Katie's Reading Retreat - Chapter 3

Saw this puzzle on PuzzleTwist.com and now I want it!
__________________________________

For anyone new to my thread, I’m Katie: reader, wine drinker, food appreciator, shenanigan-ator, and non-sufferer of fools. I live outside New York City with my husband, "The" Wayne, our cat, Leonard, and our dog, Nuala/Noodles.

My reading varies widely - I love genre fiction (romance and crime), contemporary and historical fiction, and narrative nonfiction. I try to balance my reading in all these areas. I also use my thread as a bit of a life journal, which mostly means I talk about what I’m cooking, eating, drinking, watching, doing, and avoiding doing.

Thanks for being here!

Currently Reading
(Print) (Audio)

BOOKS COMPLETED

Books Off My Shelf: 6
Books Off My Kindle: 6
Books from Audible/Chirp: 6
Library Loans (print/e-books/audios): 15
Friend Loan:

FEBRUARY
033. How to Read a Book by Monica Wood (4 stars)
032. Queen of Hearts by Rhys Bowen (audio) (3.25 stars)
031. First Frost by Sarah Addison Allen (3.75 stars)
030. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum (audio) (3.5 stars)
029. D is for Deadbeat by Sue Grafton (4 stars)
028. Habits of the House by Fay Weldon (audio) (3.25 stars)
027. Conditional Citizens: On Belonging in America by Laila Lalami (4.5 stars)
026. Sense & Sensibility by Joanna Trollope (audio) (3.75 stars)
025. Unwrapping Her Perfect Match by Kat Latham (3.5 stars)
024. Raven Black by Ann Cleeves (3.5 stars)
023. The Age of the Strongman by Gideon Rachman (audio) (4.25 stars)
022. The Spoilt City by Olivia Manning (3.75 stars)
021. Good Morning, Midnight by Lily Brooks-Dalton (audio) (3 stars)
020. Community Board by Tara Conklin (3.5 stars)
019. Sense & Sensibility by Jane Austen (audio) (4.25 stars)
018. Character Limit: How Elon Musk Destroyed Twitter by Kate Conger and Ryan Mac (4 stars)

Did Not Finish (YTD)
03. The Vibrant Years by Sonali Dev
02. The Servants' Quarters by Lynn Freed
01. Lazarus Man by Richard Price

QUARTER 1 COMPLETIONS

JANUARY
Favorite(s):

017. The Queen of Dirt Island by Donal Ryan (audio) (5 stars)
016. Sky Full of Elephants by Cebo Campbell (3.5 stars)
015. Make Russia Great Again by Christopher Buckley (audio) (3.75 stars)
014. Governess Gone Rogue by Laura Lee Guhrke (audio) (4 stars)
013. The Other Passenger by Louise Candlish (3.75 stars)
012. The Last Night at the Ritz by Elizabeth Savage (3.5 stars)
011. Righteous by Joe Ide (audio) (4 stars)
010. A Five Letter Word for Love by Amy James (4.25 stars)
009. When You Are Engulfed in Flames by David Sedaris (audio) (4 stars)
008. On Tyranny by Timothy Snyder (3.75 stars)
007. Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen (4 stars)
006. Prophet Song by Paul Lynch (5 stars)
005. One Crazy Summer by Rita Garcia-Williams (audio) (3.75 stars)
004. Better Than Fiction by Alexa Martin (audio) (3.25 stars)
003. The Great Fortune by Olivia Manning (3.75 stars)
002. North to Paradise by Ousman Umar (audio) (3.5 stars)
001. The God of the Woods by Liz Moore (4 stars)

My Ratings (revised, once again, as I continue the fruitless search for the perfect scale...)

5 stars = Perfect, for me
4.5 stars = Excellent read
4 stars = Good read
3.5 stars = Not a waste of time
3 stars = Some redeeming qualities, but I wish I’d read something else
2.5 stars = Didn’t work for me
2 stars = Why didn’t I DNF it?

(Anything below 2 stars is unlikely to be finished)

Glad to have you along for the ride!

Happy new thread, Katie!

Thanks, Natalie!

Happy new one !

A 'happy new thread' from me as well, Katie!

Happy new thread, Katie. Love the puzzle at the top.

Happy New Thread, Katie. I love the Book Lover topper. Glad to hear that you started The Spoilt City. I agree it is more fast-paced and intense than the first book.

Thank you for the new thread greetings, Anita, Stasia, Beth, and Mark!

Happy Friday! The only item on my agenda is an appointment with an oral surgeon for a consultation/evaluation. Fingers crossed that goes fine, and I can get moving on the process. Other than that, I'll probably do some house chores and planning for next week. Not sure what's for dinner, but something easy - maybe just salad and a frozen pizza...

Books:
I'll finish up the audio of Good Morning, Midnight today. On tap in audio is The Age of the Strongman. I'm making good progress in The Spoilt City and will likely finish it tomorrow.

>15 katiekrug: Good luck with the oral surgeon appointment, Katie. I hope you come out of there with a plan.

Morning, Katie! Happy new one - that topper puzzle is so cool. Good luck at the oral surgeon - may it go quickly and smoothly.

>16 lauralkeet: and >16 lauralkeet: - Thank you both!

Happy new thread, Katie.

Hope the oral surgeon gives you an answer you like.

I love the "book lover" puzzle so much I thought maybe I'd order one (I usually just do puzzles on my tablet) but then I saw the price!! Is that usual for puzzles?

>19 RebaRelishesReading: - Thanks, Reba!

I had to go back and look at the price. $22 isn't too bad, though I usually try to keep to ones under $20. My favorites are from Cavallini & Co. and those are usually a bit higher - $25-$30 I think. I justify the cost because I save really good quality ones to do again :)

>20 katiekrug: You're right that if they're good quality they're not only pleasanter (is that.a word?) to work on but can be reused more often too. I'm just totally not current with the prices.

>20 katiekrug: You're right, Katie: the Cavallini puzzle we bought recently was about $25. Somehow I missed your Book Lover puzzle pic up top. That looks like a really fun challenge.

Happy new one, Katie!

Hi Katie and happy new thread.

I just finished a White Mountain puzzle that was missing a piece. That has almost never happened to me even with all the puzzles I've done since 2020. The one before that was my first-ever Cavallini & Co. puzzle and it was high quality. I also like Elena Essex and JaCaRou brands.

Happy new thread, Katie. I like your puzzle topper.

>21 RebaRelishesReading: - I am trying not to keep as many puzzles as I used to. Thankfully, there is an active local puzzle swap group on Facebook...

>22 lauralkeet: - It's a fun image. I haven't pulled the trigger on buying it yet - I'm feeling cheap after my oral surgery appointment ;-)

>23 drneutron: - Thanks Jim!

>24 EBT1002: - The only time I've had missing pieces was when I got a puzzle through our local swap. I did once do a brand new puzzle that has an extra piece. That was weird. What did you think of the White Mountain puzzle? I don't love them. I find the pieces a bit flimsy...

>25 Familyhistorian: - Thanks, Meg.

Happy weekend! We have a bunch of errands to run today and then it's supposed to start snowing in the evening. We are predicted to get aroun 4" I think.

My appointment with the oral surgeon went well. She was much more personable than the one I had been to who traumatized me with the extraction. Despite the loooong interval between the extraction and now, she said there was plenty of bone, and it would be very straightforward. That's basically what I wanted to hear. She also said if I was worried about freaking out, I could get nitrous oxide or even IV sedation. The latter seems unnecessary, but I'm tempted by the former. Has anyone out there had dental implants and did you use laughing gas or just the local anasthetic?

Anyway, other than the cost, it was a good visit, and now I just have to schedule the procedure, which I will do on Monday.

Last night, we went to a taco and tequila bar, where I got a grilled cheese and glass of wine, LOL. It was a birria-style grilled cheese and absolutely delicious. Tonight we're having salad and frozen pizza. I might make brownies today, as I have eggs to use up and they cost me a small fortune, so I hate to waste them ;-)

Books:
I should finish The Spoilt City today, if I can hunker down with it for a bit. I didn't get quite as much read yesterday as I had planned. On audio, I started The Age of the Strongman, and it's very good so far.

Happy new thread, Katie!

Wishing you all the luck in getting your errands wrapped up before the snow flies.

I was delighted to see you liked Sense and Sensibility more on the revisit and your review of Character Limit made me laugh. Here's hoping you get cozy reading time while it's snowing (one of my favourite vibes).

>27 katiekrug: Unfortunately I'm a veteran of quite a few implants, Katie. I'm a terrible patient: terrified and anxious. The surgeon recommended "oral" sedation - about 1/2 hour before the procedure I take a Zanax and two Benadryls (I think that's what they are - I just pick up the generic prescription), and it makes me a little woozy. Then he gives me the nitrous, which I had always hated and refused, and I'm completely out for the procedure. The downside is feeling groggy for an hour or two after, but I much prefer that outcome. I never feel the injections or any of the work. Good luck - it's such a long ordeal (extraction-grafting-implant-crown) but worth it.

>28 MickyFine: - Hi Micky! All the errands are done. The grocery store was a zoo because snow + Super Bowl makes for crazy crowds...

I'm planning on some good reading time this afternoon. I really want to finish up THe Spoilt City, so I may forego audio/puzzling time to get that done.

>29 vivians: - Hi Vivian! I at least have the extraction and grafting done, so I just have to deal with the last parts. Interesting about the "oral sedation." I might ask for that. Even if I just go with the local, I've asked TW to come with me because I find it reassuring to know he's in the waiting room :-P

"birria-style grilled cheese" -- whaz dat?

Good luck with the dental work. The most invasive thing I've ever needed (dental wise) was extraction of an imbedded wisdom tooth. Not great but not all that serious either.

>31 RebaRelishesReading: - Birria is a Mexican stew (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birria), so the grilled cheese was melted cheese, deliciously tender short rib, and pickled onions on a wonderful country bread. It came with a side of birria "sauce" for dipping. It was a bit messy, but so good!

I had my wisdom teeth out several years ago, but other than the soreness after it, it was no problem at all, as I was knocked out :) The extraction of two molars a few years ago (thanks to terrible dental work I had done on the cheap in my 20s...) was not painful, but the pressure was awful and the surgeon was a jerk. And I was awake for it. My new oral surgeon said the implanting procedure was much easier than extraction, so I think I'll probably survive...

Thanks for info. In spite of having been raised and lived a big chunk of my life near the Mexican border I've never heard of Birria. Sounds most interesting.

I understand your dental anxiety -- I'm sure I would feel the same. I hope you have a (relatively) good experience this time.

