Katie's Reading Retreat - Chapter 6

Ditto for the transphobes!



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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
(Kindle) (Audio)

BOOKS COMPLETED

Books Off My Shelf: 30
Books Off My Kindle: 9
Books from Audible/Chirp: 13
Library Loans (print/e-books/audios): 43
Friend Loan:

July
095. Meet Me in the Margins by Melissa Ferguson (4 stars)
094. The Secret Lives of Church Ladies by Deesha Philyaw (4.25 stars)
093. Stillwater by Nicole Helget (5 stars)
092. The Old Place by Bobby Finger (audio) (3 stars)
091. Roomies by Christina Lauren (3.75 stars)
090. Murder in an Irish Churchyard by Carlene O'Connor (audio) (3.75 stars)
089. The Rich People Have Gone Away by Regina Porter (4.5 stars)

Did Not Finish (YTD)
08. The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston
07. Long Man by Amy Greene
06. The House at the Edge of the World by Julia Rochester
05. The Crimson Petal and the White by Michel Faber
04. The Woman Next Door by Yewande Omotoso
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)

FEBRUARY
Favorite:

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)

MARCH
Favorite:

051. God's Away on Business by Adrian McKinty (audio) (3.75 stars
050. The Marriage Contract by Cathy Maxwell (audio) (3.5 stars)
049. The Odds by Stewart O'Nan (3.5 stars)
048. I See You've Called in Dead by John Kenney (4.5 stars)
047. I'm Judging You by Luvvie Ajayi (Audio) (3.5 stars)
046. Henry, Himself by Stewart O'Nan (4.5 stars)
045. Hang On St. Christopher by Adrian McKinty (audio) (4.25 stars)
044. The Housemaid by Freida McFadden (3.25 stars)
043. The Dreamers by Karen Thompson Walker (audio) (4 stars)
042. The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley (3.5 stars)
041. Thick: And Other Essays by Tressie McMillan Cottom (4 stars)
040. Calico Joe by John Grisham (audio) (4 stars)
039. The Murder of the Century by Paul Collins (audio) (3.75 stars)
038. Friends and Heroes by Olivia Manning (3.5 stars)
037. Election by Tom Perrotta (audio) (3.5 stars)
036. The Accomplice by Lisa Lutz (4 stars)
035. We All Want Impossible Things by Catherine Newman (audio) (4.5 stars)
034. River of the Gods by Candice Millard (audio) (4 stars)

QUARTER 2 COMPLETIONS

APRIL
Favorite:

065. The Rumor Game by Thomas Mullen (audio) (2.5 stars)
064. The Summer We Ran by Audrey Ingram (2.75 stars)
063. Oral History by Lee Smith (3 stars)
062. The Rape of Nanking by Iris Chang (4 stars)
061. Funny Story by Emily Henry (4.25 stars)
060. Euphoria by Lily King (3.5 stars)
059. Then She Found Me by Elinor Lipman (audio) (3.5 stars)
058. Lord Dashwood Missed Out by Tessa Dare (3.75 stars)
057. Hotel Sarajevo by Jack Kersh (3.5 stars)
056. Nothing Else But Miracles by Kate Albus (audio) (3 stars)
055. All Among the Barley by Melissa Harrison (4.5 stars)
054. The End of Her by Shari LaPena (3.5 stars)
053. Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen (audio) (5 stars)
052. Foster by Claire Keegan (3.75 stars)

MAY
Favorite:

078. How to Capture a Countess by Karen Hawkins (3 stars)
077. Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh (audio) (4.5 stars)
076. Taft 2012 by Jason Heller (3.5 stars)
075. The Wandering Falcon by Jamil Ahamd (3.5 stars)
074. White Nights by Ann Cleeves (3.75 stars)
073. Great and Precious Things by Rebecca Yarros (3.75 stars)
072. No Ordinary Time by Doris Kearns Goodwin (4.25 stars)
071. Digging In by Loretta Nyhan (audio) (3.25 stars)
070. Fantasy in Death by JD Robb (3.5 stars)
069. The Dream Hotel by Laila Lalami (4.25 stars)
068. The Tree of Forgetfulness by Pam Durban (4.5 stars)
067. Phase Six by Jim Shepard (4 stars)
066. Dark Roots by Cate Kennedy (4 stars)

JUNE
Favorite:

088. The Hopefuls by Jennifer Close (audio) (3 stars)
087. Black Water by Joyce Carol Oates (4 stars)
086. Earls Trip by Jenny Holiday (3.75 stars)
085. Faithful by Alice Hoffman (3.25 stars)
084. Mansfield Park by Jane Austen (audio) (4.25 stars)
083. Maphead by Ken Jennings (4 stars)
082. All Fours by Miranda July (3.5 stars)
081. A River Town by Thomas Keneally (3.75 stars)
080. The Motel Life by Willy Vlautin (4 stars)
079. The Geographer's Library by Jon Fasman (4.25 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!

>7 katiekrug: #PrideMonth wishes!

I've had a relatively busy few days - last Wednesday, we played trivia with our regular team members (came in 2nd!); Thursday, our friends Ed and Alice (IG Jersey-centric influencers in their spare time) invited us to a new restaurant, where the chef prepared a giant feast just for us, and we got to try whatever we wanted on the regular menu. It was insane and fun. There was salad, pasta, chicken, pizza (my favorite was the falafel pizza...), dessert, etc. We split all the leftovers, and Wayne and I got several meals out of our share. Friday was a quiet evening at home. Saturday, we went out for dinner after doing boring house stuff during the day. And yesterday, we went into the city for a concert and walkabout. This coming weekend is the only one in June where we have nothing on the calendar, which is rare for us. I expect to collapse for the month of July :)

Streaming stuff:
We started watching 'The Residence' which is good fun. We've only watched 2 episodes so far but will continue. We finished the 2nd season of 'The Diplomat' and HOO BOY! That finale... Can't wait for the next season. We also started something else that I can't recall at the moment. Garbage memory...*

Does anyone else watch Top Chef? I'm very annoyed with this season, which is billed as "Destination Canada" but they spent most of the time in Toronto, before having two episodes in Calgary, and the final rounds are going to be in Italy. I was expecting to see a lot more of Canada - like maybe at least one of the coasts?!?! So weird. At least the cooking has been high caliber and the chefs kind and supportive of each other...

Book stuff:
I'm up to date on my completed book commenting (see previous thread). My current read is The Geographer's Library, and on audio, I am planning to start Audition.

* ETA: I remembered! I was thinking of 'Murderbot!'

>8 richardderus: - Hugs to you, RD.

Katie, I enjoyed your review of Brideshead Revisited on your previous thread. I wondered if Jeremy Irons would be the reader. The TV series also includes Charles Ryder's thoughts in narrative passages which he also does. His narration and the theme song are iconic and unforgettable. And yes I know you intend to watch, I'm just giving you a nudge.

Happy new thread, Katie! Love the topper. That restaurant feast sounds amazing!

Happy new thread, Katie!

Happy new thread, Katie! From your last thread, thank you for your reminder, I desperately need to update my Storygraph lol. I like the graphs, but I never remember after I've updated LT and my spreadsheet.

The time at the restaurant sounds fabulous!

>1 katiekrug: A marvelous, generous, optimistic wish.

Happy New Thread, Katie. I had a good time with "The Residence". Enjoy. I never did start "The Diplomat". I just finished 'Your Friends & Neighbors", which I loved. Jon Hamm is terrific. Not far into "Murderbot" but I am liking it.

Happy new thread, Katie.

>8 richardderus: Amen to that.

>17 PaulCranswick: If that was only to get more common.

>9 katiekrug: I quite enjoy watching Top Chef but have yet to watch an episode from this season. Too bad about not featuring more of Canada……I was hoping it would be a Canadian marathon with food challenges in every province

Happy new thread!

Happy new thread, Katie. Love the topper.

Happy New Thread, Katie. I am going to watch the last episode of Department Q on netflix a little later. I read several of his books, and I think the books were better. The first episode was quite slow, and it's a dark show, but it's picking up and it had held my interest.

>11 lauralkeet: - That adaptation is available on BritBox, so I can watch it. Yahoo!

>12 curioussquared: and >13 alcottacre: - Thank you, both!

>14 bell7: - I sometimes forget about StoryGraph so have to play catch-up with it, but I do love the graphs :)

>15 laytonwoman3rd: - I was in an unusually kind mood, Linda ;-)

>16 msf59: - I can't seem to lure anyone into watching 'The Diplomat' :( It's smart, sometimes funny, and very timely...

>17 PaulCranswick: - Thanks, Paul.

>19 figsfromthistle: - I really thought the Canadian tourism board, which I'm sure was heavily involved, would have done more...

>20 BLBera: - Thanks, Beth.

>21 vancouverdeb: - I've not read any of the books and didn't know there was a series, Deborah. The books usually are better :)

Happy new one, Katie. I love the "favorite of the month" in your list of books read. I'm also astounded and exhausted to see how much you're reading this year. I haven't looked at previous threads but it seems to me like you're reading a lot more than usual this year -- right?

Your social life sounds wonderful too. Keep it up and please keep reporting because it's a lot of fun to follow.

It's another beautiful day here, the downside of which is all the landscapers are out, so it's quite noisy!

Typical day for me - laundry, tidying, organizing, reading, puzzling. I'm making lemon-dill chicken and sauteed veg for dinner. Last night's dinner was *very* good - a new-to-me recipe for Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry, which I served over brown rice. I've finally found a method for cooking brown rice that works well - hallelujah! (https://cookieandkate.com/perfect-brown-rice-recipe/).

No viewing last night. I haven't started a new audio yet (maybe today?), but my print book is really good - The Geographer's Library. It's been on my shelf since 2008 and I have no memory of how it got there :-P

Have you ever tried TJ's frozen brown rice? You just nuke a little packet and out comes a nice portion for two of perfect brown rice. I'm totally hooked and so glad not to have to deal with cooking from scratch (and cleaning the pan afterwards).

I vaguely remember reading The Geographer's Library many years ago and liking it. (Hubby is a geographer so I think that's why I was drawn to it to begin with)

>25 RebaRelishesReading: - Hi Reba! I have tried TJ's rice and it was just okay for us.

You're the first person I've encountered who is familiar with TGL!

>26 katiekrug: It's been a long time and is a somewhat distant memory though.

Sorry the rice doesn't work for you. It's just about my favorite thing at the moment because I don't like cooking rice from raw. :)

>27 RebaRelishesReading: - Books I read last month are a distant memory to me, so I get it LOL.

I get rice from our local dry goods refillery - I bring my own container and fill it from a dispenser at the store. I've been trying to buy more from there to cut down on my packaging/waste footprint.

>24 katiekrug: Something occurred to me about y'all's lot... it's on a creek that has rocky boundaries right? Permaybehaps you could toss some samphire seeds into the rocky bits to see if they grow and then harvest the yummy stems next year? Or watercress! They'd also help reduce flood erosion.

