Amber's (scaifea) Thread #24

Questo è il seguito della conversazione Amber's (scaifea) Thread #23.

Questa conversazione è stata continuata da Amber's (scaifea) Thread #25.

Conversazioni75 Books Challenge for 2021

Iscriviti a LibraryThing per pubblicare un messaggio.

Amber's (scaifea) Thread #24

1scaifea
Set 16, 2021, 7:02 am



Hey, everybody!

I'm Amber, a one-time Classics professor, turned stay-at-home parent/lady of leisure, turned part-time library assistant, turned once again Classics professor. I spend my free time sewing, writing, knitting, baking, and, of course, reading.

My reading life is happily governed by lists, which means that I read a healthy variety of things across various genres.

I'm 46 going on 12 and live in Ohio with my husband, Tomm; our son, Charlie; Mario, the Golden Retriever; and the newest addition to the family: Agent Fitzsimmons, the Border Collie.

The haircut isn't all that new anymore, but, well, here I am:



Favorite Books from 2020
The Lumberjanes collected comic volumes
Call Down the Hawk
New Kid
The Wise Man's Fear
The Slow Regard of Silent Things
Pride and Prejudice
Silver in the Wood
A Tale of Two Cities

2scaifea
Modificato: Set 27, 2021, 1:35 pm



What I'm Reading Now:
-Rabbit Run (Banned Books)
-The Prisoner of Zenda (1001 Children's Books)
-Wolfsong (romance list)
-Annie on My Mind (audiobook/Banned Books)
-The House in the Cerulean Sea (family bedtime read-aloud)
-The Poisonwood Bible (books I'm reading with my friend, Rob)
-A Darker Shade of Magic (Read Soon! Shelves)
-In the Spirit of Crazy Horse (100 Banned Books)

Books on Deck:
-Lud-in-the-Mist (Green Dragon 1001 Fantasy list)
-Wheels within Wheels (Prometheus Award)
-More Fool Me (Fry bibliography)
-Les Miserables (books by year - 1862)
-(an unread book from my shelves)
-(a book from my Read Soon! shelves)
-The World of Tibetan Buddhism (Buddhist reading list)
-Death in the Stacks (cozy mysteries)
-Richard III (Shakespeare re-read)

3scaifea
Set 16, 2021, 7:04 am

The five-ish or so books I have going at once and the On Deck books nearly all come from the following categories and lists:

1. A book from the 100 Banned Books book (at least currently. As soon as I finish this list, I'll replace it with another, and oh, I've got tons of lists).

2. A children's book, for Charlie's library. I'm trying to collect books from various award lists, and I like reading them before reading them to Charlie or deciding to add them to Charlie's shelves. For this category, I’m currently working through three lists:
a. 1001 Children’s Books You Must Read Before You Die
b. The Newbery Honor books
c. Cooperative Children's Book Center list

3. A book from the Green Dragon 1001 Fantasy List, in chronological order.

4. A list I'm working through together with my best friend, Rob: The Hugo/Nebula/WFA/Bram Stoker (and other) lists (combined, in chronological order)

5. For this category, I cycle through 9 different stacks:
a. Agatha Christie's bibliography (in chronological order)
b. Stephen Fry's bibliography (in chronological order)
c. John Boyne bibliography (in chronological order, sort of)
d. Neil Gaiman's bibliography (in some order other than chronological (don't
ask)).
e. Christopher Moore's bibliography (in chronological order)
f. Maggie Stiefvater's bibliography (in chronological order)
g. The NEH Timeless Classics list
h. The National Book Award list (in alpha order by title)
i. The Pulitzer list (in alpha order by author)

6. An unread book from my shelves.

7. A book from my Read Soon! shelves.

8. A book on Buddhism or from the Dalai Lama's bibliography.

9. Book-a-year challenge: Three years ago, along with a few others in this group (*cough* Paul *cough*), I made a year-by-year list to see how far I could go back with consecutive reads. I've since been trying to fill in the gap years.

10. A cozy mystery.

11. A full-on re-read through Shakespeare's stuff.

12. A read-aloud-to-Charlie-at-bedtime book (or two).

13. An audio book, which I listen to as I knit/sew/otherwise craft/drive.

14. A romance novel.

15. This slot is reserved for books that just grab me and shout that they need to be read Right Now.

4scaifea
Modificato: Set 27, 2021, 1:36 pm

Books Read

JANUARY
1. Spinning Silver (Alex Award) - 10/10 = A+
2. Swamp Thing: Twin Branches (Stiefvater bibliography) - 8/10 = B
3. Manchild in the Promised Land (Banned Books list, AlphaKIT: M) - 9/10 = A-
4. The Wish Giver (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B
5. Silas Marner (audiobook) - 8/10 = B-
6. The Story of Tracy Beaker (1001 Children's Books) - 8/10 = B-
7. Thick as Thieves (series reread) - 10/10 = A+
8. Lumberjanes #16: Mind over Mettle (series read) - 10/10 = A+
9. Pilgrimage (Green Dragon 1001 Fantasy Books) - 7/10 = C
10. Each Tiny Spark (Schneider Honor Book) - 7/10 = C
11. The House on the Borderland (Green Dragon 1001 Fantasy list) - 6/10 = D
12. Beyond Religion (books on Buddhism) - 9/10 = A
13. Outlander (romance list) - 6/10 = D
14. Commodore Perry in the Land of the Shogun (Newbery Honor Book) - 7/10 = C
15. Far Away Across the Sea (1001 Children's Books) - 10/10 = A+
16. The Daylight Gate (Read Soon! Shelves) - 8/10 = B-
17. The Queen of Attolia (family bedtime read-aloud) - 10/10 = A+
18. Works and Days & Theogony (Myth course readings) - 9/10 = A-
19. The Book Thief (books I'm reading with my friend, Rob) - 10/10 = A+
20. Return of the Thief (series read) - 10/10 = A+

FEBRUARY
21. The Bacchants (myth course reading) - 9/10 = A
22. Camp (romance) - 8/10 = B+
23. Song of a Whale (Schneider Award) - 8/10 = B-
24. Gardens of the Moon (Green Dragon 1001 Fantasy list) - 4/10 = F
25. Oedipus Rex (Myth course readings) - 10/10 = A+
26. Antigone (Myth course readings) = 10/10 = A+
27. Agamemnon (Myth course readings) - 10/10 = A+
27. Upon the Head of a Goat (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B
27. Volcano (Newbery Honor Book) - 7/10 = C
30. A Promised Land (audiobook) - 8/10 = B+
31. The Stone Book Quartet (1001 Children's Books) - 7/10 = C+
32. The Libation Bearers (Myth course readings) - 9/10 = A
33. Eumenides (Myth course readings) - 10/10 = A+
34. Electra (Myth course readings) - 10/10 = A+
35. The King of Elfland's Daughter (Green Dragon 1001 Fantasy Books) - 7/10 = C
36. The Goalkeeper's Revenge (1001 Children's Books) - 7/10 = C
37. Conrad: The Factory-Made Boy (1001 Children's Books) - 8/10 = B
38. Medea (Myth course readings) - 10/10 = A+
39. The Frogs (Myth course readings) - 9/10 = A
40. Metamorphoses (Myth course readings) - 10/10 = A+
41. Iliad (Myth course readings) - 10/10 = A+
42. Odyssey (Myth course readings) - 10/10 = A+
43. Aeneid (Myth course readings) - 10/10 = A+
44. The Histories (Myth course readings) - 10/10 = A+
45. Till We Have Faces (Green Dragon 1001 Fantasy Books) - 8/10 = B-

MARCH
46. My Sweet Orange Tree (1001 Children's Books) - 9/10 = A
47. Lord Foul's Bane (BSFA) - 2/10 = F
48. Manolito Four Eyes (1001 Children's Books) - 7/10 = C
49. The Early History of Rome, Book 1 (Myth course readings) - 9/10 = A
50. Farmer Boy (family bedtime read-aloud) - 9/10 = A-
51. The Henna Wars (romance list) - 8/10 = B+
52. Cursed (Schneider Award) - 9/10 = A
53. Heroides (Myth course readings) - 9/10 = A
54. The Apocolocyntosis (Myth course readings) - 9/10 = A
55. Sandman: The Kindly Ones (Myth course readings) - 10/10 = A+
56. Tales of the Rue Broca (1001 Children's Books) - 7/10 = C
57. Far Away Across the Sea (family bedtime read-aloud) - 10/10 = A+
58. After the Rain (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B-
59. Ready Player Two (from my Read Soon! shelves) - 9/10 = A
60. The Moonstone (audiobook) - 8/10 = B+
61. Memoirs of a Geisha (books I'm reading with my friend, Rob) - 8/10 = B

APRIL
62. The Club Dumas (unread book from my shelves) - 9/10 = A
63. Good Night, Mr. Tom (1001 Children's Books) - 9/10 = A
64. The Liverpool Cats (1001 Children's Books) - 8/10 = B+
65. The Ugly American (100 Banned Books) - 9/10 = A
66. The Turbulent Term of Tyke Tiler (1001 Children's Books) - 8/10 = B+
67. The Haunting (1001 Children's Books) - 8/10 = B
68. The Whistle, the Grave, and the Ghost (family bedtime read-aloud) - 9/10 = A
69. Sense and Sensibility (unread book from my shelves) - 8/10 = B+
70. Middlemarch (audiobook) - 2/10 = F
71. Ordinary Hazards (audiobook) - 8/10 = B-
72. Chaotic Good (Read Soon! Shelves) - 9/10 = A

MAY
73. The Beast Player (Printz Honor Book) - 8/10 = B+
74. Another Country (100 Banned Books) - 8/10 = B-
75. Lumberjanes Vol. 17: Smitten in the Stars (series read) - 10/10 = A+
76. The Worm Ouroboros (Green Dragon 1001 Fantasy Books list) - 4/10 = F
77. Where the World Ends (audiobook) - 9/10 = A
78. In the Beginning: Creation Stories from around the World (Newbery Honor Book) - 7/10 = C+
79. Max and Sally and the Phenomenal Phone (1001 Children's Books) - 8/10 = B-
80. BUtterfield 8 (unread books from my shelves) - 9/10 = A
81. Nine Princes in Amber (Green Dragon 1001 Fantasy list) - 4/10 = F
82. Stories: All-New Tales (books from my Read Soon! shelves) - 8/10 = B-
83. Visitors from London (recommendation from Julia) - 9/10 = A
84. Storm (1001 Children's Books) - 7/10 = C
85. Dig (Printz Award, audiobook) - 9/10 = A
86. The Crossover (reread with Charlie) - 9/10 = A
87. The Rose and the Ring (1001 Children's Books) - 6/10 = D
88. Guard of Honor (Pulitzer list) - 8/10 = B-
89. The Girl on the Train (Read Soon! shelves) - 9/10 = A-
90. Sunday's Child (1001 Children's Books) - 7/10 = C
91. Mrs. Dalloway (books I'm reading with my friend, Rob) - 7/10 = C
92. Captive Prince (romance) - 8/10 = B+
93. High School (audiobook, Alex Award) - 9/10 = A
94. Scorpions (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B+
95. Children of the Alley (Banned Books) - 8/10 = B-
96. On the Banks of Plum Creek (family bedtime read-aloud) - 9/10 = A-
97. Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me (Printz Honor Book) - 8/10 = B+
98. The Swallows (Alex Award) - 9/10 = A

