kath (mckait) 75 challenge for 2010

I can't imagine leaving this group and all of you wonderful folks..

hugs to all!




And so to begin:
1.Once in a Lifetime by Cathy Kelly
2.Still Life by Louise Penny
3.Through a Glass Darkly by Jostein Gaarder
4.Code Blue: A Katrina Physician's Memoir by Richard E. Deichmann M.D.
5. A Fatal Grace by Louise Penny
6. The Cruelest Monthby Louise Penny
7. Flight of Aquavit: A Russell Quant Mystery
8. Tapas on the Ramblas:
9. Stain of the Berry:
10.Sundowner Ubuntu:

I've got you starred, Kath!

Popped over to check out my favorite fellow readers. Got you starred and ready for the shiny new year!

Gotcha starred for 2010 Kath! And I'm graduating across from the 50-Bookers myself this year - is it wrong to feel quite so happy about that? I feel like I just finished high school or something!

I have starred you too. I've missed seeing you around!

elliepotten -- congratulations on graduating! I've been demoted! from the 100 group. ;o)

Here's another star, for one of LT's brightest stars!

Welcome back!

I am on board with you too, Kath. Glad to see you back!

I can hardly wait! I have a couple I want to get in this year but....it has been such fun!

found you, now lets see if this works!

http://www.librarything.com/topic/79214

And why would you try, since we'd just hunt you down and drag you back?

rdear...
you are too sweet.

Made me smile really big :D

I simply speak sooth, dearest.

*lights a fire here, too...plumps pillows and lays in salties and sweets for friends*

*shmoogles shoulders* This cushion's a little lumpy, sweetness, can I have another?

*tucks rd in with two squoosy pillows, and a christmassy quilt*

ahhh

Pampering is bliss

We wouldn't let you leave us, Kath .... I'd entice you back though, unlike Richard the Caveman in search of a spa.

Glad to see you here, Kath - got you starred again.

thanks all... so glad to be here :)

Just trying to keep track of my thread.....

doing the same, so I can find you ;-)

I've got you starred and I'm rip roarin' ready to go. Need to go put a ticker on my thread.

like the ticker!

*snort* A more appropriate slider is a hare, since Kath is among those who read fifteen books before breakfast, then a couple over lunch, and a round fifty after dinner. I don't know how the lady does it. I sit in slack-jawed awe over it, in fact, tears of bitter envy coursing down my beard.

Then I think that she reads Chris Bohjalian *ickptui* and that makes everything all better.

love ya back rd

Poopsiecuddles, I forgot...I was going to send you the Russell Quant books I've got for Yuletide, but never asked if you liked the first one enough to want them! I was shelf-mongering today and ran across them. Whaddaya say? No wrong answer, if you don't want 'em someone else will.

oh my! yes please ! :)

I do love Saskatoon !

K

Now, wert thou aware, Goody Kath, that Our Own Stasia might very well be in the Merrie Olde Realme of Pennsyl-thingie on/around July 10th, 2010? Should said event eventuate, I shall be driving Penn-ward, and expecting to see you (and Linda, gosh, she's there too! AND Deborah/Cariola!).

Be Prepared.

this sounds adventure-like

:)

#30: Trust me on this, Kath - if I am involved in any way, shape or form, it will be an adventure!

Is there a possible location in mind here?

*turning green*

maggles! hello :)
come and join us!

ya...in my dreams. Pennsylvania is a looooooong ways from Washington State....and I would have to bring the three kids with me...and they don't travel all that well in suitcases...sigh

follow my blog?

http://marvelousmaggiesmusings.blogspot.com/

and here's a link to my 75 books thread:

http://www.librarything.com/topic/80178

OK, all set? and Happy New Year to you.

Hey Kath- Found you, starred you! Here's to a fantastic reading year!!

#32: My husband and I were just discussing that tonight. My family reunion is in western PA, Linda (Whisper) lives in eastern PA, and I have no idea about the other half of the group who seems bent on meeting me :)

Pa is a big state.. I live in the SW corner. Here's hoping I can work it out...
That i just the time I go back to work for a month..

Compared to Texas, PA is just a suburb!

*waves*

Hey, mckait! I'll grab this big, soft throw pillow and make myself comfortable.

lol @ doc

Georgia.. plse do.. I am making some punch.. cheese and crackers and nachos and stuff later on...

Kath- Happy New Year, my friend!!

happy new year!

You know... it would be really fun if at some point, a few people who are organizing wizards, organized an LT day. Perhaps we'd have regional LT chapters so all LT members around the globe has a bunch of people they can meet and anyone who happens to be traveling could even pop into one of the regional chapter meets. *wishful sigh*

Happy New Year! I am looking forward to our group in 2010 and it just would not be the same without you! Thus, my dear, of course, you are starred!

And, wouldn't it just be ever so special to see, Richard, Deborah, Marcia and anyone else who wants to join the magical mystery tour bus to see our dear, dear friend Stasia!

It would be great to have a great 75 er meet-up for sure..
magical buses from all over the country converging on Sedona.

We could take our books, and our snacks and our what-have-yous.. and
spend the day at a vortex site communing with nature, the gods and each other :)

Happy and Healthy and Prosperous new year to all !

So many days, so many books... so little time!

I nearly took myself out last night, lol..
I was reading my current book with a lightwedge.. while lying in bed.
The thing was designed for that... I assume.. anyway..
it slipped out of my hands and bonked me on the head.
I cursed silently.. and gave it up to go to sleep.

:)

2010 and still looking for a decent book light..

I looked around carefully this morning when I took Duncan out... it looked the same as it did yesterday morning. That was a little disappointing... I hoped for something to be just a little different..

:)

We watched the new Star Trek movie last night..and again just now...
Wonderful! but a little too much fisticuffs for my taste~
still, loved it.

I think it was inspired of them to reboot the frachise from the get-go this way, and to explain away the "that never happened" brigade's problems with future movies by making iit subtly clear that this is an *alternate* universe.

Kudos to the producers and writers for that decision and its execution.

I watched the first episode of "Caprica", the Syfy (idiot name) prequel series to Battlestar Galactica, this morning. I love vidoe-on-demand! The new series is about how humanity killed itself, without ever noticing. I thought it was terrific. Eric Stolz and Esai Morales are the male leads, and proof that guys approaching 50 can be hot.

