Anita (figs) Marching into Spring (2)

Rating System

1 = Very Very bad. Either I could not finish the novel, or the plot was ill-conceived

2= Still bad. I managed to finish the book. It was probably boring, unoriginal or poorly written (D)

3 Such a hard rating so I found it is necessary to subdivide 3* into the following

Solid. There was character development, the pace was probably slow or parts of the book were well thought out. Still had the ability to make me think or at the very least want to continue reading, however, something was missing or could have been further developed. Slightly better than average. (C+ or B- or B+)

Subdivided into: Shaky ( barely got there), loose ( average) and solid ( just not quite there for a 3.5 or 4) ( B+)

4= Excellent read. I probably couldn't put the book down till it was finished. The Pace was spot on, complex characters, made me think in a different way and so on ( A -)

I am sometimes a little hard with my ratings so it is best to add 0.5 to each of my ratings to get the more " popular" rating.

Books read in January

Books Read in February

Books Read in March



April



June

Favourite from the past.

Some reads just stick with us long after and linger. I read this way back in 2016.

Paul Kalanithi: When Breath Becomes Air


What happens when your sense of self is taken away from you? How do you rebuild? How do you move on?

"Neurosurgeon, Paul Kalanithi is diagnosed in his final year of training with stage IV lung cancer. As he faces death, he begins to find his inner illumination. He informs us of his childhood, how he became a neurosurgeon, of his wife and his life post diagnosis.

Paul wrote this in the last 22 months he had to live. Unfortunately, he passed away before he could finish it and the epilogue was written by his wife. Heartbreaking and heartwarming"

"March so fickle, March so fair,
Pouting, shy, with wind-blown hair,
Nut-brown shawl and crocus cup,
Smile that lights the whole world up."
~Sara L. Vickers Oberholtzer, "The Lady March," Souvenirs of Occasions, 1892

Welcome!

Happy new thread, Anita!

Happy new thread, Anita!

Happy new thread, Anita. The sun sure felt good today and it's supposed to warm up through the week. Double digits by the weekend!!
:-)

>6 figsfromthistle: - I also read that one awhile ago but it isn't a novel. It's non-fiction.

Happy new thread, Anita!

>9 Dejah_Thoris: THank you!

>10 quondame: Thanks!

>11 jessibud2: Yes, double digits. Finally!

Yes you are absolutely right. I copied and pasted from my review in 2016 without looking. I really should start proofreading what I write on my threads ;)

>12 atozgrl: Thank you :)

Happy new thread, Anita

>15 PaulCranswick: thanks 😊

Happy new thread, Anita! Enjoy the warmer weather!

Happy New Thread, Anita!

>17 Familyhistorian: thank you! It will be good to warm up a bit!

>18 vancouverdeb: thanks Deborah

Happy new thread!

I saw your comment about snowdrops. We are right on the southern edge of their range but my husband and I both remember them fondly from childhoods in Pennsylvania.

Our early clump of daffodils are blooming and quite the balm for the soul.

Happy new thread Anita.

Happy new thread!

Hope this, your new thread, is happy for all who visit it. Enjoy the conversation.

Happy new one!

Happy new thread, Anita!

>6 figsfromthistle: That is a good one.

Happy new thread!

Happy new thread as we head into spring Anita!

>20 witchyrichy: It is nice to have the cheerful colours of spring blooming, isn't it? Enjoy those daffodils!

>21 Kristelh: Thanks!

>22 banjo123: Thank you

>23 weird_O: Nice to see you! I certainly hope my thread is a happy place for those who visit!

>24 drneutron: Thanks, Doc

>25 Berly: Thank you! I thought it was time to shoo away the winter thread ;)

>26 Ravenwoodwitch: Nice to see you. Thanks!

>27 mdoris: Indeed! Today I was driving and I saw a man in a t shirt raking the snow on his front lawn. I laughed so hard I pulled over and asked why he was raking the snow. He laughed and said to even out the snow so it melts faster! It seems that I am not the only one anxious to welcome spring heh!

16. Edward Underhill: The In-between Bookstore

Growing up in a small town, Darby feels that no one can understand the existential crisis he is going through. Darby leaves for school to NYC where he is able to flourish and finally feel free and not hide from his true self. However, when Darby looses his job, he returns home, finds the bookstore he used to work in as a teenager and is transported back in time just before everything changed.

"Darby transitioned after leaving his hometown, so coming back means confronting the people—and the past—he left behind. Old friends. Nosy neighbors. Lingering memories"

A Hessian ( Hermann) like novel riddled with teenage angst and the longing to be seen and accepted.

>30 figsfromthistle: What a funny story Anita. Man Who Rakes Snow!!!!