JUNE
99. Steeple (impulse read) - 9/10 = A
100. Journey to Jo'burg (1001 Children's Books) - 7/10 = C
101. Dao de Jing (books I'm reading with my friend, Rob) - 9/10 = A
102. My Friend the Painter (1001 Children's Books) - 7/10 = C
103. Drowned Country (from my Read Soon! shelves) - 9/10 = A
104. The Ruins of Gorlan (audiobook) - 9/10 = A
105. Captain Fracasse (1001 Children's Books) - 8/10 = B-
106. The Dark-Thirty (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B-
107. Cards on the Table (Christie bibliography/audiobook) - 9/10 = A-
108. A Likely Story (cozy mystery series read) - 8/10 = B+
109. Gates of Fire (unread book from my shelves) - 7/10 = C-
110. What Katy Did (1001 Children's Books) - 7/10 = C-
111. Red, White, and Royal Blue (romance) - 9/10 = A
112. Gargling with Jelly (1001 Children's Books) - 4/10 = F
113. Mister Impossible (Stiefvater bibliography) - 10/10 = A+
114. Somewhere in the Darkness (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B+
115. Crazy Lady! (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B+
116. Three Men in a Boat (books I'm reading with my friend, Rob) - 7/10 = C-
117. Do You Dream of Terra-Two? (audiobook) - 8/10 = B+
118. A Girl Named Disaster (Newbery Honor Book) - 9/10 = A

JULY
119. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (100 Banned Books) - 4/10 = F
120. Dominicana (Alex Award) - 9/10 = A
121. Getting Near to Baby (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B+
122. The Duke and I (romance) - 9/10 = A-
123. Uncle Silas (books by year - 1864) - 9/10 = A
124. Black Girl Unlimited (audiobook) - 7/10 = C
125. The House of the Scorpion (Newbery Honor Book) - 9/10 = A
126. The Boy Who Swam with Piranhas (family bedtime read-aloud) - 9/10 = A
127. Heart of a Samurai (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B
128. When You Trap a Tiger (Newbery Medal Book) - 8/10 = B
129. The Cat, or How I Lost Eternity (1001 Children's Books) - 6/10 = D
130. Driftless (challenge read) - 9/10 = A
131. The Fifth Form at St. Dominic's (1001 Children's Books) - 9/10 = A
132. Halinka (1001 Children's Books) - 9/10 - A-
133. Tashi (1001 Children's Books) - 8/10 = B+
134. The House in the Cerulean Sea (audiobook) - 9/10 = A
135. The Sound and the Fury (books I'm reading with my friend, Rob) - 7/10 = C-
136. Sick in the Head (Read Soon! Shelves) - 8/10 = B-

AUGUST
137. Three Times Lucky (Newbery Honor Book) - 9/10 = A-
138. All Thirteen (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B+
139. Black Sun (audiobook) - 8/10 = B
140. The Experience of Insight (audiobook/books on Buddhism) - 8/10 = B
141. Fighting Words (audiobook) - 9/10 = A
142. Seven Little Australians (1001 Children's Books) - 7/10 = C
143. Lumberjanes #18: Horticultural Horizons (series read) - 9/10 = A
144. Box: Henry Brown Mails Himself to Freedom (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B
145. You Should See Me in a Crown (audiobook) - 8/10 = B+
146. Where the Mountain Meets the Moon (family bedtime read-aloud) - 9/10 = A
147. The Viscount Who Loved Me (romance genre) - 8/10 = B
148. Gender Queer (Alex Award) - 9/10 = A
149. The Boy Who Was (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B+
150. Plain Bad Heroines (audiobook) - 9/10 = A

SEPTEMBER
151. Riot Baby (audiobook) = 8/10 = B+
152. We Dream of Space (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B
153. The Weirdstone of Brisingamen (1001 Children's Books) - 8/10 = B-
154. Vis and Ramin (Read Soon! Shelves) - 8/10 = B+
155. Better Late Than Never (cozy mysteries) - 8/10 = B+
156. The Owl Service (audiobook/1001 Children's Books) - 8/10 = B+
157. A Wish in the Dark (Newbery Honor Books) - 9/10 = A-
158. Forever... (100 Banned Books) - 8/10 = B
159. Henry IV Part 1 (Shakespeare re-read) - 10/10 = A+
160. Never Let Me Go (books I'm reading with my friend, Rob) - 7/10 = C
161. The Letter for the King (1001 Children's Books) - 9/10 = A
162. One Last Stop (romance) - 9/10 = A

5scaifea
Set 16, 2021, 7:04 am

The Mario and her Magical Rainbow Snoot:



And Agent Fitzsimmons, pretending to help me bake when really she wants the peanut butter that's just off screen:

6scaifea
Set 16, 2021, 7:05 am

Next one is yours!

7scaifea
Set 16, 2021, 7:16 am

Today's Agenda:
Grocery shopping, possibly a bit of cleaning, some writing, and hopefully some reading.

Charlie had a pretty good birthday, I think. The in-laws are coming for dinner tonight to celebrate with him (Tomm's ordering pizza), and I wish we could see my parents this weekend, but we're postponing that visit as an extra-safe precaution since Charlie was ID'ed as a close contact at school this week. We informed the in-laws but apparently they're willing to risk it - we're all vaccinated, of course, and I'm mostly certain we'll all be fine, but I'm still not willing to take that risk with my parents, even if it *is* a small risk. We'll hopefully get a trip scheduled for October to see them.

On the reading front:
I didn't get a ton of reading time yesterday, but I did manage a few pages of Shakespeare and a few of The Prisoner of Zenda.

What We're Watching:
Charlie's pick last night, of course, and so we watched a couple of episodes of Modern Family, which is one of his favorites.

8FAMeulstee
Modificato: Set 16, 2021, 7:20 am

Happy new thread, Amber!

I always smile when I see the rainbowsnouted Mario, and I am glad you reused that adorable picture of Simmons :-)

ETA: Good luck with the in-laws tonight. I hope you get to visit your parents soon.

9Crazymamie
Set 16, 2021, 7:21 am

Happy new one, Amber! I love your thread images - makes me smile every time.

Belated Happy Birthday wishes for Charlie! I should have remembered because I know that the Ides of March is his half birthday. Bummer that the in-laws are willing to risk it. Sending you strength. At least there will be pizza!

10scaifea
Modificato: Set 16, 2021, 7:29 am

>8 FAMeulstee: Thanks, Anita! I'm glad you're okay with me reusing the photos - sometimes I'm just too lazy to take new ones, and I do love those two particular pictures.

And thanks for the travel good wishes. Fingers crossed that an October visit will work out; I know it's probably going to be iffy for a while longer, with Charlie in school and covid an issue.

11scaifea
Set 16, 2021, 7:30 am

>9 Crazymamie: Thanks, Mamie! Ha! I can't believe I forgot that it was the Ides! I should have said something in my Latin class yesterday. Yoicks. I was too focused on getting the birthday cake made, I guess. And thanks for the strength vibes. Serenity now! And yes, pizza! We're ordering from our favorite local joint, so I'm looking forward to that part, at least.

12msf59
Set 16, 2021, 7:31 am

Sweet Thursday, Amber! Happy New Thread. Loving these cool nights and mornings. May they continue.

13scaifea
Set 16, 2021, 7:37 am

>12 msf59: Sweet Thursday, Mark! And yes to the cool mornings! I just came in from letting Simmons out for her morning zoom around the back yard and it was downright chilly. It was so nice to stand on the back deck and hold my warm coffee mug in my hands. I love it!

14SirThomas
Set 16, 2021, 8:14 am

Happy new thread and happy thursday, Amber!
Best wishes for the evening - but an evening with pizza is always a good evening.

15katiekrug
Set 16, 2021, 9:29 am

Happy new one, Amber!

16ronincats
Set 16, 2021, 9:42 am

Ah, a new thread and I'm jumping in while it's still nice and short since I never made it to the last one! Happy New Thread, Amber. Are we not doing the Charlie pictures any more? Sending you fortitude vibes for the evening.

17foggidawn
Set 16, 2021, 9:48 am

Happy new thread!

18SandyAMcPherson
Set 16, 2021, 10:02 am

Hiya Amber. Aren't you surprised? I actually made it to your newest thread before there were, oh, about 95 posts already accumulated!
Here's a photo of my most recent (and now gifted!) fibre arts project, just in time for a teenager's bed. It's my perfect reason I haven't been visiting threads very often this past few months.

19Carmenere
Set 16, 2021, 10:45 am

Happy belated birthday to Charlie!!! Will his halloween costume reveal be coming soon?

20scaifea
Set 16, 2021, 10:55 am

>14 SirThomas: Thanks, Thomas! You make an excellent point about pizza nights! Ha!

21scaifea
Set 16, 2021, 10:55 am

>15 katiekrug: Thanks, Katie!

22scaifea
Set 16, 2021, 10:57 am

>16 ronincats: Hi, Roni. Well, Charlie's old enough now that I ask his consent before posting photos of him. I started this thread after he was already off to school and so didn't have a chance to ask him. I do have some Charlie-with-his-birthday-cake photos, so we'll see what he says. Since he may start his own thread soon (he joined up yesterday), I may just leave the photo posting to him...

23scaifea
Set 16, 2021, 10:59 am

>17 foggidawn: Thanks!

>18 SandyAMcPherson: Hi, Sandy. My goodness, did you quilt that yourself? Do you have a quilting-capable sewing machine, or did you do it by hand? It's lovely.

24scaifea
Set 16, 2021, 10:59 am

>19 Carmenere: Thanks, Lynda! Charlie has until Friday to decide what he wants to be for Halloween, so we'll see what he goes with. I'll definitely keep you posted!

25scaifea
Set 16, 2021, 11:06 am

I maaaaay have went a little bit bananas in the Halloween candy section of Target this morning:



Snickers Brownie Bites and Dove Dark Chocolate Pumpkins in the front bowl, Lindt Harvest Assortment in the glass bowl behind it, a variety of Reese's Peanut Butter Halloween shapes in the middle bowl, candy corn and candy pumpkins in the next glass bowl, and finally, a Little Debbie Fall Treats arrangement, Gilmore Girls style, in the back (plus Charlie's birthday cake).

26katiekrug
Set 16, 2021, 11:10 am

>25 scaifea: - Yeah, if that were my house, I'd just sit there all day eating everything... :-P

27foggidawn
Set 16, 2021, 11:13 am

>25 scaifea: Yum and wow! I echo what Katie said.

28PaulCranswick
Set 16, 2021, 11:14 am

Happy 24th Amber.

Already over 6,000 posts here this year.

>25 scaifea: I would struggle with temptation like that!

29jnwelch
Set 16, 2021, 11:15 am

Happy New Thread, Amber!

You’ll want to read Pax, Journey Home. It’s wonderful, and it’s all about healing the sadness.

30Carmenere
Set 16, 2021, 11:21 am

>25 scaifea: Gone a little bananas? Noooo, looks about right to me.

31scaifea
Set 16, 2021, 11:25 am

>26 katiekrug: >27 foggidawn: Yeah, well, I've already sampled nearly everything, of course. But it's foR THE CHILDREN. Even though I only have the one. And he doesn't really have much of a sweet tooth. But still. Aaaaalll for him. Yep.

32scaifea
Set 16, 2021, 11:26 am

>28 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Paul! I don't struggle at all with it. I gleefully give in.

33scaifea
Set 16, 2021, 11:26 am

>29 jnwelch: Thanks, Joe! Hm, well, I guess I'll have to put it on the list with a recommendation like that from the likes of you...

34scaifea
Set 16, 2021, 11:26 am

>30 Carmenere: *snork!* I appreciate the validation, Lynda!

35karenmarie
Set 16, 2021, 11:57 am

Happy new thread, Amber.

