Anita's (Figs) Reading in 2021! Second thread.

Welcome to my second thread!



Picture was taken by me. Part of the Grand Canyon

I chose this ticker image because perhaps by the time I reach my reading goal, the world will be normal again and I will be able to travel. A girl can dream, can't she?

My rating system is as follows:

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

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

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

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

5= Absolutely perfect.

Books I should have read a long time ago

1. Aleksandr I. Solzenitsyn: The Gulag Archipelago

Favourite books of the past.

With each new thread, I will post a book title from the past ( at least a year ago) that I enjoyed reading so much that it deserves a mention here.

This Thread: Rainer Maria Rilke- The Duino Elegies. Blurb coming tomorrow.

Books read in January



Best of the month: The Colditz legacy

Books Read In February


Best of the month: A gentleman in Moscow.

Books read in April

Welcome!

Happy new thread, Anita x

>10 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Paul! Your quick on the draw.

Happy new thread!

>12 quondame: Thanks, Susan!

Happy new one, Anita. I hope all is well with you.

I'm glad you got around the A Gentleman in Moscow. What a wonderfully written story.

I have enjoyed listening to Clive Cussler's works on audio. I have stuck to Dirk Pitt and Alex Bell, but I get to the others every once and a while.

Happy new thread, Anita!
>1 figsfromthistle: What a gorgeous topper.
>2 figsfromthistle: I think, your dream could come true, I also look forward to the time when we can travel again. I miss the walks on the beach at the North Sea
I wish you a wonderful weekend.

Happy new thread, Anita. Lovely topper.

Happy new thread!

Happy new thread!

Hi Anita,
I was merrily, merrily reading the previous thread, but thought I'd pop over here to say hi.

I was reading Amor Towles: A Gentleman in Moscow and enjoyed the writing but felt sad by the story. I didn't finish it because e-book and lost it when the due date came and went. I'm glad you rated it 4-stars. I decided I hadn't read enough to make a rating but it was very interesting.

>1 figsfromthistle: is a gorgeous, eye-candy image!
>2 figsfromthistle: Your ticker-counter turned out to be readable. I've had poor luck obtaining a nicely-formatted counter since the website was changed. Is it a browser issue do you think? I tried on both FireFox and Safari.

Also, I love the cover display to show the books you read each month. It speaks to my visual-graphics mind.

Happy new one, Anita! The picture of the Grand Canyon is impressive! I would like to travel there one day. Have a lovely weekend with many great books!

>14 brodiew2: It seems to one of those novels that everyone likes.

>15 SirThomas: I think we all miss traveling. I think part of is having the option to choose if you want to travel or not. For me, my favourite aunts and uncles are quite old and I am anxious to visit them.

>16 jessibud2: Thank you

>17 katiekrug: Thanks Katie!

>18 ChelleBearss: Thanks.

>19 SandyAMcPherson: I'm glad you like the book covers. As for the ticker, I am not sure if it is a browser problem. I use Safari and it works for me.

>20 PersephonesLibrary: The canyon is quite a wonderful sight. I traveled there when relatives from Europe insisted on driving from San Francisco to Vegas ( and back again) in two weeks in July. Have a great reading weekend.

22. Rosella Postorino: At The Wolf's Table

Hannah has been selected to be one of a dozen food testers for Hitler. It seems like an ideal job, especially given food shortages, however, she soon finds out that everything has a price.

It was ok/ average read. I expected something a little different. It could also be because I just read a fantastic book that I am being harsh on this one so just in case is shall rate it at 3/5

Happy new thread!

Happy new thread, Anita.

>1 figsfromthistle: Lovely picture. I second that wanting to be able to travel again. And visiting elderly relatives is a good reason.

>5 figsfromthistle: >6 figsfromthistle: Nice lineup!

>24 drneutron: Thanks!

>25 EllaTim: Hi Ella! Hope you have a fantastic weekend.

Hi Anita! I enjoy your opening image! The United States contains such wonderful places to visit.

Will and I visited Yellowstone awhile back. We went there with his cousin and partner, and had a wonderful time. It is too beautiful to describe!

>27 Whisper1: Yellowstone sounds quite nice. A place I would definitely like to visit one day.

Stopping by to say hi, Anita. Yellowstone is definitely worth visiting when we can again travel. Happy new thread.

>29 Oregonreader: Nice to see you! Have a great weekend :)

23. Lisa Jewell: Invisible Girl

Cate and her family, temporarily move to a ritzy part of town. It seems perfect until strange things begin to happen and women are being harassed. Eventually, one teenager goes missing. This leaves everyone on edge and suspicious of those who do not fit into the fold.

Not bad. It touches upon some important issues and is told from multiple perspectives. In this case, the narration works. Some things did not work for me and seem to be added as an afterthought. Overall I enjoyed it.

3.2/5

Happy Saturday, Figs! Happy New Thread! Love the Grand Canyon topper.

>32 msf59: Hi Mark! Glad you like the topper.

>22 figsfromthistle: Right back at you! (even the weekend is almost over) :)

>34 PersephonesLibrary: It seems that weekends do go by quicker than weekdays.

Happy new thread Anita!

>1 figsfromthistle: Stunning photo!

Happy new thread, Anita!

>4 figsfromthistle: I have a copy of The Duino Elegies, looking forward to your blurb.

Happy new thread! What a beautiful topper! (And here I live in Arizona but haven't been to the Grand Canyon since I was maybe six years old.)

>36 humouress: Thanks!

>37 FAMeulstee: Hi Anita! I shall have to get to that blurb this week.

>38 mstrust: It is quite a wonderful sight. It is always that way, that things that are in your backyard often get overlooked. One thing about this pandemic is that I have been exploring my area more.

Hi Anita my dear, happy new thread.

>40 johnsimpson: Thanks, John.

24. Aleksandr I. Solzenitsyn: The Gulag Archipelago

My 90 year old cousin gifted me a few books. This was one of them. I told her that I have not read any works by Solzenitsyn and her reaction was

" What the heck's wrong with you? You need to read this. I've never cried so much in my life!"

So over the past month I have been reading a little each day. It is a novel that I could only manage in small doses. It is definitely one of those top ten must reads in your life. Since it is part of my should have read years ago selection, I will not be giving it a rating.

Here is Wednesday's image. Taken a while ago at the butterfly conservatory.

Very beautiful and vibrant colors!

>44 mstrust: It does have a nice pop of colour :)

>43 figsfromthistle: - Gorgeous!

>46 katiekrug: Hi Katie! Glad you like this weeks photo.

25. Patricia Cornwell: Quantum

Calli Chase is a high level security agent for NASA. She and her twin sister are competing to be sent into space. However, when her sister goes missing, strange coincidences begin to happen.

First in a series. Some things were interesting however, it was overly descriptive and quite honestly seemed pointless. Perhaps the second in the series will be better and provide more of a story.

2.5/5 -Sorry :(

>42 figsfromthistle: I love that your cousin gave you her book to read. Somehow those seem to be the best reads, when there is such a personal connection.

>42 figsfromthistle: I wanted to read that one after Ein Tag im Leben des Iwan Denissowitsch but I had to put it away because of a darker phase. I really, really want to read it - but probably in summer when there's a blue sky above me and I am sitting in the shadow of a nice tree. Otherwise it will probably too much.

>43 figsfromthistle: Wonderful! It has got a marvellous pattern! When I visit Vienna, I usually go to the Schmetterlingshaus which is beautiful inside and out:

-

>49 EllaTim: Hi Ella!

When I told her that I have not read any books by him, I forgot that I had read A Day In the Life Of Ivan Denisovich. Relatives know you the best and also know what gaps in reading you have as well. It is always a pleasure to discover a different lane so to speak.

