MickyFine's 2025 Reads. Part 3

Portree, Isle of Skye (photo credit: Reading John on Flickr)

I'm Micky, 38 years old, librarian, and generally bookish nerd. I usually have a good mix of reads going on every year with strong doses of romance, sff, historicals, and a dash of non-fiction. I'm largely kicking around without any goals this year beyond a list of 12 books off my own shelves that I want to (re)read. We'll see where my reading mood takes me!

I do my best to be chatty on my own thread (these days I pop in weekly-ish) and in addition to my reading, I'll also discuss highlights of my craft projects (check out my NeedleArts thread if you like more details), board games, what we're watching, and general life goings on, often featuring my husband, Mr. Fine, and our two cats, Ash and Smee. Posters and lurkers alike are welcome.

This year's toppers will all be photos of Scotland in celebration of the fact that Mr. Fine and I are planning to go in the fall of 2025. I'm so excited!

January
1. Starter Villain - John Scalzi
2. I'm Afraid You've Got Dragons - Peter S. Beagle
3. First Comes Scandal - Julia Quinn
4. Northanger Abbey - Jane Austen (re-read)
5. Chilling Effect - Valerie Valdes
6. Blithe Spirit - Noel Coward (re-read)
7. People We Meet on Vacation - Emily Henry
8. Highly Irregular: Why Tough, Through, and Dough Don't Rhyme and Other Oddities of the English Language - Arika Okrent
9. Sense and Sensibility - Jane Austen (re-read)
10. The Great Dating Fake Off - Livy Hart
11. Just Like Heaven - Julia Quinn
Favourite(s):


February
12. You Sexy Thing - Cat Rambo
13. Nora Goes Off Script - Annabel Monaghan
14. One for the Books - Jenn McKinlay
15. All Things Bright and Beautiful - James Herriot
16. You, Again - Kate Goldbeck
17. The Well of Lost Plots - Jasper Fforde (re-read)
18. The Ornithologist's Field Guide to Love - India Holton
19. Hench - Natalie Zina Walschots
20. Emma - Jane Austen (re-read)
21. Yours From the Tower - Sally Nicholls
22. A Psalm for the Wild-Built - Becky Chambers
Favourite(s):


March
23. How Would You Like Your Mammoth?: 12,000 Years of Culinary History in 50 Bite-Size Essays - Uta Seeburg
24. Uprooted - Naomi Novik
25. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams (re-read)
26. Bringing Down the Duke - Evie Dunmore
27. Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow - Jessica Townsend (re-read)
28. A Prayer for the Crown-Shy - Becky Chambers
29. The Restaurant at the End of the Universe - Douglas Adams (re-read)
30. The Other Side of Disappearing - Kate Clayborn
31. No Ordinary Duchess - Elizabeth Hoyt
32. Incense and Sensibility - Sonali Dev
33. 84, Charing Cross Road - Helene Hanff
Favourite(s):

April
34. The Author's Guide to Murder - Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, and Karen White
35. Mansfield Park - Jane Austen (re-read)
36. On Book Banning - Ira Wells
37. Prime Deceptions - Valerie Valdes
38. Summer Knight - Jim Butcher
39. When the Moon Hits Your Eye - John Scalzi
40. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang: The Magical Car - Ian Fleming
41. The Bodyguard - Katherine Center
42. Great Big Beautiful Life - Emily Henry
43. The Body in the Library - Agatha Christie (re-read)
44. Wundersmith: The Calling of Morrigan Crow - Jessica Townsend (re-read)
Favourite(s):


May
45. Everything Is Tuberculosis - John Green
46. Eight Perfect Murders - Peter Swanson
47. Into the Woods - Jenny Holiday
48. Forever Young - Hayley Mills
49. The Seven Measures of the World - Piero Martin
50. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue - V.E. Schwab (re-read)
51. The Darcy Myth - Rachel Feder
52. Summer Reading - Jenn McKinlay
53. A Wizard's Guide to Defensive Baking - T. Kingfisher (re-read)
54. Othello - William Shakespeare (re-read)
55. Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays the Rent - Judi Dench with Brendan O'Hea
Favourite(s):


June
56. Earls Trip- Jenny Holiday
57. Vera Wong's Guide to Snooping (on a Dead Man) - Jesse Q. Sutanto
58. The Secret Garden - Frances Hodgson Burnett (re-read)
59. Hollowpox: The Hunt for Morrigan Crow - Jessica Townsend (re-read)
60. Silverborn: The Mystery of Morrigan Crow - Jessica Townsend
61. Fault Tolerance - Valerie Valdes
62. Home - Julie Andrews
63. Soulless - Gail Carriger (re-read)
Favourite(s):

July
64. The Odyssey - Stephen Fry
65. Changeless - Gail Carriger (re-read)
66. Blameless - Gail Carriger (re-read)
67. The Son of Neptune - Rick Riordan
68. Heartless - Gail Carriger (re-read)
69 Timeless - Gail Carriger (re-read)
70. Untitled - Undisclosed
71. Home Work - Julie Andrews
72. Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil
Favourite(s):


August
73. Don't Trust Fish - Neil Sharpson
74. Manic Pixie Dream Earl - Jenny Holiday
75. Death Masks - Jim Butcher
76. The Canterville Ghost - Oscar Wilde (re-read)
77. Temple of Swoon - Jo Segura
78. Doctor Who: The Resurrection Casket - Justin Richards
79. A Stitch in Time - Kelley Armstrong
80. Peter Pan - J.M. Barrie (abridged by Martin Jarvis)
81. Role Playing - Cathy Yardley
82. Enough is Enuf - Gabe Henry
83. The Princess Diaries - Meg Cabot (re-read)
Favourite(s):


September
84. The Enchanted Greenhouse - Sarah Beth Durst
85. Princess in the Spotlight - Meg Cabot (re-read)
86. A Place for Everything: The Curious History of Alphabetical Order - Judith Flanders
87. What If? Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions (10th anniversary edition - Randall Munroe
88. Princess in Love - Meg Cabot (re-read)
89. Macbeth - William Shakespeare (re-read)
90. Cabin Pressure Season 1 - John Finnemore (re-read)
91. Cabin Pressure Season 2 - John Finnemore (re-read)
92. Cabin Pressure Xmas Special - John Finnemore (re-read)
93. Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice - Katie Cicatelli-Kuc
Favourite(s):

October
Favourite(s):

November
Favourite(s):

December
Favourite(s):

My rating system:

/ = Ran screaming in the other direction (aka did not finish)
* = Suffered through it for reasons I'm still not sure of
** = Had far more flaws than virtues
*** = A read I don't regret but could use some improvement
**** = A good, solid read that I might revisit
***** = Loved it beyond reason and will probably re-read in short order

Last year, I set a list of 12 books off my own shelf to (re)read and that went so well, I'm doing it again this year. I'll be aiming for one a month but we'll see how it goes.

From My Shelves
Soulless (re-read)
Caliban's War
Bringing Down the Duke
The Well of Lost Plots (re-read)
Just Like Heaven
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue (re-read)
Blackout (re-read)
All Clear (re-read)
Anne of Green Gables (re-read)
Making It So
Star Trek Picard: Last Best Hope (abandoned)
Summer Knight

Welcome to the new thread. Grab a cool beverage and settle in for some excellent summer reading.

For an opening chat, tell me if your library has a summer reading program for adults, if you're participating, and/or what book you're looking forward to diving into this summer.

Both my work library and home library have summer reading programs for adults. My work library also has one just for staff (obviously staff are not eligible for prizes for the public so our staff appreciation team runs one for us). The work program (which has the same rules as the one for the general public( is based around hours read and completing tasks from a list. To submit a form, you have to read 7 hours and do 2 tasks (the hours are easy, the tasks aren't too bad since they include things like using some of our online resources, reading Canadian authors, etc.). You can submit multiple forms over the course of the summer. Prizes for the staff program are gift cards for local independent coffee shops (as a non-imbiber of caffeine I'm a little bummed there aren't other options).

