey

This is a re-read for me. The story is simple, but well worth reading. The illustrations are worthy of a Caldecott Honor.

A boy and his dog awaken early morning when it is dark. the relationship with the dog sets the tone for the book. Together, they get ready to deliver papers throughout the neighborhood as the dog helps hold the large red bag open for the boy to place the folded, rubber banded papers inside.

As the boy rides his bike throughout the neighborhood, the dog lovingly follows the route they know by heart.

The ambiance is lovely as together they happily travel through the world that is asleep. And, as the world awakens, the description and illustration of the darkness becoming light is stellar as the skies become multicoloredly beautiful.

And, now their daily task is complete, and as they hear the family awaken, they prepare to go back to bed to sleep while the world becomes light.

4.5 Stars

BOOK #SEVEN READ JANUARY 2025


Horsefly and Honeybee by Randy Cecil

This is the story of a horsefly and a honeybee who do not want to share the nectur and space of a flower, and the nastiness ends with each losing a wing.

After an invasion by a nasty bullfrog whose long tongue and arms allow him to carry them to a pad on the water where they pouted and moaned.

Hearing the bullfrog return, they quickly learned that if they huddled together and each flapped a wing, they could escape.

This is a cute story of sharing, but I wasn't drawn as much to this story as previous books by the author/illustrator.

Hi Linda -- I finally found your thread! Happy 2025 -- I'm glad you had a nice date ☺️

As beautifully colorful as always over here, Linda.

Hope you are doing well and sorry that >70 Whisper1: The Girl in Red missed the mark.

>77 Whisper1: I am such a fan of Dav Pilkey (Dog Man and Cat Kid Comic Club series)! I really look forward to seeing something different that he wrote/drew! Thanks for bringing it to my attention.

Karen O

>65 Whisper1: What a book haul! I see you're quite taken with the Greeks.

>79 curioussquared: Thanks for stopping by. I vow to visit more threads in 2025!

>80 PaulCranswick: Hi Paul. the girl in Red was very strange! Thans, as always, for visiting here.

>81 klobrien2: Karen, I'll be sure to search for the Dog Man and Cat Kid comic club series. I look forward to adding a lot of your illustrated books to my list again this year.

BOOK #8 READ IN JANUARY 2025


Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge by Mem Fox

This is a sweet, lovely story of one small boy with many names who lives next to an "old people's home." He knows all the people there, and he likes and listens to all of them. In particular, he especially like Miss Nancy Alison Delacourt Cooper, mainly because she has four names just like he does. Holding a special relationship, he tells Miss Nancy all his secrets.

Hearing his parents refer to her as "poor old thing," he learns that she has lost her memory. Because he is a special child who cares about others, he finds his box of memories and he talks to Miss Nancy about all the memories that accompany his objects.''

Soon, Miss Nancy Alison Delacourt Cooper begins to remember her , and then they both smiled and smiled. And, an elder woman and a very young boy forged a wonderful relationship of memories.

This book epitomizes why I am drawn to children's illustrated books. Periodically, I find a gem that remains with me and is shelved in a place with the special books I've read.

Five Stars

>84 Whisper1: Funny about the four names. My grandfather had four names (John Frederick Hector Baldwin) and as a child I was fascinated by why this should be. People were supposed to have a first name, a middle name and a surname in my view, and I wanted to know why he had an extra one!

>84 Whisper1: “Wilfrid Gordon,…” looks great! I’ve requested it. Thanks!

Karen O

Dear Linda, I knew I was missing lovely illustrations when I wasn't visiting here. I also knew that I was missing what was going on with you and expected hearing about things like Meow killing your Christmas tree (but not that exact one!). I am very happy to know that you're leaving yourself open to whatever relationship you work out with Bill. I know that you are bound to be good for each other as your friendship develops. All the best!!!!!

>77 Whisper1: Wow!! That's so different from what I normally think of when I think of Dav Pilkey

>88 norabelle414: I know!

I feel I want to warn Linda that the Pilkey series are quite different, they’re more like really good and fun comics for kids. I love them to pieces but they are not great illustrated books like The Paperboy seems to be.

Karen O

>85 SandDune: Rhian, How interesting about four names! Fortunately, I had three, with the middle name of Carol. I was incredibly shy when little. I spent summer bible school not telling the teacher my first name was Linda. All my projects had the name "Carol" on them. My mother insisted I tell the teacher my correct name. I was way to shy to correct her.

