Mark's Reading Place: Chapter Two

^I LOVE this photo and wanted to share it again. This is Bree, Duke and Sweetheart, a horse, Bree co-owns.



-A Short-Eared Owl. I hope to see one of these next week.

Audiobook:



Graphic/Comic:


Books Read So Far...

January:

1) The Princess Diarist by Carrie Fisher 4 stars (audio)
2) The Fact of a Body: A Memoir by Alexandria Marzano-Lesnevich 5 stars (audio)
3) Why Buddhism is True by Robert Wright 4.2 stars
4) What It Means When a Man Falls from the Sky: Stories by Lesley Nneka Arimah 4.2 stars

Welcome to the AAC V! It should be another fun year. Some interesting and diverse authors.

2018 AAC

January- Joan Didion
February- Colson Whitehead
March- Tobias Wolff
April- Alice Walker
May- Peter Hamill
June- Walter Mosley
July- Amy Tan
August- Louis L'Amour
September- Pat Conroy
October- Stephen King
November- Narrative Nonfiction
December- F. Scott Fitzgerald

^Does anyone thinks this is getting tiresome, let me know? Of course, I don't think so. Grins...

Fiction:

1) Anything is Possible
2) News of the World
3) Commonwealth
4)Infinite Jest
5) Lincoln in the Bardo

Nonfiction:

1) The Color of Water
2) Just Mercy
3) Death and the Life of the Great Lakes
4) Al Franken, Giant of the Senate
5) Secondhand Time

Best 5 of the Year:

1) The Color Water
2) Anything is Possible
3) Just Mercy
4) Commonwealth
5) Lincoln in the Bardo

GNs:

1) My Favorite Things is Monsters
2) The Best We Could Do
3) The One Hundred Nights of Hero

Poetry:

1) Olio
2) Lessons on Expulsion
3) Incendiary Art: Poems

Nice new digs, Mark. That is a great photo of Bree and her pals!

Gotta be quick when Kick-Ass Katie is around...

Third, yippee, I'm third. :)

Happy new thread. 1 per week, this year? Eh?

Happy new one, Mark! I'm glad you brought that photo back out - it's such a great one.

Enjoyed the conversation at the end of your last thread about Fire and Fury and tRump's tweets. I put a hold on the book from the library. I may be reading it sometime this coming summer. My guess is that a lot of people who never crack a book from one year to the next are going to read at least one book this year.

>1 msf59: Duke sure is a handsome hound Mark. And your daughter looks so happy.

Glad you are thawed out and planning a restful evening.

Happy new thread, Mark. Terrific topper!

>4 msf59: - Ramp it up, will ya? Her work isn't done yet! ( did you see the one on my thread that Richard helped put there?)

>10 Storeetllr: - ROFLMAO!

Love the photo of Bree with her pals! Sweet

From your last thread is that a joke? "mental stability and being, like, really smart." I haven't been reading the news lately in my haze of my own drama. He didn't actually tweet the word like in there? Is he a teenage girl?

>13 ChelleBearss: - No, those are his exact words. Just watch the news tonight, they actually show a video clip of him saying that. If it wasn't so insane, it would be unbelievable.

>13 ChelleBearss: >14 jessibud2: It’s all so terribly embarrassing....

>10 Storeetllr: Ouch! Not so many holds at Arapahoe (I was 105 of 15 copies) but once my hubby said he’d be interested in reading it, too, I ordered it on Amazon ($18 as of today).

We had an LT meet up today at the Tattered Cover in Denver. Guess what I found on the bargain shelves? Fool’s Crow! I started it on the train home.

Happy New Thread, Mark! From your last thread " I bet Kim Jong Un is better read than Drumph!". Yup. Or not much different.

Happy new thread! Seems like it's the day for second threads...

>1 msf59: Where are you hoping to see the owl?

>15 Copperskye: Oh, what fun! I hope to make it to the Denver area this year, as my sister-in-law lives in Monument and my childhood friend lives in Lafayette. A number of my bookselling friends still work at Tattered Cover, so if I make a stop there, maybe we can meet-up?! Would be great to meet you in person.

^We just watched the film "Stronger". It is an excellent film and I highly recommend it. And tears will be shed. It focuses on my one of the Boston Bombing victims, who lost both of his legs in the blast. This easily could of been sappy, patriotic claptrap, but it is just the opposite of that, due to fine film-making and a great cast.

For Orphan Black fans, it is great to see Tatiana Maslany, in a very strong performance.

>6 katiekrug: Thanks, Katie!

>7 richardderus: Hooray for KAK! She is the best!

>8 mahsdad: Thanks, Jeff. Nothing wrong with the 3-spot! Not sure about a thread a week. Every 10 days? Grins...

>9 Crazymamie: Thanks, Mamie. You know I had to use the Bree photo as a topper at some point.

>10 Storeetllr: A 1,000 holds? Wowza! If I can find Fire and Fury on audio, I will probably give it a try in that format. Hey, if it gets people to read a book...I am in.

Happy New Year to you, Mark!

>11 Caroline_McElwee: Hi, Caroline. Duke is a bit of a handful around the house. He is just like a big, annoying kid, but we love him. And yes, three days of kick-back time, sound good to me.

>12 jessibud2: Thanks, Shelley! It looks like I will leave up the Trump Slapping Fest Up for now.

>13 ChelleBearss: "Is he a teenage girl?" Great question, Chelle and one we ask ourselves all the time. Glad you like the Bree topper!

>15 Copperskye: "I ordered it on Amazon" Go Joanne! Hooray for a Meet Up! And snagging a copy of Fools Crow. How amazing! i hope you are enjoying it.

>16 vancouverdeb: Thanks, Deb! And boo to Drumph! Thankfully he'll never be a 75er or an LTer for that matter.

>17 drneutron: Thanks, Jim. Just joining the throng!

>18 alphaorder: There is an Owl Walk at Springbrook Prairie on Thursday, right about dusk. I have looked for Short-Eared Owls here before. I am hoping to have better luck with a group.

I am going to Colorado in early August. I am hoping for a Meet Up and a visit to Tattered Cover.

>21 AMQS: Thanks, Anne. Great to see you.

Happy new thread Mark.

Have a great Sunday, buddy.

>19 msf59: always on the lookout for a good film! And I do love Jake Gyllenhaal in most things. Thanks for the heads up!

>10 Storeetllr: :) good to see

Happy Sunday and happy new thread, Mark. Beautiful topper.

Love the idea of an owl walk Mark. Hope you get some good sightings.

This whole Fire and Fury fiasco reminds me of the Spycatcher scandal in the UK in the 1980's. For those who don't know (which I imagine includes everyone who's not British and also of a certain age) Spycatcher was an unauthorised account of the machinations of MI5 by a former agent, first published in Australia. The British government of the time tried to ban it but unfortunately (for them) only managed to get it banned in England & Wales (not Scotland). Which meant that it was pretty easy for anyone who wanted a copy to get one and of course sales shot through the roof. We had a copy floating about somewhere, as did most other people we knew. There was a huge fuss in the press for ages as of course they were not happy about having gagging orders placed on them.

Can't help thinking Trump's wanting to ban the book is going to have exactly the same effect.

Happy new thread Mark. And good luck with the owl spotting expedition. Is it a bit less cold now?

>28 SandDune: Yes, guaranteed to work.

>24 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Paul. I hope you are having a good weekend too.

>25 LovingLit: I highly recommend "Stronger" and this is one of the best performances, I have seen from Jake Gyllenhaal, right alongside, Brokeback Mountain.

>26 Ameise1: Thanks, Barb.

>27 charl08: I have only been on one owl walk before and one was rained out. Did not see an owl. I have been to this Prairie before, looking myself, to no avail. I am hoping better results in a group.

>28 SandDune: Hi, Rhian. Thanks for sharing the Spycatcher story. I think this was mentioned in the Philby book, I read. I would like to read this one.

>29 EllaTim: Thanks, Ella. Happy Sunday. Yes, we begin to warm up today. It will be a relief, after being stuck in the arctic for the past 2 weeks.

1) The Princess Diarist by Carrie Fisher 4 stars

I saw Star Wars when I was still in my teens and like many young lads, had a slight crush on Carrie Fisher, (along with Cheryl Ladd & Cheryl Tiegs). I recently seen the latest Star Wars film, Last Jedi, (Fisher's final film, before her death) and thought this would be a perfect time to visit this memoir.

Fisher discovered her diary journals, that she kept during the filming of the original Star Wars film and decided to expand it into a book, about those innocent times. The big revelation is her affair with Harrison Ford, who was married at the time and fifteen years older than his young co-star.
Fisher narrates the audio and this is the perfect way to enjoy this pleasant journey through her past.

>23 msf59: We'll likely be heading to Colorado in June, after Alina gets out of school.

>33 alphaorder: Morning, Nancy. Happy Sunday. Colorado is beautiful. I have been there many times and even lived there for a short time. What part are you going to?

Good morning, Mark, and happy new thread! I hope your weather does start warming up today like it’s supposed to. But warming to high 20s or low 30s means that I'll still say Stay Safe and Warm!

I went to order Fire and Fury yesterday, realized it would take a while to get the physical book, so in the spirit of Immediate Gratification broke down and got it on my Kindle. The Preface was great and today I plan on indulging with the Prologue: Ailes and Bannon.

>19 msf59: I loved Tatiana Maslany in Orphan Black, am not so sure about seeing such an emotional movie right now. Midsomer Murders is more my speed and emotional requirements – i.e., none.

