DeltaQueen's 2021 Challenge - Reading Is Like a Box of Chocolates
Dit onderwerp werd voortgezet door DeltaQueen's 2021 Challenge - Reading Is Like a Box of Chocolates - Part 2.
Discussie2021 Category Challenge
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1DeltaQueen50
_____
Welcome to my 2021 Category Challenge thread. My name is Judy and I live in the suburbs of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. I have been a member of the Category Challenge for a good number of years and enjoy the preparation and planning that goes into building our categories. I don’t always follow my plans, but they are fun to make. Please feel free to join in on any conversation here, bookish or otherwise. All opinions are respected as long as we are polite and friendly to each other.
I have found that reading is very much like a box of chocolates as you never know what you are going to get, so this year I am taking my cue from Forrest Gump and have decided to match my reading categories to delectable chocolates. I chose to use chocolates from a Canadian chocolatier called Purdys. There is a Purdys in just about every large shopping mall in Canada and Canadians are very familiar with their goodies. For those who don’t know this store, I have put together a Purdys List of Personal Favourites – 15 chocolates to match my 15 categories. Some of these matches may make no sense to anyone, but I had a reason for each choice which I will explain as we go along. I apologize to anyone who is allergic to nuts as many of my favourites do have nuts in them.
My reading goals during 2021 are pretty much the same as they have been in previous years:
1. Reduce the number of books on my shelves, kindles and audio account.
2. Read a good number of books from the 1,001 Books to Read Before You Die List.
And this year -
3. Series, series, series – try to gain some control over my series reading.
I am trying not to put too much pressure on myself as I tend to feel obligated to read one book from each category every month, leaving me little room for those fun surprises that come along. So no category targets this year but I usually read over 200 books a year so I expect each category will have a good amount of books added.
Please pull up a comfy chair, grab a book, help yourself to a chocolate (or two) along with a beverage – 2021 looks to be a promising year for reading, and let’s hope it is a better year all around than 2020 proved to be.
2DeltaQueen50
2021 Categories
1. Sweet Georgia Browns – Mystery & Police Series: In other places this candy goes by the copyrighted name of Turtles. I could both eat this candy again and again and read mysteries over and over so this is where I place some of my police procedurals and mystery series reading.
2. Cherry Cordials – Vintage Crime: I picture little old ladies (I think of Sylvester and Tweety’s Granny) munching on these while they also devour classic whodunits.
3. Chocolate Creams – Crime/Mysteries: Dark, rich and mysterious these chocolates match perfectly to the rest of my crime reading.
4. Himalayan Pink Salt Caramels – Fantasy: These chocolate covered beauties are one of my favourites and I can easily “fantasize” that I am working my way through a box of them!
5. Almond Crunch – Science Fiction: Filled with a creamy chocolate filling and bits of almonds, these are “out of this world” delicious and hence my match with science fiction.
6. Passionfruit Hearts – Romance: The shape, the flavour, and the name of these chocolates bring on the feeling of romance. So books that deal with love and romance will be placed here.
7. Peanut Butter Daisies – YA & Children’s Literature – These creamy delights are often a child’s first favourite. And like all good things, many of us never grow out of them.
8. Chai Tea Caramels – Global Reading – This chocolate is exotic enough to match with my reads that are set in far-away countries.
9. Hedgehogs – 1,001 Books – The Hedgehog is probably Purdys best known chocolate, a classic in it’s own right and so it matches well with the classics of this list.
10. Vanilla Creams – Non-Fiction – A straight forward, no nonsense chocolate that consists of a vanilla cream centre wrapped in chocolate. Non-fiction will go well with this.
11. White Cameos – Historical Fiction – Although I am not a huge fan of white chocolate, this delicate candy with the cameo picture has old fashioned appeal and would go well with any historical fiction.
12. Chocolate Letters – AlphaKit – I intend to participate in the 2021 AlphaKit and will place my reads here.
13. Purdy’s Gift Box – Since I am reading so many series, having only one category for Mystery or Police Procedural series isn’t going to be enough. I will use this category to randomly pick a series read from one of the many genres that I read from.
14. Sake and Sakura Truffles – These chocolates are a new addition to the Purdy’s lineup and since I have quite a few books that are written by new-to-me authors, this makes a perfect place to track them.
15. Maple Leaf Melties – All Others – In the shape of the Canadian Maple Leaf, these candies are meant to be popped in the mouth and allowed to melt slowly. This will be where I place all my reading that doesn’t fit anywhere else – what’s the connection? I am Canadian plus I love these candies and wanted to use them!
1. Sweet Georgia Browns – Mystery & Police Series: In other places this candy goes by the copyrighted name of Turtles. I could both eat this candy again and again and read mysteries over and over so this is where I place some of my police procedurals and mystery series reading.
2. Cherry Cordials – Vintage Crime: I picture little old ladies (I think of Sylvester and Tweety’s Granny) munching on these while they also devour classic whodunits.
3. Chocolate Creams – Crime/Mysteries: Dark, rich and mysterious these chocolates match perfectly to the rest of my crime reading.
4. Himalayan Pink Salt Caramels – Fantasy: These chocolate covered beauties are one of my favourites and I can easily “fantasize” that I am working my way through a box of them!
5. Almond Crunch – Science Fiction: Filled with a creamy chocolate filling and bits of almonds, these are “out of this world” delicious and hence my match with science fiction.
6. Passionfruit Hearts – Romance: The shape, the flavour, and the name of these chocolates bring on the feeling of romance. So books that deal with love and romance will be placed here.
7. Peanut Butter Daisies – YA & Children’s Literature – These creamy delights are often a child’s first favourite. And like all good things, many of us never grow out of them.
8. Chai Tea Caramels – Global Reading – This chocolate is exotic enough to match with my reads that are set in far-away countries.
9. Hedgehogs – 1,001 Books – The Hedgehog is probably Purdys best known chocolate, a classic in it’s own right and so it matches well with the classics of this list.
10. Vanilla Creams – Non-Fiction – A straight forward, no nonsense chocolate that consists of a vanilla cream centre wrapped in chocolate. Non-fiction will go well with this.
11. White Cameos – Historical Fiction – Although I am not a huge fan of white chocolate, this delicate candy with the cameo picture has old fashioned appeal and would go well with any historical fiction.
12. Chocolate Letters – AlphaKit – I intend to participate in the 2021 AlphaKit and will place my reads here.
13. Purdy’s Gift Box – Since I am reading so many series, having only one category for Mystery or Police Procedural series isn’t going to be enough. I will use this category to randomly pick a series read from one of the many genres that I read from.
14. Sake and Sakura Truffles – These chocolates are a new addition to the Purdy’s lineup and since I have quite a few books that are written by new-to-me authors, this makes a perfect place to track them.
15. Maple Leaf Melties – All Others – In the shape of the Canadian Maple Leaf, these candies are meant to be popped in the mouth and allowed to melt slowly. This will be where I place all my reading that doesn’t fit anywhere else – what’s the connection? I am Canadian plus I love these candies and wanted to use them!
3DeltaQueen50
2021 Tickers
Total Books Read:
Total Pages Read:
Books Read from My Shelves:
Total Books Read:
Total Pages Read:
Books Read from My Shelves:
4DeltaQueen50
How I Rate Books:
I am not a professional book critic nor do I consider myself to be an expert on literary standards, my reviews are based on my reaction to the book and the opinions expressed are my own personal thoughts and feelings.
2.0 ★: I must have been dragged, kicking and screaming, to finish this one!
2.5 ★: Below Average but I finished the book for one reason or another.
3.0 ★: Average, a solid read that I finished but can't promise to remember
3.5 ★: Above Average, there's room for improvement but I liked this well enough to pick up another book by this author.
4.0 ★: A very good read and I enjoyed my time spent with this story
4.5 ★: An excellent read, a book I will remember and recommend
5.0 ★: Sheer perfection, the right book at the right time for me
I use decimal points to further clarify my thoughts about the book, therefore you will see books rated 3.8 to show it was better than a 3.5 but not quite a 4.0; etc. These small adjustments help me to remember how a book resonated with me.
I am not a professional book critic nor do I consider myself to be an expert on literary standards, my reviews are based on my reaction to the book and the opinions expressed are my own personal thoughts and feelings.
2.0 ★: I must have been dragged, kicking and screaming, to finish this one!
2.5 ★: Below Average but I finished the book for one reason or another.
3.0 ★: Average, a solid read that I finished but can't promise to remember
3.5 ★: Above Average, there's room for improvement but I liked this well enough to pick up another book by this author.
4.0 ★: A very good read and I enjoyed my time spent with this story
4.5 ★: An excellent read, a book I will remember and recommend
5.0 ★: Sheer perfection, the right book at the right time for me
I use decimal points to further clarify my thoughts about the book, therefore you will see books rated 3.8 to show it was better than a 3.5 but not quite a 4.0; etc. These small adjustments help me to remember how a book resonated with me.
5DeltaQueen50
2021 Bingo
1. Nature and Environment: Ring of Bright Water by Gavin Maxwell
2. Title Describes You:
3. Contains a Love Story:
4. You Heartily Recommend:
5. Impulse Read:
6. Suggested by Another Generation:
7. About Time or Time Word in Title:
8. By or About Marginalized Group:
9. 20 or Fewer LT Members:
10. Classical Element in Title:
11. Set Somewhere You'd Like to Visit:
12. Dark or Light in Title:
13. Read a Cat or Kit:
14. New-to-You Author:
15. Arts & Recreation:
16. Senior Citizen Protagonist:
17. Type of Building in Title:
18. Less Than 200 Pages:
19. Two or More Authors:
20. Character You Would be Friends With:
21. One Word Title: Poppet by Mo Hayder
22. About History or Alternate History:
23. Made You Laugh:
24. Southern Hemisphere:
25. About or Contains Magic:
1. Nature and Environment: Ring of Bright Water by Gavin Maxwell
2. Title Describes You:
3. Contains a Love Story:
4. You Heartily Recommend:
5. Impulse Read:
6. Suggested by Another Generation:
7. About Time or Time Word in Title:
8. By or About Marginalized Group:
9. 20 or Fewer LT Members:
10. Classical Element in Title:
11. Set Somewhere You'd Like to Visit:
12. Dark or Light in Title:
13. Read a Cat or Kit:
14. New-to-You Author:
15. Arts & Recreation:
16. Senior Citizen Protagonist:
17. Type of Building in Title:
18. Less Than 200 Pages:
19. Two or More Authors:
20. Character You Would be Friends With:
21. One Word Title: Poppet by Mo Hayder
22. About History or Alternate History:
23. Made You Laugh:
24. Southern Hemisphere:
25. About or Contains Magic:
6DeltaQueen50
Around the Year in 52 Books Challenge
This is a Good Reads Reading Challenge that I am going to do in 2021. I am not going to participate in the Good Reads Groups or follow their weekly guide but simply work the challenge on my own.
1. Related to "In the Beginning":
2. Author's Name Has No "A, T or Y":
3. Related to the lyrics of the song "Favorite Things":
4. Monochromatic Cover:
5. Author is on USA Today's List of 100 Black Novelists You Should Read:
6. A Love Story:
7. Fits a Suggestion that Didn't Make the Final List:
8. Set somewhere you have never visited:
9. Associated with a specific season or time of year:
10. A female villain or criminal:
11. Celebrates The Grand Egyptian Museum:
12. Written by a woman and translated to English:
13. Written by an author of one of your best reads in 2020:
14. Set in a made up place: Red Country by Joe Abercrombie
15. Siblings as main characters:
16. A building in the title:
17. Muslim character or author:
18. Related to the past:
19. Related to the present:
20. Related to the future: In the After by Demitria Lunetta
21. Title and Author contain the letter U:
22. Posted in one of the ATY Best Book of the Month Threads:
23. A Cross Genre Novel
24. About Racism or Race Relations:
25. Set on an island:
26. A Short Book (less than 210 pages):
27. Book has a character that could be found in a deck of cards: Poppet by Mo Hayder
28. Connected to ice:
29. A Comfort Read:
30. A Long Book:
31. Author's career spanned more than 21 years:
32. Cover shows more than 2 people:
33. A Collection of Short Stories, Essays or Poetry:
34. A book with a travel theme:
35. Set in a country on or below the Tropic of Cancer:
36. Six or More Words in the Title:
37. From the "Are You Well Read in Literature List":
38. Related to a word given to you be a random word generator:
39. Involves an immigrant:
40. Flowers or Greenery on the cover:
41. A new-to-you BIPOC Author:
42. A Mystery or Thriller:
43. Contains elements of magic:
44. Title Contains a Negative:
45. Related to a codeword from the NATO phoenic alphabet
46. Winner or nominee from the 2020 Goodreads Choice Awards
47. Non-Fiction book other than a Memoir or a Biography
48. Might cause someone to say "You Read What!!"
49. Book with an ensemble cast
50. Published in 2021:
51. Title refers to a character without giving their name
52. Related to "The End"
This is a Good Reads Reading Challenge that I am going to do in 2021. I am not going to participate in the Good Reads Groups or follow their weekly guide but simply work the challenge on my own.