>50 PersephonesLibrary: I found that A day in the life was a little more calm to read than The gulag Archipelago. However, you are quite right, it does need to be read when one is in the right frame of mind.

What beautiful pictures of the Vienna Schmetterling Haus! I must admit that although I know Vienna like the back of my hand, I don't know where the butterfly conservatory is. That's the joy of Vienna, no matter how well you know it there is always something to explore.

Now for an important message:

Yesterday, I spotted a Robin. You really know spring is around the corner when you see them around!

HI Anita, I hope you like Jane Harper's new book when you get to it! Happy reading to you!

Hi Anita. A Robin spotting? Incredible!!!! I am so very sick of snow, more snow, then rain, more rain.

I saw Jane Harper's new book when I went to Barnes and Noble last week. I didn't buy it, but I purchased two children's illustrated books. I wish they weren't so darn expensive, but it is worth the money!

>53 mdoris: Hi Mary! Nice to see you :) Hope you have a great Friday.

>54 Whisper1: Hi Linda. I was quite excited when I saw it!

>42 figsfromthistle: a novel that I could only manage in small doses. (Cousin's ref was a clue, eh?: "I've never cried so much in my life!")

I bet it was (small doses)! Solzenitsyn was a brilliant writer, but I only ever managed one of his books (One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich ) and it was a case of "One and Done".

>52 figsfromthistle: Lucky you! I love Robins! I have got a loyal robin all year round in my garden. Sometimes with family. Since most of the cats in the neighbourhood moved away I can now start thinking about making a wild bird and bee garden. :)

>56 SandyAMcPherson: It was not easy to read but for me it was a necessary read. Definitely not for everyone. Have a wonderful reading weekend!

>57 PersephonesLibrary: A wild bird and bee garden is a great idea. You could even have a bee hive and have some delicious honey. Also, neighbourhood trees will benefit from the pollination. Have a great weekend!

26. Carlos Ruiz Zafon: The Shadow Of The Wind

When Daniel is taken by his father to the cemetery of lost books and is given the task to pick a book to guard, he is taken on an adventure that leads to love, disappointment, and danger. As his quest to locate the author becomes more desperate, he comes closer to dancing with death.

I enjoyed this novel. Great drama and mystery.

3.7/5

>50 PersephonesLibrary: Reminded me that I am more prone to reading moods as I age. If I don't feel ready for something nowadays I quickly set it aside and return to it when I feel more inclined to it.

>59 figsfromthistle: Love that book.

>60 PaulCranswick: Hi Paul! Have a great weekend.

Happy New Thread, Anita! I know, a bit late, but I am catching up!

>62 ronincats: New thread wishes and your visit is always welcome :)

>52 figsfromthistle: Funny, Anita, in my garden it is the other way around. I have a robin around in winter, and it leaves in spring. I saw it today, so spring isn't there yet.

>64 FAMeulstee: Hi Anita!

It is interesting about the robin's. Here, we have the American robin and it migrates south to Florida for the winter and comes back to Canada in the spring. There is also a different version of robin that does not migrate at all. Although I am always happy to see them in the spring, I sort of curse them later on when they eat all of the fruit off the trees ;)

27. Marie Benedict: The Other Einstein

We all know the saying, behind every successful man is a great woman. This is a story about a wickedly smart woman who upends her life when she meets the love of her life.

I enjoyed this read. However, the ultimate betrayal and degradation of character left me sad and angry. Then again this was not a fairytale. So many aspects that would be great for book club discussion.

3.5/5

>65 figsfromthistle: Most European robins migrate, the one in my garden probably goes back north in spring. The ones that breed here go more south in winter, although some stay year round.
Our robins don't steal fruit, the blackbirds and starlings do. We are lucky when we get 10% of the plums. When the starlings spot the plums, they are gone in a few days.

>66 figsfromthistle: - Hi Anita. This was the first book of historical fiction I read by Marie Benedict. She really does her homework and is a good writer. I felt as you did, a great story about a fascinating woman but I felt angry and sad at how she was betrayed and treated. Perhaps it could have turned out differently if it were a hundred years later. But then, who knows. Sadly, in that respect, some things haven't changed all that much.

Benedict tends to write about strong women (often, the women behind more famous men). I also read Lady Clementine by her and loved it and have 2 more of her titles as yet unread on my shelves (one about Agatha Christie and one about Hedy Lamarr). I like good historical fiction and she does it well.

>67 FAMeulstee: Depending on the size of the tree a net over it sometimes helps with the fruit thieves. I have tried so many methods and still end up with only a handful of fruit.

>68 jessibud2: I will definitely be adding more of Benedict's works to my library. I quite enjoyed the writing and do enjoy how she writes strong roles for women. The last book has left me curious about Einstein's wife and I will most likely follow up with one of the references cited at the end of the book.

28. Anika Scott: The German Heiress

Clara is a woman who is wanted for questioning for crimes committed by her family in WW2. However, Clara has a few questions of her own that she must find out before it's too late.

Hmmm. Well I suppose that many are going to enjoy this one however, it was meh for me. Some aspects were almost there however, a lot did not work for me. If you want to read about post war aftermath and collective guilt and remorse, there are way other novels that successfully present this point of view.

Perhaps I have been reading too many WW2 historical fiction, that I am a little harsher on this one.

2.8/5

Hi Anita! Looks like you've had some middle-of-the-road reading lately. Do you ever find that you "save" the books you think you will love? I think I tend to do this - like save it for when I can give it a lot of attention, or save it to savor it? Sometimes I pick books I know will be 3-star reads to read and release. Weird, I know.

>70 figsfromthistle: Umm, no I am happy to avoid that one. Thanks for the heads up.

>71 AMQS: That was an interesting view, about "saving the books you think you will love".

That exactly describes what I've done recently with two new-to-me Penelope Lively titles (A House Unlocked and Oleander, Jacaranda). The latter title I've had for 'only' 6-months or so, but I was given A House Unlocked for Christmas in 2019.

>71 AMQS: I do not tend to save reading books I know I will love. I however, do so with series. If it's the final two in the series then I tend to save it. I also read average reads just to get them off my shelf and let someone else enjoy.

>72 SandyAMcPherson: Nice to see you! Hope you are well and having a great week so far.

Sticking in the nearby geographical area of the topper photo, I took this photo of the hoover dam. I chose this photo because of the reflection in the water.

I knew it when I saw it. Until they built the bypass I drove through the dam back and forth between Phoenix and Vegas several times a year. The bypass saves time but driving through the dam at night with all the lights on was beautiful.

Hi, Anita. Happy Kinda New Thread. I like that photo you took of the Grand Canyon, and the butterfly in >43 figsfromthistle:.

Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn: Way back when, I read Cancer Ward and In the First Circle, and thought they were good. I didn't read Gulag Archipelago, and you make me think maybe I should.

>75 mstrust: It must look quite enchanting at night with all the lights!

>76 jnwelch: Glad you are enjoying the photos.

My cousin also gave me Cancer Ward. I will read it much later just to have a "break". The Gulag Archipelago comes in three volumes. Each volume is rather long however, it was an enlightening memoir.

>74 figsfromthistle: Great architecture! It kind of looks like... how can I say this... like 1970's scifi. Hope you are doing well, Anita!

>78 PersephonesLibrary: I don't believe I have seen any 1970's scifi.

I am doing well. Enjoying the warmer weather and looking for "Vogerlsalat" ( corn lettuce) in the garden. It's always the first thing to pop up. Hope you have a great weekend!

29. Raymond Khoury: The Last Templar

Archaeologist,Tess Chaykin's life changes the moment she becomes a key witness in a brutal robbery at the met's latest exhibition. She quickly becomes attached to the case and finds a way to aid the FBI.

