Roni (ronincats) Remembers to Record her Reading in Realtime Rather than Retroactively

Greetings, visitors. I'm Roni, a LibraryThing member since 2007 and a participant in the 75 Book Challenge since 2007. In the early years, and up to 2020 actually, I was a very active poster in the group, but life circumstances resulted in a move back to the Midwest where family, a lovely Craftsman bungalow, an extensive garden area and my pottery studio in addition to my cats and books keep me so busy that I have been very remiss not only in visiting threads but also in keeping my own thread both current and newsy. As my thread title announces, once again I resolve to do better this year. I miss you all!

I am very much a genre reader in science fiction and fantasy, and I am having more and more difficulty challenging myself with new reads. Last year was probably my heaviest reread year of all time, as I completely reread a number of favorite series as well as scattered comfort reads. A list of last year's books (136) can be found here: https://www.librarything.com/topic/362305#8587015.
85 of them were rereads.

List of Books Read in 2025:

List of Books Acquired in 2025:

Goals and miscellaneous doohickeys:

Welcome, one and all. If you visit me and comment, I will definitely visit your thread. Help yourself to the goodies...

Dear Friend

I vow to follow threads more diligently in 2025. I'll by stopping by more often to see your pottery, learn what you are doing with the house, and what you are reading.

All good wishes for a wonderful 2025!

Happy 2025, Roni.

I will be following along as always my friend.

>1 ronincats: Happy New Year Roni! I don't think there's anything wrong with rereads though - I do it quite a lot myself!

Hoping for this in 2025 for us all.

Great thread title. Happy New Year, Roni. And happy reading too.

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

Welcome back Roni!

Happy new thread and new year, Roni

Happy new year, and happy reading, Roni!

>1 ronincats: Nice cats!

Happy New Year, Roni! I also really love to reread, and I am hoping to do more of that this year.

Happy New Year!

Happy new year, Roni! Here's to lots of great books in 2025 :)

Hope you find some amazing reads in 2025!

Looking forward to following your thread this year.

Happy New year, Roni!

Happy new year, Roni! Looking forward to seeing what you read in 2025.

Happy new year of reading, Roni!

Happy New Year, Roni! I hope to get some reading suggestions from you in 2025. I need something to look for in Joplin :)

I'll certainly be following along, Roni! Happy New Year!

Happy New Year, Roni.

Happy new year Roni!

Happy New Year and happy new thread! I love your alliterative thread title!

Hi Roni and congratulations on having the longest and most interesting "handle" for your new thread. Love it! I, on the other hand, am tired of coming up with clever new names so I retreated back to the old "Donna Reads" with which I started this madness in 2007.

I will be following your reads closely. I mentioned on my thread that I wanted to read some fantasy books so I could relate to Haley (age 14 now!) better. She is accumulating books like crazy for her private library, mostly fantasy. I'm open to suggestions. You steered me toward The Vorkosigan Saga years ago when I was driving back and forth to Colorado, and I am eternally grateful.

The thing I love about this time of year is how we do visit each other's threads and greet each other. Thank you for visiting, Linda, Paul, Rhian, Richard, Stephen, Barbara, Jim, Shelley, Ella, Mamie, Silver, Natalie, Lori, Anita, Joe, Mary, Katie, Stasia, Deb, Beth, Steve, Misti and Donna! If I haven't been, I will be over to your threads soon.

Currently reading:

The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley
Carpe Jugulum by Terry Pratchett
Derring Do for Beginners by Victoria Goddard

Happy New Year Roni. I too vow to do better with keeping up here at LT. I have been dealing with some health issues but I am in line for some rehab in January so hopefully I can get back to living my life in 2025!

I just got a book order in today and it was all fantasy. I got Heir by Sabaa Tahir, Song to Drown Rivers by Ann Liang, and When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker. That should provide me with lots of fantasy reading for awhile.

Happy New Year and Happy New Thread, Roni, I look forward to many good books with you.

Happy new year from me, Roni. I really enjoyed The Ministry of Time. I'm looking forward to a movie version so I can say 'the book was better'.

Like Charlotte, I also really enjoyed The Ministry of Time. Happy Friday, Roni.

Happy new thread, and

Happy New Year, Roni!

With our winter storm forecast for the weekend, one of our Kansas libraries posted this:



Snow prediction here, conservative 6", upper range 17"

>38 ronincats: That is wonderful!

Happy New Year, Roni!

>38 ronincats: - LOL! So clever! They must be LTers!

Thanks for stopping in, Judy, Benita, Thomas, Charlotte, Mamie, Susan, Ellen and Shelley. So far, we have had heavy misting in my area, which immediately turns to ice when it hits solid surfaces. I-70 has been closed in several places due to major accidents, vehicles sliding all over the place, and the HP is begging people to stay home. The snow is supposed to start tonight, and we have a blizzard warning. I am warm and comfy at home, well-stocked, and as long as ice doesn't bring down power lines, well set up for as long as needed.

I wanted to share my completed Advent puzzle calendar before I break it back up into its 24 little boxes for next year. So much fun! And Motley always insists on supervising.

I posted the How Many Books weather map above, but this one also seems relevant.


I'm about 100 mile west of KC, and it's looking like I'll need a case here in Salina.

It is normal winter weather here. Just windy.

>41 ronincats: I love the photo.
>42 ronincats: >38 ronincats: 🤣 So much humour, but a good idea.

Yes, luckily we got home last night before the freezing rain started.

Hi Roni, happy new year!

Your advent puzzle looks like great fun - and of course kitty needs to supervise such important matters. I had a crossword calendar this year (and 2023) and really enjoyed it.

Love the advent calendar, Roni. And the Winter Wine Advisory made me laugh.

>38 ronincats: Perfection, give that social-media manager a fat bonus.

Love the calendar and the *weather* maps! lol

>43 benitastrnad: I'm guessing it's a little more wintry up there now, Benita. We're at 6" and snowing steadily.

>44 Ameise1:, >45 PawsforThought:, >46 Crazymamie: Thanks for visiting, Barbara, Paws and Mamie.

>47 richardderus: While I have a sufficient quantity of books, I am undersupplied on the wine and fear I may have to resort to the hard stuff!

Lovely snow photo. Looks like you're going to need the wine and books -- I'm sure you're well stocked for both so trust you'll be OK

>41 ronincats: Happy Sunday Roni. I very much like the puzzle you recently finished. And, of course, the lovely image of your beloved cat watching over your accomplishment.

I am very much interested in the mat used to place the puzzle. Can you tell me more about this?

I vow to start working on a 1,000 piece puzzle waiting for me as soon as I clean up the mess from my cat Meow. Last night, I heard a crash of the Christmas tree and the sound of broken ornaments. Everything was toppled with ornaments strewn around the living room. Some of my special Hallmark ornaments are damaged, but I checked ebay and can replace them by buying them there.

Unfortunately, there was a special ornament of a German boy obtained by grand daughter Kayla as a gift for Will during a Disneyworld trip. Because it was the last trip we made before Will's passing, and it was special because Kayla knew Will lived in Germany after medical school and practiced there, it is not replaceable.

>49 ronincats: Thanks for posting the snow photo. We are predicted to get snow later this evening. We had a light snow during the past two winters, but this year lots of snow is predicted in January and February.

I hope you are warm and reading science fiction books, and working on puzzles.

>50 RebaRelishesReading: Thanks, Reba

>51 Whisper1: Sorry about the damage, Linda. Tough that it lasted unbroken only to be toppled at the last minute.

The jigsaw puzzle caddy that I have is this one: https://www.amazon.com/Portapuzzle-Deluxe-Jigsaw-Puzzle-Accessory/dp/B000EWC0NY/...

It allows me to zip it up and put it to the side when I'm not working on it--an essential with the cats but also convenient to free up the table space. I asked for it for Christmas a couple of years ago and have used it ever since. If you google "jigsaw puzzle caddy", you'll see an assortment.

Well, a photo of Salina is front page news in the article on the weather in the Washington Post. I'll post a link but it may have a paywall.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2025/01/05/winter-storm-forecast-cities-e...

Happy new year!
Looks like you've got a decent snowfall going. We've only got a couple inches here but the temps are colder than I'd like!

>49 ronincats: Looks very pretty. There was snow in some parts of the U.K. over the weekend and there was talk of snow here, but it didn't come to anything. We very rarely get any decent amount of snow.

Happy New Year, Roni. Well it's summer here but we've had a lot of wind and rain so not really fun.
I've seen The Ministry of Time in the bookshops so will be interested in how you find it.

Hi Roni. Happy New Year. I, too, hope to be better at visiting threads this year.

>38 ronincats: Clever and apropos to this group.

>42 ronincats: Also clever and apropos.

>49 ronincats: 6” would have my county here in central NC completely shut down. Love the pic.

Glad to hear you're well supplied with books for all the snow, Roni.

Hi, Chelle, Rhian, Kerry, Karen, and Mary!

Well, still snowing. Look here!



Salina is pretty much in the middle, east to west, and about a third of the way up from the bottom of this map. Benita is just north of Belleville, at the top center of this map (her town is too small to be shown). Every road in the north central part of the state, everything you see in red, has been declared closed due to blowing snow by the state DOT! That is roughly about 100 by 100 miles, for scale.

Fortunately, my appointments for the next two days have all been cancelled.

Went out to put out seed for the birds--14 inches out there so far.

>58 ronincats: Oof, that’s a lot of snow. I hope you manage well, despite road closures and all. We have an orange warning for tomorrow and Tuesday for snow and wind. I’m supposed to be back at work on Tuesday but we’ll see how the weather turns out. I might wfh instead.

Yuck, that's a lot of closed roads!
I guess you don't have any reason to do anything other than stay home and read now!

Hi Roni, and Happy New Year!