>86 klobrien2: Karen, I think you will like it. It is a sweet story of a little boy who keeps elder people for company. He goes out of his way to make them happy.

>87 LizzieD: Meow was quite afraid of the tree after knocking it down in three pieces. I boxed it up yesterday after finally placing all ornaments in correct boxes, and carefully cleaning up the broken shards of the ornaments that were embedded in the carpet. Thanks for visiting!!!

>88 norabelle414: Nora, when I was going to add the other books by Davi Pilkey, I changed my mind.

BOOK #NINE READ IN JANUARY 2025


Grandfather's Dance by Patricia MacLachlan

This is a beautiful, heart-warming story of a little boy who loves his grandfather, whom he calls "Boppa". When there is an upcoming wedding in the family, everyone is excited about the Aunts who will be staying for an extended time. Everyone, except grandpa.

But soon, he grows accustomed to people in the house. As with all of MacLachlan's books, the story is brief, to the point, and filled with love..

I've read most of her books, and I've liked all! This one just may be my favorite.

The love between little Jack and his Boppa is so very beautiful.

Five Stars

>91 Whisper1: I always loved MacLachlan's books. I've read many of them. I'm pretty sure I've read this one although it isn't in LibraryThing.

>65 Whisper1: Wow! That is an impressive haul!

Happy reading :)

>92 thornton37814: Lori, I discovered Patricia MacLachlan when years ago I was on a quest to read many Newbery-award winning books. Sarah, Plain and Tall, was the first book, and now, I've added Grandfather's Dance to the long-list of wonderful, heart-warming stories.

>93 figsfromthistle: Hi Anita, I spent holiday money on thriftbooks.com acquisitions. I think I'll take a break now. I give the books to my local library as soon as I read them. Thanks for stopping by.

About time I made an appearance here, lovey. I thought I had checked in already, but nope!

Congratulations on having read 9 books already this year!

BOOK #TEN READ IN JANUARY 2025


Erika's Story by Ruth Vander Zee with illustrations of Roberto Innocenti

This is a true story told by the author when she met the woman in the book. She and her husband were in Rothenberg, German after a tornado ripped through this lovely village.

An elderly man noted the destruction reminded him of the last allied attack of the war. A woman sitting next to them noted her name as Erika and proceeded to tell her story. Here are the stark facts:

Erika was born sometime in 1944.
She does not know her birthdate, nor her birthname.
Continuing with the information that was lacking from her history is the fact that she does not know her birthplace.
She may have brothers or sisters, but does not know that is true.
She was rescued from the holocaust by parents who made a soul-wrenching decision to throw her from the train carrying the family to an unknown concentration camp.

Innocenti's stark black and white illustrations then graphically show the terror of deportment, people herded like cattle, a door locked, then opened as a small baby in a pink blanket is thrown from the train. The pink blanket is starkly colored against the brown-tones of the train track and a few people watching the train pass.

Here is another fact:
Someone bravely risked their life in saving hers.
She was fed, clothed, given a birthdate and a name.

She married at twenty-one
She had three children.

Starkly, the book ends with Erika's statement:

"It was once said that my people would be as many as the stars in the heavens. Six million of those stars fell from 1933-1945."

Noting that while every star represented a family torn apart, her life continued and now her children are the roots that grow.

Starkly dramatic both in fact and the way in which color is used to represent hope and life.

This is a book that will remain with me for a long time. The Star of David is a cut out on the first page, setting the tone accompanying the graphic image of people herded into a train, nameless people whose lives were cut short, but for one.

I choose not to show the illustrations in this book.

>96 Whisper1: I wish my local library had that one!

BOOK #11 READ IN JANUARY 2025


The Phone Booth in Mr. Hirota's Garden by Heather Smith and Rachel Wada

In order to process his grief, Mr. Hirota build a telephone booth in his back yard after losing his daughter in a tsunami. And, young Makio lost his beloved father. As the story notes, "Everyone lost someone the day the big wave came."

Inside the phone booth is a cordless phone. It isn't connected to anything, but Mr. Hirota and Makio find intense relief by going inside the booth, picking up the phone and talking to their lost loved ones.