>35 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. I just noticed my main feeder is empty. Say what? There are juncos on the ground too. I better get out there soon.

I would love to try Fire and Fury on audio, if I can stomach it. "Stronger" is definitely an emotional ride, so watch it when you are ready.

3) Why Buddhism is True by Robert Wright 4.2 stars

“We build stories on stories on stories, and the problem with the stories begins at their foundation. Mindfulness meditation is, among other things, a tool for examining our stories carefully, from the ground up, so that we can, if we choose, separate truth from fabrication.”

“We don't have to love our enemies, but seeing them clearly is essential.”

“...it would be tragic, to say the least, if, after billions of years of arduous effort on the part of organic life, effort that has gotten us to the verge of a global community of minds, we let the natural distortions in these minds blow the whole thing apart.”

I grew up with a Christian background. My parents were not practicing but my paternal grandparents were very religious and I was influenced by them and went to Sunday school for many years. As I have matured and my mind has expanded, as I have read industriously and studied the world, I have gotten further and further away from organized religion and may now, be considered, right of agnostic. Although, I won't say that out loud, due to God guilt, that is still ingrained in my soul.
The one religion I do admire, more and more all the time, is Buddhism. It makes sense. It fits. I doubt I'll ever become a Buddhist, but there is no problem with following it's tenets, especially meditation.
I tried meditating a couple years ago. I barely got started but did recognize the benefits. After reading this book, I may try to get back into it.
I really liked this book and it's approach. Wright is a smart guy and completely grounded and gives the reader much to chew on and dwell over. His narrative style is easy and conversational and his has a good sense of humor, which really helps through some of the dry spots.

A big Shout-Out to Joe, for nudging me into reading this. He is my Buddha Buddy!

**I also think that last quote up there, is very relevant to our current political environment.

>34 msf59: Near Denver. My sister-in-law lives in Monument (near Colorado Springs) and my childhood friend lives in the Boulder area.

Happy 2nd thread, Mark! Great topper of Bree and friends! Glad you thought well of Princess Diarist.

Why Buddhism is True goes on the the Wishlist. In my mindfulness group we're always debating about Buddhism being a philosophy or a religion, I'm leaning toward philosophy, in any case, I'm, also, struggling with my Christian/Catholic roots and spirituality/mindfulness. I thought at my age I'd have it all figured out. But it seems I have more questions than ever before.
Enjoy the thaw and your day off! Birding today?

>32 msf59: Hi, Mark. I listened to The Princess Diarist last year, and am so glad I listened instead of reading it. It was great to hear her story through her own voice. I very much enjoyed her sense of humor and her sarcastic wit!

>37 msf59: "right of agnostic" - grins. I'll admit that I am proud to be an atheist, although it took many, many years before I had the courage to say it to anyone but my closest friends. (Actually, I suppose I identify as a secular humanist.) I have always been fascinated by science, and was a bio/premed major for 3 years in college, until my brain seemed to take a vacation and I became an accountant. (I try not to regret things in my life - but if I had to pick one, that would be it.) My older son and I were just talking this morning about the Miller Urey experiment and how it simulated the start of life on earth. I investigated many religions when I was much younger, and I would agree that there is a lot to say for Buddhism - the cultivation of wisdom, kindness and compassion are big for me.

I think that quote is very apropos.

>37 msf59: - Great review, Mark. I am rather religion-averse, myself, but have been known to enjoy clear-thinking approaches. I have read a bit of the Dalai Lama, Harold Kushner, among others. I will keep my eyes open for this one.

Good review of Why Buddhism is True! I bought that for my sister-in-law for Christmas and I hope to be able to read it this year as well

Morning, Mark! Happy new one!

I need to get round to the Wright book, too.

And I LOVE that photo of Bree - so glad you've brought it back!

>37 msf59: Howdy! Just picked this one up yesterday. I came from similar background of Christian upbringing, Baptist but not to strict, add in the confusion of going to a Presbyterian kindergarten and the whole mess was just a wash. I also don't get too caught up in organized Buddhism because, again, it's what people make of it. Simplicity, kindness and mindfulness are, to me, the foundation of Buddhism and that's what I boil everything down to. That and “Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense.”

>38 alphaorder: Maybe you can arrange a Meet Up at Tattered Cover. There are some amazing LTers in the area.

>39 Carmenere: Morning, Lynda and thanks. The mindfulness group sounds really interesting. Do you meditate too? And I agree with you about Buddhism being more of a philosophy.

No birding today, but I am taking tomorrow off, so I hope to go both those days. At least the weather will be much better.

>40 rretzler: "the cultivation of wisdom, kindness and compassion are big for me." Amen to that! So many religions say that these are their principles. I don't buy it. Action speaks louder than words.

Happy Sunday, Robin. Great to see you over here. I admire the fact that you are upfront about your atheism. I find it still so surprising that atheism is still such an extreme way of thinking. You would think by now, it would be much more widely accepted.

>41 jessibud2: Morning, Shelley! Hooray for the religion-averse! One of the many things I love about LT, is the warm openness, about this group.

>42 ChelleBearss: Thanks, Chelle. Is your SIL, into reading about other religions? Does she meditate?

>32 msf59: I wonder how that affair would play out in today's world.

Buddhism is a non-sucky religion. The idea of mindfulness is just too useful to ignore. Anything that promotes introspection and emotional reflection gets my vote for widest possible distribution.

>43 scaifea: Morning, Amber! I bet Why Buddhism is True would be great on audio. I would love to see Wright narrate it, himself. Such an interesting guy. I am going to follow a couple of his podcasts.

Yah, for Bree and her buddies!

>44 dragonaria: - Simplicity, kindness and mindfulness are, to me, the foundation of Buddhism and that's what I boil everything down to. That and “Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense.”

This sounds like it should be the foundation for just being human. Period.

Happy thread number two, Mark. At this rate, you'll have 100+ threads this year. :) I like your Best of list, and you got me with Why Buddhism Is True. I'll pass on the Trump book.

Happy New Thread, Mark. Ha! Your Buddha buddy is glad Why Buddhism is True worked so well for you. I love the way Wright presents it all, including that sense of humor.

Beautiful photo up top of Bree, Duke and Sweetheart.

Go to hear about the movie "Stronger". I'm a big Tatiana Maslany fan.

Have a good Sunday, buddy.

P.S. When a young son Jesse asked me about Buddhism as a religion, I said, some people think of it as a science. It's a practical way to live better.

>44 dragonaria: Thanks, Kim. Great to see you and I appreciate your comments on religion and Buddhism.

>47 richardderus: I agree, RD. Not sure the Fisher and Ford affair would be well-received today. That said, it was kept a secret for all this time, although some people had their suspicions. I think Ford was a bit of a scumbag for doing this, especially with a family at home.

"The idea of mindfulness is just too useful to ignore. Anything that promotes introspection and emotional reflection gets my vote for widest possible distribution." As usual you nailed it, in a very succinct manner.

>49 jessibud2: Beautifully said, Shelley!

>50 BLBera: Hi, Beth. There are a lot of threads that are really hopping this young New Year, I am just going with the bookish flow. Smiles...

Glad I got you with a BB.

Happy new thread, Mark! We had the opportunity to see short-eared owls flitting back and forth over the marshes in southern New Jersey several years ago. Perhaps it's time for another trip to look for them, if the weather is agreeable next weekend.

>51 jnwelch: Happy Sunday, Buddha buddy! Hope you have a great day planned. And hooray for a warm-up!

I like your answer to Jesse about Buddhism. Perfect.

>53 harrygbutler: Thanks, Harry. Happy Sunday. I hope you make it back to Jersey for the owls. Sounds great.

Happy New Thread Mark.
Love the photo of Bree and the critters.

>4 msf59: not tiresome at all

Good to hear you ilked The Princess Diarist Definitely on my list to listen to at some point. Might have to check the categories for the nonfiction challenge. There's probalby one it would fit.

>37 msf59: Excellent review

>55 SuziQoregon: Thanks, Juli! Happy Sunday. And thanks for all the positive vibes. I am sure you would enjoy The Princess Diarist.

^Is this sound like a "stable genius" or what?

>57 msf59: - Like, really smart. Duh.

My question is, why does there have to be an official mental or psychological test. His words (over and over and over again), are proof enough, aren't they...?

>19 msf59:. They filmed parts of “Stronger” in my home town last year, as Jeff Bauman is from Chelmsford too. It was interesting to see the film crew while we were home. No Jake Gylenhal sightings for me though. I have read the book, but have yet to see the movie. I am glad you gave it a good review.

>51 jnwelch: Joe: I like the idea of Buddhism as a science. I also love that the Dalai Lama, when asked about his religion, replies, "Kindness is my religion." Spot. On.

Hi, Mark!

#10
That many holds sounds like when my sister lived in Colorado Springs and Madonna’s book Sex came out. She wanted to see it and found that she was something like number 700 vying for 40 copies.

I managed to pick up a copy of Unbelievable by Katy Tur last night at Barnes & Noble for 60% off. I couldn’t resist for that price and so it came home with me. I am not sure I will read it right now as I am backed up with reading commitments, but I do want to read it.

Hello Mark. I hope you are holding up under the weird weather out there.

>2 msf59: I hear you mention Simon Vance as the narrator on Nicholas Nickelby. I love Vance, but I'm not as familiar with this Dickens. How is it going for you?

>32 msf59: I'll have to pick this one up. It fits into my one or two celebrity memoirs category. I imagine it will be interesting to see behind the scenes from the eyes of the princess.

