klobrien2 (Karen O) Books and Life in 2026 — Page 1
This topic was continued by klobrien2 (Karen O) Books and Life in 2026 — Page 2.
Talk 75 Books Challenge for 2026
Join LibraryThing to post.
1klobrien2
Welcome to my first 2026 “Books and Life” thread!
I've been with the 75-bookers for many years now, and I enjoy so much the camaraderie and book talk that happens here. I'm very glad to join with you all again!
I had great reading in 2025. I find myself reading pretty much as the spirit leads. A long-term project of mine is to accomplish reads from the "1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die." My current 1001 Books count: 215.
What directs my reading more are my friends here on LT, so keep those recommendations coming!
This is my fifteenth year participating in the 75 Books Challenge. In 2009, I read 94 books; in 2010, I made it to 148!; 153 in 2011; 160 in 2012; 114 in 2013; 92 in 2014; 109 in 2015; 145 in 2016, 210 in 2017, 200 in 2018, 180 in 2019, 225 (3 x 75!) in 2020, 242 in 2021, 286 in 2022, 230 in 2023, 502 in 2024 (a LOT of children's illustrated books). In 2025, I kept track of the children's illustrated books separately: I read 130 “grown-up” books, and 392 illustrated books, for a total of 522 (so, 20 more than the year before)!
In addition to reading books, I've also discovered the world of Great Courses DVD lifelong learning courses. I love them! Below is a list of the courses I've completed, and I will try to always have at least one course going all the time.
A list of the Great Courses I have done can be found here: https://www.librarything.com/topic/331920
I also do some serious magazine reading, using my public library as source once again. I keep track of and read some fifteen magazines, on a range of topics: science, quilting, nature, birding, cats, news, etc.
I read two daily newspapers (St. Paul Pioneer Press and the Minneapolis Star Tribune), and I also read a lot of daily newsletters from the NYTimes.
Here's where I'll list the books I read (the number at the end of each line represents the post number where I listed the book).
MY FIRST THREAD:
The books I read in January:
1. The Mistletoe Mystery: A Maid Novella by Nita Prose -- 34
2. Legends and Lattes: A Novel of High Fantasy and Low Stakes by Travis Baldree -- 61
3. Essays After Eighty by Donald Hall -- 62
4. Cookies: The Best Recipes for the Perfect Anytime Treat by Vaughn Vreeland -- 85
5. The Importance of Being Earnest by Oliver Wilde -- 97
6. You Better Be Lightning by Andrea Gibson -- 98
7. Xolo: How One Good Dog Saved Humankind by Donna Barba Higuera, ill. Mariana Ruiz Johnson -- 115
8. Sweet Farm!: Cookies, Cakes, Salads (!), and Other Delights from My Kitchen on a Sugar Beet Farm by Molly Yeh -- 116
9. The Hedge Knight (Graphic Novel) by George R. R. Martin, adapted by Ben Avery, ill. Mike S. Miller -- 138
10. Bookshops and Bonedust by Travis Baldree -- 150
11. Dog Man: Big Jim Believes (Dog Man #14) by Dav Pilkey -- 151
The books I read in February:
12. Hoot by Carl Hiassen -- 161
13. Celebrate: Joyful Baking All Year Round by Paul Hollywood -- 162
14. The Gilded Age Cookbook: Recipes and Stories from America's Golden Era by Becky Libourel Diamond -- 168
15. The Art of Jacques Pepin: Favorite Recipes and Paintings from My Life in the Kitchen by Jacques Pepin -- 169
16. Sisters, Oregon: Five Decades of Quilting in America by Jean Wells -- 170
17. In the Heights: Finding Home by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Quirara Alegria Hudes and Jeremy McCarter -- 171
18. She-Hulk 5: All In by Rainbow Rowell -- 186
19. The Impossible Fortune (Thursday Murder Club #5) by Richard Osman -- 191
20. The Rejection Collection: Cartoons You Never Saw, and Never Will See, in the New Yorker -- 205
21. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms by George R. R. Martin, ills. Gary Gianni -- 215
22. And to Think We Started as a Book Club... by Tom Toro -- 220
23. True North Cabin Cookbook: Recipes and Stories from a North Woods Table by Stephanie Hansen -- 221
24. Dog Show: Poems by Billy Collins, watercolors by Pamela Ztybel -- 222
The books I read in March:
25. The Rejection Collection Volume 2: The Cream of the Crap, ed. Matthew Diffee -- 245
26. The Best Poems of Jane Kenyon, collected by Donald Hill -- 246
27. The Power of Thought Experiments (Great Course) by Daniel Breyer -- 262
28. A Carnival of Losses: Notes Nearing Ninety by Donald Hall -- 264
29. You Can Never Die: A Graphic Memoir by Harry Bliss -- 273
30. Pole Dancing to Gospel Hymns by Andrea Gibson -- 280
31. The Readers' Room by Antoine Laurain -- 281
32. Our Town: A Play in Three Acts by Thornton Wilder -- 282
Good reading to you!
2klobrien2
*******************************************************
There are only three forms of high art: the symphony,
the illustrated children's book, and the board game.
(Saga Volume 3 by Brian K. Vaughan)
*******************************************************
So many of these lovely books are made known to me by whisper1 (thank you, so much!) Others who have pointed me in the right direction are: jessibud2, Norabelle, avatiakh, AMQS, Blbera, richardderus, Booklist, and the NYTimes (please let me know if I've forgotten you!)
********************
From the LibraryThing newsletter, a list of members’ “Favorite Picture Books”! Just when I thought I had read them all (Just kidding. Not even close).
https://www.librarything.com/list/45998/Favorite-Picture-Books
********************
Another treasure list (read in April 2025): Pictured Worlds: Masterpieces of Children's Book Art by 101 Essential Illustrators from Around the World by Leonard S. Marcus. I'll search out the books a few at a time.
********************
Here's where I'll list the illustrated books I read (the number at the end of each line represents the post number where I listed the book).
My FIRST thread:
The illustrated books I read in January:
Illustrated1. Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me by Eric Carle -- 35
Illustrated2. Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig -- 35
Illustrated3. Melisande by E. (Edith) Nesbit, ill. P. J. Lynch -- 35
Illustrated4. Quentin Blake's Fantastic Journeys by Quentin Blake -- 35
Illustrated5. Oh, Olive! by Lian Cho -- 35
Illlustrated6. I Am We: How Crows Come Together to Survive by Leslie Barnard Booth, ill. Alexandra Finkeldey -- 35
Illustrated7. Making Art by Diana Ejaita -- 35
Illustrated8. So Cold! by John Coy, ill. Chris Park -- 35
Illustrated9. Dragon Flower by Jiang Hong Chen, tr. from French by Alyson Waters -- 35
Illustrated10. The Nutcracker by E. T. A. Hoffman, ill. David Delamare -- 66
Illustrated11. The Tiger Prince by Chen Jiang Hong, tr. from French by Alyson Waters -- 66
Illustrated12. The Sneetches and Other Stories by Dr. Seuss -- 66
Illustrated13. Jumper: A Day in the Life of a Backyard Jumping Spider by Jessica Lanan -- 66
Illustrated14. Don't Trust Fish by Neil Sharpson, ill. Dan Santat -- 66
Illustrated15. The Christmas Secret by David Delamare -- 67
Illustrated16. Beneath by Cori Doerrfeld -- 67
Illustrated17. Invisible Things by Andy J. Pizza (Andy J. Miller) and Sophie Miller -- 67
Illustrated18. Winter is the Worst! by Dan Tavis -- 67
Illustrated19. Lucy's Christmas by Donald Hall, ill. Michael McCurdy -- 107
Illustrated20. The Twelve Days of Christmas, ill. David Delamare -- 107
Illustrated21. Sneetches on Beaches by Dr. Seuss -- 107
Illustrated22. All the Stars in the Sky by Art Coulson, ill. Winona Nelson -- 107
Illustrated23. Remembering by Xelena Gonzalez, ill. Adriana M. Garcia -- 107
Illustrated24. The Mightiest Heart by Lynn Cullen, ill. Laurel Long -- 119
Illustrated25. Where Wonder Grows by Xelena Gonzalez, ill. Adriana M. Garcia -- 119
Illustrated26. Winter's Gift by Jane Monroe Donovan -- 119
Illustrated27. How Dinosaurs Went Extinct: A Safety Guide by Ame Dyckman, ill. Jennifer Harney -- 119
Illustrated28. Look, Grandma! Ni, Elisi! by Art Coulson, ill. Madelyn Goodnight -- 119
Illustrated29. All Around Us by Xelena Gonzalez, ill. Adriana M. Garcia -- 139
Illustrated30. Mr. Putter and Tabby Walk the Dog by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard -- 139
Illustrated31. A Hat for Mrs. Goldman: A Story About Knitting and Love by Michelle Edwards, ill. G. Brian Karas -- 139
Illustrated32. Snowshoe Kate and the Hospital Built for Pennies by Margi Preus, ill. Jaime Zollars -- 139
Illustrated33. Mr. Putter and Tabby Take the Train by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard -- 152
Illustrated34. Mr. Putter and Tabby Clear the Decks by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard -- 152
Illustrated35. Mr. Putter and Tabby Hit the Slope by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard -- 152
Illustrated36. A Snow Day for Amos McGee by Philip Christian Stead, ill. Erin E. Stead -- 152
Illustrated37. Zip Zap Wickety Wack: A Story about Sharing by Matthew Diffee -- 152
Illustrated38. Widget by Lyn Rassiter McFarland, ill. Jim McFarland -- 152
Illustrated39. Extra Yarn by Mac Barnett, ill. Jon Klassen -- 152
Illustrated40. The Monster in the Lake by Leo Timmers, tr. Bill Nagelkerke -- 152
Illustrated41. The Library in the Woods by Calvin A. Ramsey, ill. R. Gregory Christie -- 152
Illustrated42. Amazing Peace: A Christmas Poem by Maya Angelou, ill. Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher -- 153
Illustrated43. Chicken Man by Michelle Edwards -- 153
Illustrated44. Listen: How Pete Seeger Got America Singing by Leda Schubert, ill. Raul Colon -- 153
Illustrated45. Oh No, the Aunts Are Here by Adam Rex, ill. Lian Cho -- 153
Illustrated46. Pup and Bear by Kate Banks, ill. Naoko Stoop -- 153
Illustrated47. Bear and Wolf by Daniel Salmieri -- 153
Illustrated48. I Am the Dog. I Am the Cat by Donald Hall, ill. Barry Moser -- 153
Illustrated49. Is It Asleep? by Olivier Tallec, tr. Antony Shugaar -- 153
The illustrated books I read in February:
Illustrated50. Mr. Putter and Tabby Bake the Cake by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard -- 176
Illustrated51. Mr. Putter and Tabby Fly the Plane by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard -- 176
Illustrated52. Mr. Putter and Tabby Row the Boat by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard -- 176
Illustrated53. Bear Has a Story to Tell by Philip C. Stead, ill. Erin E. Stead -- 176
Illustrated54. Cat Nap by Brian Lies -- 176
Illustrated55. Saturday Morning at the 'Shop by Keenan Jones, ill. Ken Daley -- 176
Illustrated56. Revolutions Are Made of Love: The Story of James Boggs and Grace Lee Boggs, poems by Sun Yung Shin and Melina Mangal, ill. Leslie Barlow -- 177
Illustrated57. Amos McGee Misses the Bus by Philip C. Stead, ill. Erin E. . Stead -- 177
Illustrated58. Dear Acorn (Love, Oak): Letter Poems to Friends by Joyce Sidman, ill. Melissa Sweet -- 177
Illustrated59. Hanukkah Bear by Eric A. Kimmel, ill. Mike Wohnoutka -- 177
Illustrated60. The House with the Little Red Door by Grace Easton -- 177
Illustrated61. The Book with No Pictures by B. J. Novak -- 192
Illustrated62. Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins by Eric A. Kimmel, ill. Trina Schart Hyman -- 192
Illustrated63. The Rough Patch by Brian Lies -- 192
Illustrated64. Mr. Putter and Tabby Stir the Soup by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard -- 192
Illustrated65. Mr. Putter and Tabby Catch the Cold by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard -- 192
Illustrated66. Mr. Putter and Tabby Toot the Horn by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard -- 192
Illustrated67. Little Bat Up All Day by Brian Lies -- 192
Illustrated68. A Walk in the Words by Hudson Talbott -- 193
Illustrated69. Tiny Owl's Scary Day by Petr Horacek -- 193
Illustrated70. So Much Snow by Hyunmin Park -- 193
Illustrated71. Snow by Uri Shulevitz -- 193
Illustrated72. Snow by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Lauren Stringer -- 193
Illustrated73. Snowman's Story by Will Hillenbrand -- 193
Illustrated74. So Much Snow by Kirstin Schroeder, ill. Sarah Jacoby -- 193
Illustrated75. Mr. Putter and Tabby Write the Book by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard -- 216
Illustrated76. Mr. Putter and Tabby Make a Wish by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard -- 216
Illustrated77. Mr. Putter and Tabby Spin the Yarn by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard -- 216
Illustrated78. The Fool of the World and the Flying Ship: A Russian Tale, retold by Arthur Ransome, ill. Uri Shulevitch -- 216
Illustrated79. Katy and the Big Snow by Virginia Lee Burton -- 216
Illustrated80. The Lucky Red Envelope: A Lift-the-Flap Lunar New Year Celebration by Vikki Zhang -- 216
Illustrated81. New Moon's Family by Erika Adams, ill. Eric Soderstrom -- 216
Illustrated82. Bear and the Three Goldilocks by Patrick Horne, ill. Dan Yaccarino -- 227
Illustrated83. Never Give a Baby a Library Card by Erin Sandberg, ill. Tom Booth -- 227
Illustrated84. Big Kids by K. L. Going, ill. Reggie Brown -- 227
Illustrated85. The Cake Problem: Equivalent and Simplified Fractions by Bill Wise, ill. Davilyn Lynch -- 227
Illustrated86. Bats at the Library by Brian Lies -- 227
Illustrated87. From Wolf to Woof: The Story of Dogs by Hudson Talbott -- 227
Illustrated88. Some Days I'm the Wind by Rebecca Gardyn Levington, ill. Dinara Mirtalipora -- 227
Illustrated89. Mr. Putter and Tabby Spill the Beans by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard -- 233
Illustrated90. Mr. Putter and Tabby See the Stars by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard -- 233
Illustrated91. Mr. Putter and Tabby Run the Race by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard -- 233
Illustrated92. Josephine: The Dazzling Life of Josephine Parker by Patricia Hruby Powell, ill. Christian Robinson -- 233
Illustrated93. River of Dreams: The Story of the Hudson River by Hudson Talbott -- 233
Illustrated94. Dear Moxie, Dear Rex by Cathy Petter, ill. Bryony Clarkson -- 233
The illustrated books I read in March:
Illustrated95. Mr. Putter and Tabby Drop the Ball by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard -- 250
Illustrated96. Mr. Putter and Tabby Ring the Bell by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard -- 250
Illustrated97. Mr. Putter and Tabby Turn the Page by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard -- 250
Illustrated98. Mr. Putter and Tabby Dance the Dance by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard -- 250
Illustrated99. Llama Llama Home with Mama by Anna Dewdney -- 250
Illustrated100. Norman Didn't Do It! (Yes, He Did) by Ryan T. Higgins -- 250
Illustrated101. Cranky, Crabby Crow (Saves the World) by Corey R. Tabor -- 250
Illustrated102. The Bear Out There by Jess Hannigan -- 250
Illustrated103. Bear Feels Sick by Karma Wilson, ill. Jane Chapman -- 250
Illustrated104. Lone Wolf Goes to the Library by Kiah Thomas, ill. K-Fai Steele -- 251
Illustrated105. Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea by Ben Clanton -- 251
Illustrated106. Chicken Little, retold and illustrated by Steven Kellogg -- 251
Illustrated107. Rhyming Dust Bunnies by Jan Thomas -- 251
Illustrated108. No Cats in the Library by Lauren Emmons -- 251
Illustrated109. The Cat Who Walked Across France by Kate Banks, ill. Georg Hallendsleben -- 251
Illustrated110. Our Animal Friends at Maple Hill Farm by Alice and Martin Prevensen -- 274
Illustrated111. Because of a Shoe by Julie Fogliano, ill. Marla Frazee -- 274
Illustrated112. Pluto Gets the Call by Adam Rex, ill. Laurie Keller -- 274
Illustrated113. Lone Wolf Gets a Pet by Kiah Thomas, ill. K-Fai Steele -- 274
Illustrated114. Lone Wolf Goes to School by Kiah Thomas, ill. K-Fai Steele -- 274
Illustrated115. Lone Wolf on Vacation by Kiah Thomas, ill. K-Fai Steele -- 274
Illustrated116. North Woods Girl by Aimee M. Bissonette, ill. Claudia McGehee -- 274
Illustrated117. Old Home Day by Donald Hall, ill. Emily Arnold McCully -- 274
Illustrated118. Bear Can't Sleep by Karma Wilson, ill. Jane Chapman -- 274
There are only three forms of high art: the symphony,
the illustrated children's book, and the board game.
(Saga Volume 3 by Brian K. Vaughan)
*******************************************************
So many of these lovely books are made known to me by whisper1 (thank you, so much!) Others who have pointed me in the right direction are: jessibud2, Norabelle, avatiakh, AMQS, Blbera, richardderus, Booklist, and the NYTimes (please let me know if I've forgotten you!)
********************
From the LibraryThing newsletter, a list of members’ “Favorite Picture Books”! Just when I thought I had read them all (Just kidding. Not even close).
https://www.librarything.com/list/45998/Favorite-Picture-Books
********************
Another treasure list (read in April 2025): Pictured Worlds: Masterpieces of Children's Book Art by 101 Essential Illustrators from Around the World by Leonard S. Marcus. I'll search out the books a few at a time.
********************
Here's where I'll list the illustrated books I read (the number at the end of each line represents the post number where I listed the book).
My FIRST thread:
The illustrated books I read in January:
Illustrated1. Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me by Eric Carle -- 35
Illustrated2. Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig -- 35
Illustrated3. Melisande by E. (Edith) Nesbit, ill. P. J. Lynch -- 35
Illustrated4. Quentin Blake's Fantastic Journeys by Quentin Blake -- 35
Illustrated5. Oh, Olive! by Lian Cho -- 35
Illlustrated6. I Am We: How Crows Come Together to Survive by Leslie Barnard Booth, ill. Alexandra Finkeldey -- 35
Illustrated7. Making Art by Diana Ejaita -- 35
Illustrated8. So Cold! by John Coy, ill. Chris Park -- 35
Illustrated9. Dragon Flower by Jiang Hong Chen, tr. from French by Alyson Waters -- 35
Illustrated10. The Nutcracker by E. T. A. Hoffman, ill. David Delamare -- 66
Illustrated11. The Tiger Prince by Chen Jiang Hong, tr. from French by Alyson Waters -- 66
Illustrated12. The Sneetches and Other Stories by Dr. Seuss -- 66
Illustrated13. Jumper: A Day in the Life of a Backyard Jumping Spider by Jessica Lanan -- 66
Illustrated14. Don't Trust Fish by Neil Sharpson, ill. Dan Santat -- 66
Illustrated15. The Christmas Secret by David Delamare -- 67
Illustrated16. Beneath by Cori Doerrfeld -- 67
Illustrated17. Invisible Things by Andy J. Pizza (Andy J. Miller) and Sophie Miller -- 67
Illustrated18. Winter is the Worst! by Dan Tavis -- 67
Illustrated19. Lucy's Christmas by Donald Hall, ill. Michael McCurdy -- 107
Illustrated20. The Twelve Days of Christmas, ill. David Delamare -- 107
Illustrated21. Sneetches on Beaches by Dr. Seuss -- 107
Illustrated22. All the Stars in the Sky by Art Coulson, ill. Winona Nelson -- 107
Illustrated23. Remembering by Xelena Gonzalez, ill. Adriana M. Garcia -- 107
Illustrated24. The Mightiest Heart by Lynn Cullen, ill. Laurel Long -- 119
Illustrated25. Where Wonder Grows by Xelena Gonzalez, ill. Adriana M. Garcia -- 119
Illustrated26. Winter's Gift by Jane Monroe Donovan -- 119
Illustrated27. How Dinosaurs Went Extinct: A Safety Guide by Ame Dyckman, ill. Jennifer Harney -- 119
Illustrated28. Look, Grandma! Ni, Elisi! by Art Coulson, ill. Madelyn Goodnight -- 119
Illustrated29. All Around Us by Xelena Gonzalez, ill. Adriana M. Garcia -- 139
Illustrated30. Mr. Putter and Tabby Walk the Dog by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard -- 139
Illustrated31. A Hat for Mrs. Goldman: A Story About Knitting and Love by Michelle Edwards, ill. G. Brian Karas -- 139
Illustrated32. Snowshoe Kate and the Hospital Built for Pennies by Margi Preus, ill. Jaime Zollars -- 139
Illustrated33. Mr. Putter and Tabby Take the Train by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard -- 152
Illustrated34. Mr. Putter and Tabby Clear the Decks by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard -- 152
Illustrated35. Mr. Putter and Tabby Hit the Slope by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard -- 152
Illustrated36. A Snow Day for Amos McGee by Philip Christian Stead, ill. Erin E. Stead -- 152
Illustrated37. Zip Zap Wickety Wack: A Story about Sharing by Matthew Diffee -- 152
Illustrated38. Widget by Lyn Rassiter McFarland, ill. Jim McFarland -- 152
Illustrated39. Extra Yarn by Mac Barnett, ill. Jon Klassen -- 152
Illustrated40. The Monster in the Lake by Leo Timmers, tr. Bill Nagelkerke -- 152
Illustrated41. The Library in the Woods by Calvin A. Ramsey, ill. R. Gregory Christie -- 152
Illustrated42. Amazing Peace: A Christmas Poem by Maya Angelou, ill. Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher -- 153
Illustrated43. Chicken Man by Michelle Edwards -- 153
Illustrated44. Listen: How Pete Seeger Got America Singing by Leda Schubert, ill. Raul Colon -- 153
Illustrated45. Oh No, the Aunts Are Here by Adam Rex, ill. Lian Cho -- 153
Illustrated46. Pup and Bear by Kate Banks, ill. Naoko Stoop -- 153
Illustrated47. Bear and Wolf by Daniel Salmieri -- 153
Illustrated48. I Am the Dog. I Am the Cat by Donald Hall, ill. Barry Moser -- 153
Illustrated49. Is It Asleep? by Olivier Tallec, tr. Antony Shugaar -- 153
The illustrated books I read in February:
Illustrated50. Mr. Putter and Tabby Bake the Cake by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard -- 176
Illustrated51. Mr. Putter and Tabby Fly the Plane by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard -- 176
Illustrated52. Mr. Putter and Tabby Row the Boat by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard -- 176
Illustrated53. Bear Has a Story to Tell by Philip C. Stead, ill. Erin E. Stead -- 176
Illustrated54. Cat Nap by Brian Lies -- 176
Illustrated55. Saturday Morning at the 'Shop by Keenan Jones, ill. Ken Daley -- 176
Illustrated56. Revolutions Are Made of Love: The Story of James Boggs and Grace Lee Boggs, poems by Sun Yung Shin and Melina Mangal, ill. Leslie Barlow -- 177
Illustrated57. Amos McGee Misses the Bus by Philip C. Stead, ill. Erin E. . Stead -- 177
Illustrated58. Dear Acorn (Love, Oak): Letter Poems to Friends by Joyce Sidman, ill. Melissa Sweet -- 177
Illustrated59. Hanukkah Bear by Eric A. Kimmel, ill. Mike Wohnoutka -- 177
Illustrated60. The House with the Little Red Door by Grace Easton -- 177
Illustrated61. The Book with No Pictures by B. J. Novak -- 192
Illustrated62. Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins by Eric A. Kimmel, ill. Trina Schart Hyman -- 192
Illustrated63. The Rough Patch by Brian Lies -- 192
Illustrated64. Mr. Putter and Tabby Stir the Soup by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard -- 192
Illustrated65. Mr. Putter and Tabby Catch the Cold by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard -- 192
Illustrated66. Mr. Putter and Tabby Toot the Horn by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard -- 192
Illustrated67. Little Bat Up All Day by Brian Lies -- 192
Illustrated68. A Walk in the Words by Hudson Talbott -- 193
Illustrated69. Tiny Owl's Scary Day by Petr Horacek -- 193
Illustrated70. So Much Snow by Hyunmin Park -- 193
Illustrated71. Snow by Uri Shulevitz -- 193
Illustrated72. Snow by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Lauren Stringer -- 193
Illustrated73. Snowman's Story by Will Hillenbrand -- 193
Illustrated74. So Much Snow by Kirstin Schroeder, ill. Sarah Jacoby -- 193
Illustrated75. Mr. Putter and Tabby Write the Book by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard -- 216
Illustrated76. Mr. Putter and Tabby Make a Wish by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard -- 216
Illustrated77. Mr. Putter and Tabby Spin the Yarn by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard -- 216
Illustrated78. The Fool of the World and the Flying Ship: A Russian Tale, retold by Arthur Ransome, ill. Uri Shulevitch -- 216
Illustrated79. Katy and the Big Snow by Virginia Lee Burton -- 216
Illustrated80. The Lucky Red Envelope: A Lift-the-Flap Lunar New Year Celebration by Vikki Zhang -- 216
Illustrated81. New Moon's Family by Erika Adams, ill. Eric Soderstrom -- 216
Illustrated82. Bear and the Three Goldilocks by Patrick Horne, ill. Dan Yaccarino -- 227
Illustrated83. Never Give a Baby a Library Card by Erin Sandberg, ill. Tom Booth -- 227
Illustrated84. Big Kids by K. L. Going, ill. Reggie Brown -- 227
Illustrated85. The Cake Problem: Equivalent and Simplified Fractions by Bill Wise, ill. Davilyn Lynch -- 227
Illustrated86. Bats at the Library by Brian Lies -- 227
Illustrated87. From Wolf to Woof: The Story of Dogs by Hudson Talbott -- 227
Illustrated88. Some Days I'm the Wind by Rebecca Gardyn Levington, ill. Dinara Mirtalipora -- 227
Illustrated89. Mr. Putter and Tabby Spill the Beans by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard -- 233
Illustrated90. Mr. Putter and Tabby See the Stars by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard -- 233
Illustrated91. Mr. Putter and Tabby Run the Race by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard -- 233
Illustrated92. Josephine: The Dazzling Life of Josephine Parker by Patricia Hruby Powell, ill. Christian Robinson -- 233
Illustrated93. River of Dreams: The Story of the Hudson River by Hudson Talbott -- 233
Illustrated94. Dear Moxie, Dear Rex by Cathy Petter, ill. Bryony Clarkson -- 233
The illustrated books I read in March:
Illustrated95. Mr. Putter and Tabby Drop the Ball by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard -- 250
Illustrated96. Mr. Putter and Tabby Ring the Bell by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard -- 250
Illustrated97. Mr. Putter and Tabby Turn the Page by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard -- 250
Illustrated98. Mr. Putter and Tabby Dance the Dance by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard -- 250
Illustrated99. Llama Llama Home with Mama by Anna Dewdney -- 250
Illustrated100. Norman Didn't Do It! (Yes, He Did) by Ryan T. Higgins -- 250
Illustrated101. Cranky, Crabby Crow (Saves the World) by Corey R. Tabor -- 250
Illustrated102. The Bear Out There by Jess Hannigan -- 250
Illustrated103. Bear Feels Sick by Karma Wilson, ill. Jane Chapman -- 250
Illustrated104. Lone Wolf Goes to the Library by Kiah Thomas, ill. K-Fai Steele -- 251
Illustrated105. Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea by Ben Clanton -- 251
Illustrated106. Chicken Little, retold and illustrated by Steven Kellogg -- 251
Illustrated107. Rhyming Dust Bunnies by Jan Thomas -- 251
Illustrated108. No Cats in the Library by Lauren Emmons -- 251
Illustrated109. The Cat Who Walked Across France by Kate Banks, ill. Georg Hallendsleben -- 251
Illustrated110. Our Animal Friends at Maple Hill Farm by Alice and Martin Prevensen -- 274
Illustrated111. Because of a Shoe by Julie Fogliano, ill. Marla Frazee -- 274
Illustrated112. Pluto Gets the Call by Adam Rex, ill. Laurie Keller -- 274
Illustrated113. Lone Wolf Gets a Pet by Kiah Thomas, ill. K-Fai Steele -- 274
Illustrated114. Lone Wolf Goes to School by Kiah Thomas, ill. K-Fai Steele -- 274
Illustrated115. Lone Wolf on Vacation by Kiah Thomas, ill. K-Fai Steele -- 274
Illustrated116. North Woods Girl by Aimee M. Bissonette, ill. Claudia McGehee -- 274
Illustrated117. Old Home Day by Donald Hall, ill. Emily Arnold McCully -- 274
Illustrated118. Bear Can't Sleep by Karma Wilson, ill. Jane Chapman -- 274
3klobrien2
Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
The Frozen People by Elly Griffith
Essays After Eighty by Donald Hall
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Adding:
Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree
I’ve got 6 illustrated books on my stack; may have a few more tomorrow. Life is good!
Magazines Read:
Great Course:
TV Watching:
Listening:
Wordle 1,657 3/6*irate, abode, fable
⬜⬜🟦⬜🟧
🟦🟦⬜⬜🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #935
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟪🟦🟦🟪
🟪🟪🟦🟦
🟦🟪🟦🟦
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #669
“Not your average joe”
🔵🔵🔵🟡
🔵🔵🔵🔵
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
The Frozen People by Elly Griffith
Essays After Eighty by Donald Hall
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Adding:
Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree
I’ve got 6 illustrated books on my stack; may have a few more tomorrow. Life is good!
Magazines Read:
Great Course:
TV Watching:
Listening:
Wordle 1,657 3/6*
⬜⬜🟦⬜🟧
🟦🟦⬜⬜🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #935
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟪🟦🟦🟪
🟪🟪🟦🟦
🟦🟪🟦🟦
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #669
“Not your average joe”
🔵🔵🔵🟡
🔵🔵🔵🔵
4richardderus
Happy 2026, Karen O.!
10klobrien2
>4 richardderus: Thanks, Richard!
>5 BLBera: Thank you! I wish you the same!
>6 jessibud2: Thank you!
>7 drneutron: Thank you, fearless leader! It feels great to start out fresh!
>8 msf59: Thanks, Mark! I'm looking forward to the year ahead.
Thank you all for welcoming me so nicely! I've got all of your threads starred (except for jessibud2? where are you? I think she said she was holding off a little) and I'll be by to visit soon, and often!
>5 BLBera: Thank you! I wish you the same!
>6 jessibud2: Thank you!
>7 drneutron: Thank you, fearless leader! It feels great to start out fresh!
>8 msf59: Thanks, Mark! I'm looking forward to the year ahead.
Thank you all for welcoming me so nicely! I've got all of your threads starred (except for jessibud2? where are you? I think she said she was holding off a little) and I'll be by to visit soon, and often!
11PaulCranswick
New Year greetings from Kuala Lumpur. My project is at least physically completed and an addition to the city scape.
Look forward to keeping up with you in 2026, Karen.
14katiekrug
Happy new year, Karen! I'll try to be better about keeping up with you this year... but no promises :)
I see you're reading The Frozen People, which I read last month. I thought it was pretty good.
I see you're reading The Frozen People, which I read last month. I thought it was pretty good.
15SirThomas
Happy new Year, Karen - may your year be full of happines health and joy - and of course - books.
16klobrien2
>11 PaulCranswick: As I said, back in 2025 😉, that’s a lovely building! Have a great year, Paul!
>12 Berly: Happy new year to you!
>13 richardderus: Ha! You are a person of many talents and much knowledge, Richard!
>14 katiekrug: Thanks for stopping by, Katie! I’m having a little getting started in The Frozen People, but I do love Griffiths’ books, so I have hope!
>15 SirThomas: Happy new year! Thank you for the warm wishes, and thanks for stopping by!
>12 Berly: Happy new year to you!
>13 richardderus: Ha! You are a person of many talents and much knowledge, Richard!
>14 katiekrug: Thanks for stopping by, Katie! I’m having a little getting started in The Frozen People, but I do love Griffiths’ books, so I have hope!
>15 SirThomas: Happy new year! Thank you for the warm wishes, and thanks for stopping by!
17klobrien2
Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
The Frozen People by Elly Griffith
Essays After Eighty by Donald Hall
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree
I’ve got 6 illustrated books on my stack; may have a few more today. Life is good!
Magazines Read:
Great Course:
TV Watching: Shetland Season 10 is up! Watched episode 10.1 and it was very good! Great to “see” Shetland Island again.
Listening:
Wordle 1,658 4/6*irate, drown, promo, proof
⬜🟧⬜⬜⬜
⬜🟧🟧⬜⬜
🟧🟧🟧⬜🟦
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #936
🟩🟦🟦🟦
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #670
“Home is where the hearth is”
🔵🟡🔵🔵
🔵🔵🔵
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
The Frozen People by Elly Griffith
Essays After Eighty by Donald Hall
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree
I’ve got 6 illustrated books on my stack; may have a few more today. Life is good!
Magazines Read:
Great Course:
TV Watching: Shetland Season 10 is up! Watched episode 10.1 and it was very good! Great to “see” Shetland Island again.
Listening:
Wordle 1,658 4/6*
⬜🟧⬜⬜⬜
⬜🟧🟧⬜⬜
🟧🟧🟧⬜🟦
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #936
🟩🟦🟦🟦
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #670
“Home is where the hearth is”
🔵🟡🔵🔵
🔵🔵🔵
18richardderus
>17 klobrien2: Friday orisons, dear lady. I'm in a tis-was because I just heard I got my interview in the Bronx!
19klobrien2
>18 richardderus: I’m crossing all my fingers (hard to type like that!😊) that it works out for you!
20richardderus
>19 klobrien2: TYVM, me too!!
22klobrien2
Reading Roundup!
Time for an updated list!
Because I rely on libraries so much for my reading (and do so much eBook reading), what I'm reading at any given time changes often, and changes quickly.
Karen's current reading (01/02/2026):
Actively reading (or the potential is there!)
Mistletoe Mystery: A Maid Novella by Nita Prose
The Frozen People by Elly Griffiths -- p. 23 of 292
Essays After Eighty by Donald Hall
Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree
The Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Common Sense by Thomas Paine
Her Royal Spyness by Rhys Bowen
The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde
In the Heights: Finding Home by Lin-Manuel Miranda
Sisters, Oregon: Five Decades of Quilting in America by Jean Wells
On Cats: An Anthology by Margaret Atwood
A Man Lay Dead (Roderick Allayn #1) by Ngaio Marsh -- p. 1 of 149
Rosemary's Baby by Ira Levin
She Speaks! What Shakespeare's Women Might Have Said by Harriet Walter
A Circle of Quiet by Madeline L'Engle -- p. 73 of 250 (Libby)
I'm overbooked! I don't want to lose track of these books, but I can't truly say that I am actively reading them right now:
Proto: How One Ancient Language Went Global (Laura Spinney) -- now on my Nook!
Before Midnight by Rex Stout -- p. 7 of 172 (Libby)
Murder and Mendelssohn (Phryne Fisher #20) by Kerry Greenwood -- p. 8 of 280 (Libby)
Career of Evil (Cormoran Strike #3) by Robert Galbraith -- p. 96 of 439 (Libby
We Solve Murders by Richard Osman -- p. 8 of 389 (mine, on Nook)
All or Nothing by Michael Wolff (mine)
Conclave by Robert Harris
The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
Glorious Exploits by Ferdia Lennon -- p. 3 of 285
The River We Remember by William Kent Krueger -- p. 82 of 421 (mine, on Nook)
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett -- p. 29 of 278 (mine, on Nook)
Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club by J. Ryan Stradal -- p. 81 of 253 (mine, on Nook)
Crook Manifesto by Colson Whitehead -- p. 73 of 288 (Nook)
Agatha's First Case (Agatha Raisin #0.5) by M. C. Beaton (Nook)
Marple: Twelve New Stories by assorted authors
Fairy Tale by Stephen King
I usually am reading/watching Great Courses. Currently waiting to select and receive next course.
Time for an updated list!
Because I rely on libraries so much for my reading (and do so much eBook reading), what I'm reading at any given time changes often, and changes quickly.
Karen's current reading (01/02/2026):
Actively reading (or the potential is there!)
Mistletoe Mystery: A Maid Novella by Nita Prose
The Frozen People by Elly Griffiths -- p. 23 of 292
Essays After Eighty by Donald Hall
Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree
The Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Common Sense by Thomas Paine
Her Royal Spyness by Rhys Bowen
The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde
In the Heights: Finding Home by Lin-Manuel Miranda
Sisters, Oregon: Five Decades of Quilting in America by Jean Wells
On Cats: An Anthology by Margaret Atwood
A Man Lay Dead (Roderick Allayn #1) by Ngaio Marsh -- p. 1 of 149
Rosemary's Baby by Ira Levin
She Speaks! What Shakespeare's Women Might Have Said by Harriet Walter
A Circle of Quiet by Madeline L'Engle -- p. 73 of 250 (Libby)
I'm overbooked! I don't want to lose track of these books, but I can't truly say that I am actively reading them right now:
Proto: How One Ancient Language Went Global (Laura Spinney) -- now on my Nook!
Before Midnight by Rex Stout -- p. 7 of 172 (Libby)
Murder and Mendelssohn (Phryne Fisher #20) by Kerry Greenwood -- p. 8 of 280 (Libby)
Career of Evil (Cormoran Strike #3) by Robert Galbraith -- p. 96 of 439 (Libby
We Solve Murders by Richard Osman -- p. 8 of 389 (mine, on Nook)
All or Nothing by Michael Wolff (mine)
Conclave by Robert Harris
The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
Glorious Exploits by Ferdia Lennon -- p. 3 of 285
The River We Remember by William Kent Krueger -- p. 82 of 421 (mine, on Nook)
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett -- p. 29 of 278 (mine, on Nook)
Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club by J. Ryan Stradal -- p. 81 of 253 (mine, on Nook)
Crook Manifesto by Colson Whitehead -- p. 73 of 288 (Nook)
Agatha's First Case (Agatha Raisin #0.5) by M. C. Beaton (Nook)
Marple: Twelve New Stories by assorted authors
Fairy Tale by Stephen King
I usually am reading/watching Great Courses. Currently waiting to select and receive next course.
23atozgrl
Happy New Year, Karen! I'm looking forward to following you and seeing what you read this year. No doubt there will be plenty more illustrated books.
24AMQS
Happy New Year! I think I may track my picture books this year. I never have before, but I don't actually have any idea of how many I read. Won't it be fun to find out!
25klobrien2
>23 atozgrl: Thanks! I’m looking forward to seeing what you get up to, also! And they just keep making more illustrated books all the time!
>24 AMQS: Beautiful poster—thank you! Happy new year to you, too! I know I was surprised when my “illustrated books” count kept going up and up. We’ll see how it goes this year.
Thank you both for stopping by to chat!
>24 AMQS: Beautiful poster—thank you! Happy new year to you, too! I know I was surprised when my “illustrated books” count kept going up and up. We’ll see how it goes this year.
Thank you both for stopping by to chat!
26klobrien2
Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
The Frozen People by Elly Griffith
Essays After Eighty by Donald Hall
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree
Snuck in a read of The Mistletoe Mystery: A Maid Novella by Nita Prose. Really short and sweet—finished.
I’ve got6 8 illustrated books on my stack; Life is good!
Magazines Read: The Week (12/26–01/02), Nat Geo (Oct)
Great Course:
TV Watching: Stranger Things 5.5. Three episodes left. This show might be fun to rewatch in its entirety.
Listening:
Wordle 1,659 3/6* Thought of choosing my final guess for my second, but double-guessed myself. 🤨irate, astir, sitar
🟦🟦🟦🟦⬜
🟦🟦🟧🟦🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #937
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟪🟪🟦🟪
🟪🟪🟦🟪
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟪🟪🟪🟪
🟦🟦🟦🟦
Strands #671
“I've never seen that before!”
💡🔵🟡🔵
🔵🔵🔵
Flashback for Jan. 3, 2026
28 points
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
The Frozen People by Elly Griffith
Essays After Eighty by Donald Hall
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree
Snuck in a read of The Mistletoe Mystery: A Maid Novella by Nita Prose. Really short and sweet—finished.
I’ve got
Magazines Read: The Week (12/26–01/02), Nat Geo (Oct)
Great Course:
TV Watching: Stranger Things 5.5. Three episodes left. This show might be fun to rewatch in its entirety.
Listening:
Wordle 1,659 3/6* Thought of choosing my final guess for my second, but double-guessed myself. 🤨
🟦🟦🟦🟦⬜
🟦🟦🟧🟦🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #937
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟪🟪🟦🟪
🟪🟪🟦🟪
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟪🟪🟪🟪
🟦🟦🟦🟦
Strands #671
“I've never seen that before!”
💡🔵🟡🔵
🔵🔵🔵
Flashback for Jan. 3, 2026
28 points
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩
27klobrien2
From last years' thread: the last books I read, right at the end of the year. I just finished my reviews in my last 2025 thread, and I enjoyed them so much, I'm repeating my "reviews" here:
Great reading at the end of the year!
