scaifea's thread #8

Hey, everybody!

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

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

I'm 44 going on 12 and live in Ohio with my husband, Tomm; our 11-year-old son, Charlie; and Mario the Golden Retriever.



Favorite Books from 2019
Next of Kin
The Book of Boy
Ficciones
Night Watch
The Name of the Wind
A Monster Calls
Check, Please! Book 1
Art Matters
The Heart's Invisible Furies

What I'm Reading Now:
-So Anyway... (a book from my Read Soon! Shelves)
-Frankly In Love (Morris Award)
-Potent Pleasures (romance genre list)
-Adam Bede (audiobook)
-Coraline (Charlie's bedtime book)

Books on Deck:
-Purl Up and Die (series read with my mom)
-Titus Andronicus (Shakespeare re-read)
-Peyton Place (Banned Books)
-The House on the Borderland (Green Dragon 1001 Fantasy list)
-Lord Foul's Bane (BSF Award)
-The Experience of Insight (Buddhist reading list)
-Uncle Silas (books by year - 1864)
-Guard of Honor (Pulitzer list)
-(an unread book from my shelves)

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

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

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

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

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

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

6. An unread book from my shelves.

7. A book from my Read Soon! shelves.

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

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

10. A book from the couple of series that I'm reading together with my mom.

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

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

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

14. A romance novel, using as a guideline an excellent list of authors and works curated by lycomaflower (I know virtually nothing about this genre, but I now work in a library where many, many lovely people come through to check out books of this genre, and I want to know something about it).

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

Books Read

JANUARY
1. Still Life (Read Soon! Shelves) - 9/10 = A
2. Breaking Stalin's Nose (Newbery Honor Book, audiobook) - 8/10 = B-
3. The Golden Name Day (Newbery Honor Book) - 7/10 = C
4. Lumberjanes #2: Friendship to the Max (series read) - 10/10 = A+
5. Lumberjanes #3: A Terrible Plan (series read) - 10/10 = A+
6. Lumberjanes #4: Out of Time (series read) - 10/10 = A+
7. Lumberjanes #5: Band Together (series read) - 10/10 = A+
8. Lumberjanes #6: Sink or Swim (series read) - 10/10 = A+
9. Lumberjanes #7: A Bird's-Eye View (series read) - 10/10 = A+
10. Lumberjanes #8: Stone Cold (series read) - 10/10 = A+
11. Lumberjanes #9: On a Roll (series read) - 10/10 = A+
12. Lumberjanes #10: Parents' Day! (series read) - 10/10 = A+
13. Lumberjanes #11: Time After Crime (series read) - 10/10 = A+
14. The Adventurous Eaters Club (Read Soon! Shelves/Christmas gift from Charlie) - 9/10 = A
15. The Black God's Drums (Alex Award) - 9/10 = A
16. Call Down the Hawk (Read Soon! Shelves) - 10/10 = A+
17. Mr. Justice Holmes (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B
18. I Shall Wear Midnight (Discworld) - 9/10 = A
19. The White Stone (1001 Children's Books) - 8/10 = B-
20. The Corn Grows Ripe (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B-

FEBRUARY
21. The Book of Essie (Alex Awards) - 9/10 = A
22. Lumberjanes 12: Jackalope Springs Eternal (series read) - 10/10 A+
23. Lumberjanes 13: Indoor Recess (series read) - 10/10 = A+
24. Lumberjanes: Bonus Tracks (series read) - 10/10 = A+
25. Lumberjanes: The Infernal Compass (series read) - 10/10 = A+
26. Lumberjanes: The Shape of Friendship (series read) - 10/10 = A+
27. Mooncakes (recommended by Laura (lycomayflower)) - 9/10 = A
28. Vanity Fair (audiobook) - 7/10 = C
29. They Called Us Enemy (Read Soon! Shelves) - 9/10 = A
30. The Rattle Bag (1001 Children's Books) - 8/10 = B
31. Queen of the Sea (impulse library checkout) - 8/10 = B-
32. Pumpkinheads (impulse library checkout) - 9/10 = A
33. Snuff (Discworld) - 9/10 = A
34. Agnes Grey (audiobook) - 8/10 = B+
35. New Kid (Newbery Medal) - 10/10 = A+
36. Telephone Tales (1001 Children's Books) - 7/10 = C
37. Pawn of Prophecy (Charlie's bedtime read) - 10/10 = A+
38. The Girl Who Smiled Beads (Alex Award) - 7/10 = C
39. Cranford (audiobook) - 8/10 = B+

MARCH
40. Best Friends (impulse library checkout) - 9/10 = A
41. Old Ramon (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B-
42. Bloodlust & Bonnets (impulse library checkout) - 9/10 = A
43. Raising Steam (Discworld) - 8/10 = B
44. The Terrible Two Go Wild (Charlie's nightly read-aloud) - 8/10 = B
45. If You're Reading This, It's Too Late (Charlie recommendation) - 8/10 = B
46. Me in the Middle (1001 Children's Books) - 7/10 = C
47. The King of the Copper Mountains (1001 Children's Books) - 8/10 = B
48. The Specter in the Magician's Museum (Charlie's bedtime read) - 9/10 = A
49. Green (Alex Award) - 9/10 = A
50. Thistle and Thyme (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B+
51. The Fearsome Inn (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B+
52. These Old Shades (romance list) - 8/10 = B
53. The Wise Man's Fear (Read Soon! Shelves) - 10/10 = A+