1. Related to "In the Beginning":
2. Author's Name Has No "A, T or Y":
3. Related to the lyrics of the song "Favorite Things":
4. Monochromatic Cover:
5. Author is on USA Today's List of 100 Black Novelists You Should Read:
6. A Love Story:
7. Fits a Suggestion that Didn't Make the Final List:
8. Set somewhere you have never visited:
9. Associated with a specific season or time of year:
10. A female villain or criminal:
11. Celebrates The Grand Egyptian Museum:
12. Written by a woman and translated to English:
13. Written by an author of one of your best reads in 2020:
14. Set in a made up place: Red Country by Joe Abercrombie
15. Siblings as main characters:
16. A building in the title:
17. Muslim character or author:
18. Related to the past:
19. Related to the present:
20. Related to the future: In the After by Demitria Lunetta
21. Title and Author contain the letter U:
22. Posted in one of the ATY Best Book of the Month Threads:
23. A Cross Genre Novel
24. About Racism or Race Relations:
25. Set on an island:
26. A Short Book (less than 210 pages):
27. Book has a character that could be found in a deck of cards: Poppet by Mo Hayder
28. Connected to ice:
29. A Comfort Read:
30. A Long Book:
31. Author's career spanned more than 21 years:
32. Cover shows more than 2 people:
33. A Collection of Short Stories, Essays or Poetry:
34. A book with a travel theme:
35. Set in a country on or below the Tropic of Cancer:
36. Six or More Words in the Title:
37. From the "Are You Well Read in Literature List":
38. Related to a word given to you be a random word generator:
39. Involves an immigrant:
40. Flowers or Greenery on the cover:
41. A new-to-you BIPOC Author:
42. A Mystery or Thriller:
43. Contains elements of magic:
44. Title Contains a Negative:
45. Related to a codeword from the NATO phoenic alphabet
46. Winner or nominee from the 2020 Goodreads Choice Awards
47. Non-Fiction book other than a Memoir or a Biography
48. Might cause someone to say "You Read What!!"
49. Book with an ensemble cast
50. Published in 2021:
51. Title refers to a character without giving their name
52. Related to "The End"
7DeltaQueen50
Sweet Georgia Browns Mystery and Police Procedural Series
Possibilities:
1. The Redeemer (6) by Jo Nesbo
2. Not Dead Yet (8) by Peter James
3. The Secret Place (5) by Tana French
Possibilities:
1. The Redeemer (6) by Jo Nesbo
2. Not Dead Yet (8) by Peter James
3. The Secret Place (5) by Tana French
8DeltaQueen50
Cherry Cordials Vintage Crime Novels
Possibilities:
1. The Fashion in Shrouds (10) by Margery Allingham
2. Too Many Cooks (4) by Rex Stout
3. Missing or Murdered by Robin Forsythe
Possibilities:
1. The Fashion in Shrouds (10) by Margery Allingham
2. Too Many Cooks (4) by Rex Stout
3. Missing or Murdered by Robin Forsythe
9DeltaQueen50
Chocolate Creams More Mysteries and Crime Stories
Possibilities:
1. Dodgers by Bill Beverley
2. Die A Little by Megan Abbott
3. The Bottoms by Joe R. Lansdale
Books Read
1. Poppet by Mo Hayder - 4.0 ★
Possibilities:
1. Dodgers by Bill Beverley
2. Die A Little by Megan Abbott
3. The Bottoms by Joe R. Lansdale
Books Read
1. Poppet by Mo Hayder - 4.0 ★
10DeltaQueen50
Himalayan Pink Salt Caramels Light and Dark Fantasy
Possibilities
1. Devil's Wake by Steven Barnes
2. Instauration by Sarah Lyons Fleming
3. The Mermaid's Madness by Jim Hines
Books Read
1. Red Country by Joe Abercrombie - 4.5 ★
Possibilities
1. Devil's Wake by Steven Barnes
2. Instauration by Sarah Lyons Fleming
3. The Mermaid's Madness by Jim Hines
Books Read
1. Red Country by Joe Abercrombie - 4.5 ★
11DeltaQueen50
Almond Crunch Science Fiction
Possibilities:
1. Scout's Progress by Sharon Lee
2. Lotus Blue by Cat Sparks
3. Starship Troopers by Robert Heinlein
Possibilities:
1. Scout's Progress by Sharon Lee
2. Lotus Blue by Cat Sparks
3. Starship Troopers by Robert Heinlein
12DeltaQueen50
Passionfruit Hearts Romance
Possibilities:
1. The Corinthian by Georgette Heyer
2. Star of the North by Anna Jacobs
Books Read
1. Restoring Grace by Katie Fforde - 3.5 ★
Possibilities:
1. The Corinthian by Georgette Heyer
2. Star of the North by Anna Jacobs
Books Read
1. Restoring Grace by Katie Fforde - 3.5 ★
13DeltaQueen50
Peanut Butter Daisies Children's Lit/YA
Possibilities:
1. I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erica Sanchez
2. A Separate Peace by John Knowles
3. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
Books Read
1. In the After by Demitria Lunetta - 3.7 ★
Possibilities:
1. I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erica Sanchez
2. A Separate Peace by John Knowles
3. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
Books Read
1. In the After by Demitria Lunetta - 3.7 ★
14DeltaQueen50
Chai Tea Caramels Books Set Around the World
Possibilities:
1. Us Against You by Fredrik Backman
2. In the Time of Butterflies by Julia Alvarez
3. Shadows of the Pomegranate Tree by Tariq Ali
Possibilities:
1. Us Against You by Fredrik Backman
2. In the Time of Butterflies by Julia Alvarez
3. Shadows of the Pomegranate Tree by Tariq Ali
15DeltaQueen50
Hedgehogs Books From the 1,001 Books To Read Before You Die List
Possibilities:
1. Beloved by Toni Morrison
2. The Crow Road by Iain Banks
3. Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson
Books Read
1. A Modest Proposal by Jonathan Swift
Possibilities:
1. Beloved by Toni Morrison
2. The Crow Road by Iain Banks
3. Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson
Books Read
1. A Modest Proposal by Jonathan Swift
16DeltaQueen50
Vanilla Creams Non-Fiction
Possibilities:
1. Educated by Tara Westover
2. Below Stairs by Margaret Powell
3. Ghettoside by Jill Leovy
Books Read
1. Ring of Bright Water by Gavin Maxwell - 4.5 ★
Possibilities:
1. Educated by Tara Westover
2. Below Stairs by Margaret Powell
3. Ghettoside by Jill Leovy
Books Read
1. Ring of Bright Water by Gavin Maxwell - 4.5 ★
17DeltaQueen50
White Chocolate Cameos Historical Fiction/Reading Through Time
Possibilities:
1. The Gown by Jennifer Robson
2. White Collar Girl by Renee Rosen
Books Read
1. Enter Three Witches by Caroline Cooney - 3.6 ★
Possibilities:
1. The Gown by Jennifer Robson
2. White Collar Girl by Renee Rosen
Books Read
1. Enter Three Witches by Caroline Cooney - 3.6 ★
18DeltaQueen50
Chocolate Letters AlphaKit - 2 Letters Each Month
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
J.
K.
L.
M. Cop Hater by Ed McBain - 4.3 ★
N.
O.
P. Dreams of the Red Phoenix by Virginia Pye - 2.8 ★
Q.
R.
S.
T.
U.
V.
W.
X.
Y.
Z.
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
J.
K.
L.
M. Cop Hater by Ed McBain - 4.3 ★
N.
O.
P. Dreams of the Red Phoenix by Virginia Pye - 2.8 ★
Q.
R.
S.
T.
U.
V.
W.
X.
Y.
Z.
19DeltaQueen50
Purdy's Gift Box Series Reading From All Genres
Possibilities:
1. Wall (3) by Tom Abrahams
2. Monster Nation (2) by David Wellington
3. Massacre at Cawnpore (3) by V. A. Stuart
Possibilities:
1. Wall (3) by Tom Abrahams
2. Monster Nation (2) by David Wellington
3. Massacre at Cawnpore (3) by V. A. Stuart
20DeltaQueen50
Sake & Sakura Truffles Author I Haven't Read Before
Possibilities:
1. My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell
2. A Children's Bible by Lydia Millet
3. The Trouble with Goats and Sheep by Joanna Cannon
Possibilities:
1. My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell
2. A Children's Bible by Lydia Millet
3. The Trouble with Goats and Sheep by Joanna Cannon
22DeltaQueen50
2021 Reading Plans
Group Reads and Hosting Duties:
February: Group Read of Voss by Patrick White
March: ScaredyKit – Short Stories/Novellas
April: SFFFKit – Series
April Reading Thru Time – The Sun Never Sets
May: Random Cat
July: GenreCat - Romance
Year long Group Read: Romance of the Three Kingdoms by Luo Guanzhong
Group Reads and Hosting Duties:
February: Group Read of Voss by Patrick White
March: ScaredyKit – Short Stories/Novellas
April: SFFFKit – Series
April Reading Thru Time – The Sun Never Sets
May: Random Cat
July: GenreCat - Romance
Year long Group Read: Romance of the Three Kingdoms by Luo Guanzhong
23DeltaQueen50
Wow, I totally miscounted how many spots to reserve so I have a few extra ones. I guess I can whet your appetities by posting more pictures of yummy chocolates:
26DeltaQueen50
Welcome everyone!
28DeltaQueen50
Hi Vivienne, I probably should have held off as I am all sixes and sevens this evening! At least I finally got it up.
29dudes22
Looks like you'll have a delectable year of reading in 2021. I only see a couple of your possibilities that I've already read so there's already lots to look forward to.
I'm looking forward to seeing what you use for some of the "Around the Year" challenge as the prompts don't even hint to me what they might be.
oh - and - what's in the hedgehogs?
I'm looking forward to seeing what you use for some of the "Around the Year" challenge as the prompts don't even hint to me what they might be.
oh - and - what's in the hedgehogs?
32lsh63
Very nice theme Judy! I'll be stopping by to not only see what you are reading but to also look at the chocolates!
33rabbitprincess
Mmmmmmmm Purdys!! So good! My favourites are the hedgehogs :)
>29 dudes22: They contain a hazelnut chocolate spread. The Purdys website calls it gianduja (which I had to look up): https://www.purdys.com/hedgehogs?custcol_pc_giftwrap=2&custcol_pc_pieces=110
>29 dudes22: They contain a hazelnut chocolate spread. The Purdys website calls it gianduja (which I had to look up): https://www.purdys.com/hedgehogs?custcol_pc_giftwrap=2&custcol_pc_pieces=110
34MissWatson
Yummy. I feel a sudden need to go out and buy chocolate.
35casvelyn
Well now I'm just hungry! And the hedgehogs are adorable!
I think I'm going to get a bunch of BBs from your categories too.
I think I'm going to get a bunch of BBs from your categories too.
38NinieB
Wonderful--I can enjoy chocolate vicariously by reading your thread! I'm looking forward to reading along again.
39DeltaQueen50
>29 dudes22: Hi Betty, I intend to interpret the clues to the ATY Challenge fairly loosely, for example, for clues 18,19, 20, I am going to read books set in the past, present and future. I've scanned the clues and I think I should be able to find something to read for of all of it - but time will tell. I do know that I am planning on reading The Gown in February and since it is about Queen Ellizabeth's wedding gown, it will fit the prompt about relating to the lyrics of "Favorite Things" - "girls in white dresses".
Hedgehogs are indeed delicious, and as RP says full of a creamy chocolate-hazelnut filling.
>30 Helenliz: I can tell you that I was definitely craving chocolate last night as I set the thread up!
>31 Jackie_K: My thoughts exactly! Actually I try not to keep much chocolate in the house because I would have trouble controlling myself!
>32 lsh63: You are always welcome, Lisa!
>33 rabbitprincess: Hedgehogs are certainly difficult to resist, my biggest weakness would probably be the Himalayan Pink Salt Caramels. I love caramels and I love the combination of sweet and salty.
>34 MissWatson: I am trying to limit my chocolate indulgences so will have to just enjoy drooling over the pictures.
Hedgehogs are indeed delicious, and as RP says full of a creamy chocolate-hazelnut filling.
>30 Helenliz: I can tell you that I was definitely craving chocolate last night as I set the thread up!
>31 Jackie_K: My thoughts exactly! Actually I try not to keep much chocolate in the house because I would have trouble controlling myself!
>32 lsh63: You are always welcome, Lisa!
>33 rabbitprincess: Hedgehogs are certainly difficult to resist, my biggest weakness would probably be the Himalayan Pink Salt Caramels. I love caramels and I love the combination of sweet and salty.
>34 MissWatson: I am trying to limit my chocolate indulgences so will have to just enjoy drooling over the pictures.
40DeltaQueen50
>35 casvelyn: I am looking forward to a good reading year and hopefull passing out a few book bullets along the way. :)
>36 majkia: I know! I am sure I put pounds on just posting all the pictures!
>37 hailelib: Hot Chocolate is a good way to satisfy that chocolate craving. A warm cup of cocoa on a cold day, warms the hands and the insides and makes a person feel good all over!
>38 NinieB: Vicariously is a good way to indulge. Glad to have you along for ride. :)
>36 majkia: I know! I am sure I put pounds on just posting all the pictures!
>37 hailelib: Hot Chocolate is a good way to satisfy that chocolate craving. A warm cup of cocoa on a cold day, warms the hands and the insides and makes a person feel good all over!
>38 NinieB: Vicariously is a good way to indulge. Glad to have you along for ride. :)
41katiekrug
You always do such fun set-ups, Judy! This is another great one - and I *really* want those Himalayan salted caramels.... Too bad the border is closed ;-)
I'm also doing the GR Around the Year challenge. There seems to be fewer "out there" prompts this year, which I appreciate.
Looking forward to following along with you for another year!
I'm also doing the GR Around the Year challenge. There seems to be fewer "out there" prompts this year, which I appreciate.
Looking forward to following along with you for another year!
42pamelad
A chocolate at the completion of each book would not be excessive? I can only buy chocolates in tiny quantities - they're addictive. Great categories.
43christina_reads
Just stopping by to drop a star on your mouthwatering thread! :)
44LittleTaiko
Yum!! The caramel ones sound quite enticing.
45DeltaQueen50
>41 katiekrug: Welcome, Katie. This settles it - if and when we ever get to meet, I'm bringing you a box of Himalayan Pink Salt Caramels! They are yummy. Glad to have you along for another fun reading year - we will have to compare notes about the ATY Challenge.
>42 pamelad: I am the same - only very small amounts of chocolate in the house cause I simply can't control myself around chocolate.
>43 christina_reads: Welcome, Christina!
>44 LittleTaiko: I have a soft spot for carmels, if given an assortment of chocolates, the carmels are among the first to go.
>42 pamelad: I am the same - only very small amounts of chocolate in the house cause I simply can't control myself around chocolate.
>43 christina_reads: Welcome, Christina!
>44 LittleTaiko: I have a soft spot for carmels, if given an assortment of chocolates, the carmels are among the first to go.
46Tess_W
What a great theme, Judy! Everybody loves chocolate! I'm with you, the caramels are the first to go!
48RidgewayGirl
Wishing you a great reading year ahead of time. The Maple Leaf Melties sound delicious. It's probably for the best that they aren't sold in South Carolina!
49mstrust
Happy soon-to-be 2021, Judy! And yesyesyes for a chocolate theme!
My dad loved cherry cordials at Christmas and went through several boxes around the end of the year. I never paid much attention to them until he passed, but now I buy a box at Christmas and think the dark chocolate ones are very good.
My dad loved cherry cordials at Christmas and went through several boxes around the end of the year. I never paid much attention to them until he passed, but now I buy a box at Christmas and think the dark chocolate ones are very good.
50NinieB
I'm yet another who's eager to try the Himalayan Pink Salt Caramels. One more reason the border couldn't open too soon for me.
51leslie.98
Oh my - your thread will be tempting me to eating far more sweets than are good for me all year *grin*
I haven't had a maple leaf meltie in a while but I love those (not that the other treats don't tempt me as well)!
Happy reading in 2021 Judy!
I haven't had a maple leaf meltie in a while but I love those (not that the other treats don't tempt me as well)!
Happy reading in 2021 Judy!
52DeltaQueen50
>46 Tess_W: Hi Tess, welcome. After all this chocolate and caramel, I think my 2022 thread might have to be all about dentists!
>47 psutto: Hi Pete. Books, bingo and chocolate - it sounds like I am in for a fun year! I see you've set up your 2021 thread so I will be looking forward to seeing how your reading and writing is going along.
>48 RidgewayGirl: Thanks, Kay. I am wishing the same for you. I just bet that there's plenty of temptations in South Carolina when it comes to chocolate or sweets. :)
>49 mstrust: Hi Jennifer. Around my house it isn't Christmas unless there are some boxes of chocolates scattered about, oh, and lots of books as well.
>50 NinieB: Personally I think a Himalayan Pink Salt Caramel is a fantastic reason to cross the border! Hopefully we will get a handle on this crazy virus and will be able to cross-border visit in the not too distant future.
>51 leslie.98: It's nice to tuck a meltie under the tongue and savour the chocolate-y goodness while reading. Now everyone is going to suspect that all my books have chocolate smuges all over the pages!
>47 psutto: Hi Pete. Books, bingo and chocolate - it sounds like I am in for a fun year! I see you've set up your 2021 thread so I will be looking forward to seeing how your reading and writing is going along.
>48 RidgewayGirl: Thanks, Kay. I am wishing the same for you. I just bet that there's plenty of temptations in South Carolina when it comes to chocolate or sweets. :)
>49 mstrust: Hi Jennifer. Around my house it isn't Christmas unless there are some boxes of chocolates scattered about, oh, and lots of books as well.
>50 NinieB: Personally I think a Himalayan Pink Salt Caramel is a fantastic reason to cross the border! Hopefully we will get a handle on this crazy virus and will be able to cross-border visit in the not too distant future.
>51 leslie.98: It's nice to tuck a meltie under the tongue and savour the chocolate-y goodness while reading. Now everyone is going to suspect that all my books have chocolate smuges all over the pages!
54DeltaQueen50
>53 Kristelh: So cute and so delicious!
55thornton37814
Yum! This thread will be my downfall. I'll be grabbing too many chocolates.
56DeltaQueen50
>55 thornton37814: Hi Lori, don't worry the chocolates on offer here is totally calorie free so you can eat as many as you want. :)
57ELiz_M
>15 DeltaQueen50: The Crow Road has one of the best ever opening lines.
>22 DeltaQueen50: Oh, Romance made it as a year-long read? If so, I have a copy and will likely join in. (It looked like group interest coalesced around Dance, which I've already read).
>26 DeltaQueen50: There are rare occasional where garlic makes it better. :)
>22 DeltaQueen50: Oh, Romance made it as a year-long read? If so, I have a copy and will likely join in. (It looked like group interest coalesced around Dance, which I've already read).
>26 DeltaQueen50: There are rare occasional where garlic makes it better. :)
58DeltaQueen50
>57 ELiz_M: I am looking forward to reading more by Iain Banks, I loved both The Wasp Factory and Stonemouth.
I went back to the group read thread and checked on Romance of the Three Kingdoms to make sure. There seemed to be six or so interested parties so I am sure it's a go.
Not just chocolate and garlic - wine can also make everything better!
I went back to the group read thread and checked on Romance of the Three Kingdoms to make sure. There seemed to be six or so interested parties so I am sure it's a go.
Not just chocolate and garlic - wine can also make everything better!
59ChelleBearss
So much going on here! Chocolate and book bullets galore!
60DeltaQueen50
Welcome Chelle! I am, like so many of us, ready to see the end of 2020 and move on to a new and hopefully better year!
61Chrischi_HH
Hi Judy! What a delicious thread! Good I just had a bit of chocolate before I came here. :) I hope to be able to follow along once more and wish you good luck with your reading - especially all the oh so tempting series.
62mysterymax
Just noticed in your 52 Books Challenge you have one without a name for the character. Just finished reading The Continental Op by Dashiell Hammett. Don't think you ever learn his name.
63DeltaQueen50
>61 Chrischi_HH: Hi Christiane, thanks for the good wishes - I am looking forward to getting started on 2021.
>62 mysterymax: What a good idea! I have read one of his Continental Op books but I hadn't thought about it for that prompt - it would work perfectly and I have Red Harvest on my shelf. Thanks.
ETA: I just checked the prompt and it actually refers to the title. The title must refer to a main character without naming them, so I will probably go with something like The Girl King or Boy Swallows Universe
>62 mysterymax: What a good idea! I have read one of his Continental Op books but I hadn't thought about it for that prompt - it would work perfectly and I have Red Harvest on my shelf. Thanks.
ETA: I just checked the prompt and it actually refers to the title. The title must refer to a main character without naming them, so I will probably go with something like The Girl King or Boy Swallows Universe
64PaulCranswick
Guru!
Wow there are a lot of calories with your reading this year. Since I have a sweet tooth and have missed your company, I guess I shall have to follow along. xx
Wow there are a lot of calories with your reading this year. Since I have a sweet tooth and have missed your company, I guess I shall have to follow along. xx
65MissBrangwen
Wow, such a great setup! I especially like the idea of splitting up crime fiction into different categories. I look forward to reading about how you will fill these categories! Happy reading in 2021!
66DeltaQueen50
>64 PaulCranswick: I will be looking forward to having you as a regular visitor, Paul.