I'm itching to garden and of course can't so here I am spit balling at you....

Hi Katie. Happy new thread!

We started watching The Residence and have also completed the first two episodes. I like Cordelia Cupp.

Happy new thread, Katie!

I have The Residence on my list so I'll be keeping an eye on your thoughts to see if I should nudge it up the priority list.

Happy new thread, Katie!

>9 katiekrug: Strange that they only featured cuisine from Toronto and Calgary, not the first Canadian cities that come to mind when thinking about food.

Happy new one, Katie!

Have a good weekend, Katie. I'm sure your new thread will soon fill with tasty and nourishing morsels, churned to the surface by your deep dives into the books. I'm getting a tune-up at the local hospital's Cardio Cantina tomorrow; hope to emerge at the day's end with renewed vigor and re-energized reading.

>24 katiekrug: Thanks for the recipe link. Sounds so easy!

Oh, dear. Seems I haven't updated my own thread in almost a week, though I've been lurking on others'...

>29 richardderus: - I'll mention this to The Wayne. The river bank isn't really rocky, just muddy...

>30 EBT1002: - It's a fun show, isn't it? Very 'Knives Out' and given the call-outs to those films, unashamedly so...

>31 MickyFine: - You'll like it, Micky, if you've seen and enjoyed the Knives Out movies at all.

>32 Familyhistorian: - I knew of Totonto as a very "foody" city, but I was surprised not to see Vancouver in the mix at all.

>33 drneutron: - Thanks, Jim!

>34 weird_O: - Hi Bill - I was glad to see your procedure went well on Friday. I hope your weekend was restful.

>35 ffortsa: - It was stupid easy, Judy, and turned out great :)

Let's see - what's been going on...

On Wednesday, I took Nuala to the vet for her annual check-up and some booster shots. She was a Very Good Girl (of course) and got cheese from both the tech and the doctor (this after the doctor said she should lose a pound or two, LOL). That evening, we came in first at trivia by one point. I stood my ground on one of the last questions that my team wanted to answer one way but I knew was incorrect because Heathrow has landing restrictions during certain hours, so there :)

Thursday was Maribel day, so I took care of some "desk work" and then futzed around most of the day before picking up Nuala from day care.

Friday, I met some friends in the afternoon to go bowling. It was great fun, and I wasn't as terrible as I expected. We are going to make this a regular thing on Fridays for the summer. I even got a bowler name - Turkiki - and we are going to get personalized shirts with our team name (The Gutter Slutz) on the back. So classy!

The weekend was uneventful, though I did have to call Amtrak on Sunday when TW discovered they had sent him an email A MONTH AGO that our train to DC this coming Friday was cancelled and we needed to re-book. Thankfully, it was easy to do and we just have to leave an hour earlier - no big deal.

This week will be a little busy - TW is going into the city to meet some colleagues for a work-together day at a co-working space, so I'll need to play chauffeur to and from the train station. I'm volunteering Thursday afternoon, and then Friday morning we leave on the aforementioned trip - just a long weekend (coming back Monday) to the in-laws for my SIL's birthday.

What's been cooking:
I made rice and beans with andouille one night; The Wayne made "marry me chicken" on Saturday. Tonight is chicken tacos with Mexican slaw, and tomorrow is Korean BBQ-style meatballs from the NY Times.

What's been streaming:
Top Chef, The Residence, Murderbot, tennis. I was glad to see Coco Gauff win on Saturday; I turned the men's final on in the 5th set, because it was so close and was very pleased Alcaraz won because Sinner is boring as hell. But it was a great match from both of them.

Books:
I finished The Geographer's Library and The Motel Life and owe some comments on both. I started listening to Audition but decided it was just going to annoy me, so I switched to The House at the Edge of the World, which is not annoying so far. In print, I'm reading Maphead and A River Town.

THE END.

>37 katiekrug: The trains are all a mess this week because all of the military equipment for the 'parade' this weekend has to be brought in by train since the roads are not built for it. It's almost like this is a bad idea! Hopefully your trip goes smoothly nonetheless.

>38 norabelle414: - OH FUCK. That's this weekend?

We'll be well south of DC itself, but ick.

>39 katiekrug: Yes, Saturday at 6pm. I thought it was going to be in the morning and made plans to be out in the suburbs but turns out its in the evening and I will, in fact, be home at my apartment that overlooks the parade route. Ick. Maybe I'll take some Nyquil at 5pm and wake up on Sunday.

>37 katiekrug: Congrats on trivia win -- especially sweet since you had to fight for the right answer and you were right!!

Sounds like your life is busy and fun -- good for you!!

>40 norabelle414: - A bottle of bourbon would do the trick, too ;-)

I hope no one on the train thinks I'm headed there to see the shit show. I may have to wear one of my political t-shirts to be safe...

>41 RebaRelishesReading: - Thanks, Reba!

>42 katiekrug: ...and taste a lot better doing it...

What a week! Nuala is a sterling model Very Good Girl, so yay. Triviadominatrix Katie is a new thought...keep winning for them they'll listen better?

Spend it splendidly before it All goes to hell in Felonious-Yammery.

Welcome back Katie! lol. I'm happy to see all is well at Casa Krug. Your menus for the week all sound great! I hope your train travel goes smoothly this weekend despite possibly passing through parade-related hell.

I'm delighted life is full of good things for you lately, Katie.

Is your bowling team 5-pin or 10-pin?

This whole military parade thing has me sick to my stomach. But all your dinners sound pretty yummy.

I'll be interested in your comments about Maphead. I like "Ken Jen" and hadn't realized he had a book out there.

>44 richardderus: - I'll have to find a leather bustier to wear to our next trivia match ;-)

>45 lauralkeet: - Hi Laura - I'll wave westward as I pass nearby!

>46 MickyFine: - It's 10-pin, which is standard around here. I don't think I've ever seen 5-pin...

>47 EBT1002: - It's a fun book, Ellen.

#79
The Geographer's Library by Jon Fasman
Hardcover (mine)
4.25 stars

>37 katiekrug: "Friday, I met some friends in the afternoon to go bowling. It was great fun, and I wasn't as terrible as I expected. We are going to make this a regular thing on Fridays for the summer. I even got a bowler name - Turkiki - and we are going to get personalized shirts with our team name (The Gutter Slutz) on the back. So classy!"

I just KNEW you were my people! I haven't bowled since March of 2020, when COVID shut everything down, and even before that I was sadly contemplating giving up my league (our team was the Looney Koons), as I had a lot of sciatic pain. I will now happily envision you carrying on the tradition. BTW, you need a logo for that name. This was ours

>47 EBT1002: I guess the military parade (while disgusting indeed Ellen) is better than being invaded by the Marine Corps!!! The west coast really does need to secede and join Canada (or just form a new country).

>48 katiekrug: Hope you post a phot of the leather bustier :)

>37 katiekrug:, >50 laytonwoman3rd: Katie's bowling team made me think of the Pink Ladies from Grease. Except I think the Gutter Slutz jackets should be black leather.

>50 laytonwoman3rd: - We were thinking of a scantily clad androgynous bowler for our logo (the team is co-ed). I expect some decisions will be made this Friday, which I sadly have to miss...

>51 RebaRelishesReading: - It's all abhorrent, isn't it? Degrees of which hardly seem to matter at this point... *sigh*

No one wants to see me in a bustier, Reba, leather or otherwise!

>52 lauralkeet: - I like the idea of black satin myself, Laura :)

Glad you enjoyed bowling, Katie. Sounds fun! It's been a long time since I have bowled.

>54 vancouverdeb: - I'm there more for the food and drinks and laughs, but the bowling itself is okay too!

Yesterday I voted in our primary election. We are having a somewhat contentious town council race - I supported the non-party-machine Dems, one of whom appears to have won. We also have a Governor's race this year and a crowded Dem field. I voted for my current Congresswoman (the one who ate bagels at my house), though TW did not (ooh, a house divided!). Anyway, my candidate won, so take that, The Wayne!

Speaking of whom... he's in the city today, meeting up with some colleagues at a co-working space, so I have the house ALL TO MYSELF. This is very exciting. I will either blast music and get some chores done, or do absolutely nothing at all. Maybe get a pedicure? But I hate to leave the house when it is ALL MINE. We'll see. Trivia tonight. TW has to make his own way home from the train :)

The recipe I made last night was most excellent so I am providing a (gift) link to it: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1019763-korean-bbq-style-meatballs?unlocked_....

I made a dipping sauce to go with it (black vinegar, tamari, ginger, and honey - all to taste) and it was great! This is a definite keeper. I served it with brown rice, and it was very satisfying.

I'm still reading/listening to the same books, so no update there.

ETA: NOOOOOO! TW just texted to say someone canceled on meeting this morning, and the other two might not bother in that case, so he might be coming home.

Well, crap. Sorry you might lose your me time, Katie. If he ends up coming home I think you need to get yourself to the nail salon, stat.

>57 lauralkeet: - Crisis averted! He decided to just stay and work since he'd already paid for the space :)

Those meatballs look delicious! Meatball recipes are always a hit in our house, so I will probably try these soon.

#80
The Motel Life by Willy Vlautin
Ebook (mine)
4 stars

>58 katiekrug: what an emotional rollercoaster of a morning. Enjoy your empty house!

>56 katiekrug: Oh hiss boo! I know how deeply precious those alone hours are. May they remain yours.

Enjoy your alone time, Katie.

>61 norabelle414: - I KNOW! This is what passes for excitement in my life :)

>62 richardderus: - All good. As I noted to Laura, TW decided to just stay in the city.

>63 BLBera: - Thanks, Beth!

>56 katiekrug: Thanks for the recipe info, Katie. We really like Korean BBQ so I think that may be a hit in our house. I've printed it off (even though I subscribe to NYT and could have just saved it there...printing is easier to use though). I've never heard of black vinegar -- what is it and where do you get it?

Oh dear...sorry your day in the house alone may get cancelled (: I've heard of those and they do sound lovely ;>. (So while I was typing that you got the message that your day is saved -- enjoy!!)

>65 RebaRelishesReading: - Get you some black vinegar, Reba! Any Asian market will have it. We use Koon Chun brand, but there are others.

From Bon Appetit: "Many vinegars are used to cut through fat, to add sharp counterbalance to oil in a dressing, or to amp up the sour notes in a complex sauce. But black vinegar is far more than just a blade of acid. With hints of licorice and malt held together by a distinct umami earthiness that permeates the whole condiment, it’s transformative, providing both acidity and complexity to round out a dish."

We always use it when we make any kind of Asian dish.

Wow -- that sounds great. I will seek it out. Thanks

(I see we're up to our usual schedule again 😊)

>67 RebaRelishesReading: - You're welcome!