My home library system has four different activities for adults that earn entries in the weekly summer reading prize draws. They have a weekly "book in jar" in which they have quotes from popular titles taped to a jar and you have to determine the title (these are generally pretty easy). There's also a weekly creative task (this week is a colouring sheet). New this year is using prompts provided by the library to pick books (although there's pretty low accountability here as you just have to say you're going to do the prompts and don't have to list titles). And as every year, you also get entries for rating and reviewing in the library catalogue (for library insiders, it's a Bibliocommons catalogue so that stuff is easy to track). Typically the prizes are gift cards/certificates to one of the local farmers markets (there are three in our 'burb). Because I review so many books, I usually end up winning one of the weekly draws every year. #librarynerd

Happy new thread, Micky!

>1 MickyFine: This month's SMITHSONIAN magazine has a feature on Scotland's Dry Walls!

New-thread orisons, Canada Day lady. I hope your gift from the goddesses is a sudden plunge to 20C overnight.

Happy new thread and happy Canada Day, Micky!

Both the library where I work and the library where I live has a summer reading program for adults. I decided to join the one where I live since I am eligible for prizes haha. They are logging days reading, which is easy peasy for me, as it is a rare day that I do not read. I believe there are raffles, but I have not figured out how/when I get tickets or any of the details. Must investigate this week... There are also programs that we can get credit for, and I have signed up for two to make myself go lol.

Happy new thread, Micky!

Seattle Public Library is no longer my home library system since we moved, but I think I am still eligible for their Summer Book Bingo since I have a card under their reciprocal agreement with my own system. You can win prizes (looks like a tote bag) based on completing a bingo, or one of the grand prizes if you complete a blackout, which usually include tickets to a Seattle Arts & Lectures series and a gift card to an indie book store. Anyway, I'm playing for fun, not to win :) I always go for a blackout. Bingo card available here: https://www.spl.org/Seattle-Public-Library/documents/books-media/book-bingo/Adul...

My new home library system does not have a summer reading program for adults, unfortunately :(

Happy new one, Micky!

My local library doesn't have a summer reading program, but they do so a summer raffle where every time to check out a book, you get a raffle ticket which is entered to win various prizes (mostly gift cards) from local businesses.

I also have digital access to the NYPL, and I think they have a summer reading program but I haven't explored it.

Re: your previous thread, I'm also planning a Gail Carriger reread* once I'm done with Thursday Next

* I own many of the Parasol Protectorate novellas that I haven't read so it will be a mixed reread and new-read adventure

>8 MickyFine: I'm a cardholder at ... 5 local libraries, all of which have adult summer reading programs. I usually only participate in the library I'm actually a resident of. I've mentioned this elsewhere already but the goal is 30 non-consecutive days of reading starting on June 1, which means I've already finished. The prize is a button (they design a new one every year), a coupon for one free book from the book sale shelf (which I always immediately forget I have), and being entered in a raffle for some baseball tickets (I always decline to enter).

However, this year I am also entering another library's adult summer reading program because the prize is a raffle of a huge Lego set of Katsushika Hokusai's The Great Wave and I really want it. The goal for that one is to read 6 books so I have also already completed it lol.

Happy new thread, Mickey!

I'm sure the library I live near has a reading program of some kind, but I haven't investigated.

As for the one i volunteer at in my hometown, it has both a child and adult summer reading program. I've seen both adults and children come and claim prizes for hours read, including free books, bags, and pins. What's cool is they have two carts for the free books. One is adult fiction and the other young adult, and people can pick from whichever. The YA cart has a lot of graphic novels and, very recently, I saw my beloved Junji Ito on that cart.

I should probably look at the one in my current city, I know, but I'm quiet biased, lol.

Edit: I I think at some point I just wanna re-read Fahrenheit 451 again, like I did last year, and that's the book I'm looking forward to.

Checking in on your new thread, Micky! I hope you have a wonderful Wednesday!

I really need to re-read Gail Carringer too. . .

Happy new thread! From your last thread, I added the Julie Andrews memoir to my Libby TBR (I keep my audiobook TBR there, and select from whatever's available when I need a new book to listen to.)

My library does Summer Reading for all ages, as well. Ours is based on days read, with prizes at 10, 25, and 40. The adult prizes this year are a stylus pen, a little notebook thingy with sticky tabs, and a book light. There are also grand prize drawings for various gift cards and such, but as an employee I am not eligible for those, of course.

Happy new thread, Micky!

I knew the public library had a summer reading program for kids, but I didn't know about adults, so I went to check. It turns out their summer reading program is for all ages. You can read whatever you want and complete their reading tracker. After reading a certain number of books, you color in a star and you can go to the library and pick up a small prize (button or sticker or extra raffle entry). There's a reward for completing the tracker. They've got a theme (this year is "color our world"), and there are suggested reading lists of books related to the theme for different age groups. But you don't have to read from their lists. Every time you visit the library you get an entry into the reward raffle. I don't see what the rewards for completing the tracker or raffle prize is though.

Happy new thread, Micky!

My library system has a summer reading program for all ages, and there's an added incentive for schools: schools that increase the number of finishers are entered into a drawing to win $800 for the school library. Not sure if you can choose a school for the adult programs because (*shhhh) I don't participate. In my defense, I am allergic to tracking reading minutes. Sucks the joy out of reading, for me at least, and it always has for the girls. Which is why, when they had teachers who required reading logs, we happily made it up every week because they were definitely reading, and reading way more than the requirement!

I need to get over it, I know. There are prizes for all ages (I promote it heavily at school), and reaching the reading minute goal for the district also benefits our local animal shelter. Over the past few years, the library has added more and more non-reading activities to the ways to earn points.
https://jeffcolibrary.org/summer-challenge/

>20 AMQS: A couple of days ago I decided to try reading tracking on Storygraph. I haven't done it before, so I have no idea if I get obsessive about it or drop it after a very short time.

>21 quondame: I'm interested to see what you think. My library system has a tracking app called Beanstack, but not sure how it works, other than it's supposed to be very easy. Our school looked into it for our own summer learning/prevent summer slide messaging, but the version of Beanstack that integrates with the library's account, plus offers tracking and gameification, etc was jaw-droppingly expensive. Even, or maybe especially for our little school, which would not have very many licenses.

My daughter is using Storygraph and describes it as "Gen-Z LibraryThing." LOL.

>9 quondame: Thanks, Susan.

>10 m.belljackson: I looked at the article through my library's Libby magazines collection. Very cool!

>11 richardderus: Thanks, RDear. Well, we're down to 20ish as the high today, so at least it wasn't a long heat wave.

>12 bell7: Ooh days reading is nice. Good luck in the raffle, Mary!

>13 curioussquared: Seattle's bingo looks fun!

>14 katiekrug: The raffle sounds like a good time, Katie. Love that they're supporting local businesses with the prizes.

>15 norabelle414: Yay for a Gail Carriger re-read. I'm really enjoying mine so far. Also, pretty sweet that you've completed both of the summer reading challenges. Good luck in the draw for the Lego set. That one is beautiful.

>16 Ravenwoodwitch: Sounds like a great summer reading program, Angela. And I hope your reread of Fahrenheit 451 is excellent.

>17 alcottacre: Thanks, Stasia! I'm sure you'll throughly enjoy the reread whenever you get to it.

>18 foggidawn: I'm positive you'll enjoy the Julie Andrews memoir, Foggi. I like your library's approach to summer reading.

>19 atozgrl: Sounds like a fun program, Irene!

>20 AMQS: I'm not great at tracking reading time either. I usually do a rough estimate for my work program, lol.

>21 quondame: I've poked at Storygraph but I don't love feeding all my reading data to an AI so I haven't joined.

