Morphy Gets Her Groove On - Part 6

Minneapolis Skyline

This is my second 75 Books Challenge. I read about 250 books a year, so I'm not worried about meeting the challenge!

First thread: http://www.librarything.com/topic/130083
Second thread: http://www.librarything.com/topic/132781
Third thread: http://www.librarything.com/topic/137054
Fourth thread: http://www.librarything.com/topic/139572
Fifth thread: http://www.librarything.com/topic/142093

I mostly read fantasy, preferably urban, but also enjoy general and genre fiction, historical romance, classics, popular non-fiction, and will honestly try any genre at least once.

I have more challenges and lists than I know what to do with and am not going to list them here except as notes to the books I've completed.

Best book of 2012 is:

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

My best books of 2011 are:

The Forgotten Beasts of Eld by McKillip, Patricia
Bridge of Birds by Hughart, Barry
Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood by Wells, Rebecca
Garden Spells by Allen, Sarah Addison
Soulless by Carriger, Gail
What I Eat by Menzel, Peter and D'Aluisio, Faith
Ready Player One by Cline, Ernest

My favorite books from the last five years are:

Essential Spirituality by Roger Walsh
Ex Libris: Confessions of a Common Reader by Anne Fadiman
The Stand by Stephen King
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
Katherine by Anya Seton
Sweet Liar by Jude Deveraux
84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff

My 12 in 12 challenge categories:

1. Family Science Fiction Read
2. TIOLI Most Popular Books
3. Prior Year Challenges
4. 1001 Fantasy Books to Read Before You Are Turned into a Newt
5. US 50 State Challenge
6. Around the World in 80 Sleuths
7. Reading Romances Challenge
8. The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Ultimate Reading List
9. LT Recommended
10. Off the Shelf
11. Nonfiction
12. Most Popular Books by Year by GoodReads

http://www.librarything.com/topic/127722

I stole this from someone else at LT and tweaked the last few ratings. I can't give credit because I don't remember who I copied it from! Since I started using this I've noticed I've been handing out more 6's and less 7's.

My rating system:

10 stars - The book completely enthralled me. Could not put it down. Got something more out of it than just entertainment -- it enlightened or educated me in some way. Can definitely see myself reading it again. Will keep forever and never loan it out.

9 stars - Not quite perfect but almost so. I will actively push this book on my friends and family.

8 stars - A really great book in all respects with perhaps some minor flaws. Highly recommended.

7 stars - Better than average but with some flaws. Recommended.

6 stars - Average. An entertaining read but probably forgettable. Will not reread. Recommended for entertainment value to readers with similar interest.

5 stars - Slightly lower than average. Some aspects of the story, characters or writing troubled me. Probably will not recommend.

4 stars - Finished but did not like. Would not recommend.

3 stars - Had some redeeming qualities or else I couldn't have finished it. Nothing to recommend it though.

2 star - I can't believe I finished this book. What am I? A masochist?

1 star - No book ever gets this rating. If it's a 1, I can't finish it.

Places I've read through October 2012:


visited 13 states (5.77%)
Create your own visited map of The World


visited 27 states (54%)
Create your own visited map of The United States

Congratulations on a bright new thread!!!

Lovely new thread, Morph!

I am thankful for my dog, Maia.

She's curled up against my right thigh, keeping it warm. She's ten pounds of white fluff and is my constant companion. She's always within a few feet of me if not right up against a leg or foot. Unless, of course, she's off visiting MrMorphy in his man cave. She's got dark eyes, black nose and lips and a bubblegum pink tongue. She is Maia Moo, Googly Eyes, Little Girl. She's 90% angel, 10% freak. Her pacifier is to come up and lick behind your ear.

Hi, Morphy! Nice new thread! I like the skyline photo.

The maps of places you've read are neat. You still need a Pennsylvania book, I see. If you like narrative non-fiction, I highly recommend David McCullough's The Johnstown Flood, which I found very good. I saw part 1 of an interview with McCullough on 60 Minutes last night, and he has such a love of and marvelous perspective on US history!

Nice new thread, Morphy! LOVE your description of Maia - aren't dogs wonderful?!

Ah! Minneapolis skyline!

To be honest, I've always preferred downtown St. Paul to Minneapolis. Not the skyline, but the actual place. St. Paul seems more historic and quaint somehow.

I take it that the twin cities are not identical twins then? I love Skyline photos Morphy and I really hope to visit the citie{s) of Lucas Davenport and Morphy one day soon!

Following you over here :D

Yay for the new thread. Here to lurk some more :)

I love your maps, Morphy. For those of us who don't travel much, reading provides a fine substitute. I may borrow your idea for next year with your permission. Maia sounds like the perfect companion. I love my dog, too, even though he's in need of a bath right now. ;-)

Happy New Thread, Morphy!

New thread means more great books for Morphy! :)

Congrats on the new thread. As a former Minnesotan (my family is still there), I love the skyline up top. Thanks!

>5 maggie1944: Thanks, Karen!

>6 ronincats: Thanks for stopping by, Roni.

>8 tymfos: Terri, I haven't purposefully been trying to fill in. Perhaps next year!

>9 Crazymamie: Crazymamie, they are! MrMorphy says no more dogs after Maia, but I told him that wasn't acceptable. I need the companionship. I did agree no more puppies though.

>10 The_Hibernator: Rachel, St. Paul is prettier in a way, but we rarely make it over to that side of the river. Perhaps four times in the last two decades?

>11 PaulCranswick: Paul, no, not at all. Minneapolis is more urban/skyscraper and St. Paul is more old world charm/capital building.

>12 divinenanny: Welcome, divinenanny!

>13 Kassilem: Melis, just poke your head in on occasion, right?

>14 Donna828: Donna, not my idea. I stole from someone, feel free to steal from me!

>15 scaifea: Thanks for stopping by, Amber.

>16 jolerie: And I just finished a good one, too, Valerie! Still trying to decide whether to give it an 8 or 9.

>17 Berly: Berly, I think if we ever moved, it might be to the Northwest. My only concern is the cloudiness. I need sunshine!

I am thankful for ibuprofen.

What a miracle drug it is! Just think - anything from a headache to a wound - you get relief. Just pop a couple of pills. Can you imagine years ago when the best you could get would be some willow bark tea? Can't even imagine what it would be like for people who need stronger stuff like those with RA.

Morphy, I am grateful for your example with the Gratitude this month! An Attitude of Gratitude can help through thick and thin.

I am thankful for the ability to vote. Both that personally I am able physically and mentally to get out to vote and that my country allows us to voice our preferences on people to represent us and propositions.

Dropping by your new thread.

Best of luck with the triathlon. It's not my kind of thing, I'm afraid (to much running). I'm still trying to work up the gumption to go back to the gym. :)

>22 humouress: I can't run, so I'll be walking the running parts.

I am very tempted to be thankful for my dog again - she's currently being very adorable and laying across my arms between me and my lap top which is making it difficult to type. However, I just did her a couple of days ago, so...

I am thankful for those that make awesome movies like Brave and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.

I've seen two five star movies in the last week and I wish there were more "feel good" movies out there like this.

Morphy, you might be wanting a small edit in this sentence: "I can run, so I'll be walking the running parts."

>24 maggie1944:: Oh, good. It wasn't me then :)

>24 maggie1944: & 25 No idea what you are talking about.

*hums to herself*

*whispers* I liked the sentence better in the original...

Ooooh, guess what I finally got in the mail?

The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters
Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood

Both are authors that I've read before, so I'm not filled with TOO much trepidation. Thanks, Paul!

Morphy - finally the mail arrived. Took them from the books you should borrow sections on our profile page - both on my shelves but I thought you deserved a clean copy of each. I liked them both but that is little recommendation for you I suppose, especially as I don't enjoy Atwood normally! Enjoy. x

Hey! I just got a copy of Alias Grace a copy of weeks ago as well! :) Looks like it should be good too. :)

I love Atwood, but don't know Waters. Enjoy!

I am thankful for my LibraryThing friends.

Everyone from maggie1944/Karen who chats with me in the mornings to Paul who sends me books to all the delightful people who come post on my threads to the interesting people who post on their own threads. Even when I win the lottery, this is the one place I'll keep coming to. It is a delight.

I would echo those feelings of gratitude Morphy - yours was the first thread I opened that made my jaw drop by the sheer weight of numbers of the books you were reading. I think its great that there are 1000 of us from all over the world with a common interest and so many different points of view about the world but the warmth and genuine nature of the people I have met here renews my faith in books and emphasises my faith in humanity. Have a lovely weekend.

Paul, I'm really having to push the next two months to reach my goal of 300 books. I tried last year and missed by about 15. I want to make it this year!

Speaking of...

I am thankful for books.

For almost four decades, they have been my companions in good times and my escape in some really awful times. I love seeing a pile of books ready to be read. I like smooth covers, the feel of turning a page, getting so absorbed that the world slips away.