(I think I'm too early for you right now :) )

Propbably my last check-in for a bit, as I have a volunteer shift this afternoon, chores to do afterwards to get ready to go out of town, and then leaving tomorrow morning through Monday afternoon. I'll probably lurk on some threads while I'm gone, but I'm not planning to bring my laptop with me...

We came in 2nd at trivia last night - missed out on 1st by just a couple of points. Ah well. So it goes. Nothing much else happened yesterday - I was supremely lazy until I had to shower and put on real clothes and pick up TW from the train and go straight to the pub.

No new update on reading either... But the train travel should allow me to get some good reading in. I plan to finish A River Town and start All Fours, which I'm not super enthused about, but maybe I'll like it more than I expect to?

>69 katiekrug: I've read a lot of Thomas Keneally but this one is new to me - if it's good I'll add it!

>69 katiekrug: Enjoy it! Travel safe, come home happy.

Black vinegar's closest equivalent is Worcestershire...but that has a less tart finish. They're mostly interchangeable.

>68 katiekrug: Indeed you were -- I sometimes get on the computer around 6 or 7 a.m. but it's rare and today I had a busy morning and didn't make it here until nearly 3 p.m.

Too bad about the almost-win a trivia. Hope you have a pleasant train journey with lots of good reading and a good-trip all-around.

>37 katiekrug: wow! Sounds like a busy week! Happy weekend

Have a nice trip, Katie!

Welp, Amtrak cancelled our train (again!), so we are obeying the universe and staying home. No way I'm driving anywhere near DC this weekend...

>75 katiekrug: They cancelled your train. Twice. Well, my my my, ain't these folk subtle.

Happy Friday, Katie. Funny, I was just commenting on Linda's thread about Vlautin. She did not care for The Horse. I liked it and the other 2 I have read but I have not read The Motel Life. On the list it goes...

Not sure you are into medical dramas, but we are really enjoying "The Pitt", which has been excellent. Just sayin'...

>75 katiekrug: Sounds wise

Staying away from DC this weekend sounds very wise!! Hope you have a pleasant weekend at home.

>75 katiekrug: WTF?! But yeah, I'd say don't fight it. Enjoy some unexpected time at home instead!

Sorry you can't come to our beautiful parade this weekend, Katie! /s

>75 katiekrug: It's probably good to listen to the universe. Too bad you'll miss the parade.

Was going to wish you a nice trip, but I agree that it sounds like the universe didn't want you anywhere near the parade. I hope you have a nice weekend nonetheless!

I'm seeing lots of Willy Vlautin reading going on. I haven't yet read anything by him.

Sorry your trip to DC got canceled but I'm glad you are listening to the universe. I fear that the taco *wants* chaos and drama in that city tomorrow because it will play well with his base. Anyway, enjoy the weekend at home!

>76 richardderus: - Sooo subtle ;-)

>77 msf59: - I think you'd like The Motel Life, Mark. It's mostly bleak and dark, which I know you like :)

I've heard such good things about 'The Pitt.' It's on The List...

>78 bell7: - *nods sagely*

>79 RebaRelishesReading: - It's probably for the best, but everyone, especially 8yo Charlie, was disappointed.

>80 lauralkeet: - It is sort of nice to have some "found" time like this :)

>81 norabelle414: - Snerk. My SIL texted that she was planning to surprise us with front-row seats for the parade (she was joking, but she does work for the Army....)

>82 BLBera: - Ha!

>83 curioussquared: - Thanks, Natalie!

>84 EBT1002: - Vlautin is the June author for the American Authors Challenge, hence the spate of reading him.

He does seem to thrive on chaos...

I went bowling yesterday, and I actually won one of the games, with a sterling score of 95, LOL. And my form is so good, I managed to pull a muscle in my butt cheek. Good times! I was pretty tired all day, as I'd slept poorly, so we ordered Chinese for dinner and vegged, and I went to bed a little early. Had a great sleep and woke up refreshed and full of energy. Today, we're going to a biergarten to watch a NY Liberty (WNBA) game with friends. They are big fans of the Liberty, and I am a big fan of German food, so win-win :) Not sure what else we'll get up to this weekend - it's gotten a bit cool and looks to be drizzly all weekend, so maybe just hermiting is in order...

STILL reading all the same books. I should finish A River Town by tomorrow...

Sounds like excellent plans for the day since your trip was cancelled. Have some soft pretzels for me, if you can!

>86 katiekrug: always feel that we should come out and support the women of our local WNBA squad.

They say the game is subtlety different from the men. I’m curious. Enjoy the game. Always better to watch sports with people.

>86 katiekrug: *ow* on the muscle-pull, *yum* on the biergarten grub, totally agree on the non-outdoorsing for much of anything since it's so dank.

My goodness...raining on the Felonious Yam's parade...almost like divine disapprobation is being delivered.

>86 katiekrug: Sounds like your weekend has righted itself into a good one! Enjoy!

Do you have a favorite brand of black vinegar? I think I'm going to have to resort to ordering on line and there are several to choose from.

>87 MickyFine: - We got a soft pretzel and it was *chef's kiss* :)

>88 magicians_nephew: - You definitely should get to a game, Jim. They are fun to watch. Sadly, this game was the end of their undefeated season. Caitlin Clark was on fire, and the Liberty have rebounding issues...

>89 richardderus: - The food was so-so. The pretzel was great, but the spaetzle was weird - like pan-fried or something? And on the large side. I like small, soft spaetzle. Anyway, we managed to have fun despite the Liberty's loss and the disappointing food!

>90 RebaRelishesReading: - We use Koon Chun because that's the first one we ever bought and it's available easily here, including at our favorite Asian grocery.

>91 katiekrug: Thanks Katie!

>91 katiekrug: Jealous!

>91 katiekrug: Sad about the so-so, a little bumfuzzled about pan-fried spätzel...crunchy or crispy or even just crusty, that doesn't scan with my understanding of the nudeln. It doesn't sound as though it was a particularly good innovation, either. Like a fluffy, dry matzoh ball, theoretically possible but what for?

I'm glad you had fun despite the Liberty's loss and disappointing food. Honestly, I wouldn't know the difference between one spaetzle and another. I bet there's a German restaurant in Bend so I can conduct research.

Interested in how A River Town lands for you. I can't remember what I've read by Keneally but my association is positive.

Of course. Schindler's List. Duh.

>92 RebaRelishesReading: - You're welcome!

>93 MickyFine: - Sorrynotsorry :)

>94 richardderus: - It was so weird...

>95 EBT1002: / >96 EBT1002: - I'll type up some comments on the Keneally this afternoon probably. It was my first by him...

Happy new week! Still grey and damp here. I don't like the sun usually but I wouldn't mind catching a glimpse of it right about now...

I'll shortly be heading out to the grocery store and then have some admin-y stuff to do this afternoon. Ho hum. Dinner tonight is spaghetti with a meat sauce - not very interesting but I'm trying to use up stuff in the freezer rather than letting it languish and ultimately throwing it out :-P

Books:
I *finally* finished A River Town yesterday, and started All Fours for book club (meeting on Thursday). I have been really bad about prioritizing puzzling/audiobooking, so I took the game I was playing incessantly off my computer and will hit "restart" by DNFing the audio I had going (The House at the Edge of the World) which was okay but not super compelling and starting something fresh. Probably Mansfield Park, since my hold on the audio read by Juliet Stevenson just came in...

Juliet Stevenson is a great reader for Jane Austen. I loved her narration so much I added all of the Austen books read by her to my personal collection.

>99 MickyFine: - I've enjoyed all the books I've listened to her that she's narrated. I'm pretty sure there has been at least one other Austen among that group...

#81
A River Town by Thomas Keneally
Paperback (mine)
3.75 stars

> A while back I read a series written by Thomas Keneally and his daughter Meg Keneally. set in a penal colony in New South Wales. I think there were 4 or 5 books about the protagonist Montserrat, who was a British gentleman convicted of impersonating a barrister. They were all great, and I've been hoping for another installment.

>102 vivians: - I remember hearing a bit about that series, Vivian, but I never came across it. I have 4 or 5 other books by Keneally in my stacks. I remeber Daughters of Mars getting a lot of love here several years ago, so that might be the next one by him I pick up.

>102 vivians: One of my favorite Kelleally's is The Playmaker about convicts in colonial Australia trying to put on a play.

Interesting that LT pops up Our Country's Good the play based on the book that was being done by everyone a few years ago

Gossip from the Forest is another good one. When they had that movie 1918 a few year back they flash forwarded to the talks in the railway car that ended World War I

Happy mid-week! STILL grey and damp here, but we are headed for a significant warm-up over hte next several days - ugh.

Yesterday, I spent some time shopping around for car insurance, as our premium went up AGAIN. I did realize our current policy is based on the national average of 12K miles per year, and we average about half that. So I'm going to contact our current insurer and get that adjusted, along with the primary deductible, and see if that puts it in a more reasonable place. I resent spending over $300/month for two very responsible people to drive one car!

Anyway, today I have errands to run, including picking up something to bring to book club tomorrow, as I won't have time to make anything. I also need to tidy up for Maribel's cleaning tomorrow. We are playing trivia tonight.

Wayne has tomorrow off for Juneteenth, and while he'll work part of it because he's him, we are going to meet some friends for bowling in the afternoon, which should be fun. And I'll follow that up with book club, so a rather social Thursday! And then I'll bowl again Friday with the Gutter Slutz. Sunday, we are going to a Yankees game with friends. It's supposed to be in the 90s. Sigh.

Not much viewing going on, but we did finish 'The Residence' last night, which was fun but could have been shorter. Eight episodes was too much, I think, and the end was rather ponderous. I did like how they included real stuff about the WH residence and the staff who work there - like the generations of one family who have been there for decades. The series was "based" (probably more accurate to say "inspired by") on a nonfiction book about the house and staff, and I think I have the audio version of it, so I might listen to that soon.

Books:
I'm making good progress with Mansfield Park on audio, and I'm almost done with All Fours. I've put Maphead on the back burner to make sure I finish AF in time for book club, but I'll pick that up again as soon as I'm done with AF. I think I've got my reading groove back :)

>103 katiekrug:, 104 Thanks for the Keneally recs, Katie & Jim. I'll add them (groan).

I just finished Department Q on Netflix last night after bingeing the last 4 episodes. Completely gripping - so good! And according to Mark it's based on a Danish series. I liked The Residence but agree that it was a little too drawn out.

>105 katiekrug: Sounds like a good groove indeed, Katie, and it should only continue. I'll be interested to know what the verdict is on All Fours...it seems to polarize the people I know who've read it.

>106 vivians: we just started Dept Q last night! I saw something about it on Facebook of all places, read a review, and my recommendation was accepted for our evening viewing. It was fun to see Matthew Goode in a very different role from his usual posh good-looking aristrocrat.