I love on demand too... I caught up on Sanctuary last week :)
Love that show.. no idea why though.

There was an article in the NYT a few days ago about Google adding search improvements to make suggestions on YouTube content you'd like, in an effort to increase the time the average user spends there from its present 15min.

Just think...add a module to TiVo/Xbox/DVR that lets one access the YouTube content on the regular TV set...and hey-presto, it's the McKait Network in all its sharable glory!

Bye bye, NBC. *blows kiss*

Article is over here if you're interested.

Kath: check out Brookstone ... they have a good reading light that's small, with a bendable arm, and is light (so if it does fall and bonk you on the head, you're not in danger of a concussion). I threw away the box, so I don't remember what it's called, but the base looks like a mouse (computer, not animal). I couldn't find it online so maybe it's something they only sell at their stores.

They also have a good travel book light : http://www.brookstone.com/Micro-Keychain-Light.html?his=2~46337~2~root_category%...

Or what about these .... lighted glasses. The picture made me think of Superman with his heat vision. http://www.brookstone.com/Lighted-Eyeglasses.html?his=2~46337~2~root_category%40...

Happy New Year, Kath! Glad you survived your close encounter with a book light . . . Who needs skydiving or other daredevil pursuits; this reading stuff can be dangerous! ;)

Add me to the LT reunion crowd if it converges on SW PA!

rd.... clearly, in addition to being a book snob..you are a tv snob


caroline..I was looking at this:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000VR32MA/ref=ord_cart_shr?_encod...

since I have a gift card at my disposal.... still thinking though and also looking at the glasses... lol

terri, seriously!reading can indeed be dangerous and yay yay yay! to you meetin up too!

Wish I had that much hair....

Kath: Don't get the one from Amazon. I've already tried that one out and the light from it is pretty weak. The headboard of my bed has a little shelf just above my head, and that's where I put my reading light. When I put this one on it, the beam wasn't strong enough to light half the book and I had to keep moving my book depending on which page and which part of the page I was reading. I found it rather annoying after a while.

#55: You could always borrow some of mine, Richard. I am constantly shedding but, unlike my husband, not going bald :) Mine just grows back! How do you feel about long curls? lol

Caroline.... thank you so much for that! I appreciate the help.

:)

Hair plugs, richard?

>57 alcottacre:, 59...nuh-uh. I'd rather go bald naturally than do all that monkeyin' around and look like mutton dressed up as lamb. I have my dignity, don't you know.

So it is sunday, and I go back to work tomorrow. I had my sons here.. just two of them, but someone since before I started my holiday break. Cory is leaving today. I read a grand total of 2 books.. lol. It was wonderful having them home, though.

I admit to looking forward to having an hour or two to myself alone before bedtime tonight. I need some downtime. I can catch up on reading anytime, though.. and am glad the boys were home.

So, later I will post a review and maybe read another book
???

happy sunday

happy sunday back at you, kath. And my best wishes for your return to work that you will find satisfaction and joy in work well done. (holding my thumbs, I am)

I must admit to missing the kids...
its the actual going that is tough.. lol

At least January is bus month for Barb, not me.
This is a good thing! Although it leaves me stuck in a room with Marcia.
Once she drove me to my limit and I actually threw a booklet at the wall..
:P

not good....

she wanted me to change a child out of a perfectly dry pull up into a diaper..
go figure..

Happy (brr) Sunday, kath!

Kath- Enjoy your last day of freedom! Take care, my friend!

brrr indeed! is it warm anywhere?

Even here we have a cold winter and snow since a week before Chrismas!
BTW the last white Christmas before this one was in 1982...
Anita

It's 27F here in Boston so no, definitely not warm. In fact, the wind's quite ferocious out there so it feels even colder. The swirling snow is pretty ..... from the inside, but a real pain in the hmm hmm because all our shoveling efforts have come to naught as the snow has formed yet another layer over everything. Ah well ... i do like winter though, so my griping isn't very heartfelt.

72 degrees right now in San Diego, Kath. Sorry.

Ah, but San Diego is in California, which is the land of Nod and to be avoided! Problem solved. (Native born, son of native born, grandson of native born, so I can say that nyah.)

!whew! Glad to hear it toni! I was beginning to think we had entered a new ice age!

1. Once In a Lifetime by Cathy Kelly

This is a vine book and I posted a review..short and sweet.... it is much more than I expected of it. I liked it a lot.

2. Still Life: A Chief Inspector Gamache Novel (Three Pines Mysteries) by Louise Penny

I love Three Pines and its people. I want to live there when I grow up. I love the people, the woods and the bistro. If you love Saskatoon.. read these books. I have two more on the way ( used) from Amazon, and then they will make their way to one of my bestest buds. Some things you just have to share asap!

3. Through a Glass, Darkly by Jostein Gaarder
Unusual, intriguing and somehow manages to not be sickeningly sweet.
This offers so much to think about and still manages to be a quick pleasant read. Liked it a lot. I have Sophie's World waiting in the wings and after this, look forward to it even more. I will try to do a real review later.

eta

The more I think about This one, the harder I think it will be to review, but I am increasingly glad that I read it.

I recommend them all to the right readers.. you know who you are :)

I'm starting Still Life tonight. Thanks for the rec:)

ETA fix touchstone.

You are off to a great start Kath

I've already got the Three Pines series on my wish list, so the only book I need to add today from your thread is Once in a Lifetime

Since I read Through a Glass, Darkly last year, there are parts of the book that still resonate in my mind and during quiet moments, I find myself contemplating the concepts presented.

Little did I know that everyone started their new thread mid-December!! As long as it doesn't get as bad as the stores...I can't stand holly and Christmas lights during Halloween. LOL. Got you starred again now that I found you.

Sophie's World is on my list for this month so it will be interesting to see your reaction, too.

Nothing that is not already in the BlackHole for me this time around, Kath.

I also have Sophie's World in the BlackHole, so I will be interested in seeing your (and Darryl's) take on it.

Me? Or Karen (kiwidoc)? She actually reads, I just listen to music and watch football.

LOL @ Darryl..

I picked up Code Blue for my next read.. hopefully finished by tomorrow?
Of course being back at work ( where I am sneaking in from right now) is going to slow me down..and I am already behind! Last year at this time, I think I had eleven. I don't count anything that I read before jan 1.