>65 MissBrangwen: Thanks, I am looking forward to getting started. I am particularly looking forward to reading lots of vintage crime next year.
>65 MissBrangwen: Thanks, I am looking forward to getting started. I am particularly looking forward to reading lots of vintage crime next year.
67Nickelini
Just finding a seat and making myself comfortable . . . . can I have a hedgehog, please?
68DeltaQueen50
>67 Nickelini: Of course, heck, it's the holidays - have two!
69DeltaQueen50
I've already posted my Year End Meme over at the thread provided, but here's another fun one:
How to Throw A Party
What would you call the event? The All-Girl Filling Station’s Final Reunion
How did the guests find their way? As the Crow Flies
How did they know they'd arrived? The Sound and the Fury
Any special activities? Arsenic Labyrinth
Did your guests stay over? The First Days
Were there servants to help? My Sister, The Serial Killer
Was there turn down service? As She Left It
How were the guests greeted? Bracelet of Bones
Was dinner held for late comers? The Missing and the Dead
And dinner was? My Life on a Plate
Afterwards? Hunt for the Skinwalker
How to Throw A Party
What would you call the event? The All-Girl Filling Station’s Final Reunion
How did the guests find their way? As the Crow Flies
How did they know they'd arrived? The Sound and the Fury
Any special activities? Arsenic Labyrinth
Did your guests stay over? The First Days
Were there servants to help? My Sister, The Serial Killer
Was there turn down service? As She Left It
How were the guests greeted? Bracelet of Bones
Was dinner held for late comers? The Missing and the Dead
And dinner was? My Life on a Plate
Afterwards? Hunt for the Skinwalker
70Helenliz
>69 DeltaQueen50: I like that a lot. Angling for an invitation. >:-)
71Crazymamie
Sweet Georgia Browns for me, please. Love your theme, Judy, and I am looking forward to being hit by multiple book bullets.
>58 DeltaQueen50: "Not just chocolate and garlic - wine can also make everything better!" Agreed.
>58 DeltaQueen50: "Not just chocolate and garlic - wine can also make everything better!" Agreed.
72thornton37814
>69 DeltaQueen50: I've had my answers ready for a few days on that one, but I'm waiting until the 31st to post.
74threadnsong
What a great theme, Judy! My local hardware store has chocolates on the checkout counter, and I always look for the sea salt milk chocolate ones. Plus, the bag of Dove varied chocolates have gotten me through 2020.
Looking forward to your book reviews in the new year!
Looking forward to your book reviews in the new year!
75DeltaQueen50
>70 Helenliz: You are most cordially invited, Helen.
>71 Crazymamie: Welcome, Mamie, I am chomping at the bit for 2021 to start - I may even start early as I am so done with 2020.
>72 thornton37814: I like this one and I'll be watching for your version, Lori.
>73 dudes22: Heh, Heh. I suspect the My Sister, the Serial Killer fits into a lot of people's memes this year.
>74 threadnsong: Welcome to my 2021 thread. I figured I couldn't go wrong with chocolate!
>71 Crazymamie: Welcome, Mamie, I am chomping at the bit for 2021 to start - I may even start early as I am so done with 2020.
>72 thornton37814: I like this one and I'll be watching for your version, Lori.
>73 dudes22: Heh, Heh. I suspect the My Sister, the Serial Killer fits into a lot of people's memes this year.
>74 threadnsong: Welcome to my 2021 thread. I figured I couldn't go wrong with chocolate!
76DeltaQueen50
As of today, this is my official thread and I have started a couple of books that will count toward January. I decided to kick the year off with A Ring of Bright Water by Gavin Maxwell and Red Country by Joe Abercrombie.
77lsh63
Just dropping by to wish you a happy and healthy new year Judy! I'll be here freqently to look at the chocolate and see what you're reading!
78Carmenere
Happy New Year, Judy! I love your delicious new thread! Wishing you many hours of happy reading!
81DeltaQueen50
So hubby and I decided to order Chinese Food for New Year's Eve, and I guess with so many people staying home, the Chinese restaurants in the area are overwhelmed with orders. Our favorite restaurant has just given up and closed their kitchen to any more orders. The second one we called finally took our order but we have to wait for three hours and then pick it up ourselves (they are swamped with deliveries). Note to myself - next year, cook New Year Eve dinner!
82Nickelini
>81 DeltaQueen50:
LOL that's hilarious, and in retrospect, yeah, it makes sense. Probably a lot of other take out places too, although in our corner of the world, Chinese food for sure. Good thing we decided to cook at home tonight. My daughter (who'd 24th birthday is today) just walked in the door with homemade gnocchi from her Italian nonna, and my husband is cooking steaks for the second course. It was my husband's birthday yesterday, so we went out last night. Have a happy new year. I splurged and bought a bottle of Mumm's Cordon Rouge. We might have it at dinner and toast the end of 2020 and go to bed. I usually stay up to ring in the new year but this year I don't think I care.
LOL that's hilarious, and in retrospect, yeah, it makes sense. Probably a lot of other take out places too, although in our corner of the world, Chinese food for sure. Good thing we decided to cook at home tonight. My daughter (who'd 24th birthday is today) just walked in the door with homemade gnocchi from her Italian nonna, and my husband is cooking steaks for the second course. It was my husband's birthday yesterday, so we went out last night. Have a happy new year. I splurged and bought a bottle of Mumm's Cordon Rouge. We might have it at dinner and toast the end of 2020 and go to bed. I usually stay up to ring in the new year but this year I don't think I care.
83ChelleBearss
>81 DeltaQueen50: Oh that sucks! Nate and I had take out on the 30th as a fake New Year because he worked dayshift today.
84scaifea
>81 DeltaQueen50: Oh, wow! Makes sense when you think about it, I guess, but I wouldn't have thought about it. I'm glad you finally did get your food! (And now I'm hungry for Chinese takeaway...)
85thornton37814
>81 DeltaQueen50: My pork roast is cooking in the crockpot. I'll be adding veggies around noon so they are ready for a late lunch. I'll also have cornbread, black-eyed peas, and greens. All the traditional New Year's foods for Southerners. I'm not a huge cooked greens fan, but I'll eat them one day a year. I much prefer my greens in salads.
86Jackie_K
We still haven't cooked our Christmas pudding (every time we've thought about it, our main meal has been so big we couldn't face any more!), so I'm hopeful we'll manage to have it this evening! It'll be a nice way to start the culinary year :)
87Tess_W
>81 DeltaQueen50: pork and sauerkraut is our traditional New Year's Day "feast."
88PaulCranswick
And keep up with my friends here, Judy. Have a great 2021.
89rabbitprincess
>81 DeltaQueen50: That's usually the case with the Chinese restaurant near my parents' place as well. My parents had hoped to have Thai this year, but their favourite restaurant actually closes between Christmas and New Year's, so they had thought of trying their luck at the Chinese restaurant for once.
We didn't have a fancy meal; my other half does the cooking and he meal-preps on the weekend so we eat the same dinner all week. But we did make popcorn for watching movies in the evening, and we had fake champagne at midnight :D
We didn't have a fancy meal; my other half does the cooking and he meal-preps on the weekend so we eat the same dinner all week. But we did make popcorn for watching movies in the evening, and we had fake champagne at midnight :D
90Tanya-dogearedcopy
>81 DeltaQueen50: Funnily enough, right after I read your post, my DH announced that he was going to order Thai takeout for us. Ignoring my raised eyebrow, he went ahead and tried anyway— no luck anywhere! He ended up pulling together a dinner of scallops & pasta— so things didn’t turn out badly at all! 🙂
91DeltaQueen50
Well, we did get our Chinese food but by the time we got it, we had snacked on other things and weren't all that hungry! Also my hubby decided to have a 'rye and ginger' to kick of the evening so I had to drive him over to the restaurant to pick up the food. The good news is that I now don't have to cook dinner today as we have tons of leftovers to warm up. Other than our late dinner, our New Years was very quiet, we watched Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen bring in 2021 and toddled off to bed abut 10 minutes after midnight.
>82 Nickelini: I used to always do some kind of seafood dish on New Years Eve and here I was congratulating myself for not having to battle the crowds at the seafood market not realising that so many people were thinking "Chinese" like we were!
>83 ChelleBearss: I suspect that was a good option, Chelle. I should have realized how busy it was going to be - I will try to order my takeouts on regular days from now on!
>84 scaifea: Hi Amber, at least I have Chinese food to look forward to for tonight!
>85 thornton37814: Lori, your Southern style dinner sounds delicious. I love cornbread and greens!
>86 Jackie_K: When I plan a big dinner and dessert we often are too full after the first course to even think about the sweet portion. When growing up it was a tradition in our house for dessert on Christmas day to be a simple one of fresh fruit and my Mom would make pies for Boxing Day dessert when we would appreciate them more.
>87 Tess_W: Sauerkraut is something that I like very much but my husband does not care for at all. This is strange as his mother was German.
>88 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Paul. We've all been looking forward to 2021 and now, fingers crossed, let's hope it doesn't disappoint us! Best wishes to you and your family.
>89 rabbitprincess: When we went to pick up our food, I noticed that the Thai restaurant just down the street was also doing a lively business with cars coming and going. I think last night must have been a record night for take-aways!
>90 Tanya-dogearedcopy: Your last minute dinner of scallops and pasta sounds fantastic!
>82 Nickelini: I used to always do some kind of seafood dish on New Years Eve and here I was congratulating myself for not having to battle the crowds at the seafood market not realising that so many people were thinking "Chinese" like we were!
>83 ChelleBearss: I suspect that was a good option, Chelle. I should have realized how busy it was going to be - I will try to order my takeouts on regular days from now on!
>84 scaifea: Hi Amber, at least I have Chinese food to look forward to for tonight!
>85 thornton37814: Lori, your Southern style dinner sounds delicious. I love cornbread and greens!
>86 Jackie_K: When I plan a big dinner and dessert we often are too full after the first course to even think about the sweet portion. When growing up it was a tradition in our house for dessert on Christmas day to be a simple one of fresh fruit and my Mom would make pies for Boxing Day dessert when we would appreciate them more.
>87 Tess_W: Sauerkraut is something that I like very much but my husband does not care for at all. This is strange as his mother was German.
>88 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Paul. We've all been looking forward to 2021 and now, fingers crossed, let's hope it doesn't disappoint us! Best wishes to you and your family.
>89 rabbitprincess: When we went to pick up our food, I noticed that the Thai restaurant just down the street was also doing a lively business with cars coming and going. I think last night must have been a record night for take-aways!
>90 Tanya-dogearedcopy: Your last minute dinner of scallops and pasta sounds fantastic!
92mstrust
Both my mom and sister are cooking black-eyed peas and cornbread today. I just never developed a taste for this meal, as many years as Mom made me eat it on New Year's. I pointed out to her that it was eaten all over the country last year and the luck didn't work ;-)
93DeltaQueen50
>92 mstrust: You had best have a double portion this year, Jennifer, as we need all the luck we can get!
94DeltaQueen50
1. A Modest Proposal by Jonathan Swift - 3.5 ★
Category: Hedgehogs
1,001 Books to Read Before You Die List
A Modest Proposal is a satirical essay written and published by Jonathan Swift in 1729. It’s full title is “A Modest Proposal for Preventing the Children of Poor People From Being a Burden to Their Parents, or the Country, and for Making them Beneficial to the Publick”, a title almost as long as the essay itself. These writings are an ironical attempt to point out a cheap and easy method of turning the starving children of Ireland into a useful economic commodity.
This satirical essay is short, and straight forward in it’s implication. The humor and irony is both in the subject matter and in his style of delivery. He writes in concise, business like language which makes his proposal all the more shocking when revealed. He also backs up his proposal with specific data about the positive effects this practice would have, both on the poor families and on Ireland’s complex social, political and economic systems.
I knew nothing about this essay before reading so I was both surprised and amused.
Category: Hedgehogs
1,001 Books to Read Before You Die List
A Modest Proposal is a satirical essay written and published by Jonathan Swift in 1729. It’s full title is “A Modest Proposal for Preventing the Children of Poor People From Being a Burden to Their Parents, or the Country, and for Making them Beneficial to the Publick”, a title almost as long as the essay itself. These writings are an ironical attempt to point out a cheap and easy method of turning the starving children of Ireland into a useful economic commodity.
This satirical essay is short, and straight forward in it’s implication. The humor and irony is both in the subject matter and in his style of delivery. He writes in concise, business like language which makes his proposal all the more shocking when revealed. He also backs up his proposal with specific data about the positive effects this practice would have, both on the poor families and on Ireland’s complex social, political and economic systems.
I knew nothing about this essay before reading so I was both surprised and amused.
95Nickelini
>94 DeltaQueen50:
And knocking one off the 1001 list right away. Look at you go!
And knocking one off the 1001 list right away. Look at you go!
96mysterymax
Black-eyed peas sounds good. Doesn't it feel wonderful to have 2020 over with? That's good luck, right there.
98LibraryCin
>25 DeltaQueen50: mmmmm, Purdy's...
99LibraryCin
Happy New Year! Popping in to follow a few people's threads, but I'm afraid there may be too many to keep up. So, I may or may not continue throughout the year! Happy reading!
101lkernagh
Happy New Year, Judy! I see that your thread is as speedy as ever! ;-)
Oooohhhh.... a chocolate theme! My favorite addiction. My favorite Purdy chocolate is the Nutty Mac Whites, but they are all good (although I have never tried the Sake & Sakura Truffles). I see you have made perfect pairings of chocolates with books.
The next time you make a trip over to the island the visit your mom, I can recommend a new chocolatier who has set up shop in Oak Bay: Casey's Chocolates, located at the corner of St. Patrick and Central Avenue in the Casey's Market building. Here is a news article about the chocolatier: https://www.vicnews.com/business/lifelong-chocolatier-quietly-opens-in-old-casey... I know, you mentioned that you are trying to limit your chocolate indulgences, but could not resist posting. ;-)
>81 DeltaQueen50: - Oh dear, but I guess I am not surprised at the rush of take-away orders given the sudden amendment to the public health order in the province. Glad you were able to get your second choice for dinner, even if the wait was a long one!
Oooohhhh.... a chocolate theme! My favorite addiction. My favorite Purdy chocolate is the Nutty Mac Whites, but they are all good (although I have never tried the Sake & Sakura Truffles). I see you have made perfect pairings of chocolates with books.
The next time you make a trip over to the island the visit your mom, I can recommend a new chocolatier who has set up shop in Oak Bay: Casey's Chocolates, located at the corner of St. Patrick and Central Avenue in the Casey's Market building. Here is a news article about the chocolatier: https://www.vicnews.com/business/lifelong-chocolatier-quietly-opens-in-old-casey... I know, you mentioned that you are trying to limit your chocolate indulgences, but could not resist posting. ;-)
>81 DeltaQueen50: - Oh dear, but I guess I am not surprised at the rush of take-away orders given the sudden amendment to the public health order in the province. Glad you were able to get your second choice for dinner, even if the wait was a long one!
102BLBera
I love A Modest Proposal, Judy. It was really fun to teach, especially to students who didn't get satire. :)
103DeltaQueen50
>98 LibraryCin: & >99 LibraryCin: It's fun to see how the Category Challenge has grown every year, when I first joined back in 2009, it was simple to keep up with everyone here, but as we have gathered more members, at times, it is difficult to keep up. I am wishing you a year of great reading as well.
>100 Berly: Hi Kim and Happy New Year!
>101 lkernagh: Hi Lori, I am always ready to hear about a chocolate shop and I will check out Casey's Chocolates when if finally get over to the Island. I would be hard put to actually name one chocolate as my favorite, I love a good variety!
>102 BLBera: I loved it, Beth, all the more as I wasn't previously aware of his proposal so the shock value made for an interesting read!
>100 Berly: Hi Kim and Happy New Year!
>101 lkernagh: Hi Lori, I am always ready to hear about a chocolate shop and I will check out Casey's Chocolates when if finally get over to the Island. I would be hard put to actually name one chocolate as my favorite, I love a good variety!
>102 BLBera: I loved it, Beth, all the more as I wasn't previously aware of his proposal so the shock value made for an interesting read!
104DeltaQueen50
2. Ring of Bright Water by Gavin Maxwell - 4.5 ★
Category: Vanilla Creams
Bingo: Nature & Environment
January GenreCat: Nonfiction
2021 GeoKit: Europe
January TIOLI #2: Set Within 21 Years of My Birth Year
Originally published in 1959, Ring of Bright Water by Gavin Maxwell is a delightful memoir about the author’s life at a remote house on the coast of Western Scotland near the Hebrides. His descriptions of the location and the bountiful nature he was surrounded by had this reader longing to visit this idyllic place. When he first arrived he was accompanied by his dog, Jonnie, but after the death of his beloved pet, he acquired an otter named Mijbil while on a trip to Iraq.
The author documents Mijbil’s delightful and mischievous behaviour, and many of the hilarious incidents reminded me of trying to contain a toddler. His curiosity was boundless and he had a need to examine everything that came his way. Unfortunately, Mijbil met an untimely death and the author was devastated. Although he tried to replace Mijbil, nothing seemed to pan out for him until quite by accident he met a couple who had a young otter that they needed to find a home for. Once again his highland cottage was sanctuary to an otter, this time a female called Edal.