>106 vivians: - I've got 'Department Q' on my To Watch list, but there is A LOT ahead of it :)

>107 richardderus: - I'm going to wait until after book club to post comments about All Fours here, RD. At the very least, it should inspire some good discussion tonight!

>108 lauralkeet: - Another endorsement!

It's going to be 90F here today and of course our a/c won't turn on. TW discovered there is no voltage coming from the thermostat (or something like that). He may be able to fix it (he has a degree in electrical engineering after all!) but says he needs coffee first.

We came in first at trivia last night - woot!

Maribel will be here shortly and then TW and I are going bowling this afternoon (unless we have to stay home to wait for someone to come fix what TW couldn't...).

Book club tonight. I bought a chocolate chunk banana bread to bring. And a bottle of wine, of course.

Books:
I finished All Fours so am now focusing on finishing Maphead. Still having a good time with Mansfield Park on audio. Juliet Stevenson's narration is a delight, as usual.

>110 katiekrug: Houses. Always something innit.

Enjoy book club, and congratulations on an excellent trivia showing!

Ugh, we had to replace our HVAC unit a few weeks ago. I am very happy to have a working unit in place with 100 degree days looming in D.C., but OMG it was expensive!! Hope yours is an easy fix.

>111 richardderus: - ALWAYS.

And thanks :)

>112 japaul22: - We got this unit in 2021 after the Hurricane Ida flood, so we shouldn't need a full replacement (I probably just jinxed it...)!

A/C's fixed! All hail The Wayne!

Phew! Very glad for you. It's 90 here today as well

Glad your HVAC was fixable (and it must be lovely to have someone at hand who can do those things). Hope your book club event goes well -- chocolate chunk banana bread should definitely be a hit!!

Way to go TW! I'm glad it didn't require a service call (or worse).

>114 katiekrug: Useful as a pocket in a shirt that guy! Yay for a/c.

Yay for AC and for TW being able to fix it! Your bowling league sounds like fun, Katie! Too bad about the weekend in DC but probably not the best place to be on that particular weekend.

>114 katiekrug: WTG, The Wayne!

Enjoy bowling and book club. I hope discussion is as good as your treats. :)

Hooray for AC and The Wayne fixing it!

It's hot and miserable here, too, and we're in for some continued hot weather for the next week or so.

>115 norabelle414: - We're having a bit of a reprieve today - only 85. But then the heat (high 90s) settles in for several days. Sunday is supopsed to be 98 and I'm going to a baseball game :-/

>116 RebaRelishesReading: - Well, it turned out to be a pretty easy fix, but I do appreciate that Wayne can figure things out pretty quickly! The book club discussion was great, but I came home with most of the chocolate chunk banana bread, as there was SO MUCH food.

>117 lauralkeet: - I'm glad, too!

>118 richardderus: - Ha! I love that simile :)

>119 Familyhistorian: - Thanks, Meg. It's not a bowling league, just a group of us who like to day drink, LOL.

>120 MickyFine: - The discussion was excellent, Micky. It's such a great, diverse group of women.

>121 bell7: - Same with the weather here, Mary. I'm not lookin gforward to it at all, but I am glad I have central air!

One hundred + posts behind yet again, Katie. Your thread just moves too fast for me, lol. I hope all is well with you and TW.

Have a fantastic Friday!

So, as noted, book club was great last night. There were about 12 people there and 12 very smart, different takes on the book (All Fours). We talked about it for 2.5 hours! I'll say more when I write up my comments on the book for posting here.

Today, I am going to get a pedicure and meet my regular Friday afternoon bowling group. Yesterday was a lot of fun, and TW actually did really well. He's usually terrible. I don't know what got into him. I was the only one of the six of us not to break 100 at all - and we played 3 games! Oh well.

Dinner tonight will likely be out - in the summer, our town does a "Dinner Under the Stars" every Friday, where they close one of the streets that has a bunch of restaurants on it, and you can order food and drinks outside from any of them, and there's always entertainment of some sort. Tonight it's a swing band, and the weather is gorgeous, so we'll probably head down for that when TW finishes work.

No plans for Saturday. Sunday we are meeting friends for breakfast and then going with them to the Orioles-Yankees game. They are big Orioles fans. The projected high is 98F for Sunday, but our seats are in the shade, and I'm bringing my battery-powered neck fan thing because I'm a dork. Also, the game starts at 11:30am (weird), so while it will definitely be hot, we should be on our way home during the height of the heat (fingers crossed!).

Books:
I'll be finishing Maphead in the next day or so. I started reading Faithful yesterday but didn't get very far. And I've still got Mansfield Park going on audio.

>123 alcottacre: - Hi Stasia! My thread has slowed down considerably but happy to have you visit whenever :)

>125 katiekrug: Thanks, Katie! The week at Linda's put me considerably behind-er (my own word!) than I otherwise might have been, but that week is irreplaceable for me.

>124 katiekrug: I'm totally with the friends in rooting for ye olde Orioles (weird for me, since it was the Orioles' 1969 WS loss to the Mets that kick-started my fandom) on Sunday. I'll be hollering from my air-conditioned cave.

I learned that simile from Texas writer Mary Lasswell's 1940s novels about a trio of women who formed a found family. Deeply disturbing to 21st century eyes for lots of reasons but they were on Mama's shelves in the early '70s so....

Good bowling news, so more yay for y'all. I'm looking forward to All Fours's verdict rendering.

I loved the "Department Q" series on Netflix. This was based on the first novel in the series The Keeper of Lost Causes, set in Denmark. I thought it was interesting that they moved it to Scotland for the show. It is a very good series; there are ten books in it, and I just finished the last one.

I can't wait to hear your comments on All Fours. It sounds like it's maybe a good book club choice.

>124 katiekrug: I'm interested to hear your comments and something about the book club discussion on All Fours! My daughter read it and recommended it to me but in this slow reading year I just haven't gotten around to it yet.

>126 alcottacre: - It sounded like you had a lovely time. I'm sorry I didn't see you in NYC- I'm only about 10 miles away.

>127 richardderus: - The Orioles are garbage but th eYankees are in a bit of a rough patch at the moment, so the game will be interesting.

>128 BLBera: - I think I have TKoLC in the stacks, Beth. Everyone who's seen it seems to love the show. It's on my list but as I said somewhere, there's a lot on that list!

All Fours is a good book club choice, as there is a lot to unpack. I'll try to put my thoughts down this afternoon.

>129 ursula: - It's a pretty fast read, Ursula. The beginning was kind of slow for me but it picked up. I didn't love it but I appreciated parts of it.

Oh, I'd like to read All Fours with a book group. It didn't grab me and I was distracted by shinier books, but a group meeting usually focuses the mind. And that's before a good discussion. Look forward to your book post.

>110 katiekrug: It really is wonderful having an in-house electric/electronic wizard, innit? Mine has saved us many big bill. Now as for plumbing....well....

>86 katiekrug: lol who knew you could pull a muscle in your butt cheek. 😝
I hope you have recovered!

Have a good weekend!

>127 richardderus: You're not alone, Richard. Even though I was a diehard Mets fan in 1969, as an 8 year old living in Jersey City who went to Shea Stadium several times that year, the Orioles became my favorite American League team after that year's World Series, and they are still my favorite AL team.

>134 kidzdoc: Only I went the other way...my role models were all NL fans back when I was coming up so I took that in...then the DH rule cemented my NL commitment. I still rejoice when any AL team loses. Very tribal of me.

>135 richardderus: That makes sense. I also hated the DH rule, which ruined the purity of the game for me after it was instituted. The Yankees were awful in the early 1970s, as you know, so it was easy for me to cheer for the Mets in the early 1970s, and then the Phillies after we moved to the Delaware Valley in 1974, right about the time that they became a relevant team. I went to a handful of Orioles games with friends in the late 1980s in old Memorial Stadium and Camden Yards, which rejuvenated my moderate level interest in them. We can't watch O's games on cable television, so I no longer follow them closely, although I do like it if they're playing well.

>131 charl08: - Hi Charlotte! I should get my thoughts up today. Yesterday got away from me :)

You are so right about reading a book for discussion focusing the mind.

>132 laytonwoman3rd: - He does come in handy, Linda! He is able to do some plumbing work, but nothing extreme. He worked several summers for a property mangament company and learned a lot, for which I am eternally grateful!

>133 figsfromthistle: - Hi Anita! I guess it wasn't a pulled muscle as it was absolutely fine the next day. Just a tweak I guess :)

>134 kidzdoc:, >135 richardderus:, >136 kidzdoc: - Blah blah blah...

GO YANKEES!

Yesterday was great. I bowled over 100 both games, so that was nice. In the evening, we didn't do "Dinner Under the Stars" but walked down to our local "restaurant row" and had Greek, sitting at a sidewalk table. Then we got ice cream on the walk home and stayed up too late playing cards.

Odds and ends to do today, including writing something about All Fours! Must. Get. That. Done. I was going to do it yesterday afternoon but I started working on my current jigsaw and listening to Mansfield Park and then I got an ocular migraine, so I was down for about 30 minutes and afterwards, my brain was too foggy for coherence.

Books:
I finished Maphead yesterday (delightful!), so now I just have MP on audio and Faithful in print.

>137 katiekrug: *chuckle* Of course, I completely agree: "Go Yankees!" suits me down to the ground...just a different destination than you have in mind.

*air kiss*

Oof, sorry about the migraine. Glad you had a great date night though. Sounds like a lovely and tasty evening.

>124 katiekrug: The "dinner under the stars" sounds like a wonderful idea!! Your recent days sound lovely (except for the ocular migraine! -- hope it's better today!)

>139 richardderus: - *Waves*

>140 MickyFine: - I'm lucky in that these oular migraines just screw up my vision for ~20 minutes and leave me a bit foggy. I don't get any pain, really, and they are over quickly.

>141 RebaRelishesReading: - Thanks, Reba! See my note to Micky above. The ocular migraine never lasts very long, thankfully.

Oof, it's getting hot in here! We're having temps close to 100 for the next 3 days, with heat indexes hovering around 110. I left Texas for a (well, many) reason! I only have to go out today to do a grocery run and I will likely do that soonish, before the height of the heat settles in.

We had fun at the baseball game yesterday, especially since the temps stayed lower than predicted and there was cloud cover so no sun beating down. And the Yankees won :) Afterwards, TW and I had a quiet evening and we were both in bed before 10pm which is very unusual.

Books:
I'll be finishing up Faithful today and starting Earl's Trip, whcih Micky's recent review nudged further up my list... I'll start a new audio today, too - The Hopefuls about young idealists in Washington, DC (sounds a little familiar...)

Ugh, I am several reviews behind! I will try to take care of that this afternoon.

>143 katiekrug: Anything I "need" will have to wait until it cools down. Just...no. *huddles closer to god AKA the a/c*

>144 richardderus: - Understandable. The parking lot of the grocery store is all I am willing to brave today and only because I, literally, had nothing in the house for dinner except soup :-P

#82
All Fours by Miranda July
Ebook (library)
3.5 stars

>146 katiekrug: "Performative" is le mot juste for sure. OTT, too. A bit like Portnoy's Complaint only woman-led.