"getting so absorbed that the world slips away." This is it! Really. I love that part, too.

" I love seeing a pile of books ready to be read. I like smooth covers, the feel of turning a page, getting so absorbed that the world slips away."

Me, too! Hoping that you make your goal of 300 books this year - and completely wowed by how many books you have already finished!

>32 Morphidae:: I'm grateful for knowing Morphy - who will remember me when she wins the lottery ;-D

Nina - hahaha but I heard I had the same hopes from my scottish friend who went to church three weeks in a row to complain bitterly to God that for three weeks in a row his prayers had not been answered; his wife had left him, his business failed, the car re-possessed along with his house and he implored in aggresive tones for divine intervention. The heavens parted and a mighty voice came down from on high - "Jock, meet me half way - go and buy a bloody ticket!"

Hi Morphy! So nice to see all the things you are thankful for. Such a positive attitude!
Hope you are having a great weekend!

I am thankful for my home.

It's small and needs repair, but it's cozy and accessible for me. We've been in it for 25+ years. And I love the town. We are surrounded by water and anytime we go out, we drive along lake shore. We have everything we need within a couple of minutes - grocery, bank, vet, groomer, hardware, library, etc.

I think your practice of giving thanks for something daily is really great.

I am thankful for my laptop and the Internet.

I am mostly homebound though as I lose weigh that grows less. My outlet to the world is through the computer. My online friends here at LT and elsewhere, the volunteer work I do at home, I attend college online, I play games, watch videos, make lists, play with my lists, check off my lists, admire my lists... well, you get the idea.

244. Fifty Shades Darker by E. L. James

Genre: Erotica (supposedly, I've read hotter romance and urban fantasy novels)

Notes: TIOLI #6 (Scrabble Title - 7)

Summary: Christian and Ana get back together and the relationship and characters grow

Opinion: The rating gets a bump down because there are some words and phrases that constantly get repeated and that gets annoying. But I laughed and cried. I especially liked how Christian struggled and changed as a person in this book. Looking forward to the last in the trilogy.

Rating: 7

245. Phantom in the Night by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Notes: TIOLI #19 (Library), to complete bibliography

Summary: Romantic suspense where an ex-special ops and a BAD operative work together to prevent biological terrorism

Opinion: I don't like this series near as much as the Dark-Hunters. There is much less characterization, less romance and more violence. If I wasn't trying to complete Kenyon's bibliography I doubt I'd read anymore in this series.

Rating: 5

246. Patty Jane's House of Curl by Lorna Landvik

Genre: Fiction

Notes: TIOLI #9 (Scrabble - 19), Ultimate Reading List (12 in 12), WCC Book Club

Summary: Two Minnesota sisters bond over tragedies in a beauty salon during the 50s and 60s

Opinion: Enjoyed this very much. The number of tragedies were a bit much but I didn’t want the book to end. It was heart-warming and funny. I laughed and cried. All the characters were interesting from the sisters to the secondary ones.

Rating: 8

247. The Saga of the Renunciates by Marion Zimmer Bradley

Genre: Science Fiction

Notes: TIOLI #19 (library), to complete bibliography

Summary: The Shattered Chain, Thendara House, City of Sorcery- two societies, one feudal style with psi-powers, one galactic , must get along on Darkover

Opinion: Shows their age but still decent stories if you can get past being near beat over the head with the feminism theme, especially when it comes to women learning about the opposite cultures.

Rating: 6

248. Firebird by Mercedes Lackey

Genre: Fantasy

Notes: TIOLI #19 (library), to complete bibliography

Summary: Retelling of the Russian fairy tale

Opinion: Not as terrible as I remember the first time but still rather tedious. The first half the book the main character was reactive rather than proactive and it made it boring. The romance was too quick to be realistic. But as always, Lackey is an easy read.

Rating: 5

249. Embraced by Darkness by Keri Arthur

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Notes: TIOLI #19 (library), to complete bibliography

Summary: Riley's family pack's alpha forces her to investigate the disappearance of a pack member

Opinion: A couple of Too Stupid To Live moments but otherwise an plot- packed novel that I zipped through in a couple hours. I feel involved in Riley's life and want to know what is going on with her. The most enjoyable books are where I feel a connection like that to the main character(s).