The author’s love of nature brings a richness to the descriptive writing, and his visual images and observations make Ring of Bright Water a memorable read. Although in today’s world the author would be chided for bring these creatures out of their own environment, he was living in a different time and his love and care for these otter companions is both touching and admirable.
Category: Vanilla Creams
Bingo: Nature & Environment
January GenreCat: Nonfiction
2021 GeoKit: Europe
January TIOLI #2: Set Within 21 Years of My Birth Year
Originally published in 1959, Ring of Bright Water by Gavin Maxwell is a delightful memoir about the author’s life at a remote house on the coast of Western Scotland near the Hebrides. His descriptions of the location and the bountiful nature he was surrounded by had this reader longing to visit this idyllic place. When he first arrived he was accompanied by his dog, Jonnie, but after the death of his beloved pet, he acquired an otter named Mijbil while on a trip to Iraq.
The author documents Mijbil’s delightful and mischievous behaviour, and many of the hilarious incidents reminded me of trying to contain a toddler. His curiosity was boundless and he had a need to examine everything that came his way. Unfortunately, Mijbil met an untimely death and the author was devastated. Although he tried to replace Mijbil, nothing seemed to pan out for him until quite by accident he met a couple who had a young otter that they needed to find a home for. Once again his highland cottage was sanctuary to an otter, this time a female called Edal.
The author’s love of nature brings a richness to the descriptive writing, and his visual images and observations make Ring of Bright Water a memorable read. Although in today’s world the author would be chided for bring these creatures out of their own environment, he was living in a different time and his love and care for these otter companions is both touching and admirable.
105Crazymamie
>104 DeltaQueen50: Excellent review - I will add my thumb if you posted that. I have a fascination with the Hebrides, and love reading books that are set there.
106LibraryCin
>103 DeltaQueen50: And I've only even picked a few names that I know really well! I'd love to follow more people, but it gets busy (and I don't need to continually add more to the tbr! LOL!)
108dudes22
>104 DeltaQueen50: - Jan 2 - BB 1. I think you want to win the award this year too.
109ronincats
Dropping off my 
and wishing you the best of new years in 2021!
Found you! As always, impressed and daunted by your elaborate challenge set-up.
and wishing you the best of new years in 2021!Found you! As always, impressed and daunted by your elaborate challenge set-up.
110thornton37814
>2 DeltaQueen50: That one sounds excellent! I'll have to see if my library owns a copy.
ETA: They don't. I added it to my Amazon wish list and will perhaps order it through ILL.
ETA: They don't. I added it to my Amazon wish list and will perhaps order it through ILL.
111Nickelini
>102 BLBera:
I love A Modest Proposal, Judy. It was really fun to teach, especially to students who didn't get satire. :)
Oh, I'd have loved to have been a fly on the wall there!
I love A Modest Proposal, Judy. It was really fun to teach, especially to students who didn't get satire. :)
Oh, I'd have loved to have been a fly on the wall there!
112threadnsong
>111 Nickelini: and >102 BLBera: I read a very abridged version of A Modest Proposal in 11th grade English Lit and thought it was brilliant, even then. I remember my teacher using it as an example of satire and I would like to say I remember the class getting it? It's been a few years!
Congratulations with your already finishing 2 whole books, Judy. And I loved the description of your mis-adventures with the Chinese take-out. Brought a smile to my face and here's a toast to leftovers!
I made pork loin roast for dinner for NYE, complete with giant yams. And a bottle of Beajoulais Nouveau 2020, cuz it seemed like a good gesture to drink away 2020 as a year (even though the wine was marvelous).
Happy New Year, Judy!!
Congratulations with your already finishing 2 whole books, Judy. And I loved the description of your mis-adventures with the Chinese take-out. Brought a smile to my face and here's a toast to leftovers!
I made pork loin roast for dinner for NYE, complete with giant yams. And a bottle of Beajoulais Nouveau 2020, cuz it seemed like a good gesture to drink away 2020 as a year (even though the wine was marvelous).
Happy New Year, Judy!!
113LittleTaiko
>104 DeltaQueen50: I loved that book so much when I read it in 2020. So happy it has another fan.
114DeltaQueen50
>105 Crazymamie: I am sure you will love Ring of Bright Water, Mamie.
>106 LibraryCin: I'm just nosy enough that I hate not to read as many threads as I can!
>107 DianaNL: Thanks, Diana, and the same to you.
>108 dudes22: Betty, since Ring of Bright Water was a BB that I got hit with - we could count this one as a ricochet.
>109 ronincats: Hi Roni, very happy to have you along for the ride.
>110 thornton37814: I hope you are able to get your hands on a copy, Lori. It's a delightful read.
>112 threadnsong: Your dinner sounds excellent, we managed a glass or two of wine on NYE as well.
>113 LittleTaiko: You deserve full credit for being the one that fired the book bullet for Ring of Bright Water, I remember reading your review and immediately adding it my list.
>106 LibraryCin: I'm just nosy enough that I hate not to read as many threads as I can!
>107 DianaNL: Thanks, Diana, and the same to you.
>108 dudes22: Betty, since Ring of Bright Water was a BB that I got hit with - we could count this one as a ricochet.
>109 ronincats: Hi Roni, very happy to have you along for the ride.
>110 thornton37814: I hope you are able to get your hands on a copy, Lori. It's a delightful read.
>112 threadnsong: Your dinner sounds excellent, we managed a glass or two of wine on NYE as well.
>113 LittleTaiko: You deserve full credit for being the one that fired the book bullet for Ring of Bright Water, I remember reading your review and immediately adding it my list.
115DeltaQueen50
3. Dreams of the Red Phoenix by Virginia Pye - 2.8 ★
Category: Chocolate Letters
January AlphaKit: P
January TIOLI #14: Book Has an LT Rating of 3.5 or More
Dreams of the Red Phoenix by Virginia Pye was a book that I was fully expecting to love but instead, had rather a mixed reaction. The story of a recent widow and her teenage son trapped by the invading Japanese Army in northern China in 1937 was indeed a story of courage, idealism, and treachery. Unfortunately I wasn’t enamoured by the writing or the characters.
As the book opens, both mother, Shirley Carson and son, Charles are adjusting to losing missionary husband and father, Caleb, several weeks ago. Being a trained nurse, when Japan launches an attack, she opens the mission and tends to the wounded. But she is torn between helping the Chinese fight the invaders and her desire to leave this dangerous country and take herself and her son home to America. As the war grows more intense, both Shirley and Charles realize that their status as neutral Americans is not the protection that they thought.
I am sure there is a fantastic story to be told here and although inspired by the experiences of her grandparents who were missionaries in China, I don’t think the author’s writing was up to the task. I felt the book was poorly paced and lacked the ability to draw the reader in. I never was able to understand the motives behind Shirley’s actions, and I found the character of Charles rather unbelievable. Dreams of the Red Phoenix had all the ingredients that I look for so I was quite disappointed that it just didn’t work for me.
Category: Chocolate Letters
January AlphaKit: P
January TIOLI #14: Book Has an LT Rating of 3.5 or More
Dreams of the Red Phoenix by Virginia Pye was a book that I was fully expecting to love but instead, had rather a mixed reaction. The story of a recent widow and her teenage son trapped by the invading Japanese Army in northern China in 1937 was indeed a story of courage, idealism, and treachery. Unfortunately I wasn’t enamoured by the writing or the characters.
As the book opens, both mother, Shirley Carson and son, Charles are adjusting to losing missionary husband and father, Caleb, several weeks ago. Being a trained nurse, when Japan launches an attack, she opens the mission and tends to the wounded. But she is torn between helping the Chinese fight the invaders and her desire to leave this dangerous country and take herself and her son home to America. As the war grows more intense, both Shirley and Charles realize that their status as neutral Americans is not the protection that they thought.
I am sure there is a fantastic story to be told here and although inspired by the experiences of her grandparents who were missionaries in China, I don’t think the author’s writing was up to the task. I felt the book was poorly paced and lacked the ability to draw the reader in. I never was able to understand the motives behind Shirley’s actions, and I found the character of Charles rather unbelievable. Dreams of the Red Phoenix had all the ingredients that I look for so I was quite disappointed that it just didn’t work for me.
116mstrust
Morning, Judy! I didn't want to drop by empty handed, so I've brought you some boot and cactus shaped chocolates from our local chocolatier.
Already three books- look at you go!
Already three books- look at you go!
117DeltaQueen50
>116 mstrust: Yum! You know what they say - "A balanced diet is having chocolate in both hands!"
118lindapanzo
>117 DeltaQueen50: I always loved that quote.
Sorry to hear Virginia Pye didn't meet expectations. My first two this year were just meh, including book #51 in that long-running cozy series I love. Part of why I like a cozy series involves the location and the recurring characters and this one was set elsewhere and had none of the recurring secondary characters.
Sorry to hear Virginia Pye didn't meet expectations. My first two this year were just meh, including book #51 in that long-running cozy series I love. Part of why I like a cozy series involves the location and the recurring characters and this one was set elsewhere and had none of the recurring secondary characters.
119DeltaQueen50
>118 lindapanzo: Linda, hopefully we will get the stinkers over with early in the year and the rest of our reading will be excellent! And if not, well, there's always the consolation of chocolate!
120pammab
Chocolates! My mouth quite definitively started watering when I read your first post -- and then by the second post, I was wishing I had a box to open rightthisinstant. Wowie. Love the theme.
>81 DeltaQueen50: We tried for take-out on New Year's too! No one picked up, and I'm still not sure if they were closed or just overwhelmed. I ended up baking pumpkin pie (which has been waiting in the wings unprepared for a few months now -- kept thinking "we don't need this in the house right now!" -- but on New Year's? with no chocolates left? yeah, we needed it) and a bean soup (which did include blackeyed peas!). It all felt reasonably traditional and positive. Though it would have been quite nice to get take-away....
>94 DeltaQueen50: And you managed not to spoil A Modest Proposal for anyone who hasn't read it! Completely agree it's a delight; so glad you were able to enjoy it unspoiled.
>81 DeltaQueen50: We tried for take-out on New Year's too! No one picked up, and I'm still not sure if they were closed or just overwhelmed. I ended up baking pumpkin pie (which has been waiting in the wings unprepared for a few months now -- kept thinking "we don't need this in the house right now!" -- but on New Year's? with no chocolates left? yeah, we needed it) and a bean soup (which did include blackeyed peas!). It all felt reasonably traditional and positive. Though it would have been quite nice to get take-away....
>94 DeltaQueen50: And you managed not to spoil A Modest Proposal for anyone who hasn't read it! Completely agree it's a delight; so glad you were able to enjoy it unspoiled.
121lowelibrary
What yummy and delicious categories. I look forward to popping in and drooling once in a while. Good luck with your reading this year.
122scaifea
>115 DeltaQueen50: Ooof, sorry that one was a bit of a stinker. May your next read be much, much better!
>117 DeltaQueen50: *snork!* I love it!
>117 DeltaQueen50: *snork!* I love it!
123DeltaQueen50
>120 pammab: It sounds like New Years Eve was a banner night for take-away places. The place that we did get our order from closed the restaurant part for the night and just ran the take-away part. Every customer was told exactly what time to pick up the order and it ran with military precision.
I tried to not give "A Modest Proposal" away as not knowing was definitely a big part of my enjoyment of the essay although I would advise anyone who hasn't read it to stay away from reviews as many do lay it all out there.
>121 lowelibrary: Thanks and welcome to my thread.
>122 scaifea: Hi Amber, luckily I've moved on to a couple of different books that I am really enjoying. One of the great things about reading is that there is always a good read just ahead of you! There is always a way to rationalize the eating of chocolate - I actually heard Kelly (of morning show, Ryan and Kelly fame) saying that chocolate is brain food the other day.
I tried to not give "A Modest Proposal" away as not knowing was definitely a big part of my enjoyment of the essay although I would advise anyone who hasn't read it to stay away from reviews as many do lay it all out there.
>121 lowelibrary: Thanks and welcome to my thread.
>122 scaifea: Hi Amber, luckily I've moved on to a couple of different books that I am really enjoying. One of the great things about reading is that there is always a good read just ahead of you! There is always a way to rationalize the eating of chocolate - I actually heard Kelly (of morning show, Ryan and Kelly fame) saying that chocolate is brain food the other day.
124lindapanzo
>123 DeltaQueen50: Your restaurants are open? Indoor dining has been shut down statewide in Illinois since mid November. A few restaurants are scofflaws and openly flouting the law. Carry out, curbside, delivery are all they can do legally, now. A favorite breakfast place is flouting the law and we are not pleased and will not go there, maybe ever.
With Chicago weather, dining outside isn't much of an option, though some places and customers are doing it. Heated igloos and the like.
With Chicago weather, dining outside isn't much of an option, though some places and customers are doing it. Heated igloos and the like.
125DeltaQueen50
>124 lindapanzo: Restaurants are open here, although I am not sure if many people are using them. I know we have limited ourselves to take-away and simply dining at home. Apparently as long as the restuarant has an approved covid safety plan and employee protocols in place they can open. Luckily most people are making intelligent choices on their own and, I am happy to say, most people do act safely and follow the rules. Mask wearing is common, and, in fact, pretty much all business require masks if one wants to enter, and of course social distancing is being followed. A lot of restaurants here have also set up heated tents etc. for outdoor dining as well.
126DeltaQueen50
So yesterday we went to the hospital for my husband to go through all the pre-admission exercises before his knee replacement sugery and today we went to the Red Cross to pick up all the equipment he will need to help in his recovery. Tomorrow morning I am to drop him off at the hospital at 7:30 am and then wait for a phone call advising me how the operation went. They are saying a two night stay is all that is usually required so I should be able to go and pick him up on Friday. Then we start the long process of healing and rehab.
127katiekrug
Best wishes to Mr. DeltaQueen (DeltaKing?) for his surgery and recovery! And to you for the worry and patience needed...
128Jackie_K
Yes, best wishes to you both - him as he's operated on and recovers, and you as you worry and wait.
129Nickelini
>124 lindapanzo:
Hi, I live in the same area as Judy so I'll give a bit more info, as we do sometimes go to restaurants. They've all reduced their seating, so tables are very spread out. You're not allowed to walk around except to go to the bathroom or leave, and you must wear a mask to do that. Many of the tables are surrounded by plexiglass barriers (depending on the physcial distance from other areas). There are no menus -- there is a code on the table that you access online. Servers wear masks and sometimes shields, and follow a zillion protocols. You're only allowed to go with your household bubble (although no one is policing that as far as I know) and you're not allowed to socialize with other tables. This has been followed since summer and restaurant outbreaks are not a thing here.
Hi, I live in the same area as Judy so I'll give a bit more info, as we do sometimes go to restaurants. They've all reduced their seating, so tables are very spread out. You're not allowed to walk around except to go to the bathroom or leave, and you must wear a mask to do that. Many of the tables are surrounded by plexiglass barriers (depending on the physcial distance from other areas). There are no menus -- there is a code on the table that you access online. Servers wear masks and sometimes shields, and follow a zillion protocols. You're only allowed to go with your household bubble (although no one is policing that as far as I know) and you're not allowed to socialize with other tables. This has been followed since summer and restaurant outbreaks are not a thing here.
131Chrischi_HH
Fingers crossed that everything goes well with your husband's surgery, Judy!
In Germany restaurants have also been closed for a few weeks now, only take-away or delivery is allowed. We are rarely using these options, though, we are mostly cooking our own food. Although I would love to support my favourite places, I guess we should order some food again soon...
In Germany restaurants have also been closed for a few weeks now, only take-away or delivery is allowed. We are rarely using these options, though, we are mostly cooking our own food. Although I would love to support my favourite places, I guess we should order some food again soon...
132katiekrug
>124 lindapanzo: - We have similar protocols to what Joyce and Judy described here in New Jersey. I believe capacity is limited to 25%. The outbreaks that began the second surge here were not traced to restaurants (mostly to youth sports), so they've been allowed to remain open. I'm not sure how long that will remain the case, though (5400 new positive cases in just the last day). I personally have not eaten in a restaurant in months and months, but we do our fair share of takeaway and delivery to help support them. Our favorite part of eating out was the conviviality of sitting at the bar and chatting away with the bartender and others nearby. Now, most bar seating is prohibited and we're not really interested in sitting in a near empty space to eat food we could order and have at home.
133lindapanzo
>125 DeltaQueen50: >129 Nickelini: That sounds like about what we had during the summer/early fall. We did eat indoors a few times, either with my immediate family (same household) and, several times, when we had outdoor plans and it was raining or exceptionally chilly. I felt safe at that time but that was when our positivity rate was 3-5%. Now it's 10-12% and I don't feel as safe, even with the plexiglass, etc.
Judy, best wishes to your husband on his surgery and to you, while you patiently wait for news. I've been the patient in a number of surgeries and don't have much experience in having to be patient while a loved one is being operated on but I understand that it's quite stressful.
Are you able to visit him after the surgery?
Judy, best wishes to your husband on his surgery and to you, while you patiently wait for news. I've been the patient in a number of surgeries and don't have much experience in having to be patient while a loved one is being operated on but I understand that it's quite stressful.
Are you able to visit him after the surgery?
134MissBrangwen
>126 DeltaQueen50: Best wishes for your husband and I hope he will be well soon!