The sense of grief is profound, and the sense of relief is in equal measure. While Mr. Hirota visited his phone to nowhere every day, so too others who lost people they loved, feel enveloped by calm when they can talk to those who this lost.

This is a talented writer who has a wonderful imagination. Paired with the beautiful illustrated of Rachel Wada this is a book to treasure and keep in my shelf of favorites.

Based on a true story of Itaru Sasaki who grieved his cousin. As a comfort, he built a phone booth in his garden, and as the tale states, the phone inside goes to no where, but hopefully to the people who were loved and lost as the plaintive voices of grief call out to them.

A year later, when a tsunami hit Ostuchi, thousands in grief went to the phone booth to share their grief with those left behind.

BOOK #12 READ IN JANUARY 2025

Cassie Binegar by Patricia MacLachlan

Cassie Binegar (rhymes with vinegar) has moods that match the sharp tasting condiment. After her grandfather died, the family moved to a wonderful place by the sea that everyone in the family loves, but Cassie.

Cassie finds a friend there, and rather than making her feel less lonely, when she compares her loud, unruly family to that of Elizabeth. Elizabeth's mother would never walk bare foot. Elizabeth's father wears a suit, not fishing gear like Cassie's father. In Elizabeth's house, everything is spic and span. Cassie's house is very messy.

Cassie cannot seem to find good in anything. When her grandmother and family members stay for a long visit, Cassie is lax to show them to Elizabeth. Surprisingly, Elizabeth finds love, charm and friendliness in Cassie's family.

It is Cassie's Gran who knows her so well that shows Cassie that negativity ticks away at the soul, and looking at the world through other's eyes might bring happiness that Cassie never knew she could have.

While I don't think this is up to the author's usual high standards, I did enjoy the writing and it is well worth reading.

BOOK #13 READ IN JANUARY 2025


The Wednesday Surprise by Eve bunting with illustrations of Donald Carrick

Anna's grandmother arrives every Wednesday night to help her mother. And added bonus is that her grandmother is teaching her to read as a birthday surprise for her father.

This is a plain story, filled with a lot of familial love. Anna and her grandmother are successful in surprising her father on his birthday with the added gift that Anna's world has expanded because she knows how to read.

There is nothing dramatic in the story, but I do like the rolling way that love and family is portrayed.

>100 Whisper1: Eve Bunting books are usually good! That story line sounds familiar. I feel like I probably read it in the 1990s.

Linda - my daughter and I laughed out loud at just the first two pages of God got a Dog!

Linda, you're going great guns here.

>98 Whisper1: It's not my usual style, but I love those illustrations!

I am now moved to give you my cousin's 4 names, which he got from his father. He is Henry Edward Boyette Knight. Impressive, no?

>101 thornton37814: HI Lori. I very much like Eve Bunting books. This one fell flat but was worth the read.
>102 m.belljackson: Hi Marianne! I'm glad you liked God got a Dog! the image of you and Atala laughing makes me smile!
>103 LizzieD: Peggy, I am hooked on illustrated books. A lot of the stories are lovely, and because I have an appreciation for art, I very much am drawn to the illustrations.

Happy Saturday to all!

Hello, Linda,...

Sorry to hear that you're feeling under the weather! I hope you are soon back to 100%!

Karen O

Feel better soon dear Linda 💖😘

Feel better soon, Linda.

>105 klobrien2:>106>107 Many thanks. Looking back, this started at the beginning of last week. I don't have the leave the house, and I don't plan to as the temps are 29-30 degrees.

BOOK #14 READ IN JANUARY 2025


Caps for Sale: A Tale of a Peddler, Some Monkeys and Their Monkey Business by Esphyr Slobodkina

This is a cute story about a peddler who wears his wares. While walking around the countryside trying to sell caps (hats,) he balances many on his head divided by specific color. One day some troublesome monkeys try to steal the caps and wear them on their heads while climbing high up in a tree so the peddler cannot reach him.

This is a tale for young children who might find this story humorous and laugh at the snarky little monkeys.

BOOK #15 READ IN JANUARY 2025


I Cannot Draw a Horse by Charise Mericle Harper

This is a cute book geared for younger children who have great imaginations. The cat shows a shape, but wants to draw a horse and in the cat's mind, the shape cannot be made into a horse. But, it can be made into many different forms.

Then, there is a horse that appears, and other things as well.

