kath (mckait) 75 challenge for 2010 Thread #2

As requested by richardear...thread #2




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:
11. Raven Black by Ann Cleeves
12. White Nights by Ann Cleeves
13. Red Bones by Ann Cleeves
14. The Girl Who Chased the Moon: A Novel by Sarah Addison Allen
15. The Five-Minute Miracle: Discover the Personal Healing Symbols that Will Solve Your Problems by Tara Springett
16. Secrets of Eden: A Novel by Chris Bohjalian

Found and starred ;-)

Ahah...and you thought you could sneak by? Starred!

Here I am.

*STAR!*

Welcome ~welcome ~ welcome!!!

The Phoenicians were an ancient sea-faring people.

Yeup, them's the ones, alrighty alright.

Are you going to start typing in Phoenician? Oh dear!

How about Koine Greek instead:

alpha , beta, gamma, delta, epsilon . . .

I took Greek my senior year of high school, lol.

when I was in catholic school... my bestest friend in the world and I started using the above alphabet to write notes to each other, I found it ( ready) in a book.

:)

Richard and I may have shared a lifetime with them?

starred*

Thanks for finding me... I would miss you all if you didn't...

If I was alive in Phoenician times, I was the one bitching about the size of my stateroom and the fact that the cabin boy was older and less hot than me.

I have Always been a Queen, you see.

:->

Well, God Save the Queen, then...

........speaking of arcane notes passed in school...i had a friend in Junior High named Evie..her grandma was blind..or nearly so..and owned a hand-held Braille Press...so she could send letters to her blind friends..Evie and i could read Braille so we'd make up "notes" to pass in class at school..which would freak the teachers out because they'd make us hand over out notes..and all they'd see was a piece of heavy card stock with a lot of dots on it...we thought we were pretty cool..and we could do American Sign Language as well...looke really weird flapping our hands in the air and laughing like fools...hey Junior High was boring...
thanks for letting me share..i like the Phoenician alphabet, though..

*regal wave, gracious nod*

I used to gossip with classmates in ASL. Made the teachers FUrious because they couldn't prove that's what we were doing!

*heehee*

Oh, dear. We (I) made up our own code in high school and wrote our notes in it. I can't believe how many notes we would write in a day at that age! Nowadays, there is just the occasional note to a neighbor at a workshop or meeting, not so coincidentally those times when we are sitting down having to listen to someone else talk.

Not ASL but we did use american manual alphabet :)

I had a lifetime with one John VanAuken...
made a real impression on us both. You should have seen us this time the first time we got together...

*waves at the Queen*

roni.... these days I just go to a "place" hopefully with an interested look on my face..
Like the MOVE program meeting we had today

http://www.move-international.org/stories/storyReader$69

:)

If I write notes to myself, make lists, etc., during such meetings, is that the same as talking to myself?

well....

most of these Aide meetings are repetitive.. its not that it wasn't interesting.. just that I have seen and heard it before, and the teacher in our room won't do it anyway.. so...

and the teacher in our room won't do it anyway.. so...

So why don't they make the teachers go to the meetings? ;)

starred *****

yeah..well..That came up..
:P

Hi Kath- Trying to dodge me? Not so fast, my friend! :-)

Yes, I just started my 2nd thread. I had the link a couple messages above your post. Here you go: here

aww thank you mark!
starred!

11. The Scalpel and the Soul

finished it. It started out with a bang, but then sort of slowed. I don't mean to say that it wasn't interesting, but just that it wasn't quite what I expectd after the first chapter.

I would say, if this lands on your stack by some means, have a go at it, but to recommend that someone go out and buy it? no.

I will, however put this one into the staff library~ I think..

Starred y'again... Gosh, it's the first time I've hit the threads for a day or two and I can't catch up fast enough!

I feel your pain, ellie.. I am trying to do more reading and LT browsing and lots less FB. Even so, some days its a losing battle.
Especially with certain 75'ers..:P

So today I added these to my shelf...

Red Bones: A Thriller (Shetland Island Quartet) by Ann Cleeves

Raven Black: Shetland Island Quartet by Ann Cleeves

White Nights: A Thriller (Shetland Island Quartet) by Ann Cleeves

The Accomplice by Kathryn Heyman

The Archivist: A Novel by Martha Cooley

Marginalia: Readers Writing in Books by H. J. Jackson

So, having finished The Scalpel and the Soul, I am moving on to Raven Black

Oh boy, oh voy, oh boy! Cleevesians, potential cult-mate alert!

Irony of ironies..i just got Raven Black and White Nights...........so add me to the potential Culties

I read The Archivist years ago and thought it was pretty good..not earth-shattering mind you..but far from mediocre..

I have Raven Black here to read as well, so I am with Jude in being a potential Cultie. Unfortunately, the first book in the series is all I have at this point.

What great folks to be in a cult with!
Thinking it over, LT is rather cultlike doncha think? lolol
Barely got started on it. Talked to all of my kids last night..
it was great :)

but the weekend is here..sigh
hot chocolate and new books,,,

I loved Raven Black and White Nights. (Haven't got hold of Red Bones yet, though.) Can I join the cult, too? Please? Can I?

Oh, wait ... I don't think that's how it's supposed to work, is it?

#37: I figure we are all pretty much in Richard's cult anyway, Caty :)

Hey Kath- I'm looking forward to the weekend and then vacation next week! Hey,hey! Wait a minute... I have to work tomorrow :-(
BTW, very cold here. Low to mid-teens! Boo!

5F here right now
brrr

try to keep warm Mark!

off to work...

It was 18F with a 20mph breeze at dog-walking hour. Blech.

I can't wait to see what y'all think of Ma Cleeves's books! Perhaps one of you could start a group read thread! That would be cool.

It was 10F when i went out earlier...but i needed Kindling from the garage..haven't been out since..no dog to walk..

I don't do Group Reads, as a rule...but aren't "rules" meant to be broken??? And, hey, i haven't started Raven Black yet....but wait..i have a small mountain of ARCs that need to be slagged..i mean reviewed......

;-}

Probably *deserve* to be slagged, Jude!

Actually, some of them look *good*...unlike that Kill Dress fiasco.....but i keep an open mind *yeah sure*....and some books do get what they *deserve*

;-}

Hmm, Raven Black is at our library . . . I was planning to read it . . . . But I have so many other things started now . . . .

????

found your new thread and you are starred!

Take the plunge Terri :)

heeheehee

*choo*

*schnerkle*

*choo*

Raven Black and White Nights were fantastic. I'm waiting to read Red Bones but if it's anything like the first 2, it'll be a right thrill.

If I managed to finish off one of the books I'm working on this weekend, I'll pick up Raven Black at the library on Monday. I think I'll go to the website and put a hold on it now . . .

11. Raven Black

What to say let you know about this book without any spoilers?
Cleeves has written a book that is wonderfully descriptive without drifting into
boring detail. She uses enough dialect to give you the flavor of it without it seeming a caricature. The book is peopled by characters that you come to care about.

At first, the very beginning, I felt her writing to be a little cold and distant. That feeling came to an end before long. Every chapter or so I just KNEW who the culprit was, but soon had my doubts as another perfect suspect was drawn. I dare not tell you much more except that I enjoyed this book a great deal. I liked the vulnerability of Perez..but hope it doesn't get to be ~ too big~ as the series continues...

I am into White Nights ..and liking it as well.

One thing...I am having a bit of a time not comparing these three series.. Three Pines, Saskatoon and now... Shetland Island. Anyone else?

I am hoping to get to Raven Black this next week. I hope I enjoy it as much as you (and Richard) have. Unfortunately, it is also the only one in the series I can lay hands on at the moment!

Sounds like another crime series to add to my evergrowing wishlist! Thanks!

I have Raven Black on hold at the library to pick up tomorrow. So it will join the, like, seven other books I'm trying to read right now. But you make it sound worthwhile.

I cannot get into my Early Reviewer book. Maybe it will be good when I finally give it a chance, but I just know it's going in a direction that I'm not going to like . . . I already figured out one "mystery" plot point that I think I'm not supposed to have figured out yet . . .