>32 mdoris: right? I told my dad the story and before I told him the reason he said he probably is raking the snow apart so it melts faster instead of having it in one clump. Apparently I am the only one one who finds this funny or new 🤣

Sweet Thursday, Anita. Happy New Thread. I love the bluebird topper. Happy reading.

>34 msf59: Thanks, Mark! I am hopeful to see the spring birds soon :)

Happy Weekend!

Today I had a day off and ended up not doing everything that I intended to do. I went to the mechanic because the right wheel seemed to be pulling my car to the left. For the first time ever the mechanic said " good news, I can't find anything wrong with it!" I had my car washed and bought a cleaning spray for the drum and brake pads. Perhaps that will solve the problem.

I made a few phone calls and handled some stuff that I have been putting off. A visit to the bank, laundry and some other routine household chores and it was already noon. A nice treat, my dad and I tired out a new to us pastry cafe which had a nice atmosphere but overpriced and just average tasting cake. It was nice to get out of the cold and rain and slow down and pretend to be in a European cafe.

Speaking of rain….lots of it here. I fully intended to get some outdoor chores completed. Instead I stomped around in my boots and inspected new signs of spring. The chives are just beginning to show. Everyone is itching and anxious to be outdoors. so much so that I have little desire/focus to do anything indoors and find that this restlessness is preventing me from reading as well.

Hope everyone has a fantastic weekend!

Greetings, Anita. Sometimes you do have to those phone call and things that your putting off. Do hope the car quits pulling. Too bad that the cake was just average. It’s been rainy, snowy, and gloomy with fog here in Minnesota.

>37 Kristelh: Hope the sun peaks through the fog soon!

Today, I spotted two robins! They are here so spring is not far :)

>38 figsfromthistle: - What weather! It was so foggy when I woke up that seeing *white* out my window made me think we had snow overnight. It wasn't until I got up and looked and realized I couldn't see the lawn that I recognized it as fog! It was so warm here that you could practically see the snow melting!

I didn't see them but I heard robins today, too!

>39 jessibud2: Yes the fog was problematic this morning driving into work at 6 AM. Today I will go to bed a bit earlier as we will lose an hours sleep. It will take a while to adjust.

>31 figsfromthistle: Since I'm old, Hesse-ian novels hold so much less appeal than they once did so I leave them to the ones who still need that story told.

New-week orisons!

Hi Anita! You sound busy despite not getting everything you wanted done! Hopefully you took a break in there.

>41 richardderus: Ha! Good idea, Richard. I also am past the Hessian type narratives as well. I thought it was going to be more of a time travel story like Matt Haig.

Happy Tuesday!

>42 The_Hibernator: It is amazing how fast the day flies by. I remember when I was younger, the day seemed to drag on.

In BC we are on permanent day light savings time, Anita. I am quite pleased about that. No more changing the clock and I think I prefer more light later in the day than earlier in the day.

Hi Anita my dear, Happy New Thread, dear friend.

>44 vancouverdeb: I wish Ontario would do that as well. It is a debate that has been running for years. I am glad you do not have to deal with the time change.

>45 johnsimpson: Thank you! I hope you are well.

>38 figsfromthistle: Ah, I remember when robins signalled the start of Spring when I lived in the eastern part of Canada. In BCs Lower Mainland they stay all year. Nice to see that it is warming up and almost gardening weather there, Anita.

>47 Familyhistorian: yes they also signal that bad weather is ahead fo one last storm which we are having the last two days. When the blackbirds come a few weeks later I know better and more consistent warm temps are on the way. Garden season is about six weeks out.

Happy newish thread, Anita. Spring is coming!

>49 BLBera: thanks! It is on the way although it’s snowing right now 🤣

17. Anthony Horowitz: Marble Hall Murders

Susan is hired to read and edit a mystery novel. However, the author claims that he knows who killed his grandmother years ago and threatens to reveal all by leaving a hidden clue in his latest mystery. Susan begins digging in the present and ruffles a few feathers.

A cozy, long mystery that is perfect for a cold day spent reading indoors. Third in the Ryeland series. Fans of mise en abyme literary technique will enjoy this one. However,the solution was quite obvious to me. I am unsure however, I find Susan to be a bit irritating.

3/5

A belated Happa New Thread, Anita!
>51 figsfromthistle: Good thing I've already read that—so my TBR pile won't get any bigger...
Have a wonderful weekend.

>52 SirThomas: thanks! I enjoy the mystery series by Horowitz 🙂

18. Sy Montgomery: The Soul of an Octopus

This was wonderfully written. If you know little about octopus or a lot it is a great read.