Okay, that's a lot of snow! Stay warm and safe inside and, heh!, read a book!! LOL Best wishes for a happy, healthy 2025.

Glad you're safe and warm at home, but sorry the wine reserve is low 😂

>41 ronincats: That looks like it was fun to do, Roni. Dave and I also worked on an advent calendar. I've been busy taking it apart and putting it back in those tiny boxes. I bought one for each of the kids and their families and we're going to trade them so we can work 4 different puzzles. Fun!

I remember this time last year driving through the Kansas Blizzard to Colorado. There will not be a repeat performance for us!

>49 ronincats: It is beautiful!

>38 ronincats: Oh I love it!

>49 ronincats: I always enjoy snow pictures. Quite beautiful as long as you don't have to drive anywhere.

If your wine reserve is low, just knock on your neighbours door :)

Hello and Happy New Year! I utterly failed to record my 2024 reading in real time. It was all retroactive guesstimates. Good luck doing so in 2025!

>31 ronincats: I really enjoyed Derring Do for Beginners. Possibly my favorite outside of the Greenwing and Dart stories. I really love those.

>41 ronincats: Lovely puzzle! I visited a friend for New Year's, and we completed 2 puzzles while I was there. I've done one in my new home so far. I too rely on a puzzle keeper due to cat and space considerations. It lives behind the dining table against the wall.

>49 ronincats: How lovely! I miss snow. I hope you're staying warm and safe.

SHIVER! SHIVER! FREEZE! FREEZE!

You and the cats keep each other warm, Roni!

>41 ronincats: Cute cats, though the wardrobe isn't adventurous.

Our advent calendar was little LEGO Disney characters and props to assemble + a dreidel, which didn't make sense until we realized that the front panel was a game board. But we couldn't find the rules.

>58 ronincats:
Somebody should have told my cousin that the roads are closed up here. He drove in from Belleville, got his tractor out and pushed the snow off the roads here in Munden. I went to church this morning and drove there in fine shape. (It is only 4 blocks) We have about 6 inches of snow here and it stopped snowing here about 4 PM today. It is calm now but earlier today it was still very windy. It is cloudy so it will be warm enough tonight. Tomorrow when the clouds go away it will be cold and then colder all week long.

Snow did blow into the carport where my boxes of books and stuff are stacked. But the snow isn't going to melt anytime soon, so I have a few days to move books into the house.

>41 ronincats: Oh I love that puzzle, Roni! Just beautiful!

>38 ronincats: I love that too! I don't love snow and we don't often get any. Sometimes once or twice a year, just for a few days, sometimes none.

>49 ronincats: Lurvely image of snowy goodness. We're in the ghastly zone of not-freezing but drizzling. It won't last long but it's really grim.

Monday orisons.

-2 when I got up this morning, felt like -17, but I had no reason to get out, so that's okay. Good news is the contractor who is putting siding on the neighbor's house, the one I have a shared driveway with, came by with his bobcat and moved several hundred cubic feet of snow clearing the driveway. So my snow guy only has to deal with porch, steps and ramp, sidewalks and clearance to the bird feeders.

Okay, BOOKS!

Book #1 The Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan 339 pp.



I borrowed this from the library on Hoopla because Amber recommended it and I was in the mood for something Christmasy. It's light and entertaining, good for what it is.

Book #2 Carpe Jugulum by Terry Pratchett 378 pp.



Finally finished this final book for last year's Discworld group read. I had read it before but really remembered nothing about it. Quite good, but you need to read the other books in the Witches grouping to appreciate it fully.

Hey, it's up to 8 degrees now (but still feels like -2)

14" and still snowing!! Wow! That's a lotta snow (but then you knew that).

Announcement: In an effort to conserve my dwindling supply of wine, I am drinking hot buttered rum this evening.

>74 ronincats: Now that's a plan!

>72 ronincats: I didn't even get to Equal Rites - I have a copy checked out on my Kindle though!

What a change of climate from California! We had our first snowfall of the year. It was only a few inches and nothing to compare to what you received in your area. Thanks for the link regarding the puzzle mat. I'll look into purchasing this next month.

Good luck with you puzzle.

14 inches of snow! Ugh, Roni!

Update of photo in >49 ronincats::



HI, Reba, Linda, Susan and Deb! It's still plenty cold here, but lots of sunshine.

Happy New Year, Roni! Oh boy, did you get snow! Denver was the starter of that snow, but we only got an inch or two. More today - probably 6-7 inches when it's all said and done. I LOVE the book and wine weather maps in >38 ronincats: and >42 ronincats:. How clever!

>51 Whisper1: Linda, I am so sad about your ornaments. We have french doors that can close off our living and dining rooms and we keep them closed for just that reason when the tree is up. We have collected ornaments from all over the world that we would probably never be able to replace.

>52 ronincats: I could use one of those puzzle caddies too - thanks, Roni!

>78 ronincats: WOw, Roni! Most impressive. Good thinking to conserve the wine - your hot buttered rum post made me laugh.

>78 ronincats: Glad it's not my yard but I love looking at it!

So. Much. Snow!
How was the rum?

I have seen all kinds of predictions for the snow we're supposed to get this weekend. The two most reliable local predictors have us in a 3 to 5 inch range, but I've seen some with under 2 inches and some with 7 or 8. I know the estimates supposedly become more accurate as the event nears, but at least we've been alerted to buy the ingredients for french toast and toilet paper!

>78 ronincats: I miss not having the snow to look at, Roni, but I don't want to do more than see it from a distance!

Now rum on the other hand..........!

Roni, there is one ornament that isn't replaceable, the others are Hallmark sight and sound and I found them on ebay.

Roni and I had a very nice meetup yesterday at her house. I can vouch for the fact that Roni's backyard does indeed look like that at the moment. I had to go to Salina to get fingerprinted and so contacted Roni to see if a meetup was possible. It was and it was a good time. I got to see the Cats Advent Calendar in all its glory. It is pretty impressive with very vivid colors and an interesting concept. Roni also gave me the tour of the house and we talked about the trails of moving. It was a very nice time. It wasn't until I was halfway back to Munden that I remembered we had not taken a picture of us to post.

>86 benitastrnad: I am envious that you met Roni! She is a very special person to me. I'm so glad that you both had the opportunity to meet!

I got absolutely nothing done yesterday, frittered the whole day away. I had intended to get here and post about the lovely visit with Benita on Tuesday. She brought delicious gingerbread and we had coffee and lots of conversation.

And thank you for visiting, Anne and Paul and Mamie and Richard and Chelle and Lori and Linda. And it's good to know you got home safely, Benita!

Roni, I messed up when I originally posted about Peter yarrow's death, by posting in last year's In Memoriam thread. I just reposted in the new one and wonder if you could copy and repost your message and photo.

>78 ronincats: Sunshine on snow landscapes is always so beautiful.

You have much more snow than we do in Minnesota! If we have to have winter, I'd like to see some snow.

>78 ronincats: Wow! Looks nice!

Hope you have a great weekend and stay warm!

Hi, Shelley, Stephen, Beth and Anita. We got another inch or two last night, enough to cover everything again but not enough to seriously impede.

I have finished off my preferred wine. I have a rosé that I bought for others, the cooking sherry and port under the sink and, oh yes, the peanut butter and chocolate whiskey that I might use in a variation of this, which popped up on my feed this morning: https://www.foodandwine.com/whiskey-peanut-butter-hot-chocolate-recipe-8763992?l...

I am currently reading the eARC of Diviner's Bow, the new Liaden, that became available on Wednesday.

>78 ronincats: More than enough snow. I am happy to see the birds at the feeder! Stay warm.

Hi Roni, looks like you are experiencing some real winter weather! here on the West Coast our winter weather has been rain, rain and more rain! Stay warm and take care of yourself!

Hope you are able to get out and replenish the wine soon :). Are the books holding out?

Roni, you win in the snowfall amounts. I’m perfectly happy with our seven inches here.

It sounds like you had a fun meetup with Benita. I hope she can make it to the Joplin meetup in the fall.

Again. Shiver. Shiver. Freeze. Freeze. I'll admit that a lot of snow is prettier than a little. We have had a couple of hours of the sky spitting invisible ice at us. We walked, but it's 37 here, and nothing was going to stick anyway. I saw 2 grains of ice on a dark car and one snowflake. One was all I asked for, so I guess I got it. I wish I had asked for 10 or 12.
It's good to be inside and warm!

>78 ronincats: What a lovely lot of white snow...we've been very cold here, but so far, two storms have just missed us, so we have brown grass peeking through the flimsiest of snow cover. Another chance overnight tonight to turn things pretty, but we'd be fine if it didn't. Moving it around just isn't the "joy" it once was.

>94 RBeffa: Working on it, Ron.
>95 DeltaQueen50: I wish Southern California had been able to get some of that rain, Judy!
>96 RebaRelishesReading: I'm going to try to get out tomorrow, Reba. I'm in great shape for books.
>97 Donna828: I think she's planning on it, Donna.
>98 LizzieD: 15 degrees at the moment, but we're supposed to get just above freezing this afternoon, Peggy.
>99 laytonwoman3rd: I know. This would be perfect for snow forts, and I just can't brave the cold.

Okay, reading. First, two Kindle Unlimited midlife fantasy books, just like Harlequins but with magic, purest brain candy.

Book #3 Magic Uncorked by Annabel Chase 212 pp.
Book #4 Bewitched Bitters by Annabel Chase 196 pp.



And then the eARC of the latest Liaden novel, and the last that Steve Miller will be co-author on.

Book #5 Diviner's Bow by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller. 464 pp.



This is a direct sequel to Trader's Leap and Ribbon Dance and carries on with the main storylines of those books on the planet Calemeno. It wraps up a number of them, develops new ones, and leaves at least two major openings for future books. Those who already love the Liaden Universe will want to read it asap. Those who haven't yet encountered it will want to start with earlier books.

