Lynda(Carmenere)'s Book Resort - 3

TO ALL OF US!

75 ticker:

ROOTS ticker:

I'm foregoing all the lists and crap. I can't keep up with them and I'm really behind in keeping up with them. I'm just staying in the present and being real.

Come on in. For this chilly, rainy evening, I've got cinnamon rolls and tea.

Happy new thread, Lynda!

>1 Carmenere: Good for you, Lynda. I've got totally lost in lists and challenges.

Happy new thread.

Happy new one!

Happy new thread, Lynda.

>2 alcottacre: Thanks, Stasia!
>3 PaulCranswick: Paul, I've begun to appreciate simplicity. Less is more, right? And Thanks!
>4 drneutron: Thanks, Jim!
>5 DeltaQueen50: Thank you, Judy!

Happy New Thread, Lynda. I am glad you loved Harlem Shuffle. I need to bookhorn that one in.

Happy new thread! I'll take a cinnamon roll!

Happy new thread, Lynda!

Morning, Lynda! Happy new one!

OK let's try this again. Apparently, the smell of cinnamon streusel bread from my oven made me lose my senses and I deleted the answer post to the lovely people above.

>7 msf59: Thanks Mark! I really believe you'd love Harlem Shuffle. Hope you can bookhorn it in soon.

>8 mstrust: Thanks, Jennifer! There's nothing as comforting as a warm cinnamon roll before bed. Hope you enjoyed it ;0)

>9 scaifea: Thanks, Amber!

>10 Crazymamie: Happy Tuesday, Mamie. Thanks!

I've finally rec'd an estimate for my kitchen/family room that I believe I can work with. I plan on cutting a few corners but (although I have no plans on selling) I've seen too many new owners move into a house and the next thing I see is them remodeling a perfectly nice kitchen.

I just finished the last episode of Shtisel. What a tear jerker.

Happy new thread, Lynda!

Happy new thread, Lynda.

>13 FAMeulstee: Thank you, Anita

>14 BLBera: Thank you, Beth

>12 Carmenere: What is Shtisel? Sorry, I have never heard of it.

Stasia, Shtisel is a series on Netflix. Shulem Shtisel is the main character but the family Shtisel plays a huge part. I'd call it an Orthodox Jewish soap opera. I don't say that to offend anyone. They were a typical family, suffering as all humans suffer and joyous as all humans experience joy. Sometimes, they just do stupid things as all humans do.
Personally, I tuned in for Akiva Shtisel who has the most beautiful eyes you can imagine.

>17 Carmenere: Ah, OK. I do not get Netflix. It sounds like a show that I would enjoy though. Thanks for the explanation, Lynda.

Sure, Have a good night, Stasia

You too!

Happy new thread!

I don't know about you, but I can hardly wait till the weekend gets here :)

>21 figsfromthistle: Thanks, Figs!
So funny you mentioned the weekend. I just heard it's going to be another rainy and chilly one and thinking how nice it would be to lounge around and dive deep into The Martian Chronicles. I hope you enjoy your weekend to the fullest!

Thanks to my library book club I have finally read The Martian Chronicles. Some of the short stories made me think, ponder, saddened me to the point of a tear or two.
Before I left the library today, I went to the B section and pulled every Bradbury available and checked them out. The most famous one is Dandelion Wine but I'll look thru all 4.

Besides getting the grounds deleafed and ready for winter I've started working in the office of my church. It's volunteer but it gets me out and amongst others and feeling useful.
I'm meeting Friday with my kitchen people to discuss ways to trim the cost. The young business which was going to do the laundry room, 1/2 bath and new 2nd floor tub bowed out but because they've got issues but gave me the number of another small business. I think those projects are going on hold till the kitchen/family room are finished. *sigh*

Morning, Lynda!

Bradbury is a real treat. I loved Dandelion Wine and The Martian Chronicles, and I'm just now reading Something Wicked This Way Comes, which so far is living up to expectations.

>25 scaifea: Good morning, Amber! Ha! and SWTWC was the one I really hoped to find at my library! It was not to be so I downloaded an audio version in order to keep the Bradbury ball rolling without delay.

I have The Martian Chronicles on my TBR stack right near the top, so thanks for the reminder. I hope to get to it very soon. I also had a Bradbury kick about a year ago, though I don't think I even scratched the surface of his catalog.
One thing I noticed is that he romanticized boyhood, using phrases like "he was the highest peach on the tree" to describe his lead characters.

>26 Carmenere: Ha! I'm listening to a library audio version, too!

>27 mstrust: I hope you enjoy the stories when you do get the chance to read TMC, Jennifer. I find Bradbury has a knack for creating thought provoking stories.
Thanks for sharing your observation. I'll pay close attention to that.

>28 scaifea: No kidding?! My synopsis says it is part two of the Green Town Series are you familiar with what that includes? Oooph, nevermind. They are Dandelion Wine, Something Wicked and Farewell Summer

So I'm doing several things at once and none of them very well and sometimes they reach completion and sometimes not. But when you smell an unusual smell it helps alot. Yeah, I realized that odor was my glue gun and was quickly reminded as to what I wanted to glue.

>23 Carmenere: I love Dandelion Wine, Lynda, and hope you enjoy it when you get around to it.