Kath..i know you love the THREE PINES books..but, the town seems a tad too much like mine (where i live)...and, well, i'm having a hard time being so "cozy"...my bad, i know..i think i'll pack my bags and hitch a ride to other places...have not started any of the Ann Cleeves titles, yet....but i have a woman named Zoe Sharp in my sights...a bit more NOIR..you might not like her work...

hey, i just stopped by to say Hey!

;-}

I am "off" arc's right now myself.. Terri..
Raven Black is yummy.. and so is White Nights.. almost finished with that one..

And all in all.. even though I like all three series... perhaps Three Pines will be my favorite...but only because I want to live there. All three series are wonderful, imo.

Jude.. I will check out Zoe :)

12. White Nights

Again, not a real review.. too many folks reading and I am afraid of spoiling inadvertently. Later, maybe.

Tis one was as good as Raven Black In fact, I liked it a bit better. Once again the characters were compelling, if not likable. I am more familiar with the town, and still find Perez a bit...

Also, again you think you have the answer.. but find a new twist just a few pages on. I did figure this one out a bit before it was all wrapped up. An enjoyable read.

The scales are still tipping in favor of Three Pines, with Saskatoon a very close second. Shetlands running a lightly more distant third.

So I am about where I was this time last year, and oddly relieved. I am working hard to rid myself of the addiction to fb apps.. lol, and think I am winning the battle. :)

If Stasia can kath can!

I have not been on for several weeks now and honestly, I am not missing it. I would rather spend my time on LT :)

its partly my kids... I keep up with 2 of my sons there... and partly the "happy" games....

not pushing too hard, as I enjoy them. But sooner or later all of the games bore me. I will no start any new ones....

anyway.. woke with a headache.. feel pretty ghastly..
figures.. on a monday

Sorry about the headache, Kath. I hope it dissipates for you as the day goes on.

Ooh, not a good way to start the week. I hope that you're feeling better, Kath.

*sends head soothing waves to Kath* ..... oooommmmmm............ oooommmmmmm.............
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
*creak go my knees* as I try to stand up from my Lotus position.

I know what you mean about fb games boring you after a while. That's why i'm only on FV. I haven't succumbed to invitations to join any of the other games. The farm still amuses me only because they're smart enough to come up with some new interesting challenges and i love the cute animals.

The good energy and carolines creaks and waves did the trick.. it was mostly gone by afternoon..
Thank you !

Home now.. yay!

Yaay.

Woo Hoo!

lol...you all crack me up...
thank you...just...thank you

Too funny, Kath ... lol

I've been ferrying my womenfolk from pillar to post and back again all weekend long, today, and still have a Wednesday appointment to go. I know from headache. I finished and reviewed Dangerously Funny, Kath, about the Smothers Brothers...honestly, I don't see it as a "you" book, but it made me smile to remember the Sunday-night TV watching ritual. The battles against censorship and control by the PTB aren't brought to life, they're reported, and that shuts you down as a reader...no immediacy, no stakes, no interest, eh what?

The Shetlands series is so...so...isolated, like the place, that I don't feel it's able to compel me the way Three Pines and Saskatoon do. But Cleeves has done some wonderful writing in the three I've read.

Rest well, no headaches, just dreamy dreams of a snowy night in Three Pines, a snuggly warm comforter on the bed, and all your companion Satanic minions watching to see if you're dead so they can eat you...I mean, I mean, cuddling up and purring at you, of course!

rofl see rdear.. that is why I love you to bits...
Maybe that's it rdear... The books are good.. but I have fallen in love with Three Pines.. thank you for the dream wish :)

Caroline.. thanks to you I found that pig.. I am madly in love with her!!
:) I didn't read a word yesterday.. ( whine alert) my back was killing me and I couldn't find a way to sit to read that didn't hurt I gave up and tried reading in bed.. and fell asleep.
all parts better today though

I am glad you are feeling better, Kath!

Hey Kath- I hope you have a much better day too! Headache & backache free!!

*smooch* on his way around the Thing

*Drive-By Hug-and-Wave*

i actually tried to Post here yesterday...but..it never showed up (late to the party??)

anyway..i wanted to say that i'm glad you're trying to wean off of FB..i have missed you here on LT..and FB can be addictive...but becomes boring/static after a bit (i know..i quit my "apps" shortly after using them)

i have had Sinus Headache for the past two days...today, not so bad because the Temp is dropping...but Snow is on the way (i think)....Backache..not....but i empathize...

oh, just be well
J

Yeah, jude.. I think it is a sinus thing with me too.
but I am better today..
snow... meh
let it snow.. spring is coming..
eventually anyway

flying smoochback at rd

To Ponder:

Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, martini in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming--WOO HOO what a ride!" --Unknown

Except for the chocolate, yeah! I'd go with "ice cream" or "fettucine alfredo" or "slab of prime rib," though.

pizza~!

(and chocolate)

Instead of the martini I would go with a guinness ...
I have very unrefined tastes....lol

Left work early today to take Morgan to the vet. she has an upper resp. infection
:(
Should be fine though...
... took Duncan too for a pedicure..
exam for Morgan
meds
nail trim for Duncan and his percortan...
$205

yikes

just winding down

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBlISCkiu5c&feature=player_embedded#

please meet my son ( Craig #2 son) Schmiel Diamond!!!!!

#83: That was great, Kath! Thanks for sharing it.

It looked like fun... wish I could have been there :P

*sings*

Where are two shoes to click to my clack? Where is a voice to answer mine back... I am all alone......."

*snort* Hilarious!

:P~~~~

Added to my library here today ( richard, cover your eyes..)

Secrets of Eden: A Novel by Chris Bohjalian

Bloodroot by Amy Greene

The Girl Who Chased the Moon: A Novel by Sarah Addison Allen

Little Face by Sophie Hannah

Yes, some are from vine.. but they are the last for a while..

Still trying to read Red Bones. Minor family crisis ( everyone is fine ) that has had my phone ringing for days.. relatives in a state of high aggitation.. due to an issue that developed with a will. Sheesh! loonies. Greedy loonies. Yhey want me to join in their anger about that and a cousins daughter who is marrying a woman. This makes them crazy. I told them that I couldn't be happier for them, and wish I was invited to the wedding..and then explained that .. well, you can imagine.

My poor sweet cousin David is at the center of the storm.Poor thing. Hopefully it will now die down...

I am no longer answering the phone if any of them call...

#89 Ah, family squabbles . . . seen my share of those. Agh!

I am no longer answering the phone if any of them call...

Sounds like a plan!

Terri
snowing there?

Oh, yes, Kath!

Kath

Aren't families just ever so crazy!!! I've securely distanced myself from my loony mother and sisters. They still have their life long perpetual need for nit picking crisis, (most of it brought on by themselves) but now, they simply relish their misery without me. I'm happier and I'm sure the now have drawn others into the vortex.

Linda
My cousin is the one. yikes and yikes... sigh
anyway. I am sticking to my guns and not answering her calls.

anway

determined to finish Bones by morning.. I still haven't picked it up..
errands, banking and bills..
Now I am making some tea and will pick it up again..

Terri, you all stay safe.. and to everyone who has weather to deal with.. you too!

Screening calls ... don't you just love caller ID?

My sympathies to all who are dealing with snow this weekend... I just called home and my husband is grumbling that he's got to shovel again and this time by himself since I'm now in sunny Singapore where the average temp is a whopping 90F.

90F !!! yikes :)
Glad you are there and safe and sound...

thanks Kath. Yes, I'm safe, sound and toasty ...... it's quite nice out now actually. Sunny but with a nice breeze. I'm sitting under a tree by the beach with my book, laptop and a giant bottle of water.

oh dear... poor thing..

This is a dreadful job you have to do:(

*refuses to admit beach envy*

Well I have to admit that today I'm feeling very relaxed. I'm deliberately not going to think of the week ahead, which will be rather hectic and long. So I'm using this weekend to recharge my batteries and hopefully all this sun will generate enough Vitamin D in me to put me in super spirits come Monday. If I could attend meetings in board shorts, tee and havaianas, I'm sure I would perform so much better. ;-)

It is a sign of how sick I've felt all day that 90F and a sea breeze sounds divine.

