RebaRelishesReading in 2021 - #2 moving toward spring

A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions.” — Oliver Wendell Holmes

I I joined LT in 2007 because I wanted to catalog my library but didn't truly appreciate the full wonder of the place until I found the 75'ers in 2012 (I think that's the year). It's a favorite part of my morning now. I also love meeting other members in person when possible.

For those of you I don't know, I'll introduce my self a bit. I'm a Californian by birth and have lived there much of my life but Hubby and I decided last October that it was time to leave our condo in the Uptown district of San Diego and move to some place quieter and, most importantly, nearer our youngest grandchild. We have two older grandchildren who we adore but Ally will be going to college in the fall and Kyle will be sixteen next month so they probably won't be living near us anymore even if we had stayed in San Diego. Quinn turned three in January so we will have many years enjoying him growing up as we did the other two. So I'm adding Washington State to the list of places I've lived at various times in my life: California, Arizona, Connecticut, the Netherlands, England, the Netherlands, California, Ireland, California and now Washington.

I'm a retired city planner who travels a lot (or did pre-Covid). For the past 11 summers we were at the Chautauqua Institution in western New York but among our recent changes we have sold our place there and will probably not attend the season any more. I will miss it but it's time to move on.

I read mostly fiction with a helping of biography or history thrown in. A couple of years ago I finished a personal challenge to read all of the Pulitzer Prize winning fiction. I've also challenged myself to read the Pulitzer wining biographies but I don't seem to be making much progress on that score.

CURRENTLY READING:

(Kindle)

(audio)

My Rating System:

Superb *****
Excellent ****1/2
Very good ****
Good ***1/2
Average ***
Don't bother **
Terrible *

READ IN 2021

January
1. What the Wind Knows by Amy Harmon**** (audio)
2. Anxious People by Fredrik Backman****(audio)
3. Lady in Waiting by Anne Glenconner***2/3 (audio)

February
4. This Time Next Year by Sophie Cousens***(audio)
5. Death Comes to the Village by Catherine Lloyd***(audio)
6. Winter in Paradise by Elin Hilderbrand*** (audio)
7. What Happens in Paradise by Elin Hilderbrand*** (audio)
8. Troubles in Paradise by Elin Hilderbrand**(audio)
9. West With Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge ****1/2

March
10. The Late Bloomers' Club by Louise Miller****
11. The Stranger Diaries by Elly Griffiths *** (audio)
12. Sunrise on Half Moon Bay by Robyn Carr *** (audio)
13. Where the Light Enters by Jill Biden **** (audio)
14. Davita's Harp by Chaim Potok ****
15. Death Comes to London by Catherine Lloyd ***1/2(audio)
16. Death Comes to Kurland Hall by Catherine Lloyd ***1/2 (audio)
17. Death Comes to the Fair by Catherine Lloyd ***1/2 (audio)
18. Death Comes to the School by Catherine Lloyd***(audio)

April
19. Death Comes to Bath by Catherine Lloyd****(audio)
20. Death Comes to the Rectory by Catherine Lloyd****(audio)
21. The Secret, Book & Scone Society by Ellery Adams ****(audio)
22. The Space Between Us by Thrity Umrigar *****
23. How to Raise an Elephant by Alexander McCall Smith ***1/2 (audio)
24. The Secrets Between Us by Thrity Umrigar*****
25. The Sunday Philosophy Club by Alexander McCall Smith ***

May
26. The Shooting at Chateau Rock by Martin Walker ***1/2 (audio)

>7 RebaRelishesReading: Love your welcome sign. Hope your spring reading is satisfying!

SusanJ -- Thank you for helping me find my reading mojo again. I'm thoroughly enjoying West With Giraffes!!

>8 SandyAMcPherson: Thank you Sandy. We posted at exactly the same time so you can see that I'm very much enjoying West With Giraffes and think I'm back to normal qua reading.

Happy new one! Great topper

Happy new thread, Reba. What a gorgeous photo at the top. West with Giraffes is an intriguing title.

Happy new thread! I'm looking forward to hearing what you think of West with Giraffes, Reba. As Beth says, intriguing title.

Happy new thread, Reba.

Happy new thread!

>1 RebaRelishesReading: What a stunning opener.

Happy new thread, Reba! >1 RebaRelishesReading: The St Johns Bridge is so pretty, isn't it?

Happy new thread, Reba!

>1 RebaRelishesReading: Love the picture. I'm guessing your new home town? Interesting looking bridge.

Happy new thread, Reba! Your topper is beautiful!

Happy new thread! That picture is so pretty!

Quinn has discovered his "dress up" box :) Pirate bee, anyone?

>11 figsfromthistle:, >12 BLBera:, >15 quondame:, >18 scaifea:, >19 ChelleBearss: Thank you Anita, Beth, Susan, Amber and Chelle :)

>13 Oregonreader: Hi Jan. I'm nearly finished andI have enjoyed every minute of West With Giraffes!

>14 PaulCranswick: Hi Paul

>16 banjo123: Hi Rhonda. Yes it is pretty and thank you for telling me the name!

>17 EllaTim: Hi Ella. Glad you like the photo and, yes, it's "sort of" my new home. The photo is a view from Portland, Oregon which is the big city just across the river from Vancouver, Washington where I live. Vancouver, Washington (not be confused with the much more well known Vancouver, British Columbia) is a suburb of Portland in spite of being the 4th largest city in Washington (more than you wanted to know?)

>20 RebaRelishesReading: Oh gosh, how adorable!

>22 scaifea: Thanks Amber :)

>20 RebaRelishesReading: I love it!

>24 BLBera: :)

Happy new thread, Reba!

>21 RebaRelishesReading: Hi Reba. Thanks, it is confusing, those Vancouvers. I looked it up on a map, geography is not my strongest suit.

>26 FAMeulstee: Dank je wel, Anita.

>27 EllaTim: You are definitely not the only person who is confused by the two Vancouvers. When we first started telling people we were moving to Vancouver we made a big point of saying Washington and still many people expressed surprise that we were moving to Canada. If we tell people "not Canada, Washington" they still assume we must be in the NORTH west corner of the state and, hence, close to the "real" Vancouver when actually we're in the SOUTH west corner. Sometimes I just say "Portland area" since westerners know where that is (easterners, on the other hand, automatically think "Maine" when you say "Portland" so that's confusing in it's own way too!

>20 RebaRelishesReading: Oh yeah! Go Quinn! Love it Reba.

West With Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge****1/2

As the cover says, this is "an emotional, rousing novel inspired by the incredible true story of two giraffes who made headlines and won the hearts of Depression-era America". How I did enjoy this book!!

Two young giraffes are rescued from their unspecified homeland by Belle Benchly, director of the San Diego Zoo (if I were still a San Diegan I would write "World Famous San Diego Zoo" since that's how it's always referred to in San Diego) who buys them for the Zoo's collection. On their way to New York the ship is caught in The Great New England Hurricane of 1938 and barely survives to make it to port. The head keeper of the Zoo is there to meet the ship and oversee their being driven cross-country to their new home. This book is the story of that journey as told by a 105-year-old man who as an 18-year-old dust-bowl survivor, helped bring them across.

I'm sure I enjoyed this book so much because:
- I adore giraffes, as any visitor to my home can attest
- I lived in San Diego for 33 years, and within walking distance of the Zoo for the last 11 of those years, and
- I have driven many parts of the route the animals took several times, although the Lee Highway as such no longer exists.

That said, it's a delightful book and I highly recommend it AND thank SusanJ for the bb :)

Happy New Thread, Reba! I think I just took a book bullet for West With Giraffes. Yup, it's official. I just requested it from the library, although there are 11 people ahead of me for three copies.

>31 ronincats: Hope you make it to the top of the list soon! It's a great read no-matter but extra nice for those of us with a San Diego connection I think.