Happy Tuesday!

Happy Tuesday, Lynda. So glad to hear your feeders have been hopping. Seeing anything special? Mine have been quiet the past couple of days. Hooray for Ray Bradbury. I haven't hear him mentioned around here in awhile. I also loved Dandelion Wine & The Martian Chronicles.

>30 alcottacre: Happy Tuesday to you too, Stasia! I think I'll get to Dandelion Wine this week. I can finally chalk up another book I should have read ages ago.

>31 msf59: They usual cast of characters including nuthatch, Blue Jays (which live in the tree across from the feeder), cardinals, red wing blackbirds, a downy woodpecker often stops by and a red-tail hawk who lives in a tree in my back yard to keep a watch on things. Of course, he doesn't visit the bird feeder but he's good company.
All the birds seem to come and go for stretches at a time.
I'm really happy my librarian book club leader assigned Bradbury. Before this I had only read Fahrenheit 451.

Ooooo, I just started watching "Maid" on Netflix. First episode and yup, I'm hooked.

The audio of Something Wicked This Way Comes was awesome. Kinda Stephen Kingesque, me thinks. Gripping, scary and a little message to boot.

Morning, Lynda. Happy Wednesday! I LOVED Maid. Margaret Qualley is excellent. I am so glad but not at all surprised you are hooked. Joe and his wife also just started it and are quite pleased.

I like the feeder report. We mostly get the same birds as you do. Have you been seeing juncos? I usually see one or two every day.

>34 Carmenere: You've finished already! Yoicks. I'm about halfway through, but loving it (except I don't care for my narrator much). If you liked this one, you'll love Dandelion Wine and Farewell, Summer, too, I suspect.

>35 msf59: Morning Mark! I really want to binge Maid but books are calling, laundry calling and I need to venture out today for groceries and a stop at Kohls. *sigh*. It will need to wait for this evening, before Survivor. hehe
Oh yeah, Juncos are regulars. I love their little plump bodies.

>36 scaifea: Haha, yeah I listened straight thru. The audio I unknowingly chose was a play format radio show. It made the story very exciting.
I'll be starting Dandelion Wine probably tomorrow. I'm looking forward to it.

It has been ages since I read Something Wicked This Way Comes. I should read it next October. I wonder if I will remember. . .

Happy Wednesday, Lynda! Enjoy Dandelion Wine!

Hello, Lynda! Dandelion Wine is my favorite Bradbury, but I also love Something Wicked This Way Comes. I have read both of them more than once. The Martian Chronicles and Farewell Summer were also very good. I should try to get back to him this year - I still have several unread in the stacks. His writing always feels like magic to me.

>38 alcottacre: As I listened to it, I thought this would've been a great book to read to Will when he was a wee boy.
This morning has been a busy one, then a neighbor said, "Let's go for a walk" well, it's just so darn nice outside, I couldn't say no. Long story short, I haven't started Dandelion Wine.

>39 Crazymamie: Hi Mamie! If it's anything like the previous two, I'm sure to enjoy it. Yes, I agree, Magical is a good word for his craft.

Morning, Lynda. Happy Friday. This damp and cold is going to keep me off the trails for a few days. Getting some activity at the feeders but nothing extraordinary. I did put the heater out for my birdbath. Do you have one?

>41 msf59: Happy Friday to you too, Mark! It's beautiful over here but the cold and damp is headed our way this evening.
My feathered friends are heated birdbath deprived. :0(

I'm excited! Today, I chose my kitchen cabinetry and flooring etc. Hopefully it will come in budget and if not I can still make some changes. I'm keeping my fingers crossed cause I really like it.

This evening I'll be listening to Dandelion Wine which is such a treat to be reading for the first time.

>43 Carmenere: That sounds grand! I hope everything turns out in your kitchen the way you want it.

Happy weekend, Lynda!

>44 alcottacre: Me too, Stasia! I've been planning it for 20 years so I sort of knew what I wanted. I just want plain, simple, classic that won't look outdated after 5 years.

Happy weekend wishes to you too!

I have been amiss with Ray Bradbury and haven't read much by him. I think I read Something Wicked This Way Comes many years ago, but I should do a re-read as I don't remember it at all. I have both Dandelion Wine and Fahrenheit 451 in my stacks and I should add The Martian Chronicles as well.

Yay for new cabinets! We're systematically renovating our house room by room, but the kitchen is a little farther down on the list, I think. *sigh* As I'm typing this I can hear Tomm up in Charlie's room tearing off the molding...

>46 DeltaQueen50: Judy, I was always turned off my Ray Bradbury simply because I'm not a huge fan of Sci-Fi but I found his books are so much more. Hope you're able to get to your collection of Bradbury some time soon.

>47 scaifea: Oh, It's not just cabinets, Amber, it's floor, walls, lighting which carries into the adjacent family room as well. It's mind boggling. How do people building a house make all the necessary additions?!
Tomm working upstairs must be music to her ears! Does that mean painting or new flooring are in store for Charlie's Room?

>48 Carmenere: New paint and new fixtures - plus Tomm's making him a new bed! - but no new flooring just yet. He's working on replacing most of the carpeted floors in our house with hardwood, but Charlie resisted and wanted to keep his carpet for now.