4/5

19. Janet Evanovich: King's Ransom

Gabriela finds her ex husband, Rafer and his best friend Harley in need of her help. Unfortunately Harley insured some priceless treasures for the bank he works at and all of these have been stolen. To clear his name, Gabriela must locate them. However, doing so will put her at great risk and perhaps even force her to collaborate with a dangerous man.

Full of action! Gabriela is quite the talented recovery agent. Quite the superwoman!

Second book in the series. A quick read.

20. Orbital: Samantha Harvey

Many are familiar with this booker prize winner. Quite lyrical. I enjoyed it however, I think that because I read this on my lunch breaks and was always interrupted I was unable to appreciate and reflect the way I would normally have. I may come back to it again.

I always enjoy a good mystery, Anita. I hope life is not too busy.

I hope your reads are treating you well while you wait for gardening season, Anita.

>54 figsfromthistle: I very much enjoyed reading Sy Montgomery: The Soul of an Octopus. They really are such fascinating critters!

>57 vancouverdeb: Hi Deborah! Life is indeed busy and a bit stressful at the moment. No worries though. I am off two days and hope I can focus on things that need to be done.

>58 Familyhistorian: Gardening season is around the corner. I did plant a few things and hand tilled both gardens.

>59 Whisper1: It was an excellent read for me as well. I hope you are having a great week so far!

>54 figsfromthistle: Add me in as another who enjoyed The Soul of an Octopus. I generally like Sy Montgomery's work.

I loves Orbital, but I know there were others who weren't impressed with it.

>61 Dejah_Thoris: I will have to find more by this author

>62 BLBera: yes it’s interesting sometimes a book really grabs you and other times it doesn’t depending on what’s going on in life.

Missed you recently Anita.

I hope all is ok and that you'll be back and updating your thread soon. xx

Happy Saturday, Anita. I have not visited in awhile. Just checking in. I hope all is well. I loved Orbital.

Yes, Anita. I hope all is well. It is not like you to be gone this long.

I hope all is well, Anita. Sometime life just gets busy too. Take care.

It's been a while, Anita. I hope everything is okay and the garden is keeping you busy.

Stopping by to say hello and hoping you are very busy in the garden.

Hi Anita. All is well, and life is just busy?

Checking in on the new-to-me thread, Anita. I hope all is well with you as it appears to have been a while since you checked in with us. We worry, you know?

Hello everyone!

Thanks to those who have kept my thread warm and noticed my absence. I have been busy with all things garden however, I have had a few health setbacks that was intensified with a severe concussion. The last few days have been much better and I am hoping it's not a fluke. Still lots of tests and waiting for results….

I read zero books this month but did manage a few in April ( I will update and comment on them soon.

I will try my best to catch up.

Oh dear, sounds like you have had a rough time. Hope you've turned the corner now!

I am so happy to see you back on LT. I was worried about you. Sorry to hear that you had some issues. I hope they resolve quickly.

I had assumed you were busy with the garden as you usually are this time of year, so I wasn't too worried. However, I am disturbed now since you've had health problems and a concussion! I hope all the tests turn out well and you truly are on your way to recovery. Take care of yourself!

I'm glad you're back and hope your health improves rapidly now. Also that you can get back to reading!

I am glad that you are okay Anita. But that is very troublesome having a severe concussion. I hope you can really take it easy until things are settled down. I remember when our daughter got a severe concussion from a ski accident that she was required to do NOTHING. No brain activity, no physical activity and nothing to stimulate the brain. She was reluctant to try cranial-facial massage therapy but it did greatly help her with the headaches. Just saying........

>72 figsfromthistle: So glad to see you back, Anita. Sorry to hear about the concussion. I hope all is well very soon.

>73 jessibud2: It has been rough especially since my parents are on vacation so there is 2x the amount of work. I am massively behind but trying my best to catch up.

>74 Kristelh: Me as well !

>75 atozgrl: Thank you. Its was scary as I also was unable to see correctly with one eye. Makes tasks that much harder. Glad my sight has returned to normal.

>76 quondame: Yes. I did attend the local spring book sale so I should have plenty of material to read.

>77 mdoris: I hit my head hard on a branch stub on the tree when I fell of the ladder and also landed on a chainsaw chain ( not running). I had a huge bump thats still there and it was bleeding. I put peroxide on it and thought no big deal…..boy was I wrong. I can be stubborn…

>78 vancouverdeb: So far I seem to be doing great. Yesterday I had enough energy to ut the grass and had enough appetite to make a whole meal.

21. Rivka Galchen: Everyone Knows Your Mother Is A Witch

I must admit I was not sure about what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised and enjoyed the read.