I needed some space between the Gaarder books..

4. Code Blue: A Katrina Physician's Memoir by Richard E. Deichmann M.D.

did not like

more later

#81 I'm eager to hear why you did not like it. The title made me think it would be interesting. (Maybe you've saved me from wasting some time on a bad book.)

I'm interested too in why you didn't like the Katrina book.

I'm anxious to hear your comments about this book as well.

I still have a few books to read on Katrina, those at the top of the list include Path of Destruction and Why New Orleans Matters.

Through a Glass, Darkly sounds intriguing, as Sophie's World is one of my favorite books of all time.

Add me to the list of people who are intrigued to find out why you didn't like the Katrina book, as the title sounds fascinating and I'm a sucker for medical memoirs.

I will add comments asap..
had a b'day party to go go last night.. too tired after. i will have a book to add later, so will try to corral my thoughts by then.

*paces impatiently up and down the thread*

Well, since you have to work and all...

*paces*

>>84 Whisper1: Before we had Jack, Jane and I went to New Orleans a few times a year. We once heard Tom Piazza (along with a bunch of other great New Orleanean writers) at a Banned Books week event. I was 8 months pregnant and completely wrecked when Katrina happened and Jane bought me Why New Orleans Matters as soon as it came out. I think it was the first post-Katrina New Orleans book I got.

I remember loving it, but the information above is to point out that I may have been a) biased and b) hormonal.

You're gathering quite a crowd at the ranch, waiting for you to 'corral your thoughts'. I've got a couple of Katrina books high on my list, too, so I'm also lurking around here, waiting, ,,
Hope that party was a good one!

Sorry... work does cut into my online time.
Mostly, it was imo just a dull narration of things, many of which we already knew...more or less. I guess I felt it was a poor me I am practically a hero and
look what is happening around me sort of thing. In fact, more than not liking the book I did not like the doctor.

thats it. Nothing dramatic.. sorry for the waiting :)

I am now into another one of the Three Pines books and reading as fast as I can with all the snow sweeping and birthday partying..and stuff...

*SCORE*

One I don't have to add to the Wishlist! This is a good day!

I hope the Three Pines book is living up to your expectations, Kath. I loved that whole series.

I am loving them too... this is the third one for me :)

They get better as they go along, IMHO.

I agree... I read the last one first, as it was an ER book... and so far it is my fave...
I am liking all of them though...

*spiritual pain*

I wouldn't know if they're good or not...

monday is mail-target day

Coolness!

*light bulb*

Why are you home today? *worried frown*

Thanks for the tip off ... now I won't have to add Code Blue to my TBR. Whoohooo. I keep adding so many books from recommendations I find here, that I'm starting to celebrate the times I actually don't have to add anything for a change.

umm.... Kath? You're using your mail for target practice on Mondays? Do your postal officers know about this? Should they start wearing body shields when delivering your mail? ;-)

>100 cameling: ROFL

Better warn Mark not to visit on Monday....

I heard that...tip-toes away!

darn! caught out...
reading last of the Three Pines books I have...
monday should do it..

school closed today due to terrible weather..
staff to report. This staff called off with about
3/4 of the others. All is well..

Off to bed with a book....

Good for you Kath!!!!

Sleep Well!

Stupid weather forecasters. According to the BBC weather website, it is currently bright sunshine here (my mum said the snow must be a figment of my imagination and that I could darn well get ready for work). Actually, we could hardly see through the snowflakes to drive to work this morning and it's still going! I'm sensing another early-afternoon finish... We've been here nearly two hours and haven't had one person through the door yet. *sigh* On the plus side, it meant I finished Persuasion yesterday and am well into The Snow Tourist now!

Well, I would come visit you in the shop if I could!

You visit us online Stasia, your loyalty has been duly noted! :-)
It's now nearly 1pm and 1) it's still snowing, 2) my stepdad's stuck on our drive and now eating soup instead of digging his way out to rescue us, and 3) still not one person through the door. Not. One.

If your stepdad does not come and rescue you, at least you have plenty of reading material on hand!

Hmmm, going back to 72, the Three Pines stuff sounds fun. Of course, I swore to start no new mystery series this year.

But, really, was I fooling anyone?

ETA: Your touchstone for that one is bad, btw. It's going to the Tom Robbins book.

#110: You did not fool me - simply because I always say I am not going to start a new series and then of course, do. The Three Pines series is very good, Tad, and I do not think you will be disappointed should you decide to throw caution to the wind and indulge. Read them in order though!

Tad... sorry.. T-stone was good when I placed it.
grrr

ellie... website? do tell?

started on the last one of the Three Pines series that I have. I am liking it.. and will comment when all are finished.

Three Pines/Saskatoon... love them !

rdear, you are going to LOVE these.. or so I predict.

>112 mckait: I expect to, when I get them. Oh, and the package I'm sending you hit a snag...called gout...but soon!

Miss Eleanor Potten! Explain yourself immediately! YOU HAVE A WEBSITE and have failed to disclose it prior to now?!?

*scandalized silence*

No worries rdear... I won't run out of reading materiel before the arrive, I am pretty sure :)

I know that you can search the catalog of Book End, Ellie's shop, here: http://www.abebooks.com/book-end-bakewell/54850358/sf

As to a website specifically for her, I do not know about that.

Thank you for the heads up on Code Blue. It is a book which would have caught my eye, so you saved me!

Ellie made a page for her shp on facebook

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/Bakewell-United-Kingdom/Book-End-Bakewe...

to become a fan!

ProfilerSR quite welcome. I wish I could have been more specific. I just could not wait to be done with it, and felt as if I had wasted my time...
:(

#117: Thanks for the link, Kath. Now I am a fan of Book End.

Hey Kath- Hope you are having a nice weekend!

Also a fan of Book End. Let me know, Stasia, when you plan to go to England to go bookshopping. Maybe you can fit that in this summer after your trip back east.

Thanks for the link Kath!

adding...

The Cruelest Month
&

A Fatal Grace

by Louise Penny
two more Chief Inspector Armand Gamache novels.

I have yet to find and read A Rule Against Murder
I finished off 2009 with The Brutal Telling ...