Gilded Age Christmas Cookbook: Cookies and Treats from America's Golden Era (1868-1900) by Becky Libourel Diamond
A fun, little sidestep through some culinary history--the history behind the dishes, food, style, and trends of the era. The information is presented as both written details and stunning food photography. Bibliography and index provided at end of book.
The author has previously published Gilded Age Cookbook: Recipes and Stories from America's Golden Era. I'm going to look that book up, too! It sounds quite like this book; of course, there are more types of food presented "Blends Gilded Age details and celebrity stories with historic recipes updated for modern kitchens."
Fever Beach by Carl Hiassen
Carl Hiassen is becoming one of my favorite authors. He's got such a sense of wit and can see the craziness and evil in current American culture. This book features a "sun-scorched world of right-wing extremism, greed, and grift" (sound familiar?).
One of my favorite sentences from this book: "There were a few recent pictures of Claude shaking hands with Donald Trump; two crusty iguanas in tuxedos." Perfect!
Dr. Seuss Goes to War: The World War II Editorial Cartoons of Theodor Seuss Geisel by Richard H. Minear, intro by Art Spiegelman
An aspect of the great Dr. Seuss of which I was unaware! Dr. Seuss got his start with children's books, of course, but also was being published in "PM" magazine, a "left-wing daily newspaper published in New York from 1940-1948." "These cartoons rail against isolationism, racism, and anti-Semitism with a conviction and fervor lacking in most other American editorial pages of the period."
Minear provides detailed explanations of the cartoons, which are nicely presented and categorized. These are definitely NOT children's cartoons, although the figures and style is very familiar as Dr. Seuss'.
Here are some quotes about this collection:
"Scathing, fascinating stuff...a provocative history of wartime politics." (EW)
"Succeeds as both a dark-humored history lesson and a glimpse into the artistic development that would carry into Seuss' best-known books." (Mother Jones).
Warning: I was quite shaken to see the cartoons dealing with Japanese people. I knew that "six Dr. Seuss books — including "And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street" and "If I Ran the Zoo" — will stop being published because of racist and insensitive imagery, the business that preserves and protects the author's legacy said Tuesday. "These books portray people in ways that are hurtful and wrong," Dr. Seuss Enterprises told The Associated Press."
The author states: "It is a surprise that a person who denounces anti-black racism, and anti-Semitism eloquently can be oblivious of his own racist treatment of Japanese and Japanese-Americans."
The library where I located a copy of this book (there aren't many paper copies around) has marked this book for "in-library access only." I'm thinking that it's because of those hurtful images.
I'm still glad to have seen this book, and to have gotten a new sense of the times and the great Dr. Seuss, warts and all.
One Big Table: A Portrait of American Cooking by Molly O'Neill
This was a five-star read for me. Not just a cookbook, massive as it is, it represents a huge effort on the part of O'Neill, who divided the country into 25 geographic patches, collected 10,000 recipes, tested about half of them, and presents 600 of them in this book.
Not only recipes, but the stories behind the recipes, with additional photographs and writing of the people, the regions, and their histories. This book is jam-packed with lots of interesting and involving information. It is not some normal cookbook dalliance.
What is presented is a huge, multi-faceted portrait of America--and it is a glorious image of immigrants and their contribution to the country. Basically, everyone is shown to be an immigrant of some type--and what a timely presentation!
Great reading at the end of the year!
Gilded Age Christmas Cookbook: Cookies and Treats from America's Golden Era (1868-1900) by Becky Libourel Diamond
A fun, little sidestep through some culinary history--the history behind the dishes, food, style, and trends of the era. The information is presented as both written details and stunning food photography. Bibliography and index provided at end of book.
The author has previously published Gilded Age Cookbook: Recipes and Stories from America's Golden Era. I'm going to look that book up, too! It sounds quite like this book; of course, there are more types of food presented "Blends Gilded Age details and celebrity stories with historic recipes updated for modern kitchens."
Fever Beach by Carl Hiassen
Carl Hiassen is becoming one of my favorite authors. He's got such a sense of wit and can see the craziness and evil in current American culture. This book features a "sun-scorched world of right-wing extremism, greed, and grift" (sound familiar?).
One of my favorite sentences from this book: "There were a few recent pictures of Claude shaking hands with Donald Trump; two crusty iguanas in tuxedos." Perfect!
Dr. Seuss Goes to War: The World War II Editorial Cartoons of Theodor Seuss Geisel by Richard H. Minear, intro by Art Spiegelman
An aspect of the great Dr. Seuss of which I was unaware! Dr. Seuss got his start with children's books, of course, but also was being published in "PM" magazine, a "left-wing daily newspaper published in New York from 1940-1948." "These cartoons rail against isolationism, racism, and anti-Semitism with a conviction and fervor lacking in most other American editorial pages of the period."
Minear provides detailed explanations of the cartoons, which are nicely presented and categorized. These are definitely NOT children's cartoons, although the figures and style is very familiar as Dr. Seuss'.
Here are some quotes about this collection:
"Scathing, fascinating stuff...a provocative history of wartime politics." (EW)
"Succeeds as both a dark-humored history lesson and a glimpse into the artistic development that would carry into Seuss' best-known books." (Mother Jones).
Warning: I was quite shaken to see the cartoons dealing with Japanese people. I knew that "six Dr. Seuss books — including "And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street" and "If I Ran the Zoo" — will stop being published because of racist and insensitive imagery, the business that preserves and protects the author's legacy said Tuesday. "These books portray people in ways that are hurtful and wrong," Dr. Seuss Enterprises told The Associated Press."
The author states: "It is a surprise that a person who denounces anti-black racism, and anti-Semitism eloquently can be oblivious of his own racist treatment of Japanese and Japanese-Americans."
The library where I located a copy of this book (there aren't many paper copies around) has marked this book for "in-library access only." I'm thinking that it's because of those hurtful images.
I'm still glad to have seen this book, and to have gotten a new sense of the times and the great Dr. Seuss, warts and all.
One Big Table: A Portrait of American Cooking by Molly O'Neill
This was a five-star read for me. Not just a cookbook, massive as it is, it represents a huge effort on the part of O'Neill, who divided the country into 25 geographic patches, collected 10,000 recipes, tested about half of them, and presents 600 of them in this book.
Not only recipes, but the stories behind the recipes, with additional photographs and writing of the people, the regions, and their histories. This book is jam-packed with lots of interesting and involving information. It is not some normal cookbook dalliance.
What is presented is a huge, multi-faceted portrait of America--and it is a glorious image of immigrants and their contribution to the country. Basically, everyone is shown to be an immigrant of some type--and what a timely presentation!
28katiekrug
One Big Table sounds excellent. Definitely making a note of it...
29klobrien2
>28 katiekrug: It was definitely a lot of fun to peruse. Good recipes, too, it looked like. Some were quite regional, like different game dishes, which I noted and moved past. 😝
It is a real brick of a book physically, so be warned. Over 800 pages, solid paper and cardboard.
It is a real brick of a book physically, so be warned. Over 800 pages, solid paper and cardboard.
30AMQS
Ooh I am also making a note of One Big Table- looks like a great one!
31thornton37814
>27 klobrien2: The Gilded Age cookbook and the Dr. Seuss book both look interesting.
32klobrien2
>30 AMQS: I hope you like One Big Table as much as I did, if you get a chance to read it!
>I found both books really interesting. I hope YMWNV (Your Mileage Will Not Vary).
Thanks to you both for stopping by!
>I found both books really interesting. I hope YMWNV (Your Mileage Will Not Vary).
Thanks to you both for stopping by!
33klobrien2
Today: Online church. Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
The Frozen People by Elly Griffith
Essays After Eighty by Donald Hall
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree
I’ve got6 8 9 illustrated books on my stack—hold the presses, read all of them! Excellent first batch of the year!
Magazines Read: NYT Magazine (12/07), NYT Book Review (12/14), (12/21)
Great Course:
TV Watching: Stranger Things 5.6. Two episodes left. This show might be fun to rewatch in its entirety.
Listening:
Wordle 1,660 4/6*irate, budge, copse, posse
⬜⬜⬜⬜🟧
⬜⬜⬜⬜🟧
⬜🟧🟦🟧🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #938
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #672
“I just know ...”
🟡🔵🔵🔵
🔵🔵
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
The Frozen People by Elly Griffith
Essays After Eighty by Donald Hall
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree
I’ve got
Magazines Read: NYT Magazine (12/07), NYT Book Review (12/14), (12/21)
Great Course:
TV Watching: Stranger Things 5.6. Two episodes left. This show might be fun to rewatch in its entirety.
Listening:
Wordle 1,660 4/6*
⬜⬜⬜⬜🟧
⬜⬜⬜⬜🟧
⬜🟧🟦🟧🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #938
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #672
“I just know ...”
🟡🔵🔵🔵
🔵🔵
34klobrien2
1. The Mistletoe Mystery: A Maid Novella by Nita Prose
A sweet visit with Molly the maid at Christmas time. So nice to read about this lovely set of characters again.
35klobrien2
***************************************************
There are only three forms of high art: the symphony,
the illustrated children's book, and the board game.
(Saga Volume 3 by Brian K. Vaughan)
***************************************************
So many of these lovely books are made known to me by whisper1 (thank you, so much!) Others who have pointed me in the right direction are: jnwelch, squeakychu, jessibud2, Norabelle, avatiakh, AMQS, Blbera, foggidawn, richardderus, Booklist, and the NYTimes (please let me know if I've forgotten you!):
********************
From the LibraryThing newsletter, a list of members’ “Favorite Picture Books”! Just when I thought I had read them all (Just kidding. Not even close).
https://www.librarything.com/list/45998/Favorite-Picture-Books
********************
Another treasure list (read in April 2025): Pictured Worlds: Masterpieces of Children's Book Art by 101 Essential Illustrators from Around the World by Leonard S. Marcus.
********************
Illustrated1. Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me by Eric Carle
Tiny little book, but the pages open up and out! Very cool! From 1991.
"Here is a multi-faceted story that appeals to children visually, verbally, and emotionally, and which also contains a first lesson in natural history, depicting the waxing and waning of the moon."
Dedication: "For my daughter Cirsten."
Illustrated2. Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig
I love this book! This was a reread; I read it for the first time a few years ago.
Caldecott Medal (1970).
The book also contains a reproduction of Steig's Caldecott Award acceptance speech. Very nice!
Illustrated3. Melisande by E. (Edith) Nesbit, ill. P. J. Lynch
The story itself dates back to the 1880s; this illustrated version, from 1989. Funny and clever, with beautiful illustrations.
"Entertainingly clever fairy tale...magic has its limits. We must be careful what we wish, for our wishes may come true, but not exactly as we had intended."
Illustrated4. Quentin Blake's Fantastic Journeys (Fanciful Drawings and Surprising Situations) by Quentin Blake
Brand new book (2025). Fantastic collection of Blake's "Fantastic Journeys." Drawings as only Blake does them. Seemingly chaotic, all-over-the-place, they present completed images in a surprising way. So much fun to look at!
Blake says: "A lot of what I like about drawing is that it is a sort of theater, portraying people's emotions and reactions through expression and gesture."
Sections in this book are entitled:
Trip Hazards
Ten Things You Cannot Really Manage Without
Delivering from Elsewhere
Wildlife Artist of the Year
Chance Encounters
Feet in the Water
On the Wing
The Mouse on a Tricycle
Illustrated5. Oh, Olive! by Lian Cho
"Presenting Olive Chen!
The most magnificent and brilliant artist
in the whole world!"
Lovely story and illustrations. "Irrepressible. Joyful. Vibrant and full of oomph!" Published 2023.
Illustrated6. I Am We: How Crows Come Together to Survive by Leslie Barnard Booth, ill. Alexandra Finkeldey
Brand new book (2025).
"I follow him,
and he follows she,
and they follow me,
and me turns to we."
This book is full of lovely poetry and illustrations.
"Beguiling mysteries of crow behavior," with explanatory pages at the end of the book.
Illustrated7. Making Art by Diana E. Jaita
Another brand-new book (2025)!
Unique illustrations, very colorful. Something I hadn't seen before: the publication information includes a warranty that the art is "human made."
"We are all artists."
Lovely dedication: "To my little Mathilde and the light in her eyes when she brings home little animals, flowers, and more creations made of paper, color, and "glitzer."" (Love it!)
Illustrated8. So Cold! by John Coy, ill. Chris Park
A reread for me. Book is from 2024. Minnesota Historical Society Press (yay!)
"In celebration of cold"-- lots of primary colors, cute illustrations, real-life science experiments.
"With all these amazing activities to undertake with a favorite adult when it's cold outside, why would any child prefer to stay in?"
Illustrated9. Dragon Flower by Jiang Hong Chen, tr. from French by Alyson Waters
Another brand-new book (2025). Amazingly beautiful, both verbally and visually. And there are DRAGONS!
It's about bravery, compassion, and kindness. I usually give my illustrated books a four-star rating; this one gets a full five.
There are only three forms of high art: the symphony,
the illustrated children's book, and the board game.
(Saga Volume 3 by Brian K. Vaughan)
***************************************************
So many of these lovely books are made known to me by whisper1 (thank you, so much!) Others who have pointed me in the right direction are: jnwelch, squeakychu, jessibud2, Norabelle, avatiakh, AMQS, Blbera, foggidawn, richardderus, Booklist, and the NYTimes (please let me know if I've forgotten you!):
********************
From the LibraryThing newsletter, a list of members’ “Favorite Picture Books”! Just when I thought I had read them all (Just kidding. Not even close).
https://www.librarything.com/list/45998/Favorite-Picture-Books
********************
Another treasure list (read in April 2025): Pictured Worlds: Masterpieces of Children's Book Art by 101 Essential Illustrators from Around the World by Leonard S. Marcus.
********************
Illustrated1. Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me by Eric Carle
Tiny little book, but the pages open up and out! Very cool! From 1991.
"Here is a multi-faceted story that appeals to children visually, verbally, and emotionally, and which also contains a first lesson in natural history, depicting the waxing and waning of the moon."
Dedication: "For my daughter Cirsten."
Illustrated2. Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig
I love this book! This was a reread; I read it for the first time a few years ago.
Caldecott Medal (1970).
The book also contains a reproduction of Steig's Caldecott Award acceptance speech. Very nice!
Illustrated3. Melisande by E. (Edith) Nesbit, ill. P. J. Lynch
The story itself dates back to the 1880s; this illustrated version, from 1989. Funny and clever, with beautiful illustrations.
"Entertainingly clever fairy tale...magic has its limits. We must be careful what we wish, for our wishes may come true, but not exactly as we had intended."
Illustrated4. Quentin Blake's Fantastic Journeys (Fanciful Drawings and Surprising Situations) by Quentin Blake
Brand new book (2025). Fantastic collection of Blake's "Fantastic Journeys." Drawings as only Blake does them. Seemingly chaotic, all-over-the-place, they present completed images in a surprising way. So much fun to look at!
Blake says: "A lot of what I like about drawing is that it is a sort of theater, portraying people's emotions and reactions through expression and gesture."
Sections in this book are entitled:
Trip Hazards
Ten Things You Cannot Really Manage Without
Delivering from Elsewhere
Wildlife Artist of the Year
Chance Encounters
Feet in the Water
On the Wing
The Mouse on a Tricycle
Illustrated5. Oh, Olive! by Lian Cho
"Presenting Olive Chen!
The most magnificent and brilliant artist
in the whole world!"
Lovely story and illustrations. "Irrepressible. Joyful. Vibrant and full of oomph!" Published 2023.
Illustrated6. I Am We: How Crows Come Together to Survive by Leslie Barnard Booth, ill. Alexandra Finkeldey
Brand new book (2025).
"I follow him,
and he follows she,
and they follow me,
and me turns to we."
This book is full of lovely poetry and illustrations.
"Beguiling mysteries of crow behavior," with explanatory pages at the end of the book.
Illustrated7. Making Art by Diana E. Jaita
Another brand-new book (2025)!
Unique illustrations, very colorful. Something I hadn't seen before: the publication information includes a warranty that the art is "human made."
"We are all artists."
Lovely dedication: "To my little Mathilde and the light in her eyes when she brings home little animals, flowers, and more creations made of paper, color, and "glitzer."" (Love it!)
Illustrated8. So Cold! by John Coy, ill. Chris Park
A reread for me. Book is from 2024. Minnesota Historical Society Press (yay!)
"In celebration of cold"-- lots of primary colors, cute illustrations, real-life science experiments.
"With all these amazing activities to undertake with a favorite adult when it's cold outside, why would any child prefer to stay in?"
Illustrated9. Dragon Flower by Jiang Hong Chen, tr. from French by Alyson Waters
Another brand-new book (2025). Amazingly beautiful, both verbally and visually. And there are DRAGONS!
It's about bravery, compassion, and kindness. I usually give my illustrated books a four-star rating; this one gets a full five.
36thornton37814
>34 klobrien2: This is a series I keep meaning to try. We had a patron that kept the first one out forever. I think it finally got returned, but by that time, it was time to return it to the lease book company just because of the book's age, so I never got around to reading it. I intended to pick it up at the library. I may need to add it to my reading list so I get around to it!
37klobrien2
>36 thornton37814: I'm up to date on "The Maid" series, and I've loved them all. I don't know how this one slipped by, but I'll be more careful!
38thornton37814
>37 klobrien2: I looked and my library does have it. I'll probably pick it up either Tuesday or Saturday if the first is still on the shelf. I think I'd rather read the first one and then perhaps I'll decide if I want to add the others to my audio listens. I feel I get a better feel for characters by reading the first one in print.
39klobrien2
>38 thornton37814: Yes, definitely! The first one (The Maid) is definitely the place to start.
40klobrien2
Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
The Frozen People by Elly Griffith
Essays After Eighty by Donald Hall
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree
Magazines Read:
Great Course:
TV Watching: Stranger Things 5.7. One episode left in the series! Lots going on, tying up lots of loose ends.
I also watched the first episode of Best Medicine, an American version of Doc Martin, one of my favorite shows ever. I enjoyed the first episode, will keep watching.
Listening:
Wordle 1,661 4/6*irate, bingo, dimly, filly
🟦⬜⬜⬜⬜
⬜🟧⬜⬜⬜
⬜🟧⬜🟧🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #939
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟩🟪🟩🟩
🟩🟪🟩🟩
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #673
“Slapped together”
💡🔵💡🔵
🔵🟡🔵🔵
🔵
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
The Frozen People by Elly Griffith
Essays After Eighty by Donald Hall
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree
Magazines Read:
Great Course:
TV Watching: Stranger Things 5.7. One episode left in the series! Lots going on, tying up lots of loose ends.
I also watched the first episode of Best Medicine, an American version of Doc Martin, one of my favorite shows ever. I enjoyed the first episode, will keep watching.
Listening:
Wordle 1,661 4/6*
🟦⬜⬜⬜⬜
⬜🟧⬜⬜⬜
⬜🟧⬜🟧🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #939
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟩🟪🟩🟩
🟩🟪🟩🟩
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #673
“Slapped together”
💡🔵💡🔵
🔵🟡🔵🔵
🔵
41norabelle414
Happy New Year, Karen!
42klobrien2
>41 norabelle414: Thanks! Happy 2026 to you, too!
43klobrien2
The new television season is getting into full swing and there are quite a few new shows coming that look pretty interesting. My attempt to keep track follows:
(In order by date of first episode)
Shetland (Season 10) Britbox (1/1)
Best Medicine (1) Fox (1/4) — American adaptation of “Doc Martin.” Stars Josh Charles. Martin Clunes (original “Doc Martin”) is to appear as Dr. Best’s father!
The Rookie (8) ABC (1/6)
Bookish (1) PBS (1/11) Mark Gatiss as the owner of a an antiquarian bookshop, who also does some detecting!
The Night Manager (2) Prime (1/11) — Nine years since the first season! Tom Huddleston stars as MI6 operative.
Star Trek: Star Fleet Academy (1) Paramount (1/15) — Holly Hunter, Steven Colbert as “Digital Dean”
Adding: Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials Netflix (1/15)
Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (1) HBOMax (1/18) — Set 100 years before “Game of Thrones” but the same Westeros world.
Shrinking (3) Apple+ (1/28)
The Muppet Show Pilot, perhaps to be followed by a season? (2/4) ABC, Disney+ — produced by Seth Rogen. Mix of old and new.
Dark Winds (4) AMC (2/15)
Scarpetta (1) Amazon Prime (3/11) — Nicole Kidman as Kay Scarpetta.
(In order by date of first episode)
Shetland (Season 10) Britbox (1/1)
Best Medicine (1) Fox (1/4) — American adaptation of “Doc Martin.” Stars Josh Charles. Martin Clunes (original “Doc Martin”) is to appear as Dr. Best’s father!
The Rookie (8) ABC (1/6)
Bookish (1) PBS (1/11) Mark Gatiss as the owner of a an antiquarian bookshop, who also does some detecting!
The Night Manager (2) Prime (1/11) — Nine years since the first season! Tom Huddleston stars as MI6 operative.
Star Trek: Star Fleet Academy (1) Paramount (1/15) — Holly Hunter, Steven Colbert as “Digital Dean”
Adding: Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials Netflix (1/15)
Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (1) HBOMax (1/18) — Set 100 years before “Game of Thrones” but the same Westeros world.
Shrinking (3) Apple+ (1/28)
The Muppet Show Pilot, perhaps to be followed by a season? (2/4) ABC, Disney+ — produced by Seth Rogen. Mix of old and new.
Dark Winds (4) AMC (2/15)
Scarpetta (1) Amazon Prime (3/11) — Nicole Kidman as Kay Scarpetta.
44Whisper1
Karen, I've wanted to read Dr. Seuss Goes to War: The World War II Editorial Cartoons of Theodor Seuss Geisel for a long time. It's hard to find in local libraries. . I think I'll end of purchasing a copy. Your review is very good.
45klobrien2
>44 Whisper1: I got a copy of Dr Seuss Goes to War from my nearby (Minneapolis) library. I just checked on it, and they’ve changed its status to “in-library use only” now. I think they realized that it was a little rare! They have an ebook version available, though. Is that an option for you?
Thanks for stopping by to chat!
Thanks for stopping by to chat!
46Whisper1
Previously Thriftbooks.com did not have copies of Dr. Seuss Goes to War. I checked last night, and they had two copies in stock. I ordered one! I'm very anxious to read it.
47klobrien2
>46 Whisper1: That’s great! I hope you find it worth all the effort (I think you will!)
48klobrien2
Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
The Frozen People by Elly Griffith
Essays After Eighty by Donald Hall
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Finished: Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree. Really enjoyed the read; on to the second book.
Adding: Cookies: The Best Recipes for the Perfect Anytime Treat by Vaughn Vreeland. Lots of folks waiting for this one.
Magazines Read:
Great Course:
TV Watching: Stranger Things 5.8. Excellent finale to a terrific series! I will definitely hope to do a rewatch of the entire series at some point.
I also watched an episode of St Denis Medical 2.9. Good, as always.
Listening:
Wordle 1,662 3/6* Went for the third word because it is such a great word! Need to look up the etymology on that one! Irate, mound, oomph
⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜
🟦🟧⬜⬜⬜
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #940
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟪🟦🟩🟩
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟪🟪🟪🟪
🟦🟦🟦🟦
Strands #674
“Look up!”
🔵🔵🟡🔵
🔵🔵🔵
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
The Frozen People by Elly Griffith
Essays After Eighty by Donald Hall
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Finished: Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree. Really enjoyed the read; on to the second book.
Adding: Cookies: The Best Recipes for the Perfect Anytime Treat by Vaughn Vreeland. Lots of folks waiting for this one.
Magazines Read:
Great Course:
TV Watching: Stranger Things 5.8. Excellent finale to a terrific series! I will definitely hope to do a rewatch of the entire series at some point.
I also watched an episode of St Denis Medical 2.9. Good, as always.
Listening:
Wordle 1,662 3/6*
⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜
🟦🟧⬜⬜⬜
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #940
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟪🟦🟩🟩
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟪🟪🟪🟪
🟦🟦🟦🟦
Strands #674
“Look up!”
🔵🔵🟡🔵
🔵🔵🔵
49klobrien2
Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
The Frozen People by Elly Griffith
Essays After Eighty by Donald Hall
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Cookies: The Best Recipes for the Perfect Anytime Treat by Vaughn Vreeland
Magazines Read:
Great Course:
TV Watching: High Potential 2.8, The Rookie 8.1. Good to see these shows again after their breaks.
Listening:
Wordle 1,663 4/6*irate, abled, paean, pecan
⬜⬜🟦⬜🟦
🟦⬜⬜🟦⬜
🟧⬜🟦🟧🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #941
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #675
“Open wide”
🔵🔵🔵🔵
🟡🔵
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
The Frozen People by Elly Griffith
Essays After Eighty by Donald Hall
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Cookies: The Best Recipes for the Perfect Anytime Treat by Vaughn Vreeland
Magazines Read:
Great Course:
TV Watching: High Potential 2.8, The Rookie 8.1. Good to see these shows again after their breaks.
Listening:
Wordle 1,663 4/6*
⬜⬜🟦⬜🟦
🟦⬜⬜🟦⬜
🟧⬜🟦🟧🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #941
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #675
“Open wide”
🔵🔵🔵🔵
🟡🔵
50alcottacre
>27 klobrien2: I have enjoyed all of the Hiassen books I have read to this point too, Karen. I have not yet read Fever Beach though, so into the BlackHole it goes! I thoroughly enjoyed my reads (I have read it twice now) of Dr. Seuss Goes to War too! Adding that Molly O'Neill book to the BlackHole too.
>34 klobrien2: I still have not read the first book in that series! I need to get to it pronto, it appears.
A Belated Happy New Year, Karen!
>34 klobrien2: I still have not read the first book in that series! I need to get to it pronto, it appears.
A Belated Happy New Year, Karen!
51PaulCranswick
>49 klobrien2: I hope you enjoy reading Raymond Antrobus' memoir, Karen. I haven't read it but I do really admire his poetry which is top notch.
52msf59
Sweet thursday, Karen. How are you enjoying the Hall essay collection? I had a good time with it. In regard to TV watching, I have been enjoying "Pluribus" (Apple) so keep that one in mind too.
53klobrien2
>50 alcottacre: Hello there, Stasia! Great to see you here. And thanks for sharing the book love harmonics (only word I could think of). And, happy new year to you, too!
>51 PaulCranswick: The Antrobus Quiet Ear is really good. He writes really well, and I certainly plan to check out his poetry, especially with your praise. Any particular volume you’d recommend?
>52 msf59: I’m loving Essays After Eighty! Such a good writer!
I’ve watched the first episode of Pluribus, and it’s stayed on my list since then. Maybe today I’ll watch the next episode…
Thank you all for stopping by to chat! I visit your threads every day and really appreciate you. Have great days!
>51 PaulCranswick: The Antrobus Quiet Ear is really good. He writes really well, and I certainly plan to check out his poetry, especially with your praise. Any particular volume you’d recommend?
>52 msf59: I’m loving Essays After Eighty! Such a good writer!
I’ve watched the first episode of Pluribus, and it’s stayed on my list since then. Maybe today I’ll watch the next episode…
Thank you all for stopping by to chat! I visit your threads every day and really appreciate you. Have great days!
54klobrien2
Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
The Frozen People by Elly Griffith
Essays After Eighty by Donald Hall
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Cookies: The Best Recipes for the Perfect Anytime Treat by Vaughn Vreeland
Library Book Day! Picked up six new-to-me illustrated books this week!
Magazines Read:
Great Course:
TV Watching: Abbott Elementary 5.9
Listening:
Wordle 1,664 2/6* A “two-ey”! I guessed well.irate, blast
⬜⬜🟧🟦⬜
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #942
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟦🟦🟦🟪
🟪🟪🟪🟪
🟦🟦🟦🟦
Strands #676
“That's just reality (TV)”
🔵💡🔵💡
🔵🔵🔵🟡
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
The Frozen People by Elly Griffith
Essays After Eighty by Donald Hall
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Cookies: The Best Recipes for the Perfect Anytime Treat by Vaughn Vreeland
Library Book Day! Picked up six new-to-me illustrated books this week!
Magazines Read:
Great Course:
TV Watching: Abbott Elementary 5.9
Listening:
Wordle 1,664 2/6* A “two-ey”! I guessed well.
⬜⬜🟧🟦⬜
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #942
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟦🟦🟦🟪
🟪🟪🟪🟪
🟦🟦🟦🟦
Strands #676
“That's just reality (TV)”
🔵💡🔵💡
🔵🔵🔵🟡
55klobrien2
The Twin Cities are in shock after ICE’s murder yesterday of a bystander to their patrolling.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
‘F-bomb. Killing somebody. I think the more inflammatory action is killing somebody.’
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey (D), on CNN, responding to critics of his remarks telling ICE to “get the f*ck out” of his city after the deadly shooting by an agent yesterday. “I’m so sorry if I offended their Disney princess ears,” he added.
Truth.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
‘F-bomb. Killing somebody. I think the more inflammatory action is killing somebody.’
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey (D), on CNN, responding to critics of his remarks telling ICE to “get the f*ck out” of his city after the deadly shooting by an agent yesterday. “I’m so sorry if I offended their Disney princess ears,” he added.
Truth.
56LovingLit
Hi Karen - I love how you record your Connections, Wordle and Strands scores :) :) :)
Not commenting on ICE as recent incident really indicates you all are on the precipice of something big and bad. It is atrocious
Not commenting on ICE as recent incident really indicates you all are on the precipice of something big and bad. It is atrocious
58atozgrl
>55 klobrien2: I've been thinking of you the past couple of days. I hate what happened. And the Mayor was right.
Why do these horrid incidents keep happening in a nice place like Minneapolis? First George Floyd, and now this.
Why do these horrid incidents keep happening in a nice place like Minneapolis? First George Floyd, and now this.
59klobrien2
>56 LovingLit: I keep the scores here because they are so pretty! And I use them as a gauge as to how well my brain seems to be working. 🥴 Thank you for stopping by!
>57 alcottacre: Thank you, Stasia. And thanks for coming by!
>58 atozgrl: I don’t know, why Minneapolis. This time, it’s definitely poorly trained, stupid, and reckless ICE thugs. And the thug-in-charge and his minions. Deep breath time. Thank you for stopping by!
>57 alcottacre: Thank you, Stasia. And thanks for coming by!
>58 atozgrl: I don’t know, why Minneapolis. This time, it’s definitely poorly trained, stupid, and reckless ICE thugs. And the thug-in-charge and his minions. Deep breath time. Thank you for stopping by!
60klobrien2
Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
The Frozen People by Elly Griffith
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Cookies: The Best Recipes for the Perfect Anytime Treat by Vaughn Vreeland
Finished— Essays After Eighty by Donald Hall. Excellent read!
Also finished those six new-to-me illustrated books so far this week. May get a few more today.
Magazines Read: NYT Magazine (12/21), Scientific American (Nov), Audubon (Fall)
Great Course:
TV Watching: 9-1-1 9.7
Listening:
Wordle 1,665 4/6*irate, befit, evict, eight
🟦⬜⬜🟦🟦
⬜🟦⬜🟦🟧
🟧⬜🟦⬜🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #943
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #677
“For cubs fans”
🔵🔵🔵🔵
🟡🔵🔵
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
The Frozen People by Elly Griffith
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Cookies: The Best Recipes for the Perfect Anytime Treat by Vaughn Vreeland
Finished— Essays After Eighty by Donald Hall. Excellent read!
Also finished those six new-to-me illustrated books so far this week. May get a few more today.
Magazines Read: NYT Magazine (12/21), Scientific American (Nov), Audubon (Fall)
Great Course:
TV Watching: 9-1-1 9.7
Listening:
Wordle 1,665 4/6*
🟦⬜⬜🟦🟦
⬜🟦⬜🟦🟧
🟧⬜🟦⬜🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #943
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #677
“For cubs fans”
🔵🔵🔵🔵
🟡🔵🔵
61klobrien2
2. Legends and Lattes: A Novel of High Fantasy and Low Stakes by Travis Baldree
I have never been a big reader of the fantasy side of "fantasy and science fiction" but I decided to give this book a shot after some nice chatter on LT. I am glad that I did. It was a fun, sweet read. I plan to continue on with the series.
"A big-hearted story about the small things in life and a lovingly written ode to the genre."
62klobrien2
3. Essays After Eighty by Donald Hall
And now for something completely different... (how many recognize the old Monty Python phrase?)
I've been such a fan of the Donald Hall things that I've read...his poetry (Without: Poems), his children's books (Ox-Cart Man). Now I've read one of his books of essays, and I'm hooked. He's got such a gift with words and has led such an interesting life. He combines the hilariously funny with the heartbreakingly sad.
A few favorite passages:
"Some honors honor. Some dishonors dishonor; some honors more or less dishonor. Grace and disgrace. Professional and personal. Disaster and survival. It's all bragging."
This one just cracked me up (he's listing euphemisms for death): "Sometimes women lose their husbands (Where the hell did I put him?)"
I've got another of his kids' book (I Am the Dog I Am the Cat) requested, as well as String Too Short to Be Saved (from my "to read" shelf) to continue with Hall's essay books. I'm looking to read Best Poems of Jane Kenyon, poems of his late wife. Hall did the collecting of the book. Another book of essays (his last?) --Carnival of Losses: Notes Nearing Ninety.
Still need to find another of his poetry books to continue with my "Donald Hall Festival de Libres"!
63katiekrug
I also loved Hall's collection, Without. I have his memoir, The Best Day the Worst Day on my shelf. I'll keep an eye out for his essays.
64richardderus
>55 klobrien2: I'm with Hizzoner on that one.
I'm happy to be back home and feeling hopeful about the results of my meeting. I don't know when they'll let me know but I need a yes! The public library's maybe four blocks away! Keep me in your prayers, pretty please? xo
I'm happy to be back home and feeling hopeful about the results of my meeting. I don't know when they'll let me know but I need a yes! The public library's maybe four blocks away! Keep me in your prayers, pretty please? xo
65klobrien2
>64 richardderus: You’re in them, I’ve been thinking and sending good thoughts all day. When will you know? xo
66klobrien2
***************************************************
There are only three forms of high art: the symphony,
the illustrated children's book, and the board game.
(Saga Volume 3 by Brian K. Vaughan)
***************************************************
So many of these lovely books are made known to me by whisper1 (thank you, so much!) Others who have pointed me in the right direction are: jnwelch, squeakychu, jessibud2, Norabelle, avatiakh, AMQS, Blbera, foggidawn, richardderus, Booklist, and the NYTimes (please let me know if I've forgotten you!):
********************
From the LibraryThing newsletter, a list of members’ “Favorite Picture Books”! Just when I thought I had read them all (Just kidding. Not even close).
https://www.librarything.com/list/45998/Favorite-Picture-Books
********************
Another treasure list (read in April 2025): Pictured Worlds: Masterpieces of Children's Book Art by 101 Essential Illustrators from Around the World by Leonard S. Marcus.
********************
Illustrated10. The Nutcracker by E.T.A. Hoffman, ill. David Delamare
Retelling of the classic folk tale. Illustrations are very nice.
Illustrated11. The Tiger Prince by Chen Jiang Hong, tr. from French by Alyson Waters
"Inspired by 'The Tigress' a late-Shang dynasty bronze vessel in the Carnuschi Museum in Paris, which alludes to the Chinese folk tale of a baby raised by a tigress."
Lovely story, incredibly beautiful illustrations--each page a work of art.
Illustrated12. The Sneetches and Other Stories by Dr. Seuss
Classic Dr. Seuss. "Seuss' Sneetches take their ridiculous racism to a whole new level of insanity, which serves to further underscore the absolute ridiculousness of bigoted behavior in real life." Rhyming is nice, fun to read aloud!
Illustrated13. Jumper: A Day in the Life of a Backyard Jumping Spider by Jessica Lanan
Beautiful illustrations. Six pages of "science" at the end of the book.
Illustrated14. Don't Trust Fish by Neil Sharpson, ill. Dan Santat
"Fish.
They're in our homes.
They're in our water.
But what do we really know about them?
Don't. Trust. Fish."
A really funny and interesting "science" book for kids. Animal classes and characteristics.
There are only three forms of high art: the symphony,
the illustrated children's book, and the board game.
(Saga Volume 3 by Brian K. Vaughan)
***************************************************
So many of these lovely books are made known to me by whisper1 (thank you, so much!) Others who have pointed me in the right direction are: jnwelch, squeakychu, jessibud2, Norabelle, avatiakh, AMQS, Blbera, foggidawn, richardderus, Booklist, and the NYTimes (please let me know if I've forgotten you!):
********************
From the LibraryThing newsletter, a list of members’ “Favorite Picture Books”! Just when I thought I had read them all (Just kidding. Not even close).
https://www.librarything.com/list/45998/Favorite-Picture-Books
********************
Another treasure list (read in April 2025): Pictured Worlds: Masterpieces of Children's Book Art by 101 Essential Illustrators from Around the World by Leonard S. Marcus.
********************
Illustrated10. The Nutcracker by E.T.A. Hoffman, ill. David Delamare
Retelling of the classic folk tale. Illustrations are very nice.
Illustrated11. The Tiger Prince by Chen Jiang Hong, tr. from French by Alyson Waters
"Inspired by 'The Tigress' a late-Shang dynasty bronze vessel in the Carnuschi Museum in Paris, which alludes to the Chinese folk tale of a baby raised by a tigress."
Lovely story, incredibly beautiful illustrations--each page a work of art.
Illustrated12. The Sneetches and Other Stories by Dr. Seuss
Classic Dr. Seuss. "Seuss' Sneetches take their ridiculous racism to a whole new level of insanity, which serves to further underscore the absolute ridiculousness of bigoted behavior in real life." Rhyming is nice, fun to read aloud!
Illustrated13. Jumper: A Day in the Life of a Backyard Jumping Spider by Jessica Lanan
Beautiful illustrations. Six pages of "science" at the end of the book.
Illustrated14. Don't Trust Fish by Neil Sharpson, ill. Dan Santat
"Fish.
They're in our homes.
They're in our water.
But what do we really know about them?
Don't. Trust. Fish."
A really funny and interesting "science" book for kids. Animal classes and characteristics.
67klobrien2
Illustrated15. The Christmas Secret by David Delamare
First book that Delamare both wrote and illustrated. Very much in the "Santa Claus" type of Christmas stories.
Illustrated16. Beneath by Cori Doerrfeld
"Finn is in a bad mood, so his grandfather takes him on a walk in the forest and tells him about all the things that are beneath the surface of plants and animals--and even people."
Charming book with nice illustrations and smart writing.
"Everything and everyone is more than what you see."
"Remember to think of what's beneath the surface."
The author description says that this book is her homage to the North Shore along Lake Superior--Minnesota! She is a Minnesotan author. The grandfather of the book is modeled after her grandfather, of course.
Illustrated17. Invisible Things by Andy J. Pizza (Andy J. Miller) and Sophie Miller
"If you could put on a pair of magical invisible glasses and see all the feelings, ideas, and other invisible things that populate our world, what would they look life?"
Colorful, vibrant illustrations. Great talk about feelings.
Illustrated18. Winter is the Worst! by Dan Tavis
"Penguin dislikes winter while Bear loves it, but as they participate in outdoor activities together, Penguin discovers something he likes about winter."
Great "winter" artwork!
68richardderus
>65 klobrien2: Certainly not until next week,but I'll be hollerin' when I do, either way!
69klobrien2
>68 richardderus: Well, you’ve got all of us 75ers rooting for you!
70klobrien2
Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
The Frozen People by Elly Griffith
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Finished— Cookies: The Best Recipes for the Perfect Anytime Treat by Vaughn Vreeland — love this cookbook! Might need to get one of my own.
Adding: by Andrea Gibson and Isola by Allegra Goodman. Holds finally came in.
Also picked up three more illustrated books from the library!
Magazines Read:
Great Course:
TV Watching: Shetland 10.2 (really enjoying) and Pluribus 1.2 (okay, I’m in! I’m understanding more of what’s going on, and there really are some funny parts. Rhea Seehorn is terrific!)
Listening:
Wordle 1,666 4/6*irate, ageism, mafia, manic
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Connections
Puzzle #944
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Strands #678
“If not now, when?”
🔵💡🔵🔵
🔵🔵🟡
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
The Frozen People by Elly Griffith
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Finished— Cookies: The Best Recipes for the Perfect Anytime Treat by Vaughn Vreeland — love this cookbook! Might need to get one of my own.
Adding: by Andrea Gibson and Isola by Allegra Goodman. Holds finally came in.
Also picked up three more illustrated books from the library!
Magazines Read:
Great Course:
TV Watching: Shetland 10.2 (really enjoying) and Pluribus 1.2 (okay, I’m in! I’m understanding more of what’s going on, and there really are some funny parts. Rhea Seehorn is terrific!)
Listening:
Wordle 1,666 4/6*
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🟦⬜🟦⬜🟦
🟧🟧⬜🟧⬜
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Connections
Puzzle #944
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🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #678
“If not now, when?”
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71The_Hibernator
What science magazine do you read? I read New Scientist.
72klobrien2
>71 The_Hibernator: I read Scientific American and the slightly odd (but very visual!) Science Illustrated, out of Australia. Used to read the weekly Science magazine but my library stopped carrying it.
I’ll check out New Scientist, for sure! Thanks!
I’ll check out New Scientist, for sure! Thanks!
73klobrien2
Interesting and beautiful book spaces!
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/07/t-magazine/best-home-library-design.html?unlo...
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/07/t-magazine/best-home-library-design.html?unlo...