This is the first in the series. It was ok. Solid beginning and there is quite a bit of "action" so to say. One thing that really irritated me is the fact that the author chose to comment on everyones particular beauty/hotness. This served no purpose for the storyline. Yes we all get it, there were no ugly heroes or antiheroes in this story ;)

I will try the next in the series. It could be that because it is the first in the series, the character building will develop a lot more in the second.

3.0/5

>79 figsfromthistle: What I mean is the futuristic stuff from the 1970's like e.g. the Kubrick design in "2001", or the French futuristic architecture from the 1970s. Not important. :) I just like it a lot.

>81 PersephonesLibrary: Ha! Now I know what you mean :)

Hi Anita, and a very belated happy new thread!

>1 figsfromthistle: Excellent photo of the Grand Canyon. We went once, when Jenna was about 5 or so, so about 22 years ago. First and only time for me, but it was breathtaking.

>2 figsfromthistle: You’ll reach your goal about halfway through the year at the rate you’re going. Congrats.

>23 figsfromthistle: It could also be because I just read a fantastic book that I am being harsh on this one That happens to me every once in a while, especially if it’s the same genre or same time period/basic plot. I couldn’t finish Plainsong because I’d just recently finished A Thousand Acres, as an example. I realize nobody else may have considered them basically the same, but I did. Bad timing for me, because most people tend to like Haruf.

>83 karenmarie: Hi Karen!

The Grand Canyon is quite magnificent. To think that all that beautiful color coming from something so simple as iron and various minerals.

You are correct that I could reach my goal halfway through however, my reading almost always slacks off when the warmer weather sticks around. Who knows, perhaps this year I will maintain my numbers :) I have yet to read something by Haruf. I shall have to give it a try.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend.

I hope you are enjoying a lovely Sunday, Anita! I guess, it's only natural that reading numbers drop when it's getting warmer outside. That's why I need to make some shadow space in my garden - so that I can continue reading there. :)

>85 PersephonesLibrary: Outdoor benches and comfortable seating areas are always important in a garden. I have quite a few benches and the like scattered around my garden and forest. Have fun creating your shadow space :)

30. Lisa Jewell: Watching You

When the Fitzwilliam family moves to a tiny affluent neighbourhood in Melville Heights, tensions and suspicions rise. Seemingly innocent citizens stand behind windows watching what their peers are up to. However, when a murder occurs, no one seems to have any ideas but are all eager to begin spinning half truths.

A good easy/fun read. Similar to Ruth Ware, just a little slower paced and less action.

3.3/5

Hi, Figs! I hope you had a good weekend. I am glad you enjoyed The Shadow Of The Wind. I also recommend the next 2 in this quartet. I have the fourth book scheduled for sometime this year.

>88 msf59: Glad that the next two are good reads as well. I was not aware that shadow of the wind is part of a series. I guess one more series to read can't hurt :)

31. B.A. Shapiro: The Art Forger

Claire is a blackballed artist who is forced to make ends meat by painting reproductions of famous paintings. Her new job however, does not pay well. When an old friend, and gallery owner comes to Claire to view her new paintings, he proposes something to her that will change her forever.

Great novel. Easy, breezy to read. I did however, wish that the main protagonist would have had more accountability for her actions though.

3.7/5

I have never been to the Grand Canyon. Such as shame as I live in a neighboring state. For that matter, I have never been to Yellowstone or the Tetons or most of the amazing national parks of Utah - also in neighboring states. I have got to get out more!

>91 AMQS: Hi Anne! It is true that when something is in your backyard you rarely pay attention to it. I was always amazed that my Uncle who lives in the heart of Vienna ( first district) never took advantage of what he had around him but yet he would travel thousands of miles to see similar buildings and the like. Ah well. I hope you get to see the Canyon one day :)

Here is my selection for photo Wednesday. I took this in 2018 in Greece. Such a blue is incredible.

>93 figsfromthistle: - Ah, I want to travel again!!!

Is the strip of dark blue kind of mid-picture the sea?

>94 katiekrug: Right behind the umbrellas is the sea. The lighter blue is the pool.

I miss travelling and discovering however, enjoy being at home as well.

I was in Greece once too. And yes, the blue is what stays with me! Especially in contrast t the white buildings on some of the islands.

>96 jessibud2: It is quite a sight!

32. Daniel H. Wilson: The Andromeda Evolution

An anomaly is detected in the Amazon. A special task force is sent to investigate however, things quickly take a turn for the worse as the team realizes a saboteur walks among them.

This is a novel that many will hate or like. I actually enjoyed it. Sure the protagonists were lacking in depth however, I enjoyed the plot. The last 1/4 of the novel was the best and it would have been a lot more interesting to reveal certain aspects earlier on.

An interesting sci-fi novel that has potential.

3/5

33.Katherena Vermette: The Break

One evening, Stella witnesses a crime. She reports this crime only to be brushed off until the victim appears.

Told from many pov's that actually work. Very well written however, not an easy read. The first page of the novel has a trigger warning. Mostly for violence/sexual and language.

3.5/5

Today I received my shipment of tea. It came in beautiful tins with equally beautiful boxes it sits in. I hope it tastes as good as it looks!

I am quite glad that this work week is almost over ( Saturday overtime). It has been quite a hectic one with having to compensate for all the staff calling in sick. Of course this is also the time where everything seems to need problem solving/delegation as well. Ah well. Crossing my fingers that next week is better.

I also have not been able to start learning a new language as I planned on doing. I hope to really start in April. I have lots of gardening projects on the way as well which should be a great stress reliever. I hope everyone has a splendid weekend :)

>100 figsfromthistle:, Hi Anita my dear, i am intrigued to know what teas you have got, any chance of photos of the beautiful tins and boxes dear friend.

>101 johnsimpson: That would be nice, Anita.

>100 figsfromthistle: Have a great weekend.

I started language learning but couldn't keep it up. Ah well, can always start again.

>101 johnsimpson: I will take a picture tomorrow when I get home from work :) I could provide an internet one however, those have the brand's name on it so I will see if I can take a picture that features the art on the tin more.

>102 EllaTim: Hi Ella! I hope you are having a great start to the weekend.

>1 figsfromthistle: >43 figsfromthistle: >93 figsfromthistle: Love your pictures!! Beautiful. And filling in my travel-deprived life. Thank you

>48 figsfromthistle: Dang it. I have tried to get into this one and just couldn't and now I am not sure I ever will. Sigh. I love her other stuff.

>99 figsfromthistle: Look at you!! Book #33 already!! You go girl. : )

Happy weekend.

Hi Anita my dear, hope that you are having a good start to your weekend especially with all that tea. Sending love and hugs dear friend.

>104 Berly: It's nice to see you!

Glad you are enjoying the pictures. I hope you are having a fantastic weekend so far. I have tomorrow off and since I worked two 12 hour shifts with only 4 hours in-between I am soo tired.

>105 johnsimpson: I have not tried the tea yet. I should be settling down for the day in an hour or so. I have not forgotten the pictures. I could not take one without the brand being on there. I hope that's ok.

Just in case: Please note, I am not tying to sell or advertise for this brand. I just like the packaging.


The tins decoration outside changes depending on the type of tea and there are special tins for various holidays.

>106 figsfromthistle:, Hi Anita my dear, the tea tins look really lovely.

>106 figsfromthistle: Very nice looking, Anita! I hope they taste good as well.

Two twelve hour shifts with only four in between? That is a lot. Sleep well in that case.

>107 johnsimpson: I knew you would like them :)

>108 EllaTim: Yes it is. It could not be avoided. I am looking forward to my day off tomorrow. Perhaps do some light cleaning and gardening.

>106 figsfromthistle: I *love* the tea tins! What a cool package to open up!

>110 scaifea: If the tea tastes good, I can order the refills for it as well. I won't have to keep on buying the tins :)

>106 figsfromthistle: Very pretty, definitely worth saving!