Off to walk on my lovely new treadmill :)

Hi Reba, and happy new thread!

>20 RebaRelishesReading: Adorable.

Thank you Karen :)

Happy new thread, Reba! Your little pirate-bee is very cute up there. Does he say "bzzz-arrr" or is it the other way around?

Hooray for the giraffes! And I hope your new treadmill is fun, if that's the right word for exercise equipment...

>36 susanj67: Hi Susan! The photo of pirate-bee was courtesy of his mother. We haven't seen it in person so I don't know what the sound effects are lol.

Actually the treadmill is rather fun. There are "walks" you can take. Yesterday I walked along the shore on St. Lucia. Treadmill changes speed and incline as you go and a trainer "walks" with you to talk you through it all (although I was listening to a book so didn't hear what she said). I don't know how many such walks there are but probably enough to keep it interesting.

Hubby and I just got our second Covid vaccine shots and we only had to drive 3 miles to get them :) It's been almost two hours and we both still feel fine so I'm hoping we'll be lucky as to side effects. Also, this means we don't have to drive the 300 miles to where we got our first shots so we can be home tomorrow to take delivery of our family room sofa. This is turning out to be a very fine week!

>38 RebaRelishesReading: So glad you could get your second shot a bit closer to home, Reba.
Hoping you stay both free of side effects.
My father will get his second shot next Sunday.

>39 FAMeulstee: Thanks, Anita. So far so good although a bit ago Hubby came in to tell me he's feeling tired and going to bed which sounds like one of the side-effects to me, although "tired" is a lot better than "pain, nausea, etc."

>38 RebaRelishesReading: woo hoo! Great news on all counts, Reba.

>38 RebaRelishesReading: - Hooray!

Oh, I'm so glad the second shot worked out so that you don't have to drive such a long way for it! Fingers crossed that you continue to be side-effect free!

Reba, that's great news about your second shots! I hope MrReba is feeling less tired today, and you don't get any side effects. There is news research suggesting that the vaccines prevent transmission as well as symptoms, so that is fabulous news.

>37 RebaRelishesReading: The different walks sound like fun. Maybe you can unlock extra ones depending on how many steps you put in :-)

>41 lauralkeet: >42 katiekrug: >43 scaifea: >44 susanj67: Thanks Laura, Katie, Amber and Susan. Hubby got up after a nap and felt completely fine and normal -- still does. I already had a bit of a back "issue" going on and it's now worse plus my arms are achy and I have a very low-grade head ache. Really, we're getting off very lightly!!

Susan, the treadmill asked me to answer a lot of questions about my goals and current condition and then offered me the walk I did. I'm not sure if it will just progress from there or ask for more input or if I have to go in and reset it. I really plan to listen to audio books while I walk so may not use that feature too much although it was nice to have it giving me "intervals" to do. More learning needed :)

Other big news from CasaMia -- the family room sofa arrived first thing this morning and we're very pleased. I have decided we really need a sofa table though (since the back is directly pointed at the entry and rest of the house and isn't very attractive. So I may go out shopping in a while. That should make my aches feel better :)

My second shot left me with a blinding headache with extreme nausea Reba. Lasted about ten hours. But it's done none so I'm happy. As you are I'm sure.

As I am indeed, Bonnie. By noon yesterday I was feeling pretty normal. I slept really well last night and other than the back ache I had before the shot all is well today AND I'm fully vaccinated :)

Happy New Thread, Reba. Good to hear you got your second shot and are feeling fine.

Thanks Connie :)

Reba, I'm glad that the side-effects were mild and you can go table-shopping :-)

I read an article yesterday about US research that showed some women are getting swollen lymph nodes under their arms on the side they had their vaccination, and that the nodes were showing up on mammograms and causing (unnecessary) concern. So there's now a recommendation that anyone due for a mammogram should have it before their first shot, or wait a decent amount of time after the second one. The swelling is due to the immune response working, but apparently it doesn't usually happen with vaccines for other things so it took doctors by surprise. Here's an article (not the one I read, but it seems the internet is covering this quite widely now): https://www.forbes.com/sites/brucelee/2021/03/03/can-this-covid-19-coronavirus-v...

>50 susanj67: - Yes, I've seen articles about this, too. And am glad I saw them, as I am due for a mammo but will now wait until at least a few weeks after my 2nd shot...

>50 susanj67: Thanks for the heads up Susan. I hadn't heard about that but I'm current on my mammograms so I don't think it will be a problem. If it hangs on long enough I will try to remember this is a possibility if I ever have an unexpected mammo result.

As to the sofa table -- we visited five or six shops, some of which had no sofa tables at all!! but just as we were about to quit and go home we found one we really like, at a pleasant price and we were able to buy it right off the floor. It's working out really well :)

>51 katiekrug: Hi Katie.

the Late Bloomers' Club by Louise Miller****

Nora's mom died when Nora was just a teenager leaving Nora to be a surrogate mother to her much younger sister. When Nora's dad died she inherited the family diner in a small town in Vermont. She doesn't feel like she's had many choices in life. Then she discovers that she and her sister are inheriting a house and land from one of the town's beloved seniors. Apparently a deal has been struck to sell the land to a big-box retailer but first it must be re-zoned.

This is a lovely book about relationships, small town issues and values, freedom, and responsibility. A very enjoyable read even if it did leave me misty eyed at the end.

>53 RebaRelishesReading: That one sounds pretty good, Reba - I think I'll add it to my list. Thanks for the review!

Congrats on getting your second shot, Reba. I just got my first one, what a relief!

>53 RebaRelishesReading: That does sound like a pleasant read.

>54 scaifea: >55 BLBera: Hi Amber and Beth -- thanks for stopping by, hope you enjoy the book!!

>53 RebaRelishesReading: That book plot sounds familiar but I can't find it on my catalogue either here or on my "at home" file.

I'll have to read it again, because it sounds appealing as all get out.
I like Vermont settings... I think it would feel very familiar should I ever *finally* get to visit that state.

>57 SandyAMcPherson: I think you'll enjoy a reread, Sandy (if you've read it before). I know that feeling though of "i think I've read this but I have no record of it" -- gremlins I guess :)

Hooray for being all vaccinated, and not having to drive to Wenatchee!

Hi Reba! Things look great on your thread - I particularly live your little pirate-bee! You got me with two book bullets: West With Giraffes and The Late Bloomers Club.

Glad you are fully vaccinated! Educators have been prioritized here in CO ad I was able to schedule around my surgery. I get my second shot this week.

>59 banjo123: Thank you, Rhonda. We're happy too!

>60 AMQS: Hi Anne! Glad you're getting vaccinated and hope you're still recovering well from your surgery. Also hope you enjoy the books!

The Stranger Diaries by Elly Griffiths *** (audio)

I don't often read murder mysteries but this seemed like a good book to listen while walking and it was. Clare is a single-mom and English teacher in a Sussex high school whose life takes on a disturbing turn when her best friend, another English teacher at the school, is murdered. Aspects of the murder reflect a short story, "The Stranger", which was written by an author who lived in the house house which is now the school. Readings from the short story are sprinkled through the book. The chapters are written from the perspective of various characters including Clare, her daughter, and the police woman investigating the murder. The audio version uses different readers for the different characters which made it much easier to follow. A solid mystery read.

Question for the bio scientists among us --

Hubby and I have both had 2 doses of Pfizer vaccine. As I understand once two weeks have passed we will be immune from getting sick with Covid but not necessarily from asymptomaticly carrying the virus. So...does that mean we could still infect others (like family members who have not yet been vaccinated)? We've been seeing little grandson and family without masks as a "bubble" but we would like to do some riskier things now (dinner in a restaurant, pedicure, haircut). What would that mean in terms of them?