I can close my eyes and hear the giggling of little children when this book is read to them. Many thanks to Marianne Jackson for this gift!

>109 Whisper1: - Oh Linda, this made me smile. I used to read this to my class of young students and before we settled in, everyone would have to bring me their hats from their cubbies and with each reading, someone got to *be* the man. We'd pile the hats on his or her head as we read and the rest of the kids were the naughty monkeys. My students loved acting out stories. Remember Jan Brett's The Mitten? My educational assistant sewed a giant mitten from fabric and we'd stuff a different stuffed animal into it with each turn of the page. In the end everyone would *sneeze* loudly in unison and I'd fling the mitten, releasing all the animals.

Happy New Year and happy new thread Linda!

>12 Whisper1: That sounds like a lovely evening. I'm glad you enjoyed yourself. Bill's friends sound nice too and a night of conversation, music and dancing is always wonderful. I've started Latin dance classes, which are a lot of fun, but I still haven't persuaded my husband to join me.

>111 jessibud2: Hi Shelley. Thanks for stopping by I like your story of piling hats on heads and then some kids being the naughty monkeys. And, how very creative you were to think of sewing a giant mitten with different stuffed animals inside.

>Hi Nina. Thanks for your comments. Latin dance class sounds fun!

BOOK NUMBER 16 READ IN JANUARY 2025


Nemesis by Peter Evans

This was a tough book to read. Filled with way too many boring details about Aristotle Onassis' love life, the accumulation of his wealth, and the fact that he was a cruel, uncaring psychopath. He had serial lovers and bragged about this prowess.

When Jackie Kennedy decided to accept his invitation to go on a cruise aboard his luxury yacht, both her husband, JFK, and the public reacted negatively. After JFK, was killed, Jackie married Onassis. It was not something the public approved of.

There were too many unnecessary details and speculations. I finished this book, but it was difficult to do so.

BOOK #17 READ IN JANUARY 2025


My Son John by Jim Aylesworth wordcuts by David Frampton

This is a story book replacing older nursery rhymes with new ones. The images are reproduced using beautiful woodcuts. We might all remember the nursery rhyme

Diddle Diddle dumpling
My son John
Went to bed
with his trousers on...

The new rhymes in this book are creative and brought a smile

Dusty dusty cobweb,
My daughter Ann,
Helps fill up
The tall milk can.
Cows in stalls
And pups round pans
Dusty dusty cobweb
My daughter Ann.

Another in this book:

Clove clover ivy,
My daughter Pam.
Take good care
Of her pet lambs.
One's a ewe
And One's a ram
Clover clover ivy
My daughter Pam.

I can close my eyes and hear the giggling of small children who try to make sense of the story in the rhyme.

>110 Whisper1: >111 jessibud2: What a fun story and I love how you engaged the students in the book with the hat!

Happy Monday. : )

I hope you will get well soon, Linda!

Happy Monday, Linda! I hope you're feeling much better today!

Hi Linda - Thank you as always for sharing your love of these beautiful children's illustrated books!

>117 SirThomas: Thanks Tom, Lynda and Janet. Today is a better day. I appreciate your kind outreach!
Janet, thanks for placing a line through "children's." Truly, these books are enjoyed by many, many adults as well.

BOOK #18 READ IN JANUARY 2025



The Lost Painting The Quest For a Caravaggio Masterpiece by Jonathan Harr

This is a very interesting book regarding the art of the Italian Baroque artist Caravaggio's lost painting, The Taking of Christ, which was missing for two centuries. Focusing on two art history students who work diligently to find what happened to this beautiful painting. There is a "real" painting, and another that seems just as real.

Discovering which is the right one is the daunting task set forth. Caravaggio had the reputation of ill repute with a very quick temper that led to many instances when brutal fights broke out.

Today, a painting by Caravaggio brings millions to the person or institution who sells it. I very much enjoy reading art history, and this book in particular was filled with details of how much effort it takes to track down a painting, to discern a fake from a real, and to uncover the trail that leads to the painting, including restoration, canvas and all the minute details that go into locating a work of supreme beauty.