Getting better. Not urping. Had a shower. Finishing The Perfect Heresy and Lord John and the Hand of Devils, both of which I've alternated with naps, and surprisingly been able to follow the thread of each!

I think the world would be a better place if the Cathars had won and the Catholics lost in 1209. I wonder how that could have happened...maybe Alienor of Aquitaine becoming Cathar, converting Henry? *ponders*

I agree with you about the Cathars..

I will post a few pics soon to show you why I have un-admitted beach envy..
I am glad I know where my car is parked, and hope Dan knows where his is.

Glad you had some down time Caroline. Glad you are better rdear...

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v311/mckait/gifs%20and%20things/nature/

snow flurry?

more later

Duncan Loves snow... but this time he was literally afraid. He went out willingly but
came back in a hurry and cried :(

Morning Kath- Those are current photos, huh? Yikes! We got lucky and had only about an inch. I'm still tired of winter! Have a nice weekend!

Beautiful photos, Kath!

As usual I was out with my dog ... barefoot and in a nightgown.. lol
talk about getting cold feet.

Thanks for posting the photos, Kath! I am jealous. Where I live, our idea of snow is about a 1-inch dusting.

I am adding more..
i went out to try to brush off my car.. snow up to my thighs.... and was able to rest my chin on the roof.. if I had wanted to. I got most of the snow off from around it on one side. Some on the other side.. with a frozen broom...

it is still snowing.. lol

Seems Dan had to leave his car at the bottom of the hill...
He is still out there doing something...

My ankles are frozen.. :P

Well the cold has gone from feet to ankles now. I am worrying about the rest of you!

everything else is fine... but my ankles won't thaw :P
I added more pics.. it's crazy and they say snowing at least till noon..

#109: I was looking at the picture of Dan and Kerry (my hubby) leaned over and said 'His moustache looks white like mine' - I think they may be brothers :)

On another topic..

here is what I posted on the LT blog

Our library is planning to add a coffee bar, computers and a play area so kids don't feel like they have to BE QUIET!!!!!!!

This is horrible. They are turning our library into a playground or something. This, they say is because library use is dropping. Our library system does not let you reserve anything online. The librarians are unpleasant and rude.. and when you do call and request a book from another library, they say it is not their job to call and let you know when it is in. If you are number 11 on the list, you have to keep calling to find out if it is there. If you keep calling, they are more and more rude.

What we need are new librarians and some new books..

I am so fit to be tied..

---------------------------

Nothing can be done online aside from looking to see if the book is in the system.
I could weep. Kids need to learn that there are places where they have to behave like mannerly human beings instead of loud raucous monsters.

We are doomed.

#111: That is beyond ridiculous! Libraries are not playgrounds or day care centers, although unfortunately, a lot of parents treat them as such.

Even though it's mean, I have to laugh at Kath's ankles. *laughs*

We're still getting snow, though it's more like God's chindruff than snow. In eight hours, it's managed to partially coat the grass. Snowpocalypse, not! *whew*

I agree Stasia ... beyond ridiculous...

As for rd
* snub*

*ignores snub*

Our village liberry is staffed by the most unpleasant women (one man, never interacted with him) imaginable. I took my liberry card and went to other villages' liberries, and I buy books at their book sales to support them.

Although I complain about my local library's holdings, I am very lucky in the librarians there. The ladies (no men at this one) are always helpful and yes, I am on a first name basis with all of them.

One town over... the librarians are much much nicer...
that is the one that has Zero parking tho.. lol
It is a gorgeous place..

http://www.beaverlibraries.org/laughlin.htm

eta

this is the one where I spant so many happy hours as a child..
and where I took my own children in their turn...

making a pot o chicken and dumplings.. and have some pork bar-b-q in the crock pot..so..

PARTAY!!!! come on over!

And how are we supposed to get there? Snowmobile?

I'm talking with my mother by phone now; they have had at least 18-20 inches of snow in suburban Philadelphia, although it is slowing down.

When I talked to Linda last night, she told me it was coming down there in Bethlehem, but I have no idea how much they actually ended up with.

I am beyond jealous.

I live about 25 mins. from Bethlehem and we have about 10 or 11 inches - the biggest snowfall of the year for us so far...

If I sneeze hard enough, I could clear the driveway. *snicker*

Chicken and dumplings *dripdroolslobber* I adore chicken and dumplings!! I'll be there in four and a half hours. Save me a BIG helping.

Oh don't I wish...Auntie's on a tear, being old-lady disagreeable, and The Divine Miss is dealing with her so I don't just bash her and bury her in the garden. Our dear friend Gale Force Girl arrives shortly, and then we begin our Super Bowl weekend by eating pork sirloin, hot curried fruit, and green beans.

Chicken tenders hand breaded, honey mustard, french fries, roasted carrot sticks, Brie, black pepper crackers, cole slaw...wine...y'know, nothin' special just snack food.

Richarddear, there is no one that I would rather install in my guest room and ply with plain old home cooking. I think we could talk away the hours quite nicely.

I adore chiken tenders and cole slaw!

I have added more photos...

Meanwhile here in sunny (what? how'd that happen) Buffalo we have only a couple inches still on the ground from our last snowfall which was about two weeks ago:)

Once our county library system started allowing people to order books, dvd's, audiobooks, mp3 book downloads online circulation throughout the library system increased exponentially. it's what the public wants (along with pleasant library personnel).

I didn't think to grab my camera this morning....everything looked lovely but..i was shoveling snow at Midnight...just to keep a path to the garage....and then i shoveled more after i got up...because my outside tom cat was in the garage overnight...long story short..the neighbors came "up the hill" to help plow the driveway...and all is not so pretty now...but i can walk without getting snow in my boots. I love living alone in the country...except in times like this...then i'm a Basket Case.

Love your pics, Kath....hope all's well...and your dog is gorgeous..

>Richard....enough with all the food...i haven't cooked yet, today...

;-}

Finished Red Bones.. will post thoughts later :) on all three:)

I was going to respond to your message 111. But I was so ticked off (and it showed), that I deleted. Try again!

Our library is NOT a quiet library, and I don't want it to be one. We are our town's de facto community center, and happy to serve that role. We are proud to offer lively literacy programs which create lifelong readers. We are proud to host a full spectrum of information services, like GED classes, job search and utility assistance counseling, and internet access, which help area residents have good lives.

I get VERY TIRED of complaints about libraries, sniping that we don't have this or that book, or this or that service available, or enough staff to cater to their every whim. (The people who yell the loudest are the ones who never make donations, generally.) I'm tired of people who expect us to keep doing more and more with less and less resources, and complaining when we manage to get a grant for something, that the money should go for something else, like books. (It can't. A grant has to be used for it's designated purpose.)

Please note: you can't get a grant to pay for books or staff salary. You CAN get grants to pay for "capital improvements" like computers and play areas, etc. And, at least in PA, if you don't bring in a certain amount of funding from other sources (like grants), you don't qualify to receive the state subsidy. Without the state subsidy, you close. Then you will have a VERY QUIET LIBRARY!

I guess I didn't do very well in making this sound less angry . . .

*whispers to Kath ...... I love your photos*

*tiptoes quickly away from Terri's warpath even though I'm not one of THOSE people*

I'm lucky in that we have wonderful librarians who are ever so helpful and our library is part of a pretty large network I think, because inter-library loans have been easy ... or maybe I've just not hit a snag yet. Our library is very quiet ... except in the children's room so it doesn't bother me since I'm never in there.

Terri...
turning our library into an internt cafe and playground won't do it. Not if the place isn't welcoming. I don't expect the librarians to be saints.. just pleasant and helpful. I do think we don't have enough books.. because we don't. I used to donate regularly. Cash and books. I would get newly released books and read them.. tote them off to the Ambridge library and hand them over. The new person in charge will only sell them for a few dollars. .

Each library used to have more than one fund raiser each year. They stopped. There is a limited number of people who can attend the social... tea or whatever it is in my town. They put half a dozen tables or so on the front lawn. I never, ever hear about anything that Ambridge is doing to raise money any more. If I don't hear, then who does? Ambridge is endowed.. I don't think ours is.