>49 scaifea: Oooo, exciting! I get Charlie! There's nothing like putting your tootsies on warm carpeting on cold mornings.
My house is slowly going carpetless. After the family room is addressed, it will only be the living/dining room to de-carpet.

Hi Lynda - How exciting to have a new kitchen! Fingers crossed that it turns out as you hope.

I remember loving Dandelion Wine, but it has been so long since I read it that I should probably pick it up again.

Happy Saturday, Lynda! I hope it has been a good one!

>51 BLBera: Hi Beth!! It is exciting!! and very much needed. With the weird supply chain thing going on I wonder how long this project is going to take, but at least I know I'm on the right track.
Dandelion Wine is delightful

>52 alcottacre: I hope your Saturday has gone well too, Stasia. Today, I had a much needed cut and color. I don't know how my stylist tames my frizzy hair, ok, I do know but I still can not duplicate the look. I'd have to be an octopus to get the back just right.

>53 Carmenere: You mean you do not have 8 arms? I would lend a couple if I had any idea about what to do for a cut and color.

Happy Sunday, Lynda! I hope you are enjoying Dandelion Wine.

>54 alcottacre: Hahahaha, I used to have 8 arms, Stasia. It seems some drop off with age.

Hope you're having a delightful, Sunday, too.

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We have received about an inch of snow. *sigh*

>55 Carmenere: Send some snow here, please!! I will take it.

Oh yes, me too as long as you're handing it out! We're having temps just under 90F. That's stupid.

Me, three, with the snow request.

I hope your new kitchen is exactly what you hope for - we pretty much gutted our Indiana house room by room, and you are right that the choices and decisions needing to be made are overwhelming. We ended up with something we absolutely loved and that worked for us, so I am hoping that is what you get also. Crossing my fingers that the work will not be too drawn out because of supply issues. We recently purchased a new refrigerator, and it is supposed to arrive December 7th.

>56 alcottacre: hahaha, my pleasure, Stasia. The only good thing about November snow is it makes the dark days a little brighter.

>57 mstrust: Woe! 90 degrees in November is very stupid. Especially when your reservoirs need to fill up, not evaporate. I'll send some snow your way, for sure, Jennifer.

>58 Crazymamie: Ok, Mamie, I've got your order.
I do too. I'm trying to visualize but it's scary. I've asked my sister in law to come along to the meetings and I value her opinion. And I text the pics to Will for his feedback too. I'm crossing my fingers too.
Hoping December 7th will have you with a new refrigerator.

#39 One More for the Road
Ray Bradbury
4.5/5

This guy's a phenomenal writer. His short stories hit a dozen or so different emotions. If you've been as lax as I in reading Bradbury, stop it right now and start.

Morning, Lynda. I am hoping to get out and stretch my legs today. I feel like I am being confined. Looks to be a nice day too. Sorry about your Browns. I was watching and rooting for them on Sunday but they didn't look very good. I am a Bradbury fan but had not heard of One More for the Road. I have now.

Hey Mark! Yes, enjoy your beautiful day. It will be our beautiful day tomorrow. I'm planning on giving the leaves another clean up tomorrow and pick up a turkey.
Speaking of turkey's..........The Browns were cooked by the Pats. So ugly to watch, I had to turn it off even before half-time.
Oooo, glad I was able to introduce you to a new to you Bradbury. Here's another I'll be starting shortly, Now and Forever. Two short novella's from Bradbury, copyright 2007.

I'm really excited. I just received notice from NetGalley that my request for The Children on the Hill by Jennifer McMahon has been granted! I really enjoyed The Winter People by her a few years ago and this promises to be another scary/spooky one.

#40 Dandelion Wine
Ray Bradbury
5/5

I don't think writing can get any better than this.

>60 Carmenere: I have had that one in the BlackHole for far too long. Unfortunately my local library still does not have a copy.

>63 Carmenere: Glad to see you liked it! Probably my favorite among the books of his that I have read.

Next up is The 13th Gift for library book club. She is an author located in Dayton, Ohio (roughly mid-state). It seems like a rather sad story with feel good vibes.

>64 alcottacre: I'm not surprised, Stasia. I was not even aware of One more for the Road till I discovered it at my library. Seems it's overshadowed by Bradbury's more famous collections. That is a shame too.

Dandelion Wine is beautiful in its simplicity. Definitely one of my favorite reads, ever.

>63 Carmenere: That's exactly right. I don't think there's a better wordsmith out there. I'm so glad you loved it!

Morning, Amber! I read in the introduction to The Martian Chronicles that Bradbury credits Sherwood Anderson's Winesburg, Ohio for his short story format. I can see the similarities in his small town stories. I read Winesburg years ago but now I'm thinking it needs to be revisited.

>68 Carmenere: Oooh, Winesburg has been on my list for *years*! That's an extra push to get to it sooner...

Yep, Winesburg has been on my list for years too. I had no idea that it was an inspiration for Bradbury, so that's interesting.

>69 scaifea: >70 mstrust: Anyone up for a group read of Winesburg next year? I'm game.

>71 Carmenere: If you do the Winesburg read, please count me in as well.

Happy Friday, Lynda!

