Katie's 2022 Reading Room - Part 22

CURRENTLY READING
(Audio) (Kindle)

Hello, friends! Glad to have you joining me on another year’s reading (and life) journey.

For anyone new to my thread, I’m Katie: reader, wine drinker, food appreciator, shenanigan-ator, and non-sufferer of fools. I live outside New York City with my husband, "The" Wayne, our cat, Leonard, and our dog, Nuala/Noodles. Last year, I left my job in association management to explore life as a domestic goddess. I hope to do some writing, too, but that requires discipline and motivation, neither of which has ever made a permanent home with me…

My reading varies widely - I love genre fiction (romance and crime), contemporary and historical fiction, and narrative nonfiction. I try to balance my reading in all these areas. I also use my thread as a bit of a life journal, which mostly means I talk about what I’m cooking, eating, drinking, watching, doing, and avoiding doing.

Thanks for being here!

Books Completed

Books Off My Shelf: 11
Books Off My Kindle: 22
Books from Audible/Chirp: 26
Library Loans (print/e-books/audios): 56

DECEMBER
115. French Leave by Anna Gavalda (4 stars)
114. Christmas by the Book by Anne Marie Ryan (audio) (4 stars)
113. Resting Scrooge Face by Meghan Quinn (3.5 stars)
112. Catching Christmas by Terri Blackstock (3.5 stars)
111. Wench by Dolen Perkins-Valdez (3.75 stars)

Did Not Finish (YTD)
1. These Silent Woods by Kimi Cunningham Grant
2. This is the Story of a Happy Marriage by Ann Patchett (will come back to this one; was just not in the mood)
3. Breathless by Beverly Jenkins
4. Find Me by Alafair Burke
5. Chevy in the Hole by Kelsey Ronan
6. The Island by Adrian McKinty
7. Love, Nina by Nina Stibbe
8. This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub (will borrow again another time)
9. A Gracious Neighbor by Chris Cander
10. Small Game by Blair Braverman
11. On Rotation by Shirlene Obuobi

COMPLETIONS - Q4

NOVEMBER
110. A Child's Christmas in Wales & Five Poems by Dylan Thomas (audio) (4 stars)
109. A Royal Pain by Rhys Bowen (audio) (3.5 stars)
108. Mistletoe Christmas by Various Authors (2.5 stars)
107. The Chill by Romano Bilenchi (3 stars)
106. Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult and Jenny Finney Boylan (4.25 stars)
105. Under One Roof by Ali Hazelwood (audio) (3.5 stars)
104. Unmentionable: The Victorian Lady's Guide to Sex, Marriage & Manners by Therese Oneill (audio) (2 stars)
103. A Crime in the Neighborhood by Suzanne Berne (4.25 stars)

OCTOBER
102. Strangers in Death by J.D. Robb (4 stars)
101. Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting by Clare Pooley (4 stars)
100. Cold Storage by David Koepp (audio) (4 stars)
99. Not Suitable for Work by Skye McDonald (3.75 stars)
98. Uphill by Jemele Hill (3.5 stars)
97. Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend by Matthew Dicks (audio) (3 stars)
96. The Little Bookshop of Lonely Hearts by Annie Darling (4 stars)
95. The Wrong End of the Table by Ayser Salman (audio) (3.5 stars)
94. Dracula by Bram Stoker (audio) (3.5 stars)
93. The Furies by Natalie Haynes (4 stars)
92. V for Victory by Lissa Evans (4 stars)

COMPLETIONS - Q3

SEPTEMBER
91. Evidence of the Affair by Taylor Jenkins Reid (audio) (3 stars)
90. Poppy Harmon Investigates by Lee Hollis (audio) (2 stars)
89. In a New York Minute by Kate Spencer (3.5 stars)
88. The Hundred Waters by Lauren Acampora (3 stars)
87. Night Boat to Tangier by Kevin Barry (audio) (4 stars)
86. How It All Began by Penelope Lively (4.5 stars)
85. This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub (4.25 stars)
84. 84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff (audio) (5 stars)
83. No Judgments by Meg Cabot (audio) (2.5 stars)
82. Crooked Heart by Lissa Evans (4 stars)
81. A Long Walk to Wimbledon by H.R.F. Keating (3 stars)
80. Murder in an Irish Village by Carlene O'Connor (audio) (4 stars)
79. Portobello by Ruth Rendell (3.75 stars)
78. Waltzing the Cat by Pam Houston (4.5 stars)
77. Sin Eater by Megan Campisi (audio) (4 stars)
76. The Hostage by Susan Wiggs (2.5 stars)
75. The Wolf Wants In by Laura McHugh (4 stars)
74. A Night to Surrender by Tessa Dare (3.5 stars)

AUGUST
73. The House of Broken Angels by Luis Alberto Urrea (4.25 stars)
72. An American Summer by Alex Kotlowitz (4 stars)
71. Biloxi by Mary Miller (4 stars)
70. Feeding the Dragon by Sharon Washington (audio) (3 stars)
69. Creation in Death by J.D. Robb (3.5 stars)
68. The Last White Man by Mohsin Hamid (audio) (3.5 stars)
67. Jonathan Unleashed by Meg Rosoff (4 stars)
66. Waiting for Eden by Elliot Ackerman (audio) (4 stars)
65. Northanger Abbey by Val McDermind (2.5 stars)
64. The Sound of Broken Glass by Deborah Crombie (4 stars)
63. The Poet's House by Jean Thompson (4 stars)
62. Adult Assembly Required by Abbi Waxman (4.25 stars)
61. The Wizards of Once by Cressida Cowell (audio) (3.5 stars)
60. Murder is Easy by Agatha Christie (3 stars)
59. Best of Luck by Kate Clayborn (4.25 stars)

JULY
58. The Locked Room by Elly Griffiths (4.25 stars)
57. Did Ye Hear Mammy Died? by Seamas O'Reilly (audio) (5 stars)
56. Luck of the Draw by Kate Clayborn (4 stars)
55. Rain Dogs by Adrian McKinty (4.25 stars)
54. The Light Over London by Julia Kelly (audio) (3 stars)
53. Flying Solo by Linda Holmes (4 stars)

COMPLETIONS - Q2

JUNE
52. The Cost of These Dreams by Wright Thompson (audio) (4 stars)
51. Beginner's Luck by Kate Clayborn (4 stars)
50. Young Jane Young by Gabrielle Zevin (audio) (4 stars)
49. Recitatif by Toni Morrison (4 stars)
48. Book Lovers by Emily Henry (4.25 stars)
47. Holding by Graham Norton (audio) (3 stars)

MAY
46. The Sun is God by Adrian McKinty (audio) (3 stars)
45. Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt (4 stars)
44. A Very Large Expanse of Sea by Tahereh Mafi (audio) (4 stars)
43. The Girl He Used to Know by Tracey Garvis Graves (audio) (3 stars)

APRIL
42. Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult (3.5 stars)
41. The Lost for Words Bookshop by Stephanie Butland (audio) (5 stars)
40. Miss Lattimore's Letter by Suzanne Allain (audio) (3.5 stars)
39. Ocean State by Stewart O'Nan (4 stars)
38. Good Boy: My Life in Seven Dogs by Jennifer Finney Boylan (audio) (3.5 stars)
37. The War I Finally Won by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley (audio) (4 stars)

COMPLETIONS - Q1

March
36. Beauty by Robin McKinley (audio) (4 stars)
35. The Heiress Gets a Duke by Harper St. George (3.75 stars)
34. Maid by Stephanie Land (audio) (3.5 stars)
33. The Music Shop by Rachel Joyce (audio) (4 stars)
32. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury (audio) (3 stars)
31. See Jane Score by Rachel Gibson (3 stars)
30. Shoeless Joe by W.P. Kinsella (audio) (4 stars)
29. The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley (audio) (4 stars)
28. Wave by Sonali Deraniyagala (audio) (4.25 stars)
27. Wilder Girls by Rory Power (audio) (2.5 stars)
26. A Matter of Class by Mary Balogh (3 stars)
25. State of Terror by Hillary Clinton and Louise Penny (half audio) (3.5 stars)
24. The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn (audio) (4 stars)

February
23. Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell (audio) (3.5 stars)
22. Hero of the Empire by Candice Millard (audio) (3.75 stars)
21. Isabel's Bed by Elinor Lipman (audio) (4 stars)
20. Love & Saffron by Kim Fay (4 stars)
19. Kiss Me Tonight by Emma Hart (audio) (3.5 stars)
18. The Wedding by Dorothy West (audio) (3.75 stars)
17. Last Best Hope by George Packer (audio) (4.25 stars)
16. Here For It by R. Eric Thomas (audio) (4 stars)
15. Ghachar Ghochar by Vivek Shanbhag (audio) (3.5 stars)
14. If Beale Street Could Talk by James Baldwin (audio) (4.5 stars)
13. The Fell by Sarah Moss (4.75 stars)
12. Her Royal Spyness by Rhys Bowen (audio) (4 stars)

January
11. Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan (4.25 stars)
10. As You Wish by Cary Elwes (audio) (3.5 stars)
9. The Last Bookshop in London by Madeline Martin (audio) (3 stars)
8. Mr. Flood's Last Resort by Jess Kidd (audio) (4 stars)
7. Mindful Drinking by Rosamund Dean (3 stars)
6. Passion on Park Avenue by Lauren Layne (3.75 stars)
5. Aliens of Extraordinary Ability by Maeve Higgins (audio) (4 stars)
4. I Loved You First by Various Authors (audio) (3 stars)
3. Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness by Peter Kuper (4 stars)
2. Gun Street Girl by Adrian McKinty (4 stars)
1. Henrietta's War by Joyce Dennys (3.5 stars)

Around the Year in 52 Books:

TITLE
- A book with a language or nationality in the title - Murder in an Irish Village by Carlene O'Connor
- A book with a time-related word in the title - Night Boat to Tangier by Kevin Barry
- A book that uses all five vowels in the title and/or author's name - Passion on Park Avenue by Lauren Layne
- 2 books with the same word in the title - The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
- 2 books with the same word in the title - The War I Finally Won by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
- A book with 22 or more letters in the title - Aliens of Extraordinary Ability by Maeve Higgins