74alcottacre
>61 klobrien2: I have read all 3 books that are currently in the series and enjoyed them all, Karen. I hope you do as well!
>62 klobrien2: I have not read that one yet, but I have read Hall's Life Work and A Carnival Of Losses: Notes Nearing Ninety. I will have to see if I can get hold of that one too. Thanks for the review and recommendation!
>73 klobrien2: Oo, nice!
>62 klobrien2: I have not read that one yet, but I have read Hall's Life Work and A Carnival Of Losses: Notes Nearing Ninety. I will have to see if I can get hold of that one too. Thanks for the review and recommendation!
>73 klobrien2: Oo, nice!
75The_Hibernator
>72 klobrien2: Which library system do you use? I don't think Dakota County has Scientific American. Though I doubt I'd have time to read it, anyway.
76klobrien2
>75 The_Hibernator: I’m in Ramsey County. Ooh—I just looked, and Dakota County does carry Scientific American!
I know what you mean about time—it was actually a bit of a relief when my library discontinued Science—it was hard keeping up with the weekly, very dense issues.
I don’t claim to understand everything I read in the science mags, but I do love the exposure to ideas. What’s that saying? “Keep an open mind and something is bound to drop in”? 🤓
I know what you mean about time—it was actually a bit of a relief when my library discontinued Science—it was hard keeping up with the weekly, very dense issues.
I don’t claim to understand everything I read in the science mags, but I do love the exposure to ideas. What’s that saying? “Keep an open mind and something is bound to drop in”? 🤓
77richardderus
>69 klobrien2: TYVM dear lady. I've just fallen into a weird internet armadillo tunnel. There are carnivorous predatory armadillos, "screaming hairy armadillos," and scavenging vulture-competing armadillos.
...I'm having nightmares with my eyes open....
...I'm having nightmares with my eyes open....
78thornton37814
>76 klobrien2: Our biology teacher used to make us read articles in Scientific American back in high school. We had to read so many articles per semester, and she had several years worth of issues out from which we could choose. I gravitated towards the DNA articles at the time--and had no idea how much that would help me with genetic genealogy nowadays. I still enjoy exploring both Science News and Scientific American in our library's collection. I just received a notice from our library's periodical vendor that the latter will now be only 10 issues/year. (It had already dropped to 11 issues.)
79klobrien2
>77 richardderus: I have no idea of how to respond to you here, Richard! I searched for “armadillo tunnel” and that was no help. If it helps, I hope the “armadillos” were transitory ones! Will hope for an update!
80klobrien2
>78 thornton37814: Smart teacher! I know I like just being aware of what’s being studied.
And I think many magazines are “collapsing” their publishing schedules, probably as a cost-saving effort. Oh, well, we’ll take what we can get!
Thanks for stopping by!
And I think many magazines are “collapsing” their publishing schedules, probably as a cost-saving effort. Oh, well, we’ll take what we can get!
Thanks for stopping by!
81klobrien2
>74 alcottacre: My list of Donald Hall must-reads continues to grow! Thank you!
82klobrien2
Today: Online church. Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
You Better Be Lightning by Andrea Gibson
Isola by Allegra Goodman
The Frozen People by Elly Griffith
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Magazines Read: NYT Magazine (12/14) and (12/28)
Great Course:
TV Watching: Pluribus 1.3 and Witcher 4.4.
Listening:
Wordle 1,667 5/6* Ooh, tough word!irate, gnarl, hoary, swarm, quark
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🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #945
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟪🟪🟪🟪
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟩
Strands #679
“Yay!!!”
🔵🟡🔵🔵
🔵🔵🔵
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
You Better Be Lightning by Andrea Gibson
Isola by Allegra Goodman
The Frozen People by Elly Griffith
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Magazines Read: NYT Magazine (12/14) and (12/28)
Great Course:
TV Watching: Pluribus 1.3 and Witcher 4.4.
Listening:
Wordle 1,667 5/6* Ooh, tough word!
⬜🟦🟧⬜⬜
⬜⬜🟧🟧⬜
⬜⬜🟧🟧⬜
⬜⬜🟧🟧⬜
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #945
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟪🟪🟪🟪
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟩
Strands #679
“Yay!!!”
🔵🟡🔵🔵
🔵🔵🔵
83richardderus
>79 klobrien2: It was a nature channel's content about armadillos...I had no idea they ate meat. They also kill smaller animals. Their prehistoric relatives were actual predators, apex predators!
"Horrible, ugly creatures that get leprosy" is the extent of my Texas-raised thoughts on them before I encountered the EDGE Science video, so I was in shock yesterday. I'm so so grateful we do not have the little horrors in the north!
"Horrible, ugly creatures that get leprosy" is the extent of my Texas-raised thoughts on them before I encountered the EDGE Science video, so I was in shock yesterday. I'm so so grateful we do not have the little horrors in the north!
84klobrien2
>83 richardderus: I’m so glad to read your explanation! I always pictured armadilllos as sort of shy, timid critters, but I guess that’s not the case!
85klobrien2
4. Cookies: The Best Recipes for the Perfect Anytime Treat by Vaughn Vreeland
"100 of the most exciting, yet approachable recipes"
Lots of really nice-looking recipes and great photographs. As a NYT Cooking project, it presents the recipes in NYT style: lots of helpful reader comments, ways to adjust the recipe for personal preference, great intros and photos.
"Table of Cookies" at the front end of the book provides names and little thumbnail pictures of the cookies--very helpful.
Love this cookbook! Might need to get my own copy.
86richardderus
>84 klobrien2: Not always, it seems. *shudder*
87klobrien2
Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
You Better Be Lightning by Andrea Gibson
Isola by Allegra Goodman
The Frozen People by Elly Griffith
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Magazines Read: AARP (June/July)
Great Course:
TV Watching: Pluribus 1.4 (Jeff Hiller, one of my favorite actors (Somebody Somewhere) had a small but important part), Bookish 1.1 (new PBS show—see post 43) — really liked it; very atmospheric and intriguing.
Listening:
Wordle 1,668 2/6* my usual first word gave me four letters! irate, trial
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Connections
Puzzle #946
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Strands #680
“Appeal to a hire power”
🔵🔵🔵🔵
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Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
You Better Be Lightning by Andrea Gibson
Isola by Allegra Goodman
The Frozen People by Elly Griffith
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Magazines Read: AARP (June/July)
Great Course:
TV Watching: Pluribus 1.4 (Jeff Hiller, one of my favorite actors (Somebody Somewhere) had a small but important part), Bookish 1.1 (new PBS show—see post 43) — really liked it; very atmospheric and intriguing.
Listening:
Wordle 1,668 2/6*
🟦🟧🟦🟦⬜
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #946
🟦🟦🟦🟦
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🟨🟨🟨🟨
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Strands #680
“Appeal to a hire power”
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88atozgrl
>73 klobrien2: What gorgeous home libraries! Thanks for sharing that link, Karen. It's nice to know that there are other people with books stacked on the floor, even folks with fancy libraries in their homes. I love the one by the beautiful wood staircase (in the house on Lake Como), but I don't care so much for the purple carpet in Anaïs Nin’s house.
89laytonwoman3rd
Here's another fan of Donald Hall. In fact, I was just fingering my copy of String Too Short To Be Saved, wondering if it should be my next read. I love his children's books too.
90msf59
>62 klobrien2: Good review of Essays After Eighty. I will have to get my mitts on that one. I really enjoyed A Carnival Of Losses: Notes Nearing Ninety a few months ago, so keep that one in mind.
Happy Monday, Karen.
Happy Monday, Karen.
91klobrien2
>88 atozgrl: Glad you liked the library pictures! The one with the big stacks of books in the bedroom was a little shocking!
>89 laytonwoman3rd: hooray for Donald Hall!
>90 msf59: Definitely will get to A Carnival of Losses soon!
By the way, I’m really enjoying Pluribus (five episodes in). Thanks for the plug!
Thank you all for stopping by!
>89 laytonwoman3rd: hooray for Donald Hall!
>90 msf59: Definitely will get to A Carnival of Losses soon!
By the way, I’m really enjoying Pluribus (five episodes in). Thanks for the plug!
Thank you all for stopping by!
92klobrien2
Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
You Better Be Lightning by Andrea Gibson
Isola by Allegra Goodman
The Frozen People by Elly Griffith
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Magazines Read:
Great Course:
TV Watching: Pluribus 1.5, Night Manager 2.1 (new season of the show—see post 43). I liked it and I’ll stick with it.
Listening:
Wordle 1,669 5/6*irate, mound, buxom, jumbo, gumbo
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🟦🟦🟦⬜⬜
🟦🟧⬜🟦🟦
⬜🟧🟧🟧🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #947
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #681
“You need to chill”
🟡🔵🔵🔵
💡🔵🔵
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
You Better Be Lightning by Andrea Gibson
Isola by Allegra Goodman
The Frozen People by Elly Griffith
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Magazines Read:
Great Course:
TV Watching: Pluribus 1.5, Night Manager 2.1 (new season of the show—see post 43). I liked it and I’ll stick with it.
Listening:
Wordle 1,669 5/6*
⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜
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🟦🟧⬜🟦🟦
⬜🟧🟧🟧🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #947
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #681
“You need to chill”
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93klobrien2
“Birding Mecca Expands Reach with New Tech” at the Sax-Zim Bog (what a cool name!)
https://replica.startribune.com/infinity/article_popover_share.aspx?guid=ea52d3c...
https://replica.startribune.com/infinity/article_popover_share.aspx?guid=ea52d3c...
94PaulCranswick
>51 PaulCranswick: His first collection is called The Perseverance, I think, Karen and is really good, but his second one, All the Names Given is also splendid.
95klobrien2
>94 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Paul! I’ll start with the first Raymond Antrobus—The Perseverance.
96klobrien2
Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Isola by Allegra Goodman
The Frozen People by Elly Griffith
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Finished: You Better Be Lightning by Andrea Gibson and The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde (snuck in as a snack read)
Magazines Read:
Great Course:
TV Watching: Pluribus Binged the last four episodes of the first season. Really enjoyed the show, and am looking forward to another season (in two years, I guess).
Listening:
Wordle 1,670 3/6*irate, align, avoid
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🟧⬜🟦⬜⬜
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #948
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #682
“"Oh boy!"”
🔵🟡🔵🔵
🔵🔵
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Isola by Allegra Goodman
The Frozen People by Elly Griffith
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Finished: You Better Be Lightning by Andrea Gibson and The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde (snuck in as a snack read)
Magazines Read:
Great Course:
TV Watching: Pluribus Binged the last four episodes of the first season. Really enjoyed the show, and am looking forward to another season (in two years, I guess).
Listening:
Wordle 1,670 3/6*
🟦⬜🟦⬜⬜
🟧⬜🟦⬜⬜
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #948
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #682
“"Oh boy!"”
🔵🟡🔵🔵
🔵🔵
97klobrien2
5. The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde
"A trivial comedy for serious people"
I do love this play: it's so silly and has such wordplay. A nice little "snack" of a book for a cold winter afternoon.
98klobrien2
6. You Better Be Lightning by Andrea Gibson
I'd first read this book back in July 2022 but hadn't remembered that until I started reading again. The cover was different, for one thing (I LOVE this cover!) The recollection came back in a hurry. I was also confused because there were many holds at the library for this book and, indeed, for all of Gibson's books. But I think that was because of the sad news that she recently passed away from cancer.
Here's my old review:
I'm still processing this wonderful book of poetry in my mind. So good! Gibson really knows how to tell a story, how to share experiences and insights. She tells us about being so sick from Lyme disease, of being sexually abused as a youngster, of breakups, of deaths in the family, and we share in her feelings.
And she is not a wordy so-and-so. I was amazed at the very short poems that she included, poems that are so refined that they pack so much meaning and feeling into so few lines, but are missing nothing. Here are a few:
NO SUCH THING AS THE INNOCENT BYSTANDER
Silence rides shotgun
wherever hate goes.
SPELLING BEE WITHOUT STINGER
I love myself
Is often spelled
g-o-o-d-b-y-e
GOOD GRIEF
Let your
heart break
so your spirit
doesn't.
I will certainly be looking for more books by this poet. A breath of fresh air! Thanks to Mark (msf59) for bringing the book to our attention.
I enjoyed my reread, and according to my old review, a lot of the same poems resonated with me.
Something newly resonating was the poem that explains the name of this book, "What Love Is." In that poem she tells us about the person she loved and how, in the interest of not causing sorrow to her lover or the newly mended and fragile relationship between the lover and her lover's parents, she refrains from making a political announcement that was against the oil fracking job of the father. Here are the lines that spoke to me:
"If you are going to be anything in the world tonight, you better be lightning.
You better find something in you honest enough to strike them."
I, indeed, will be reading more Andrea Gibson collections, and grieving this very sad loss.
99PaulCranswick
>98 klobrien2: Got me with that one, Karen - I will keep my eyes skinned for it!
100katiekrug
>97 klobrien2: - If you haven't seen the film from the (late?) 90s, with Rupert Everett, I recommend it. It's very well done.
>98 klobrien2: - And another viewing recommendation: if you have AppleTV, there is a documentary about Gibson and her wife facing Gibson's terminal cancer diagnosis that is absolutely fantastic. It's called "Come See Me in the Good Light." I saw it at our local film festival in October and laughed and cried through most of it, as did the whole audience.
>98 klobrien2: - And another viewing recommendation: if you have AppleTV, there is a documentary about Gibson and her wife facing Gibson's terminal cancer diagnosis that is absolutely fantastic. It's called "Come See Me in the Good Light." I saw it at our local film festival in October and laughed and cried through most of it, as did the whole audience.
101klobrien2
>100 katiekrug: Two great recommendations, Katie! I have AppleTV (I think I have ‘em all!) and I’ll look for the Gibson film. Although it will probably break my heart to view it…
I’ll also track down the “Earnest” film with Rupert Everett.
Thanks again, and thanks for stopping by to chat!
I’ll also track down the “Earnest” film with Rupert Everett.
Thanks again, and thanks for stopping by to chat!
102katiekrug
>101 klobrien2: - It might break your heart but it will also fill it with joy and light. It's a remarkable film, IMO.
Let me know what you think if/when you watch it!
Let me know what you think if/when you watch it!
103klobrien2
Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Isola by Allegra Goodman
The Frozen People by Elly Griffith
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Adding: Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America by Robert B. Reich
I also got 5 more illustrated books from my library. Three are ILLs (oh, how I love ILL!)
Magazines Read: NYT Book Review (12/28), (01/04); NYT Magazine (01/04); Scientific American (Dec)
Great Course: My turn for the Great Course! The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. I believe I had gotten no further than 4 sessions in, so I’ll begin again with the reading. So right now I’ll say I’m at 0 lessons out of 24 read and watched. I’ve got 3 weeks, so that’s ample time, and then some. Just need to stay focused!
TV Watching: Best Medicine 1.2 (Really like this American “Doc Martin”—it’s shaping up fine. High Potential 2.9, and Abbott Elementary 5.10.
Listening:
Wordle 1,671 2/6* Lucky second guess! Almost went with “chaff” first, but wanted to avoid a double letter so early. The “already used” list is invaluable! irate, chasm
⬜⬜🟧⬜⬜
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #949
🟩🟦🟦🟦
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #683
“The ears have it!”
🔵🔵🟡🔵
🔵🔵🔵🔵
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Isola by Allegra Goodman
The Frozen People by Elly Griffith
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Adding: Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America by Robert B. Reich
I also got 5 more illustrated books from my library. Three are ILLs (oh, how I love ILL!)
Magazines Read: NYT Book Review (12/28), (01/04); NYT Magazine (01/04); Scientific American (Dec)
Great Course: My turn for the Great Course! The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. I believe I had gotten no further than 4 sessions in, so I’ll begin again with the reading. So right now I’ll say I’m at 0 lessons out of 24 read and watched. I’ve got 3 weeks, so that’s ample time, and then some. Just need to stay focused!
TV Watching: Best Medicine 1.2 (Really like this American “Doc Martin”—it’s shaping up fine. High Potential 2.9, and Abbott Elementary 5.10.
Listening:
Wordle 1,671 2/6*
⬜⬜🟧⬜⬜
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #949
🟩🟦🟦🟦
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #683
“The ears have it!”
🔵🔵🟡🔵
🔵🔵🔵🔵
104richardderus
>97 klobrien2: Miss Cecily Cardew. How I laughed at that play! Pleasant memories of high-school theater group.
105klobrien2
Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
The Frozen People by Elly Griffith
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America by Robert B. Reich
Removing Isola by Allegra Goodman from the list for right now. Too many others waiting for it, and I’m not getting to it like I should.
Finished—the 5 illustrated books from this week’s delivery. Really good!
Magazines Read:
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. Currently at 0 lessons out of 24 read and watched.
TV Watching: The Rookie 8.2
Listening:
Wordle 1,672 6/6* Thought for sure I’d bomb out! Big “phew”!irate, auger, faker, paler, waver, racer
⬜🟦🟦⬜🟦
🟦⬜⬜🟧🟧
⬜🟧⬜🟧🟧
⬜🟧⬜🟧🟧
⬜🟧⬜🟧🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #950
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟪🟪🟪🟪
🟩🟩🟩🟩
Strands #684
“DC crusader”
🔵🔵🟡🔵
🔵🔵💡🔵
💡🔵
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
The Frozen People by Elly Griffith
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America by Robert B. Reich
Removing Isola by Allegra Goodman from the list for right now. Too many others waiting for it, and I’m not getting to it like I should.
Finished—the 5 illustrated books from this week’s delivery. Really good!
Magazines Read:
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. Currently at 0 lessons out of 24 read and watched.
TV Watching: The Rookie 8.2
Listening:
Wordle 1,672 6/6* Thought for sure I’d bomb out! Big “phew”!
⬜🟦🟦⬜🟦
🟦⬜⬜🟧🟧
⬜🟧⬜🟧🟧
⬜🟧⬜🟧🟧
⬜🟧⬜🟧🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #950
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟪🟪🟪🟪
🟩🟩🟩🟩
Strands #684
“DC crusader”
🔵🔵🟡🔵
🔵🔵💡🔵
💡🔵
107klobrien2
***************************************************
There are only three forms of high art: the symphony,
the illustrated children's book, and the board game.
(Saga Volume 3 by Brian K. Vaughan)
***************************************************
So many of these lovely books are made known to me by whisper1 (thank you, so much!) Others who have pointed me in the right direction are: jnwelch, squeakychu, jessibud2, Norabelle, avatiakh, AMQS, Blbera, foggidawn, richardderus, Booklist, and the NYTimes (please let me know if I've forgotten you!):
********************
From the LibraryThing newsletter, a list of members’ “Favorite Picture Books”! Just when I thought I had read them all (Just kidding. Not even close).
https://www.librarything.com/list/45998/Favorite-Picture-Books
********************
Another treasure list (read in April 2025): Pictured Worlds: Masterpieces of Children's Book Art by 101 Essential Illustrators from Around the World by Leonard S. Marcus.
********************
Illustrated19. Lucy's Christmas by Donald Hall, ill. Michael McCurdy
"Donald Hall, with an acute awareness of the importance of ordinary things in a child's life, tells a story that is as simple and as timeless as a Christmas carol."
Expresses "the flavor of life in rural New England more than eighty years ago."
Lovely book! The Lucy in the book is Donald Hall's mother as a child. Scratchboard illustrations.
Illustrated20. The Twelve Days of Christmas ill. by David Delamare
Anthropomorphic animals illustrate the twelve days.
Pages at the back of the book explain the "Signs and Symbols of Christmas" and the history of the Twelve Days of Christmas (Christmastide, and the song).
Illustrated21. Sneetches on Beaches by Dr. Seuss
"With Seussian stuff to pull, spin, and fluff!" There's a scratch-and-sniff marshmallow, a beach ball to squeeze (although the squeaker doesn't work), and a fur patch on one of the Sneetches. Really pretty cute.
Illustrated22. All the Stars in the Sky by Art Coulson, ill. Winona Nelson
"Contemplative exploration of community, individualism, and responsibility" --"an indigenous perspective of one's place in the world."
Beautiful story and illustrations! Gorgeous use of beadwork in the illustrations.
Illustrated23. Remembering by Xelena Gonzalez, ill. Adriana M. Garcia
"How do we honor beloved animal companions once they've passed away?" --Dia de los angelitos (dia de los muertos for children and pets).
This book is a "tender and poignant reminder that loved ones are never really gone when we take the time to remember."
Sweet, beautifully illustrated book.
There are only three forms of high art: the symphony,
the illustrated children's book, and the board game.
(Saga Volume 3 by Brian K. Vaughan)
***************************************************
So many of these lovely books are made known to me by whisper1 (thank you, so much!) Others who have pointed me in the right direction are: jnwelch, squeakychu, jessibud2, Norabelle, avatiakh, AMQS, Blbera, foggidawn, richardderus, Booklist, and the NYTimes (please let me know if I've forgotten you!):
********************
From the LibraryThing newsletter, a list of members’ “Favorite Picture Books”! Just when I thought I had read them all (Just kidding. Not even close).
https://www.librarything.com/list/45998/Favorite-Picture-Books
********************
Another treasure list (read in April 2025): Pictured Worlds: Masterpieces of Children's Book Art by 101 Essential Illustrators from Around the World by Leonard S. Marcus.
********************
Illustrated19. Lucy's Christmas by Donald Hall, ill. Michael McCurdy
"Donald Hall, with an acute awareness of the importance of ordinary things in a child's life, tells a story that is as simple and as timeless as a Christmas carol."
Expresses "the flavor of life in rural New England more than eighty years ago."
Lovely book! The Lucy in the book is Donald Hall's mother as a child. Scratchboard illustrations.
Illustrated20. The Twelve Days of Christmas ill. by David Delamare
Anthropomorphic animals illustrate the twelve days.
Pages at the back of the book explain the "Signs and Symbols of Christmas" and the history of the Twelve Days of Christmas (Christmastide, and the song).
Illustrated21. Sneetches on Beaches by Dr. Seuss
"With Seussian stuff to pull, spin, and fluff!" There's a scratch-and-sniff marshmallow, a beach ball to squeeze (although the squeaker doesn't work), and a fur patch on one of the Sneetches. Really pretty cute.
Illustrated22. All the Stars in the Sky by Art Coulson, ill. Winona Nelson
"Contemplative exploration of community, individualism, and responsibility" --"an indigenous perspective of one's place in the world."
Beautiful story and illustrations! Gorgeous use of beadwork in the illustrations.
Illustrated23. Remembering by Xelena Gonzalez, ill. Adriana M. Garcia
"How do we honor beloved animal companions once they've passed away?" --Dia de los angelitos (dia de los muertos for children and pets).
This book is a "tender and poignant reminder that loved ones are never really gone when we take the time to remember."
Sweet, beautifully illustrated book.
108klobrien2
This was fun! A quiz—“Do You Know These Modern Books Inspired by Myth and Legend?” Five books, and they all piqued my interest.
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2026/01/12/books/review/myth-novels-quiz.htm...
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2026/01/12/books/review/myth-novels-quiz.htm...
109klobrien2
Today: Company coming! We plan to have our postponed Christmas celebrating today and tomorrow. Eight people in a house that usually has just me. Looking forward to it, but it will be quite different.
Maybe not so much time for: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
🙃
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
The Frozen People by Elly Griffith
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America by Robert B. Reich
5 more illustrated books from the library!
Magazines Read:
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer.
Reread lessons 1 - 4: 1. How Thought Experiments Work, 2. Saving Others or Letting Them Die, 3. What the Trolley Problem Reveals About You, 4. Suppose You’re Impartial; Suppose You Care.
Next up: reread lessons 5 and 6, then watch them.
Currently at 4 lessons out of 24 read and watched.
TV Watching: Star Trek: Starfleet Academy 1.1 (really good! Holly Hunter, Paul Giamatti), St Denis Medical 2.6
Listening:
Wordle 1,673 3/6* Wordle 1,673 3/6*irate, diver, fiery
🟦🟦⬜⬜🟦
⬜🟧⬜🟦🟦
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #951
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #685
“That's putting it mildly!”
💡🔵🔵🔵
🔵🟡🔵
Maybe not so much time for: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
🙃
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
The Frozen People by Elly Griffith
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America by Robert B. Reich
5 more illustrated books from the library!
Magazines Read:
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer.
Reread lessons 1 - 4: 1. How Thought Experiments Work, 2. Saving Others or Letting Them Die, 3. What the Trolley Problem Reveals About You, 4. Suppose You’re Impartial; Suppose You Care.
Next up: reread lessons 5 and 6, then watch them.
Currently at 4 lessons out of 24 read and watched.
TV Watching: Star Trek: Starfleet Academy 1.1 (really good! Holly Hunter, Paul Giamatti), St Denis Medical 2.6
Listening:
Wordle 1,673 3/6* Wordle 1,673 3/6*
🟦🟦⬜⬜🟦
⬜🟧⬜🟦🟦
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #951
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #685
“That's putting it mildly!”
💡🔵🔵🔵
🔵🟡🔵
110klobrien2
Today: “Christmas” visit is going well. We had our Swedish meatballs dinner last night and exchanged presents. Today is more low key, with only five people in the house. Weather is VERY cold in Minnesota which makes us chortle, knowing that many ICE invaders are Southerners, not used to real cold. I LOVE watching them slipping and sliding—ice beats ICE!
Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
The Frozen People by Elly Griffith
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America by Robert B. Reich
5 more illustrated books from the library!
Magazines Read:
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer.
Reread lessons 1 - 4: 1. How Thought Experiments Work, 2. Saving Others or Letting Them Die, 3. What the Trolley Problem Reveals About You, 4. Suppose You’re Impartial; Suppose You Care.
Next up: reread lessons 5 and 6, then watch them.
Currently at 4 lessons out of 24 read and watched.
TV Watching:
Listening:
Wordle 1,674 3/6*irate, abysm, sumac
⬜⬜🟦⬜⬜
🟦⬜⬜🟦🟦
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #952
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #686
“Soft skills”
🔵🔵🔵🔵
🔵🟡🔵
Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
The Frozen People by Elly Griffith
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America by Robert B. Reich
5 more illustrated books from the library!
Magazines Read:
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer.
Reread lessons 1 - 4: 1. How Thought Experiments Work, 2. Saving Others or Letting Them Die, 3. What the Trolley Problem Reveals About You, 4. Suppose You’re Impartial; Suppose You Care.
Next up: reread lessons 5 and 6, then watch them.
Currently at 4 lessons out of 24 read and watched.
TV Watching:
Listening:
Wordle 1,674 3/6*
⬜⬜🟦⬜⬜
🟦⬜⬜🟦🟦
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #952
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #686
“Soft skills”
🔵🔵🔵🔵
🔵🟡🔵
111richardderus
>110 klobrien2: I join your giggles over ice beating ICE. They All need to break bones by falling on it.
Happy holiday celebration!
Happy holiday celebration!
112klobrien2
>111 richardderus: We had a very nice “Christmas”! Thanks for stopping by!
113klobrien2
Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
The Frozen People by Elly Griffith
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America by Robert B. Reich
5 more illustrated books from the library!
Magazines Read:
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer.
Next up: reread lessons 5 and 6, then watch them.
Currently at 4 lessons out of 24 read and watched.
TV Watching: Bookish 1.2 (really liking this show; noticing the great camera work and the acting), Knight of the Seven Kingdoms 1.1 (really liking this new show!), Star Fleet Academy 1.2.
Listening:
Wordle 1,675 6/6* Yeesh!irate, abeam, cagey, laden, waken, waxen
⬜⬜🟦⬜🟦
🟦⬜🟦⬜⬜
⬜🟧⬜🟧⬜
⬜🟧⬜🟧🟧
🟧🟧⬜🟧🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #953
🟩🟨🟨🟨
🟩🟨🟨🟨
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #687
“Shaking things up”
🔵🔵🔵🔵
🔵🟡🔵🔵
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
The Frozen People by Elly Griffith
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America by Robert B. Reich
5 more illustrated books from the library!
Magazines Read:
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer.
Next up: reread lessons 5 and 6, then watch them.
Currently at 4 lessons out of 24 read and watched.
TV Watching: Bookish 1.2 (really liking this show; noticing the great camera work and the acting), Knight of the Seven Kingdoms 1.1 (really liking this new show!), Star Fleet Academy 1.2.
Listening:
Wordle 1,675 6/6* Yeesh!
⬜⬜🟦⬜🟦
🟦⬜🟦⬜⬜
⬜🟧⬜🟧⬜
⬜🟧⬜🟧🟧
🟧🟧⬜🟧🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #953
🟩🟨🟨🟨
🟩🟨🟨🟨
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #687
“Shaking things up”
🔵🔵🔵🔵
🔵🟡🔵🔵
114klobrien2
Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
The Frozen People by Elly Griffith
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America by Robert B. Reich
Finished: 5 more illustrated books from the library, and a couple of “snack” books: Xolo: How One Good Dog Saved Humankind and Sweet Farm!: Cookies, Cakes, Salads (!), and Other Delights From My Kitchen on A Sugar Beet Farm by Molly Yeh.
Adding: Bookshops and Bonedust by Travis Baldree.
Magazines Read: Audubon (Summer)
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer.
Next up: reread lessons 5 and 6, then watch them.
Currently at 4 lessons out of 24 read and watched.
TV Watching: Shetland 10.3 (got the closed captions working on Britbox! Would have no chance of understanding what was going on without them, what with my hearing and the show’s accents!), Saturday Night Live 51.10.
Listening:
Wordle 1,676 5/6*irate, mound, pushy, fussy, sully
⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜
⬜⬜🟦⬜⬜
⬜🟧🟦⬜🟧
⬜🟧🟦⬜🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #954
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #688
“Sneak-ing around”
🔵🔵🟡🔵
🔵🔵🔵🔵
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
The Frozen People by Elly Griffith
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America by Robert B. Reich
Finished: 5 more illustrated books from the library, and a couple of “snack” books: Xolo: How One Good Dog Saved Humankind and Sweet Farm!: Cookies, Cakes, Salads (!), and Other Delights From My Kitchen on A Sugar Beet Farm by Molly Yeh.
Adding: Bookshops and Bonedust by Travis Baldree.
Magazines Read: Audubon (Summer)
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer.
Next up: reread lessons 5 and 6, then watch them.
Currently at 4 lessons out of 24 read and watched.
TV Watching: Shetland 10.3 (got the closed captions working on Britbox! Would have no chance of understanding what was going on without them, what with my hearing and the show’s accents!), Saturday Night Live 51.10.
Listening:
Wordle 1,676 5/6*
⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜
⬜⬜🟦⬜⬜
⬜🟧🟦⬜🟧
⬜🟧🟦⬜🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #954
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #688
“Sneak-ing around”
🔵🔵🟡🔵
🔵🔵🔵🔵
115klobrien2
7. Xolo: How One Good Dog Saved Humankind by Donna Barba Higuera, ill. Mariana Ruiz Johnson
"Singular reimagining of the Aztec myth of the origin of man--and man's best friend--that is nothing short of a a modern masterpiece." I agree--I gave this book a full five stars. It tells an amazing story, and the whole book is glorious, colorful images. Lots of fun to read, and educational to boot.
I think it was Richard (richardderus) who brought this book to our attention. Thanks (once again).
116klobrien2
8. Sweet Farm!: Cookies, Cakes, Salads (!), and Other Delights from My Kitchen on a Sugar Beet Farm by Molly Yeh
The recipes in this cookbook are so sweet, so full of sugar, that my teeth started hurting before I finished! Only partially kidding!
Yeh says, "As a baker who lives on a sugar farm, I speak fluent sugar--and this is my dictionary."
The cookbook divisions are what you might expect in a book such as this, with the surprise addition of a section on "salads"--but there's not much healthy about these salads, the Midwestern dessert category of pudding, jello, cookies (yep!),l...so, Cookies, Bars, "Salads," Dessert for Breakfast, Cake, Pies, Frozen and Nobake, and Drinks.
This was fun to page through, and Yeh is a terrific baker and food stylist, and I love the insights into her farm life. And she really has had an interesting life.
117atozgrl
>27 klobrien2: >46 Whisper1: Thanks to your review, and your discussion with Linda, I wound up ordering a copy of Dr. Seuss Goes to War from Thriftbooks. I was not aware of his editorial cartoons during the war. I'm so glad you brought the book to my attention. (And that Linda let me know where I could find it.)
118klobrien2
>117 atozgrl: Hooray for Dr. Seuss! The book really gives insight into the times and the history. I hope you like it!
119klobrien2
***************************************************
There are only three forms of high art: the symphony,
the illustrated children's book, and the board game.
(Saga Volume 3 by Brian K. Vaughan)
***************************************************
So many of these lovely books are made known to me by whisper1 (thank you, so much!) Others who have pointed me in the right direction are: jnwelch, squeakychu, jessibud2, Norabelle, avatiakh, AMQS, Blbera, foggidawn, richardderus, Booklist, and the NYTimes (please let me know if I've forgotten you!):
********************
From the LibraryThing newsletter, a list of members’ “Favorite Picture Books”! Just when I thought I had read them all (Just kidding. Not even close).
https://www.librarything.com/list/45998/Favorite-Picture-Books
********************
Another treasure list (read in April 2025): Pictured Worlds: Masterpieces of Children's Book Art by 101 Essential Illustrators from Around the World by Leonard S. Marcus.
********************
Illustrated24. The Mightiest Heart by Lynn Cullen, ill. Laurel Long
"Prince Llywelyn was the luckiest lad in Wales...He had strong ponies to ride; servants to grant his every wish; a table set with jellied eel and roast peacock. But what made him Llywelyn truly lucky was his dog, Gelert."
"Based on a Welsh legend about Prince Llywelyn and his loyal dog, Gelert, who is wrongly banished when the prince believes that the dog has attacked his son."
Bittersweet story, gorgeous illustrations (very "Renaissance" looking). Made me tear up once or twice.
Thanks to whisper1 for pointing me to this one!
Illustrated25. Where Wonder Grows by Xelena Gonzalez, ill. Adriana M. Garcie
"Exploration of our connections to nature and family tradition."
Grandmother and her granddaughters meet to study nature in a very spiritual way, collecting rocks, shells, crystals, and meteorites. Rocks represent fire, shells represent water, crystals represent earth, meteorites represent air.
Beautiful story and illustrations.
Illustrated26. Winter's Gift by Jane Monroe Donovan
"This lustrous jewel of a story, quietly told and perfectly complemented by soft, evocative paintings, reminds even the most cynical of readers that the heart can indeed recover and go on."
Beautiful, lovely book. I shed tears, but they were healing tears.
Illustrated27. How Dinosaurs Went Extinct: A Safety Guide by Ame Dyckman, ill. Jennifer Harney
"Learn to be a bit more careful with thisepoch epic faux-cautionary tale!"
"Don't end up like the dinosaurs!"
I love this note: "Dinosaur pronunciations may vary by region. No dinosaurs were harmed in the making of this book. Probably. Don't try anything the dinosaurs do in this book. Obviously."
Really funny, terrific illustrations. "Dadasaurus" is very smart!
Illustrated28. Look, Grandma! Ni, Elisi! by Art Coulson, ill. Madelyn Goodnight
"Bo wants to find the perfect container to show off his traditional marbles. Exploration of volume and capacity."
"Story telling math"
Includes math activities, a note about Cherokee marbles, and a glossary of Cherokee words.
Really pretty interesting (and educational!) The author has a bunch of these educational illustrated books--I will check them out.
There are only three forms of high art: the symphony,
the illustrated children's book, and the board game.
(Saga Volume 3 by Brian K. Vaughan)
***************************************************
So many of these lovely books are made known to me by whisper1 (thank you, so much!) Others who have pointed me in the right direction are: jnwelch, squeakychu, jessibud2, Norabelle, avatiakh, AMQS, Blbera, foggidawn, richardderus, Booklist, and the NYTimes (please let me know if I've forgotten you!):
********************
From the LibraryThing newsletter, a list of members’ “Favorite Picture Books”! Just when I thought I had read them all (Just kidding. Not even close).
https://www.librarything.com/list/45998/Favorite-Picture-Books
********************
Another treasure list (read in April 2025): Pictured Worlds: Masterpieces of Children's Book Art by 101 Essential Illustrators from Around the World by Leonard S. Marcus.
********************
Illustrated24. The Mightiest Heart by Lynn Cullen, ill. Laurel Long
"Prince Llywelyn was the luckiest lad in Wales...He had strong ponies to ride; servants to grant his every wish; a table set with jellied eel and roast peacock. But what made him Llywelyn truly lucky was his dog, Gelert."
"Based on a Welsh legend about Prince Llywelyn and his loyal dog, Gelert, who is wrongly banished when the prince believes that the dog has attacked his son."
Bittersweet story, gorgeous illustrations (very "Renaissance" looking). Made me tear up once or twice.
Thanks to whisper1 for pointing me to this one!
Illustrated25. Where Wonder Grows by Xelena Gonzalez, ill. Adriana M. Garcie
"Exploration of our connections to nature and family tradition."
Grandmother and her granddaughters meet to study nature in a very spiritual way, collecting rocks, shells, crystals, and meteorites. Rocks represent fire, shells represent water, crystals represent earth, meteorites represent air.
Beautiful story and illustrations.
Illustrated26. Winter's Gift by Jane Monroe Donovan
"This lustrous jewel of a story, quietly told and perfectly complemented by soft, evocative paintings, reminds even the most cynical of readers that the heart can indeed recover and go on."
Beautiful, lovely book. I shed tears, but they were healing tears.
Illustrated27. How Dinosaurs Went Extinct: A Safety Guide by Ame Dyckman, ill. Jennifer Harney
"Learn to be a bit more careful with this
"Don't end up like the dinosaurs!"
I love this note: "Dinosaur pronunciations may vary by region. No dinosaurs were harmed in the making of this book. Probably. Don't try anything the dinosaurs do in this book. Obviously."
Really funny, terrific illustrations. "Dadasaurus" is very smart!
Illustrated28. Look, Grandma! Ni, Elisi! by Art Coulson, ill. Madelyn Goodnight
"Bo wants to find the perfect container to show off his traditional marbles. Exploration of volume and capacity."
"Story telling math"
Includes math activities, a note about Cherokee marbles, and a glossary of Cherokee words.
Really pretty interesting (and educational!) The author has a bunch of these educational illustrated books--I will check them out.
120msf59
Hooray for You Better Be Lightning. I also gave it 5 stars. I NEED to pick up a keeper copy.
Very sad to hear about her passing. We lost a good one.
Very sad to hear about her passing. We lost a good one.
122atozgrl
>118 klobrien2: I should have added that my copy of the book arrived today. I enjoy historical things like this. I don't know how soon I'll get around to reading it, but it definitely looks interesting.
>119 klobrien2: You've got several good illustrated books in this review. I'd especially like to look at Winter's Gift and How Dinosaurs Went Extinct. Two completely different books, but they both really appeal to me.
>119 klobrien2: You've got several good illustrated books in this review. I'd especially like to look at Winter's Gift and How Dinosaurs Went Extinct. Two completely different books, but they both really appeal to me.
123klobrien2
>122 atozgrl: I know, those books were SO different, but each just excellent in their own way.
Thanks for stopping by to chat!
Thanks for stopping by to chat!
124klobrien2
>120 msf59: I always want to know what poetry (well, all of what) you’re reading, because you seem to find the jewels! I’ve started watching Come and See Me in the Good Light, on Apple, recommended by katiekrug. What a warrior Gibson was.
>121 richardderus: Xolo was great! I really didn’t know what to expect, but you really liked it, and that’s worth a lot to me. Very fun read, on many different levels. Thanks for the reccie!
>121 richardderus: Xolo was great! I really didn’t know what to expect, but you really liked it, and that’s worth a lot to me. Very fun read, on many different levels. Thanks for the reccie!
125klobrien2
Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
The Frozen People by Elly Griffith
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America by Robert B. Reich
Bookshops and Bonedust by Travis Baldree.
Magazines Read:
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 4 of 24 lessons finished.
I reread lessons 5. Unmasking the Hidden Pitfalls of Testimony, and 6. Can You Time-Travel and Change the Past?
Will watch them next.
TV Watching:
Listening:
Wordle 1,677 4/6* Little stairstep there!irate, milky, chino, cubic
🟦⬜⬜⬜⬜
⬜🟦⬜⬜⬜
🟧⬜🟦⬜⬜
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #955
🟦🟦🟦🟩
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟦🟨🟪🟪
🟪🟪🟪🟪
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟨🟨🟨🟨
Strands #689
“That's not very polite”
🔵🔵🟡🔵
🔵🔵🔵🔵
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
The Frozen People by Elly Griffith
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America by Robert B. Reich
Bookshops and Bonedust by Travis Baldree.
Magazines Read:
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 4 of 24 lessons finished.
I reread lessons 5. Unmasking the Hidden Pitfalls of Testimony, and 6. Can You Time-Travel and Change the Past?
Will watch them next.
TV Watching:
Listening:
Wordle 1,677 4/6* Little stairstep there!
🟦⬜⬜⬜⬜
⬜🟦⬜⬜⬜
🟧⬜🟦⬜⬜
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #955
🟦🟦🟦🟩
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟦🟨🟪🟪
🟪🟪🟪🟪
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟨🟨🟨🟨
Strands #689
“That's not very polite”
🔵🔵🟡🔵
🔵🔵🔵🔵
126klobrien2
Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
The Frozen People by Elly Griffith
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America by Robert B. Reich
Bookshops and Bonedust by Travis Baldree.