Steve's death in early 2024 means that Sharon is working solo on these books now--this is the one that was in process at that time and she sorely misses her writing partner.

>100 ronincats: I had to double check to see that the actual release date of Diviner's Bow is April 1. Well, now, that's a date!

>101 quondame: Yes, this is the eARC, now available from Baen.

Hi Roni, I'm stopping by to see how you are handling the snow, and if you've had more. We had two days of dusting, nothing compared to what you experienced.

Happy Winter.

>49 ronincats: That was a lot of snow!! So different from San Diego haha.

>100 ronincats: I enjoy the Liaden books but haven't got this far. I hadn't realised that Steve Miller had died.

>100 ronincats: I'm sorry to learn that Steve has died. But glad to learn that another Liaden book is (almost) available.

>100 ronincats: OK, the Annabel Chase books are going into the BlackHole for when I need a BC book.

Have a terrific Tuesday, Roni!

Hi Linda, Ellen, Rhian, Arlie and Stasia. The ground is still covered with snow except where it's been scraped and shoveled. My piles of snow have not diminished noticeably. While we have had temps above freezing at times, it is only for a couple of hours in the late afternoon, and then colder days in between. The next three days are all supposed to get. up into the mid-40s so perchance there'll be more melting then. I hope so, as it is difficult and icy to get to the bird feeders.

Book #6 Vintage Spirits by Annabel Chase 192 pp.
Book #7 Psychic on the Rocks by Annabel Chase 106 pp.



The theme is wearing thin, as the author seems to think as well--look at the page count of the final book in the series. As we have gotten to know the women protagonists in these two books in the first two, there is less to reveal and imho it becomes less interesting and more formulaic. Well, they are done and they show that I can indeed sit down and read a book still.

Book #8 Mooncakes by Suzanne Walker, illustrated by Wendy Xu 256 pp.



This graphic fantasy novel was recommended by someone in the Cozy Fantasy thread (here: https://www.librarything.com/topic/366476) over in the Category Challenge group. Not a format I have read much in, but it was an interesting way to read a gentle fantasy.

Hi Roni!

My snow here in Georgia is all gone, but that's a good thing - it's so rare a few inches is a disaster.

Mooncakes has been suggested to me, too, but I haven't gotten around to it. I keep trying to read more graphic novels / nonfiction, but it's never going to be my go to.

Happy Sunday!

Sunday *smooch*

Happy Sunday, Roni! I just read Mooncakes based on that recommendation, too, and thought it was really sweet. Rae is reading it now.

Hi, Dejah, Richard, and Mamie!

Book #9 And Mankind Created the Gods:A graphic novel adaptation of Pascal Boyer's Religion Explained by Joseph Béhé 368 pp.



Two graphic novels in a row--what is this world coming to? My library came up with this book on Inter-Library Loan several months after Richard's trenchant review (see here:
https://www.librarything.com/topic/366293#8695153) motivated me to look for it. I found it a fascinating compilation of and analysis of the psychological underpinnings of religion. Thank you, Richard!

>112 ronincats: The link takes you to the thread because of the close-parenthesis...here:
https://www.librarything.com/topic/366293#8695153

I am delighted you enjoyed the read as much as I did, Roni, it's a use of the GN format I never thought to see. Very enjoyable readin' for us non-fictioneers.

I had the same thoughts about the Graphic Novel Climate Changed: A Journey Through the Science by Philippe Squarzoni. This was a graphic novel about the science behind climate change. I wouldn't have thought that the graphic novel format would work for a nonfiction book. But it did. In fact, it worked quite well for 480 pages of nonfiction cartoons.

>113 richardderus:, >114 benitastrnad: Yes, I suspect I would have found the original book quite a bit more challenging to work with, but this presented really weighty concepts in accessible form.

So Monday afternoon when I went out to fill the bird feeders, I twisted my right knee while trying to step in the same footsteps in the snow I had previously and backing out of them as well. My knee really, really ached hard all evening even with acetaminophen and heat on it, and then all night as well, even with ibuprofen. So I stayed in my recliner all day Tuesday with ice on the knee. Monday evening I had made it through another so-so midlife fantasy from Kindle unlimited:

Book #10 Witchful Shrinking by Jen Lassalle 106 pp.



It was okay, but I have no desire to continue the series.

I pearl-ruled two more similar books first thing Tuesday--obviously I was going to be hard to please in my enforced relaxation. So I turned to a sure bet and read all four of the Murderbot novellas, which basically filled the rest of the day!

Book #11 All Systems Red by Martha Wells 156 pp.
Book #12 Artificial Condition by Martha Wells 149 pp.
Book #13 Rogue Protocol by Martha Wells 150 pp.
Book #14 Exit Strategy by Martha Wells 163 pp.



I love me some Murderbot! Did a very good job of taking my mind off my knee and by the time I had gotten through the first two, the rest and the ice had helped so much that my knee only bothered me while I was on it, and I probably didn't break 1000 steps.

So, despite a hair cut and taking Motley to the vet for his annual wellness check today, I moved right into the next book (chronologically) and finished it early this afternoon.

Book #15 Fugitive Telemetry by Martha Wells. 172 pp.

>115 ronincats: Roni, I do love Murderbot!

I'm sorry about your knee. I hope the rest has fixed your knee right up. :)

Ach!! Your knee!! Hope it's feeling better today.

So sorry about your knee, Roni. Hoping it continues to improve.

LOVE those Murderbot books so much!

As of midday today, we have been above freezing for 24 hours for the first time since our heavy snow on January 5. And it looks like we have another 3 days at least, with temps possibly in the 50s over the weekend. I took a photo of my back yard pile this morning. Compare with the photo in >78 ronincats:. That was over 3 weeks ago. My pile has shrunk some but is still at least 4' high.

Sorry to hear about your knee but happy to have been reminded that there are two Murderbot books I haven't read yet. I am headed into Belleville tomorrow and will place ILL requests for both of them.

Book #16 Network Effect by Martha Wells. 348 pp.


Only one more to go, but I'm taking a break to read the new Katherine Addison novella set in the world of The Goblin Emperor, The Orb of Cairado.

January Reading Summary:

Books read: 16
Pages read: 3845

New reads: 9
Rereads: 7

Sources:
Library-3
Kindle Unlimited-5
New Purchase-1
Off my shelves-7

Genre:
Science fiction-7
Fantasy-7
Nonfiction-1

Author gender:
Women-12
Men-4

Country of origin:
US-9
England-1
Scotland-1
France-1
Dual citizenship US & England-4

You reminded me of the Murderbot Diaries. I have read 5 of them but not the last 2, so yesterday I called the local library and put in an ILL request for them. Then today at the Munden Volunteer Fire Department Pancake Lunch, I asked my cousin (who is the circulation person at the local library) if she had placed the orders for them. Her brother, who was sitting with her, asked me what kind of books I would be requesting because he knows how many boxes of books I have in the carport. I replied Space Opera. Immediately he asked if I had read Dune. That lead to a discussion with others at the table joining in and asking what Space Opera was.

My cousins confessed that he had not "read" Dune. He listened to it. I told him it didn't matter to me wither he read it or listened to it, so that lead to a discussion about audio books. When I got home and unpacked another box, I was thinking about the death of books. I began to wonder if perhaps we simply don't bring books into conversations as often as we should. Talking about the Murderbot books sure generated alot of book discussion at a table of disparate people in Munden. Maybe one of them will request the first Murderbot book?

>108 ronincats: I can get hold of Mooncakes through Hoopla, so I will have to check it out, although I am not sure reading a graphic novel on my Kindle is the best way to do it.

>115 ronincats: I love me some Murderbot too! I did a re-read of the entire series about 2 years ago.

>121 ronincats: Katherine Addison has a new novella out?? I am going to have to see if I can find a copy! Thanks for the heads up, Roni.

I hope the knee is feeling better and that you have a super Sunday!

>122 benitastrnad: Book 6 is actually the 5th chronologically, happening between Exit Strategy and Network Effect, while System Collapse follows directly upon the latter. More Murderbot fans is always good, as is people reading Space Opera.

>123 alcottacre: I read it on my tablet, Stasia, so the artwork was in color.

Book #17 The Orb of Cairado by Katherine Addison. 101 pp.



This novella does not intersect with any of the other characters in the three books set on this planet so far, and I would not recommend starting here (go read The Goblin Emperor immediately if you have not already) but if you have been pulled into this world with the unpronounceable names and titles already, this is a nice little foray back there.

Book #18 System Collapse by Martha Wells. 248 pp.



Alas, the final (so far) Murderbot adventure is now reread and does not disappoint, but what should I read next?

You will not believe this, but the temperature got up to 69 degrees this afternoon. My pile has shrunk to about 3 foot high and the snow is gone elsewhere except on the north side of things that create shade. Streets are completely clear all the way to the curb for the first time since January 5!

>124 ronincats: Ooh, thanks for the heads up about the Katherine Addison novella!

Meanwhile we have snow in Vancouver, and that is rare, Roni. And temps of -4 C! Unheard of , almost. Had to wear gloves today!

Down here in the original Vancouver (couldn't resist 😁) it''s 41 degrees (5C). We have been warned that snow is likely, even at lower elevations (like where the city is) by Thursday. We have a slope in front of our house and no snow tires so I have made sure we have @ a weeks worth of things we're likely to need. Ready to curl up in front of the fireplace with my books.

Murderbot! Great, also for rereading.

Has your knee recovered?

Here we finally have some lower temps, meaning some sun! After weeks and weeks of gloom, so I’m happy.

You also reminded me that I have a paperback copy of Goblin Emperor that I need to get read.

Greetings, Misti, Deb, Reba, Ella and Benita! Knee is all better. Benita, glad to be directing your reading lately! All good stuff.