COVER
- A book with an image of a source of light on the cover - Mr. Flood's Last Resort by Jess Kidd
- A book with one of the Monopoly tokens on the cover - Henrietta's War by Joyce Dennys
- A book without a person on the cover - I Loved You First by Various Authors
- A book with handwriting on the cover - Murder is Easy by Agatha Christie

THEME
- A book that features loving LGBTQIA+ relationship - Here for It by R. Eric Thomas
- A book related to mythology - The Furies by Natalie Haynes
- A book with a theme of food or drink - Love & Saffron by Kim Fay
- A book related to a game - Shoeless Joe by W.P. Kinsella
- A book related to Earth Day - The Hundred Waters by Lauren Acampora
- A book related to psychology, neuroscience or the mind - Mindful Drinking by Rosamund Dean

SETTING
- 3 books set on three different continents - Ghachar Ghochar by Vivek Shanbhag (Asia)
- 3 books set on three different continents - Miss Lattimore's Letter by Suzanne Allain (Europe)
- 3 books set on three different continents - The Sun is God by Adrian McKinty (Oceania)
- A book set in a small town or rural area - Holding by Graham Norton
- A fiction or nonfiction book that is set during 1900 -1950 - Her Royal Spyness by Rhys Bowen
- A book set on or near a body of water - Ocean State by Stewart O'Nan
- A book with an academic setting or with a teacher that plays an important role - The Locked Room by Elly Griffiths

CHARACTER
- A book where the main character is a female detective or police officer - Creation in Death by J.D. Robb
- A book that involves aging, or a character in their golden years - Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell
- A book with a non-human as one of the main characters - Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
- A book about a woman in STEM - Beginner's Luck by Kate Clayborn
- A book with a main character whose name starts with A, T, or Y - If Beale Street Could Talk by James Baldwin (Tish)

GENRE
- A book that involves alternate reality, alternate worlds, or alternate history - The Wizards of Once by Cressida Cowell
- A book with gothic elements - Northanger Abbey by Val McDermind
- A book from the historical fiction genre - The Last Bookshop in London by Madeline Martin

AUTHOR & PUBLISHING
- A book published in 2022 - Book Lovers by Emily Henry
- A book published at least 10 years ago - The Wedding by Dorothy West
- A book by a Latin American author - The House of Broken Angels by Luis Alberto Urrea
- A book by an Asian or Pacific Islander author - Wave by Sonali Deraniyagala
- A book with a Jewish character or author - Isabel's Bed by Elinor Lipman
- A book by an author with two sets of double letters in their name - Good Boy by Jennifer Finney Boylan

GOODREADS & RECOMMENDATIONS
- A book posted in the 2021 or 2022 ATY Best Book of the Month threads - Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult
- A book connected to a book you read in 2021 - Gun Street Girl by Adrian McKinty
- A book that fits your favorite prompt that did not make the list - The Lost for Words Bookshop by Stephanie Butland (Book with a character who loves books)
- A book with fewer than 5000 ratings on Goodreads - The Fell by Sarah Moss

AWARDS, CHALLENGES and LISTS
- A book that won an award from Powell's list of book awards - A Crime in the Neighborhood by Suzanne Berne
- A book from NPR's Book Concierge - An American Summer by Alex Kotlowitz
- A book from the TIME list of 100 Best YA Books of All Time - A Very Large Expanse of Sea by Tahereh Mafi

OTHER
- A book connected to the phrase "Here (There) Be Dragons" - Feeding the Dragon by Sharon Washington
- 2 books related to flora and fauna - Poppy Harmon Investigates by Lee Hollis
- 2 books related to flora and fauna - Rain Dogs by Adrian McKinty
- The next book in a series - Luck of the Draw by Kate Clayborn
- A book related to one of the 22 Tarot Major Arcana cards - Kiss Me Tonight by Emma Hart (Lovers)
- A book related to glass - The Sound of Broken Glass by Deborah Crombie
- A book related to inclement weather - No Judgments by Meg Cabot
- A book less than 220 pages OR more than 440 pages - Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness by Peter Kuper

My Ratings (revised, once again, as I continue the fruitless search for the perfect scale...)

2 stars = Whyyyyyy?
3 stars = Eh, ok.
4 stars = Definitely worth the time.
5 stars = Perfect *for me*

(Anything below 2 stars is unlikely to be finished)



WELCOME!

Happy new thread, Katie!

Thanks, Reba!

New-thread orisons, Katie, and a happy new week.

Cheers to a new thread.

As I scrolled through your reading list for the year, Jennifer Finney Boylan's name caught my eye. And what popped into my mind was that I heard/saw that she'd written a book with Jodi Picoult. But then I looked at your current reads. Bzzzzt! As per usual, I'm a bit behind.

Thanks, RD and Bill!

Happy new one!

Happy new thread, Katie.

Happy new thread, Katie!!

Thank you, Jim, Helen and Amber!

Happy New Thread, Katie. We had our first snowfall today. WTH??

Happy new thread, Katie!

It's also snowing here, and I'm not amused.

Happy new one!

No snow. Sunny skies for a change! Happy new one. : )

>17 msf59: - Lucky! :D

>18 bell7: - Also lucky!!

>19 figsfromthistle: - Thanks, Anita!

>20 Berly: - Thank you, Kim!

Good morning/afternoon, all! Not much going on here. We came in 5th of 14 trivia teams last night. Today, I'll be doing some organizing/straightening up. It's amazing how things just pile up in places and never get returned to their proper places. Oy. TW has a bunch of "informational" calls with various recruiters this morning, so I'll be laying low until those are finished. He got a message last night from someone on his old team at Twitter, asking if he'd consider coming back. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Um, no.

Books:
I might finish Mad Honey today, but more likely tomorrow. I will make an effort to finish up my audio today, though.

Yesterday's viewing:
None

>22 katiekrug: Guessing that question didn't take long to answer! Hope the calls go well and he can feel like he's moving forwards to a better place. Well done on the trivia.

>22 katiekrug: Apparently "move fast and break shit" has its limitations as a management style. The living avatar of the old-fashioned Peter Principle is gonna lose a LOT of money (which is a Good Thing) while costing real people their livelihoods and innocent people their lifestyles (very very very bad things).

There isn't a blood clot big enough to choke the oxygen out of this yutz's brain soon enough.

Happy new thread, Katie. Good luck to TW!

>23 Helenliz: - Thanks, Helen. He's not looking for anything immediate to start because he'd forfeit some bonus due to him. But it doesn't hurt to put the feelers out...

>24 richardderus: - I'm like the girl in that meme smirking at the camera as the house behind her burns down. I will say, I do feel bad for the employees here on visas who don't have the luxury of deciding to leave without something lined up.

>25 BLBera: - Thanks, Beth!

Hello, friends! Happy Thursday. We had a fun-filled afternoon yesterday with a trip to Costco and lunch out. I don't know why Costco always exhausts me - we weren't even there that long! The rest of the afternoon was quiet and neither of us was hungry for dinner, so we skipped it. I'm still fighting my cough, but I think it's getting better. At least this morning, I am not drowing in snot :)

Today, TW and I are going on a date to see 'Wakanda Forever,' hoping it will be less busy on a weekday afternoon than a weekend. Not sure what I'll get up to before that - maybe some of that organizing/straightening up I was supposed to do yesterday?

Books:
I didn't read a single page or listen to even a minute yesterday. Bad Katie.

Yesterday's viewing:
I watched a couple of University Challenges, and then an episode of 'The Crown' and the first two episodes of season 3 of 'Broadchurch.'

>27 katiekrug: I hope the matinee crowd is light and you and TW have a good time!

Ooohhh, great date-movie choice! I hope y'all enjoy it.

>28 MickyFine: and >29 richardderus: - Thanks, Micky and Richard!

Late check-in, as I had a rough night and only got decent sleep after about 5:00am :( That said, this morning I'm not nearly as snotty or cough-y as I have been in the morning, so maybe things are looking up.

We really enjoyed the movie yesterday - especially having the theater to ourselves. That allowed me to take my mask off, which was nice. Weirdly, I hate wearing a mask in the dark. Dunno why.

I skipped the gym today and rescheduled an eye appointment I had, so I have nothing on the agenda, except a call with our financial advisor. I'm going to take it easy and hope to usher the cold permanetly out the door!

Books:
No reading or listening yesterday.

Yesterday's viewing:
3 episodes of 'Broadchurch.' I may finish it this afternoon.

>31 katiekrug: Sounds like you’re on the road to recovery—yay!

Broadchurch was an excellent show—and it had two Doctor Whos in it, right? David Tennant and Jodie Whitaker. Can’t beat that!

Karen O

>31 katiekrug: Hooray for easing up on the doins today. I'm glad Wakanda Forever worked so well, and jealous of your empty theater.

Have a snotless day!

Glad you are feeling better! May the trend continue. : ) My plan was to go the brewfest at our Zoo, but it's already sold out. Dang it. Plan B -- Hoping to hit the movie theatre tonight, but have no idea what's even playing. Just need a date night. Happy new thread!

I love having the theatre to myself. So much fun!

Sorry to hear about the rotten sleep but crossing my fingers your immune system is just about done fighting the bug.

>32 klobrien2: - Hi Karen! I'll miss Broadchurch when I finish it. I love the interaction between Coleman and Tennant. I am not a Dr. Who fan (I don't not like it, I've just never been interested in it), so I didn't know that factoid :)

>33 richardderus: - Thanks, RD! I haven't taken any medicine today and am doing okay, which I think is a good sign.

>34 Berly: - Well, Wakanda Forever was very good, if you need a recommendation :)

>35 MickyFine: - Thanks, Micky. As I said to Richard, I haven't felt the need to take any medicine today, so while I am not 100%, I'm definitely better!

I totally forgot friends of ours from Dallas were coming into NYC this weekend with their daughter. We had texted vaguely about getting together, but nothing more and then it left my brain. So change of plans for this evening: we are headed into the city to meet them for dinner :-P Good thing I am feeling so much better!