APRIL
54. Mary Barton (audiobook) - 8/10 = B
55. The Slow Regard of Silent Things (Read Soon! Shelves) - 10/10 = A+
56. Pride and Prejudice (Read Soon! Shelves) - 10/10 = A+
57. Read It and Weep (series read with my mom) - 8/10 = B+
58. The Taming of the Shrew (Shakespeare re-read) - 8/10 = B
59. Secondhand Souls (Moore bibliography) - 9/10 = A
60. Candyfreak (Unread Book from My Shelves) - 8/10 = B-

MAY
61. Yarn Over Murder (series read with my mom) - 7/10 = C
62. Henry VI Part 2 (Shakespeare re-read) - 9/10 = A
63. The Graveyard Book (Charlie's bedtime read) - 10/10 = A+
64. Shiver (Stiefvater bibliography) - 9/10 = A
65. Family Don't End with Blood (a gift from one of my favorite people) - 9/10 = A-
66. The Thief of Always (an unread book from my shelves) - 9/10 = A
67. The Art of the English Murder (a book from my Read Soon! shelves) - 8/10 = B
68. This Book Is Not Good for You (a series Charlie and I are reading together) - 8/10 = B+
69. On Borrowed Time (series read with my Mom) - 8/10 = B+
70. Henry VI Part 3 (Shakespeare re-read) - 9/10 = A
71. The Shepherd's Crown (Discworld series) - 8/10 = B+

JUNE
72. The Beast under the Wizard's Bridge (Charlie's bedtime read-aloud) - 8/10 = B+
73. Winter Wonderland (Romance list) - 8/10 = B+
74. The Silence Between Us (Schneider Award) - 8/10 = B+
75. Of Human Bondage (NEH list) - 9/10 = A
76. The Duke I Tempted (Romance genre list) - 8/10 = B+
77. Genesis Begins Again (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B+
78. This Isn't What It Looks Like (Charlie book) - 8/10 = B+

JULY
79. Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH (Charlie's bedtime read-aloud) - 9/10 = A
80. Any Duchess Will Do (Romance list) - 9/10 = A-
81. Other Words for Home (Newbery Honor Book) - 9/10 = A
82. Bleak House (audiobook) - 8/10 = B+
83. The Folio Society Book of the 100 Greatest Portraits (unread book from my shelves) - 9/10 = A
84. The Tower at the End of the World (Charlie's bedtime book) - 9/10 = A-

Charlie looking so very pleased with his mother and her photo taking:



Mario the Goof:



And here's the first photo I ever uploaded to flickr, in 2007, the ever-serious, always-amazing Tuppence:

74. The Silence Between Us by Alison Gervais (Schneider Award, 398 pages) - 8/10 = B+
When Maya moves from New Jersey to Colorado with her mom and little brother halfway through her senior year in high school, she was nervous about how much she would need to adjust to her new school. Maya became Deaf at 11 as a result of contracting meningitis, and she hasn't been to a hearing school since. She struggles at first to let her guard down but finally realizes that she has new friends here who are supportive of her choices (she hates the idea of cochlear implants and doesn't like it when people suggest she should get them) and love her for who she is.
I liked this one a good deal. It's wonderful - and so, so important - to have YA lit out there that addresses the right way to talk to people who aren't like you and how not to be insensitive about who they are even when you're trying to be an ally, and so for that reason I loved it. On the level of the story, though, I think it could have been fleshed out a bit more; there were several plot points that felt simply introduced and then sort of abandoned, and I think the story could have felt even more...real?...if Gervais would have spent just a bit more time on those areas.

>5 scaifea: The eyes have it in every one of those pics....

Happy new one

Happy new one -- love the photos in >5 scaifea:

>7 laytonwoman3rd: Linda: They do, don't they?

>8 figsfromthistle: >9 RebaRelishesReading: Thanks, folks.

Happy new thread!

Happy new thread Amber my dear friend, the photos are great.

Happy new thread, Amber. Sending you a virtual bouquet of lilacs which have just burst into bloom in our yard and smell fantastic.

Happy new thread, Amber, and so sorry for your loss of Tuppence.

Happy New Thread, Amber. Always a sad, sad time when we lose one of our animal companions. ((((((HUGS))))))

Agree that the eyes have it here, and expressed my condolences on your last thread.

Happy New Thread, Amber! Sorry to hear about Tuppence. Hugs to you and the boys! 15 years is a good long life for a dog, of her size.

>13 MickyFine: Thanks for the flowers, Micky. I do absolutely love the smell of lilacs.