>33 RebaRelishesReading: - If you have the chance to try it, I hope you will. Birria tacos are all the rage these days (at least around here), and they are wonderful.

Thanks for the good wishes. I am feeling much better about the whole thing.

>34 katiekrug: We have yet to find any place with Mexican food we like here in WA so unlikely I'll find Birria -- I'll try to remember to look for it next time we visit San Diego.

When I had my wisdom teeth removed, I just had the local. The dentist was fine with me wearing headphones (earbud style) so I cranked up a favourite musical soundtrack and largely tuned out everything. That said, I don't have dental fear nor have I had bad experiences, so that makes things generally easier. Whatever option you choose for your procedure, I hope it makes everything tolerable for you.

>27 katiekrug: Glad that you had a positive meeting with the new oral surgeon. I wish you a good experience on Monday. Sounds like it's a long procedure.

>32 katiekrug: Oh that sounds delicious! Never heard of that kind of grilled cheese until now.

Any plans to watch the super bowl?

>26 katiekrug: White Mountain puzzles are sort of B grade for me, too. They're not the worst puzzles in terms of quality and I like how the pieces fit, but they aren't in the top grade.

When I first got into puzzling, during the pandemic, I did what I so often do and went crazy, and I mean C.R.A.Z.Y. buying puzzles. I have boxes of them. I just fell in love with so many of the images and I would read about another brand and have to try it, or at least to own it. So now I am working my way through those boxes of puzzles. People frequently give them to me for Christmas or other occasions, but I have been very good about not buying any new puzzles for a couple years now. Of course, I have replaced that obsession with buying art supplies and fountain pens. Haha.

>32 katiekrug: OMG. That sandwich sounds heavenly!

>35 RebaRelishesReading: - Well, I hope you find it!

>36 MickyFine: - I was out for my wisdom teeth extraction because the roots were weird, IIRC. It's also what made my molar extraction a bit of an ordeal. Stupid teeth!

>37 figsfromthistle: - Thanks, Anita. I'm just calling to schedule it on Monday, not having it done then. And it shouldn't last more than an hour, so not too bad :)

The grilled cheese was wonderful!

I'll have the SB on, but not sure how much attention I'll pay since I don't really like either team...

>38 EBT1002: - I admire your puzzle buying restraint, Ellen! I probably have about 2 dozen new or new-to-me ones still to do, plus at least that many to re-do (probably more). I am very grateful for my local puzzle swap group, but I still find myself buying too many, though I do try to only buy when they are on sale :)

Well, our snow didn't amount to much. Maybe 3"? But it looks wet and heavy. The Wayne is about to "fire up" (not really because it's battery-powered) the snow blower. I'll go shovel the front and back steps after I finish my coffee (he woke up well before me so is more caffeinated :) ).

Yesterday, we went to two different grocery stores, and I do not recommend doing that when snow is predicted AND it's the day before the Super Bowl. Total nightmare at both! We rewarded ourselves with a beer at a local dive. The rest of the day and evening were quiet.

Today, I plan to do some laundry. We'll put the Super Bowl on, and I will half watch while doing other things. I am sort of pulling for the Eagles because I like Saquon Barkley (former Giant), and I am sick of KC winning, but as a Giants fan, it is hard to root for the Eagles :-P

Books:
I finished The Spoilt City and have started Raven Black. I didn't do any listening/puzzling yesterday. Maybe today?

Happy Sunday, Katie! I've stayed away from the grocery store this weekend but almost made a similar big mistake. We've been talking about improving our selection of spirits (whisky, cognac, etc.) so I took inventory, got rid of the really bad stuff, and figured out what we needed to purchase. This morning I *almost* said hey, let's run out and buy this stuff today. NOOOOOO!

I feel like I *should* cheer for the Eagles today, having lived nearly all of my adult life in Eagles territory. But I just don't follow football at. all. so the truth is, I don't care. There, I've said it.

Enjoy your day!

>41 lauralkeet: - Wise move to avoid the liquor store, Laura! That could have been Very Bad.

I have very little enthusiasm for this game, though I do follow football... The best part of today is that it is the one day a year I allow myself to eat cheese curls (the puffy orange junk food). It's a tradition from my childhood and Must Be Adhered To!

Happy new thread - says the late arrival...
Every time I come past your & Mamie's thread i am reminded of the puzzle i bought before Christmas that is still waiting for me to clear the dining room table to do...

>43 Helenliz: - Greetings are always welcome, Helen, no matter when they arrive :)

What puzzle did you get?

New week, same me!

I had a lovely lazy day yesterday with books and food and puzzles and football. I was surprised by how into the game I got and how hard I rooted for the Eagles. I think I just wanted all those MAGAts on the Chiefs to be embarrassed infront of their Cheeto Jesus. So that was fun :)

Today, I have a couple of errands to run and some admin stuff to do. Nothing too onerous. Dinner will be black bean burger bowls.

Books:
I am well into Raven Black and enjoying it. Thanks for the nudge, Laura! On audio, The Age of the Strongman continues to interest and educate...

Hi Katie, I am really enjoying The Queen of Dirt Island on audio. I am always up for an Austen re-listen, and Juliet Stevenson is a favorite narrator. I have foung that Sense and Sensibility improved with each re-listen.

Good luck with your dental work. I had such terrible teeth as a kid, and of course I grew up in the pull-teeth-out-to-make-room era, which they don't do anymore. My numerous fillings from youth are now cracking and I am replacing with crowns at the rate that my dental insurance will pay them.

>45 katiekrug: I'm glad you're enjoying Raven Black, Katie!
>46 AMQS: Like Anne, I'm really enjoying The Queen of Dirt Island, so thank you very much for recommending it.

>46 AMQS: - I'm so pleased you are also enjoying TQoDI, Anne!

I am lookiong forward to Stevenson's narrations of the two Austens I don't already have on audio. I can't remember what I've listened to her read, but I know there are a few, and she is SO good.

Thank you for the good wishes regarding the dental work. Which reminds me I need to call the office and get on the schedule!

>47 lauralkeet: - I guess we oew each other thanks for the RB and TQoDI recs, Laura :)

>40 katiekrug: OMG -- two supermarkets day before snow + Super Bowl -- I'm glad you survived. Hooray for adhering to childhood traditions ... no matter how bad :). We went to a favorite breakfast place for breakfast about noon and were surprised at how empty it was ... never occurred to me to think about Super Bowl -- afraid I didn't even know what teams were playing. (am I banned from this thread now?!?)

>49 RebaRelishesReading: - Of course you're not banned! Plenty of people don't care about the SB, or football, or sports in general...

Good morning! I'm headed to the grocery store in a little bit to get ingredients for tomorrow night's dinner (slow cooker chicken and sausage creole), which I want to make today, as these things always taste better the day after. But I need to get it prepped and cooked and put away before leaving for trivia tonight, hence the early outing. Aren't you glad you asked? ;-)

Yesterday, I went to the library to pick up The Vibrant Years which is this month's book club pick. We meet next week. It's lighter fare than I prefer for book club, but we all agreed we needed something light after Prophet Song last month, LOL. Other than that, I just did a few things around the house. I didn't get everything done that I wanted to (the books were calling...), so I'll do a couple more things today. Trivia tonight! We're playing with 3 friends, so that will be fun regardless of the outcome.

Books:
I'm more than halfway through Raven Black and should be able to finish it up tomorrow. On audio, I'm learning a lot from The Age of the Strongman. Also likely to finish that tomorrow.

Good Morning, Midnight by Lily Brooks-Dalton

Two people are stranded in very different ways. Augustine is the last person left at an Arctic research camp after he refused evacuation. Sully is on a spaceship headed back to Earth but they've lost contact with ground control. We never learn what happened to strand these two, but that's fine because that's not the point of the novel. The point is to ruminate on isolation - physical, mental, self-imposed and not - and connection.

This was okay. I found it very over-written in places and some details beggared belief. There was some lovely prose, though, and I liked the overall themes. I see this was adapted into the film The Midnight Sky, starring George Clooney. I'm not sure I'm interested enough to watch it.

3 stars

The Spoilt City by Olivia Manning

I found this to be better paced than The Great Fortune, with more action and a sense of impending doom hanging over Guy, Harriet and the rest of the British community in Bucharest. I still found some of the characters inscrutable, and had a bit of difficulty remembering various details of them from the first book. There were some great insights from Harriet's perspective on the nature of marriage, and I did find Guy slightly less annoying in this volume. Poor Yaki continues to delight me.

3.75 stars

Morning, Katie! Tomorrow night's dinner sounds most yum. I need to go to the grocery store. *sigh*

>52 katiekrug: Bummer because the premise is so great. I might give it a try because Arctic research camp and spaceship.

Have fun at trivia!

As you know, I had an implant recently and I just had local anesthetic. Unfortunately my heart issues mean I have to get the one without epinephrine, which doesn't last as long so I get bonus shots during any procedure!

I hope you get the right thing for you sorted.

I like the style of the puzzle up in the first message!

>53 katiekrug: It was much later in the series that Yaki stopped annoying me. I'm glad he did better with you :)

>52 katiekrug: I have another of her books on my library wish list, Katie: The Light Pirate. I probably heard about it here somewhere. Have you read it?

>53 katiekrug:, >56 RebaRelishesReading: What Reba said. I was super annoyed with Yaki by the end of book two but Reba was a bit ahead of me in the series and said something like, "let me know what you think after reading book three." And she was right, that book changed my mind.

>54 Crazymamie: - It's a pretty good recipe, Mamie, from Skinnytaste. You should try it sometime!

You might like GMM more than me. I didn't note it in my comments, but I didn't really like the audio narrator, so that might have affected my experience of it...

>55 ursula: - I think I am going to forego the laughing gas, Ursula. Sorry about the additional shots - that can't be fun at all.

>56 RebaRelishesReading: - He's definitely annoying, but I feel sorry for him. He's so completely unprepared for life in general and life in a potentially dangerous situation more specifically!

>57 lauralkeet: - I haven't read it, Laura. I'm not sure I'll seek out anything else by her but if you get around to The Light Pirate and like it, I might be persuaded :)

I think there were some glimmers of a less annoying Yaki at the end of book 2, as he was so kind to Harriet in Athens...

I'm all out of my routine this morning, as we had snow overnight, and as soon as I got up this morning, I went out to help The Wayne clear things. We also helped our neighbor with her driveway. And only after that did I get coffee! So I'm late getting my mind engaged.

We came in second of 16 teams at trivia last night, so that was fun. Got a gift certificate to use next time. I have a sort-of friend (I don't know her all that well but we're connected on social media. She used to live here but moved to Philly...) who works at eeBoo and she sent me two puzzles, some playing cards, and a cute little notebook. Free puzzles! That was a nice surprise to get in the mail.