Good luck with the in-laws tonight. Pizza is a good reward for putting up with them.

Yay to all the candy, and is that chocolate cake for Charlie's birthday? Kinda hard to tell.

36scaifea
Set 16, 2021, 12:24 pm

>35 karenmarie: Thanks, Karen. And yep, chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting. Turned out pretty good, if I do say so.

37drneutron
Set 16, 2021, 1:02 pm

Happy new one!

38scaifea
Set 16, 2021, 1:20 pm

>37 drneutron: Thanks, Jim!

39RebaRelishesReading
Set 16, 2021, 1:28 pm

Happy new one, Amber (can post 39 still count as "new"?)

40scaifea
Set 16, 2021, 1:37 pm

41SandyAMcPherson
Set 16, 2021, 3:45 pm

>23 scaifea: I had a friend help with the quilting. She has a long arm machine and you set up a pattern guide then manually follow the guide. I think I am very happy not doing these larger quilts by myself. I have a Pfaff Quilt Expression 4.0 which is great but only for smaller projects.

>25 scaifea: Wowzers, you either expect a lot of kids or your family plans on scarfing the leftovers! We hardly have T 'R Treaters these days. The kids mostly have private parties arranged due to the suspicion of booby-trapped candy and bad weather (like -30 oC frequently hits the day before, or howling gale-force winds and a blizzard).

42jnwelch
Set 16, 2021, 5:50 pm

>33 scaifea: You’ll be glad. I’ll be feeling this one for a long time to come.

43scaifea
Set 16, 2021, 7:22 pm

>41 SandyAMcPherson: Ha! Nope, that's not the candy we hand out to trick-or-treaters. I won't buy that for a few weeks yet. This is all for us.

44scaifea
Set 16, 2021, 7:22 pm

>42 jnwelch: Ooof. Yep, it's definitely going on the list, then.

45quondame
Set 16, 2021, 7:42 pm

Oh, I blinked!

Happy new thread!

46laytonwoman3rd
Set 16, 2021, 8:44 pm

Hello. Did I see CANDY?

47SandyAMcPherson
Set 16, 2021, 10:48 pm

>43 scaifea: I'm a fuzz brain. It's Charlie's birthday or was... or you shopped hungry and that's how you ended up in the Halloween candy section?

48scaifea
Set 17, 2021, 5:27 am

>45 quondame: Thanks!

>46 laytonwoman3rd: Hello. And yes, yes you did. Help yourself!

>47 SandyAMcPherson: We love Halloween and we (well, mostly I) love sweets. That's pretty much the story here.

49scaifea
Set 17, 2021, 6:34 am

Today's Agenda:
Class prep, teaching, baking (Cumin Cookies), weekly bill sorting, a bit of cleaning, possibly some sewing, hopefully some reading. Charlie has the day off school (teacher prep day), so it'll be nice having him around the house today. Mario continues to improve and she's being a real trooper with the cone; we give her some time off in the evening while we're all sitting in the living room and can keep a constant eye on her, but since we occasionally have to stop her from licking then, we don't trust her yet during the day or at night without the cone.

On the reading front:
I'm *so* enjoying my reread of Henry IV. Such a comfort read for me. And The Prisoner of Zenda is a hoot so far.

What We're Watching:
We managed to squeeze in a couple of episodes of 30 Rock after the in-laws left last night.

50lauralkeet
Set 17, 2021, 7:30 am

Happy Friday, Amber! Cumin Cookies? I'm trying to imagine a sweet yet cumin-y snack, without much success.

51msf59
Set 17, 2021, 7:34 am

Morning, Amber! Happy Friday. As you can tell, over on my thread, I had a nice visit with Jackson yesterday. I should see him today and possibly Sunday too. B.A.G.

52scaifea
Set 17, 2021, 7:36 am

>50 lauralkeet: I've never made these cookies before, Laura, so I'll report back. I'm pretty curious whether it works or not, too...

53scaifea
Set 17, 2021, 7:36 am

>51 msf59: Morning, Mark! I'm so glad you're getting so much Jackson time in! He's such a cutie.

54Crazymamie
Set 17, 2021, 8:56 am

Morning, Amber! LOVE the Halloween candy!! And that table is full of gorgeous.

55scaifea
Set 17, 2021, 9:27 am

>54 Crazymamie: Thanks, Mamie! I love our table, too. We got it back when we were in Wisconsin and were shopping for a new bed for Charlie. It was in a back, discount section of the store because one of the corners is slightly marred. We jumped at the chance to have such a gorgeous table at a price we could easily afford - we don't mind the little ding. It also has a couple of inserts, so if we ever need to seat 10-12 people, we can!

56Crazymamie
Set 17, 2021, 9:34 am

I love when stuff like that happens! I wouldn't mind the ding, either - gives it character. And inserts, too!! Very happy making.

57scaifea
Set 17, 2021, 9:43 am

>56 Crazymamie: Right?! I love little bits of character like that.

58SandyAMcPherson
Set 17, 2021, 10:27 am

>52 scaifea: Waiting with bated breath to see what you think of those Cumin Cookies. I love the concept. I bet they're very like some Persian crisps I've had at a potluck, back when I was in a lab with a number of people from Iran.

Also wanted to say, re >25 scaifea:, that I admired those blue-toned placemats. I'm such a fan of quilted piecework like that.

59scaifea
Set 17, 2021, 11:00 am

>58 SandyAMcPherson: Well, you may have to bate that breath a bit longer - Charlie and I have decided to go pick up his new glasses this afternoon (I got a call that they're ready) and then do a bit of shopping while we're out. If I have the energy left, I'll make them when we get back, but if not they'll have to wait until tomorrow.

And thanks so much for the placemat love! Those were my very first quilting project way back when.

60kidzdoc
Set 17, 2021, 11:09 am

Cumin cookies?! Ooh, I'm also curious to find out how they taste.

61scaifea
Set 17, 2021, 11:29 am

>60 kidzdoc: Stay tuned, then!

62quondame
Set 17, 2021, 2:42 pm

>55 scaifea: I love such perfect finds. They give a bit of a spirit boost when my eyes pass over them.

63scaifea
Set 18, 2021, 8:38 am

64scaifea
Modificato: Set 18, 2021, 8:59 am

Today's Agenda:
Either today or tomorrow Charlie and I will decorate for Halloween, and I also need to get The Scaife Family Halloween Movie Marathon Schedule put together. Otherwise I'm looking forward to a weekend of sewing and reading, mostly.

We picked up Charlie's new glasses, which have a slight defect in one corner of one of the lenses, so they're ordering a new one but let Charlie take the glasses for now. They look very cool. Classic and simple black plastic frames - the kid has good taste.

While we were out, we got him a pair of jeans, which he'll need for the band performance next Friday (a band logo t-shirt and jeans is the uniform and this kiddo doesn't actually care for jeans so didn't have any), and a new zip-up hooded sweatshirt because he's outgrown his old one and will probably need one soon for the chilly mornings at the bus stop. Oh, and a stop at Bath & Body Works to stock up on hand soaps and candles - Charlie found "Vampire Blood" scent and had to have it. It actually smells really good! A hint of cherry, I think.

On the reading front:
I didn't get much reading time yesterday, but I'm still loving my Prince Hal reread. I may finish Henry IV Part 1 today.

What We're Watching:
The newest Brooklyn Nine-Nine episode.

65msf59
Set 18, 2021, 9:20 am

Morning, Amber. Happy Saturday. No birding plans for this weekend but plenty of book time on the menu. I hope to see Jackson tomorrow. Can you believe he will be a month old all ready?

66scaifea
Set 18, 2021, 9:22 am

>65 msf59: Morning, Mark! A month?! Wow. It's so fast at that age.

67swynn
Set 18, 2021, 1:03 pm

Happy new thread Amber!

++ on the love for Henry IV: the tetralogy Richard II - Henry IV 1&2 - Henry V is the highlight of the Shakespeare oeuvre for me.

68scaifea
Set 18, 2021, 1:13 pm

>67 swynn: They're fantastic, aren't they? Just pure perfection.

69johnsimpson
Set 18, 2021, 4:06 pm

Hi Amber my dear, happy new thread, only 68 posts gone before i made my appearance. Sending love and hugs to you all dear friend.

70scaifea
Set 18, 2021, 4:08 pm

So here's what happened in the sewing room today - I had some leftover fabric from the placemats and decided to make some coasters:

71scaifea
Set 18, 2021, 4:08 pm

>69 johnsimpson: Thanks, John!

72EBT1002
Set 18, 2021, 5:38 pm

How interesting that Charlie doesn't care for jeans. More of a chino kid?

73scaifea
Set 18, 2021, 6:08 pm

>72 EBT1002: Hi, Ellen! Yep, he prefers chino-like pants. Says they're more comfortable.

74SandyAMcPherson
Modificato: Set 18, 2021, 9:51 pm

>70 scaifea: Well! Isn't that fun.
What I want know, between a teaching prof-y career, baking goodies, reading and I dunno what else, how does this gal find time to sew cute stuff!??!

Edited to add, being a fantastic Mom, keeping up with TV series, posting extravagantly on LT, and I think also, knitting....

75scaifea
Modificato: Set 19, 2021, 8:06 am

>74 SandyAMcPherson: Oh my, Sandy, I'm abashed. Well, let's see... my house is probably a little more dusty in the corners than it should be, and I usually get up at 5am. Does that help? Ha! At any rate, thanks for those lovely, kind words.

76scaifea
Set 19, 2021, 8:17 am

Today's Agenda:
Tomm has a migraine this morning and went back to bed, so I'm sitting on our back deck in my pajamas with my laptop and coffee, watching Simmons zoom around the yard for her morning insanity time. The breeze is slightly chilly but the sun is nice and warm. Let's just hope the neighbors are sleeping in and don't see me in my pjs, ratty old sweatshirt, and galoshes...

We didn't get the Halloween decorating done yesterday, so that will happen today. I'm also going to bake a Sour Cream Coffee Cake for this week's breakfasts, and then spend most of the rest of the day reading and sewing while also working through a few loads of laundry. Pizza Burgers for dinner tonight. Oh, and Charlie said he may want my help starting a 75ers thread today, so be on the looking for our new member...

On the reading front:
I finished up Henry IV Part 1 yesterday. So good. Makes me happy every time.

What We're Watching:
Nothing last night, if fact, because we gave Root another go. Friday night we cracked it open and got the complicated rules all sorted, so last night was the first real game.

Did I even report back on the cumin cookies? I can't remember and can't be arsed to scroll up and look: they were...not good. Honestly, I'm a little surprised because I love really spicy ginger cookies, and even have been known to put black pepper in them and love it. So I thought I'd probably really like the spice/sweet mix of these. But it just doesn't work. Ew.

77scaifea
Set 19, 2021, 8:21 am

(Oh no. The neighbor guy just came out on his back porch. I'm trying to stay really still so maybe he won't notice me...)

78lauralkeet
Set 19, 2021, 8:40 am

>76 scaifea: Thanks for taking one for the team with the cumin cookies, Amber. Sorry they were yucky, but sour cream coffee cake should make up for it.

79msf59
Set 19, 2021, 8:45 am

Morning, Amber. Happy Sunday. Sounds like you are enjoying your quiet AM on the back deck, in that "ratty sweatshirt". I am also the only one up, for the past hour and a half. Love the P & Q.

80scaifea
Set 19, 2021, 9:25 am

>78 lauralkeet: Ha! You're welcome, Laura. And yes, the coffee cake should make up for it - I've made *this* recipe lots of times and it's always good.