Add to these

Still Life and The Brutal Telling

I completely loved all of these books. and Richard, there is a reference in one that will delight you even more than it did me..... think sweet poetry..

I will not post a review of any of these, but will tell my thoughts of these books as a series. As I mentioned in the book that I did review for the ER group, The Brutal Telling, this is a wonderful group of people characters. Each book has of course, a murderer. Each murderer from Three Pines is a good person who did a bad thing. Sort of. Taken on their own, I would no doubt like them. Taken as a group, I am in love. Mostly. There is one resident of the village that I have never warmed up to. Each book makes me like that person less.

Gamache must surely retire to Three Pines, I think? But first, that magical little village has to quit producing surprise corpses. But that would mean the end wouldn't it? Or would it? Needless to say I am eager for the stories to go on.

You really must read these.. all of them, all of you. I can hardly imagine enyone not liking these books. Rdear.. PLEASE do not bin these even if I am wrong and you loathe them, else a curse shall be placed on you that will keep you scratching for years. ( just sayin')

I am convinced that these are real people and real stories and Ms Penny has a front row seat to their shenanigans. Only in this way could an author produce such realistic and lovable ( sometimes curmudgeonly and broken) folks..

Books are meant to be read, and these books more so than many...

Hey, Kath!

Odd that i haven't read any of Louise Penny's books..when i get her email Newsletter every month..and don't recall how that happened..so now..more titles on the Tottering WishList...thank yo so veddy much
;-)

I literally pant with anticipation for these to arrive chez moi. They sound wonderful!!

Six books in 10 days! I think you should change the tortoise in your ticker to a hare.

or even a race horse

#120: I fear there will be no trip to England for bookshopping this year, Donna, as I am not supposed to be buying any books in 2010! I bought some books last year from Ellie's shop though - online, of course.

I am about half as far along as I was this time last year.
bleh... I have to lose the fb demon...

Evil, evil Farm(Town/Ville/Burg/Borough/Stad/Gorod/...), taking our Kath away from us!

You just have to lose some of the games you're playing on fb .. except fville! ;-)

I don't really do farmville or farmtown anymore....
Happy Island
Happy Pets and
Happy Aquarium...
they suckedme in with all the happy..
smilingfishies and cats and dogs... lol

I am trying... honest~

rd.. books mailed this pm

aha.. I wondered why you weren't planting anything anymore. The cows, penguins, brown geese and turtles all miss you

#131 But . . . but . . . I thought you said the Farm . . . whatever animals were so cute!

*shakes head at fickle (ex-)farmer*

That's right, you tell her, Terri! AND she's not helping me build the extension to my barn too. Whereever am I going to store my Christmas tree, snowmen, extra ladders and extra bales of hay?

Whereever am I going to store my Christmas tree, snowmen, extra ladders and extra bales of hay?

The delete button is your friend.

Tnx, mck.

You guys crack me up!! I have enough of a menagerie right here, in my own home, with three kids and a hubbie, cute though they all may be. Now, if someone wants to come over and clean house, then I will gladly go online and play farmer. How do you guys find the time? I barely get my reading in as it is! ;)

I visit the brown geese once a day when I try to get a golden egg for my friends...
:) and the ther farm, farm town.. animals are cute..

and I click on every barn raising I see ( no one clicked on mine.. :( woe is me

seriously I am trying to quit... wish there was a pill lol

berly do I have you and nannybette starred? I don't think so... links, I need links!

Hi Kath/Stasia - I missed all your publicity! Thank you for clearing that up in my absence... We don't have our own website because it costs a fortune to set it all up if you want to be able to sell through it (with credit cards and all that jazz), and most booksellers go straight to AbeBooks anyway. So our FB page and AbeBooks catalogue will just have to cut the mustard! What I WOULD like to know is why we didn't appear as an Abe seller to be linked to our LT Local page. But after multiple messages to the Powers that Be here and at Abe, we've just been 'passed on', or ignored altogether, so I've given up for now...

Rant over, back to the books! And, er, FarmTown. :-D

#138: Glad to give you what publicity I can, Ellie! Sorry about the problems with the PTB here at LT though.

>137 mckait: If it showed up on my feed, I clicked on your barn raising! And I notice you didn't mention Island Paradise and Jungle Extreme, Kath!!

The jungle thing is new, I admit it..
another thing a friend asked me to join
I join a lot of things so that others can get the benefit of a neighbor.
I won't keep it.. I will play it for a few more days, most likely.. but I don't like it much. I do check into those games when I can so I can post the pop ups..

:)

Island paradise only takes me 5 minutes or so a day. I have the
super harvester thingie on the days i need to harvest...and the super planter
and have small plots.. an LT friend asked me to play *k are you here?*
anyway..

thats true
they are there...

She, who shall be referred to as "#141", is clearly

AN LT DESERTERESS

like Miss Eleanor Potten.

*hmmmf*

*pat richard on back* there there there!

where is this farm?

LOL ..BB its on FaceBook....

Tonight rdear, I am just too tired....
long day.

Package received, loveycuddles, halfway through Still Life and already completely in love.

What a wonderful book!

I checked my library tags and found I added Still Life to the tbr pile March 2009...I need to get cracking and read it.

Oh Linda, please hurry, read it soon! It's just wonderful to feel so immersed in a place, a Brigadoonish mythical place that's full of lively unreal friends.

I'm a happy old man right now.

Well then, I will go to the library tomorrow and obtain a copy of said book. My books off the shelf dream will simply have to wait another month.

#147: You are going to be happier before the series is over, Richard. The books improve!

I am happy to hear that you are loving Three Pines. We could easily be neighbors there...

Can I admit that I thought about that? and for fun.. populated the town and its offerings with LTers.. I was there.. can you guess who I played?

Kath- Good morning, my friend! Hope you are well!!

>150 mckait: ...Irenee? *ducks ninja star thrown by Kath*

Ruth Zardo? *flees*

Just popping in to say hello .... *flees from the battle field of flying ninja stars*

Sigh, you dreadful man....
for this I am sneaking in here from work when I am supposed tobe doing access?

I used to have more scruples than to do that, but now that I use LT for our staff library, I can get away with it ( just) and scruples have fallen by the wayside.

*sniff*

anyway.. Ruth Zardo ... get back to me on her..

Oh and Hi Mark...
sorry.. rd had me feathers all ruffled.....