>72 alcottacre: That would be awesome, Stasia. I'll keep you in mind.

Count me in.

>71 Carmenere: Oooh, yeah, count me in!

>72 alcottacre: >74 mstrust: >75 scaifea: Stasia, Jennifer and Amber - Sherwood Anderson died in March, 1941 (Get this, he swallowed a toothpick and died of peritonitis) so why don't we shoot for March 1st as the kick off for our group read. That gives us a couple of months to get our hands on the book if we don't already have it.

I'll be posting a group read thread next year. oooo exciting!

Sounds good!
I had heard about his death somewhere, and what a horrible way to go!

Isn't it?! And to make matters worse he was on vacation with is wife. They were taking a cruise.

Morning, Lynda! I would also love to join in that GR of Winesburg, Ohio.

>76 Carmenere: Oh! That is a horrible way to go. Yikes.

>79 Crazymamie: Yay! Glad to have you on board, Mamie!

Add me in for the GR, too!! Please remind me though because I am not tracking plans for next year yet. LOL

I am never using a toothpick again. Except to see if cakes and bread are thoroughly cooked. What a way to go!

Happy Sunday, Lynda. Seeing anything interesting at your feeders? More juncos? I may also be interested in reading Winesburg, Ohio. It sounds like my cuppa.

>81 Berly: I certainly will, Kim. Glad to have you on board.

>82 msf59: Happy Sunday, Mark! Hope your Bears have a good game today. Feeders are the same bunch. Yes, some juncos but mainly the resident Blue Jays.
I hope you will be interested in Winesburg, Ohio come March. I'll keep you informed.

>76 Carmenere: Sounds good, Lynda! Count me in! I have already pulled my copy of the book and set it aside for reading next year.

>84 alcottacre: Haha, Stasia! Who said what goes into a Black Hole never comes out again. You proved them wrong. Glad to have you join us.

A Thanksgiving to Friends (Lighting the Way)

In difficult times
a friend is there to light the way
to lighten the load,
to show the path,
to smooth the road

At the darkest hour
a friend, with a word of truth
points to light
and the encroaching dawn
is in the plainest sight.

Lynda, to a friend in books and more this Thanksgiving

>86 PaulCranswick: Good morning, Paul. Those words really touched my heart!
I count you and all my Librarything pals as a blessing I am especially thankful for today.

Morning, Lynda. Happy Thanksgiving. Will you be sharing the holiday with your son? We are going over to my cousins for dinner. We don't see that side of the family often and my cousin's wife is a wonderful cook and host.

Do you get mourning doves at your feeders? I think counted 10-12 around my feeders yesterday. Normally 2-4 every day.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours, Mark!
Yes! Will arrived home yesterday, my heart is full.
Enjoy your day catching up with family and a delicious meal.

Yes we do and Red Bellied woodpeckers were frequent visitors yesterday too.

Happy Thanksgiving to all! I count each of you as one of my blessings and I'm so grateful to know you!
Whatever you do, wherever you are..........have a wonderful day.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanks, Jennifer same to you, Mike and Coral!

Lynda, I am so very grateful for you, my wonderful friend here on LT.

I wish you (and yours) happiness and health on this day of Thanksgiving. And cookies. : )

Lynda, hoping your Thanksgiving was full of happy. Glad that Will was able to come home for the holiday - most excellent.

It’s been a while since I visited, Lynda. I hope you had a nice Thanksgiving. Good luck with the renovations. I remember living through those and ending up with the kitchen I always wanted shortly before the house was sold.

Happy Tuesday from Joplin, Lynda!

Oh my goodness, I'm so far behind:

>93 Berly: Thank you Kim! I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!!

>94 Crazymamie: Thanks Mamie, It was a quiet stress-free Thanksgiving with Will. Hope you and the best T-day ever!

>95 Familyhistorian: Hi Meg! Good to see you! Yes, very nice. Hope your Thanksgiving was perfect! I paid the first installment of the remodel this morning. Next step: the contractor will drill small holes in the soffits to make sure they can be removed. Such a learning experience

>96 alcottacre: Safe travels, Stasia! Have a good time!

Hi Lynda, I hope you had a great Thanksgiving. I would also like to join in with the group read of Winesburg, Ohio next March. I will keep my eyes open for the thread.

>98 DeltaQueen50: Thank you, Judy! It's hard to believe we're hours away from December. Time is moving way to quickly.

That is awesome!! I've made of note of that and I'll let you know in February when the thread for Winesburg, Ohio is up.

I think I might also like to join in the group read of Winesburg, Ohio.

>100 thornton37814: Yippeee! I'll put you on my list Lori :o)

Miss Unorganized is about to begin wrapping prezzies. That's a step in the right direction.
I'm going to multi-task and, wait for it, read a book while I wrap. Lters can do anything!

Today's job: put out the Santa blow-up. Will gave me instructions before he went back to school.....so here goes.

Santa is up, well not up because it's really windy but he will be standing when it's less windy.
Also, did some shopping today and picked up a engraved wooden platter for my S-I-L's birthday. It is engraved with her mom's stuffed cabbage recipe. I think/I hope it will become a treasure for her.
And I looked at some kitchen appliances. The GE range, dishwasher and microwave looked good to me but what do you all have that you'd recommend or that you would never ever buy again?