The short: 1620 Johannes Kepler is forced to leave his post as imperial mathematician to defend his mother during the Wurttenburg Witch Trials.

I had no idea that Germany and Austria had these type of trials. I always thought it was only in Boston and England. I should have remembered that as I toured a castle in Austria that a woman was accused of being a witch because she managed to get a flower to bloom in winter.

For me, I enjoyed the writing. A little slower paced and I enjoyed the addition of the court transcripts into the writing.

A quick read

3.5/5

22. Gilly Macmillan: the Manor House

After a huge lottery win, Nicole and Tom build a state of the art smart tech home in the middle of nowhere. Unfortunately their happiness is short lived when Nicole finds her husband face down in the pool. However, the only other house nearby has a hidden past and secrets. The question is if those secrets are connected to Tom's death and if so, why?

A nice murder mystery

3.5/5

23. Javier Zamora: Solito

A memoir told through the eyes of Javier Zamora, a then nine year old boy who fled El Salvador through Guatemala, Mexico, and the Sonoran Desert to reach the U.S.A.

The writing was superb. I could really feel Javier's fear, anxieties and hope while reading. Lots of Spanish in the reading as well.

I wish there was a bit more on the background of why his family had to leave and would have also enjoyed a few more chapters that included the "afterwards" story.

3.5/5

24. Elif Shafak: The Island of Missing Trees

Alternate timelines of Cyprus in 1970 and London 2010 are wonderfully woven together to tell a story of love, loss, forgiveness and healing.

So wonderfully written. I will have to seek out more.

4/5

Anita, that sounds like a very serious fall. I am glad that nothing worse happened but concussions are serious. I fear falls.

>85 Kristelh: it was. I shouldn’t of gotten up on the ladder as I was quite dizzy that day. I also brushed it off thinking it was no big deal. I suppose I should’ve trusted my gut instinct. I can be stubborn sometimes 🤪

List of books I found at the library sale. It was a bit disappointing as there was no foreign language section. Last book sale there was plenty to choose from. Maybe there will be a better selection in the fall. I also did my part and donated a box of books for the sale.

Also chatted with those who are on the library volunteer committee. They are quite a cheerful and lively bunch ( mostly retirees) and I may consider to volunteer with them when theres an opening.

1. Vilnius in the life of Lithuania
by A Šapoka
2. A Kierkegaard anthology
by Søren Kierkegaard
3.Tortilla Flat (New Windmills)
by John Steinbeck
4. The Eights
by Joanna Miller
5.The Exiles
by Christina Baker Kline
6.A Man on the Moon: The Voyages of the Apollo Astronauts
by Andrew Chaikin
7.Last Night I Dreamed of Peace: The Diary of Dang Thuy Tram
by Dang Thuy Tram
8.The Last Train to Zona Verde: My Ultimate African Safari
by Paul Theroux
9.The Forever War
by Dexter Filkins
10.The Royal Governess: A Novel of Queen Elizabeth II's Childhood
by Wendy Holden

Glad to see you here again, Anita. Hope that the effects of the fall have cleared up.

>87 figsfromthistle: Some nice finds.

Glad you're back, Anita. Don't worry too much about "catching up", though. Concussions are no joke, and they take time to resolve. They can really make reading difficult, too. So take it slow and easy...we'll be here.

>88 EllaTim: Hi Ella!

Some great finds. Perhaps I will take a book or two with me on vacation :)

>89 laytonwoman3rd: Yes you are correct. Explains why every time I open a book I feel tired. Small doses I suppose.

It's great to have you back, Anita.
I hope you'll be back to full health soon.

Very glad to see you back, Anita! I hope all of your health issues are resolved soon.

>83 figsfromthistle: I am slated to read that one this month, so I am glad to see you liked it. I have seen several good reviews of it in the group.

>84 figsfromthistle: That was the second Shafak book that I read - and I have now read it twice. She is one of my LT finds.

Hi, Anita. I'm so sorry you had that fall but so glad you are feeling better now. I'm apparently also stubborn and have taken quite a few falls due to that same refusal to listen to my gut telling me to "not get up on that stepladder, dammit!," but nothing as serious as yours (yet). I admit that I am much more cautious lately as my bouts of dizziness and unsteadiness is getting worse in the past several months. Anyway, be kind to yourself and rest so you recover completely! And no more climbing ladders when you are feeling dizzy! :)

That's an amazing haul you got from the library sale. I'm especially interested in the first one as my mother's mom came to the U.S. from Vilnius in the early 1900s via Scotland, and I've been meaning to do some research on that but haven't gotten to it yet. You said you were disappointed there was no foreign language section at the library sale. How many languages do you speak? Sorry, I could go back to your bio and earlier threads to check whether you've mentioned it before, but I'm feeling lazy today.