>112 mstrust: It does look nice in my tea drawer and keeps it organized. Have a great week ahead :)

Finally finished this book. I have been so busy/exhausted that it took me four days to read my 34th book.



34. Michael Crummey: Galore

Newfoundland, the locals make quick use of a beached whale. As they cut into the stomach, a man falls out. What follows is generational narrative.

I enjoyed this novel. Even though the narrative seems slow, it ended up staying with me. This novel is not the typical kind that I read. I preferred "sweetland" and am looking forward to reading "the innocents".

3.2/5

I loved The Innocents. I must read more of Crummey's books! Hope you like it when you get to it!

>115 mdoris: I'm glad you enjoyed the innocents. There is something about Crummey's writing that I quite enjoy. Hope you are having a great start to the week!

I also like The Art Forger and I liked Galore a bit more than you did, according to my rating. I also really liked Sweetland. I have not read his latest.

>117 msf59: Howdy Mark! I believe Sweetland is so far my favourite. He also published three books of poetry. Arguments with Gravity looks interesting.

35. Wilbur Smith: Courtney's War

1939, Gerhard Von Meerbach and Saffron Courtney are forced to go separate ways when the war breaks out. Each one must find a way to survive through it. The question is, which of the two can hold their heads high when it's all over?

It was a so so novel for me. I found Gerhard's character frustrating. Saffron's story line was better. Meh.

2.8/5

Happy Wednesday! Here is another one of my photos/ Can't remember exactly where I took this one. I imagine it was in Florida.

>114 figsfromthistle: Good heavens I haven't even *lurked* since the 17th! Shame on me.

I've got Galore on my library holds, and your moderate praise doesn't make me think I'll be wasting my time. I hope not, anyway.

>119 figsfromthistle: I like ol' Wilbur's Courtney books, despite the, um, not-so-progressive 'tudes. He seems like a good-hearted old buffer to me, though sexist and homophobic in a lazy, won't-think way.

Like the flamingi.

*smooch*

>121 richardderus: Hi Richard! I shall have to make my thread more interesting for you to lurk here more often :)

I did enjoy Galore. It was above average for me and may work out better for you.

The Flamingos that day were not behaving. Every time I took a close up shot, they would turn their heads in. Ah well.

* smooch* right back atcha!

36. Kate Atkinson: Transcription

A novel about the role of a women as a spy/transcriber for England during WW2.

If you are looking for a deep read, this is not it. It was a light/fun read for me. Just don't expect the same level as her other novels. I think I had too high expectations for this one.

It was a pleasurable read all the same.

3.5/5

It's the weekend!!! Hurray! (I enjoyed Transcription and your review is spot on.)

>124 Berly: Although I am working the weekend shift, I am quite happy that the weekend has arrived!

Hope you have a wonderful one :)

Happy weekend to you! Which language were you thinking of learning, or did you say earlier?

>126 AMQS: Thank you! I hope you are having a nice sunny weekend!

I was considering many but ultimately decided on Italian.

Have a nice weekend!

Italian is a beautiful language.

>128 EllaTim: Thanks, Ella! Nice weekend wishes heartily returned.

>127 figsfromthistle: OK my apologies if we've already had this conversation. It is sounding familiar but the mind may be going... My daughter is taking Italian at college after taking French through jr and sr high school. She's thinking of minoring in it. Italian will always be there so it's not too late!

>130 AMQS: Ha! No worries :) I don't believe that I officially posted which language I chose. I believe that my knowing French it will help me acquire Italian easier. Has your daughter found French to be helpful for Italian?

>131 figsfromthistle: Yes - many cognates, of course, the gendered nouns, adjectives and articles, etc. The pronunciation took some getting used to, especially being tentative as a new learner of the language. She felt more comfortable with the softer or nasal/disappearing sounds of French instead of the more emphatic Italian. It's funny - both of my girls had French come out during exams when they were nervous, but my older daughter took German, which is much less similar.

Oooh, I love tea - and even more I love tea in precious packaging. (I am a great bait for marketing people.) That one is extra special. 😍

I have a selection of Kusmi teas in small tin cans at home - they are very colourful. And the tea is amazing, too.


When in Vienna I always go to Haas&Haas, a traditional tea shop directly behind the Stephansdom (St Stephen's Cathedral). Recently, I found out that they have got an online shop, too. But I prefer to be there and smell and try. :)

>99 figsfromthistle: The break sounds interesting and I love books told from different perspective. And I am more and more looking out for female writes.

>120 figsfromthistle: Just love any kind of animals.

Hi Anita!

>93 figsfromthistle: Excellent photo with the variety of blues. I was in Greece in 1979 and stayed on Andros for 2 weeks. Thanks for the reminder.

>106 figsfromthistle: Beautiful packaging and tins. Something to keep in mind for my daughter although I think she’s got enough tea to last for a while.

>120 figsfromthistle: Flamingoes are always a joy to look at, even if they aren’t being cooperative.

>132 AMQS: Good to know!

I am fluent in French so It should help. I am also fluent in German and was hoping that that would have helped as well. Ah well. This month I am just going to listen to Italian radio and watch TV shows in Italian so it sinks in more naturally. Then I will start learning in the traditional way.

>133 PersephonesLibrary: Wow! Those tea cans look great! Ah I know Haas & Haas quite well :) I always get some tea and a little something sweet there as well.

As for the novel The Break it is one that can be depressing. I would suggest to save it for when you are in the right frame of mind for it. The author is Canadian Métis. Quite a talent.

>134 karenmarie: Hi Karen! Nice to see you. I hope you had a wonderful weekend and wish you a great week ahead!

>42 figsfromthistle: I confess that I never read The Gulag Archipelago. It is now on the tbr pile. Thanks for the recommendation!

>135 figsfromthistle: I'm jealous of your fluency in French and German! I've got the French. I would really like to learn German, particularly as my mother and brother both live there and since we hosted a German exchange student we have become very close to her and her family who now feel like our family (fortunately they also speak both excellent French and English). I took Spanish in HS and college after French and can still (mostly) read and understand but when I try to speak, Greek comes out, which doesn't work at all. And now it's been long enough since I've spoken any other language that I'm losing all of them. Ughh.

>136 Whisper1: It is definitely one of those must reads. Quite informative but long and difficult to read.

>137 AMQS: Spanish sounds like a nice language as well. It is true however, that you loose language if you do not use it. However, it can easily be regained by listing to the radio or reading in that particular language. It looks as though your whole family are language enthusiasts. You can practice together ;)

Happy Wednesday everyone! I almost forgot that it's the middle of the week. Time certainly flies! Two pictures I took a while ago. The second one uploaded upside down.

Happy April everyone!

Here are my stats for last month's reading

Number of Books read: 13

Books culled from this months reading: 10

Longest: 660 pages

Shortest: 288

Average pages read: 414

Pages read per day: 173

Male authors: 6

Female:7

Least exciting: Patricia Cornwell: Quantum

>139 figsfromthistle: But the pictures fit well together.
They are beautiful.

>141 SirThomas: Glad you like them!

Have a wonderful easter weekend.

For those of you here who celebrate Easter, have a wonderful Easter weekend.

>144 mstrust: Thanks, Jennifer! May you have a wonderful Easter weekend :)

Have a lovely weekend, Anita, and some good reads ahead.

>146 richardderus: Hi Richard!

Hope you have a wonderful, sunny weekend.

37. Vince Flynn: Total Power

An American is trying to sell knowledge of how to shut down the power grid for over a year to anyone willing to cary out the work. Finding the right partner proves to be difficult especially since the only ones willing to take the bait are extremely dangerous.

Not bad at all. Action packed however, the end seemed way too convenient and easy.