Today I have house stuff to do, and I need to research a problem we're having with our car. The suspension seems messed up. I think it's realted to hydraulics or something. Ugh. I hate taking the car in because I either have to wait around forever, or get a Lyft home (the dealership pays for it, which is nice) and then be without a car. Also, I have a feeling it's going to be expensive to fix. Le sigh. First world problems, for sure.

Books:
I ended up finishing The Age of the Strongman on audio yesterday. Coincidentally (or not!), I also finished a puzzle. Not sure what audio I'll start today. I am almost finished with Raven Black, which I'll probably follow up with Conditional Citizens before starting the book for book club next week. CC is pretty short.

Congrats on the trivia, and hope the car problems turn out to be more minor than you think. Never fun, that.

>60 bell7: - Thanks, Mary!

This is the puzzle I finished yesterday. It was a fun one. RoseArt 1000 piece.



And this was a Ravensburger 1000 piece I finished last week:

Hello, Katie! Nice puzzles. And how great to get surprise puzzles in the mail! Sorry about the car troubles - Craig takes care of all that because he thinks it's his job, and I am happy to let him think that. I cannot even remember the last time I put gas in the car because he always makes sure it is topped up for me.

>63 Crazymamie: - Good man, that Craig :)

I'm not really taking care of anything, just making an appointment and taking it in. That was part of the deal when I quit my job - I'd take on more of the "stuff."

Funny about gas - in New Jersey, we aren't allowed to pump our own and TW HATES having someone do it for him, so I'm always the one to fill up. Thankfully, we don't need to often, as the car is an electric hybrid :) Once we are out of state, he's perfectly happy to take over gas duty.

I forgot that you are not allowed to pump your own gas in New Jersey. Craig would hate that, too. I would be fine with someone else pumping the gas for me. What I don't like is having to let someone bag my groceries - I always did this myself in Indiana, and I preferred it that way because I am careful with my own stuff. The only way you can do that down here is to go through self checkout, and I don't like to do that at the grocery because I don't want to input all the produce codes. They also always want to help me out to my car, and I don't want that, either.

>53 katiekrug: I still need to get to that one in February. I am glad to hear that you enjoyed it more than the first book in the trilogy. Go, Yaki!

>59 katiekrug: Congratulations on the gift certificate for trivia!

>62 katiekrug: My mother loves the Ravensburger puzzles although she no longer does anything more than 750 pieces and those only rarely these days. She prefers the 500 piece puzzles now. Too bad because I really like that one, lol.

Have a wonderful Wednesday, Katie!

>58 katiekrug: We had snow too, about 3" in our neck of the woods. Sorry to hear about the car, that's such a pain. I hope it's not as bad as you fear.

>62 katiekrug: You are a puzzle machine, Katie. We're still working on our 1000pc although we don't spend time on it every day.

>65 Crazymamie: Wait, what? You're not allowed to bag your own groceries? In our local supermarket there's often someone there to do the bagging which, in and of itself, is a big change from the Philly area where they didn't seem to have baggers at all. But I love bagging my own because I HAVE A SYSTEM, so if there's a lane open with no bagger I'm all over it. What really annoys me is when there's no bagger but the customer stands idly by, allowing (forcing?) the cashier to do it.

Sorry, rant over.

>65 Crazymamie: / >67 lauralkeet: - I bag my own groceries, too, but I always use the self-checkout because I don't like talking to people. Heh.

>66 alcottacre: - Thanks for the catch-up, Stasia! Hope you're having a good day, too.

>67 lauralkeet: - I usually spend at least an hour a day at my puzzle board, Laura. Often longer... I just love the soothing quality of it while listening to a good book.

>68 katiekrug: I use the self checkout when I'm just picking up a few items, but not for the weekly grocery run. The self-check space is awkward for larger orders. I have my favorite checkout people, and of course others who I avoid LOL.

>70 lauralkeet: - "... and of course others who I avoid LOL." I feel that :)

Our self-checkout is limited to 25 items. I don't do one large run every week because I can't make that kind of commitment, LOL. I go two (occasionally 3) times each week, which works for me.

>67 lauralkeet: Your pet peeve (customers not bagging their own purchases) resonates with me, Laura! Do you limit yourself to dirty looks (as I do) or do you ever say something?

>71 katiekrug: you do you, Katie!

>72 vivians: Vivian, they are pierced by my evil laser stare. And nah, I never say anything. Just my luck they'd have a legit reason for not doing it and then I'd feel bad. The holier-than-thou feeling is so much more satisfying. 😀

>62 katiekrug: Love those puzzles, Katie. I have the Ravensburger one!

>72 vivians: - LOL!

>73 lauralkeet: - Always :)

>74 BLBera: - IT was a fun one, Beth, though I did do a lot of squinting at the details...

Hooray for second place at trivia! I hope the car issue ends up not being a big deal. I've been motoring through the puzzles lately too -- I like that puzzle + audiobook is all-consuming for my mind and doesn't leave me any space to worry about the state of our government, lol.

My car recently had to go to be seen, after it lost all contact with its tyre sensors. It kept giving a warning message about every 15 minutes while driving. Not a problem but somewhat irritating.

Hold on a mo, you can't pack your own shopping! OMG, that would so do my head in. We've taken to doing scan as you shop, where you get to pack your bags as you go round and scan them all yourself.

In puzzle news, it's the great wave by Hokusai. I have a bit of a thing for this print, I also have a cross stitch of it that I'm probably 85% of the way through.

>67 lauralkeet: Nope. The Publix does not like you to bag your own groceries. If there is no bagger and I start bagging them, someone always comes over and takes over. Sometimes it's someone from management, and then the checker gets a dirty look from them, and then I feel badly.

>70 lauralkeet: Same. I almost always have a large order as I am shopping for five and I only go once a week - sometimes just getting away once a week to do it can be tricky depending on what kind of week Abby is having.

>78 Crazymamie: Sigh. I miss Publix. "Where shopping is a pleasure," indeed.

>79 kidzdoc: The only thing I do not like about the Publix is that you cannot bag your own groceries at the regular checkout. Other than that, I love it so much.

>80 Crazymamie: I used to go to my closest Publix in Midtown Atlanta (Ansley Mall) practically every Sunday within minutes after it opened at 7 am, in order to beat the post church services crowds, so I got to know the exceedingly friendly staff well, and vice versa. Sundays were my days to cook if I wasn't working, and the cashiers, especially one whose husband was from Louisiana, and the staff bagging my groceries would ask me what I was planning to cook, which generated enjoyable conversations more often than not, especially if there was no one behind me in line. I do appreciate the convenience of self checkout lanes here in suburban Philadelphia, but it took me awhile after my great experiences at Publix.

>64 katiekrug: I'm not fond of having to sit in a car waiting for someone to get freed up to come and do something for me that I can perfectly well do for myself...but then, I don't ever have to worry about that anymore because we have an electric car now (haven't been to a gas station I well over a year now -- big smile). Before that I used to avoid getting gas in neighboring Oregon because they had the same law as NJ but they changed the law last year leaving NJ as the only state where you aren't allowed to fill your own tank.

Hope your car's ills are simple and inexpensive to fix.

In WA you can bag your own stuff or not, as you choose (except at self-check where you have to do it yourself of course). I don't seem to be organized enough lately to have big shopping so by the time I get my phone number and credit card entered the checker or bagger usually has my stuff all nicely packed up. I do help, occasionally if that isn't the case but they usually seem to have it under control so I don't interfere.

Love your puzzles, Katie.

>81 kidzdoc: That early Sunday time is a perfect time to go. That is such a great story - thanks for sharing. The staff in our location is also very friendly and helpful.

>83 Crazymamie: You're welcome, Mamie. "Rocky," my favorite cashier, would greet me by saying "Good morning, Sunshine!" with her sweet Georgia accent whenever she saw me come in.

>84 kidzdoc: I love that!

>76 curioussquared: - You're so right about the puzzle and audiobook being the perfect distraction! No wonder I've been spending more time with them :)

>77 Helenliz: - The stupid car isn't giving me any warnings, but the research I did indicated there were often symptoms before the car's computer detected a problem. I have an appointment to take it in tomorrow at noon, but I am going to call today and see if that's worth it, since they are always backed up, and I don't want to bring it in if they aren't even going to have a chance to look at it.

Not all places don't let you bag. TBH, when I've encountered baggers, I just politely say "I've got it, thanks" and take care of it. I mean, are they going to wrestle me to the ground to prevent me?!?!

I imagine that puzzle will be a challenge - so much blue and white! Gorgeous image, though...

>78 Crazymamie: and >79 kidzdoc: and etc:

The Wayne is a great lover of Publix, having grown up in Florida. We often take reusable Publix bags into ShopRite with us :) There is a Publix near his sister's place in Virginia, but I find it a little small and cramped, which is par for the course up here, but down there, there's lots of space for such things. The best grocery stores I've encountered in the US (in my limited sample size) are in Texas, sadly. Big and bright, with wide aisles and great selection. Lots of specialty items and great floral departments, coffee bars, wine bars... Other than the Tex-Mex, it might be the only thing I miss about Texas.

>82 RebaRelishesReading: - We are proud to be the last state standing in civilized gas pumping rules! TBH, though, I am much less enamored of it since an attendant put regular fuel in my car when I asked for - because I need it! - the high octane...

I do not have a lot of hope regarding the car only needing a simple and cheap fix :-/

Ew, it's gross out. Grey and rainy, turning the snow into grimy slush. Blech.

I'm holed up in my office while Maribel does her thing, so I may actually get something productive done... Or I might just fart around for 3 hours. Who can say?!?! But I do have some calls to make (ugh), and my desk could use a tidying up... If it stays gloomy and overcast this afternoon, I might indulge in a movie or other streaming. I don't normally turn the TV on during the day, but I might treat myself :)

Books:
Lots of new things... I finished Raven Black and started Conditional Citizens: On Belonging in America. I decided to read one chapter/essay a day, as it's very thought-provoking and I don't want to overwhelm myself. So to read in between, I started a holiday-themed romance novella, Unwrapping Her Perfect Match, which is cute so far. On audio, I started Joanna Trollope's modern re-telling of Sense & Sensibility, which is part of The Austen Project, which had contemporary authors tackle re-interpreting Austen's novels for a modern audience. I don't think they ever published all of them? Must check that...

The Age of the Strongman: How the Cult of the Leader Threatens Democracy Around the World by Gideon Rachman

Welp, this was depressing. It was also incredibly interesting and informative, and I would encourage everyone to read it. Rachman is the chief foreign correspondent for the Financial Times and his analysis is both trenchant and approachable.