81scaifea
Set 19, 2021, 9:25 am

>79 msf59: Morning, Mark! The P&Q is great, isn't it? Especially first thing in the morning.

82katiekrug
Set 19, 2021, 9:45 am

Sour cream coffee cake sounds great. I might have to stop at a bakery while I'm running errands... You're a bad influence!

83scaifea
Set 19, 2021, 10:27 am

>82 katiekrug: *snork!* #sorrynotsorry

I *love* this coffee cake recipe. It has cardamom and lemon in the batter with a cinnamon and pecan streusel. It tastes fantastic and make the house smell amazing.

Here it is, if anyone is interested in giving it a go:

Sour Cream Coffee Cake
Ingredients:
• ¾ cup sugar
• 6 tablespoons butter
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon grated lemon peel
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cardamom
• 1 teaspoon each of baking powder and baking soda
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
Streusel topping
• ¾ cup chopped pecans
• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3 tablespoons melted butter

1. Heat oven to 350⁰F.
2. Spray 8-inch springform pan with baking spray.
3. To prepare streusel topping, combine pecans, brown sugar, flour, cardamom, nutmeg, and cinnamon in medium bowl.
4. Stir in butter until well blended.
5. Set topping aside.
6. Beat sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
7. Beat in eggs, 1 at a time, until well blended.
8. Beat in sour cream, lemon peel and vanilla.
9. Add flour, cardamom, baking powder, baking soda and salt; beat until just blended.
10. Spoon half of batter into prepared pan.
11. Sprinkle half of streusel over batter.
12. Repeat layers ending with streusel.
13. Bake 50-60 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
14. Cool in pan on wire rack 15 minutes.
15. Run knife around edge of pan to loosen cake.
16. Remove side of pan.
17. Cool until cake is just warm.

I don't actually use a springform pan, just a regular 8-inch round cake pan and I leave the cake in it when it's done. Works just fine. I also suspect that other nuts would be great, too. Hazelnuts in particular. I found the recipe years ago in The Baking Bible.

84karenmarie
Modificato: Set 19, 2021, 10:28 am

Hi Amber!

Sorry Tomm has a migraine. Yay for quiet backyard time, always excepting the Simmons insanity. Sorry about the cookie fiasco. Yum to sour cream coffee cake.

edited to add: That recipe looks fantastic.

85scaifea
Set 19, 2021, 10:32 am

>84 karenmarie: Ha! Thanks for all the sorry sympathy! Simmons is a pretty quiet zoomer, honestly. She's extremely stealthy (that's the Border Collie showing through), which is both hilarious and a little bit scary, if I'm honest.

If you try the recipe, let me know what you think!

86katiekrug
Set 19, 2021, 10:51 am

The recipe looks great, but I'm not much of a baker so bakery-bought will have to do. We have several excellent bakeries around here, so some taste-testing may be in order. *grin*

87scaifea
Set 19, 2021, 11:02 am



159. Henry IV Part 1 by William Shakespeare (Shakespeare re-read) - 10/10 = A+
Prince Hal was one of my very first literary boyfriends - I read R&J for high school English, knew I wanted more, and started reading through the plays on my own. I didn't get all the way through then, though, because I stalled out with Hamlet and the Henry plays, reading and rereading and loving and reloving them. I've fallen in love with Hal every time I read his plays and I've fallen in love with him in different ways every time. The OG bad boy coming of age into a man full of competence-porn energy and with a healthy dose of existential agony? Excuse me while I find my smelling salts, folks. And then there's just the absolute beauty of Shakespeare’s way with language. I fall in love with those words on the page again every time, too, rereading sentences over and over, slowly and while sighing happily. This, reader, is my ultimate reading happy place, one of the best of my go-to comfort reads. Pure bliss.

88SandyAMcPherson
Set 19, 2021, 11:11 am

>Yum.
I copied that recipe and will give it a try. Pandemic eating at breakfast time demands it!

Thanks for testing/rescuing us from cumin cookies. They sounded savoury and promising...

89scaifea
Set 19, 2021, 11:13 am

>88 SandyAMcPherson: Charlie and I love this coffee cake for breakfasts, which is why I made it today - for the week ahead! And you're welcome for the cookie self-sacrifice. They *did* sound promising, didn't they?

90laytonwoman3rd
Set 19, 2021, 1:52 pm

My Mom made a fantastic sour cream coffee cake, but I'm sure it didn't have cardamom in it. (The recipe is probably around here somewhere.) I confess to having no idea what cardamom tastes like. Sorry about the cumin cookies, but I feel I could have predicted they would not be a hit. I DO know what that spice tastes like, and it belongs many places, but not in a cookie. Hoping for a Charlie thread! I don't expect a lot of cross-over in our reading choices, but I'll bet it will be fascinating to see what he has to say about almost anything.

91MickyFine
Modificato: Set 19, 2021, 1:56 pm

Halloween coasters are adorable and am glad you had another excellent outing with Hal. Comfort reads are the best.

ETA: So funny that you just tried Root. We went to a game store in Canmore where the guy running it was really excellent at handselling the games and he gave us a really great summary of that one so we'll likely be adding it to our collection in the next little while. Did buy The Big Book of Madness which sounds like it has a definite HP vibe (you've accidentally let monsters escape from a magic book and you have to get them back in) and I'm looking forward to trying it.

92scaifea
Set 19, 2021, 2:03 pm

>90 laytonwoman3rd: Oh, I bet you've had cardamom in something and you just don't know it. I don't exactly know how to describe it, but it's very light and sort of fruity? Maybe? And sweet. Not at all spicy like cinnamon. It's very, very good.

Charlie is just in the next room from me, working on his thread, so stay tuned...

93scaifea
Set 19, 2021, 2:04 pm

>91 MickyFine: I bet you'd like Root, Micky. I'm not saying much here because I think Charlie's probably going to give a review over on his thread at some point. But I'll say that it's complicated but fun.

94scaifea
Set 19, 2021, 3:01 pm

Charlie's thread is up and running, for those who may be interested in saying hello:

https://www.librarything.com/topic/335364#n7607388

95SandyAMcPherson
Set 19, 2021, 3:02 pm

>93 scaifea: looking forward to Chrlie's thread!

96drneutron
Set 19, 2021, 6:56 pm

Welp. Gonna have try the coffee cake recipe sometime. 😀

97scaifea
Set 20, 2021, 7:18 am

>95 SandyAMcPherson: Me too, oddly enough. *grins*

>96 drneutron: Ha! It's a really good one - I hope you love it if you try it!

98scaifea
Set 20, 2021, 7:23 am

Today's Agenda:
Class prep, teaching, a bit of cleaning, maybe some sewing room time (I need to start planning Charlie's costume - he created his own character and sketched the outfit for me yesterday), and I have a department meeting this afternoon. For dinner: Brown Rice and Lentils for Charlie and me, and I'll probably stick some Lemon Basil Chicken in the instant pot for Tomm (he doesn't like lentils).

On the reading front:
I spent some time yesterday with One Last Stop and The Prisoner of Zenda, and I'm still listening to The Letter for the King. I'm really enjoying all of them so far.

What We're Watching:
Tomm's pick last night - a handful of 30 Rock episodes.

99Crazymamie
Set 20, 2021, 8:54 am

Morning, Amber! I have favorited that coffee cake recipe - thanks for sharing!

>70 scaifea: These are adorable. I especially love that fabric with the owl.

I'm off to say hello to Charlie!

100scaifea
Set 20, 2021, 11:12 am

>99 Crazymamie: Morning, Mamie! I hope you love the coffee cake - I suspect you will.

Everybody loves the owl fabric! I should have bought more. I think it would make a very cool skirt...

Yay for Charlie visits! I bet he's going to feel very welcome around here.

101MickyFine
Set 20, 2021, 11:47 am

>98 scaifea: I hope the department meeting isn't too painful. Somewhat related, I haven't watched it but a few friends in academia have really liked The Chair with Sandra Oh, which apparently gets academic drama and politics pretty spot on.

102scaifea
Set 20, 2021, 12:09 pm

>101 MickyFine: Department meetings have never been all that painful; it's the full faculty meetings that tend to be agony. And hard pass on The Chair - I've also heard that it's spot on and, well, just no thanks. I've lived it and don't need a reminder.

103Crazymamie
Set 20, 2021, 1:24 pm

>101 MickyFine:, >102 scaifea: I'm just gonna mention that The Chair is also full of warmth and humor - I really loved it.

104scaifea
Set 20, 2021, 1:30 pm

>103 Crazymamie: I've heard really good things about it, Mamie, but I just don't think it's for me. I'm glad you like it, though!

105SandyAMcPherson
Modificato: Set 20, 2021, 3:03 pm

>104 scaifea: I'm with Amber on this one. Yup ~ lived it and don't need a reminder.

106avatiakh
Set 20, 2021, 6:57 pm

Hi Amber - delurking to say that I enjoyed Dragt's sequel to Letter for the king even more - The Secrets of the Wild Wood.
Also put an @ next to LT member's name to have direct link to their homepage. '@'avatiakh

Congratulations on reading all the Newbery books, I think writing an article is very worthwhile.

I might try your sour cream coffee cake recipe, my daughter loves coffee flavoured treats and I usually make coffee halva muffins.

107scaifea
Set 21, 2021, 7:17 am

>105 SandyAMcPherson: Yep.

>106 avatiakh: I didn't know there was a sequel - thanks for that!

NB: There's no actual coffee in the coffee cake; coffee cakes are, I suppose, named as such because they're meant to be eaten *with* coffee, but they don't actually contain coffee or coffee flavoring.

108scaifea
Set 21, 2021, 7:23 am

Today's Agenda:
Rainy Tuesday here at Scaife Manor, and in general I am HERE for it. I need to make a quick trip to the library to pick up holds, but otherwise I'm in for the day. I'll probably do a bit of cleaning and then mostly try to focus on writing, with a bit of costume planning thrown in, too. Leftovers for dinner, so no need to cook today.

On the reading front:
I finished up Never Let Me Go yesterday - review to come. I also read a bit more of The Prisoner of Zenda and I'm still listening to The Letter for the King, which I'm enjoying no end.

What We're Watching:
Charlie and Tomm spent most of the evening studying for Charlie's math test today, but we did get about 30 minutes into the first Twilight movie (my pick - I'm pretty sure Charlie will like it and he says so far he does).

109msf59
Modificato: Set 21, 2021, 7:52 am

Morning, Amber. Rain here too, (we NEED it) but it should be moving out. I love it, that Charlie is an official LTer and a 75er. He should be a perfect fit. Glad to a have a new generation a board.

110scaifea
Set 21, 2021, 8:11 am

>109 msf59: Morning, Mark! I was just thinking yesterday that Charlie does quality as a true second generation 75er, doesn't he? Pretty cool. I think he'll be a good fit, too.

I love a good, steady, quiet rain like this one. We're supposed to get it all day today and into tomorrow, and I'm okay with that!

111London_StJ
Set 21, 2021, 8:28 am

>108 scaifea: Oooo, say more about this costume planning?....

112scaifea
Set 21, 2021, 9:13 am

>111 London_StJ: Charlie has created a D&D/video game-like character and has drawn me a sketch of what the character wears, so now I need to plan which parts of the outfit I will make and which we'll just acquire. I *love* that he's created his own character this year!

113foggidawn
Set 21, 2021, 9:39 am

That coffee cake sounds delicious! I have a good basic coffee cake recipe, but I’ll have to try yours out sometime. And I’m intrigued about Charlie’s costume — hoping he’ll allow a picture or two when it’s done.