>22 AMQS: Ah, Beanstack. In my experience it's pricy for everyone (they pitch to my work library regularly).

>22 AMQS: I'm in Storygraph for the stats graphics! It's a bit easier to add a book than LT - just type in the title and click on the match, then choose reading status and owned if that's applicable.
For lots of books with barcodes I think adds to LT are easier, but all the details still have to get entered either way. LT is easier to enter multiple read dates and to change entry details.

First life update of July.

Last weekend we went to church as usual, which ran pretty long. In the afternoon we went for a walk and played Duel for Middle Earth, which is a very fun two-player game if you're a LOTR fan. There was also crafting and reading time. Sunday morning (after getting up early to power through cleaning) my friend, A, came over for our monthly hang out. We had breakfast and chatted and then the three of us played Mario Kart World for a while, which was a lot of fun. In the afternoon Mr. Fine and I tackled some outdoor chores. In the evening Mr. Fine had a couple friends over and they played a board game and some Mario Kart.

I took a week of vacation this week with the primary goal of painting the trim around our garage, front door, and back door as it was starting to look pretty rough. Monday and a tiny bit of Tuesday were spent fighting with stripping the old paint. Wednesday and Thursday I put on coats of primer and Friday I painted. There are plenty of flaws in the job but it's done so yay. I took myself out for ice cream Friday evening as a reward for completing the project (I brought Mr. Fine along too, lol). We tried a new to us ice cream shop and I had dark cherry lemon curd ice cream, which was quite tasty.

My staycation wasn't just the painting project, happily. Canada Day on Tuesday was pretty lovely. After tackling some sanding for the painting project, Mr. Fine and I went for a walk before it got too hot and happened to see the Air Force jet as it did its flyover. We popped out to the store to get some chips for dinner and they were giving away free (small) pieces of cake for the holiday so of course I had some. We assembled some Lego in the afternoon, had barbecue for dinner, and the day was largely chill and relaxing.

This week, I also put together my cover letter and resume for the job application I mentioned in my last update. It's been six years since I last refreshed my resume so it took some time to get things in order.

Despite being off all week, I didn't really spend any extra time crafting. The crochet sweater got all of my attention this week as I continue to work on the second sleeve.

On the viewing front, I'm on to season 7 of Gilmore Girls as my show I put on while crafting (this week I was also watching it when I took lunch breaks). Our Friday night movie was Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.

I did finish two books this week but only owe a review for one. I'll get that up at some point today.

Happy new thread, Mickey!

>29 drneutron: Thanks, Jim!

I'm getting slower, Micky, but a slightly belated happy new thread.

>28 MickyFine: A lovely-sounding week, Micky. The resume-freshening has to be the most involving part. "I've done all THIS?!"

Sending hugs for a good week to come.

>31 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Paul!

>32 richardderus: Thanks, RDear. I appreciate the new week well wishes.

Happy new thread, Micky!

>34 Familyhistorian: Thanks, Meg.

Let's see if I can remember everything I got up to this past week. It's been a pretty full one.

Last weekend, Mr. Fine had a hang out session on Saturday morning with our friend M plus M's kiddo. I had breakfast with them and then went to church. In the afternoon, Mr. Fine and I played some board games (Finspan and Dice Throne), we went for a walk, and in the evening we assembled some Lego and played some Mario Kart. On Sunday, Mr. Fine had a date with H to go see the new live action How To Train Your Dragon (the series was one that they shared a love of when she was growing up), so we were up early to get cleaning out of the way before he left. I then did some more cleaning and got in a workout while Mr. Fine was gone. When he got home, we ended up doing runs both to the recycling station (we have curbside pickup for most recyclables except glass) and to the bottle depot. Both weren't too busy since it was drizzly to rainy most of the day. Afterwards we played a game of Duel for Middle Earth before dinner and usual evening viewing.

Work this week was spent catching up on tasks from my week off (the customer suggestions just keep on coming no matter what). I did another round of edits on my report and I think it's mostly (?) done now. I also returned to the official news that our current temporary manager (for those keeping score, this is our second temp manager since my permanent manager started her 18-month maternity leave) is being sent back to branch land earlier than initially planned, which is completely cool with me. One of our associate managers will be acting manager until my permanent manager returns from her maternity leave at the beginning of September. I also ordered a ton of October titles early in the week, which is always a big chunk of money spent.

My experiment to see whether I could get an interview for a manager level job panned out. I had a phone call on Wednesday inviting me to a first round interview via Zoom on Thursday morning. Happily, this organization provided all the questions in advance so after mowing the lawn at my parents' place on Wednesday evening (I've been housesitting while they're out of town this week), I put together my notes for answers and also my own questions for the interview committee. I then did the interview on my lunch break from work on Thursday. I think it went ok but the committee was pretty stoic so it was hard to get a good read. I should hear early next week if I've made it to the second round of interviews, which will be held early August. I can honestly say I'm fine whether I move on or not. I was just chuffed to be selected for an interview and appreciated the practice for my interview skills.

After work on Friday, since my parents are out of town, I did a quick visit with my grandmother and dropped off some things my mom would usually take on her weekly visits. Afterwards, we headed to see our friends M&A for dinner and game night to celebrate M's birthday. All of that meant a lot of driving on major roadways during rush hour (blergh!) but I did get through almost all of the first act of Hamilton while driving, so that made it more fun. We had banh mi for dinner from a local pub in their 'burb (very tasty and the first time I've encountered them with fresh jalapenos in the sandwich) and played Dice Throne Adventure as M's birthday game of choice. When we got home, I was still a little wired as I'd had a cup of black tea in the morning to make sure I'd be awake for the celebrations and gaming after a 5 am wake up (I am super caffeine sensitive and one cup of black tea usually keeps me awake 10-12 hours). So I finished a book before turning off my light.

On the crafting front, I am SO CLOSE to finishing my sweater. I've got ~20 rows left on the second sleeve and then it'll be on to blocking (I've mostly woven in ends as I went along). I spent a little bit of time also tackling the cross-stitch project this week so it's grown a bit more.

I've completed two books this and still owe a review from the previous week, so stay tuned. Those should appear here soon.

Book 64

Book 65



Changeless - Gail Carriger

After re-reading the first book, I decided to jump into a re-read of the whole series.

Book 66



Blameless - Gail Carriger

It's been so long since I re-read this series I was initially confused as to why major Paris landmarks are on the cover when all I could remember is that it involved Alexia going to Italy. Rest assured, there is some Paris content and it's not just bad cover design. It remains a delight revisiting this series.

Congratulations on getting the interview, Micky! I hope you advance to the next round but I also appreciate how it's valuable just having a chance to learn from the interview experience.

>40 lauralkeet: ^^^what she said

Happy week-ahead's reads, Micky!

Thank you, Laura and Richard. I appreciate the well wishes.

Congrats on the interview!

And hope you'll share photos of the sweater when it's finished. Those longer projects are very satisfying when they're complete, aren't they?

>43 bell7: Thanks, Mary!

There will absolutely be photos when the sweater is complete. 😊

Glad to see you're keeping busy, Micky!

Congrats on the interview! I hope it goes well :)

That's so exciting, Micky! When I was looking at HS positions I only got one interview, but I thought it was a really good experience after not having done it is a long time.

>45 katiekrug: Thanks, Katie. Hope you're feeling better!

>46 curioussquared: Thanks, Natalie!

>47 AMQS: Thanks, Anne. It's always great to get some practice in and get your feet wet, even if it's not successful. Wishing you much luck if you're still doing applications.

Nice to get another interview under your belt. Will they give you feedback on how you did?

>49 Familyhistorian: Generally in my experience they'll give it if you ask for it, if they don't offer it straight up in their response.

Book 67

Book 68



Heartless - Gail Carriger (re-read)

Does it slightly beggar belief that Alexia gets up to such levels of madcap adventure while eight months pregnant? Sure, but the romp is fun all the same.