3.3/5

38. Lisa Jewell: The Family upstairs

A family comes to live with another family and alters everyones fate. Years later, a kitchen designer inherits this very famous and high valued house.

Each chapter alternates pov's and continues to build suspense while revealing little tidbits. I found the read to be quite addicting.

3.5/5 I enjoyed it.

>149 figsfromthistle: I put this on my Axis360 wishlist - looks good!

>143 figsfromthistle: I wish you a wonderful Easter weekend too!
>149 figsfromthistle: And again a BB!

>149 figsfromthistle: Oooh, that one sounds interesting - adding it to my list!

>150 AMQS: Hope you like it.

>151 SirThomas: Thank you Thomas!

>152 scaifea: Nice! Have a great weekend :)

Happy Easter, Figs. I did not realize that Crummey wrote poetry. Thanks for the heads up. I love Atkinson but I was not a fan of Transcription. It felt under-cooked.

Thanks!

It really was not one of her stronger novels.

Have a great Sunday!

>139 figsfromthistle: This upside-down picture is kind of cool: I first thought it's the earth from space. Sometimes you need to change your perspective. :)

>140 figsfromthistle: Happy April - great statistics!

>149 figsfromthistle: I will put that on my list for my love of alternating narrators.

I hope you are enjoying a lovely Easter weekend, Anita!

>156 PersephonesLibrary: Hi Käthe!

My weekend was ok. I was able to snag two days off and so I picked up my 90 year old cousin from Toronto. So far, she is only mildly annoying. She has one of those personalities that "grow" on you. I like what you said above about changing perspective. I shall apply that to how I react to her rude comments/behaviour :)

I hope you had a sunny weekend and that your week ahead runs smoothly.

;-D Every family has at least one member who finds that last nerve...

>158 mstrust: HA! Yes indeed!

Happy Wednesday!

Passion flower? It's very beautiful.

>160 figsfromthistle: - Or clematis? Already?? Mine don't even have buds yet! Gorgeous!

>161 mstrust: >162 jessibud2: I believe it's clematis - Crystal fountain version. My parent's gifted it to me a few years ago so I can't be sure.

>162 jessibud2: Don't worry, this picture was taken last year. The only flowers blooming right now are the daffodils.

A side note. I drove my cousin back to Toronto. She wanted to go home and could not wait until my day off ( which is tomorrow). She is so paranoid that someone is going to break into her home while she is gone. So I took a last minute vacation day to do so ( I was lucky that my employer allowed this). I guess it worked out for the better because I heard an announcement on the radio that everything will be shut down and there are now stay at home orders in effect. A little more notice would have been nice though. Perhaps I missed the announcement over the last couple days? Ah well it's all a back and forth anyway.

On the plus side it's sunny and warm! Hope everyone is having a great week so far.

>163 figsfromthistle: - Whew! I thought that it was rather early for such blooms, lol!

No, you didn't miss any announcement. It leaked late last night and by this morning, it was on the news. Schools here closed yesterday with less than 24 hours notice (rough on parents), because the medical officer of health and the mayor decided to ignore the premier and just do the right thing. This premier always says he takes direction from the medical experts, except he doesn't. I have heard doctors and medical experts on the radio and tv for weeks saying that tougher measure need to be in place, that hospital ERs are nearing capacity, that the areas of highest outbreaks need to be targeted for vaccines, not to mention, paid sick leave so those who can't afford to take a day off don't have to go to work sick. Ford is in so far over his head, he just doesn't get it. For him, it's all political. Big business matters to him and that's about it. In fact, the only thing that is going to make this lockdown different from the other lockdowns we've had since November is that now big box stores like Costco are going to have to cordon off all aisles except the ones that sell food. It is wearisome, but the situation is scary. I even heard that in the States, they are advising people not to travel to Canada. How's that for a turnaround!

>164 jessibud2: That is quite a turnaround! I am not quite sure who in the end makes the decision to do one thing or the other. However, what I do know is that decisions are being made on the fly. Which really is not good. No one seems to be on the same page or really know what to do. Vaccine rollout started well but it did not take long for a snag to derail all the planning they supposedly did earlier on. Canada is doing better at vaccine rollout compared to Europe. I was speaking to my Uncle and he said that nursing home residents are just beginning to be vaccinated and he at the age of 80 won't be booked until the end of summer. * sigh* I just hope that politicians and medical experts can work together to get us all through as fast as possible.

>165 figsfromthistle: - I don't know if you ever watch TVO's The Agenda with Steve Paikin but last night's first segment really addressed this very thing head-on and was quite good.

https://www.tvo.org/video/whats-wrong-with-ontarios-pandemic-response

>166 jessibud2: Oh cool. Thanks. Paikin has a lot of interesting segments. I shall watch it tonight.

Hi Anita!

>149 figsfromthistle: Sounds good. I just checked, our Library has it, and since the Library re-opened on Monday can actually go in there to check it out.

>160 figsfromthistle: Lovely. Thanks for sharing.

>168 karenmarie: Wohooo! For libraries being open again. Unfortunately, my local library has closed again.

>160 figsfromthistle: Gorgeous photo of the clematis. I can hardly wait until mine bloom this year! Things sound tough in Ontario with lock down!

>170 mdoris: Things are a little tough in Ontario right now. I think everyone is sick of lockdowns. Oh well another three weeks and things will re open :) How are things in your neck of the woods?

I'll be checking in with the Elmira Maple syrup festival today, as they've made it virtual this year. How I'd love to hop on a plane and attend in a regular year. I'll have to watch and eat spoonfuls of my own syrup :-D

>172 mstrust: Hi Jennifer! Mmmmm! Maple syrup is devine! I have been to that festival twice and it was always a great outing.

39. Angie Thomas: The Hate U Give

Starr, a highschool student witnesses her best friend being shot and killed by a policeman. Soon things become dicey for her family and friends. Determined to tell the truth and make a difference she decides to testify.

This is a debut novel and is well written. I was able to truly hear the protagonist's voice. A great novel to introduce pre teens to this subject/conversation starter.

Excellent 4/5

* This was a little free library find!*

>174 figsfromthistle: Glad you liked The Hate You Give, Anita. I read it a few years back, and the story stayed with me for a long time.

>175 FAMeulstee: Hi Anita! I hope you had a great weekend.

It certainly was a timely read. I suspect it will stay with me for a while as well.

40. Michael Crummey: The Innocents

Two children are left to fend for themselves when both their parents and younger sibling dies. Their only means to survive the winter comes from a ship named "The Hope". Supplies are dolled out based on the quality of salted cod brought in.

Quite a few angles to look at this novel and a lot to discuss.

3.7/5

>177 figsfromthistle: Hi Anita, I think I gave this book a higher rating than you did. I really thought it was amazing, the writing in particular.

>178 mdoris: Nice to see you!

I quite agree that the writing was amazing. My 3.5 stars are like other peoples 4 stars. I quite enjoyed the novel and Crummey's ease at story telling. Great allegorical novel which I would wholeheartedly recommend :)

Update:

So this year, I have decided that I am going to try something new with my gardening. I will still keep the two vegetable gardens that I have however, I am going to try to plant a really small one in the forest. I want to see if certain plants could produce and thrive that I might be able to make a bigger forest garden next year. I have a number of areas that have sunlight and the soil seems to be quite rich. Especially the area where I had my chickens two years ago. If it does not rain tomorrow, I will start preparing the soil. I will probably have to put up a fence of some sort as well ( at a later time).

Half of my regular garden is already planted with seeds that can tolerate colder temperatures. I finished planting beets, spinach, potatoes, carrots, radishes and lettuce.

Tomorrow, I hope to plant potatoes, radishes and lettuce in the forest garden. If I can manage to get through all the old tree roots. Otherwise it will be a few days ;)

>160 figsfromthistle: beautiful flowers, Anita!