Rating: 7

~~~~~

Currently Reading:
The Arabian Nights by Sir Richard F. Burton (SantaThing)
Downbelow Station by C. J. Cherryh
The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova
Learn Program for Weight Control by Kelly Brownell
Waiter Rant by Steve Dublanica

On Deck:
Sphere by Michael Crichton
Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi
Stuart Little by E. B. White

I agree with you on the Marion Zimmer Bradley title in #46. I remember reading The Shattered Chain as a young woman in my twenties and enjoying the feminist streak in it immensely. I also read Thendara House when it came out and wondered how she was going to finally resolve everything in the final volume, City of Sorcery. I was really eager to read City but was disappointed in that she didn't seem to be able to come up with a reasonable compromise or solution to the sexism on Darkover. I was perhaps more aware of sexism in the real world by the time I hit the last book and I seem to think I was in my 'thirties by then. I had hopes that MZB was going to offer me more of an upbeat ending. At any rate, I thought City was the weakest of the three.

Hi Morphy, swing by for a visit. Interesting mix of reading lately. Sorry to see some of them weren't the best - I was looking at Phantom of the Night recently but it sounds like it is lacking in ways that would just frustrate me as a reader!

I am curious to see what you think of The Arabian Nights by Burton when you finish it. I am thinking about reading the original the next year.

I am thankful for my favorite morning news team.

I've watched them for years. They are so much fun. They are like a big family and joke and tease each other. The weather guy has won national awards and is a big goof. The entertainment guy is openly gay. The main female news anchor is like the big sister. Even the traffic "girl" is a riot. I almost always end up with a smile on my face at some point. Especially on Fridays with the Friday Dance Off.

>50 jillmwo: Yes, I liked Thendara House the best myself because of the cultural differences and how they worked out.

>51 lkernagh: I wouldn't recommend Kenyon's BAD books at all. I'm only reading them because I'm a completist. I'm near done with The Arabian Nights. I would have to say I'm glad I read it but it took me two years to finish. You need to take your time reading them because the prose is VERY VERY purple and the plots can seem repetitive.

>50 jillmwo:, 53: Thendara House was my favourite Darkover book of the whole series (Hawkmistress! runs it close), and one of the few that I've kept to reread. City of sorcery was a major let-down, not at all the book I wanted to have close out that trilogy.

I'm enjoying reading your daily things to be grateful for; it's making me consider the good things in my life which I often overlook. Thank you.

Hi, Morphy, here I am flying through your thread at 5:47 am, Hawai'i time! The roosters are crowing, there is a little early morning "going to work" traffic noise, and it is still dark. We had our typical rain in the middle of the night which is fun to hear.

I'll post more in my own thread about the details of the vacation. Am having fun, wish you were here! Maybe next year, or the one after?

*smooch*

Ooooh, Sakerfalcon! I liked Hawkmistress as well, but I've never found that many people who had read it or even heard of it.

I think Hawkmistress! was my first / one of my first MZB's. It's been a while, but I must have enjoyed it enough to keep reading the Darkover books.

I lent my copy to a couple of friends who also like strong girls with hawks and horses in their reading, thus widening slightly the pool of those who know it!

I am thankful for my good health.

Considering my weight, I am in relatively good health. I have high blood pressure, but it is controlled by medication. Otherwise, I haven't had a skin infection in a year and I don't have diabetes or any heart problems. *knocks on wood* I have problems getting around but that's getting better as I lose weight.

I am thankful for my lady friends at the senior center.

A couple of months ago, a senior friend asked me to lunch at the senior center. I went and met all her friends. There is a consignment shop there where they sit around a table, knit/crochet/work on little projects, and chat all morning, go to lunch, then do the same in the afternoon. Even though I am not a senior, they have made me more than welcome. They are delighted to see me each week and seem to really care about me. They are very earthy and supportive. We laugh and cry. Today I am looking forward to going because I know they will wrap me up in their warmth while I need so desperately. I love going.

Oh, I need the support today because we found out yesterday that MrMorphy may have retinal cancer. We have to wait three weeks for another test. The chances are 50/50. If he does, he'll eventually lose sight in that eye and, of course, there are the lost wages (he's a temp) and the medical expenses. He's so depressed and angry. I'm scared and stressed.

Morphy - The ladies at the senior center sound delightful! That's so fabulous that you have them - and what a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. Sorry to hear the news about MrMorphy - crossing my fingers and sending good thoughts that the next test comes back negative. My Dad lost his vision to diabetes shortly after my son was born, so I know how devastating that can be. My thoughts are with you and MrMorphy. Hugs to both of you.

Wishing you and MrMorphy the best.

*hugs!*

Thinking of you and MrMorphy, and hoping for the best for you both.

Sending you and the wonderful Mr. Morphy as many positive vibes as can be mustered in this tropical enclave. Whatever the two of you have to face together I am sure that you will do so with stoicism and love. It is apparent that he has always been your rock in difficult times and I am sure he can rely on you to reciprocate for him. x

I'm glad for how much you have to be thankful about, and so sorry to hear about Mr Morphy's news. I hope that it isn't the worst case scenario but if it is I'm sure you will have the strength and fortitude to make it through.

Morphy, sending my thoughts and prayers for you and Mr. Morphy! We are all here for you and pulling for the good results to come through!

Me too.

Me too, Morphy.

I can't believe you have to wait three weeks to find out more. Terrible. We're thinking of you.

Also sending you support and positive thoughts for MrMorphy! My dad lost an eye to cancer when he was 55, had an artificial one, and was able to compensate well for the rest of his life. But hoping it won't come to that. Ouch re: the medical expenses and lost wages though--that will be a bummer either way.

I wish the best for MrMorphy! I"ll be praying for him.

Thinking of you and MrMorphy!

Joining in with everyone else sending good wishes for you and MrMorphy.

Oh Morphy!! Bit (((((hugs)))))) to you and Mr Morphy. I'll be thinking of both of you and remembering you in my prayers.

I am thankful for the generosity of friends.

I am always touched by the generosity of others. One LT friend sent me a beautiful bookmark just because it reminded her of me. A senior center friend mended a dress of mine. Other friends came over and cooked us a wonderful meal. Another LT friend just offered to pay for SantaThing. I am so blessed.

Oh, Morphy, I don't like what I just read about Mr. Morphy. I'm so sorry that you and he will have to wait so long to find out! Sending patience vibes (the best I can muster; I'm not the most patient person in the world, myself), and keeping you both in my thoughts.

Thank you everyone for all the good wishes. I showed them all to MrMorphy and it helps. Believe me, it helps.

Sending my best wishes as well!

>78 Morphidae:: Well then, have some extra good wishes, for luck.

Hoping for the best.

I'm so sorry to hear about Mr Morphy!! I am hoping for a positive outcome in his next tests!!
Thinking of you

Oh Morphy, that is distressing news. Like others, I think it stinks that you and Mr. Morphy have to wait so long for another test. I will be checking back to see the outcome. Keeping all crossables crossed for good results.

I am thankful that MrMorphy has a job.

Yes, it's temporary contract work. But *knocks on wood* this might finally be, after four years, a permanent position. We'll know in February or March. Meanwhile, it allows us to do some small things like hire friends and others to relieve MrMorphy of some tasks and caretaking to give him a much needed break. We have a lady coming over this morning who is a PCA to train. She'll come over one Saturday a month for a couple of hours to give MrMorphy a break on taking care of me. And some friends are coming over this afternoon to get rid of the leaves on our lawn. We'll pay them a little for that and then feed them dinner. It will make things tight, but MrMorphy really needs the help. He's feeling stretched.

*throws hugs and smooches really hard, so they will fly across all the miles between us*

You know you are in my heart, and I'm thinking unending positive intentions for you both!

I am thankful for my in-laws.

Even though they are fragile homebodies with not a lot in common with us, they are also kind and generous. Every few months we go over to their home for dinner - they aren't able to go out much. When we've struggled financially, they've always been there with an open wallet. Sometimes they've allowed us to pay them back, other times not. When MrMorphy has needed a ride or to borrow a car, they've been there. We've been blessed and treasure every day they are still with us.

I'm sorry to hear about MrMorphy, I'll be hoping for good news.

My mom's husband works for temp services and I find the entire idea of them utterly appalling. MrMorphy has my greatest sympathies for putting up with what I assume they put him through, if it's anything like what my mom's husband goes through. He has been working as a 'temporary' worker in the same factory for 2-3 years now, and the only reason they won't hire him is because they'll have to give him medical benefits, so he works as a 'temp' and has 1/3rd of his paycheck taken by the temp service and is left broke and without benefits of any kind.. That shouldn't even be legal. :(

250. Waiter Rant by Steve Dublanica

Genre: Nonfiction

Notes: TIOLI #19 (library), 888 (12 in 12)

Summary: Thanks for the Tip - Confessions of a Cynical Waiter

Opinion: Easy enough to read but more of a memoir than an inside scoop like I was expecting. More philosophical than gossipy like I was hoping. Sometimes I liked the author, other times I thought he was too full of himself.

Rating: 5

251. Sphere by Michael Crichton

Genre: Science Fiction

Notes: TIOLI #2 (tag time - time travel), Family Science Fiction, 111 Science Fiction

Summary: A group of civilians is called in when an unidentified object is found in deep water by the US Navy

Opinion: Reads like a Harlequin version of a thriller. Seems to be aimed at 10 - 12 years olds. No richness of plot or characterizations were one dimensonal, etc. Even the adventure seemed bland. It wasn't scary or thrilling, just meh.

Rating: 5

252. Rediscovery by Marion Zimmer Bradley and Mercedes Lackey

Genre: Science Fiction

Notes: TIOLI #19 (library), to complete bibliography

Summary: The Human Empire rediscovers the "Lost Colony" of Darkover

Opinion: The plot was missing in this book, it was all episodic and wandering. Characters got killed off abruptly, others disappeared and re-appeared willy-nilly. Quick read but unfulfilling.

Rating: 5

253. Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi

Genre: Graphic Novel

Notes: TIOLI #18 (hat/headgear), LTMP

Summary: Nonfiction graphic novel about a girl in 1980s Iran during the revolution

Opinion: Odd mixture of childish writing, brutal events and blockish illustration that didn't connect with me.

Rating: 5

~~~~~

Currently Reading:
The Arabian Nights by Sir Richard F. Burton (SantaThing)
Downbelow Station by C. J. Cherryh
The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova

On Deck:
Angels at the Table by Debbie Macomber
Stuart Little by E. B. White
Cutwork by Monica Ferris

I'll be interested to read what you think of Stuart Little, loved by many, I just thought it odd. I keep wondering if I missed the point somewhere along the way.

Oh dear, looks like you hit a slow patch with your reading. Hope your next books are more fun!

I am thankful for Meals on Wheels.

Twice a week and sometimes more if circumstances permit, I get a hot meal delivered for lunch. It's so much nicer than having leftovers or a frozen dinner. I get an entree, starch, vegetable and dessert and the food is usually quite good. Some of my favorites have been cabbage rolls, corned beef and cabbage, vegetable lasagna, and honey mustard chicken (I think, it's a sweet coating to baked chicken.) The volunteer delivery people are always friendly and love to visit with Maia for a minute or two.

I think it is remarkable that they are able to provide food which is "quite good". Usually food transported in some sort of a warm box can become quite unlike real, good, food. I am thankful along with you that it is good.

MrMorphy's review of Redshirts by John Scalzi which I got for him because of high recommendations here...

"I gave up half way though the book. It was a hamster wheel story. Someone died, they tried to get out of the situation. Someone died, they tried to get out of the situation. Over and over. It was stupid and inane. There was no plot."

So, uh...no. Heh.

I am thankful for the rehab pool at the Courage Center.

Today I'm going over to the Courage Center to exercise for an hour in the rehab pool. It's a zero entry pool with rails and exercise equipment and all sorts of accessibility options. Because of my size it's very difficult to exercise "on land" but at the pool I can exercise for an hour. It feels so good to just MOVE.

Yay, I'm glad you're going to the pool! It seems to have such a positive effect, both on your weight loss and on your mood.

*waving* I picked up something for you at a store yesterday.... (heheheheheehhee)

I am thankful for the seasons.

I love how the seasons change especially here in Minnesota. To get anywhere, we have to drive along lake shore and it's especially evident there with the change in foliage from bare branches to fuzzy lime green to dark green to a blaze of colors. On the lake, we watch the change from flocks of boats to flocks of birds to the creep of ice to full towns of ice houses. We get sailboats to iceboats. I've seen twenty bald eagles lined up on the edge of the ice in October and two deer running across the lake in February. I've seen and heard loons in summer and osprey nesting in spring.

Okay, I hope you don't think I'm weird or anything, but I had a dream about you last night:
I found a book that had Morphology in the title, so I made a bookmark of the binding and sent it to you (Morphology = the study of Morphy!). Clearly I've got both my crafting and my LT friends on the brain...

PS: If I do find such a titled book, look out, cuz you're getting that bookmark!

>93 humouress: Nina, yeah. I haven't had the best luck, but I've read some slightly better ones I'll report on Sunday.

>95 maggie1944: Karen, sometimes I still get mystery meat or mystery dessert. But I have to admit I'm not terribly picky as long as it's "basic" and warm.

>98 _Zoe_: Zoe, it was delightful. And I sleep so GOOD afterward. My head barely hit the pillow and I was out.

>99 maggie1944: Bookmark! YAY!

>100 Morphidae:: You are fortunate indeed to see such wonderful sights right on your doorstep. I'm quite envious!