Rating: ****

The weekly life update starts now.

Last Saturday we went to church as usual after which I dropped off Mr. Fine at the gym and did one last check on my parents' place. I spent the afternoon mostly on LT but I did get some reading in too. In the evening we finished assembling the latest Lego set: the Balrog book nook, which will be going on Mr. Fine's shelves. Sunday we did the usual cleaning and then went for a matinee showing of the new Superman, which was pretty enjoyable (and Mr. Fine, my resident DC comics nerd, loved it). On Monday, I played hooky for the first time in my life for A's birthday. We and our spouses went out for breakfast and pedicures, then played board games (Village Green for A and me, Dice Throne for the gents), briefly went out for lunch, then played Really Loud Librarians as a group before M&A left to pick up their kiddo from daycare.

Work this week was uneventful. I ordered things and made progress on a few projects. One of my friends at work interviewed successfully for a temp manager position at another branch and while I'm delighted for her, I'm also a little bummed that I'll see her much less for the next year. I have heard nothing this week about the results of my own interview, even after reaching out on Friday afternoon (which the hiring committee said to do if I hadn't heard by the end of the week) so you'll have to wait another week for news on that front.

I finished crocheting the sweater yesterday! I have a few ends to weave in but I'll be blocking it today and then it's done. Huzzah! Didn't touch cross-stitch at all this week while powering through the last bit of sweater.

On the viewing side of things, we started season 2 of Poldark and finished season 7 of The X-Files. Might use a skip/watch guide for the last few seasons of the latter because I know it gets super uneven/weird from here on out. Our Friday night movie was my pick of The Princess Diaries 2, which I liked bits of as a teen but was aware is far inferior to the first movie. Mr. Fine's face of baffled annoyance during the mattress surfing scene was amazing and made the rewatch utterly worth it.

Not that anyone pays much attention to my library here on LT specifically, but the recent discussion on Mary's thread prompted me to think again about my system for my TBR. I had been keeping it on GoodReads but moved it to LT at the end of last year when I decided to delete my GR account. However, quirks of LT makes it harder for me to select things off my TBR the way I like to. I generally use a random number generator while giving myself permission to pick again if a title isn't what I'm feeling or I get too many of the same genre (when picking a few books). So I've moved the TBR again to a spreadsheet in my Google drive and I think that will suit me and my systems better. Fascinating stuff, I know. 😝

I finished two books this week and have already posted comments about them. Woo!

>53 MickyFine: Hahaha I have to laugh because I keep my TBR on a Google spreadsheet. Welcome to the dark side! (I say, because it's rather daunting knowing that I want to read over 3,000 titles...).

Part of that same discussion also prompted me to add some audiobooks to my "wishlist" in Libby so that I'm not scrambling for an e-book/audio combo to read every time I finish out (finding a book I want to read available in audio is the hard part). I only added a couple dozen so I don't get completely overwhelmed with choice but should have plenty that are currently available.

Oh, and congrats on finishing the sweater!

Congratulations on finishing your sweater, Micky!
I suspect LTers could talk for hours about the myriad ways we manage our libraries. I find it endlessly fascinating.

Happy weekend, Micky!

Can't wait to see your finished sweater.

Like Laura, I am fascinated by the different ways we all organize our books and lists...

>53 MickyFine: Finishing a sweater seems like the kind of accomplishment that ought to occasion celebration.

Woo-hoo!

*smooch*

>54 bell7: Yikes! My TBR hovers between 150 and 200 generally. However I do have 90ish audiobooks in my for later list in Libby too, lol. And thanks on the sweater front!

>55 lauralkeet: Thanks, Laura. I should have known this was a crowd who would find library organization interesting.

>56 katiekrug: Thanks, Katie. Hopefully there will be photos next week at the latest.

>57 richardderus: Thanks, RDear. *smooch*

Yay, congrats on finishing your sweater! My TBR is a chaotic mess, Im afraid. I have many, many physical books I have picked up over the years, which I refer to as "in the pile" but are actually in the library we built in the basement (organized in a system that makes sense only to me... books I've read and want to keep are there, too), and crammed into a bookcase in my bedroom willy-nilly (only books I have not read). Then there are various notebooks plus the notes app on my phone where I keep track of LT recommendations, and then the long audiobook wishlist on Boundless, which my library is phasing out and switching to Libby. We've been warned that the wishlists will not transfer over *sob*

>59 AMQS: Sigh, the loss of a TBR list anywhere is such a pain. Can you get any kind of spreadsheet out of Boundless to make the transition to Libby easier? Or are you stuck taking screenshots or notes?

As promised, a photo of the completed sweater.



Pattern: Bridgette Ballet Neck
Designer: Courtney A. Clark (@ilovetinderbox on Instagram)
Yarn: Hedgehog Fibres Sock in Cheeky
Hook: 3.75 mm

Checking in & sending good thoughts for your application and interview.

I've been contemplating the Goodreads shift, because ugh Amazon and I only use GR now to maintain my TBR. But I have accustomed my habits to it, and other tools make me say "But how would I ____ ?". Someday, though ... Congratulations and envy on making the leap.

>61 MickyFine: What a dream! An impressionistic garden to my eye!

>62 swynn: Thanks, Steve. It was relatively painless to transition both times but as mentioned above my TBR isn't too unwieldy in terms of numbers so that made it easier. If you ever do decide to abandon the GR ship, I wish you much luck and the perfect fit for your TBR elsewhere. :)

>63 quondame: Thanks, Susan. You're the second person to see flower-ish shapes in the abstract patterns from this speckled yarn. :)

Pretty sweater!

>61 MickyFine: Gorgeous!!

>61 MickyFine: Very pretty!

Aww, thanks, Katie, Natalie, and Mary!

Another week, another life update.

Last Saturday was a largely rainy affair and I had a chill morning at home with Mr. Fine, having breakfast and watching a sermon online. In the afternoon he went to a gaming tournament with a friend and I spent my afternoon blocking my sweater, playing Botany in solo mode, and reading. Our evening was pretty chill with a game of Disney's Villainous that we abandoned partway through (we were deciding on expansions we wanted to remove from our collection) and then some Mario Kart. Sunday I was very slow to get out of bed but did get in both regular chores and a workout. In the late afternoon we went to a friend's place so Mr. Fine and his group could have their monthly board game meetup and then we all had a barbecue afterwards. My friend A and I hung out on the deck while the guys were playing, largely doing our own thing as she'd had a very full weekend and needed some introvert time (and I am always happy to respect introvert time). It was pretty lovely.

Work this week was not too exciting. I had a couple meetings, put together a brief update report on the project I'm leading (do I think it's weird to issue an update when the baseline report was just approved two weeks ago? I'm sure you can guess). I had some fun this week diving into ordering some new easy readers for our English language learning collection (the only time I really get to order fiction). I also received notice on Wednesday that I did not make the short list for the job I interviewed for a few weeks ago. I was not at all disappointed as the answers to my questions I had going in to the first interview were a good indicator the job wasn't a fit for me. Also on Wednesday, Mr. Fine came down with the flu so he was lounging on various couches while I worked from home on Thursday and Friday. So far *touch wood* I have managed not to catch it.

Also on Wednesday I joined the many millennials delighted at the news that Joshua Jackson and Katie Holmes are working on romantic film trilogy together. Pacey and Joey forever! (I feel like someone around here will probably share my joy, and if not, well *shrug*)

After completing the sweater last week, did I devote tons of crafting time to cross-stitch? Nope. I did not touch it. I instead started a toque, frogged it after a few rows because it was coming out smaller than I needed, and started said toque over again. I'm pleased with how it's looking so far and am making it with the intention of bringing it to Scotland if the forecast is on the chilly side (because from what I can tell the forecasts there are as variable in the fall as they are in my neck of the woods, just with more rain).