Which this isn't.

Book #19 Magical Midlife Survival Guide by Larissa Emerald. 275 pp.



There is a whole genre lately of "midlife" fantasy books, featuring women ages 40 and later as protagonists, often after or during a divorce, often discovering previously unsuspected magical abilities of one sort or another. A few of them are quite good (see Linzi Day's Midlife in Gretna Green series) but most are the modern equivalent of 1970s Harlequin romances. This one I had hopes for, based on the full title Magical Midlife Survival Guide: A Paranormal Women's Fiction Novel: The Wine, Chocolate & Paranormal Shenanigans Series Book 1 but alas, it was not to be. The entire first book gets us through some fairly realistic issues dealing with getting away from an abusive husband but, thanks to a previously unsuspected magical artifact, our protagonist is able to Mary Sue her way through all obstacles. We end book one with the revelation that she has magical abilities herself and will be needing to defend herself and the magical watch against all the magical enemies who will be trying to take it away from her. Thanks but no thanks; I won't be continuing the series. Too bad, as wine and chocolate with shenanigans would be right up my alley if done well.

>125 ronincats: Nice! We also have a February thaw but usually it only lasts a few days. At least you have room for new snow to come ;)

Happy mid week!

I posted this article, Who are the top readers for 2024? And where did they get their books?
And — bonus data — which books were they least likely to finish?

in the interesting articles thread but, since it doesn't appear to get a lot of traffic, also posting it here.

https://wapo.st/42K8GBy

Hmm, I'm going to have check which of cities is the original Vancouver , Roni! That fight is on! :-) I'll check the article at 133 just now.

Drat, the link you posted is behind a paywall, or at least you have to do some limited subscribe thing. I'll see I can check later , but it does sound interesting.

Surprisingly (to me), I enjoyed those Murderbot novellas. Who knew they could be good medicine? I hope your knee is much better by now. That snow was tenacious. We didn't get quite as much as you did and it didn't stick around as long as yours did, but it certainly wore out its welcome.

ETA: Oops, I see where the knee is all healed up. Good to know.

I am also a big fan of Murderbot.
All the best for your knee, Roni - and have a wonderful weekend!

>133 ronincats: *sigh* When I clicked that link, it first gave me a popup telling me I had no choice about what they did to me with cookies. Then they told me I needed to create a "free account" to read the article.

I'm sure the account isn't free; it probably costs at least one spam email per day from them, plus being added to the spam lists of all of Washington Post's "partners" or perhaps the paying partners of anything Bezos owns.

If the reader is lucky, requests to unsubscribe are honored; sadly it's common to find that the only way to get rid of the spamvertisements is to teach one's email software to send everything from the sender direct to one's spam or junk folder.

Sorry that people can't access the article. I used my free gift article option and hoped that would let you all read it, as it is a really interesting article, but I guess that didn't work.

Book #20 Candle & Crow by Kevin Hearne. 331 pp.



This is book 3 and the conclusion of the Ink & Sigil series and if you liked Hearn's Iron Druid series, you will enjoy these. I did and I do, but start with the first book, Ink & Sigil.

Roni, I'm interested in knowing how your life in California compared to the cold of Kansas. Do you have an opinion regarding which you preferred.

I've lived in Pennsylvania all my life, and I am accustomed to cold winters and warm/hot summers.

Congratulations on reading 20 books thus far this year!

The gift article worked fine for me, and I found it very interesting. Thank you for sharing it! Sometimes I can't access things people post and I just move on 🙂

>140 Whisper1: Linda, it all balances out. I always said I wouldn't want to move back to Kansas if I were still working. When it is too cold or too hot out, I can just stay inside my lovely, roomy house with central heat and air conditioning. House temps here are much more consistent than in San Diego, with an old floor register heater and a window air conditioner, and utility costs are still less than there even with 24/7 heat or air conditioning. What I do miss is being able to be out every day pruning or weeding or planting year-round. But the compensations are plentiful, with family and friends being foremost. I love small city living with no lines and no parking meters and no traffic rush hours and merging onto the interstate with no cars within a quarter mile of me. I love the greenery and seasons and the space in my back yard and the lack of press of people and population. Of course I lived my first 30 years here so it wasn't a complete shock.

>141 katiekrug: Glad it worked for you, Katie!

Roni, Your move seemed so quick in that you found a house right away and were able to sell your California house as well. I'm so glad it all came to be just the right away it was intended.

>139 ronincats: Free gift option worked fine for me too. I was able to read it without signing up -- there was a way to skip that option although I don't remember what it was. It was interesting, and thanks for posting.

Thanks for the reminder the The Goblin Emperor is languishing on my Kindle.....

The free gift article worked for me, once I gave it my email. It was an interesting article. I'm surprised at how little most people read, Roni.

>143 Whisper1: So true, Linda. I'm glad too.

Reba and Deb, glad you could access the article. Yes, always a surprise how little people read; the super reader category was 50 books a year!

Dejah, you are just missing out! Go read it!!!

Book #21 Derring-Do for Beginners by Victoria Goddard. 385 pp.
Bonus read In the Company of Gentlemen by Victoria Goddard. 41 pp.



This is the first tale of the Red Company, in many ways a prequel and as such got off to a slow start for me as the backstories of Damian and Juliana developed, but picked up steam as soon as Fitzroy fell into their midst. Follows immediately on The Tower at the Edge of the World.

The short piece is a reminiscence of an old soldier about an encounter with the Red Company in his youth.

>147 ronincats: 50?! books a year as the SUPER reader category?!?!

>148 SilverWolf28: I'm beginning to think that maybe they don't know where to find the top readers of 2024... ;-)

>148 SilverWolf28: Don't that just say it all....

I think they needed to make it a figure that would fit on their graph.

Book #22 A Sorceress Comes to Call by T. Kingfisher



Kingfisher always slues close to horror (and at times completely over the line) and the folk tale of the Goose Girl and Falada has always been a Grimm one at best. And yet, her imagination and her characters usually carry me through her tales although I am horror-abhorrent to an extreme, and do so in this creative reimagining weaving the elements together in a truly novel manner.

>151 ronincats: that is such a weird graph. There is no reason to reverse the x-axis like that.

>152 ronincats: I am no horror fan either, but somehow I always manage to get through T. Kingfisher's novels. I haven't gotten to A Sorceress Comes To Call yet, but I hope to soon!

And I read the WP article a while back, and remember thinking that they really needed something beyon 'Super Reader' if it was noly going to be 50 book a year....

>152 ronincats: I got up to 4.5* on that read. Very satisfying, the way I enjoy her retellings.

>154 scvlad: My thought exactly. Took me a few to process what the graph said.

>152 ronincats: Ooh looks great. I will add it to my notebook and see if the library has a copy.

Happy rest of the week

>151 ronincats: Interesting! I have a few co-workers who, with me, would find themselves in the "super reader" category but there are only one or two people I know outside of LT that read as much as I do as consistently as I do. I suppose it's no surprise that the 75ers skew that way, however.

Pow, pow, pow! Three book bullets, plus some ricochets. I hadn't heard the next Liaden book was out, I hadn't heard about the Goblin Emperor novella, and...oddly, I was reading Mooncakes as a webcomic and it stopped being updated. I'll try it as a book. The first two aren't available yet (well, I could get it from Baen. But I think I'll wait). Also, when I searched for Katherine Addison on Libby, I discovered that I had completely missed her first series (Melusine). I loved The Goblin Emperor and the cemetery ones, and I even loved The Angel of the Crows despite disliking both Sherlock Holmes and Jack the Ripper books. So I picked up Melusine.

And BTW, I'm getting a little bored with rereading my Goddards (I mean, three and a half times in two years for the entire lot is...a bit much. Even for those). So the reminder of The Goblin Emperor was very timely, it's been _years_ since I last read that. It reminded me very much of Hands when that was the only Goddard I'd read.

For some reason, despite the many many recommendations of Murderbot, and having it in my ebook collection ready for reading, I have never managed to start it. Maybe this time.

I am thoroughly perforated (and happy about it).

>160 jjmcgaffey: Melusine is so not like The Goblin Emperor. I had read Monette's collaborations with Elizabeth Bear and liked those, but got a shock at the first scenes of Melusine Trigger warnings are in order for it. Violent M/MM rape I did find the series very much worth reading, even re-reading, but I was taken aback.

Um. Thanks for the warning. I think I'll read (or at least try it) anyway. Ah, I didn't know that Sarah Monette was Katherine Addison! I have some of hers - both Shadow Unit stories (with EBear) and some of her own (though I've only actually read the Shadow Unit ones). These people with too many names... :D

Hey, visitors!!

>154 scvlad: Hey, Steve, I didn't realize you were back. Just went and starred your thread.

Steve and Dejah and Jim and Mary, I think they wanted the graph to look positive? Like, how depressing it is to look at that drop-off in reading! And this group is definitely not representative of the general population for sure!

Dejah and Richard and Anita and Jenn, Kingfisher has quite a following, doesn't she? Bryony and Roses and her Paladin books are some of my favorites. The Twisted Ones gave me nightmares for a week and I'm not reading any more in that vein.

For me (and I haven't read the courtesan books but I have the ones with Bear), Monette and Addison have very different feels to the books she produces as one or the other. I prefer Addison.

Reading Update:

Book #23 Sprinkles and Sea Serpents by Danielle Garrett. 304 pp.



Another Kindle Unlimited potato chip. These are the Harlequin Romances of the current day, with the usual elements thrown in--personal upheaval, old boyfriend, new physical attraction (thankfully sans sex), mystery, and some fantasy trappings thrown in for good measure.