Good to see you back posting and reading, Anita. I'll join everybody else in telling you to take it slow as you recover.

>91 SirThomas: Thanks, Thomas!

>92 alcottacre: It's the first book by Shafak that I have read. I can't wait to read more.

>93 Storeetllr: I am quite interested in reading the first one as well. My cousin's husband also came Lithuania and went to work in England where he met my cousin and then they moved to Toronto.

I speak and write three at first language/University proficiency and 2 and basic research reading knowledge.

Yes, I agree it's always good to stay safe. Work will always be there the next day.

>94 Familyhistorian: It is hard to slow down however, now I have no choice as my body shuts down if I overdo it. Friday was difficult for me. after work I drove home. I could barely keep my eyes open. I had a massive headache and queasy stomach. I slept from 4 until 12! Today was much better but I feel like it will take some time. sometimes all is good and other days not so much.

>93 Storeetllr: >95 figsfromthistle: We are going to Lithuania in July: four nights in Vilnius and four night in Kaunas. They are very close together, but there looked to be several day trips that were a lot easier from Kaunas rather than Vilnius unless you hired a car, which we are not intending to do. We haven’t been before. We went to Estonia and Latvia in 2018 and did think about visiting Lithuania at that time but couldn’t fit it in.

>96 SandDune: Oh that sounds wonderful! Lots of beautiful historic buildings! Hope you will post some pictures after your trip.

It is interesting how beautiful Lithuania is. Not just historical buildings but nature reserves/islands and sand dunes. Quite a remarkable place to explore.

Happy Monday, Anita. Sorry to hear about your health issues, especially the nasty concussion. Glad to hear you are feeling better and back to reading. May that continue...

I really want to read The Island of Missing Trees. I love her writing.

>80 figsfromthistle: Anita, A severe concussion sounds very nasty. I have an image in my head of you falling on a chain saw. Ouch..so glad it wasn't running. I'll be thinking of you as you recover.

>97 figsfromthistle: I’m really looking forward to it. Mr SandDune retires on 3rd July, and while we won’t be intending to go on holiday in the school holiday in the future he did want a short trip to celebrate his new found freedom. So we have a wedding to go to on 11th July and we are heading off to Lithuania shortly after that. We won’t be getting as far as the sand dunes but I hope to fit in a nature reserve.

Hi anita! I heard about your fall that sounds so scary. I'm glad you're on the mend.

>98 msf59: I think that's a read you will enjoy!

>99 Whisper1: Thank you. It is strange as sometimes I feel great but other times not so much.

>100 SandDune: Wow! That sounds like a busy but fun trip.

>101 Ravenwoodwitch: Thank you!

I am sorry to hear about your concussion, Anita. That sounds scary. I hope you are fully recovered.

You still have done some great reading. I loved The Island of Missing Trees. And last year THere are Rivers in the Sky was one of my favorite books.

>103 BLBera: Oh I will have to check out There are rivers in the sky when I get back from vacation. Perhaps my library has a copy.

Glad to hear that you are recovering -- falls and health stuff are no fun at all!! Since you and a few others here are loving ISland of the Missing Trees, guess I have to add it to the WL. It's dangerous catching up threads here! ; )

>105 Berly: Hope you enjoy the read when you get to it. I know what you mean about BB's! LT introduced me to fantastic authors.

Hello Anita. Happy ... everything. New Year, new thread, Monday.

I'm sorry to read about your fall and concussion, etc. I do hope you're coming along.

I've only read one by Shafak, 10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World but have There are Rivers in the Sky on my shelves.

>107 karenmarie: Nice to see you here :)

It's hard to slow down but it just shows how much you usually do on top of your paid jobs. I hope the reads are treating you well, Anita.

>109 Familyhistorian: Yes that's true. My parents are on vacation and are meeting me for a few days in Europe as well to celebrate my mom's 70th birthday. I have to admit that taking care of all gardens and everything else while they have been gone has been a lot to do for one person as well. It certainly is easier when the work is divided up between three people.

I have begun to read just a little. Yesterday, I fell asleep with a book in my hand.

Happy Monday....er I meant Tuesday!

The time just flies by. Lots to do in the next few days before I leave for vacation. Yesterday was laundry day, cleaning , changing bed linens and a whole lot of small annoying tasks.

Today, I am hoping to cut the grass and trim everything. We have been blessed with warmer temperatures but no rain so everything needs to be watered. I have some flowers to plant as well and the fruit trees will have to be sprayed.