I liked The Hate U Give a lot when I read it last year. I need to read more by her soon, but at the moment I have too many library books out calling my name.

Best of luck with your garden! It sounds amazing.

>181 bell7: Thanks! I hope it turns out the way I have pictured in my head.

Have a great Wednesday!

Happy Wednesday!

>183 figsfromthistle: Oh I used to have those in my garden. Where did they go?

>184 mdoris: Hi Mary! My cushion spurge is getting smaller every year. I made the mistake to cut it ( a lot) at the wrong time of the year ( late summer). I quite like that one for the yellow flowers and reddish brown in the fall.

I'm not sure where yours went but I do know that they like full sun. Perhaps some other plants etched it out or you may have accidentally taken it out of the garden?

>149 figsfromthistle:, Hi Anita, I purchase Lisa Jewell's The Family upstairs lately. Reading your review prompts me to find where I place it and read it.

>139 figsfromthistle: I absolutely loved the photo in this link!

Sweet Thursday, Figs! I will have to get to The Innocents. And thanks to you I picked up Hard Light from the library. My first poetry collection by him.

>186 Whisper1: It was a nice quick/escapist read. Hope you enjoy it when you read it.

Glad you like the two photos. My photography skills are not that great but these two came out just right :)

I hope you are enjoying the spring weather!

>187 msf59: I have not read any poetry by Crummey. I shall have to read your review to see if it's as good as his novels.

41. Barbara McLean: Lambsquarters

A memoir about living on a farm, building a home and figuring things out. Each chapter draws specific attention to a problem, event or life altering moment in Barbara's time spent on her farm in Grey county, Ontario.

I quite enjoyed the novel. The writing has a nice rhythm. Sometimes it was even funny. A good novel for those with little clue about farming and those who know all about it.

3.7/5

42. Samra Habib: We Have Always Been Here

At a young age, Samra Habib and her family, decide to come to Canada to seek refuge from a dangerous situation where the Ahmadi sect is being terrorized. However, when she arrives in Canada, Samra finds new challenges and faces discrimination. She tries to navigate her religious beliefs, break free from an oppressive family life all while trying to figure out who she is.

An interesting memoir. This was the winner of the 2020 Canada reads competition.

" We have always been here, it's just that the world wasn't ready for us yet. Today, with all the political upheavals in the Muslim World, some of us, those who are not daily threatened with death or rejection, have to speak for others. They have to tell stories of a community either denied or scorned. Together, through facing distinct realities, we should be united-united in the desire to be, in the desire to enjoy being free, safe and happy. In face of the challenges, our sense of community and our shared aspirations for a better world should make us stronger."

4/5

i have Donkey Tails (euphorbia) sprouting up everywhere in the garden. They love it hot and dry, much like the cushion spurge. i guess I will just have to enjoy them!

>191 mdoris: Enjoy them! I did not know that they prefer a drier soil. This could be my problem as my soil is clay and retains moisture.

43. Holly Black: The Coldest Girl In Coldtown

Tanna attends a party, and spends the night passed out in the bathtub. When she wakes up, only her ex boyfriend and a vampire tied up are still alive. Every other partygoer has been killed. She saves the one vampire and heads to a town where other vampires are forced to live in. The problem is that once you are in the town, it is almost impossible to get out.

A good novel if you like vampires, and a little gore . One problem was that there was a little lacking of plot. Gavriel's character and storyline was excellent. Aiden's felt lacklustre.

Not bad. Geared toward YA readers

3.1/5

>193 figsfromthistle: I haven't read any Holly Black in a while and I've grown accustomed to vampires, so maybe that's a go.

Beautiful photos, Anita.

>194 quondame: You might like it. Especially if you enjoy YA fiction.

>195 humouress: Glad you like them :)

>196 figsfromthistle: I checked it out. I already have too many books due in the first week of May to be able to read them all unless they are all potato chip reads.

>197 quondame: Maybe it'll fit on your list another month. I think this novel falls under the potato chip category :)

>198 figsfromthistle: Well, it's on my Kindle now, checked out of LA City library being one 11 books due in the first 9 days of May. And I have a few more than that due between now and the end of April, so some attrition will occur.

>199 quondame: Wow! You have your reading cut out for you. Good luck :)

44. Frances Liardet: We Must Be Brave

A women who houses refuges during the war, finds herself taking care of a little girl. She becomes very attached as she is unable to have children with her husband.

The novel sort of held my interest up until the middle. I thought this was more historical fiction and found out that it really was not. The main event/theme evolved around Ellens childhood, meeting her husband and raising an orphaned child. The final two chapters in the present day ( where Ellen is 90) felt random/short. The author did however, portray love and grief well.

2.8/5

Happy Wednesday!

This picture was taken a few years back. Since that particular year, my cherry tree has not produced such perfect, plentiful cherries again. Now, as I see my cherry tree begin to bloom ( even in the snow), I cross my fingers that this years harvest will be like the one pictured below.

>202 figsfromthistle: - WOW!! Do you bake cherry pies? ;-)

>203 jessibud2: Ha no! For some reason my pies never turn out the way I want. I do however, bake cherry strudel.

That's incredible! I love fresh cherries and would love to have tree, especially one that produced like that.
Cherry strudel sounds great. I'd probably make cherry liqueur.

>205 mstrust: Hi Jennifer! It was a good harvest. Sadly, since the four years or so, the tree has not been producing a lot. I hope that this year will be a bumper harvest!

Cherry liqueur sounds great! My father makes a lot of liqueur but I do not think he made a cherry one.

45. Russell Banks: The Sweet Hereafter

When an accident occurs in a small town, there is plenty of blame to go around. It is up to the town to decide who is guilty and if appointing blame will ease their sorrows.

This novel was told from different POV's. I found it to be well written.

3.9/5

>202 figsfromthistle: Wow, that was a harvest!

>208 quondame: It certainly was! That was only half of the harvest :)

Hi Anita. Simple delurking to say I dropped by to admire the cherry harvest and look at book reviews.

{/lurk}
>202 figsfromthistle: Yowza!! I can see that you'd be anticipating a harvest like that with bated breath. Hoping one comes your way this Spring.
{lurk}

>210 SandyAMcPherson: Hi Sandy! Great to see you here. I hope your weekend is a pleasant one so far. I hope I have hit you with a BB! Quite a number of excellent reads in there this month.

>211 richardderus: Glad you dropped by :) Thanks for the bountiful harvest wishes.

46. Mary Kubica: The Good Girl

Mia, the daughter of a wealthy judge is kidnapped after a few drinks with a man named Owen. After three months, she returns home. Her family and the police have questions for her. Unfortunately, she is unable to remember many of the important details that would help everyone answer the all too familiar question, "Why her?"

A slower build up but I did not mind. An average mystery told from alternating timelines with alternating POV's. Ending had a nice twist which put it slightly above the 3* rating

3.2/5

>202 figsfromthistle: Ooh, cherries! Hoping you have a bountiful harvest - and looking forward to sharing it :0)

>214 humouress: Hi Nina! If I end up with that many cherries, I will have no problem sharing :)

47. Ian Brown: A diary of my sixty-first year

Well the title sums up the subject of the book. I felt that it did not really read as a diary though. It was not a novel for me however, that is probably understandable since I am not really close in the age he is writing about. At times it was funny though.

" I made a vegan Reuben for dinner last night, substituting smoked- salt roasted beets for the pastrami. If a gas company had built a pipeline to my ass, it's stock price would have skyrocketed, based on undeclared reserves."

At times I felt that the author could have focused on some positives of reaching 60 as well. He really writes well and if you enjoy a sarcastic wit, then perhaps this will be for you.

I won't rate this novel because I feel that it would not be fair; as I am probably not the so called targeted reader.