114scaifea
Set 21, 2021, 9:49 am

>113 foggidawn: I hope you like the coffee cake - I suspect you will. It's a good one.

I'll try to remember to ask Charlie if he minds me sharing his sketch - maybe he'll share it on his thread...

115scaifea
Set 21, 2021, 10:17 am



160. Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro (books I'm reading with my friend, Rob) - 7/10 = C
Kathy, Ruth, and Tommy are students at what seems to be a regular boarding school, but as Kathy tells their story from her now-adult perspective, we gradually come to realize that they, and the other students at Hailsham, are special in a very disturbing way.

And if that were the actual plot of the novel, I would have loved it, but it didn't turn out to be the story I thought it would be. Instead, all of that was strictly kept in the background, and the story was based on the rocky relationships between the three main characters. Meh. It was okay, but, well, not what I wanted it to be. If you enjoy slow, quiet character studies with a generally grim atmosphere, though, then I say go for it.

116London_StJ
Modificato: Set 21, 2021, 10:25 am

>112 scaifea: Oh, that's *the best*. Victoria does the same thing, and this year I made her catalog all of the pieces to streamline the build. I hope you share photos!

>115 scaifea: Sorry you found it similarly meh. :-/

117scaifea
Set 21, 2021, 10:28 am

>116 London_StJ: Right?! So much fun.

And yeah. Meh. But I can see why others, who like that sort of thing, would love it.

118FAMeulstee
Set 21, 2021, 11:04 am

>115 scaifea: I had similair thoughts about Never let me go, Amber, gave it 6/10.
I planned to read other books by Ishiguro (they are on the shelves), but haven't gotten back to him yet.

119scaifea
Set 21, 2021, 11:23 am

>118 FAMeulstee: I'm sorry you didn't like it much either, Anita. I will say that I really enjoyed The Remains of the Day, if that helps.

120MickyFine
Set 21, 2021, 11:44 am

I'm sorry to hear Never Let Me Go wasn't a hit for you as it's one of my favourite Ishiguro novels but I'm glad you've really enjoyed some of his other work. Have an excellent rainy day!

121scaifea
Set 21, 2021, 11:52 am

>120 MickyFine: I happy that you liked it, Micky.

I just wasn't in the mood for a character study (full disclosure - I rarely am), especially when the characters are so difficult to like. Ruth was shitty and annoying, Tommy was frustrating for various reasons, and Kathy was so milquetoast that I couldn't be bothered to hate her. I get that her blandness was purposeful, but just...blech. But I also get that bleak settings and unlikeable characters are other people's jam.

122curioussquared
Set 21, 2021, 4:27 pm

I'm not really a baker but I'm tempted to try the coffee cake recipe!

123scaifea
Set 21, 2021, 6:29 pm

>122 curioussquared: You should! It's super simple to make.

124avatiakh
Set 21, 2021, 9:37 pm

>107 scaifea: I didn't pick up on the 'no coffee' in the coffee cake. I have a similar lemon sour cream cake that I make but will still try your recipe though I might just make a coffee flavoured coffee cake before then!
Last week I made chocolate babka and it was a big hit.

125jjmcgaffey
Set 22, 2021, 2:25 am

My mom makes pepper-cumin cookies frequently. They're kind of shortbread - that almost crumbly texture. I like them a little, Mom likes them a lot. One man's meat...

126scaifea
Set 22, 2021, 7:16 am

>124 avatiakh: Maybe it's a cultural thing? Other non-Americans wanna chime in? Do you have "coffee cakes" that are made for eating *with* coffee but don't have coffee *in* them? You'd think the would have come up on GBBS, but I don't remember if it has...

Also, YES to babka! So delicious.

127scaifea
Set 22, 2021, 7:17 am

>125 jjmcgaffey: Your mom is probably just better at baking them than I am! But yeah, it's also probably an acquired taste.

128scaifea
Set 22, 2021, 7:22 am

Today's Agenda:
Class prep, teaching, menu planning, getting my grocery list ready for tomorrow and also getting a supply list together for a trip to the fabric store (I spent a wonderful couple of hours yesterday brainstorming on how to create the costume Charlie wants and am now ready to get started!), and honestly that's probably mostly what I'll get done today. Tonight Charlie has his first D&D club meeting at a local(ish) tabletop game store and he's pretty excited. Tomm and I will drop him off and then go out for dinner somewhere close by. It'll be our first time out in an actual restaurant, and I think I'm okay, but we'll see how I feel when we get there. Shouldn't be too crowded on a Wednesday night, I wouldn't think...

On the reading front:
I didn't catch a lot of reading time yesterday, but I did manage a few pages in One Last Stop and a few in The Prisoner of Zenda.

What We're Watching:
It was DC Night last night, so I was on my own; I watched an episode and a half of OUAT.

129msf59
Set 22, 2021, 7:30 am

"If you enjoy slow, quiet character studies with a generally grim atmosphere..." Yep, that's me. I loved that novel. Grins...

Morning, Amber. Happy Wednesday. It may not hit the mid-60s today. Big cool down.

130scaifea
Set 22, 2021, 7:32 am

>129 msf59: Ha! I'm not surprised that you loved it, Mark - it *does* seem right up your street! I'm glad you did like it.

I'm so happy about this cooler weather. Bring it on!

131Crazymamie
Set 22, 2021, 10:32 am

Morning, Amber! Charlie's evening sounds full of fabulous. Wishing you good luck on your eating out mojo. We are still just doing takeaway, but that it because if given a choice, I will always do takeaway. I like to be home.

132foggidawn
Set 22, 2021, 10:52 am

>124 avatiakh: Now I want coffee cake and lemon sour cream cake and chocolate babka. This thread is making me hungry! I'll pass on the cumin cookies, though.

>128 scaifea: I hope Charlie enjoys D&D club and you and Tomm enjoy your dinner out!

133scaifea
Set 22, 2021, 11:20 am

>131 Crazymamie: Oh, I'm with you, Mamie - I much prefer to stay at home, always, even after over a year of never going anywhere. But since we have to be out, waiting for Charlie, we'll do a date night. Plus, food. So it can't be all bad.

134scaifea
Set 22, 2021, 11:21 am

>132 foggidawn: I've been trying to come up with a "careful: that sour cream cake is only meant to be eaten with lemonade and doesn't have lemons in it" joke, but I'm pretty sure it's only funny in my head so I'm giving up.

And thanks!

135foggidawn
Set 22, 2021, 11:29 am

>134 scaifea: I had some (store-bought) sour cream muffins a few weeks ago, and they were delicious, so I wouldn't even be mad. :-)

136FAMeulstee
Set 23, 2021, 5:12 am

>119 scaifea: Yes, Amber, thank you. That might help to make me pick up The Remains of the Day.

>126 scaifea: If I understand that question right: in Dutch "coffee cake" would refer to coffee flavoured cake. The one you eat with your coffee would be the "cake with the coffee".

137scaifea
Set 23, 2021, 6:51 am

>135 foggidawn: Yep, nothing wrong with plain sour cream cake!

>136 FAMeulstee: Ha! I think Dutch wins over English at being much more logical!

I hope you like The Remains of the Day if you decide to give it a try - I do think you'll like it better than this one.

138scaifea
Set 23, 2021, 6:59 am

Today's Agenda:
Grocery shopping and I'll probably also go to the fabric shop today to start gathering the necessary notions for Charlie's costume. The poor kid is not feeling well today and staying home from school; most of it, I think, is sheer disappointment that the D&D meetings (as we found out when we got there last night) are Fridays and not Wednesdays, as I was told on the phone (grrr). So not only was he let down last night but now he won't be able to make the first meeting this Friday because he has a band performance. And he's been looking forward to this D&D thing for literally months. It's just awful, so I don't mind him taking a mental health day.

I don't know what else I'll get done today, but maybe some writing? We'll see. Taco Soup for dinner tonight, I think.

On the reading front:
A few pages each in One Last Stop and The Prisoner of Zenda, and I'm nearing the end of The Letter for the King.

What We're Watching:
After the Charlie club thing was a bust, we came home and watched the finale of Brooklyn 99 and an episode of Modern Family.

139katiekrug
Set 23, 2021, 7:25 am

Aw, poor Charlie! I hate that kind of disappointment. It definitely sounds like a good time for a Mental Health Day. Like you, my mom understood the value of those and let me take one when needed.

So I guess dinner out was also a bust?

140scaifea
Set 23, 2021, 7:34 am

>139 katiekrug: Yeah, it really stinks. And when you're that age, those sorts of things seem to hit harder.

And yep, he gets a freebie mental health day every school year, but honestly I'm not counting this at it. Special circumstances.

Dinner out *was* a bust. Frowny face. But we may try a new pizza place this weekend...

141katiekrug
Set 23, 2021, 7:37 am

So true about that age, when things are magnified beyond reason.

As long as I stayed on the honor roll, I got a MHD every semester (term? trimester? I don't remember what my middle school had...) but being a nerd, I didn't always take my allotment :)

Yay for pizza!

142msf59
Set 23, 2021, 7:41 am

Morning, Amber! Sweet Thursday. Sorry to hear about the D & D mix-up. Bummer. I have never read The Prisoner of Zenda but I remember loving the film many years ago.

I got to help with Jackson getting a bath yesterday. He was a good boy but he does not like being lotioned up afterwards, and Bree tried to warm it up, as best as she could.

143scaifea
Set 23, 2021, 7:42 am

>141 katiekrug: It's so hard to be middle-school aged. Sometimes those emotions are sooo much.

I love that you didn't always take your free days! Adorkable.

And YES. Yay for pizza!

144scaifea
Set 23, 2021, 7:43 am

>142 msf59: Morning, Mark! I didn't really know what Zenda was about until I started it, but I'm really enjoying the story. It's a hoot.

Aw, Jackson bath! Charlie didn't like 'em, if I remember. I'm glad Jackson was good about it!

145Crazymamie
Set 23, 2021, 8:25 am

Morning, Amber! Total bummer about the D&D meeting - poor Charlie.

146karenmarie
Modificato: Set 23, 2021, 9:11 am

Hi Amber.

Sorry Charlie’s under the weather. Too bad about the D&D thing. I'm glad he's staying home today.

I sure wish my mom and dad would have given us mental health days from school. Although I did lie twice in order to stay home and am pretty sure my mom knew – once in 7th grade and once in 12th grade, and she didn’t push it.

147foggidawn
Set 23, 2021, 9:18 am

Ugh! So sorry about the D&D club -- that's a bummer.

148scaifea
Set 23, 2021, 1:36 pm

>145 Crazymamie: Hi, Mamie!

Yeah, it totally stinks.

But, the good news is that there's a Spirit of Halloween store right next to the fabric shop and I found the PERFECT sword for Charlie's costume. Aaaand it's a D&D brand sword! He was happy when I brought it home, I think.

149scaifea
Set 23, 2021, 1:37 pm

>146 karenmarie: My mom didn't do mental health days either, but I wouldn't have taken them, I think. I would have worried that I'd miss something important at school. Such a nerd.

>147 foggidawn: Thanks, foggi. It is a bummer.

150London_StJ
Set 23, 2021, 1:48 pm

I took literal mental health days in middle school and high school, when my conditions got to be too much. Thankfully my mother never questioned it, because I was an honors student. I'll probably stick with "I just can't" as a legitimate excuse for my own kids, provided they don't abuse the policy to avoid work. Good for you for supporting Charlie - it sounds like it'll do him well.

151jjmcgaffey
Set 23, 2021, 1:52 pm

Is the D&D thing always on Fridays, and band as well? So he won't be able to do it at all? That would be awful.

