Reba Relishes Reading in 2025 - part 2

I joined LT in 2007 because I wanted to catalog my library but didn't truly appreciate the full wonder of the place until I found the 75'ers in 2012 (I think that's the year). It's a favorite part of my morning now. I also love meeting other members in person when possible.

For those of you I don't know, I'll introduce my self a bit. I'm a Californian by birth and have lived there much of my life but late in 2020 Hubby and I decided it was time to leave our condo in the Uptown district of San Diego and move to some place quieter and, most importantly, nearer our youngest grandchild. We have two older grandchildren who we adore but both are away studying now and probably won't be living near us anymore even if we had stayed in San Diego. Quinn is just six so we will have many years enjoying him growing up as we did the other two. So I've added Washington State to the list of places I've lived at various times in my life (California, Arizona, Connecticut, the Netherlands, England, the Netherlands, California, Ireland, California) and I'm enjoying becoming a north-westerner.

I read mostly fiction with a helping of biography or history thrown in. A couple of years ago I finished a personal challenge to read all of the Pulitzer Prize winning fiction. I've also challenge

My ranking system:
Superb *****
Excellent ****1/2
Very good ****
Good ***1/2
Average ***
Don't bother **
Terrible *

I try to keep this in mind when I'm assigning stars but I know I'm also influenced by my current mood, etc. so don't take it too very, very seriously.

JANUARY
1. Christmas Book Hunt by Jenny Colgan ***1/2 (audio)
2. James by Percival Everett *****
3. The Answer is NO by Fredrik Backman **** (audio)
4. The Wright Sister by Richard Maurer ****
5. We All Want Impossible Things by Catherine Newman****1/2
6. Good Company by Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney**1/2 (audio)
7. We Three Queens by Rhys Bowen ***1/2 (audio)
8. The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah****1/2 (audio)

FEBRUARY
9. In winter I get up at night by Jane Urquhart****
10. The Paris Daughter by Kristin Harmel****1/2
11. Mansfield Park by Jane Austen reread/Audible adaptation
12. Murder at an Irish Village by Carlene O'Connor *** (audio)
13. The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton ****1/2 (audio)
14. The Underground Library by Jennifer Ryan ****1/2 (audio)

MARCH
15. The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters ****1/2
16. Snow Angels by Stewart O'Nan ****1/2
17. The Lake House by Kate Morton ****1/2 (audio)

all yours...

but can someone who knows how please change the title of this thread to
"Reba Relishes Reading in 2025 - part 2". (instead of "part 1" as it still reads because I'm a total doofus) -- thank you :)

Happy new thread, Reba!

Only Jim can change thread names. I'd shoot him a message.

>6 katiekrug: Thank you Katie. Appreciate your help. I really thought I had done it right this time (it seems to happen at least once each year) but then it popped up wrong --

Happy new one, Reba! I love your topper.

>8 Crazymamie: Thank you, Mamie.

Happy new thread Reba!

Happy new one!

Happy new thread, Reba!

>8 Crazymamie: I love the topper too, Reba. Nice socks, did you knit them yourself? 🤪

Happy new thread!

Thank you Susan, Anita, Irene, Laura and Jim :).

Jim will you please rename this thread
"Reba Relishes Reading in 2025 - part 2"? Thank you :)

>13 lauralkeet:. Seemed appropriately cozy, especially since it's snowing here today :). As to the socks...I did knit a pair of baby booties once...unlikely to do that again

Enjoy your snow, Reba!

Happy New Thread, Reba! I messed up naming my second thread a few days ago too. I forgot to change it to Thread 2, but Jim was quick to fix that for me. Thanks Jim!

Done!

Happy New Thread, Reba! How much snow did you get?

Happy new thread! We got about 8" of snow this morning and are expected to get another 2-3" overnight. Then it is supposed to let up which is good because we need to drive to PDX on Saturday. It is so lovely, though, especially out here in Camp Sherman where they don't spread anything on the roads. The snow stays really pristine.

Interested in how much you got over there on the west side.

Speaking of coming to PDX, I want to come over for a couple days sometime this summer. I will start conversation about dates a bit later this spring.

>18 drneutron: Thank you, Jim!! I'll try to be more careful from now on.

>17 vancouverdeb: Hi Deborah -- that's how I knew I could ask him :>

>19 ronincats: Morning Roni -- I think we had 3" or so yesterday. Some of that melted late in the day but we got more overnight and I'm guessing we're at 4 or 5 inches now (it wasn't snowing last time I looked so that may be it -- I think melt is expected this afternoon)

>20 EBT1002: Hi Ellen. I'm sure you got a bunch more than we did but ours stays pristine too because we're at the end of a dead-end street and four blocks from nearest street that gets treated. It does mean that we just stay home until it melts. This is our fifth winter here and, so far, we have had only one storm like this per winter -- being retired folks we just make sure we have what we need and then gaze out the window and enjoy it.

From what I hear you should be OK with getting to PDX. I think the big melt is due this afternoon.