I'm sure many of us would like to think of Trump as an aberration, but he's not. More and more, countries are turning to "strongman" leaders, with predictable results. Rachman highlights not just Trump, but Erdogan, Modi, Orban, Xi, Bolsonaro, and a few others. The parallels among them are really something and important to understand the wider global context in which we find ourselves.

4.25 stars (probably 4.5 if I'd read it in print; the audio narrator was occasionally grating...)

Raven Black by Ann Cleeves

Yes, I hopped on the bandwagon. It's Laura's fault.

I liked this first entry in the series well enough, though there isn't anything particularly new or ground-breaking going on. The setting was probably the most interesting part of the story for me. Jimmy Perez, the main character, was intriguing, and I expect his personality will be filled out in subsequent books. The mystery here - the murder of a teenage girl that may be related to the disappearance of a young girl several years ago - was okay. I found it a bit flat and the whodunnit not very surprising. Still, I'll continue with at least the next book, since I already own it.

3.5 stars

>90 katiekrug: That about reflects my reaction to the Shetland series, Katie. I read all of them and enjoyed them but they are not groundbreaking. Still, a good way to pass the time "in" the northern islands of Scotland.

>89 katiekrug: That sounds like a compelling and important read. We are living in interesting times....

Have a good Thursday, Katie!

>90 katiekrug: My fault!? Harrumph.

I was well into the TV series before I realized there were books, and at the time it felt like duplication of effort to read them, if that makes sense. I thought the TV series was really well done. The landscape is a character in and of itself and there's some excellent character development over the seasons, both Jimmy and members of his team. I'm mostly enjoying making book-to-TV comparisons because there are some significant differences so far.

Moving The Age of the Strongman up a few clicks on the TBR pile.

Trump is not an outlier he is right in sync with the current fears and fatalism of the 21st Century World. Things are too complicated let Daddy do it.

As before this may be a phase we have to go through to get to the next scarier stage.

New York City they no longer give you a bag at the supermarket checkout. I bring my own bag and they just push the groceries down the slide and leave me to my own devices.
Would much rather the checker-outer would be the bagger too

Gray and rainy is usually my kind of weather, but I do remember what rain makes of snow, so yeah, gross.

Hoping you do treat yourself to some tv.

>89 katiekrug: Onto the Dirty Dozen list it goes! Making a note to read it in print. Nice review.

>90 katiekrug: Yes - it's all about the setting, but the books do get better as they go along.

>92 lauralkeet: I agree, Laura. I like the TV series at lot (even now that Jimmy is gone). Reading the books seems more that I'm up for though.

>59 katiekrug: How nice of you to help The Wayne and your neighbour clear the snow.

I hope you are able to figure out the problem with the car without the need of an expensive fix from the dealership.

I didn't know that you are not allowed to pump your own gas in New Jersey. I think I like that better than doing it myself. as long as I don't have to wait too long for service.

Happy (almost) Friday!

>91 EBT1002: - Hi Ellen! Re: the Cleeves books - I'm going to read one more and see if I want to continue. I already have so many crime series I follow....

The Age of the Strongman is a worthwhile read. I don't scroll the news or social media as much as I used to, and I find reading books like this - with lots of context and analysis - lets me stay informed without totally raising my blood pressure :)

>92 lauralkeet: - I did watch the two Raven Black episodes last night. I need to give the show a chance watching some eps not based on a book I've read or will read. I found it a bit... ponderous? But it was also early on in its run, and shows take time to develop.

>93 magicians_nephew: - I hope you do get to it soon(ish), Jim. The Rachman and Autocracy, Inc which I read late last year were really good at laying out how these guys (yes, all guys) feed off each other.

We don't get bags in grocery stores either. It was quite a bitch-fest in Jersey when the law went into effect, but The Wayne and I have always used reusable bags, so we just shrugged and went on with it.

>94 Crazymamie: - Glad I convinced someone to read it, Mamie! LOL. (Jim doesn't count because it was alrady on his list :) )

I'll plan to read the next Shetland book either next month or in April, I think.

>95 RebaRelishesReading: - Hi Reba!

>96 figsfromthistle: - I don't mind clearing snow when it's just a couple of inches. And our neighbor is so sweet. Her son-in-law comes over to clear her sidewalks, but she likes to go to mass every morning, so we at least try to get her driveway clear first things so she can get out of the garage safely.

I mostly like not having to pump my own gas. There is sometimes a bit of a wait if it's busy, as there is usually only one attendant for multiple pumps. I do appreciate the service in winter especially!

>97 katiekrug: Katie, I'm glad you're giving Shetland a try, both reading and viewing, even if it turns out to be not your cuppa. Did you notice who played Magnus? I believe you recently became a fan of another series he stars in.

Happy Friday!

Happy Almost the Weekend! In contrast to yesterday, it is bright and sunny today, and blustery. My only errand outside the house is to the wine store and to pick up a birthday card for my nephew-ish. And to go to the bank for cash to put in it. Dang! More errands than I thought... Oh well.

I was very adult yesterday and made TWO phone calls, including the one to schedule my dental implant procedure. So that'll be at the end of the month. I also rescheduled my car appointment becase as I suspected, I'll be better off taking it in in the morning next week than trying to get anything diagnosed this afternoon, as Friday is their busiest day. The car behaved perfectly fine yesterday, because of course it did.

Tonight we are going to a local Caribbean restaurant. It's just down the road from us, but we've never been despite continually saying, "Oh, we should check that place out." They posted their V-day menu online and it looked so good, I immediately called for a reservation. TW is already salivating over the oxtail...

Books:
No changes from yesterday. The audio of the modern S&S is fun - Margaret is a snarky teenager and has way more lines than in the original, and Elinor is not quite so saintly. I love how exasperated she gets with her mother and Marianne...

>99 lauralkeet: - I didn't notice but your comment made me stop and think. Brian Cox?!?!

>101 katiekrug: I know right?! We watched the Raven Black episodes c. 2014, long before Succession, but we knew him from the movie Rushmore and didn't recognize him at all.

>102 lauralkeet: - I didn't know he was in Rushmore! I remember really enjoying that one...

>90 katiekrug: I had read the first two or three books before watching "Shetland," and I liked the TV series so much, I decided to watch it instead of continuing to read...That doesn't happen very often, but there are SO MANY books to read and hardly any good TV. :)

Happy Friday. I hope you have a great weekend.

>104 BLBera: - That makes sense, Beth. My "to watch" list is long, but I don't watch a ton of TV so I rarely start things and so don't know if they are good or not :)

>103 katiekrug: Cox plays Max's father, the barber. We love that movie. Time for a rewatch!

ETA; Correction: Cox plays Dr Guggenheim

Glad you have that dreaded dental appointment scheduled. Also hope your car was just feeling a bit "off" and has recovered now ... OK not likely but I hope it keeps working fine until you can get it to the dealer for a proper checkup.

>106 lauralkeet: - I see it's available to rent on AppleTV. Hmmm... I don't think TW has ever seen it, so a viewing might be in order.

>107 RebaRelishesReading: - Thank you, Reba! I hope so, too, about the car.

I have completed all my errands, and my question is, why are people so dumb? Every single stop I made (okay, only 3 but still), I encountered idiotic behavior and/or cluelessness. It's a wonder I leave the house at all...

>108 katiekrug: Great idea, Katie. Enjoy!

Ooh, oxtail stew... 😋

>110 lauralkeet: - I'm sure we will - if we get around to it :-P

>111 kidzdoc: - I had a taste, Darryl, and it was good. Not a stew, though. Just braised with a lovely, rich sauce...

Morning, all! We had a nice dinner last night (confit of duck spring rolls, jerk chicken tacos, hoisin salmon, braised ox tail, flourless chocolate cake, and warm bread pudding) at Cafe Mobay. It's a small (maybe 25 seats?) place, and the staff were lovely. The service was very slow, but we didn't really mind. We'll definitely be going back.

Today we are going shopping (ugh) - shoes for TW (and I'm sure a pair or two will catch my eye...), H-Mart, Total Wine, Homegoods... We'll probably get a late lunch or early dinner out. TW's whisky club is meeting tonight, but he thinks he's going to fink out. We are supposed to get some snow/sleet tonight, and he's worried about being able to get a Lyft/Uber home. Smart man. If he does stay home, we might play a game.

Books:
I'm still reading a chapter a day in Conditional Citizens by Laila Lalami. It's very good. I finished the romance novella I was reading on my Kindle and have started The Vibrant Years by Sonali Dev for book club. On audio, I'm still really enjoying Sense & Sensibility by Joanna Trollope.

>112 katiekrug: That sounds right, Katie. It's called oxtail stew, but the recipe I use to make it sounds identical to the one you both had.

I look forward to your thoughts about Conditional Citizens.

Been reading about all the bagging or non-bagging of groceries woes. Here there is never anyone to bag groceries as grocery baggers do not exist (except maybe at Christmas time when you might get Scouts or similar groups doing it for charity). But we do have more grocery deliveries, so I do get the shopping plonked on the kitchen table every week.

>114 kidzdoc: - Ah, good to know, Darryl.

I should finish CC sometime next week.

>115 SandDune: - Lots of people do grocery delivery here, too, but they don't bring it into one's house - at least not where I live!

Successful shopping trip, though we curtailed it a bit due to the weather. I got the new bath mat I wanted at Homegoods (and, um, a puzzle... it was only $10 for a 1000 piece Galison!), and The Wayne got two pairs of new shoes at DSW. And I found a cute pair of grey wool ankle boots with a flat, sneaker-like bottom on clearance, so those came home too :)

And now it's snowing, and I have nowhere to be and nothing I have to do, so I envision a very relaxed afternoon and evening ahead!

Congratulations on your successful shopping spree, Katie. I remember way back when, we used to go to the mall for a day or evening out. Not so much anymore ...

>116 katiekrug: They didn't use to bring it in during COVID, but they do now if you want them to. It's the highlight of Daisy's week - they sometimes come prepared with dog biscuits!

>118 lauralkeet: - I'm not sure that counts as a spree, but I was pleased :)

>119 SandDune: - Lucky Daisy!

Nuala was inside, so there was no barking to disturb the quiet of the deer and falling snow.

>121 katiekrug: So pretty!

>122 MickyFine: - I do love me some snow :) Thanks, Micky!

Super gross day here today - raining off and on all day, and everything is a slushy mess. We got about half an inch or so of fresh snow yesterday afternoon, but it'll all be gone shortly :( There is a chance of a big dump later in the week...