I have no quibble with using a library for literacy programs... I trained for that myself, but ended up not using a library.. but working with an AIDs service group instead. I have no quibble with computers in libraries.

I do not think that adding a coffee bar and encouraging loud play is what a library is for. There are plenty of places you can go for that. I have no quibble with story hour etc. I took all for of mine as long as they were of age. Kids can learn that a library is a quiet place. So can adults for that matter.

And to be honest.. the most important factor is feeling welcome, not like you are intruding on librarian-land. I don't want libraries to disappear.. But they have to make an effort too. Believe me I know how hard it is to fund them.. it sounds trite and silly, but some of my best friends have been librarians. But they were friendly and nice and helpful.

Like Caroline said.. most libraries have a children's room. In my day, and when my kids were children.. it too was quiet. Sort of. A library is not Chuck e Cheese.
It is a library. If someone is there to read, or research, or browse.. too much noise is not helpful.

I did not complain because our library doesn't have all the books in the world.
We do have an interlibrary system.. and it works. But, as I said, our librarians do not send an email, make a call or do anything to let you know. If you call them, or stop in they treat you like a nuisance. One takes pride in the fact that she doesnt know how to use the internet. Each library has GOT to be welcoming.. and have programs.

Ambridge has rooms that can be used by the public. I tried to have a meditation and reading group there. They said it was religious. No can do. Trust me, religious it was not. I tried offering to help with a kids fair, if they would have one.
They said they couldn't do it. This was when friends worked in that library..
said it was because they were endowed or something.

ok

I am sorry if you are angry, I wouldn't do that for the world. But we are all entitled to our own opinion of what a library should be. And for you to be angry for my opinion based on experience isn't fair. Still angry?

Caroline.. Thanks :)
today is the calm after / before the storm. They say more coming on tuesday. Toast yourself a bit for us easterners....

Can I borrow Duncan? What a lovely dog!!!!

SORRY, sorry, sorry, Kath, I'm not really angry at you for your opinion, so much as I am frustrated with the work in general and people's general lack of understanding of all that is involved . . . my paid work hours at the library have been cut to 12 hours a week, and I have more work to do in that time than ever. Friday, after I had my coat on, someone actually followed me to the door, 1/2 hour after my shift ended, wanting help with something. I find myself having to be very disciplined not to lose my friendly, helpful attitude. I can actually understand those who have given up. And it's hard to get decent staff for what libraries can pay.

And, YES, I am one of those library workers who strives to be friendly and helpful and welcoming -- our library prides itself on that. I DO try to call people when books come in for them . . . it is hard, as we are mainly all part-time staff and it is hard knowing what has and hasn't been done by others sometimes. I find a "hold" book on the desk (left there by another staffer who was trying to do three things at once and lost track of it). Has the patron been called? (It would help if people didn't angrily snap "Stop pestering me, someone already called!" when the job gets done twice.)

We have several fund raisers per year, and an annual mailing. But we could never make our required "match" for the state subsidy if we didn't get grants for special projects. Frankly, staff doesn't have time to do a lot of fundraisers AND keep the library going, and our Friends group is dwindling. We sell books, yes, for only a few dollars (a quarter for the older, beat-up ones) because we lack space and have to move the books out, and any income we can get from them is better than none. A lot of people use us as a dumping ground for their old, mildewed books nobody would want that we have to pay to have hauled away. (They get angry if we refuse to take their junk. REALLY angry.)

Sorry to go on so. Some of the posts I've read about libraries lately have just rubbed me the wrong way, and yours was the proverbial straw that broke the camels back . . . or attitude, at least. I do get a bad attitude sometimes. Sorry to take it out on you.

BTW, re: comment that kids can go anywhere to play . . . in our community, sadly not the case. Even the parks have no loitering rules! (What is a park for, anyway?) It is not hyperbole to say there's nowhere to go here for young folks, except the library (and occasional church activities, for those so inclined).

Terri : I think it's sad that kids can't really play anywhere without adult supervision these days because it's become more dangerous for them to do so. It is a sad reflection of our society that our children cannot be safe playing on their own. I remember playing all over my neighborhood as a kid and my mom never knew where I was, but she wasn't worried ... she knew I'd be at someone's house or that I was riding my bike somewhere. But I'd be home by dinnertime, usually dirty and scratched up (very clumsy I was) but otherwise safe. Now my friends with kids don't dare let them out of their sight if they're out of the house.

Well, Linda... You canlook at him, or talk to him on the phone.. but I could never loan out my Dunkers.. :P

Terri..

No need to apologize.. none at all. I am passionate in my beliefs too. And have been known to rant a time or two :)

We have youth leagues here in town.. nowhere much to hang out... a small park though. A school playground, and they play in the church parking lot. Three churches with scouts and youth groups and stuff. When I was a child ( and my own after me for that matter) None of those things interested me. I was a library kind of girl.. I loved being closed in by the quiet.. At that time, the library in this town was upstairs of a store.. a small room. It now has an ( ugly) building of its own.. and it is like the tundra in there. Frozen and cold. I kid you not.

Ambridge is much better. I used to volunteer to scoop ice cream when they participated in a local historical site fundraiser. I offered to do all the planning for a kids fair.. how hard is that, really? I knew how to go about it from experience elsewhere. No thanks. I still love it there. It is huge and made of stone.. like a mountain. It isnt the same place it once was, but it is still more welcoming. Smiling faces... well one or two. I have begun to wonder if sullenness is required. But it is still better than ours.

Believe me I am not a smiler.. I do not think that one has to go around smilly like some goof to be friendly.. it is more .. it is in your demeanor... your energy...your intention. I get frazzled.. I am often frazzled. :P trust me.

The thing is, parents are looking to others.. anyone.. anyone that is not them.. o entertain their kids. To teach them. To play with them. Kids can play anywhere.. like each others homes and yards..or their own. Mine did. Or they took classes at local colleges .. things like rocket building and I think once gymnastic... other things..

anyway.. I don't think we will ever come together completely o these things.. because I am so old fashioned. And a bit stubborn.. but hey... what difference does that make :) I rarely agree with my friends about everything... We were playing the desribe me with one word game at work one time, and the most used word for me was unusual. I wonder what that means?
lol

Sorry to be the last straw... anyway...How much snow did you get?

Ahhh book...

I am reading The Girl Who Chased the Moon by Sarah Addison Allen.
It is fluffy and delicious like an angel food cake. More later.

Mmmm....angel food cake ... haven't had that in a while .... love it with whipped cream, strawberries and kiwi

parents are looking to others.. anyone.. anyone that is not them.. to entertain their kids.

Once upon a time, one salary would support a family. Now people are working all crazy hours -- and families are scattered, no relatives to help with kids.

. Kids can play anywhere.. like each others homes and yards..or their own. Mine did. Or they took classes at local colleges .. things like rocket building and I think once gymnastic... other things..

Part of the problem is, nowadays, some kids' homes are NOT safe. Or they don't have homes . . . really. And no yards for the kids in the apartments downtown, just the sidewalk. Colleges? Here?. . . the nearest college is a 25-mile drive, and strictly offeres career-type education. Accounting, computers, nursing, CSI, etc. Since most folks here are below poverty level, they couldn't afford to take fun classes like rocket building or gymnastics anyway.

I am so old fashioned . . . the most used word for me was unusual

I suppose you are. Reading your comments, the word that came to my mind was "fuddy duddy," if that's a word. ;)

Anyway, we got, like, three feet of snow . . . church is cancelled . . . can't find my porch, my car . . . and I've got no pizza sauce or cheese for my Super Bowl pizza! :(

I suppose I am. A stubborn fuddy duddy :P
All I can say is my way worked for me...and my kids have all at one time or another thanked me. I can't ask for anything more :)

poi Fun class money came out of fives and ones tucked away from grocery money.. and birthday money etc.. Since my husband drank away half of his paycheck each time, That was the only way. By the time he quit drinking.. the mills shut down and we lost our home..when he moved to find work.. we had zero income. I babysat other peoples kids.. and sold things that were mine...
including my wedding rings.. I had no disposable income to speak of..but that was my choice. I wasn't able to have an education and was determined that my kids would. They did.