>10 Storeetllr:, >20 msf59: It is out in audiobook! I've also got a hold on the audio version: 222 on 30 copies, so I will probably be listening to it. Maybe this coming spring.

I saw where SHS (Sanders, press sec.) said most people aren't interested in reading a lying book written by a lying liar (or words to that effect). I'd say this is just another of her lying lies. (Lord, when is this horror show going to end?)

Hi Mark, happy Sunday. A nice relaxing day with some reading, some football, now the Blackhawks, and later on, the Golden Globes.

Someone on Twitter:

Wasn’t Mr. Ed the only stable genius?

>67 brenzi: - LOL

>57 msf59:

He was a man who was of great intelligence, which most presidents would be.

I can't be the only one who finds that comment particularly ridiculous?

Hi Mark! Happy new one. Well, not only did you hit me with a book bullet, I bought the audio today. Princess Diarist. I need another audio. And Buddhism went on the WL. Dangerous place to be reading buddy! : )

I started to read the trump comment out loud and my daughter protested that it would cause her to lose brain cells so please don't.

>67 brenzi: Oh so true!

I am back. We hosted a family birthday party for Sue's elderly aunt and then we wrapped up with watching Dunkirk, with my FIL...

>58 jessibud2: >59 jessibud2: You nailed it, Shelley.

>60 jayde1599: Hi, Jess. Great to see you. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on "Stronger". I hope you get to see the film soon. Did you see Patriot's Day? If so, what did you think? I have not seen it.

>61 scaifea: Waves to Amber!

>63 benitastrnad: Hi, Benita. I really enjoyed Unbelievable, on audio, with Tur narrating. I am sure you will enjoy the book.

>64 brodiew2: Happy Sunday, Brodie. We are having a warm up, these next few days, so I am really looking forward to it.

Not sure, if you are into Dickens or not, but I am really enjoying Nickelby and Simon Vance is doing a stellar job. And, yes, you would enjoy The Princess Diarist.

Happy new thread, Mark. Enjoy your time out of the cold.

>65 Storeetllr: Hi, Mary. Good to know there is an audio version of Fire and Fury out. I will keep my eyes peeled. Sanders is the perfect press secretary for Drumpf, isn't she?

>66 lindapanzo: Happy Sunday, Linda. Sounds like you had a perfect day planned. I did watch some of the NFL games but they were not very entertaining.

>67 brenzi: LOL! Hooray for Mr. Ed!!

>69 rretzler: I do! I do!

>70 Berly: Thanks, Kimmers. Happy Sunday. Sorry about all the flying BBs and your daughter's lost brain cells. Hopefully, they'll grow back.

>73 Familyhistorian: Thanks, Meg. Nothing planned for the next two days and I can't wait. Grins...

>67 brenzi:

>18 alphaorder: Absolutely Nancy! I’d love to meet you!

>23 msf59: And Mark’s coming to town! Yay!!

ETA: I’m really liking Fools Crow. It was so serendipitous to see it on the bargain shelf at the TC during our meetup and remember that you were liking it (I’d never heard of the author or book) and then Kris said it was a favorite of hers so, honestly, how could I not buy it?

Hi Mark, finally getting round to wishing you a good year of reading and birding.
I just finished a rather demanding Holocaust novel, and the rat laughed, Bianca had recommended it to me a couple of years ago.

Morning Mark - I was thinking of you this morning as I walked to work. It is (for Jersey) pretty frickin' cold out there. Then I had to laugh at myself because compared to you it's probably positively sultry!

Morning, Mark!

Good morning, Mark, and happy Monday to you!

>67 brenzi: and >75 Copperskye: Heh heh. Good one.

I'm reading Fire and Fury on my Kindle, just finished the Prologue.

^Well, lookee here- instead of off day, work day, off day- it is-off day, off day, off day! I LOVE that when that happens!

>75 Copperskye: I LOVE IT!

>76 Copperskye: Hi, Joanne. I hope you can arrange a Meet Up, with Nancy and make sure you are in town, early August. And hooray for serendipity. I am glad you are enjoying Fools Crow.

>77 avatiakh: Hi, Kerry. Great to see you. Always looking forward to a fun year of birds and books.

>78 BekkaJo: Hi, Bekka. Sorry, you are suffering through a cold spell. Actually, are temps are climbing above normal for the first time in 2 weeks. It may not be sultry but it should be mild enough. Keep warm and snug.

>79 scaifea: Morning, Amber!

>80 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. I'll be watching for your thoughts on Fire and Fury and see if it will be worth reading.



"I've had to put up with the Fake News from the first day I announced that I would be running for President. Now I have to put up with a Fake Book, written by a totally discredited author."

-Drumph

^I grabbed both of these on audio, yesterday. I especially want to read The Power. It made Obama's Best of List. The former did not.

>83 msf59: - Happy day off, Mark.

It made Obama's Best of List. The former did not.

Hehe. I am not sure I actually want to read (or listen to) the Wolff book. I think it will be as much as I can stomach to just listen to reactions from others here and elsewhere. Looking forward to yours. (who narrates, by the way?)

>83 msf59: well I have The Power in my tbr mountain Mark. Ha.

>75 Copperskye: teehee

>57 msf59: sounds exactly like Trump to me...

>37 msf59: it had a lot to offer Mark didn’t it? I’ll be rereading bits of it in the next month or so. It’s not the kind of book you can digest once and move on.

>81 msf59: Woot!! I wanted to ask if you were off today, but didn't want to rub it in if you weren't...

>84 jessibud2: Thanks, Shelley and I don't even feel guilty. Grins...I added a Drumph quote up there in #83. I am with you about being able to stomach, this book.
We will see.

>85 Caroline_McElwee: Hi, Caroline. I hope to bookhorn in The Power next month. And hooray for Why Buddhism is True!

>86 scaifea: I am planning on going to the Arboretum for a hike too. I have to take advantage of the milder temps.

>44 dragonaria: agreed! And that is really what most religions are about, even going back to those that are now discarded as mythology, being HUMAN and not just bi-ped animals. Or at least that's my take, for what it's worth.

Happy Off Day Mark!

>61 scaifea: I'm glad you liked the Buddhism as science idea, Amber. I love that Dalai Lama quote. "My religion is kindness." Thank goodness we have him on the planet.

>85 Caroline_McElwee: Revisiting Why Buddhism is True is a great idea, Caroline. I first read it on Kindle, and liked it so much I bought a hard copy.

Hiya, Mark! Should be better out there today and in the days coming. Debbi says it may be in the 50s later in the week? Bring it on!

I've started Nicholas Nickleby, and it's great to get back into his storytelling rhythm and that understated humor. “He had but one eye, and the popular prejudice runs in favour of two.” Lots of quotable lines in this one, aren't there?

>46 msf59: Yes, my SIL is a very deep and intelligent woman. She is a chiropractor, nutritionalist and yoga teacher. I thought she would enjoy that book after I saw it on Joe's thread last year. I'm not sure what, if anything, I would get out of it as I don't really have any religious beliefs. (More agnostic than atheist)

>88 dragonaria: Thanks, Kim. Looking forward to every minute of it.

>89 jnwelch: Morning, Joe. I am enjoying a day off. Plenty of reading and a walk in the woods, are in my plans.

I am so glad you have started Nickelby. I am sure you are enjoying it as much as I am.

Good morning, Mark! Enjoy your walk later!

Morning, Mark! Hoping that your day off is full of fabulous.

2) The Fact of a Body: A Memoir by Alexandria Marzano-Lesnevich 5 stars

“But strangely, I am all right. The world I belong to now is the one in the books I read. When I am awake, I am reading.”

Marzano-Lesnevich, the author, is a lawyer and she decides to dedicate herself in defending prisoners on Death Row. She meets Ricky Langley, who is in prison for a brutal killing of a six-year old boy, in Louisiana. This meeting will change her life, as it causes her to look back at her own abusive childhood. One that involves her grandfather.
There are different narrative threads running through this story, involving Ricky's traumatic childhood, his struggles with his pedophilia, the horrific murder, the subsequent trial and then the author coming to terms with her own troubled past, which leads her into her own eventual investigation into Ricky's crime.
Fans of true crime, memoirs, legal thrillers and just beautiful writing will find it all here. Ten years in the making, it is a stunning achievement, but please beware- there are trigger warnings everywhere in this book, so if you are especially adverse to child sexual abuse, you may want to sit this one out.

**My first 5 star read of the year. This also is an excellent audiobook, with the author doing a solid job, narrating.

>94 msf59: I don't think I could stomach that one, Mark, but I will add my thumb to your review. Nicely done!

>95 Crazymamie: Thanks for the Thumb, Mamie! I would like to get the word out on this one, but I also want to make sure I include plenty of trigger warnings. It is truly heart-breaking.

I consider myself, pretty well read, but I still cannot fully understand pedophilia, especially when it involves a father or grandparent. WTH? And even more baffling, is the family members that choose to ignore it. WTH?

>96 msf59: - I could never read a book like that but I have to say, what baffles me perhaps most of all, are the people who say they can *forgive* such criminals. This is probably all the proof anyone would ever need to ban me from any religion that professes compassion. I cannot, under any circumstance or by any stretch, understand the concept of forgiveness for such crimes that are truly unforgiveable. It just makes no sense to my mind.

I read once that the Dalai Lama said (actually, I think I heard him say it in a bio film I saw about him last year), that forgiveness is more for the person doing the forgiving, not for the target of forgiveness. Or something like that. The Dalai Lama is a wonderful, wise and outstanding human being. But I cannot agree with him on this point.