I need to go to the grocery store today, as I want to make meatloaf for dinner and need the ingredients for it. I think TW might be going to the gym at some point, which he walks to, but with the rain, he might want to take the car, so we'll just have to coordinate timing.

I'm thinking of abandoning my book club book. It's just not engaging me at all, and I have such a stack of things I actually am eager to get to, it doesn't seem worth the time. I'll probably still go to the meeting because the pre-discussion social time is always nice.

I actually watched some stuff yesterday - the first two episodes of season 2 of 'The White Lotus,' (made me want to go to Sicily), s3e8 of 'Succession,' (made me want to go back to Tuscany), and a terrible tiny Scientologist Tom Cruise movie that TW chose, 'Oblivion.' I feel like that's my TV-watching quota for the week, LOL.

Life is too short to read books you don't like. Even if it's for book club. 😊

>125 MickyFine: - Thanks for the validation, Micky. It's going on the DNF list...

rain on top of snow on top of rain is pretty gross.

>121 katiekrug: How beautiful. From time to time we see deer on the other side of the large property that abuts us -- never as close as this -- but always a pleasure. Meatloaf for dinner sounds nice -- given the time difference you may be enjoying it right now, actually :)

>121 katiekrug: Lovely photo.

I think the Shetland series (tv) gets better as it goes. Tosh is my favorite character.

>121 katiekrug: So pretty. Lucky deer not to have to put up with Nuala's barking, but poor Nuala missing out on the excitement!

Happy Monday, Katie. I love the deer in the yard shot. Pretty. I hope you had a good weekend.

>127 magicians_nephew: - Right?!?!

>128 RebaRelishesReading: - We get a lot of deer here. I think they follow the river when they are moving from place to place. Nuala is not a fan of them :)

The meatloaf turned out pretty well and was very tasty.

>129 EBT1002: - Hi Ellen. Good to hear about the series.

>130 ursula: - Nuala will survive, and have many more encounters. She barks her fool head off from her side of the fence, and the deer just stare her down. It's quite funny. They are not scared of her (or her bark) at all.

>131 msf59: - Thanks, Mark! I did have a good weekend :)

Monday, Monday...

It's is stupid windy here, but at least it's stopped raining. Yesterday was so gross, and I was miserable taking the groceries to the car in a downpour. I did relax much of the rest of the day. My meatloaf turned out pretty well, though I was so worried about over-mixing it that I think I under-mixed it, as it didn't fully hold together when cut. The seasoning was good, though. The recipe I used suggested testing the seasoning before baking by forming a small meatball and frying it to see how the flavor was. This would never have occurred to me :-P We had peas and baby potatoes with it - crusted up with a little butter in the cast iron skillet and then tossed with salt, pepper, and garlic. Delish!

Today I'll be finishing up the laundry and doing some writing. I don't have to leave the house, which is always a treat. I expect I'll have some quality time with the books... Dinner is chili-lime chicken and roasted veggies.

Viewing:
I turned on the SNL 50th Anniversary concert to listen to while I was cooking. That was fun. And then after dinner, we watched the anniversary special. There were some very funny bits, and we enjoyed it. Other than that, we watched a college basketball game in the afternoon (TW's alma mater won), and I think that's it.

Books:
I officially DNFed The Vibrant Years and started D is for Deadbeat in its place. I should finish up Conditional Citizens today. My audio is Habits of the House by Fay Weldon. Very Upstairs-Downstairs...

I really liked Conditional Citizens when I read it, Katie. I look forward to your comments. In fact, I think it might be my favorite Lalami.

Remember being a kid and watching the first episodes of Saturday Night (live). Paul Simon and George Carlin. Oh Boy!.

NBC had a Prime Time show called "Saturday Night Live with Howard Cosell" which everyone thought would run forever. It didn't quite last a season. SNL lasted FIFTY Years!

We've got the special on the DVR we'll probably do it in bits and pieces.

Morning, Katie! Sorry about the slushy mess. Now I want meatloaf. My mom used t make a very good one that made for excellent sandwiches with the leftovers, and I wish I had the recipe. I also would not have thought of making a small meatball to fry off to taste/judge the seasoning - filing that away. Your veggie side sounds perfect.

>121 katiekrug: Well, that's gorgeous.

>125 MickyFine: I agree with Micky. Besides not wanting to finish the book is also good feedback for book club.

Duplicate post - not sure why it posted twice.

>134 BLBera: - The only other Lalami I've read is The Other Americans, which I thought was pretty good. I have two more in the stacks.

>135 magicians_nephew: - The Wayne and I had fun comparing memories of watching SNL and favorite cast member and sketches. Lots of good ones!

>136 Crazymamie: - I also loved my mom's meatloaf and have never been able to re-create it. Hers also made for good sandwiches. I am going to attempt a sandwich for lunch today.

Thanks re: the photo. I got lucky :)

I don't think it's the kind of book that will make for much of a discussion with the group. We seem to do best with meatier picks, but I can understand some of the members wanting to have a few lighter reads included. It looks like our March read will be on the lighter side, too.

>132 katiekrug: You're probably right about the dear following the river. We're quite near a valley with a river in it -- it's protected so that the entire floor plain is natural and I'm sure that's where the deer we see come from. The neighbor who owns the huge plot we see them on has sold it and we're told there will be 12 houses built there soon -- doubt we'll see any more deer.

>139 RebaRelishesReading: - That's too bad about the additional houses being built, Reba. We are over-built around here (not surprising, I guess, as I think NJ is still the most densely populated state in the US), and I am thinking of getting involved in the local green space conservation efforts.

I love the puzzles, Katie! The second one you did is by Colin Thompson, I think his name is. I did quite a few of his puzzles, - maybe 10? but he is now in his late 80's or more and so it not created any more puzzle art. But he is among my favourite puzzle artists! You know you are a puzzle nerd like me when you know puzzle artists! I'm about 60 pages into The Queen Of Dirt Island and really enjoying it, so thanks for the BB.

>140 katiekrug: have you read any of Doug Tallamy's books? His book Nature's Best Hope: A New Approach to Conservation that Starts in Your Yard really sparked my interest in green spaces and native planting. I'm slowly working on our own yard and envision myself volunteering in that area when I retire in 5-6 years.

>141 vancouverdeb: - LOL, you puzzle nerd you!

Glad to hear you are liking the Donal Ryan book!

>142 japaul22: - I haven't read any Tallamy, Jennifer. Thanks for the tip. I'll have a look for them.

I have a cousin who is very active in his local green space group (suburban Philly) and has been for some time.

Morning, all. I had a terrible night's sleep - was basically awake from about 1:30 to 4:00 or so. I'm not really sure why, but it was annoying. And then I got up with the alarm because TW had an appointment at 8:30 which ended up not happening. Grrr. Normally, I'd take a nap this afternoon, but I'm volunteering 12-4, so that's not going to happen. And then I have to come home and prep dinner, because I finked out last night and we went out, so I can't do that again. We aren't playing trivia tonight, but will go tomorrow. Anyway, I'm tired and a little cranky :)

Books:
I didn't finish Conditional Citizens yesterday, so that will be the priority for today. I only have 20 pages left, I think. I probably won't get any audio time today.

>144 katiekrug: you have every right to be cranky Katie, having slept so poorly. I hope you get through the day without falling over. Heh.

>145 lauralkeet: - Thanks, Laura!

Hope your day goes better than it started, Katie.

Oof, Katie. Sorry about the lack of sleeping and the day not providing for a nap. I would order dinner in, just saying, and put off making dinner one more night.

>147 RebaRelishesReading: - Thanks, Reba. It was good to get out to my volunteering gig, and I'm home now feeling energetic enough to actually make dinner. I'm calling it a win!

>148 Crazymamie: - Thanks, Mamie. I just got home from volunteering and actually feel pretty good, so I'm going to go do all the prep I need to do for dinner now, and then I can just throw it together later on.

Good morning! I had a great night's sleep, so no complaints today. I'm off shortly to take the car in for a diagnosis. Of course, it hasn't done it's weird thing in a week or so, but hopefully the fancy machines and computer can detect the issue. Luckily, they have a lovely customer lounge to wait in, with fancy coffee drinks and bagels and other snacks. I'm supposed to see a movie this afternoon, but we'll see if that happens. And we are playing trivia tonight, so it's a bit of a busy day...

No change in the books I'm working on, though I did finish Conditional Citizens, which was excellent.

Good morning, Katie. I also loved Nature's Best Hope: A New Approach to Conservation that Starts in Your Yard. I own a copy. I keep forgetting to seek out more of his books.

>151 msf59: - Good to have another endorsement, Mark!

Small change of plans - they weren't going to be able to tell me anything about the car until "sometime" this afternoon (why, then, did I have an 8:30 appointment?!?!), so I took a Lyft home. I did snag a bagel on my way out :)

I do love an unexpected day at home with nothing to do.... *happy sigh*

Hooray for an unexpected day at home with nothing to do!

>154 Crazymamie: - I mean, I should do something productive, but since I wasn't going to be able to originally, why bother?

>155 katiekrug: Exactly.

>156 Crazymamie: - I am unsurprised we see eye to eye on this :)

Unwrapping Her Perfect Match by Kat Latham

A perfectly fine holiday novella about a nurse and a professional rugby player in London. It's part of a series, but I haven't read any of the others and this wasn't good enough to make me want to seek them out.

3.5 stars

Sense & Sensibility by Joanna Trollope

The only other entry in The Austen Project that I've read (so far) is Northanger Abbey by Val McDermid, which I didn't like much. Trollope's take on S&S is much more enjoyable, and I thought she did a good job translating the story to a contemporary setting. I especially enjoyed her version of Margaret, the youngest Dashwood sister, and that she made Elinor much more exasperated with Marianne than Austen does, as I think it rings a bit truer to a modern reader.

A fun audio, read by the always excellent Kate Reading.

3.75 stars

>157 katiekrug: *Grin*

>153 katiekrug: It's so flippin' cold out there anyway, not being outdoors is survival-level good. Enjoy your bonus bonechill escape.

>155 katiekrug: Exactly!! And boo-hiss to bad treatment from the service department

>153 katiekrug: well that's annoying Katie. I'm glad you were able to spend the day at home though, no matter how good the dealership's coffee and bagels are.

>159 katiekrug: That sounds fun for us fans of S&S.

>153 katiekrug: Those days are great! Hope you were able to relax and truly do nothing.

>160 Crazymamie: - *grin back*

>161 richardderus: - Thanks, RD!