Hope it warms up for you for a while.. do you take along an ice pick to work.

I posted this on the Kitchen thread, but thought I might throw the suggestion onto your own thread...

You mentioned being interested in reading margin notes left by previous readers, so you might be interested in reading Marginalia: Readers Writing in Books. It traces the history of marginalia - who does it, why, and what it means for readers and books. I thought it was really interesting, and keep meaning to reread it.

oooooooooooo! that looks very yummy! Thank you :D

picked it up used frpm BetterWorldBooks :)

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=253060986318&ref=mf&v=info

News:
Let's Help Them Get Out of Haiti

Please Join to petition the immediate rescue of Jamie McMutrie, Ali McMutrie, and 30 Haitian children from the aftermath of the recent earthquake.

Jamie Heckman and Ali McMutrie have been running an orphanage in Haiti until last Tuesday.

The earthquake on January 12th, 2010 that had ravaged the island at 7.0 on the richter scale has left the two sleeping outside on the front lawn of their devastated building with 30 children. This, according to an email Jamie had sent from a borrowed cel phone, as well as the information that all 30 of these children have been spoken for to be adopted into American homes.

These are the only 2 email communications that we have so far from them:

“Our housé is falling b two also. Adoptions stoppéd five yrs at least. We are living in yard no food water bank stores phone mostly. Only idéa is if u no anyoné important who can give réfugee status to all thé bresma u.s. kids. We trùly cant keep babys alive water contaminated. This is our only hope -only private planes allowed. We know its cràzy but can évryone come togethér and find a person to help us like obama? Thé kids r almost américan and will have homes. We try to call all day and cant. Sending this from a strangers blackberry.”

“i want to make sûre évryoné ùnderstands we cant stay inhaiti and thé kids will not live if théy stay. Riots will start within two days.”

We have to do something.

If there is any more information that can be helpful to this situation please post it here on the group so that we can all join in the effort together to bring them all home.

holy goddess... what can be done?

This was on the news tonight....
this is from their facebook page...

the latest is that they have the ear of the state senators and Bill Clinton.. yay! fingers crossed...

My fingers are crossed as well!

An epic tragedy already...I pray this doesn't become another chapter within it.

update today :

Thanks to all of you for your continuing support and prayers through this very serious situation!

Ali Pace, wife of Chad McMutrie, spoke with Ali McMutrie on the phone at 4am this morning.

Ali was using one of the multitude of phone numbers that was given to her by the sisters to try in this situation.

Ali McMutrie said 'We are okay, but not actually okay."

She continued to explain that all of their supplies are running out, although none of them (including the children) are in danger of their health or physical well being yet.

Ali Pace explained that the next plan of action is to acquire a plane this morning (Friday, January 15th) to take down supplies to the sisters and children. They will be taking 8 other American passengers down to assist in the preparations to bring everyone back here to America.

The plans are still in the works this morning, specific details are forthcoming.

As of now, all of the children that are going through the adoption process here in the States (approx. 30) will finish the adoption process once here, and continue on to their new American homes.

For the other children (120 or so) they will be brought here temporarily, but their futures are yet uncertain.

...

What we need right now:

Ali Pace has requested that people gather and donate the following to a location yet to be determined:

so it is looking good for these few at least.....
This tragedy in Haiti makes my heart hurt.. I just want to d something:(

Kath, I donated my entire book-buying budget for 2010 to Medecins Sans Frontieres. It's not that much, but GOD we have to do every little bit or this is going to get...what? What's the superlative of "horrific"?

I know what you mean my friend...
I gave to Doctors without Borders as well. Darryl's recommendation was good enough for me. I trust him.

Thanks for the vote of confidence, kath. I have donated to Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières for years, and I feel very comfortable supporting them and recommending then, along with UNICEF and Save the Children.

These days, it is so hard to be sure, Darryl. I wouldn't give to the Red Cross ... not after all the controversy over the years. Thank you for the recommendation. I also hope to contact these local women when the get back and try to help some there.

ok...

On to another subject. I had a long talk with rdear last night about something that has been on my mind. I have been a member of the Amazon Vine program for some time now. This provided me with 4-5 free books, usually ARCs each month. I have indeed benefited by finding some new authors and receiving a couple of books I would have bought anyway. I faithfully read and review them. I am not having fun anymore. It has been a long time since i had a long stretch of reading what I want to instead of what I need to. I hae found myself hiding from my books on fb. What the haeck am I doing?!?!?

My reading habits have suffered, my reading pleasure has suffered. innsanity.
I plane to quit being a vine reviewer. It is just not worth the free books. It was fun in the beginning, but not any longer...

Why do I feel that I need to make an announcement? Heck if I know, but you are my friends and I thought I would tell you :)

on to a good book .. Richard sent me some books and I am going to dive into one of them immediately ( almost ) Saskatoon anyone?

I know what you mean Kath. I've been getting books to review from a publishing company since last summer. In the beginning I was thrilled, but now it feels like work. I think part of the problem is they don't publish the type of books I 'love'. I might 'like' the books, but knowing I HAVE to read them takes most of the 'like' out of it.

If you've lost your joy for reading, you've got to do whatever it takes to get it back.

Good for you, Kath! When you stop having fun and books start to become The Enemy, you know it's time to look around and think again... And what better place to make this announcement than right here, where we all understand 'should-read' pressure and 'should-review' irritation...?

Right, Kath. I had forgotten about the mismanagement problems that the Red Cross has had over the years. Scratch that organization from my list.

Thanks for letting us know about the Amazon Vine program. I have way too many books at home that I am eager to read to waste time on mediocre books that have little or no interest to me.

Yes, when it ceases being fun it's time for a break. I basically did the same thing last year, Kath, and only choose maybe one book a month now. Much happier.

The phone companies are trying to raise funds too, and you can send a text message to Verizon or AT&T donating $10 to the American Red Cross ... but here's the snafu ... the phone companies aren't actually going to forward your donations until you pay your phone bill, so it could be anything between 30 - 90 days before the funds get to ARC.

I think it's best to just donate directly to Doctors Without Borders or World Vision/

Pam( ThePam, yes?) I am glad to hear that. Glad to know its not just me !