Glad you're feeling better, Katie. I've been reading the Twitter news; TW is lucky to be done with it!

>38 BLBera: - For sure! It's a total shit show inside a dumpster fire :D

It was nice to see our friends last night, but I seem to have relapsed a bit with my cold. Sigh. Nothing super pressing on the agenda, so I guess I'll just take it easy. I do need to start the grocery list for Thanksgiving, but that should be easy enough. Maybe I'll actually make some progress with my reading today...

Is cold-suffering a good time for you to read? Sometimes it is for me, but mostly not. Misery like a cold's, the breathing icks and snorts, just won't let me sink into a story.

Audiobook? That seems like the perfect way to get your story hit when you need both hands for the tea mug and the kleenex.

Whatever you decide to do, *smooch* for it being satisfying and distracting.

I *completely* forgot to ask if you've watched the two holiday episodes of GBBO! They're the 2021 ones and they dropped on Netflix like, yesterday...Kim-Joy, Rowan, Hermine, and Jon-from-Wales are back and they hadda make a velociraptor cake (or something that sounded like it)! (The celebs are from a show I doubt you've seen called It's A Sin but they're all really sweet.)

Anyway I think you'd enjoy it a lot more than the current season. And it's pretty much perfect virus-watching material.

Sorry your cold is making itself known again. Hope these are it's last moments and that it is fully gone by tomorrow.

Oh boo for the cold relapse. I know the cold/ sinus infection I had back in October hung on for much longer than I would have liked so you have all my sympathy.

>41 richardderus: and >42 richardderus: - As it turned out, I mostly just watched TV yesterday :-P Hoping for more reading today while football is on. I need to check when Mad Honey is due back at the library, as I might need a marathon reading session!

I haven't watched the GBBO holiday episodes yet.

>43 RebaRelishesReading: - Thanks, Reba. It's still here, sadly.

>44 MickyFine: - Thanks for the sympathy, Micky!

So, yeah, still not feeling 100%. I was supposed to go with Mary (bell7) to the Giants game today, but I had to bow out, because I would spend the whole time coughing. The cold air seems to exacerbate it, and it's only going to be about 35F today. I'm bummed :(

My only plans for the day are to do a load or two of necessary laundry and to veg on the couch. TW is planning to make spaghetti with meat sauce for dinner, so we can add stuffing my face with that to the agenda :)

Books:
I did zero reading yesterday. Stupid cold.

Yesterday's viewing:
All the things. The last 3 episodes of Broadchurch, two episodes of The Crown, the GBBO/S finale, and some Formula 1...

I usually find it hard to read while I'm sick too. I hope the lounging on the couch today is exactly the kind of rest you need.

Awww poor Katie! I'm sorry to see you're still under the weather. I understand spaghetti with meat sauce has medicinal powers, so hopefully that will do the trick.

Too bad about the cancelled plans with Mary. I hope you are back to good health soon.

OK Cold, that's enough!! Leave Katie alone now!

Catching up - sorry the cold is hanging around like an unwanted guests who wont leave when the party is over. I seem to have come down with one this morning. I've been up about 90 minutes and I've already had it up to here with the cough.

thank you

Hi Katie, and happy new thread!

From your last thread, I’m glad that TW is doing fine. He's very relieved to have been on the axed side of things, as the situation for those left sounds pretty awful.

>22 katiekrug: Yay that TW won’t consider going back to that dysfunctional pile of poo. I hope it collapses – but after TW gets his 3 months severance, of course. So, next February or March?

>24 richardderus: I saw the Peter Principle in effect my entire business career. It was always white men, and it was always with lots of money and bennies.

Sorry you’re still feeling puny, hope last night’s face stuffing was satisfying.

Thank you all for the sympathy! The cough is annoying, but I did seem to have more energy yesterday, so that must be a good thing, right? Hoping for more of the same today :) TW's spaghetti last night was excellent, and exactly what I wanted. I ate an embarrassingly large bowl of it. Heh.

Today, I'll keep working on cleaning. We aren't having any company for Thanksgiving, but I'm fixated on having a thoroughly clean house for the holiday. I also plan to make some scones and to watch the US-Wales World Cup match.

Books:
Ugh. It's been like 3 days since I read or listened to anything...

Viewing:
I finished up The Crown and we watched some Formula 1 on Netflix.

Hope you're continuing to improve today after a nice, relaxing weekend! As it was, you may have thanked your lucky stars you could read instead of watching that abominable second half :P

>55 bell7: - Thanks, Mary! What an ugly game :( Not looking forward to the Thanksgiving match-up against Dallas...

Ooohhh, spaghetti! I don't get it when the kitchen makes it for gluten reasons but I still crave it. And mac and cheese.

Maybe I'll splurge on some gf pasta this Thursday. hmmmmm

>57 richardderus: - Do it! #treatyoself

Hello, friends! I'm continuing to make progress in fighting this cold and actually got a pretty good night's sleep last night. I had some energy yesterday and got some things accomplished, though not as much as I'd like (story of my life!). Today will be more bits and pieces, and trivia tonight.

Books:
I read! I finished a book! And I should finish another one today. Progress!

Yesterday's viewing:
US World Cup match (a tie - boo!), the first two episodes of the new season of Sex Lives of College Girls, and the first two episodes of the first season of White Lotus.

Wordle 521 3/6

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I've started mixing up my starter word. SHINE, PRIDE, PRIME

Morning, Katie. Glad you are starting to feel better. Were you satisfied with this latest season of The Crown. Sue and I plan to watch the 2nd season of White Lotus but I will keep it on a short leash.

Good morning Katie! Looks like your new Wordle strategy paid off today, although your previous method could have ended in 3 too. It took me 6 today, thanks to a "too many options" situation.

I'm glad you're feeling better!

>60 msf59: - The Crown was okay. I think it's the completist in me that made me watch it. I don't think you're missing much if you decide to skip it.

The White Lotus is a trip! I'm enjoying it. I hadn't planned on watching it, but decided on the spur of the moment to give it a try.

>61 lauralkeet: - Yeah, I was a little annoyed about changing my word, but oh well!

NPR is out with their annual list of favorite books!

https://apps.npr.org/best-books/#view=covers&year=2022

Use the filters on the left to narrow down the choices to your tastes if you find the complete list overwhelming :)

Hi Katie!

>59 katiekrug: Yes, ugh, a tie. Darned Zimmerman for drawing the penalty and letting Bale get the point. Yay for finishing a book. And finishing another one!

>63 katiekrug: Thanks for the link. I’ll check it out later.

>63 katiekrug: I love their best books lists! Between the filters and the multiple years, it's a great resource when someone's looking for "a good book" and I'm coming up blank.

Hope the cold is good and gone for you, finally.

Wordle 522 2/6

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BROAD, DRIVE
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Lots of errands today - grocery store for the bits and bobs we wanted to get as fresh as possible, pie pick-up from a local baker, wine run, etc. I'll probably do a bit of cleaning, as well, and hopefully some reading. We'll probably hit a happy hour for dinner, because I don't believe in cooking the night before Thanksgiving.

Last night, we were 4th of 21 teams at trivia, with TWO perfect rounds :D

Books:
I finished Mad Honey yesterday (excellent) and started the next novella in the holiday romance anthology I'm making my way through. I also started a new audio - A Royal Pain by Rhys Bowen.

Yesterday's viewing:
None

>64 karenmarie: - I mean, I didn't hate having the camera linger on Bale while he prepared for the PK, but.... *grin*

Friday's match is going to be a beast.

>65 bell7: - It's my favorite list, I think, because of the variety, and the ability to use multiple filters at the same time to really drill down. I often find great gift ideas in it.

Cold is mostly gone except for the stupid cough, which is better but occasionally reasserts itself. Luckily, it is no longer disturbing my sleep.

Wow -- amazing trivia performance and Wordle in 2. You're on a roll, girl! I hope you pre-Thanksgiving errands go smoothly. I'm thinking about making a wine run too. I suspect the store will be pretty busy, but there's also a bakery/patisserie nearby ... hmm.

Have a great day!

>63 katiekrug: ooooooooooooooooo

All the pretties, precioussssssss

*aaargh* Book-Gollum woke up!

Do y'all use a Roku? Their GBBO channel has all the old seasons PLUS THE CELEBRITY ONES WE DON'T GET!

>68 lauralkeet: - I must be some sort of genius! ;-)

The grocery store was a madhouse, of course. But I got everything I needed. I was going back and forth on whether I was going to do stuffing (it never turns out the way I want it to), and finally decided to bite the bullet and just do it.

Enjoy that patisserie because I KNOW you are going to stop in!

>69 richardderus: - So. Many. Books.

Nope, no Roku here...

>67 katiekrug: I guess I drilled down too far because it came up with "no matches" for me :(

Congratulations on your excellent Trivia evening!

Have a lovely Thankgiving Eve, Katie!

Excellent trivia result.
And on surviving shopping!

Glad you are feeling better.

The grocery store is always chaotic before a holiday. Enjoy the stuffing! I am sure it will turn out great :)

>66 katiekrug: Excellent wordling!

>71 RebaRelishesReading: - LOL. How many filters did you use, Reba?!?!

>72 MickyFine: - Thanks, Micky!

>73 Helenliz: - Thanks, Helen!

>74 figsfromthistle: - The stuffing will be fine, but it won't be like my mom's :)

I was awake grossly early, especially after a late night. So here we are. Maybe I can snooze on the couch for a bit in the afternoon...?

This morning, I'll be doing some food prep, including making the stuffing (herb and sausage style) and putting together our no-cook brunch (cheese, meats, fruit, hummus, etc). I'm also in charge of the veg. I'm mostly looking forward to mashed potatoes and dessert (we each got a pie - chocolate pecan for TW and apple-pear with crumble topping for me).

The menu:
Smoked turkey breast
Garlic mashed potatoes
Herb and sausage stuffing
Ginger and garlic green beans
Gravy
Pie
And a nice selection of wine.

Should be a good day!