I’ve got 4 more illustrated books from the library.
Magazines Read:
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 6 of 24 lessons finished.
I watched lessons 5. Unmasking the Hidden Pitfalls of Testimony, and 6. Can You Time-Travel and Change the Past?
Next up: 7. Paradoxes as Mental Workouts, and 8. What Newcomb’s Paradox Says about Decisions
TV Watching: High Potential 2.10, Best Medicine 1.3, Abbott Elementary 5.11.
Listening:
Wordle 1,678 4/6*irate, bijou, plink, clink
🟦⬜⬜⬜⬜
⬜🟦⬜⬜⬜
⬜🟧🟧🟧🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #956
🟨🟩🟩🟩
🟦🟩🟦🟦
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟦🟦🟩🟦
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #690
“Ode to joy”
🔵🔵🟡🔵
🔵🔵
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
The Frozen People by Elly Griffith
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America by Robert B. Reich
Bookshops and Bonedust by Travis Baldree.
I’ve got 4 more illustrated books from the library.
Magazines Read:
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 6 of 24 lessons finished.
I watched lessons 5. Unmasking the Hidden Pitfalls of Testimony, and 6. Can You Time-Travel and Change the Past?
Next up: 7. Paradoxes as Mental Workouts, and 8. What Newcomb’s Paradox Says about Decisions
TV Watching: High Potential 2.10, Best Medicine 1.3, Abbott Elementary 5.11.
Listening:
Wordle 1,678 4/6*
🟦⬜⬜⬜⬜
⬜🟦⬜⬜⬜
⬜🟧🟧🟧🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #956
🟨🟩🟩🟩
🟦🟩🟦🟦
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟦🟦🟩🟦
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #690
“Ode to joy”
🔵🔵🟡🔵
🔵🔵
127klobrien2
I love this quote about tRump’s ICE thugs in Minnesota… “Another friend put it to me like this: "ICE has made the classic Nazi mistake. They've invaded a winter people in the winter."” History repeating itself??
128richardderus
>127 klobrien2: Please dear goddesses make it happen that way.
129atozgrl
>127 klobrien2: That's a great quote! I hope it's true.
130klobrien2
Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
The Frozen People by Elly Griffith
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America by Robert B. Reich
Bookshops and Bonedust by Travis Baldree.
I’ve got 4 more illustrated books from the library.
Snuck in a “snack” book— The Hedge Knight: The Graphic Novel. Really fine writing and artwork. Great companion to watching the new “A Night of the Seven Kingdoms” show.
Magazines Read:
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 6 of 24 lessons finished.
Next up: 7. Paradoxes as Mental Workouts, and 8. What Newcomb’s Paradox Says about Decisions
TV Watching: Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials episode 1 of 3. Really enjoyed the first episode, definitely continuing. Also watched my current Netflix Preview Club offering and completed the survey for it.
Listening:
Wordle 1,679 3/6*irate, carom, baron
⬜🟦🟦⬜⬜
⬜🟧🟧🟧⬜
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #957
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #691
“None the wiser”
💡🔵🔵🔵
🟡🔵🔵
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
The Frozen People by Elly Griffith
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America by Robert B. Reich
Bookshops and Bonedust by Travis Baldree.
I’ve got 4 more illustrated books from the library.
Snuck in a “snack” book— The Hedge Knight: The Graphic Novel. Really fine writing and artwork. Great companion to watching the new “A Night of the Seven Kingdoms” show.
Magazines Read:
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 6 of 24 lessons finished.
Next up: 7. Paradoxes as Mental Workouts, and 8. What Newcomb’s Paradox Says about Decisions
TV Watching: Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials episode 1 of 3. Really enjoyed the first episode, definitely continuing. Also watched my current Netflix Preview Club offering and completed the survey for it.
Listening:
Wordle 1,679 3/6*
⬜🟦🟦⬜⬜
⬜🟧🟧🟧⬜
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #957
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #691
“None the wiser”
💡🔵🔵🔵
🟡🔵🔵
131richardderus
>130 klobrien2: Thought experiments are the most useful techniques for making real changes in one's relationship to learning complex information I've ever encountered.
Happy weekend-ahead's reads, Karen O.!
Happy weekend-ahead's reads, Karen O.!
132klobrien2
Today in Minnesota is
ICE OUT OF MINNESOTA
A DAY OF TRUTH AND FREEDOM
No work. No school. No shopping.
March downtown Minneapolis starting at 2 pm.
It’s bitterly cold out (-14 F) but beautifully sunny, with not much wind.
ICE OUT OF MINNESOTA
A DAY OF TRUTH AND FREEDOM
No work. No school. No shopping.
March downtown Minneapolis starting at 2 pm.
It’s bitterly cold out (-14 F) but beautifully sunny, with not much wind.
134klobrien2
Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
The Frozen People by Elly Griffith
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America by Robert B. Reich
Bookshops and Bonedust by Travis Baldree.
I’ve got 4 more illustrated books from the library—finished.
Magazines Read:
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 6 of 24 lessons finished.
Next up: 7. Paradoxes as Mental Workouts, and 8. What Newcomb’s Paradox Says about Decisions
TV Watching: 9-1-1 9.8 and 9.9.
Listening:
Wordle 1,680 4/6*irate, bijou, chimp, cliff
🟦⬜⬜⬜⬜
⬜🟦⬜⬜⬜
🟧⬜🟧⬜⬜
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #958
🟪🟦🟦🟩
🟩🟪🟩🟩
🟩🟨🟨🟨
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #692
“A work of art”
🔵🟡🔵🔵
🔵🔵🔵
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
The Frozen People by Elly Griffith
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America by Robert B. Reich
Bookshops and Bonedust by Travis Baldree.
I’ve got 4 more illustrated books from the library—finished.
Magazines Read:
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 6 of 24 lessons finished.
Next up: 7. Paradoxes as Mental Workouts, and 8. What Newcomb’s Paradox Says about Decisions
TV Watching: 9-1-1 9.8 and 9.9.
Listening:
Wordle 1,680 4/6*
🟦⬜⬜⬜⬜
⬜🟦⬜⬜⬜
🟧⬜🟧⬜⬜
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #958
🟪🟦🟦🟩
🟩🟪🟩🟩
🟩🟨🟨🟨
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #692
“A work of art”
🔵🟡🔵🔵
🔵🔵🔵
135klobrien2
>131 richardderus: Thanks, Richard! You, too!
>133 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Paul! All the best to you.
Thank to you both for stopping by!
>133 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Paul! All the best to you.
Thank to you both for stopping by!
136klobrien2
Today: Online church. Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
The Frozen People by Elly Griffith
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America by Robert B. Reich
Bookshops and Bonedust by Travis Baldree.
Magazines Read:
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 6 of 24 lessons finished.
Read and watched: 7. Paradoxes as Mental Workouts, and 8. What Newcomb’s Paradox Says about Decisions.
Next up: 9. Stories As Thought Experiments, and 10. Einstein’s Revolutionary Thought Experiments.
TV Watching: The Rookie 8.3. Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials eps 2 and 3. Really liked this series, warm and cozy, with great locations and some great acting (Helena Bonham Carter, for instance). Plot was pretty unbelievable, but that’s okay. It does seem like the show is well set up for another go around.
I also rewatched Knight of the Seven Kingdoms episode 1. I have a feeling that this show will be eminently rewatchable. Dunc the Tall (the main character) is a true knight.
Listening:
Wordle 1,681 3/6*irate, burst, strut
⬜🟦⬜🟦⬜
⬜🟦🟧🟦🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #959
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #693
“The straight and narrow”
🔵🔵🔵🔵
🔵🟡🔵🔵
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
The Frozen People by Elly Griffith
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America by Robert B. Reich
Bookshops and Bonedust by Travis Baldree.
Magazines Read:
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 6 of 24 lessons finished.
Read and watched: 7. Paradoxes as Mental Workouts, and 8. What Newcomb’s Paradox Says about Decisions.
Next up: 9. Stories As Thought Experiments, and 10. Einstein’s Revolutionary Thought Experiments.
TV Watching: The Rookie 8.3. Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials eps 2 and 3. Really liked this series, warm and cozy, with great locations and some great acting (Helena Bonham Carter, for instance). Plot was pretty unbelievable, but that’s okay. It does seem like the show is well set up for another go around.
I also rewatched Knight of the Seven Kingdoms episode 1. I have a feeling that this show will be eminently rewatchable. Dunc the Tall (the main character) is a true knight.
Listening:
Wordle 1,681 3/6*
⬜🟦⬜🟦⬜
⬜🟦🟧🟦🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #959
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #693
“The straight and narrow”
🔵🔵🔵🔵
🔵🟡🔵🔵
137richardderus
>136 klobrien2: I get the li'l tingly feeling that Battle && Bundle will show back up if enough people watch the show.
Ser Duncan's bare butt has already showed up on Tumblr, so I'm guessing the fandom is just tuning up to make it a hit.
Ser Duncan's bare butt has already showed up on Tumblr, so I'm guessing the fandom is just tuning up to make it a hit.
138klobrien2
9. The Hedge Knight (Graphic Novel) by George R. R. Martin, adapted by Ben Avery, ill. Mike S. Miller
Really fine writing and artwork.
139klobrien2
***************************************************
There are only three forms of high art: the symphony,
the illustrated children's book, and the board game.
(Saga Volume 3 by Brian K. Vaughan)
***************************************************
So many of these lovely books are made known to me by whisper1 (thank you, so much!) Others who have pointed me in the right direction are: jnwelch, squeakychu, jessibud2, Norabelle, avatiakh, AMQS, Blbera, foggidawn, richardderus, Booklist, and the NYTimes (please let me know if I've forgotten you!):
********************
From the LibraryThing newsletter, a list of members’ “Favorite Picture Books”! Just when I thought I had read them all (Just kidding. Not even close).
https://www.librarything.com/list/45998/Favorite-Picture-Books
********************
Another treasure list (read in April 2025): Pictured Worlds: Masterpieces of Children's Book Art by 101 Essential Illustrators from Around the World by Leonard S. Marcus.
********************
Illustrated29. All Around Us by Xelena Gonzalez, ill. Adriana M. Garcia
"Grandpa says circles are all around us. We just have to look for them."
Wonderful, bold illustrations, featuring...circles.
Illustrated30. Mr. Putter and Tabby Walk the Dog by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard
"When their neighbor, Mrs. Teaberry, hurts her foot, Mr. Putter and Tabby volunteer to walk her dog, Zeke. They think he'll be a dream dog, but he's a nightmare!"
Sweet and funny. Introduction to "chapter books." Shows older people with social lives.
I've read a few of the "Mr. Putter and Tabby" books, but I'm gearing up to read more of them. They are a delight!
Illustrated31. A Hat for Mrs. Goldman: A Story About Knitting and Love by Michelle Edwards, ill. G. Brian Karas
Sweet story and illustrations. Includes instructions for knitting a hat just like the one in the book.
Illustrated32. Snowshoe Kate and the Hospital Built for Pennies by Margi Preus, ill. Jaime Zollars
"This whimsical picture book biography celebrates an unsung hero and a community that came together to achieve the impossible--one cent at a time."
Set in the North Woods of Wisconsin, this is the biography of Dr. Kate Pelham Newcomb. Fascinating, inspiring story!
There are only three forms of high art: the symphony,
the illustrated children's book, and the board game.
(Saga Volume 3 by Brian K. Vaughan)
***************************************************
So many of these lovely books are made known to me by whisper1 (thank you, so much!) Others who have pointed me in the right direction are: jnwelch, squeakychu, jessibud2, Norabelle, avatiakh, AMQS, Blbera, foggidawn, richardderus, Booklist, and the NYTimes (please let me know if I've forgotten you!):
********************
From the LibraryThing newsletter, a list of members’ “Favorite Picture Books”! Just when I thought I had read them all (Just kidding. Not even close).
https://www.librarything.com/list/45998/Favorite-Picture-Books
********************
Another treasure list (read in April 2025): Pictured Worlds: Masterpieces of Children's Book Art by 101 Essential Illustrators from Around the World by Leonard S. Marcus.
********************
Illustrated29. All Around Us by Xelena Gonzalez, ill. Adriana M. Garcia
"Grandpa says circles are all around us. We just have to look for them."
Wonderful, bold illustrations, featuring...circles.
Illustrated30. Mr. Putter and Tabby Walk the Dog by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard
"When their neighbor, Mrs. Teaberry, hurts her foot, Mr. Putter and Tabby volunteer to walk her dog, Zeke. They think he'll be a dream dog, but he's a nightmare!"
Sweet and funny. Introduction to "chapter books." Shows older people with social lives.
I've read a few of the "Mr. Putter and Tabby" books, but I'm gearing up to read more of them. They are a delight!
Illustrated31. A Hat for Mrs. Goldman: A Story About Knitting and Love by Michelle Edwards, ill. G. Brian Karas
Sweet story and illustrations. Includes instructions for knitting a hat just like the one in the book.
Illustrated32. Snowshoe Kate and the Hospital Built for Pennies by Margi Preus, ill. Jaime Zollars
"This whimsical picture book biography celebrates an unsung hero and a community that came together to achieve the impossible--one cent at a time."
Set in the North Woods of Wisconsin, this is the biography of Dr. Kate Pelham Newcomb. Fascinating, inspiring story!
140klobrien2
Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America by Robert B. Reich
Bookshops and Bonedust by Travis Baldree.
Magazines Read:
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 8 of 24 lessons finished.
Next up: 9. Stories As Thought Experiments, and 10. Einstein’s Revolutionary Thought Experiments.
TV Watching: SNL 51.11. Knight of the Seven Kingdoms ep. 2. The adventure continues!
Listening:
Wordle 1,682 2/6*irate, freak
⬜🟧🟦⬜🟦
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #960
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Strands #694
“Grape expectations”
🔵🔵🔵🔵
🟡🔵
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America by Robert B. Reich
Bookshops and Bonedust by Travis Baldree.
Magazines Read:
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 8 of 24 lessons finished.
Next up: 9. Stories As Thought Experiments, and 10. Einstein’s Revolutionary Thought Experiments.
TV Watching: SNL 51.11. Knight of the Seven Kingdoms ep. 2. The adventure continues!
Listening:
Wordle 1,682 2/6*
⬜🟧🟦⬜🟦
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #960
🟨🟩🟨🟨
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🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟨🟨🟨🟨
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Strands #694
“Grape expectations”
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141klobrien2
Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America by Robert B. Reich
Bookshops and Bonedust by Travis Baldree.
Magazines Read: New Yorker (12/29), (01/12), (01/19)
The Week ((01/16), New Scientist (01/17)
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 10 of 24 lessons finished.
Read and watched: 9. Stories As Thought Experiments, and 10. Einstein’s Revolutionary Thought Experiments.
Next up: 11. Galileo and Schrodinger’s Thought Experiments, and 12. What Makes Identity the Same Over Time?
TV Watching: Animal Control 4.1, 4.2, 4.3.
Listening:
Wordle 1,683 3/6*irate, mound, dusky
⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜
⬜⬜🟦⬜🟦
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #961
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Strands #695
“Canine classics”
🔵🔵🔵🔵
🟡🔵🔵🔵
🔵
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America by Robert B. Reich
Bookshops and Bonedust by Travis Baldree.
Magazines Read: New Yorker (12/29), (01/12), (01/19)
The Week ((01/16), New Scientist (01/17)
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 10 of 24 lessons finished.
Read and watched: 9. Stories As Thought Experiments, and 10. Einstein’s Revolutionary Thought Experiments.
Next up: 11. Galileo and Schrodinger’s Thought Experiments, and 12. What Makes Identity the Same Over Time?
TV Watching: Animal Control 4.1, 4.2, 4.3.
Listening:
Wordle 1,683 3/6*
⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜
⬜⬜🟦⬜🟦
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #961
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Strands #695
“Canine classics”
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142klobrien2
Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Hoot by Carl Hiassen
Carnival of Losses: Notes Nearing Ninety by Donald Hall
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America by Robert B. Reich
Finished: Bookshops and Bonedust by Travis Baldree
Magazines Read:
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 10 of 24 lessons finished.
Next up: 11. Galileo and Schrodinger’s Thought Experiments, and 12. What Makes Identity the Same Over Time?
TV Watching: Bookish 1.3, Best Medicine 1.4
Listening:
Wordle 1,684 2/6* irate, cruel
⬜🟧⬜⬜🟦
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
NYT says they will start reusing Wordle words on Monday! No more relying on a word’s being already used to pull it out of the mix. Yikes!
Connections
Puzzle #962
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🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #696
“Zen state”
🔵🔵🟡🔵
🔵🔵🔵
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Hoot by Carl Hiassen
Carnival of Losses: Notes Nearing Ninety by Donald Hall
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America by Robert B. Reich
Finished: Bookshops and Bonedust by Travis Baldree
Magazines Read:
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 10 of 24 lessons finished.
Next up: 11. Galileo and Schrodinger’s Thought Experiments, and 12. What Makes Identity the Same Over Time?
TV Watching: Bookish 1.3, Best Medicine 1.4
Listening:
Wordle 1,684 2/6*
⬜🟧⬜⬜🟦
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
NYT says they will start reusing Wordle words on Monday! No more relying on a word’s being already used to pull it out of the mix. Yikes!
Connections
Puzzle #962
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #696
“Zen state”
🔵🔵🟡🔵
🔵🔵🔵
143katiekrug
Hi Karen! I saw somewhere above you had started watching the Andrea Gibson doc. Did you finish it?
144klobrien2
>143 katiekrug: Hi, Katie! No, I stopped about 20 minutes in, and am itching to get back to it. I should get to it by the weekend.
Did you see that it was nominated for an Oscar?
Thanks for stopping by!
Did you see that it was nominated for an Oscar?
Thanks for stopping by!
145katiekrug
>143 katiekrug: - Yes, I saw the nomination. I hope that means more people will see it!
146klobrien2
Reading Roundup!
Time for an updated list!
Because I rely on libraries so much for my reading (and do so much eBook reading), what I'm reading at any given time changes often, and changes quickly.
Karen's current reading (01/28/2026):
Actively reading (or the potential is there!)
Hoot by Carl Hiassen
The Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus -- p. 12 of 190
Proto: How One Ancient Language Went Global (Laura Spinney) -- p. 33 of 292
Coming Up Short by Robert Reich
A Carnival of Losses: Notes Nearing Ninety by Donald Hall
The Best Poems of Jane Kenyon by Jane Kenyon
The Perseverance by Raymond Antrobus
A Death in Diamonds by S. J. Bennett
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms by George R. R. Martin
The Readers' Room by Antoine Laurain
The Maid's Secret: A Maid Novel by Nita Prose
In the Heights: Finding Home by Lin-Manuel Miranda
Sisters, Oregon: Five Decades of Quilting in America by Jean Wells
A Man Lay Dead (Roderick Allayn #1) by Ngaio Marsh -- p. 1 of 149
A Circle of Quiet by Madeline L'Engle -- p. 73 of 250 (Libby)
I'm overbooked! I don't want to lose track of these books, but I can't truly say that I am actively reading them right now:
Before Midnight by Rex Stout -- p. 7 of 172 (Libby)
Murder and Mendelssohn (Phryne Fisher #20) by Kerry Greenwood -- p. 8 of 280 (Libby)
Career of Evil (Cormoran Strike #3) by Robert Galbraith -- p. 96 of 439 (Libby
We Solve Murders by Richard Osman -- p. 8 of 389 (mine, on Nook)
All or Nothing by Michael Wolff (mine)
Conclave by Robert Harris
The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
Glorious Exploits by Ferdia Lennon -- p. 3 of 285
The River We Remember by William Kent Krueger -- p. 82 of 421 (mine, on Nook)
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett -- p. 29 of 278 (mine, on Nook)
Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club by J. Ryan Stradal -- p. 81 of 253 (mine, on Nook)
Crook Manifesto by Colson Whitehead -- p. 73 of 288 (Nook)
Agatha's First Case (Agatha Raisin #0.5) by M. C. Beaton (Nook)
Marple: Twelve New Stories by assorted authors
Fairy Tale by Stephen King
I usually am reading/watching Great Courses. My current course is: The Power of Thought Experiments, taught by Daniel Breyer. 24 lessons, book and DVD. I have finished 10 of 24.
Time for an updated list!
Because I rely on libraries so much for my reading (and do so much eBook reading), what I'm reading at any given time changes often, and changes quickly.
Karen's current reading (01/28/2026):
Actively reading (or the potential is there!)
Hoot by Carl Hiassen
The Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus -- p. 12 of 190
Proto: How One Ancient Language Went Global (Laura Spinney) -- p. 33 of 292
Coming Up Short by Robert Reich
A Carnival of Losses: Notes Nearing Ninety by Donald Hall
The Best Poems of Jane Kenyon by Jane Kenyon
The Perseverance by Raymond Antrobus
A Death in Diamonds by S. J. Bennett
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms by George R. R. Martin
The Readers' Room by Antoine Laurain
The Maid's Secret: A Maid Novel by Nita Prose
In the Heights: Finding Home by Lin-Manuel Miranda
Sisters, Oregon: Five Decades of Quilting in America by Jean Wells
A Man Lay Dead (Roderick Allayn #1) by Ngaio Marsh -- p. 1 of 149
A Circle of Quiet by Madeline L'Engle -- p. 73 of 250 (Libby)
I'm overbooked! I don't want to lose track of these books, but I can't truly say that I am actively reading them right now:
Before Midnight by Rex Stout -- p. 7 of 172 (Libby)
Murder and Mendelssohn (Phryne Fisher #20) by Kerry Greenwood -- p. 8 of 280 (Libby)
Career of Evil (Cormoran Strike #3) by Robert Galbraith -- p. 96 of 439 (Libby
We Solve Murders by Richard Osman -- p. 8 of 389 (mine, on Nook)
All or Nothing by Michael Wolff (mine)
Conclave by Robert Harris
The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
Glorious Exploits by Ferdia Lennon -- p. 3 of 285
The River We Remember by William Kent Krueger -- p. 82 of 421 (mine, on Nook)
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett -- p. 29 of 278 (mine, on Nook)
Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club by J. Ryan Stradal -- p. 81 of 253 (mine, on Nook)
Crook Manifesto by Colson Whitehead -- p. 73 of 288 (Nook)
Agatha's First Case (Agatha Raisin #0.5) by M. C. Beaton (Nook)
Marple: Twelve New Stories by assorted authors
Fairy Tale by Stephen King
I usually am reading/watching Great Courses. My current course is: The Power of Thought Experiments, taught by Daniel Breyer. 24 lessons, book and DVD. I have finished 10 of 24.
147klobrien2
Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Hoot by Carl Hiassen
Carnival of Losses: Notes Nearing Ninety by Donald Hall
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America by Robert B. Reich
Received a stack of 15(!) illustrated books from the library. Some I’ve had requested for ages, some just requested.
Magazines Read:
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 10 of 24 lessons finished.
Next up: 11. Galileo and Schrodinger’s Thought Experiments, and 12. What Makes Identity the Same Over Time?
TV Watching: Shetland 10.4, Shrinking 3.1 (Michael J. Fox made a guest appearance!)
Listening: Bruce Springsteen’s new anthem for Minneapolis—“Streets of Minneapolis.” So good!
Wordle 1,685 3/6*irate, clasp, flaky
⬜⬜🟧⬜⬜
⬜🟧🟧⬜⬜
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #963
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🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #697
“Talk of the town”
🔵🔵🔵🔵
🟡🔵
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Hoot by Carl Hiassen
Carnival of Losses: Notes Nearing Ninety by Donald Hall
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America by Robert B. Reich
Received a stack of 15(!) illustrated books from the library. Some I’ve had requested for ages, some just requested.
Magazines Read:
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 10 of 24 lessons finished.
Next up: 11. Galileo and Schrodinger’s Thought Experiments, and 12. What Makes Identity the Same Over Time?
TV Watching: Shetland 10.4, Shrinking 3.1 (Michael J. Fox made a guest appearance!)
Listening: Bruce Springsteen’s new anthem for Minneapolis—“Streets of Minneapolis.” So good!
Wordle 1,685 3/6*
⬜⬜🟧⬜⬜
⬜🟧🟧⬜⬜
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #963
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🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #697
“Talk of the town”
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148klobrien2
Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Hoot by Carl Hiassen
Carnival of Losses: Notes Nearing Ninety by Donald Hall
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America by Robert B. Reich
Received a stack of 15(!) illustrated books from the library. Some I’ve had requested for ages, some just requested. I read 8 of them yesterday, 7 left.
Magazines Read: NYT Book Review (1/11), (1/18); NYT Magazine (1/11), (1/18); Atlantic Monthly (Dec)
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 10 of 24 lessons finished.
Next up: 11. Galileo and Schrodinger’s Thought Experiments, and 12. What Makes Identity the Same Over Time?
TV Watching: The Rookie 8.4, Abbott Elementary 5.12
Listening:
Wordle 1,686 4/6*irate, mound, buxom, jumbo
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🟦🟦🟦⬜⬜
🟦🟧⬜🟦🟦
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #964
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🟦🟦🟨🟦
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Connections
Puzzle #964
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟦🟦🟨🟦
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Hoot by Carl Hiassen
Carnival of Losses: Notes Nearing Ninety by Donald Hall
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America by Robert B. Reich
Received a stack of 15(!) illustrated books from the library. Some I’ve had requested for ages, some just requested. I read 8 of them yesterday, 7 left.
Magazines Read: NYT Book Review (1/11), (1/18); NYT Magazine (1/11), (1/18); Atlantic Monthly (Dec)
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 10 of 24 lessons finished.
Next up: 11. Galileo and Schrodinger’s Thought Experiments, and 12. What Makes Identity the Same Over Time?
TV Watching: The Rookie 8.4, Abbott Elementary 5.12
Listening:
Wordle 1,686 4/6*
⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜
🟦🟦🟦⬜⬜
🟦🟧⬜🟦🟦
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #964
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟦🟦🟨🟦
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Connections
Puzzle #964
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149klobrien2
Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Hoot by Carl Hiassen
Carnival of Losses: Notes Nearing Ninety by Donald Hall
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America by Robert B. Reich
Finished!: Received a stack of 15(!) illustrated books from the library. Some I’ve had requested for ages, some just requested. I read 8 of them yesterday, 7 left.
Magazines Read:
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 10 of 24 lessons finished.
Next up: 11. Galileo and Schrodinger’s Thought Experiments, and 12. What Makes Identity the Same Over Time?
TV Watching: High Potential 2.11, Animal Control 4.4
Listening:
Wordle 1,687 4/6*irate, kaput, afoot, allot
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⬜🟦⬜⬜🟧
🟧⬜⬜🟧🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #965
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #699
“It's part of the game”
🔵🔵🔵🔵
🟡🔵🔵🔵
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Hoot by Carl Hiassen
Carnival of Losses: Notes Nearing Ninety by Donald Hall
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America by Robert B. Reich
Finished!: Received a stack of 15(!) illustrated books from the library. Some I’ve had requested for ages, some just requested. I read 8 of them yesterday, 7 left.
Magazines Read:
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 10 of 24 lessons finished.
Next up: 11. Galileo and Schrodinger’s Thought Experiments, and 12. What Makes Identity the Same Over Time?
TV Watching: High Potential 2.11, Animal Control 4.4
Listening:
Wordle 1,687 4/6*
⬜⬜🟦🟦⬜
⬜🟦⬜⬜🟧
🟧⬜⬜🟧🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #965
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #699
“It's part of the game”
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🟡🔵🔵🔵
150klobrien2
10. Bookshops and Bonedust by Travis Baldree
Second book in the series, although it is a prequel to Legends and Lattes. Enjoyable read, with lots of action and tons of books. Viv is a great character!
Here are a few of my favorite lines from the book:
"Because right things happen at the wrong time."
"This is what I do." Viv shrugged. "I'm menacing for a living."
I'm looking forward to reading the next (and newest) in the series, Brigands and Breadknives.
151klobrien2
11. Dog Man: Big Jim Believes by Dav Pilkey
I love Dav Pilkey's books, have read them for years. This is the newest "Dog Man" book, although the focus is, as the title indicates, "Big Jim," an incarcerated, part-time superhero who is really nice and quite the philosopher.
"High-intensity, heartwarming, and above all, hysterically funny." I concur!
One of the characters, Molly (a tadpole?), transforms into Mecha Molly (she dons her really-pretty-scary slice-and-dice mech suit) and Pilkey poses the question: "Is this appropriate for a children's book?" and answers his own question, "Probably not." Oh, well. The readers love it anyway. Good prevails; evil ETs are thwarted.
152klobrien2
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There are only three forms of high art: the symphony,
the illustrated children's book, and the board game.
(Saga Volume 3 by Brian K. Vaughan)
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So many of these lovely books are made known to me by whisper1 (thank you, so much!) Others who have pointed me in the right direction are: jnwelch, squeakychu, jessibud2, Norabelle, avatiakh, AMQS, Blbera, foggidawn, richardderus, Booklist, and the NYTimes (please let me know if I've forgotten you!):
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From the LibraryThing newsletter, a list of members’ “Favorite Picture Books”! Just when I thought I had read them all (Just kidding. Not even close).
https://www.librarything.com/list/45998/Favorite-Picture-Books
********************
Another treasure list (read in April 2025): Pictured Worlds: Masterpieces of Children's Book Art by 101 Essential Illustrators from Around the World by Leonard S. Marcus.
********************
Illustrated33. Mr. Putter and Tabby Take the Train by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard
I love these books, and this one is terrific. Published 1998. Really funny.
Illustrated34. Mr. Putter and Tabby Clear the Decks by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard
I'm having a little "Mr. Putter and Tabby" festival, I guess. This one is from 2010. IN this one, the crew head out to sea.
As I've stated before, I love the depiction of older people (Mr. Putter and his neighbor, Mrs. Teaberry). They are active, happy, always willing to try something new, good friends to have.
Illustrated35. Mr. Putter and Tabby Hit the Slope by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard
From 2016. Pretty hilarious. Another well-done "Mr. Putter and Tabby."
Illustrated36. A Snow Day for Amos McGee by Philip Christian Stead, ill. Erin. E. Stead
"Amos and his familiar companions are back for this delightful tale of winter hope and joy."
Terrific drawings! Funny (zoo animals commuting on the bus!)
Illustrated37. Zip Zap Wickety Wack: A Story about Sharing by Matthew Diffee
Starts off like a traditional "farm animals and what they say" book, but morphs into a very clever and funny book about individuality and sharing. Would be a hoot to read out loud.
Illustrated38. Widget by Lynn Rassiter McFarland, ill. Jim McFarland
"Widget is a little dog without a home. He finds a house that seems like the perfect place to live. There's only one problem: six cats live there, and they don't like dogs. But Widget has a plan..."
Sweet, clever story and illustrations. The author and illustrator know cats and dogs! This was a reread for me.
Illustrated39. Extra Yarn by Mac Barnett, ill. Jon Klassen
"This looks like an ordinary box full of ordinary yarn. But it turns out it isn't."
Lovely story and illustrations.
Illustrated40. The Monster in the Lake by Leo Timmers, tr. Bill Nagelkerke
What a fun and beautiful book! Wonderful, colorful pictures, with lots of monsters (not scary, friendly); big fold-out pages in the center.
Illustrated41. The Library in the Woods by Calvin A. Ramsey, ill. R. Gregory Christie
Based on a true story, of childhood love of books and libraries, seen in the light of segregation and inequity. This joy of a book brought tears to my eyes as I remember my childhood libraries.
"They also had books, and I do not mean schoolbooks. They had books for pleasure reading. I had never seen anything like it."
Love the story and the illustrations!
There are only three forms of high art: the symphony,
the illustrated children's book, and the board game.
(Saga Volume 3 by Brian K. Vaughan)
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So many of these lovely books are made known to me by whisper1 (thank you, so much!) Others who have pointed me in the right direction are: jnwelch, squeakychu, jessibud2, Norabelle, avatiakh, AMQS, Blbera, foggidawn, richardderus, Booklist, and the NYTimes (please let me know if I've forgotten you!):
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From the LibraryThing newsletter, a list of members’ “Favorite Picture Books”! Just when I thought I had read them all (Just kidding. Not even close).
https://www.librarything.com/list/45998/Favorite-Picture-Books
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Another treasure list (read in April 2025): Pictured Worlds: Masterpieces of Children's Book Art by 101 Essential Illustrators from Around the World by Leonard S. Marcus.
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Illustrated33. Mr. Putter and Tabby Take the Train by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard
I love these books, and this one is terrific. Published 1998. Really funny.
Illustrated34. Mr. Putter and Tabby Clear the Decks by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard
I'm having a little "Mr. Putter and Tabby" festival, I guess. This one is from 2010. IN this one, the crew head out to sea.
As I've stated before, I love the depiction of older people (Mr. Putter and his neighbor, Mrs. Teaberry). They are active, happy, always willing to try something new, good friends to have.
Illustrated35. Mr. Putter and Tabby Hit the Slope by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard
From 2016. Pretty hilarious. Another well-done "Mr. Putter and Tabby."
Illustrated36. A Snow Day for Amos McGee by Philip Christian Stead, ill. Erin. E. Stead
"Amos and his familiar companions are back for this delightful tale of winter hope and joy."
Terrific drawings! Funny (zoo animals commuting on the bus!)
Illustrated37. Zip Zap Wickety Wack: A Story about Sharing by Matthew Diffee
Starts off like a traditional "farm animals and what they say" book, but morphs into a very clever and funny book about individuality and sharing. Would be a hoot to read out loud.
Illustrated38. Widget by Lynn Rassiter McFarland, ill. Jim McFarland
"Widget is a little dog without a home. He finds a house that seems like the perfect place to live. There's only one problem: six cats live there, and they don't like dogs. But Widget has a plan..."
Sweet, clever story and illustrations. The author and illustrator know cats and dogs! This was a reread for me.
Illustrated39. Extra Yarn by Mac Barnett, ill. Jon Klassen
"This looks like an ordinary box full of ordinary yarn. But it turns out it isn't."
Lovely story and illustrations.
Illustrated40. The Monster in the Lake by Leo Timmers, tr. Bill Nagelkerke
What a fun and beautiful book! Wonderful, colorful pictures, with lots of monsters (not scary, friendly); big fold-out pages in the center.
Illustrated41. The Library in the Woods by Calvin A. Ramsey, ill. R. Gregory Christie
Based on a true story, of childhood love of books and libraries, seen in the light of segregation and inequity. This joy of a book brought tears to my eyes as I remember my childhood libraries.
"They also had books, and I do not mean schoolbooks. They had books for pleasure reading. I had never seen anything like it."
Love the story and the illustrations!
153klobrien2
Illustrated42. Amazing Peace: A Christmas Poem by Maya Angelou, ill. Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher
"Offering us always the raw truth and the eloquence of hope, Maya has shown our world the redemptive healing powers of art."
Gorgeous poem and illustrations. Illustrations used oil, acrylic and fabric(!) on canvas.
Illustrated43. Chicken Man by Michelle Edwards
Life on an Israeli kibbutz.
"Chicken Man was very happy working in the chicken coop. So happy, in fact, that everyone thought taking care of the chickens must be the best job in the kibbutz."
Illustrated44. Listen: How Pete Seeger Got America Singing by Leda Schubert, ill. Raul Colon
"Celebration of the life of legendary musician and activist Pete Seeger."
Excellent story, terrific illustrations.
Illustrated45. Oh, No, the Aunts Are Here by Adam Rex, ill. Lian Cho
This was a reread; I love this book.
"Takes readers young and old on an emotionally bombastic staycation that celebrates the universal and endearing strangeness of our families."
Illustrated46. Pup and Bear by Kate Banks, ill. Naoko Stoop
"A stranded wolf cub is rescued and raised by a loving polar bear, and years later when he is grown into a wolf and on his own, he comes upon a lost polar bear cub, and the cycle begins again."
Gorgeous illustrations and sweet story. A reread for me.
"I am not your mother," said the polar bear, "but I can cuddle you and keep you safe."
Illustrated47. Bear and Wolf by Daniel Salmieri
Another reread, another book about Arctic wildlife. The animals in this book, though, are grown animals, and they meet spontaneously at different times, in different seasons. Lovely story and illustrations.
Illustrated48. I Am the Dog. I Am the Cat by Donald Hall, ill. Barry Moser
Another illustrated book from one of my favorite authors, Donald Hall. The guy wrote everything!
"Hilarious and affectionate portrait in contrasts of our companions, and often our best friends, a dog and a cat."
"A dog and a cat take turns explaining what is wonderful about being who they are."
Illustrated49. Is It Asleep? by Olivier Tallec, tr. Antony Shugaar
Gentle introduction to the concept of death.
"Pock and I love to sit on the old stump and watch the birds flash by. When we're tired of that, we follow the path to the yellow meadow so that we can listen to the bird we like best. But today, the blackbird isn't there."
154klobrien2
Today: Online church. Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Carnival of Losses: Notes Nearing Ninety by Donald Hall
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America by Robert B. Reich
Finished: Hoot by Carl Hiassen
Magazines Read:
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 10 of 24 lessons finished.
Next up: 11. Galileo and Schrodinger’s Thought Experiments, and 12. What Makes Identity the Same Over Time?
TV Watching: 9-1-1 9.10, Come See Me in the Good Light. What an excellent movie! “Facing an incurable diagnosis, two poet lovers embark on a poignant yet unexpectedly humorous exploration of love, mortality, and life's moments.” I cried a lot, but also laughed. These two, Andrea Gibson and Megan Falley, created a wonderful farewell message for Andrea and an ode to their love. Thanks, katiekrug, for recommending the film!
Listening:
Wordle 1,688 5/6*irate, bijou, chimp, spiky, spiny
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Connections
Puzzle #966
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Strands #700
“It's a gift”
💡🔵🔵🔵
🟡🔵🔵🔵
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Carnival of Losses: Notes Nearing Ninety by Donald Hall
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America by Robert B. Reich
Finished: Hoot by Carl Hiassen
Magazines Read:
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 10 of 24 lessons finished.
Next up: 11. Galileo and Schrodinger’s Thought Experiments, and 12. What Makes Identity the Same Over Time?
TV Watching: 9-1-1 9.10, Come See Me in the Good Light. What an excellent movie! “Facing an incurable diagnosis, two poet lovers embark on a poignant yet unexpectedly humorous exploration of love, mortality, and life's moments.” I cried a lot, but also laughed. These two, Andrea Gibson and Megan Falley, created a wonderful farewell message for Andrea and an ode to their love. Thanks, katiekrug, for recommending the film!
Listening:
Wordle 1,688 5/6*
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⬜⬜🟧⬜🟦
🟧🟧🟧⬜🟧
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Connections
Puzzle #966
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Strands #700
“It's a gift”
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155AMQS
Love your picture books, Karen. Mr. Putter and Tabby is pretty much the best. My nephew is 6 and lives in Germany. I think last year for Christmas I sent about 5 of the books to him. At the time (and even now) he was swearing off of baby things like picture books. But the whole family fell in love with Mr. Putter and Tabby. They're just wonderful (I love everything Cynthiaa Rylant writes).
156klobrien2
>155 AMQS: I SO agree with you about Cynthia Rylant (and Arthur Howard, the illustrator). I am planning to be a completist with the Mr. Putter and Tabby books. I’ve got a pretty good start!
Thanks for stopping by to chat!
Thanks for stopping by to chat!
157klobrien2
Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Carnival of Losses: Notes Nearing Ninety by Donald Hall
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America by Robert B. Reich
Adding: Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart and Death in Diamonds by S. J. Bennett. Need more fiction!
A “snack book” finish: Celebration: Joyful Baking Year Round by Paul Hollywood. Gorgeous book, lots of good recipes, well-presented.
Magazines Read:
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 10 of 24 lessons finished.
Next up: 11. Galileo and Schrodinger’s Thought Experiments, and 12. What Makes Identity the Same Over Time?
TV Watching: SNL 51.12 (Alexander Skarsgard hosted—really good), Bookish 1.4 (liking this show more and more).
Listening:
Wordle 1,689 4/6* Wordle started reusing words today. You knew it had to happen sometime!irate, dairy, vicar, cigar
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⬜🟦🟦🟦⬜
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Connections
Puzzle #967
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Strands #701
“Formidable flock”
🔵🔵🔵🟡
🔵🔵🔵
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Carnival of Losses: Notes Nearing Ninety by Donald Hall
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America by Robert B. Reich
Adding: Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart and Death in Diamonds by S. J. Bennett. Need more fiction!
A “snack book” finish: Celebration: Joyful Baking Year Round by Paul Hollywood. Gorgeous book, lots of good recipes, well-presented.
Magazines Read:
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 10 of 24 lessons finished.
Next up: 11. Galileo and Schrodinger’s Thought Experiments, and 12. What Makes Identity the Same Over Time?
TV Watching: SNL 51.12 (Alexander Skarsgard hosted—really good), Bookish 1.4 (liking this show more and more).
Listening:
Wordle 1,689 4/6* Wordle started reusing words today. You knew it had to happen sometime!
🟦🟦🟦⬜⬜
⬜🟦🟦🟦⬜
⬜🟧🟦🟧🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #967
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Strands #701
“Formidable flock”
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158AMQS
>156 klobrien2: I found that I didn't love the later Mr. Putter and Tabby books as much as the earlier ones so I haven't pursued them or added them to my library. So if you find a newer one that you love, let me know!
159klobrien2
The complete “Mr. Putter and Tabby” books; “R” means I’ve requested them.