Superbowl.. I won't watch.. not a football fan..Dan working.. so it will be leftovers and a book for me..

pizza sounds good though. I never make it .. I have tried and failed often enough to know I haven't the knack.

What a lively, civilized discussion about libraries. I'm lucky enough to have a pleasant -- and quiet -- place to read in my home, so I mainly breeze through my library, with its extremely helpful and friendly librarians, to replenish my books from time to time. For the most part, I notice quite a few elderly people reading books, magazines, and newspapers...along with the always-busy computer users. These areas are clearly marked, and respected, as "quiet zones."

The children's area is at the far end of this smallish library and is well-equipped with reading areas and toys. It looks inviting and well-used, but I've never seen out-of-control behavior there. A children's librarian is there to answer questions and redirect unruly behavior. I do believe that any craft projects, movies, or other noisy activities take place in one of the separate meeting rooms which are secluded and relatively soundproof.

Libraries are sacred space in my estimation and have to meet many needs. I am so pleased with my local library system and all that work hard for it, including the many volunteers (pat on the back here) who work at the semi-annual library sales to raise huge amounts of money for special programs.

#138 Kath, it sounds like you've had a very challenging life, but managed to do a good job raising your kids. Not bad for a stubborn fuddy duddy! ;)

I am trying very hard to get my son educated. But the new high school graduation exams become a requirement the year he is scheduled to graduate from high school. They are not designed for special needs kids. Even the things he could do OK, he probably won't do well being tested on them -- he does not test well. I am at my wits end as to what kind of life he can look forward to. IEP meeting is Tuesday. I'm sure that will be part of the agenda. Anxiety level is high . . . higher than the snow, even.

We still have not seen a snow plow in our neighborhood -- nothing moving except snowmobiles and a neighbor with a snow blower doing his front walk.

Stay warm!!

Terri... you know what~ he may not get that diploma from HS.. but,
I am betting that he will find something to do that he is good..or great at.
It won't be easy.But he has you~

I get very frustrated at the way special needs are defined and at how
assistance is given. Too many kids with a dx that really shouldn't have them... and then they get support when kids who need them do not.

There is testing done at our school that is designed for typical schools.(PSSA) It is ridiculous. Our kids cannot hope to do it well.. and sometimes any movement is as an answer if it is in the right direction..and that isn't right either. stupid. sigh. I cannot imagine your frustration.

My cousin has a son who is ... 23 I think. She has spouted off and on for years about his special needs. He was not good in school. He did get a diploma.. was dx with all sorts of things. ADD ADHD ABCD whatever.

He is now the owner of a home, has his own business, works for a sign making company and does an amazing job ... simply outstanding and amazing. He is a carpenter extraordinaire.. ( that comes from his grand dad) You should see what he has done in his house..

We each have our niche.. ( guess what mine was/is lol) and for my money.. fitting into a pre-sized box is way over-rated . Look how far he has come...
One of my biggest quibbles with my job is that they do not give the kids enough credit. ( as in s/he doesn't know what you mean, what s/he is doing...consequences.. blah blah blah. Our kids may be low functioning.. but they are not stupid. ) From speaking to you, I know that is not how you are.. I would worry too. I did ( and do ) worry plenty, and my kids had different challenges. I have faith in you.. ( and him ) .

IEP nightmare. Don't let them promise anything that they can't deliver. Hold their collective feet to the fire. I am sure that you have plenty of these under your belt.. but, still.. I will be sending energy your way!
Would getting a GED be easier I wonder?

I talked with the lady who used to teach the GED class at our library. GED is NOT easier.

Thanks for listening! (And letting me clutter up your thread . . .)

not at all.. good discussion :)

Mckait I finally took your suggestion to join this group and found you here.

This is my rather short list so far for 2010.

http://www.librarything.com/topic/84293&newpost=1#lastmsg

ETA: I just read the horror story about your local library turning into a coffee bar/children's playground. It sounds horrible. If you can't get together enough people to complain about it and explain why the use of it is dropping off then at least take comfort in the fact that the coffee drinkers and noisy children will at least drive the ill-tempered librarians crazy.

lol @ sweet Jody!!! glad you are here...

Sweetienubbins, you ol' fuddy-duddy you...where be thoughts on La Cleeves's books? I mean, it's fun to talk and all, but this is a quiet, REVIEWING zone, right?

*runs for life*

By the way, Kath, have I thanked you for recommending Raven Black? I found it a great read!

Did you :) good .. I liked it too.. in fact I may have liked it best. Still trying to decide if I didn't like Red Bones or was just full up on series mysteries..
will report later.. stripping wires at the minute.. took a break.. need some tea.

for rd

Tea! Great idea, I'll join you . . . let's see what's in the tea cupboard. . .

:)

Kath : You've hit the nail on the head for me, regarding reading a series. I find I need to take a break between books in a series otherwise I get a saturated and don't appreciate the later ones as much as I would have. If I come back for a re-read of the ones I didn't think I liked quite as much later on, I am pleasantly surprised to enjoy a change of opinion. Thus, I'm keeping Red Bones for a read, perhaps later on in the year since I've only just finished White Nights last month.

I think I equate it with visiting friends/relatives ...... too much in their company and you start thinking of them as rotting fish.

150 I think I equate it with visiting friends/relatives ...... too much in their company and you start thinking of them as rotting fish.

LOL! I, too, find that with series, there can be too much of a good thing. I tend to spread them out a bit.

Parting shot on the library subject, Kath: quotes from the Tribune Review ariticle today about Carnegie and the libraries he built:

A billiards room, bath house, swimming pool, theater and gymnasium don't exactly sound like the contents of a library, but such was the case with Carnegie's early efforts. No (sic) just offering up books, Carnegie provided a way of life and enrichment to his workers and their families.

The writer goes on to explain that the above listed facilities were part of the Braddock Carnegie Library at the turn of the 20th century.

And you're all a-twitter about a coffee bar and a kid's playroom? ;)

There truly is nothing new under the sun, I guess.

Ahhh....but Terri.... I think those were all in separate rooms, and possibly the library portion with the books were in a different wing of the building and silence required when one stepped past the threshold of that inner sanctum of books? ;-) ........ *just musing*

152 *giggle*

Bath house? poor books. All I can visualize are nudie patooties running back and forth grabbing books from the shelves .. and thunder in the distance from the films.. *shudder*

Oh and that's the problem Terri.. it isn't a kids playroom.. our library.. as far as I know.. is just one fairly large room.. all the bedlam would be in the main part of the library...Maybe there is a downstairs? Not than I have seen, but?

If there were different rooms... different story.

We will discuss the trib another time.. lol

Caroline... I think that was my problem... I should have held onto this series for a couple of weeks at least.. or spread them out as you do... back to the blasted speakers..

yes! our school is canceled tomorrow. So are nearly 500 other schools and other places. No power where I work or it would be staff to report. Extended weekend woot!

Kath
I always know that when I visit your thread there will be lively discussions, great books to read, and, most importantly, honest, open sharing!

Love ya dearly my friend!

Enjoy your snow day Kath!!

Kath, hope you enjoy the snow day!

Nothing is posted for our school district yet. But the library is almost sure to be open. . . .

How are the speakers coming? Is it one of those modern surround-sound deals??

Snow days *bah humbug*

It was completely clear and beautifully sunny today! The Saints winning the Ty-D-Bowl or whatever made the womenfolk happy, as the cheers from the TV room attested. *I* was cleaning up after the dinner that *I* made.

Fortunately there are leftovers, so I won't be cooking much this coming week.

Snow day for Kath!! Hallelulah!!

Kath- Enjoy your day off! I'm heading to work, after a wonderful week relaxin'! Bad news, a snowstorm coming later tonight! Bummer!

Thanks for the good wishes my friends.. a day off is like a gift!

okay

11. Raven Black
12. White Nights
13. Red Bones

The Shetland Island Mysteries by Ann Cleeves

Jimmy Perez head investigator for the area and his bumbling assistant Sandy Wilson are recurring characters. Fran Hunter also shows up in all three, but much less so in Red Bones. Unfortunate really, as she was the only character I cared at all about.