>14 banjo123: Thank you, Rhonda. Our hearts are pretty sore right now.

>15 PaulCranswick: Thanks for those hugs, Paul.

>16 ronincats: Thanks, Roni.

>17 msf59: Thanks, Mark. 15 years is a good long life, and she had a happy one, I think. I just wish we could have her for 15 more.

It was a quiet weekend here. Lots of tears and hugs and comfort actions, which for me was a lot of tea and reading. Charlie has been researching how to play D&D lately and sat us down to teach us how to create our own characters this weekend, which was a fun escape from reality. We also have been rewatching/introducing Charlie to Perfect Strangers, a sitcom from the 80s that Tomm and I both loved as kids. I'd forgotten how funny Bronson Pinchot is in that.

On the reading front:
After finishing up The Silence Between Us, I started Genesis Begins Again and I'm also nearly finished with Of Human Bondage. All solid reads.

Hi Amber - sorry to hear about Tuppence. It is definitely heartbreaking to lose an animal companion.

>19 scaifea:. I remember Perfect Strangers. That was a funny show! Is it on Netflix?

>20 jayde1599: Thanks for the kind words about Tuppence.

And no, I think we're watching it on Hulu?

Happy new thread!

>22 drneutron: Thanks!

Another quiet day here yesterday. Charlie and I learned about Charlemagne and feudalism, Greek and Roman affixes in English (and I didn't get irritated at the ELA book even once over it! Well done, both of us!), word problems involved dividing with fractions, and (sort of weirdly) how to say "Yes, I speak Spanish" in French. I spent a good chunk of the afternoon sitting on the porch reading and listening to the light rain fall, which was lovely, and I finished up Of Human Bondage (mini-review to come). And then we had Smoked Sausage and Bean Soup with Baking Powder Biscuits for dinner and took a leisurely stroll around the neighborhood. Overall, a quality day.

Yesterday's (and today's - we only played for 30 minutes or so yesterday) Game, Ticket to Ride: Nordic Countries:

75. Of Human Bondage by W. Somerset Maugham (NEH list, 607 pages) - 9/10 = A
Follows the life of Philip Carey from the time of his mother's death when he was very young into his early 30s, which see him settling into life as a doctor. It's a journey through Philip's early life experiences and travels, and also through his intellectual and emotional coming-of-age. Normally I'm not excited by novels that spend too much time in a character's headspace, but I love Philip to bits and enjoyed spending time with his thoughts and feelings. He makes some downright stupid decisions here and there, but Maugham writes his story in such a way that I didn't get too irritated with those choices and instead rooted for Philip the whole way. The plot is engaging and interesting, and the forays into Deep Thoughts are spaced well enough throughout and very well written so that I didn't get restless with them. This is my first Maugham, but I doubt it will be my last. Very much worth the 600+ pages, this.

Congrats on hitting 75! The Razor’s Edge is my fave Maugham. I hope you get to it sometime!

Congrats on reading 75 books!

Yay for 75 books read!

>26 drneutron: Thanks, Jim! I'll definitely add that one to the list.

>27 figsfromthistle: >28 quondame: Thanks!

>25 scaifea: I'll have to give that one a go, Amber. The only Maugham I've read is Cakes and Ale which I enjoyed. I don't know why I stopped there.

Congrats on 75 read!

>30 rosalita: I hope you love this one, too, Julia!

>31 thornton37814: Thanks, Lori.

Congrats on reaching 75, and even better that it was such a hit for you!

>33 bell7: Thanks, Mary!

Felicitations on reaching the magic number, Amber, and for doing it with a book you really enjoyed.

Congratulations on getting to 75.

76. The Duke I Tempted by Scarlett Peckham (Romance genre list, 528 pages) - 8/10 = B+
Poppy is an aspiring botanist/nursery owner who wants the independence to run her business and absolutely no part in romance of any kind. The Duke of Westmead is in the market, as it were, for a bride, but only to produce an heir, as he is determined never to open his heart to anyone and he certainly will never risk revealing his taste for being whipped. So, of course, they're destined for one another.
This one started out strong and I enjoyed the characters very much, but good editing could have shaved off a 100ish pages of the will-they-won't-they bits. It's nice to be teased with the possibility that the heroes won't find each other in the end, but a little of that sort of frustration goes a long way, and there was more than a little of it here.

Love that dress on the cover. A good dress on a historical romance will often suck me in. :)

Happy Friday, Amber!

>38 MickyFine: Micky: It *is* a lovely dress, isn't it?

So sorry you lost Tuppence, Amber, she'll always be in our hearts .

>25 scaifea: Congratulations on reaching 75!

Congrats on passing the 75 book mark, Amber!

>40 FAMeulstee: Thanks so much, Anita. We miss her awfully.

>41 ronincats: Thanks, Roni!