#41 The 13th Gift
Joanne Huist Smith
2014
Library Book Club
4/5

Truth be told, I did not want to read this book, it hit too close to home and I wasn't sure I'd be ready for this story.
Ms. Smith writes a memoir of her first Christmas without her husband Rick, the father of her three children. Rick died of a sudden heart attack rather close to the holiday season. As her and her children struggle to find the what's next they begin to receive anonymous gifts leading up to Christmas. Every evening a gift will miraculously appear in the yard with a note copying the 12 days of Christmas with similar yet different gifts.
The takeaway is over the 12 days the family finds that it is not only the receiving of gifts but the giving that helps to heal the wound which their husband and father's death created.
Another plus for me is this is an Ohio story as Smith lived near Dayton during the time of this memoir and worked as a journalist at the local newspaper.

Morning, Lynda. Happy Friday. I am definitely enjoying this milder weather but things will take a wintery turn, early next week. I got in some good birding the past couple of days but nothing exciting happening at the feeders, although they are chowing down on the seed.

Morning, Lynda! I have a Miele dishwasher, which is pricey, but it is the best dishwasher we have ever had, and I really love it. My range is by GE - one from their Cafe line, and we also love that. Our microwave is adequate, so I will not make any recommendations there, but I would love to see what other people love for when we replace ours.

>106 msf59: Good afternoon, Mark! The weather has been really fickle, yesterday mid fifties, today snow showers and oh so gray!
I've had to fill my birdfeeders twice in two days. That's a rarity.

>107 Crazymamie: Thanks for your input, Mamie! Although your appliances are a little above my price point I'll certainly take a look at them. And if the salesperson is skilled, I can be swayed for the right reasons.
Is your range a double oven? Can a turkey fit into it? Hahaha, I had my neighbor measuring her new LG last night and she said yes with an inch to spare.
I looked at a GE yesterday, not a double oven, but it had convection, normal and air fryer modes.

Yes, our range is a double oven - a turkey can fit into the bottom oven.

>109 Crazymamie: Thanks, Mamie! I got to thinking, I don't have a spot in my new kitchen for baking sheets and cutting boards so I may favor a Non-double oven so I can have that storage underneath the oven section. Have a wonderful Saturday!

Today, I will erect the Christmas Tree. I can't imagine what these two crazy kitties of mine will do when they see it after their nap. I am anticipating shenanigans while I'm asleep.

>111 Carmenere: I doubt they'll sleep through putting it up. Mine would be out to help decorate it immediately. I must have a cat ornament or two. ;-)

>112 thornton37814: You are so right, Lori! As soon as they heard the rustle of fake tree they were up and about. I think I'm going to thread sleigh bells thru the branches and that may hinder, especially Lev the jumper, from climbing it to pounce on the curio cabinet. Yet, I know, any strategy I use, they'll out do me.

>113 Carmenere: LOL

My tree survived the night. Still optimism is on shaky ground as ornaments still need to be put on.

Ugh ugh ugh! did I say UGH! What a dark, dreary, rainy morning. My timer was confused, thought 9am was dusk and lights and inflatable turned on. Now, they are off so it must be a wee bit brighter.

Today, wrapping packages, some reading and I want to finish The Beatles: Get Back on Netflix. I'm really enjoying it.

Things are beginning to happen! I put my appliances in lay a way because we're certainly not ready for them and since they were in stock I thought it a good idea to put my name on them because a new order may take till April to arrive.

Today, a contractor came and cut into the soffits to determine if they can be removed. 2 can be and 1 can't because plumbing from upstairs bathroom goes through them. The designer was saddened but said we can work around them.

Today is the day for making stuffed cabbages for Christmas Eve. Will can have a couple when he comes home but the rest will go into the freezer.

I may have finally found a music lover who is interested in my piano. I'm donating it, they just need to have it moved and carted away. Fingers crossed - until it's out of my house it's still in my house.

Still reading Give Unto Others, I just don't feel relaxed enough to read for long periods of time.

Hi, Lynda!
Are stuffed cabbages your Christmas tradition? I've never had it but I know what they look like. I happened to make a red cabbage salad last night, a recipe I saw Jamie Oliver do.
I'm still baking cookies for our tins we give out every year, and we've added another recipient, so that will put me up to 17 tins to fill.
Glad you'll have the piano out of your house. I'm sure that will free up some room. Putting a new bookcase in?
We were just 39F this morning, which is very exciting for us!

Lynda, I would love to have that stuffed cabbage recipe if you share it. I'm crossing my fingers for the piano moving on to a new home.

No, not usually. Normally I have a beef tenderloin and a ham but since I'm making stuffed cabbage in anticipation of Will's return home, I made some extra and to put as a side dish. Family loves them but most don't make them so it's a little treat.

I follow Jamie Oliver but I've never made anything of his. How was the red cabbage salad?

I'm going to hold off filling the piano space until the wallpaper is removed, walls painted and carpeting replaced. Then I should have a clear vision of what's best. I do have my MIL's antique victrola in the garage so that's a possibility I'm just not sure if I'm looking for that antique kinda feeling.

BTW: We're breezy and 60f. What a flip flop!