Amber: I've had several dreams of LTers in the past. I'm never sure if that says something bad about my social life or something great about the wonderful (and apparently memorable) people around here. :)

>101 scaifea: I want that bookmark! You have to find a Morphology book!

>104 Ape: I don't think I want to know about those dreams...

Don't worry, they are always perfectly innocent. :P If dreams are a window into the inner workings of a person's mind, then I have no interest in sex whatsoever, as my dreams are never...ummmm...naughty.

I typed "Morphology" into the LT search bar and got 8 pages of results!

I always wish I had more time for exercise so that I could get that deep and refreshing sleep more often. I hope you'll be able to continue going to the pool on a regular basis!

I also love the seasons.

The only LT-inspired dream I can remember was one about caterpillars, but I'm sure there have been others. I've just never been very good at remembering my dreams.

What a beautiful description of your seasons, Morphy!

Best wishes for a happy Thanksgiving.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and Mr. Morphy! Looks like you are well prepared for the holiday with your daily thankfulness. :)

Hi Morphy, Happy Thanksgiving!

I came by to leave the link to the first thread for the December Group Read:

A Tale of Two Cities

Hope to see you over there.

Dropping in to wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving, Morphy! Hope it is filled with fun and relaxation and wonderful things!

Hello, dropping by to wish you and your husband a very Happy Thanksgiving :)!

Morphy - Happy Thanksgiving to you and Mr. Morphy. BTW I wish I had the seasons here to be thankful for - I miss the fresh Autumnal breeze on my face in the mornings.

Happy Thanksgiving Morphy!

Thanks for all the Thanksgiving wishes!

I am thankful for my mother.

We didn't start off so well, I must admit. She struggled a lot coming from a dysfunctional family herself and it wasn't until we were both adults that we had a good relationship, but now we have a warm, supportive one. I give her a lot of credit for stopping the cycle of abuse that went back generations. We live far apart and I miss her especially during the holidays. She is an excellent cook and makes the best holiday meals - her stuffing is stellar. She loves celebrating the holidays - the decorating, the cooking, the music - and her joy spread to us.

*hugs* dear friend, I hope your day fulfills all your wishes for it!

Happy Thanksgiving Morphy!!

Happy Thanksgiving Morphy! I hope you and Mr.Morphy had a wonderful day.

I am thankful for good food on the table.

Specifically, last night we had turkey, mashed potatoes, sage stuffing, green bean casserole, gravy, rolls and pumpkin pie. But also, in general, we have a pantry and refrigerator full of good food. Tonight we are having BBQ turkey meatballs and yellow (saffron) rice. Doesn't that sound delicious? For lunch, I'm having leftover chicken and rice or perhaps a turkey sandwich. Warm, filling, satisfying. Life is good.

I am thankful for our neighbors.

Especially as winter settles in. Yes, we have the one weirdo neighbor but he is a minor annoyance we only have to deal with once or twice a year. Otherwise they are very helpful. We'll go out and the drive-way will be plowed or the front lawn mowed and we'll usually have no idea who did it. More often than not it's the across the street neighbor husband who is retired. In return we bring him the occasional beer. At Christmas, we'll get cookies. It's a quiet neighborhood.

lurking through.......

hope you are well!

Wishing you and Mr. Morphy a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend! I love your daily thankfulness stories. Thanks for sharing these glimpses into your daily life. Crossing everything I have that you get good news back on the test. Hugs!

Hope it's been a restful, quiet and thankful holiday for you and yours, Morphy!

I am thankful for contacts and glasses.

Where would I be without them? I started wearing "coke bottles" in first grade and couldn't wait to wear contacts. My mother refused to let me get them until I turned 13. I've been wearing them every since - put them in when I wake up and not take them out until I go to bed. Last year, my doctor told me I was wearing them "too much" and so now, I wait until later in the morning before putting them in. The last couple of years I've had to use "readers" for close up.

I loved my contacts, too, but started to develop dry eye and discontinued their use. I am glad I was able to wear them for a long time when I was a young woman, definitely helped with the self image issues.

Hope Sunday is a swell day for you and yours!

I am thankful for online learning.

I am getting my Associates in Accounting online. There is no way I could have done this if I had to go to a campus. I am disabled and depend on MetroMobility to get me around. Not only that, but I'm too big to wheel myself around a campus and don't have an electric wheelchair. But as it is, I'll be graduating in May!

I'm glad that your online learning continues to go well Morphy! :)

I don't know if it's me or the books, but I'm in a book slump. Books have been just bleh lately. My averages:

January: 6.4
February: 6.7
March: 6.9
April: 6.4
May: 6.5
June: 6.0
July: 6.7
August: 6.2
September: 6.4
October: 5.8 (Ew.)
November: 5.9 (More Ew.)

Since I was already running queries:

2006: 7.4
2007: 7.3
2008: 6.9
2009: 6.6
2010: 6.7
2011: 6.6
2012 (so far): 6.4

This has been an incredibly slow year for me, where books are concerned. I'm averaging less than I usually do and that was with a huge graphic novel series to boost my numbers. :(

Maybe you are becoming more discriminating? ;-)

She means pessimistic, like me! :D

Perhaps RL is more interesting than it was before?

>131 ronincats: Not necessarily. Although I think I'm getting REALLY #)(&(@*$^ tired of the urban fantasy romantic triangle trope. Otherwise, I continue to read a wide range of books.

>133 maggie1944: Not considerably.

Life has been stressful the last couple of months though. Perhaps that is reflecting in my mood.

I am thankful for my wheelchair.

It's a heavy-duty, extra-wide one. It allows me to leave the home and get to doctor appointments, go to th rehab book, do volunteer work, go to the church and the senior center. Tonight we are going out to dinner with friends. All possible because of the wheelchair.

>133 maggie1944:: Personally, I blame LT. The 75ers being the most active group, it takes ages just catching up on all the threads, even if (like me) you just lurk and tend not to post. But I'm not giving it up!

*waving*
Hi, Morphy!
Here's hoping your next read is so out-of-sight amazing that it jacks all those low statistics up...

Hello Morphy :)

Thank you for all the lovely things you are thankful for. I very much enjoyed reading your comments. I very much sympathize with your current reading slump. I have had that for some time now and ended up starting lots of different books :(. Usually, I enjoy paranormal romances a lot and read them, but even there I couldn't find anything.
However, I also have to agree with Nina. Since joining this group in June I noticed that my reading in general dropped :), but I do enjoy reading the posts and like the chats on the various threads.

Wish you and Mr. Morphy a lovely day.

I am thankful for a good day.

I was picked up at 8am by MetroMobility to go to Thimble Bees. Thimble Bees is a group of ladies at my church who knit, crochet, sew, and quilt items for charity. I worked on a crocheted baby blanket in pastel yellow. We had a snack of crackers and cheese, almonds, fruit (strawberries!), and breads (I had banana.) MrMorphy's appointment on Monday was brought up during "Joys and Concerns" and the ladies were very supportive.

Later, MrMorphy got home, changed his clothes, and we headed off to Benihana for supper to celebrate his and a friend's birthdays. My friend used to be my boss and now we get together every month or so for lunch. Once in a while his partner joins us. On the way to Benihana I saw three bald eagles on the lake ice. We had a great time at dinner and the chef was a lot fun. I have leftovers for dinner tonight, too. Yummy!

That does sound like a fun evening! And your picture sure looks happy, happy!

254. Cutwork by Monica Ferris

Genre: Mystery

Notes: TIOLI #19 (library), next in series, to complete bibliography

Summary: There's been a murder at the Excelsior Craft Fair and Betsy has been asked to prove a local teen innocent

Opinion: Average cozy mystery that I enjoy because it's set in a suburb about 10 minutes from here, I like the characters, and there's a lot of chat about needlework. The plot is usually overly simple but the writing is decent. Absorbing enough for a quiet afternoon's reading.

Rating: 6

255. Angels at the Table by Debbie Macomber

Genre: Romance

Notes: TIOLI #5 (thankful), recommended by friend

Summary: An angel apprentice interferes too soon in a romance between a restaurant owner and a food critic and things go awry

Opinion: Not my usual fare, but recommended to me by an elderly friend and I was able to enjoy it for what it was - an inspirational, light romance. The characters were a little too one-dimensional for me, but I liked the set up and thought the angels, Shirley, Goodness, Mercy and Will were fun if a bit saccharine.

Rating: 6

256. Time Untime by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Notes: TIOLI #19 (library), next in series, to complete bibliography

Summary: Generic Kenyon plot - thousands-year old jaded male meets female, falls in love and they save the day/country/planet

Opinion: Another "rainy day" book. Light, fluffy paranormal romance. Kenyon is just pumping them out at this point - nothing new or different and the emotional hook isn't there anymore except for the short scene with Nick. Eventually I'll get tired and stop reading her books. I think this is number 17?