>1 msf59: That is indeed an awesome photo. You might just need to designate it your thread topper on a semi-permanent basis!

>94 msf59: Wow, that sounds incredible. I will have to think about it. I want to read it based on your comments.

I'm still reading Why Buddhism is True. I finally got to chapter seven the night before last and several logical threads came together. It is headed for a strong rating from me. And I may even explore integrating meditation into my life. It would eat into my reading time, but....

Happy Monday, my friend!

>94 msf59: Ummm well no, no thanks; but I added a thumb.

Great review! I've heard some pretty strong things about the book and have been considering it. Your review is leaning me towards yes - mainly because I'm interested in how the author confronts and deals with this past.

>97 jessibud2: Thanks for sharing your frank thoughts on forgiveness, Shelley. A difficult subject, that is also addressed and struggled with, in the book, by the author and the little boy's mother. Honestly, I am not sure what I would do, in that situation. Going your route, would be my first inclination.

>98 EBT1002: Hi, Ellen. Hooray for Bree and her buddies, although Duke is on my shit list again, for getting into the garbage when I was out. Grrrrrr....

The Fact of a Body is a stunning read, as long as you know what you are getting into. And I am glad to hear that Why Buddhism is True is coming into focus for you. It is a lot to take in.

>99 richardderus: Thanks for the Thumb, RD. I know this is a very difficult and touchy subject for you, so I do understand or, I hope I do.

>100 drneutron: Thanks, Jim. Thumbs are always welcome. The Fact of a Body is a great read. I hope you give it a try.

^I went for a winter walk in the woods, this morning. Perfect day for it. Birds were scarce, only red-bellied woodpeckers and cardinals, but I did spot a lone coyote, right off the road. It appeared he was tracking a field mouse or something. He paid me no never mind...

Not a great photo but it was the best I could manage. This was at the Morton Arboretum. My home away from home.

>57 msf59: God, that unmitigated disaster can't even do word salads right.

>102 msf59: Beautiful day for it. No one would confuse 40 degrees with spring but it almost feels like it.

My sister and fam love the Morton Arboretum, too. I like the Chicago Botanic Garden.

>102 msf59: How bonechilling. You're Nanook of the North compared to my wimpy shanks. I'm huddled by the DeLonghi praying for the freezing rain to turn into slush instead of ice tomorrow afternoon.

>57 msf59: That would garner an F on an exam. No specifics, etc.

>75 Copperskye: Yes!

The Power is amazing. You will love it.

You've probably seen this?

https://www.urbandictionary.com/tags.php?tag=below%20zero

>94 msf59: Good review but won't be reading that one.

Hope you've had a great day off.

>103 libraryperilous: Amen, to that, Diana. The Horror and the Disgust, never stops. Hey, that could be the name of the next Drumph book.

>104 lindapanzo: Hi, Linda. It was a nice day and the sunshine really helped. The top part of our driveway is down to pavement. I have never been to Chicago Botanic Gardens. I will get up there this year.

>105 richardderus: Sorry, it is still so frigid and miserable your way. I hope you get a break, in the very near future.

>106 BLBera: Hi, Beth. I am definitely moving The Power up in the audio queue. You are always such a reliable barometer. Thanks for the link. Fur Dog for sure...grins.

Minnesota:

20 above zero:

Floridians don coats, thermal underwear, gloves, wool hats.

People in Minnesota throw on a flannel shirt.

15 above zero:

New York landlords finally turn up the heat.

People in Minnesota have the last cookout before it gets cold.

Zero:

People in Miami all die.

Minnesotans close the windows.

10 below zero:

Californians fly away to Mexico .

People in Minnesota get out their winter coats.

Glad you are enjoying your time in off Mark.

>94 msf59: You may have hit me with a bullet. Great to have a 5* hit at the start of the new year.

>107 SuziQoregon: Thanks, Juli and I completely understand.

>110 Caroline_McElwee: I definitely take full advantage of my days off, Caroline. Thanks. One more full day to go. Glad I sent you off with a BB wound. That is a specialty of mine.

>102 msf59: I saw a coyote at work a few weeks ago. As I was leaving today, there were some sirens nearby. After they left the area, I could hear the coyotes howling.

Hope you are enjoying your day off! Have another great one tomorrow.

I kept meaning to comment while Joe was reading Why Buddhism is True, and let the opportunity slip through. When in college, I took the university's Asian Philosophy course and fell in love with the instructor, a little Spaniard who had been a Jesuit and studied philosophy and religion in Japan. He hated the introductory course (Hinduism and Confucianism)--not because of the subject matter but because it was always a really big, super-popular class and all the people he didn't know made him nervous) but became more and more comfortable with that minority who then took the following three courses, culminating in a semester on Zen and Kegon Buddhism. He believed there was no conflict between the latter and Christianity in its non-political form.

"He was born April 7, 1925, in Alicante, Spain, the son of Bernardo and Carmen Chiva Verdu. He studied Japanese cultural history and literature in Japan from 1951 to 1954, and theology in Frankfurt, Germany, from 1954 to 1958. He set his special studies in Munich, Germany, in 1959 and received a Ph.D. in 1963.
Mr. Verdu became professor for religious studies and philosophy of religion at the International Jesuit University in Tokyo. He left the university and the Jesuits after he received dispensation from Pope Paul VI. He was accepted as a visiting lecturer by the department of philosophy at Kansas University in 1966 and in two years became associate professor of philosophy and east Asian studies. He was promoted to full professor in 1972 and retired in 1990. He authored books on Eastern and Buddhist thought."

Fascinating man, fascinating subject matter. I was privileged to have him as an instructor in 1968 and 1969.

Some years later, I found Playing Ball on Running Water to be a good book on Japanese Buddhism.

>112 alphaorder: Thanks for sharing the coyote sighting, Nancy. They have been seen in our neighborhood too, although I haven't spotted one here, in a few years. I have seen them at work though, walking the railroad tracks.

Loved your lakeside photos.

>113 ronincats: Hi, Roni. Thanks for sharing the Mr. Verdu story. Sounds like a fascinating man. Glad you had the opportunity to learn from him.

Do you follow Buddhism now?

Love the coyote photo, Mark. I envy you the regular trips to the Morton Arboretum.

I came found myself facing a coyote in the middle of the street years ago when I was out running early one morning. It looked at me for a bit, then took off down an alley. They come into the city by following the river.

Much love for Why Buddhism is True may have to relent & buy the book, currently waiting on a library book....

As said elsewhere, I think, Have dipped in/out of Buddhism over the years, I will never be at home with organised religion, but for me find Buddhism ( particularly western/non secular or Tibetan) to be a practical (toolkit) philosophy which informs a way to live, all that Mindfulness, compassion , happiness, simplicity, etc.

Love the mention of Spycatcher up there am old enough to be around & do believe still have a copy of the book...

>109 msf59: 😜 I must either be Minnesotan, cold-blooded or having hot flashes - I throw on a cardigan to go to the store in this 20-degree weather. No need to overheat myself!

>109 msf59: Made me chuckle and have to go do a Celsius to Fahrenheit conversion. It's a chilly 4-5 C here today (about 40F?)

I said you'd find it sultry!

Morning, Mark!

>94 msf59: Definitely not for me, but great review nonetheless.

In case you need some poetry suggestions: https://themillions.com/2018/01/must-read-poetry-january-2018.html

>116 jnwelch: Morning, Joe. Coyotes have sure made their home in the Midwest. There was a time, they were not found east of the Mississippi River. Now, we can have them in our backyard. Other than the danger to small pets, they are fairly harmless.

>117 roundballnz: Hi, Alex. Great to see you. I completely agree with you, on your thoughts about the Buddhism philosophy and just living a decent, honest life. I hope you can snag a copy of Why Buddhism is True, one way or another. I really think you would appreciate it.

>118 rretzler: You are definitely designed for the Midwest, Robin. LOL. I have been carrying mail in Chicago winters for over 30 years and I am still not used to it.

>119 BekkaJo: Hi, Bekka. We are going to be near the 40-50 degree mark (very close to your temps), the next couple of days. This will definitely feel sultry.

>120 scaifea: Morning, Amber! The Fact of a Body is not for all tastes or stomachs but I appreciate all Thumbs! Like to get the word around.

>121 alphaorder: Morning, Nancy. My poetry ideas have dwindled down a bit, so I apprecaite the list. I will take copious notes. I finally ordered Devotions: Poems and hope to have it soon.

Good morning, Mark! I hope you have a great day.

Wonderful photo of the coyote.

Drat and yay. Why Buddhism is True is now going to be winging its way to me from Amazon. You get the BB although I know I've seen it around other peoples' threads.

There's a serious downside to having Amazon open as one of 3 tabs when I start my internet browser. Finding and buying a book is only a couple of clicks.

>124 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. Sorry, about the flurry of BBs. Hazards of the 75! I would give full credit for Why Buddhism is True to Mr. Joe.

^Amber shared this on FB yesterday and of course, you know, I had to share it over here.

>126 msf59: Ha! I'm glad you liked it! Perfect, isn't it?

>126 msf59: - Brilliant! (Or, should I say, "Like, really smart".)

>127 scaifea: I was waiting to see if you shared it, but since you didn't...Grins.

>128 jessibud2: We have to laugh, to keep from crying or hurling, which is actually closer to the truth.

Glad you enjoyed your walk, Mark. There are coyotes around here, but we've not seen them. Once or twice we've gotten to see a fox not too far away.