Yesterday we actually went for a drive that took us out of our town's limits! We drove all the way to...the next little town over, which has a branch of our bank with a drive-thru (our town's branch is inside the grocery store and doesn't offer drive-thru access). I haven't been out of town is weeks so this was a mini-adventure! Otherwise, I started the weekend house cleaning (and will finish today, with the help of the Scaife Men), baked an Earl Grey Tea Cake, took a quick nap to curb the headache that was threatening, did a little reading, took a Family Walk around the neighborhood (these are starting to get more muggy and less pleasant, but we're determined to get Charlie outside a little each day), and had some lovely Italian Sausage for dinner, courtesy of Tomm's grilling skills.

On the reading front:
I spent my reading time yesterday with Genesis Begins Again and hope to spend a good chunk of today with it, too.

What We're Watching:
More Perfect Strangers, and I'm loving how well it holds up - the two main actors are amazing together and so very good at physical comedy. Also more Agents of Shield; I earned an eye roll from Tomm when the adorable scientist character strolled on screen in a suit and tie, and then put on glasses and I couldn't help but let out an audible "OH..." This show is getting good...

>43 scaifea: My mom and I loved "Perfect Strangers" back in the day, Amber. It's nice to hear that it holds up so well after all these years (gulp).

So sorry to read about Tuppence, so nice to have the memorial photo in the topper too. How is Mario coping?

I read Of Human Bondage a long time ago, I think mostly because it was one of the bashed up paperbacks hanging around on the shelves at home and I had run out of books. I remember reading it on a train because an elderly guy struck up conversation with me about it, looking absolutely delighted when I said that I liked it, it stuck with me. I would like to read it again.

I really loved the film of The Painted Veil with Edward Norton, although I haven't read the book. Although perhaps not the best topic to be watching about right now.

>44 rosalita: Julia: My dad and I *loved* Perfect Strangers when I was a kid! And yes, I'm so happy it holds up and that it throws Charlie into the same giggle fits as it did (and still does!) me.

>45 charl08: Charlotte: Mario is doing pretty well. We've watched her closely but she doesn't seem to show signs of mourning, and we're, of course, showering her with all sorts of affection, even more than usual.

I will definitely read more Maugham because I loved this one tons. Good to know that The Painted Veil is a good one, and I love the story of the gentleman being delighted with a young you reading OHB!

The week is off to a pretty good start here. Yesterday Charlie and I read about the Spanish conquistadors, the difference between Kelvin and Celsius and Fahrenheit, and Charlie listened to me rant about how no one seems to understand what irony really means, even, apparently his ELA book. I'm really excited at how well he's picking up the French, and so is he, so that's been fun. And he made us dinner last night again; this time it was Chicken Noodle Soup.

Last night was Charlie's first ballet class of the summer. Some of the students are attending in house, but we're not comfortable with that yet, so Charlie is still Zooming in for his classes. Which means, then, that Tomm and I have our Great British Baking Show date nights again, and we love it, although last night, about 30 minutes before bedtime, I got smacked with a bad headache out of nowhere. I slept in a little this morning, and it seems to be on it's way out, thank goodness.

On the reading front:
I'm afraid I have nothing really to report. I've been in a bit of a reading funk for the last couple of days, but I'm hoping to climb out of it soon.

New thread greetings! So sorry to hear about sweet Tuppence. I still get hit by waves of grief over my dear Sophie now and again.

>47 scaifea: I've been in a reading funk all year, it feels like! Hope yours clears up soon.

>48 foggidawn: Thanks, foggi. Tomm picked up her ashes today and we didn't know that they also included a paw print in clay and one in ink, too, along with a snip of her hair, and we're a bit of a wreck over it again now. We miss that sweet, grumpy girl so much. Hugs to you for your Sophie, too.

>49 scaifea: awww, that's a very sweet token of remembrance but I totally understand how all the feelings would resurface.

>50 lauralkeet: Laura: It was so sweet of them and we're pretty grateful for it, too. We'll have to get a nice frame for the ink print, for certain.

I had a canvas print made of a favorite photo of Tuppence, and when Mario saw it yesterday she started wagging her tail and looked so happy that it made Tomm and I cry. Again. So sweet and sad. We thought she was doing well - and we still think she is - but it was both lovely and heartbreaking to see her reaction to the photo.

OMG now I'm crying. How sweet.

>52 lauralkeet: Laura: Right? Just, ooof.

>51 scaifea: Awww.....just......awwwww.

All of the above -- sweet and awwww

>25 scaifea: This is one of those titles that is always familiar, and about which I know exactly nothing. Given your praise I may have to change that this summer.

And holy cow. Charlie is looking like such a teenager!

>54 laytonwoman3rd: >55 RebaRelishesReading: Right? Mario is very much awww a lot of the time, but at this point in particular.

>56 London_StJ: Ooh, I hope you give it a try and love it!

Yesterday Charlie and I tried a new craft: papier mache with balloons and string. It's a work in progress, so we'll see if we can make it work. I also got some quilting done and finished blocking the knitted baby blanket (I'll try to remember to take photos today). Charlie had his second summer ballet class via zoom last night while I had a social zooming with some colleagues from the library and it was really nice to see their faces and do some catching up.