>162 RebaRelishesReading: - TBH, I can't say it was bad treatment, just sort of nonsensical. They ended up giving me a loaner car, since they couldn't guarantee mine would be done this afternoon and TW has a doctor's appointment first thing tomorrow. And score! The loaner is the model I have been eyeing, and I love it. Sadly, TW is not so keen, and I don't think they make it as a hybrid electric, much less an EV... But it's lovely to drive :)

>163 lauralkeet: - I did enjoy the bagel, Laura, but definitely enjoyed being at home more!

>164 EBT1002: - It was entertaining, Ellen. No great shakes, really, but very diverting.

>165 figsfromthistle: - Thanks, Anita! I mostly relaxed :)

Happy Almost Friday!

We came in second of 6 trivia teams last night. Must. Do. Better. I had French onion soup and half of a blackened chicken wrap. Delicious. My favorite bar food in the area. Yesterday, the car dealership ended up giving me a loaner car, since they couldn't gurantee the work would be done by the end of the day. I love the loaner - it's the perfect cross between my current SUV and the zippy sedan we had before The Great Flood. Sadly, but also happily, I can probably pick up my own car later today.

I'm supposed to go to book club tonight, but I am thinking of bailing. We are hosting a game night tomorrow, and I'm not sure I can be extroverted three nights in a row (counting trivia last night), LOL. A quiet evening in sounds heavenly.

I have to do a big grocery shop for the party tomorrow - I'm doing a chili bar, with all the regular fixings, plus corn bread, hot dogs, and possibly fries or tater tots. My best friend will come over tomorrow afternoon to help me with the prep. Should be fun!

Books:
I should finish up D is for Deadbeat today. And I might be able to finish Habits of the House on audio. Not sure what my next audio will be, but my next print book will either be First Frost or The Accomplice.

How fun that your loaner model is one that you have been eyeing! I am also ready for Friday. And I definitely could not be extroverted for three nights in a row - I would have trouble managing one, to be honest. Your chili bar sounds full of fabulous - what a great idea!

>168 Crazymamie: - It was fun while it lasted, but I have my car back now...

I like to be social at least a couple of times a month, but THRICE in 3 days is too much. I sent my regrets to the book group hostess a little while ago. I'm going to do something stupid easy for dinner tonight - maybe just some tortellini and sauce - and call it a day :)

Glad you have your car back (I guess). Was there really a problem or was it just having a wee hiccup?
Last time I had a loaner it had a heated steering wheel, which I fell in love with and announced I really wanted on our next car although I didn't really think it would happen but, sure enough, Miss Ruby has a heated steering wheel (plus seats with heaters in seat and seat back BOTH) -- and I just love her. So, you never know, that new model (or one like it) may be waiting in your future.

Hope all of your extroverting goes well. Chili bar sounds like a great idea. I'll have to keep that in mind.

Chili bar is a great idea, Katie! Glad/sad you're back in your own wheels, and second of six? Excellent in my eyes.

Stay mellow in unmellowing days, thus get the Win, right?

>170 RebaRelishesReading: - It was a legitimate issue - the hydraulics in the rear suspension were leaking. Very pricey to repair, but the front was okay, at least! We also need new brake pads in the rear, but that can wait a little bit while the bank account recovers ;-)

Heated steering wheel and seats are The Best. We have them, too, and I don't know how I ever did without them. I don't think the X4 is in my future, as The Wayne didn't like it, especially the narrow rear window. Stupid tall man...

>171 richardderus: - Thanks, RD! I'll report back on how it goes. I've been to the store and have everything I need. Now I just need to brainstorm on how to set it up.

Re: trivia - 2nd is good, but with so little competition, we feel we should have been first. As it was, we were 2 points behind the winners.

I am 100+ posts behind again, Katie. Sorry about that.

>167 katiekrug: I will be curious to see your thoughts on Habits of the House. Fay Weldon is an author that I have yet to get to.

>166 katiekrug: They ended up giving me a loaner car, since they couldn't guarantee mine would be done this afternoon and TW has a doctor's appointment first thing tomorrow. And score! The loaner is the model I have been eyeing, and I love it.

I would suggest that this was no accident. Shortly after I finished residency and started working as an attending physician I purchased my dream car, a sporty convertible that was perfect for driving in Atlanta with the top down but was impractical due to its small cockpit and trunk that wasn't much larger than my glove compartment. Whenever I would take it for servicing I would be invariably be provided with a midsized SUV that I called my "Goldilocks vehicle:" the smallest SUV was too small, the largest was too large, but the midsized one was just right. Guess what the next vehicle I purchased was? 😂

>173 alcottacre: - I think we're all behind, Stasia, no worries!

I finished HotH yesterday. It was just okay.

>174 kidzdoc: - Fun story, Darryl! Sadly, I have to take into consideration TW's opinion, as we share the car :)

TGIF! Sunny but very windy here again. We got a dusting of snow last night, but the wind is blowing it all away.

We had a relaxing evening last night. I heated up soup and then we watched the last episode of the penultimate season of 'Succession.' Hoo-boy! It was intense. I can't wait to see where it goes from here, but I think we are going to hoard the final season, as we don't want it to end...

Today is all about game night prep. I'll start the chili mid-afternoon so it has plenty of time to cook down and develop flavor. I need to run to the wine store, but other than that, I'll be at home getting things ready.

Books:
I finished both Habits of the House and D is for Deadbeat yesterday. I haven't selected a new audio yet, but I did start First Frost in print.

>176 katiekrug: It's the windchill today. We're on the way to over-freezing, which is really great; but the windchill is making it feel the same or worse. *sigh*

Is this your first read of the Sue Grafton alphabet mysteries? (And I realize you've probably commented on that somewhere in one of your threads, but....). I addictively read them as they came out in paperback, up to about M or N or O, at which point I lost interest. I always thought Kinsey Millhone was badass. Although she also made classic stupid PI choices like tearing off after a bad guy without letting anyone know where she was going.

>177 richardderus: - Today is lovely, though!

>178 EBT1002: - It is my first read of the Graftons, Ellen. I remember my mom reading them, and my SIL enjoyed them, so I figured I'd give them a shot. They are good "in between" books, I find.

Game night and chili bar were a great success! We played a new-to-all-of-us game called "I've Venn Thinking," which is similar in its game-play to "Cards Against Humanity" but a little more clever. We played it for over 2.5 hours... The chili turned out well, and everyone enjoyed the various accompaniments. It was just a really fun night. Now I'm happily tired and planning on doing a whole bunch of nothing today :)

Books:
In print, I'm reading First Frost and on audio, I'm listening to Anne Hathaway read The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.

This was one of our best rounds, and I was the judge for it. It was a tough call!



The Judge for the round picks a red card and a blue one, and then everyone else has to choose a card from their hand to match with it, a la a Venn diagram. Much hilarity ensues...

Happy Saturday, Katie! That looks like a fun game. I think I would choose either "Stopped being fun a long time ago" or "Dads go crazy for them" 😂 what was your pick?

>182 curioussquared: - "Barely hanging on" :D

>180 katiekrug: Congratulations!! Sounds like a fun time and glad everyone enjoyed it. The game looks like fun -- sort of a more intellectual Apples to Apples

>175 katiekrug: Ah, too bad about HotH. I do not have time for 'okay' reads any more.

>176 katiekrug: Game night? Where is my invite?? Lol

>181 katiekrug: Looks like a fun party game!

Have a super Saturday!

>181 katiekrug: It certainly was a tough call! Great round, though, and wonderful game.

>180 katiekrug: "I'm Venn Thinking" sounds like a lot of fun, I may have to keep an eye out for it on sale or at tag sales. Though knowing how my family can play Apples to Apples (my mom likes to pick the most ridiculous answers), it might lead to arguments hahaha.

Happy weekend!

Hi Katie. Do you remember Black River by S.M. Hulse? I think both of us really liked it and I have just started Eden Mine, her second book. I have my fingers crossed that she has delivered another superior book

>184 RebaRelishesReading: - I've never played Apples to Apples, but I think Cards Against Humanity is a more "adult" version, and I've played lots of that!

>185 alcottacre: - Nice to see you, Stasia! Game nights are always fun, but we tend to play unserious ones :)

>186 richardderus: - It was great fun.

>187 bell7: - Hey Mary! If you see a copy, do snag it!

>188 DeltaQueen50: - I do remember Black River, Judy, as I loved it. I have a copy of Eden Mine but haven't gotten to it yet. Can't wait to hear your thoughts on it!

I have been in my jammies all day, and we are ordering Thai for dinner and watching a movie. Perfect lazy day!

Catching up around here has been a delight, Katie. I'm a little envious of your pajama day...

Happy Sunday, Katie. Just checking in. Hooray for a jammy day. I do not own any jammies but I plan to spend my day chillin' with Juno and the books. Maybe get a movie in...

>191 MickyFine: - Nice to see you, Micky!

>192 msf59: - Well, technically I don't have jammies per se. I was basically in sweats/loungewear all day :)

Morning, all! My lazy yesterday was a delight. I had Singapore noodles for dinner, and we watched Saturday Night, which we enjoyed. A slightly less lazy day today - laundry, maybe a grocery run, boring stuff like that. The Wayne will be "taping dry wall" (??? *shrug*) in the garage, since the weather is pretty nice and not freezing cold. I have a sneaking suspicion we'll go out for an early dinner, but we haven't discussed it yet.

Books:
I finished the audio of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, which was fun. Anne Hathaway was a very good narrator. Next up on audio will be Queen of Hearts, the next-for-me in the Royal Spyness series. Still reading First Frost in print. I might finish it today, but more likely tomorrow...

#27
Conditional Citizens: On Belonging in America by Laila Lalami
Hardcover
4.5 stars

>195 katiekrug: Excellent review, Katie!

>196 laytonwoman3rd: - Thank you, Linda! (You are quick!)

>195 katiekrug: Conditional Citizens looks great. Onto my TBR it goes. Thanks!

Karen O

>197 katiekrug: Just happened to be in the neighborhood at the right time! ;>)

>198 klobrien2: - I hope you find it as valuable as I did!

>199 laytonwoman3rd: - Always glad when you turn up in my neighborhood :)

#28
Habits of the House by Fay Weldon
Audiobook (library)
3.25 stars

#29
D is for Deadbeat by Sue Grafton
Paperback (mine)
4 stars

#30
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum
Audiobook (mine)
3.5 stars

And now I'm caught up with my reviews! I am very much liking the new review attachment feature :)

>204 katiekrug: How is this accomplished, if you will share your expertise? That's a game changer for me.

>195 katiekrug: Excellent review, Katie!

Wow, what a bonanza of reviews, Katie! You've been reading up a storm.

>205 richardderus: - Thanks re: my review!

To attach a review, you just click on the "Attach Review" button at the bottom of the right of the text box in a thread.