Mr. Putter & Tabby Pour the Tea book 1
Mr. Putter & Tabby Walk the Dog book 2
Mr. Putter & Tabby Bake the Cake book 3
Mr. Putter & Tabby Pick the Pears book 4
Mr. Putter & Tabby Fly the Plane book 5
Mr. Putter & Tabby Row the Boat book 6
Mr. Putter & Tabby Take the Train book 7
Mr. Putter & Tabby Toot the Horn book 8
Mr. Putter & Tabby Paint the Porch book 9
Mr. Putter & Tabby Feed the Fish book 10
Mr. Putter & Tabby Catch the Cold book 11
Mr. Putter & Tabby Stir the Soup book 12
R—Mr. Putter & Tabby Write the Book book 13
R—Mr. Putter & Tabby Make a Wish book 14
R—Mr. Putter & Tabby Spin the Yarn book 15
Mr. Putter & Tabby See the Stars book 16
Mr. Putter & Tabby Run the Race book 17
Mr. Putter & Tabby Spill the Beans book 18
Mr. Putter & Tabby Clear the Decks book 19
Mr. Putter & Tabby Ring the Bell book 20
Mr. Putter & Tabby Dance the Dance book 21
Mr. Putter & Tabby Drop the Ball Book 22
Mr. Putter & Tabby Turn the Page Book 23
Mr. Putter & Tabby Hit the Slope Book 24
R—Mr. Putter & Tabby Write the Book book 13
R—Mr. Putter & Tabby Make a Wish book 14
R—Mr. Putter & Tabby Spin the Yarn book 15
Mr. Putter & Tabby See the Stars book 16
Mr. Putter & Tabby Run the Race book 17
Mr. Putter & Tabby Spill the Beans book 18
Mr. Putter & Tabby Ring the Bell book 20
Mr. Putter & Tabby Dance the Dance book 21
Mr. Putter & Tabby Drop the Ball Book 22
Mr. Putter & Tabby Turn the Page Book 23
160klobrien2
Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Carnival of Losses: Notes Nearing Ninety by Donald Hall
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America by Robert B. Reich
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
Death in Diamonds by S. J. Bennett
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms by George R. R. Martin
Magazines Read:
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 10 of 24 lessons finished.
Next up: 11. Galileo and Schrodinger’s Thought Experiments, and 12. What Makes Identity the Same Over Time?
TV Watching: Knight of the Seven Kingdoms 1.3 (so good! I wanted to watch it again right away), Shetland 10.5 (also really good), St. Denis Medical 2.12.
Listening:
Wordle 1,690 3/6*irate, chief, weigh (not used before)
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⬜🟦🟧🟦⬜
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #968
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🟩🟩🟪🟩
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🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #702
“On key”
💡🔵💡🔵
🔵🔵🔵🔵
🟡
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Carnival of Losses: Notes Nearing Ninety by Donald Hall
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America by Robert B. Reich
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
Death in Diamonds by S. J. Bennett
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms by George R. R. Martin
Magazines Read:
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 10 of 24 lessons finished.
Next up: 11. Galileo and Schrodinger’s Thought Experiments, and 12. What Makes Identity the Same Over Time?
TV Watching: Knight of the Seven Kingdoms 1.3 (so good! I wanted to watch it again right away), Shetland 10.5 (also really good), St. Denis Medical 2.12.
Listening:
Wordle 1,690 3/6*
🟦⬜⬜⬜🟦
⬜🟦🟧🟦⬜
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #968
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🟩🟩🟩🟩
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Strands #702
“On key”
💡🔵💡🔵
🔵🔵🔵🔵
🟡
161klobrien2
12. Hoot by Carl Hiassen
I wanted to keep reading Hiassen's books, and he's got a whole bunch of these "young adult" books. This one is set in Florida (I think they probably all are), and there is the author's love for Florida's flora and fauna--in this book, burrowing owls.
Funny and exciting, the good guys win and the bad guys get what they deserve.
162klobrien2
13. Celebrate: Joyful Baking All Year Round by Paul Hollywood, photography by Haarala Hamilton
It tickles me when a "snack book" read is a cookbook!
This cookbook is a visual delight, with lots of great-looking recipes and photos set in a framework (mainly) of the seasons: it starts off, for some reason, with "Cakes," then, Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter and, finally, "Party." The seasonal sections honor the ingredients that are available in the particular season (e.g., asparagus in Spring). Recipes are both savory and sweet, with many types of baked items included.
I like Hollywood's style of writing and sense of food. This is a very nice "bake book."
163klobrien2
Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Carnival of Losses: Notes Nearing Ninety by Donald Hall
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America by Robert B. Reich
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
Death in Diamonds by S. J. Bennett
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms by George R. R. Martin
Finished: “Snack book,” Gilded Age Cookbook
Magazines Read: The Week (01/23), New Yorker (01/26)
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 10 of 24 lessons finished.
Next up: 11. Galileo and Schrodinger’s Thought Experiments, and 12. What Makes Identity the Same Over Time?
TV Watching: Best Medicine 1.5
Listening:
Wordle 1,691 2/6* Total surprise to get Wordle in two! Still going after unused words even though they’ve started reusing them. Today’s solution word hadn’t been used before.irate, chide
🟦⬜⬜⬜🟧
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Connections
Puzzle #969
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Strands #703
“For the enthusiast”
💡🔵🔵🔵
🔵🟡🔵🔵
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Carnival of Losses: Notes Nearing Ninety by Donald Hall
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America by Robert B. Reich
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
Death in Diamonds by S. J. Bennett
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms by George R. R. Martin
Finished: “Snack book,” Gilded Age Cookbook
Magazines Read: The Week (01/23), New Yorker (01/26)
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 10 of 24 lessons finished.
Next up: 11. Galileo and Schrodinger’s Thought Experiments, and 12. What Makes Identity the Same Over Time?
TV Watching: Best Medicine 1.5
Listening:
Wordle 1,691 2/6* Total surprise to get Wordle in two! Still going after unused words even though they’ve started reusing them. Today’s solution word hadn’t been used before.
🟦⬜⬜⬜🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #969
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #703
“For the enthusiast”
💡🔵🔵🔵
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164katiekrug
Oh, I (and most of my book club) loved Vera, or Faith!
165richardderus
>162 klobrien2: It will be interesting to see how much having Nigella Lawson as his co-judge on GBBO will change Hollywood's trajectory. He's honed his persona to a fine point but he's got someone new to bounce off...I hope it works out! I'd miss it if the show folded up.
Wednesday orisons, dear lady.
Wednesday orisons, dear lady.
166klobrien2
>164 katiekrug: I’m just a few pages into Vera, but it’s got my attention. Glad to read your rave—that’s a sure sign that I’ll love it too!
>165 richardderus: I’ll miss Prue Leith, but she sure has earned her retirement from the show. I don’t think you have to worry about the show folding—it’s such a tradition. 😴🎂🍰🧁🍥🥮
Thank you both for stopping by!
>165 richardderus: I’ll miss Prue Leith, but she sure has earned her retirement from the show. I don’t think you have to worry about the show folding—it’s such a tradition. 😴🎂🍰🧁🍥🥮
Thank you both for stopping by!
167klobrien2
Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Brigands and Breadknives by Travis Baldree—just got!
The Impossible Fortune by Richard Osman—just got!
Carnival of Losses: Notes Nearing Ninety by Donald Hall
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America by Robert B. Reich
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
Death in Diamonds by S. J. Bennett
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms by George R. R. Martin
Finished THREE “Snack books”! and feeling much lighter. These books were all hefty, literally weighty, books:
The Art of Jaques Pepin: The Cookbook
Sisters, Oregon: Five Decades of Quilting in America by Jean Wells
In the Heights: Finding Home by Lin-Manuel Miranda, etc.
Magazines Read:
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 10 of 24 lessons finished.
Next up: 11. Galileo and Schrodinger’s Thought Experiments, and 12. What Makes Identity the Same Over Time?
TV Watching: Muppet Show special! Loved this! It felt so good to see this show in its original form. I’ve watched all the the remakes and new-fashioneds, and the old-fashioned is the best. I so hope a series comes from this! Shrinking 3.2 (excellent), Abbott Elementary 5.13 (liked it!). Good night for television!
Listening:
Wordle 1,692 3/6* Again, kept on until I found an unused word…like karenmarie says, I must have channeled the Wordle gods!irate, mound, swoop
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⬜🟦⬜⬜⬜
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #970
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Strands #704
“Quint-essential”
🔵💡🔵💡
🔵🔵💡🔵
🔵🟡
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Brigands and Breadknives by Travis Baldree—just got!
The Impossible Fortune by Richard Osman—just got!
Carnival of Losses: Notes Nearing Ninety by Donald Hall
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America by Robert B. Reich
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
Death in Diamonds by S. J. Bennett
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms by George R. R. Martin
Finished THREE “Snack books”! and feeling much lighter. These books were all hefty, literally weighty, books:
The Art of Jaques Pepin: The Cookbook
Sisters, Oregon: Five Decades of Quilting in America by Jean Wells
In the Heights: Finding Home by Lin-Manuel Miranda, etc.
Magazines Read:
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 10 of 24 lessons finished.
Next up: 11. Galileo and Schrodinger’s Thought Experiments, and 12. What Makes Identity the Same Over Time?
TV Watching: Muppet Show special! Loved this! It felt so good to see this show in its original form. I’ve watched all the the remakes and new-fashioneds, and the old-fashioned is the best. I so hope a series comes from this! Shrinking 3.2 (excellent), Abbott Elementary 5.13 (liked it!). Good night for television!
Listening:
Wordle 1,692 3/6* Again, kept on until I found an unused word…like karenmarie says, I must have channeled the Wordle gods!
⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜
⬜🟦⬜⬜⬜
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #970
🟪🟦🟪🟪
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Strands #704
“Quint-essential”
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168klobrien2
14. The Gilded Age Cookbook: Recipes and Stories from America's Golden Era by Becky Libourel Diamond
After reading Gilded Age Christmas Cookbook in December, I knew that I wanted more and so tracked down this book (which was actually published first). It is not focused on one season or holiday, and gives a much broader picture of the history and the food of the Gilded Age (so named by Mark Twain's book of the same name).
"The American Gilded Age (1868-1900) and its extreme extravagance continue to be a source of wonder and fascination, particularly for foodies."
This book has a wealth of photographs, both historic, and of the food whose recipes are included. Interesting section breakdown!:
Culinary Innovations
Outdoor Eats
Dining Out
By Invitation Only
Holidays
I really enjoyed the historical views of America that this book offers, as well as the photography of beautiful places and food.
169klobrien2
15. The Art of Jacques Pepin: Favorite Recipes and Paintings from My Life in the Kitchen by Jacque Pepin
I love Jacques Pepin's cookbooks and his paintings (especially Jacque Pepin Art of the Chicken). He has had such an impact on cooking, especially the presentation of French cooking to America.
The chapters are arranged thusly: Soups and Salads; Eggs, Pasta, and Vegetables; Fish and Shellfish; Poultry and Meat; and Desserts. Pretty standard arrangement, I think.
The one fault I find with the book is that there are no pictures of the food! I can understand why--the illustrations in the book are Pepin's paintings--but the cook in me really wanted to see the visuals.
"This book combines my two main passions in life--cooking and painting." The paintings (from throughout his life) are interspersed with recipes. My favorites of the paintings are his chickens (of course) and his fish. The brightly colored images just jump off of the page. His landscapes are lovely, as well.
This book was published "just in time for his 90th birthday," as an explanatory essay states. It does feel like this book might be a legacy book for the man. It was a lot of fun to peruse.
170klobrien2
16. Sisters, Oregon: Five Decades of Quilting in America by Jean Wells
This book is a visual history of the "Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show," a quilting gathering held in the small town of Sisters, Oregon, on the Second Saturday of July. It's been taking place for over half a century.
"Immerse yourself in hundreds of vibrant, full-color photos celebrating the rich history of the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show. Explore the deep connections between the show's founder, the quilt shop ("Stitchin' Post"), the town, the quilters, and the beautiful art of quilting."
This show is almost mythic in the quilting world. I've never been to it, but I feel as though I came close after reading through this book.
171klobrien2
17. In the Heights: Finding Home by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Quirara Alegria Hudes, and Jeremy McCarter
"In the Heights" was Miranda's breakthrough into musical theater; it was first presented on stage in 2005, and a film was produced in 2021. "It's a big, sprawling movie about a Hispanic block in upper Manhattan's Washington Heights."
This book is chock full of essays, photos, annotations, reminiscences, and song lyrics. It makes it very easy to get a full sense of the history and the beauty of the production and the people involved in it.
I'm putting the movie on my list of things I must watch sooner rather than later.
172klobrien2
Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Brigands and Breadknives by Travis Baldree
The Impossible Fortune by Richard Osman
Carnival of Losses: Notes Nearing Ninety by Donald Hall
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America by Robert B. Reich
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
Death in Diamonds by S. J. Bennett
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms by George R. R. Martin
Read seven lovely illustrated books, with a few more coming from the library today.
Magazines Read:
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 10 of 24 lessons finished.
Next up: 11. Galileo and Schrodinger’s Thought Experiments, and 12. What Makes Identity the Same Over Time?
TV Watching: The Rookie 8.5
Listening:
Wordle 1,693 3/6*solution was an unused wordle—irate, algae, gavel
⬜⬜🟦⬜🟦
🟦🟦🟦⬜🟦
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #971
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #705
“Let's face it”
🔵🔵🔵🔵
🟡🔵🔵🔵
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Brigands and Breadknives by Travis Baldree
The Impossible Fortune by Richard Osman
Carnival of Losses: Notes Nearing Ninety by Donald Hall
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America by Robert B. Reich
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
Death in Diamonds by S. J. Bennett
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms by George R. R. Martin
Read seven lovely illustrated books, with a few more coming from the library today.
Magazines Read:
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 10 of 24 lessons finished.
Next up: 11. Galileo and Schrodinger’s Thought Experiments, and 12. What Makes Identity the Same Over Time?
TV Watching: The Rookie 8.5
Listening:
Wordle 1,693 3/6*
⬜⬜🟦⬜🟦
🟦🟦🟦⬜🟦
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #971
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #705
“Let's face it”
🔵🔵🔵🔵
🟡🔵🔵🔵
173klobrien2
Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Brigands and Breadknives by Travis Baldree
The Impossible Fortune by Richard Osman
Carnival of Losses: Notes Nearing Ninety by Donald Hall
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America by Robert B. Reich
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
Death in Diamonds by S. J. Bennett
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms by George R. R. Martin
Finished up my illustrated books for the week, with a total of eleven (yikes!) Liked them all!
Magazines Read:
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 10 of 24 lessons finished.
Next up: 11. Galileo and Schrodinger’s Thought Experiments, and 12. What Makes Identity the Same Over Time?
TV Watching: Knight of the Seven Kingdoms 1.4 (so good!); Shetland 10.6 (final show of the season—the season has been terrific! And there will be an eleventh season!); St. Denis Medical 2.11 (I had missed viewing it); Animal Control 4.5; and High Potential 2.12. Yes, it was a big TV night for me, and it was a lot of fun!
Will catch up with Starfleet Academy today — I have a few episodes to watch there.
Listening:
Wordle 1,694 4/6*irate, acted, beast, bleat
⬜⬜🟦🟦🟦
🟦⬜🟦🟦⬜
🟧🟦🟦⬜🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #972
🟩🟩🟩🟪
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟪
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #706
“Boo-o-o-o-ring”
🟡🔵🔵🔵
🔵🔵
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Brigands and Breadknives by Travis Baldree
The Impossible Fortune by Richard Osman
Carnival of Losses: Notes Nearing Ninety by Donald Hall
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America by Robert B. Reich
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
Death in Diamonds by S. J. Bennett
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms by George R. R. Martin
Finished up my illustrated books for the week, with a total of eleven (yikes!) Liked them all!
Magazines Read:
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 10 of 24 lessons finished.
Next up: 11. Galileo and Schrodinger’s Thought Experiments, and 12. What Makes Identity the Same Over Time?
TV Watching: Knight of the Seven Kingdoms 1.4 (so good!); Shetland 10.6 (final show of the season—the season has been terrific! And there will be an eleventh season!); St. Denis Medical 2.11 (I had missed viewing it); Animal Control 4.5; and High Potential 2.12. Yes, it was a big TV night for me, and it was a lot of fun!
Will catch up with Starfleet Academy today — I have a few episodes to watch there.
Listening:
Wordle 1,694 4/6*
⬜⬜🟦🟦🟦
🟦⬜🟦🟦⬜
🟧🟦🟦⬜🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #972
🟩🟩🟩🟪
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟪
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #706
“Boo-o-o-o-ring”
🟡🔵🔵🔵
🔵🔵
174klobrien2
Today: Online church. Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Brigands and Breadknives by Travis Baldree
The Impossible Fortune by Richard Osman
Carnival of Losses: Notes Nearing Ninety by Donald Hall
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America by Robert B. Reich
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
Death in Diamonds by S. J. Bennett
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms by George R. R. Martin
Magazines Read: NYT Book Review (12/07) (01/25), Scientific American (Jan), Lake Superior (Dec/Jan), Booklist (Nov)
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 10 of 24 lessons finished.
Next up: 11. Galileo and Schrodinger’s Thought Experiments, and 12. What Makes Identity the Same Over Time?
TV Watching: Starfleet Academy 1.3. Paramount+ does not play well at all on my TV—unwatchable. So I watched this episode on my tablet, and it was perfect. So we’ll go with that plan B. I am very lucky to have my tablet!
Listening:
Wordle 1,695 4/6* Today’s Wordle hadn’t been used—irate, bebop, cubed, embed
⬜⬜⬜⬜🟦
⬜🟦🟧⬜⬜
⬜⬜🟧🟧🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #973
🟨🟪🟩🟦
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟨🟪🟨🟨
🟦🟪🟦🟦
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #707
“Make it fancy”
🔵🔵🟡🔵
🔵🔵🔵
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Brigands and Breadknives by Travis Baldree
The Impossible Fortune by Richard Osman
Carnival of Losses: Notes Nearing Ninety by Donald Hall
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus
Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America by Robert B. Reich
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
Death in Diamonds by S. J. Bennett
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms by George R. R. Martin
Magazines Read: NYT Book Review (12/07) (01/25), Scientific American (Jan), Lake Superior (Dec/Jan), Booklist (Nov)
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 10 of 24 lessons finished.
Next up: 11. Galileo and Schrodinger’s Thought Experiments, and 12. What Makes Identity the Same Over Time?
TV Watching: Starfleet Academy 1.3. Paramount+ does not play well at all on my TV—unwatchable. So I watched this episode on my tablet, and it was perfect. So we’ll go with that plan B. I am very lucky to have my tablet!
Listening:
Wordle 1,695 4/6*
⬜⬜⬜⬜🟦
⬜🟦🟧⬜⬜
⬜⬜🟧🟧🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #973
🟨🟪🟩🟦
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟨🟪🟨🟨
🟦🟪🟦🟦
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #707
“Make it fancy”
🔵🔵🟡🔵
🔵🔵🔵
175klobrien2
Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Brigands and Breadknives by Travis Baldree
The Impossible Fortune by Richard Osman
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
Death in Diamonds by S. J. Bennett
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms by George R. R. Martin (I finished the first of three novellas in this collection, The Hedge Knight—excellent! The TV show is cleaving strongly to the original book).
Magazines Read:
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 12 of 24 lessons finished.
Read and watched: 11. Galileo and Schrodinger’s Thought Experiments, and 12. What Makes Identity the Same Over Time?
Next up: 13. Mind Swapping and Personal Identity, and 14. Who Are You After a Brain Transplant?
TV Watching: Starfleet Academy 1.4. Super Bowl (small segments of it, but I caught the terrific halftime show).
Listening:
Wordle 1,696 5/6* New Wordle today. irate, begun, mewed, peppy, cello
⬜⬜⬜⬜🟦
⬜🟧⬜⬜⬜
⬜🟧⬜⬜⬜
⬜🟧⬜⬜⬜
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #974
🟩🟨🟦🟪
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟩🟦🟪🟩
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟪🟪🟪🟪
🟩🟩🟩🟩
Strands #708
“Frequent flyer”
🔵🟡🔵🔵
🔵🔵🔵
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Brigands and Breadknives by Travis Baldree
The Impossible Fortune by Richard Osman
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
Death in Diamonds by S. J. Bennett
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms by George R. R. Martin (I finished the first of three novellas in this collection, The Hedge Knight—excellent! The TV show is cleaving strongly to the original book).
Magazines Read:
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 12 of 24 lessons finished.
Read and watched: 11. Galileo and Schrodinger’s Thought Experiments, and 12. What Makes Identity the Same Over Time?
Next up: 13. Mind Swapping and Personal Identity, and 14. Who Are You After a Brain Transplant?
TV Watching: Starfleet Academy 1.4. Super Bowl (small segments of it, but I caught the terrific halftime show).
Listening:
Wordle 1,696 5/6*
⬜⬜⬜⬜🟦
⬜🟧⬜⬜⬜
⬜🟧⬜⬜⬜
⬜🟧⬜⬜⬜
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #974
🟩🟨🟦🟪
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟩🟦🟪🟩
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟪🟪🟪🟪
🟩🟩🟩🟩
Strands #708
“Frequent flyer”
🔵🟡🔵🔵
🔵🔵🔵
176klobrien2
***************************************************
There are only three forms of high art: the symphony,
the illustrated children's book, and the board game.
(Saga Volume 3 by Brian K. Vaughan)
***************************************************
So many of these lovely books are made known to me by whisper1 (thank you, so much!) Others who have pointed me in the right direction are: jnwelch, squeakychu, jessibud2, Norabelle, avatiakh, AMQS, Blbera, foggidawn, richardderus, Booklist, and the NYTimes (please let me know if I've forgotten you!):
********************
From the LibraryThing newsletter, a list of members’ “Favorite Picture Books”! Just when I thought I had read them all (Just kidding. Not even close).
https://www.librarything.com/list/45998/Favorite-Picture-Books
********************
Another treasure list (read in April 2025): Pictured Worlds: Masterpieces of Children's Book Art by 101 Essential Illustrators from Around the World by Leonard S. Marcus.
********************
Illustrated50. Mr. Putter and Tabby Bake the Cake by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard
This one's from 1994.
"Baking a Christmas treat for Mrs. Teaberry will be a piece of cake for Mr. Putter and Tabby. Or will it?"
I loved this passage from the book:
"Mr. Putter had no cookbook. He had books on seaweed. He had books on clouds. He had books on Chinese trees. But he had no cookbooks."
Illustrated51. Mr. Putter and Tabby Fly the Plane by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard
"Mr. Putter loves toys, but his fine cat Tabby does not. So when Mr. Putter brings home a little toy biplane that really flies, he and Tabby are in for quite an adventure!"
This one is especially sweet, with a theme of childhood dreams coming true, and making friends.
Illustrated52. Mr. Putter and Tabby Row the Boat by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard
"It is HOT. Mr. Putter and his fine cat, Tabby, are sweating. Their neighbors Mrs. Teaberry and her good dog, Zeke, are sweating, too. Looks like the perfect day for a trip to the big pond!"
Another fun and well-done adventure!
Illustrated53. Bear Has a Story to Tell by Philip C. Stead, ill. Eric E. Stead
This was a reread for me.
Endearing story of friendship and patience. And the wintertime sleep habits of critters.
"It was almost winter and Bear was getting sleepy. But first, Bear had a story to tell."
From the authors of the "Amos McGee" books. Sweet story and lovely illustrations.
Illustrated54. Cat Nap by Brian Lies
I've been waiting so long to get my hands on this 2025-published book. It was well worth the wait! Notice the five stars!
"When the quick-footed mouse seems to step into a picture on the walls, the captivated kitten has to follow, through time and history, and nine masterpieces of art from around the world in this astonishing celebration of creativity and curiosity."
The artwork is exceptional, and as "mixed media" as you could be. Lies uses stained glass, wood carving, carving hieroglyphics in plaster, illumination of a manuscript on goatskin parchment, ... Iles provides appendices for "Making the Art" and "The Artworks in the Book."
Such a clever story, and so magnificently presented.
Illustrated55. Saturday Morning at the 'Shop by Keenan Jones, ill. Ken Daley
Another "brand new" book (2025).
"It's Saturday morning--time to head to the barbershop! The lights shine bright. The energy runs high. It's about to go down on a Saturday morning at the 'shop..."
Great story and illustrations, filled with action and joy. Reminded me of the "Barbershop" movies. Lots of fun.
There are only three forms of high art: the symphony,
the illustrated children's book, and the board game.
(Saga Volume 3 by Brian K. Vaughan)
***************************************************
So many of these lovely books are made known to me by whisper1 (thank you, so much!) Others who have pointed me in the right direction are: jnwelch, squeakychu, jessibud2, Norabelle, avatiakh, AMQS, Blbera, foggidawn, richardderus, Booklist, and the NYTimes (please let me know if I've forgotten you!):
********************
From the LibraryThing newsletter, a list of members’ “Favorite Picture Books”! Just when I thought I had read them all (Just kidding. Not even close).
https://www.librarything.com/list/45998/Favorite-Picture-Books
********************
Another treasure list (read in April 2025): Pictured Worlds: Masterpieces of Children's Book Art by 101 Essential Illustrators from Around the World by Leonard S. Marcus.
********************
Illustrated50. Mr. Putter and Tabby Bake the Cake by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard
This one's from 1994.
"Baking a Christmas treat for Mrs. Teaberry will be a piece of cake for Mr. Putter and Tabby. Or will it?"
I loved this passage from the book:
"Mr. Putter had no cookbook. He had books on seaweed. He had books on clouds. He had books on Chinese trees. But he had no cookbooks."
Illustrated51. Mr. Putter and Tabby Fly the Plane by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard
"Mr. Putter loves toys, but his fine cat Tabby does not. So when Mr. Putter brings home a little toy biplane that really flies, he and Tabby are in for quite an adventure!"
This one is especially sweet, with a theme of childhood dreams coming true, and making friends.
Illustrated52. Mr. Putter and Tabby Row the Boat by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard
"It is HOT. Mr. Putter and his fine cat, Tabby, are sweating. Their neighbors Mrs. Teaberry and her good dog, Zeke, are sweating, too. Looks like the perfect day for a trip to the big pond!"
Another fun and well-done adventure!
Illustrated53. Bear Has a Story to Tell by Philip C. Stead, ill. Eric E. Stead
This was a reread for me.
Endearing story of friendship and patience. And the wintertime sleep habits of critters.
"It was almost winter and Bear was getting sleepy. But first, Bear had a story to tell."
From the authors of the "Amos McGee" books. Sweet story and lovely illustrations.
Illustrated54. Cat Nap by Brian Lies
I've been waiting so long to get my hands on this 2025-published book. It was well worth the wait! Notice the five stars!
"When the quick-footed mouse seems to step into a picture on the walls, the captivated kitten has to follow, through time and history, and nine masterpieces of art from around the world in this astonishing celebration of creativity and curiosity."
The artwork is exceptional, and as "mixed media" as you could be. Lies uses stained glass, wood carving, carving hieroglyphics in plaster, illumination of a manuscript on goatskin parchment, ... Iles provides appendices for "Making the Art" and "The Artworks in the Book."
Such a clever story, and so magnificently presented.
Illustrated55. Saturday Morning at the 'Shop by Keenan Jones, ill. Ken Daley
Another "brand new" book (2025).
"It's Saturday morning--time to head to the barbershop! The lights shine bright. The energy runs high. It's about to go down on a Saturday morning at the 'shop..."
Great story and illustrations, filled with action and joy. Reminded me of the "Barbershop" movies. Lots of fun.
177klobrien2
Illustrated56. Revolutions Are Made of Love: The Story of James Boggs and Grace Lee Boggs poems by Sun Yung Shin and Melina Mangal, ill. Leslie Barlow
"Their story--one of love, revolutionary thought, and lifelong commitment to community."
"Many people talk the talk, but do they walk the walk? James and Grace walked the talk."
A 2025 book--beautiful paintings and inspiring story.
Illustrated57. Amos McGee Misses the Bus by Philip C. Stead, ill. Erin E. Stead
He misses the bus, "but his good friends at the zoo help him out." Wonderful pictures and story.
Illustrated58. Dear Acorn (Love, Oak): Letter Poems to Friends by Joyce Sidman, ill. Melissa Sweet
Another 5-star, 2025-published book for me! An amazing book, filled with collage-ey illustrations, as brilliant as the "letter poems."
"These surprising and delightful poems examine how we're all connected--in both big and small ways."
A page at the end of the book gives guidance in writing letter poems--this would be so much fun to do with kids.
Illustrated59. Hanukkah Bear by Eric A. Kimmel, ill. Mike Wohnoutka
Sweet, funny story, with very nice illustrations. A recipe for latkes is included!
Illustrated60. The House with the Little Red Door by Grace Easton
"Your home is often not about the place you live, but about the people you're with."
I love this book! Not only a sweet story and great illustrations, but there are fold-outs! All over the place! So much fun to peruse. I gave this one five stars also.
It was a great week for illustrated books!
178Whisper1
>139 klobrien2: I've spent time tonight adding most of your January illustrated books. WOW!! You read some very good ones. I couldn't help but think, again and again, all the many things we learn from reading this genre. Thanks so much for pointing me in the direction of so many wonderful books.
I am so glad that this group posts brought us together.
I am so glad that this group posts brought us together.
179thornton37814
>176 klobrien2: >177 klobrien2: I've read a few of those, and the others sound interesting! I'll see which ones are at my local library.
180klobrien2
>178 Whisper1: >179 thornton37814: I usually like all of the illustrated books, but this week there were so many that I loved! Could be that having to wait so long for the newer ones made it so much sweeter to have them in my hands? But the older ones, like the Mr. Putters really landed with me, too. I was a happy reader.
Thank you both for stopping by to chat! I hope you find the books, and like them as much as I did!
Thank you both for stopping by to chat! I hope you find the books, and like them as much as I did!
181klobrien2
Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms by George R. R. Martin
Brigands and Breadknives by Travis Baldree
The Impossible Fortune by Richard Osman
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
Death in Diamonds by S. J. Bennett
Magazines Read:
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 12 of 24 lessons finished.
Read and watched: 11. Galileo and Schrodinger’s Thought Experiments, and 12. What Makes Identity the Same Over Time?
Next up: 13. Mind Swapping and Personal Identity, and 14. Who Are You After a Brain Transplant?
TV Watching: Bookish 1.5, The Rookie 8.6
Listening:
Wordle 1,697 3/6*Today’s Wordle is new. irate, budge, scene
⬜⬜⬜⬜🟧
⬜⬜⬜⬜🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #975
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟪🟦🟩🟩
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟪🟪🟪🟪
🟩🟩🟩🟩
Strands #709
“It's on the house”
🔵🔵🔵🔵
🔵🟡🔵
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms by George R. R. Martin
Brigands and Breadknives by Travis Baldree
The Impossible Fortune by Richard Osman
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
Death in Diamonds by S. J. Bennett
Magazines Read:
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 12 of 24 lessons finished.
Read and watched: 11. Galileo and Schrodinger’s Thought Experiments, and 12. What Makes Identity the Same Over Time?
Next up: 13. Mind Swapping and Personal Identity, and 14. Who Are You After a Brain Transplant?
TV Watching: Bookish 1.5, The Rookie 8.6
Listening:
Wordle 1,697 3/6*
⬜⬜⬜⬜🟧
⬜⬜⬜⬜🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #975
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟪🟦🟩🟩
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟪🟪🟪🟪
🟩🟩🟩🟩
Strands #709
“It's on the house”
🔵🔵🔵🔵
🔵🟡🔵
182klobrien2
Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms by George R. R. Martin
Brigands and Breadknives by Travis Baldree
The Impossible Fortune by Richard Osman
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
Death in Diamonds by S. J. Bennett
Magazines Read:
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 12 of 24 lessons finished.
Next up: 13. Mind Swapping and Personal Identity, and 14. Who Are You After a Brain Transplant?
TV Watching: Starfleet Academy 1.5 (SAM is searching for Sisko! Show is dedicated to “Avery” (Avery Brooks played Sisko in Deep Space Nine)), Best Medicine 1.6.
Listening: NYT Amplifier: 13 Transcendent Beatles Covers by Black Musicians. Really liked this playlist—will listen to again.
Wordle 1,698 4/6* Wordle is new today: irate, apnea, began, vegan
⬜⬜🟦⬜🟦
🟦⬜🟦🟦⬜
⬜🟧🟧🟧🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #976
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟦🟦🟦🟪
🟦🟦🟦🟪
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🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #710
“Crack and snack”
🔵🔵🔵🟡
🔵🔵🔵
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms by George R. R. Martin
Brigands and Breadknives by Travis Baldree
The Impossible Fortune by Richard Osman
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
Death in Diamonds by S. J. Bennett
Magazines Read:
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 12 of 24 lessons finished.
Next up: 13. Mind Swapping and Personal Identity, and 14. Who Are You After a Brain Transplant?
TV Watching: Starfleet Academy 1.5 (SAM is searching for Sisko! Show is dedicated to “Avery” (Avery Brooks played Sisko in Deep Space Nine)), Best Medicine 1.6.
Listening: NYT Amplifier: 13 Transcendent Beatles Covers by Black Musicians. Really liked this playlist—will listen to again.
Wordle 1,698 4/6*
⬜⬜🟦⬜🟦
🟦⬜🟦🟦⬜
⬜🟧🟧🟧🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #976
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟦🟦🟦🟪
🟦🟦🟦🟪
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Strands #710
“Crack and snack”
🔵🔵🔵🟡
🔵🔵🔵
183klobrien2
Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms by George R. R. Martin
Brigands and Breadknives by Travis Baldree
The Impossible Fortune by Richard Osman
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
Death in Diamonds by S. J. Bennett
Magazines Read: Booklist (July) (Sept); NYT Magazine (01/25) (02/01); NYT Book Review (02/01)
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 12 of 24 lessons finished.
Next up: 13. Mind Swapping and Personal Identity, and 14. Who Are You After a Brain Transplant?
TV Watching: Shrinking 3.3
Listening
Wordle 1,699 4/6* New Wordle today: irate, ochre, puree, surge
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Connections
Puzzle #977
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🟪🟪🟪🟪
🟦🟦🟦🟦
Strands #711
“Sink or swim”
🔵🔵🟡🔵
🔵🔵
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms by George R. R. Martin
Brigands and Breadknives by Travis Baldree
The Impossible Fortune by Richard Osman
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
Death in Diamonds by S. J. Bennett
Magazines Read: Booklist (July) (Sept); NYT Magazine (01/25) (02/01); NYT Book Review (02/01)
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 12 of 24 lessons finished.
Next up: 13. Mind Swapping and Personal Identity, and 14. Who Are You After a Brain Transplant?
TV Watching: Shrinking 3.3
Listening
Wordle 1,699 4/6*
⬜🟦⬜⬜🟧
⬜⬜⬜🟦🟧
⬜🟧🟧⬜🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #977
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟪🟪🟪🟪
🟦🟦🟦🟦
Strands #711
“Sink or swim”
🔵🔵🟡🔵
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184richardderus
>182 klobrien2: I thought the inclusion of Sisko was an amazing shout-out to Brooks, one he deserves for his hard (if reluctant) work on DS9.
Happy Thursdaying!
Happy Thursdaying!
185klobrien2
>184 richardderus: The episode also gave us a holographic Jake Sisko (son of Benjamin), played by a grown-up Cirroc Lofton (the actor who played Jake in DS9). And there was a "Dax" character, 800 years after DS9. The episode was a really nice homage to the Deep Space 9 series.
So, who would've guessed that you are a Star Trek fan? Or are you just a cultural observer?
Thanks for stopping by! Have a great weekend!
So, who would've guessed that you are a Star Trek fan? Or are you just a cultural observer?
Thanks for stopping by! Have a great weekend!
186klobrien2
18. She Hulk 5: All In by Rainbow Rowell
A fun, little "snack book" read to get me pumped for the weekend. Jen is offered a position with the Avengers, but it might mean separation from her friends.
187klobrien2
Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms by George R. R. Martin
Brigands and Breadknives by Travis Baldree
The Impossible Fortune by Richard Osman
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
Death in Diamonds by S. J. Bennett
Magazines Read: Threads (Winter 2025), Atlantic (Oct)
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 12 of 24 lessons finished.
Next up: 13. Mind Swapping and Personal Identity, and 14. Who Are You After a Brain Transplant?
TV Watching: Can You Keep a Secret? 1.1 (Paramount+, Dawn French! Pretty funny, well-written, I’m in!); How to Get to Heaven from Belfast 1.1 (Netflix, from makers of “Derry Girls,” kind of a murder mystery, with lots of laughs and reminiscence and lovely Irish locations, I’m in for this one, too)
Listening
Wordle 1,700 3/6*I used the word I usually use for my second guess when my first fails entirely, and it was very helpful today. Again, a new Wordle. Only 1 reuse out of ten so far, so I’d say we keep avoiding words that have already been used: irate, mound, mooch
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Connections
Puzzle #978
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🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #712
“See what I mean?”
🔵🔵🔵🟡
🔵🔵🔵
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms by George R. R. Martin
Brigands and Breadknives by Travis Baldree
The Impossible Fortune by Richard Osman
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
Death in Diamonds by S. J. Bennett
Magazines Read: Threads (Winter 2025), Atlantic (Oct)
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 12 of 24 lessons finished.
Next up: 13. Mind Swapping and Personal Identity, and 14. Who Are You After a Brain Transplant?
TV Watching: Can You Keep a Secret? 1.1 (Paramount+, Dawn French! Pretty funny, well-written, I’m in!); How to Get to Heaven from Belfast 1.1 (Netflix, from makers of “Derry Girls,” kind of a murder mystery, with lots of laughs and reminiscence and lovely Irish locations, I’m in for this one, too)
Listening
Wordle 1,700 3/6*
⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜
🟧🟧⬜⬜⬜
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #978
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #712
“See what I mean?”
🔵🔵🔵🟡
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188richardderus
>185 klobrien2: It was the first fandom...I loved the conventions, writing and reading fanfic (as we call it now), though I'm not nor ever have been one for playing dress-up. Cirroc Lofton playing Jake again! How cool. I love having another Dax, because the entire joke of the symbionts is they're effectively immortal. (Still creeps me out, truthfully.)
Lovely weekend-ahead's reads, Karen O.!
Lovely weekend-ahead's reads, Karen O.!
189klobrien2
Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms by George R. R. Martin — on the second of three novellas, The Sworn Sword
Brigands and Breadknives by Travis Baldree
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
Death in Diamonds by S. J. Bennett
Finished The Impossible Fortune by Richard Osman. Loved it!
Finished all illustrateds for the week, including three new ones.
Magazines Read:
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 12 of 24 lessons finished.
Next up: 13. Mind Swapping and Personal Identity, and 14. Who Are You After a Brain Transplant?
TV Watching: Can You Keep a Secret? 1.2 (Paramount+), Starfleet Academy 1.6 (Paramount+)
Listening
Wordle 1,701 5/6*new Wordle—irate, mound, chomp, smoky, bloom
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⬜⬜🟧🟦⬜
⬜🟦🟧⬜⬜
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #979
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🟨🟨🟨🟨
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Strands #713
“XOXOXO”
🔵🔵🔵🟡
🔵🔵🔵
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms by George R. R. Martin — on the second of three novellas, The Sworn Sword
Brigands and Breadknives by Travis Baldree
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
Death in Diamonds by S. J. Bennett
Finished The Impossible Fortune by Richard Osman. Loved it!
Finished all illustrateds for the week, including three new ones.
Magazines Read:
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 12 of 24 lessons finished.
Next up: 13. Mind Swapping and Personal Identity, and 14. Who Are You After a Brain Transplant?
TV Watching: Can You Keep a Secret? 1.2 (Paramount+), Starfleet Academy 1.6 (Paramount+)
Listening
Wordle 1,701 5/6*
⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜
🟦🟦⬜⬜⬜
⬜⬜🟧🟦⬜
⬜🟦🟧⬜⬜
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #979
🟨🟨🟩🟨
🟨🟨🟩🟨
🟨🟨🟨🟩
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟦🟦🟦🟦
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Strands #713
“XOXOXO”
🔵🔵🔵🟡
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190klobrien2
David Brooks is leaving the NYT. He’s conservative, but a great writer and has some great ideas. I’ll miss him. Here, he answers readers’ questions.
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/13/opinion/david-brooks-leaving.html?unlocked_ar...
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/13/opinion/david-brooks-leaving.html?unlocked_ar...
191klobrien2
19. The Impossible Fortune (Thursday Murder Club #5) by Richard Osman
I enjoy the Thursday Murder Club books so much and was so happy to see this fifth installment show up. Unfortunately, a lot of people seem to feel the same in my area, so I had to wait quite a while for a library copy. The book was well worth the wait.
The regular members are back, and they somehow add associates and side characters in a very pleasing way. Great plot with interesting developments. The characters are terrific and their relationships are heartwarming. I want to join "the Club"!
A passage I liked (personally important to me as a widow) is Elizabeth speaking of her grief (her husband passed away in the previous book):
"They can't tell you," says Elizabeth. "That's the thing about your own grief. No one can ever know it but you."
192klobrien2
***************************************************
There are only three forms of high art: the symphony,
the illustrated children's book, and the board game.