Friday night we had time for a double feature and watched Blue Beetle (a solid superhero flick) and Thoroughly Modern Millie (Julie Andrews flick picked up due to listening to her second book). The latter is very silly and the villains are decidedly racist stereotypes (think half a step up from Mickey Rooney in Breakfast at Tiffany's), but Julie Andrews and Mary Tyler Moore are very charming for all that. Not one I regret watching but I won't be revisiting either. No changes in the rest of our viewing rotation.

I finished two books this week but one will get no review here as I was beta reading a friend's manuscript and am not allowed to disclose anything about it. I'll probably put a place holder post in for it, just so that I don't throw off my own count. :)

Book 69



Timeless - Gail Carriger (re-read)

Alexia and crew go off to Egypt to solve a mystery. Many dramatic events ensue.

A solid end to this series and I'm glad I opted to revisit it

Book 70

Untitled - Undisclosed

This is where I blushingly confess I never watched Dawson's Creek...

Sounds like a lovely week all around, except for Mr. Fine getting sick (here's hoping you stay well!). Thanks for keeping us up to date on the job you interviewed for - I won't be sorry you didn't get the next round since you were able to determine it wasn't a good fit. Here's to having/finding a job that is!

>72 bell7: Oh! Pacey and Joey from that show! TYVM for the hint.

>69 MickyFine: I last saw Thoroughly Modern Millie in the Americana Theatre on North Loop in Austin in 1969. Not likely to go out of my way to find it after your deeply unmoved response.

Lovely week-ahead's doins, Micky me deario. Not getting the job sounds like a good thing, why leave comfort and usefulness for ill-fitting dentures writ large?

I wasn't a devoted Dawson's Creek watcher but Pacey and Joey were my favorites 🙂

>69 MickyFine: I don't usually love teen show pairings (*cougheveryoneonveronicamars*) but Joey and Pacey are a pretty great one.

I have never seen Thoroughly Modern Millie but I think the book was updated to be a bit less racist in 2002 for the production Sutton Foster won a Tony for and then it was going to be updated again by Lauren Yee (who I really like) in spring 2020 but that was canceled for obvious reasons.

>69 MickyFine: I'm sorry to hear about the job, Micky, but it sounds like it worked out for the best for everyone if it was not a fit for you. I hope that Mr. Fine is feeling better, and that you have stayed well.

I remember going to the movie theater to watch "Thoroughly Modern Millie" when it came out, and also remember that it was pretty silly. I was too young to notice the racist stereotypes then, but I don't doubt that they are there. Unfortunately, there was a lot of that at the time.

Interesting about your friend's manuscript! I hope it was good.

I'm sorry the job process stalled out, but then again you've decided it's not the best fit for you so maybe that's a good thing overall. You learned something and gained some useful interviewing experience, both of which will serve you well.

I'm sorry to hear Mr. Fine caught the flu! Not what one expects in the summer...

I'd say too bad about the job but it sounds like it wouldn't have worked for you anyway, so no harm no foul :)

>72 bell7: No blush required, Mary. It's very of its time but I'm fond of it.

My current job is definitely one I'm content to stay in until retirement, so I'm lucky on that front.

>73 richardderus: Lovely to see you, RDear. I'm delighted you have such strong memories of where and when you saw Thoroughly Modern Millie. I'd imagine the spectacle of it would have been fun on the big screen.

>74 katiekrug: Pacey and Joey are The Best and my love for Joshua Jackson is longstanding.

>75 norabelle414: I'm sure the updated Broadway version would have been a ton of fun.

>76 atozgrl: I can't say much about the manuscript (signed an NDA since it's still in draft form) but beta reading can be quite fun.

>77 lauralkeet: It was an excellent experience for me and really confirmed that management isn't something I really want to pursue (at least right now).

>78 katiekrug: I know, right? Initially we thought it was a summer cold but then he had a couple bouts of fever. 🤷‍♀️ I continue to be symptom free thankfully.

Micky, I am sorry about the job. WE had talked about how the experience of the application and the interview were beneficial to us both - hopefully that will put you in a great position when the next opportunity comes along.

>79 MickyFine: It was what happened later...got very very ill, like my friends from whatever snack we ate. Oh my god so sick. Fixed it in my memory forever. The film itself I can't remember at all, surprisingly.

>61 MickyFine: I love it!

>69 MickyFine: Sorry to hear that Mr Fine came down with the flu and hope that you do not!

Have a terrific Tuesday!

>81 AMQS: Thanks, Anne.

>82 richardderus: Oof, that is not a great reason for it to be memorable.

>83 alcottacre: Thanks, Stasia. He's largely over it now (just a lingering cough) and I seem to have managed to evade the virus. Yay!

Life update time!

Last Saturday, despite sounding quite rough, Mr. Fine had his monthly gaming hang out with our friend, M. They had breakfast and then spent a few hours playing board games. As I was unwilling to be up quite so early, I hurkle-durkled for a while and then made my own breakfast. While they played I finished my friend's manuscript. After M left, Mr. Fine and I went for a walk. Our afternoon and evening were very chill as Mr. Fine was still pretty tired from fighting his bug.

On Sunday I was up early to get through all my cleaning chores and bill things. I then met up with my friend, A, for our monthly hang out. This month we mixed things up and went to see a production of Legally Blonde The Musical at the local professional theatre. We got to the theatre super early as there was both construction and a festival happening nearby, so we had drinks and an appetizer at the restaurant in the theatre. We were seated in their "speakeasy" section and the decor was delightful (lots of old books, a giant safe, and tables that had images of old programs inlaid). The show was fantastic and we were delighted that you could meet (and take a picture) with the chihuahua playing Bruiser during intermission. A really excellent afternoon out.

Work this week was fine, if a little boring. Even I can get tired of scrolling through books to purchase. However, I did get a bit of fun putting together a list of librarian-focused books and films/TV as a tie-in for our annual big fundraiser.

Date night this week was planned to follow my bangs trim appointment. However, I mixed up the dates (or they did when entering?), so no trim. We did pop by the farmer's market after sorting that out and then went to one of our favourite pubs for dinner. I had a hankering for ice cream so we stopped at DQ after and I had a blizzard.

I did get a bit of cross-stitch in this week but mostly spent crafting time on my toque, which is a few rows away from completion. Haven't decided if I want to add a pom-pom to it yet and I'm not sure what crochet project I want to tackle next.

On the viewing front, we FINALLY finished Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. While Mr. Fine and I both love TNG, DS9 was not our thing and other than one episode (the one where they time travel to the original series episode with tribbles), I doubt we'll ever revisit it. All our other shows are ticking along. Our Friday night movie was Mr. Fine's pick of Young Frankenstein. Neither of us had seen it before and while we had a decent time (my favourite joke was the "How I Did It" book by Victor Frankenstein), it won't be a Mel Brooks film we rewatch like Spaceballs or Robin Hood: Men in Tights.

I finished two books this week and I'll probably get reviews up at some point today.

Book 71

Book 72

>87 MickyFine: Sorry it wasn't a better read for you, but I totally get why. I think the Darker Shade of Magic series and Addie Larue are still my favorite of hers.

>88 bell7: Agreed, those are definitely my favourites too.

I finished my toque this afternoon.



Pattern: Madison Beanie
Designer: Maple Silver Stitches
Hook: 6.5 mm and 7 mm
Yarn: Gingersnap Lux Worsted in Satin Slip and Heirloom

I've decided no pom-pom for now to make it easier to tuck under a rain hood in Scotland. May add one after the trip.

July
Books read : 9 (6 physical, 3 audio)
Re-reads: 4
Off My Shelf read: Nothing from the list
Favourite new to me read(s): Stephen Fry's Odyssey takes the prize this month.

Reading has been a bit slow lately. At least audiobooks help keep the numbers up.