135mstrust
I'm wishing your mister the best, Judy! I hope it goes as smoothly as possible. My mom is on her way to needing a knee replacement, her doctor has recommended it, but she is still refusing and has been using Bigeloil instead.
We had a very short lockdown here in Az., with restaurants allowed to reopen back around late May-early June, and they could decide if they wanted to allow indoor dining or remain take-out only. Most of the ones we frequent went back to indoor dining, with tables removed and plenty of spacing.
If we were still in a strict lockdown I would do business with a restaurant that opened as long as they were spacing. I wouldn't blame them at all for needing to do business, and for giving their employees a chance to make money. If restaurants were that dangerous, politicians wouldn't keep being caught in them.
We had a very short lockdown here in Az., with restaurants allowed to reopen back around late May-early June, and they could decide if they wanted to allow indoor dining or remain take-out only. Most of the ones we frequent went back to indoor dining, with tables removed and plenty of spacing.
If we were still in a strict lockdown I would do business with a restaurant that opened as long as they were spacing. I wouldn't blame them at all for needing to do business, and for giving their employees a chance to make money. If restaurants were that dangerous, politicians wouldn't keep being caught in them.
136DeltaQueen50
>127 katiekrug: Thanks, Katie. Binge watching the Bridgertons will keep me occupied for some of the time!
>128 Jackie_K: Thanks, Jackie, I have my fingers crossed that he comes through this with flying colours!
>129 Nickelini: & >130 Nickelini: We haven't been going to restaurants since about last September, and, of course, have been taking extra care lately so Ken can be healthy for his hospital trip, but I never felt nervous about going, they really do go the extra mile in precautions. We've been waiting so long for this operation and we did turn them down last Spring when Covid first made it's appearance, but he really needs this and so when the opportunity came up again we decided to go for it. Also, if he's going to be laid up for a couple of months, this is a good time of the year.
>131 Chrischi_HH: I think overall Europe, Australia and New Zealand have had tougher rules in place during this Covid crisis. I think maybe we in North America are a little spoiled and expect nothing to interfere with our personal freedom.
>132 katiekrug: OMG Katie, 5400 new cases is absolutely terrifying. Boy, those old times of sitting around chatting with perfect strangers seems like a different life time now.
>133 lindapanzo: Thanks, Linda. The hospital prefers that you don't visit although they will allow one visitor per patient at specified times, but we have decided that I won't visit unless he needs to see me. Two days isn't long and since my general health and age puts me in the high risk bracket we are going to tough it out. What I find scary these days is all these new strains that are suddenly appearing.
>128 Jackie_K: Thanks, Jackie, I have my fingers crossed that he comes through this with flying colours!
>129 Nickelini: & >130 Nickelini: We haven't been going to restaurants since about last September, and, of course, have been taking extra care lately so Ken can be healthy for his hospital trip, but I never felt nervous about going, they really do go the extra mile in precautions. We've been waiting so long for this operation and we did turn them down last Spring when Covid first made it's appearance, but he really needs this and so when the opportunity came up again we decided to go for it. Also, if he's going to be laid up for a couple of months, this is a good time of the year.
>131 Chrischi_HH: I think overall Europe, Australia and New Zealand have had tougher rules in place during this Covid crisis. I think maybe we in North America are a little spoiled and expect nothing to interfere with our personal freedom.
>132 katiekrug: OMG Katie, 5400 new cases is absolutely terrifying. Boy, those old times of sitting around chatting with perfect strangers seems like a different life time now.
>133 lindapanzo: Thanks, Linda. The hospital prefers that you don't visit although they will allow one visitor per patient at specified times, but we have decided that I won't visit unless he needs to see me. Two days isn't long and since my general health and age puts me in the high risk bracket we are going to tough it out. What I find scary these days is all these new strains that are suddenly appearing.
137DeltaQueen50
>134 MissBrangwen: Thank you.
>135 mstrust: My husband has put off this operation for far too long, he's needed it for years so I am hapy that he is finally going through with it. As far as I can see most people come through this and are better off after going through recovery and rehab. It always amazes me how quickly they get you up and moving after surgery these days. Ken's first rehab is already booked for the middle of January. Hopefully all will go well and you can tell your Mom about another success story! My heart goes out to all small businesses trying to stay afloat in these strange days. The restaurant business is a chance-y one at the best of times, and anything to help them, I am willing to do!
>135 mstrust: My husband has put off this operation for far too long, he's needed it for years so I am hapy that he is finally going through with it. As far as I can see most people come through this and are better off after going through recovery and rehab. It always amazes me how quickly they get you up and moving after surgery these days. Ken's first rehab is already booked for the middle of January. Hopefully all will go well and you can tell your Mom about another success story! My heart goes out to all small businesses trying to stay afloat in these strange days. The restaurant business is a chance-y one at the best of times, and anything to help them, I am willing to do!
138BLBera
Well, Judy, you are starting off the new year running! Ring of Bright Water sounds wonderful. I'm going to look for a copy.
Good luck with your husband's surgery.
Good luck with your husband's surgery.
140dudes22
Here is RI, we've been similar to Katie and others. When restaurants were allowed to open, they were at 25%. Then as things got better over the summer, that was raised. But since Thanksgiving, the governor has lowered it back to 25%. We had eaten out a few times and were impressed by how much attention was given by the restaurants to being safe. I feel bad, but right now I'm not willing to eat in.
Hope all goes well with your hubby, Judy, and he's soon home with you waiting on him hand and foot...ha, ha, ha.
Hope all goes well with your hubby, Judy, and he's soon home with you waiting on him hand and foot...ha, ha, ha.
141RidgewayGirl
Wishing your husband a successful surgery tomorrow.
I'm a little jealous of all of you folks living in places where COVID is taken seriously. Here, it's left to everyone to decide what they think best, which means there's a great variety of responses, from businesses requiring masks and limiting numbers to places that require a mask to be worn as one enters, but allows the mask to be removed once inside. The ones where the employees are wearing their mask to protect their chins are the ones we're not returning to. Who knows what other hygiene rules they choose to ignore! Our numbers are climbing dramatically, with 30% of tests coming back positive, the governor isn't doing anything, but he's out sick with COVID so who knows? /end rant
I'm a little jealous of all of you folks living in places where COVID is taken seriously. Here, it's left to everyone to decide what they think best, which means there's a great variety of responses, from businesses requiring masks and limiting numbers to places that require a mask to be worn as one enters, but allows the mask to be removed once inside. The ones where the employees are wearing their mask to protect their chins are the ones we're not returning to. Who knows what other hygiene rules they choose to ignore! Our numbers are climbing dramatically, with 30% of tests coming back positive, the governor isn't doing anything, but he's out sick with COVID so who knows? /end rant
142DeltaQueen50
>138 BLBera: Thanks, Beth, Ring of Bright Water is well worth looking for.
>139 lsh63: Thanks, Lisa.
>140 dudes22: I am not looking forward to the "waiting on him, hand and foot", Betty.
>141 RidgewayGirl: Thanks, Kay. Regarding the virus, I think it's better when there are strict rules laid out and everyone has to follows them. I have noticed that at first mask wearing was rather tentative, but now that everyone is doing it, people are quick to join in. It's become the norm, and wearing it around your neck or just covering your chin would get one some very strange looks here. It's so unfortunate that so many issues around Covid have become potitical in the States - it's not politics - it's safety that should count.
>139 lsh63: Thanks, Lisa.
>140 dudes22: I am not looking forward to the "waiting on him, hand and foot", Betty.
>141 RidgewayGirl: Thanks, Kay. Regarding the virus, I think it's better when there are strict rules laid out and everyone has to follows them. I have noticed that at first mask wearing was rather tentative, but now that everyone is doing it, people are quick to join in. It's become the norm, and wearing it around your neck or just covering your chin would get one some very strange looks here. It's so unfortunate that so many issues around Covid have become potitical in the States - it's not politics - it's safety that should count.
143DeltaQueen50
4. Red Country by Joe Abercrombie - 4.5 ★
Category: Himalayan Pink Salt Caramels
Around the Year in 52 Books Challenge #14: Set in a Made Up Country
January SFFFKit: A Book I Meant to Read in 2020
January TIOLI #4: Celebrating Susanna's Birthday
Red Country by Joe Abercrombie is a stand-alone, dark fantasy set in the same world as his First Law Trilogy and, even has some of the same characters making an appearance. This tale is a gritty, dirty, realistic spaghetti Western with plenty of violence, lots of swearing, and very little morality.
When Shy South’s farm is attacked, her hired man killed and her younger brother and sister taken, she and her step-father, Lamb, set out to rescue them. Both Shy and Lamb have done things in the past that they now regret, but these very things prepare them for the perilous journey that they set forth on.
Set in a lawless world that is peopled by unscrupulous individuals, Shy and Lamb join a fellowship that is travelling across the Far Country and heading into the mountains where gold has been discovered. As they follow in the tracks of the villains that stole their family, they must fight the elements and clash with the Ghosts, a native people who consider this their land. And unbeknownst to them, coming along behind is an even greater threat as Nicomo Cosca, the infamous solder of fortune and his men are also heading in their general direction.
Red Country is an exciting story that the author brings to life with his razor sharp prose and sardonic humor. Fast paced and bloody, this is a rollicking tale of adventure, greed and grit that I loved.
Category: Himalayan Pink Salt Caramels
Around the Year in 52 Books Challenge #14: Set in a Made Up Country
January SFFFKit: A Book I Meant to Read in 2020
January TIOLI #4: Celebrating Susanna's Birthday
Red Country by Joe Abercrombie is a stand-alone, dark fantasy set in the same world as his First Law Trilogy and, even has some of the same characters making an appearance. This tale is a gritty, dirty, realistic spaghetti Western with plenty of violence, lots of swearing, and very little morality.
When Shy South’s farm is attacked, her hired man killed and her younger brother and sister taken, she and her step-father, Lamb, set out to rescue them. Both Shy and Lamb have done things in the past that they now regret, but these very things prepare them for the perilous journey that they set forth on.
Set in a lawless world that is peopled by unscrupulous individuals, Shy and Lamb join a fellowship that is travelling across the Far Country and heading into the mountains where gold has been discovered. As they follow in the tracks of the villains that stole their family, they must fight the elements and clash with the Ghosts, a native people who consider this their land. And unbeknownst to them, coming along behind is an even greater threat as Nicomo Cosca, the infamous solder of fortune and his men are also heading in their general direction.
Red Country is an exciting story that the author brings to life with his razor sharp prose and sardonic humor. Fast paced and bloody, this is a rollicking tale of adventure, greed and grit that I loved.
145ChelleBearss
Hope surgery goes well!
146scaifea
Thinking of you and your husband and sending all sorts of good wishes for a smooth operation and recovery, Judy!
147Crazymamie
Judy, thinking of you, and hoping that the surgery goes smoothly. Sending your husband all of our positive mojo and good wishes.
148DeltaQueen50
We went in to the hospital very early this morning and they took Ken pretty much right away. The surgeon called me about 4 hours later to say the operation went smoothly and that he was in recovery. It's now about 2 hours after that call and my husband just called me to say he's doing ok. He is still in surgical recovery but expects they will take him up to a room soon. He sounded pretty groggy but said he's not in a great deal of pain as they keep giving him pain relief. The doctor said if everything continues to go smoothly I can pick him up on Friday. So 2 days to cater to myself and then I will be "on call" to wait on him. I can't thank everyone enough for all the good wishes being sent our way.
>144 Helenliz:, >145 ChelleBearss:, >146 scaifea: & >147 Crazymamie: Thanks, Helen, Chelle, Amber and Mamie. I sure hope his recovery is smooth and problem free. We did purchase a cryo-cuff that will run ice water around his knee and we have been told that doing this about three times a day will not only help with the pain but speed up the recovery process.
>144 Helenliz:, >145 ChelleBearss:, >146 scaifea: & >147 Crazymamie: Thanks, Helen, Chelle, Amber and Mamie. I sure hope his recovery is smooth and problem free. We did purchase a cryo-cuff that will run ice water around his knee and we have been told that doing this about three times a day will not only help with the pain but speed up the recovery process.
149christina_reads
>148 DeltaQueen50: Glad to hear Ken's surgery went well! I hope his recovery is swift.
150ChelleBearss
Glad to hear he is doing well!!
Try to take care of yourself over the next two days!
Try to take care of yourself over the next two days!
151BLBera
>148 DeltaQueen50: Good news, Judy.
152Tess_W
Glad to hear he's not in much pain. I've had both knees replaced and while there is no more arthritic pain, they aren't quite as flexible as I'd like; but I can live with that. I don't really need to get on the floor on my hands and knees to clean, do I?
153lindapanzo
Glad to hear it went well, Judy.
154DeltaQueen50
I've watched the first three episodes of The Bridgertons on Netflicks and although I am not totally thrilled with it, it is holding my attention and I could spend hours simply looking at the actor who plays Simon, Duke of Hastings. He is very dreamy! The rest of the cast is growing on me, the oldest brother, Anthony was driving me crazy cause I kept thinking he reminded me of someone - I finally figured out he looks a bit like Harry Connick Jr. which kinda weirds me out. Anyway, the costumes and sets are fabulous and although quite different from the books, it's a great way to spend a few hours.
>149 christina_reads: Thanks, Christina.
>150 ChelleBearss: Time is already dragging, Chelle, but I expect this time next week I will look back on this as my "free time". ;)
>151 BLBera: It is indeed, Beth.
>152 Tess_W: Congrats on going through the procedure two times, Tess. Can I ask you how long after the operation did it take you to get back to normal?
>153 lindapanzo: Thanks, Linda.
>149 christina_reads: Thanks, Christina.
>150 ChelleBearss: Time is already dragging, Chelle, but I expect this time next week I will look back on this as my "free time". ;)
>151 BLBera: It is indeed, Beth.
>152 Tess_W: Congrats on going through the procedure two times, Tess. Can I ask you how long after the operation did it take you to get back to normal?
>153 lindapanzo: Thanks, Linda.
155Tess_W
>154 DeltaQueen50: I think age may have something to do with recovery! I was in my late fifties when I had the first one done. I was on the walker for 1 week, a cane for 2 weeks and then walking gingerly. Steps were bothersome, and still are, although I can do them. Cobblestones are still a big no-no. I would say really it was about 6 months before I didn't think about getting up or how low I sat, etc. At 6 months I got the other one done; so I was probably 18 months in total recovery for 2 of them. But I did go back to work on week 3 and hobbled along pretty good! The biggest advice is to walk, walk, walk, and get that knee working! I only took pain pills sometimes as night because I could not find a comfortable position. Out of a bottle of 30, I only took 15, so I don't think that so bad. And most of those were probably before or after physical therapy! In fact, the physical therapist told me to take one 30 minutes before therapy for the first couple of weeks.
156katiekrug
>154 DeltaQueen50: - Judy, if it helps, I think Bridgerton really gets better after the 4th episode :)
158Crazymamie
>156 katiekrug: What Katie said.
So happy that your husband came through surgery just fine. Hoping he gets to come home on Friday. Keeping you both in my thoughts, Judy.
So happy that your husband came through surgery just fine. Hoping he gets to come home on Friday. Keeping you both in my thoughts, Judy.
159DeltaQueen50
>155 Tess_W: Thanks for the information, Tess. He is experiencing a lot of pain today but they have got him up and are trying to keep him walking around. At this point we are not sure if he will be coming home tomorrow, but I would rather they keep him and keep working with him than have him come home too early. I expect his age is working against him as he is 78.
>156 katiekrug: Thanks, Katie. It's definitely growing on me.
>157 mstrust: I'm keeping my fingers crossed, Jennifer, but I have a feeling that we have a long road in front of us.
>158 Crazymamie: Thanks, Mamie.
>156 katiekrug: Thanks, Katie. It's definitely growing on me.
>157 mstrust: I'm keeping my fingers crossed, Jennifer, but I have a feeling that we have a long road in front of us.
>158 Crazymamie: Thanks, Mamie.
160RidgewayGirl
I'm glad the surgery went well. I'm sure they're taking good care of him and I hope you're taking advantage of the empty apartment to read.
161DeltaQueen50
5. Cop Hater by Ed McBain - 4.3 ★
Category: Chocolate Letters
January AlphaKit: M
January TIOLI #12: An Author I Have Read Before
Cop Hater by Ed McBain was originally published in 1956 and it’s the first book in his popular 87th Precinct series. This is a well-written police story about the murders of three detectives of the 87th precinct which has the police force of this fictional city, a thinly disguised New York, on the alert and working overtime to hunt down this apparent “cop hater”.
The featured detective, Steve Carella has had his friends and now his partner gunned down in the street. He has a slightly different theory as to who is behind these killings but unfortunately, an unscrupulous reporter tricks him into saying too much makes both him and his fiancee a target for the killer.
While the trend at the time of publishing was toward noir and the anti-hero, McBain goes in a different direction by writing about ordinary people who happen to be policemen. This “cops as good guys” sets the style of his long running series which puts it’s focus on the group who work out of the 87th precinct as opposed to a single hero. These books helped to give birth to the popular Police Procedural sub-genre and this fact, plus the author’s descriptive writing and masterful dialogue elevate Cop Hater to it’s well deserved position on the U.K. Crime Writer's Top 100 Crime Novels.