>63 RebaRelishesReading: - I am not a scientist, but the CDC just released some guidelines today about what fully-vaccinated people can do. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated.html

>64 katiekrug: Thanks, Katie. I knew that was coming but didn't know they were out. I'm expecting them to be more about public behavior than small group at home, but may be wrong there. Off to look.

>65 RebaRelishesReading: Back having read the new guidelines. Interesting, because our questions was whether we could continue to spend unmasked indoor time with unvaccinated daughter & family if we were also unmasked around fully vaccinated other daughter and BFF. Sounds like CDC would approve of that.

But then, I want a haircut and pedicure. I'll use a mask but is that enough?

>66 RebaRelishesReading: - I am planning to get a haircut and pedicure once fully vaccinated, but only at places with strict protocols, and I will still be double-masking outside the house.

>66 RebaRelishesReading: I am scheduling a haircut as soon as I get my second shot (for at least two weeks later). I will wear a mask. Would love a pedicure but wary of infection with the new hip (reading about taking antibiotics for EVERY dental appointment for two years, or for life - had you heard this??)

Hmmmm I've been able to get a haircut for several months now but always with a mask on Reba. And the salon takes great care with everyone masked and limited number of patrons at one time. I'm fully vaccinated now but wouldn't go into a restaurant. That'll take quite a while longer for me.

>67 katiekrug: Hi Katie, I will still wear a mask when out of the house and hope the salon will have protocols in place. Since our move I have had neither a haircut nor a pedi and have no idea what things will be like here but I'm not terribly worried for myself.

>68 AMQS: Hi Anne. I had my knees replaced in 2013 and was given that same protocol of antibiotics for every dental appointment forever. I did that a few times but my dentist at the time was more of a "don't over-use antibiotics" opinion (which I share) and after the first coupe of years I quit.

>69 brenzi: Hi Bonnie. I was getting my hair cut by my long-term stylist in San Diego. Her station was right next to an outside door which we kept open and we both wore masks. I went to her with wet, freshly washed hair. My pedi was done at home, outside on the balcony with both of us wearing masks. Problem here is/has been that I don't know what the protocols are here and don't know any of the salons or people who work there. But a week from today I will be "fully vaccinated" and I'm not really worried anymore. As to restaurants, they're only just reopening for inside dining here and (I believe) still have limitations on occupancy, etc. I've promised Hubby we can to a restaurant "inside" as soon as our two weeks are up.

Sunrise on Half Moon Bay by Robyn Carr*** (audio)

The older sister has been married 30+ years, has two teen-aged daughters, a stay-at-home husband and a very successful law career. The younger sister dropped out of grad school 8 years ago to take care of her aging parents. Now both are faced with life-changing decisions. Very good audio book to listen to while doing something else.

I was not eligible to receive the vaccine before I left to come to the Outer Banks, but honestly I'm safer here than I am at home. People here wear masks--widespread compliance--and stores continue to set limits on how many may be inside. People where I live don't fully comply--and social distancing guidelines seem to be gone. I've stayed safe. My room offers an ocean view. I made sure my room came with a kitchen, and I've cooked for myself. I found a market offering fresh seafood and purchased some. They had a limit of 6 people inside at once. When I entered, there was a couple in there. I let them make their selections and then I went up to make mine. No one else entered although one couple came in right before I walked out and another couples approached the door as I walked out but waited until I got out. It's off season here, and that helps. I walked on the boardwalks by the marshes at Bodie Island. Although there was a family leaving as I first got on the boardwalk, I encountered no one else coming or going. This has been a nice spring break. I'd like about 168 more hours between now and the time I leave on Saturday morning, but I'd like them to be part of the next two days so I don't have to pay for an extra week of hotel room (which is probably booked already anyway).

>72 thornton37814: Sounds like a nice trip and a lovely place to be, Lori. Things are so much nicer when everyone takes others into consideration, aren't they? I wish we could herd all of the mask burners, non-compliers together and let them infect each other instead of innocent people. I'm so grateful that everyone here seems to be aware and considerate of others.

>73 RebaRelishesReading: You are fortunate for the consideration.

Good to see that you've had both your shots, Reba. I hope you feel able to start doing more adventurous stuff soon. Our first shots are still months away but inside dining came back after the first few months and never went away again although you are only supposed to dine with those from your household unless you live on your own.

>75 Familyhistorian: Thanks, Meg. It's a good feeling indeed. Our "2-weeks past the second shot" ends next Tuesday and I have a hair and pedi appointment for Wednesday. Can't wait!! BFF, who has also had her two shots + more than 2 weeks, is coming for a visit week from Monday. I still wear my mask in public but I don't feel as panicked when I see someone who isn't masked (although that's very rare here). All good stuff!!

>72 thornton37814: That sounds like a lovely place, and a great way to decompress from this past year.

Hi Reba! I got a haircut on Friday (all masked). It's so nice to be vaccinated! I haven't done the restaurant thing yet, but when Mrs. Banjo is fully vaccinated, I think we will.

>78 banjo123: Congratulations mostly on the second shot but also on the haircut! I'm delighted and feeling somewhat freed about second shot and can't wait to get this hair out of my eyes. Of course, I have to find a new hair cutter and a new pedicurist (I especially hate doing that because my pedicurist in San Diego became a friend and I miss her). But...first experience with each next week :)

Where The Light Enters by Jill Biden **** (audio)

A lovely memoir of the First Lady's life and feelings about love and family.

>80 RebaRelishesReading: Hi Reba. This looks interesting. I wasn't aware that she had published a memoir.

>81 BLBera: Hi Beth. It's not terribly long but told me more about her and her life before Joe than I knew. Her thoughts about family relationships was no surprise but I enjoyed hearing her articulate them.

Davita's Harp by Chaim Potok****

(from the cover0 "For Davita Chandal, growing up in New York in the 1930s and '40s is an experience of indescribable joy--and unfathomable sadness. Her loving parents, both fervent radicals, fill her with the fiercely bright hope for a new, better world. But the deprivations of war and the Depression take their ruthless toll. And Davita, unexpectedly, finds in the Jewish faith that her mother had long ago abandoned both a solace to her questioning inner pain and a test of her budding spirit of independence. To her, life's elusive possibilities for happiness, for fulfillment, for decency, become as real and resonant as the music of the small harp that hangs on her door, welcoming all guests with its sweet, gentle tones."

Potok was raised as an orthodox jew but became a conservative rabbi. The three novels of his that I've read all deal with the differences between these two branches of the jewish faith. In addition to that thread, this book also deals with the impacts of both world wars and the Depression on people in both the U.S. and Europe and with the nature of relationships between people, both actual family members and others who impact one's life. I've loved all three books of his that I've read.

Hi Reba, I was just stopping by to say hi, but you got me with Davita's Harp. I've never read any of this books but I'm adding this one to his list.

>85 Oregonreader: Hi Jan. Hi to you too :) Actually, Davita's Harp isn't my favorite of his but it's still good and I hope you enjoy it.

>84 RebaRelishesReading: I read The Chosen a couple years ago. It was one of the first books of the year for me and was the top read of the year! I do plan to read more by him. I just have too many books clamoring for attention.

>87 thornton37814: Ah yes, I hear you Lori!!

Death Comes to London by Catherine Lloyd***1/2

This is the second in a series involving Lucy, the adult daughter of a spoiled village vicar and Robert, local land baron who is not yet completely recovered from injuries he sustained in the Battle of Waterloo. In this one, Lucy decides to go to London for "the season" to try to find a husband for herself and to accompany her younger sister who will be formally "coming out". People die, Lucy and Robert figure out who-done-it. Fun, light reading. When this one finished I immediately started #3 :)

Hi Reba!

How's the search for a new hair stylist and mani/pedicurist going?