On the other hand, KU sometimes throws up some good ones. The teashop series and the Gretna Green series are two good examples from past years. And so far, so is this one:

Book #24 The Queen's Chair by Chloe Garner. 406 pp.
Book #25 The Faerie's Secret by Chloe Garner. 362 pp.



Okay, so it's a fantasy world with a medieval setting, magic and elves, BUT it is really interesting and original. The protagonist, name of STASIA, is a merchant's daughter who, as the spare, has always been free to follow her interests, which are not typical. When they arrive in a new city, at war with one species of elf, her skill set gets her involved in high politics and shenanigans follow. Serious ones and not stereotypical at all. I've now read the first two of 8 books and I'm going to take a short break so I don't burn out on them but I'll be back. This author has also written a number of other series and I have no idea as to their quality but I will be checking them out.

>151 ronincats: Oh I love the accolade of "advanced reader".

Also I loved the cover on Diviner's Bow.

As for the Chloe Garner books, I love "a medieval setting, magic and elves, BUT..." Because yeah, that is a nit of a trope. But glad to hear it is more than fantasy tropes. One for me to look out for.

Have a lovely weekend.

I have to admit I am much more unliekly to read a book with Elves / Fae than other fantasy - depending on the presentation, I find them offputting. It's not an automatic knockout (and I'm not even sure where this dislike came from), but I have to be convinced. :)

Have a great weekend, Roni!

>164 ronincats: Your book bullet has landed.

Hi, all! I have not been here since the 13th because in the wee hours of the 14th my mother slipped and fell in the shower, breaking her right humerus badly, and I was awakened by my BIL at 4 am and have spent most of my days at the hospital ever since until today. Fortunately, it is only a block and a half away. She had surgery that same day to put the bone back together and my sister and I have spent most of our time with her up until yesterday. With snow and temp of 0, my sister stayed in Abilene and I spent the day with Mom. Today my sister and BIL took her to the Abilene hospital where she will be in the rehab unit there until they release her back to her assisted living. So I have the day off!

I only managed to finish one book in all that time.

Book #26 The Scandalous Confessions of Lydia Bennet, Witch by Melissa Taub. 401 pp.



I generally pass on Jane Austen spin-offs, but foggidawn recommended it and I respect her judgment so I got it from the library. It WAS well-done in both content and tone and it was fun to balance it against the original P&P, so thanks, Misti!

>168 ronincats: How ghastly about your mother's fall. I'm glad you were able to be with her and that she has other family support. Best wishes to you and all her kin!

I am sorry to hear that, Roni.
Best wishes to you and yours!

>168 ronincats: So sorry to hear about your mom's fall! (But glad you enjoyed the book.)

Oh I am so sorry to read about your mum's fall. I hope she can recover well. Thinking of you and yours.

Checking in, hoping your mother heals quickly and completely.

Roni, I am so sorry to read about your mom's fall. How scary. Hoping her recovery goes smoothly and quickly.

>168 ronincats: I’m glad your mother is in rehab now, Roni, but that must have been a frightening experience for her. Hoping she recovers well.

Susan, Thomas, Misti, Barbara, fuzzy, Mamie and Ella, thank you for the good wishes. She is having good days and bad days; we hope they will even out. Also hoping she has a good day on Wednesday, her 94th birthday.



Book #27 Thorn by Intisar Khanani 512 pp.
Book #38 The Banned Bookshop of Maggie Banks by Shauna Robinson 336 pp.
Book #39 Fated by Benedict Jacka 302 pp.
Book #40 The Rogue's Bargain by Chloe Garner 475 pp.

Reading, as you see, has been getting done, aided by our below zero temps. But these are at an end--for the next 5 days, temps will get into the 50s and 60 and I will be setting up my seed starting equipment!

Thorn is another Goose Girl folk tale retelling. Although there may be a few questionable plot points, the author's voice pulled me right into the tale with enough twists to keep me entertained throughout.

Bookshop is basically a rom-com, not fantasy but you know, book shops! Fairly silly but entertaining enough as a light read.

Fated is the first book I've read by Jacka, although I've seen his books around a lot on media. Dark mages, Light mages, our protagonist who is neither but ends up hunted by both. Lots of action, reminds me somewhat of Kevin Hearnes' Atticus books but Alex has fewer idiosyncrasies.

Rogue's Bargain is the third book in the series I started up above in >164 ronincats: featuring Stasia in a somewhat medievalist milieu. Issues started in the last book are mostly dealt with in this book, but unease in the city will be a focal point of the next. I will continue this series but spread them out a bit.

Sorry to hear your Mom is having some bad days in the mix. I hope they diminish and that the good ones take over -- especially for her birthday. 94!! Good for her!!

I just placed an ILL request for Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman. It was mentioned over on Joe's thread, and it rang a bell. When I looked at my gargantuan TBR list it was there. I had a note in it that you had recommended it back in/around 2019. With two of you recommending a title, I had to place a request.

Roni, I've been thinking of you a lot, then came here to your thread to learn of your mother's nasty fall. Oh, Roni, I'm so saddened by this. And, I am glad that you aren't in California and where you can help with her recovery. Please know I am thinking of you and sending all good wishes for a speedy recovery.

I'll check back to see how you are doing. I'm glad you finished one book, and hope it took your mind away from your mother's condition and the ways in which you need to assist her.

Much Love!!!

Roni, I am sorry to read of your mom's terrible fall. I hope her birthday went well. I'm glad she is in rehab.

So sorry to hear of your mother's fall, Roni. I hope she is in good spirits for her 94th birthday. I am sure you were run ragged by that.

Much mojo for Mom's heals to be solid, complete, and pain-free so she can keep moving.

Your reading in the meantime is getting *dangerously* close to book-bulleting me. Please move back into majgickq-heavy Eurocentric stuff. Your earliest cooperation is greatly appreciated.

*smooch*

Hi Roni, adding my well wishes for your mom, and a hearty "Happy Birthday!"

Hi Roni! Sorry to hear about your mum. I hope she recovers as quickly as possible.

>152 ronincats: I’ve seen Kingfisher’s name before, and that book sounds like it might be up my ally. I’ll try to keep it in mind.

And the graph in >151 ronincats: is sad. Only 63% of people read at least one single book in a year? I’ve been struggling to read a lot in the past few years, but over one third of people don’t even read a single book? Terrifyingly sad.

Praying for your mom's recovery.

>168 ronincats: Hi Roni! I've been MIA on LT most of this year so far, so way behind here. Sorry to hear about your Mom's fall. She is lucky to have you close by to help out. Hope she heals quickly and that you get time for yourself. Take care!! And happy reading!!

Dropping by to say I am thinking of you and sending prayers for your mom. I'm glad you now are near by and can have a good idea of what is happening in her health.

Much Love,

Hello! I too am a big fan of Murderbot and T. Kingfisher's stand-alone works.

>152 ronincats: I read A Sorceress Comes to Call pretty recently. It was well done, like the others.

>147 ronincats: I enjoyed Damian and Jullanar's backstory. But I love the Greenwing and Dart series best of Victoria Goddard's works. In fact, I just bought the bundle from her author website.

>168 ronincats: I hope your mother is recovering from her serious injury. Take care of yourself too.

Thinking of you and your mom, Roni.

Hi Roni, no updates for a month? I hope that's just because you are too busy reading. Hope all is well with your mom, and thinking of you.

>190 sirfurboy: Yes, concerned about you and your Mom, Roni.

Sorry for not staying up to date here. Had upped my visits over to my mom, who is having difficulty handling the nursing home setting on top of her injury. Then flu swept through the home and of course both she and I got it. Thank goodness for antivirals! But I'm just now getting my energy back. I had cancelled out the spring craft show, thank goodness, and now I'm a couple of weeks behind on the garden, so much to do. But I have been reading. Just a quick list, title and author, of what I've read since I last posted books the end of February.

Summon the Keeper Huff, Tanya
The Second Summoning Huff, Tanya
Long Hot Summoning Huff, Tanya
Installment Immortality McGuire, Seanan
the Tomb of Dragons Addison, Katherine
The Mudpuddle Manual of Natural Magic Blume, Clara
The Enchanted Forest Chronicles Wrede, Patricia
Howl’s Moving Castle Jones, Diana Wynne
Castle in the Air Jones, Diana Wynne
House of Many Ways Jones, Diana Wynne
Tinker Spencer, Wen
Going Postal Pratchett, Terry
Familiar Spirits Christene, Sara
The Dead Cat Tail Assassins Clark, P. Djeli
The Goblin Emperor Addison, Katherine
Wooing the Witch Queen Burgis, Stephanie
A Marriage of Undead Convenience Burgis, Stephanie
Diviner’s Bow Lee & Miller

10 were rereads. The Addison and the Lee & Miller were the highlights of the new reads. Mudpuddle and Familiar Spirits were just so-so urban fantasy (the Huff series written 25 years ago were much earlier and much better urban fantasy).

I'll try to keep up now. Thanks again to everyone who has been checking in.

Thanks for checking in, Roni. So kind of you to visit your mom so often as she adapts to the nursery home and injury. Sorry to hear that you both got the flu. You did well with your reading in March despite all of that.

>192 ronincats: The Wrede and Wynne Jones are some of my favorite comfort reads. Just seeing you mention them makes me want to revisit them.

Glad to see you here Roni. I also am behind on gardening. Our frost free date is fast approaching, and have not prepped the beds this year!

Hope your mom is getting adjusted.

>192 ronincats: Re-reads or not, that's a lot of reading!

I haven't even started on my pot garden. We have had frost up here the last two nights, and I caught a cold, so am now sneezing and blowing my nose countless times a day. I will start unpacking the pots later this week as we are going to be having good weather. I would like to get the herbs planted. I will need them to be up and growing as soon as they can do so.