Coming to PDX in summer? great but that's pretty far off -- how about spring :)

I am also one who is generally prepared and just sits in her chair and watches the snow fall. However, that may change now that I have a part-time job as the postal clerk here in Munden. Now I have to get up in the morning and go to work 6 days a week - no matter the weather. "Neither snow nor rain, nor dark of night shall keep these couriers from their appointed rounds" and all that. Since I only live a block and a half from the post office it would have to be a really bad day to keep me from getting to work.

>22 benitastrnad: That sounds like a fun-gig. I'll bet you'll get to know a lot of people that way. Getting there on a snow day might be less fun though.

Snow continues to melt here. It's 35 degrees at 9:22 a.m. and has been above freezing at least since I got up two hours ago. Good news because we were scheduled to go to a party/get-together this afternoon and it's looking like that will still happen :)

Checking in on the new thread, Reba

Have a wonderful weekend!

>1 RebaRelishesReading: That fire looks appealing, Reba, even though I have daily temperatures here in the nineties!

Happy new thread.

Our beautiful snow is gone. This seems to be the program here in Washington. Once each winter (this is our 5th one here) we get a beautiful snow fall which lasts another day and then melts. Yesterday was the melting day which cleared the roads, driveway, walkway, etc but left some on lawns. This morning it rained really hard for 30 minutes or so and now there are only small spots of snow in protected areas left. My idea of perfect winter!!

We went to a favorite place for late breakfast today. They have a temporary special on the menu called something like "Lemon Blueberry French Toast" -- I think it's actually lemon pound cake made into French toast. It has blue berry compote over it. The retched thing is so delicious it should be illegal!! I ate every bite of mine and then was comatose for an hour or two.

Otherwise -- spent the afternoon with a little TV, some crocheting, NYTimes puzzles, catching up here -- and now I think I'll go see what I can find on TV.

Hope you all had a lovely weekend too :)

>26 RebaRelishesReading: That's the kind of snow I like, easy come - easy go. Unfortunately, ours has hung around for weeks confusing the wildlife and plants not to mention the drivers. But we finally have rain only a few days of that might be going a bit far!

>27 Familyhistorian: lemon pound cake made into French toast.
OMG that sounds amazing, Reba. It sounds like you had a pretty great Sunday, although I'm sorry your snow has disappeared.

>28 lauralkeet: What Laura said. I want some of that French toast!

The French toast does sound wonderful, Reba. I hope your week is off to a good start!

>28 lauralkeet: No, don't be sorry about the snow, Laura. I like it to come, stay a couple of days and then politely go away before it gets dirty and nasty :)

>28 lauralkeet:, >29 Crazymamie:, ?30 I wish you could all come to visit while that French Toast is still on the menu (it's a seasonal special) :). We could have a lovely time chatting and savoring :). (They make good coffee and an amazing Hot Chocolate topped with about 6" of whipped cream that's also fantastic)

>31 RebaRelishesReading: Oh wow, that sounds great too Reba. YUM.

>32 lauralkeet: Guess you'll have to come and visit :)

Murder at an Irish Bookshop by Carlene O'Connor*** (audio)

A new bookshop is opening in town and there will be a big opening event with several well-known authors attending. Everyone is excited but then one of the authors is found murdered. Typical detective novel ensues. Diverting audio book for listening while doing something else but not really anything special.

Oh dear -- first visit to the new "Your Books" page :(. In the old page I could indicate which books were "library" or "e-books" or "audio" -- can't find where (or if) I can do that now (and hope the info isn't now lost).

>34 RebaRelishesReading: - I think you have the wrong touchstone for this one, Reba.

I've enjoyed the first couple of these on audio, as I like the narration, but you are right, they aren't anything special.

>35 RebaRelishesReading: - My "Your Books" page looks the same? Did you use collections or tags or something else to indicate which were from where or in what format?

>36 katiekrug: Hi Katie! You're right...I have the wrong touch stone. Now to figure out how to correct that. While looking for that, however, I found where to put a book in my audio collection so that was good. Now I'll go and see if I can figure out how to change the touch stone.

>37 RebaRelishesReading: Reba when you are posting the touchstone of a book it shows up over on the right hand side of the post, and if it is referring to the wrong book, you can click on the others button (in blue) to pull up a list of possible titles - just click on the one you want, and it will change your touchstone to that one.

>38 Crazymamie: Hi Mamie -- I thought I had done that and have no idea how it got confused....perhaps because it was rather late in the day when I was posting. I appreciate everyone's help and hope I have it straightened out now.

>36 katiekrug: I think I have that figured out now too. Change :(

Happy New Thread, Reba my dear.

A little snow is okay, but be gone quickly, I think. We share the same climate, I think, Reba.

>40 johnsimpson:. Thank you, John

>41 vancouverdeb: Hi Deborah!! We're only a couple of hundred miles apart and both fairly close to the ocean where most of the weather comes from so it makes sense. I hope you like our climate as much as I do :)

Hi Reba. We did indeed make it to PDX with no problems. Now we're on our third full day on Kauai and thoroughly enjoying ourselves.

>43 EBT1002: It's a beautiful place. Are you north, south or mid-east coast?