152scaifea
Set 23, 2021, 2:01 pm

>150 London_StJ: I'm glad you were able to have mental health days! Charlie's started when he was in grade school and they were taking a class trip to some sort of convention-like thing at the local uni and he was so stressed out that it would be really loud and crowded and he has always hated that sort of thing. So I told him he didn't have to go if he didn't want to and we decided a freebie mental health day every once in awhile was a very good idea.

153scaifea
Set 23, 2021, 2:02 pm

>151 jjmcgaffey: No, this band thing is a one-time deal (or at least a once-a-year thing): it's middle school band night at the home football game. So he'll just miss this one meeting, thank goodness!

154London_StJ
Set 23, 2021, 2:30 pm

>152 scaifea: That's so lovely and supportive

155MickyFine
Set 23, 2021, 3:16 pm

Aww, I'm sorry to hear about Charlie's disappointment (and by extension yours). Hopefully when he does get to attend it's really awesome. We've got the last two episodes of Nine-Nine to watch (probably will happen tonight) and I'm assuming I'll cry?

156scaifea
Set 23, 2021, 3:31 pm

>154 London_StJ: Thanks. I do think it's one of the better parenting ideas I've had...

157scaifea
Set 23, 2021, 3:51 pm

>155 MickyFine: Thanks, Micky.

And yep, have a handkerchief handy...

158scaifea
Set 23, 2021, 3:52 pm

Charlie gave me the okay to post his sketch, so here's the costume he's designed:

159scaifea
Set 23, 2021, 4:25 pm



161. The Letter for the King by Tonke Dragt (1001 Children's Books) - 9/10 = A
16-year-old Tiuri is sitting the traditional all-night vigil on the eve of his knighting ceremony when he hears someone outside the chapel calling for help. He knows that if he leaves his post or even speaks to anyone before he's summoned at dawn he will forfeit his right to become a paladin of the king, but he can't resist the call to aid. Thus starts his adventure across kingdoms, through forests, and over mountains, as he is tasked to take a secret and vital letter to the king of another land. Along the way he meets with people who show their kindness by helping him and with those who reveal their evil intentions by trying to stop his progress. And in turn, his task and the long journey to complete it reveals Tiuri to be a knight at heart if not in reality.

I loved this old school fantasy filled with knights errant, friendly townspeople, wise old hermits, and wicked spies. You never feel that Tiuri is in *too* much danger and each scrape he gets into is resolved quickly enough not to be frustrating while still being artfully-enough written to keep the reader's interest. The plot is fairly simple, but the characters are full and the pacing perfect. And Tiuru manages to be wholly honorable and brave without it being in any way obnoxious or saccharine. I could see this becoming a comfort read, easily.

(Apparently there's a Netflix series based on this book? I've only just discovered that as I was looking for cover images. I watched the little Netflix preview and based on that it doesn't look like the series will be very faithful to the book...)

160avatiakh
Set 23, 2021, 6:08 pm

>159 scaifea: I watched a couple of episodes of the Netflix series but couldn't hack the changes - different characters etc. As I said earlier, the sequel is well worth visiting.
Shame about the D&D disappointment.

161jjmcgaffey
Set 24, 2021, 12:07 am

Glad to hear it's not an ongoing thing. Hopefully when he does get to the D&D night it will be a lot of fun.

162FAMeulstee
Set 24, 2021, 5:20 am

>159 scaifea: So happy you Like The Letter for the King, Amber. It was a childhood favorite, and I still go back to it for a comfort read.
I have heard no good from the Netflix series, so I skipped it. There is a Dutch movie (De brief voor de koning (film)), that was more faithfull to the book. Although, of course, not completely the same.

163scaifea
Set 24, 2021, 7:13 am

>161 jjmcgaffey: Yep, me too.

164scaifea
Set 24, 2021, 7:14 am

>162 FAMeulstee: Thanks, Anita. It's such a funny coincidence that there's a Netflix series when I'm just now reading it. I mean, it's not like it's a new book...

165scaifea
Set 24, 2021, 7:20 am

Today's Agenda:
Class prep, teaching, baking (Ginger Chocolate Chunk Cookies), maybe some sewing. Tonight is Charlie's debut as a saxophonist in the middle school band - they're performing a couple of songs at the home football game - so we'll be heading to the game this evening.

On the reading front:
Not much to report yesterday, other than a few pages in The Prisoner of Zenda. Busy day with not much reading time, but I *did* get my sewing supplies for Charlie's costume so I'm ready to get started!

What We're Watching:
Tomm and I watched a couple of episodes of Only Murders in the Building - has anyone else watched this? It is *brilliant*! When Charlie joined us in the living room, we switched over and watched A Bit of Fry and Laurie, one of his favorites.

166msf59
Set 24, 2021, 7:22 am

Morning, Amber. Happy Friday. Ginger Chocolate Chunk Cookies sound amazing. I wish we were neighbors. Good luck to Charlie's sax debut. He did a nice job on the costume design too.

167scaifea
Set 24, 2021, 7:27 am

>166 msf59: Morning, Mark! This is a new recipe for me, so hopefully they come out better than the cumin cookies. I suspect they will, though. And thanks for the band luck! Tomm and I are pretty excited to get to see him and even just to hang out at the game. You know I'm not a sports fan, but fall Friday nights sitting in the stands with a cup of cider or hot chocolate and listening to the band and crowd watching is pretty fun.

I think he did a good job on the costume sketch, too. It's definitely a better drawing than I could ever do!

168katiekrug
Set 24, 2021, 8:35 am

Ooh, if they come out well, please share the recipe for the cookies!

And I'm glad to hear a positive endorsement (is that redundant?) of "Only Murders in the Building" which I have been wanting to check out.

Have a happy Friday!

169karenmarie
Set 24, 2021, 9:24 am

Hi Amber!

>158 scaifea: Excellent costume, and he’s a good artist, too. I’m a stick figure sort of person…

>165 scaifea: Ah, you're now band parents. We enjoyed our 8 years of being band parents.

Sigh. We don’t subscribe to Hulu, so can’t watch Only Murders in the Building.

170scaifea
Set 24, 2021, 9:43 am

>168 katiekrug: Sure thing, Katie! (re: cookie recipe)!

Oh, DO watch Only Murders! It's *so* clever and of course Short and Martin are amazing together.

>169 karenmarie: Hi, Karen!

I'm pretty amazed at that drawing, honestly. I'm also amused that he thinks I need coaching on my colors...

I'm sorry about the Hulu thing. I don't even pay attention to what service shows are on - Tomm has our accounts set up so that you can search across accounts and such, so I easily lose track of what goes where.

171Crazymamie
Set 24, 2021, 12:00 pm

Hello, Amber! I love the sketch for Charlie's costume. The color labeling made me laugh - please try not to mess it up.

Like Karen, we don't get Hulu, but I am making a note of Only Murders in the Building.

>159 scaifea: I have this one in the stacks!

I'm with Katie and Mark - the cookies sound amazing, so I hope they turn out. I love ginger.

172scaifea
Set 24, 2021, 12:08 pm

>171 Crazymamie: *snork!* I'll do my best not to screw up the colors, Mamie, but I can't promise anything.

I wonder if they'll release the Only Murders series on dvd eventually? It's so full of your kind of fabulous, but then again, Martin & Short can do no wrong for me, especially when they're doing it together.

Cookie dough is chilling in the fridge as I type. The official name is Triple Ginger Chocolate Chunk Cookies, but mine will be only Double Ginger (powered and fresh minced - I didn't mess with trying to find the crystallized stuff, which is the third kind listed in the recipe). I love ginger too, so I can't wait to try them!

173London_StJ
Set 24, 2021, 12:11 pm

>165 scaifea: The wife and I binged the available episodes of Only Murders last Friday, and it was good fun. Looking forward to more!

174scaifea
Set 24, 2021, 12:13 pm

>173 London_StJ: Isn't it fantastic?! I'm more than half in love with the dead dude, which will surprise absolutely no one.

175London_StJ
Set 24, 2021, 12:17 pm

>174 scaifea: It's a great time! I enjoy the complexity of the character - that they didn't just go with "he's such a jerk" and leave it there. I super love the dynamic of the podcast team, and super hate all of Selena Gomez's pants (but love her tops).

176scaifea
Set 24, 2021, 12:20 pm

>175 London_StJ: Ha! Her wardrobe is nuts but I kind of love it, too!

YES to the dynamics and complexities!

177MickyFine
Set 24, 2021, 1:21 pm

Mr. Fine and I were just watching the trailer for Only Murders in the Building last night and saying that we should give it a try. Glad to hear you're really enjoying it. Happily, up here in Canada it's on Disney+ (in their Star content).

178scaifea
Set 24, 2021, 2:32 pm

>177 MickyFine: I hope you love it as much as we do, Micky.

179scaifea
Set 24, 2021, 2:39 pm

Phase 1 of Project Charlie Costume complete!



And hey look, I even got the color right!

180scaifea
Set 24, 2021, 2:46 pm

Folks, the cookies are *amazing*:



Soooo gingery! And chocolatey! I'll post the recipe once I get it typed up.

181lauralkeet
Set 24, 2021, 6:03 pm

>180 scaifea: OMG those look delicious. Can't wait for the recipe!

182Crazymamie
Set 24, 2021, 6:11 pm

>181 lauralkeet: What she said!

And excellent work on that scarf!

183figsfromthistle
Set 25, 2021, 5:59 am

>25 scaifea: Oooh! I love those placemats

>180 scaifea: Yummy!

Have a great weekend

184scaifea
Set 25, 2021, 8:42 am

>181 lauralkeet: They're really good, Laura! I'll try to remember to post the recipe later today.

185scaifea
Set 25, 2021, 8:43 am

>182 Crazymamie: *SNORK!* Omg, Mamie, let me tell you how stupidly-not-hard that scarf was: I literally just cut a wide strip of jersey knit (t-shirt fabric). Boom. Done. T-shirt fabric doesn't ravel, so no sewing involved at all!

186scaifea
Set 25, 2021, 8:44 am

>183 figsfromthistle: Thanks, Anita!

187Crazymamie
Set 25, 2021, 8:52 am

>185 scaifea: Well, it looks great, and you nailed the color. I did not know that T-shirt fabric does not ravel. This is amazing. I have no fabric skills except the washing of it - I do not sew. Not even buttons.

188scaifea
Set 25, 2021, 8:57 am

This is what my evening was like last night:



Pretty darn nice. Charlie did a fantastic job in the band marching routine and it was so amazing to watch! And the weather was exactly perfect: sunny and breezy and cool. And, most importantly, he had a really good time!! I'm going to love this band parent gig.

Today's Agenda:
We've had chocolate-filled croissants for breakfast and Tomm's already off to the hardware store for...stuff (I have no idea what, but it's for the new bed he's making for Charlie). I plan on sewing and reading mostly today, with a few loads of laundry thrown in. Buttermilk Fried Chicken and broccoli for dinner tonight, I think.

On the reading front:
Not much time for reading again yesterday, but I did manage maybe 5 pages in One Last Stop. I need to finish that one up because it's due back to the library soon...

What We're Watching:
Charlie's marching band! And I think Tomm actually paid attention to the football game, too. I...did not. I did enjoy the atmosphere, though. We were clearly surrounded by proud parents, both of band kids and football players. And that was nice.

189foggidawn
Set 25, 2021, 8:59 am

Yay for a perfect evening for a marching band performance! Looks like we are in for a stretch of nice weather.

190karenmarie
Set 25, 2021, 9:04 am

Hi Amber!

>188 scaifea: Hooray for the proud band parents. I loved every minute of being a band parent.