>90 karenmarie: Hi Karen. I had both a haircut and a pedicure done yesterday and am very pleased with the results of both so I think I have found them both in one place (and not very far from home) :)

>91 RebaRelishesReading: Yay! Hope you felt pampered:) I made a haircut appointment finally. She was too busy to get my in during spring break or any time before, which means she's really busy, and I'm glad.

>82 RebaRelishesReading: Ha ha! that's a good one.

Hope you have a wonderful Friday ahead ( now that you are all coiffed)

>91 RebaRelishesReading: Hi Reba! Good to hear you found a hairstylist and pedicure in on place nearby. Mine are in the same place too and that is really handy!

Have a happy weekend!

>92 AMQS:, >93 figsfromthistle:,>94 connie53: Hi Anne, Anita and Connie. I'm happier about the pedicure than the hair cut, truth be told -- not because I like the haircut less but because I needed the pedicure more. It is nice to have the hair out of my eyes though.

>95 RebaRelishesReading: Same here. I can live with my hair getting longer and cut some of it myself because it was hanging in front of my eyes. Can't stand that. I have one difficult foot with a hallux valgus problem. So I was feeling my feet with every step I took.

>96 connie53: Sorry to hear about your foot Connie. When you feet hurt, everything hurts in my experience :(

>89 RebaRelishesReading: I enjoy this series as well, Reba.

>83 RebaRelishesReading: I love your joke as well. :)

My long time hairdresser retired during the middle of the pandemic because why wouldn't he. So I've been to two different hairdressers since last June a few times each and I just can't get the haircut I'm used to getting. Very frustrating Reba.

Death Comes to Kurland Hall by Catherine Lloyd***1/2 (audio)

I'm enjoying this series more and more. In this third volume guests are gathering in the village for the wedding of Lucy's friend, Sophia. a friend of Robert. Of course deaths follow and Lucy and Robert get involved in solving the mysteries.

>98 BLBera: Hi Beth -- glad you enjoy them too :)

>99 brenzi: Hi Bonnie. Bummer to lose your hairdresser. I had just managed to find someone who gave me an easy to deal with cut in San Diego a few months before we moved so I was delighted to find someone here who seems to do just as well. My pedicurist in San Diego was wonderful both as a person (I consider her a friend now) as well as a technician. I miss her sorely but I think the one who did my toes the other day will be fine and it's convenient that she's in the same salon as the hair dresser I like so much.

>99 brenzi: & >101 RebaRelishesReading:
My hairdresser (had been doing my hair for 24 years) retired in June 2020. I had to find a new one. I did but it is taking me a long time to get him doing it the way I want it done. My first visit I didn't really care as I just wanted it cut! However, since then I have been getting pickier. He is doing fine and I have no fears as all my visits are done with masks on. He even makes me take a fresh one from his box of 3 layer masks - he told me he doesn't trust my cloth masks even though I have 3 layers inside of them as well. He is young and so far hasn't had the vaccine. I hope by my next visit he will have it, and perhaps he will relax a bit - but caution is good in this case. Now, if I can just get him to cut the top the way I like it.

>102 benitastrnad: "now, if I can just get him to..." -- ah, the joys of having to change hairdressers.

BFF is due to arrive around noon for a two-week visit! We (Hubby, BFF and I) are all more than two-weeks past our 2nd shot so we'll be able to visit like old-times. I haven't seen her since we moved (although we talk at least weekly) so I'm really looking forward to this visit, showing her our new digs and neighborhood, etc.

>104 RebaRelishesReading: - Have fun! My BFF is now past her two-week post-2nd shot window, and I will be in early April (my second shot is tomorrow), so we have big plans for getting together, and I'm really looking forward to it :)

Aw, yay for BFF visits! Have a wonderful time!

>105 katiekrug: Hope your second shot goes well today and that you have few, if any, repercussions. BFF arrived safely and was greeted at the door with a hug (gasp...a..hug!!). Soon you too can get wild and crazy like that.

>106 scaifea: Thanks, Amber. We're having a great time already :)

Death Comes to the Fair by Catherine Lloyd ***1/2 (audio)

Fourth in the Kurland St. Mary series. I liked this one less than the last two but well enough that I will continue with the series.

>100 RebaRelishesReading: >108 RebaRelishesReading: I'm glad to know this series is enjoyable. I've had it on my radar for awhile. I'll get to it sometime.

>109 thornton37814: HI Lori. It's definitely "light" reading but I'm enjoying it. I started another one yesterday.

We have a long-tradition of watching movies with BFF (and her husband when he was living) and are continuing that with this visit. Monday evening we watched "Nomad Land" which is based on a book we had all read a few years ago. GREAT book, and very good film. Tuesday we watched "Hundred Foot Journey" -- also VERY enjoyable. Last night we revisited an old favorite "Best in Show" and had some good laugh therapy. Not sure what is up for tonight.

>108 RebaRelishesReading: You saved me having to check which the next book in the series is, Reba. It's now on hold at the library. Enjoy your visit with your BFF.

>110 RebaRelishesReading: I've incorporated more light reads during the last year. Sometimes they work for me, and sometimes they don't. But I'm always on the lookout for more enjoyable lighter reads.

>111 RebaRelishesReading: We really enjoyed Nomadland, and Best in Show is one of our favorites to re-watch. I haven't seen The Hundred Food Journey, but I do love Helen Mirren. It sounds like you're having a great visit, Reba.

>111 RebaRelishesReading: - We watched The Hundred Foot Journey a few months ago and enjoyed it. I had listened to the book a couple of years ago and liked it.

Best in Show is endlessly re-watchable.

So glad you are having a good visit with your BFF!

>108 RebaRelishesReading: I think that's the next one for me, Reba. I should get back to the series. I should check to see if my library has it on audio.

>112 Familyhistorian: Hi Meg. As long as I'm busy embroidering the Christmas stockings (which will be quite a while yet), and as long as they last, I'll be listening to the Kurland St. Mary series so you can check with me for the order any time :)

>133 RebaRelishesReading:, Hi Lori -- ditto
>114 lauralkeet: Hi Lora -- yep, we're having a fun time :) I'll keep you posted on the movies we watch and do recommend One Hundred Foot Journey
>115 katiekrug: Good morning, Katie. I hadn't heard of Hundred Foot Journey but BFF suggested it so we watched -- so glad we did.
>116 BLBera: Greetings, Beth. I think these are read "well enough" -- not great but they don't irritate me either and this way I can embroider while I listen and I like that.

BFF and I are going to walk the Salmon Creek Trail today. We'll do about 3.5 miles. Hubby will drop us off and pick us up further along. BFF would probably just walk to and from but that would involve some serious hills and I'm not up for that.

We got a message this morning that our new table and chairs for the deck will be delivered today...a week earlier than promised :) Now when it gets warmer than the current 46 degrees, we'll have a nice place to sit out.

After dinner we'll almost certainly watch a movie. May make some "bowls" for dinner...not sure.

>111 RebaRelishesReading: >114 lauralkeet: >118 RebaRelishesReading: One Hundred Foot Journey is one of the few films I was sorry to miss - I really should watch it and add it to my foodie movie list.

Oh, hugs from your BFF!! I got two hugs today when I returned to school (non-contact day wth many teachers working form home). We're all fully vaccinated, and hugging seems right after the year we've all had. Enjoy the visit!

>120 quondame: Hi Susan. It's worth watching and perfect for stressful times imo. I think we watched it on Prime.

>121 AMQS: You're back at school already? It seems like your surgery was just last week. So glad you got hugs -- it certainly seems right to be able to resume that warm greeting.

Taking a tip from somewhere on LT (sorry to the person talking about it yesterday...I forgot who that was) we watched California Typewriter last night. Loved the typewriter experts in Pasadena and the art but I don't regret the demise of typewriters at all. I spent way to much time in my teens and 20's working on them.

Glad you are settling in!

I"ve WL'ed the Miller and the Giraffe saga looks intriguing.