On the reading front:
I finally finished up Genesis Begins Again and hopefully that means my mini reading funk is over.

What We're Watching:
We did have time for one Agents of Shield episode after all the zooming last night, and tonight I think we'll be finishing up our Hobbit rewatch.

I remember doing that papier mache craft with balloons when I was in elementary school but cannot for the life of me remember what we painted them like. I just remember sticking paper to the balloon. :)

Hope you and your men have another excellent day today!

>58 scaifea: and >59 MickyFine: - I remember that craft, too. We had to do models of the solar system, I think.

>59 MickyFine: Micky: We're wrapping string around the balloon instead, so when it dries and we pop the balloon, we'll have a hollow string ball. Hopefully, that is.

>60 katiekrug: Katie: Charlie's done a papier mache bowl with a balloon before, too. So fun.

77. Genesis Begins Again by Alicia D. Williams (Newbery Honor Book, 428 pages) - 8/10 = B+
Genesis is a middle schooler who struggles with family issues including an alcoholic and unreliable father, who verbally abuses her for the darkness of her skin, and a mother and grandmother who also belittle her in various ways for the same reason. When her family is forced to move because her father doesn't pay the rent, she starts a new school and finds support among some new friends and teachers, and she begins to find her value and self worth.
This Newbery Honor Book is an important read, especially right now. It could fill a unique space in a BLM literary canon with its take on how young people of color struggle with being able to believe that their own lives matter after a steady diet of slights and abuse in all forms. I would likely give it a higher rating still if I hadn't read it during a reading slump; I had trouble focusing on it and I know that that's completely on me and no fault at all of the text itself. So I do strongly recommend it.

Hiya, Amber.

Genesis Begins Again does sound like a good one, and it's new to me. I'll add it to the WL. I read the new Elizabeth Acevedo and liked it. I'd rate The Poet X and With the Fire on High higher, but comparing an author's own work can be a bit of a fool's game.

There's a Maugham book with a Buddhist angle that I liked a lot, The Razor's Edge. Bill Murray made a movie of it that I haven't seen.

>63 jnwelch: Morning, Joe! I think you'd like Genesis Begins Again quite a bit. I need to get back to Acevedo's stuff soon, too. And thanks for the Maugham tip!

We had a nice weekend here at Scaife Manor, with a few walks and a bike ride, some baking (Lemon Cornmeal Cake), some grilling (Salmon Burgers), some watching (Agents of Shield, Perfect Strangers, Gilmore Girls, and LotR), and some reading. I think I've got my reading mojo back, but the book I'm spending most of my time with right now, The Folio Society 100 Greatest Portraits will take a little while to get through because I'm really enjoying spending a lot of time on each portrait, examining the picture in detail along with the written descriptions.

>65 scaifea: Ooooh....that FS book sounds amazing.

>66 laytonwoman3rd: Linda: It's fantastic. Each double page is a full-page print of the painting on the right and a description and history of the portrait, the painter, and the sitter (including a brief bibliography) on the left. I'm loving it so far.

Chiming in on the Folio Society book, agreeing with Linda that it sounds amazing. Need to see if I can find it!

>62 scaifea: Looks like a great read and quite a timely one. BB for me.

>68 rosalita: Julia: It's really great - I hope you can find a copy!

>69 figsfromthistle: I hope you enjoy it!

Yesterday Charlie and I read about European monarchies up to the 1700s and the difference between denotation and connotation, practiced our French lessons, and worked on some story problems involving finding a unit price and applying it to another quantity. He also beat me soundly in a MarioKart tournament, which, I have to say, is a rare event here at Scaife Manor.

It was also Charlie's night to cook dinner and he made Beef Lo Mein:



On the reading front:
I spent my reading time yesterday with Any Duchess Will Do and This Isn't What It Looks Like and am enjoying both.

What We're Watching:
Tomm and I finished up a Great British Baking Show finale last night while Charlie was zooming with his ballet class, and then we all watch a couple of Ninjago episodes.

>71 scaifea: Charlie is becoming quite the chef!

>71 scaifea: I think Charlie could teach the guys at The Peach & Lily a few things....our beef lo mein take-out doesn't look that good!

>72 thornton37814: Lori: He really is!

>73 laytonwoman3rd: Linda: Ha! This recipe came from a Disney cookbook, which, like his Sesame Street cookbooks, tend to have pretty healthy recipes and they all turn out looking and tasting amazing.

My oldest was around Charlie's age when we bought Clueless in the Kitchen. It prompted a lot of experimentation, and there are at least two recipes she still makes occasionally today. I'm not sure how/why we selected that particular book, except it was published in 2005 and that's probably about when we bought it. I'm sure you have better/more current sources so I'm not necessarily suggesting you run out and get a copy. This is mostly just a comment on the lasting impact of good kid/teen cookbooks. Of course Charlie will likely be ready for Mastering the Art of French Cooking soon. 😀

>75 lauralkeet: Speaking of which (Mastering the Art of French Cooking ) Hubby and I have been watching the original series on Prime. It's wonderfully nostalgic but also still a good series for learning techniques. Charlie might enjoy it too :)

>75 lauralkeet: Laura: *snork!* Well, so do have that one, along with The Joy of Cooking, so...