Sure, Mamie. I'll post it when I get a chance. Hopefully soonish.
It's so sweet. This guy told me his 4 yo son just started taking lessons and he's so excited to have his own piano. I'm excited that he's excited! I hope this works out for all of us.

Here ya go, Mamie

1 medium head of green cabbage, cored
2 lbs of ground meatloaf mix
1/2 cup uncooked rice
1 tsp salt
1 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tsp minced garlic
2 large slightly beaten eggs
1 (32 oz) jar sauerkraut, drained w/juice reserved
1 (12 oz) pkg smoked kielbasa sliced
1 small onion sliced thinly
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
3 tbsp melted butter - mix w/1 tbsp paprika

Cook cabbage in boiling water and gently pull away the leaves as they loosen. Let cool then thin thick vein from back of leaves. Reserve about 4 cups of the cabbage water.

Combine meat, rice, salt, paprika, pepper, garlic and eggs. Divide into about 20 equal sized balls with a scoop.

Make cabbage rolls by placing scoop of meat inside the bottom portion of cabbage leaf and roll up tucking in the sides as you roll. Repeat till all leaves are done and chop up remaining cabbage leaves.

Place 1/3 of sauerkraut and chopped cabbage in bottom of 7 quart dutch oven. Add single layer of rolls, seam side down. Top w/ 1/2 of kielbasa, 1/3 sauerkraut and repeat. Top with sliced onions. Add reserved cabbage water and add additional water till level reaches top of sauerkraut. Bring to a boil. Reduce to simmer. Add tomato sauce, melted butter with paprika. Simmer about 2 1/2 hours till a test roll looks and tastes cooked through.

Don't forget, sour cream on the side :0)

Happy Thursday, Lynda! Here's to the piano being gone soon!

>123 alcottacre: Hi Stashia! I'm so hoping for it to magically go *poof*

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Does anyone else find it necessary that when you grab a red hershey kiss, you must take a green and silver one too? Or is that just me?

>122 Carmenere: Thanks so much, Lynda!

I don't eat Hershey's kisses, but Craig does that - taking one of each color.

>124 Carmenere: I do not eat chocolate, so I am going to say it is just you. Who am I to judge though?

>125 Crazymamie: You are welcome, Mamie. I must add I just did a taste test and *Mmmmuaa
>125 Crazymamie: >126 alcottacre: Ahhhh, You don't eat Hershey's kisses?! Wonderful! more for me :0)

>127 Carmenere: I am allergic to chocolate (and sugar, for that matter) so a lot of candies are off limits for me.

>120 Carmenere: How was the red cabbage salad?
It turned out really well and very flavorful. Strong flavors, as it has raw onions, jalapenos, cumin, cilantro and lime juice. Something you get to taste even an hour later ;-D
He used it on tacos, I used it as a side salad.
>124 Carmenere: Does anyone else find it necessary that when you grab a red hershey kiss, you must take a green and silver one too?
Thank you for keeping the planet in balance.

>122 Carmenere: Yummy! That looks like a fantastic recipe.
I had dinner at my parents last week and they had made stuffed cabbage. They actually salted and fermented the cabbage leaves themselves in a stone crock which gave it an extra kick.

Have a great weekend!

Happy Friday, Lynda. Not much to add to the foodie discussion but much of it looks good. I hope you had a good week. I still have a birdy buffet going on in the backyard. Just hoping to see a surprise visitor.

Morning, Lynda! I do like chocolate, but I am more of a savory person. I like my snacks to be salty.

>128 alcottacre: Stasia, I never knew anyone who was allergic to sugar. That could be a good thing though as I've heard that some diseases feast on sugar in our systems. You're probably slim too.

>129 mstrust: I need to pay closer attention to Jamie.
Hahaha, well, someone has to keep the planet balanced. I'm doing my small part.

>130 figsfromthistle: Wow! That is very interesting. It's sort of like making sauerkraut rolls, maybe? I'll have to look into that further.

>131 msf59: Howdy, Mark and Happy Friday to you too! I hope you do see a. surprise visitor. What are you hoping for?
After a busy week, my bird friends seem to have slacked off. I know they'll be back but for now they probably are confused by the springlike weather.

>132 Crazymamie:. Aaaah, I see. Then perhaps you like pretzel bits in your chocolate? I'm sure Hershey has a variety to please everyone......just like M&M's.

My favorite Hershey's product is their original chocolate bar. But I do like to eat pretzels with my chocolate. Peanut M&Ms were an excellent way to get both the salt and the sweet, but I don't eat those anymore because I try to be gentle with my teeth. I am slightly paranoid since I broke a crown the year of Daniel's wedding. I would love to never do that again.

Yikes, Mamie! That is a very good reason not to dive into the savory M&M's. I'm sad that crowns have prevented me from chewing gum. It used to calm my nerves now I'm just always nervous. :0(

Just to be clear, I didn't break it on M&Ms. It just...broke. But now I am paranoid about doing it again. I hear you about the gum - I no can no longer chew it, either.