Rating: 6

257. The Arabian Nights by Sir Richard Burton

Genre: Classics

Notes: TIOLI #18 (hat),1001 Fantasy, 1001 Books, SantaThing

Summary: Collection of Arabian folk tales

Opinion: It took me two years to finish these but I'm glad I did. Fair warning, prose can't get anymore purple than this - an LT review called it "overwrought" and I have to agree. But if you take it slow, the stories are quite enjoyable. The boy gets the girl and the riches every time after numerous adventures. It would have gotten tiring, but like I said, I spread it out over years.

Rating: 6

258. Codependent No More by Melody Beattie

Genre: Nonfiction

Notes: TIOLI #19 (library), recommended by therapist

Summary: About codependents - people who believe their happiness is derived from other people

Opinion: I've read too many self-help books. Unless they have something new and different to say, I'm just bored. I'm sure this book was ground-breaking when it came out, but I've been through twenty years of therapy and it's all old hat to me. Gave it an average rating becausei it's my fault not the book's or author's.

Rating: 6

259. Princess of Glass by Jessica Day George

Genre: YA

Notes: TIOLI #13 (adolescence), Reading Romance (12 in 12), next in series

Summary: A twist on the Cinderella story

Opinion: SPOILERS: Odd because Cinderella isn't the main character which made the story weak and the plot - I don't know what to call it - not tight? mushy? The Cinderella character was unsympathetic for much of the story and then suddenly we are supposed to root for her. The main character ends up with the prince even though they don't spend much time together and they are far too young. Typically, I don't call a book YA. I give the genre it's in SF, Fantasy, Fiction, etc. But in the case, it was so blaringly obvious it was aimed at teens, that I had to brand it YA.

Rating: 5

260. Stuart Little by E. B. White

Genre: Children's

Notes: TIOLI #19 (library), 20th Century (1945)

Summary: A mouse is born to a human family and has adventures

Opinion: I enjoyed it at first - it was headed toward an 8 - but by the end I disliked Stuart and felt the ending was abrupt and left too much unresolved.

Rating: 6

261. Bloodfever by Karen Marie Moning

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Notes: TIOLI #10 (4.0-4.5 - 4.27), next in series

Summary: Mac, sort of a magical item geiger counter, wanders around the United Kingdom getting into trouble

Opinion: World building is great as is the writing but I don't like any of the characters. Everyone except the main character is an absolute jerk and the main character barely passes being a doormat. Plus we have another romantic triangle (sort of) going on and I am thoroughly sick of them in urban fantasy. Lastly, there was no plot. There was no forward movement in the story. I have four more books of this?! Ugh.

Rating: 6

262. Fearless Fourteen by Janet Evanovich

Genre: Mystery

Notes: TIOLI #9 (Scrabble 6 - 8), next in series, to complete bibligraphy

Summary: Continuing story of Stephanie Plum, fumbling New Jersey bond agent

Opinion: Another caper. Another dinner with her wacky family. More high jinks. More romantic indecision. Yet, I can't help myself, I smile throughout. I especially loved grandma becoming the gamer, "Scorch."

Rating: 7

263. Succubus Blues by Richelle Mead

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Notes: TIOLI #19 (library), Urban Fantasy Recommended List (library)

Summary: A succubus works at a bookstore inbetween "jobs"

Opinion: SPOILERS: No, no, no! No more love triangles! No more unresolved romances that go on for six (!?!) books! I don't care if the world building and concept are interesting and the writing is smooth. If I don't like the characters and I grind my teeth, you aren't getting to me read a second book. I wanted to like the main character. I mean, she works in a bookstore. Yay! But she screws people to steal their energy/soul. And she became a succubus because she cheated on her husband and wanted to "make it up" to him. No, just no.

Rating: 5

WOOHOO for finishing 1001 Nights!! I think I've likely said this before, but I find it really interesting that Burton essentially did a disservice to the tales by translating them into such high-brow language - the tales were originally intended to be very low-brow (full of lewd jokes and saucy details) and not for the upper-classes. I wish there were a more accurate translation out there, because it would make the stories so much more enjoyable to read them as they were originally intended (naughty and silly).

And I felt the same way about Stuart Little.

Morphy - noticed the drop in your ratings average and your growing dissatisfaction with your genre reading. The two I sent you are not really your normal genre and I dread to think what a savaging they will eventually get!

Oh dear Morphy!! Sorry for the romantic triangles that you've been encountering! Truthfully, I steer very clear of romance, unless it just part of a bigger story!

Happy Birthday MrMorphy!

>142 Morphidae:: Is that as in "Shirley, Goodness, Mercy and Will follow me all the days of my life"?

>144 Morphidae:: Ah; but doesn't the girl get the guy (and her life) at the end?

>152 PaulCranswick: I wouldn't be too worried. Obviously my usual genre isn't doing it for me anymore. I'll have to go elsewhere why not the ones you sent me?

>153 vancouverdeb: I don't mind romances, it's the triangles that drive me batty.

>154 humouress: Yes! From Psalm 23, "Surely goodness and mercy will (shall) follow me all the days of my life." I found it amusing.

Love triangles are one of those things that can completely destroy a book for me, no matter how well-written. Infidelity of any kind tends to get me down, I guess because I'm a pessimist and can only think that someone is going to come out of it REALLY hurt. I don't even like those stories where a man/woman is trapped a bad relationship and find comfort in someone outside of it. With the exception of women in physically abusive relationships, it usually just makes me depressed.

Stephen: I feel exactly the same way about infidelity, both in books and movies. Completely ruins it for me.

Well, with the love triangles I am talking about there usually isn't infidelity. It's that the main character is being "wooed" by two different men and can't decide on one. And it usually goes on for numerous books. Annoying as all get out. Make up your mind already!

But I agree on the infidelity thing. It's another thing that really bothered me about Succubus Blues. It made her an unlikeable character to me.

Oh yes, the idea of 2 men trying to court a single woman and having her choose the 'better' one rarely does any good for my insecurities. *Sigh* It's an old trope though so I think I'm just resigned to it by now.

I think we could try for two women trying to "win" the one man. But in the bird world the male's are usually "dressed" to appeal to the relatively bland females. Why is it that in human life the women put on the fancy feathers?

I'm not a big fan of make-up, heels, 'sexy dresses,' and the like. I don't think women do have to wear the fancy feathers, but they seem to think they do. *Shrug*

I like women who are nerdy and bookish, and if I have any care about LOOKS it's that I totally have a thing for young ladies who wear glasses. :D

Hi Morphy! Though I don't pop my head up too often here, I'm thankful that you're in my life. Isn't LT a wonderful place!?!?!

It being the 30th of November, I wanted to say I am thankful for Morphy - and other LT friends - who makes LT such a joy (and addictive!), and who reminds me of how very much in my life I have to be (and I am) so very grateful for. Thanks, Morphy, for your month of thankfulness :-)

Touche and so nicely said Nina.

I missed yesterday, so I have two to do today.

I got emotional and unreasonably demanding with a specific MetroMobility driver three rides ago and the ride after that with him wasn't considerably better through no fault of his. Yesterday I was in a much better mood and I apologized for my behavior. He was very much the gentleman and said that everyone has bad days. So today I am thankful for forgiveness.

Lastly, I am thankful the month is over because I have run out of interesting ideas of what to be thankful for! :D

Morphy - I think your month was great - and really well-timed, given we're now going into the festive season. I often think we don't take enough time to appreciate what we have, because we're so busy chasing what we think we lack.

>163 humouress:,164 - I absolutely agree! :0)

I'd fallen seriously behind on your thread, Morphy, but it was lovely to read all the things you were thankful for over the course of November.

And congrats on finishing 1001 Nights! Whenever you spread a book out over a year, it's a huge achievement to finally complete it. :D

everyone has bad days
So true. Wise MetroMobility driver. :-)

264. The Master by Jean Johnson

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Notes: TIOLI #19 (library), next in series

Summary: Third brother of eight is sold as a slave to a woman who needs a strong mage for a Tantric ritual to correct a magical imbalance

Opinion: Romance! Sex! Magic! Misunderstandings! The other stories had a bit more fun in them and therefore got a better rating. This one didn't appeal as much but still was a relatively enjoyable couple of hours.

Rating: 6

265. The Killing Moon by N. K. Jemison

Genre: Fantasy

Notes: TIOLI #10 (Rating 4.0 to 4.5 - 4.19), Calico

Summary: Egyptian-flavored fantasy about dream-eaters and dream-magic

Opinion: I didn't find this as enjoyable as others I have read by the author, perhaps because the story was more dreary and depressing, perhaps because I had a hard time relating to the main characters. I found all three to be grating in some fashion. The writing and world-building are both exceptional as always. Especially well done was how you could see both countries' sides when it came to magic.

Rating: 6

266. Untamed by Elizabeth Lowell

Genre: Romance

Notes: TIOLI #19 (library)

Summary: 11th century historical romance set in Scotland with a little mysticism

Opinion: I liked the heroine. She was strong without being anachronistic for the period. The hero was meh. He felt one dimensional. And I never really felt emotionally pulled into the romance. I liked the secondary characters and plots though.