>76 RebaRelishesReading: Reba: Ooooh, we'll have to check that out! Thanks!

>70 scaifea: I found a used copy on AbeBooks and it's on its way!

>78 rosalita: Julia: Woot!!

I forgot to say what a good review of Of Human Bondage that is. I thumbed it. I've never read it, and now you've got me wanting to.

>80 jnwelch: Joe: Oh, yay! And thanks! I suspect you would love it, in fact.

Hi Amber my dear, belated congrats on reaching 75 books read my dear.

>82 johnsimpson: Thanks, John!

78. This Isn't What It Looks Like by Pseudonymous Bosch (Charlie book, 423 pages) - 8/10 = B+
Max-Ernest and Cass are still on the hunt for The Secret and a way to defeat the Evil members of the Midnight Sun. This time Cas tries a little time travel as part of the search both for the secret and for her own past, while Max-Ernest frets over how to wake his friend up from her self-induced time-travel coma.
Such a fun, funny, clever, series, full of great characters and interesting plot twists and mysteries. Perfect for middle graders seeking adventure.

Yesterday was Charlie Baking Day again; this time he made Italian Bread and his own homemade version of Nutella, but with Pistachio Cream instead of Hazelnut:





Charlie and I read about the French Revolution, what literary genres are and a little about the different kinds, got through another French lesson, and practiced more story problems with ratios. We had Fried Rice for dinner (it's been a long time and we all love that stuff) and then had a lovely walk.

Mario *loves* our after-dinner walks and it's so nice to have her go with us; before we moved, we would take both dogs on our evening walks with us, but Tomm always had to take Mario because she was so awful on the leash and would pull and act like a dummy and she's way too strong for me. But once we moved and Tuppence's joints just couldn't take the walks any longer, we stopped taking the dogs on our walks at all because we didn't want Tuppence to be sad and left behind (she's the one then who really loved the walks and Mario was always so done with them about 1/4 of the way through). Now that it's just Mario, we've started taking her again, and she's old enough now that she does a wonderful job on the leash and gets so excited to go.

On the reading front:
After finishing up This Isn't What It Looks Like yesterday I started another Newbery Honor Book from last year's list, Other Words for Home and it's lovely so far.

What We're Watching:
It was Tomm's pick last night, so more Agents of Shield. Fitz being adorable as usual and now the clever John Hannah seems to be a regular character and I love it.

>85 scaifea: You're making me hungry!! That bread and spread looks wonderful. Pistachio instead of hazelnuts sounds interesting.

What season are you on in Agents of Shield? My husband suggested we watch it (he has already seen all of them) and we just finished up season 2 last night. Definitely enjoy watching Fitz Simmons!

>86 RebaRelishesReading: Reba: The pistachio substitution makes it much better than Nutella, to be honest. We *love* it.

>87 jayde1599: We're a few episodes into Season 4. Tomm has also already watched it all! Ha!

>85 scaifea: You're killing me, Scaife! Now I want Nutella...the actual hazelnut kind. Gotta admit I didn't know about pistachio cream.

>89 laytonwoman3rd: Linda:

I, too, am very sorry to hear about your Tuppence. She seemed like such a lovely dog. She will be missed.

>91 Fourpawz2: Thanks, Charlotte.

I’m very late I know, but I’m very sorry to hear about Tuppence as well.

>93 SandDune: Thanks, Rhian. We miss her every day.

Hi Amber my dear, Happy 4th July dear friend.

>95 johnsimpson: Thanks, John!

In this difficult year with an unprecedented pandemic and where the ills of the past intrude sadly upon the present there must still be room for positivity. Be rightly proud of your country. To all my American friends, enjoy your 4th of July weekend.

>85 scaifea: Homemade Nutella with homemade bread? A definite parenting win in my book. Congratulations Dr A.

>98 charl08: Ha! Thanks, Charlotte! It was so, so, so good, too. I'm hoping he'll make more soon!

I hope my post was not invisible, Amber! xx

>100 PaulCranswick: Apologies, Paul! I guess I've just got Nutella for brains these days. Bloody ungrateful colonialist, I am. It's a wonder you put up with me at all.

We celebrated by watching Hamilton and just...dang. Charlie and I have had the soundtrack memorized for a few years now, and we loved the actual show so very much. Even Tomm was really impressed with it!

79. Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert O'Brien (Charlie's bedtime read-aloud, 233 pages) - 9/10 = A
A widowed mouse seeks help from some surprisingly intelligent rats nearby to save her family's home from the springtime garden plow and learns their history and how her husband was connected with that past.
One of my favorite of the Newbery Medalist, and I'm so glad that Charlie loved it, too.

>101 scaifea: Hahaha Amber. Just that you normally never miss a post!