Thank you as always for books, thank you for this group and thanks for you. Have a lovely day, Katie.

Happy Thanksgiving, Katie!
>70 katiekrug: sadly the trip to the patisserie was a bit of a bust (not-very-exciting details on my thread). But the wine run was successful and we all know that's what really matters.

Enjoy your cooking.

Happy Thanksgiving, Katie! Your dinner with The Wayne sounds wonderful.

>77 PaulCranswick: - LOL, where's the list of books?!?

>78 lauralkeet: - Well, poop about the baked goods. But yay for the wine!

>79 msf59: - Thanks, Mark. Hope you have a nice holiday!

Happy holiday Katie. Hope you're fully recovered from the cough soon. I'm not at work today (university strike action) but getting very little done, including reading. Maybe tomorrow.

Thanks for posting the NPR lost- I'm off to investigate. I do love a list!

Hi Katie!

>67 katiekrug: Bale’s a hunk, no doubt about it. One of my favorite parts about men’s soccer is admiring various body parts and oh yes, watching the actual soccer. Yes, I’m a tad worried about the Friday match with England.

>76 katiekrug: Your T-day menu sounds wonderful.
.

Ooh, I think I'd want to try both yours and TW's pies. I hope you have a lovely day!

Enjoy the day and your lovely meal, Katie!

Lovely meal plan! I'm glad you're factoring in a nap for the afternoon.

*smooch*

Happy Thanksgiving, Katie! Hope you and your hubby have a lovely, restful holiday.

>80 katiekrug: Well since you asked! These are the 972 books I have acquired so far this year Katie.

https://www.librarything.com/topic/345708#7973940

>81 charl08: - I hope you find something good on the list, Charlotte. And that your reading mojo returns!

>82 karenmarie: - My big crush in college was a soccer player, so I have a long-standing appreciation :D

>83 MickyFine: - We have yet to try them ourselves, Micky. I plan on a bit of mine for breakfast...

>84 RebaRelishesReading: - Thank you, Reba!

>85 richardderus: - The nap was excellent, as was the dinner.

>86 DeltaQueen50: - Thanks, Judy!

>87 PaulCranswick: - I was looking for the list promised in your graphic. Thanks, Google! http://www.fireandicebooktours.com/thanksgiving-books-for-adults-a-books-list-fo...

Ah, the day after.... It's rainy and gloomy here, perfect for turkey sandwiches and leftover carbs. We *might* go watch the USA-England match somewhere, but no definite plans. We are going to the gym today, because we are virtuous like that ;-)

Our Thanksgiving was very nice and involved only one emergency run to the grocery store (I was getting ready to make the stuffing when I discovered a hole in the sausage packaging). TW kindly went and I remembered at the last minute that we also needed bread for turkey sandwiches. Phew! Other than overot with the ginger in the green beans, everything turned out very well, including the stuffing which was probably the best version I've made (best meaning closest to what my mom's was like!). We had no room for dessert, so that's something to look forward to today.

Books:
Before my nap, I managed to finish up a novella in the Christmas anthology I have going. Today, I'll chose a new print/Kindle book to read.

Viewing:
Football (stupid Giants) and after dinner I watched two episodes of The Sex Lives of College Girls and one of The White Lotus.

So? How was the pie?

Also pleased to hear that your Thanksgiving a deux was lovely and that you're getting closer to perfecting your stuffing. :)

>90 MickyFine: - You have a one-track mind, Micky! LOL. My breakfast pie was delicious! I forgot it had dark chocolate in it, so that was a fun surprise. It was officially a dark chocolate pear and oat crumble pie (according to my receipt). Delicious! TW still hasn't broken into his, the weirdo...

>88 katiekrug: Your soccer player comment made me smile. I had a crush on a gymnast in high school and still enjoy watching gymnastics as a result :)

>91 katiekrug: Yup. If there's dessert, I am laser-focused on it. :P Glad to hear it made an excellent breakfast!

And just to mix it up, I'm interested to see what book gets chosen next. :)

I picked up a novella, The Chill. It's a Europa Edition, translated from Italian. Not very far into it yet....

>91 katiekrug: ...wait...what?! The Wayne has a pie untouchèd?! How is this, this atrocity even possible?!

My store-bought seven-layer bars were delish. Rob and I ate our crockpot stuffing-based dinners together at 1.30am. I loved that idea! Making the same dish with the same ingredients in our crockpots and then chowing down together. (Well, finishing the food up in my case since leaving it all until that late was not a-gonna happen.)

He likes the Trader Joe's gluten free stuffing mix and, since Valerie was here and I could get to TJ's, I procured and now understand his taste for it. The spice package has mushrooms and shallots and was really delicious. The gluten-free croutons stayed textural, too. I was expecting gloop and was most pleasantly surprised.

>91 katiekrug: This Weird_O would be glad to assist TW with that pie. Just being a good Samaritan.

>76 katiekrug: Sounds like a delicious meal! Happy weekend :)

Pie for breakfast sounds good. So did your Thanksgiving meal.

>95 richardderus: - He *finally* had a piece last nice and declared it "not bad" which is pretty high praise from him, LOL.

I love how you and Rob celebrated together!

>96 weird_O: - Ha! I'll let him know, Bill, in case he needs help!

>97 figsfromthistle: - Thanks, Anita. Hope you have a good one, too!

>98 Familyhistorian: - I also had pie for dinner, so it was a banner day :)

Morning/afternoon, all! We had a quiet day at home yesterday, which was nice. We got some organizing done (my MIL is coming for Christmas and I am starting to freak out...), watched the USA-England match, unpacked some of TW's books, listened to Christmas music, etc. We had a big lunch of leftovers, so skipped dinner, though we each had a slice of pie around 8pm :D

Today we'll be putting up the Christmas tree and assessing our decoration needs. I also need to figure out where we are putting the tree, since I don't feel like moving a bunch of furniture... Not sure what else we'll get up to.

Books:
I finished the Italian novella I had picked up on Christmas day, so now I'll read another entry in my holiday romance anthology. No listening time yesterday.

Viewing:
Just the aforementioned soccer match.

Wordle 525 3/6

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PENIS, RAMEN, CLEAN

Under One Roof by Ali Hazelwood

This was a delightful romance about two seemingly very different people sharing a house. I loved the banter and snarky humor, as well as the chemistry. A great introduction to Hazelwood's work.

3.5 stars

NB: I believe this is only available on audio.

Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan

Jodi Picoult can be hit or miss for me, but this was a solid winner. Like many of her novels, it deals with a contemporary, controversial issue in a sensitive way. I don't want to give too much away, so the short version is that the novel tells the story of the death of a teenaged girl in a small town and is told in alternating chapters from the perspective of that girl and of the mother of the boy accused of killing her.

Per the author's notes, Picoult wrote most of the mother's chapters and Boylan most of the girl's. The narrative is seamless, though, and that's a credit to both authors (and probably their editor). I also really enjoyed learning about bee-keeping and bee colonies!

I hope this book will open some minds and some hearts.

4.25 stars

Hi Katie!

It sounds like your T-day was quite wonderful and yay for leftovers and pie. We've got the same, and I had a wonderful turkey sandwich for breakfast. I'll have pie for lunch and leftovers for dinner.

I was spellbound by the US-England game and even a draw was a win for the US.

>104 karenmarie: - Hi Karen! It was a very nice holiday - quiet and low-key. I do miss my family celebration so we may go to Dallas next year for it.

I'm looking forward to Tuesday's match against Iran.

Everybody's scanning the year-end book lists. WaPo published its lists, including the best audios. I failed to look at it because I have not succumbed to listening to books. But I was impressed by the acknowledgement that listeners want to know too. Maybe it should have been an audio.

Excellent T-day eating.

>106 weird_O: I just glommed the NYPL 2022 adult bests list and was so pleased that Did Ye Hear Mammy Died? was on it, as well as a couple I'll be reviewing in #Booksgiving, and some other good ones I've got holds on.

>103 katiekrug: Opening minds and hearts is something I long for, too, starting with myownself.

>99 katiekrug: It was a great idea! I'm glad he came up with it and that he wants to do it for Yule, too.

>106 weird_O: - That's cool about the audio list, Bill. I'll have to look it up.

>107 Helenliz: - And there's still pie left!

>108 richardderus: - It's a lovely way to share a celebration when you can't be together.

Happy Sunday, all. Ours is starting out grey and chilly. We got some projects done yesterday, including getting the tree in the living room up and making space in the family room for the other. We had forgotten we had gotten a second tree (long story), but The Wayne is well pleased to have two, as he is a Christmas fanboy. In the early evening, we went to a local brewery for a Brews and Books event where my friend was reading from one of her books. She did a great job, though the event itself was a bit lame. I had a nice raspberry jam holiday ale - I'm not much of a beer person, but I really liked this one. After that, we decided to try a new restaurant for dinner and it was fabulous. Old school Italian, with an excellent loaf of bread served to start. We shared a really good Caesar salad and TW had the chicken savoy while I opted for haddock fra diavlo over angel hair. It was perfectly spicy and delicious. So yay for trying new places!

Today should be pretty quiet. We might go out somewhere so TW can see his Dolphins play, but he hasn't decided yet. If we don't, we'll just continue organizing things at home for Christmas, I think.

Books:
I'm almost done with the holiday romance novella I'm reading, so may have the chance to pick a new book today. And I'm hoping to work on my current jigsaw puzzle and get some audio time in this morning.

Viewing:
After dinner, I watched an episode of White Lotus. I'm enjoying the show but find it a bit slow. I haven't decided if I'll watch season 2 or not.

*takes a bow*

Wordle 526 2/6

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>111 katiekrug: Wow! Congratulations!

Karen O

>111 katiekrug: Nicely done. Clearly still mixing up your first two words LOL.

>111 katiekrug: Brava! That is a terrific feeling, isn't it.

>110 katiekrug: The White Lotus got my attention for, errrummm, a *controversial* scene but honestly? It's just okay.

So, now that jack is going to start a new Twitter, is The Wayne planning to join him?

Happy gloomsday, I mean Sunday!