Portland Oregon zoo has a new baby elephant. She's about a week old now and has been alone with Mom for bonding until a day or so ago. Her name is Tula Tu and she's adorable. Thought y'all might enjoy a little time with her :)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQc8hDTo7P0

>45 RebaRelishesReading: OMG she is absolutely the sweetest little thing!
I became completely obsessed with the Cincinnati Zoo's Fiona the Hippo, born 6 weeks premature in 2017. It was touch and go for some time, but now she's a fine strapping lass and even has a (not so) little brother.

>44 RebaRelishesReading: We're on the south side in Poipu. We rent a 1-bedroom condo here, one of nine in a little locally owned place. Not directly on the ocean but we can see the ocean (whales!) from our lanai and one of our favorite swimming beaches is about a 7- minute walk.

I've had Shave Ice twice so far and plan to have it four more times for an average of three times per week. *smile* I love Shave Ice.

Today a Hawaiian Monk Seal swam by about 10 yards from where I was bobbing in the water just beyond the breakers. That's the first time that's happened for me and it was really special.

>46 lauralkeet: Aw...that's a nice story too Laura. Nice to have a happy ending. Little Tula Tu is indeed adorable. There's been a little video clip of her on the news every night since she was born. Helps make the rest of the news more bearable :(

>47 EBT1002: Sounds wonderful, Ellen! We were married in Kauai in '88 ... a year or two before a hurricane blew the resort down (it was still there in ruins a year or so ago when we were there). I think we would go to Poipu if we were going to Kauai again. It's beautiful and you have everything you need so you can stay put and not have to deal with the traffic. Have a wonderful trip and easy trip home. (It's going to be in the 60's next week so the shock of return shouldn't be too bad).

Saturday afternoon my granddaughter's bff from college came to visit. They graduated last month and BFF has accepted a job in Portland so is new to the "neighborhood". She likes to crochet (and I do a fair amount of needlework) so the idea was she would come to lunch and then we would spend the afternoon with yarn. I had a lot of left-over yarns so I put them out for her to look through -- she took them all so the floor of our guest room closet is not visible again :). We also FaceTimed granddaughter on my laptop, placed it on a chair near us and had a nice visit with her too. All by all, a very nice day.

Yesterday Hubby and I had tickets to Vancouver Symphony (we buy season tickets). The second "half" was Berlioz's Symphony Fantastique, which we had never heard before. Fantastic indeed!!! Afterwards we came home for left-overs and some feet-up-by-the-TV time.

Delightful weekend (even though it didn't involve much reading).

Reba, thanks for the link to see your new baby elephant - so adorable.

Your weekend sounds full of fabulous.

>49 RebaRelishesReading:
I love Berlioz's Symphony Fantastique when it is done well. When it isn't, it doesn't impress me much.

I spent Sunday afternoon watching a biodocumentary on PBS about Marin Alsop, the first woman conductor of a major symphony in the US. I had listened to her for years on NPR and didn't realize that she moved to on to conduct the Sao Paulo State Symphony and is now music director of the Vienna Radio Symphony. I did get some classic music this month, only it was on TV and it wasn't a full length symphony. But it was great listening and learning.

Yarn, music, and relaxation. Your weekend sounds pretty much perfect, Reba.

Merry new week, Reba!

>51 benitastrnad: Oh, I hadn't heard anything specific about Alsop after her stint in Baltimore ended. She used to conduct in various places in my area of the country, and a friend who taught music in the schools couldn't praise her enough. I'll be on the lookout for the documentary. Thanks.

>49 RebaRelishesReading: - Sounds like a delightful weekend!

>50 Crazymamie: Hi Mamie. Glad you enjoyed seeing her. BFF is coming in April and we'll go see her in person then.

>51 benitastrnad: Hi Benita. I have nothing to compare it too (first time for me) but it was wonderful. I loved the contrast between the delicate beauty of the calling oboes and the crashing thunder of the later movements. Percussion really got a workout then.

>52 lauralkeet:. Nothing to complain about, Laura -- that's for sure :)

>53 richardderus: Thank you Richards -- wishing the same for you.

>54 ffortsa:. Hi Judy. I'll pay attention to that name now too. Our conductor is Salvador Brotons -- who does a pretty decent job IMO.

>55 katiekrug: Hi Katie -- it was pretty darned good. Today was OK too. We're having a storm (wind, rain, even some lightening strikes in the are) so I have just stayed inside and done "quiet" things :)

What ? Your Vancouver has a symphony orchestra ? Just kidding. I'm glad you enjoyed it so much! It's been a long time since I have gone to" my" Vancouver Symphony orchestra. I bet I was in my 20's.

>57 vancouverdeb: Yep, we do -- makes for confusion some times like when I tried to subscribe to "your" symphony (on-line) by accident last year. Fortunately a staff member in Canada noticed our mailing address and called to ask if I meant to be subscribing to yours lol. We've generally subscribed to symphony everywhere we lived but this one is by far the easiest -- the hall where they play is about 10 minutes from our house and has a big parking lot :). They're very good, too!!