Thought about you yesterday as I re-read The Anabasis - in translation of course. I had previously read and enjoyed Rex Warner's translation of it from 1950 but I thought that Robin Waterfield did a good job bringing it to life.

>103 PaulCranswick: Paul: Welp, that's it, I've peaked. If someone reading Xenophon naturally thinks of me, I can do no better.

80. Any Duchess Will Do by Tessa Dare (Romance list, 528 pages) - 9/10 = A-
The Duke of Halford doesn't ever want to marry but his mother has other plans. So he makes a deal with her: if she can turn the woman of his choosing into a lady in one week, he'll relent and marry her. Of course he then tries to pick the most unlikely of candidates, a barmaid with no polish at all, and then proceeds to make a deal with her as well: do the worst possible job of learning how to become a lady and earn a thousand pounds.
Well, you can guess what happens. And it's a delight. Part Cinderella, part Pygmalion, with a healthy pinch of comedy and some nicely drawn characters.

>105 scaifea: - Sounds good! Love that I'm getting historical romance recs from you :)

>106 katiekrug: Katie: Ha! Well, in fact you're getting them from Laura (lycomayflower) because I'm pulling my romance reads from a list she curated!

>107 scaifea: - Ah, well, thank you, Laura!

But good on you, Amber, for exploring the genre. I love it, and think too many people turn their noses up at it.

>108 katiekrug: Katie: The original idea was that now that I work at a library, and one in which a sizable number of our patrons check out, request, and ask for recommendations for books in the romance genre, I thought I should get to know it a little because it's one of the few genres I knew essentially nothing about. And I'm really enjoying myself so far! Honestly, a book is a book is a book; I'm not into yucking anyone's yum.

One of my absolute favorite patrons is an elderly gal who is unashamedly into the genre for the sex scenes. And I LOVE her for that.

>109 scaifea: I'm not into yucking anyone's yum
Great expression, Amber. I also admire you for exploring a new genre so you can be a better librarian. Of course I would expect nothing less from you, but still. Yay.

>110 lauralkeet: Thanks, Laura. The phrase isn't my own but I do love it. I love our patrons to bits (and miss them like crazy right now) and so I want to be able to talk with them about the books they love in the best way possible.

I love that you're reading out of your comfort zone for your patrons. I think the best librarians also have your attitude of "not yucking anyone's yum" and I strive for that too. Hope you continue to enjoy your exploration of the genre.

>112 bell7: Thanks, Mary! Yay for librarians!

>24 scaifea: Ooooh...Nordic Ticket to Ride! We played German Ticket to Ride (explanation: it was on special) last weekend. I have played Euro Ticket to Ride, it was good too. I can't really cope with the long term strategy aspect of it (I am a mess at chess, too). So I just collect a few routes :)

I love your top image, btw. It is lovely.

>114 LovingLit: We only have the original and the Nordic versions, but we'd definitely collect more if we saw them. I'm not very good at winning these kinds of games because I'm too busy happily collecting my own routes to care what the other players are doing. Ha!

Yesterday Charlie and I read about post-Napoleon Europe and Bolivar and the South American revolutions, and the difference between temperature and thermal heat. We practiced our French lessons and worked on converting fractions into percentages. Craft Time was drawing a picture of Luigi (from the Mario games) based on a guided youtube lesson, which was a complete hoot.

And I had my second-only actual outing since all this *vaguely waves hands around* started: I went to pick up my library holds. It was meant just to be curbside pickup because our library isn't open yet, but when the two people working realized it was me, they invited me in to see what changes they've made to the place for social distancing and such. It's crazy in there: almost no furniture and huge plexiglass shields at the circulation desk. It makes me very slightly less troubled about eventually going back to work, at least. But it was wonderful to see a couple of my fellow librarians and catch up a bit. We were all in masks and stood about 8 feet away from each other and were, of course, the only people in the building, so I'm not too panicked about the encounter.

Also, it was Charlie's turn to cook dinner last night and he choose a Mac and Cheese with Cauliflower recipe. It turned out amazing, of course:

I'm glad you got a chance to visit with your coworkers. We've had a few occasions to visit with friends in controlled circumstances and it's been great to have some human contact again.

>117 drneutron: Jim: Oh, agreed. I didn't realize that I needed to talk to someone face-to-face other than the Scaife Men until yesterday. But the circumstances have to be *very* controlled for this anxious gal to be okay with it. *sigh*

Yesterday Charlie and I read about the American Civil War and the difference between objective and subjective summaries, worked on finding percentages, and practiced our French. And then I spent a big part of the afternoon cleaning out our food cupboard, a job I loathe but I also love the results.

On the reading front:
I'm still working on the Folio Society portrait book, which is excellent. It's just taking me longer than a normal 200-page book would because I'm really taking my time with each painting, and I'm learning tons.

What We're Watching:
Well, it's July, so we've started our annual Harry Potter Marathon. We've finished the first Fantastic Beasts movie and are about halfway through the second one.