>87 MickyFine: Thanks for a helpful review. I've liked some of Schwab's stuff (particularly A Darker Shade of Magic), but have found others "meh," or bounced off of them as wrong book, wrong time. I'll probably hold off on reading that one for now.

>90 MickyFine: So cute!

>90 MickyFine: I love that color, Micky, it's very flattering on you as well.

>91 MickyFine: July stacked up well!

>92 foggidawn: I'm glad you found the review useful in determining if you want to read the latest Schwab, Foggi. And thanks for the toque love!

>93 richardderus: Aww, thank you, Richard. I always appreciate that one of my favourite colours is one I can wear and look good in. 😊

And July was definitely a solid month. Hoping August stacks up a little taller, lol.

>90 MickyFine: Very fetching, Micky.

When are you setting off to Scotland?

>95 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Paul. We're going in September.

Another week, another life update.

Last weekend was a long weekend so we got up to plenty. On Saturday we played hooky from church. Instead we had a leisurely breakfast, snuck in a walk in the morning before it got too hot or stormy, watched a sermon online, and got in both board gaming (Bonsai and Dice Throne) and solo pursuits time (crafting for me, video gaming for Mr. Fine). Sunday had a long to do list and I got through a solid chunk of it. Besides the usual cleaning, I took Mr. Fine to a board game cafe for a tournament, and then ran a bunch of shopping errands. I bought gifts for events happening this weekend as well as a few things for me in advance of our trip. Plus, I picked up chocolate croissants from the Italian Centre bakery to have for our holiday Monday breakfast (they fill theirs with Nutella and then drizzle chocolate and sliced almonds on top *chef's kiss*). The holiday Monday was a solid mix of lazy and productive. Highlights included balancing my budget and some crafting, plus we played a game of Libertalia.

I went into work this week thinking it would be relatively quiet as my director is on vacation for two weeks. Instead, we learned that senior leadership had changed their minds about the approach to the opening day collection for a new expanded branch (now opening this fall after being pushed back from summer because construction never finishes on time). It means my colleagues and I have to spend a lot of money very quickly to ensure our vendor can get the material, process it, and send it to us by the anticipated opening date. So work life has been a bit stressful and next week will be too as deadline for print ordering to meet timeline is next Friday (we're still waiting on deadline for AV).

Our Thursday date night was a very traditional dinner and movie. We did the appetizer special at Boston Pizza and had wings, cactus cut potatoes, and nachos for dinner. Then we went to see the new Fantastic Four. Mr. Fine was very pleased with it and I had a good time too.

On the crafting front, I finished my toque last Saturday. I then started one crochet project, got a little annoyed with it and put it in time out, started another, got a little annoyed with it and put it in time it out, and went back to the first. All that to say I've started a crochet shawl that's intended for the office. Plus, I actually gave my cross-stitch some time and attention.

For the viewing side of things, there are a few updates. Since finishing DS9, we've now moved on to Star Trek: Voyager for Star Trek Sundays. I watched this a bunch as a tween but Mr. Fine hasn't seen it at all. We knocked out the first few episodes and are having a grand time so far. We finished season 1 of Smallville and have watched the first episode of season 2. I remain thoroughly entertained by this show and all its campy, superhero, teenage angsty drama. I wrapped up season 7 of Gilmore Girls yesterday and haven't quite decided if I'm going to do the Year in the Life episodes again or not. Also not sure what show I'll pick for my solo viewing next. I'm behind on Virgin River and Sweet Magnolias so maybe one of those as they're great crafting background shows. And after a stressful Friday, I opted for a comfort watch for our Friday night movie and picked The Mirror Has Two Faces.

On the reading front, I again only finished two books and one of them is a picture book *face palm*. Ah well, it's not about the numbers, it's about the experience, right? Right??? Reviews soon.

Book 73

Thanks to @laytonwoman3rd and @lycomayflower, whose discussion of this book on Linda's thread led to me picking up this book as a gift for my nephew. I then read it twice in one day, once in the store and then aloud to my husband at home. Even if you don't have picture book-aged kiddos in your life, I recommend giving this one a look.

>98 MickyFine: YES. So glad you picked this up and loved it too!

And now I want a Nutella/chocolate/almond croissant... *drool*

Book 74

>100 katiekrug: Right?!?! Me too!

>101 MickyFine: Sounds fun -- it's already on my list; glad I don't have to remove it.

>97 MickyFine: senior leadership had changed their minds
oh noooooo!

Senior leadership should have to do the scutwork, then.

*smooch* and running away so I don't get *shudder* chocolate on me

Sounds like a very enjoyable weekend followed by a super stressful work week. Yikes! Hope you and your colleagues were able to get everything you needed to.

>99 lycomayflower: It is such a delight!

>100 katiekrug: You're welcome. *evil grin*

>102 foggidawn: I think you'll enjoy it whenever you go back to library books. 😊

>103 norabelle414: Yeah, my brain exploded a bit when we got the news. The decision is ultimately for the best, it's just the timeline that is... less than ideal.

>104 richardderus: I appreciate you risking the visit to my thread knowing the high odds of either felines or chocolate cropping up.

>105 bell7: We'll see. I started putting carts together last week but I'll have a lot more to assemble this coming week.

>106 MickyFine: There aren't many I'd run that risk for, you know....

>107 richardderus: *preens* I know. Extra smooches.

>101 MickyFine: The latest Jenny Holiday looks good.

Best of luck getting everything done at work with the less than ideal timeline.

>101 MickyFine: - I'm still undecided on this one. I find it harder and harder to turn a blind eye to too many coincidences, plot holes, angst, etc.

But I do love that friend group...

>109 Familyhistorian: Thanks, Meg. If you try the Jenny Holiday, I hope you have fun with it.

>110 katiekrug: I can DM you spoilers about the coincidences and you can decide if the friend group is enough to counterbalance any potential annoyance...

This week was looong. Let's see what I can recall for the update.

Last weekend was full. On Saturday we went out to my brother's farm for a birthday party for my two youngest niblings (their birthdays are less than a week apart). There was a barbecue lunch, much loud children playing, and I spent a lot of time crocheting and chatting with family on the deck. After all that socializing and driving (I'm going to get real Canadian and say my brother lives an hour away, which for non-Canucks is ~100km), we had a chill evening of a walk, dinner, and trying the new Everdell game Silverfrost, which I quite liked. Sunday I did a bunch of chores and then picked up my mom and went to H's surprise bridal shower. I was really glad that my mom had asked to come along as H's family that were there were quite insular and didn't really talk to us much. I would have been miserable if I'd been there solo. But H had a good time and the food was tasty so it was a fine way to spend an afternoon. Typical chill evening with Mr. Fine after all that.

Work this week was EXHAUSTING. I have never ordered so much material so quickly in my life and my brain had to be so engaged the whole time. I did spend all the money allocated to my collection areas during the week but I never want to do it like that again. And I'll be mentioning that both in my 1:1 with my supervisor this coming week and documenting it in my upcoming mid-year performance appraisal so that upper management is aware.

Wednesday was date night and I wanted pizza and ice cream so we went to the Italian Centre for Neapolitan style pizza, popped into the library for our weekly visit, and then went to Marble Slab for ice cream. Craving fulfilled!

I've had a few false starts on the crochet shawl I'm working on but I think we're finally seeing eye to eye and I'm making solid progress. The cross-stitch project also continues to grow.

Friday evening we had our neighbours over for a game night. We've talked about getting together socially for yonks every time we chat in the yard and finally scheduled something. We played Verdant and I'm pleased to report that we got on really well beyond the scope of small talk and I think we'll probably schedule another game night with them in the future. Yay for making friends as an adult!

Reading is still a slow affair lately. I abandoned a book, finished one print book, and completed two audiobooks. Reviews probably tomorrow?

Abandoned

Book 75

Book 76

Book 77

>114 MickyFine: You did it! Congratulations!