>192 ronincats: I'm glad to hear Diviner's Bow was one of the better of the new reads - I loved The Tomb of Dragons, though in that list the potential for new reads would be limited to Tanya Huff who I sometimes love and Seanan McGuire who almost always misses the inner rings for me.

Hi Roni. It was a nasty flu this year. Glad you are over it.
I hope your mom manages to settle in the new home.

The Tomb of Dragons sounds interesting.

>192 ronincats: Dear Roni, it is really good to see you back posting and recovered. Diana Wynne-Jones is an obvious comfort read for you!

Thanks - I've been looking at the Mudpuddle Manual and trying to decide if I wanted to bother. I'll keep it in mind if my list grows thin, but not otherwise. I have Tomb of Dragons and Diviner's Bow - the latter I _know_ will be good (but I need to read the previous book(s) first, the recent lot has been very much "...and the next day..." when it's been a year+ since I read the last) and I've been uncertain about Tomb of Dragons despite loving everything else of hers I've read. Most of the rest are familiar, and frequent rereads for me, too.

BTW, have you read Ilona Andrew's Innkeeper Chronicles series, starting with Clean Sweep? Love them, and the flavor is similar to Huff's Summoning series. Similar, not the same.

>192 ronincats: So good to have you back, Roni. And Ugh - Flu! :( Glad you are feeling better though, and that your Mother is too. The reading list is impressive! Very glad that you kept that up.

Looking forward to seeing more from you soon.

>201 jjmcgaffey: Seconding the recommendation of the Innkeeper Chronicles! They're one of my favorite series.

>192 ronincats: Happy to see you're back, hope both you and your mom continue to improve.

>193 vancouverdeb: Thanks, Deb. A lot of it was comfort reading.
>194 foggidawn: Mine too, Misti, and it had been a while since I had visited them.
>195 markon: Got my well and irrigation system turned on today and started conditioning my bales, Ardene.
>196 RebaRelishesReading: Escape reading, Reba.
>197 benitastrnad: Benita, I regret to inform you that pot gardens are still illegal here in Kansas...
>198 quondame: Yes, I like some of Huff better than others, and the Incryptid books are not sure things with me, although they certainly have gotten interesting.
>199 EllaTim: Ella, The Tomb of Dragons is the fourth book in a series, so don't start here.
>200 PaulCranswick: Thank you, Paul.
>201 jjmcgaffey: Mudpuddle just seemed a little too pat and not enough interesting for me. If you like the other Amalo books, you'll like The Tomb of Dragons. Yes, the Innkeeper Chronicles are quite silly but interesting and imaginative; I like them.
>202 sirfurboy: Thank you, Stephen. I have to catch up on the gardening first, but hope to be around more.
>203 SilverWolf28: They are definitely fun and clever.
>204 fuzzi: Thank you, Fuzzi.

Met (online) with my allergist today and she explained why I am still draining and coughing despite the series of allergy shots now that both sycamore and black walnut pollen is filling the air. Trying to wear a mask when working outdoors, but still a lot of hacking going on.

Also still trying to settle to a book after the Lee & Miller.

You have been struck by allergies, but I was struck by a deadly pestilence. I went to work in the mornings because I am the only person in the office for 2 hours a day, but then came home all week and crashed. This morning I got up and for the first time in three days, I felt good. I am now hacking and coughing but I feel a whole lot better. Good enough that I moved 2 more boxes of books into the house this afternoon and got them shelved.

All the best for your health and your mom, Roni!

Delurking to say hello!

I hope your allergies get better and that your mom is doing ok!

Sorry to hear you were caught by the flu, Roni. I also got hit with some form of upper respiratory bug and had to stay home from work for three days last week (first time being home sick from work in four years of working at this place). I went back to work on Monday but today is the first day I’m feeling almost normal. Still coughing and with a blocked nose, though.

>205 ronincats: Hacking schnerkling and sneezing makes me glad my worst tree allergy season's over. Feel better soon!

*Sigh* So much for good intentions. The good news is that, in between Mom and gardening, I have managed some reading in the hiatus.

Cast in Shadow Sagara, Michelle
The Emperor’s Wolves Sagara, Michelle
Secrets of Saltcliff Trim, Brenda
A Drop of Corruption Bennett, Robert Jackson
The Retired Assassin’s Guide to Country Gardening Kuttner, Naomi
A gentleman fallen on hard times Burrowes, Grace
A gentleman of dubious reputation Burrowes, Grace
A gentleman in challenging circumstances Burrowes, Grace
A gentleman in pursuit of truth Burrowes, Grace
A gentleman in search of a wife Burrowes, Grace
A gentleman under the mistletoe Burrowes, Grace
A gentleman of unreliable honor Burrowes, Grace
A gentleman of sinister schemes Burrowes, Grace
Into the Bargain Cowley, Colleen
Waifs and Strays Harper, Helen

The first two were rereads in my favorite Elantra series. The third is a completely unremarkable fantasy. #4 is the second of Robert Jackson Bennett's outstanding mystery series Shadow of the Leviathan. #5 is a rather dry but entertaining tale as a retired assassin tries to settle into a small town community where there are obviously shenanigans (and murder) going on.

The next 8 books are a Regency detective series (the 9th of 10 has just come out and I am reading it now) which are pretty true to the times and interesting.

#14 is a short novella at a tangent on a fairy tail, okay but not outstanding. And the last is rather like #5 but with a woman protagonist and more cats (and more fantasy). Fun.

That brings me to 64 books for the year so far.

In other news, we are getting ready to move Mom from the nursing home back to her apartment in assisted living next Thursday. BIG sigh of relief.

My garden is planted and plumbed, except for a few natives that have to grow bigger before they are ready to be put into the real world. Now it's just the weeding that is out of control. Peonies are wrapping up, but my natives are taking over the blooming work: penstemon digitalis, phlox, yarrow, coreopsis, bee balm, catmint, salvia. It was a great spring for the irises and columbines before that.

I have actually gotten into the studio to do some clay work in the last week, FINALLY! I am looking forward to a productive summer. I am loading a bisque fire kiln load, my first in 5 months!

>211 ronincats: Ooh! Those Lord Julian Mystery stories look interesting. I've downloaded the first one in Libby.

Glad your garden is set up and you're back in the clay studio. I am still setting up my garden. Today is going to be all about mulching, plus planting the tomatillos I picked up at the farmers market and getting the beans in the ground now that the corn has emerged.

I'm glad your mother is doing much better. Hopefully, no more medical emergencies for a long time.

>211 ronincats: Wow! You're really moving along!

Sixty-four is one heckuva total in present circs, Roni, so go you!

I have been spending lots of money on potting soil and have my pots almost all planted. When I moved, I moved the pots but decided to leave my potting soil in the yard in Alabama! Potting soil has gotten expensive in the last year. And it is getting heavier as I add digits to my age.

My plants are looking good but the cool weather has slowed them a great deal. I managed to find a Hibiscus for $25.00 at a Super Saver grocery store in Lincoln, NE and it is doing well. It has buds but has not bloomed yet. My eggplant and the parsley, chives, and basil are doing great. They are liking this cool rainy weather.

I don't think I have read 64 books this year, so I think you are doing great.

I will be happy when my last book of the month, a reread, gets me to 30. 64 - Wow!

Incidentally, your Lord Julian turns out not to be my Kate Ross's Julian Kestrel. I remember enjoying all four of those books before she died. I expect you've read them too.

Hey, it's good to be back. Today was a chilly, rainy day, and I'm not complaining because we need the rain, but I stayed in the house all day, baked bread, finished the 9th Lord Julian book, and spent two hours deleting photos from my Gallery so I have room to post photos of my garden and upcoming pottery when I get it done. I was at 997 photos. Only 3 to give. Still, I remember when 200 was the limit. I just wish there were an easier way to get rid of multiple older photos.

Chris, now that I have room, I hope to post photos of my yard later this week. The vegetable garden is really just getting started, but the native plants are really enjoying this rain. I hope you like Lord Julian.

Hi, Reba. I left all the photos of our meet-ups in San Diego in the gallery, of course. Which made me realize that although I have photos of scenery from my trip to you last fall, we didn't take a photo of US!

*smooch* Richard. It's been kind of hit-or-miss, with a streak of 8 in 7 days and then nothing for two weeks. And at the expense of spending time here reading threads. But even though there are a lot of rereads and not too challenging reads, I forge forward.

I desperately need to prune my herbs drastically, Benita. My parsley is in its second year so is shooting up, and the lemon balm, oregano and catnip definitely need some limits set. I will post photos later this week when the sun comes out. Glad you are doing well up there.

Peggy, I am completely unaware of the Kate Ross series, but will definitely have to remediate that deficiency. ETA I do find the first book on my wishlist from 2016 though.

>211 ronincats: Glad to read you are doing so well, and your Mum!
Garden pictures later, very nice. And 64 books read, well done.

>217 ronincats: Sounds like a wonderful day. Also the smell of that freshly baked bread…..yummy.

Happy gardening!

>217 ronincats: Happy to hear you're feeling productively busy, Roni. *smooch*

>211 ronincats: Added this Grace Burrowes series to the wishlist, thank you!

Glad to hear things are on the up. Your garden sounds amazing.

>217 ronincats: no photo of us? Guess you'll just have to come again :)

Hello Dear Roni! Though I don't often visit, please know you are very much in my mind and in my heart!

I'm glad to hear that you and your mom are doing well, Roni.
All the best for you!

So glad to hear your mom is going back to her apartment. Hope she'll have some physical/occupational therapy visits in home like my dad did after nursing home or hospital stays.

Thank you, visitors, for still coming after my many absences. Ella, Anita, Richard, Charlotte, Reba, Linda, Thomas and Ardene, you are the best!

I love this ornament on the Old World Christmas site:

>211 ronincats: I'm intrigued by the Grace Burrowes series, and have added it to the list. The cat lady one is tempting, as well.