In 10 years it will not be spoken of at All IMO but it sure grabbed people right now.

>146 katiekrug: This is a great review, Katie. I only read about 20% but totally agree with the lack of interesting characters and the performative nature of the narrator.

Yay for Earls Trip! I hope you have fun with it!

#83
Maphead by Ken Jennings
Paperback (mine)
4 stars

>147 richardderus: - OTT for sure. It might still be talked about in the future - we still talk about Roth (well, some people do)...

>148 vivians: - Honestly, Vivian, I was close to DNFing it. I only persevered because it was for book club.

>149 MickyFine: - Enjoying it so far!

#84
Mansfield Park by Jane Austen
Audio (library)
4 stars

I'm just re-posting my original review from my first reading, as I still feel similarly. This was my 3rd time with the book, and I still like it.

Today's forecasted high is 101F, with a heat index of 107. No thank you. Normally, I would just hermit inside, but I have a volunteer shift this afternoon, so out I must go. There is a chance they'll cancel food distribution today because of the heat. People line up outside the food pantry on an unshaded sidewalk, and they have occasionally canceled distribution out of health and safety concerns. But then people don't get food, and that's obviously a problem... I am glad I am not the person who has to make the decision.

For dinner last night, I grilled smoked sausage (inside) and served it sliced with a nice sharp cheddar, multigrain crackers, and a cucumber and red onion salad. It went down a treat, along with a chilled white wine. Tonight, we are having chicken caesar salad wraps.

Not much going on here, which is fine by me. I spent quality time with the books yesterday.

Earls Trip is a fun, easy read.
The Hopefuls is a good audio companion while I puzzle. The first page name-dropped the crappy bar right by the White House that I used to go to, so I knew the author had done her homework :)

>142 katiekrug: Ah yes! Hubby used to get those but I think he had a different name for them (or I just don't remember which is more likely).

Maybe time to visit the NW, Katie :). It's 72 outside right now.

Ken Jennings is writing books now, eh? Mapheads sounds fun. Hubby is a geographer so he would probably get a kick out of it too. On the list or my visit to White Oak Books tomorrow :)

Hydrate, Katie.

Hi Katie! I think our heat wave has migrated your way. We've had much cooler temps today and yesterday and some rain, too. I have been watching news about the east coast heat dome and have been checking it against Nove Scotia temps - which have hovered in the 70s. I keep repeating this fact while looking meaningfully at my husband.

Thanks for the brown rice recipe - I'll save it, though that's one kind of rice I usually can do well. It seems to take a long time here at altitude, but usually turns out well. I think there will be a rice cooker in my future. My dad grew up in Hawaii so we always used a rice cooker growing up. My mom still has the one she received as a wedding gift in 1965. I spent my junior year in France and my roommate was from Hawaii, so we had to call our landlady to ask her how to make rice on the stovetop. But I've never had one for my entire adult life and recently I had to borrow Callia's to make rice for a retirement celebration (couldn't go home after school) and now I really want one.

Thanks also for the Korean BBQ meatballs recipe - looks amazing! I don't make meatballs very often and when I do they're usually Greek, but these look really good.

You got me with >49 katiekrug: and >150 katiekrug: - I LOVE maps so these should be right up my alley.

>154 RebaRelishesReading: - Hi Reba! It will be much cooler after today, so I think I'll stay put here in the glorious NE :)

The Jennings book was published in 2011 and is well worth a read.

>155 BLBera: - I did! And I will!

>156 AMQS: - I"m thankful this heat wave will be relatively short-lived. It still beats living in Texas ;-)

That's one sturdy rice cooker! I've had some success making rice in the InstantPot and I do.not.need another kitchen gadget. I'm glad to have found this winning formula for brown rice.

I hope you give the Korean meatballs a try at some point. And I hope those two books are winners for you if/when you get to them!

#85
Faithful by Alice Hoffman
Paperback (mine)
3.25 stars

I am now caught up on reviews. Yay!

Today's big excitement will be taking the car in for its annual inspection. I don't anticipate any issues. I might treat myself to lunch afterwards. Trivia tonight.

Books:
Still reading Earls Trip, which is fun but I think I'm losing my love for historical romance. They always become a bit tiresome about halfway through...

My current audio is still The Hopefuls, which I am enjoying, mostly for the spot-on DC political stuff. The main character is actually kind of annoying.

ETA: In streaming, we watched the latest 'Murderbot' and then I watched an episode of 'Platonic' which is uneven for me, but I loved this particular episode ('My Wife's Boyfriend').

>159 katiekrug: I finally fully enjoyed the last couple of Murderbot episodes. It's been a bit touch and go for me but I guess I came around right before the end haha.

>159 katiekrug: I really enjoyed Platonic once I got into it. I'm glad it's getting another season

>160 ursula: - We liked it from the get-go, but we weren't huge Murderbot-ians from the books. We've listened to the first three, I think, and enjoyed them for passing the time on car trips, but that was about it. The Wayne wants to read them now, but I'm fine with the occasional listen and the show. I'm glad you've settled into it :)

>161 norabelle414: - I really love Rose Byrne, but Seth Rogen's character does make me cringe a lot (which is the point, I think). I didn't realize there was going to be another season!

I swear I'd think the car inspection thing was just a money-grab by the state, but it's free, so....? I am pretty sure the guy just changed out my sticker. I literally waited less than 3 minutes. I'm not complaining, and I take care of my car, so I know it's safe, but I do wonder if they do such a lackadaisical job with all of them!?!?

>163 katiekrug: Huh how weird (and rather disconcerting if it is that quick with all of them...). My inspections usually take about 30 minutes plus whatever wait in line. Yours is free? Somehow if I knew that, I'd forgotten.

>163 katiekrug: - I am choosing to believe that he saw that I keep my regular service up to date and decided that was good enough. Or he didn't know how to inspect a plug-in hybrid? LOL.

It's free here if you go to a state MVC facility, but you can't make appointments at most of them. Alternatively, you can pay a licensed private facility for the inspection, and have more flexibility in location and timing.

I've still been thinking about my book group's discussion of All Fours, so I wrote some more about it, if anyone is interested...

https://open.substack.com/pub/thepresentperfect/p/all-fours-some-thoughts?r=9qeb...

>157 katiekrug: I'm going to White Oaks bookstore in a little bit and the Jennings book is on my list of things to check out. If it's that old they may not have it though and in that case I'll check it out on line.

Glad your heat wave is better. Our high today is supposed to be 65 I think.

I married my rice cooker 😃. Hubby spent his first 11 years in Japan and brought a love of rice with it. His Japanese nanny taught him how to make rice on the stove top so I usually just leave that up to him. I copied the recipe for Korean meatballs and you've now reminded me to put that on the menu soon.

>162 katiekrug: I think Rogen shines more in the second half of the season. You picked a good time to start, since season 2 is coming in August. Some of us have been waiting two years 😭

We used to have a car inspection thing in my province, but it was scrapped so long ago, I don't remember when or why. I am definitely skipping All Fours. Thanks for your thoughts.

>167 RebaRelishesReading: - Yay for a rice cooker you can marry! LOL.

I hope you'll let me know how the meatballs turn out.

>168 norabelle414: - I agree about the second half. I started watching it months ago, but just here and there. I'll probably finish up the season tonight.

>169 vancouverdeb: - Yeah, I definitely don't think you'd enjoy All Fours, Deborah!

The heat dome has departed, hurrah! It's currently overcast and 76F. It's supposed to be even cooler tomorrow...

I had a good day yesterday, and in the evening, we won trivia again. There were only 4 teams but whatevs.

I was up bright and early at 6am today (I'm usually more of a 7:30-8:00 riser), and have completed all my puzzles and caffeinating. I've also dropped Nuala off at day care and am ready to start my day. I have a lot of admin stuff hanging over my head, including several phone calls to make, and I am going to try to just get them all done today, so I can have a no-guilt Friday. I also need to go to the grocery store today. Penne with sundried tomato pesto is tonight's dinner.

Books:
No change, but I should finish up Earls Trip today, so need to decide on my next read...

>122 katiekrug: Sounds like a fun bowling grew, Katie. Boo for the ocular migraine. I get those occasionally which means no driving or reading as my vision is all messed up but, unlike you, it doesn't leave me foggy after. Did you used to get regular migraines or just the ocular ones?

>159 katiekrug: I think I'm losing my love for historical romance

*wails*

>172 Familyhistorian: - Hi Meg! The bowling is fun. It's a nice change of pace from my usual schedule. It's just for the summer, because the chain of bowling alleys had a great deal on a summer pass, so we all bought one.

No, I've never had a regular migraine, thank goodness!

>173 MickyFine: - I can't explain it. About halfway through them, lately, they just become tiresome to me. I liked Earls Trip well enough but I was never excited to get back to reading it...

Happy Friday! I had a very productive day yesterday and knocked out several things on my To Do list that had been hanging over my head. Today, I plan to mostly relax. Several Gutter Slutz are out of town, so unless I can talk TW into playing hookey and going bowling with me, I likely won't go. I do need to confirm my dinner reservation for Saturday evening - my cousins are coming into the city with the ir families to go on a cruise and we are meeting for an early dinner before one half of them goes to a show. FInding a suitable place for 10 people in midtown that wasn't a tourist trap was fun (not), so I am jealously guarding my reservation and want to make sure it's still on the books since I made it ages ago!

Not sure what we are doing for dinner... Last night's penne with sun-dried tomato pesto was pretty good but next time I'll add lots more garlic and some Calabrian chilis, I think.

Books:
I finished Earls Trip and started Black Water. Still have The Hopefuls going on audio...

>175 katiekrug: I hope your reservation's still a go, and you enjoy the outing. I'm starting to think my mystery days are needing a pause...no mystery's broken above 3.5* in a while. Fatigue? Permaybehaps, or some deeper issue...?

>174 katiekrug: Well I'll cross my fingers it's just a mood thing that might eventually pass because I really like swapping historical romance recs with you (we'll always have contemporary at least).

Crossing my fingers all is well with your dinner reservation and you have a great visit with family.

>170 katiekrug: Hi Katie!! Prompted by your comment I got out the recipe for Korean BBQ-Style Meatballs and we had them for dinner last night. I was never able to find black vinegar so I used some white balsamic vinegar I had on hand (along with the other ingredients you use) and that worked fine for the sauce. I served the meatballs on a bed or white rice and poured the sauce over the top. I grilled some asparagus to add some green and the whole dinner was a big success. Hubby kept saying "yum" throughout :) So thank you!! :)

>176 richardderus: - I guess sometimes the genre novels can get tiresome since they are, by their very nature, formulaic to varying degrees. Ah, well. Time for a break then! Give some love to the other books :)

>177 MickyFine: - It probably is just a mood thing, Micky. I should save them for when I want the predictability.