>112 klobrien2: - Thanks, Karen!

>113 lauralkeet: - I always return to the PENIS, snork!

>114 richardderus: - I think I know what scene you mean :)

No, TW has zero interest in working for anyone involved in what has happened at Twitter, Mr. Dorsey included.

Gloomy Monday morning here. I have lots to do - gym, groceries, laundry, etc. I didn't get anything done yesterday, as The Wayne decided he wanted to go watch the Dolphins game, so that ate up most of the afternoon. They won, though, so he was happy. I think we are going to the movies tonight, so that will be a nice change of pace. We are also planning to go Wednesday. All of a sudden, there's a lot of stuff we want to see!

Books:
I decided to just finish up my holiday romance anthology, so I am on the last one and should finish it today. No audio time yesterday.

Viewing:
Just football and then TW watched The Witcher while I snoozed on the couch before toddling off to bed.

Two days in a row!

Wordle 527 2/6

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>115 katiekrug: LOL!

*fist bump* Way to go Katie! Chris and I both got it in 2 today as well. More luck than skill, but I'll take it.

>118 lauralkeet: - It's always luck!

>119 katiekrug: You and karenmarie are clearly in league with The Devil, y'all 2fer-gettin' eville wimmins.

*grumble*

(I don't blame TW at all. I'd get as far away as possible, too.)

Getting a two in Wordle is amazing

So here I was all chuffed I had today's Wordle in three only to go visiting and find a string of 2'fer's :( Oh well, congratulations anyway!

Impressive wordling. >:-)
And hope Monday does it's thing with the least possible pain & inconvenience.

>120 richardderus: - *evil laugh*

>121 magicians_nephew: - Nah, just lucky!

>122 RebaRelishesReading: - As if 3 isn't a worthy accomplishment. Pshaw.

>123 Helenliz: - Monday is behaving itself so far....

Good luck doing ALL THE THINGS today!

Mr. Fine and I have been trying to find a night to go see the new Black Panther and keep failing at it. Pesky jobs... :P

>125 MickyFine: - I hope you can find a time! It's definitely one to see on the big screen...

ETA: Just one more thing left on my To Do list :D

>125 MickyFine: yes and in another Marvel "Back door pilot" they're sneaking in the Golden Age Namor the Sub-Mariner.

Imperious Rex!

Can't wait

>127 magicians_nephew: - I have no idea what this means :)

Hi Jim!

Morning, all. 'Glass Onion' was great - just a lot of fun. And we dug the major anti-Elon vibes :) Before we left for it, we dined on The Wayne's most excellent chili, so all in all, a good night. I also got my Must Do list finished yesterday, which was a nice feeling. Today will be taken up with little things, including dropping Nuala off at day care (and picking her up), some wrapping, and TW has been making noises about going to IKEA, but I'd rather do that another day so I don't risk missing the US-Iran World Cup match. Trivia tonight.

Books:
I spent some time with my audio (A Royal Pain) yesterday, and I finished the holiday romance anthology on my Kindle. I am now reading Wench.

Yesterday's viewing:
Just the movie.

Morning, Katie. I have not read Jodi Picoult in 20-25 years. Glad she is still writing some quality books. I am looking forward to seeing Glass Onion. It would make a good date movie with Sue.

>129 katiekrug: Ooh, I want to see that. I think I'll be waiting for the budget option though (thanks Netflix). Good to hear it was, well, good.

>129 katiekrug: I need to get organized and finally rent "Knives Out" so I can watch the sequel. Glad to hear you enjoyed it.

Have you watched "Avenue 5" on HBO Max? Major anti-Elon vibes in that one, but it's also pretty funny otherwise. Stars the wonderful High Laurie.

I'm glad you enjoyed Glass Onion, Katie! I can see how it would have resonated with you & TW. I disliked most of the characters but then I don't think they were supposed to be likeable. And Daniel Craig's Benoit Blanc character is a hoot.

>130 msf59: - Picoult is definitely hit or miss for me, but Mad Honey was very good and an important read, IMO.

You should definitely take Sue on a date to the movie!

>131 charl08: - I hope you like it when it comes to Netflix, Charlotte. Definitely not one you "need" to see on the big screen.

>132 rosalita: - If it helps, G.O. stands on its own, Julia. Just sayin'!

And I haven't heard of 'Avenue 5,' but I'll definitely be checking it out now. Love me some Hugh Laurie. And Elon mockery :)

>133 lauralkeet: - Yeah, they were all pretty terrible, except for Andi/Helen.

Has anyone seen 'The Menu?' That is next on our list...

>133 lauralkeet: agree re: your spoiler, and I'm intrigued by 'The Menu'. I adore Ralph Fiennes and Nicholas Hoult is easy on the eyes LOL.

>136 lauralkeet: - I think Fiennes is pretty easy on the eyes, too :)

Morning, Katie! I'm a little jealous of your ability to watch the U.S./Iran match today (though full disclosure I'm not much of a soccer fan haha), but I'll be working and have to check updates on my phone. Hope you have a great day!

>138 bell7: - Thanks, Mary! Hope work isn't too onerous today and you get time to peek at the match :)

The Chill by Romano Bilenchi

At under 100 pages, this slim volume is beautifully written but the story was barely there. Ostensibly a coming of age story, I found it too slight to develop fully and there was nothing for me to connect with. Apparently, Bilenchi is a well-known Italian author but I'm afraid his talent was somewhat lost on me. That said, what little writing there was was lovely, hence my rating.

3 stars

Mistletoe Christmas by Various Authors

I'm a sucker for holiday romance anthologies, and like most collections, they usually include at least one dud which I am willing to deal with because there are usually also gems. This was just a collection of four duds. Disappointing!

2.5 stars

>141 katiekrug: Oh dang, that's a bummer. I picked up a couple holiday romances at random from the library and I'm hoping they'll be decent.

>142 MickyFine: - I hope you have better luck!

Ah, Wednesday... It's gloomy-grey here this morning, and it was hard to get out of bed. We have a gym session today and we'll probably go to IKEA this afternoon. In between, I need to run to the grocery store for a couple of things for tonight's dinner.

Trivia was a bear last night. We came in 11th of 15 teams, but our total points were pretty high. I did enjoy my clam chowder and grilled cheese, though :)

Books:
I'm reading Wench on my Kindle - it's historical fiction set at an Ohio resort where slave owners took their black mistresses. Pretty good so far.

On audio, I finished A Royal Pain and listened to A Child's Christmas in Wales and Five Poems by Dylan Thomas yesterday afternoon. We are taking my MIL to see an adaptation of ACCiW at the Irish Reperatory Theater when she visits for Christmas, so I figured I should finally get to it. It was charming and was read by Thomas himself.

Yesterday's viewing:
USA-Iran soccer match. Great first half, nail-biter of a second, but the US won and have advanced, so that's good. I expect they'll be knocked out on Saturday when they meet the Netherlands.

>144 katiekrug: It was satisfying to beat Iran after their snarky fuss about the flag.

Clam chowder and grilled cheese sounds *decadent* as a dinner. I'm glad for y'all that this pub's grub is so satisfactory.

>141 katiekrug: Ugh!

Mid-fifties and rain isn't my absolute favorite weather but I spoke to a friend in Austin and it was mid-EIGHTIES and SUNNY there so, well, I'm gonna belt up.

Lovely-reads *smooch*

Hi Katie!

>117 katiekrug: Congrats on Wordle in two, two days in a row. I did the same, although for words 527 and 528.

>141 katiekrug: Sorry about all four being duds. Eloisa James is usually a good author, but of the 24 books by her that I read this year, there were four that I rated less than 3.5, which in my rating system is ‘very good’.

>144 katiekrug: I missed the first half of the US-Iran match but watched the second half, which I agree was a nail-biter. I’m sorry Pulisic got injured. We’ll be watching the Saturday match for sure.

It’s gloomy here, with lots of rain. Your day sounds busy, mine’s indoors in jammies all the way.

Love that recording of Thomas reading "A Child's Christmas" They tell stories about that recording session, Thomas showed up late, half drunk, and then nobody could put their hands on a copy of the text.

So half of Cadmeon records kept Thomas from wandering off while the other half went out into the snow to find the book. He read it - one take and done - and beautiful.

>145 richardderus: - I may have also snagged some tater tots off of TW's plate. It was not a healthy dinner :)

US Soccer was dumb to mess with another country's flag during the tournament, as all it did was cause distraction to their side.

>146 karenmarie: - Eloisa James can be hit or miss for me. I was surprised her entry in this anthology wasn't better, though it was probably the best of the lot.

A PJ day sounds lovely!

Pulisic says he'll be back for Saturday, but he said it from a hospital, so.... who knows?

>147 magicians_nephew: - Thanks for sharing that, Jim!

Very nice story and a reminder why so many of us like sports. It's not just about favorite teams and competitions.

https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/team-usa-players-share-emotional-embrac...

Happy Thursday, all! We had a good day yesterday, including a successful trip to Ikea (we have to go back because we couldn't fit everything we needed in the car) and I finally bit the bullet and made an appointment for a deep housecleaning next week. Can't wait! And then The Wayne made a fabulous dinner of open-faced sausage and pepper sammies with melted provolone. Delish!

Today will be a bit hectic, as we have the plumber coming to try to solve the mystery of our slow bathroom drains, plus the return trip to Ikea. My women's networking group is meeting this evening for a holiday party and I will try to also check in on my virtual happy hour. AND there is a tree-lighting/holiday celebration down the street that I'd like to attend, but that might all be a bit much in one evening. We'll see.

Books:
My current audio is Christmas by the Book, which I think I am going to love. And I am halfway through Wench, which is very good but I can't wait to move onto lighter fare...

Viewing:
We watched the first episode of Andor.

I was getting a bit concerned...

Wordle 530 4/6

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PENIS, RATED, THOLE, EJECT

In other news, we have now aquired all the bookcases needed for The Wayne's project. And the plumber basically said if we had any plans ever to renovate the two bathrooms, we should do it now, because all the pipes need to be replaced :-P So that's fun.