>226 ronincats: Very cute. Are you ordering one?

>226 ronincats: I love that ornament! *smooch*

>151 ronincats: so interesting.

Just swinging by for a long overdue hello!

>226 ronincats: I love the ornament! Keeping up on LT is challenging, I am finding that lately too.

Catching up...real life has been challenging here too. I'm glad your mother is able to return to her assisted living apartment. Surroundings can have such an effect, positive or negative, on one's well-being. I hope she has lots of pleasant comfortable days ahead.

I loved the Lord Julian Mystery stories! Raced through them. Now started on the Lady Violet series as audiobooks. Don't love them quite as much, but still pretty good. After starting and quickly abandoning so many Regency stories that are just wrong about the era (modern characters and sensibilities in costume!), it was such a pleasure to find an author who gives details that are new to me: the different kinds of cuts beyond the cut direct, the nuances of domestic hierarchy, the details of horsemanship, etc. So thanks for introducing me to a new author!

Hi Roni! It looks as though I dropped by earlier in the year (much earlier) but didn't post anything and so you dropped off my radar. I've been a bit desultory with LT this year, I'm afraid. I missed the news about your mum but glad to hear things are improving for her. I'll have to take a closer look at your book list.

Hi, Misti, Reba, Richard, Ellen, Deb, Linda, Chris and Nina! I am not buying the ornament because it is 30-some dollars, but do think it quite cute.

Mom is doing very well back at her apartment, making great strides.

Chris, I am half way through the Lady Violet books now. So happy you enjoyed the Lord Julian books.

Here's a shot of my native plant plot.

Oh - I love the plants! I want to get a native plant plot started at the house in Munden. Right now I am fighting bindweed in the area I want to plant. Nasty stuff that bindweed is. Once I get it under control, I am going to plant native plants and hope that even though bindweed seed can stay dormant in the soil for ages, that the native plants will crowd it out. In the meantime, I am doing much research on bindweed.

Great looking assortment of native plants (and a nice peek at your neighborhood too -- it's hillier than I expected that far west in Kansas)

>235 ronincats: Wildly lovely!

And now the agastache, monarda, salvia and lavender are in bloom! Zinnias are about ready to pop.




I have finished the Lady Violet series, am working on two nonfiction books, and need to try some of the library books I have here.

Benita, bindwind is awful. Good luck with the extermination. I have small incursions that I try to stay on top of.

love your garden flowers.

Lush and Lovely!!!!!

I. Want.Lavender. *boo hoo*

Your back yard and garden look lovely, Roni! I wish we had more than a small townhouse yard but then we would have to cut the grass.

>239 ronincats: Lovely indeed! I hope you can get rid of the bindweed.

So beautiful and green, Roni!

Spent a good deal of time yesterday finishing Amongst our Weapons so I could read Stone and Sky today and leave the (new) library book over in Abilene for my sister tomorrow. I had time both at the hair salon and waiting my 30 minutes after my allergy shot. I then went to the new Mediterranean restaurant opening on Sunday--they are having a soft opening and you can order one completely free meal per ticket a day from now through Saturday. It was pretty good--and crowded, even at 3 in the afternoon. Then to the library book sale, where I picked up these:



to join these for when I finally read this series.

>245 ronincats: I've been reading Cherryh since the late 70s, and while Foreigner is a favorite, after the first 3 in the series, one a year, or one trilogy a year, is about as much as I'd recommend.

Your garden looks lovely Roni. Yes for a native plant plot.
Those flowers you listed up there all don’t want to grow in my garden, I’d love some lavender, but no. Bindweed on the other hand…

>245 ronincats: nice shelf. I got way behind on the Foreigner series, finally caught up. And just read Regenesis, which was a good sequel to the excellent Cyteen.

Love your native gardens, too. I have one in the planning stages.

>246 quondame: Caution noted, Susan. I also have been reading Cherryh since 1976 and have most of her earlier works in my library. But I never got started on this series.

>248 fuzzi: Yes, I've read the entire Cyteen sequence.

>247 EllaTim:, >248 fuzzi: I'll grant you the zinnias aren't native, but I have them for a walkway border among the evening primrose, yarrow, monad, penstemon, black-eyed Susans, sunflowers and coneflowers.

Here is a photo from this morning.

What a beautiful backyard, Roni! The flowers are lovely and the screened in area is perfect. What a oasis! Nice library sale haul.

>249 ronincats: How beautiful! I love the colour scheme.

My next gardening project is to set up a nature pond: I'm stalking old-style sinks on ebay.

>245 ronincats: It looks like your library labels books in a series with the series number. That's so helpful.

>239 ronincats: >249 ronincats: Did you plan the planting Roni? That looks beautiful. I've always wanted my garden to look like that, just overflowing with different flowers that go together, but haven't managed yet.

>251 charl08: That sounds scary, for the sinks ;0)

>249 ronincats: What a beautiful garden!!! Someone with a green thumb definitely lives in that house :>

>249 ronincats: love the garden!

>251 charl08: I saw someone create a pond using an old boat.

Thank you, everyone. I do enjoy it. Nina, I subscribe to the chaos gardening frame of mind. I've put a lot of natives in, somewhat willy-nilly, and they are loving it and taking over the place, and just strewed the zinnias--some from seed packets but a lot from seeds I saved from last year's flowers--along the walkway, and the plants did the rest! I have had to grub out a fair amount of crabgrass, mind you. And the veggies are starting to produce. I have tomatoes, peppers, kale, Swiss chard, and the eggplants (aubergines) are almost ready to harvest. The peas are done for the season.

Yesterday's harvest:



Charlotte, I desperately want a water feature other than the birdbath. I've just ordered a fountain kit, but would love a self-sustaining little pool. https://www.hydrialife.com/en-us but they are in the UK too.

>255 ronincats: Chaos gardening - that could work for me!

That's a lovely harvest. We don't have much garden and most of the front is taken up by the lawn (the back is all our small pool) but I do have a couple of passion fruit creepers on my balcony. The idea was that they would twine around the railings and show off their flowers but I tend to miss the flowers - they're smallish and white - and the fruits have been hit or miss for us when we cut them open.

>255 ronincats: Ooh I love the elephant option.

Your veggies look great. I've done well with raspberries and that's been it this year apart from a little rhubarb.

Wait - what elephant option?

>258 humouress: https://www.hydrialife.com/products/emm-the-fountain-elephant

>259 charl08: That's so cute. There are more options here than I saw with Roni's link, for some reason. I want one too, now.

>256 humouress: My mom has a couple passion flower vines on her porch; we've gotten a few fruits every year but last, this year there are a _lot_ of buds (hopefully to end up being fruit). "A lot" is more than 10 - I've found 13 so far. Last year, in early spring (which is later than you're supposed to do it) we did some heavy pruning; apparently they like it. Mom's porch (balcony) is on the fourth floor; she does have hummingbirds (at her feeder) but few other pollinators, so we try to catch the flowers when they're open and brush them with a small paintbrush to increase the chance of fertilization. Do you know the thing that (at least for our purple passionfruit, and I think for all of them) that the fruit is not ripe until it a) falls off the vine and b) wrinkles up? We put the fruit into mesh bags, while it's still green, tied to the vine so when they fall off we still get them (see: fourth floor). Then put them on the counter until they get a bit wrinkly, before cutting and scraping them. Mom's made tarte de maracuja (passionfruit pie) at least partly from her fruit every year; it's nice.

The harvest looks great , Roni.

>261 jjmcgaffey: I'll have to try that, thanks Jennifer.

>249 ronincats: Oh, it looks so beautiful :-)

>255 ronincats: Great harvest. I wish you a wonderful weekend.

>255 ronincats: I'm drooling with envy and concupiscence, Roni.

*smooch*

>255 ronincats: Nice harvest! My tomatoes are only just starting to think about ripening, but I'm looking forward to them.

>260 humouress: I think there are more options in the UK. I only see two options on the US web page.

>255 ronincats: What a wonderful harvest. It is quite the busy season but so worth it!

>255 ronincats: Harvest season, all looks great. I’m of the chaos mind as well, I find it very hard to remove weeds that are going to flower. My garden is there for the birds and bees as well. You seem to be thinking along the same lines.

Thanks for visiting, Deb, Nina, Charlotte, Jenn, Barbara, Richard, Misti, Arlene, Anita and Ella. It's great to see you here. I'm sorry for not being here more regularly. I've been thinking, and it seems that among two days a week with my mom, the garden, exercise, house maintenance, and the studio, plus some reading, that it just sucks up the time in a way that didn't happen when I was sharing life with a partner. I'm not even keeping my reading spreadsheet up to date.

On the other hand, these came out of the kiln today.

>270 ronincats: The bowls are beautimous! I love the purple splash. The stand with wheat is a pretty shape, though wheat as decor doesn't travel this far east that well.

I have no other comment to offer. *ahem*

>270 ronincats: Oh wow, those bowls are dreamy!

>270 ronincats: My eye is drawn to the same items Richard mentioned. I would use the wheat stand! And I love the colors of the bowls.

It's nice to see you whenever you might happen to pop in.

>270 ronincats: Ooh, pretty! The 2 bowls are the obvious eye catchers. How did you do the wheat pattern? Richard, I think you missed the cats.

Are you back to doing fairs again Roni?

>270 ronincats:
Strangely enough, I have the same problem. No time to spend on LT. I keep finding other things to do. My second for the second week of the month is full!

Seeing these beautiful bowls reminds me that I am still unpacking things. Yesterday I started on a box of kitchen bowls and I knew the box looked like it had been dropped. No surprises inside - 3 of the six bowls were broken. Including my pottery colander that was purchased in 1986 at a pottery shop in Annapolis, MD. That colander had been with me through every move since then (7 moves). I had banged it around every kitchen I worked in for almost 40 years. I thought it was indestructible. It wasn't. I also lost a very nice medium sized mixing bowl that I purchased at the Emporia Art Festival back in about 1990. I was sad. But I realize that gives me the opportunity to go to art and craft festivals in this area and make new purchases. That's exciting.