>206 lauralkeet: - Well, I finished the Lalami several days ago and only now just got around to writing something about it. And the Grafton was short. And the audios go quickly. So it's really not that impressive :)

>207 katiekrug: ...
...
...
...the heck did they put that there...?

It was a few days ago, I think. Laura alerted me to it.

ETA: fixed typo

>209 katiekrug: It is The Coolness, so thank you and thank Laura for the alert!

>210 richardderus: - Handy, innit?

It's a new week, and I'm trying to get a lot done today and tomorrow because I have my oral surgery on Wednesday morning and after that, I plan to do nothing other than feel sorry for myself for a few days :) So errands and desk work today.

The Wayne and I ended up having a date night last night (a date night for us is anytime we go out to a restaurant not in our usual rotation, especially one that doesn't have TVs in the bar, LOL), and it was lovely. We always forget about this restaurant, and it's only about 10 minutes away (The Barrow House). Lovely atmosphere, great food, and delicious cocktails. After that, we came home and watched the first episode of the new season of 'Reacher,' which was as ridiculous and fun as ever. Overall, a delightful evening.

Books:
I should finish up First Frost today, and make decent progress in Queen of Hearts.

Katie, sounds like your game night was a huge success. I had not heard of that game before, but it looks like fun.

>190 katiekrug: A perfect lazy day! I am jealous of your Thai food. We had an excellent Thai place that we frequented in Indiana, and I miss it so much.

>195 katiekrug: Excellent review, Katie - I've added my thumb. And onto the Dirty Dozen list it goes.

Your date night sounds lovely. All of us here at the Pecan Paradisio will be thinking of you on Wednesday and wishing you well.

>212 katiekrug: A delightful evening indeed! I liked the menu's looks a lot...I'd love to have hazelnut-crusted halibut. The idea of whipped cranberry butter on cornbread literally never occurred to me, and sounds lush.

Enjoy the reads! Also, about the attachment button: If you edit the post you must re-attach the review or it vanishes. Word to the wise.

>213 Crazymamie: - Morning, Mamie!

If it makes you feel better, my Thai was a little disappointing...

Glad I got another entry on the DD!

Thanks for the good thoughts on Wednesday!

>214 richardderus: - I would happily try everything on that menu, I think. Last night, we shared the crispy brussels sprouts (the lemon-garlic aioli was drool-inducing), and I got the sliders because I am a sucker for bacon jam AND gouda. They were fab. TW got the pulled pork sandwich which was very good.

Thanks for the tip about editing reviews and re-attaching!

Great comments, Katie. I also loved Conditional Citizens. And you remind me that I should continue with the Sue Grafton books. My next one is the "J" one.

Good luck with your surgery.

Date night sounds lovely. Hope it was the opening act to a very nice week.

>216 BLBera: - Thanks, Beth. The Lalami gave me so much to think about.

Lots of Grafton still to get through!

>217 RebaRelishesReading: - Thank you, Reba!

Not a lot going on here today. I do need to run to the vet to pick up Nuala's heartworm preventative. And I have some laundry to do - blankets, which I hate because they take forever... But really, nothing too onerous. Playing trivia tonight.

Last night, I made a really nice Sichian pork noodle dish from an America's Test Kitchen cookbook. It turned out very yummy, and I am eager to see how it reheats, since it made A TON. No more cooking for the next several days since I can only eat soft foods after my dental work tomorrow. I am loaded up with yogurt, apple sauce, sherbet, and mashed potatoes :)

Books:
I finished First Frost yesterday and started How to Read a Book. Still listening to Queen of Hearts on audio.

I'm hosting the March AAC featuring Stewart O'Nan, one of my favorite authors.

Come join me!

https://www.librarything.com/topic/368785

>219 katiekrug: Um ... did you forget ice cream?!

>221 lauralkeet: - Ha! No. But I love sherbet, and while I was perusing the ice cream aisle, I spied a package of individual cups of rainbow sherbet and decided to go with those :)

>222 katiekrug: Oh, this is more insidious than I thought. You don't like ice cream? At all?! I'm gobsmacked.

>223 lauralkeet: - No, no, no! I like ice cream! I'm not a monster :) I just was feeling the little cups of sherbet more at that moment in time...

ETA: Re-reading my comment in >222 katiekrug:, I can see how I gave the impression I didn't like ice cream. I'm glad to have the chance to set the record straight!

>224 katiekrug: Whew.

The chatting about jigsaw puzzles: I was at the local used/new bookstore three days ago, and there I held in my hands a 500-piece Edward Gorey puzzle. It was Gorey's one-hundredth birthday—February 22. But I said *silently* "You don't need another distraction, Buddy!"

         

So I put it back on the shelf and bought two boxes of Girl Scout cookies instead.

Looking forward to the March of O'Nan, Katie. I have quite a pile of his stuff. I'll click on the link momentarily.

Dental surgery. I've had two of them in the last couple of years. Duck soup it was, both times. The doc had his several assistants lined up (a vision of Captain von Trapp's children lined up to meet Maria for the first time flashed across my mind). The screen went black and I found myself in a different room, with my driver awaiting my discharge. I honestly didn't experience trouble either time.

>190 katiekrug: A perfect description of my Sundays. I do not get out of my jammies unless I absolutely have to on Sundays, lol.

>195 katiekrug: Already in the BlackHole or I would be adding it again.

>201 katiekrug: Too bad about that one.

I hope you have a terrific Tuesday, Katie!

>225 lauralkeet: - I'm glad we can still be friends, Laura.

>226 weird_O: - Admirable self-control, Bill!

I look forward to seeing what O'Nan you decide to pick up.

I was knocked out for my wisdom teeth removal, but I'll be awake for the implant surgery tomorrow, so it won't be quite as easy as your experience. I am feeling okay about it, though.

>227 alcottacre: - I guess I'm glad not to contribute to the Black Hole for now, Stasia... LOL.

Pajama days are great.

Hope you have a great Tuesday, too!

Hoping the team's returning from trivia with your shields not on them.

hoping the tooth work goes smoothly and that you're back on toast soonest.
When my housemate had her wisdom teeth pulled, she was on soft food for a while. But once you liquidise everything, it all becomes the same beige. So I did her a fruit salad, with each fruit liquidised separately. Just once, you note.

Thinking of you today, Katie.

Hope all goes well today, Katie.

Thinking of you with the procedure today. I know it'll go fine. And then hey, it'll be over!

>228 katiekrug: Oh, I am sure you will be adding to the BlackHole before too long, Katie. You are a regular contributor!

I hope all goes well for you today!

Happy Wednesday, Katie. I snagged a Kindle copy of How to Read a Book a couple of weeks ago so I may get to that one on the big trip. 🤞

>229 richardderus: - We came in 3rd of 17 teams :)

>230 Helenliz: - The idea of liquidizing everything is not appealing! I'll stick tot he yogurt, apple sauce, mashed potatoes, etc, thankyouverymuch.

>231 Crazymamie: - Thank you, Mamie!

>232 lauralkeet: - Thanks, Laura!

>233 ursula: - I'll still need to get the crowns done in a couple of months, but the hard part will be over. That's what I'm focused on :)

>234 alcottacre: - Thanks, Stasia!

>235 msf59: - It would make a good plane read, Mark.

Happy Hope Katie Doesn't Die Today Day to all who celebrate ;-)

I actually feel okay about it. I got a little anxious last night, but I'll just be glad to have it done since I've put it off for so long, so it's been hanging over my head. I appreciate everyone's good wishes. It's so not a big deal, but I am such a baby...

We came in 3rd last night at trivia, and there were 17 teams, so that's pretty respectable. Sadly, my fancy BLT was not very good, so that was disappointing.

I anticipate vegging most of today when I get home. I'm thinking of giving the recent(ish) BBC adaptation of S&S a whirl... And I might try to finish my current audio. And my current print read is cozy and comforting, so I should have a nice day with the various media :)

Mashed potatoes for dinner!

Not a bad showing at all! I'm glad you're taking the practical approach. I'm still waffling about my cataract surgery. Not for any real solid reason just because it's scary to have one's eyes messed with!

>195 katiekrug: A BB for me!

>202 katiekrug: good reminder to get back into that series. I think I am on C

>237 katiekrug: Good luck today!

MMMMmmmmmmm....mashed potatoes! I DO love me some mashed potatoes. (See how supportive I'm being?) May the discomfort and inconvenience be short-lived.

>237 katiekrug: Happy Hope Katie Doesn't Die Today Day
Is that not every day????

>238 richardderus: - Oof, yeah, I do not like eye things AT ALL. But you should still have it done :)

>239 figsfromthistle: - Hi Natalie! Glad I could get you with a BB.

>240 laytonwoman3rd: - Current outrage: my post-op instructions to stick to only liquids for the first day! Boo. So the mashed potatoes will have to wait. Ensure for dinner - yum :-/

>241 norabelle414: - But I don't go under the knife every day, Nora! But I love the sentiment, so thank you :D

I didn't die. I certainly wouldn't choose to do that again, but it was okay as far as these things go. TW picked up my prescriptions and some Tylenol (apparently if I alternate that with the prescription-strength ibuprofen, I can probably avoid using the Oxycodone she prescribed?!?! Must investigate...). I took the first ibuprofen as soon as I got it, as instructed, along with the antibiotic. I've alredy started the icing routine of my jaw and am being good about replacing the gauze in my mouth. I'm such a good little patient.

Thanks to you all for putting up with me :)

>243 katiekrug: "apparently if I alternate that with the prescription-strength ibuprofen, I can probably avoid using the Oxycodone she prescribed?!?!" That really is a thing.

Whew!! Glad to hear all went well and that you're home safe and sound and that you're being a "good little patient" !! Hope your meds take care of the pain and that the healing goes swiftly and well.

With the time difference, I'm just learning about your trivia result so congratulations on that too.

>244 laytonwoman3rd: - I'm going to try it because I really don't want to resort to the Big Boys. She was a little vague on the alternation, but I did some research, so it looks like I should take the Tylenol 204 hours after the ibuprofen and alternate that way. Hope it works!

>245 RebaRelishesReading: - Cross-posted!

Thanks, Reba - both for the good wishes and the congrats :)

>243 katiekrug: Let's celebrate the not dying and gloss over the rest. >:-) Well done on being a good patient.
Alternating ibruprofen & paracetamol works as they have different routes of efficacy, so you're not hitting the same route twice. Means you can take maximum dose of both in any one period. And staying off the opioids is always a good idea, imo.

I'm glad the procedure went well, Katie. Take it easy today, okay?