Rating: 6

~~~~~

Currently Reading:
Downbelow Station by C. J. Cherryh
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
Ben & Jerry's by Fred Lager
Nightmares & Dreamscapes by Stephen King

On Deck:
The Innocent Mage by Karen Miller
An Irish Country Christmas by Patrick Taylor
The Coelura by Anne McCaffrey

My husband has been diagnosed with choroidal melanoma - eye cancer. Because we have minimal insurance and he is a contract worker with no sick pay, this is going to be financial devastating to us as well as the health hardship. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers.

Oh, no. I will definitely keep you in my thoughts.

So sorry to hear that, Morphy. Please be sure to check out any state or federal programs or grants you all might be eligible for--they might help a bit at least. You will definitely be in my thoughts and prayers.

I am so sorry for this news but also hopeful that your community and your doctors will be able to help you through this challenge.

Will definitely be praying for you both!

That's awful news. I'll be thinking of you and MrMorphy and hoping for the best for you. I dont know what this entails for MrMorphy but I hope it goes okay for him and i hope you'll be able to take advantage of some of the grants that seem to be available.

Hello Morphy, I am very sorry to hear the news about your husband's eye cancer. I definately will include both of you in my thoughts.

So sorry to hear about MrMorphy. Best wishes both for his health and the financial situation.

So sorry to hear that. Hope everything works out well for you folks.

So sad to hear the news from you and Mr.Morphy. Will certainly keep you in our prayers and thoughts dear lady. Hugs from here to both of you - keep up your spirits and I sure a way will be found to get through devastagingly difficult times.

First thing we are doing is getting a second opinion. I'm waiting to hear back from the original eye doctor who found the spot to get a recommendation of who to see.

Fingers crossed for a better outcome.

*virtual hugs*

You'll be in my prayers, too, Morphy.

We'll definitely be praying for you and MrMorphy as you go through this.

Hi, Morphy. So sorry to hear about your husband's situation. Perhaps you can check out social services in your state to see if your husband would be eligible for medical assistance based on his diagnosis and your financial situation. They could also direct you to other sources of support right up front. Don't wait until the last minute to do this.

A second medical opinion was also very wise.

You both must be so scared. My advice would be to see if Mr. Morphy could talk to anyone else who has previously suffered from the same diagnosis - simply to get some emotional support up front. Doing that is what helped me the most, years ago, when I myself was diagnosed with breast cancer.

I'm so sorry to hear the news about Mr. Morphy. He's a good guy. I hope you can both find some relief, either financial or (preferably) health-wise.

Sending you and MrMorphy positive thoughts, Morphy. Hope the second opinion is helpful.

Unfortunately, we are in the financial position of falling through the cracks. We make too much to qualify for state aid but don't make enough to pay the bills. I'll continue to look for options though including working with a social worker and the financial departments of the facilities. I'm even looking into online fundraising.

Yeah, they make state aid so hard to get that you practically have to TRY to not make any money to qualify. :(

I definitely think you should look into online fundraising. You never know what story will resonate hugely with people, or just with one wealthy person. I think there are a lot of people out there willing to help.

I will definitely be praying for you and Mr.Morphy.

Me too. How awful for both of you.

Oh geez.... my thoughts are with both you and Mr. Morphy.

I'm still fairly new to LT, but has anyone ever had a LT fundraiser for one of our own?

I want to thank everyone for their words of support. It helps so much to come here and know that there are people thinking of us with warmth and caring.

MrMorphy has an appointment on Thursday the 13th for a second opinion with a doctor recommended by the original eye doctor. Last night as we were going to sleep, he told me he was scared. Those words never pass his lips, as much as we've gone through at times, and it was heart-breaking.

We're in the middle of applying for financial aid through one facility and the one that he's going to next Thursday is sending us the application forms. I've spoken with our church and they will help some as will MrMorphy's parents. We'll get through this.

>197 TinaV95: I've not heard of one. I wouldn't start a fundraiser anyway until after any procedures and I knew how much financial aid we could get. We might not need it. I'm just looking at all options right now. Our biggest concern may be just the lost wages because he's a temp/contract worker.

Oh damn, Morphy; this sucks. Keeping you and Mr. Morphy in my thoughts and in my heart, and hoping for some better news to come your way soon.

Oh no! Poor Mr M (but don't tell him I said that!) Wishing him the very best.

> 198

he told me he was scared.

Both my husband and I were totally scared when I first received my cancer diagnosis. I can remember many nights of our crying together. That was really only the only time I can remember my husband ever crying.

What helped me the most at that time was talking to a young woman who had gone through the same procedure that I was facing and learning that she not only survived but also had a good life afterward (and is still going strong). What I needed to know was that there was the possibility of a good outcome after such a devastating diagnosis. Contact the American Cancer Society to see what support they can offer you both - financial, psychological, educational.

Be strong!

Morphy, I'm so sorry to hear your husband's official diagnosis. I was hoping the tests would have better results. You and Mr. M. Are in my prayers.

I hope everything works out financially and physically for you and your husband.

As I mentioned above, Morphy, my dad had cancer of the eye. It was removed (he had an artificial eye) and he had another healthy 15 years before dying of an unrelated cause. There is every reason to hope for an excellent prognosis after surgery. That said, I think the only sane response to a diagnosis of cancer is fear. Still sending you all my positive thoughts and prayers...

Hugs to you Morphy. I can't imagine how scary and stressful this must be for you and Mr. Morphy. Keeping you at the top of my thoughts and prayer list. Hang in there!

On an unrelated note, I just want to thank you again for introducing me to dayzeroproject recently! I completed my first goal today, and it made me very happy. It wasn't anything difficult (just "floss every day for a month"), but it was something that I kept failing at for whatever reason, and having it explicitly listed as a goal made me more determined to persevere in the face of any difficulties (e.g., the day when I had to wake up at 5am, I still made sure to floss immediately; when I ran out of floss, I got some from my roommates for that morning and then bought more that same day). So, thank you for the inspiration!

I know, I love it. I think I've checked four items off including counting my calories for 90 days in a row.

Hugs, Morphy! My best thoughts to you and Mr. Morphy in this awful time, and don't forget to take care of yourself, too!

Sending positive and healing energy toward you and the hubster!!

173: Oh my. Adding my thoughts to everyone else’s.

At my weigh-in this morning, I broke the 500 mark. I've lost 174 pounds. Whoo hoo!

Congratulations!!! That's amazing.

Awesomesauce, Morphy!!

Wow, congratulations!

Yay!

*shoots off the confetti cannons* Hip hip hooray! Slim slim's the day!

Hurray!!

Huzzah! Way to go, Morphy. That's amazing!

Groovy! Way to go, Morphy!

That's wonderful, Morphy! Keep up the good work!

Good for you!

That's fantastic, Morphy. Congrats!

Congrats on your weight loss Morphy! You are doing so great!!
Sorry to see that news about Mr Morphy! I'm crossing my fingers for you to get aid if you need it! xo

Well that is commendable and an inspiration! Way to go Morphy!! :)

Congratulations Morphy! That is fantastic!

Hooray!

MrMorphy has his second opinion appointment today. I think about the best we can hope for is a "wait and see" diagnosis.

Holding thumbs Morphy. Hope all goes well for MrMorphy.

Keeping you and the Mr. in my thoughts, still and always.

Praying for you & Mr Morphy!

Holding you in the Light, as always

MrMorphy Update:

Okay, new doctor, who MrMorphy likes a lot better than the first doctor, says MrMorphy is in a "gray area." He's sending him to a specialist at Mayo who is "one of the best in the country." We'll be making an appointment for him sometime in January.

And so it goes...

This is pretty cool. It's my library:

"Hennepin County Library was the fifth most-searched library in the U.S. in 2012, according to Google's just-released annual Zeitgeist report. Only the Library of Congress and the Chicago, Brooklyn and New York public libraries surpassed Hennepin County Library in volume of searches in the U.S. in 2012."

Wow! You must have some very curious neighbors.

Glad to hear about the second opinion for MrMorphy~~ even better that he's sending him to a specialist! Hugs!

The visit to the Mayo specialist sounds like a great idea, Morphy. Good for the second doctor.

I love the Hennepin County Library. That's one thing I was really looking forward to in my move back to MN. :D They have so many obscure books as well!

Hope things go well with the specialist. And that you and MrMorphy have a relaxing holiday season.

We're so lucky to be so close to Mayo in Minnesota, aren't we? This certainly is real cause for good cheer (I sound like a Christmas card!) Sending lots of good thoughts to you and MrMorphy.

Karen O.

Fingers, toes and everything crossed for Mr. Morphy. If the power of good wishes are realised he is in good hands.