>129 msf59: - You do know that it is a take-off on a classic Gary Larson cartoon, right? Just google *classic Gary Larson cartoons* and you will see the original. My educational assistant and I used to use that card as a private joke between us at school, on especially difficult days (in reference to certain of our admin, not our students!!)

One has to have hope that every time trump opens his mouth and utters such idiocies, they will have to add up and eventually come back to bite him in the ass and do him in. Right? Right??

Happy Tuesday, Mark. Great picture of your coyote friend. Glad he didn't bother with you at all

*sniff* I'll try not to be too sad that you missed me up there >90 ChelleBearss: *sniff sob*

>130 harrygbutler: Morning, Harry. We have fox around here too, but they are very elusive. I have not seen one in many years.

>131 jessibud2: No, I did not know that, Shelley but it makes perfect sense, that it is Larson. I am not sure if anything will ever come back and bite Drumph in the ass, after the massive amount of crap he has said and will continue to say. Can you believe we are not even out of the first year of this nightmare?

>90 ChelleBearss: Sorry, about that Chelle. It looks like you were lost in a flurry of posts. Smiles...Your SIL sounds like a very interesting woman. Is she a big reader too?

>132 ChelleBearss: Morning, Chelle. I hope I rectified my oversight. Are there coyotes in your area or just wolves?

>45 msf59: Our mindfulness group meditates but not very often. When we do, our leader I'll call her our guru, usually makes an event out of it. Like a spa, we get the atmospheric music, scented eye masks, incense etc etc. We are all mothers, many have aging parents with all that entails and mainly working women who find peace in this kind of meditation but unlike the crossed legs on the floor meditation usually associated with it.

Enjoy the hike with Bree. It'll be wonderful to get out and enjoy the outdoors, not work in them.

>122 msf59: We have coyotes here in Maryland now. Not common yet, but we get the occasional sighting.

Happy Third Day Off! And good hiking with Bree.

Sounds like you're making the most of your time off.

Dropping off a recommendation.

Started a short but powerful audio book this morning. It's a short novel in verse. I have the print too but I prefer to hear works in verse first. Hunt this one down - it's less than two hours long.
Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds

>126 msf59: Totally made me snork yesterday.

>134 Carmenere: Morning, Chelle. "Mindfulness" is a concept, somewhat new to me but I am completely embracing the idea. Glad you have such a good time with this group.

>135 drneutron: Morning, Jim. I can't believe coyotes have expanded that far east. They are scrappy little devils, aren't they?

>136 richardderus: Morning, RD. Getting ready to head out. Cloudy and foggy at the moment but it shouldn't be too bad.

>137 SuziQoregon: Ooh, that sounds good, Juli. I think I heard about this one somewhere else too. Better check it out. Thanks!

>112 alphaorder: Perfect!

And I am sharing the MN comparison with all my relatives in MN. They will get a laugh.

I don't know that I will search it out, but if The Fact of a Body jumps out at me in some bookstore, I might. Nice review.

And I am loving The Power. Just saying. : )

Good morning, Mark! Is the new Winston Churchill film 'Darkest Hour' on your radar. Gary Oldman is supposed to be at his best.

>109 msf59: Heh. I slept with the heat off in the bedroom and the window open last night. Not sure exactly how cold it got, but when I went to bed it was in the upper 30s. Not that cold, really, but for a California girl, cold enough. Still, I do enjoy fresh air at night, even if the tip of my nose freezes. ;)

Oh my! I think Bree would enjoy my place. A girl after my own heart and a great photo. Thanks for sharing!

We've warmed up here to above freezing. It's a sloppy slippery mess, but the roads are good.

I will never forget seeing a coyote trying to take down a deer very close to my house two years ago. The coyote kept after the deer's hocks (hind legs) forcing the deer to whirl and whirl. I think the deer would have worn out first if I hadn't stuck my head out the window and yelled, scaring them both away. It was a once in a lifetime sight, I am sure. I wish I had taken pictures but I was too surprised to think about it.

>121 alphaorder: Andrea Gibson is a great performer, if you ever get a chance to see her, Nancy. Really impressive.

Hiya, Mark.

>126 msf59: I love this one.

Poor Nicholas has pummeled Squeers and fled with Smike, and they're now at Newman Nogg's place. Man, you can tell it's a Dickens novel by the names alone!

We're going to finally catch the new Star Wars movie this afternoon. I feel like it's one we need to see on the big screen. Avatar was on the tube last night, and it was visually pretty, but it's the one movie I've told people that they want to see in 3D if they can. We've seen others in 3D, including the new Blade Runner, but Avatar is the one that really pops in that medium.

>139 Berly: Hi, Kimmers! If you can find the whole MN cold joke, try to share that. I only included a big excerpt.

With you and Beth warbling resonantly about The Power, I will definitely get to it soon and it helps I have it on audio.

>140 brodiew2: Hi, Brodie! I definitely have "The Darkest Hour" on the watchlist. I like Churchill and I like Oldman. Have you seen Dunkirk, yet?

>141 Storeetllr: Hi, Mary. I can not wait to open up our windows again, but, I am afraid that it will be awhile. If we are lucky, sometime in March. Sighs...

>142 streamsong: Hi, Janet. Bree would LOVE your part of the country. One day, we will get back out there, although she would never leave.

Glad to hear you are above freezing. We are too. Just barely. Good coyote story. I hope the deer survived.

>143 jnwelch: Hi, Joe. You are steadily making your way through Nickelby. I did not expect that confrontation. I do adore good old Noggs. I just started chapter 18.

Have a great time seeing The Last Jedi! I am sure you both will love it.

^I had a nice snowy hike with Bree and Duke. Just over 2 miles, but with the packed snow, it feels longer. Birds were scarce again, but we did drum up a red-bellied woodpecker or two, a bunch of winter robins and heard some blue jays and crows.

>144 msf59: Yes, I was fortunate enough to see 'Dunkirk' in the theater. Beautiful film, but not compelling as it thought would be. Still enjoyed it quite a bit.

Hi Mark! The Fact of A Body is now on my wishlist, and tagged "Mark's Fault."

>147 brodiew2: I could have definitely done without the goofy timeline structure. I did not see the point of that at all. Nolan got too arty for his own good. Best looking film I have seen in awhile, with some stunning set pieces, though.

>148 banjo123: Hooray for the "Mark's Fault" tag! I am so proud of those.

Hi, Rhonda! Good to see you.

>109 msf59: It is 40 degrees here today after a week or so of below zero and people are walking around like it is in the 70s (and frantically getting their cars washed).

>148 banjo123: I love that there are now several of us using that tag :-)

Ahem. In the same vein as the Larson cartoon (and its newer version) a friend sent me another funny this morning. Not a cartoon, but definitely some photoshopping fun involved: a photo of Kim Jon Un with a big fat grin on his face. In his hands, an open copy of Fire and Fury.

Jealous of your woodpecker sighting! Way to go!!

Big waves from over the pond, Mark.

>152 jessibud2: I love that meme, Shelley.

>150 Oberon: Hi, Erik. Good to see you. Glad you are enjoying a warm up. We haven't quite hit 40 yet but we should be well over that tomorrow. B.A.G.

Still too damp here for a car wash, but God knows I could use it.

>151 SuziQoregon: I am beaming from ear to ear...

>152 jessibud2: I was just going to ask you if you wouldn't mind sharing that meme over here...and “Voila!” RD, delivered. I LOVE it.

>153 Ameise1: Big Waves back to Barb! Hope you had a good day back to work.

>154 richardderus: Priceless! I am so glad you shared that RD. It saved me the time, to go out and look for it.

^What do you think I thought of when I saw this book cover on Good Reads? Snickers...

>157 msf59: Heh. The real story's very a propos for 45's Murrikuh.

>158 richardderus: It kind of looks like him as a child too. Creepy.

^My son and I, went to see "Lady Bird", which has received nothing but rave reviews. How could you not love a film, that opens with a mother and daughter, driving in a car, on a tour of state colleges, listening to an audiobook of The Grapes of Wrath, which they both finish, in tears. Priceless. The writing and acting are all top notch. It is great to see Laurie Metcalf in another strong performance. If you loved Juno, you'll love this.

I am dying to see 'Lady Bird.' I'm hoping to go Saturday night. So glad to hear another endorsement for it!

>161 katiekrug: Hi, Katie. I hope you enjoy 'Lady Bird', as much as I did. Greta Gerwig is such a talented writer and director. She is actually a good actress too, although she does not star in this film. You'll love the sarcasm. Grins...

I haven’t seen Lady Bird yet but I’m planning to Mark. I love Laurie Metcalf. She starred in a little show on HBO called Getting On about a hospital floor for patients with just one step away from the grave and she was absolutely terrific as the head doctor. It was only on for two seasons unfortunately.

Thought you might like this .....

"n New Zealand we build gyms for our parrots to keep them distracted and away from traffic cones: http://bit.ly/2CKOMHY"

Morning, Mark! I'd not even heard of Lady Bird. Sounds really good, though.

>163 brenzi: You will love Lady Bird, Bonnie. I have been a fan of Laurie Metcalf since her Roseanne days. I had never seen or heard of Getting On, though. I will have to see if I can track it down.

>164 roundballnz: I Alex. I love the Kea story. Thanks for sharing. A gym for birds? Wow. Kudos to whoever came up with that one.

>165 scaifea: Morning, Amber. Lady Bird has gotten quite the buzz the last couple of months and has made many top-10 lists. It deserves it all.