Re: book review decision: When the thing you love the most becomes drudgery, it's time for a change! (It happened to me with music, when I went to music college.) I've enjoyed my LT Early Review books, but I've been very selective with what I request, and it is at most 1 per month. And this month, I only requested one that I REALLY want to read. (I would absolutely not want to be committed to reading & reviewing 4 or 5 books each month!)

Re: Haiti. It is such a monumental tragedy. We donated right away through our church denomination's disaster relief fund, which is generally rated as one of the most efficient relief agencies in the world -- and their offices in Haiti are intact and they are already responding. We donated by credit card in order for the money to go ASAP. Then we read that (with the exception of a few cc companies which have set up exemption programs) the credit card company gets a cut of the donation as a "transaction fee" before it gets to the charity. GRRRR!

I had even stopped entering books into my catalog terri... terrible situation. Once made, I feel more at ease. I am about to begin a book now, all of my weekend chores are finally done. rd sent me some books and as soon as I figure out which to read first.. I am in it!

That makes me sick... the credit card getting a fee....
I used a debit card from my credit union... wonder if that is the same??

Flight of Aquavit here I come :)

#173...YIKES! The credit card company taking a chunk from the charity. Oh, my!

Greed is disgusting to me. The problem with corporations, according to a 19th-century judge, is that they have no body to threaten and no conscience to prick.

Enjoy your trip to Saskatoon, sweetness, and remember...cameling and I are going to go to the *real* place this fall!

Richard

I still hold hope for capitalism. Years ago KMart and J.C. Penny were at the top of the food chain. Both gave very poor customer service and as a result, slipped dramatically.

Ooh ooh, you've just reminded me to move Sundowner Ubuntu and Aloha Candy Hearts up my TBR tower to read in February.

Over here in the UK, there is an umbrella organisation called the Disasters Emergency Committee, comprising around 15 of the main aid organisations that have UK offices (includes World Vision, Save the Children, CAFOD, Tearfund etc. etc.). They act as a clearing-house for donations so the money gets through to whichever charity is on the ground and actually doing the work. Also, the credit card companies have agreed to waive their fees on donations to DEC. I'm not sure if you can donate via them from the US though (and if you have concerns about the Red Cross - interested to hear why, Kath? - they are one of the charities covered by DEC).

The timelag in text donations is worrying, but the article I saw said that most of the charities were spending the money anyway, as they had enough cash stocks and/or loan arrangements in place to cover them until the money comes through. DEC says it is quickest and cheapest for them to donate online.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10619317/

http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2006/02/28/red_cross_manag...

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2002/07/29/eveningnews/main516700.shtml

http://newstandardnews.net/content/index.cfm/items/2873

The bottom line seems to be that the RED CROSS has suffered from gross mismanagement and fraud here and even in Canada, where there were isues with blood and HIV. I haven't donated through them for years, and Like Darryl, try to find a different and more direct route.

Wow, those links are alarming! But also reassuring for me re. DEC, because it's the British Red Cross that are covered by them. I hadn't realised that the stressing of the origin in the name indicated different management.

The Red Cross didn't win many fans in our area when tornados hit some years back. They forced local help efforts (which were working well) to shut down, and didn't replace some of them with anything of their own.

#166: Your running away to FB rather than face your books is happening to me in reverse: Facebook has gotten to feel more like a job than fun, so I am not spending any time there at all these days. I told the girls I was done for FB for a while.

So Kath, I am hijacking you thread for a good cause: Haiti. Our friends Bill and Mary Pierznik adopted a son from Haiti last year and during the process, they created a non-profit organization called the Mangrove Fund (www.mangrovefund.org) to help improve the conditions for orphans like their son Richelor. His son is now four but remembers his friends back home. I received a note from Bill today requesting assistance and I wanted to pass this along to a many of our friends. If you are interested to help, please go directly to the website. Here is an excerpt from his email......

"Most of Richelor’s friends are still at the orphanage – it is called BRESMA. The orphanage consists of 3 buildings (and like so many others), they are virtually destroyed. The 150 kids at those places are now sleeping outside. They range ages 3 months to 9 years old and we discovered tonight that they have about 24 hours of food and water left.

On Wednesday morning, Richelor (who attends Class Academy in NW Portland) asked me if he could help “fix the things that are broken in Haiti and help my friends”. So today we started a coin drive at his school. Attached is a photo of him holding the coin jar. Just today he collected well over $100. This was covered by KOIN6 news, NewsChannel 8 and the Oregonian today. Here are a couple of links about these efforts:

http://www.koinlocal6.com/content/mediacenter/default.aspx?videoId=14466@koin.da...

http://www.oregonlive.com/news/index.ssf/2010/01/portland-area_groups_scramble.h....

We are going to take all of his money and run it through Mangrove Fund (our charity) and send it to the orphanages in Haiti.

I was wondering if you could help us whether via donating via the website and/or spreading the link to our website. We audit 100% of every dollar and we take nothing for admin expenses.

Bill Pierznik"


Bill is a well respective corporate lawyer in Portland and leader of the Alto Group. Walt and I know the Pierzniks to be thoughtful, generous and of the highest integrity. If you are interested to help, please link to Bills Website.

Thanks, Kim(berly)

>166 mckait:
Jeesh, Kath, it is bad when something you love becomes a chore..i know, because last year i stopped reading altogether...too many ARCs, health problems, attitude problems...so i just stopped....It's funny, i always envied your participation in Vine...from your reviews it seemed like you received some pretty good books (in my opinion)...but, if you don't like what you're reading but are obligated to do a review..that gets frustrating...so, i hope you can get back to reading what You want to..and can wean yourself (just a little) from FB....i miss you here on the threads
;-}

good information Berly, Thank you!

We need info about where to go to help :)

Stasia.. I know what you mean.. I am cutting back on games and planning to get back to my books full steam ahead...

Jude.. I remember! Hopefully this will be a good year for us all in all ways..
Sad that it starts so badly for others, but with so many doing what they can to help..

Hopefully soon, healing can begin for them...

Having a hard time reading today... I get into it and the phone ringsor someone
knocks. sigh. BUT! Flight of Aquavit is wonderful. ( oh, and I got sucked into an episode of House...)

Kath
I don't watch much TV, but I do love House! He is just so obnoxiously intelligent you have to like him.