(Saga Volume 3 by Brian K. Vaughan)
***************************************************
So many of these lovely books are made known to me by whisper1 (thank you, so much!) Others who have pointed me in the right direction are: jnwelch, squeakychu, jessibud2, Norabelle, avatiakh, AMQS, Blbera, foggidawn, richardderus, Booklist, and the NYTimes (please let me know if I've forgotten you!):
********************
From the LibraryThing newsletter, a list of members’ “Favorite Picture Books”! Just when I thought I had read them all (Just kidding. Not even close).
https://www.librarything.com/list/45998/Favorite-Picture-Books
********************
Another treasure list (read in April 2025): Pictured Worlds: Masterpieces of Children's Book Art by 101 Essential Illustrators from Around the World by Leonard S. Marcus.
********************
Illustrated61. The Book with No Pictures by B. J. Novak
"At once disarmingly simple and ingeniously imaginative, this book inspires laughter every it is opened."
Very funny and would be a hoot to read out loud. The power of words!
I have nothing to say about the illustrations, because there are no illustrations. :)
Illustrated62. Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins by Eric A. Kimmel, ill. Trina Schart Hyman
This was a reread for me because the story is so good and the illustrations are incredible. It won a Caldecott Honor.
Illustrated63. The Rough Patch by Brian Iles
"Breathtakingly beautiful and luminescent book about loss and grief, love and hope, and the healing power of friendship, curiosity, and nature."
"A good place won't stay empty for long. Something must grow."
Illustrated64. Mr. Putter and Tabby Stir the Soup by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard
"Mr. Putter and Tabby go to their neighbor's house to make soup, but Zeke the dog makes it very difficult for them."
Illustrated65. Mr. Putter and Tabby Catch the Cold by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard
"When Mr. Putter catches a cold, his friend Mrs. Teaberry sends over some special treats to help him feel better."
As always, funny and sweet, and wonderfully illustrated. A real testament to friendship.
Illustrated66. Mr. Putter and Tabby Toot the Horn by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard
"Mr. Putter's neighbor, Mrs. Teaberry, decides that they should join a band, but finding the right one isn't as easy as it sounds--for them or their pets."
Illustrated67. Little Bat Up All Day by Brian Lies
"Little Bat makes a new friend, one who's awake during the day. Little Bat and Rusty the squirrel discover how to stay connected--no matter what time of day it is."
Cute story and illustrations.
There are only three forms of high art: the symphony,
the illustrated children's book, and the board game.
(Saga Volume 3 by Brian K. Vaughan)
***************************************************
So many of these lovely books are made known to me by whisper1 (thank you, so much!) Others who have pointed me in the right direction are: jnwelch, squeakychu, jessibud2, Norabelle, avatiakh, AMQS, Blbera, foggidawn, richardderus, Booklist, and the NYTimes (please let me know if I've forgotten you!):
********************
From the LibraryThing newsletter, a list of members’ “Favorite Picture Books”! Just when I thought I had read them all (Just kidding. Not even close).
https://www.librarything.com/list/45998/Favorite-Picture-Books
********************
Another treasure list (read in April 2025): Pictured Worlds: Masterpieces of Children's Book Art by 101 Essential Illustrators from Around the World by Leonard S. Marcus.
********************
Illustrated61. The Book with No Pictures by B. J. Novak
"At once disarmingly simple and ingeniously imaginative, this book inspires laughter every it is opened."
Very funny and would be a hoot to read out loud. The power of words!
I have nothing to say about the illustrations, because there are no illustrations. :)
Illustrated62. Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins by Eric A. Kimmel, ill. Trina Schart Hyman
This was a reread for me because the story is so good and the illustrations are incredible. It won a Caldecott Honor.
Illustrated63. The Rough Patch by Brian Iles
"Breathtakingly beautiful and luminescent book about loss and grief, love and hope, and the healing power of friendship, curiosity, and nature."
"A good place won't stay empty for long. Something must grow."
Illustrated64. Mr. Putter and Tabby Stir the Soup by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard
"Mr. Putter and Tabby go to their neighbor's house to make soup, but Zeke the dog makes it very difficult for them."
Illustrated65. Mr. Putter and Tabby Catch the Cold by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard
"When Mr. Putter catches a cold, his friend Mrs. Teaberry sends over some special treats to help him feel better."
As always, funny and sweet, and wonderfully illustrated. A real testament to friendship.
Illustrated66. Mr. Putter and Tabby Toot the Horn by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard
"Mr. Putter's neighbor, Mrs. Teaberry, decides that they should join a band, but finding the right one isn't as easy as it sounds--for them or their pets."
Illustrated67. Little Bat Up All Day by Brian Lies
"Little Bat makes a new friend, one who's awake during the day. Little Bat and Rusty the squirrel discover how to stay connected--no matter what time of day it is."
Cute story and illustrations.
193klobrien2
Illustrated68. A Walk in the Words by Hudson Talbott
"A beautifully rendered and deeply inspiring book for everyone who has ever read slowly--myself included! Hudson shows us the beauty and magic that can come from taking our time. Brilliant!" (Jacqueline Woodson)
This book would be so helpful for kids who have reading difficulties.
Illustrated69. Tiny Owl's Scary Day by Petr Horacek
"Charming, colorful art underscores a gently humorous story about a little owl who needs to find out the truth about the big, wide world."
Beautiful! illustrations and wonderful story. There's a little of "I spy" here, too!
"Daytime can be scary for little owls!"
Now, get set for a series of books about...SNOW! I think "Booklist" had an article featuring illustrated books about snow, and all of my requests seemed to come in this week!
Illustrated70. So Much Snow, park by Hyunmin Park
"It's a snow day! It snowed so much and then it snowed some more."
Clever illustrations! Pages are arranged vertically, so there's a real sense of depth to the story (and the snow!)
Illustrated71. Snow, shulevitz by Uri Shulevitz
"A boy and his dog celebrate the first snowfall and a city is transformed."
Caldecott Honor book. Lovely, funny illustrations!
Illustrated72. Snow by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Lauren Stringer
"And the snow, while it is here, reminds us of this: that nothing lasts forever except memories."
Illustrated73. Snowman's Story, hillenbrand by Will Hillenbrand
"One wintry day Snowman comes to life with the help of some animals and a tall black hat."
This is a wordless book. The illustrations are great.
Illustrated74. So Much Snow by Kristin Schroeder, ill. Sarah Jacoby
"Seven forest creatures, from a tiny mouse to a giant moose, hunker down in a snowstorm as they wonder when the snow will stop."
Lovely story and illustrations. Kids will love this.
194richardderus
>190 klobrien2: I wish I believed his analysis that it's the time in the cycle for rebound and repair. I would like to feel that much optimism for our collective future.
I'm afraid I don't think the rupture has finished its fell work, across many countries and in many sectors. I hope I'm wrong.
I'm afraid I don't think the rupture has finished its fell work, across many countries and in many sectors. I hope I'm wrong.
196vancouverdeb
Happy New Thread, Karen! I hope you had an enjoyable Valentines Day.
197klobrien2
>194 richardderus: I find David Brooks so full of integrity and wisdom that I can have hope that all be well (eventually).
>195 Whisper1: Thank you for the lovely picture, Whisper!
>196 vancouverdeb: Thank you, Deborah! It was a fine day, though of course a little sad, remembering my late Art. He was so good at Valentine’s Day. I have tons of Valentine cards from him and I treasure them.
Thank you all for stopping by! Have a lovely Sunday!
>195 Whisper1: Thank you for the lovely picture, Whisper!
>196 vancouverdeb: Thank you, Deborah! It was a fine day, though of course a little sad, remembering my late Art. He was so good at Valentine’s Day. I have tons of Valentine cards from him and I treasure them.
Thank you all for stopping by! Have a lovely Sunday!
198klobrien2
Today: Online church. Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms by George R. R. Martin — on the second of three novellas, The Sworn Sword
Brigands and Breadknives by Travis Baldree
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
Death in Diamonds by S. J. Bennett
Magazines Read: New Yorker (02/02), The Week (01/30)
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 12 of 24 lessons finished.
Next up: 13. Mind Swapping and Personal Identity, and 14. Who Are You After a Brain Transplant?
TV Watching: Can You Keep a Secret? 1.3 (Paramount+), Agatha and the Truth of Murder (Netflix)—Netflix has a set of three “Agatha” movies, made a few years ago. This was the first. The plot dealt with the real Agatha Christie’s disappearance, and the movie was a lovely cozy mystery. Looking forward to the other two.
Listening
Wordle 1,702 5/6*New Wordle—irate, mound, flush, skulk, skull
⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜
⬜⬜🟧⬜⬜
⬜🟦🟧🟦⬜
🟧🟧🟧🟧⬜
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #980
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟪🟦🟩🟦
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #714
“"Now I get it!"”
🔵🟡🔵🔵
🔵🔵
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms by George R. R. Martin — on the second of three novellas, The Sworn Sword
Brigands and Breadknives by Travis Baldree
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
Death in Diamonds by S. J. Bennett
Magazines Read: New Yorker (02/02), The Week (01/30)
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 12 of 24 lessons finished.
Next up: 13. Mind Swapping and Personal Identity, and 14. Who Are You After a Brain Transplant?
TV Watching: Can You Keep a Secret? 1.3 (Paramount+), Agatha and the Truth of Murder (Netflix)—Netflix has a set of three “Agatha” movies, made a few years ago. This was the first. The plot dealt with the real Agatha Christie’s disappearance, and the movie was a lovely cozy mystery. Looking forward to the other two.
Listening
Wordle 1,702 5/6*
⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜
⬜⬜🟧⬜⬜
⬜🟦🟧🟦⬜
🟧🟧🟧🟧⬜
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #980
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟪🟦🟩🟦
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #714
“"Now I get it!"”
🔵🟡🔵🔵
🔵🔵
199klobrien2
Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms by George R. R. Martin — on the second of three novellas, The Sworn Sword
Brigands and Breadknives by Travis Baldree
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
Death in Diamonds by S. J. Bennett
Magazines Read: New Yorker (02/09)
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 12 of 24 lessons finished.
Next up: 13. Mind Swapping and Personal Identity, and 14. Who Are You After a Brain Transplant?
TV Watching: Dark Winds 4.1 (AMC)—good to have this show back!, Knight of the Seven Kingdoms 1.5 (hbomax)—I rewatched the first four episodes (they’re short) before watching the new one. The episodes are of such quality that the rewatching is a joy.
Listening
Wordle 1,703 3/6*irate, burst, roost
⬜🟦⬜🟦⬜
⬜⬜🟦🟧🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #981
🟦🟨🟦🟦
🟨🟨🟨🟦
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟨🟨🟨🟦
🟪🟪🟪🟪
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟦🟦🟦🟦
Strands #715
“The cutting edge”
💡🔵🔵🔵
🔵🔵🟡🔵
🔵
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms by George R. R. Martin — on the second of three novellas, The Sworn Sword
Brigands and Breadknives by Travis Baldree
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
Death in Diamonds by S. J. Bennett
Magazines Read: New Yorker (02/09)
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 12 of 24 lessons finished.
Next up: 13. Mind Swapping and Personal Identity, and 14. Who Are You After a Brain Transplant?
TV Watching: Dark Winds 4.1 (AMC)—good to have this show back!, Knight of the Seven Kingdoms 1.5 (hbomax)—I rewatched the first four episodes (they’re short) before watching the new one. The episodes are of such quality that the rewatching is a joy.
Listening
Wordle 1,703 3/6*
⬜🟦⬜🟦⬜
⬜⬜🟦🟧🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #981
🟦🟨🟦🟦
🟨🟨🟨🟦
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟨🟨🟨🟦
🟪🟪🟪🟪
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟦🟦🟦🟦
Strands #715
“The cutting edge”
💡🔵🔵🔵
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🔵
200klobrien2
Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms by George R. R. Martin — on the second of three novellas, The Sworn Sword
Brigands and Breadknives by Travis Baldree
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
Death in Diamonds by S. J. Bennett
Magazines Read: The Week (02/06), Elle (Oct), Mother Jones (Sept/Oct)
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 12 of 24 lessons finished.
Next up: 13. Mind Swapping and Personal Identity, and 14. Who Are You After a Brain Transplant?
TV Watching: Can You Keep a Secret? 1.4, 1.5, 1.6 (finished the season—hope there’s another season coming!); Bookish 1.6 (loved this show! I await the next season eagerly!)
Listening
Wordle 1,704 5/6*Today’s Wordle reused (game 296)—irate, balmy, conga, pshaw, squad
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⬜⬜⬜⬜🟦
⬜🟦⬜🟧⬜
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #982
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #716
“The year of the ...”
🔵🔵🔵🔵
🟡🔵🔵🔵
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms by George R. R. Martin — on the second of three novellas, The Sworn Sword
Brigands and Breadknives by Travis Baldree
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
Death in Diamonds by S. J. Bennett
Magazines Read: The Week (02/06), Elle (Oct), Mother Jones (Sept/Oct)
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 12 of 24 lessons finished.
Next up: 13. Mind Swapping and Personal Identity, and 14. Who Are You After a Brain Transplant?
TV Watching: Can You Keep a Secret? 1.4, 1.5, 1.6 (finished the season—hope there’s another season coming!); Bookish 1.6 (loved this show! I await the next season eagerly!)
Listening
Wordle 1,704 5/6*
⬜⬜🟦⬜⬜
⬜🟦⬜⬜⬜
⬜⬜⬜⬜🟦
⬜🟦⬜🟧⬜
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #982
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #716
“The year of the ...”
🔵🔵🔵🔵
🟡🔵🔵🔵
201klobrien2
Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms by George R. R. Martin — on the second of three novellas, The Sworn Sword
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
Death in Diamonds by S. J. Bennett
Adding: The Rejection Collection (ed. Matthew Diffey)
Magazines Read:
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 12 of 24 lessons finished.
Next up: 13. Mind Swapping and Personal Identity, and 14. Who Are You After a Brain Transplant?
TV Watching: The Rookie 8.7, Best Medicine 1.7
Listening NYT Amplifier: Eleven More Transcendent Beatles Covers by Black Musicians—so much great music!
Wordle 1,705 3/6*New Wordle today: irate, mound, mogul
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🟧🟧🟦⬜⬜
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #983
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟪🟩🟪🟩
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #717
“Cold competition”
🔵🔵🟡🔵
🔵🔵
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms by George R. R. Martin — on the second of three novellas, The Sworn Sword
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
Death in Diamonds by S. J. Bennett
Adding: The Rejection Collection (ed. Matthew Diffey)
Magazines Read:
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 12 of 24 lessons finished.
Next up: 13. Mind Swapping and Personal Identity, and 14. Who Are You After a Brain Transplant?
TV Watching: The Rookie 8.7, Best Medicine 1.7
Listening NYT Amplifier: Eleven More Transcendent Beatles Covers by Black Musicians—so much great music!
Wordle 1,705 3/6*
⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜
🟧🟧🟦⬜⬜
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #983
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟪🟩🟪🟩
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #717
“Cold competition”
🔵🔵🟡🔵
🔵🔵
202richardderus
Morning, Karen O.! I hope you're enjoying the day, doing good reading, and generally being a happy soul in the awfulness around us.
203klobrien2
>202 richardderus: Doing my best, Richard! Thanks for stopping by!
204klobrien2
Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms by George R. R. Martin — on the third of three novellas, The Mystery Knight, martin
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
Death in Diamonds by S. J. Bennett
Finished: The Rejection Collection (ed. Matthew Diffey)
Magazines Read:
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 12 of 24 lessons finished.
Read and watched: 13. Mind Swapping and Personal Identity, and 14. Who Are You After a Brain Transplant?
Next up: 15. Who Are You Right Now?, and 16. Exploring the Mysteries of Consciousness.
TV Watching: Shrinking 3.4
Listening
Wordle 1,706 4/6*Today’s Wordle is new; I tried a used word for my third guess, uselessly. Well, I did place the “i”: Irate, ditch, thing, hoist
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🟦🟦🟧⬜⬜
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #984
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟪🟪🟪🟪
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟩
Strands #718
“Here's a thought”
🔵🔵🔵🔵
🟡🔵🔵
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms by George R. R. Martin — on the third of three novellas, The Mystery Knight, martin
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
Death in Diamonds by S. J. Bennett
Finished: The Rejection Collection (ed. Matthew Diffey)
Magazines Read:
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 12 of 24 lessons finished.
Read and watched: 13. Mind Swapping and Personal Identity, and 14. Who Are You After a Brain Transplant?
Next up: 15. Who Are You Right Now?, and 16. Exploring the Mysteries of Consciousness.
TV Watching: Shrinking 3.4
Listening
Wordle 1,706 4/6*
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⬜🟦🟦⬜🟦
🟦🟦🟧⬜⬜
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #984
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟪🟪🟪🟪
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟩
Strands #718
“Here's a thought”
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205klobrien2
20. The Rejection Collection: Cartoons You Never Saw, and Never Will See, in the New Yorker, ed. Matthew Diffee
"This book comes straight from the cartoonists themselves and is not authorized or sponsored by the New Yorker. So what we're saying is none of what you are about to see is their fault."
Thanks to weird_o for bringing the "Rejection Collection" books to my attention! There are two books from the early 2000s, and then two "Best of" books, one from 2011, one from 2022.
This first book spotlights thirty cartoonists, and each of them gives us their responses to a pretty silly "questionnaire," which they proceed (delightfully) to make their own. The individual's questionnaire is then followed by selected cartoons from their oeuvre.
Lots of fun to peruse, and the reader can spend as much time as they want with the artist background (or skip the questionnaires entirely. Personally, I found the personal insights really interesting.)
206atozgrl
Hi Karen! I saw that Adam Kinzinger has written a new children's book that's supposed to be out in May. It looks good, and I thought you might want to know about it. Details here: https://adamkinzinger.substack.com/p/announcement-pre-order-thats-what
208klobrien2
Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms by George R. R. Martin — on the third of three novellas, The Mystery Knight, martin
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
Death in Diamonds by S. J. Bennett
Adding: True North Cabin Cookbook by Stephanie Hansen
Magazines Read:
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 14 of 24 lessons finished.
Next up: 15. Who Are You Right Now?, and 16. Exploring the Mysteries of Consciousness.
TV Watching: The Night Manager 2.2
Listening
Wordle 1,707 3/6*New Wordle today: irate, shalt, stank
⬜⬜🟧🟦⬜
🟧⬜🟧⬜🟦
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #985
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟨🟨🟨🟨
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Strands #719
“True grit”
🔵🔵🟡🔵
🔵🔵🔵
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms by George R. R. Martin — on the third of three novellas, The Mystery Knight, martin
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
Death in Diamonds by S. J. Bennett
Adding: True North Cabin Cookbook by Stephanie Hansen
Magazines Read:
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 14 of 24 lessons finished.
Next up: 15. Who Are You Right Now?, and 16. Exploring the Mysteries of Consciousness.
TV Watching: The Night Manager 2.2
Listening
Wordle 1,707 3/6*
⬜⬜🟧🟦⬜
🟧⬜🟧⬜🟦
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #985
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #719
“True grit”
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🔵🔵🔵
209msf59
Happy Friday, Karen. Just checking in after a long absence. I hope all is well and I hope those books are treating you just fine. 🤞😀
210klobrien2
>209 msf59: Thanks, Mark. I’m enjoying my reading. Also really enjoying reading about your Florida trip and sharing in your birding accomplishments!
Thanks for stopping by!
Thanks for stopping by!
211klobrien2
Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms by George R. R. Martin — on the third of three novellas, The Mystery Knight, martin
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
Death in Diamonds by S. J. Bennett
True North Cabin Cookbook by Stephanie Hansen
Magazines Read: New Yorker (2/16-2/23), Mother Jones (Nov/Dec)
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 14 of 24 lessons finished.
Next up: 15. Who Are You Right Now?, and 16. Exploring the Mysteries of Consciousness.
TV Watching: Starfleet Academy 1.7
Listening
Wordle 1,708 5/6*Today’s Wordle was already used—in game 4! Irate, amaze, apace, agave, awake
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🟧⬜🟧⬜🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #986
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🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #720
“The beer necessities”
🔵🔵🔵🔵
🔵🟡🔵🔵
🔵
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms by George R. R. Martin — on the third of three novellas, The Mystery Knight, martin
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
Death in Diamonds by S. J. Bennett
True North Cabin Cookbook by Stephanie Hansen
Magazines Read: New Yorker (2/16-2/23), Mother Jones (Nov/Dec)
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 14 of 24 lessons finished.
Next up: 15. Who Are You Right Now?, and 16. Exploring the Mysteries of Consciousness.
TV Watching: Starfleet Academy 1.7
Listening
Wordle 1,708 5/6*
⬜⬜🟧⬜🟧
🟧⬜🟧⬜🟧
🟧⬜🟧⬜🟧
🟧⬜🟧⬜🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #986
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟩
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🟦🟦🟦🟦
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Strands #720
“The beer necessities”
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212klobrien2
Today: Online church. Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
True North Cabin Cookbook by Stephanie Hansen
Adding: Dog Show: Poems by Billy Collins, And to Think We Started as a Book Club by Tom Toro, Replaceable You by Mary Roach
Got another 14 (!) illustrated books from the library this week. I read half of them yesterday, maybe the rest today?
Finished: A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms by George R. R. Martin. Loved it! Getting my own copy as I’m sure I’ll want to reread.
Magazines Read: Booklist (Dec), Atlantic Monthly (Nov)
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 14 of 24 lessons finished.
Next up: 15. Who Are You Right Now?, and 16. Exploring the Mysteries of Consciousness.
TV Watching:
Listening
Wordle 1,709 5/6*Looks like I’m giving Wordle a one-fingered salute, and I really kinda feel that way today! 🥴 irate, loamy, spank, chaff, guava
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🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #987
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🟪🟪🟪🟪
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Strands #721
“Olympics wrap-up”
🔵🔵🔵🟡
🔵🔵🔵
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
True North Cabin Cookbook by Stephanie Hansen
Adding: Dog Show: Poems by Billy Collins, And to Think We Started as a Book Club by Tom Toro, Replaceable You by Mary Roach
Got another 14 (!) illustrated books from the library this week. I read half of them yesterday, maybe the rest today?
Finished: A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms by George R. R. Martin. Loved it! Getting my own copy as I’m sure I’ll want to reread.
Magazines Read: Booklist (Dec), Atlantic Monthly (Nov)
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 14 of 24 lessons finished.
Next up: 15. Who Are You Right Now?, and 16. Exploring the Mysteries of Consciousness.
TV Watching:
Listening
Wordle 1,709 5/6*
⬜⬜🟧⬜⬜
⬜⬜🟧⬜⬜
⬜⬜🟧⬜⬜
⬜⬜🟧⬜⬜
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #987
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟪🟪🟪🟪
🟩🟩🟩🟩
Strands #721
“Olympics wrap-up”
🔵🔵🔵🟡
🔵🔵🔵
213jessibud2
>212 klobrien2:- Karen, my wordle pattern today looks so much like yours! And my feelings were much like yours, too.
214klobrien2
>213 jessibud2: I rarely get annoyed by Wordle, but that one annoyed me! Oh, well. Still enjoying the game!
215klobrien2
21. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms by George R. R. Martin, ills. Gary Gianni
What a great read! Actually, a TRIPART great read. This book is a collection of the extant three novellas ("Tales of Dunk and Egg") from the great George R. R. Martin. They represent a point in time one hundred years before the Game of Thrones series, same world (Westeros) and a lot of names, locations, POVs in common with that set of books.
The Hedge Knight introduces "Dunk," aka "Duncan the Tall," and his squire, "Egg."
The Sworn Sword shows us the next journeys of the duo.
The Mystery Knight the final adventure.
At the end of The Mystery Knight Martin promises more adventures, but they haven't shown up yet. In the meantime, we have these three novellas, an excellent set of equivalent graphic novellas, and the current first season of the HBO show, "Knight of the Seven Kingdoms."
Gary Gianni's drawings are interspersed throughout, and they add a lot to the book's action and beauty. The drawings remind me so much of classic "Prince Valiant"--but better. Simple line drawings, but very well-done (IMO).
I read a library copy of this book but knew right away that I wanted my own copy, which is on its way to me now.
216klobrien2
***************************************************
There are only three forms of high art: the symphony,
the illustrated children's book, and the board game.
(Saga Volume 3 by Brian K. Vaughan)
***************************************************
So many of these lovely books are made known to me by whisper1 (thank you, so much!) Others who have pointed me in the right direction are: jnwelch, squeakychu, jessibud2, Norabelle, avatiakh, AMQS, Blbera, foggidawn, richardderus, Booklist, and the NYTimes (please let me know if I've forgotten you!):
********************
From the LibraryThing newsletter, a list of members’ “Favorite Picture Books”! Just when I thought I had read them all (Just kidding. Not even close).
https://www.librarything.com/list/45998/Favorite-Picture-Books
********************
Another treasure list (read in April 2025): Pictured Worlds: Masterpieces of Children's Book Art by 101 Essential Illustrators from Around the World by Leonard S. Marcus.
********************
Illustrated75. Mr. Putter and Tabby Write the Book by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard
"Mr. Putter is writing a book! And Tabby is happy to help. But who knew there would be so many delicious distractions along the way?"
Funny and nice to look at, as always.
Illustrated76. Mr. Putter and Tabby Make a Wish by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard
"Mr. Putter thinks birthdays are perfect days. But when it comes to waiting for his party guests to arrive, he and Tabby are a little impatient!"
Illustrated77. Mr. Putter and Tabby Spin the Yarn by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard
"When Mrs. Teaberry decides to throw a knitting party, Mr. Putter and Tabby are eager to help out. But before long, Tabby is in quite a tangle."
Illustrated78. The Fool of the World and the Flying Ship: A Russian Tale , retold by Arthur Ransome, ill. Uri Shulevitch
1969 Caldecott Medal winner. Beautiful, classic illustrations.
"This is a story that shows that God love simple folk and turns thing to their advantage in the end."
Illustrated79. Katy and the Big Snow by Virginia Lee Burton
A straggler from my "snow" books of last week. This one is a classic, with lovely, classic illustrations and a sweet story. Burton was also the author of Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel.
"Story of an earnest and clever mechanical heroine."
Illustrated80. The Lucky Red Envelope: A Lift-the-Flap Lunar New Year Celebration by Vikki Zhang
A beautiful, gorgeous book, sturdily made. With 144 flaps, and the copy that I read was missing only one little flap.
"With plenty of details behind over 140 flaps, Vikki Zhang brings to life the sights and excitement of the whole Lunar New Year festival in this immersive celebration book."
I have to admit, I had a lot of fun seeking out the flaps (they're sometimes hard to see, but they are easily felt).
Thanks to Richard for bringing this to our attention!
Illustrated81. New Moon's Family by Erika Adams, ill. Eric Soderstrom
"New Moon is sad and lonely in the darkness of the night. But will she learn that love is near, even when it's out of sight?"
Gorgeous book! Great introduction to the phases of the moon.
There are only three forms of high art: the symphony,
the illustrated children's book, and the board game.
(Saga Volume 3 by Brian K. Vaughan)
***************************************************
So many of these lovely books are made known to me by whisper1 (thank you, so much!) Others who have pointed me in the right direction are: jnwelch, squeakychu, jessibud2, Norabelle, avatiakh, AMQS, Blbera, foggidawn, richardderus, Booklist, and the NYTimes (please let me know if I've forgotten you!):
********************
From the LibraryThing newsletter, a list of members’ “Favorite Picture Books”! Just when I thought I had read them all (Just kidding. Not even close).
https://www.librarything.com/list/45998/Favorite-Picture-Books
********************
Another treasure list (read in April 2025): Pictured Worlds: Masterpieces of Children's Book Art by 101 Essential Illustrators from Around the World by Leonard S. Marcus.
********************
Illustrated75. Mr. Putter and Tabby Write the Book by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard
"Mr. Putter is writing a book! And Tabby is happy to help. But who knew there would be so many delicious distractions along the way?"
Funny and nice to look at, as always.
Illustrated76. Mr. Putter and Tabby Make a Wish by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard
"Mr. Putter thinks birthdays are perfect days. But when it comes to waiting for his party guests to arrive, he and Tabby are a little impatient!"
Illustrated77. Mr. Putter and Tabby Spin the Yarn by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard
"When Mrs. Teaberry decides to throw a knitting party, Mr. Putter and Tabby are eager to help out. But before long, Tabby is in quite a tangle."
Illustrated78. The Fool of the World and the Flying Ship: A Russian Tale , retold by Arthur Ransome, ill. Uri Shulevitch
1969 Caldecott Medal winner. Beautiful, classic illustrations.
"This is a story that shows that God love simple folk and turns thing to their advantage in the end."
Illustrated79. Katy and the Big Snow by Virginia Lee Burton
A straggler from my "snow" books of last week. This one is a classic, with lovely, classic illustrations and a sweet story. Burton was also the author of Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel.
"Story of an earnest and clever mechanical heroine."
Illustrated80. The Lucky Red Envelope: A Lift-the-Flap Lunar New Year Celebration by Vikki Zhang
A beautiful, gorgeous book, sturdily made. With 144 flaps, and the copy that I read was missing only one little flap.
"With plenty of details behind over 140 flaps, Vikki Zhang brings to life the sights and excitement of the whole Lunar New Year festival in this immersive celebration book."
I have to admit, I had a lot of fun seeking out the flaps (they're sometimes hard to see, but they are easily felt).
Thanks to Richard for bringing this to our attention!
Illustrated81. New Moon's Family by Erika Adams, ill. Eric Soderstrom
"New Moon is sad and lonely in the darkness of the night. But will she learn that love is near, even when it's out of sight?"
Gorgeous book! Great introduction to the phases of the moon.
217richardderus
>216 klobrien2: I'm so pleased you liked Lucky Red Envelope! I'm astonished there was only one flap missing. I'd pictured it mangled, bit, chewed and ripped TBH.
Happy week-ahead's reads!
Happy week-ahead's reads!
218klobrien2
>217 richardderus: The book is well-designed. Some of the flaps are really difficult to open, but little fingers might work better!🤤
Karen O
Karen O
219klobrien2
Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
True North Cabin Cookbook by Stephanie Hansen
Dog Show: Poems by Billy Collins
Replaceable You by Mary Roach
Finished: And to Think We Started as a Book Club by Tom Toro. Little book of cartoons from the New Yorker.
Also finished the seven illustrated books I had left from the library this week.
Magazines Read:
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 14 of 24 lessons finished.
Next up: 15. Who Are You Right Now?, and 16. Exploring the Mysteries of Consciousness.
TV Watching: Knight of the Seven Kingdoms 1.6, to end the season. Excellent show, looking forward to next season!
Listening
Wordle 1,710 3/6*New Wordle: irate, ambit, attic
🟦⬜🟦🟦⬜
🟧⬜⬜🟧🟦
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #988
🟩🟨🟦🟩
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #722
“Strike a chord”
🔵🔵🔵🟡
🔵🔵🔵🔵
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
True North Cabin Cookbook by Stephanie Hansen
Dog Show: Poems by Billy Collins
Replaceable You by Mary Roach
Finished: And to Think We Started as a Book Club by Tom Toro. Little book of cartoons from the New Yorker.
Also finished the seven illustrated books I had left from the library this week.
Magazines Read:
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 14 of 24 lessons finished.
Next up: 15. Who Are You Right Now?, and 16. Exploring the Mysteries of Consciousness.
TV Watching: Knight of the Seven Kingdoms 1.6, to end the season. Excellent show, looking forward to next season!
Listening
Wordle 1,710 3/6*
🟦⬜🟦🟦⬜
🟧⬜⬜🟧🟦
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #988
🟩🟨🟦🟩
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #722
“Strike a chord”
🔵🔵🔵🟡
🔵🔵🔵🔵
220klobrien2
22. And to Think We Started as a Book Club... by Tom Toro
"Debut cartoon collection, showcasing hundreds (?) (208 pages, so okay) of Toro's greatest hits from his fifteen-year career at the New Yorker, this book is sure to delight readers--if not outright corrupt them."
The book is divided into "chapters":
Book of Life
Book of Love
Book of Family
Book of Work
Book of Beasts
Book of Tech
Book of Weird
I read The New Yorker almost religiously, and I adore the cartoons found in its pages. This book was such a sweet little delight for me.
221klobrien2
23. True North Cookbook: Recipes and Stories from a North Woods Table by Stephanie Hansen
"Collection of useful, family-friendly recipes and sweet remembrances of time spent at the lake."
Truly a great collection of recipes, organized by the five months of "cabin season," May through September. Recipes feature local produce and products. Excellent and heartwarming essays at the beginning of each section. Great photography of locations and recipes.
Published by Minnesota Historical Society Press. There is a new follow-up book, which I'm off to track down.
222klobrien2
24. Dog Show: Poems by Billy Collins, watercolors by Pamela Ztybel
"Celebrates the joy of our canine best friends."
This lovely little book of poems by one of my favorite poets starts off with an apropos and lovely sentiment:
"God...sat down for a moment when the dog was finished in order to watch it...and to know that it was good, that nothing was lacking, that it could not have been made better." (Rilke)
Lovely poetry, lovely paintings!
Here's one of my favorite poems:
The Collar
A dog's collar
typically features
a silvery D-ring
where the leash
is clipped on,
and usually
the pendants
of a gray rabies tag
and a smaller ID
bearing a number
and his name,
which can work
to unhinge your heart
when the collar is slipped
over his ears
and off his body,
freeing him for good.
223klobrien2
Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
Replaceable You by Mary Roach
Finished: True North Cabin Cookbook by Stephanie Hansen
and Dog Show: Poems by Billy Collins.
Adding: The Readers’ Room by Antoine Laurain
and The Best Poems of Jane Kenyon
Magazines Read: The Week (2/13), (2/20)
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 14 of 24 lessons finished.
Next up: 15. Who Are You Right Now?, and 16. Exploring the Mysteries of Consciousness.
TV Watching: The Rookie 8.8
Listening
Wordle 1,711 4/6* New Wordle today: irate, bored, bluer, buyer
⬜🟦⬜⬜🟦
🟧⬜🟦🟧⬜
🟧⬜🟦🟧🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #989
🟩🟨🟪🟦
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #723
“Just for reference”
🔵🔵🔵🔵
🟡
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
Replaceable You by Mary Roach
Finished: True North Cabin Cookbook by Stephanie Hansen
and Dog Show: Poems by Billy Collins.
Adding: The Readers’ Room by Antoine Laurain
and The Best Poems of Jane Kenyon
Magazines Read: The Week (2/13), (2/20)
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 14 of 24 lessons finished.
Next up: 15. Who Are You Right Now?, and 16. Exploring the Mysteries of Consciousness.
TV Watching: The Rookie 8.8
Listening
Wordle 1,711 4/6*
⬜🟦⬜⬜🟦
🟧⬜🟦🟧⬜
🟧⬜🟦🟧🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #989
🟩🟨🟪🟦
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #723
“Just for reference”
🔵🔵🔵🔵
🟡
224vancouverdeb
And to Think We Started as a Book Club ... by Tom Toro sounds like fun, Karen. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
225klobrien2
>224 vancouverdeb: Hi, Deborah! Thanks for stopping by!
226klobrien2
Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
Replaceable You by Mary Roach
The Readers’ Room by Antoine Laurain
The Best Poems of Jane Kenyon
Magazines Read:
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 16 of 24 lessons finished.
Read and watched: 15. Who Are You Right Now?, and 16. Exploring the Mysteries of Consciousness.
Next up: 17. When Are You Morally Responsible? and 18. How Luck Changes Moral Thought Experiments.
TV Watching: DMV 1.9, Best Medicine 1.8, Dark Winds 4.2.
Listening
Wordle 1,712 5/6*New Wordle today: irate, germy, bored, cured, shred
⬜🟦⬜⬜🟦
⬜🟦🟧⬜⬜
⬜⬜🟧🟧🟧
⬜⬜🟧🟧🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #990
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟪🟪🟪🟪
🟦🟦🟦🟦
Strands #724
“That's really out there!”
🔵🔵🟡🔵
🔵🔵🔵
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
Replaceable You by Mary Roach
The Readers’ Room by Antoine Laurain
The Best Poems of Jane Kenyon
Magazines Read:
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 16 of 24 lessons finished.
Read and watched: 15. Who Are You Right Now?, and 16. Exploring the Mysteries of Consciousness.
Next up: 17. When Are You Morally Responsible? and 18. How Luck Changes Moral Thought Experiments.
TV Watching: DMV 1.9, Best Medicine 1.8, Dark Winds 4.2.
Listening
Wordle 1,712 5/6*
⬜🟦⬜⬜🟦
⬜🟦🟧⬜⬜
⬜⬜🟧🟧🟧
⬜⬜🟧🟧🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #990
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟪🟪🟪🟪
🟦🟦🟦🟦
Strands #724
“That's really out there!”
🔵🔵🟡🔵
🔵🔵🔵
227klobrien2
***************************************************
There are only three forms of high art: the symphony,
the illustrated children's book, and the board game.
(Saga Volume 3 by Brian K. Vaughan)
***************************************************
So many of these lovely books are made known to me by whisper1 (thank you, so much!) Others who have pointed me in the right direction are: jnwelch, squeakychu, jessibud2, Norabelle, avatiakh, AMQS, Blbera, foggidawn, richardderus, Booklist, and the NYTimes (please let me know if I've forgotten you!):
********************
From the LibraryThing newsletter, a list of members’ “Favorite Picture Books”! Just when I thought I had read them all (Just kidding. Not even close).
https://www.librarything.com/list/45998/Favorite-Picture-Books
********************
Another treasure list (read in April 2025): Pictured Worlds: Masterpieces of Children's Book Art by 101 Essential Illustrators from Around the World by Leonard S. Marcus.
********************
Illustrated82. Bear and the Three Goldilocks by Patrick Horne, ill. Dan Yaccarino
"When the Goldilock family goes on a hike, Bear crashes their campsite and finds the s'mores--
TOO GOOEY,
TOO CHOCOLATY,
and JUST RIGHT!"
A funny story with a new point of view. Really cute.
A repeated line: "That's how bears roll."
On the last page, sharp eyes can spy a young girl with a red hood, and a wolf among the trees. The next book?
Illustrated83. Never Give a Baby a Library Card by Erin Sandberg, ill. Tom Booth
"Laugh-out-loud love letter to libraries and a celebration of the joy of reading."
Makes you want to stand up and cheer! Rhyming words, cute babies, funny, and very smart!
"NEVER GIVE A BABY A LIBRARY CARD.
They could learn to do anything!
Just think and think hard!
Ideas come from books, and too many of these
can lead to big problems
as everyone knows!"
Illustrated84. Big Kids by K. L. Going, ill. Reggie Brown
"In this lyrical and relatable tale about first-day-of-school nerves, celebrate new experiences and the big buddies you're sure to make along the way."
Really funny and sweet; the "big kids" are literally enormous!
Illustrated85. The Cake Problem: Equivalent and Simplified Fractions by Bill Wise, ill. Davilyn Lynch
"A hilarious comic that shows how much fun math can be. For math fans and non-math fans ages 7 years and up."
Formatted like a comic book, simple math concepts are presented. There are further math exercises and activities at the end.
Illustrated86. Bats at the Library by Brian Lies
"Another inky evening's here--
The air is cool and calm and clear.
Can it be true? On, can it be?
Yes--Bat Night at the library."
Fun, dramatic story and pictures. The rhyming format would make this fun to read aloud. Well-known children's books are pictured on the pages, making for a fun book hunt.
Author's picture made me laugh--it's upside down, in "bat format."
Illustrated87. From Wolf to Woof!: The Story of Dogs by Hudson Talbott
"How did dog become man's best friend?
Hudson Talbott's striking paintings, full of fascinating details, take readers on a remarkable journey through history and will inspire them as it illuminates the power of teamwork and friendship."
Terrific words and illustrations dramatically present this story.
Illustrated88. Some Days I'm the Wind by Rebecca Gardyn Levington, ill. Dinara Mirtalipova
Lovely words and pictures, about exploring our emotions and feelings.
"And just like the wind,
or the sun,
or the sea,
on some days
I'm some ways
but all days
I'm me."
Book ends with activities to continue the learning.
There are only three forms of high art: the symphony,
the illustrated children's book, and the board game.
(Saga Volume 3 by Brian K. Vaughan)
***************************************************
So many of these lovely books are made known to me by whisper1 (thank you, so much!) Others who have pointed me in the right direction are: jnwelch, squeakychu, jessibud2, Norabelle, avatiakh, AMQS, Blbera, foggidawn, richardderus, Booklist, and the NYTimes (please let me know if I've forgotten you!):
********************
From the LibraryThing newsletter, a list of members’ “Favorite Picture Books”! Just when I thought I had read them all (Just kidding. Not even close).
https://www.librarything.com/list/45998/Favorite-Picture-Books
********************
Another treasure list (read in April 2025): Pictured Worlds: Masterpieces of Children's Book Art by 101 Essential Illustrators from Around the World by Leonard S. Marcus.
********************
Illustrated82. Bear and the Three Goldilocks by Patrick Horne, ill. Dan Yaccarino
"When the Goldilock family goes on a hike, Bear crashes their campsite and finds the s'mores--
TOO GOOEY,
TOO CHOCOLATY,
and JUST RIGHT!"
A funny story with a new point of view. Really cute.
A repeated line: "That's how bears roll."
On the last page, sharp eyes can spy a young girl with a red hood, and a wolf among the trees. The next book?
Illustrated83. Never Give a Baby a Library Card by Erin Sandberg, ill. Tom Booth
"Laugh-out-loud love letter to libraries and a celebration of the joy of reading."