Of the three books Raven Black was by far the best and my favorite.
Fran Hunter played a large part in this story. A young girl, Catherine, is found dead in the snow by Fran. It is in a tiny little town, and brings back the memory of another young girl who vanished years before. She was presumed dead, but her body never found.

A local man, Magnus, was accused in the first case but never charged. Thoughts went straight back to him when Catherine was found dead. There was reason for this suspicion, as both girls had been seen by him only hours before their individual tragedies. Perez, a local man, felt that there was more too it, and knowing a bit about Magnus was hesitant to accuse him of murder. Thus began the investigation.

I would recommend this book.

White Nights, once again a disappearance years ago was brought to mind when a body is found near the shore. Before long there is another suspicious death. This makes three and counting in a very small town. Somewhat unnerving to the residents, or at least most of them. It seems that there is someone who knows more than they are telling, but this IS a mystery after all . The ending wraps thing up neatly, and still keep you wondering until nearly the past paragraph. I have to say that this one wasn't too bad, but it did tend to drone on and on a bit.
The ending was interesting, but stretched the limits just a bit.

I would only recommend this book if you liked the first one.

Red Bones was the one I liked the least. As I mentioned before, it could have been because I was over doing mysteries at this point. I may follow Caroilnes advice and give it a re-read in the future. ( but I doubt it). This one seemed forced a bit, as I sometimes find in a series.

This one involved friends and family of Perez assistant Sandy. He played a much larger part in this book than in the rest. There was a murder and guess what? Years before there had been a disappearance. ( sigh) There was a lot of angst in Sandy's family. Lots of drinking and accusations. Poor Sandy. To be honest I think he made the wrong decision about what to do with his life . You will see what I mean if you are curious enough to read this one.

I would not recommend it.. just re-read the first one, you will be better off.

I did not care much about the characters in any of these books. As I said Fran was the most interesting to me. I have to say that the Bob Newman-like Perez had me gritting my teet many times throughout. By the end, I was picturing him going over a cliff and was feeling it would be richly deserved.

and finally

14. The Girl Who Chased the Moon: A Novel by Sarah Addison Allen

This book evolved from being fluffy and delicious like an angel food cake to being rich and sweet and enjoyable like a good red velvet cake. It was an altogether yummy read ( okay I will stop now) . I have read the authors other books. They are all similar in that they take place in small towns and they are sprinkled with magic. I like a bit of magic in a book. This one is an ARC from vine. I liked Emily Benedict a lot. She was the teen aged girl who was the main character in this book. She lost her mom Dulcie, and had to move in with a grandfather she had never known she had, in a town she had never visited. Dulcie had her reasons for not talking about her past. Dulcie did not so much leave town as she ran away from an unfortunate incident. As we always find, running away is not a good answer. She left behind a sad and gentle father, who had been widowed when Dulcie was a child. He had some responsibility in that his mourning kept him from really knowing his daughter.

When Emily came to town she was clearly not welcome. She knew nothing about her mothers past, or the man she had come to live with. He remained an enigma through most of the book. Emily showed a lot of strength of character for a teenager.

To their credit, some of her moms friends ( and enemies) from high school embraced Emily and tried to make her feel more as if she belonged. Of course there was a love interest for Emily, and an intriguing one it is. She becomes involved with the family who was the primary reason for her mothers flight from her past.

I found this to be a very enjoyable read. You will not have learned anything when you finally close the covers of this book, but you will have a smile on your face.

A recommended fluffy read.

#162: I have enjoyed Allen's other books, so I am definitely on the look out for that one. Glad to see you enjoyed it, Kath!

Oh dear, no Cleevesian Kath...perhaps someday the evil spell of the Minions of Satan will be broken and she will awake to the Shetland Glory....

How're you spending your snow day? Which book has the nod to keep you company in front of the fire?

Of the three series.. I still like
Three Pines the best with Saskatoon a very close second. I will not revisit The Shetlands.

Still a couple of vine books to get out of the way.. but they are easy read types so I think I will work on that..

I've just read your comments about The Girl Who Chased The Moon by Sarah Addison Allen, I'm looking forward to reading it when it comes out here in August. I've read her other books and loved them, especially The Sugar Queen.

Have you read any by Joshilyn Jackson? If you haven't think you might like her.

Thanks Jody, I will have a look at her books :)
It is so nice to see you in my thread! There are such great people here..

Pay not attention to the richard behind the curtain... he is a curmdgeon who dislikes CATS! Can you believe it?

Kath

What a wonderful review of The Girl Who Chased The Moon. I read Garden Spells and loved it. Now, I'm heading to the library after work to see if I can get this latest book you highly recommend.

I hope you are having a delightful, restful day without bothersome phone calls from pesky relatives.

"Dislike" is such a milquetoast word...perhaps "abhor," or better yet "abominate."

#169: My litany: detest, loathe and abominate - if I really dislike something like abridgements :)

Kath--LOL! Nice gif. (You did kinda goad him into it...) Despise is good, too, but I vote for loathe and abhor.

:P Ahh Berly.... he deserved it doncha know :)

This is a book I received from LTER

15. The Five Minute Miracle ..
brief review posted. I gave it three stars, as it is no better and no worse than other similar books. No touchstone? hmmm

eta

Next up:

The Secrets of Eden by ( ta da!!!) Chris Bohjalian ( giggling at rdears expected comments)

This is a vine ARC.. and there is no touchstone for this one either.

No touchstone for a Bohjalian work. I reel backward in surprise, gasping audibly, clutching my chest.

*Checks the date on my CPR card to see if I can shrug and walk away...*

*hands rdear an aspirin and hopes for the best*

Phew, I read some of the earlier posts at work and didn't have chance to catch right up until tonight, but I am SO glad that we're all playing nicely together... :-)

Anywhere but LT all these passionate people would have descended into a mad riot, clouting each other with encyclopedias and getting trigger happy with the library date stamp... All except Richard, who would be outside throwing paperbacks at passing felines.

especially if they were writtten by Bohjalian...

I really like Terri.. I would never upset her on purpose.. I am sure she know that..
Just as I could instantly see she was passionate in her beliefs.. can't fault that now ,
can I ?

I have spoken to her.. she is great.. so is her son !

*Drive-By Wave*

can't get into the whole Library Kerfuffle....i stopped using my local Library after my Dad died...now, i buy so many books...i call it "insulation"..(my Big Room/Bedroom has 3 serious Outside Walls...with bookshelves placed there...what how/ho???)...my Library Ladies aren't necessarily "stupid"...but they let kids...from toddlers-to-teens run amok..noisy as all get-out.....won't say s**t.....it's distracting and sad...if they wanted to put a Coffee Bar here in Monroe County.????...don't know where they'd get the $$$$.......the Library is constantly in need of funds...but, once they get money..they use it for stuff like a "gazebo on the lawn" rather than books...thank god Inter -Library Loan is still active here....and i can access books statewide...

my part of said Rant is over

i miss you, Kath.....you gotta start reading more...of what YOU like...your reviews were always so good..
J

Wow, 88 posts since Sunday?! I really need to stop disappearing from around here on the weekend! I just read through all the library discussion... very interesting, and a nice debate with opposing viewpoints. Ah, this is why I love our group... we disagree, but lovingly. So refreshing from just about everywhere else online (or in real life, for that matter...!).

16. Secrets of Eden: A Novel by Chris Bohjalian

Secrets is written in four voices. It is a story of abuse and
violence, lies and betrayal. All of this is pulled together and keeps a
taut story line with some very compelling characters.

As much as the book is about Alice, her violent husband and the
minister she sought out for help, the story is about Katie. Katie is
Alice's young teenaged daughter. She has witnessed her fathers abuse
of her mother for many years.

Here is a crisis of family, a crisis of faith, and an example of
extraordinary selflessness. What more could a reader want? All of
this with Bohjalian's trademark of rich and irresistable characters.

#180: I will have to look for that one. Thanks for the recommendation, Kath.

#162 I'm really sorry to hear that Cleeves couldn't sustain the quality she achieved with Raven Black. It was such a good read, I was hopeful that there would be more wonderful goodies to come in the series. I'm really glad to have read the first one, though.