>49 RebaRelishesReading: Delightful weekends need not involve reading, right? I am so glad to hear that yours was!

I hope you have a terrific Tuesday, Reba!

>59 alcottacre: Thanks Stasia -- I hope yours is terrific too :)

>54 ffortsa:
The documentary was part of the PBS Great Performances series. It was aired on the Nebraska PBS station last Sunday afternoon. However, according to the PBS web site it is season 49, episode 20 of the Great Performances series. It was very good, and I loved, loved the excerpts from her conducting Dvorak's New World Symphony. I love the last movement of that symphony and she does a bang up job with it.

The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton****1/2 audio

A great saga spanning three generations and moving between the U.K. and Australia.

>62 RebaRelishesReading:
I read this book back in 2010 and loved it! It is a story that has stayed with me so I would highly recommend it for people who like to read historical fiction with a touch of mystery.

>63 benitastrnad: I ended up taking note because I was listening to the audio version and knitting at the same time and found myself having to pause and figure out what/who from time to time. The notes helped me keep it straight. I think I'll look for more by Kate Morton -- any you've read that you would recommend?

>64 RebaRelishesReading:
I just finished listening to Lake House and liked it. I thought the narrator was very good and had a pleasant tone. It is one of those dual time lines historical novels. I think this is the kind of literary structure that Morton likes to use. However, this one has a bit of an unusual twist to the plot. It is a mystery but it is also a bit Downtown Abbeyesque. It is set in the early 1930's and in the present day, but it also flashes back to the Edwardian period as well. If you liked Forgotten Garden you will like Lake House. But I will warn you that you will probably be taking notes with Lake House just as you did with Forgotten Garden.

I have Secret Keeper in a recorded version and plan to listen to it soonish.

>65 benitastrnad: Thanks for the info Benita. I have a couple of credits available at Audible and I think I'll see if they have Lake House or Secret Keeper

Editing to add that I went to Audible and bought Lake House. While there I decided to see if any of the Erdrich books from the series that includes Love Medicine were there and, to my surprise, up popped Sleutelwoorden (Dutch for "key words" but I haven't yet figured out what the actual English title is). I like to listen to books in Dutch every now and again just to keep the language alive in my brain so I grabbed that one too.

>66 RebaRelishesReading: - I googled that Dutch word and "Erdrich" and apparently, it's The Sentence.

Thanks, Katie!! I haven't read that one yet.

I liked it a lot but it seems to divide opinions. I hope it's a winner for you!

>69 katiekrug: Thanks, Katie. I hope so too (but I'll listen whether I do or not for the brain exercise)

Updating to add...I have three hours to go on The Underground Library (which I'm liking very much) so I'll finish that first and then move on to Sleutelwoorden.

Why does Crime and Punishment come up as touchstone for The Underground Library??

The Underground Library by Jennifer Ryan****1/2 (audio)

Based mainly on an actual public library branch in a tube station in London during WWII, the book includes several other actual events from the Blitz woven into a tale of the lives of real people. There are several prominent characters whose stories are all followed. An engaging book.

>62 RebaRelishesReading: I need to re-read that one at some point. I just need to find my copy, lol.

>71 RebaRelishesReading: I know where that one is! Now I just need to read it. . .

I hope you have a marvelous Monday, Reba!

>72 alcottacre: Thanks Stasia! Hoe you have a marvelous Monday yourself AND enjoy The Forgotten Garden. It was my first Kate Morton but I don't think it will be my last. Any others you recommend?

Hello, Reba! So fun about the Dutch translation of The Sentence.

>62 RebaRelishesReading: You got me with this one - onto The List it goes!

>71 RebaRelishesReading: This also sounds good.

Morning Mamie!! I have been on a good streak with books lately. Hope you get to read, and enjoy, some of them too.

Wishing you all a peaceful, comfortable day!!

I finally got my O'Nan for the read-along. It will be Snow Angels. I need to finish The Berry Pickers for my RL bookclub first and then the O'Nan will be up next.

>71 RebaRelishesReading: Hi Reba, I've added The Underground Library by Jennifer Ryan to my TBR list. Thanks for your review!

>76 RebaRelishesReading: - I hope you like Snow Angels, Reba!

>77 Whisper1: Hope you like it, Linda. I'm recommending it to my RL book club too.

>78 katiekrug: Hi Katiei -- I'm reading The Berry Pickers for RL book club right now then Snow Angels will be next. I was shocked the other day when I went to my favorite local bookstore and found they had NOTHING by O'Nan in stock!! Had to go on-line to get it.

>79 RebaRelishesReading: - The lack of O'Nan makes me sad.

>80 katiekrug: I hear ya'. It was a shock for me because I trust them to carry everything I want and their lack of good sense/taste in this case was unexpected.

Reba, I'll be sure to visit here more often. Yikes, how in the world did I miss your thread all this time?

I read The Forgotten Garden some years ago, and gave it 4. 5 stars too.She is good author.

>76 RebaRelishesReading: Good pick, Reba. I really liked that one.

Hoping Thursday is kind to you.