Kath- Are you off today, for the holiday? I am and I plan on relaxing! We might go to the show this afternoon and see the Clooney film, "Up in the Air", otherwise reading is the predominant objective!
It sounds like a good move on quitting the Vine program. Reading should NEVER become a chore! have a great day!

Yes, this year we are off. It is never a given.. but I am enjoying it a lot.
NO READING YET though... how is this happening?
oh well.. by noon I should be finished with chores and commitments...
sigh

Well, whatever else you do, don't read Purple Hibiscus.

Finally guestless again, but it was a great visit. CM's and my old assistant who is also our dear friend came for the long weekend with her man and her two kids. GREAT kids. Good guy. Love her anyway.

AND she brought a manuscript of a novella that a friend of hers wrote, which was sosososo good that I ignored everyone and the Golden Globes to finish it. I really want CM to take it on and get it published, which she's considering.

I just can't wait for you to read it! *aaarrrgh* And it is at least two years away!

I can be very patient... I admit that I use a lot if it up on the kids, but I can be patient...

Well into Tapas on Ramblas. Loving it...of course.

Tell me, is it blonds for you then?

...wondering....

A plane left a while ago to bring home those young women and 61 of the children. I don't know what is going on with the rest... there were 150.. but this is a start.. They should land in Pittsburgh around midnight... and the kids will go directly to Childrens Hospital in Pgh. They have enough foster homes in the system to accommodate them.. so they say. Good news.

yay!!!!

Very good!

Very good news, Kath!

very good news I'm pleased!

me too... of course there was a snafu... but they are in Florida... so will be here. One of the women is with the kids, the other stayed behind... more kids coming soon hopeflly.

Well, I have to go to work today.. boooooo!
late start.. I have been sleeping a little later...
so see y'all later.. have lots of fun without me.

Hi Kath! Life sure is interfering with reading lately, isn't it (me too!)? Happy Tuesday.

>193 mckait: Hair isn't very interesting to me, frankly, unless someone does something horrible with it (eg, mohawks, words sculpted into it).

Glad you're enjoying Russell! He's very satisfying to have around, no?

Drat it 200 You know I hate that!

He is, he is.. however.....

(flees back to work before getting caught out..)

But 201 dearest...it's so much more *efficient*!

I just added Peace Like A River and the most beautiful copy ( dustcover) of

The Palace of Illusions: A Novel by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, both which I got used for 4$ each at Amazon marketplace... gorgeous!

They are on my to read soon pile.

I have a few books to add here, but will probably wait until tomorrow...
I have been enjoying Saskatoon...but I have to say, they might be better summer reading. It is always so cold in those books, I feel colder ust reading them!
Well, almost always cold. :)

I am thrilled that it is almost friday.. Today we whave kids for only half a day and tomorrow is an in-service day. This means that we get a longer lunch ( unofficially) and I can do some reading at lunchtime!

IT is pretty quiet here lately, but if you pass through... have a happy day!

Hey Kath- I'm glad to see you pick up Peace Like A River. It's a terrific read and I hope you enjoy it!

Hi! Just stopping to say hello!

I figure I will give a wave on my way through . . .

*smooch* as he breezes through

Hi Kath, I hope everything is good with you. I haven't talked to you in awhile.

Stasia--nice rainbow wave!

Kath--xoxo

#211: Thanks - and somehow mesmerizing too, lol.

smooches richard and waves to everyone.

I am still reading the Saskatoon books. Rather than reviewing them, I will finish them and post comments..

I am having some problems finding time, lately.. My kids are talkative lately and I get calls every night from one or two of them. That is much more important to me. Also, Dan is bak on 2-10 pm shift. This will eventually give me more time to read, but I am busily hanging with the dog and the cats who are extra lovey lately. Wonder if there is a hurricane on the horizen or something??
Anyway.. I am reading and hanging and watching some tv. Basically relaxing. I am sure the speed reading, book consuming gene will kick back in, but for now.. I am simply not doing anything that I don't "feel" right now..

It's funny. I have even changed my morning and evening routines to make things easier in the mornings for me. Old age I guess...?

I always laugh about the changing of routines. Sometimes it just doesn't occur to us that it's MY LIFE and really, I can do things however I want, as long as I don't hurt anyone else. I think that as we "mature" (not "get old"), we start to learn that. God Bless Old Age if it reminds us who the most important person is (ME!).

grins at terri

true!!wise woman!

>215 mckait: {shouting into Kath's ear trumpet} no, no, dearie, "wisewoman" is a different member altogether! #214 was written by *TERRI*! You remember her, don't you?

*so sad, this failing of faculties*

*snicker*

NOT A number ACK!!!!!!

ahem

Stain of the Berry

OMG OMG OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!

Could this one be the best?
I finished it this afternoon ... ( at work.. shhhhhhh ...in service day.. during teacher meeting.. )

I wanted to start the next one.. I hate you richard.. I love you madly richard...
if I didn't have the next one sitting here, I would go mad! Mad, I tell you!

However, Dan somehow ad a flat tire, and had to find a different way to work.. I had to get someone to change the tire.. and then clean the oven. Dare I begin it now???

You dare, saucy old wench!

BTW...have ordered Aloha Candy Hearts, the most recent volume in the series, which could, upon appropriate inducement, make its way southwestward....

*swoon*

*sigh* I know all is right with the world when the Richard/Kath Comedy Duo is out in force over here! It's finally starting to quieten down in here this manic Saturday, so I've got time to catch my breath and allow myself a little chuckle or two without looking like a crazy lady...

P.S. Stasia - LOVE the rainbow wave!

#223: Thanks, Ellie.

Stasia, how did I miss the rainbow? Love it and will steal it forthwith.

I just put my gift cards on Amazon toward a surround sound system for the tv.
My reasoning may sound a little flawed.. but
I noticed that at my sisters house, the tv wasn't blasting me out of my chair.
It was not loud, but everyone could hear it. I suffer daily when Dan is here from blasting tv -itis. I felt a pain.. right *there* when I clicked submit, knowing that it could have gone to books, but I am hoping that @ the end of the day, this will make it easier for me to read without looking for a hiding place.