Reservation's good to go, but I just called them to scale it back, because my cousin Greg, his wife, and their younger son had their flight cancelled, so they won't be making it. :(

>178 RebaRelishesReading: - Ah, I am so pleased it was a hit, Reba! I'm thinking of making it again this coming week.

The Wayne and I had a most excellent day yesterday. He announced he was going to leave work around 2pm and we were going to "go have fun." We went bowling and had drinks and nibbles and played three games more than we had planned. I beat him 3 times - woot! Then we went to the wine store and went home and played cards on the deck for a couple of hours, before changing over to Ticket to Ride, which we played thrice. He beat me every time. Somewhere in there, I decided I wanted Chinese food, so we ordered that, and it was even better than usual. And then about 10:30pm, I announced we were watching Stripes, which we did, though I ended up falling asleep toward the end. Heh. It was a delightful time, though. I love just hanging out with him and talking and laughing. Happy day!

This morning, I woke up to a text from one of my cousins that his family's flight had been cancelled and they'd been re-booked for Sunday morning, so I won't see them, as they'll be going directly to the cruise terminal. Their timing is super tight, and I think I would have tried to get the airline to fly me in *somewhere* nearby today - even PHilly where it's an easy train ride to get to NYC. But no one asked me. *shrug* Wayne and I are still going to see my other cousin and his family, as they flew in last night, so it's not a total loss.

Books:
I should finish up Black Water today, but I'm not sure what I'll start. Still going with the same audio. No listening time yesterday or today (so far)...

I'm glad you and TW had a delightful day of fun. Enjoy dinner this evening!

>180 katiekrug: What a bummer! I'm sorry the whole fam won't be able to come.

I'm deciding how to handle July's reading, so have a couple days to think over the first half of the year to see what I want to do. Thank goodness I'm filled with rage and hatred to power this productivity.

Enjoy your weekend!

>180 katiekrug: Sounds like a lovely day yesterday! Good for you guys :)

>181 MickyFine: - Thanks, Micky!

>182 richardderus: - Rage and hatred are powerful energy boosts :)

>183 RebaRelishesReading: - It was a nice treat!

Happy new week!

Dinner with my cousin and his family on Saturday was very nice, though I was really sad not to see my other cousin and his family. Luckily, their flight on Sunday morning was on time, and they were able to make their cruise.

Sunday was pretty quiet here - we watched the aUstrian Grand Prix, and then The Wayne did a bunch of outside chores. We went out for dinner and played cards when we got home. I'm on a 6-game winning streak against him (we play 500 Rummy) :)

Today, I've got errands to run and some house stuff to take care of. BLTs for dinner.

Books:
I finished the audio of The Hopefuls yesterday and will start Murder in an Irish Churchyard today. In print, I'm reading The Rich People Have Gone Away, which is good so far.

#86
Earls Trip by Jenny Holiday
Ebook (library)
3.75 stars

#87
Black Water by Joyce Carol Oates
Paperback (mine)
4 stars

#88
The Hopefuls by Jennifer Close
Audio (library)
3 stars

I'm not finishing anything else this month, so here's the June wrap-up....



June in Review
(Numbers in parentheses are YTD)

Books Read: 10 (88)
(Puzzles Completed: 3 (26))

Mine: 6 (52)
Library: 4 (36)

Male authors: 4 (29)
Female authors: 6 (60)
Non-Binary: 0 (0)

New-to-me authors: 5 (46)
Authors of Color: 0 (13)
US/UK authors: 9 (78)
Other: 1 - Australia (11 - Australia x2, Canada, Ghana, Ireland x3, Morocco x2, Nigeria, Pakistan)

Print: 5 (35)
Ebook: 3 (19)
Audio: 2 (34)

General/Popular Fiction: 3 (17)
Literary Fiction: 2 (11)
Historical Fiction: 1 (10)
Romance: 1 (10)
Crime/Thriller: 1 (14)
Juvenile/YA: 0 (3)
Classics: 1 (4)
Speculative: 0 (6)
Nonfiction: 1 (13)

Publication:
New (2024 or 2025): 2 (15)
2020-2023: 0 (16)
2010-2019: 3 (31)
2000-2009: 2 (8)
1980s-90s: 2 (9)
1950s-70s: 0 (4)
1900-1949: 0 (2)
19th c.: 1 (3)

Re-reads: 1 (5)
DNFs: 1 (6)

Best of the month (not counting re-reads): The Geographer’s Library
Worst of the month (not counting DNFs): The Hopefuls

I’m not really sure why I had such a relatively low number of completed reads this month. None of them were particularly long, but a few were slow-going, so that might explain it. I’m very pleased I’m continuing to read off my own shelves, and it hasn’t come to feel like a chore at all. July I am dedicating to my library wish lists, though. I’d like to clear some of the backlog of off those…

“Musts” for July:
The Seven Year Slip for book club
The Secret Lives of Church Ladies for new book club I’ve started with a few friends
Something for Romance Month for the AAC

>185 katiekrug: we watched the aUstrian Grand Prix
So did we. I was very happy with the outcome.

>190 lauralkeet: - I certainly enjoyed seeing Verstappen go out on the first lap, LOL :)

And I was glad Norris seemed to get his mojo back.

So this is fun... I was contacted today by a reporter for the BBC Culture website who's doing a piece on All Fours. She came across my Substack post about it and wants to quote me! I said yes, of course, and then she asked me a couple of follow-up questions. So I'm going to be famous! 😂

>192 katiekrug: that’s so cool!! Congrats!

>192 katiekrug: Congratulations! That's really cool. You'll have to let us know how to read it. (perhaps everyone else knows but I've head the term Substack but I know nothing about it.)

Hi Katie! It's been a while since I checked in. Your review makes me want to read All Fours, even if you didn't love it. Maybe I'll choose it for my book club next time it's my turn...

ETA: ooh la la, the fame!!

>192 katiekrug: That's super fun! Congrats :D

>193 japaul22: - Thanks!

>194 RebaRelishesReading: - Well, I linked to what I wrote in >166 katiekrug:. The BBC writer said she'd said me a link to her piece when it was published, so I'll be sure to share that, too.

Substack is basically just a kind of newsletter platform.

>195 curioussquared: - IT made for a really great discussion, Natalie, so maybe you should suggest it. I got more out of it after bouncing reactions and thoughts off of other people.

>196 bell7: - Thanks, Mary :)

>192 katiekrug: "So I'm going to be famous!" You mean more famous, surely!

>192 katiekrug: VERY cool!

>191 katiekrug: Oh yes, me too on both counts.

>192 katiekrug: that's great Katie! I hope you don't forget your LT pals when you're famous. Ha.

So cool about the quote.

Also, I'm glad to see you also enjoyed the male friendships in Earls Trip. I agree the bonds between the three of them were a definite highlight.

>198 laytonwoman3rd: - *snork* Not hardly!

>199 richardderus: - It was definitely a nice surprise.

>200 lauralkeet: - I'll try to remember y'all...

>201 MickyFine: - I am undecided about reading the next one. You?

The BLTs were a hit last night, though we both agreed the bacon should have been a smidge crispier. The Wayne doesn't like raw tomato, but I removed all the goopy bits and sliced them very thinly, so he was fine. He also doesn't like mayonnaise, but I made a basil mayo to put on them, and he liked that a lot. Score!

I have a volunteer shift this afternoon, before which I will stop by the library to pick up a couple of holds. We are playing trivia tonight because tomorrow night is the big concert/fireworks show at the park near our house and we are going to go to that. Not sure if any of our teammates are coming tonight, or if they will just play as usual tomorrow.

Also, we played cards again last night and my win streak continues! TW is getting frustrated, LOL.

Books:
I'm really enjoying (seems like the wrong word for a pretty dark book) The Rich People Have Gone Away. I'm about halfway through it. I started Murder in an Irish Churchyard on audio yesterday, and it's decent company for puzzling.

>180 katiekrug: Wow, what a Friday!

>192 katiekrug: Your thoughts on All Fours are some of the most thorough I've seen, so I'm not surprised!

>197 katiekrug: Thank you for the link and for the description of Substack. A friend of ours has sent me some articles he wrote "on his Substack" and I had been wondering what that was (and being too lazy to see if I could find out).

As to your post -- you not only made me want to avoid the book but also made me tear up with your lovely thoughts at the end. So right you are!!

>201 MickyFine: >202 katiekrug: I also enjoyed Earls Trip, particularly the male friendships, but I'm not sure if I'll read the sequel. TBD!

>205 RebaRelishesReading: Reba, we used to have a Substack newsletter about our property and I believe you're a subscriber. I say "used to have" because we lost our writing inspiration, but it's still out there in website form: https://willowgreens.substack.com/

>202 katiekrug: >206 curioussquared: I suggested it for purchase at my home library system and am currently first in the holds queue for when it arrives, lol.

>204 norabelle414: - Thanks, Nora!

>205 RebaRelishesReading: - Thanks for reading, Reba! And yeah. That book is not for you :)

>206 curioussquared: - Same!

>207 lauralkeet: - I miss your Substack but totally get about losing the motivation to write.

>208 MickyFine: - I'll await your thoughts :)

We came in first at trivia, out of 22 teams, thankyouverymuch.

Today is all about picnic prep! I need to run to the store to get a few things, and then I'll be mostly in the kitchen, with a few side trips to the laundry room because I like to keep things fresh, LOL. We'll walk over to the park about 7:00 tonight to get a good spot (i.e. in the shade). The menu:

- grilled chicken
- herbed potato salad
- hard rolls
- ginger molasses cookies
- whatever our friend Alice is bringing, as she decided to come along
- chips and apples for snacking

- G&Ts
- wine
- water

We'll bring our books and maybe a pack of cards or simple table game to pass the time. There'll be a decent cover band playing (same one every year) and lots of dogs and kids running around. It's always good fun, and the fireworks at the end are pretty spectacular. I'm looking forward to the evening!

Books:
Same as yesterday...

>210 katiekrug: Wow! First out of 22 sounds really good to me. So when will we see one of you on Jeopardy!, hmmmm?

>210 katiekrug: 22 teams! Take THAT!

>210 katiekrug: Wow, first from 22 -- that's quite a win!! Congratulations!

Sounds like you have fun plans for this evening. Enjoy!

Wow, congrats on the trivia win Katie!
Your picnic menu sounds mighty fine too. Enjoy!

>210 katiekrug: My trivia team made a comeback last night after many weeks off and came in 3rd out of 26 teams at a new-to-us venue! We were pretty pleased with that result even though we were in first halfway through :)

>210 katiekrug: Great result indeed...and today's *perfect* for a pique-nique. Have a most excellent time.

>211 laytonwoman3rd: - I think we're all rather camera shy, Linda :)

>212 ursula: - Right?!?!