Category: Chocolate Letters
January AlphaKit: M
January TIOLI #12: An Author I Have Read Before
Cop Hater by Ed McBain was originally published in 1956 and it’s the first book in his popular 87th Precinct series. This is a well-written police story about the murders of three detectives of the 87th precinct which has the police force of this fictional city, a thinly disguised New York, on the alert and working overtime to hunt down this apparent “cop hater”.
The featured detective, Steve Carella has had his friends and now his partner gunned down in the street. He has a slightly different theory as to who is behind these killings but unfortunately, an unscrupulous reporter tricks him into saying too much makes both him and his fiancee a target for the killer.
While the trend at the time of publishing was toward noir and the anti-hero, McBain goes in a different direction by writing about ordinary people who happen to be policemen. This “cops as good guys” sets the style of his long running series which puts it’s focus on the group who work out of the 87th precinct as opposed to a single hero. These books helped to give birth to the popular Police Procedural sub-genre and this fact, plus the author’s descriptive writing and masterful dialogue elevate Cop Hater to it’s well deserved position on the U.K. Crime Writer's Top 100 Crime Novels.
162clue
I'm glad to hear the first big hurdle is behind you. When all of this is over and you can travel, I think you should take yourself off to a spa.
163Familyhistorian
Hi Judy, first time I looked at your thread for this year and your opening picture brought a smile. Have you ever done a tour of the factory on Kingsway? They used to offer the tours around Easter.
Good to hear that your husband's surgery was successful. Hopefully the recovery will be the same.
Good to hear that your husband's surgery was successful. Hopefully the recovery will be the same.
164DeltaQueen50
>162 clue: Oh a spa visit sounds like a great idea!
>163 Familyhistorian: Hi Meg and welcome. I haven't toured the Purdy's Factory and I suspect that would be a dangerous tour for me to go on! Unfortunately, he didn't have a very good day today so not sure if he will be coming home tomorrow, they will assess him in the morning.
>163 Familyhistorian: Hi Meg and welcome. I haven't toured the Purdy's Factory and I suspect that would be a dangerous tour for me to go on! Unfortunately, he didn't have a very good day today so not sure if he will be coming home tomorrow, they will assess him in the morning.
165Familyhistorian
>164 DeltaQueen50: Better if they keep him there until he is doing better if it is up to you to care for him, Judy.
Actually the Purdy's tour wasn't that dangerous. No free samples but, like most other places, the exit was through the gift shop which was where the danger lay. I'm not sure if they still have the tours. We went when my son was small and he's in his 30s now and still a confirmed chocoholic.
Actually the Purdy's tour wasn't that dangerous. No free samples but, like most other places, the exit was through the gift shop which was where the danger lay. I'm not sure if they still have the tours. We went when my son was small and he's in his 30s now and still a confirmed chocoholic.
166DeltaQueen50
>165 Familyhistorian: Yes, I would rather they keep him if he is having difficulty, they are equipped much better than we are. I have difficulty walking past a Purdy's at the Mall, finding myself suddenly in one of their gift shops would do me in for sure!
167scaifea
I'm sorry that your husband had a rough day, but as you say, he's in the best place for that and I bet they'll take excellent care of him. *hugs*
>165 Familyhistorian: No free samples?! The nerve.
>165 Familyhistorian: No free samples?! The nerve.
169mstrust
I'm sorry Ken's had a bad day. It really seems like being up on your feet the day after a knee operation is rushing things, but what do I know. I just want to send my best wishes.
And I agree with >167 scaifea:. The deal is, I watch them make something delicious and then they hand it to me. I think it's in an oath or something.
And I agree with >167 scaifea:. The deal is, I watch them make something delicious and then they hand it to me. I think it's in an oath or something.
170Jackie_K
I'm glad Ken's surgery went well, and sorry he's had a rough day. The getting them up and moving as early as possible seems counterintuitive, but my understanding is it's much better for rehab and healing than spending the first couple of days in bed. I hope he's home with you soon!
171DeltaQueen50
I had a rather sleepless night but my husband called this morning and hearing his voice sounding fairly normal has helped. I guess he was more out of it yesterday than I realized. He didn't even know that his daughter looked in on him until the nurses told him this morning. He hasn't seen his doctor this morning so we don't know if they are going to keep him but he seems to feel that at least one more day in hospital would be beneficial, but as the weekend is upon us, they may want him out so I am standing by in case I have to go and pick him up.
>167 scaifea: Thanks, Amber. And I totally agree - samples should be on offer!
>168 paruline: Thanks, Paruline.
>169 mstrust: They seem to believe these days that the faster one gets up after an operation, the quicker one heals. I had my appendix out when I was nine - way back in the dark ages - and I was in the hospital for over 10 days - most of it flat on my back. It was a relief to hear him sound more like himself this morning.
>170 Jackie_K: One of the reasons I think he may do better staying in hospital is that I can see myself being too soft on him, encouraging him to stay still and lay down. The professionals are more apt to get him up and moving which I think will help in the long run. I want him home, but more than that, I want him to heal and be able to move easily.
>167 scaifea: Thanks, Amber. And I totally agree - samples should be on offer!
>168 paruline: Thanks, Paruline.
>169 mstrust: They seem to believe these days that the faster one gets up after an operation, the quicker one heals. I had my appendix out when I was nine - way back in the dark ages - and I was in the hospital for over 10 days - most of it flat on my back. It was a relief to hear him sound more like himself this morning.
>170 Jackie_K: One of the reasons I think he may do better staying in hospital is that I can see myself being too soft on him, encouraging him to stay still and lay down. The professionals are more apt to get him up and moving which I think will help in the long run. I want him home, but more than that, I want him to heal and be able to move easily.
172DeltaQueen50
6. Enter Three Witches by Caroline Cooney - 3.6 ★
Category: White Chocolate Cameos
January Reading Through Time: Shakespeare's Children
January HistoryCat: Middle Ages
January TIOLI #11: A Title That Makes One Think of Passing From One Place to Another
Enter Three Witches by Caroline Cooney is a retelling of Shakespeare’s Macbeth from the viewpoint of a young, fourteen year old Lady Mary, a ward of Lord and Lady Macbeth’s. Lady Mary is looking forward to a bright future, being betrothed to a handsome young man and soon to become mistress of her own castle. Then her father is exposed and executed as a traitor along with her betrothed and Mary’s life is changed forever.
Friendless and on the very fringe of society, Mary is in a position to observe and when King Duncan is murdered and his two sons have fled, she knows that they were not responsible and that the real murderer is being given Duncan’s crown.
With lots of action and drama, the author puts her own stamp on this YA retelling. She scatters her own characters across the stage and builds her story all the while keeping the integrity of the play intact. Each chapter opens with a line from the original play giving us a taste of Shakespeare’s rich, descriptive language. While I personally wasn't totally swept away, I believe this Macbeth fan-fiction would make a great introduction to Shakespeare for middle-school aged children.
Category: White Chocolate Cameos
January Reading Through Time: Shakespeare's Children
January HistoryCat: Middle Ages
January TIOLI #11: A Title That Makes One Think of Passing From One Place to Another
Enter Three Witches by Caroline Cooney is a retelling of Shakespeare’s Macbeth from the viewpoint of a young, fourteen year old Lady Mary, a ward of Lord and Lady Macbeth’s. Lady Mary is looking forward to a bright future, being betrothed to a handsome young man and soon to become mistress of her own castle. Then her father is exposed and executed as a traitor along with her betrothed and Mary’s life is changed forever.
Friendless and on the very fringe of society, Mary is in a position to observe and when King Duncan is murdered and his two sons have fled, she knows that they were not responsible and that the real murderer is being given Duncan’s crown.
With lots of action and drama, the author puts her own stamp on this YA retelling. She scatters her own characters across the stage and builds her story all the while keeping the integrity of the play intact. Each chapter opens with a line from the original play giving us a taste of Shakespeare’s rich, descriptive language. While I personally wasn't totally swept away, I believe this Macbeth fan-fiction would make a great introduction to Shakespeare for middle-school aged children.
173DeltaQueen50
7. In the After by Demitia Lunetta - 3.7 ★
Category: Peanut Butter Daisies
Around the Year in 52 Books: A Book Related to the Future
January ScaredyKit: YA and Graphic Novels
January TIOLI #14: Book Has An LT Rating of 3.5 or More
In the After by Demitria Lunetta opens with the story of Amy, a survivor of an apparent alien invasion. She is the only child of a scientist mother and hippie father, both of whom are out on the day the aliens arrive and are presumed dead. The aliens are predators that hunt humans down in order to devour them and although their eyesight isn’t good their hearing is exceptional and Amy has to learn how to live soundlessly. She finds a young child, names her Baby, and the two live together in absolute silence.
One night while out scavenging they are captured and taken into an aircraft. Amy fears that the aliens have them, but to her surprise they have been picked up by humans who take them to a safe community of survivors, called New Hope. Amy and Baby now must learn to fit into a society that has very set rules and regulations. Amy, ever curious, doesn’t just accept the surface reasons but digs deeper and unearths some major secrets that change everything for her and place her in great danger.
In the After is the first part of a YA sci-fi adventure story that places the reader in the center of the action right from the first paragraph. These alien creatures are deadly and Amy must use all her survival skills to keep her and Baby alive. Once the girls have been taken to New Hope the style of the book changes and the story now unfolds in a series of flashbacks. The ending is abrupt and leaves us with a lot of questions which I am sure the second volume will be dealing with. Overall I found this an average read with the first half of the book being stronger than the second. I will be reading on as I have the sequel on my shelves and I am interested enough to want to find out what happens next.
Category: Peanut Butter Daisies
Around the Year in 52 Books: A Book Related to the Future
January ScaredyKit: YA and Graphic Novels
January TIOLI #14: Book Has An LT Rating of 3.5 or More
In the After by Demitria Lunetta opens with the story of Amy, a survivor of an apparent alien invasion. She is the only child of a scientist mother and hippie father, both of whom are out on the day the aliens arrive and are presumed dead. The aliens are predators that hunt humans down in order to devour them and although their eyesight isn’t good their hearing is exceptional and Amy has to learn how to live soundlessly. She finds a young child, names her Baby, and the two live together in absolute silence.
One night while out scavenging they are captured and taken into an aircraft. Amy fears that the aliens have them, but to her surprise they have been picked up by humans who take them to a safe community of survivors, called New Hope. Amy and Baby now must learn to fit into a society that has very set rules and regulations. Amy, ever curious, doesn’t just accept the surface reasons but digs deeper and unearths some major secrets that change everything for her and place her in great danger.
In the After is the first part of a YA sci-fi adventure story that places the reader in the center of the action right from the first paragraph. These alien creatures are deadly and Amy must use all her survival skills to keep her and Baby alive. Once the girls have been taken to New Hope the style of the book changes and the story now unfolds in a series of flashbacks. The ending is abrupt and leaves us with a lot of questions which I am sure the second volume will be dealing with. Overall I found this an average read with the first half of the book being stronger than the second. I will be reading on as I have the sequel on my shelves and I am interested enough to want to find out what happens next.
174DeltaQueen50
Things aren't going so smoothly for my husband after all. He developed a cough and the hospital immediately ran a Covid test, which we are all sure he doesn't have, but until they get the result he is in total isolation and we can't get any straight answers from the nurses as to whether they are doing any physio with him. He also became dehydrated and experienced some delirium. They are going to reassess him on Monday. I spoke with him earlier today and he was quite out of it so I've been worried all day but then I spoke with him again late this afternoon and he was more himself. My two daughters have been doing most of the talking for the family, but where one is a nurse and is able to analyize what she's hearing, the other gets very emotional and starts throwing accusations around which I think has the hospital staff trying to avoid her. Not being able to go and see him and see what's actually happening is very difficult!
175clue
I'm so sorry you're having this to deal with. I really don't think some medical personel realize how scared we can be over something that is routine for them.
176BLBera
>174 DeltaQueen50: Sorry to hear about your husband, Judy. I hope the test is negative and he gets to come home soon.
177pammab
>174 DeltaQueen50: Oh no! I was hoping he'd have a homegoing plan today. I do hope the covid test is returned and negative tomorrow, and that you can start to get more self-consistent answers (frustrating!). It's too bad you can't just hang out for a few hours in the room and observe and chat with all of the hospital staff who come by (have you thought about long-term video call, even if a lot of it is just "parallel play" / him napping, you reading or whatever?).
It can be hard even operating at full capacity to be a patient and on top of all the info; I can't imagine being dehydrated and struggling and in the midst of all the content as well. I hope he's not feeling too overwhelmed as well. Good luck -- fingers crossed for all of you to get some more clarity and good news.
>161 DeltaQueen50: I much appreciate the mystery history woven into your review of Cop Hater. Learned a bunch new!
It can be hard even operating at full capacity to be a patient and on top of all the info; I can't imagine being dehydrated and struggling and in the midst of all the content as well. I hope he's not feeling too overwhelmed as well. Good luck -- fingers crossed for all of you to get some more clarity and good news.
>161 DeltaQueen50: I much appreciate the mystery history woven into your review of Cop Hater. Learned a bunch new!
178pamelad
>174 DeltaQueen50: Sorry to hear that your husband is having a rough time. Hoping his condition tomorrow is a great deal better and the Covid test is negative.
179Tess_W
Sorry that the hubby is not yet home. I'm sure he probably feels isolated. Such difficult times.
181mysterymax
Wow, you and hubby have been through so much since I last checked in. I hope things are looking up today.
182rabbitprincess
>174 DeltaQueen50: Oh no! I hope you'll get better answers and a back-to-100% hubby soon!
183katiekrug
I'm sorry you've hit some bumps in the road after Ken's surgery, Judy. Thinking of you...
184Crazymamie
Oof! Judy, that is a lot to process - I am sorry that you are having to deal with all of that. I am trying to wrap my head around how someone becomes dehydrated in the hospital. Hoping you can get some answers soon and that Ken is doing so much better by Monday that he gets to come home. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
185scaifea
Adding my comforting hugs and strengthening vibes to the pile, Judy. Hopefully that covid test comes back quickly so he can come out of isolation and get back home to you!
186RidgewayGirl
Judy, that's got to be so difficult. You can't be there with him and be able to make sure all is being done. I'll keep you and your husband in my thoughts.
187Jackie_K
Oh dear - I hope the test comes back negative and he's back up on his feet and back to his usual self very soon!
188MissWatson
So sorry to hear of these additional complications, all my best wishes that it will work out for the best.
190lindapanzo
Oh no, Judy. So sorry to hear about these setbacks but, when there are such setbacks, having them in the hospital is better than having them at home. Thinking of you and Mr. DeltaQueen and hoping things improve soon.
191msf59
Happy New Thread, Judy. Happy New Year too, but I am so sorry to hear about your husband. Keep us updated. I hope he can bounce back. Thanks so much, for supplying me the link for your new thread. My fault for not tracking you down earlier. Hugs to my pal.
192DeltaQueen50
Thank you to everyone for your good wishes and encouragement. I do feel better today. My husband called me this morning and he sounded normal. He said the doctor had just been in and both he and the nurses were read the riot act and told to get him up and moving today. Everyone seems pretty sure that he doesn't have Covid but are still waiting for the test results. They plan to reevaluate him tomorrow morning. I doubt that they will send him home until he proves that he can be somewhat mobile. He has a very bad left leg that has taken nerve damage after his back surgery of a few years ago. The new knee is on his right leg which wore out from being the strong knee. So now both of his legs are weak and I think it will take a fair amount of physio before he can support himself. I hate that he isn't here but know that at this point I can't take care of him the way he needs.
I won't thank everyone personally right now, but I really appreciate that I can come here and let off some steam! I've mostly been burying myself in TV and books in an effort to keep my mind off things. Of course all the drama in Washington this week was quite horrifying and I pray that the transition of power will be a peaceful one.
I won't thank everyone personally right now, but I really appreciate that I can come here and let off some steam! I've mostly been burying myself in TV and books in an effort to keep my mind off things. Of course all the drama in Washington this week was quite horrifying and I pray that the transition of power will be a peaceful one.
193LibraryCin
>192 DeltaQueen50: I'm glad things are looking better today.
194ChelleBearss
>192 DeltaQueen50: Sorry to see that you're husband is still in hospital. Hope he gets to head home Monday!
195pammab
>192 DeltaQueen50: I'm so glad things seem more normal today. Hopefully tomorrow they are even more normal.
196leslie.98
>174 DeltaQueen50:, >192 DeltaQueen50: I am so sorry to hear about your husband - fingers crossed that it all works out ok. Hopefully you will get his COVID results tomorrow and soon have a homecoming plan in place.
>94 DeltaQueen50: I read A Modest Proposal in school - I think it was part of teaching us irony (?) so I was surprised that you didn't know anything about it. As a teenager it made quite an impression!
>161 DeltaQueen50: So glad to see you enjoyed the first McBain! Did you know that this series was partly responsible for the landmark TV series Hill Street Blues?
>94 DeltaQueen50: I read A Modest Proposal in school - I think it was part of teaching us irony (?) so I was surprised that you didn't know anything about it. As a teenager it made quite an impression!
>161 DeltaQueen50: So glad to see you enjoyed the first McBain! Did you know that this series was partly responsible for the landmark TV series Hill Street Blues?