>151 katiekrug: THOLE!!! Today I learned a new word ...

I also got it in 4, which was one better than the infernal WordleBot. Although it still managed to get in one snide "That guess wasn't my favorite" so overall it's still on my shitlist. ;-)

>153 rosalita: - Ha! I don't bother with Wordlebot because my game is what it is :) Kind of like LL - which I am sucking at this season. TW puts a lot of effort into assigning points, and I just can't be bothered beyond noticing if someone sucks at a particular category (or is super good at it)...

>153 rosalita: I'll second your "on my shitlist" and I need to look your new word up. I've never heard or seen it before.

>155 RebaRelishesReading: - I learned that word from doing crosswords, I think. Or maybe playing Scrabble with my parents as a kid...

>152 katiekrug: Oof! Sorry for the sad plumbing news.

Your current read caught my eye (Christmas and book in a title at this time of year will do that) so I'm looking forward to your review. :)

>152 katiekrug: Oh yay. Well, better to learn it this way and not because three feet of water cascaded down the inside of the wall into the basement where it shorted out the oilburner.

*shudder*

So, have a lovely busy day!

>157 MickyFine: - As I'm listening, I'm thinking, "Oh, Micky will like this one!"

>158 richardderus: - Yeah, we can limp along for a while. But I'm already researching bathroom remodelers...

Brrr, chilly morning here! But the sun is out, which is nice. I didn't manage to do All the Things yesterday evening... I bailed on the virtual HH. I did remember to start my Advent calendars - I have a wine one and a chocolate one :) Surprisingly, the first wine wasn't too bad!

I have some errands to run today, and then I'll work on picking up around the house, I think.

Books:
I should finish up Wench today and will probably opt for a light read to follow it. The audio of Christmas by the Book continues to entertain.

Viewing:
Nada

Wordle 531 3/6

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PENIS, FRAME, CHAFE

I liked your photos of your Advent calendars on Insta, Katie, and pleased to hear the contents are solid so far.

I have a chocolate one (one that I refill with chocolates of my choice, which is The Best) and then a quilted one I've had since childhood where a teddy bear goes looking for Christmas. Mr. Fine bought himself a Lego Star Wars Advent calendar and had fun building his first little ship last night. :)

I haven't been round the threads in ages, so sorry I'm so late! Bah to the pipe issues, but new bathrooms would be nice, yeah?

>161 katiekrug: *chuckle* another good double-entendre day.

>160 katiekrug: TWO advent calendars! Gracious. I'd be big as a condo complex if I indulged like that. Your gym-going clearly pays dividends galore.

I'm always forgetting to ask you if y'all keep up with Joel the Devil now that he's in South Beach with his Hot Young Thing. Since I remembered, I asked.

I've got 2 advent calendars, one with a different tea every day and the other is my usual advent village, where I get to build a little card house or shop every day to populate the village. Had it over 20 years now and I carefully dismantle every building each year & put it away for another year.
I bought him some fun size chocolates - only none of them fit into the advent train (don't ask, long story). So he's just having them out of the bag each day.

>162 MickyFine: - Well, the first non-wine advent treat was pretty meh. White chocolate is gross...

I like the surprise of an advent calendar, so while I've considered buying a "permanent" one that I could fill each December, I think that would take away the fun for me.

>163 scaifea: - Hi Amber! New baths would be great, I just dread the whole process. But we bought the house with the intention of re-doing all the baths (there's a half one, too) and the kitchen, so...

>164 richardderus: - No, Joel the Devil just up and abandoned us, thr big jerk. We are still connected on IG, but he doesn't post anything and rarely interacts on mine.

>165 Helenliz: - Hmm, your two advent calendars sound far healthier than mine!

>166 katiekrug: Mine is still pretty random. I went to Purdy's and they have a counter where you can select your chocolates and build your own box. So I picked 25 chocolates that I like or want to try and then they go in the calendar. Other than picking one of my all-time favourites for Christmas Eve, I have no clue what the chocolate will be on any given day. Guaranteed tasty and still a surprise. 😊

>167 MickyFine: - Ah, I see. It's nice that you know you won't get any duds! The Wayne was sad last night, because it was a coconut praline and he hates coconut...

We are back to grey and damp weather here. I don't mind too much, except it means Nuala doesn't like to go out and work off her energy so gets very needy... I'll be watching the US World Cup match later this morning, and then TW and I have to rearrange the storage room/pantry on the ground floor so the plumber can do his magic on Monday morning and get the laundry sink working again. I've been promised a nice dinner as reward for my efforts :)

Last night was very chill and quiet, which is just what I needed. We ordered Chinese and caught up on 6 episodes of University Challenge. And then I had a lovely 8 solid hours of sleep.

Books:
I spent some quality time with my audiobook yesterday - I'm more than halfway through now and still enjoying it. I finished up Wench on my Kindle, and this morning started Catching Christmas.

Viewing:
The aforementioned UC marathon.

>168 katiekrug: ...hates...coconut...likes...Tesla...truck...

...weirdo

Happy Saturday! I've positively reviewed two YA books in two days. I do not even know who I am anymore.

>170 richardderus: - Uncertain what you mean about the Tesla truck....?

>171 katiekrug: The Wayne liked the Cybertruck, right?

I think you're a very generous soul not to leave him just based on that lapse in judgment!

>172 richardderus: - Not that I'm aware of!

Got lucky... this could have turned into alphabet soup!

Wordle 533 3/6

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PENIS, CLOVE, ADORE

Happy Sunday, friends! It's a chilly, sunshine-y morning here. Yesterday was great - got lots of things done around the house and then had a quiet evening. We went to our favorite dive bar for dinner and I had the most amazing grilled cheese - three kinds of cheese and bacon jam. *chef's kiss*

Today will be taken up with laundry, football, and meal planning. Typical Sunday.

Books:
I'm enjoying both my holiday-themed reads, one on Kindle and one on audio.

Viewing:
The two most recent episodes of 'Sex Lives of College Girls,' the finale of season 1 of 'White Lotus,' and my favorite episode of 'The Office' (The Injury), which still makes me almost pee my pants.

>175 katiekrug: The winery we "belong" to offers a grilled brie and goat cheese with something sweet on it (I can't remember what) that is amazing. Yours sounds tempting but what is "bacon jam"?

>175 katiekrug: I read Deck the Paws and The Mistletoe Experiment today...brain-free romantic reading set now...and was completely gruntled if utterly unchallenged.

Some days that's exactly what one needs.

Happy week-ahead's reads!

Your thread has reminded me that I've not got an advent calendar at all. I think I deserve (!) at least some ferrero rocher.

Hope the bathroom decision isn't top much of a headache. I hate decorating decisions so don't envy you the bathroom choices. Despite saying that, I like the idea of a big freestanding bath with those fancy feet. (Did you have the Cadbury Flake ads in the US?) Maybe when I win the lottery...

>176 RebaRelishesReading: - Hi Reba! Bacon jam is like a relish almost - bacon cooked with onions and (I assume) some sugar for sweetness, plus other stuff I would guess. I've never made it. But it's sweet and salty and delicious!

>177 richardderus: - I'm definitely enjoying my light reads right now. Glad you found some that hit the spot, too!

>178 charl08: - You definitely deserve some FR, Charlotte! I still haven't even contacted a remodeler - too much going on at the moment, but I'm hoping later this week. It will be a long process, and I just want to get on their radar and maybe their schedule. I'm not a big fan of baths, so I am excited to get rid of our old tub/shower combo and get a really nice walk-in shower.

*hums*

"Just another manic Monday...."

The plumber is coming this morning to fix our laundry sink drain (thankfully, the washer drain is fine). This will involve cutting some pipe, apparently, so.... yikes. I'll be working on moving some random stuff out of the main living spaces so Maribel, the housecleaner, can do her magic tomorrow. I'm so excited for her to come, and I hope she does a good job so I can hire her on more regularly. I fully realize that it is ridiculous for two people not currently employed to not clean their own house, but here we are. Don't judge me.

Books:
I finished Catching Christmas yesterday and started Resting Scrooge Face (thanks for the rec, Micky!) which I should finish today, as it's very short. I am also almost done with the audio of Christmas by the Book, so it will be a full Book Turnover Day :)

Viewing:
Lots of football. The Giants tied, which is better than losing which TW's team did...

>180 katiekrug: Cleaning is The Devil's Own. Hiring someone for the task is simply outsourcing work that needs doing to someone who needs work.

It is your Duty to the Economy.

...when, please, did the NFL officially adopt the ability of a game to tie?

Absolutely no judging from me. No-one ever laid on their death bed wishing they'd done more housework. I can think of any number of things I'd sacrifice before I got rid of my cleaner.

Thanks for making me feel better, Richard and Helen!

hi

Am I just going to be ignored or what?

I'm a little behind on comments on completed books, so pardon the uber-short entries...



A Royal Pain by Rhys Bowen

The second in the series, which are great on audio. Nice humor, good setting and premise, silly "mystery" but good fun.

3.5 stars



A Child's Christmas in Wales and Five Poems by Dylan Thomas

My first encounter with this 20th c. classic and four of the poems, and I enjoyed them. I can see re-reading (really re-listening) it each year. Looking forward to seeing the stage adaptation later this month!

4 stars



Wench by Dolen Perkins-Valdez

Strong historical fiction set in the 1850s about a slave woman named Lizzie and the women she meets in the summers at a resort in Ohio where slave owners bring their black mistresses. It's a tough read in places but very worthwhile.

3.75 stars



Catching Christmas by Terri Blackstock

This cute holiday story started off strong, with Finn, a grumpy cab driver shuttling an elderly woman around town. It lost a bit of luster for me when it went a bit God-y.

3.5 stars

hello?

>184 madhatta21:, >185 madhatta21: - You must be new around here. It's not really customary to demand attention one minute after leaving your initial message, especially when I don't know you.

ETA:

>188 katiekrug: - Seriously?

Oh. Sorry. I really have NO idea what I'm doing.

>189 madhatta21: - Well, you could start a thread and introduce yourself.