>248 Helenliz: ^^what she said

>246 katiekrug: I'm guessing you mean 2-4 and not 204 hours there 😜

Happy you didn't die day! I hope the recovery goes well and you can enjoy your mashed potatoes soon.

>248 Helenliz: - I've begun the alternating routine, Helen. I had to figure out the timing. So far I've taken one dose of each, about 3.5 hours apart. No real pain so far, just some residual soreness from having my mouth propped open for an extended period of time :) And yeah, I don't want to take the heavy-duty stuff. I think I took one the night after I had my impacted wisdom teeth out but then managed with just ibuprofen.

>249 lauralkeet: - I'm pretty much a vegetable today, Laura :)

>250 richardderus: - A-yup!

>251 bell7: - You guessed right, Mary. :-P

I might cheat and have the mashed potatoes for dinner. I'm *starving.*

Hooray for not dying, Katie - well done. And you ARE a good patient - Craig was a terrible one, and basically disregarded the "advice" about what he should and shouldn't eat. You do not want to know. I will just say that he is very lucky.

You are right, and Helen is right about how the alternating between Tylenol and Ibuprofen works - Craig often gives this advice.

>253 Crazymamie: - I've basically memorized the post-op instructions because I'm convinced if I don't do everything exactly as written, I will die :) I also made TW read them, so he could help me remember things. And I have a bunch of new alarms on my phone for various pills and rinses and such. I should maybe relax a tiny bit...

I should maybe relax a tiny bit...

Yeah, maybe. 😀

Glad things went well.

I'm glad the tooth implant went okay. I'm like you - on the anxious side about dental things and surgery. I recall a fairly minor surgery I had when I was 40, and the anesthetist was trying to calm me during the induction on the general telling me -" Imagine you are in Hawaii. " I told him, I am flying phobic, and imagine I am alive after this general anesthetic. Then he started talking about dogs and that was a subject I could warm to.

>255 drneutron: - Ha! Thanks, Jim :)

>256 vancouverdeb: - Dogs are the best medicine, Deborah!

Morning, all! I got a pretty good night's sleep, and I am only a little sore and a bit stiff this morning. Today I start the foul-smelling medicinal mouthwash, 2x/day. Fun!

Maribel will be here shortly to clean, so I'll get some admin stuff done at my desk. Not sure what the afternoon holds, but I've got plenty to keep me occupied. Mac and cheese for dinner for me, but I need to find something for TW to have. I might have to make a grocery run... Boo.

Viewing:
We watched more of the new season of 'Reacher,' and the first episode of the new season of 'Full Swing.'

Books:
I'm over halfway through How to Read a Book, which is a nice, cozy read. On audio, I've started River of the Gods by Candice Millard.

Ooh, I loved River of the Gods. My first book by Millard. I fell immediately in love with her. I also love T.R. stories. Enjoy.

>259 msf59: - You're thinking of River of Doubt, Mark :) RotG is about the search for the source of the Nile.

I'm glad the implant episode is over (hope there's no more pain), and also glad I finally caught up with you.

Katie, checking in on you and hooray for a pretty good night's sleep and the soreness being manageable.

Boo indeed concerning the grocery store run. I really need to go, but I keep putting it off.

>261 ffortsa: - Good to see you, Judy! I'm glad to have finally taken care of the implants. I feel silly for having waited so long...

>262 Crazymamie: - I am wracking my brain for an alternative - maybe Italian out or delivered, since I think I can manage pasta? I hate going to the store when I haven't consciously scheduled it...

Yes to Italian. You could probably do pasta or a soup.

>264 Crazymamie: - I shall consult himself to see what he prefers (in terms of going out or getting delivery...).

#31
First Frost by Sarah Addison Allen
Hardcover (mine)
3.75 stars

I'm so impressed with your conscientiousness! Congrats for making the appt and glad it's over. I've delayed my last one for months now and will try to follow your example!

>265 katiekrug: A solid plan.

>266 katiekrug: I thought she did a good job with that one. I was nervous to read it because I love Garden Spells so much.

#32
Queen of Hearts by Rhys Bowen
Audiobook (mine)
3.25 stars

>267 vivians: - I am conscientious to the point of obsessive, Vivian!

>268 Crazymamie: - I was pleasantly surprised by it, Mamie. It did feel a bit "slighter" than GS, though.

I'm glad to hear you're doing well, Katie. Sounds like you're a model patient. 😇

Glad to read how well the dental work went and how well you are treating yourself. Recover quickly.

>271 lauralkeet: and >272 weird_O: - Thank you, Laura and Bill!

>243 katiekrug: I am happy to hear that 'it was okay as far as these things go.' That is probably the most that you can expect, right?

>266 katiekrug: I really need to return to Sarah Addison Allen's books at some point. I loved Garden Spells when I first read it years ago.

I hope you are taking it easy today!

Glad to hear things are going well in your post-op recovery. Keep up the good work!!

>274 alcottacre: - Stasia, have you read any others by SAA besides Garden Spells? I haven't liked her newer ones (Lost Lake and Other Birds as much as her older books, but they are all good, I think.

I did take it easy yesterday, thanks!

>275 RebaRelishesReading: - Thank you, Reba :)

TGIF (I swear I just typed that but apparently it was a week ago, LOL). We've had a stretch of unseasonable weather and today will be the same. Sunny and in the high 40s-low 50s (F). I need to go to the library today to pick up my hold which is for book club in March. It's The Housemaid, which I am not wildly enthusiastic about reading, but oh well. It shouldn't take up too much of my precious reading time.

My mouth is a little sore this morning, but I am ascribing that to going all night with nary a Tylenol or ibuprofen. Also, I tend to sleep on the side where the procedure was and that probably doesn't help. Unless something goes terribly wrong, this will likely be my last update on the Great Implant Sage. You're welcome.

Books:
I'll be finishing up How to Read a Book today and will probably start The Accomplice as my next print read. The audio of River of the Gods is very good. I listened to a big chunk yesterday but won't finish it by the end of the month, so it will likely be my first completion of March.

Freida McFadden is wildly popular with my library patrons, but I confess I've never read anything by her. I'll be curious about your take on The Housemaid if only for that. Glad to hear your recovery is going well, and hope the soreness goes away soon.

>277 katiekrug: We're getting end-March weather on the first. I'm enjoying the lack of high winds and snow but am worried about the plants. Spend a splendid Friday, Katie.

Morning, Katie. Make this day a good one for yourself. Eh?

>278 bell7: - I like a good thriller/suspense/crime novel but I don't feel like they make for the greatest book club discussion. Guess I'll just go in March for the wine ;-)

>279 richardderus: - Have a great one yourself, RD!

>280 weird_O: - I'll do my best, Bill. You do the same, y'hear?

It sounds like your procedure went well and that you are healing. Good luck.

Hi Katie!



Sorry about the oral surgeon stuff… I’m looking at a consultation in mid-March.

>68 katiekrug: We are allowed to bag our own groceries here in NC, but I never do it. Also, if you bring in bags, the cashier’s will use them. I just go with the grocery store bags, which we use for our Friends book sales.

>70 lauralkeet: I refuse to use self-check-out. Usually because I have $200-$250 worth of groceries, but even with small orders since I refuse to do even more of the work than I already do now. Our grocery store has expanded their self-check out area and reduced the # of full-service lines and the length of the conveyor belt, so you have to stand there and keep feeding things onto it. I need to get yeast and fresh rosemary today, and will use the full-service line regardless of how many people are in it. Stubborn, much?

>121 katiekrug: Gorgeous pic.

>243 katiekrug: Ugh. I’m glad it’s done, glad you’re back on more than liquids now.

Katie, it seems like you've healed really well, and quickly! I'm glad to see that.

>283 karenmarie: if you bring in bags, the cashier’s will use them. I just go with the grocery store bags
Bringing your own bags is encouraged here, because in our county they charge $0.05/bag or something like that if you use the paper or plastic store bags. For my regular shopping I use large-ish reusable bags which the store sells for $1/ea. If I'm just picking up a couple things I use string bags that I keep in my car.

>277 katiekrug: We're sharing your out-of-season-season. High will be in the low 70's today with sunshine (although it's still foggy out there now).

I was encouraged to read that your mouth was "a little sore" this morning -- that doesn't sound too bad and perhaps even that will be over by the end of the day -- hope so!!

>282 BLBera: - Thanks, Beth!

>283 karenmarie: - Nice to see you, Karen! Does it count as a line in the sand if you end up commenting on previous posts? :D

>284 lauralkeet: - Here you can't even pay for grocery bags, unless it's their reuseable ones for a $1.50 or so. We have a box in the back of the car full of reuseable bags. We used them even in Texas where they are so evil they probably pay people to use plastic bags just for the hell of it ;-)

>285 RebaRelishesReading: - Hi Reba! Is your unseasonable weather going to last long? This is about day 3 for us but it's supposed to turn cold again on Sunday but then warm up once again next week.

The mouth is still a bit sore but nothing terrible. I should probably try to stop probing the area with my tongue...

I didn't see the weather report last night so I'm not sure how long we're expected to stay this warm -- just a few days I imagine.

Yes, I imagine keeping your tongue safely parked on the other side of your mouth would speed things up :>

I think you are very brave with your implant Katie! I really should have one myself but I have put if off pretty much indefinitely.

>288 RebaRelishesReading: - I was the kind of kid who picked at every scab on her knees, so there's probably no hope for me :)

>289 SandDune: - Well, Rhian, I put it off at least three years (maybe four?). Have you already had the extraction? That was the worst part for me, but my roots were bent funny or something. My dentist finally told me if I didn't get the two implants soon, I might never be able to get them due to bone loss, they'd be (even) more expensive, and my upper teeth risked moving downward and totally screwing up my bite. So here we are!

Hi Katie! Glad you are almost through the pain from surgery. Hope you are enjoying your nice weather. The Housemaid hasn't appealed to me either, so I'll be interested to see what you think of it.

Glad to hear surgery went well and recovery is going OK. I hear romance novels are an amazing cure-all... 😆

>291 curioussquared: - Hi Natalie! I'm curious what I'll think of The Housemaid, too ;)

>292 MickyFine: - Excellent point, Micky. I need to pick one up soon!

Off to start a new thread...

Done!

https://www.librarything.com/topic/368887

>260 katiekrug: You are correct, Katie. Duh! I didn't like The River of Gods as much as her others. I hope it works better for you.

>295 msf59: - I'm enjoying it, Mark. So far, I like it a bit better than Hero of the Empire, but Destiny of the Republic remains my favorite.

>296 katiekrug: Funny, how books land differently for each of us. I loved Hero of the Empire. I guess this keeps things interesting. 😜

>297 msf59: - Absolutely!