197BLBera
I'm glad to hear that things are looking better today. Fingers crossed that the recovery goes smoothly.
198DeltaQueen50
Things are steadily improving. The Covid test came back negative and they did some physio with him yesterday and plan on doing more with him today. They still aren't sure when he will be coming home as it depends on how well he is able to manage standing and moving about but the nurse thinks it won't be tomorrow but maybe the next day.
>193 LibraryCin: It's certainly a better feeling all around when we can hear about improvement. He's also starting to complain about being bored which I am taking as a positive sign.
>194 ChelleBearss: Hi Chelle, part of me wants him home and part of me wants him to stay in the hospital as long as he can. At this point they are saying perhaps he'll come home on Wednesday.
>195 pammab: It's very encouraging to hear some positive news and when talking to him, hearing him sound more like himself.
>196 leslie.98: As far as I can remember, I didn't study A Modest Proposal in school or if I did, I'd forgotten it. I'm glad I either didn't know or didn't remember as it certainly made it more interesting. I loved Hill Street Blues back in the day and I think I read that Ed McBain did some writing for the show, as well as a number of other TV shows and movies.
>197 BLBera: Thanks, Beth.
>193 LibraryCin: It's certainly a better feeling all around when we can hear about improvement. He's also starting to complain about being bored which I am taking as a positive sign.
>194 ChelleBearss: Hi Chelle, part of me wants him home and part of me wants him to stay in the hospital as long as he can. At this point they are saying perhaps he'll come home on Wednesday.
>195 pammab: It's very encouraging to hear some positive news and when talking to him, hearing him sound more like himself.
>196 leslie.98: As far as I can remember, I didn't study A Modest Proposal in school or if I did, I'd forgotten it. I'm glad I either didn't know or didn't remember as it certainly made it more interesting. I loved Hill Street Blues back in the day and I think I read that Ed McBain did some writing for the show, as well as a number of other TV shows and movies.
>197 BLBera: Thanks, Beth.
199mstrust
I'm so glad your husband is doing better and that he doesn't have the virus. You've all had a rough couple of days but I'm glad they're improving.
200DeltaQueen50
>199 mstrust: Thanks, Jennifer.
201lsh63
Hi Judy, I'm glad that your husband is doing better and that the COVID test cam back negative.
202LadyoftheLodge
Hi there! Just getting caught up on your thread. I hope your husband continues to improve. Love your categories and the chocolates!
203ronincats
Judy, I was following along, although not commenting, up until the weekend, and now this morning I see all you and your husband have been going through. Sending best wishes and many hugs!!!
204DeltaQueen50
>201 lsh63: Thanks, Lisa. I was pretty sure the test would be negative, but I am glad that the hospital staff are now free to work with him.
>202 LadyoftheLodge: Welcome and help yourself to a chocolate or two!
>203 ronincats: Thanks, Roni. It's been a frustrating few days but I am hopeful that I wll have him home with me at some point during the week.
>202 LadyoftheLodge: Welcome and help yourself to a chocolate or two!
>203 ronincats: Thanks, Roni. It's been a frustrating few days but I am hopeful that I wll have him home with me at some point during the week.
205DeltaQueen50
8. Train Dreams by Denis Johnson - 4.5 ★
Category: Maple Leaf Melties
January TIOLI #16: Connected to an Author Who Died in 2020, but Was Not Written By Him
Train Dreams by Denis Johnson is a novella that packs quite a punch. It is the life story of Robert Grainier, an American railroad laborer and captures both a specific time in American history and paints a vivid description of this small corner of the United States where it is set. The time period is the early 20th century and the place is the northern panhandle of Idaho. The building of the railroad and the trains that travelled through are the stepping stones that this story is built upon.
Robert comes to northern Idaho on the train in 1886, a foundling sent to be raised by his aunt and uncle. He works on the railroad and even after marriage, he travels the railroad seeking work. He arrives home after an absence of some months in 1920, only to find that a huge fire has consumed the valley and his home destroyed. He finds no trace of his wife or small daughter. He eventually rebuilds his cabin and remains on the property until his death in 1968. By the end of his life, he had never travelled very far from his home and what travelling he did, was done by train.
This is a deceptively simple story. It details the life of one man who lives a quiet life, but has suffered a huge tragedy. Set in rural Idaho and Washington, this portrait allows us to feel the depth of emotion that is hovering just under the surface. For such a short book it is packed with events from Grainer’s life and always in the background is the mythology of the railroad which anchors the story and supplies pictures of the slow progression of history. Written in sparse but beautifully descriptive prose, Train Dreams is a small gem of a book.
Category: Maple Leaf Melties
January TIOLI #16: Connected to an Author Who Died in 2020, but Was Not Written By Him
Train Dreams by Denis Johnson is a novella that packs quite a punch. It is the life story of Robert Grainier, an American railroad laborer and captures both a specific time in American history and paints a vivid description of this small corner of the United States where it is set. The time period is the early 20th century and the place is the northern panhandle of Idaho. The building of the railroad and the trains that travelled through are the stepping stones that this story is built upon.
Robert comes to northern Idaho on the train in 1886, a foundling sent to be raised by his aunt and uncle. He works on the railroad and even after marriage, he travels the railroad seeking work. He arrives home after an absence of some months in 1920, only to find that a huge fire has consumed the valley and his home destroyed. He finds no trace of his wife or small daughter. He eventually rebuilds his cabin and remains on the property until his death in 1968. By the end of his life, he had never travelled very far from his home and what travelling he did, was done by train.
This is a deceptively simple story. It details the life of one man who lives a quiet life, but has suffered a huge tragedy. Set in rural Idaho and Washington, this portrait allows us to feel the depth of emotion that is hovering just under the surface. For such a short book it is packed with events from Grainer’s life and always in the background is the mythology of the railroad which anchors the story and supplies pictures of the slow progression of history. Written in sparse but beautifully descriptive prose, Train Dreams is a small gem of a book.
206katiekrug
>205 DeltaQueen50: - I read this several years ago and it was one of my top reads. I still think about it. Such a great book.
207LibraryCin
Good news about the negative covid test. And bored? Yup, probably a good sign! :-)
208This-n-That
>192 DeltaQueen50: Glad to hear your husband is doing better and getting the care he needs now. Hope the PT is helpful.
What trying times otherwise, in the DC realm.
It looks like you are making great progress in your reading challenges. I need to remind myself to make sure I am not hungry when looking through your topics as it gives me chocolate cravings. Yum.
What trying times otherwise, in the DC realm.
It looks like you are making great progress in your reading challenges. I need to remind myself to make sure I am not hungry when looking through your topics as it gives me chocolate cravings. Yum.
209clue
>205 DeltaQueen50: Added to my library list, sounds so good.
210Crazymamie
>205 DeltaQueen50: Great review, Judy - adding my thumb. Like Katie, I read that one several years ago and really liked it.
SO glad to learn that your husband is doing much better - hoping he gets to come home soon.
SO glad to learn that your husband is doing much better - hoping he gets to come home soon.
211DeltaQueen50
>206 katiekrug: I was very impressed with Train Dreams. It was a surprising read as it is so short - approx. 130 pages - yet so much is covered.
>207 LibraryCin: I just talked to my hubby and he is definitely really to get out, so I am expecting a call either later today or tomorrow to go and get him.
>208 This-n-That: Yes, this isn't the place to be when one is craving sweets! I expect that once my husband gets home my reading time will lessen.
>209 clue: Hope you enjoy it!
>210 Crazymamie: Thanks, Mamie. I am hoping that he be home either later today or tomorrow.
>207 LibraryCin: I just talked to my hubby and he is definitely really to get out, so I am expecting a call either later today or tomorrow to go and get him.
>208 This-n-That: Yes, this isn't the place to be when one is craving sweets! I expect that once my husband gets home my reading time will lessen.
>209 clue: Hope you enjoy it!
>210 Crazymamie: Thanks, Mamie. I am hoping that he be home either later today or tomorrow.
212Familyhistorian
Hi Judy, I hope that your husband gets sprung from the hospital tomorrow. You'll feel much better when he's home, I'm sure.
213DeltaQueen50
>212 Familyhistorian: Well Meg, he was sprung yesterday afternoon, and it's been quite a lot to handle. Luckily my younger daughter came with with me to the hospital and stayed with us until we tucked him into bed later that evening but I was shocked at how weak he is. He has a very bad leg that has nerve damage but he was operated on his good leg so he really has no strength in either of his legs and needs to be supported at all times. I am proud of myself as this morning I got him up and made breakfast, set up a shaving and hair washing station, dressed him and then moved him into the den and set him up with the TV. He is going to need constant care over the next few weeks so we are in it for the long haul.
I did finish one book last night after he went to bed, but I can see that my reading will be slowing down.
I did finish one book last night after he went to bed, but I can see that my reading will be slowing down.
214Tess_W
>213 DeltaQueen50: glad he is home. He is quite lucky to have you to care for him. Are physical therapists coming to the home?
215RidgewayGirl
>213 DeltaQueen50: I'm so glad your husband is home safe and I'm wishing you a ton of patience and strength. If I may give you one bit of advice: he will heal quicker the more he moves so it can be useful to not be overly responsive when he calls for you. Hopefully, he will be highly motivated to get moving on his own.
216Helenliz
>213 DeltaQueen50: Well glad he's home, but you make sure you don't do yourself a mischief running around after him. Nothing worse than the pair of you ending up in an untidy heap on the floor.
217DeltaQueen50
>214 Tess_W: The physical therapists are going to be contacting me in a couple of weeks and we will make plans at that time but I think he will have to go to them.
>215 RidgewayGirl: I have a feeling that getting him up and moving is going to be the biggest challenge but I can be quite bossy when I need to be!
>216 Helenliz: I did have a slight episode of A-Fib in the middle of the night, so yes, I do have to be careful, but I am pretty sure it's brought on by stress and that is hard to control!
>215 RidgewayGirl: I have a feeling that getting him up and moving is going to be the biggest challenge but I can be quite bossy when I need to be!
>216 Helenliz: I did have a slight episode of A-Fib in the middle of the night, so yes, I do have to be careful, but I am pretty sure it's brought on by stress and that is hard to control!
218DeltaQueen50
9. Poppet by Mo Hayder - 4.0 ★
Category: Chocolate Creams
BingoDog: One Word Title
Around the Year in 52 Books: A book with a character who can be found in a deck of cards
January TIOLI #12: A Book By An Author That I Have Read Before
Poppet by Mo Hayder is the 6th books in her police series that features Jack Caffery. I found this one quite chilling featuring as it does the hunt for a deranged mental patient who has committed horrifying crimes in the past. We are also brought up to date with the relationship between Jack and Flea, a fellow detective. They have severe issues that has been affecting them over the course of the last three books.
Everything seems straight forward and by the book when Isaac Hayden is released from Beechway High Secure Unit, but then a staff member puts the pieces together and realizes that Hayden was connected to a series of unexplained injuries among the ward’s patients, some of which ended in a number of deaths. Due to his violent past, Jack Caffery is called on to investigate and to track Isaac down before he can kill again. Meanwhile Jack is still involved in searching for a missing woman even though he knows all to well that Flea will ensure she’s never found.
Mo Hayder is an author that isn’t afraid to write extremely dark stories. She writes of crimes that can easily conjure nightmares and isn’t afraid to bring in elements of horror. Poppet is not the most frightening of her books that I have read but this did have a definite creepy side to it. I wouldn’t recommend reading this book out of order, as the secondary plot has been arched over three books and wouldn’t make a lot of sense without reading the prior books.
Category: Chocolate Creams
BingoDog: One Word Title
Around the Year in 52 Books: A book with a character who can be found in a deck of cards
January TIOLI #12: A Book By An Author That I Have Read Before
Poppet by Mo Hayder is the 6th books in her police series that features Jack Caffery. I found this one quite chilling featuring as it does the hunt for a deranged mental patient who has committed horrifying crimes in the past. We are also brought up to date with the relationship between Jack and Flea, a fellow detective. They have severe issues that has been affecting them over the course of the last three books.
Everything seems straight forward and by the book when Isaac Hayden is released from Beechway High Secure Unit, but then a staff member puts the pieces together and realizes that Hayden was connected to a series of unexplained injuries among the ward’s patients, some of which ended in a number of deaths. Due to his violent past, Jack Caffery is called on to investigate and to track Isaac down before he can kill again. Meanwhile Jack is still involved in searching for a missing woman even though he knows all to well that Flea will ensure she’s never found.
Mo Hayder is an author that isn’t afraid to write extremely dark stories. She writes of crimes that can easily conjure nightmares and isn’t afraid to bring in elements of horror. Poppet is not the most frightening of her books that I have read but this did have a definite creepy side to it. I wouldn’t recommend reading this book out of order, as the secondary plot has been arched over three books and wouldn’t make a lot of sense without reading the prior books.
219Tess_W
>217 DeltaQueen50: Wow, they would not let come home until I could walk up a flight of 6 stairs and walk around the nurses station 6 times. They also scheduled physical therapy for me from the day I arrived home. (2 weeks at home and 2 weeks at a facility--3 times a week) By week 4 I was done with physical therapy. I can only imagine how stiff that knee is going to be.
220LadyoftheLodge
Good to know your husband is home. I can certainly identify with the caregiver scenario you described, as I did that for quite awhile when my departed spouse was ill. Sometimes I wonder how I ever did it--I had to develop some nursing skills that previously lay dormant!
221msf59
I agree with you, Judy. Train Dreams is a perfect gem. Glad to hear that your husband is home.
222LibraryCin
>213 DeltaQueen50: Wow, I'm sure he's happy to be home, but it sounds like you're in for a lot of work. Good luck to you.
223justchris
>213 DeltaQueen50: Glad to hear hubby is home safe. But such a lot of care and support for him in the coming weeks. I hope it isn't just you alone to provide that...can your daughters help with that at all?
Any chance of a home health aide some of the time? Although you have to be carefull--I have a friend whose MIL got COVID because her home health aide was a virus-denier who refused to wear a mask and infected at least this patient, probably others as well. But hopefully, that's a bizarre outlier in the medical field.
>217 DeltaQueen50: That is scary. I hope you're able to practice all the stress-reducing activities, of which books and chocolate are key, I am sure.
>205 DeltaQueen50: and >208 This-n-That: Nice reviews. Not sure either one is a book that I would ever pick up, but the first at least sounds attractive.
>196 leslie.98: I did not know that connection. Hill Street Blues was *the* cop drama of my childhood. I've never read any of the McBain books, but they certainly sound good.
Any chance of a home health aide some of the time? Although you have to be carefull--I have a friend whose MIL got COVID because her home health aide was a virus-denier who refused to wear a mask and infected at least this patient, probably others as well. But hopefully, that's a bizarre outlier in the medical field.
>217 DeltaQueen50: That is scary. I hope you're able to practice all the stress-reducing activities, of which books and chocolate are key, I am sure.
>205 DeltaQueen50: and >208 This-n-That: Nice reviews. Not sure either one is a book that I would ever pick up, but the first at least sounds attractive.
>196 leslie.98: I did not know that connection. Hill Street Blues was *the* cop drama of my childhood. I've never read any of the McBain books, but they certainly sound good.
224BLBera
Good luck with the recuperation period, Judy. On the plus side, with the pandemic, you probably weren't planning any outings anyway...
Train Dreams goes on my "read soon" list.
Train Dreams goes on my "read soon" list.
225leslie.98
>223 justchris: McBain's 87th Precinct series was the first mystery/crime series which didn't have an individual 'hero' but rather focused on the ensemble of the whole precinct. That paved the way for ensemble TV shows such as Hill Street Blues, St. Elsewhere, L.A. Law and the many others that followed.
226mathgirl40
I'm finally catching up with threads and reading about all that you and your husband have gone through. I'm glad to hear he's home now and wish you both the best. I hope you do manage to get some reading and other relaxation time for yourself.
I love your chocolate theme! I don't think I've tried Purdy's but I am quite fond of Rheo Thompson, a chocolatier based in Stratford, Ontario. We have a gourmet food store nearby that has a very good selection of chocolate from all over, so I'll look for Purdy's next time.
I love your chocolate theme! I don't think I've tried Purdy's but I am quite fond of Rheo Thompson, a chocolatier based in Stratford, Ontario. We have a gourmet food store nearby that has a very good selection of chocolate from all over, so I'll look for Purdy's next time.
227DeltaQueen50
We had a pretty good day today. My elder daughter and granddaughter came over which relieved me for awhile and she's coming back tomorrow to stay with him while I go to the grocery store. This weekend, my other daughter, the nurse, will be coming by and I know she'll be a big help as well.
>219 Tess_W: Wow, Tess. That's amazing. I think the biggest problem my husband has is with the leg that wasn't operated on, I was watching him walk this evening and the operated on leg actually looked like the stronger one. He's very shaky so I stay close behind just in case. He did do a fair amount of walking today, right now he's in bed resting but he will probably get up later on tonight and walk around the apartment again.
>220 LadyoftheLodge: I am happy to have my daughters come over and take over every now and again to give me a break. Nursing is not my thing but I know he hates having to be looked after so closely so I don't let him see anything but a happy face.
>221 msf59: Hi Mark, great to see you found my 2021 thread!