Thursday orisons, Reba!

>82 Whisper1: Just glad we made the connection now :)

>83 vancouverdeb: This was my first book by her but I will seek out more.

>84 Crazymamie:. Mornin' Mamie!! I hope your Thursday is going well. Today should be a good one for me -- I'm planning to hit the gym for my 20 power workout, then to knitting, then to Costco, then home for a while and to choir tonight. Busy and full of things I like to do :)

>85 richardderus: and also to you, Richard.

That is a busy day, Reba! Mostly full of good things, though :)

>87 katiekrug: Cross posting :). Hope you have a good one.

I just read David Brooks' article in the NYTimes today (An Angry Little Boy on a Great White Horse). If you get a chance I recommend reading it.

>89 RebaRelishesReading: Thanks for the recommendation. I hadn't gotten to it yet. But I had read about patrimonialism, and that describes him perfectly.

I don't always agree with Brooks but he rarely makes me want to throw things and sometimes makes a good point imo. I had never heard the historic meaning of magnanimity and found the article interesting.

Just catching up with threads. I have read most of the ones that might have been book bullets for me. Hoping I can keep up from here on out.

The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters****1/2

A heart-grabbing good read!!

I have a fairly busy day today -- first an hour or so assembling baby layettes and then on to lunch/meeting with RL bookclub to "discuss" The Berry Pickers. All fun :)

I've had my eye on The Berry Pickers, Reba. I'll probably add it to my library WL.

Enjoy your day!

>94 RebaRelishesReading: I hope the "discussion" is interesting, Reba.

>95 katiekrug: , >96 richardderus:. Actually, Richard, we did have a good discussion for once AND everyone really liked the book (do add it to your wish list, Katie). I offered We All Want Impossible Things and The Underground Library as choices for my next turn hosting (May) and they chose The Underground Library.

>97 RebaRelishesReading: Great to have a solid good chat, Reba. I'm always excited by books that engender long conversations.

Happy Monday, Reba!!

Reba, your review for The Berry Pickers is very enticing. I've added it to my library wish list.

Hi Richard. Lovely to see you this morning :).

Yes, do add The Berry Pickers Laura! Pretty sure you'll like it.

Really nice to see you around the threads again, Kim!!! Take care and stay well, OK?

I hope to get to The Berry Pickers this year, Reba. So many people have enjoyed it.

Hi Deborah -- hope you like it too :)

Daughter and son-in-law are coming over around noon bringing a birthday cake to celebrate his birthday. It's an unusual (imo) thing they've started this year -- bringing your own cake and visiting to celebrate a birthday. Fine with me though because we get to join the celebration and don't have to do anything :)

Otherwise today should be fairly quiet -- also fine with me because this is a busy week. I'm hoping to make some progress on Snow Angels...my pick for the O'Nan read-along. (for some reason Touchstones is giving me a huge long list of books, many not even with Snow Angels in the title but none by O'Nan!!!)

Right? No prep work or anything. Just enjoy the cake! LOL

>105 Berly: Yep :)

Hope your day is going well Kim!

Enjoy the birthday celebration!

When I type Snow Angels, the O'Nan is the third one on the list... ?

Here we go again -- live on line :)

When I put it in it took forever to load and then there was a huge long list, none of which were O'Nan. I'll go try again and see if it's in a better mood now.

Yep, I "erased" the citation and re-entered and it came up fine this time.

Another LT poltergeist!

>104 RebaRelishesReading: I'd call that the best thank-you gift for the work you put in raising him that he could give you. Thoughtful gesture indeed.

Mmmm ... cake! What a great idea. I hope it was fab.

>89 RebaRelishesReading: I'll be sure to read David Brooks' article in the NY Times! I'll set aside time tomorrow. Thanks for mentioning this.

Snow Angels by Stewart O'Nan

Read as my participation in the O'Nan read. A really beautifully written, but difficult, book.

>114 RebaRelishesReading: Hi Reba, I read Snow Angels in 2020. I remember that I couldn't put it down. And, I totally agree with your comments.

And, by the way, David Brooks was spot on in his observations and opinions.

Hi Linda. It's always nice to have one's comments validated:) Thank you.

Went to doctor's appointment with Hubby Friday, in part because I had some questions about one of his meds. While there doc recommended Hubby have a spring booster for COVID and we ended up both getting one...my arm is still a bit sore but otherwise no side effects.

The Berry Pickers sounds good!

>118 banjo123: Give it a go, Rhonda. I think you'll like it!!

Nothing on the calendar today (whoopee) but there are a lot of "desk things" I really need to deal with (taxes anyone?) so I don't think I'm going to get much reading or knitting done today :(

Arm is still rather sore from Covid shot -- does that mean I really needed it?

I am getting ready to do my taxes as well and not looking forward to it. It will be my first full year of retirement and I usually don't flinch at doing my own taxes because they are simple, but I am finding this year a bit daunting. I am thinking that H&R Block might be my friend since it will be the first time I have to file a full retirement tax return.