The Kurland Hall mysteries are uneven, some aspects are always solid enough, but others get a little too far beyond the probable somehow. But I can't seem to listen to fare any more challenging than this sort of thing these days.

Hooray for in person visits with vaccination! It's starting to feel like life will get back to normal, one of these days.

Death Comes to the School by Catherine Lloyd***

Lucy and Robert's relationship hits a bumpy patch.

>124 sibylline: You're right Lucy, Kurland Hall certainly is challenging but I'm spending a lot of time doing counted thread embroidery and I need something less challenging to listen too while I do that. They're fun and fit the bill.

>125 banjo123: Hi Rhonda. Yes it feels like there's hope at last. The day my two weeks past second vaccination came around I felt a lovely sense of freedom even though I still mask outside the house and I'm well aware there are variants popping up all the time and who knows if they'll be covered by the vaccine. Someday...someday.

>122 RebaRelishesReading: Yes, looking forward to more hugs. It's been 4.5 weeks since surgery and I took the chicken's way back in to work - a non student contact day with many colleagues working from home, then spring break next week!

>128 AMQS: Sounds like you're doing well and made a good choice for easing back into work. Take care of yourself and keep on keeping on!!

We watched a bio-pic of Audrey Hepburn last night which we all three enjoyed and which made us decide we want to do an Audrey film fest for the rest of the week. Netfliks is going to start running My Fair Lady on Thursday so that takes care of that night.

Today may be mostly stay-at-home. I'm washing sheets right now, floors need to feel a vacuum, apple bread is rising, etc. It's raining, so stay-at-home is appropriate.

Oh btw, Audible has a great sale on series today. First in a series $5, second $6, third $7 then they figure they'll have you hooked enough so don't offer deals beyond that :) I've added several to my phone for listening while on treadmill or embroidering. There are some that I don't recognize as part of a series that are also available for $5.

We had a very nice outing yesterday -- lunch at the Multnomah Falls Lodge and then a stop at Grant Park to check out the Beverly Cleary statues there and found them decked out with flower tributes.



Mrs. Cleary lived in Portland much of her life and set many of her books there. According to the local paper, she even included Grant Park in some, hence the little sculpture garden to her there.

Thanks for these pictures! Ramona and Ribsy!

Next thing you will be making a Beverly Cleary memorial trip to Yamhill and McMinneville, Oregon to see where Cleary spent the first six years of her life. Oh - and you might happen to drink a bit of wine along the way.

>132 benitastrnad: I'm likely to drink a wine at home :)

We're off to buy a ham for Sunday and for a visit to Powell's -- first since we moved!!

Here's the room by the entrance to Powell's. I had a wonderful time looking but only bought one book, and it's a present for someone else. Knowing how full my bookshelves are and how big Mt. TBR is, I'm quite pleased I was able to restrain myself.

>135 RebaRelishesReading: I always love looking around in bookstores, Reba. Very good only one book, that isn't even for yourself!

Death Comes to Bath by Catherine Lloyd***1/2(audio)

Continuing listening to the Kurland St. Mary series, I especially enjoyed this one when the first murder takes place in the Roman bath in Bath, England. Hubby, BFF and her late husband and I spent a week in an apartment across the square from the baths several years ago and looked right down into the pump room and the bath. This memory helped make the book very vivid to me.

Tonight's installment in our week of Audrey Hepburn movies was My Fair Lady. I love that musical and the way Ms. Hepburn played the part. This makes four so far including Charade, Funny Face, Breakfast at Tiffany's. Not sure what we'll watch tomorrow night.

>131 RebaRelishesReading: I have a similar photo of Multnomah Falls from my trip to Portland. I think I took a photo of the outside of Powells but nothing inside except a photo of me and Kim.

You showed remarkable restraint at Powell's. I really love the Beverly Cleary sculpture garden - how wonderful!

Hi Reba. Just popping in to see what you are up to.

>139 thornton37814: Hi Lori. I imagine there are millions of that photo of Multnomah lol.

>140 AMQS: Hi Anne. Yep, I'm rather proud of myself for that :) The sculpture garden is small but lovely, especially with all of the floral tributes.

>141 connie53: Hi Connie. Thanks for stopping by.

Happy Easter everyone! This is a busy weekend. Yesterday BFF and I went to Tacoma to the Glass Museum which re-opened this weekend after being closed due to Covid restrictions. It's a beautiful drive and a great museum. Today Quinn and Co. are joining us for egg hunt (he just turned three so this is his first experience with hunting eggs) and Easter dinner. We've got 17 plastic eggs hidden in living/dining/family rooms. We'll see how this goes.

Easter was fun. Quinn found his eggs with a lot of help from the adults and was pleased with the little strawberry graham bunnies, fruit dummies and (especially) 2 matchbook cars inside. We have lots of yummy ham left for this week. Q's dad helped us by mostly assembling our new grill (to be completed after we get back in May).

BFF left this morning after spending two weeks with us. She plans to come back in October though :) We're leaving on Saturday to visit my s-i-l in Florida and then go to Chautauqua to pick up personal things saved from our place there when we sold it and finally visit some cousins (all 2 weeks+ beyond 2nd shot) in Indiana. We'll be gone for a month but I'll try to post as we travel. Not sure how much reading will happen though.

Great plans for travelling and visiting friends and family, Reba. Enjoy!

Thanks, Connie. We haven't had a road trip for almost two years (except for the move north) and we're looking forward to it. Lots to do before we leave though.

Safe travels, Reba, and have a wonderful time!

Death Comes to the Nursery by Catherine Lloyd***1/2 (audio)

This may be the end of the Kurland St. Mary series for me. I've enjoyed it but don't really feel the need to go much further.

>147 scaifea: Thanks Amber.

I'm busy checking things off of my "to-do-before-we-go" list and have a pretty full week before we leave Saturday morning. I don't know how much reading I will get done in the coming weeks but I'll try to stay in touch as we go.

Reba, in case I get behind here, I'll send best wishes now for your trip!

Thanks, Katie. I know you're having a busy time at work right now so I especially appreciate you taking time to drop by. Hope your meetings go well.

>135 RebaRelishesReading: What discipline, Reba! Impressive.

>149 RebaRelishesReading: Good to know, Reba. How many more are there? I think I've only read the first three or four.

>154 BLBera: Thanks Beth. I did almost buy another book but it was on a high shelf that I couldn't reach and there was no one taller around to ask for help and it was time to meet BFF and Hubby at checkout so I didn't get it.

I went to Audible to see how many Kurland St. Mary books there are and it turns out there are 8. Death Comes to the Nursery was No. 7 and it turns out I have #8 in my library too so I guess I'm not finished yet. No. 8 was released in Jan. '21 so there may be more coming.

Your travels sound so exciting -- a glimpse into the wonders of post-vaccination living!

>156 lauralkeet: I'm looking forward to the trip even though it's not my first choice of places to go or ways to travel but we do need to visit my sister-in-law who is nearly 90 and living alone. I'm also glad we'll be collecting our personal things from Chautauqua. So, it's a necessary trip that will accomplish some things that need doing and hopefully we'll have a good time while we're at it.

>157 RebaRelishesReading: Coming all that way, do you plan a stop in NYC? Or Boston?

>158 ffortsa: I'm afraid not, Judy. We'll be taking the most direct line to Chautauqua (which is between Erie, PA and Buffalo, NY) and won't be far enough east for NYC or Boston. This trip is very focused on two goals: visit and help my s-i-l, and retrieve our personal belongings from Chautauqua.

Death Comes to the Rectory by Catherine Lloyd **** (audio)

I'm glad I didn't quit this series before I got to this one because it turned out to be one of my favorites. A body is found in the Rectory and the suspects are mostly members of the family. Sir Robert is his usual professional self as he tries to soothe feelings while asking the hard questions needed to solve the murder. This 8th volume of the Kurland St. Mary series was just published earlier this year so there may be more coming.