>274 humouress: I missed the...what now...? That word was All blurry on my screen.

>276 richardderus: We could ask Roni to enlarge that part of the photo for you, if that would help?

>270 ronincats: They are wonderful, Roni.
I've heard there's life outside LT—and it doesn't seem to be a rumor ;-).
Have a wonderful weekend!

>270 ronincats: I know I can't have the bowls, Roni. I love that little pot though. It's hard to tell whether it's black or green, so dark as to almost be black (a favorite), and it's shading into brown on top. YUM!!!!!

Love the bowls, Roni.

You may recognise the jug looking lovely holding my sweet peas!

Great to see you whenever you pop up Roni. And I'm glad you're not sitting home bored.

>280 charl08: Ooooo -- beautiful combination there!!

The colors in those bowls are so dreamy!

I love those bowls! Beautiful colours.

>270 ronincats: The pottery looks gorgeous, Roni! My sister would love the cats. I find it challenging to find time for LT too.

A quick fire as I need to take two mugs to KC with me tomorrow. I am experimenting with new glaze combos and only the two front right ones are real hits for me.

I've been reading in between other things. Had a couple of days with my feet up when I got the new October Daye read the same day it came out, read a four book cosy fantasy series by Matteson Wynn, the Housekeeper series, and now have The Summer War and Queen Demon ready to go. I am currently reading A Night in the Lonesome October, one chapter a night, my usual October read, a book I picked up 3 weeks ago at the Kansas Book Festival, the second in a fantasy series by a local writer (Andrea H Rome, The Lost Ring of Destiny), and considering rereading the first four and reading for the first time the last 4 of Barbara Hambly's James Asher vampire series, the first of which is one of my all-time vampire series.

The feet up thing is that on September 21 my right knee crashed and as it was a very busy week (full day master gardener class, funeral in Topeka of my SIL who hacked been battling brain cancer, Kansas Native Plant society weekend in Hutchinson, day with Mom in Abilene), I was hurting big time. It seriously impaired my to-do list! A prednisone package from the Urgent Care doctor (6 day dose) did nothing. Yesterday morning I was able to get a cortisone shot in the knee and now I am ready to leap tall bricks. Just in time for my trip so I am stoked.

>286 ronincats: Well, I like all the mugs. Good to see you here Roni, for whatever reason.

I hope the knee is better soon. I'm sorry to hear about your SIL.

I like all your mugs, Roni, but front right is the winner in that bunch by a lot!

Stay away from tall bricks!!!!!!!

Have a wonderful trip!

>286 ronincats: I *adore* the middle-front pitcherlet. The periwinkle mug mid-back appeals, too, as do All of them really...left front looks cool, though might've done better in seaside San Diego as it looks very tidepoolish to me.

I'm just happy to see you potting and glazing. Enjoy KC!

They are all wonderful, but I like the blue one on the front left best.
Have a wonderful trip and stay healthy!

I love them all...but the mauve-y one in the back is my favorite, and I'd steal the one with the spout, given the chance. I have a small collection of hand-made mugs myself, although I've never tried my hand at the art.

>290 SirThomas: That one is my favorite too!

I like the drippy blue one on the right in back best!

>286 ronincats: They are all lovely! I don't think I could choose a favorite. The one >293 sibylline: mentioned reminds me of some cups my mom received as a Christmas gift in the late 1960s or early 1970s that were used for several years for coffee in our home although ours were brown instead of blue.

I'm back from a week in the Kansas City area with a jaunt down to the Joplin meetup.

This is my friend Vickie, Benita, me, and Stasia wishing we really wouldn't include her in this.



These are my books. The Elizabeth Moon books are going to replace the first edition hardbacks of the series, although I still need to find the other two in paperback, but these were in perfect condition and I couldn't resist. The other two are 70s novels from Gael Baudino and Margaret Ball that I don't have. Stasia and Benita's books are posted on the Joplin thread https://www.librarything.com/topic/371059#n8978046

>295 ronincats: What a great gathering!

I've tried to get e-copies of Elizabeth Moon's Paladin's Legacy when they are discounted, but the collection is far from complete.

LOVE the picture!!!!! You are so obviously not holding Stasia down for it!!!!!!!!! I know it was fun!

Hmmm. I don't know that particular Moon series, so I'm off to do the research. (I love E. Moon!) Oh, I see. I have the first one in mpb, but I didn't keep up with all the sequels to the original 3 Paks. Oh dear. I loved her elves.

0h dear, Peggy, I love the five volume series almost as much as the initial trilogy! I think you should pursue them.

>295 ronincats: I can see Stasia is not happy about having her photo taken. I hope you all had a good time.

>295 ronincats: A LT-meetup - Yay!
All the best to you.

>295 ronincats: That sounds like Stasia's enthusiasm for having her photo taken ;0) I'm glad you all had a good time and you found somewhere for your meet-up. (I started reading the Joplin thread, now that I've discovered it but it's too long for me to read the whole thing.)

Thanks for dropping in, Susan, Peggy, Linda, Thomas and Nina. They chose the mauve back left mug and the front right mug, the latter over the front right one because of how the handle felt in his hand. I had a great week in the Kansas City area with a fun trip down to Joplin and some stops on the way. We stopped at two Civil War memorials and the Linn County Historical Museum in Pleasanton to drop off some vintage clothing that belonged to my great-aunt and uncle who lived there for many years.

I'm home and ready to settle in for a weekend in the studio after spending two days this week with Mom and two settling back in (laundry, mail, etc.) and re-ordering my craft room so I can do the wire work needed before the show in SIX WEEKS!

Yesterday and today I've been looking back in time. My husband died suddenly 5 years ago yesterday, and so many of you were here to support me, especially in the six months before I was able to move back near family. And today is my Thingaversary. Yes, exactly 18 years ago today I became a Library Thing member! And I've never regretted it!!

Happy Thingaversary Roni!

>302 ronincats: Hugs for the sad anniversary. It's hard to imagine your husband has been gone that long.

Also happy ones for your Thingaversary. You made me check how long I've been involved with LT and find my 18th was last May. It's become such a big part of my life and brought me lovely friends like YOU! We might have only lived a few miles apart but we probably would never have met were it not for LT.

>302 ronincats: Thinga orisons, Roni! We've All been here mostly together for a long time, and ain't we lucky?

I knew that top right mug was a winner!!!!!

Happy start to your next year in LT, Roni! It's great to be here with you! Golly - I'm not that much younger than you here. I'll celebrate 18 in early January.
Sheesh. It doesn't seem that long ago when 18 years was a whole lifetime! (My fingers are sort of Spooneristic too. I just wrote "litefime.")

I had forgotten when your husband died. You have been a real mensch. In fact, you still are. ((((((((RONI))))))))

Have wonderful special day today, Roni.
I hope you are well - All the best to you!

Oh - is it her birthday? Best wishes Roni. Have a wonderful day

Birthday orisons, dear Roni!

Happy birthday! I hope it's spent with good people, food and friends who give books :)

Happy Birthday Roni and congrats on your long time on Librarything.

Happy birthday, Roni!

Happy Birthday! 🎂

Oh my, look at all the birthday messages! Thank you so much, Thomas, Nina, Richard, Anita, Ron, Susan and Silver!

My friend Vickie arrived here two weeks ago and so no reading or LTing has gotten done, as all our time has been spent building a JEKCO Santa, watching Season 3 of Only Murders in the Building as she has a Hulu subscription as well as the American Revolution miniseries, with KU basketball and Chiefs football games scattered in with family time.

Here's the Santa:

Cool Santa! I understand about all those Chiefs games. Add Denver to that and you have the total of my TV watching with my sister over Thanksgiving. We had snow up here and it was beautiful.

Well, that’s just cool!

Hi Roni! I wanted to let you know that a sequel to The Wizard's Butler by Nathan Lowell just came out! It's called The Wizard's Cat and I really enjoyed it! It's on Kindle Unlimited.

Thanks, Silver! I saw it yesterday online and immediately downloaded it. Finished it this morning. I don't like it as much as the first book but it continues to interest and is clearly setting up the next book.

Belated Happy Birthday, Roni! The Santa looks great and challenging!

Oooh! Finally! Going to get The Wizard's Cat right now...

I wish you a peaceful Christmas season with your family and friends and a good start to 2026 with lots of good books.

Roni, don't forget as you celebrate:

Merry Christmas, Roni!

Merry Christmas! 🎄

Thank you, Thomas, Richard, Susan and Silver. I hope you had lovely Christmases as well. I was over in Abilene with family, which was very nice but tiring, and didn't get around the threads at all.

Happy Holidays Roni.

I spent the last few days in Iowa with family, and have had one flight to Atlanta cancelled due to weather so far today. I'm hoping the snow will end as forecasted and I can get back late tonight.

So I'm spending my airport time traveling the threads and catching up. That's an impressive Santa!

A belated Merry Christmas, Roni. The holidays are a busy time and it is hard to get around the threads.

>314 ronincats: You look amazing! I love the haircut and color. I shines on you! I wish you all the best in 2026. I am so glad we are connected to each other in a very unique way.

I hope to visit threads more often in 2026. And, to sit still more and save time for reading.

Much Love to you.

Happy New Year!

New Year greetings from Kuala Lumpur. My project is at least physically completed and an addition to the city scape.

Look forward to keeping up with you in 2026

Happy New Year, Roni.

I don't see a 2026 thread for you yet, but do say when you have made one, as I'll obviously be starring it.

>331 sirfurboy: https://www.librarything.com/topic/377190#9056853