>222 LibraryCin: Thanks, I am lucky to have both daughters close by if I need them.
>223 justchris: We have pamphets for a couple of home-care agencies but I am nervous about bringing an unknown into our little bubble but if it get to be too much for me, we will look into that option.
>224 BLBera: That's for sure, Beth. It seems everyday things are getting worse in regards to the pandemic and although B.C. isn't doing too badly, there are parts of Canada that are really suffering. I'm pretty sure you will love Train Dreams when you get to it.
>226 mathgirl40: Thanks Pauline, I'm sure I will get some reading time in, he's constantly telling me to go and relax. We stay in contact by phoning back and forth cause he's usually at the other end of the apartment.
>219 Tess_W: Wow, Tess. That's amazing. I think the biggest problem my husband has is with the leg that wasn't operated on, I was watching him walk this evening and the operated on leg actually looked like the stronger one. He's very shaky so I stay close behind just in case. He did do a fair amount of walking today, right now he's in bed resting but he will probably get up later on tonight and walk around the apartment again.
>220 LadyoftheLodge: I am happy to have my daughters come over and take over every now and again to give me a break. Nursing is not my thing but I know he hates having to be looked after so closely so I don't let him see anything but a happy face.
>221 msf59: Hi Mark, great to see you found my 2021 thread!
>222 LibraryCin: Thanks, I am lucky to have both daughters close by if I need them.
>223 justchris: We have pamphets for a couple of home-care agencies but I am nervous about bringing an unknown into our little bubble but if it get to be too much for me, we will look into that option.
>224 BLBera: That's for sure, Beth. It seems everyday things are getting worse in regards to the pandemic and although B.C. isn't doing too badly, there are parts of Canada that are really suffering. I'm pretty sure you will love Train Dreams when you get to it.
>226 mathgirl40: Thanks Pauline, I'm sure I will get some reading time in, he's constantly telling me to go and relax. We stay in contact by phoning back and forth cause he's usually at the other end of the apartment.
228pammab
>213 DeltaQueen50: Out of the crisis stress and into the gnawing stress of the long haul! Sending you fervent wishes of good luck.
229Nickelini
Oh my! I'm so sorry you're struggling with this. I know you know that there is home health care assistance, but from my experience with my aging parents and my husband's parents and his extended older family -- well, here in BC, you have to play their game. I think you said one of your daughters is a nurse? So she'll know better than me.
But from my experience, I can say that the more helpless YOU are, or the support system is, the more ready they will send in back ups to relieve some of your load. If you present as being strong and having a solid support system, they'll say "all good!" but if you do a bit of "I can't do it!!!!!!" they have back ups to send to do some of the bathing, dressing, etc. I think this is more with long-term and it sounds as if your husband as short-term. But my experience in our system is that the squeaky wheel gets the grease and the brave and stoic have to suck it up on their own. So squeak away, Judy! This is not the time for a stiff upper lip in front of the people who can send you some help. Hugs.
But from my experience, I can say that the more helpless YOU are, or the support system is, the more ready they will send in back ups to relieve some of your load. If you present as being strong and having a solid support system, they'll say "all good!" but if you do a bit of "I can't do it!!!!!!" they have back ups to send to do some of the bathing, dressing, etc. I think this is more with long-term and it sounds as if your husband as short-term. But my experience in our system is that the squeaky wheel gets the grease and the brave and stoic have to suck it up on their own. So squeak away, Judy! This is not the time for a stiff upper lip in front of the people who can send you some help. Hugs.
230Familyhistorian
Being a care giver is very hard on you, Judy, harder than you realize when you are doing it. Be sure to ask for help before you think you really need it. Good luck through the recovery. Will he be going in for an operation on the other knee sometime in the near future?
231dudes22
Glad to hear your hubby is home and trying to walk a bit. I am a little surprised that they are waiting to start his physical therapy.
232lsh63
I'm glad that you husband is home, Judy. I wish you all the best with his recovery. And be sure to take care of yourself too!
233ChelleBearss
Glad that your daughters are able to help you out! Sounds like a big task!
Hope you all get some downtime and reading time too!
Hope you all get some downtime and reading time too!
234Jackie_K
Echoing everyone here, take care of yourself and don't be backwards in coming forwards to ask for help and support if you need it.
235DeltaQueen50
Things are progressing slowly but surely here. The doctor phoned me and went over his pain medication and general care. It's a lot like looking after a toddler - I have to keep my eye on him in case he tries to do something he's not ready for yet. He basically has no balance so I am always having to watch that he doesn't take a fall. He walks around the apartment with his walker and I walk around behind him so if he falls backward I can catch him. He is napping right now so I am taking a computer and coffee break.
>228 pammab: Thank you for the good wishes, I appreciate and need them. :)
>229 Nickelini: One daughter was here for most of the morning which gave me time to go out and get the groceries in. My other daughter, who is a nurse, is coming over on Saturday and I know she will give me a good break as well. I try not to show my husband how much work all this is, cause I don't want him to start worrying but I did feel better after talking to the doctor and having him confirm that we are doing all that we should.
>230 Familyhistorian: I doubt very much that he will get his other knee replaced, Meg, as that leg has nerve damage and I don't think a new knee would make much difference.
>231 dudes22: I think the physio isn't starting until sometime around the 21st of January. He does have some small exercises that he is doing. Again, I think it is a matter of regaining some of his strength and balance.
>232 lsh63: Thanks, Lisa.
>233 ChelleBearss: Hubby is trying very hard not to be a burden and give me some time to myself but there seems to always be something that needs to be done - Chelle, you have two young daughters so you know what it means to not have a lot of time for yourself.
>234 Jackie_K: Thanks, Jackie.
>228 pammab: Thank you for the good wishes, I appreciate and need them. :)
>229 Nickelini: One daughter was here for most of the morning which gave me time to go out and get the groceries in. My other daughter, who is a nurse, is coming over on Saturday and I know she will give me a good break as well. I try not to show my husband how much work all this is, cause I don't want him to start worrying but I did feel better after talking to the doctor and having him confirm that we are doing all that we should.
>230 Familyhistorian: I doubt very much that he will get his other knee replaced, Meg, as that leg has nerve damage and I don't think a new knee would make much difference.
>231 dudes22: I think the physio isn't starting until sometime around the 21st of January. He does have some small exercises that he is doing. Again, I think it is a matter of regaining some of his strength and balance.
>232 lsh63: Thanks, Lisa.
>233 ChelleBearss: Hubby is trying very hard not to be a burden and give me some time to myself but there seems to always be something that needs to be done - Chelle, you have two young daughters so you know what it means to not have a lot of time for yourself.
>234 Jackie_K: Thanks, Jackie.
236leslie.98
Take care of yourself while you are caring for your hubby, Judy. Sending you both my best wishes for a speedy recovery.
237justchris
>235 DeltaQueen50: I'm glad the consult with the doctor felt helpful. I totally understand the hesitationt to expand your bubble to include strangers. I am glad that you have family who are stepping up to help. I hope all of you are able to share the load so that you don't burn out.
238msf59
Happy Friday, Judy. Good luck in caring for your husband. I hope you are still able to get in plenty of reading time.
239Crazymamie
Morning, Judy! I remember how much work it was from when Craig had his hip replaced, and that was without any worrying about balance or his other leg being weak. Thank goodness for your daughters being close enough to help out. Keeping you and Ken in our thoughts and prayers. Remember to be kind to yourself, too.
240scaifea
Adding my thoughts and good wishes to the pile, Judy, and I'm with Mamie about remembering self-kindness, too!
244DeltaQueen50
OMG, I can't thank everyone enough for all the good wishes. We are falling into a routine and things are moving slowly but positively so I am feeling pretty good. I am not reading much, but I think as we go along I will get more time to myself.
>236 leslie.98: Thanks, Leslie, I am watching myself and making sure I get plenty of rest and that I am staying positive which is helpful for both of us.
>237 justchris: I know this is the time when he needs the most help, and we are coping pretty well so my feeling is that it's only going to get better. I may give my cleaner a call and see if she can squeeze in an extra visit as I haven't had time for much housework.
>238 msf59: Hi Mark, I am reading a light romance which is easy to pick up and drop but I have also started Us Against You and it's already grabbed me and I am looking forward to spending more time with it.
>239 Crazymamie: >240 scaifea: & >241 katiekrug: Thanks, Mamie, Amber and Katie. At times like this I am so thankful for both the girls, they are both good at taking over and giving me some "me-time". I am already planning a bubble bath, a glass of wine and some reading time for tomorrow when one of the girls comes by. :)
>242 BLBera: Thanks, Beth. I'll take all the good karma that I can get!
>243 mstrust: Those flowers are gorgeous, Jennifer. Thanks for the thought. Talking about brightening the day, we are having a spell of sunny, mild weather and I have opened a lot of windows to let the fresh air circulate and keep the place from being stale and stuffy.
>236 leslie.98: Thanks, Leslie, I am watching myself and making sure I get plenty of rest and that I am staying positive which is helpful for both of us.
>237 justchris: I know this is the time when he needs the most help, and we are coping pretty well so my feeling is that it's only going to get better. I may give my cleaner a call and see if she can squeeze in an extra visit as I haven't had time for much housework.
>238 msf59: Hi Mark, I am reading a light romance which is easy to pick up and drop but I have also started Us Against You and it's already grabbed me and I am looking forward to spending more time with it.
>239 Crazymamie: >240 scaifea: & >241 katiekrug: Thanks, Mamie, Amber and Katie. At times like this I am so thankful for both the girls, they are both good at taking over and giving me some "me-time". I am already planning a bubble bath, a glass of wine and some reading time for tomorrow when one of the girls comes by. :)
>242 BLBera: Thanks, Beth. I'll take all the good karma that I can get!
>243 mstrust: Those flowers are gorgeous, Jennifer. Thanks for the thought. Talking about brightening the day, we are having a spell of sunny, mild weather and I have opened a lot of windows to let the fresh air circulate and keep the place from being stale and stuffy.
245LadyoftheLodge
Sending lots of good wishes and prayers for you and your hubby. I recall the days of trying to keep my spouse from doing too much.
246DeltaQueen50
>245 LadyoftheLodge: Thanks for the good wishes, I guess when one takes the vow "For Better or Worse", this is the type of thing we sign on for!
247ronincats
Glad things are settling in, and so happy your daughters are around to help out. (((Judy)))
248DeltaQueen50
>247 ronincats: Thanks, Roni. My younger daughter was over today and spent most of the day with us which really helped me. I actually had a nap this afternoon and I got some reading time and finished a book! :)
249DeltaQueen50
10. Restoring Grace by Katie Fforde - 3.5 ★
Category: Passionfruit Hearts
January RandomCat: Laughter
January TIOLI #7: Title or Title Word That Means Starting Over
Restoring Grace by Katie Fforde was meant to be a light-hearted read that I could pick up and lose myself in but unfortunately I found this book just a little bit boring at times. It’s the story of Grace, a divorced thirty-something who is learning to finally stand up for herself and take some control of her life. She meets and takes in as a lodger, Ellie, who is newly pregnant and single. Also there is a sub-plot involving Grace’s ex-stepdaughter, Demi, who moves in as well. These three form an unlikely family in the rundown mansion that Grace inherited from her Godmother.
Of course there are men, Grace meets and becomes involved with Irishman, Flynn Cormack, and Ellie encounters sophisticated art-restorer Ran. There are plenty of problems that need to be solved with Grace’s beloved house but the largest problem is finances and when Grace and Ellie discover a couple of painted panels that could be worth a fortune, Grace’s family comes swooping in, trying to pressure her into selling both the panels and her house.
I think what I was missing from this story was the feeling of being connected to the characters. The story was amusing at times, interesting at times, even romantic at times, but I never felt that these were anything but fictional roles being played out on the page. I have read and enjoyed this author before, and I do have a few more of hers on my shelves so I will be giving her another try in the future.
Category: Passionfruit Hearts
January RandomCat: Laughter
January TIOLI #7: Title or Title Word That Means Starting Over
Restoring Grace by Katie Fforde was meant to be a light-hearted read that I could pick up and lose myself in but unfortunately I found this book just a little bit boring at times. It’s the story of Grace, a divorced thirty-something who is learning to finally stand up for herself and take some control of her life. She meets and takes in as a lodger, Ellie, who is newly pregnant and single. Also there is a sub-plot involving Grace’s ex-stepdaughter, Demi, who moves in as well. These three form an unlikely family in the rundown mansion that Grace inherited from her Godmother.
Of course there are men, Grace meets and becomes involved with Irishman, Flynn Cormack, and Ellie encounters sophisticated art-restorer Ran. There are plenty of problems that need to be solved with Grace’s beloved house but the largest problem is finances and when Grace and Ellie discover a couple of painted panels that could be worth a fortune, Grace’s family comes swooping in, trying to pressure her into selling both the panels and her house.
I think what I was missing from this story was the feeling of being connected to the characters. The story was amusing at times, interesting at times, even romantic at times, but I never felt that these were anything but fictional roles being played out on the page. I have read and enjoyed this author before, and I do have a few more of hers on my shelves so I will be giving her another try in the future.
250mysterymax
So glad to hear things are starting to mend. Keep your chin up.
251lindapanzo
Hope that mending progress continues and that you do get to take time for yourself.
I've been envious of all the chocolate photos but, as a thank you, my company sent out a company sweatshirt/hoodie and two boxes of chocolates to thank us for our hard work during COVID and also help us get through the winter. Mine arrived yesterday (slightly poor timing as the package arrived exactly when my Green Bay Packers scored their first touchdown). Anyway, a box of chocolates with almonds and another of chocolates and sea salt caramel. Yum.
I've been envious of all the chocolate photos but, as a thank you, my company sent out a company sweatshirt/hoodie and two boxes of chocolates to thank us for our hard work during COVID and also help us get through the winter. Mine arrived yesterday (slightly poor timing as the package arrived exactly when my Green Bay Packers scored their first touchdown). Anyway, a box of chocolates with almonds and another of chocolates and sea salt caramel. Yum.
253Familyhistorian
>249 DeltaQueen50: Too bad that wasn't a good read, Judy. I hope that your next one is better. It's good to see that things are going in a positive direction with Ken's recovery. I hope you were able to relax with bubble bath and wine.
254threadnsong
Finally getting caught up on LT and on your thread, Judy. I am glad DeltaKing is out of the hospital, recuperating, and Covid-free.
Echoing all your other LT friends here, do take good, good care of yourself. It sounds like you're doing that with a bubble bath (when was the last time I treated myself to one?!) and plenty of good books and carving out time for yourself. Glad to hear that you have daughters who are helping out, too, and hugs for you and Ken.
Echoing all your other LT friends here, do take good, good care of yourself. It sounds like you're doing that with a bubble bath (when was the last time I treated myself to one?!) and plenty of good books and carving out time for yourself. Glad to hear that you have daughters who are helping out, too, and hugs for you and Ken.
255DeltaQueen50
>250 mysterymax: Thanks, MM, staying positive is so important, especially as it seems to be two steps forward, and then one backwards are we go along.
>251 lindapanzo: Linda, what a lovely gesture for your company to make, it's always so nice to feel recognized and appreciated - and, of course, chocolate is a great way to do that! :)
>252 Helenliz: Thanks Helen, I think we are going to be dealing with this for some time as his bad leg is pretty much useless, I am looking forward to getting him started on some physio as he obviously needs the muscles of both legs strengthened.
>253 Familyhistorian: I think I am also very easily distracted right now, Meg. I need to find one of those books that totally draws you in and takes you to another place - unfortunately, those types of books are few and far between!
>254 threadnsong: Thanks, threadsong, I don't know what I would do if I didn't have the girls to help out - well, I guess I could have to pay to get some home assistence, but so far we are copying fairly well with everything.
>251 lindapanzo: Linda, what a lovely gesture for your company to make, it's always so nice to feel recognized and appreciated - and, of course, chocolate is a great way to do that! :)
>252 Helenliz: Thanks Helen, I think we are going to be dealing with this for some time as his bad leg is pretty much useless, I am looking forward to getting him started on some physio as he obviously needs the muscles of both legs strengthened.
>253 Familyhistorian: I think I am also very easily distracted right now, Meg. I need to find one of those books that totally draws you in and takes you to another place - unfortunately, those types of books are few and far between!
>254 threadnsong: Thanks, threadsong, I don't know what I would do if I didn't have the girls to help out - well, I guess I could have to pay to get some home assistence, but so far we are copying fairly well with everything.
256BLBera
>249 DeltaQueen50: I'm glad you were able to get some reading in, Judy. I hope the recovery is proceeding smoothly. Too bad the Fforde wasn't a better book.
257DeltaQueen50
>256 BLBera: Hi Beth. I am beginning to wonder if the problem is with me not being able to concentrate rather than the books I am reading. I just finished Us Against You, the sequel to Beartown and even though I was really looking forward to this one, I found a few things about it to quibble about.
258DeltaQueen50
I am off to open a new thread.
259thornton37814
>257 DeltaQueen50: It took me a string of brain candy to regain my concentration last year. I know each person is different, but I hope you get your reading mojo back.
Dit onderwerp werd voortgezet door DeltaQueen's 2021 Challenge - Reading Is Like a Box of Chocolates - Part 2.