You are an inspiration to me with the effort you have made in the last year - 79 kilos in weight (174 pounds) is 15% more than I weighed in total when I got married. If I could lose 30% of your total I will only be back to my weight of those days. In other words my weight has increased by 40% since getting married which cannot be good. What you have achieved through a sensible and, I trust, sustainable plan is brilliant.
Have a great weekend. x

btw I cannot see the picture of Hennepin Library.

MrMorphy and I are just stunned by someone's generosity. We were nominated by someone to be gifted with a generous check from a local company. We don't know who it was nor do we recognize the company. We are so blessed.

Paul, our library system includes 41 libraries! However, just for you, here is the local branch we use:



And here is the one when we want to go visiting the "big" branch:

>242 Morphidae: That's fantastic!

Congrats!

It couldn't happen to someone better, or at a better time.

Morphy, I'm hoping for good things along the path for MrMorphy. Mayo in January. They are good.

Congrats on your weight loss! Dedication and determination and persistence and patience. You are doing an amazing thing for yourself!

And, finally, the Hennepin Library. Who knew? I'm sorry the Seattle Public Library didn't make it higher on that list.....
maybe next year. ;-)

Green with envy at both the great looking libraries.
Wonderful that you got nominated for the check. My faith in the basic goodness of people is rejuvenated reading through all our threads.

*following Paul from thread to thread*

I should probably go to bed. It's nearly midnight here. It's morning where Paul is.

Morphy, your surprise gift is coming at a good time for you and Mr. Morphy. I am so happy for you. Congratulations on the continuing weight loss. Finally, I hope Mr. Morphy gets good news from the Mayo Clinic doctors. The planets seem to be aligning for you and Mr. M. Here's hoping the trend continues.

That's so nice that someone nominated you for that gift! It warms the heart, doesn't it? :)

>242 Morphidae:: Wonderful news!

Best of luck to Mr Morphy.

Morphy, I got way behind, but my thoughts are with you and Mr.Morphy and your upcoming visit to the specialist at Mayo Clinic. Thrilled to read of your continuing weight lost (great work!) and delighted that someone sent generosity your way in a difficult time.

Always get dear old SWMBO to say a prayer (she never misses her five a day poor thing) for Mr. Morphy and I trust that you will both have a lovely Christmas as a presage to a bountiful and healthy new year. x

Sorry I haven't been commenting. I've been madly reading to get to my goal of 300 books read by the end of the year. I have 13 books left and 9 days to do it in! I've "cheated" a TINY bit with one graphic novel and one children's book but the rest will be regular books. I'm currently reading Parasite Rex and, man, is it gross!

We're still waiting to hear from Mayo on when MrMorphy's appointment will be. Supposedly we'll know on Wednesday. I'll keep everyone updated.

I found out that the generous check was initiated by one of the ministers at my church. The company asks our church each year who they should send money too and we were one of the families they recommended.

I'm also not going to start a new thread just for the last few days of the year. I know I'll get called on it. The thread police will cite me. Oh, the shame!

I have a bunch of reviews to post... Here goes!

267. Sixth Column by Robert Heinlein

Genre: Science Fiction

Notes: TIOLI #8 (red and green cover), to complete bibliography

Summary: A small group of rebels take back America after it is invaded by PanAsia some time in the future

Opinion: I can see why some people would call it racist but really any invader would be thought of as poorly. I mean really - it's an enemy. This is certainly not one of Heinlein's stronger books. There are no real charismatic characters and the plot is rather weak. Meh.

Rating: 5

268. Carried Away by Jill Barnett

Genre: Romance

Notes: TIOLI #6 (rolling Christmas), to complete bibliography

Summary: Historical romance about two Scottish brothers living on an island in Maine who decide to kidnap their brides

Opinion: I don't have a lot to say about this one. It was an average read. It didn't move me much and none of the four main characters stood out.

Rating: 6

269. The Man in the High Castle by Philip K. Dick

Genre: Science Fiction

Notes: TIOLI #13 (Green Dragon Lists - 111 SF), 111 Science Fiction, Family Science Fiction (12 in 12)

Summary: Alternate history - what if Hitler and Japan won?

Opinion: Ish. I really liked the concept but someone should have warned me this was more of a philosophical tract than a story. Choppy and confusing and not my cup of tea.

Rating: 5

270. Ben & Jerry's by Fred Lager

Genre: Nonfiction

Notes: TIOLI #12 (old challenge - &), 50 State (12 in 12)

Summary: How Two Real Guys Built a Business with a Social Conscience and a Sense of Humor

Opinion: A little dull at times but otherwise enjoyable read about the Vermont-based ice cream makers. As bumbling as they seemed, it is surprising they managed to be so successful!

Rating: 7

271. The Innocent Mage by Karen Miller

Genre: Fantasy

Notes: TIOLI #13 (GD Lists - 1001 Fantasy), 1001 Fantasy (12 in 12)

Summary: A fisherman goes to the big city to find his fortune

Opinion: It lost a star because of that darned cliff-hanger. ARGGH! I'm definitely getting the next book. I found the small size of the country odd. How could it be self-sustaining? And the dragged out prophecy was annoying. We STILL don't know why he's "the one." Lastly, I saw what was coming with Durm and Morg a mile away. But I liked all the characters and how they were multi-dimensional. Most weren't all good or all bad. And I just love Asher. He's a trip and made me smile.

Rating: 7

272. An Irish Country Christmas by Patrick Taylor

Genre: Fiction

Notes: TIOLI #19 (country vowel - Ireland), WCC Book Club

Summary: A young doctor and his older mentor treat the patients of an Irish village both physically and emotionally during the Christmas season

Opinion: A little too episodic for my tastes but otherwise a nice, gentle read. The characters were in general likable and fun to read about but I found the young man's wandering eye a bit off-putting. I especially liked the housekeeper.

Rating: 6

No good book reviews on my thread just now but there's a pic of a new dog - http://www.librarything.com/topic/145153

273. Crown of Vengeance by Mercedes Lackey and James Mallory

Genre: Fantasy

Notes: TIOLI #11 (exceptional talent - magic)

Summary: An elven mage has to put aside her magic to become a warrior and king

Opinion: The plot jumped forward in time a lot and the story was bleak and rather depressing. But it somehow still kept my interest. Not for those that don't like to read about military and political maneuvering though.

Rating: 6

274. The Ruby in the Smoke by Philip Pullman

Genre: Mystery

Notes: TIOLI #13 (GD Lists - 50 Mysteries), 50 Mysteries, Calendar (July)

Summary: An orphan in Victorian London gets caught up in mysterious doings

Opinion: For some reason I never really connected with any of the characters. The story was interesting enough, I suppose. Perhaps because it was aimed at a younger crowd I only found it an average read.

Rating: 6

275. The Complete Bible Handbook by John Bowker

Genre: Nonfiction

Notes: TIOLI #5 (meaning to read)

Summary: Overview of the bible, its themes and the culture of the time

Opinion: I don't think I've ever been so grateful to finish a book. I only did so out of sheer determination. I wanted a book with pictures that would provide me with historical context for the Bible. What I mostly got was apologetic evangelism and pulpit-pounding woo-woo.

Rating: 3

276. Morrigan's Cross by Nora Roberts

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Notes: TIOLI #11 (exceptional talent - magic)

Summary: Six people across time and cultures need to form a magical circle to battle the vampire Lilith

Opinion: I think this book tried to be too many things - epic fantasy, urban fantasy, paranormal romance. It didn't have enough focus. Enjoyable enough read, I mean this IS Roberts, but it didn't pull together well.

Rating: 6

277. Devil's Claw by J. A. Jance

Genre: Mystery

Notes: TIOLI #18? (ISBN) - Calendar (August - 8th), next in series

Summary: A 15 year old girl and her hawk disappear just as her mother found dead. Sheriff Brady has to solve the mystery while getting ready for her wedding.

Opinion: Love reading about Joanna Brady, her family, friends, and co-workers more than the mystery. While there is sadness, there is also joy. Really enjoying this series.

Rating: 8

278. The Song by Jean Johnson

Genre: Erotica

Notes: TIOLI #18 (ISBN), next in series

Summary: A healer figures out how to heal a damaged mage's voice

Opinion: When each "mate" is fated, there is little conflict in the story. It has to be generated elsewhere other than in the romance. There wasn't enough in this story to make it of more than average interest.

Rating: 6

279. Mark of the Demon by Diana Rowland

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Notes: TIOLI #11 (exceptional talent - demon summoner)

Summary: A police detective and demon summoner has to stop a serial killer

Opinion: Enjoyable first book in a series. I liked the main character. She was feisty without being snarky. Insecure without being angsty. Imperfect without being Too Stupid To Live. I will definitely check out more books by this author.

Rating: 7

280. Nightmares & Dreamscapes by Stephen King

Genre: Horror

Notes: TIOLI #12 (old TIOLI challenge - &), to complete bibliography

Summary: Collection of short stories, mostly horror

Opinion: I've never been much of a short story fan and these aren't King's best. I think he works better in a longer form - even novella-length like The Long Walk. But I still managed to make it through 600 pages worth of them so they couldn't be all that terrible.

Rating: 6