#177 Yes indeed, Kath, I am very passionate in my views about libraries, and fear that too many citizens lack any concept of how library funding works. (We had a woman one night insist that, because we are a "public" library, we must be fully funded by tax dollars. Dream on!)

#178 .......the Library is constantly in need of funds...but, once they get money..they use it for stuff like a "gazebo on the lawn" rather than books..

So much for my post about grant monies for capital improvements/special projects, and how (while pretty much necessary to meet funding formulas, at least in our state) they CAN'T be diverted to pay for books.

*shakes head and gives up, realizing that EVEN on LT, NO ONE CARES about unpleasant library funding realities*

Sorry again, Kath. Jumping off the soapbox now. End of rant. Not mad at anybody, really. Just sad. I do let these things get to me a little bit too much. I need to chill. Maybe some herbal tea . . .

. . . herbal tea, or a Kit Kat, perhaps?

ETA to add, Oh, the Kit Kat discussion was on my thread, I think . .

#182: *shakes head and gives up, realizing that EVEN on LT, NO ONE CARES about unpleasant library funding realities*

I do not think that no one cares is true. In my case, I have no idea how library funding works which adds to my frustration at times in not being able to get to books I would like to read. Of course, I want to read a few more than many of the people living around me do :)

#184 Of course, I want to read a few more than many of the people living around me do :)

A few more??? LOL! :D

I do suppose there are wide variations in how library funding works from state to state. My state, Pennsylvania, was once considered a model for other states as far as library funding. But the support has eroded over the years. The state subsidy keeps dropping . . . but the requirements to receive the subsidy -- for free services offered, number of hours open, and a slew of other categories, including monies rasied from other sources -- have not eased one bit, near as I can tell. It has put libraries into a bind where they usually have to go after any grant monies possible. Our library has made use of grants for what I think are very good and practical projects -- including one that won a state award. But I can imagine some libraries might get a bit too creative in their efforts to match available grants with projects they can undertake. (And, hey, a gazebo might be a nice place to hold a fundraiser. . . ;)

#185: I will have to ask one of the gals at the library how the funding works in Texas (since I am on a first-name basis with all of the librarians, it should not be a problem!)

.........said Gazebo is pretty...on a corner lot across from the Library itself....but, as far as i know..it's only used..like twice a year....Someone suggested using it for Story Hour in the summer...but folks got exercised about that since it's so close to the street...and the kids might wander.....hey, that's what i heard...and "my" rant was meant to show the double bind here in the County...when State funding was cut..so were the Library's hours..naturally..but there were no Staff cuts...and some of the gals told me there wasn't enough for everyone to do...but, if personnel were to be let go..they might not get re-hired...since they'd be deemed "unnecessary".....and i don't know that i've heard of any Fundraisers going on....but, then, i don't use the Library much, any longer...so my complaints are moot...that's all i'll be saying on this...

Terri.. you should hear me when I get started about where I work...
oh wait.. you have! lol

and you might want to read some reviews about Cleeves other books.. it could just be me...

and jude... story hour in the gazebo sounds great.. why can't the moms just hang around and make sure no wandering is done? Oh wait.. those are the same moms who dross shopping center parking lots or walk through airports with the toddlers running behind or wandering around them like chicks..

never mind.

( I actually went up to someone in a parking lot once.. two women MY AGE who had a boy about 18 months trailing behind them on the way in to eat. I said that they had 4 handsbetween them, maybe they should consider using one to hold the childs hand.

Shrieking ensued )

Well.. our school is closed to day.. staff to report.. so I am going in.
I don't have much sick time, but if tomorrow is bad I will stay home then. They say no snow till later..

here is hoping.. that winding hill can be... dicey

see y'all later :)

Rats! I was hoping you were getting another snow day.

Hmm... I'll let you know if I have the same reaction when I read Red Bones later on in the year.

I've had enough reading on abuse for a while, so I'm going to pass on Secrets of Eden

#188 LOL! Yes you, too, can get very wound up about work issues . . .;)

I may give the other Cleeves books a try, at least the second one, but I will definitely wait a while.

I can just imagine the reaction when you approached those folks about how they watched their kid . . .

#189 Our school is open, at least to start the day.

#187 Methinks, perhaps, the gazebo project wasn't thoroughly thought out.

I admit, I'm not sure how cutting operating hours saves much money if you don't cut staff hours. Some savings on electricity for lights and computers, for sure, but the heat has to stay on. You're sure they didn't have any work hours cut? Just one or two hours a week per employeee makes a big difference in the annual bottom line. Our library, you could never cut one whole employee, due to coverage issues at peak hours and when people are away or sick. (I say "away" rather than "on vacation," because we don't get paid vacation, but can arrange unpaid time off for trips and such.) We are all part-time/hourly employees except the Director -- maybe one specialist is considered full-time, too, not sure. No one was laid off, but each hourly-wage employee had her hours cut this year, including Yours Truly -- while hours open remained steady and our circulation increased. (We have PLENTY to do! :)

Goodness! I sit out a couple of days and I am behind on everything. Just a few comments:
a) I am blessed with a fabulous library system. The libraries are fabulous, some newly remodeled, they'll order any book you request, the employees are lovely, and although I don't know if there are posted rules, there's just something about them that makes kids be relatively quiet and fairly well-behaved. Our library system has a rather large foundation, and a huge Friends membership, plus it is a city-county partnership, so maybe that makes the difference.
b) Kath, I watched Schmiel Diamond and laughed out loud! My #2 son is also a Craig, and I can see him participating in something like that. Isn't it great to have progeny who can make you laugh?
c) Wow. That's some serious snow. We haven't had enough snow to keep me home from work in years. Poor Keith had school today, even with 4-6 inches of snow & minus 3 wind chill. He whined about having to walk home, but I told him I didn't feel too sorry for him. It wouldn't be so bad if he'd LEARN TO DRIVE.

Other than that, I hope everyone is healthy, happy, and warm! Back to my thread-catching-up-reading!

LOL Terri... poor keith...why won't he learn to drive? my oldest son is 37 and he hates to drive..luckily he lives in the city so he can use MARTA ..
Ny #2 son Craig has always made me laugh. I remember when he was getting ready to leave for college..
I was at walmart with him and he was walkiing one aisle ahead of me.. at the far end..
at each aisle.. he stopped and posed some funny way.. I laughed and laughed and then iI CRIED.. BECAUSE I KNEW THAT HE WOULD BE DIFFERENT WHEN HE CAME HOME. HE WAS .. BUT IN A GOOD WAY..
GODDESS! HOW I MISS MY KIDS....

oops sorry about the caps too lazy to fix it so bear with me.

I just got and and now my dog thinks its time to eat.. so I have to go and distract him....

Nobody knows why Keith won't drive. He says he just sees no need for it, and has no desire. His father offered him $500 to learn, but Keith said that won't even buy him a car. He's the butt of many family jokes, but they don't bother him. He walks to work, he walks to school, he walks everywhere he needs to go. If I'm going his way, I'll give him a ride, but he'll almost never ask for a ride. Silly boy.
I don't think I'll ever have the opportunity to miss Keith, but I do miss my other two. We really do have such fun when we're all together, and I really like who they are now. Like you said, different, but in a good way!

My Catey is the same way, Terri. She has no desire whatever to drive. My older daughter, Beth, was asking for her own car at age 4.

Exactly, Terri... My kids grew up to be good people.. I not only love them, but like them too :)
how funney, eh Stasia?

I feel the same way about mine, Kath.

Life is good eh?

Snowmageddon reached me last night. There's a significant six or so inches out there. The dog went WILD!!

Off to enjoy some Louise Penny before Her Majesty arises.

I called in.. no school for kids.. crazy road conditions...
even our roads are bad... and our town stays on it very well..
It has been bad.I can be home to torment my favorite rd ALL DAY along with Berly and Stasia.

#201 I knew I liked you, LOL!

#201: Woot! Sounds like Richard is snowed in too, so we can torment all we like, right?

Soon as I get the kids off to school! We'll sneak over there...

He'll never even see us coming . . .

*sleepy stretch*

Huh? Somebody call me?