>121 benitastrnad: Good luck with that, Benita. Ours usually turn out to be pretty straight-forward but I still get knots when I have to start gathering all of the info. A lot of it has arrived via multi-page emails and I have put off printing it all and soooo, now I have to go back and find them.

Ooh, taxes. I guess I should start rounding stuff up. Our deadline is a bit later than yours, thankfully.

I think I have the tax "stuff" all assembled and plan to go see the "preparer" next Monday. We really haven't had anything unusual this year so it should be pretty straight-forward (famous last words perhaps but I hope not).

>93 RebaRelishesReading: Oo, my local library has that one! I am going to have to get to it soon. Thanks for the review and recommendation, Reba!

>114 RebaRelishesReading: I have not read that one by O'Nan. It is already in the BlackHole, I just need to locate a copy.

>124 RebaRelishesReading: Good luck!

Hi Stasia -- thanks for the good wishes. Hope you get THe Berry Pickers soon and enjoy it

Hope you have a great Thursday!

Reba, it sounds like you are busy as usual these days. That visit with your granddaughter's friend must have been fun. How nice of you to welcome her to your neck of the woods. Where does your granddaughter live?

I really enjoyed Snow Angels, but my favorite O'Nan books are the three in the Maxwell series about Henry and his wife. Have you read them? They are heartwarming and a little heartbreaking at the same time.

Tax time again! I'm so glad I married a CPA, although he has the basement covered with tax forms and paperwork right now. Since we own a business, it gets pretty involved and I just stay out of his way.

I just read a guest opinion piece by Ben Rhodes in The NY Times. Excellent -- please read it!! Title is: "There Is a Way for Democrats to Stop Trump and Save America".

>127 Donna828: Hi Donna!. Yes I'm managing to stay really really busy lately. I think I'm going to start lobbying for a cruise this summer because I would really, really love a week or so of someone else making the bed, planning/shopping and fixing meals, doing the laundry, etc.

My granddaughter lives in San Diego but she and her friend met when they became roommates at U.C. Merced. They both just graduated in January.

I've read, Henry, Himself and Emily, Alone and preferred both of them to Snow Angels although it was quite good too.

How nice to have your own CPA :)

I've enjoyed Henry ,Himself and Emily , Alone, Reba. I hope you get your cruise! I was chatting with my sister today and she and her husband are off to Mauii in week and then have a cruise planned in September. It's just a North American cruise - maybe from the East Coast of Canada to New York City . She and her husband do quite a lot of cruises, usually one a year, and they are usually somewhere in Europe or the Mediterranean. I guess they wanted something different this year. They both still work full time, but do get holidays. They only like small cruise ships - 80 people of so ? I'm not sure.

>130 vancouverdeb: Hi Deborah. I'm looking at some Seattle to Seattle (with BC and Alaska along the way) cruises. I seriously dislike the huge ships that most of the cruise lines seem to be going to but I'm OK with up to 1200 passengers or so. The ship we're considering has 1250 passengers max, which is very small these days. The smallest I've ever been on was about 750 except when I did two "semesters at sea" as an undergrad -- those were 300-ish students plus faculty.

I took Firefly Lane with me to start in doctor's waiting room yesterday but he was so prompt that I only got two pages read. I picked it up again last night and managed a couple of chapters before giving in to the call of sleep. I've now finished up my "disk stuff" for the day and after I strip the bed and get the sheets in the washer I think I'll pour myself a fresh cup of tea and rejoin Ms. Hannah :)

So...Saturday afternoon I went for a nice walk in the neighborhood and ended up doing a face plant on the sidewalk!! Several hours in the ER, 7 stitches, much bandage and tape, etc. and I was home again. I can finally see out of both eyes (more or less) and am trying to figure out the best way to get the tape headband removed so it won't be pressing down on my red/purple/black/green eye anymore. Worst part is that it's very difficult to see because my left eye is nearly swollen shut. Fortunately I'm a tough old broad with a hard head so there won't be (much/any?) permanent damage but, dang, I would have preferred a different weekend.

>133 RebaRelishesReading: Oh, no! I’m so sorry about your fall and the aftermath! No concussion, I hope. And I hope they provided you with pain relief. I wish you success in making your bandaging more comfortable. Oh, goodness, what a way to wreck a weekend.

Sending you lots of good wishes for a quick recovery!

Karen O

>133 RebaRelishesReading: Oh no. Did you break your nose? That sounds like quite a fall.
(I've been more careful after several falls, one that required stitches.)
Any idea what caused the crash? Being more mindful during walks is an annoying precaution, but I've sort of come to terms.

I hope you get that tape off soon and the swelling goes down quickly.

>133 RebaRelishesReading: Oh no! I'm so sorry about the fall, the ER, the bruising and tape and swelling. I hope the week sees you much improved.

>133 RebaRelishesReading: Sending hope for a quick and pain free recovery!

Good that your eyes stayed protected...

>133 RebaRelishesReading: Oh Reba, I’m so sorry to hear about your fall! I hope your recovery is swift!

>133 RebaRelishesReading: Ouch! I hope you recover quickly, Reba!