Makes you want to stand up and cheer! Rhyming words, cute babies, funny, and very smart!
"NEVER GIVE A BABY A LIBRARY CARD.
They could learn to do anything!
Just think and think hard!
Ideas come from books, and too many of these
can lead to big problems
as everyone knows!"
Illustrated84. Big Kids by K. L. Going, ill. Reggie Brown
"In this lyrical and relatable tale about first-day-of-school nerves, celebrate new experiences and the big buddies you're sure to make along the way."
Really funny and sweet; the "big kids" are literally enormous!
Illustrated85. The Cake Problem: Equivalent and Simplified Fractions by Bill Wise, ill. Davilyn Lynch
"A hilarious comic that shows how much fun math can be. For math fans and non-math fans ages 7 years and up."
Formatted like a comic book, simple math concepts are presented. There are further math exercises and activities at the end.
Illustrated86. Bats at the Library by Brian Lies
"Another inky evening's here--
The air is cool and calm and clear.
Can it be true? On, can it be?
Yes--Bat Night at the library."
Fun, dramatic story and pictures. The rhyming format would make this fun to read aloud. Well-known children's books are pictured on the pages, making for a fun book hunt.
Author's picture made me laugh--it's upside down, in "bat format."
Illustrated87. From Wolf to Woof!: The Story of Dogs by Hudson Talbott
"How did dog become man's best friend?
Hudson Talbott's striking paintings, full of fascinating details, take readers on a remarkable journey through history and will inspire them as it illuminates the power of teamwork and friendship."
Terrific words and illustrations dramatically present this story.
Illustrated88. Some Days I'm the Wind by Rebecca Gardyn Levington, ill. Dinara Mirtalipova
Lovely words and pictures, about exploring our emotions and feelings.
"And just like the wind,
or the sun,
or the sea,
on some days
I'm some ways
but all days
I'm me."
Book ends with activities to continue the learning.
228klobrien2
Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
Replaceable You by Mary Roach
The Readers’ Room by Antoine Laurain
The Best Poems of Jane Kenyon
Received 6 more illustrated books from the library!
Magazines Read: NYT Magazine (02/08), NYT Book Review (02/08) and (02/15).
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 16 of 24 lessons finished.
Next up: 17. When Are You Morally Responsible? and 18. How Luck Changes Moral Thought Experiments.
TV Watching: Shrinking 3.5
Listening
Wordle 1,713 3/6*New Wordle: irate, abuse, lance
⬜⬜🟦⬜🟧
🟦⬜⬜⬜🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #991
🟪🟦🟦🟦
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟪🟦🟦🟦
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #725
“Watch the attitude!”
🔵🔵🔵🟡
🔵🔵🔵🔵
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
Replaceable You by Mary Roach
The Readers’ Room by Antoine Laurain
The Best Poems of Jane Kenyon
Received 6 more illustrated books from the library!
Magazines Read: NYT Magazine (02/08), NYT Book Review (02/08) and (02/15).
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 16 of 24 lessons finished.
Next up: 17. When Are You Morally Responsible? and 18. How Luck Changes Moral Thought Experiments.
TV Watching: Shrinking 3.5
Listening
Wordle 1,713 3/6*
⬜⬜🟦⬜🟧
🟦⬜⬜⬜🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #991
🟪🟦🟦🟦
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟪🟦🟦🟦
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #725
“Watch the attitude!”
🔵🔵🔵🟡
🔵🔵🔵🔵
229klobrien2
Reading Roundup!
Time for an updated list!
Because I rely on libraries so much for my reading (and do so much eBook reading), what I'm reading at any given time changes often, and changes quickly.
Karen's current reading (02/26/2026):
Actively reading (or the potential is there!)
The Best Poems of Jane Kenyon by Jane Kenyon -- p. 22 0f 105
The Perseverance by Raymond Antrobus -- p. 4 0f 181
The Readers' Room by Antoine Laurain -- p. 26 0f 172
The Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus -- p. 12 of 190
Proto: How One Ancient Language Went Global (Laura Spinney) -- p. 38 of 292
A Carnival of Losses: Notes Nearing Ninety by Donald Hall -- p. 4 of 216
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart -- p. 13 of 241
The Rejection Collection Vol. 2 --
Swamp Story by Dave Barry -- p. 22 of 306
Between Two Rivers by Moudy al-Rashid --
Murder at Mallowan Hall by Colleen Cambridge --
Something Fresh by P. G. Wodehouse --
Dancing with Myself by Billy Idol --
Games and Rituals: Stories by Katherine Heiny --
I'm overbooked! I don't want to lose track of these books, but I can't truly say that I am actively reading them right now:
A Man Lay Dead (Roderick Allayn #1) by Ngaio Marsh -- p. 1 of 149
A Circle of Quiet by Madeline L'Engle -- p. 73 of 250 (Libby)
Before Midnight by Rex Stout -- p. 7 of 172 (Libby)
Murder and Mendelssohn (Phryne Fisher #20) by Kerry Greenwood -- p. 8 of 280 (Libby)
Career of Evil (Cormoran Strike #3) by Robert Galbraith -- p. 96 of 439 (Libby
We Solve Murders by Richard Osman -- p. 8 of 389 (mine, on Nook)
Conclave by Robert Harris
The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
Glorious Exploits by Ferdia Lennon -- p. 3 of 285
The River We Remember by William Kent Krueger -- p. 82 of 421 (mine, on Nook)
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett -- p. 29 of 278 (mine, on Nook)
Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club by J. Ryan Stradal -- p. 81 of 253 (mine, on Nook)
Crook Manifesto by Colson Whitehead -- p. 73 of 288 (Nook)
Agatha's First Case (Agatha Raisin #0.5) by M. C. Beaton (Nook)
Marple: Twelve New Stories by assorted authors
Fairy Tale by Stephen King
I usually am reading/watching Great Courses. My current course is: The Power of Thought Experiments, taught by Daniel Breyer. 24 lessons, book and DVD. I have finished 16 of 24.
Time for an updated list!
Because I rely on libraries so much for my reading (and do so much eBook reading), what I'm reading at any given time changes often, and changes quickly.
Karen's current reading (02/26/2026):
Actively reading (or the potential is there!)
The Best Poems of Jane Kenyon by Jane Kenyon -- p. 22 0f 105
The Perseverance by Raymond Antrobus -- p. 4 0f 181
The Readers' Room by Antoine Laurain -- p. 26 0f 172
The Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus -- p. 12 of 190
Proto: How One Ancient Language Went Global (Laura Spinney) -- p. 38 of 292
A Carnival of Losses: Notes Nearing Ninety by Donald Hall -- p. 4 of 216
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart -- p. 13 of 241
The Rejection Collection Vol. 2 --
Swamp Story by Dave Barry -- p. 22 of 306
Between Two Rivers by Moudy al-Rashid --
Murder at Mallowan Hall by Colleen Cambridge --
Something Fresh by P. G. Wodehouse --
Dancing with Myself by Billy Idol --
Games and Rituals: Stories by Katherine Heiny --
I'm overbooked! I don't want to lose track of these books, but I can't truly say that I am actively reading them right now:
A Man Lay Dead (Roderick Allayn #1) by Ngaio Marsh -- p. 1 of 149
A Circle of Quiet by Madeline L'Engle -- p. 73 of 250 (Libby)
Before Midnight by Rex Stout -- p. 7 of 172 (Libby)
Murder and Mendelssohn (Phryne Fisher #20) by Kerry Greenwood -- p. 8 of 280 (Libby)
Career of Evil (Cormoran Strike #3) by Robert Galbraith -- p. 96 of 439 (Libby
We Solve Murders by Richard Osman -- p. 8 of 389 (mine, on Nook)
Conclave by Robert Harris
The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
Glorious Exploits by Ferdia Lennon -- p. 3 of 285
The River We Remember by William Kent Krueger -- p. 82 of 421 (mine, on Nook)
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett -- p. 29 of 278 (mine, on Nook)
Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club by J. Ryan Stradal -- p. 81 of 253 (mine, on Nook)
Crook Manifesto by Colson Whitehead -- p. 73 of 288 (Nook)
Agatha's First Case (Agatha Raisin #0.5) by M. C. Beaton (Nook)
Marple: Twelve New Stories by assorted authors
Fairy Tale by Stephen King
I usually am reading/watching Great Courses. My current course is: The Power of Thought Experiments, taught by Daniel Breyer. 24 lessons, book and DVD. I have finished 16 of 24.
230klobrien2
Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
The Readers’ Room by Antoine Laurain
The Best Poems of Jane Kenyon
A Carnival of Losses: Notes Nearing Ninety by Donald Hall
The Perseverance by Raymond Antrobus
Received 6 more illustrated books from the library—finished.
Magazines Read: Scientific American (Feb)
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 16 of 24 lessons finished.
Next up: 17. When Are You Morally Responsible? and 18. How Luck Changes Moral Thought Experiments.
TV Watching: A lot of network shows are back this week: Georgie and Mandy 2.11, Ghosts 5.11, Elsbeth 3.11, Animal Control 4.6
Listening
Wordle 1,714 6/6*
🟦⬜⬜⬜⬜
⬜🟧⬜⬜⬜
🟧🟧⬜⬜🟧
🟧🟧⬜⬜🟧
🟧🟧⬜⬜🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #992
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟪🟪🟪🟪
🟦🟦🟦🟦
Strands #726
“It's a little much”
🔵🟡🔵🔵
🔵🔵
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
The Readers’ Room by Antoine Laurain
The Best Poems of Jane Kenyon
A Carnival of Losses: Notes Nearing Ninety by Donald Hall
The Perseverance by Raymond Antrobus
Received 6 more illustrated books from the library—finished.
Magazines Read: Scientific American (Feb)
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 16 of 24 lessons finished.
Next up: 17. When Are You Morally Responsible? and 18. How Luck Changes Moral Thought Experiments.
TV Watching: A lot of network shows are back this week: Georgie and Mandy 2.11, Ghosts 5.11, Elsbeth 3.11, Animal Control 4.6
Listening
Wordle 1,714 6/6*
🟦⬜⬜⬜⬜
⬜🟧⬜⬜⬜
🟧🟧⬜⬜🟧
🟧🟧⬜⬜🟧
🟧🟧⬜⬜🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #992
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟪🟪🟪🟪
🟦🟦🟦🟦
Strands #726
“It's a little much”
🔵🟡🔵🔵
🔵🔵
231richardderus
>220 klobrien2: I don't recognize his name... I think I recognize his style, though. Love the cartoons, anyway!
232klobrien2
>231 richardderus: Yeah, Tom Toro--I read a new illustrated children's book of his--Crocodiles Needs Friends, Too!. I'm sure that's what made me aware of other books he had. Otherwise, I didn't recognize his name or his style. the book was a fun little "look," however.
Thanks for stopping by!
Thanks for stopping by!
233klobrien2
***************************************************
There are only three forms of high art: the symphony,
the illustrated children's book, and the board game.
(Saga Volume 3 by Brian K. Vaughan)
***************************************************
So many of these lovely books are made known to me by whisper1 (thank you, so much!) Others who have pointed me in the right direction are: jnwelch, squeakychu, jessibud2, Norabelle, avatiakh, AMQS, Blbera, foggidawn, richardderus, Booklist, and the NYTimes (please let me know if I've forgotten you!):
********************
From the LibraryThing newsletter, a list of members’ “Favorite Picture Books”! Just when I thought I had read them all (Just kidding. Not even close).
https://www.librarything.com/list/45998/Favorite-Picture-Books
********************
Another treasure list (read in April 2025): Pictured Worlds: Masterpieces of Children's Book Art by 101 Essential Illustrators from Around the World by Leonard S. Marcus.
********************
I'm getting to the end of my journey through the "Mr. Putter and Tabby" books; there are these three today, and the remaining four next week. I really like them: they're sweet and well-written with lovely drawings. A couple of feisty, friendly older folks, and two fun companion animals. What's not to like?!
Illustrated89. Mr. Putter and Tabby Spill the Beans by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard
"When Mrs. Teaberry suggest a cooking class, Mr. Putter goes along--reluctantly. After all, why does he need to know one hundred ways to cook beans? But with Tabby and Zeke in tow, the class might be more exciting than Mr. Potter ever expected!"
Illustrated90. Mr. Putter and Tabby See the Stars by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard
"Mr. Putter has eaten too many of Mrs. Teaberry's delicious treats and just before bed! Who could sleep with such a grumbly stomach?"
Illustrated91. Mr. Putter and Tabby Run the Race by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard
Mr. Putter does not like running, but second prize in the senior marathon is a train set, and Mr. Putter really wants that train set. Will he make it to the finish line?"
Illustrated92. Josephine: The Dazzling Life of Josephine Baker by Patricia Hruby Powell, ill. Christian Robinson
Colorful drawings and interesting story. Almost reads like poetry at times.
Illustrated93. River of Dreams: The Story of the Hudson River by Hudson Talbott
"Ever since Henry Hudson stumbled upon it while looking for a shortcut to the east, the Hudson River has been a magnet for dreamers."
Talbott shows so much about the Hudson River (geographic, geopolitical, ethnic, economic, artistic, environmental) and the country that the USA was becoming. Lots of information, and many smaller drawings to illustrate. This book really is an ode to the Hudson River.
For older elementary readers--not quite a "picture book."
Illustrated94. Dear Moxie, Dear Rex by Cathy Petter, ill. Bryony Clarkson
"When a family brings home a second, younger puppy, the two dogs begin exchanging letters."
This book, although funny in a very passive aggressive way, might not be suitable for children. Rather than show how dogs who live together should try to get along, and be kind to each other, these two are in it just for themselves. No good lessons to be learned here!
I had to ILL the book because my local libraries didn't carry it. I think I know why (see above).
There are only three forms of high art: the symphony,
the illustrated children's book, and the board game.
(Saga Volume 3 by Brian K. Vaughan)
***************************************************
So many of these lovely books are made known to me by whisper1 (thank you, so much!) Others who have pointed me in the right direction are: jnwelch, squeakychu, jessibud2, Norabelle, avatiakh, AMQS, Blbera, foggidawn, richardderus, Booklist, and the NYTimes (please let me know if I've forgotten you!):
********************
From the LibraryThing newsletter, a list of members’ “Favorite Picture Books”! Just when I thought I had read them all (Just kidding. Not even close).
https://www.librarything.com/list/45998/Favorite-Picture-Books
********************
Another treasure list (read in April 2025): Pictured Worlds: Masterpieces of Children's Book Art by 101 Essential Illustrators from Around the World by Leonard S. Marcus.
********************
I'm getting to the end of my journey through the "Mr. Putter and Tabby" books; there are these three today, and the remaining four next week. I really like them: they're sweet and well-written with lovely drawings. A couple of feisty, friendly older folks, and two fun companion animals. What's not to like?!
Illustrated89. Mr. Putter and Tabby Spill the Beans by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard
"When Mrs. Teaberry suggest a cooking class, Mr. Putter goes along--reluctantly. After all, why does he need to know one hundred ways to cook beans? But with Tabby and Zeke in tow, the class might be more exciting than Mr. Potter ever expected!"
Illustrated90. Mr. Putter and Tabby See the Stars by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard
"Mr. Putter has eaten too many of Mrs. Teaberry's delicious treats and just before bed! Who could sleep with such a grumbly stomach?"
Illustrated91. Mr. Putter and Tabby Run the Race by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard
Mr. Putter does not like running, but second prize in the senior marathon is a train set, and Mr. Putter really wants that train set. Will he make it to the finish line?"
Illustrated92. Josephine: The Dazzling Life of Josephine Baker by Patricia Hruby Powell, ill. Christian Robinson
Colorful drawings and interesting story. Almost reads like poetry at times.
Illustrated93. River of Dreams: The Story of the Hudson River by Hudson Talbott
"Ever since Henry Hudson stumbled upon it while looking for a shortcut to the east, the Hudson River has been a magnet for dreamers."
Talbott shows so much about the Hudson River (geographic, geopolitical, ethnic, economic, artistic, environmental) and the country that the USA was becoming. Lots of information, and many smaller drawings to illustrate. This book really is an ode to the Hudson River.
For older elementary readers--not quite a "picture book."
Illustrated94. Dear Moxie, Dear Rex by Cathy Petter, ill. Bryony Clarkson
"When a family brings home a second, younger puppy, the two dogs begin exchanging letters."
This book, although funny in a very passive aggressive way, might not be suitable for children. Rather than show how dogs who live together should try to get along, and be kind to each other, these two are in it just for themselves. No good lessons to be learned here!
I had to ILL the book because my local libraries didn't carry it. I think I know why (see above).
234thornton37814
>233 klobrien2: I just got the ebook of the Josephine Baker one because it was available in my library and could be read quickly. I've already read two books for the All that Jazz Nonfiction challenge and the ARTSCAT - Artist category.
235klobrien2
>234 thornton37814: Now why didn’t I think of Libby (my library’s ebook source)? I guess I don’t think of the big format picture books being on a small-scale screen. Of course, it would be just fine. Good job!
And thanks for stopping in!
And thanks for stopping in!
236thornton37814
>235 klobrien2: I did check for print first, but neither of my libraries had it that way.
237klobrien2
Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
The Readers’ Room by Antoine Laurain
The Best Poems of Jane Kenyon
A Carnival of Losses: Notes Nearing Ninety by Donald Hall
The Perseverance by Raymond Antrobus
Magazines Read:
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 16 of 24 lessons finished.
Next up: 17. When Are You Morally Responsible? and 18. How Luck Changes Moral Thought Experiments.
TV Watching: Watched my “Netflix Preview Club” movie and completed the survey. Wasn’t sure I really wanted to watch it, but I ended up enjoying it. 9-1-1 9.11, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters 2.1 (Didn’t know that this one was coming back! Lots of monsters, small and large (e.g. a very angry King Kong), multi-generational family stuff (because of a time-travel element), and Kurt Russell! His son, too!) Really fun show. On Apple.
Listening
Wordle 1,715 3/6*New Wordle word: irate, adorn, hydra (knowing the word couldn’t have an “a” in the third position saved me a lot of “guessy-guessy”; unusual word!
⬜🟦🟦⬜⬜
🟦🟦⬜🟧⬜
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #993
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟪🟪🟪🟪
🟦🟦🟦🟦
Strands #727
“Dressing up”
🔵🔵🔵🔵
🔵🟡🔵
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
The Readers’ Room by Antoine Laurain
The Best Poems of Jane Kenyon
A Carnival of Losses: Notes Nearing Ninety by Donald Hall
The Perseverance by Raymond Antrobus
Magazines Read:
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 16 of 24 lessons finished.
Next up: 17. When Are You Morally Responsible? and 18. How Luck Changes Moral Thought Experiments.
TV Watching: Watched my “Netflix Preview Club” movie and completed the survey. Wasn’t sure I really wanted to watch it, but I ended up enjoying it. 9-1-1 9.11, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters 2.1 (Didn’t know that this one was coming back! Lots of monsters, small and large (e.g. a very angry King Kong), multi-generational family stuff (because of a time-travel element), and Kurt Russell! His son, too!) Really fun show. On Apple.
Listening
Wordle 1,715 3/6*
⬜🟦🟦⬜⬜
🟦🟦⬜🟧⬜
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #993
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟪🟪🟪🟪
🟦🟦🟦🟦
Strands #727
“Dressing up”
🔵🔵🔵🔵
🔵🟡🔵
238AMQS
Does it get any better than Mr. Putter and Tabby? How can it?
239klobrien2
I just love the books! I’m sad that I’m nearing the end of them…well, there’s always rereads!
240Whisper1
Marianne, I note that you read one of the Bats books. I laughed right out loud when I read the entire collection. Each one is as fun as the first. I hated when the series ended.
I've been out of touch. I see you are busy as usual. I am so very glad we share a love of illustrated books. I've read a lot that I haven't placed on my thread. I've got a lot of catching up to do.
All good wishes.
I've been out of touch. I see you are busy as usual. I am so very glad we share a love of illustrated books. I've read a lot that I haven't placed on my thread. I've got a lot of catching up to do.
All good wishes.
241klobrien2
>240 Whisper1: Hi, Linda! Great to see you here. Did you see I read the Josephine Baker book? That was one that I wouldn’t have learned about, without you. Thanks!
The stream of illustrated books just doesn’t seem to slow down! I’ve enjoyed reading them all, so I won’t complain.
I’ll make a point to locate more of the “Bat” books. I think I have Bats at the Beach requested already.
Thanks for stopping by! I’ll be by your thread later on.
The stream of illustrated books just doesn’t seem to slow down! I’ve enjoyed reading them all, so I won’t complain.
I’ll make a point to locate more of the “Bat” books. I think I have Bats at the Beach requested already.
Thanks for stopping by! I’ll be by your thread later on.
242klobrien2
Today: Online church. Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
The Readers’ Room by Antoine Laurain
The Best Poems of Jane Kenyon
A Carnival of Losses: Notes Nearing Ninety by Donald Hall
The Perseverance by Raymond Antrobus
Magazines Read:
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 16 of 24 lessons finished.
Next up: 17. When Are You Morally Responsible? and 18. How Luck Changes Moral Thought Experiments.
TV Watching: Starfleet Academy 1.8 (really interesting story involving, believe it or not, the play, “Our Town,” by Thornton Wilder. The play (“ancient” to the cadets) is being used to get them over the trauma of a few episodes ago. Of course, I will read the play now.
Also watched Agatha and the Curse of Ishtar, the second of three movies about turning points in Agatha Christie’s life (fictional). The movies are a bit of fun, and the costumes and locations are gorgeous.
Listening
Wordle 1,716 3/6* New Wordle word today: irate, bloke, fluke
⬜⬜⬜⬜🟧
⬜🟧⬜🟧🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #994
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #728
“Dressing down”
🔵🔵🔵🟡
🔵🔵
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
The Readers’ Room by Antoine Laurain
The Best Poems of Jane Kenyon
A Carnival of Losses: Notes Nearing Ninety by Donald Hall
The Perseverance by Raymond Antrobus
Magazines Read:
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 16 of 24 lessons finished.
Next up: 17. When Are You Morally Responsible? and 18. How Luck Changes Moral Thought Experiments.
TV Watching: Starfleet Academy 1.8 (really interesting story involving, believe it or not, the play, “Our Town,” by Thornton Wilder. The play (“ancient” to the cadets) is being used to get them over the trauma of a few episodes ago. Of course, I will read the play now.
Also watched Agatha and the Curse of Ishtar, the second of three movies about turning points in Agatha Christie’s life (fictional). The movies are a bit of fun, and the costumes and locations are gorgeous.
Listening
Wordle 1,716 3/6* New Wordle word today: irate, bloke, fluke
⬜⬜⬜⬜🟧
⬜🟧⬜🟧🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #994
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #728
“Dressing down”
🔵🔵🔵🟡
🔵🔵
243klobrien2
Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
The Readers’ Room by Antoine Laurain
The Best Poems of Jane Kenyon
A Carnival of Losses: Notes Nearing Ninety by Donald Hall
The Perseverance by Raymond Antrobus
Magazines Read:
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 18 of 24 lessons finished.
Next up: 19. Challenging Whether You Have Free Will and 20. Suppose You’re Immortal. What Do You Value?
TV Watching: Saturday Night Live 51.13. Musical guest was Mumford & Sons, and they were terrific!
Also watched Agatha and the Midnight Murders, the last of the three movies proposing alternate? histories of Agatha Christie. I’ve enjoyed all three movies, but this was my favorite. Bloody and grim, with nice twists.
Listening
Wordle 1,717 4/6* New Wordle word: irate, chile, elide, slime
🟦⬜⬜⬜🟧
⬜⬜🟧🟦🟧
⬜🟧🟧⬜🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #995
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #729
“Home office alternative”
🔵🔵🟡🔵
🔵🔵🔵
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
The Readers’ Room by Antoine Laurain
The Best Poems of Jane Kenyon
A Carnival of Losses: Notes Nearing Ninety by Donald Hall
The Perseverance by Raymond Antrobus
Magazines Read:
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 18 of 24 lessons finished.
Next up: 19. Challenging Whether You Have Free Will and 20. Suppose You’re Immortal. What Do You Value?
TV Watching: Saturday Night Live 51.13. Musical guest was Mumford & Sons, and they were terrific!
Also watched Agatha and the Midnight Murders, the last of the three movies proposing alternate? histories of Agatha Christie. I’ve enjoyed all three movies, but this was my favorite. Bloody and grim, with nice twists.
Listening
Wordle 1,717 4/6*
🟦⬜⬜⬜🟧
⬜⬜🟧🟦🟧
⬜🟧🟧⬜🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #995
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #729
“Home office alternative”
🔵🔵🟡🔵
🔵🔵🔵
244klobrien2
Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
The Readers’ Room by Antoine Laurain
The Best Poems of Jane Kenyon
A Carnival of Losses: Notes Nearing Ninety by Donald Hall
The Perseverance by Raymond Antrobus
Snuck in Rejection Collection Volume 2: The Cream of the Crap as a “snack book” and finished it. Thanks, weird_o!
Magazines Read: Nat Geo (Nov) and (Dec), New Yorker (03/02)
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 18 of 24 lessons finished.
Next up: 19. Challenging Whether You Have Free Will and 20. Suppose You’re Immortal. What Do You Value?
TV Watching: St. Denis Medical 2.13, DMV 1.11, The Rookie 8.9.
Listening Mumford & Sons, Spotify “Greatest” playlist. Really like this band, real musicians. More today, most likely.
Wordle 1,718 6/6* Phew, indeed! Today’s Wordle word is a reuse (game 51). irate, deify, emoji, liken, liven, linen
🟦⬜⬜⬜🟦
⬜🟦🟦⬜⬜
🟦⬜⬜⬜🟦
🟧🟧⬜🟧🟧
🟧🟧⬜🟧🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #996
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟨🟪🟨🟨
🟪🟪🟪🟪
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟨🟨🟨🟨
Strands #730
“Everything's in place”
🔵🔵🟡🔵
🔵🔵🔵
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
The Readers’ Room by Antoine Laurain
The Best Poems of Jane Kenyon
A Carnival of Losses: Notes Nearing Ninety by Donald Hall
The Perseverance by Raymond Antrobus
Snuck in Rejection Collection Volume 2: The Cream of the Crap as a “snack book” and finished it. Thanks, weird_o!
Magazines Read: Nat Geo (Nov) and (Dec), New Yorker (03/02)
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 18 of 24 lessons finished.
Next up: 19. Challenging Whether You Have Free Will and 20. Suppose You’re Immortal. What Do You Value?
TV Watching: St. Denis Medical 2.13, DMV 1.11, The Rookie 8.9.
Listening Mumford & Sons, Spotify “Greatest” playlist. Really like this band, real musicians. More today, most likely.
Wordle 1,718 6/6*
🟦⬜⬜⬜🟦
⬜🟦🟦⬜⬜
🟦⬜⬜⬜🟦
🟧🟧⬜🟧🟧
🟧🟧⬜🟧🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #996
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟨🟪🟨🟨
🟪🟪🟪🟪
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟨🟨🟨🟨
Strands #730
“Everything's in place”
🔵🔵🟡🔵
🔵🔵🔵
245klobrien2
25. The Rejection Collection Volume 2: The Cream of the Crap, ed. Matthew Diffee
Thanks to weird_o for bringing the "Rejection Collection" books to my attention! There are two books from the early 2000s, and then two "Best of" books, one from 2011, one from 2022.
This second book spotlights 38 cartoonists (if I counted right), and each of them again gives us their responses to a pretty silly "questionnaire," which they proceed (delightfully) to make their own. The individual's questionnaire is then followed by selected cartoons from their oeuvre.
I found more cartoonists who are among my favorites: Roz Chast, Harry Bliss, and Gahan Wilson are here!
Lots of fun to peruse, and the reader can spend as much time as they want with the artist backgrounds or skip the questionnaires entirely. Personally, I found the personal insights really interesting and often hilarious.
This volume includes some very funny Appendices at the end:
Appendix 1 "Cartoonists at Work"
Appendix 2 "Rejection Reasons"
Appendix 3 "Bob (Mankoff, New Yorker Cartoon Editor) Answers the Tough Questions"
246klobrien2
26. The Best Poems of Jane Kenyon, collected by Donald Hall
And now for something completely different...
I picked up this book because of my "Donald Hall" project, and I'm very glad I did. Jane Kenyon was a poet and Donald Hall's wife until she died from illness in 1995. A very sad story, but what a great gift and memorial from Hall.
These poems are lovely, quiet, often focused in nature.
Here is one of my favorites:
Let Evening Come
Let the light of late afternoon
shine through chinks in the barn, moving
up the bales as the sun moves down.
Let the cricket take up chafing
as a woman takes up her needles
and her yarn. Let evening come.
Let dew collect on the hoe abandoned
in long grass. Let the stars appear
and the moon disclose her silver horn.
Let the fox go back to its sandy den.
Let the wind die down. Let the shed
go black inside. Let evening come.
To the bottle in the ditch, to the scoop
in the oats, to air in the lung
let evening come.
Let it come, as it will, and don't
be afraid. God does not leave us
comfortless, so let evening come.
247klobrien2
Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
The Readers’ Room by Antoine Laurain
A Carnival of Losses: Notes Nearing Ninety by Donald Hall
The Perseverance by Raymond Antrobus
Finished: The Best Poems of Jane Kenyon
Magazines Read:
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 18 of 24 lessons finished.
Next up: 19. Challenging Whether You Have Free Will and 20. Suppose You’re Immortal. What Do You Value?
TV Watching: Best Medicine 1.9, High Potential 2.13
Listening NYT Amplifier: Choosin’ 9 Songs About Texas
Wordle 1,719 5/6*New Wordle word today: irate, begot, elect, swept, theft
⬜⬜⬜🟦🟦
⬜🟦⬜⬜🟧
⬜⬜🟧⬜🟧
⬜⬜🟧⬜🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #997
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟪🟪🟪🟩
🟪🟪🟪🟪
🟩🟩🟩🟩
Strands #731
“Piece of cake”
🔵🔵🔵🔵
🔵🟡🔵
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
The Readers’ Room by Antoine Laurain
A Carnival of Losses: Notes Nearing Ninety by Donald Hall
The Perseverance by Raymond Antrobus
Finished: The Best Poems of Jane Kenyon
Magazines Read:
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 18 of 24 lessons finished.
Next up: 19. Challenging Whether You Have Free Will and 20. Suppose You’re Immortal. What Do You Value?
TV Watching: Best Medicine 1.9, High Potential 2.13
Listening NYT Amplifier: Choosin’ 9 Songs About Texas
Wordle 1,719 5/6*
⬜⬜⬜🟦🟦
⬜🟦⬜⬜🟧
⬜⬜🟧⬜🟧
⬜⬜🟧⬜🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #997
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟪🟪🟪🟩
🟪🟪🟪🟪
🟩🟩🟩🟩
Strands #731
“Piece of cake”
🔵🔵🔵🔵
🔵🟡🔵
248klobrien2
Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
The Readers’ Room by Antoine Laurain
A Carnival of Losses: Notes Nearing Ninety by Donald Hall
The Perseverance by Raymond Antrobus
Picked up 9 illustrated books from the library.
Magazines Read:
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 18 of 24 lessons finished.
Next up: 19. Challenging Whether You Have Free Will and 20. Suppose You’re Immortal. What Do You Value?
TV Watching: Dark Winds 4.3, Abbott Elementary 5.14, Shrinking 3.6.
Listening
Wordle 1,720 4/6*New Wordle word tiday: irate, moved, unpeg, sheep
⬜⬜⬜⬜🟦
⬜⬜⬜🟧⬜
⬜⬜🟦🟧⬜
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Strands #732
“That's it?”
🔵🔵💡🔵
🟡🔵🔵🔵
Connections
Puzzle #998
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟪🟪🟪🟪
🟩🟩🟩🟩
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
The Readers’ Room by Antoine Laurain
A Carnival of Losses: Notes Nearing Ninety by Donald Hall
The Perseverance by Raymond Antrobus
Picked up 9 illustrated books from the library.
Magazines Read:
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 18 of 24 lessons finished.
Next up: 19. Challenging Whether You Have Free Will and 20. Suppose You’re Immortal. What Do You Value?
TV Watching: Dark Winds 4.3, Abbott Elementary 5.14, Shrinking 3.6.
Listening
Wordle 1,720 4/6*
⬜⬜⬜⬜🟦
⬜⬜⬜🟧⬜
⬜⬜🟦🟧⬜
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Strands #732
“That's it?”
🔵🔵💡🔵
🟡🔵🔵🔵
Connections
Puzzle #998
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟪🟪🟪🟪
🟩🟩🟩🟩
249klobrien2
Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
The Readers’ Room by Antoine Laurain
A Carnival of Losses: Notes Nearing Ninety by Donald Hall
The Perseverance by Raymond Antrobus
Read 4 of the 9 illustrated books I have, and more will be coming today. It seems that there is an endless supply of them!
Magazines Read: NYT Magazine (2/15)(2/22), NYT Book Review (2/22)
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 18 of 24 lessons finished.
Next up: 19. Challenging Whether You Have Free Will and 20. Suppose You’re Immortal. What Do You Value?
TV Watching: Amazing! I watched no TV!
Listening
Wordle 1,721 6/6*New (silly!) Wordle word today: irate, mound, junky, hunky, punky, gunky
⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜
⬜⬜🟦🟦⬜
⬜🟧🟧🟧🟧
⬜🟧🟧🟧🟧
⬜🟧🟧🟧🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #999
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #733
“That's dedication”
🔵🟡🔵🔵
🔵🔵
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
The Readers’ Room by Antoine Laurain
A Carnival of Losses: Notes Nearing Ninety by Donald Hall
The Perseverance by Raymond Antrobus
Read 4 of the 9 illustrated books I have, and more will be coming today. It seems that there is an endless supply of them!
Magazines Read: NYT Magazine (2/15)(2/22), NYT Book Review (2/22)
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 18 of 24 lessons finished.
Next up: 19. Challenging Whether You Have Free Will and 20. Suppose You’re Immortal. What Do You Value?
TV Watching: Amazing! I watched no TV!
Listening
Wordle 1,721 6/6*
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⬜🟧🟧🟧🟧
⬜🟧🟧🟧🟧
⬜🟧🟧🟧🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #999
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #733
“That's dedication”
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🔵🔵
250klobrien2
***************************************************
There are only three forms of high art: the symphony,
the illustrated children's book, and the board game.
(Saga Volume 3 by Brian K. Vaughan)
***************************************************
So many of these lovely books are made known to me by whisper1 (thank you, so much!) Others who have pointed me in the right direction are: jnwelch, squeakychu, jessibud2, Norabelle, avatiakh, AMQS, Blbera, foggidawn, richardderus, Booklist, and the NYTimes (please let me know if I've forgotten you!):
********************
From the LibraryThing newsletter, a list of members’ “Favorite Picture Books”! Just when I thought I had read them all (Just kidding. Not even close).
https://www.librarything.com/list/45998/Favorite-Picture-Books
********************
Another treasure list (read in April 2025): Pictured Worlds: Masterpieces of Children's Book Art by 101 Essential Illustrators from Around the World by Leonard S. Marcus.
********************
I'm getting to the end of my journey through the "Mr. Putter and Tabby" books; here are the remaining four. I really like them: they're sweet and well-written with lovely drawings. A couple of feisty, friendly older folks, and two fun companion animals. What's not to like?!
Illustrated95. Mr. Putter and Tabby Drop the Ball by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard
"Mr. Putter is ready to play ball with the Yankee Doodle Dandies but will his creaky knees cooperate? And can Zeke avoid creating havoc on the field?"
Illustrated96. Mr. Putter and Tabby Ring the Bell by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard
"I would like to go back to school," said Mr. Putter, "for just one day."
Mr. Putter and Mrs. Teaberry arrange to present show-and-tell to a first-grade class. Their show-and-tell will be their pets, Tabby and Zeke.
"Show and tell can be full of surprises."
Illustrated97. Mr. Putter and Tabby Turn the Page by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard
"It's story time at the library."
Illustrated98. Mr. Putter and Tabby Dance the Dance by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard
"Mr. Putter knows what he likes and dancing is not on the list. He has two left feet! But his neighbor Mrs. Teaberry loves new adventures. She can always talk Mr. Putter into coming along--even for an evening on the dance floor."
Illustrated99. Llama Llama Home with Mama by Anna Dewdney
"Warm and comforting, this is just the right book for anyone who is feeling under the weather and needs a little cheering up."
Love the story and the artwork!
Illustrated100. Norman Didn't Do It! (Yes, He Did) by Ryan T. Higgins
A reread for me.
"Norman is a porcupine. Norman's best friend is Mildred. Mildred is a tree.
Ryan T. Higgins brilliantly explores the complex idea of friendship with wit, whimsy, and dramatic depths."
Illustrated101. Cranky, Crabby Crow (Saves the World) by Corey R. Tabor
"Crow's good friends Squirrel, Hummingbird, Rat, Bat, and Cat don't understand why their friend Crow is being so cranky and crabby.
But what the friends don't realize is that for Crow, absolutely everything is on the line. Friendship. Happiness. The future of Planet Earth."
This one is sweet and funny, and full of adventure (and friendship).
Illustrated102. The Bear Out There by Jess Hannigan
"Stop!
There is a bear out there.
Hurry inside now!
We can wait it out together.
You're lucky
you're with me. I know all
about bears. We'll be safe
in here...RIGHT?"
Funny, clever story, with a nice twist. Paper collage illustrations are great.
Illustrated103. Bear Feels Sick by Karma Wilson, ill. Jane Chapman
"Bear has a cold...he's feeling too poorly to play with his friends.
How Bear's good friends take are of him with herbal tea and lullabies until he begins to FEEL BETTER is the heart of this loving story that will be familiar to any little one who has had the sniffles."
There are other "Bear" books--I might need to request some!
There are only three forms of high art: the symphony,
the illustrated children's book, and the board game.
(Saga Volume 3 by Brian K. Vaughan)
***************************************************
So many of these lovely books are made known to me by whisper1 (thank you, so much!) Others who have pointed me in the right direction are: jnwelch, squeakychu, jessibud2, Norabelle, avatiakh, AMQS, Blbera, foggidawn, richardderus, Booklist, and the NYTimes (please let me know if I've forgotten you!):
********************
From the LibraryThing newsletter, a list of members’ “Favorite Picture Books”! Just when I thought I had read them all (Just kidding. Not even close).
https://www.librarything.com/list/45998/Favorite-Picture-Books
********************
Another treasure list (read in April 2025): Pictured Worlds: Masterpieces of Children's Book Art by 101 Essential Illustrators from Around the World by Leonard S. Marcus.
********************
I'm getting to the end of my journey through the "Mr. Putter and Tabby" books; here are the remaining four. I really like them: they're sweet and well-written with lovely drawings. A couple of feisty, friendly older folks, and two fun companion animals. What's not to like?!
Illustrated95. Mr. Putter and Tabby Drop the Ball by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard
"Mr. Putter is ready to play ball with the Yankee Doodle Dandies but will his creaky knees cooperate? And can Zeke avoid creating havoc on the field?"
Illustrated96. Mr. Putter and Tabby Ring the Bell by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard
"I would like to go back to school," said Mr. Putter, "for just one day."
Mr. Putter and Mrs. Teaberry arrange to present show-and-tell to a first-grade class. Their show-and-tell will be their pets, Tabby and Zeke.
"Show and tell can be full of surprises."
Illustrated97. Mr. Putter and Tabby Turn the Page by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard
"It's story time at the library."
Illustrated98. Mr. Putter and Tabby Dance the Dance by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard
"Mr. Putter knows what he likes and dancing is not on the list. He has two left feet! But his neighbor Mrs. Teaberry loves new adventures. She can always talk Mr. Putter into coming along--even for an evening on the dance floor."
Illustrated99. Llama Llama Home with Mama by Anna Dewdney
"Warm and comforting, this is just the right book for anyone who is feeling under the weather and needs a little cheering up."
Love the story and the artwork!
Illustrated100. Norman Didn't Do It! (Yes, He Did) by Ryan T. Higgins
A reread for me.
"Norman is a porcupine. Norman's best friend is Mildred. Mildred is a tree.
Ryan T. Higgins brilliantly explores the complex idea of friendship with wit, whimsy, and dramatic depths."
Illustrated101. Cranky, Crabby Crow (Saves the World) by Corey R. Tabor
"Crow's good friends Squirrel, Hummingbird, Rat, Bat, and Cat don't understand why their friend Crow is being so cranky and crabby.
But what the friends don't realize is that for Crow, absolutely everything is on the line. Friendship. Happiness. The future of Planet Earth."
This one is sweet and funny, and full of adventure (and friendship).
Illustrated102. The Bear Out There by Jess Hannigan
"Stop!
There is a bear out there.
Hurry inside now!
We can wait it out together.
You're lucky
you're with me. I know all
about bears. We'll be safe
in here...RIGHT?"
Funny, clever story, with a nice twist. Paper collage illustrations are great.
Illustrated103. Bear Feels Sick by Karma Wilson, ill. Jane Chapman
"Bear has a cold...he's feeling too poorly to play with his friends.
How Bear's good friends take are of him with herbal tea and lullabies until he begins to FEEL BETTER is the heart of this loving story that will be familiar to any little one who has had the sniffles."
There are other "Bear" books--I might need to request some!
251klobrien2
Illustrated104. Lone Wolf Goes to the Library by Kiah Thomas, ill. K-Fai Steele
"Wolf loves books. He loves the library. But a careless postman fails to deliver
Wolf's overdue notice until it's almost too late."