Check out this message: https://www.librarything.com/topic/337682#

What is a thread?

>191 madhatta21: - This is a thread. A series of posts. The thread I linked to includes information on starting one. There is also an Introductions thread where you can introduce yourself.

>192 katiekrug: Thanks

>180 katiekrug: As half of a not-currently-working (or ever planning to again) couple who cleans her own house I don't judge you, I ENVY you!! I keep talking about finding someone to clean for us but the one attempt I made here was so unsuccessful that I don't seem to be able to pull it together to try again. I am very good at finding reasons excuses not to however :>

>180 katiekrug: Yay. I hope you find the short story sufficiently diverting. :)

>194 RebaRelishesReading: - LOL, Reba. You should definitely try again. It's so worth it :) This woman came highly recommended on a community FB group I lurk on, and she's been wonderfully responsive and flexible, so I have high hopes she'll work out. At the very least, I'll have a deep clean before my MIL comes to visit!

>195 MickyFine: - I finished it up a little while ago and did enjoy it!

It's Cleaning Lady Day! Woot! My morning will be spent in my office, staying out of Maribel's way :) Then I will spend the afternoon admiring her work and my lovely home. Ha! I'll actually be running a couple of errands and cleaning my office (Maribel is just doing the bathrooms, kitchen, and living areas). Trivia tonight.

Nice evening last night - The Wayne grilled steaks and made mashed potatoes and then we watched the first few episodes of season 4 of Formula 1. Good stuff. I still hate Verstappen.

Books:
I finished the audio of Christmas by the Book and plan to start the audio of Last Night at the Lobster today. This is my annual re-read of it. I've listened to the audio once before, but usually do the print version. I felt like mixing it up a bit. In print, I started a slim Europa Edition called French Leave, which I am liking a lot.

>197 katiekrug: I still hate Verstappen
I totally get that. But I'm glad you're enjoying the series! We're current though Season 4.

Are you tapping your fingers in impatience waiting for the next season?!?! I will be :)

As for not cleaning your own house, it reminds me of some guy (of course) who wanted to shame me for not washing my own car. I didn't enjoy it, it took me far longer than it would take a professional, and I could spare the money. I didn't see why I'd do it myself - for bragging rights? Ugh.

>200 ursula: - Yowzers! I don't think I have ever washed my car :-P At least he wasn't the kind of man who didn't think a woman would be able to do it properly.... I'm sure there are plenty of those around...

Maribel is here and she is wonderful! Warm and sweet and didn't seem to be judging the state of my house. Winner!

>199 katiekrug: oh wait I was mixed up. We have not watched the season that covers the 2021 racing because we were unhappy with how that turned out esp the final race, and didn’t want a “replay”.

French Leave sounds interesting, and I've never encountered Anna Gavalda's work before. Hoping it's a good read indeed.

>203 lauralkeet: - Oooh, controversy?!?! Can't wait.

>204 richardderus: - It's very good and quite funny in parts. I am about halfway through (it's only ~100 pages long).

Resting Scrooge Face by Meghan Quinn

Thanks to Micky for bringing this one to my attention! It's a short story with some nice homages to classic Christmas tales. I enjoyed the letters exchanged between the two leads, and just wish it had been slightly longer, as the resolution felt very rushed.

3.5 stars



Christmas by the Book by Anne Marie Ryan

This novel had all the elements of a feel-good holiday read, and I was here for it. Nora and Simon are married and own a charming bookshop in a quaint town in the scenic Cotswolds. Of course, the shop is struggling because no one properly appreciates books and small businesses anymore. You know where this is going, right? I loved the cast of characters and connections made among them, and yes, it's all just perfectly tied up with a bow at the end, but I don't care. It made me smile and feel warm and fuzzy inside. So there.

4 stars

NB: The audio has lovely narration.

>197 katiekrug: Enjoy your spic and span house. Nice! It is always nice when you can find someone that cleans the way you like it.

Happy Tuesday :)

Every year I'm reminded that I still haven't read your Christmas Lobster book. One of these days...

>202 katiekrug: Does Maribel have a twin sister in Washington maybe :)?

>206 katiekrug: Thank you, that looks like just what I need -- hence, it is now on my phone :)

>206 katiekrug: Well, now I'm hit. Neither my local library system or my work library have it so I've suggested it as an ebook purchase. We'll see if I can sneak it in this year. :)

>207 figsfromthistle: - Thanks, Anita!

>208 scaifea: - And each year, you disappoint me. Ha! It's so great. And short! Squeeze it in :)

>209 RebaRelishesReading: - Ha! I'll check ;-)

And you're going to love CbtB!

>210 MickyFine: - Aw, I hope they order it!

Maribel is still here. 3.5 hours and counting. This either says something great about her or something terrible about me....

>211 katiekrug: I suggested it at my work library system. I think the odds are good my fellow collections librarian will approve it. :)

>212 katiekrug: Only good things about Maribel, I think.

Did you see the BookRiot article about Santa Claus erotica? Not something I'm likely to pick up but the article and summaries are quite funny (and not in a looking down your nose way).

>213 MickyFine: - It's good to have an "in!"

>214 MickyFine: - Ha! Fantastic!

Welp, my house is squeaky clean (okay, most of it) and I think I've found the answer to my prayers in the fabulous Maribel. Yay!

>216 katiekrug: Hurrah for Maribel.
I hope she's as successful as my cleaning fairy, Lisa.

>217 Helenliz: - She just sent me a quote for bi-weekly service, and though it's more than I wanted to spend, I think it's worth it. I already feel a giant weight off my shoulders...

A good housecleaner is a gift from the universe! Glad Maribel is a keeper for you.

Glad to see Maribel was a success! I'm sure today's visit was partly about getting things to a point where it's easier for her to manage the bi-weekly. A deeper initial cleaning, if you will.

>218 katiekrug: More than you wanted to spend is still less than inferior, but cheaper, service will end up costing.

So glad for y'all that this is happening...it's a big QoL boost!

>219 rosalita: - When I've had professional cleaning in the past, it's always been with a service and different cleaners would show up each time. I think it will be nice to have one person that I can easily communicate with and rely on. And it helps that she was super nice and laughed at some of my jokes :-P

>220 lauralkeet: - Oh, it absolutely was! The initial deep clean is long and involved. I'm hoping it'll be easier for her from here on out.

>221 richardderus: - So, so true. I told The Wayne I'd be a nicer person and wasn't that worth the extra bucks? :D

Happy Wednesday, friends! It rained ALL DAY yesterday and was just generally gross. Also, too warm for my liking in December. It's supposed to clear up today. We have a gym session this morning, and I need to make a run to the grocery store. Other than that, I'll be working on organizing my office a bit. It's also the guest room, and my MIL is coming in two weeks, so I need to have it not be a disaster... Other than that, it should be a quiet day.

Trivia was okay last night. We were dead last out of 14 teams after the first round (music) but managed to make a bit of a comeback and ended 6th. Talked ourselves out of a few correct answers which was annoying!

Books:
I've started Winter Solstice on my Kindle for a cozy read, and the audio of Last Night at the Lobster is continuing apace.

Viewing:
Nada

Happy Wednesday, Katie. Hooray for Last Night at the Lobster. I remember reading it after your strong recommendation and really loving it. I am overdue reading an O'Nan...

...this is weird...I was here an hour ago and responded to >223 katiekrug: and now, nothing!

Well, no matter. I'll drop off a *smooch* and retreat to my hidey-hole while this miserable weather finishes its whatever it's doing.

>224 msf59: - O'Nan never disappoints, Mark. Do you have any unread on your shelf?

>225 richardderus: - I hate when that happens. But I appreciate the smooch. This weather is just gross. So over it.

French Leave by Anna Gavalda

Europa Editions often print unknown (to me) little gems, many in translation. This is a French novella about four siblings, and I really enjoyed it. Told from the perspective of Garance, it relates how she and her older brother and sister ditch a family wedding to go visit their other brother. Garance has a wonderful voice, and her disdain for her sister-in-law was quite funny. But this is mostly a story of sibling love and the desire to recapture some of the innocence and magic of childhood.

4 stars

https://twitter.com/NYTimesGuild/status/1600569879043653717?s=20&t=3WbULJbfw...

Hoping the NYT Guild and management reach an agreement before tomorrow, otherwise my Crossword and Wordle streaks will be broken, as I support the walk-out.

>228 katiekrug: Mine, too. I'll also be deleting the Morning newsletter without reading it and not clicking on any nytimes.com links.

Wonderful that you found a cleaning lady, Katie. Hope your weather gets better.

>228 katiekrug: Thanks for sharing, Katie. I'll be breaking my streak as well.

>229 rosalita:, >231 MickyFine: - *fist bumps all around*

>230 Familyhistorian: - Tomorrow's weather should be better, I think, Meg. Hope so, anyway!

I laud you, Katie, on connecting with a competent housecleaner. I wish I could do the same.

>233 weird_O: - It's a game-changer, Bill :)

>214 MickyFine: >215 katiekrug: Love the Santa titles - thank you :-)

(Maribel sounds marvellous.)

Morning, all! I think we've finally gotten rid of the rain, hallelujah!

Yesterday was good - very quiet and relaxed. The Wayne made chili and baked chips for dinner, which we enjoyed with a nice bottle of wine.

Today, I'm getting my hair cut and then doing some Christmas shopping. I've finished the bits I need to do online, so now it's fun, random stuff from local stores. I'll treat myself to lunch out, I think.

Books:
Enjoying the coziness of the Rosamunde Pilcher novel. Didn't really get much audio time yesterday, but I'll probably start a new puzzle today and make up for it.

Viewing:
We watched the first 2 episodes of 'Three Pines,' and I was not impressed. Maybe I don't remember the books that well (I read the first 7 or 8), but, while Alfred Molina is good, he's not how I remember Gamache. And the town itself doesn't seem nearly as quaint and perfect as the book describes. And having Clara and Peter be young-ish was off-putting. The only interesting bit was the stuff about the indigenous women, but I'm not sure I want to watch the rest of the series to see how that resolves. Also, my electrical engineering-degreed husband had some issues with the murder :) So, not a winner for us, which is fine, because we have plenty to watch!