BOOK NUMBER 19 READ IN JANUARY 2025


Reuben and the Balloon by P. Buckley Moss and Merle Good

This is a beautifully illustrated book portraying the humble life of the Amish people. When Reuben notes an orange and yellow hot air balloon in the sky, he leaves his work of feeding the cows and funs to where he can obtain a clear view. As the balloon slowly descends, the two friends invite him and his little twin brothers to join them high in the sky.

This is a wonderful experience for all, as they happily wave from high in the sky. While this might not seem like a book with a in depth story, the joy of the book is in the stillness of the balloon as it floats high above the barn and the farm. There is a serenity as the three boys wave to those below. They are quite happy with this adventure and I'm sure it will be discussed often round the meal table.

Easton, PA, where I live is located about two hours north of Lancaster and the surrounding areas where large numbers of Amish people till the soil, take care of their farms, and try as best as the can to keep the Amish traditions of simplicity. When visiting that area, it is not unusual to see horse and buggy riding in the country roads. The area where they live is clean, and there is a respect for the land, their animals, their farms and their families.

Dropping in to say hello. I hope you are feeling better!

Glad today was better, Linda, and leaving you with the hope that tomorrow is better yet!

>123 figsfromthistle: AND >124 LizzieD: Thanks Anita and Peggy. I'm better, but had to take grand daughter Kayla to the ER. She had a high temp, headache, sinuses, back of neck all swollen. They said there is a three-pronged illness going around -- Covid, RSV and flu. Because she teaches at a day care facility, she cannot return until next week.
She misses her little ones, but does not feel well at all.

It's been bitter cold today and tonight. The winds add to the chill. I'm glad I am in my PJS, resting and reading. Periodically Meow, Meow stops by to wag her tail or jump up on my lamp so I pet her. When I check on the ferret, he is under a quilt in the bedroom where his cage is. I call his name (Stinky) and then, I see a little black nose jut out followed by his ears and eyes. I very much am attached to that little critter. I say it often -- he has a brain the size of a raisin, but it holds quite a bit of knowledge inside.

When she first acquired the ferret, she got a little soft play pen type of toy. There are round open areas on two sides. If I place his favorite toys nearby, he runs quickly to grab them with his feet, and then his hands. He carries the toys (three dinosaurs) and places them through the opening. When all three are inside the play pen, he lines them up, goes outside the round holes and then pulls themfrom outside the pen. The game continues until he gets bored.

I never get bored watching him.

>122 Whisper1: I had to dig a little to find Reuben and the Balloon, which looks great! Good old ILL saved the day once again!

Karen O

I'm glad you could find this one Karen. It was delightful. I liked to slow, happy tone of the book.

My friend Bill gave me a present of a copy of Undaunted Courage.

A package of books arrived today, and the are:

David McCullough Brave Companions
Stephen E. Ambrose Nothing Like It in the World: the Men Who Built The Transcontinental Railroad 1863-1869
David McCullough The Wright Brothers
Stephen E. Ambrose Lewis & Clark Voyage of Discovery This is a large, coffee table book and it contains lovely images.

I'm excited about every one of these books, and look forward to snowy days when I can stay in pjs, drink cups of hot tea, and read, and or peruse the lovely images contained in the Lewis & Clark Voyage of Discovery book.

I'm sorry to read about your grand daughter's illness, Linda. So kind of you to take her to Emergency. I hope she is feeling better. My grand daughter Melissa got RSV when she had just turned 2, I think it was. It was at the start of covid, so initially the doctors' did not know what it was. She was in hospital on oxygen for about 3 days, and it was RSV. My mom caught it from Melissa, and she said she had never had a worse cold. Melissa likely caught RSV at daycare. They are great places, but young kids to spread germs around.

Wishing Kayla well, Linda. Hope she recovers quickly.

>122 Whisper1: Hi Linda - An Amish Family installed our Bronze Metal Roof!

Kayla is doing better with the same flu that you recovered from...?

Thanks to all for your inquires about Kayla. She remains ill. She does not have Covid, but has RSV and the flu. I spoke to her today and she is frustrated because the day care where she teaches is insisting she come to work. She will have certification at the end of January and then will look for a different job, hopefully closer to home.

It is interesting to observe how much her pets miss and love her. Stinky the Ferret waits for her every morning at 6:30 a.m.. This is the time she would normally come to be with him, play with his stuffed dinosaur toys, and simply hold and love him.