Yesterday, I was finally able to harvest some lettuce and small spinach leaves with onions and radishes all from the garden.....topped with a boiled egg. It was delicious. Finally the garden is taking off. So are the weeds which I pulled a week ago but are coming back faster than I can keep up.

I still have to get a pedicure and go shopping for a few items, return library books and such but that will probably have to wait until tomorrow.

Enjoy your holiday, Anita! It sounds like you are very busy.

Happy holiday Anita. I hoppe you can rest after the chores leading up to departure are finished.

>112 vancouverdeb: THank you! Always something to do.

>113 Whisper1: Thank you. The heavy lifting chores were done yesterday. I ended up with a sunburn after completing the yard work and went to be early. This morning I am extremely tired and just slowly getting ready to begin my day. Lots to do. I am leaving tomorrow, driving to Toronto for park and fly in the early afternoon.

I wanted to drive my parents car to the airport for when they pick up the car it is easier for them as they are more familiar with their own. However, on the weekend I wanted to drive their car to get used to it and it would not start. I replaced the key fob batteries and still no luck. I guess they will have to get used to driving my car while I am gone.

>114 figsfromthistle: - Happy and safe travels, Anita. I know you always enjoy your time away. When do your parents get back? Will you wave as you pass in the air, lol?

>115 jessibud2: no we are spending a few days together in Europe to celebrate my mom's 70th birthday. They will pick me up at the airport in Vienna and later I will bring them to the airport. Should be fun!

Have a great trip, Anita! I will wish you safe travels with no delays or other problems. Happy birthday in advance to your mother.

>117 atozgrl: Thank you :)

Happy travels! Glad to see you back and getting healthy and looking forward to a visit with your parents. Happy birthday to your mother.

Have a lovely trip, Anita!

Have a wonderful time, Anita! Happy Birthday to your mom on her 70th!

Thanks everyone! My parents are back home but it was quite nice to celebrate and spend some time together in Europe. Now it's my turn to enjoy a relaxing vacation. Unfortunately the last two days I have been battling a cold. Probably from the person behind me in the plane that was sneezing and coughing every ten minutes. I slept a lot and feel a lot better after taking some medication. Just have the runny nose now.

Today I will go grocery shopping and perhaps stop into a used book store. I haven't decided if I will tell any of my relatives that I am here. We shall see how I feel. I don't want to be stressed by hosting or driving somewhere everyday. If I visit one person, then everyone will expect me to visit them as well.

I also finished reading a book- Jojo Moyes-Someone else's shoes.

Hope everyone is having a fantastic week so far

>122 figsfromthistle: ...and now a cold! It's been A Time for you. I hope you have good fun to get away from the stresses of late.

Enjoy your time in Europe and if you need to avoid the busy schedules, enjoy your time of peace and relaxation.

>123 richardderus: It has not been an easy ride lately, Richard. However, it could be worse and I am looking forward to relaxing :)

>124 Kristelh: Yes, my dad told me that I should take care of me and take the time to reset and relax. I shouldn't feel pressured to visit and travel everywhere if I don't feel up to it. ( after all they didn't tell anyone that they were there either) . It's just that a lot of these relatives are over 80 so you never know what the next year brings.....

I will likely spend my vacation with small day trip outings and visiting the hot springs :). I think that over the whole year I have been pushing myself past normal limits and it is time to recharge.

25. Jojo Moyes: Someone Else's Shoes

A mix up with a look alike gym bag changes two women's lives forever. New friendships develop and both women help each other to get their lives back

Cute, easy read. Some things a bit unbelievable but then again it is fiction.

3/5

>125 figsfromthistle: I agree with your dad and you. You really have been pushing the limits, and you’re very good at many things, but sometimes everyone needs to take a break.

>125 figsfromthistle: Anita, I hope you take time for yourself and enjoy the vacation. Sometimes the word "NO" is a good one. I hope you have a great time.

>125 figsfromthistle: I hope that the recharging does you good, Anita! Have a super Satuday!

>127 Kristelh: It is true. We are always good at giving advice but rarely take it. After five days of bed/couch rest today is the first day I am beginning to feel better.

>128 Whisper1: Yes the word No is a good one to use. A tough one to form.

>129 alcottacre: So far so good. I am feeling much more relaxed. I am recovering from this cold/flu watching the birds in the trees.

Happy Sunday, Anita. I am glad you had a nice trip. Sorry about the cold you brought back.

"I am recovering from this cold/flu watching the birds in the trees." Perfect remedy, right?

>131 msf59: Actually I am still in Europe till mid July. I caught the cold on the plane on the way to Europe.

Indeed, I think the birds knew I needed to smile. Lots of eurasian blue tit birds and spotted woodpeckers.