191msf59
Set 25, 2021, 9:13 am

Morning, Amber! Happy Saturday. The costume and the cookies look fantastic. Great job. Glad Charlie did a knock-out job on sax last night. You two must have been beaming.

192lauralkeet
Set 25, 2021, 9:15 am

>188 scaifea: sounds like a really nice evening, Amber. I loved those proud parent moments, too (still do, they just happen in different ways when your kids are adults).

193scaifea
Set 25, 2021, 9:16 am

>189 foggidawn: Yes! And I'm *so* looking forward to that nice-weather stretch! Do you have some plans to enjoy it with CB? I hope so.

194scaifea
Set 25, 2021, 9:17 am

>190 karenmarie: Tomm looked at me askance because I started tearing up, but it's because when I was in the marching band, my mom was amazingly supportive, always there in the stands shouting and cheering. I appreciated that so much then and now I LOVE that I get to be that supportive for Charlie. Circle of life sort of moment, I suppose.

195scaifea
Set 25, 2021, 9:18 am

>191 msf59: Morning, Mark! And thanks! I'm getting the easy parts of the costume out of the way first. The satchel and the jacket will be the more complicated bits to make.

And yep, we were beaming! As I mentioned to Karen, there were a few proud momma tears, too.

196scaifea
Set 25, 2021, 9:20 am

>192 lauralkeet: It was great, Laura! It was also pretty packed and no one was wearing masks, but I'm trying really hard not to focus on that. If we get The Covids, we get The Covids. We're vaxxed, so... *shrug.* I'm very much trying to leave my anxiety behind on this one. I mostly did fine with it last night, with just a few quick moments of silent panic...

197foggidawn
Set 25, 2021, 9:48 am

>193 scaifea: We're planning to pick apples and press cider next weekend. :-)

198scaifea
Set 25, 2021, 9:50 am

>197 foggidawn: PERFECT!! I hope you have *so* much fun!

199scaifea
Set 25, 2021, 10:31 am

Here's the recipe for the cookies:

Ingredients:
• 1 ½ cups flour
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup butter, room temperature
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
• 1/3 cup molasses
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 6 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chunks
• sugar for coating

1. In medium bowl, combine flour, cocoa, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
2. With electric mixer on high speed, beat butter, brown sugar, and fresh ginger until blended.
3. Add molasses and beat until combined.
4. In a small bowl, dissolve baking soda in 2 teaspoons of very hot water; add to batter.
5. Add flour mixture and beat until just combined.
6. Fold in chocolate chunks; refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
7. Preheat oven to 350F.
8. Roll dough between palms into walnut-size ball and roll in granulated sugar to coat.
9. lace on parchment-lined baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
10. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the surfaces crack and cookies are firm around edges but still slightly soft in center.
11. Cool on wire rack.

The recipe also calls for 1/4 cup of crystallized ginger, but I didn't want to mess with trying to find it in my grocery shop and I'm not sure I like the stuff. If you want to add it, fold it in along with the chocolate chunks. I found this one in Debbie Macomber's Christmas Cookbook.

200katiekrug
Set 25, 2021, 10:39 am

Thanks for typing up the recipe, Amber! I've copied and pasted it into my recipes folder.

201scaifea
Set 25, 2021, 10:51 am

>200 katiekrug: Woot! You're welcome, Katie!

202Crazymamie
Set 25, 2021, 11:10 am

>187 Crazymamie: I was here earlier, but I think we cross-posted.

>188 scaifea: I love the photo! Brings back so many memories. Charlie is lucky to have you as a mom - mine did not come to a single performance.

"Tomm's already off to the hardware store for...stuff" This made me laugh! Also, I would like to come over for dinner tonight.

>199 scaifea: Thank you! Totally trying this one out. And crystallized ginger is delicious, just saying.

203scaifea
Set 25, 2021, 11:17 am

>202 Crazymamie: Ope, yep, I didn't see you up there. Honestly, this is a super-easy scarf to make. 2 yards of knit fabric in your favorite color, cut it lengthwise in the width you want. And 2 yards will make 3-4 scarves, depending on how wide you want it.

I'm so excited to be a band mom! So. Excited.

And come on over! We'd love to have you for dinner.

204drneutron
Set 25, 2021, 11:34 am

Marching band - brings back memories of watching the Son when he was in high school. Definitely circle of life kinda stuff.

205scaifea
Set 25, 2021, 11:55 am

>204 drneutron: Right? I'm glad you have those memories!

206lauralkeet
Set 25, 2021, 12:05 pm

Thanks so much for the recipe, Amber. When I saw the cookies, I thought they might be a good addition to my Christmas baking. And now I see the recipe is from a Christmas cookbook. Win!

207scaifea
Set 25, 2021, 12:27 pm

>206 lauralkeet: You're welcome! Yeah, I tend to bake all kinds of cookies all year round. There are only a few special baking recipes that I keep just for the holidays. Pumpkin stuff I tend to keep for fall, too. I'm trying out another recipe from that cookbook tomorrow for a pumpkin cinnamon type bundt cake.

208foggidawn
Set 25, 2021, 2:25 pm

Mmm, pumpkin-flavored baked goods! I should make a pumpkin roll soon.

209bell7
Set 25, 2021, 4:59 pm

Happy weekend, Amber! Great timing on mentioned Only Murders, my SIL just put it on my radar and I'm thinking I might find a time when I feel like binging a show to get a 30 day trial of Hulu and watch it all.

What a gorgeous picture of the sunset behind the field! I'm glad you had such a great time watching Charlie in band and that you get to share the joy of remembering your mom supporting you in band at the same time. That's pretty cool to have that connection (as well as with Charlie also being a band kid, of course!).

210scaifea
Set 25, 2021, 6:07 pm

>209 bell7: Oooh, I hope you love Only Murders if/when you get to it!

I'm pretty pleased with that photo, too. And I love that the band has their own special section of stands! Very cool.

211MickyFine
Set 26, 2021, 8:59 am

Glad to hear Charlie's first marching band outing was a success for all. Hope your Sunday is off to an excellent start.

212scaifea
Set 26, 2021, 9:31 am

>211 MickyFine: Thanks, Micky!

213scaifea
Set 26, 2021, 9:38 am

Today's Agenda:
Today's baking is already underway - I have a pumpkin spice bundt cake in the oven, which will get a cinnamon glaze later. I'd like to get some sewing time in; I finished the cowl/mask for the costume yesterday and am currently in the process of making the fingerless gloves. The boots we ordered for him came yesterday and oh my gosh they look so cool! He's excited, I think. I also have a few piles of laundry to get through and I'm hoping for some reading time since I really need to get One Last Stop back to the library this week. We're trying a new-to-us local pizza place for dinner tonight and I'm already excited about that.

On the reading front:
I did make progress on One Last Stop yesterday and do think I can finish it today. I am *loving* it. I'm *not* loving my current audiobook, The Burger's Daughter, and so I think I'm going to abandon ship.

What We're Watching:
Tomm's pick last night, so we watched a few episodes of 30 Rock.

214scaifea
Set 26, 2021, 9:40 am

Costume Update:

Here's Mrs. Danvers modeling the scarf *and* the mask/cowl:

215karenmarie
Set 26, 2021, 10:01 am

Hi Amber, and happy Sunday to you.

I love the photos of Charlie's costume being modeled by Mrs. Danvers. Pumpkin spice bundt cake sounds heavenly.

216scaifea
Set 26, 2021, 10:06 am

>215 karenmarie: Happy Sunday, Karen!

Thanks! I thought it might be fun to post photos of the costume slowly coming together. Mrs. Danvers is a real trooper about it. The cake is smelling *amazing* right now. Soooo much spice in there.

217MickyFine
Set 26, 2021, 12:09 pm

I love that you named your mannequin Mrs. Danvers. ❤

218scaifea
Set 26, 2021, 12:28 pm

>217 MickyFine: Well, Danny is slightly creepy yet still weirdly helpful. So it seems to fit.

219scaifea
Set 26, 2021, 1:35 pm

The fingerless gloves are done and I have to say that they're super comfy and I'm definitely making some for myself! I have tons of knit fabric in all kinds of colors, so I may make several pairs! Here they are as modeled by Charlie, who was gracious enough to stop his video game just long enough to put them on and pause for a photo:

220scaifea
Set 26, 2021, 4:20 pm

The pumpkin spice cake turned out pretty great! The house smells amazing, too.

221Crazymamie
Set 26, 2021, 4:31 pm

>217 MickyFine: Me, too!

>219 scaifea: I love the look of those.

>220 scaifea: YUM!

222scaifea
Set 26, 2021, 5:14 pm

>221 Crazymamie: Thanks, Mamie! They’re so comfortable, too. I’m so making some for myself.

223scaifea
Set 27, 2021, 7:31 am

Today's Agenda:
Class prep, teaching, a walk with Mario, and hopefully some sewing and reading this afternoon. I also have a couple of phone calls to make (ugh). Nothing awful or anything; I just hate making phone calls. Unstuffed Pepper Soup for dinner tonight.

Tomm has taken this entire week off work. We'll see how that messes with my daily schedule. Should be a good time...

On the reading front:
I finished One Last Stop, so I'll try to get a review up today. And I started a new audiobook, Annie on My Mind, which is good so far.

What We're Watching:
We finished up the first Twilight movie last night - Charlie, as I predicted he would - liked it.

224msf59
Set 27, 2021, 7:43 am

Morning, Amber. I hope you had a nice Sunday at the Scaife Manor. Nice job on the gloves and that pumpkin spice cake looks delish.

225scaifea
Set 27, 2021, 8:12 am

>224 msf59: Morning, Mark! We had a pretty good Sunday here. The weather was so gorgeous!

And thanks! The cake makes a pretty good breakfast, I can happily report.

226SandyAMcPherson
Set 27, 2021, 8:18 am

Hi Amber, I took a few days off being attentive to LT and wowzeroonies, everyone's threads propagated like crazy. Skimmed to catch up with your doings... nice baking; great band-parenting...

Our dining room has turned into production centre for sewing some simple Hallowe'en costume props. I rooted through the ol' stash and am making capes, using very sheer sparkly prints with plain (matching) lining to add some depth to the sheer fabric.
Here's the fabric for the newest cape, on the bolt still,
and this one is all set to go,

I think the grandkids will wear past outfits underneath but the capes add a wizardly dimension. I snagged the pattern from Fleece Fun's website (free patterns!)

227Crazymamie
Set 27, 2021, 8:36 am

Morning, Amber! Hoping those phone calls go swiftly and smoothly - I also hate doing that.

Your comments about Tomm being off for the week made me laugh. This is why Craig can never retire.

228karenmarie
Set 27, 2021, 9:42 am

Hi Amber!

The pumpkin spice bundt cake looks wonderful. So Charlie's fingerless gloves.

I'm with Mamie about Tomm being off all week - my husband's supposed to work at the office 3 days a week but for a variety of reasons has only gone in 1 day in the last 5 weeks or so. I'm praying he goes in on Wednesday.

229scaifea
Set 27, 2021, 9:55 am

>226 SandyAMcPherson: Hi, Sandy. Great work on those capes! I bet the grandkiddos will love 'em. I made superhero capes for the nieces one Christmas when Charlie was way into them. Fast and fun and they loved them.

230scaifea
Set 27, 2021, 9:56 am

>227 Crazymamie: Morning, Mamie! Here's hoping about the phone calls. I'll tackle them after I'm done teaching this morning.

"This is why Craig can never retire." *SNORK!* Too funny!