Ooh, another Reba road trip! I'll have to get a map of the US ready so I can follow along with your progress :-)

Your Easter sounds like fun and the eggs were clearly a great success!

We leave first thing tomorrow morning so today is a busy one. I have a last minute load of laundry in. Reservations are made for all but the last few days homeward bound. I have haircut appointment at 1, then packing and a few more things at the desk. Packing will be challenging because we have to limit ourselves to one small suitcase each since the last leg of the trip we'll being bring home a rocking chair, several paintings, my "Roni vase" and a bunch of other things that were in our Chautauqua house when we sold it and were "rescued" by our realtor. Our little Forester will be VERY, VERY full after that stop. Fortunately we're staying in a VRBO in Florida and will have a washer/dryer there. Still I think packing's going to be a real challenge.

The Secret, Book & Scone Society by Ellery Adams****(audio)

Four women living in a small town in western North Carolina all have secrets. They get to know each other better, and form a friendship, when there are deaths in the community that don't seem to be properly explained and one of them is jailed as a suspect in one when they know she didn't commit the murder. The book is a nice combination of friendship, dealing with personal pain, and crime solving.

Safe travels, Reba.

>73 RebaRelishesReading: With you on the herding suggestion. Our city is full of idiots who don't wear masks, don't face consequences, or wear completely inappropriate hankerchiefs like bandits.

>89 RebaRelishesReading: I had lovely, escapist fun with some of those Catherine Lloyd novels. They're addictive, aren't they?

safe travels!

>164 BLBera:, >167 banjo123: Thank you Beth and Rhonda

>165 SandyAMcPherson: Hi Sandy. I saw a sign a few months ago that I would like to have on a t-shirt to wear some places. It said "don't expose your nose". We're in Utah now and I was stunned by how many maskless people are around not to mention the lack of spaced out tables in a restaurant we stopped at. We got a table at the edge and kept our masks on as much as possible -- and were very glad we're fully vaccinated! Dinner in our room tonight.

And yes, it's probably a good thing I've read all of that Catherine Lloyd series now :)

We spent the morning driving through the flatlands of southern Idaho with snow dusted mountains in the distance and bright sunshine overhead. It was a beautiful drive. Tomorrow we get into Wyoming and face our greatest likelihood of good weather. If we keep the blue skies it can be cold and won't be a problem though.

I imagine as you drive through the country you're going to see all kinds of masked/maskless people Reba. Some people just don't care 🤷‍♀️

>170 brenzi: I imagine we will, Bonnie, but today was the first time we saw groups like this.

We just watched Invictus on Netflix. Why hadn't I seen this film before? I thought it was wonderful, a cried half the way through it. Clint Eastwood -- really!?!

Hi Reba!

Happy and safe travels.

You sound as shocked as I was when I went to Kansas for Christmas. No masks there. You will also have to remember that the vaccination doesn't give you immunity. It only keeps you from getting a morbid case of COVID. I think that room service sounds like a winner - even if it is expensive. Or maybe delivered pizza.

>174 benitastrnad: You have nailed it, Benita!
Indeed, as you say, the vaccine only keeps you from getting a morbid case of COVID. I will add that the degree of one's immunity is related to how well their immune system mobilises a defense response.

>173 karenmarie: Thanks Karen.

>174 benitastrnad: Hi Benita. The places we stay in don't offer room service we just bring take-out back home or grab something from a grocery.

>175 SandyAMcPherson: Hi Sandy. I'm also aware that we may still be able to pass the disease on to others so mask up to be socially responsible.

Hi Reba. I hope you have a fine trip and a safe arrival.

>177 connie53: Thanks Connie. We've finished with the mountain part of our trip so the temperatures are much milder and there no real chance of snow now so I'm confident we will stay safe :)

Reba, I started the Kurland mysteries with Death Comes to London. It's a great escape and I'll be reading the others. Thanks for the recommendation.

Have a safe trip.

>179 Oregonreader: I'm glad you're enjoying them Jan.

Thanks you for the safe trip wishes. We're in Tennessee tonight and tomorrow night and all is going very well. I will be very glad to get to Florida and be in one place for two weeks, though :)

>169 RebaRelishesReading: Beautiful mountains. Enjoy the rest of your trip.

>181 figsfromthistle: Thanks, Anita. Trip is going well. We'll be in Sarasota tomorrow where we'll stay in a VRBO for 13 days to visit with and help my sister-in-law. It will be very nice not to spend all day in the car for a while :)

The Distance Between Us by Thrity Umrigar*****

The central character of this story, set in modern day Mumbai, is Bhima a domestic servant who lives in a tiny shack in one of the city's slums. She has an unusually close relationship with her employer, Sara, which is explained in the course of the book. She has an orphaned young adult granddaughter, Maya, living with. The back story of the three women is revealed in the course of the book which deals with the position of women and the impact of class in modern Indian society. This book has been languishing on my Kindle for a long time and I'm glad I finally got to it. It's the best book I've read this year by far.

Funny to see you mention Idaho. I"m contemplating a trip to visit my dearest friend, who moved to Pocatello last year to be close to her grandchildren. She is the kind of woman who tries to improve things for others, so she is now in the throes of starting a Boys and Girls Club, sorely needed in that small city. But she hasn't had a chance to visit the countryside and has asked me out to join her in the adventure. I always freeze when thinking of traveling anywhere new, but I checked the flights to Salt Lake City (nearest major hub) and they are invitingly reasonable. Then there's a small bus that makes the two hour trip to Pocatello. I'm trying to beat down my reluctance and just go. (It's not the plane travel - just me clinging to home. And Jim says I'm always glad to go anywhere the second time.)

>184 ffortsa: We were quite near Pocatello on this trip. The photo I posted is from that general area. I'm one who always wants to go, especially if it's someplace I've never been so my advice would be "just do it" :)

Well this is my second time posting this. No idea what happened to the first one. Anyway Reba, I actually liked the sequel to The Space Between Us even more than the first book. I thought she tied up loose ends very neatly in The Secrets Between Us. The two books together were absolutely brilliant.

>186 brenzi: I have that one with me too and was planning to read something else first...but I think I've just changed my mind. The Secrets Between Us just moved to "next up".

We have arrived in Florida and are unpacked in our VRBO home-for-the-next-13-days. It's a pleasant place and quite convenient to my s-i-l's place.

However, the drive down was rather trying with pouring rain and heavy traffic (at least for the first 60% when I was driving - after that it became dry and hardly any traffic -- figures). After I drove I tried to pick up the email with instructions for getting into this place and found that I can no longer open gmail on my phone. Google forced me to open a "Google account" recently, apparently in place of the gmail account I've had for years. It has a new password (written copy with me) but it doesn't work and the da@*&d thing won't let me go to an option for resetting. We drove around Sarasota trying to find a place that had WiFi and wasn't packed. We finally went to the cafe at a Barnes & Noble and I was able to get to the message on my laptop. Fortunately we will have WiFi every night so I can check my mail on my laptop but still.....

It's generally been a rotten day and I'm very grumpy :

>188 RebaRelishesReading: Driving in the pouring rain, and then tech woes -- yuck. I'm sorry you had a rotten day. Hopefully the sun will be shining tomorrow.

>188 RebaRelishesReading: Glad you arrived. I hate driving long distances in rain.

Hi Laura and Lori -- visitors to my thread make me smile and I always appreciate sympathy when I kvetch -- but I'm fine today. Had a good night's sleep, went out to breakfast with Hubby and sister-in-law and now I'm having some quiet LT time. The rain is only sparse sprinkles this morning. Life is good.