^After finishing the wonderful story collection, What It Means When a Man Falls from the Sky, (What a talent!) I am moving onto my AAC pick, The White Album. This is my first Didion in several years.

I will also be getting back, full-bore into Nickelby, after taking a few days off.

‘Morning, Mark. Yay for warmer temperatures.

>125 msf59: I shall visit Mr. Joe’s thread and give him the satisfaction of a BB well delivered.

>126 msf59: LOL.

>168 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. Just pulled up to the P.O. It is as warm, right now, as it has been the last 2 days.

Lady Bird is so so so so so so so good! It deserves all the accolades and awards that are coming its way.

>133 msf59: I feel better now :)
Yes, we have coyotes here outside of town. Sometimes they become a pest and try to come into the towns and cities.
I'd never seen one before we moved to Nova Scotia. One night I was driving home from work in a rain storm and saw a sad dog running along the side of the road. I mentioned it to Nate when I got home and he pulled a picture up on his phone of the dog and I was shocked he knew what it looked like. It was a coyote and Nate teased me mercilessly that I was going to pull over and pick up the sad, wet coyote. He can be an Ass ;-p

Morning, Mark.

Oh, good for you. "Lady Bird" is one we want to see. We love Laurie Metcalf, too. She's a Steppenwolf ensemble member, so we've seen her on stage here a lot.

We did finally see the new Star Wars movie, and enjoyed it. That Daisy Ridley is just what the series needed. Sad to see the last of Carrie Fisher.

Nicholas is just starting to tutor the four girls in French. Enjoy the audio today, and the warmup.

Morning, Mark! I had not heard of "Lady Bird", but it sounds like one I would enjoy - love Laurie Metcalf.

Happy Hump Day, Mark...Lady Bird sounds like a good film. So good that Juno got a worthy follow-up.

>170 lauralkeet: Morning, Laura. Good to see you, stranger. Hooray, for Lady Bird. It may be my favorite film of '17.

>171 ChelleBearss: Morning, Chelle. Glad I am forgiven. Love the coyote & Nate story. I don't think he is an ass at all, just pretty funny. Grins...

>172 jnwelch: Morning, Joe. You guys will love Lady Bird. Hooray for Metcalf, Ridley, Fisher and Nickelby!

It is still pretty damp out there but also quite mild.

Good morning, Mark! Glad you've got some mild weather.

>157 msf59: Ha!!

>173 Crazymamie: Morning, Mamie. If you can see Lady Bird at the theater, with the girls, they might love it too. Just sayin'...

>174 richardderus: Morning, RD. We have not had a film to replace or to compare to Juno, since that fine film came out. We do now.

>176 harrygbutler: Morning, Harry. It is still damp and misty here. Once this clears out, it should be a fine day.

>177 SuziQoregon: I could not stop grinning when I saw that title, Juli.

I really need to see Lady Bird.

And I love the memes and photos and all things humorous hereabouts, Mark.

Last night I got caught up in reading about poor Nicholas, made some progress (although it's quite the chunkster, so it will take me a while to complete it!).

Have I told you about the time I chased a coyote away from a neighbor cat in my pajamas and bare feet at 2AM? Sadly, I was too late to save the cat, and P's reaction was that she would "prefer that" I not go out in the night in my PJs to throw rocks at wild animals.... Heh.

>179 EBT1002: - Check, another good reason for *indoor* cats.... just saying.... Coyotes have been a issue here in Toronto, as well, on occasion

Wow, your thread moves fast. I just wanted to say that Moonrise by Sarah Crossan is a really good YA verse novel about death row.

>179 EBT1002: Hi, Ellen. You will love "Lady Bird". I am 300 pages into NN. The novel keeps going in directions, I did not expect. I am enjoying it.

I love the coyote and pajamas story. I think I remember when this happened. Still amusing, except for the unfortunate kitty.

>180 jessibud2: We have no cats, but one smaller dog. He might make a tasty appetizer. Grins...

>181 avatiakh: Hi, Kerry. Thanks for the YA recommendation. Sounds like a good one.

Belated happy new thread, Mark.

A few days very little time, and I am way behind...

>126 msf59: >131 jessibud2: One of my very favorite Larson cartoons, and there were many. I was so sad when he retired!

>160 msf59: I've been hearing a lot about Lady Bird, but I'll probably have to wait until I can rent it on Amazon. I don't think the others in my family would appreciate it as much.

>183 FAMeulstee: Thanks, Anita. Good to see you.

>184 rretzler: Hi, Robin. I like Larson too. I will be doing plenty of warbling on Lady Bird. My favorite film, of '17, as of this moment.

I'll be curious to see what you think of The White Album. I just can't get into it.

Lots of movies caught my eye after the Golden Globes, including Lady Bird and the Three Billboards. The Darkest Hour too, of course.

>186 lindapanzo: Hi, Linda. I loved the title essay in The White Album. I think I am on essay 3. Sorry, it didn't work for you, but at least you gave it a try.

I want to see Three Billboards too. I love Frances McDormand. I am also keeping my eye out for The Darkest Hour.

I need to see Lady Bird! I keep thinking it is about LBJ's wife, though, and that would also be interesting.

>188 banjo123: LOL. I would see that too, Rhonda. Try to see Lady Bird, Rhonda. Make it a date night.

Lady Bird it is. I will tell Wendy you recommended it. We saw "All the Money in the World" which was excellent.

^I had this on my Christmas LT wishlist but it never materialized in my mailbox, so I gave myself a belated holiday gift and she's a beauty, indeed. Looking forward to diving into Devotions: Poems. I know Nancy has read and loved this collection. Has anyone else bought or read it?

>187 msf59: I never did compile my list of all time favorite movies but Fargo would surely be on that list.

>188 banjo123: I kept thinking it was about LBJ's wife, too.

>190 banjo123: Hooray for date night. I have been curious about "All the Money in the World" and you have just nudged it up the watchlist.

Sweet Thursday, Mark. Work goes well, thanks so much.

Morning, Mark! Happy belated Christmas, friend.

>194 Ameise1: Thanks, Barb. Big Waves!

>195 scaifea: Morning, Amber! Love those "Me" gifts!

Good morning, Mark! The dearth of birds we've had since the temperature climbed continues, with only a few juncos flitting about at the moment. I hope you're having good bird luck.

Shockingly, it is 56, as I start the route, with a light rain falling. That is nearly a 60 degree difference, from a week ago. Sadly, it will not last and temps begin to plummet, late in the day. Sighs...

>197 harrygbutler: Morning, Harry. I doubt I will see any birds, on the route today and I am hoping my night owl walk is not canceled.

>198 msf59: WOW!! I hope you get home before the temps go too far down.

Wild ride, this weather...we're slightly above normal temperature now after more than a week of being substantially below normal. Gives me whiplash, this ride does.

Good morning, Mark! Sweet Thursday to you. I guess rain and 56F beats your highs for the next however-many-days, including a high of 23F tomorrow... Yipes.

You're way ahead of me on NN. I need to hunker down soon and get caught up to my plan - 2-3 chapters a day. Right now I'm only on chapter XVI.

Morning, Mark! Believe it or not, it's supposed to go to 75F here today, but by the weekend we'll be back in the 40s. Weird weather indeed.

Morning, Mark!

Enjoy Devotions: Selected Poems; oh, I have read this. I didn't realize it was her selected poems. You'll have a great time.

Enjoy the warmup, buddy. I'll be reading along in Nicholas Nickleby - it's better even than I expected. Go Brothers Cheeryble!

>200 richardderus: Hi, RD. Whiplash, indeed. At least 20s, will feel better than single digits. As long as the snow stays at bay. Fingers crossed.

>201 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. Yep, back to bundled up, for tomorrow and into the middle of next week, but it is January after all...

Good luck hunkering down with NN.

>202 Crazymamie: Morning, Mamie. Ooh, 75. I won't be enjoying that kind of warmth, until Mexico. B.A.G.

>203 jnwelch: Morning, Joe. Oliver is one of the very first poets, you turned me on to and she remains a favorite. This is a big collection, so I will be spending some serious time with it.

Hooray for NN!

I have not read my N2 in a few days--have to get back to it! But probably not today. Jam packed. Happy Thursday! Stay warm.

Hey there Mark! Yikes on the up and down temps.

>191 msf59: Excellent gift to yourself.

I'm Starting Binti: Home by Nnedi Okorafor today. Loved the first one and looking forward to this one. Have you read all three?

>122 msf59: Other than the danger to small pets, they are fairly harmless. We saw a coyote in Nova Scotia when we were there in 2008. A couple of years later Mr SandDune started watching a documentary about a woman who was killed by coyotes in Cape Breton national park. 'I wonder if it was anywhere near where we were?' he said. 'Don't be silly' I said 'It'll be somewhere much more remote'. (We only went on a couple of the busier trails near the road). So he started watching the programme and the scenery started looking very familiar. Turned out not only was it the same trail, but we had parked in the same car park, although at a much busier time of year.

Having grown up in Texas from 1966 on, I was always aware of coyotes as potential hazards when camping. Which is one reason why I didn't. Camp, that is.

>209 richardderus: I don't camp, either. Because of the camping part.

Hello, Mark! Sweet Thursday!

>210 Crazymamie: It's always seemed to me to be disrespectful of the intense efforts our foremothers went to in creating civilization and hot running water and electric ovens to go back to sleeping in the dirt and eating charred whatnot directly from the open, difficult to ignite flames.

Exactly.

>211 richardderus:, >212 Crazymamie: - But, the marshmallows! And the night sky! and the quiet! ......