~~~~~

Currently Reading:
Downbelow Station by C. J. Cherryh
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
Parasite Rex by Carl Zimmer

On Deck:
Blood Lines by Eileen Wilks
The Coelura by Anne McCaffrey
Dance of the Gods by Nora Roberts

OK, Morphy, how you doin' on your goal? Close? Almost there? Probably too busy reading to stop and answer my stupid questions. Ha. I am holding my thumbs, and crossing all the other available crossables to see you over the final finish line! Midnight on Dec. 31st, right?

12 more books to go!

I'll bet you will make it! You go, girl!!!

Merry Christmas Morphy!!

Merry Christmas to you and Mr. Morphy!

I hope that the next year will be a better one for you two and I also cross my fingers for your husbands appointment in January :)

Rooting for you in your quest to make 300, Morphy!

Glitterfy.com - Christmas Glitter Graphics

I want to wish you a glorious celebration of that time of year when we all try to unite around a desire for Peace on Earth and Good Will Toward All. Merry Christmas, Morphy!

Merry Christmas to you, Morphy!

Merry Christmas and best wishes for 2013!

Closing in on 300. I'm impressed.
Merry Christmas!!

Merry Christmas Morphy!

Merry Christmas, Morphy!

Merry Christmas, Morphy!

Hope you and Mr. Morphy had a lovely day!

Update: Eight books left to go, 6 days left in the year!

Eight books left to go, 6 days left in the year!

Go, Morphy, go! :)

Yea! You go, girl!

Keep it up!

Don't stop now....the goal line is just ahead.

So close! You can do it!

Woo Hoo!!! We are all cheering you on!

Update: Three books and three days!

292: Easy Peasy...for you, not for me! Congratulations on being within sight of your reading goal for the year. You can do it, Morphy!

Almost there.... You go Morphy!

>292 Morphidae: Whoa. Slow down.

This is so exciting..it is like a photo finish at the races! Good luck!

I'm sure you will cross the line to 300. *Backgound applause whilst I type*
I can't think of anyone nicer to disagree with about most things literary! Happy New Year to you and Mr. Morphy - wishing with every fibre that it is a good one for you both! x

Well, morph, you know I wish for you a very Happy New Year, and for your sweetie pie husband, the same!

I wish for you both that you do all that you wish to do; have all that you wish to have; and be all that you wish to be!

HAPPY NEW YEAR MORPHY!

Best wishes for a wonderful 2013, Morphy!

glitter-graphics.com

Wishing you a wonderful year ahead, Morphy

I'm mostly *unstarring* folks' 2012 threads and moving on to 2013, but not this one! I want to see if you make it!

*cheers loudly and claps hands*

Happy New Year, Morphy! Here's to great books, great health, and great wealth for you and Mr Morphy in 2013!

It's 4:30pm CST and I DID IT! 300 books. Whoo hooo!

Woo hoo indeed! Congratulations, Morphy!



Here's to a great new year ahead, Morphy!

Yay!

Congratulations on the big 300 and Happy New Year!

Hoooray!!

You are AMAZING!! Congratulations. : )

Well done Morphy!

*shakes pompoms* Way to go, Morphy!!!

Congrats! :)

Congratulations Morphy!

Yay! for 300 books!

Hello Morphy :) Congrats on reaching an amazing 300 books!

And again a very happy New Year to you and Mr Morphy!

Congratulations on finishing 300 - that is amazing!

Just doing a quicky version for the last of the books for 2012.

281. Trapped by Kevin Hearne - 7 out of 10 stars
While I appreciate that the humor is back, the near constant interruptions got grating. Still, I love the characters and the world and can't wait for the next installment.

282. Captain Vorpatril's Alliance by Lois McMaster Bujold - 6 out of 10 stars
I'm not sure what the attraction is here. Other people have raved about this book but the characters are reactive and to be honest, quite boring - everything happens to them. The plot is plodding and there is no life or humor in the story. Just bleh. Quite the disappointment.

283. A Perfect Crime by Peter Abrahams - 7 out 10 stars
While I think the "perfect" crime wasn't so perfect - I would have like to have seen more cleverness - I did like the level of tension and all the characterizations.

284. Mapping the World of Harry Potter - 7 out of 10 stars
I enjoyed the various essays especially the ones on feminism in Potterdom (Is Hermoine a feminist?) and Snape fan-fic. Only one was truly awful in that it had nothing to do with Harry Potter other than mentioning it once or twice - Harry Potter as Schooldays Novel.

285. The Cat by Jean Johnson - 6 out of 10 stars
I continue with the series because I have to know how it ends. I miss the humor and emotional pull of the first couple of books. Now I read less for the romance and more for the rest of the story - the politics and such.

286. Soulless Volume 2 by Gail Carriger - 7 out of 10 stars
I like the Carriger series, so, of course, I'm liking the graphic novelization though at times I find the illustrations a bit too cutesy.

287. White House Kids by Joe Rhatigan - 7 out of 10 stars
Should be a good book for kids though perhaps it talked down a little too much, especially when the author spoke directly to the reader. I liked the inside look at the shenanigans the kids got into. Some presidents were strict, others were very permissive. Other interesting bits were how open the White House used to be and how the Secret Service works now. While I enjoyed the photographs, the illustrations seemed amateurish and blotchy. Lastly, a red background makes text very difficult to read, especially the black fonts.

288. Romancing Mister Bridgerton by Julia Quinn - 7 out of 10 stars
A gentle romance where the couple slowly come together rather than being thrown. Maybe I'm oblivious, but I think there could have been more hints. That's all I can say without being spoilerish. I did enjoy the book though.

289. Blood Lines by Eileen Wilks - 7 out of 10 stars
Not so much a romance as an urban fantasy, which is fine. Lots of action without it being nerve-wracking. I liked the concept of what would happen if magic started coming into our world?

290. The Coelura by Anne McCaffrey - 5 out of 10 stars
More of a short story than a novella. The illustrations were a nice touch. The romance happened far too fast and there was little characterization.

291. Dance of the Gods by Nora Roberts - 6 out of 10 stars
Roberts is really missing her touch in this one. There is no emotional resonance as she tries too hard to write a fantasy/horror novel instead of focusing on her strengths. I must complete the trilogy though to find out what happens. Of course.

292. After Glow by Jayne Castle - 6 out of 10 stars
It was hard to get into this book because it's been so long since I've read the previous books and Castle doesn't review what happened previously in much detail. Perhaps I might have struggled less with connecting with the characters if I hadn't waited so long? Emotional issues seemed to resolve too quickly but that was probably because they were further along in their relationship than I thought, etc. Ah well.

293. A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens - 4 out of 10 stars
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. I'm glad I read it because it's a classic and it was a group read. I'm not glad I read it because, dear lord, talk about purple prose. Difficult read, basic plot, card-board characters. Nothing appealed to me.

294. Rachel's Holiday by Marian Keyes - 5 out of 10 stars
Rachel is entirely unlikeable throughout most of the book which made this an unpleasant read. It wasn't until the last quarter of the book that she got herself together and became a relatable character.

295. The Awakened Mage by Karen Miller - 6 out of 10 stars
MAJOR SPOILERS: This is a brutal book and not what I particularly like in fantasy. The intensity is too high throughout - it's relentless - and just about every major character is dead by the end. But, of course, the hero gets a happy ending. WTF? Miller is a good enough writer though that I stuck with it until the end. I had to find out what happened. I doubt I'll read anything else by her though. This duology left a bad taste in my mouth.

296. The Storm by Jean Johnson - 5 out of 10 stars
As I said with The Cat, reading for the on-going story rather than the romances.

297. Judgment in Death by J. D. Robb - 7 out of 10 stars
Eleventh book in the series, nothing new to say!

298. Finger Lickin' Fifteen by Janet Evanovich - 6 out of 10 stars
Fifteenth book in the series, nothing new to say!

299. Crewel Yule by Monica Ferris - 6 out of 10 stars
The mystery really isn't the appeal for me in these books but rather the relationships and characterizations. There were too many coincidences in this one for my tastes.

300. Honor's Splendor by Julie Garwood - 7 out of 10 stars
I liked both the characters. They were both so blustery in different ways, it was amusing. I could have wished for more character development but overall it was an enjoyable fluff read.

Congratulations on making the 300 books! I've enjoyed reading your comments and posts this year, and I'm looking forward to your new threads. I hope 2013 turns out to be a good year for you & Mr. Morphy.

OK! Well done! And now I can de-star this thread. It was my main goal for the day....get a bunch of stars thrown out. Last year's news, and all that....

Seriously, I am so impressed by your reading power! On to new horizons!

Sorry to hear Tale of Two Cities wasn't to your taste. It's my favourite Dickens. Although your evaluation of his prose isn't super far off. He was getting paid by the word...

Must track down your 2013 thread.

And I finally got my 2013 thread going...

http://www.librarything.com/topic/147588