>191 RebaRelishesReading: Glad to read today is a much better day, Reba :-)

I have also had Tech Woes this weekend. I got a new hotspot (big upgrade) on Saturday and when I hooked it to my computer on Sunday it wouldn't work. I spent a couple of hours working with a friend who has Macs and uses hotspots. nothing doing. It was so aggravating because the computer would connect for, like 10 minutes, and then lose the connection. I finally got a diagnostic run and this morning when I opened it up for those few minutes I could look to see what was wrong. The solution was that I had an upgraded hotspot and an old operating system on my MacBook Pro. Today I spent the afternoon downloading the new Big Sur operating system and as soon as I hooked up the hotspot things worked perfectly. So now I am up and running. But all of this didn't work the way I thought it would.

>183 RebaRelishesReading:
I have this book and the sequel on my shelves and it seems to me that I read something else by her that I really liked, but I can't remember what it was. Umrigar also has a children's book that was published this last year that was on the ALA Notable Children's Trade Books list.

How to Raise an Elephant by Alexander McCall Smith***1/2 (audio)

We listened to this most recent Ladies #1 Detective Agency book on our drive across country. I'm not sure where the "detective" part of the story was but it's a charming book where Charlie gets a baby elephant and is hiding it near his uncle's house. Meanwhile, Mme. Ramotswe has new neighbors. We love this series for the peaks into Botswanan culture and the lovable characters. There was a new narrator for this one though and she was AWFUL. As a result I can't recommend the audio version.

>194 RebaRelishesReading:
That's a shame about the narrator. Part of the reason why I liked this series was the narrator. She made the series come alive for me.

I hate it when they change narrators. I asked the folks at Books On Tape/Listening Library about why they did that, and most often it is because of contractual problems. Readers sign on to narrate a book, and sometimes it is impossible for them to meet the publication deadlines so the publisher has to find another narrator. The publishers like to release the printed book and the recorded book at the same time and sometimes it is impossible for them reconcile schedules.

>195 benitastrnad: Hi Benita. I think it's always a bit of a disruption when the narrator changes because you get used to characters having certain voices and now they've changed. This one however was the worst I've ever experienced. Not only were several of the voices totally weird, nearly all of them were very difficult to understand.

I had the feeling at the end that McCall Smith was wrapping up more than this book. If it is the end of the series then she won't be able to ruin any more episodes anyway.

The narrator can make or break a good audiobook Reba. Even a mediocre book can be made enjoyable by a magnificent narrator.

>197 brenzi: so true, Bonnie

It sounds like your travels are progressing smoothly, Reba. The Space Between Us sounds great. I think I might have a copy somewhere...

>199 BLBera: Hi Beth. I'm half-way through The Secrets Between Us now and absolutely love it! Both of them are "highly recommended" as far as I'm concerned.

So, temps in the high 80's and low 90's -- Florida is SO not my kind of place!!

We did have an interesting day yesterday though. Hubby and I both did 23 and me a while back and he recently heard from a woman whose great-great-grandparents are his great-grandparents. She lives in NYC but was is visiting in Florida, as are we, so we decided to meet up. We met in Naples because it's a nice place and because it's about half-way for each of us and had a lovely lunch getting to know each other and exchange information about the two branches of the family. Lunch was at a restaurant with great food and tables in a lovely garden -- so big success all around :)

Only one more week and I can leave :)

>201 RebaRelishesReading: I can relate! I don't like hot weather either.

I will have to look for The Secrets Between Us. Does it hold up on it's own? I did read the first some time ago, and I wonder it this one would be good for our book group.

>202 thornton37814: Hi Lori -- just shows we have good sense, doesn't it?

>203 banjo123: Hi Rhonda. It's wonderful and would work on it's own but the two of them together make a fuller story and are both wonderful so I would definitely recommend reading them both, in order.

The Secrets Between Us by Thrity Umrigar *****

This sequel to The Space Between Us is at least as good as the first book. The story follows Bhima as she starts a produce stand in the market and gets to know Parvati, a homeless woman who sells wilted cabbages given to her each day by a charitable market vendor. Parvati turns out to have a surprising story behind her very crusty personality and she and Bhima form an interesting relationship.

I don't want to reveal too much of the story of these two wonderful books but I HIGHLY recommend you read them both (and in the proper order, of course). I'm sorry it took me so long.

>201 RebaRelishesReading: Interesting about meeting some distant relatives of your husband’s. Blech to Florida weather.

>206 karenmarie: Thanks Karen -- that's exactly right.

>205 RebaRelishesReading: I'll have to look for The Space Between Us.

I'm not a fan of hot and humid weather either, Reba. I hope it cools before you leave. How fun to meet new relatives!

I will move The Space Between Us to the top of my pile.

>205 RebaRelishesReading: Onto my queue.

Good morning Judy, Beth and Susan! I think you'll love it. Once you're finished though I'm pretty sure you'll want to move right on to The Secrets Between Us so be prepared :)

The Sunday Philosophy Club by Alexander McCall Smith***(audio)

A young man falls to his death from a theater balcony. Was is an accident? suicide? murder? What happened and why plus the love story of Ms Dalhousie's niece are the story. I'm a big fan of the #1 Ladies' Detective Agency mostly because I enjoy the peek into traditional culture in Botswana and because the characters are so charming. I've tried a few of his other series and just can't warm to them -- including this one. For me it's OK but not great.

Because you are a Thrity Umrigar fan I thought I would let you know that she has a children's book. Sugar in Milk was on the ALA Notable Books for Children list for 2021. I just read it and it is not only a good story, it is beautifully illustrated as well.

>213 benitastrnad: Thank you Benita. I'll keep that in mind next time I'm looking for a book for Quinn

This cracked me up this morning on Facebook and I couldn't resist sharing:

>251 RebaRelishesReading: He looks really shocked!

We're at Chautauqua to pick up the "personal items" rescued by our realtor from our house here when we sold it last December. I'm a bit sad because this may be our last time ever here at this lovely place. Upside is seeing some of the great people we know in this area, including Bonnie (Brenzi)! I really enjoyed our lunch together yesterday -- so much so that we totally forgot to take a photo. But it did happen, folks, really...even if there's no evidence :)

It must be difficult to visit Chautauqua, Reba, since the experience was such a significant part of your life for so many years. You're so lucky to have squeezed in a mini-LT meetup! I'm sure it will be difficult to drive away, but thankfully you have a lot of great memories.

>218 lauralkeet: Thanks Laura. I'm refusing to think of this as the "last visit" because, who knows?, we may come back. It would likely be for shorter trips and definitely not to our own home again...but we might come again.

Meanwhile, I've spent a good bit of time the past several weeks worrying that we would never get everything we're here to pick up into our car, but...it fit!! With a couple of square centimeters to spare, the seats pulled slightly forward, and a lot of judicious use of space it works. Here's a photo without the suitcases in (although we put them in for a trial to be sure the hatch and doors will close). One suitcase goes in the void at left rear and the other behind the passenger seat. Thank heavens I insisted we bring no more than a carry-on each :)

Congrats on your packing expertise. THat is one full SUV.

>219 RebaRelishesReading: that is some mighty impressive packing. Way to go, Reba!
And I totally agree about this not being your "last" visit to Chautauqua. If it calls to you, you should return.

>220 ronincats:,>221 lauralkeet: Thanks Roni and Laura! I didn't spend half of my adult life planning space for nuttin' :)

Ditto regarding the impressive packing, Reba.

>215 RebaRelishesReading: That is hilarious. The pup in the wash looks like Scout's Puppy.

>219 RebaRelishesReading: Well, well, well...I guess you finished packing the car. And you didn't need to put anything on top after all. You're a master packer Reba. And please come back for a visit, even a short visit.