Glad you're resting and hooray for birds. I love watching them. Such a pleasure.

>130 figsfromthistle: I'm glad to hear that you are feeling better, Anita. Wishing you a restful vacation! Enjoy the birds.

>133 Kristelh: Yes it is nice. All that without having to leave the back porch!

>134 atozgrl: Austria has a lot of different bird species that I don't see in Canada. Last year I tried to get a glimpse of the bee eater bird but had little luck with it. Perhaps this year?

Hello Anita, I am following your vacation travels and hoping you are getting lots and lots of R&R,,,,&B (books!).

>136 mdoris: Yes, I am getting plenty of rest and started reading my second book since starting vacation. Today is clean up day and laundry and getting rid of all the germs in the house. Hopefully I get everything done because tomorrow I plan on making a day trip and go out for lunch :)

Hi Anita! Hope you’ll start to feel well soon. Yes, airing the germs out seems like a good plan. I hope you can spot your bee eater, beautiful birds.

Glad you are back, Anita. I'm glad you are getting lots of rest.

>138 EllaTim: Hi Ella! It is a slow road to getting better. I think I overdid it a bit yesterday. Also the massive shift in temperatures is not helping. It was cold here when I arrived and now all this week it's supposed to be over 30C.

>139 vancouverdeb: Yes, I am back on LT. Plenty of time for rest as I am on vacation until (almost) mid July. I feel lazy that I have not done much on my vacation here in Europe yet but then again vacation is about recharging......

26. Camilla Sten: Das Haus Der stummen Toten

Elanor and her grandmother have always had a strained relationship. However, when Elanor arrives late for her weekly dinner, she finds her grandmother dead. More precisely, murdered. Elanor sees the murderer flee however due to a rare condition ( face blindness) she cannot identify the person she saw. At the reading of the will she finds out that her grandmother has left a huge estate/old manor house to her. She travels up with her boyfriend and it is here where strange things and hidden truths are revealed about her family.

I never heard of face blindness and I found this angle of the story to be quite interesting.

3/5

>141 figsfromthistle: In fact a guy at our allotment park has a form of face blindness. I worked with him last year (we have the upkeep of the park to do as a group) and he told me. It’s very confusing for him, as he really doesn’t recognise people, it’s just the faces of his very close family that he will recognise. Think how isolating that must be!

30 degrees for the rest of the week? Yuck. Take it easy.

Face blindness is formally known as prosopagnosia. I believe that Dr. Oliver Sacks had it, as well, if I am remembering correctly. I can't even imagine. I haven't read all that much about it but I wonder if people who have this can recognize the voices of those whose faces don't register with them. At least that!

I’ve heard of face blindness but have’nt met anyone one with it (that I know of). It would be an interesting twist in a mystery.

>142 EllaTim: Quite interesting. I can't imagine how it would be to not recognize peoples faces you see all the time or even your own.

>143 jessibud2: Apparently, in this mystery people with face blindness can recognize other things such as voice or particular traits on the skin.....as long it's not in the face area. I didn't realize that face blindness was so common.

>144 Familyhistorian: Indeed, it could be used quite well in a mystery. This one just scratched the surface and could have been developed into the story more.

Face blindness would be very interesting, but I am glad I don't experience that.

>146 vancouverdeb: Yes I am glad I don't have that problem either- I can imagine how difficult and disorientating that would be!

27. Siena Carciofine: Laura Fiore

Siena has always wanted to be a police detective. This time two people are found killed beside her grandmothers Tuscan villa. However, someone is also stalking her and leaving behind red roses. Will she figure it out before it's too late and will the local police take her seriously?

This story really picked up in the last 1/3 of the book. Other than that I found Siena to be annoying and the company she keeps equally so. I really enjoyed the description of the food her Nonna cooks for her though.

3/5

Yesterday I decided to drive about and go into a few stores. Ugh I forgot that most charming stores in Europe have no air condition. Not fun to browse and try things on. I didn't stay long and ended up in a nice side street coffee house with an iced coffee ( real brewed coffee with ice cream-I decided to forgo the whipping cream). I was exhausted and went home. Today I am feeling much better but currently there is a heatwave and so I decided to stay home and putter around. Plus I didn't want to get dressed up or style my hair.

>149 figsfromthistle: Oooh, your coffee with ice cream (affogato, maybe?) sounds like the perfect way to recover from un-airconditioned stores!

>149 figsfromthistle: That is too bad about most charming stores not having A/C, Anita. I'm glad you enjoyed your iced coffee. A stay at home day is often lovely.

Anita, I really enjoyed The Fourth Princess so you might like it too. Like you, I have read many of Janie Chang's books and liked them all. Kristel is reading The Fourth Princess right now and enjoying it.