231scaifea
Set 27, 2021, 9:56 am

>228 karenmarie: Thanks, Karen, for the cake and gloves love!

"I'm praying he goes in on Wednesday." I'll keep you in my thoughts, friend.

232scaifea
Set 27, 2021, 12:46 pm

Welp. I went up to fold laundry and discovered that the clothes were still damp in the dryer and now the dryer won't turn on. Tomm called a repair service and they can't get here until Friday. So drip drying it is. Woot. Fingers crossed it's just a cheaply replaceable part...

233MickyFine
Set 27, 2021, 1:17 pm

It was sounding like such a great day until the dryer conked out. Crossing my fingers with you on that front. Mr. Fine has a couple days this week and next off so I'll be in your boat later this week. He'd booked them for our local fan expo, which was cancelled so instead he'll be hanging around the house. He's usually pretty good about letting me do my work though and not interrupting my routine.

234scaifea
Set 27, 2021, 1:23 pm

>233 MickyFine: The dryer situation could be way worse; at least I have a ginormous laundry room, fully appointed with space to hang lots of clothing to dry and countertops to lay out things you don't want to hang. We'll survive.

235scaifea
Set 27, 2021, 1:37 pm



162. One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston (romance) - 9/10 = A
August is a 20-something college student newly transplanted from NOLA to NYC, trying to make the city feel like her home while also keeping her personal walls firmly in place. And then she spills coffee all down the front of her shirt on the way to her first class, meets the girl of her dreams on the subway, who gives August her scarf to cover up the stain, and falls instantly in love. What follows is one of the coolest love stories I've read in a long time, involving accidental/electrically-induced time travel, clairvoyant roommates, an accountant drag queen neighbor, and lots of pop tarts and pancakes. Like McQuiston's Red, White, and Royal Blue, this novel is full of the cleverest kind of dialogue, which on several occasions made me laugh out in pure glee. There are also at least two mysteries unfolding in the story, with twists I couldn't see coming, and I was rooting for every single character from start to wholly-satisfying end. In short, it was fantastic and fabulous on lots of levels; Reader, it's absolutely safe to say that I am officially a McQuiston fan.

236curioussquared
Set 27, 2021, 1:53 pm

>235 scaifea: So glad you liked this one too! I'm also fully on the McQuiston train; their third book was announced recently and I'm already looking forward to it 😁

237quondame
Set 27, 2021, 2:39 pm

>226 SandyAMcPherson: Those look like so much fun. Lucky grandchildren!

238scaifea
Set 27, 2021, 2:57 pm

>236 curioussquared: Oh yay! I hadn't heard about a third book!

239scaifea
Set 27, 2021, 3:51 pm

I made a bit of progress on the Halloween costume this afternoon, in the 30 minutes I snagged in the sewing room. But in other news, I actually finished up a knitting project last night - a new pair of sock for me:

240MickyFine
Set 27, 2021, 3:55 pm

I love the colours and mismatched matchiness of them! :)

241scaifea
Set 27, 2021, 3:57 pm

>240 MickyFine: Aw, thanks! I didn't have enough of either color to make two pairs and honestly I love the solution I came up with much better than if I had!

242foggidawn
Set 27, 2021, 4:35 pm

Nice socks! What Micky said. :-)

243scaifea
Set 27, 2021, 4:55 pm

>242 foggidawn: Thanks! I kind of love making socks and tend to have a pair on the needles at all times. I'll probably start on another pair in the next couple of days.

244SandyAMcPherson
Set 27, 2021, 9:19 pm

>240 MickyFine: ^^^ What Micky said (me too!)

245SandyAMcPherson
Set 27, 2021, 9:20 pm

>240 MickyFine: PS. When are you going to open an Etsy shop?

246scaifea
Set 27, 2021, 9:45 pm

>245 SandyAMcPherson: Thanks, Sandy. I used to run an Etsy shop, but closed it down when I went back to work.

247scaifea
Set 28, 2021, 7:26 am

Today's Agenda:
A bit of class prep, a bit of cleaning, and then hopefully some writing and sewing and reading.

The costume is coming along pretty well; I'm currently working on a prototype for the mini-satchel using scrap fabrics (since I'm making the pattern up from scratch I want to make sure it actually works before cutting into the fabric I bought for it) and it's coming along nicely.

On the reading front:
Nothing to report from yesterday. The day just kind of got away from me, what with the dryer pooping out on us and then Simmons yarfing in her crate (she'd chewed up and apparently swallowed a not-small portion of her soccer ball), and I didn't find even a hot minute to crack open a book. Yeesh.

What We're Watching:
Last night we started our annual Scaife Family Halloween Movie Marathon with a dvd that's a collection of kid show Halloween episodes (Barney, Bob the Builder, The Rubber Dubbers, Kipper,...). It's cheesy (except for Kipper, who is always excellent) and Charlie has long outgrown it, but we all still love to watch it because it just makes it feel like fall is really here. Plus it's fun now to poke a little fun at the Barney and Bob episodes.

248karenmarie
Set 28, 2021, 8:23 am

Hi Amber!

>239 scaifea: My daughter would swoon over those sox – she hasn’t worn matching sox since she was about 11 or so. It took me years to get my head around sox not matching, and I personally must wear matching ones.

>247 scaifea: How attractive, yarfing in her crate. At least it’s out, not in…

249scaifea
Set 28, 2021, 8:29 am

>248 karenmarie: Morning, Karen!

But if you think about it another way, the sock *do* match, like puzzle pieces...

I love that Daughter likes mismatched socks.

And yes, I'm glad the soccer bits made their way out of Simmons in a non-vet-interactive way...

250Crazymamie
Set 28, 2021, 9:40 am

Morning, Amber! Sorry about the dryer woes. And poor Simmons. Hope she is feeling better today and has learned not to eat balls (probably not of she resembles any of the dogs we have had). Hoping today is less exciting for you.

>239 scaifea: LOVE the socks! They are very fun.

251scaifea
Set 28, 2021, 10:29 am

>250 Crazymamie: Morning, Mamie! Simmons seems no worse for the experience and I suspect she will not have learned her lesson. She's just like Tuppence used to be and makes swift and destructive work of most toys. She does have one ball that is her very best friend and she would never harm it, at least.

And thanks for the sock love! I'm wearing them today!

252MickyFine
Set 28, 2021, 11:55 am

Ooof, sounds like yesterday was a definite Monday. I hope today is much better on all fronts.

I will say that you and Katie talking about your laundry appliances finally motivated me yesterday to line up a repair person to look at our washing machine. It's a front loader and for the past month-ish it's developed a small leak. They're coming Thursday to look at it. So thanks for the motivation!

253foggidawn
Set 28, 2021, 12:18 pm

>251 scaifea: When Lottie was that age, she managed to ingest several pieces of a chew toy. They made a second appearance in the early hours of the morning. After that I was more vigilant about taking away the pieces when she was chewing something up, but she did eventually get the idea that you could chew things up without swallowing them, so there's hope!

254scaifea
Set 28, 2021, 1:05 pm

>252 MickyFine: Ha! You're welcome, Micky!

255scaifea
Set 28, 2021, 1:05 pm

>253 foggidawn: Yep, we've been through it before with Tuppence, so we know she'll probably get over it. Mario has never been one to destroy her toys, which is so sweet.

256LovingLit
Set 28, 2021, 5:42 pm

>87 scaifea: (a goodly while ago now, I know!)

I *love* your review of Shakespeare's Henry IV Part 1. It has me chuckling away.

Love your baking too. I have been stuck on a popular (with the kids) ginger biscuit recipe lately, easy, quick and comes out with lovely chewy bikkies that are great to dunk.

257scaifea
Set 28, 2021, 5:48 pm

>256 LovingLit: Thanks, Megan! I'm happy that you like the review! And oooh, I LOVE chewy ginger cookies! *sigh*

258scaifea
Set 29, 2021, 7:13 am

Today's Agenda:
Class prep, teaching, menu planning, prepping my grocery list for tomorrow, pretending I'm a pioneer woman while hanging all the laundry to drip dry, a bit of cleaning, a walk with Mario, maybe some sewing, hopefully some reading. We have a fridge half full of leftovers, so no cooking tonight.

On the reading front:
I started Rabbit, Run yesterday. Full disclosure: I assumed going in that I would hate it, but so far I...don't. I'll try to chase that feeling. Still listening to Annie on My Mind and I'm really enjoying that one.

What We're Watching:
It was DC Night last night again, so I read for a bit and then watched an episode of OUAT on my own. I grow weary of the whole Wicked Witch story line. Hoping they wrap that up and move on soon.

259msf59
Set 29, 2021, 7:34 am

Morning, Amber. Happy Wednesday! What inspired you to read Rabbit, Run? I featured Updike on the AAC, many years ago and read it then. I liked the book but overall not many of the group liked Updike. A divisive author.

260scaifea
Set 29, 2021, 7:38 am

>259 msf59: Morning, Mark! The Updike is on my 100 Banned Books list, so that's why I'm reading him now. I think I remember people grousing about him and maybe that's why I thought I wouldn't like the book; I just have this notion that he's one of those authors who writes unlikable characters doing annoying things? Ha! Anyway, so far so good. I'm glad you liked it!

261msf59
Set 29, 2021, 7:49 am

>260 scaifea: He definitely is one of "those authors who writes unlikable characters doing annoying things"! I intended to read the rest of the Rabbit books but dropped the ball. I did read the 3rd one, a couple of decades ago but of course, I don't remember anything about it.

262scaifea
Set 29, 2021, 7:51 am

>261 msf59: *snork!* Ooof, well, I hope I hold onto the feeling of enjoying it!

Also, "dropped the ball" - I see what you did there...

263figsfromthistle
Set 29, 2021, 7:57 am

HAppy Wednesday!

I love the socks! What kind of yarn did you use?

264scaifea
Set 29, 2021, 8:23 am

>263 figsfromthistle: Thanks, Anita!

I used Cascade 220 Superwash yarn, which isn't actually a sock yarn (it's a light worsted), so the socks are a bit thicker than normal socks. Perfect for fall and winter weather!

265Crazymamie
Set 29, 2021, 9:26 am

Morning, Amber! Eating leftovers at our house is called Get Your Own. My favorite thing is when there is a specific use for leftovers - we had baked potato bar last night, and we will use the leftovers to make our own pizzas tomorrow night. Tonight is taco bar.

Rabbit Run is also on one of the lists I am working my way through, so I will await your thoughts on it. I have the same feeling about reading him as the ones you expressed up there, so I have not been hurrying to get to it.

266scaifea
Set 29, 2021, 11:10 am

>265 Crazymamie: Oh, I love the idea of calling it Get Your Own! Especially now that Charlie's old enough to do just that... Tomm is the master of combining certain leftovers and cooking them on the stove into amazing mash-up creations. My favorite is when he does that with Thanksgiving leftovers.

I'll keep you posted on the Updike. I have not exactly been looking forward to it, but so far so okay...

267scaifea
Set 29, 2021, 1:44 pm

268ArlieS
Modificato: Ott 2, 2021, 12:45 pm

>50 lauralkeet: I'm thinking cumin cookies sound lovely, and I may have to go recipe hunting. (And yes, I'm replying more than 2 weeks late. I should probably declare thread-reading bankruptcy and start with only the latests posts.)

(But reading farther, I see the cumin cookies were unlovely. Oh well.)

269scaifea
Ott 2, 2021, 2:58 pm

>268 ArlieS: Ha! I bet you could find a *good* cumin cookie recipe if you looked. I just wouldn't recommend this one.
Questa conversazione è stata continuata da Amber's (scaifea) Thread #25.