>213 jessibud2: That’s what the fire pit by the pool is for. And then you go back inside the permanent physical structure that has all the luxury items inside of it.

^The Night Owl Hike was postponed, because of the weather! Boo hoo! Sad Warbler. At least they rescheduled it for next Thursday. Unfortunately, you never know what kind of weather you are going to get, this time of year. It was still 58F, on my way home from work, but still a light rain, so I took down the outside Christmas lights. Now, I am having a beer...

>206 Berly: Hi, Kimmers. I hope you can get back into NN. The only way to get through that Chunkster, is to keep chipping away. I have finally entered the second half.

>207 SuziQoregon: Hi, Juli. Yep, excited about the Oliver collection and yes, I really enjoyed the first 2 Binti books. Is the 3rd out yet? I will have to check. I am glad you are enjoying them.

>208 SandDune: Wow, Rhian! That is quite a coyote story, but that has to be a very rare occurrence. Even wolves, very rarely attack humans. Now, bears, they can be a whole different story.

>216 msf59: Yes, apparently it was the only known human coyote death ever (or at least it was when we watched the programme).

>209 richardderus: >210 Crazymamie: I have been getting back into camping, this past decade or so, but the staying in a comfy camper kind of camping. I even got my wife back on board. I do like being outdoors and since I can have most of my conveniences handy, I am fine with it.

>211 richardderus: Great point, RD!

>213 jessibud2: "But, the marshmallows! And the night sky! and the quiet!" And the beer and the camaraderie?

>214 Crazymamie: Hard to argue that one, Mamie...Smiles.

>213 jessibud2: see >214 Crazymamie: for les mots justes.

>216 msf59: The third Binti book will be out next Tuesday. I'm #1 on the wait list at the library.

>219 richardderus: You can say that again, partner!

>220 SuziQoregon: Thanks, Juli. I will probably watch for it on ebook.

We like to camp - especially cooking big honkin’ steaks over the fire. And the gin and tonics by the lake. And hammocks with books. 😀

We love to camp and hopefully next summer the girls will be old enough that we can go. I think I'm getting too old for tents now though, I'd like to rent a camper

I used to love camping but it's been eons since I last did it. The 1980s, I think. But I always loved it. Mostly in tents but if I were to go again these days, I'd probably opt for a bit more comfort, such as a camper. My back ain't what it once was!

Rustic camping spot, according to me.

>215 msf59: Sorry about the hike!

>222 drneutron: Looks like you have things covered, Jim. Grins...

>223 ChelleBearss: Hi, Chelle. Hooray for camping with the girls.

>224 jessibud2: I definitely can't sleep on the ground anymore, Shelley. The cots they have now, are actually pretty comfortable.

>225 richardderus: Ooh, I want to go here, RD. Screw camping!

>226 alphaorder: I am bummed, Nancy but I hope we can do it next Thursday.

Woo, I just finished NN. Poor Smike! But hooray for Nicholas and Madeline, Frank and Kate and . . . Tim and Miss La Crevy? Well, all right then. :-)

>83 msf59: I especially want to read The Power. It made Obama's Best of List. The former did not.

Lol.

Re: camping. I used to love it, but because of my advanced age *ahem* and my dicky hip, find it tricky to manoeuvre myself about in such a small space. So we have taken to the big old fashioned tents of my childhood- canvas stand-up-inside-them types. I love them!

Hmmm I once never will I camp (as an adult), lodges with running water - Hell Yes! Basic huts, yes, camping ....well never say never

>229 LovingLit: What is this about advanced age ???

Just dropping in a wave :)

Not a camper, but mainly cos my hubby won't sleep if the kids are in the same room (he's an odd duck) and I suspect that would extend to 'same tent'. When they are big enough to have a separate tent, we might try it.

Morning, Mark!

Camping is a big nope for me. Too many bugs and critters. *shudders* I'll happily remain in the Great Indoors, please.

>228 jnwelch: I didn't think I should open the spoiler "thingy", Joe, since I am only halfway. Am I right? Congrats on knocking it out.

>229 LovingLit: Hi, Megan. I know you like spending time outdoors and the big canvas tents sound perfect, especially for a family.

>230 roundballnz: Hi, Alex. I am with you on all that, but I would definitely like to spend more time in the great outdoors.

>231 BekkaJo: Thanks for the wave, Bekka. And hooray for the odd duck hubby! I may be one of those. Grins...

>231 BekkaJo: Morning, Amber. Hey, the Great Indoors are where all the books are, right? I completely understand.

^ I am halfway through both The White Album and Nickelby. Enjoying both. I also started A Thousand Mornings, on the poetry front. That is all...

Off to bundle up...

>225 richardderus: Lake Louise or Banff, here in fabulous Canada! I've visited both, but was never able to afford to stay in that particular hotel. RD,
More's the pity!

Bundle up! It's not bad here - around ? 40 F, but I made the mistake of going out with just a gortex shell jacket on last night and brr it was cold. Fabulous Friday, Mark!

>235 vancouverdeb: - I recognized that spot, too, Deb, up in >225 richardderus:! I've also been to both places though not that particular resort. Quite the scene, isn't it? :-)

>234 msf59: So you are going with A Thousand Mornings instead of Devotions? Mornings is one of my favorite Mary Oliver collections.

>215 msf59: Too bad about the owl walk, Mark! It's raining here today, and if it keeps up there won't be snow left on the ground in most spots.

Good morning, Mark, and happy Friday to you! Stay warm today.

We camped a lot when I was a kid, the real roughing it kind with an army surplus tent and cots, Coleman stove and lanterns. Dad and the three of us kids loved it, but in looking back I don't think my mother did. She got most of the work, especially the rough cooking. Campfires, fishing, bugs, etc. The last time I camped was when I was 20 and I don't miss it at all.

Good for you on your N2 progress.

Good morning, Mark!

Yeah, you were right about not opening the spoiler thingy for NN. He saves some surprises.

I'm going to read a couple of lighter ones now, The Austen Escape and an ER book I've been slack about, called Bizarre Space.

A return to winter - it could've stayed away for a few more days, as far as I'm concerned. Stay warm out there. Fred's back on duty.

Cold and blustery out here. Sighs...

>235 vancouverdeb: I want to go to Banff!! Good friends of ours are going this summer too. Wah!!

Happy Friday, Deb. Stay warm and snug.

>237 alphaorder: I have had A Thousand Morning, on shelf forever. Ridiculous, right? So, it being a shorty, I would knock that out first.

>238 harrygbutler: Morning, Harry. Our snow is completely gone, until the next round, that is. Bummer on the owl hike. I hope it works out for next week.

>239 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. The poor Moms. My Mom didn't like renting a cottage in the summer, because she had to do all the work. Not much of a vacation for her. Backward times...

>240 jnwelch: Morning, Joe. Glad I did not open the spoiler link. Hooray for lighter reads and good old Fred!

Hi Mark. I'm sending a bit of cheer. This is a "desert cardinal." How beautiful!

Ugh! Fog! I hate walking around in fog because drivers are meatheads and don't use their headlights. Crossing the street becomes way too adrenaliney when it's this foggy.

God Stalk is very interesting.

I always said if I can’t call room service it’s not a vacation Mark 😏

>243 Whisper1: Hi, Linda. Thanks for the Friday cheer! I had not heard of a Desert Cardinal, but I sure like the look of it.

>244 richardderus: I am not a fan of fog either, RD, but I would have preferred fog over frigid, blustery winds, which I was subjected to for most of my work day. Pretty miserable.

>245 SuziQoregon: And you live in one of the most beautiful places in the country. LOL! But you can enjoy most of it, from a comfy rental unit, so there is that.

Well I will be the lone wolf to wave the flag for the wonders of camping. Oh man, I have done a LOT of camping in my time. Takes you to unforgettable places and you have amazing experiences, all worth it. i've seen colonies of sea lions with the massive old guys on the "outs" from the colony and the "girls' all dancing in the water around us, seen a grey whale surfacing right beside our boat, heard wolf calls up the beach, seen stunning scenery frozen in my mind and flocks and flocks of birds so yes there is a BIG upside.This is all while camping along the coast. Yes, bugs, yes hard ground, yes burnt food, yes sunburns. But worth it!

Anyway I have been reading the J Franzen on birds article in the Jan. Nat. Geo mag and it's good. Photos are beautiful.

>248 mdoris: - I just bought that NG on birds, too! I haven't read the whole article yet but the photos are spectacular!
I also loved camping and the key to sleeping was having a decent mattress. My job was always to inflate the mattresses with the air pump while my friend pitched the tent.

>248 mdoris: What she said! (Except my camping is not along the coast with grey whales and wolves, sadly) My husband and I both grew up in families that camped and we enjoyed it. Haven't done as much in the past few years, we will need to purchase better camping pads as our backs get older. We haven't quite gotten to the cot stage, but maybe. We bought a timeshare near Disney several years ago, and spend a lot of vacations now using our weeks in various places, which really cuts down on camping time.

Them darn birds took out the power to my place today, Mark!!! A flock of screaming snowgeese that we hear a lot! Apparently one or two or so hit a power line ( ?) and took out the power here for over an hour. Dash those snow geese. They migrate here from Siberia each winter and hang around and crap all over the fields. This is the first time they have taken out the power for us, though.

>248 mdoris: WOW! You are definitely an advocate for camping, Mary. Those descriptions are beautiful. Hooray for sea lions, whales and wolf calls.

Do you still camp? I will have to track down the Franzen bird article.

>249 jessibud2: I like the idea of a good air mattress...