Book 78

>117 richardderus: Thank you!

>111 MickyFine: - If you get a spare moment, sure, but no big deal. Even if I decide to read it, it probably won't be for a while.

Hello Micky!

I applaud your total by now, just...wow.

I'm sorry things at work have been so stressful. My last jon had, by nature of the business, lots of last-minute changes that were always free spikes to my cortosol levels. I hope things even back out for you soon. I'm also sorry they didn't consider you for the manager position, but it does sound like you changed your mind about it.

Hope that trip to Scotland is fun! These crochet projects look so gorgeous. Yarns with the vergated, speckled patterns are so cute.

>114 MickyFine: Congratulations on 75 books!

>120 katiekrug: Messaged you.

>121 Ravenwoodwitch: Thanks, Angela! I completed the very intense project and work should be more chill (touch wood) from now until I go on vacation.

>122 quondame: Thanks, Susan.

Congrats!

>124 drneutron: Thanks, Jim!

Congrats on reaching the magic number! (And beyond)

>126 bell7: Thanks, Mary!

Merry new-week wishes, Micky...hope no new foolishness descends from On High.

>128 richardderus: Sanity reigned. This past week at least, lol.

A little later than usual but here's the life update for last week.

Last weekend wasn't crazy busy but we had a solid amount of stuff going on. On Saturday I was the song leader during church service so we got there a bit earlier than usual to ensure lyric slides were good. In the afternoon, I dropped off Mr. Fine at the gym and then had some chill solo time with reading and crafting. On Sunday, we got up a little early to have breakfast and get through chores. H came over for her monthly hang out with Mr. Fine and they watched the third Hobbit movie. Afterwards, the three of us went to go pick out a new suit for Mr. Fine to wear to H's wedding in October. He liked the first one he tried on (and looked very handsome in my totally biased opinion), so it was a successful outing. After returning home so H could get her car and go to work, Mr. Fine and I then went to Canadian Tire, technically for cleaning supplies but we also picked up some new TV trays for the living room as the previous ones we were using were cheap particle board and the faux wood sticker on top was starting to peel. The new ones are solid wood and I'm delighted with how they look. Monday was my EDO and it was a good mix of getting through chores I didn't do on Sunday and also some chill relaxing time, plus I had my monthly massage (yay!).

Work this week was downright chill after the previous week. I started catching up on my regular work tasks and also put together the notes for my mid-year performance appraisal. It's schedule for early September and hilariously, while it's after my permanent manager returns, it will be with my former temp manager (which does make sense, but I still find funny).

On Wednesday evening we went out for dinner with my parents, my grandfather, and my aunt who is in town visiting my grandfather. It was really lovely and very tasty.

When H was here last weekend I offered her either a cross-stitch piece or crochet blanket as a wedding gift. She opted for the blanket so I picked up yarn on Monday and I've started working on that. As a result the shawl is on pause. I was initially thinking I'd bring the shawl as a trip project for Scotland but I'm thinking I might opt for something a little less bulky instead (so I'll start another project?). Cross-stitch also got some attention this week and based on my FB memories I've now been working on it for a year and I'm about halfway.

On the viewing front, no changes for our in-progress shows. On Friday night, Mr. Fine had a hang out with a friend so I watched Victor Victoria on my own. I watched it last as a tween, I think, so I had no strong memories of it. For a film from 1982, I was impressed at how well it did with the themes although the ending was not very strong.

I finished 2 audiobooks and 2 print books this week and owe 3 reviews. Will those go up today? *shrug*

Happy Tuesday, Micky! I'm catching up on threads today. I'm glad to hear that last week at work was much more chill after the previous week. I certainly hope they don't put you through anything like that again. And congratulations on reaching 75!

Hello Mickey!
Good luck on the blanket! We using a chunky yarn or a category 4? I've done the former twice and find it goes much quicker.

>131 atozgrl: Oh they found new things to push my stress buttons this week. :P Stay tuned for the life update.

>132 Ravenwoodwitch: I'm using worsted weight (category 4) and it's working up pretty quickly. But I've done a lot of projects recently with DK and sock yarn so worsted feels downright chunky after those, lol.

It's been a week. Let's recap.

Last weekend was very full. Saturday we drove out to the acreage of family friend's (I refer to them as my second parents) for a gathering of both our families. We had a potluck lunch and a grand time catching up with everyone. With spouses and kiddos, we were 18 in all, so it was a substantial gathering. Mr. Fine and I left a little early as one of our friends who now lives in Ontario was out visiting our friends M&A so we went there for a game night. While M was doing bedtime for the kiddo, we played Between Two Castles of Mad King Ludwig, and then the five us played Libertalia. All of that socializing on Saturday left me pretty exhausted on Sunday so I did the chores I had to and then largely flopped around various surfaces the rest of the day. My lack of energy probably wasn't helped by it being the first day of our heat wave. We've had highs around 30C every day this week. Sunday evening was Mr. Fine's monthly game night with his group of guy friends so I made myself a girl dinner of popcorn, cottage cheese, and fruit salad and watched Freaky Friday and then some TV while crafting in a separate corner of the house.

My in office days were weirdly split this week on Monday and Thursday because of in-person meetings. Monday we had a departmental staff meeting led by our director about the ongoing large project implementing new software for handling collections balancing and movement for the library (for library insiders, we're getting ready to use an intelligent materials management system from Lyngsoe Systems). Planning for this has been underway since the end of last year and we went into the meeting expecting it to be an update on status and impacts on our work in the future. Which it was, but part of the meeting included announcing that due to logistics of using the new system they'll be moving our centralized materials handling from the downtown branch to a warehouse in the northwest sector of the city. As part of that change, our department of 30 staff members will also be moving to work out of the warehouse in the office space, with an anticipated shift to working in the new location in early December. It was a pretty big bomb for 10:30 on Monday morning.

From a professional standpoint, I recognize the significant benefits this will mean for collections management. From a personal standpoint, I am already dreading my new commute as I'll be trading in my 25-35 minute bus ride downtown (with about 10 minutes of driving to and from the transit centre) for a 30-50 minute drive across town on a major road that is currently undergoing major construction to convert it into a full freeway (scheduled completion: 2027). My only saving grace is that I'm eligible for our work from home program so at least I don't have to drive every day. So it's been a week and staff in my department are understandably feeling a lot of feelings - everything from excitement about shorter commutes and no longer having to pay for parking, to dread (like mine) about much longer commutes, to considering retirement in reaction. We're having another staff meeting next week to discuss questions about the move so I'm sure that will be an interesting time. As a result, my brain has had a lot of low-key stress hanging out in the background all week. Not helped by waiting on news of whether Mr. Fine's union will be going on strike in the next couple weeks. He's been deemed essential so he'll be working either way but the employer could opt not to recognize his vacation time for our upcoming trip to Scotland, so he might be unpaid while we're away, which we can handle financially but also isn't ideal.

Tuesday evening I went on a date with my mom to see Freakier Friday and we had a ball. I'm not sure about the appeal of this for current teens but it's definitely a delight for millennials like me (and our moms). We both laughed really hard throughout the movie and I enjoyed it both for the new things it did as well as the callbacks to the first film. Also, Chad Michael Murray remains super swoonworthy.

Thursday was date night with Mr. Fine and we went out for burgers and then to one of my favourite ice cream places. I was bummed to learn that due to the landlord not renewing the lease, the ice cream place is permanently closing their location in our burb in a little over a week. Now if I want that style of ice cream, I'll have to drive into the city.

After a heck of a week for both of us, Mr. Fine and I had a very chill Friday evening to kick off our long weekend. We did Greek night for dinner (chicken souvlaki from Costco, rice, and Greek salad) and watched Thunderbolts. Not going on my list of favourite Marvel movies but I love Florence Pugh and I loved that they defeated the villain with a group hug. After the movie, we went for a walk at dusk, which we've been doing all week as it's the only time the temperature is tolerable.