Hi Anita: I somehow lost your thread. What a lot of great reading you have been doing.

Your cherries are making my mouth water.

I took a class on Solzhenitsyn in college and in nine weeks we read Gulag, The First Circle, August 1914, A Day in the life of Ivan Denisovich, Cancer Ward and a couple of others. I keep thinking I am due for a reread. He was an amazing writer. And I love those big old Russian books.

48. Silence Of the Songbirds: Bridget Stutchbury

The author does a fantastic job at telling the plight of the songbird. I quite enjoyed reading about how she started with her research as well. Quite a well thought out novel.

I must admit I had no idea that the songbirds were in danger. I have a few on my property. Last year, my father and I made three new birdhouses for them. Hopefully, I will see them all occupied :)

4/5

>216 figsfromthistle: Intriguing review, Anita. I am edging inexorably towards that total and probably ought to read that one before I get there!

>219 PaulCranswick: Hi Paul! Nice to see you here. I hope that the novel works for you.

Happy Wednesday, everyone!

Here is a pic of some of my blooming fruit trees.The main one's blooms belong to the mirabelle plum. I can't wait!

On other garden news, the small two patches of garden that I decided to try in the forest are doing well. It's only been a week and my lettuce, onions and potatoes have all peeked their heads out of the soil. I suppose that sometime this week I will have to fence it in. It's off to a great start as I did not think that the seeds would germinate at all.

Everyday on my day off and when the weather is nice, I have been slowly clearing out dead branches from my forest. I have been cutting dead branches from the coniferous and deciduous trees, hauling them out of the forest and loading them up onto my dad's truck and then bringing them to a recycling station. I am also trying to get rid of junk growth that looks like a tree but it not. It actually hinders light for my actual trees and takes away much needed water. This invasive shrubbery is all over. The bonus is that the reeds are soft so it's not hard to cut through with the saw. Eventually, the forest will be healthy and I will be able to complete my vision with a trail and little sitting areas in there. It's a lot of work and it's a project I am doing on the side so I take it one day at a time.

Hi Anita!

>183 figsfromthistle: Beautiful flowers.

>202 figsfromthistle: Oh. My. Goodness. I hope this season’s harvest is as bountiful. I do know that some trees go through I always spend way too much money here in NC buying cherries when in season.

>209 figsfromthistle: And only half the harvest. Wow.

>221 figsfromthistle: Lovely fruit trees. Your garden in the forest and healthy forest initiative sound wonderful. I admire your energy and goals.

>216 figsfromthistle:, >218 figsfromthistle: - Hi Anita. I have both these books on my shelves and the Ian Brown one is one I am eager to read soon. Both books are non-fiction, though, not novels, just fyi. I like Brown's writing, too, and I met Bridget Stutchbury several years ago when she did a talk and a walk about birds.

What an amazing property you have! Lots of work but it must be so satisfying that you are making it what you want it to be. Keep up the good work!

>222 karenmarie: Hi Karen! Glad you are enjoying the pictures. The healthy forest initiative does sound good. I just hope I don't run out of energy ;)

>223 jessibud2: HA yes I know that both books are non-fiction. I don't know why I said novels ;)

The property is big and when my parents bought it 40 years ago, there were only two trees on it ( they are still standing). They did a lot in those years and built up the soil. Now it's my turn :)

>221 figsfromthistle: Your flowering trees are beautiful! I sometimes miss our old house, where we had a handful of apple and pear trees...

>225 scaifea: Hi Amber! Most of the time the trees bloom nicely. Very rarely do I get a bountiful harvest. When I do, the animals seem to have more of a share than I do. Ah well. Did you spray your fruit trees? I use organic spray but it does not help a lot.

I'd be willing to do a lot more yard work if I ended up with the fruits you do!
I've been raking away dry grass in the back and tending to all my newly planted succulents in the front yard. I'm doing all I can now before it get too hot to spend much time out there.

>227 mstrust: Hi Jennifer!

Good idea to get your yard work done before the scorching heat. At least your newly planted succulents will enjoy the heat ;)

>226 figsfromthistle: No, we never really figured out how to take care of them properly in the few years we lived there, but the pear trees at least still did really well on their own!

>229 scaifea: Pear trees do have a sort of resilience. Especially older pear trees.

Hi Anita

You read some great books. I'm tempted to add many. For now, I am adding
Lambsquarterbooks by Barbara McLean, and . Russell Banks: The Sweet Hereafter

Hi Anita!

Your garden and fruit trees are lovely! Your season is soooo far ahead of mine here - I am just now getting some of the early blossoms from bulbs.

I really like the way you are doing your books read in posts 5-8! The Hate U Give was stunning. I suggested it to my book club last year, and although many of them had never read a YA book, they all were impressed.

Hi Anita my dear, hope all is well with you and that you have been able to do some gardening.

We are still waiting for Amy to give birth, her due date was yesterday but no sign as yet, oh well it will come when it is good and ready.

Wishing you a really lovely weekend my dear and sending love and hugs from both of us to you dear friend.

>231 Whisper1: Glad I was able to hit you with a few BB's! This month was a stellar reading month for me.

>232 streamsong: The earliness of the season here is quite unusual. I would not mind if spring arrived this early every year ;)

I am on the library's waitlist for On The Come up. I suspect it will be a while until my turn comes for that one. I may just have to buy it instead.

>233 johnsimpson: Hi John! I am sure Amy is ready to get it over and done with. However, the little one will come when ready :)

Sending much love and hugs back your way.

49. How to give up plastic: Will McCallum

By now, everyone is aware of the growing global problem of waste, especially plastic waste in landfills, water and on land. This novel touches on the problems of single use plastics, what products have hidden plastics in them, and myths surrounding plant based plastics.

A great beginners novel on the subject. One thing that this novel does not take into account is the extra cost to substitute and buy from specialty companies.

3/5

Just stopping by to wish you a wonderful weekend, Anita.

>236 SirThomas: Nice to see you here! Weekend wishes heartily returned.

>221 figsfromthistle: Nice! I'll enjoy it vicariously since I don't have a big garden nor a very green thumb. (Having said which, our neighbours seem to be running a farm on a slightly smaller plot of land.)

(>234 figsfromthistle: 'if spring arrived this early every year' but ... global warming!)

>235 figsfromthistle: Not a novel, dear...and none of those books ever take into account the added out-of-pocket expenses inherent in changing our ways. It's a guaranteed way to torpedo their readership!

I get so irritated with the smugsy-poo neoliberal "shop indie bookstores! otherwise you're part of the problem!" crap I see everywhere I turn. 1) there are zero bookstores in this town, as in not a single one, so I can't; 2) I'm disabled, can no longer drive, and the cost to use any form of transit for any non-medical purpose is prohibitive; 3) how dare they judge what they clearly don't regard as important. If they regarded it as important, eg disability poverty etc, then they'd alter their message. Ergo anyone not like them is "not who they were talking to" and is thus judged and found irrelevant.

>238 humouress: I don't really have a green thumb either. I think it's something you learn through mistakes, successes and lots and lots of advice.

Hope you are having a great weekend so far.

>239 richardderus: Hi Richard! I really need to edit before I post. I keep on calling everything a novel probably because of translating in my head from one language to another ;)

The cost factor was one major thing that bothered me about the so called preaching. McCallum did state that major corporations should be held accountable for creating more sustainable products. To be fair he also stated that the ban on single use plastics should not apply to disabled people who really need them ( ie: straws). I think the targeted audience is probably not for my generation.

I believe that people should buy books where they can buy them. For me, the majority comes from used bookstores because I would not be able to afford new ones all the time. So in a way I guess I am supporting a small business that may or may not be local. I also receive flack from friends and such about what I buy or where and I politely tell them that if I can use their wallets to make these purchases then I have no problem shopping where they think I should ;)

Hope you have a wonderful weekend, Richard,

>240 figsfromthistle: It is a bilingual person hazard, indeed! Have a lovely, yourself.