#206: Nah, you can go back to sleep :)

#200 Richard, you're calling 6 inches of snow significant???? *rolls eyes and turns away*

Today blizzard warning up, school closed, library closed, another foot perhaps on top of the 2 1/2 to 3 feet we already had . . . we are all just staying in.

#195 At least you can't blame Keith for Global Warming . . .

(Of course, this winter, I'm having a little trouble believing in Global Warming. . . no, never mind, let's not get started on that debate!)

commence thing=king of all of the curse words that you have ever heard.
Now imagine me saying them.
loudly

Power cord issues with my laptop..
not sure about my desktop

may be gone for a few days

CURSES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

woe is me

More time for reading?

Oooh, technology is so nice when it works, but when it doesn't . . . :(

I am a very unhappy camper today...
I called the APPLE store and they are sending me another one free of charge...

they said it should be here today.. but? who knows. Work websense will not let me check the order..

I am at work.. no kids.. staff to report.. ( no comment)
roads bad, not terrible.. drivers ... many of them just crazy.. eoither driving at 20mph or 80..and weaving..AND talking on the phone..

ARGH

eoither driving at 20mph or 80..and weaving..AND talking on the phone..

Relax, dearest, while it's annoying, it's just nature cleaning the gene pool.

So true rdear... lol So true

I have never understood how people who talk on cell phones while driving think that a phone call is worth their life! After all, cars are just another deadly weapon, right?

I hope Apple comes through for you today, Kath!

> 215 I agree completely, Stasia!! Where I live right now has the worst drivers and they don't learn from experience!! Car insurance is twice what it costs in the two previous states where I've lived, and I know more people who have been killed in car wrecks in the 10 years I've lived here than in the previous 35 years combined!

Sorry for the thread-jack and rant. All 75ers, take care!

#212, 215 Crazy drivers do abound, indeed! Probably the only thing crazier than driving with a phone glued to one's ear is trying to text message while driving. I can't imagine even trying! Another group of drivers that drives me to distraction are those who don't put their headlights on when visibility is bad. I think "smart cars" that turn lights on automatically at night have created "stupid drivers" who don't know how to work a light switch during the day when it's foggy or there are whiteout conditions. . . .

*Just keeping your thread warm with my ranting in case Apple doesn't come through and you can't get back for a while*

I have to laugh at all the ranting about the use of cell phones while driving because it reminds me of a line from a book I read recently, Lorrie Moore's A Gate at the Stairs:

“Sarah pulled the phone from her bag and slowed the car slightly while she did. ‘Excuse me,’ she said to me. ‘Yeah?’ she said into the phone. All this despite the bumper sticker on her car that read, PERHAPS YOU WOULD DRIVE BETTER WITH THAT CELL PHONE SHOVED UP YOUR ASS.

LOL!

Brilliant!

Says it all.

*waves* Okay... whew! I am back. New cord came today.
More tomorrow.I have been a little busy sweeping ( more ) snow.. getting a few groceries, nd making meatballs for sandwiches tomorrow.

Another cat is sneezing.. that is why you hear me screaming. I am going to finsih up chores and see what is going on with the opening ceremonies..

Tired.. long day..missed you.. :)

have a happy evening !

I see from Cameling's thread that you haven't ended your quest to become Queen GIF-a-licious....

Well.. it's a special occasion

:)

Morning Kath- Glad you got your new cord! I'm off to work, it's been a long week but at least we have Monday off..hooray! Have a great weekend!

stay safe and warm mark..

late signing in.. Ended up taking my other cat to the vet. More sneezing..got some acupuncture for her and some antibiotics...

Also tested for fiv ..just in case somehow Al had shared.. but she is negative thak all the goddesses

back later..

I'm glad to hear that your cat tested FIV negative, Kath. I hope that you're doing well.

Happiness! New cord, no FIV!! Enjoy the long weekend.

Whoopee... happy cat news. I'm glad the FIV test was negative. Now you can relax for the rest of the weekend ... preferably wrapped up warmly.

Thanks :)
Still worried.. she is drooling terribly. This started after the vet visit.
I checked her mouth, and there is nothing stuck in there...
I will call Doug today and see what he thinks...
and now my Emmie ( cat #3) is sneezing. At least I know it isn't FIV.
weariness

okay

17. Little Face

How did I end up with another mystery?
This one was pretty good, actually.
The plot was very convoluted. Alice, a new mom brings her
baby home from the hospital. At the urging of her wealthy mother in law, with whom she and her husband live. She leaves the house to check out a health club and get some time away. She comes home and is horrified to find that the baby she finds is not the one she gave birth to. Or so she is convinced. Others are not so sure.

three stars.

18. Bloodroot

This is a tale told in many voices and heavy in Appalachian dialect.
I hardly know where to start, because this one was a chore for me to read.
The plot revolves around a family of "granny women" or healers. The main characters are mostly women belonging to this line.

I found it hard to care much about any of the characters, and believe me there were plenty to choose from. Myra and Byrdie Lamb, there was Laura, Doug and Johnny.And more. Perhaps if I was able to become more invested in the story, they would have meshed a little better for me. The story itself is rather heavy and dark. Children endure fear and suffering..and bad choices abound. The best thing about the story for me was a sprinkling of magics practiced by the granny women and others. For instance a case of Thrush is treated when a man who never met his father blows into the child's mouth. It worked. This appeals to me. Also appealing is the fact that these knacks...abilities..magics, call them what y ou will are taken for granted.

The story was a good one, the place descriptions realistic. For me the story would have been easier to enjoy were it told in one voice.

This description is getting to be as confusing as the book was to me. I would give it a three star rating. I am also going to put it aside, I believe and try it again when I am less distracted by things around me. I think the story may have been better over-all than my appreciation of it. Does that make any kind of sense?

I am currently reading an LTER

19. Venetia Kelly's Traveling Show and liking it, It is much lighter than other books I have read by this author. I should finish today .. maybe..

Still having trouble with the sound systema dn now my cable. Considering a good cry.

Passes Kath a Kleenex and offers a shoulder to cry on. (Technology is such a blessing and a curse!)

Cable company tech here for 3 hrs this morning and and then another this afternoon.
Cable Box installed is bad. No sound ... need yet another box..
all the fuss with him coming and going stressed my sick kitty .. and she hid much of the day. Scary with this trouble making kitten of mine. Duncan stressed from being locked in my room and not being able to taste the cable guy. ( He seems to like tasting workmen)

Tech gone.. Rosebud ate... and now hopefully I can get some downtime ..
I am such a whiner .. but, I do worry about my furkids...

on with the traveling show!

and thanks for the tissues berly-cakes.. I was running out.

I hope you do sneak some downtime in, Kath. Sounds as if you need it!

I have read and reviewed Venetia Kelly's Traveling Show. A very good book.

That was read #19, and I shall choose # 20 when I get home. Sneaking in from work.. *waves*

Flagged your review of Venetia Kelly's Traveling Show....you go, girl!

Nest one up is off my shelf. Muse and Reverie

eta

I came home from work and made stuffed peppers for tomorrows dinner and
an apple spice cake. yummy..

NOW it is the Westminster... in case you forgot

Nice review, Kath! I've thumbed it, too.

:) Thanks Darryl~

Yoo-hoo, Mrs. Goldberg! xoxo

I just added The Voyage of the Narwhal by Andrea Barrett to my library..
Stasia was it you who just rated it?
or ?

Hey Kath;
Here I is and here I go:

Club Read 2010 thread: http://www.librarything.com/topic/80775

10/10 Challenge Category thread:
http://www.librarything.com/topic/73020

There ya go dahlin'
luv n hugs,
belva

>#200:
St. Richard;
and I quote: "There's a significant six or so inches out there."

That number would be significant to YOU!~!

Kath, dear;
I went ahead and posted my threads on my profile. How unthoughtful of me not to have thought of that before.
hugs all round for everyone!~!~!

And my dear, this thread (speaking of) takes forever to load. Hmmmmmmmmm, perhaps it is time for #3?
luv ya!~!
belva

Nanny Ogg is right, Kath dear, time for a new thread.

#243: As much as I would like to claim credit, that was not me - it was Terri (teelgee).

Ahhh I thank you!

NEW THREAD!

http://www.librarything.com/topic/85093