>150 scaifea: It is similar to that yes. Today was a swimming day :) I seem to be eating ice cream every day......then again we have above temps of 30 C so I think it's justified ;)

>151 vancouverdeb: Yes it has been nice to relax. This year we decided to buy a portable air condition as every year it gets warmer here in Europe. No need to suffer and plan our trip around the cooler weather months. I haven't seen too many homes here with central a/c.

>152 vancouverdeb: Good to know. I've enjoyed every one so far as well. Perhaps when I get back I will see if the library has a copy.

Stopping by to say hello and encourage your to rest and relax.

I come to visit my elderly parents every six weeks or so but have been renting cottages to give us all a bit of space. I get a bit of time to relax.

>154 witchyrichy: Thank you! Are you near a lake?

I went swimming and lo and behold I woke up with an eye infection. I could barely open my eye. I went to get over the counter eye drops but if it does not clear up I will have to pay a doctor to prescribe me something stronger. There is no way that I would be allowed on a plane with this infection. *sigh* Just crossing my fingers that it doesn't transfer to the other eye. It certainly was a struggle to drive and get the drops plus a few groceries I need for the weekend. I put sunglasses on so it wasn't as obvious....

>155 figsfromthistle: I'm sorry to hear that. I hope your eye gets better soon, Anita.

>156 SirThomas: Me as well! In my life I only had slightly irritated eyes but not like this completely swollen. This vacation seems to be cursed! At least I am getting plenty of rest :)

Enjoy the rest of your vacation and relaxation, Anita. Hopefully the eye infection clears up quickly.

>155 figsfromthistle: There is a lake at Mt. Gretna but it is private. Not sure how much it costs but I don't really have time. You can swim and canoe. We used to go there when I was a kid.

I am SO sorry about the eye! I am sending lots of healing energy.

>155 figsfromthistle: Oh dear, an eye infection! So uncomfortable. I hope it gets better soon. Here in BC, we can go the pharmacist for a few things - UTI, eye infection , etc and the pharmacist will give an RX for the what you need. It has proved handy for me and I am sure others.

>155 figsfromthistle: Fingers crossed that your eye infection improves soon, Anita.

>158 Familyhistorian: Yes I hope so as well. It is a bit better today but seems to get worse when I wake up in the morning. I changed the bed linens and washed all the towels. Hopefully it clears up soon as there's still some things I would like to do before I return home.

>159 witchyrichy: Oh that's neat!

Thanks regarding the speedy healing vibes.

>160 vancouverdeb: Yes, in Ontario they are able to do the same thing. Although a lot of doctors were against it at the beginning. It certainly eases the backlog for the doctors as many patients can't get an appointment for two weeks. By that time symptoms are either all cleared up or worse. My doctor told me that if I need care before that I should go to urgent care. Quite annoying - I only go to the doctor when I am sick so for me a family doctor is superfluous for most of my problems.

I noticed that in Europe the pharmacist focuses more on "natural" healing products. Everything has benefits and disadvantages.

>161 kidzdoc: Nice to see you here :) thank you !

Hope your eye infection clears up quickly, Anita!

Adding my wishes for a speedy recovery, Anita.
When do you head home? We have had the most delicious cool weather for quite some time but sadly, it's about to come to an end. A heat wave is moving into Ontario and by Tuesday, we will be in the 30Cs. ICK. I know Europe has been suffering and I hope they get some relief soon.

>163 MickyFine: I hope so as well. I will probably have to find a doctor tomorrow. It seemed to be getting better but today I woke up and my face looked like it had botox injections. Plus now my eyesight is a bit blurry and my head feels like it is tense and I have a major headache. *sigh* I will put some ice on and see if the swelling goes down

>164 jessibud2: Thank you! I return in 10 days. My parents said that they had cool weather and now a heatwave is coming. Here in Europe where I am, we have been experiencing 34C and more temps for the last 14 days. Extremely warm weather that should cool down next weekend to 25C. I am so happy that I decided to get the portable air-condition here. Certainly makes a huge difference. Last year I suffered a lot when I visited and spent a lot of time in the air conditioned car driving around and I moved my bed to the unfinished basement for some reiief.

You’re having a tough year Anita. Hope the eye gets better and that you feel better soon. Europe is really suffering with this heat wave.

Oh dear Anita. I sure hope you can get some treatment and relief very soon.

I hope that your eye is feeling better today, Anita.

>165 figsfromthistle: I hope you are feeling much better, Anita, and enjoying your trip nonetheless.

You are far away but Happy Canada Day.

Feel better soon, Anita.