>241 richardderus: Thanks, Richard :)

>221 figsfromthistle: My goodness, Anita, what lovely wonderful blossoms on those trees! Even after living years in lush New England the blossoms of spring will never cease to take my breath away. I hope you have a few afternoons just getting to enjoy, what a beautiful setting.

>243 ebeeb: Hi Elizabeth! Nice to see you here :)

I do take time to relax in the yard as well. Just not in the spring ;)

Happy Wednesday!

Sorry, picture is sideways instead of upright. Cute little baby day old chicks.

Chicky babies!

>246 mstrust: Ha! Cute little ones.

>245 figsfromthistle: They are so adorable! Babies!!

You have managed some intriguing reading! And the nature pictures are lovely. I envy you for the cherries - they are one of my favourite fruit.

Have a lovely start of the week!

>248 PersephonesLibrary: Nice to see you!

I hope you are having a fantastic start to the brand new work week!

Hi Anita!

>235 figsfromthistle: I think I'm too old to try to give up plastic. I do recycle it, though, even though it probably doesn't get properly recycled. Sigh.

>250 karenmarie: Hi Karen!

I also recycle my plastic however, I am not sure if there are enough programs in place to really recycle them. Most plastics are sent to other countries instead. I do believe that it is nearly impossible to live a plastic free life. Changes have to be made to force packing companies to come up with different solutions. Then real progress can be made.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

>251 figsfromthistle: Actually, that day is on the way already as petrochemical companies are overcapacity-laden.

Have a great weekend's reads!

>252 richardderus: Thank you, Richard. I have been reading less this month. I am behind on posting about my reading.

Have a wonderful weekend.

>251 figsfromthistle: We try to avoid plastics as much as possible, Anita. Most of the plastics that do come in are up to 80% out of recycled plastics.
In packages most have replaced plastic filler by paper, that is easier to recycle.

Happy weekend!

Missing you, Anita, I hope everything is allright at your place.

What >255 FAMeulstee: said...hoping all is well and you're the happy kind of busy.

I also hope that everything is fine with you, Anita.

Dropping by to say 'hello!'

Hey Figs, I'm adding my hellos, and I hope all is okay in your world.
Are you summertime hibrating?

Hello! Just catching up here and enjoying all your flower photos, oh, and the books. Of course. Definitely trying to cut back on the plastics here, but I could probably use a primer on the best ways to do it. Hope all is well!

>254 FAMeulstee: Hi Anita! I hope all is well with you.

>255 FAMeulstee: >256 richardderus: >257 SirThomas: Hello Anita, Richard and Thomas! All is ok now. Time seems to fly by. I have been busy at work ( very few days off) and busy with outdoor chores. I also had to deal with the loss of my aunt. She was like a grandmother to me so it's been hard. I was unable to travel for the funeral because of lockdown restrictions.

Thanks for keeping my thread warm. I shall try to catch up as much as possible.

>258 humouress: Hi! Hope you are having a great summer so far

>259 SandyAMcPherson: It appears that I have been hibernating ;) I have however, been reading though.

>260 Berly: Glad you are enjoying the photos. I shall restart with them next week.

>261 figsfromthistle: I'm so sorry about your aunt. The mishandling of the epidemic has so many impacts apart from the direct.

>262 quondame: Hi Susan!

It is interesting how the epidemic has impacted people in different ways. Things are beginning to stabilize here and I am crossing my fingers that it continues to get better.

Oh, that's very sad indeed, Anita. To lose the opportunity to say a good farewell to your functional grandmother is very hard.

I'm glad to see you around here again, however.

>265 figsfromthistle: Thanks, Richard.

It's good to be back. I have missed everyone.

Some of the books read since my absence:

50. Michael Cunningham: By Nightfall

51. Deborah Harkness: A Discovery of witches

52. Heather Morris: Cilka's Journey

53. Nancy Richler: The imposter bride

54. Susie Steiner: Missing, presumed

55. Anthony Horowitz: Magpie Murders

56. Kazuo Ishiguro: The Unconsoled

It's been such a long time that I have forgotten which books I have read. I shall have to look and update this list. I shall also summarize / rate them as well.

Hi Figs. I'm sorry to hear about your aunt, and it sucks that you weren't able to go to the funeral because of lockdown restrictions.

>266 figsfromthistle: I read Missing, Presumed and Magpie Murders and liked them both a lot.

I'm sorry to hear about your aunt, Anita. You have gotten in some great reads.

I'm sorry to hear of the loss of your dear aunt, Anita. I also lost a dear aunt several weeks ago, who was my mother's oldest sister and was a second mother to me for my entire life, especially my childhood when we lived on opposite sides of the same city.

>267 karenmarie: Hi Karen!

Yes, both of those novels were excellent. I was happy to get Magpie murders back from my cousin. She does not always "remember " to give things back ;)

>268 BLBera: Thank you, Beth. The last read was a frustrating ( in a good way) kind of read.

>269 kidzdoc: Nice to see you, Darryl. I am sorry for your loss. It is hard to loose someone so connected to our hearts.

Unfortunately, those who have been beside me for so long are ageing. I fear it will be only the beginning. It has however, made me realize that it is important to take more care to spend time with those who are near and dear to us.

Sorry about the loss of your Aunt, Anita. I hope you have lots of fond memories of her and that you get to make lots more memories with your other relatives--an important thing to make time for.

>271 Berly: Thank you. Now that I am legally able to visit my non household family members, I plan on catching up in person. Can't wait ( even to visit those who are a little annoying )

Hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Just "a little annoying" is worth it once in a while. LOL

>273 Berly: Ha! I am sure that I can be a little annoying as well. In the end, it all balances out ;)

: )

>261 figsfromthistle: Sorry you lost your aunt, Anita, and that you couldn't attend her funeral.

>272 figsfromthistle: Enjoy catching up with theose still around.

>261 figsfromthistle: Those restrictions make a painful situation even more difficult to bear. (((((HUGS))))) for you, Anita.

>276 FAMeulstee: >277 PaulCranswick:

Hi Anita and Paul. Thanks for the condolence message. I still have to stop myself from calling her to give her my weekly news update. I suppose it will take a while. One day at a time :)

I hope you both had a wonderful weekend.

So sorry that you've lost your aunt. We get it - still missing my mother-in-law too.

Hi Anita my dear, so sorry to hear of your loss, sending thoughts and prayers to you and special Yorkshire love and hugs dear friend.

>279 drneutron: >280 johnsimpson: Thanks Jim and John :)

Sorry for your loss, Anita - sending good wishes!

>282 SirThomas: Thank you :)

Dear Anita, I can just repeat what the others have already said: I am very sorry for your loss. Much strength in these times. ❤

>284 PersephonesLibrary: Thank you so much. :)

Hey there Anita. Hoping you're still as well as possible.

>286 richardderus: Hi Richard! I'm doing alright. Finally managed to snag three days off in a row!

Photo Wednesday is back!

>288 figsfromthistle: Lovely! So peaceful, so inviting.

>287 figsfromthistle: Excellent news.

>289 richardderus: Hi Richard! Hope you had a wonderful weekend :)

Hi Figs! I hope you're doing well and that you enjoyed your 3 days off.

>288 figsfromthistle: Books and bookcases make me happy. Thanks for sharing.

>291 karenmarie: Hi Karen!

I'm doing as well as can be expected :) Trying to survive the unbearable hot, sticky weather.

Hope you are having a splendid week so far.

Hi Anita. Adding my condolences for the loss of your aunt. It's especially hard in these times.

>293 humouress: Thank you. Much appreciated.