I am sad that you might not be going back to Chautauqua. It is such a special place. My friend is in the process of selling her house in Lakewood. She says that after 30 years in Chautauqua it is going to be a major change in her life. I tried to get her to keep it for one more summer as I was happy to drive her up and bring her back, but she thought the time was right. She is also sad about saying goodbye to her summer book club at the public library in Lakewood. Then she met with them on Zoom last month and she says it is just about as good as being there in person.

I hope to be able to go up and spend at least a week each year at Chautauqua at some point in the future. It has so much going on with so many people from so many places and yet is like stepping into Main Street USA. I loved it both times I was there. Even if it was only a short time each time.

Are you still going to participate in the Book list and try to get even more of those titles read?

>219 RebaRelishesReading: Excellent packing, Reba! Glad you got everything in the car. I understand about your feelings about leaving a place you have known for such a long time.

>219 RebaRelishesReading: I'm sure that was a difficult visit for you to make--filled with emotion. I hope you are able to visit a few more times--even if it is only a brief visit.

Hi Reba!

>215 RebaRelishesReading: Cute. This morning I put clothes in the washing machine and had was just getting ready to put the soap in the dispenser when Zoe (senior ginger kitty) jumped up to visit like she frequently does when I'm folding dry laundry, but landed in the washing machine with the dirty clothes. She was startled. I got her out without getting scratched, gave her a cuddle, and she dashed off as soon as I put her down.

>217 RebaRelishesReading: I just posted on Bonnie’s thread. How exciting. I love living vicariously, and I’m pretending to look at a picture and being happy that you got to get together!

>219 RebaRelishesReading: Sadness, but good job packing!

>223 BLBera: Thanks Beth. I still chuckle every time I see that photo.

>224 brenzi: Hi Bonnie. I do think/hope we'll come back from time to time. We both felt sad leaving. I also hope you'll come west sometime SOON!

>225 benitastrnad: I'm sorry your friend is selling her place, Benita. She has a much longer association with the area than we have and it was hard for us. By "book list", do you mean the CLSC books? I looked at the 2021 selection in the book store while we were there and didn't find any of the attractive, so not this year. I'll probably check it out every year though because I have found some real treasures there. I've earned the Vincent Echelon though so there's no need for me to report anything more.

>226 connie53:, >227 thornton37814: Thank you Connie and Lori

>228 karenmarie: Oh dear, Karen, I hope Zoe has recovered! Hope you're enjoying the virtual photo too lol

So, day one of the westward trek is over. We were both awake early and were on the road by 6:50 a.m. Other than miles and miles of single-lane driving on the thru-way (due to construction) the drive went very well. Tomorrow we will visit with many of my cousins and then move on to near Chicago for the night. Saturday we start home for earnest with four long days of driving ahead of us. I may not be reporting much until we're home again.

Safe travels, Reba!

>231 katiekrug: Thank you Katie!

>229 RebaRelishesReading:
The CLSC list was what I was referring to. I couldn't remember if you completed the badge or not. Sounds like you did.

>219 RebaRelishesReading: >230 RebaRelishesReading: Safe travels in your perfect packed car, Reba!

Safe travels, Reba.

>233 benitastrnad: There are 6 levels (each with its own badge to wear on one's sash) and, yes, I have them all.

>234 FAMeulstee:, ?235 Thank you Anita and Beth.

In a few minutes we're going to leave and drive an hour to my cousin's house where there will be a cousin meet-up for those in the area and are fully vaccinated. That may be as many as 7+partners (8 counting me). There were 26 of us on this side of my family but only 14 of us still living and half of those don't live near here. I grew up in California with the other cousins nearly all in Indiana so I've really only gotten to know them as adults but it has become an annual tradition for us to get together when we pass this way going to Chautauqua. That's another thing I'll miss.

>237 RebaRelishesReading: That sounds lovely. Have a nice time with your cousins!

>238 connie53: Thank you, Connie. It was a lot of fun. There were 7 cousins and 6 spouses there (all fully vaccinated) and we had "nibbles", then pizza, then cookies on the enclosed porch. Sometimes I really wish I lived closer to these lovely people but then I remember that they live in northern Indiana which is very cold in the winter and very hot and humid in the summer -- no thank you :)

We had the first of four hard travel days to home today. Hubby had the start of a blind migraine so I did most of the 500 miles we drove. The day started with beautiful blue skies but just after lunch we had driving rain which was followed by very strong side winds. All of that was helped by the fact that the hotel app on my phone froze at yesterday's hotel and refused to share any information or directions for today's reservation. Fortunately I had written down the most critical info (just as backup and thank goodness I did!) so we managed to find it but I'm pretty darned tired tonight. Tomorrow we're scheduled to do 550 miles...

Wow, that's quit a trip, Reba. Did the hotel app wake up again? Good for you to take notes as a backup. I hope the three days left will be safe with quieter weather and you will arrive safely home.

The meet up sounds real good. Glad you had fun together.

I don't have a drivers license so when we went to France for the summer holidays ( we did go there 13 times) I loved to read the map and take notes on where and at what time we encountered traffic jams or where the good road restaurants were or bad toilets. It gave me something to do on those 1200 km. And the next year we could benefit from those notes. We have not gone on holiday in the last few years because of Peets condition. We had to sell the car because his driving skills were getting worse by the year and nobody, certainly not me, wanted to ride with him. Getting old is not that great sometimes.

>240 connie53: Hi Connie. We left Council Bluffs, Iowa at 6:30 this morning and, 15 hours later, we're in our hotel in Logan, Utah. Whew!! But...we'll be home tomorrow night, a day earlier than planned. The change is because there's some severe weather coming tomorrow and will make driving in the mountains we have to cross through at best tiresome and at worst dangerous. We spent some time this morning checking weather maps and road maps (as Hubby drove and I did map duty) and finally decided the best option was to just bite the bullet and get over the mountains today.

We share the driving on long trips but Hubby is beginning to feel his age more than me (he's 6 years older) and so I often do more than half now. When I'm not driving I often look at the maps, just to get a feel for where we are, even though we usually either know where we're going to have the GPS set. Sometimes I even knit when I'm not driving but don't have a knitting project going right now.

We both agree we will not do any more road trips of this scale...ever!

OMG, that's 930 miles!!! Thank goodness there aren't that many mountains on that route (I-80). I usually top out at 600 miles a day, but on the drive back with the cats we'll be pushing that number out quite a bit. Safe trip home tomorrow.

>242 ronincats: Thanks Roni! I'm pretty tired tonight. The mountains around I-80 aren't as high as the ones further south and north but the road gets to 7000 feet. There were electronic message boards all along the road warning from Wyoming on saying there would be icy dangerous conditions from 10 p.m tonight until 11 a.m. on Tuesday. Once we got to Utah that changed to sometime tomorrow afternoon until Tuesday morning. I think we'll be at low enough elevations from now on to keep out of trouble...although we did have light snow in Oregon's Blue Mountains on the way east and we have to go that way again tomorrow. I'll be so glad to be home.

Ten hours behind the wheel today and we're home! Our marathon yesterday was worth it because we had sunshine and pleasant temperatures all the way today. We managed to stay in a dry alley between two storms that were heading to merge yesterday and were west of them today.

We listened to The Shooting at Chateau Rock by Martin Walker on our way home. More about it tomorrow.

I'm happy to see you've arrived home safely, Reba. Hope you had a good night's rest too.

Welcome home, Reba! That first night back in your own bed is *so* wonderful, isn't it?

Yay for home!

>245 lauralkeet:, >246 scaifea:, >247 katiekrug: Thank you Laura, Amber and Katie!. I'm still running on eastern time I think so getting to sleep at 9:00 p.m. PDT didn't work but at 10 I managed it and slept wonderfully through the night. So very, very good to be home :)

Glad to see you're home safe and sound Reba.

I'm glad you are home safely, Reba. That was a marathon!

>249 brenzi: >250 BLBera: Thank you Bonnie and Beth -- it's great to be home!