Meow, Meow does not come downstairs unless it is to eat and use the litter box. She remains in Kayla's bedroom where she lies and or sleeps on her bed atop a lilac fleece soft jacket. I imagine the jacket carries the scent of Kayla.

It is bitter cold. I make errands in one trip, and then return to get in pjs and read. I'm currently working on spreadsheets regarding money spent. I want to keep track of how much I spend for gas, groceries and bills. In 2024, I drastically cut back on dining out. My weakness remains books purchased via Thriftbook.com. It will help to know exactly how much I spend on books in one year. Already in January I purchased quite a few.

I'm aware I am very fortunate to own a nice home that carries a small mortgage payment.

BOOK #20 READ IN JANUARY 2025


The Christmas Story From the King James Bible According to the Gospels of Matthew & Luke Paintings by Gennady Spirin

Russian born Gennady Spirin remains my favorite artist. Reading one of his books requires specific interest in his art. Every book I've read of his (and I've read most of them,) is a magical journey wherein it feels like slowing diving into crystal clear blue warm water as the reader is held in a quiet space wherein light filters down from above as the sun's magic hits the body of water and reflects on the surface. And, the rays magically spread out reaching and glistening every part of the body leaving the surface and beneath in a lovely glistening heaven of beauty.

If you find one of his books, I think you might feel somewhat like I do about the magic of his paintings, drawings and illustrations.

RSV and the flu at once, No wonder Catey feels so ill. How ridiculous that her daycare wants her back at work when she is so unwell, and could pass on the viruses to the the young children and the staff. I hope she finds a new job closer to home, Linda.

>133 vancouverdeb: Deb, the ER doctor mentioned that they are seeing a triple infusion of illness with Covid, RSV and the flu all in the body mixing the germs together.

>133 vancouverdeb: Thanks for your kind words Deb! She doesn't feel well and the day care manager is putting a lot of pressure on her to return, despite the fact that this can be transmitted to little children.

I hope Kayla feels better soon; it doesn't seem wise for her to return to work while she is still sick.

I hope Kayla feels better soon. It's absolutely not a smart idea to go back to work so ill and possibly infect everyone else. It looks like her employer hasn't learnt anything from the pandemic. 🫣

I'm a late visitor to your thread, Linda. Nice to see the post about you going dancing and with a man who gifts books too!

I'm surprised that Kayla's employer wants her to go back to work if she is sick when she works with children. Hopefully she feels better soon.

>12 Whisper1: well this date of yours made me smile. A good start for the new year. Friends are good.

How odd that Kayla's day care manager is pressuring her to return even while still sick. Doesn't sound like a very smart woman, to me!

Thanks to all for your support of my grand daughter's situation regarding her day care manager wanting her to come in while she is sick.

Kayla is prone to anxiety, and his situation is kicking in some nasty stress buttons for her.

BOOK #21 READ IN JANUARY 2025


Miss Rumphius Story and pictures by Barbara Cooney

Winner of the American Book Award, published in 1982, this is a gem that sat on the TBR pile for a long time. I recently found a stash of illustrated books accumulated and stored in a chest in my bed room. While going through clothes no longer worn and waiting too long to give away, I also found many books on the bottom of the cabinet/chest.

Finding these lovely illustrated books was exciting to say the least.

Miss Rumphius Alice lived in a city by the sea. Her father came to America long ago, and now worked in his shop at the bottom of the house by the sea. He made figureheads for the prows of ships and carved Indians for the front of cigar stores. He also painted pictures, and his little granddaughter Alice painted the clouds in the sky.

When Alice told him she would grow up and visit far away places, he told her that would be wonderful, but she also must do something to make the world more beautiful.

Alice grew older and traveled near and far and was liked wherever she visited. When she grew old, she lived in a little house by the sea. She planted seeds in the stony ground. When the flowers bloomed, she remembered her promise to her grandfather. While sick in bed, she thought about the lovely lupine flowers that brought joy.

When she was well again and taking a walk, she found lupines that were there because the wind blew seeds from the stony ground of her garden. Hurrying home, she purchased five bushels of lupine seeds. Some called her the Crazy Old Lady when they saw her walking near and far scattering hands full of seeds.

The next spring, the land was filled with incredibly beautiful lupines. When she grew much older, children were drawn to her. She opened her house, fed them cookies and told stories. She also old them that they must do something to make the world more beautiful. And, the children decided to cultivate seeds and scatter them near and far.