>133 RebaRelishesReading: I am so sorry to hear about your fall! I hope you are feeling better now, and that you have a quick recovery. My DH has had a couple of falls while out walking, and it's scary. Fortunately, he was OK after each incident, but still. It's not fun. I hope your week is better!

Oh no--sending you healing enegy.

Oh no about the fall , Reba! I hope you are back to normal soon. A face plant - those can be nasty. I hope you didn't break your nose or loose any teeth - I've seen both happen after a face plant. I've fallen in the past, but it was a fractured wrist and foot for me. Fingers crossed, that was about 14 - 15 years ago.

>133 RebaRelishesReading: Oh my god Reba, that sounds awful. And scary! I hope the swelling is starting to go down. Take it easy, my friend.

Ouch! I hope your recovery is quick.

Thank you Karen, Judy, Susan, Joanne, Stasia, Irene, Rhonda, Deborah, Laura. and Jim!! Thank you so much for your good wishes and concern.

They did indeed provide me with pain relief and they checked me all over for damage -- ran me through an MRI I think but not sure because I was a bit out of it at the time :(. Nothing broken (teeth or bones). The main impact was on my left brow which I was told years ago by an ER is the strongest point of the skull :). I had a concussion and ugly scrapes and bruises on my forehead, side of my nose, and my chin though. My left wrist is sore too. My left eye was swollen shut yesterday morning but it opened enough for me to see through it by bedtime. I slept pretty well and have hopes I may even be able to read some today.

When I posted yesterday I thought I might not be around much this week but I don't think it will be a problem now.

I just love this community of readers!!!

Oh, Reba, I'm so sorry about your fall! Glad it wasn't worse, but still. Take care!

>146 katiekrug: How kind of you, Katie! I'm doing well. Wrist still hurts and my face is a mess but otherwise I'm doing well. I appreciate your kind thoughts!!!

Just realized I seem to have lost Firefly Lane!! Can't imagine I was carrying it with me on my walk but where Oh where can it be??? Darn!!

>145 RebaRelishesReading: goodness that sounds awful. I’m glad you’re in good spirits though.

>114 RebaRelishesReading: Sounds like a good one to read. I will see if the library has a copy.

I generally dislike tax season. I sent mine off to my accountant and low and behold I received two more tax slips in the mail today. *sigh*

>133 RebaRelishesReading: Oh no! What a fall. Face injuries always look bad. I hope you heal well and that the stitches don't bother you too much.

>148 lauralkeet: Hi Laura -- well, I wouldn't choose to do it if I had a choice lol. I'm doing well though. I had been thinking about going to the grocery store today (even though it wouldn't be pleasant for those seeing me) but now there are tornado warnings for our area!!!! Geez...this is the NW for heaven's sake!!

>149 figsfromthistle: It is good, Anita. It was recommended by Katie for an O'Nan read. Katie is the expert on O'Nan imo but I would suggest you might also try his Emily, Alone, Henry Himself and Wish You Were Here. Katie is a big fan of Last Night at the Lobster which I have also read and liked (although not as much as Katie does).

Thanks for the good wishes. So far the stitches aren't bothering me at all. I'm scheduled to have the out on Monday so not too much time for bother.

Still have to find a time to go for tax prep...

>147 RebaRelishesReading: Oh...also...Hubby found my book in the guest bath (which I typically don't use). Don't know how it got there but at least it's back. I think I'll go and read a bit now :)

Reba--So sorry you took a fall. Glad your eyes are open enough that you are reading and posting here. Also glad Hubby found the book. : ) I have never read O'Nan, so maybe I better, LOL. Not sure which night the meet-up will be, but I am sorry that you won't be there. We'll have to schedule another one! Wishing you a very speedy recovery.

Going for a walk and then - Wham! What a surprise. It is no fun walking around with a face problem of some kind. I had a blood vessel break in my eye about a month ago and it turned my whole eyeball red. Of course people commented on it. The upside of your accident is that you can say, in all honesty, that you fell while walking. I had to tell them that I didn't know what happened and neither does the optometrist. He said that they just do that sometimes. I don't have any pressure in my eyeball, and no detached retina, no scratch on the cornea, etc. etc. My eye was bright red, then gradually turned pink, then pinkish. But it is hard because it is your face and people do look at you. It is your face that is forward after all. I am sorry you had to get stitches and tape and all that goes with it, but very glad that it was not something really really bad.

>152 Berly:. Thanks Kim. I'm sorry to miss because I always enjoy our meet-ups. Yes, let's do one soon.

>153 benitastrnad: Thanks for the sympathy, Benita. I do look pretty frightening right now but I may still go to the supermarket tomorrow. Hubby hasn't driven for over a year (since his much worse fall) nor has he driven our new EV...don't think he should try it the first time on his own. Not sure how long I'm going to look like a monster (and it's not like they're bruises and scrapes I can cover up lol) but life goes on and sometimes needs must...

>154 RebaRelishesReading: The awfulness of a sudden change like this is hard to describe isn't it? So glad it's been such a swift recuperation, and may the recovery mirror it.