Ah! gotcha! "just broke" is even more troublesome.
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So piano mover is booked till after Christmas. I'll be patient.
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My patience did run out, however, on adjusting to progressive lenses while driving. I went to a local optical store and said, give me your least expensive frames and insert them with my distance only prescription. They'll be done in a couple of weeks.
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Rainy day, perfect for baking cookies and cleaning house...hopefully, a little reading too.
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Stuffed cabbages are so good and such a lot of work!

Surprisingly, Beth, really not that much work mainly a bit time consuming

Will's home, Will's home! :0D

Today, for the first time, I will make Russian Tea Cakes (snowballs).
The delayed Browns game is at 5pm today and if they win, we're in first place....if we lose, we're in last place. That's just how tight this division is this year. First we have to find out who's out with covid and who's in, could make all the difference in the world.

I've been listening to Libertie. I think it's on the Tournament of Books shortlist. It's is so good in part because of the wonderful narration.

Also, I'm really enjoying Cape Cod circa late 1800's, The Comfort Book and Give Unto Others. I'm hoping I'll finish them all by the end of the year.

The tea cakes are buttery deliciousness. Kolachi's were made yesterday and keeping the sugar cookies company in the freezer.
I'll make cheesecake on the 23rd and top it off with a cherry glaze.

Tonight, Browns football - should be interesting with the majority of the starters off due to covid protocol.

Pizza and wings were just delivered and and and!
The piano is being picked up on the 27th! Yay!

Lynda, sounds like you are all set. Hooray for Will arriving home and for the piano having a departure date. Pizza, wings, football...perfect.

>133 Carmenere: No, I am not slim. My weight has been an issue my entire life, unfortunately.

Have a wonderful week, Lynda!

>142 Crazymamie: Another depressing outing from the Browns. Although our third string quarterback did a fairly good job, they couldn't get it done and lost by 1 pt.
I told Will, my pet peeve is when players showboat after a play like they won the superbowl. If I were the coach I'd tell them your showboating mean zilch until you win the game.

>143 alcottacre: Thanks, Stasia! I hope you have a wonderful week too. Did you ask Santa to bring new games?

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A family party scheduled at a cousins house has been cancelled on the 23rd because some members have covid.

My nephew and his wife will not becoming to my place on the 24th because he has covid.

This seems worse than last year. Ugh!

>144 Carmenere: We are getting at least 3 new games for Christmas, including one that I was not expecting until after Christmas.

Sorry to hear about the party cancellation, but best be safe!

Morning, Lynda. You asked up there, what I would like to see pop up at my feeders. Well, a white-throated sparrow would be nice, along with a purple finch, pine siskin and maybe a red-breasted nuthatch. All of these are seen here in the winter. Just something to spice things up, other than the dove, house sparrow party.

Morning, Lynda! Sorry about the get togethers being cancelled. Bummer, but at least there is Will.

YAY for Will being home!! I'm sorry that your gatherings are getting canceled, but I'm with Mamie - having Will home very probably makes up for it!

>145 alcottacre: How exciting! Enjoy learning your new games.
I agree, last I heard, some from the 23rd festivities were anti-vaxxers so it's best not to gather indoors anyway.

>146 msf59: Oooh, I'll look through my bird book for those and keep an eye out for them too! It's been quiet at my feeders, I'm sure they're nibbling elsewhere.

>147 Crazymamie: For now, Christmas Eve is still on only not for my nephew and his wife. We'll see, things seem to change daily.
Agree, I would be content with a party of two.

>148 scaifea: Just one party cancelled, so far. For me, with Will home, everyday is a party!

Today, hair trims and last minute gift buying. Sunny and springlike here.

To Lynda:

I wish you and Will a Merry Christmas!

Thank you from both of us, Jennifer! Cheers to a very, merry one to you too!!

I love Russian tea cakes, Lynda. Yum. I have Libertie on my shelf. I'll look for the audiobook.

Merry Christmas. Enjoy your time with Will.

>152 BLBera: Oh, Beth, the Russian Tea Cakes were so easy and simply buttery goodness. *Mua
I hope you enjoy Libertie in any manner you read it.
Thank you! I'm enjoying every second of his visit.

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Our Christmas Eve celebration is down to 8 people as my niece is sick and not sure what it is so she and her boyfriend are staying home.
The 8 gathering are vaxxed and most have boosters so fingers crossed.

Have a lovely holiday, Lynda.

Thank you, Paul! Hope your Christmas was just as cozy as those socks!
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Christmas Eve went on without a hitch. 8 guests all of which were delighted to gather after skipping last year.

Among other things Will gifted me with Under Jerusalem. My inner archaeologist is so excited to slowly absorb this book.

My Christmas Swap person, Carrie gifted me with some wonderful books from my wishlist:
The Frozen Thames. - Again, my inner archaeologist at work :0)
The Hemingway Book Club of Kosovo
Mr Penumbra's Bookstore
HelpFinder Bible
The Bookshop of Yesterdays
and some tasty treats from her corner of the world Moon pie's and fudge!
I'll begin the New Year reading from these books.
Thank you, so much, Carrie!!

These were our family ornaments this year and, despite COVID, a merry time was had by all. I hope the same is true for your holiday and here's to next year!!

Haha, I love those ornaments, Kim! I'm happy to read actually and a merry time!
Ours was very merry - although we've taken all vaxes and precautions the majority of us think were going to get it one way or another......I on the other hand am a bit more optimisitic.