>235 charl08: - Are you tempted to read any, Charlotte?

>236 katiekrug: Sorry to see that Three Pines didn't work for you, Katie. Molina's Gamache fit well with my imaginary Gamache, but I agree there are some issues with some members of the supporting cast.

Enjoy your shopping!

>238 lauralkeet: - I guess I just remembered/thought of him as being sort of elegant and suave, not schlubby *shrug*

I predict I will SOMEHOW end up buying myself some things... :)

>239 katiekrug: Interesting! I always saw Gamache, in my mind, as middle-aged spread-ed and a bit over it...not badly dressed but not as snappy as Jean-Guy. Like Reine-Marie would've begun dressing him as he's stopped paying attention.

Molina's a bit old for the role, IMO, but he gets the attitude right...I haven't got an EE degree so I just skimmed over the murder I admit.

Anyway, it's a HUGE entertainmentverse so no harm, no foul on the show not working for you. We're back under marine-layer clouds after a sunshiney start. I'm sort of wondering if the Weather Goddess isn't trying to hide us from Our Galactic Overlords for some reason.

>236 katiekrug: Sounds like a lovely plan for your day out, Katie! I hope your quest for gifts is successful and that lunch is tasty!

>236 katiekrug: Sorry The Pines isn't your think but then, as you say, you have plenty to watch. My only "issue" (very, very minor) with the show is I thought Myrna was a retired social worker and the actress playing her isn't old enough to be retired. I think I was relieved to see how Three Pines itself is portrayed because I have been to Knolton (which I believe is supposed to be the inspiration) and it isn't anything like quaint, or small, and I couldn't find the three pines anywhere. For me, the village works.

Rosamunde Pilcher -- it's been ages -- time to read her again I think.

Congrats on finding a cleaner. Sorry "three Pines" didn't work for you. It was OK, from my pov although I always end by saying, "The book was better."

French Leave sounds good. I'll add it to my list.

>240 richardderus: - I'm actually somewhat relieved to be able to cross something off my To Watch list!

>241 MickyFine: - It was a GREAT day, Micky! More to come...

>242 RebaRelishesReading: - And weren't the Morrows older?!? And that's why they connected with Gamache, IIRC. Ah well, not everything is for everyone...

>243 BLBera: - Beth, I'd be happy to send you my copy of French Leave, if you'd like. I enjoyed it, but I don't think it's one I would re-read.

YOU GUYS! I had such a nice day today. Great haircut (am I the only one who practically moans out loud during the shampoo?), and then I hit several great shops in the vicinity, none of which I'd visited before.

Stop #1 - The Drygoods Refillery, which is a zero-plastic packaging store with - wait for it - dry goods like pasta and rice, plus gourmet specialties, ethically sourced items, health and beauty stuff (like shampoo bars and such), and gifts (reusable "paper" towels, reusable "plastic" wrap, etc). I got TW some fancy mini peanut butter cups, me some fig and almond spread for charcuterie, and a few other things I don't recall at the moment.

Stop #2 - The Pink Elephant, a cute gift store where I went to town on stocking stuffers and got a great gift for TW - a whisky glass with a cigar holder built in. I may have also purchased myself a stemless wine glass with measure markings, in descending order: "Elfed Up," "Naughty", and "Nice."

Stop #3 - Howell, which had gorgeous wool blankets that I had to resist because they were uber-spendy, but I got my MIL and SIL cute little jewelry dishes for their stockings, along with some Irish wool socks for my MIL, who is always freezing cold.

Lunch interlude - a little cup of chicken noodle soup and a chicken salad sandwich at the Montclair Diner.

Stop #4 - Jafajems, another great gift store where I had to stop myself from buying myself lots of things. But I got a cute initial ornament for my MIL so she has her "own" ornament on our tree, since this is the first time she's spent the holiday with us, and handmade bookmarks for her and my SIL. And something for TW that I can't remember now.

Stop #5 - Vesta Chocolate, which has delicious and gorgeous bonbons but is stupidly overpriced. I got my cousin and his family some fancy hot chocolate for part of their gift - I'm putting together a "family night" gift box for them with a puzzle, book to read aloud, cozy socks, and ho cho and marshmallows.

Then I swung by the bookshop to pick up an order I had placed and came home. Once TW was free, we went to Michael's so I could get some cookie tins because I want to bake some things to give to our immediate neighbors, and then we went to the wine store, and then stopped for an adult beverage at a favorite restaurant before going home. Now he is making chicken piccata for dinner and I am going to wrap some gifts.

Sorry for going on so long, but it was just such a lovely day! I love discovering new-to-me places :)

Wow, that sounds like a fabulous day Katie. Such cool shops!

Hi Katie!

>180 katiekrug: We should all play to our strengths – and if cleaning your house is not your strength, get someone in whose strength it is.

>218 katiekrug: It will be money well spent. Yay for Mirabel.

>245 katiekrug: Sounds like a lovely day and excellent and thoughtful Christmas presents.

Sounds like an excellent day out. >:-)

>246 lauralkeet: - It was really fun to poke around them!

>247 karenmarie: - Thanks for that validation, Karen!

And it was a lovely day. *happy sigh*

>248 Helenliz: - I love it when things are just easy and happy-making :)

TGIF! This morning, we have a gym session and then are taking Nuala to the vet, as she is favoring one of her back legs. Not sure what she's done, but it doesn't seem too terrible. Still, I'd like to have it checked out, just in case...

After that will be errands and trying to track down a few things for Christmas.

Books:
Still enjoying both...

Viewing:
Univeristy Challenge and a couple of episodes of Only Connect.

>245 katiekrug: Here's hoping today is even half so lovely! I do love getting my hair washed when I go for a cut :)

Also I'm late, but congrats on finding such an excellent cleaning lady!

>251 bell7: - Thanks, Mary!

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Boom! I broke my streak yesterday during the 24 hour NYT strike, so this was a nice way to start a new one.

Hi Katie - do you watch University Challenge on youtube or somewhere else? Did you start with season 1 or would that just be impossible?
Enjoy the weekend!

>250 katiekrug: I hope Nuala is tip-top after her vet visit. Yay for enjoying your books! I liked the two Viking-history books I reviewed today a lot and recommend them wholeheartedly.

>245 katiekrug: What a *perfect* day! I'm so glad. They're rare and lovely things.

Your day shopping sounds like fun, Katie. Let's spend the day the next time I come to NYC. :) I would love your copy of French Leave. Thanks. I'll PM my address.

That sounds like a perfect day!

I am also amongst those who love having other people wash their hair. I have a haircut booked for next week and I'm definitely looking forward to that part.

Crossing my fingers that Nuala is ok and just being a bit of a drama queen. Please pass on ear scritches for her and Leonard (so he doesn't feel left out).

>244 katiekrug: In spite of the minor "issues" I loved the first two episodes and am waiting impatiently for this week's to drop!

Glad you had such a great day yesterday and, yes, a good hair wash/head massage is wonderful.

Hope Nuala's leg is something simple and that you guys have another great day.

>254 vivians: - We watch it on YouTube. I've watched bits and pieces from previous seasons before, but this is my first time following a current season.

>255 richardderus: - Nuala is expected to live, thank goodness :)

>256 BLBera: - I'd love that, Beth! And I'll pop the book in the mail next week...

>257 MickyFine: - Ear scritches duly shelled out! Nuala report to follow in next post :)

>258 RebaRelishesReading: - I'm glad it works for you, Reba! And thanks - we did have a nice day today.

There is nothing obviously wrong with Nuala's leg, according to the vet. She thinks she just might have tweaked it or something, or overdid it at day care. So she's on an anti-inflammatory for 10 days and strict activity limitation for 7 days. The latter is a challenge, as she's very bouncy/jumpy and loves to zoom around the yard chasing squirrels. So we have to put her on a leash and take her out into the yard, just like the old days before we got the fence :-P

The poor dog is going to be so bored for the next week...

Happy Weekend, Katie!

I am glad that Maribel is working out. It is always difficult to find the right fit and it sounds like you found her!

I have yet to watch an episode of three pines. I always have a set image in my mind when reading the series and I am hesitant to alter it. Eventually, I will try the first episode.

Glad Nuala is ok and just needs a bit of rest

>261 figsfromthistle: - Happy weekend back, Anita!

I'm very happy to have found Maribel, for sure.

I hope you enjoy Three Pines whenever you get around to it. I know a lot of people here liked it more than I did :)

Making the dog rest is very hard. She doesn't understand why and looks so forlorn when she can't go run outside, poor thing...

Welcome to the weekend, friends! It's quite chilly this morning, but I don't mind. It actually feels like winter. I need to go to the grocery store this morning to get some things for the dinner The Wayne is planning (some sort of ragu), and another book I ordered has arrived, so I need to pop up to the bookshop (woe is me!). I'll spend some time putting out Christmas decorations and doing more wrapping. I also want to make a banana bread and will be trying it with chocolate chips for the first time. Excitement! Not sure what else I'll accomplish...

Books:
I should finish up my audio (Last Night at the Lobster) today, and I'm making steady progress in Winter Solstice), which is just over 500 pages...

Viewing:
The two most recent episodes of 'Sex Lives of College Girls.'

Sounds like a good day.
Frosty here for the last few days. I don't mind clear, frosty weather, it's the dank and damp that disagrees with me. Decided against driving to the next town for the farmer's market, so got the boots on and walked into town instead for shopping.

Happy Saturday Katie! As I mentioned on my thread, once I tried banana bread with chocolate chips there was no turning back. Of course it's much less like a "fruit serving" and more like dessert, but then I was probably kidding myself about the fruit content before.

>264 Helenliz: - Clear, frosty weather is The Best, but I totally agree about the dank and damp. Hard pass.

>265 lauralkeet: - I usually like my banana bread spread with butter (so healthy!) - I'm actually hoping that making it more dessert-like will help me eat it more slowly. Wishful thinking, anyone?

Methinks it is time for a new thread...

https://www.librarything.com/topic/346406