I am loving Quant.. and am once again feeling as if all is right in Saskatoon..
( sort of, of course... the book hasn't ended yet :)

So are you going to make up the threesome for the Saskatoonie trip this fall that Richard and I are going to go on in search of Quant's haunts and breathe in the Saskatoonie air?

good luck with your surround sound system. i hope it keeps you in your chair .... on the other hand, did you know that ear plugs are quite cheap on the market these days?

It is a long story Cameling, and yes please. I would love to go to Saskatoon..

What I came to say is AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!

That scared me to death dammit rd!!!!!!!!!! I almost threw up. My heart is still pounding. Ye gods. ye goddess..Still have tears. I kept thinking.. no , he wouldn't...

Seriously, I do believe a warning was in order.

I have to go and try to breath normally again..

but

wow

really

wow

eta by he I mean you , rd.... :P

#225: Glad you enjoyed the rainbow, Kath.

I know exactly what you mean about 'blasting tv-itis.' My hubby suffers from the same malady.

>227 mckait: - What the...?!

If I tell.. it will be a" Russell" spoiler..

Okaaaaaay... well, at least that puts paid to the horrific possibilities your message suggested! That Richard had gone mad from all the happy teasing on LT and arrived at your house in the dead of night brandishing a terrifying weapon, that kind of possibility. Although briefly you may have strayed into 'Meg Ryan in that cafe scene' territory there, so perhaps not...

*sighs, relieved that Kath is not being attacked by a marauding LT-er*

Ellie : You'll just have to start reading Stain of the Berry to get what Kath was alluding to. ..... can we tempt you to join the Russell Quant fan club, Ellie-dear?

Give me the first title and an author, and I shall dutifully place it on Mount TBR...

The author is Anthony Bidulka and his books are Tapas on the Ramblas, Amuse Bouche, Flight of Aquavit, Sundowner Ubuntu and Aloha Candy Hearts. If you read these, you'll need to join Richard, Kath and I on our Saskatoon exploration trip this Fall. :-)

Thank you! I've duly noted down Amuse Bouche to start me off. Obviously I should be very mad at you for once again pelting me with TBRs from other people's threads, but it's Sunday afternoon, it's been a very busy weekend at the shop, and I'm too tired to care... :-)

pelting? pelting?! I was merely making little suggestions, as gentle as the snowflakes coming down outside my window.

Pelting. Hailstones. Don't deny it.

Gawd, five more minutes and we can shut the door and get sweeping up ready to go home! I am SO ready for beef stroganoff, a long hot shower and either a movie or an evening in bed with North and South... I had a poorly stomach again this morning and it always makes me so sleepy and, well, meh afterwards.

Hope you two are doing better this weekend!

Actually it was Sundowner Ubuntu that did it...

What an ending..

Each one of those books is better than the last, so Aloha Candy Hearts .. I just can't imagine

7.Flight of Aquavit: A Russell Quant Mystery
8.Tapas on the Ramblas:
9.Stain of the Berry:
10.Sundowner Ubuntu:

Okay.. What to say about the Russell Quant mysteries?

I enjoy Russell. He is funny, honest, and sort of brave. His friends
love him for a reason, and they love him well. He loves them back
to the point of devotedness. Yes, I do like Mr Quant a lot.

This series is (clearly) enjoyable. I found myself quite invested in the characters, all of them, in Amuse Bouche, and it has stayed with me throughout. It is not just Russell that is so endearing. His friends are fragile, loving and believable. Some of his adventures roam just to the outside of believable, but it is a story, after all. That is part of the charm of these books.

I also like that things are neatly tied up at the end. This is very necessary for me to enjoy a book.. a good ending. If there is a loose thread, it drives me crazy.

Throught this series, I have laughed and cried and let loose with an expletive or two. I thought about the characters when I was at work, or for some reason had put the book down. Now that I have finished with the books I have, I will miss them. I will wonder what they are up to.. and how they fare..

As for the comparison of these books to the Louise Penny Three Pines mysteries..

The characters in Three Pines are just as compelling and rich as those in Saskatoon. They are, however dfferent in some obvious ( city mouse, country mouse) sorts of ways. There are also less obvious differences...in my opinion.

Chief Inspector Armand Gamache is the opposite of Russell Quant in most ways..
But Three Pines folk are endearing, lovable and annoying..on other words.. perfect for a good story. They too, lurk in little corners of my mind going about their business until I can return ( Hurry Louise, Hurry!)! At first, I thought that I was going to end up preferring them to the Saskatoon folk, but.. my fondness for both turns out to be quite equal. Different, but equal.

I have been trying to find a way to describe it, but honestly, these series are both so good, so rich and irresistible that I think that you just need to find out for yourselves. I unreservedly, recommend these books to all of my friends who enjoy a mysteries, series, light reading, and stories without pretense or intent to educate. You may not come out of these reads any smarter, but you will be happier as these are fun, comfy reads.

oh yeah... next up

The Scalpel and the Soul

eta which will also count for my Off the Shelf Challenge..
book #1

http://www.librarything.com/topic/79347

Sighs and adds yet another series to the pile. Plans to get some nitrile glycerin pills before reading the series after Kath's near heart attack.

good plan

OK I've just started on the Three Pines series (one down, five to go) and along comes another mystery series that sounds equally enticing. What to do? What the hey, onto the pile it goes.

good choice... very good choice

I will not, not, not add another series to my list . . . .

No, no!

(You say it's as good as Three Pines?)

.......hmmmmm

yep

as good, do it Terri.. or you will kick yourself.. honest...

I'm up to date on Three Pines, soooooo....
Alright. I'ts. done. Russell Quant, Tapas on the Ramblas, (great title) on da lista.

booohooo.... i still can't get a copy of the Three Pines series from my library. I'm on the waiting list though and have been told there's just one person ahead of me now.

>246 mckait: time for a new thread, eh what?

I read Amuse Bouche last year, but got sidetracked by other books - I know that never happens to anyone else! I will have to get back on the Bidulka train. I hope PBS has them since I am not allowed to buy any books this year!

get back on for sure! New thread later... too rushed now..
have fun without me friends!

I placed Amuse Bouche on the TBR mountain as well...

I have the first two Louise Pennys to pick up at the library tomorrow....other than that..with all of the In-House books glowering at me as if i were a wicked Stepmother..i better keep my reading to what's on hand...but that Anthony Bidulka is on my List...

PLEASE find thread #2:
http://www.librarything.com/topic/83265