>154 RebaRelishesReading: Do any supermarkets near you offer a shopping service, with handy pick-up or delivery? I use the grocery pick-up feature and it’s a lifesaver for me.

Karen O

Haven't read any Anne Tyler, Reba! Are you sure you a bona fide reader ? ;-) . I have fairly new Apple watch and it has fall detection and will apparently notify an emergency contact or maybe even 911 if I fall or crash my vehicle. That's not why I bought it, my fit bit died. But it is of some comfort to me.

I didn't make it over here yesterday, Reba. I'm glad you're in such spirits.

>155 richardderus: Hi Richard. It is a punch indeed. I slept well last night and am feeling at bit less shaky this morning. May venture out to the supermarket later (and hope I don't frighten too many people)

>156 klobrien2: Hi Karen. Yes, all of the local supermarkets have both pick-up and delivery. I used it once or twice way back at the beginning of Covid but I really prefer to "pick my own", especially produce and meat, so I think I may just head out and frighten the world later today.

>157 vancouverdeb: Not sure, Deborah, maybe I'm not (bona vide) lol.

I wear an Apple Watch too. A few months ago I dropped a roast when taking it out of the freezer and my watch said "it sounds like you may have fallen. Do you need help?". It may well have asked me this time when I actually fell but I think I was out for a couple of minutes so may not have heard it. I don't remember anything of the fall itself and only became aware of what was happening when a voice near me said something like "oh good, the paramedics are here". The paramedics are near our neighborhood and are very quick getting to us but still it would take a couple of minutes so I must have been out for a little while and may have missed my watch's question. Also possible my watch called the paramedics...I really don't know who called them but they were there and very kind and helpful.

Oh, and weather update -- all was quiet in our neighborhood in spite of the tornado warnings. On the weather report last night it looked like few miles northeast of us had some serious winds though.

>158 lauralkeet:. Thanks Laura. I have a lot more to be thankful for (and happy about) than to complain about!!

I see you leaving your calling card on the threads today Reba. How are you feeling?

>133 RebaRelishesReading: I am so sorry about your fall, Reba. OUCH! There you were out doing something good for your health and you get punished for it. What an upside down world! Seven stitches...there must have been a lot of blood. I'm glad you are on the mend and that you found your missing book. Take care as you heal. Use this bad experience as an opportunity to stay home and read. ((hugs))

Take care, Reba! A concussion can be serious.

But glad to hear you are feeling better!

I don't know, but I think your watch may have called the paramedics,Reba . When Dave had his head on collision last November, his car told him " I detect a crash and am calling 911" or something such thing, and it did. It's a good feature, though Dave said he had a couple of people assisting him right away and calling 911 for him. But if you were somewhere isolated, it would be a good feature. And it is a good feature. My car is a bit older and does not have that.

Hi Lauran, Donna, Rhonda and Deborah. Thank you for visiting and for the kind words. I feel a little better each day and this morning I note that several of the smaller scabs have fallen off of my face :). There is still a gherkin-sized, rather firm lump under the stitches on my eyebrow and lots of almost black bruises up and down the left side of my face. I have an appointment with my PCP tomorrow morning to have the stitches removed and will be able to talk to her about it then.

Unfortunately I wasn't wearing my watch, Deborah, or I think it would have called them. I heard a human saying something like "oh good, the paramedics are arriving" as I came to so I'm guessing someone saw me fall and called them.

I spent much of yesterday knitting and listening to The Lake House by Kate Morton and then finished it up this morning. Comments below...

The Lake House by Kate Morton ****1/2

I huge, far-reaching but enjoyable read.

>153 benitastrnad: Oh wow! I can see that it would look strange. I hope it does not hurt. I know what you mean about the questions and such. I regularly have really red eyes and my go to response it " don't worry it's not contagious!".

I hope the redness goes down soon.

>166 figsfromthistle: Hi Anita -- much of the redness is gone. The scabs have all fallen off and most of the swelling is gone. My cheek still has a definite green undertone and are very dark bruises in a couple of places on my face. The biggest issue right now is a strange swelling under my eyebrow and another, peas-sized one, on the left point of my chin. I have an appointment with my PCP at 11 to have the stitches removed and hope she can also do something about those.

That appointment and a bunch of other errands that must be run will keep me busy for much of the day today I'm afraid. I would very much prefer to stay at home and read :)

I subscribe to Louise Penny's newsletter because I like her books and because, from what one can see of her as a public person, I think I would really like her as a human being. Her post this month brought me to tears and then made me laugh...with this:

>165 RebaRelishesReading:
I recently listened to the recorded version of this book and really enjoyed it. I have listened to several of Kate Morton's books while traveling and have found them to be great travel companions. I also thought that at times this novel felt like a grab-bag with everything thrown into it including the kitchen sink. But, I also found it satisfying. I liked the wording you used to describe the novel as "far-ranging." It is indeed that.

>169 benitastrnad: Hi, Benita! I listened to it as well. It was my second Kate Morton book and I definitely plan to read/listen to more of them.

It's April 2 and I (think I) have a bit of time today so I'm going to start another thread.