This is a gem of a book, and I'll keep it in my cabinet of special illustrated books.

Five Stars



Here is an image of the original "Miss Rumphius"

BOOK #22 READ IN JANUARY 2025


Cozy in Love by Jan Brett

Cozy, a large musk ox has his heart set of Lofti. Unfortunately, it is snot the right time for Lofti to reciprocate. While pining away for Lofti, he learns of a potential plight that his dear fried Bella the beluga whale may be facing, he shifts his energy to helping Bella.

She has stayed far too long in an area where the cold, freezing ice is trapping her. Using his strength, Cozy pushes large boulders to crash into the water thereby making way for Bella to escape.

This action noticed by Lofti enables her to choose him as the suitor for her.

The illustrations are incredibly lovely. Known for her artistry, Jan Brett has once again produced beautifully illustrated book.

Many thanks to Marianne Jackson for her gift of this beautiful book!

Four Stars

>142 Whisper1: I love Barbara Cooney. The art is gorgeous.

Morning, Linda! Book #18 sounds interesting. I'll add it to the wishlist.
Re: #19 Many Amish in Northeast Ohio too. Burton and Mesoptania have a huge buggy population and utmost care is needed when driving in these areas. In fact, my car dealership has a Whoa sign instead of a stop sign. Although, not many if any Amish go to the dealership, it is a nod to the diverse population in the area.

>142 Whisper1: How beautiful! You are truly a connoisseur of illustrated books, Linda. It's always such a treat to see what you've been enjoying here.

I'm sorry Kayla has been so sick, and that she's getting grief from her boss. That seems like grounds for a formal complaint of some kind.

>131 Whisper1: What kind of a day care wants to make their kids sick?!

Sure hope Kayla recovers soon and will be home to visit All of You.

^^^^^^

Friday evening: Amy's Vegetarian Pizza with extra fresh garlic and spinach,

along with our first ever crumbl cookies - daughter found them while searching AT & T for a Senior phone -

cookies are expensive, fun, and taste great! she bought the smaller ones = 3 for $7.

What about you?

Hi Linda, As usual I am loving all the beautiful illustrations from books on your thread. Hope all's well!

Dear Linda, finally checking into your thread. I probably won’t be able to follow all the posts, but I just read >54 Whisper1: and I‘d like to thank you for it. This is what made me come back this year, despite my ever-present social media anxiety. LT is different, and I missed this group so much during the years of absence.
Wishing you a wonderful reading year and a happy weekend.

Sending healing wishes to your granddaughter Kayla and also hope temperatures will soon improve in your region. Where I live, the gas bills for heating arrive about three months later and I shudder just thinking about the next one. Gas priced have tripled since 2020. I live in an old house with three appartments, but the people living in the other two spend the winter in Spain, so I’m surrounded by cold walls and basically have to heat the house. Trying not to get above 18 degrees centigrade in the rooms which should be around 65 Fahrenheit (?), while checking the humidity to avoid mold and work with a hot water bottle and lots of blankets to get comfy. At least there’s some sun.

>142 Whisper1: That was one of my and my kids' favorites when they were young. We read it many, many times. We also tried a dew times to grow lupines in our yard, but they never really thrived.

I hope Kayla is better. It's ridiculous for her employer to make her work while ill and probably contagious, particularly since she works caring for young children, who are very vulnerable to having serious cases of RSV.

Thanks to all who sent good wishes to Kayla. She is better and stopped by for a visit yesterday. Day cares are in need of staff, and they put a lot of pressure on workers to be in attendance, even if they are sick, which as we all agree makes no sense.

The temps here are very low and I'm staying inside. I've tried to read a few books, but none hold my interest. I'll try something by Kristen Hannah. I always like her stories.

BOOK #22 READ IN JANUARY 2025


Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

This is a re-read for me. I liked it just as much, if not more, than the first time I read it. Tova is an elderly woman who finds a job at the local aquarium. She develops a wonderful relationship with an octopus who she discovers is quite intelligent. With a back drop of a woman in grief, whose loss is profound, and a creature with whom she communicates quite well, this is a book that makes you want to tell everyone "read it!" "read it!"

Currently Reading:

>152 Whisper1: I read this at the beginning of the month and it is still quite fresh in my mind. A wonderful read!