"Completely lovable, chronically grumpy Wolf"
Hilarious, both in words and pictures. Well-drawn and well-written!
Going to look for more "Lone Wolf" books...
Illustrated105. Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea by Ben Clanton
Reads like a comic book (quite like the "Dog Man" books).
Funny, sweet, and very informative about ocean life.
Illustrated106. Chicken Little, retold and illustrated by Steven Kellogg
"Hilarious retelling and irresistible illustrations
bring fresh delight to this timeless classic."
Illustrated107. Rhyming Dust Bunnies by Jan Thomas
"Will make readers laugh; will teach them to rhyme;
it will make them think twice every time they see a vacuum cleaner."
Really cute and colorful!
Illustrated108. No Cats in the Library by Lauren Emmons
"Meet Clarisse!
She's a clever cat who loves books.
She may not understand the dark, squiggly lines,
but she can't get enough of the pictures."
Another "library love" book! Enchanting story and illustrations.
Illustrated109. The Cat Who Walked Across France by Kate Banks, ill. Georg Hallensleben
"After his owner dies, a cat wanders
across the countryside of France,
unable to forget the home he had
in the stone house
by the edge of the sea."
Lovely story and painted illustrations.
252klobrien2
Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
The Readers’ Room by Antoine Laurain
A Carnival of Losses: Notes Nearing Ninety by Donald Hall
The Perseverance by Raymond Antrobus
Adding: Our Town: A Play in Three Acts by Thornton Wilder
Magazines Read: Threads (Spring)
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 18 of 24 lessons finished.
Next up: 19. Challenging Whether You Have Free Will and 20. Suppose You’re Immortal. What Do You Value?
TV Watching: Made up for not watching anything on Thursday by watching a LOT yesterday: George and Mandy 2.12, Ghosts 5.12, Elsbeth 3.12, Animal Control 4.7.
Listening
Wordle 1,722 3/6*New Wordle word today: irate, budge, vogue
⬜⬜⬜⬜🟧
⬜🟦⬜🟦🟧
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Connections>>>>>>1000th Connections puzzle today!
Puzzle #1000🎉
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟪🟪🟪🟪
🟦🟦🟦🟦
Strands #734
“Nice glasses!”
🔵🔵🔵🔵
🟡🔵🔵
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
The Readers’ Room by Antoine Laurain
A Carnival of Losses: Notes Nearing Ninety by Donald Hall
The Perseverance by Raymond Antrobus
Adding: Our Town: A Play in Three Acts by Thornton Wilder
Magazines Read: Threads (Spring)
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 18 of 24 lessons finished.
Next up: 19. Challenging Whether You Have Free Will and 20. Suppose You’re Immortal. What Do You Value?
TV Watching: Made up for not watching anything on Thursday by watching a LOT yesterday: George and Mandy 2.12, Ghosts 5.12, Elsbeth 3.12, Animal Control 4.7.
Listening
Wordle 1,722 3/6*
⬜⬜⬜⬜🟧
⬜🟦⬜🟦🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections>>>>>>1000th Connections puzzle today!
Puzzle #1000🎉
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟪🟪🟪🟪
🟦🟦🟦🟦
Strands #734
“Nice glasses!”
🔵🔵🔵🔵
🟡🔵🔵
253klobrien2
Here’s an article about the International Owl Center, in Houston, Minnesota! Who knew?!
https://replica.startribune.com/infinity/article_popover_share.aspx?guid=2fce504...
I’m hoping that it will be viewable to non-Mpls-Tribune subscribers…
https://replica.startribune.com/infinity/article_popover_share.aspx?guid=2fce504...
I’m hoping that it will be viewable to non-Mpls-Tribune subscribers…
254Whisper1
Karen, I've been working around the house and paying bills, trying to get some semblance of the books on floor #1, coming back to your thread now, and I find so much that I've missed. You certainly are right about the sheer number of illustrated books. I hate calling them children's books because there are so many of us that are not children, yet we find such power and beauty in these wonderful pages.
I finished Papa, please get the moon for me by Eric Carle, then, because it has so much beauty, I read it again.
Thanks for all the recommendations. I deeply appreciate all the energy you give to listing those you've read.
I finished Papa, please get the moon for me by Eric Carle, then, because it has so much beauty, I read it again.
Thanks for all the recommendations. I deeply appreciate all the energy you give to listing those you've read.
255richardderus
>252 klobrien2: Our Town! "Where's my girl? Where's my birthday girl?" I suspect it's one of the few plays not by Shakespeare that most people have seen, if they've ever seen a play.
Happy week-ahead's reads, Karen O.!
Happy week-ahead's reads, Karen O.!
256klobrien2
>254 Whisper1: Hi, Linda! There’s always so much to do around the house, isn’t there? Always time for a good book, though. Or, a few good books…or a ton of them! 🤭
Thanks so much for stopping by to chat!
>255 richardderus: I think I remember seeing the play performed when the local high school put it on. I was young at the time, but it made an impression. I’m reading it now because it was used as a plot device in a recent “Starfleet Academy,” and it was lovely.
Great to see you here, Richard! Great reading to you, too!
Thanks so much for stopping by to chat!
>255 richardderus: I think I remember seeing the play performed when the local high school put it on. I was young at the time, but it made an impression. I’m reading it now because it was used as a plot device in a recent “Starfleet Academy,” and it was lovely.
Great to see you here, Richard! Great reading to you, too!
257klobrien2
Today: Online church. Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
The Readers’ Room by Antoine Laurain
A Carnival of Losses: Notes Nearing Ninety by Donald Hall
The Perseverance by Raymond Antrobus
Our Town: A Play in Three Acts by Thornton Wilder
Magazines Read: The Week (02/27), Rolling Stone (Nov), Elle (Nov)
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 20 of 24 lessons finished.
Read and watched: 19. Challenging Whether You Have Free Will and 20. Suppose You’re Immortal. What Do You Value?
Up next: 21. Visit Twin Earth to Explore Meaning and 22. How to Know When You Know You Know Something.
TV Watching: Monarch: Legacy of Monsters 2.2, Outlander 8.1
Listening
Wordle 1,723 5/6*Today’s Wordle is new: irate, sound, jowly, folky, lobby
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🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #1001
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟪🟪🟪🟪
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟩🟩🟩🟩
Strands #735
“That time of year again”
🔵🟡🔵🔵
🔵🔵🔵
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
The Readers’ Room by Antoine Laurain
A Carnival of Losses: Notes Nearing Ninety by Donald Hall
The Perseverance by Raymond Antrobus
Our Town: A Play in Three Acts by Thornton Wilder
Magazines Read: The Week (02/27), Rolling Stone (Nov), Elle (Nov)
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 20 of 24 lessons finished.
Read and watched: 19. Challenging Whether You Have Free Will and 20. Suppose You’re Immortal. What Do You Value?
Up next: 21. Visit Twin Earth to Explore Meaning and 22. How to Know When You Know You Know Something.
TV Watching: Monarch: Legacy of Monsters 2.2, Outlander 8.1
Listening
Wordle 1,723 5/6*
⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜
⬜🟧⬜⬜⬜
⬜🟧⬜🟦🟧
⬜🟧🟦⬜🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #1001
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟪🟪🟪🟪
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟩🟩🟩🟩
Strands #735
“That time of year again”
🔵🟡🔵🔵
🔵🔵🔵
258klobrien2
Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
The Readers’ Room by Antoine Laurain
A Carnival of Losses: Notes Nearing Ninety by Donald Hall
The Perseverance by Raymond Antrobus
Our Town: A Play in Three Acts by Thornton Wilder
Magazines Read:
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 20 of 24 lessons finished.
Up next: 21. Visit Twin Earth to Explore Meaning and 22. How to Know When You Know You Know Something.
TV Watching: Starfleet Academy 1.9 (Tatiana Maslany, of “Orphan Black” fame, plays a character and is terrific; excellent show!), SNL 51.14, Dark Winds 4.4.
Listening
Wordle 1,724 3/6*Today’s Wordle is new: irate, aunty, hasty
⬜⬜🟦🟧⬜
🟦⬜⬜🟧🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #1002
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #736
“Cute enough to eat”
🔵🔵🔵🔵
🟡🔵🔵
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
The Readers’ Room by Antoine Laurain
A Carnival of Losses: Notes Nearing Ninety by Donald Hall
The Perseverance by Raymond Antrobus
Our Town: A Play in Three Acts by Thornton Wilder
Magazines Read:
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 20 of 24 lessons finished.
Up next: 21. Visit Twin Earth to Explore Meaning and 22. How to Know When You Know You Know Something.
TV Watching: Starfleet Academy 1.9 (Tatiana Maslany, of “Orphan Black” fame, plays a character and is terrific; excellent show!), SNL 51.14, Dark Winds 4.4.
Listening
Wordle 1,724 3/6*
⬜⬜🟦🟧⬜
🟦⬜⬜🟧🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #1002
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #736
“Cute enough to eat”
🔵🔵🔵🔵
🟡🔵🔵
259klobrien2
Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
The Readers’ Room by Antoine Laurain
A Carnival of Losses: Notes Nearing Ninety by Donald Hall
The Perseverance by Raymond Antrobus
Our Town: A Play in Three Acts by Thornton Wilder
Magazines Read: Astronomy (Dec), Vanity Fair (Nov), Rolling Stone (Dec), Science Illustrated Issue 118)
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 20 of 24 lessons finished.
Read and watched: 21. Visit Twin Earth to Explore Meaning and 22. How to Know When You Know You Know Something.
Up next: 23. How to Create Civilization from Chaos, and 24. Thought Experiments as a Way of Life.
TV Watching: St. Denis Medical 2.14, DMV 1.12, The Rookie 8.10.
Listening
Wordle 1,725 4/6*New Wordle word today: irate, amply, cabal, shoal
⬜⬜🟦⬜⬜
🟦⬜⬜🟦⬜
⬜⬜⬜🟧🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #1003
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #737
“"Hey"”
🔵🔵🟡🔵
🔵🔵🔵
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
The Readers’ Room by Antoine Laurain
A Carnival of Losses: Notes Nearing Ninety by Donald Hall
The Perseverance by Raymond Antrobus
Our Town: A Play in Three Acts by Thornton Wilder
Magazines Read: Astronomy (Dec), Vanity Fair (Nov), Rolling Stone (Dec), Science Illustrated Issue 118)
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 20 of 24 lessons finished.
Read and watched: 21. Visit Twin Earth to Explore Meaning and 22. How to Know When You Know You Know Something.
Up next: 23. How to Create Civilization from Chaos, and 24. Thought Experiments as a Way of Life.
TV Watching: St. Denis Medical 2.14, DMV 1.12, The Rookie 8.10.
Listening
Wordle 1,725 4/6*
⬜⬜🟦⬜⬜
🟦⬜⬜🟦⬜
⬜⬜⬜🟧🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #1003
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #737
“"Hey"”
🔵🔵🟡🔵
🔵🔵🔵
260laytonwoman3rd
I think your topper image was featured in a Jeopardy! clue last night.
261klobrien2
>260 laytonwoman3rd: Oh, really? I just love the image--I took it, years ago, from a National Geographic, I think.
262klobrien2
27. The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer
24 lectures, about 30 minutes each, 12 hours total. Book and DVDs.
Worthwhile course of study, but it was difficult to work through. Breyer is a good teacher, and the material was interesting.
263klobrien2
Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
The Readers’ Room by Antoine Laurain
The Perseverance by Raymond Antrobus
Our Town: A Play in Three Acts by Thornton Wilder
Finished: A Carnival of Losses: Notes Nearing Ninety by Donald Hall
Magazines Read:
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 24 of 24 lessons finished.
Read and watched: 23. How to Create Civilization from Chaos, and 24. Thought Experiments as a Way of Life. Finished!
Next course: A Literary Tour of the United States
TV Watching: Best Medicine 1.10, High Potential 2.14.
Listening:
Wordle 1,726 3/6*New Wordle word today: irate, muted, teddy
⬜⬜⬜🟦🟦
⬜⬜🟦🟦🟦
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #1004
🟪🟪🟪🟪
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟩🟩🟩🟩
Strands #738
“Survival mode”
💡🔵💡🔵
🟡🔵🔵🔵
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
The Readers’ Room by Antoine Laurain
The Perseverance by Raymond Antrobus
Our Town: A Play in Three Acts by Thornton Wilder
Finished: A Carnival of Losses: Notes Nearing Ninety by Donald Hall
Magazines Read:
Great Course: The Power of Thought Experiments by Daniel Breyer. 24 of 24 lessons finished.
Read and watched: 23. How to Create Civilization from Chaos, and 24. Thought Experiments as a Way of Life. Finished!
Next course: A Literary Tour of the United States
TV Watching: Best Medicine 1.10, High Potential 2.14.
Listening:
Wordle 1,726 3/6*
⬜⬜⬜🟦🟦
⬜⬜🟦🟦🟦
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #1004
🟪🟪🟪🟪
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟩🟩🟩🟩
Strands #738
“Survival mode”
💡🔵💡🔵
🟡🔵🔵🔵
264klobrien2
28. A Carnival of Losses: Notes Nearing Ninety by Donald Hall
"Donald Hall writes about love and loss and art and home in a manner so essential and direct it's as if he's put the full force of his life on the page. There are very few perfect books, and A Carnival of Losses is one of them." (Anne Patchett)
"New essays from the vantage point of very old age, once again 'alternatively lyrical and laugh-out-loud funny.'"
I absolutely loved this read! I have a sort of Donald Hall project going on: The man was so prolific, in a lot of different types of books, and I've made a good start with his oeuvre(s). I'd previously read Essays After Eighty and loved it, so was sure that I would like the present book just as well.
There are four "chapters" to the book: 1. Notes Nearing Ninety ("essays," short bits of writing, about all different kinds of things), 2. The Selected Poets of Donald Hall (Hall writes about poets he has known), 3. Necropoetics (writing about death, especially about the loss of his dear wife Jane Kenyon), and 4. A Carnival of Losses ("end of life" musings, more scrapbag writings).
Hall was such a good writer and worked so hard to polish and refine his words (and we can tell). He was very prolific (scads of books of poetry and essays, children's books, even books about sports). He had such an interesting life, knew so many interesting people, and he shares so much of what he lived.
A clip from the book: "Why should a nonagenarian hold anything back?" And he didn't.
265klobrien2
Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
The Readers’ Room by Antoine Laurain
The Perseverance by Raymond Antrobus
Our Town: A Play in Three Acts by Thornton Wilder
Adding: You Can Never Die: A Graphic Memoir by Harry Bliss. I’ve been waiting and waiting to get this from the library, and it is terrific!
Magazines Read:
Great Course: A Literary Tour of the United States by Arielle Zibrak. No book, DVDs.
TV Watching: Abbott Elementary 5.15, Shrinking 3.7.
Listening:
Wordle 1,727 4/6*New Wordle today: irate, defog, enemy, smell
⬜⬜⬜⬜🟦
⬜🟦⬜⬜⬜
⬜⬜🟧🟦⬜
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #1005
🟪🟩🟩🟩
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #739
“Out-and-out”
🔵🔵🔵🟡
🔵🔵
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
The Readers’ Room by Antoine Laurain
The Perseverance by Raymond Antrobus
Our Town: A Play in Three Acts by Thornton Wilder
Adding: You Can Never Die: A Graphic Memoir by Harry Bliss. I’ve been waiting and waiting to get this from the library, and it is terrific!
Magazines Read:
Great Course: A Literary Tour of the United States by Arielle Zibrak. No book, DVDs.
TV Watching: Abbott Elementary 5.15, Shrinking 3.7.
Listening:
Wordle 1,727 4/6*
⬜⬜⬜⬜🟦
⬜🟦⬜⬜⬜
⬜⬜🟧🟦⬜
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #1005
🟪🟩🟩🟩
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #739
“Out-and-out”
🔵🔵🔵🟡
🔵🔵
266richardderus
Can't say I'm likely to read Donald Hall, given that he was a serial committer of poetry. For decades! The effrontery of the man.
I hope you're enjoying the light entertainment of The Readers' Room. It was mostly down to my pals at Gallic Books that I found him at all, bless them. Pushkin Press bought them so they're being reissued and that really could make people aware of these pleasant stories from France.
Enjoy the slide into the weekend!
I hope you're enjoying the light entertainment of The Readers' Room. It was mostly down to my pals at Gallic Books that I found him at all, bless them. Pushkin Press bought them so they're being reissued and that really could make people aware of these pleasant stories from France.
Enjoy the slide into the weekend!
267klobrien2
>266 richardderus: Hello there, Richard, and thanks for stopping by to chat. I’ll let you know about The Readers’ Room. I’m having a little trouble getting involved in it. Maybe this weekend?
Happy weekend!
Happy weekend!
268klobrien2
Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
The Readers’ Room by Antoine Laurain
The Perseverance by Raymond Antrobus
Our Town: A Play in Three Acts by Thornton Wilder
You Can Never Die: A Graphic Memoir by Harry Bliss
Magazines Read: American Patchwork and Quilting (Oct), The Onion (Nov), Atlantic Monthly (Jan), NYT Magazine (03/01)
Great Course: A Literary Tour of the United States by Arielle Zibrak. No book, DVDs, 24 lectures.
TV Watching: 9.1.1 9.12, Elsbeth 3.13.
Listening:
Wordle 1,728 3/6*New Wordle word: irate, mated, eaten
⬜⬜🟦🟦🟦
⬜🟧🟧🟧⬜
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #1006
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟪🟪🟪🟪
🟦🟦🟦🟦
Strands #740
“Mountain band”
🔵🔵🔵🟡
🔵🔵
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
The Readers’ Room by Antoine Laurain
The Perseverance by Raymond Antrobus
Our Town: A Play in Three Acts by Thornton Wilder
You Can Never Die: A Graphic Memoir by Harry Bliss
Magazines Read: American Patchwork and Quilting (Oct), The Onion (Nov), Atlantic Monthly (Jan), NYT Magazine (03/01)
Great Course: A Literary Tour of the United States by Arielle Zibrak. No book, DVDs, 24 lectures.
TV Watching: 9.1.1 9.12, Elsbeth 3.13.
Listening:
Wordle 1,728 3/6*
⬜⬜🟦🟦🟦
⬜🟧🟧🟧⬜
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #1006
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟪🟪🟪🟪
🟦🟦🟦🟦
Strands #740
“Mountain band”
🔵🔵🔵🟡
🔵🔵
269klobrien2
Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
The Readers’ Room by Antoine Laurain
The Perseverance by Raymond Antrobus
Our Town: A Play in Three Acts by Thornton Wilder
You Can Never Die: A Graphic Memoir by Harry Bliss
Just got six more illustrated books from the library!
Magazines Read:
Great Course: A Literary Tour of the United States by Arielle Zibrak. No book, DVDs, 24 lectures.
TV Watching: Georgie and Mandy 2.13, Ghosts 5.13, Animal Control 4.8, Starfleet Academy 1.10 (End of first season. Love this show!)
Listening:
Wordle 1,729 4/6*New Wordle word today: irate, abode, algae, ankle
⬜⬜🟦⬜🟧
🟧⬜⬜⬜🟧
🟧🟦⬜⬜🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #1007
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟪🟪🟪🟪
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟩
Strands #741
“A math teacher's favorite dessert”
🔵🔵🔵🔵
🔵🔵🟡🔵
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
The Readers’ Room by Antoine Laurain
The Perseverance by Raymond Antrobus
Our Town: A Play in Three Acts by Thornton Wilder
You Can Never Die: A Graphic Memoir by Harry Bliss
Just got six more illustrated books from the library!
Magazines Read:
Great Course: A Literary Tour of the United States by Arielle Zibrak. No book, DVDs, 24 lectures.
TV Watching: Georgie and Mandy 2.13, Ghosts 5.13, Animal Control 4.8, Starfleet Academy 1.10 (End of first season. Love this show!)
Listening:
Wordle 1,729 4/6*
⬜⬜🟦⬜🟧
🟧⬜⬜⬜🟧
🟧🟦⬜⬜🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #1007
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟪🟪🟪🟪
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟩
Strands #741
“A math teacher's favorite dessert”
🔵🔵🔵🔵
🔵🔵🟡🔵
270klobrien2
Okay I have to try this new feature out…
So cool! This is the “Rebel Loon,” a symbol of the ICE resistance in Minnesota.
So cool! This is the “Rebel Loon,” a symbol of the ICE resistance in Minnesota.
271klobrien2
Today: Minnesota is deep in a winter storm. Roseville (where I live) has gotten ten inches of wet snow so far, with a few more to go. Lots of places shut down (my church, my libraries, not much traffic to be seen).
So, online church (the pastor on a Facebook live feed). Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
The Readers’ Room by Antoine Laurain
The Perseverance by Raymond Antrobus
Our Town: A Play in Three Acts by Thornton Wilder
Finished: You Can Never Die: A Graphic Memoir by Harry Bliss. Excellent read!
Adding two books of poetry by the late Andrea Gibson since they are in heavy demand at my library:
Pole Dancing to Gospel Hymns by Andrea Gibson
Lord of the Butterflies by Andrea Gibson
Just got six more illustrated books from the library—halfway through them.
Magazines Read: The Week (03/06), The New Yorker (03/09)
Great Course: A Literary Tour of the United States by Arielle Zibrak. No book, DVDs, 24 lectures.
TV Watching: Monarch: Legacy of Monsters 2.3, Outlander 8.2, Scarpetta 1.1 (new show, based on novels by Patricia Cornwell; Nicole Kidman is great, scenes with her and Jamie Lee Curtis are dynamite; I’ll keep watching!)
Listening:
Wordle 1,730 4/6*Today’s Wordle word was used before—long ago, game 15: irate, grape, grade, graze
⬜🟧🟧⬜🟧
🟧🟧🟧⬜🟧
🟧🟧🟧⬜🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #1008
🟦🟦🟦🟩
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #742
“Best of all”
🔵🔵🔵🔵
🔵🟡🔵
So, online church (the pastor on a Facebook live feed). Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
The Readers’ Room by Antoine Laurain
The Perseverance by Raymond Antrobus
Our Town: A Play in Three Acts by Thornton Wilder
Finished: You Can Never Die: A Graphic Memoir by Harry Bliss. Excellent read!
Adding two books of poetry by the late Andrea Gibson since they are in heavy demand at my library:
Pole Dancing to Gospel Hymns by Andrea Gibson
Lord of the Butterflies by Andrea Gibson
Just got six more illustrated books from the library—halfway through them.
Magazines Read: The Week (03/06), The New Yorker (03/09)
Great Course: A Literary Tour of the United States by Arielle Zibrak. No book, DVDs, 24 lectures.
TV Watching: Monarch: Legacy of Monsters 2.3, Outlander 8.2, Scarpetta 1.1 (new show, based on novels by Patricia Cornwell; Nicole Kidman is great, scenes with her and Jamie Lee Curtis are dynamite; I’ll keep watching!)
Listening:
Wordle 1,730 4/6*
⬜🟧🟧⬜🟧
🟧🟧🟧⬜🟧
🟧🟧🟧⬜🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #1008
🟦🟦🟦🟩
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #742
“Best of all”
🔵🔵🔵🔵
🔵🟡🔵
272klobrien2
Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
The Readers’ Room by Antoine Laurain
The Perseverance by Raymond Antrobus
Our Town: A Play in Three Acts by Thornton Wilder
Pole Dancing to Gospel Hymns by Andrea Gibson
Lord of the Butterflies by Andrea Gibson
Magazines Read:
Great Course: A Literary Tour of the United States by Arielle Zibrak. No book, DVDs, 24 lectures. 2 lectures of 24 watched.
Watched: 1. Hitting the Road, and 2. Poets and Novelists of Boston.
TV Watching: SNL 51.15
Listening:
Wordle 1,731 5/6*New Wordle word today: irate, brawl, crash, drank, drama
⬜🟧🟧⬜⬜
⬜🟧🟧⬜⬜
⬜🟧🟧⬜⬜
🟧🟧🟧⬜⬜
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #1009
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟪🟪🟪🟪
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟦🟦🟦🟦
Strands #743
“The Big Dance”
💡🔵💡🔵
🔵🔵🟡🔵
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
The Readers’ Room by Antoine Laurain
The Perseverance by Raymond Antrobus
Our Town: A Play in Three Acts by Thornton Wilder
Pole Dancing to Gospel Hymns by Andrea Gibson
Lord of the Butterflies by Andrea Gibson
Magazines Read:
Great Course: A Literary Tour of the United States by Arielle Zibrak. No book, DVDs, 24 lectures. 2 lectures of 24 watched.
Watched: 1. Hitting the Road, and 2. Poets and Novelists of Boston.
TV Watching: SNL 51.15
Listening:
Wordle 1,731 5/6*
⬜🟧🟧⬜⬜
⬜🟧🟧⬜⬜
⬜🟧🟧⬜⬜
🟧🟧🟧⬜⬜
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #1009
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟪🟪🟪🟪
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟦🟦🟦🟦
Strands #743
“The Big Dance”
💡🔵💡🔵
🔵🔵🟡🔵
273klobrien2
29. You Can Never Die: A Graphic Memoir by Harry Bliss
Bliss's wonderful dog, Penny, is the focus of this memoir, but there is so much else here. It is, indeed, a memoir of Bliss's life, but it consists in large part of drawings and bits of prose gathered from the author's daily journal. What is here is a mixture of happiness and sadness, of the cartoonist's current happy life and recollections of his dysfunctional early life.
What shines for me is, of course, the cartoons. Bliss is amazing, and I love his artwork. But I was glad to be able to learn more of the man, not just the cartoonist.
At the start, Bliss gives us an "Intention" (not an Introduction). "I would like you to better understand me, connect with me. I'm a believer in taking the time to understand the nuances in our world. If I can make a connection with you here is the pages that follow, we've got intimacy, and intimacy is my intention."
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and was so happy to have a second five-star read in a row!
274klobrien2
***************************************************
There are only three forms of high art: the symphony,
the illustrated children's book, and the board game.
(Saga Volume 3 by Brian K. Vaughan)
***************************************************
So many of these lovely books are made known to me by whisper1 (thank you, so much!) Others who have pointed me in the right direction are: jnwelch, squeakychu, jessibud2, Norabelle, avatiakh, AMQS, Blbera, foggidawn, richardderus, Booklist, and the NYTimes (please let me know if I've forgotten you!):
********************
From the LibraryThing newsletter, a list of members’ “Favorite Picture Books”! Just when I thought I had read them all (Just kidding. Not even close).
https://www.librarything.com/list/45998/Favorite-Picture-Books
********************
Another treasure list (read in April 2025): Pictured Worlds: Masterpieces of Children's Book Art by 101 Essential Illustrators from Around the World by Leonard S. Marcus.
********************
Illustrated110. Our Animal Friends at Maple Hill Farm by Alice and Martin Provensen
"With simple text that is both affectionate and wry, and irresistible illustrations that burst with personality, the authors bring their barnyard friends to life for the delight of animal lovers both young and old."
I love this book! I want to live at Maple Hill Farm or at least visit.
Here's one of my favorite passages:
"GEESE have bad tempers.
They are greedy.
They are grabby.
They are grouchy.
They grumble.
They gabble.
They grinch
They grunch
and
they gobble."
Lovely prose and illustrations. I'll be looking for more by the Provensens.
Illustrated111. Because of a Shoe by Julie Fogliano, ill. Marla Frazee
"Told with love and recognition, this is a story of a raging tantrum and the sweetness that comes after."
A brand-new book (2026).
Love this--illustrations are sweet and gorgeous, story is terrific. All about anger, emotions, and love.
Illustrated112. Pluto Gets the Call by Adam Rex, ill. Laurie Keller
"Pluto loves being a planet. (You can tell by that big heart on his belly!) He's been called a planet since 1930, when he was discovered by a young astronomer in Flagstaff, Arizona. But then one day, Pluto gets a call..."
Funny, lovely story and illustrations. "Solar System Fun Facts" at the end is a great addendum.
Three more "Lone Wolf" books, including one that I've read before. "Starring the completely lovable, chronically grumpy Wolf, a character for kids who are most comfortable in their own company."
Illustrated113. Lone Wolf Gets a Pet by Kiah Thomas, ill. K-Fai Steele
Illustrated114. Lone Wolf Goes to School by Kiah Thomas, ill. K-Fai Steele
Illustrated115. Lone Wolf on Vacation by Kiah Thomas, ill. K-Fai Steele
Illustrated116. North Woods Girl by Aimee M. Bissonette, ill. Claudia McGehee
This is a reread for me--love this book.
"My grandma says she is not a good-looking woman.
I don't know. She looks pretty good to me.
She is not like other grandmas, it's true.
Someday I hope to be just like her."
Wonderful scratchboard illustrations--they seem to glow! Sweet story.
"Message of appreciating the treasures of our natural surroundings."
Illustrated117. Old Home Day by Donald Hall, ill. Emily Arnold McCully
Another book by my guy, Donald Hall. I've only been able to find a few of his children's books--they're like treasures of history.
"Celebrates the endless cycles of growth and decline, renewal and change that are so much a part of the history of small towns all over the country."
"The story of the growth of a fictional New Hampshire village from prehistory to the bicentennial celebration of its founding."
Gorgeous watercolor illustrations.
Illustrated118. Bear Can't Sleep by Karma Wilson, ill. Jane Chapman
"In his home in the forest, while the cold wind blows,
Bear should be sleeping but his eyes won't close!"
Charming rhymes, cozy illustrations, perfect bedtime read!
There are only three forms of high art: the symphony,
the illustrated children's book, and the board game.
(Saga Volume 3 by Brian K. Vaughan)
***************************************************
So many of these lovely books are made known to me by whisper1 (thank you, so much!) Others who have pointed me in the right direction are: jnwelch, squeakychu, jessibud2, Norabelle, avatiakh, AMQS, Blbera, foggidawn, richardderus, Booklist, and the NYTimes (please let me know if I've forgotten you!):
********************
From the LibraryThing newsletter, a list of members’ “Favorite Picture Books”! Just when I thought I had read them all (Just kidding. Not even close).
https://www.librarything.com/list/45998/Favorite-Picture-Books
********************
Another treasure list (read in April 2025): Pictured Worlds: Masterpieces of Children's Book Art by 101 Essential Illustrators from Around the World by Leonard S. Marcus.
********************
Illustrated110. Our Animal Friends at Maple Hill Farm by Alice and Martin Provensen
"With simple text that is both affectionate and wry, and irresistible illustrations that burst with personality, the authors bring their barnyard friends to life for the delight of animal lovers both young and old."
I love this book! I want to live at Maple Hill Farm or at least visit.
Here's one of my favorite passages:
"GEESE have bad tempers.
They are greedy.
They are grabby.
They are grouchy.
They grumble.
They gabble.
They grinch
They grunch
and
they gobble."
Lovely prose and illustrations. I'll be looking for more by the Provensens.
Illustrated111. Because of a Shoe by Julie Fogliano, ill. Marla Frazee
"Told with love and recognition, this is a story of a raging tantrum and the sweetness that comes after."
A brand-new book (2026).
Love this--illustrations are sweet and gorgeous, story is terrific. All about anger, emotions, and love.
Illustrated112. Pluto Gets the Call by Adam Rex, ill. Laurie Keller
"Pluto loves being a planet. (You can tell by that big heart on his belly!) He's been called a planet since 1930, when he was discovered by a young astronomer in Flagstaff, Arizona. But then one day, Pluto gets a call..."
Funny, lovely story and illustrations. "Solar System Fun Facts" at the end is a great addendum.
Three more "Lone Wolf" books, including one that I've read before. "Starring the completely lovable, chronically grumpy Wolf, a character for kids who are most comfortable in their own company."
Illustrated113. Lone Wolf Gets a Pet by Kiah Thomas, ill. K-Fai Steele
Illustrated114. Lone Wolf Goes to School by Kiah Thomas, ill. K-Fai Steele
Illustrated115. Lone Wolf on Vacation by Kiah Thomas, ill. K-Fai Steele
Illustrated116. North Woods Girl by Aimee M. Bissonette, ill. Claudia McGehee
This is a reread for me--love this book.
"My grandma says she is not a good-looking woman.
I don't know. She looks pretty good to me.
She is not like other grandmas, it's true.
Someday I hope to be just like her."
Wonderful scratchboard illustrations--they seem to glow! Sweet story.
"Message of appreciating the treasures of our natural surroundings."
Illustrated117. Old Home Day by Donald Hall, ill. Emily Arnold McCully
Another book by my guy, Donald Hall. I've only been able to find a few of his children's books--they're like treasures of history.
"Celebrates the endless cycles of growth and decline, renewal and change that are so much a part of the history of small towns all over the country."
"The story of the growth of a fictional New Hampshire village from prehistory to the bicentennial celebration of its founding."
Gorgeous watercolor illustrations.
Illustrated118. Bear Can't Sleep by Karma Wilson, ill. Jane Chapman
"In his home in the forest, while the cold wind blows,
Bear should be sleeping but his eyes won't close!"
Charming rhymes, cozy illustrations, perfect bedtime read!
275klobrien2
Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
The Perseverance by Raymond Antrobus
Our Town: A Play in Three Acts by Thornton Wilder
Lord of the Butterflies by Andrea Gibson
Finished:
The Readers’ Room by Antoine Laurain
Pole Dancing to Gospel Hymns by Andrea Gibson
Adding: Dear New York by Brandon Stanton
Magazines Read:
Great Course: A Literary Tour of the United States by Arielle Zibrak. No book, DVDs, 24 lectures. 2 lectures of 24 watched.
Will watch: 3. Transcendentalism in New England and 4. Wild Spaces of New England
TV Watching: St Denis Medical 2.15, DMV 1.13
Listening:
Wordle 1,732 3/6*New Wordle word today: irate, plasm, clasp
⬜⬜🟧⬜⬜
🟦🟧🟧🟧⬜
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #1010
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #744
“Happy Saint Patrick's Day!”
🟢🟢🟢🟢
🟢🟢☘️🟢
🟢
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
The Perseverance by Raymond Antrobus
Our Town: A Play in Three Acts by Thornton Wilder
Lord of the Butterflies by Andrea Gibson
Finished:
The Readers’ Room by Antoine Laurain
Pole Dancing to Gospel Hymns by Andrea Gibson
Adding: Dear New York by Brandon Stanton
Magazines Read:
Great Course: A Literary Tour of the United States by Arielle Zibrak. No book, DVDs, 24 lectures. 2 lectures of 24 watched.
Will watch: 3. Transcendentalism in New England and 4. Wild Spaces of New England
TV Watching: St Denis Medical 2.15, DMV 1.13
Listening:
Wordle 1,732 3/6*
⬜⬜🟧⬜⬜
🟦🟧🟧🟧⬜
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #1010
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #744
“Happy Saint Patrick's Day!”
🟢🟢🟢🟢
🟢🟢☘️🟢
🟢
276jessibud2
>273 klobrien2: - I read this one last year and also loved it. Sad at times, but you are right about his illustrations.
>274 klobrien2: - I owned and read all Karma Wilson's *Bear* books when I was teaching. My students loved them. I have passed them along to my cousin's granddaughter now. Her illustrations are also wonderful. Have you read the Llama Llama books by Anna Dewdney? I think you'd love those, too.
>274 klobrien2: - I owned and read all Karma Wilson's *Bear* books when I was teaching. My students loved them. I have passed them along to my cousin's granddaughter now. Her illustrations are also wonderful. Have you read the Llama Llama books by Anna Dewdney? I think you'd love those, too.
277klobrien2
>276 jessibud2: I bet I owe that You Can Never Die book bullet to you, then! If so, thank you so much! That one will stay with me for a long time.
I’ve just started the Bear books, but will definitely read ‘em all. And I’ve read only a few Llama Llama books, but I’m sure I’ll be reading more. In fact, I’m headed to review what I’ve got requested—to get them in the works.
Thanks for stopping by! Have a great week!
I’ve just started the Bear books, but will definitely read ‘em all. And I’ve read only a few Llama Llama books, but I’m sure I’ll be reading more. In fact, I’m headed to review what I’ve got requested—to get them in the works.
Thanks for stopping by! Have a great week!
278richardderus
Happy Tuesday, Karen O.!
279klobrien2
>278 richardderus: Thank you, Richard!
280klobrien2
30. Pole Dancing to Gospel Hymns: Poetry by Andrea Gibson
"Dynamic and energetic, challenging us to not only read, but react."
I'm working my way through the late poet's books. This one is her first book.
Here's one of my favorites, the end of a long poem called "Dive":
Life doesn't rhyme.
Life is poetry, not math.
All the world's a stage,
but the stage is a meditation mat.
You tilt your head back.
You breathe.
When your heart is broken, you plant seeds in the cracks
and you pray for rain.
And you teach your sons and daughters
there are sharks in the water
but the only way to survive
is to breathe deep
and dive.
281klobrien2
31. The Readers' Room by Antoine Laurain
"A dazzling tale of mystery, love, and the power of books."
"The very quintessence of French romance."
Thanks to richardderus for bringing this book (and this author) to my attention! Although this little mystery left me in a bit of a kerfuffle, once all the plot strands untwisted, I was very happy with the book. I'm ready to continue on with Laurain.
282klobrien2
32. Our Town: A Play in Three Acts by Thornton Wilder
I think I remember seeing this play performed when the local high school put it on. I was young at the time, but it made an impression. I’m rereading it now because it was used as a plot device in a recent “Starfleet Academy,” and it was lovely. The "ancient" play ("ancient" to the year-3000-ish students!) was being studied as a way for the students to deal with a traumatic experience where one of their classmates had been killed, and they had all been threatened.
The play concerns the lives and deaths of ordinary people in a small community in rural New Hampshire. There are three acts, and the Stage Manager (the lead character) tells us that the first act is "A Day in the Life," the second, "Love and Marriage." and the third represents "Death."
From the play:
"Everyone knows in their bones that something is eternal, and that something has to do with human beings."
And these very well-known lines, spoken by Emily, one of the play's central characters:
"I can’t.
I can’t go on. It goes so fast.
We don’t have time to look at one another.
I didn’t realize. All that was going on in life,
and we never noticed.
Take me back – up the hill – to my grave.
But first: Wait! One more look.
Good-by, Good-by, world.
Good-by, Grover’s Corners.
Mama and Papa.
Good-bye to clocks ticking.
And Mama’s sunflowers.
And food and coffee.
And new-ironed dresses and hot baths.
And sleeping and waking up.
Oh, earth, you’re too wonderful
for anybody to realize you.
Do any human beings ever realize life
while they live it? – every, every minute?"
This play is profound and deeply moving. I love how such a simple approach is taken--little stage adornment, few props, the Stage Manager to guide the action of the play.
283richardderus
>281 klobrien2: I'm so pleased you enjoyed the read! Antoine Laurain has a goodly backlist for you to sample, much of which you might get a hoot out of. I hope so anyway!
284atozgrl
>282 klobrien2: We studied Our Town in high school. In fact, our English class got to go down to the auditorium and act it out, at least part of it. Though I don't remember how much of it we did, it was a memorable experience.
285klobrien2
>284 atozgrl: Sounds wonderful! That’s the beauty of the play—it’s so simple and unadorned, just acting and imagination.
Thanks for stopping by!
Thanks for stopping by!
286klobrien2
>283 richardderus: I’ve got The Red Notebook requested and I’m sure that I’ll look into more of his books!
287klobrien2
Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things).
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
The Perseverance by Raymond Antrobus
Lord of the Butterflies by Andrea Gibson
Dear New York by Brandon Stanton
Finished: Our Town: A Play in Three Acts by Thornton Wilder
Magazines Read:
Great Course: A Literary Tour of the United States by Arielle Zibrak. No book, DVDs, 24 lectures. 2 lectures of 24 watched.
Will watch: 3. Transcendentalism in New England and 4. Wild Spaces of New England
TV Watching: The Rookie 8.11, Dark Winds 4.5
Listening:
Wordle 1,733 3/6*New Wordle word today: irate, abysm, amply
⬜⬜🟦⬜⬜
🟧⬜🟦⬜🟦
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #1011
🟨🟦🟩🟦
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟩🟩🟦🟩
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #745
“It follows”
💡🔵🔵🔵
🔵🟡🔵🔵
🔵
Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
The Perseverance by Raymond Antrobus
Lord of the Butterflies by Andrea Gibson
Dear New York by Brandon Stanton
Finished: Our Town: A Play in Three Acts by Thornton Wilder
Magazines Read:
Great Course: A Literary Tour of the United States by Arielle Zibrak. No book, DVDs, 24 lectures. 2 lectures of 24 watched.
Will watch: 3. Transcendentalism in New England and 4. Wild Spaces of New England
TV Watching: The Rookie 8.11, Dark Winds 4.5
Listening:
Wordle 1,733 3/6*
⬜⬜🟦⬜⬜
🟧⬜🟦⬜🟦
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧
Connections
Puzzle #1011
🟨🟦🟩🟦
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟩🟩🟦🟩
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Strands #745
“It follows”
💡🔵🔵🔵
🔵🟡🔵🔵
🔵
288richardderus
>286 klobrien2: I do recommend Vintage 1954 if your library has it. Happy Wednesday!
289klobrien2
>288 richardderus: Oh, that looks fun! Off to locate a copy! Thanks!
291klobrien2
>290 Whisper1: As are you! I owe you so much for getting me really going on the illustrated books. What a treasure they are! And so are you!
This topic was continued by klobrien2 (Karen O) Books and Life in 2026 — Page 2.