>213 RebaRelishesReading: - Thanks, Reba!

>214 lauralkeet: - Thank you, Laura!

>215 curioussquared: - Nice! A new venue can be dicey...

>216 richardderus: - Thank you, sir. We had a lovely time.

Here is the BBC article that I am quoted in:

https://bbc.com/culture/article/20250702-all-fours-the-radical-erotic-novel-that...

>218 katiekrug: Great (as in well done and interesting) review and how cool that you were quoted ... and quoted through-out!

So cool, Katie!

>218 katiekrug: Very cool, indeed! Excellent comments (although I haven't read the book yet).

Karen O

That’s fabulous Katie.

Thanks, Reba, Anne, Karen, and Laura!

Gorgeous day here today - going to be a high of 82F, low humidity, lots of sunshine, and a nice breeze. We'll be celebrating the Fourth with some bowling, hot dogs, and our usual double feature of Independence Day and Team America: World Police.

Books:
I finished the excellent The Rich People Have Gone Away and started Roomies for a complete change of pace. I am almost finished with the audio of Murder in an Irish Churchyard and will likely start The Old Place next.

>224 katiekrug: I went out to do vital purchasing and reveled in the gorgeous! Enjoy the very pleasant day.

I KNEW IT! I didn't much like this book, and I thought some it seemed fishy...

https://observer.co.uk/news/national/article/the-real-salt-path-how-the-couple-b...

>226 katiekrug: I saw that on another 75ers thread this morning, Katie. Jeez Louise. I really liked the book, although I thought the foundational plot elements (losing their house and the husband's health) were short on detail. I didn't go all the way to "fishy" but did feel like they weren't explained enough.

Wow! what a pair of con-artists. Very glad I didn't read the book.

>227 lauralkeet:, >228 RebaRelishesReading: - I do love a good book world controversy :)

We had a very nice Fourth of July weekend, capped off by going to see the F1 movie last night. I had some issues with it, but it was fun enough. I had a doctor's appointment this morning and then got groceries. Chicken stir fry for dinner. Not much else planned for today, though I'll see if there are any Wimbledon matches on shortly. Tomorrow, I'm going into the city to meet Vivian and see the Jane Austen exhibit at the Morgan. Very much looking forward to that - both the exhibit and the company!

I am several reviews behind, so may try to knock out a few this afternoon.

Books:
Currently reading Long Man on my Kindle and listening to The Old Place.

>230 katiekrug: we're waiting to see the F1 movie when it's streaming. I'm glad you mostly enjoyed it. Yesterday's race was excellent.

>231 lauralkeet: - Since it was filmed for IMAX, we decided to see it in that format, but other than being super loud, I didn't see anything special about it.

It was a great race, but I was sad Lewis didn't get his 13th (?) straight podium at Silverstone.

>232 katiekrug: Me too, but Nico getting his first podium after 239 starts was pretty cool too.

#89
The Rich People Have Gone Away by Regina Porter
Ebook (library loan)
4.5 stars

>234 katiekrug: Sounds like a really solid plague novel, Katie. Today's reviews are of the best books I've read in a fairly ~meh~ July, and one's about the AI plague. Gonna be a biiig month-end wrap up.

I'm starting to think loud is another way to assault us into submission...the louder something is the less I want to interact with it.

#90
Murder in an Irish Churchyard by Carlene O'Connor
Audiobook (library loan)
3.75 stars

Enjoy your time with Vivian and the exhibit. I would love to be there!

>226 katiekrug: Well, there's one I can take off my WL.

>236 katiekrug: I've been wondering about this series. I will give it a try.

>226 katiekrug: Wow! What a scam. I can't believe they got away with it to the point of a feature film starring Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs.

>226 katiekrug: Oooh, I've never heard of this book but I do love mess

>237 BLBera: - You can still make it, Beth! We postponed our outing for a little later in the summer. Check those airfares now!

No interest in The Rich People Have Gone Away? I think it might be one you'd like, but no pressure.

>238 curioussquared: - I know! I didn't realize there was a film coming out, and I definitely would have watched it because I love those two leads, but NOPE.

>239 norabelle414: - Me too :D

Change of plans for today. Vivian very kindly gave me an out to postpone our visit to the JA exhibit, since the heat index today is supposed to be over 100F, and she knows I hate the heat and humidity. We will find another date.

So I have no other plans for today, though I do need to figure something out for dinner...

Books:
I DNF'd Long Man because it was boring. In its place, I started Stillwater, which is also historical fiction and grabbed me right from the start. Still listening to The Old Place on audio.

>241 katiekrug: Not going out into 100° heat is *chef's kiss* in my eyes. It's not quite that hot on the real-feel here but hot enough. Summer is No Fun.

Wow -- 100 heat index -- AWFUL! We've been having the most blessed summer (supposed to be about 80 today, little humidity) -- maybe you should consider hopping on a plane 😁

Good call on the trip to the city, Katie. I'm glad you mentioned the exhibit, too. I'm not likely to make it but I passed it along to Kate in case she wasn't aware. We went en famille to a previous Austen exhibit at the Morgan, c. 2010. It was really well done.

ETA: days like today call for an entree salad. I'm making taco salad tonight.

#91
Roomies by CHristina Lauren
Paperback (library loan)
3.75 stars

>242 richardderus: - I need some ocean breezes over here, please!

>243 RebaRelishesReading: - Thankfully, this isn't the start of a heat wave and temps will be more moderate the rest of the week!

>244 lauralkeet: - I decided on this for dinner: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1023125-keema-shimla-mirch-ground-chicken-wi...

>246 katiekrug: I'll stand on the boardwalk and blow southwestward. We'll see how far it goes.

Oh, I'm so behind as usual on the threads that I haven't read any of this one, but just stopped by to say I read your post about All Fours and loved it. I haven't read the book, partly because of the performative nature of the author, as you mentioned. I may or may not read it, but it's not high on my TBR mountain.

>246 katiekrug: ooh yum!

>226 katiekrug: Wow! What a story! I had heard of The Salt Path and the film but this is unbelievable. It makes James Frey look like a decent guy. LOL. Glad to hear you thought the book reeked of B.S.

>247 richardderus: - It didn't go far ;-)

>248 ffortsa: - I wouldn't bother with it, Judy.

>249 lauralkeet: - It was great, Laura!

>250 msf59: - I had no idea the truth was so bad, Mark, but I did find some of what was included in the book to be sort of questionable...

It's Wednesday. Yesterday was gross weather-wise, but we managed to miss the worst of the storms in the evening while still benefiting from the lowering of temps and humidity. I made a new-to-us recipe for dinner and it was a big hit. Gift link: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1023125-keema-shimla-mirch-ground-chicken-wi...

It was really easy and delicious. Definitely going into the rotation...

Today, I have some errands to run, once The Wayne gets back from his dentist appointment. I don't think I've mentioned that Nuala has been nursing a sore leg, poor doggy. This happens occasionally when she gets a little too enthusiastic in her zoomies in the yard, usually with TW egging her on. She seems to be much better today, but I might cancel her day care reservation for tomorrow to ensure she doesn't overdo it. Playing trivia tonight.

Books:
Stillwater is an absolute delight. I'm a little over halfway through and it should be at least a 4.5 star read, unless something happens to annoy me. I might finish the audio of The Old Place today - depends how much tennis I watch...

>252 katiekrug: I was afraid of that....I'm pretty sure Nuala sent some of her leg-soreness to me as revenge for the humidity I didn't magically clear up. *ow* on the Achilles tendon.

The chicken dish sounds delish! I wish I could make it because my tastebuds lit up at the combo of cilantro and green peppers. Garam masala is always welcome, of course.

Enjoy your Wednesday!

>235 richardderus: A Journal of the Plague Year

>252 katiekrug: Saw that note and thought "oh yes, I have that in Mt TBR...must pull it out and read it soon". I went to said Mt. and found I have Still Life, not Stillwater so guess I'd better add that one to the list for the bookstore.

>226 katiekrug: eww. This is heartbreaking for everyone left in their destructive wake.

Katie! I’ve just learned the new season of University Challenge starts next week, July 14!! I wasn’t expecting new episodes until August. Woo hoo!

>226 katiekrug: Well, hell, I can cross that one off my list. How despicable!

>143 katiekrug: What scorching temperatures! I hope you are able to stay cool.

>150 katiekrug: I heard about this one and was unsure if it would be my thing. Your great review gave me a BB!

>245 katiekrug: I'm glad you mostly enjoyed that one. And I do know how you love a marriage of convenience. 😁

Hi Katie, I thought I'd seen a post from you yesterday but no, that was Wednesday. I hope things are okay at Casa Krug.

I hadn't realized it was so long since I visited, Katie, so just catching up a bit. Thanks for posting the article on the Walkers/The Salt Path. Guess I can skip that one, unless my book club manages to choose it and then only with a healthy dose of skepticism.

HI All - Thanks for your messages. I'm a bit under the weather (summer cold) and haven't slept well the past two nights, so I'm all foggy and out of it. I'll respond individually when I feel more the thing.

Happy weekend!

Hope you feel better soon, Katie!

Sorry about the lurgey, Katie. Take it easy 'til you're back to yourself.

Speedy recovery!

>263 katiekrug: Bummer!! Hope you get over it soon!

it sure is hot in your area, Katie. I think 82 F is hot. I hope you are soon feeling better.

>263 katiekrug: well that is a bummer indeed, Katie. Get well soon!

Get well soon, Katie!!

>253 richardderus: - Sorry about your Achilles. I hope it's feeling better by now!

>254 magicians_nephew: - Hi Jim.

>255 RebaRelishesReading: - I hope you can find a copy, Reba. It was a great read.

>256 AMQS: - Ew, indeed, Anne. I should note, in the interests of fairness, that she's posted a statement regarding the allegations on her website, which anyone can Google if interested...

>257 lauralkeet: - Let's see if I can actually follow through on the whole season, Laura! I do think it drags on a bit too long, tbh.

>258 Copperskye: - See my note to Anne, Joanne, in case you want to re-evaluate it. I didn't like the book anyway, and that may be coloring my reaction :)

>259 figsfromthistle: - Maphead is a fun read, Anita. I don't think you'd regret picking it up!

>260 MickyFine: - Oh, good. I'm glad you saw my shoutout to you!

>261 lauralkeet: - Thanks for checking on me, Laura!

>262 bell7: - Has it come up as a possible read for your book club, Mary? I certainly wouldn't suggest it, LOL.

Back later - gotta take The Wayne to the train...

>264 MickyFine: - Thanks, Micky! I think I'm on the mend.

>265 laytonwoman3rd: - Thank you, Linda. I am feeling better but not 100%.

>266 figsfromthistle: - Thanks, Anita!

>267 RebaRelishesReading: - Appreciate the good wishes, Reba.

>268 vancouverdeb: - Thanks, Deborah.