Morning, Lynda. Nice gift book stack up there. You sent me Rock Springs, right? Can you believe I am finally getting to it? So many books stay exiled on shelf. Hard to keep up. I hope you had a nice holiday weekend.

Morning, Lynda! Nice book haul from Carrie! I loved The Frozen Thames.

I'm happy your Christmas Eve gathering was a success. We had an excellent Christmas, too.

Libertie
Kaitlyn Greenidge
4/5
Tournament of Books shortlist

After losing her father when she was very young, Libertie was raised by her single mother in post Civil War era Brooklyn. Their hopes of being treated differently after the war were not to be for this light skinned Black woman and her darker skinned daughter. Yet, she believed that if she taught her daughter science and biology and sent her to college she would become a doctor just like her and would afford her more independence in the future. It was either love, lust or music that sidetracked Libertie which led her down a path which actually reduced her freedoms rather than expand them.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story which is based on and inspired by the first Black woman to become a Doctor in New York.

I rec'd a call from Sister-in-Law while I was typing my review but Yay! I see I've had some visitors.

>158 msf59: Good morning, Mark! Yeah, I think I did send you Rock Springs a while ago. I hope you enjoy it! Thank goodness for the stoic patience of books.
Despite all the stuff we need to contend with nowadays, the weekend was lovely!!

>159 Crazymamie: Morning, Mamie! I've been wanting to read The Frozen Thames for ages. It will definately be on my January must reads list.
I'm so glad to read your Christmas was delightful!
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Seems New Years Eve and Day will be a quieter affairs for Will and I. We're already planning on Surf and Turf ala kitchen.

Light dusting of snow and gloominess is the order of the day today.

Ahem, I'm just very happy to announce the piano movers took my piano away for a little 4yo to enjoy and play his heart out on. :0)

Yup that's me!

>162 Carmenere: Aw, that's wonderful!!

l'm so happy little fingers are tinkling those ivories.

Glad that you had a good holiday, and that the piano is finally gone!
We had seven at our Christmas and it was fun. Some rain in Vegas and more today in Phoenix. I'm putting away gifts and doing laundry. And procrastinating on the computer. I may need to have a fire to keep Coral warm.

>160 Carmenere: Too bad my local library does not have that one. It sounds like one I would enjoy. Thanks for the recommendation, Lynda!

>162 Carmenere: Yay! I hope the 4-year-old grows up to be a concert pianist :)

Happy New Year, Lynda!

>155 Carmenere: Nice book haul, Lynda.

>162 Carmenere: Lucky little 4-year-old!! : )

Morning, Lynda. We got our first snowfall yesterday. About 2-3 inches in our area, so nothing ridiculous. Have you got any? BTW- I am quite liking Rock Springs, probably more than you did.

>170 Berly: Yes, he's lucky and so am I! I was going to tell his dad to let me know when he's having his first recital but I didn't want to add to the pressure.

>171 msf59: Morning Mark! We had our first, and only major snowfall way back in November, about 4 inches. Last night we a dusting but now it's about 40f and melting.
I looked back for my review of Rock Springs and there is none! Only when I bought it and when I set it free. I'm really happy you're enjoying it!

>162 Carmenere: We passed on a piano this year, too. A local man took it for his grandaughter to learn on - another future concert pianist!

>173 CDVicarage: Yay! Isn't it a great feeling to share our love of music to another generation?!

#43 The Comfort Book
Matt Haig
4.5/5

Truthfully, liking this book depends on where you're at on your journey. Personally, I am at a good place for this book and it's short reflections of wisdom, common sense and words of comfort offering empowerment and strength. It's rather like Chicken Soup for the Soul, I guess, but I never read that thinking it was to sappy. The Comfort Book delivered what it was written to do.

#44 The Bible
I finished Bible in a Year

It's a good book though complicated, ambiguous, somewhat repetitive but I'm looking forward to the reread in 2022.

Will and I watched Key Largo last night and made a Romanian bread from the cookbook he gifted me with Christmas 2020. It's called Cozonac and turned out pretty good especially because it used the Y word. Yeast is not my favorite substance because it's just so fussy. Yet, tis time, we must have pulled the right triggers. I'll have a slice with coffee this morning.

Quiet NYE for us. We'll be cooking up lobster tails and filets. Friends and family are keeping it pretty low key this year.

I hope to finish one more book before the clock strikes 12.

Happy New Year to all. Peace, health, love and happiness in 2022!

Morning, Lynda! Your New Year sounds like just the ticket - quiet and low key is my favorite kind. And hooray for Key Largo - I love that movie.

Lovely wishes - wishing the same for you!

Good morning, Mamie!! I love Key Largo too. What a classic!
I hope your NYE is just the way you like it too!

Here is my 2022 thread. Hope to see you all there. BYOB and BYOF, I'm going simple. :0)

Forget your stresses and strains
As the old year wanes;
All that now remains
Is to bring you good cheer
With wine, liquor or beer
And wish you a special new year.

Happy New Year, Lynda.

>181 PaulCranswick: Paul!! Thank you for the lovely New Year Wishes. Somehow, your words eluded me back in January but they come at a most appropriate time. I hope 2022 is treating you well! x