>250 rretzler: Glad to hear we have another camping fan. I highly recommend getting cots.

>251 vancouverdeb: OMG! Screaming Snowgeese are on the attack. I am glad you survived the invasion, Deb. They do sound like pests, but they are nice looking birds:

Good morning, Mark! Happy Saturday.

I'm hearing some different birds today but don't know what they are! I need to pay attention to bird calls more, I think.

Morning, Mark!

>254 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. Back to single digits. Ugh. Can you say, Mexico?

I am planning on studying more bird calls this year. I have wanted to for awhile.

>255 scaifea: Morning, Amber. Brrrrrrr...

Stay warm Mark. Do you have a long weekend?

I am another Oliver fan and loved A Thousand Mornings. Is Devotions Mary Oliver a new one?

Morning, Beth. Yep, off Monday for the holiday and then Wednesday for my regular day off. Yah, for short work weeks.

Yes, Devotions is her latest collection of past work and it is a chunkster too. I am really enjoying A Thousand Mornings.

Hi Mark, happy Saturday. I am celebrating my 9th Thingaversary today. It's hard to believe I've been around here that long.

After lunch with my sister and her family, after my niece's swim meet in Lincolnshire, I plan to finish choosing my Thingaversary books.

Happy Saturday, Mark.

>245 SuziQoregon: This suits our daughter Becca to a tee, and I re-posted it over on her thread.

Debbi and I used to camp a lot - sure is an inexpensive way to have fun, and be out in nature. But then Becca showed up with allergies, and once we figured it out, we deep-sixed the camping. Nowadays we'd need a three-foot thick air mattress (with no pea) (and no Becca) to make it work.

>233 msf59: Well I was supposed to be camping this summer, but have a injury so I won't be hiking/tramping rest of the summer .... that said most peeps down here would not be using cots but sleeping mats ( inflatable) ....

>259 lindapanzo: Happy Thingaversary, Linda! Hooray for 9 years! I hope you have picked out some good books.

>260 jnwelch: Happy Saturday, Joe. Have you tracked down a 3-foot thick air mattress, minus the pea? Just wonderin'...

>261 roundballnz: Boo to an injury, Alex. I know you like your hiking/tramping. I like the idea of an inflatable sleeping mat.

Not much LT time for the Old Warbler and the family is heading out to a favorite beer spot and picking up a pizza along the way...

I will try to catch up on a few threads in the A.M.

Hey have fun old Warbler! I'll mail you a fried snow-goose for dinner :-) Yes they are nice looking birds, but when you have to put with thousands every winter..... apparently about 18,000 invade our area each winter. It's a lot, Lone Ranger.

A THOUSAND MORNINGS

All night my heart makes its way
however it can over the rough ground
of uncertainties, but only until night
meets and then is overwhelmed by
morning, the light deepening, the
wind easing and just waiting, as I
too wait (and when have I ever been
disappointed?) for redbird to sing.

-Mary Oliver

There are coyotes in Eastern Canada, Mark. Did you hear about the young woman who was killed by a pack of them? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taylor_Mitchell Supposedly these were larger coyotes that we see here in BC.

You can probably guess on what side of the camping fence I fall...

Hope you have a restful evening and get some good reading in on Sunday, Mark!

Sorry for being repetitive. That's what I get for posting before drawling through your whole thread. I didn't realize Rhian already brought up the coyote attack.

Camping? Isn't that when men get to drink beer and cook outside and women get to do dishes and keep things going under trying circumstances?

>167 msf59: I have only read one of Didion's books. I really need to read more of her stuff. Any recommendations on that front, Mark?

>191 msf59: That one was on my Christmas wish list but I didn't receive it. It's one I may purchase for my Thingaversary at the end of March.

>218 msf59: I miss camping--the RV variety rather than primitive manner. My mom always claimed she was part gypsy because she loved camping so much. It seems I inherited that gene. I used to take my cat Brumley with me when I'd join my parents. I drove them anywhere they went the last couple of years they camped. If I'd known Dad would accept as much under his asking price for the Minnie Winnie as he ended up doing, I would have purchased it from him myself. I'd love to take my three fur boys camping. If my car could pull an RV, I'd get an ultralight in a heartbeat. When I need to replace my current vehicle, I'll make certain to get something that can pull one.

Hi Mark and happy Sunday to you!

We have a pack of coyotes about a mile away from us - I can hear them yipping sometimes, but they've never, to my knowledge, come on to our property. *knocks on wood*

>266 Familyhistorian: >268 Familyhistorian: Hi, Meg. Yes, that coyote story was pretty awful but also extremely rare. My wife is getting better about camping, but she likes the comforts of a nice camper and is not up for cleaning all the time. It is a shared task.

>267 katiekrug: Yes, Katie, I could guess immediately what side of the camping equation you fall on. Grins...

Went out drinking and eating with the offspring last night and meeting Joe today for lunch, brews and gab. Should be a very nice time.

>269 alcottacre: Hi, Stasia. Good to see you. I have not read any of Didion's novels but if you like essays, I highly recommend, Slouching Toward Bethlehem and The White Album or her terrific memoir The Year of Magical Thinking.

>270 thornton37814: "the RV variety rather than primitive manner." We are with you there, Lori. I do not think we will ever buy a camper. The wife is just not a big enough fan, but we will gladly tag along with friends, that have campers.

It sounds like Devotions: Poems is a Must Have, for Oliver fans.

>271 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. It seems like coyotes are fairly reclusive, other than the rare occasion they come after a pet, you never hear about them.

I love camping, but my back doesn't. And pretty sure I wouldn't if there were bears in the UK!

I've not heard of Carl Phillips, but have a couple of poetry books in the library pile. Loop of Jade and a collected Elaine Feinstein.

Good morning, Mark! We don't go camping now, though I used to enjoy it and did a a fair amount as a kid, both in Scouts and with the family. I have considered renting a cabin for a week in a state park somewhere similar but haven't gotten around to it. I wouldn't mind trying out the RV approach — there's a certain attractiveness to making a compact space work, as aboard a boat as well — but haven't done so yet.

>274 charl08: Thanks for chiming in on the camping discussion, Charlotte. There are black bears in the Midwest but they stay to themselves. It would make me nervous to camp in Grizzly Country though.

Sorry, I had the wrong touchstone. That was supposed to be Mary Oliver. I have not heard of Carl Phillips either. LOL.

>275 harrygbutler: Morning, Harry. I much prefer the idea of a cabin or cottage in the woods or on a lake. I want to start making a list of National Parks and get my bucket list ready, for my retirement.

Happy Sunday, Mark! Hope your beer and pizza night hit the spot!

Good morning, Mark. Happy mini-meetup!

Happy trails, pardner!

...wait...you live in Chicago. All this camping talk has me bumfuzzled.

Morning, Mark!

Ha! I just posted a Mary Oliver poem over on my thread. Great minds think alike. Love the cardinal in winter photo, too.

Great Bulls game last night, down to the wire. The injured star, Zach LaVine, who came over in a trade, finally got to play, and he was excellent, as were the rest of the baby Bulls.

Would you believe it, all the three foot air mattresses seem to come with a pea. We'll keep looking.

Morning, Mark! I Have a wonderful time with Joe, not that you need telling.

Not a fan of camping, Mark. Have fun with Joe.

>277 ChelleBearss: >278 jessibud2: Happy Sunday, Chelle & Shelley. Hooray for a Meet Up.

>279 richardderus: Within a couple hours of here, there are some really nice camping areas, RD. No mountains, but other outdoorsy treats.

>280 jnwelch: Morning, Joe. Getting read to head to the store and then out to your place. See you soon...

>281 scaifea: >282 BLBera: Happy Sunday, Amber & Beth. We probably won't have much to talk about, but we will muddle through...grins.

Have a great time, Mark and Joe!

>273 msf59: Thanks for the recommendations! Have a great Sunday!

Afternoon, Mark! I listened to and really enjoyed The Princess Diarist, so thanks for the nudge.

>284 alphaorder: We did have a great time, Nancy. I wish you could join us, one of these days. You would fit in perfectly.

>285 alcottacre: You are welcome, Stasia. I had a great Sunday. Thanks!

>286 Crazymamie: Hi, Mamie! Glad you enjoyed The Princess Diarist. My warbling paid off, I see...grins.

^No surprises, the Meet Up between Joe and I, was another resonating success, as you can tell by the goofy grins. This is at Spiteful Brewery. Our first visit here and we really liked this place.

>28 SandDune: - Cheers! :-)

>288 msf59: What a great shot, two grinning guys and the pub sign comes in loud and clear! You would think you guys found stuff to agree on or something like that. LOL

>288 msf59:. Where’s the Like button!

Looking good, guys!

>265 msf59: love that bright image against the snow!

>288 msf59: The awesome twosome :)

I would like to press the like button too!

>288 msf59: I love it!!

Morning, Mark!

Morning, Mark, and happy MLK Day. Any special plans?

Nice to see you and Joe hoisting a brew. Those glasses sure look fancy.

Thanks, Shelley, Meg, Bonnie, Jim, Megan & Mary. We had a great visit. The time flew by. I wish more LTers were in the area, to join us.

>295 scaifea: Morning, Amber. Back to snow. Ugh!

>296 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. I have a massage, (a Christmas present) planned for 11, at the place my wife works and then we are going to do lunch. The rest of the afternoon is reserved for the books.

I did love those beer glasses.

Good morning, Mark! Enjoy your Monday!

Morning, Harry! I am off today, so I definitely will enjoy it. Smiles...