On the crafting front I just worked on the blanket this week and I'm getting pretty close to finishing the second section (of eight total). Of course, each section gets bigger as it's a square blanket worked in the round (and yes, I realize how weird that terminology is).

On the viewing front, we finished season 2 of Poldark. I think I've only seen the first couple episodes of season 3 so we're now heading into less familiar territory (although having read the books, it's still a little familiar).

I finished one audiobook and one print book and abandoned a print book since my last update. All the reviews I owe should be appearing here shortly.

Book 79

Book 80

Book 81

Book 82

Abandoned

Book 83

>134 MickyFine: Mercy! Y'all have had a helluva month this week. I hope MrFine's employer chooses not to be shirty about September's little...excursion. I'm glad you had reasonable reads to go with it all.

Calmer days ahead, dear lady.

I'm sorry to read about the work-related bombshells this week, Micky. I can imagine how stressful that is for both of you. I hope Mr Fine's vacation is not affected so it's easier to set work-related stress aside to enjoy your holiday.

>141 richardderus: Many thanks, RDear. At minimum it's a shorter week at least.

>142 lauralkeet: Thanks, Laura. I hope so too!

August
Books read : 11 (6 physical, 5 audio)
Re-reads: 3
Off My Shelf read: Abandoned the selected read this month, Star Trek Picard: The Last Best Hope
Favourite new to me read(s): Giving the prize this month to the picture book, Don't Trust Fish. Seriously, give this one a look. You won't be sorry.

My numbers are up again this month but there were both shorter print and audiobooks in the mix. We'll see what September brings for reading as we do some travelling.

I'm so sorry about all the stress you're feeling. It's totally understandable, but I hope it eases soon.

Adding Role Playing to my WL.

Here's to a better week ahead!

>145 katiekrug: Thanks, Katie. I hope so too.

Wishing you a great time with Role Playing whenever you give it a read.

I'm sorry about your commute! It's so frustrating when an otherwise enjoyable job becomes a slog just because of the journey to get there.

Fingers crossed that Mr. Fine's union gets what they need!

Gah, sorry to hear about all the work-related frustrations for both of you. Hoping for the best outcomes possible.

Role Playing is already on my radar due to a couple of co-workers liking it recently, and your review really makes me want to move it up the list.

Sorry to hear about your pending work upheavals.

>144 MickyFine: I'll be reading Don't Trust Fish in classroom visits tomorrow -- I think the kids will love it.

>147 norabelle414: I don't have it as bad as some but yeah, the new commute will not be a treat. And I'm pleased to say Mr. Fine's union got an agreement so that uncertainty is off our plates.

>148 bell7: Thanks, Mary. I think you'll have a good time with Role Playing whenever you get to it.

>149 foggidawn: Thanks, Foggi! Such an excellent choice for classroom visits. I hope you and the kids had a ton of fun with it.

Weekly recap time.

Last Saturday we went to church in the morning, which ran a little long, so Mr. Fine opted to skip the gym and we went for an afternoon walk instead. In the evening we went to M&A's for our monthly game night. A was on bedtime routine for their kiddo, so Mr. Fine and M played Dice Throne and I crocheted during that time. Then we all played Knitting Circle.

Sunday we did chores early as I had my monthly hang out with A. M and their kiddo joined us for breakfast as the guys wanted to get some more gaming in. Mr. Fine made crepes (pretty good for a first attempt) and then A and I played Knitting Circle and did some crafting while also watching Timeless. The afternoon I spent crafting and sorting out budget things. In the evening we did a double feature of Thursday Murder Club (a really solid adaptation and the casting is perfection) and Sonic the Hedgehog (Mr. Fine wanted to try it and while it wasn't my jam, I didn't hate it). Sunday was also when we had some smoke roll in so we spent some time checking air quality to determine the least bad time for a walk. We've been pretty lucky here as we haven't really had any smoky days since May and I know many other places have had it much worse.

Holiday Monday was our do nothing day. We had a lazy start, played Dice Throne and tried my new game, A Place for All My Books (super cute, fun, and will definitely appeal to the LT crowd). We also got in some solo time as Mr. Fine did some video gaming and I crafted.

Work this week was pretty decent. My manager returned from her maternity leave on Tuesday and it's lovely to have her back. She's got a lot to catch up on but I'm pleased to have someone I have a good rapport with back in the role. In terms of tasks, I started my annual review of circulations for our travel guides to update our standing orders. I have a good system for this now but it's still a fair amount of work (we have over 900 travel guides on our list and while they all don't come out every year, it's still a few hundred to look at every year). Thursday was the Q&A staff meeting about the move and warehouse location. I found it pretty informative and while there was some voicing of (rightful) personal upset (which as a highly conflict averse person, makes me super uncomfortable), both sides dealt with it relatively well.

Friday, Mr. Fine picked Father of the Bride for our movie night, partly because he'd never seen it and he likes Steve Martin and partly because he's mentally preparing for H's wedding (just under a month away now). It's decidedly of its time but I'm fond of it all the same.

Crafting continues to be all blanket all the time. I finished the second section and will probably finish the third today, as it's only 5 rounds and I'm on the fourth.

On the viewing side of things, we finished Andor season 2, which was pretty decent but not one I'd rewatch.

Only two reads completed this week, one each of print and audio. Reviews later today.

Hooray for your manager's return! Sounds like a pretty good week all told, and best of luck with the travel guide project.

I haven't had a chance to watch The Thursday Murder Club yet, but I may try to talk my parents into watching it with me on Netflix (my mom is not a huge mystery fan, however). Glad to hear it's a solid adaptation. The cast sounds fabulous.

Micky, when do you go to Scotland? It must be coming up soon!

>152 bell7: Thanks, Mary! I hope you're able to talk your parents into watching the film. I don't think you have to be big into mysteries to enjoy it in this format.

>153 katiekrug: We leave next weekend! I'm very excited. 😊

>154 MickyFine: I'm so pleased for y'all ::stabs voodoo dolly's knees:: that you're getting to spend autumn days in Scotland! ::melts voodoo dolly's wallet:: It will be so beautiful, and the people are lovely, anti-felonious-yam souls! ::burns all voodoo dollys' clothes::

>155 richardderus: Snort! I appreciate your well wishes. *smooches while taking dolly away*

Congrats on reading 75 and beyond. Wow to the news that you all get to move to a new place of work just like that. What a lot to process. Have a wonderful trip!

>157 Familyhistorian: Thanks, Meg!

We returned from Scotland on Wednesday and have spent the last couple days getting ourselves sorted (grocery shopping, laundry, etc.). I'm still fighting jet lag - I go to sleep around 9 pm but then wake up around 1 or 2 am and don't always get to back to sleep. I'm very glad we gave ourselves a four-day weekend for recovery and am hoping I might be back to sleeping 8 hours straight by Sunday night. 🤞

My plan is to get comments on my completed September reads (so far) up on this thread today and then start the fourth quarter thread a little early and share Scotland highlights there.

Welcome home, Micky and MrFine!

Welcome back! i'm looking forward to your Scotland highlights.

Welcome home!

Thank you, Katie, Laura, and Nora!

Book 84

Book 85 (re-read)

Book 86

Book 87

Abandoned

Book 88

Book 89

An excellent atmospheric ear read for during my trip.

Books 90-92



Often when I travel, I return this audio drama series. It's the perfect listen when on airplanes as it's fun and funny, the episodes are half an hour so it's easy to dip in and out of, and I've listen to it so often that if I doze off, I'm not lost.

Rating: *****

Book 93

My new thread, full of Scotland photo spam, is ready and waiting for you. Come on over!

>166 MickyFine: That's gone on to my Wishlist, Mickey!

>174 CDVicarage: I hope you enjoy it, Kerry!