>269 lauralkeet: - I'm trying, Laura :)

>270 norabelle414: - Thanks, Nora!

Ok, I think I responded to everyone :)

As noted, I am feeling better but not 100%. The biggest issue is that I'm not sleeping well, so I have very little energy, which is annoying. I was a slug pretty much all weekend... IT didn't help that I wasn't feeling great on Friday but made myself keep a date with my BFF to visit the Frick Collection, which has recently re-opened after a major renovation. It was hot and sticky in the city, but most of the walking from the subway and then to lunch after the museum was in Central Park, so there was some shade. We had a nice time, but it wore me out. I spent a lot of time in front of the TV this weekend - watched Wimbledon, all of the series 'Four Seasons' on Netflix (meh), half of the new season of 'The Bear,' started the new season of 'The Gilded Age' and started (with TW) the new season of 'Quarterback.' I think there was some other stuff, too, but I can't remember.

I'm on my own this week, as TW is at an off-site with his company (it's just in Brooklyn, but he's spending the week there rather than commuting back and forth). I had big plans to tackle some house projects, but we'll see how my energy holds up.

Books:
I finished Stillwater and started The Seven Year Slip for book club this week, but I didn't love it so put it aside. In its place, I read The Secret Lives of Church Ladies for my other book club next week. It was very good. I've not started Meet Me in the Margins, which is a light read. On audio, I'm listening to Run for the Hills.

I hope you are feeling better, Katie. Enjoy your alone time. I've had Stillwater on my shelves for years. It sounds like I should dust it off and read it.

I really loved The Secret Lives of Church Ladies.

Have a good week.

>257 lauralkeet:, >271 katiekrug: I understand about UC, Katie. I like getting to know all the teams in the first round, but you could also just watch when you feel like it and then pay more attention in later rounds.

>271 katiekrug: no, it hasn't, though we get recommendations from all the participants and read a fair amount of memoirs. I have read a few books I wouldn't have otherwise this way 🙂

Enjoy your week on your own and hope you're back to 100% soon.

Happy Tuesday, Katie. I remember you being a William Trevor fan, am I correct? I finally started After Rain: Stories, which has languished on shelf forever. Hopefully this sparks me to read even more books by him. I decided to give "Shrinking" another try and we are both enjoying it. Glad I did this. Maybe I just wasn't in the mood the first time around and stopped after 2 eps.

>275 BLBera: - I actually thought of you while I was reading Stillwater, Beth, thanks to the Minnesota connection. It was a wonderful read; I hope you get to it soon.

>276 lauralkeet: - I also like comparing notes with you about it, Laura, so I probably will dip in and out. Thanks for letting me know it's starting soon!

>277 bell7: - Thanks for the good wishes, Mary!

>278 msf59: - HIya, Mark! Yep, I'm a Trevor fan, though I haven't read much of him. What I have, I've liked a lot :)

'Shrinking' hasn't called to me - glad you're enjoying it!

I was very glad to see the back of Monday. It was a terrible, horrible, no good, awful day!

1) I wasn't feeling great to begin with.
2) Really felt like poo by mid-morning.
3) TW texts to let me know he forgot to bring his meds; I think frantically how to get them to him without having to traipse into the city when it's disgustingly hot and humid, storms are on the way, and I'm sick.
4) Drive meds to our friend who was WFH yesterday but normally works in downtown Manhattan; he agreed to meet Wayne this morning to hand them over. Crisis averted.
5) Try to nap but can't. Ugh.
6) TW sends me alarmist texts about the expected storms and rain and flood warnings. Double ugh.
7) Spend time (remember, I'm sick!) outside deploying hoses from the auxiliary pumps in the basement to the storm drain in the street in case the basement floods.
8) Manage to lock myself out of the house.
9) Cry.
10) Remember our firends A&E have a key to our house from taking care of Leonard and THANKFULLY I do have my phone. Burst into tears when they arrive, driving through the heavy rain, with my key.
11) Veg in front of the television with rainbow sherbet, which I can't taste BECAUSE I'M SICK, and wait for the house to flood.
12) House does not flood. Go to bed, where it takes me 2+ hours of tossing and turning to fall asleep.

Hope today is better!

I'm skipping trivia this week, and I'm supposed to go to a dinner with TW's work tomorrow but I'm going to bail because dear God, I am so tired. I may bail on book club Thursday night, too. We'll see.

Well I'm glad your house didn't flood!! I'm sorry you had a bad day.

>280 katiekrug: {{{Katie}}}

Better day ahead, goddesses. Katie needs it.

>280 katiekrug: Oh, Katie....so mean of the Universe to dump on you like that! Richard has already sent word to the goddesses, so you should do better now. I'll just nod in their direction with a pointed expression, so they don't forget. (I think a lot of people had a bad day yesterday, so maybe the weather gods need a stern word as well.)

I thought of you when I read about the floods up your way Katie, and about TW being in the city with the 1 train flooding (even though I know he's in Brooklyn), and you being on your own and all that. It's enough to make ME cry, I can only imagine how stressful that was for you. I'm so glad you're both okay now and there was no flooding at home.

Today is bound to be better!

>280 katiekrug: You poor thing!! What a crappy day you had!! I definitely hope Tuesday treats you better.

Uggghhh, I'm so sorry you had such a crappy Monday. It can only go up from here, right?

>280 katiekrug: Revising my view of my crappy day upwards, as involved no floods, sickness or being locked out...

Oh that's a real Monday of a day. I am sorry and hope you feel better soon, and avoid flooding.

>280 katiekrug: That's just piling injury onto adversity, Katie. Surely things will get better. Take care of yourself.

I was amazed at how much the All Fours article relied on your input. You're a celebrity!

Sorry you had such a tough day . Wishing you better days ahead, Katie!

>281 norabelle414: - Thanks, Nora. I was glad the house didn't flood, too :)

>282 richardderus: - Hugs appreciated!

>283 laytonwoman3rd: - Perspective is important, Linda, and my day certainly wasn't as terrible as some, so I stopped feeling sorry for myself right quick!

>284 lauralkeet: - Tuesday was better, Laura. Thank goodness! And I watched the first ep of UC last night and it reminded me why I enjoyed the show :)

>285 RebaRelishesReading: - Thanks, Reba. Tuesday was indeed better.

>286 curioussquared: - Right you are, Natalie!

>287 charl08: - LOL, Charlotte. Happy to provide some perspective :)

>288 AMQS: - Of course it was a Monday, Anne. I should have expected it...

>289 Familyhistorian: - Thanks, Meg! "Celebrity" - ha!

>290 vancouverdeb: - Thanks much, Deborah!

You all were very kind to indulge my pity party yesterday. Tuesday was a pretty decent day. I finally got my hair cut - went to a new place and it was pretty good, so I'll probably go back. I treated myself to a bowl of mac and cheese for dinner while watching TV and felt very indulgent... Last night, I got a decent night's sleep for the first time in almost a week, which was delightful. Since I'm feeling better, though not 100%, I toyed with the idea of going into the city for TW's work thing, but we're under a heat advisory, and the journey in would take well over an hour and involve two waits on stupidly hot subway platforms, and I just don't think I'm up for it. I'm bummed because they are going to an excellent-looking Sicilian restaurant and then seeing a set at a jazz club :(

Viewing:
I finished up season 4 of 'The Bear.' I liked it better than s3 but I think I'm over it. Or I'm over Carmy. I like all the others :)

I'm caught up on 'The Gilded Age.' I forgot it's not released all at once, so I have to wait for this week's installment.

For my mindless 30 minute show, I'm watching 'Running Point.' It's mildly amusing in parts. And yay, sports!

For my next "serious" show, I think I'll star 'Adolescence,' which looks super dark but got excellent reviews.

Books:
I'm almost done with Meet Me in the Margins, which has been delightful and a perfect read for a foggy head. I've listened to none of my audio the past several days, but hope to change that today.

I also owe 3 reviews for completed books. Maybe that will happen today?

>291 katiekrug: UC: that was a surprisingly exciting episode wasn't it? I'm glad you enjoyed it.

Glad to see you're feeling more like yourself! Looking forward to the reviews. And YES to mac and cheese for dinner.

>293 lauralkeet: - I was shocked by that comeback!

>294 japaul22: - Thanks, Jennifer! Mac and cheese is very emotionally healing :)

#92
The Old Place by Bobby Finger
Audiobook (library loan)
3 stars

#93
Stillwater by Nicole Helget
Ebook (library loan)
5 stars

I'm sorry to hear your Monday was miserable but glad to hear things have improved since then. Hope you're keeping cool today and not having too much FOMO for TW's business dinner.

>296 katiekrug: Oooh, that one looks good. I'll add it to the List.

Glad to hear things are better after your rotten Monday. I did hear there was pretty extensive flooding in NJ and am glad to hear your house did not flood.

Very glad to hear that you dodged the latest flood bullet. The videos were really frightening.

>298 MickyFine: - The dinner sounded like fun, but I'm still glad I didn't go :)

>299 bell7: - Do you mean >297 katiekrug:, Mary?

The flooding was just a little south of us - too close for comfort, but what can you do?

>300 vivians: - Thanks, Vivian. Some of the videos were just unbelievable...

The Wayne is coming home today - hooray! He's hoping to leave around lunch time, so might be able to join me and the gang for bowling. I expect we'll go out for dinner or order in. I have no plans to cook. And he can catch me up on all the fun he had (and work he did...).

I had book club last night to discuss The Seven Year Slip, which I did not finish and nothing in the conversation made me regret that. But it was nice to be out and peopling after a very solitary week.

No major plans for the weekend...

On Wednesday night, I binged all 4 episodes of 'Adolescence,' which was very well done and disturbing. Anyone seen it?

Books:
I am almost finished with Stories from the Tenants Downstairs, and I have a couple of hours left in Run for the Hills, which has been great. The audio narrator (Marin Ireland) is *excellent.*

Sounds like you're feeling better. TW coming home will help too I'm sure. Hope you have a fun evening.

>301 katiekrug: Yes, yes I did. And that's actually the second time I messed up, it's edited because I originally reference >299 bell7: itself hahaha. I'm not going to fix it now :P

Too close for comfort indeed. So sorry but glad it missed your house. Hope you got a wonderful dinner along with The Wayne's homecoming.

I'm glad the Wayne is home and that you are feeling better, Katie. I always miss Dave when he goes away - which is not often - except for the day.

Sorry for your Monday, Katie. It sounds like the rest of the week was better. Stillwater goes on my "read soon" shelf. Great comments.

>303 RebaRelishesReading: - Thanks, Reba! It's lovely to have him home again.

>304 bell7: - Happens to the best of us, Mary :) Especially at the end of the week! Hope you have a great weekend.

>305 vancouverdeb: - Thanks, Deborah!

>306 BLBera: - I hope you like it as much as I did, Beth.

Time for a new thread, methinks...