I am becoming increasingly worried about school in the fall. I do *not* want to send my kiddo into an indoor setting for hours everyday with other kids. How in the world will they keep them 6 feet apart and masked all day?! And I'm fretful for the teachers and staff, too. It's just not the right call. (I'm jumping ahead of things a bit here because they haven't announced plans yet in our school district, but Columbus schools have announced a mixed plan of some days in school and some online, and I wouldn't be happy with that, either, honestly.) So, Tomm and I talked about it yesterday (read: I panicked and he tried to calm me down) and we've pretty much agreed that if they don't keep the schools closed in the fall we'll be homeschooling Charlie next year. *sigh*

Catching up here... I'm glad Mario has grown into going on walks; it gives me hope for Lottie, who absolutely can't behave on a normal leash as yet (I can take her into the backyard on a retractable leash, but forget going for a walk around the neighborhood)! Glad you enjoyed Hamilton -- we loved it too, of course! And Charlie will do great if you have to homeschool -- he soaks up learning like a sponge, I know. He'll miss the social interaction, I'm sure, but remember, it won't be forever. Whatever gives you the most peace of mind and works best for your family is what you should do.

>120 foggidawn: Thanks for that. I do need reminding that it won't be forever because I worry about Charlie being cooped up without his friends for so long. *sigh*

I've just ordered school clothes for him (our middle school has a uniform (=dress pants and plain polo shirts). Felt a little strange since we don't know for certain yet if he'll go, but we talked about it and he likes the idea of wearing the uniform during school hours anyway, even if at home, and I admit that I like that idea, too.

Yesterday Charlie and I read about the Industrial Revolution and about different kinds of waves and their characteristics. I did the fall school clothes shopping online (Land's End has a pretty great sale going on for kids' clothes right now, just FYI) and then cleaned out a couple of kitchen cabinets.

On the reading front:
I spent my reading time with Other Words for Home yesterday and am very much enjoying it so far.

What We're Watching:
We finished up the second Fantastic Beasts movie last night and then watched a couple of Agents of Shield episodes.

Yesterday was also Charlie's baking day and here's the dessert he made for dinner (a homemade version of the Outback's Chocolate Thunder Down Under):

Oh my stars and garters! That looks utterly delicious. Good work, Charlie.

>123 rosalita: Julia: It was SO delicious.

Love the photos of Charlie's cooking and baking! I put a banana bread in the oven today and realized halfway through baking it was probably a bad idea to pick the hottest day of the week (high of 90) to do it... Oops!

>125 bell7: Mary: Thanks! He's cranking out some pretty impressive stuff these days and you won't hear me complaining.

And ha! I never heed the weather when baking and sometimes regret it, too.

>122 scaifea: That's just mean ...showing us that....

>127 laytonwoman3rd: Linda: Apologies. Would it help to know that the house smelled wonderfully of baking brownies all day yesterday? Yes, I thought so. You're welcome.

81. Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga (Newbery Honor Book, 464 pages) - 9/10 = A
A middle grade novel about a young Syrian girl who leaves her home with her mother to stay with her uncle in the States. The story, written in free verse, follows Jude through her struggle to discover who she is and where and how she fits into the world around her, all while adjusting to a new school, a new culture, a new language, and a new home.
Beautifully done. You'll be rooting for Jude from the first page, this is another middle grade book that I'd put on the list of required reading for US kiddos to learn how other lives are lived and how others eyes see and are seen.

Yesterday's Charlie reading was about the Women's Movement and Implicit vs. Explicit information in writing. We also worked on our French lessons and practiced more percentage calculations. Charlie has taken up learning to crochet again (he started a couple of years ago and then it sort of fell by the wayside) and started a new project yesterday while I put together our grocery order for the week.

On the reading front:
After finishing up Other Words for Home I started The Candle and the Flame, one of the Morris winners from this year.

What We're Watching:
We started the first Harry Potter movie last night. Such a comfort watch for all of us.

>122 scaifea: Now, that looks fantastic and mighty yummy!

Morning, Amber! Happy Friday. I hope all is well at the Scaife Manor!

>131 msf59: Morning, Mark! It was just as delicious as it looks, I'm happy to say.

And thanks! We're all doing okay here!

Just checking in, Amber. Hope all is well!

>133 katiekrug: Thanks for checking in, Katie. I'm here, just...trying to deal with...*waves hands and vaguely gestures at...everything*

Our school district still hasn't announced what the fall will look like and I've been struggling with trying to keep the panic down about Everything. We've started the enrollment process for Charlie at an all-online Ohio public school for next year and dealt with telling him about it and his tears at first (he's now come round and is actually excited about it). I'm now struggling with what to do about my job at the library (if I still have one). If I'm called back from the furlough, will I be comfortable actually going back? And do I need to stay home full time again to help Charlie with schooling? I love that job, but I don't want to be in constant fear because of it, either. So, we'll see. They're just today starting to open back up (they've opened two branches and offer curbside at the rest of the branches), but I'm wondering if they'll move back to just curbside if cases continue to rise. We'll see how it goes, I guess...

So, yeah, I'm here, just, full of fret and not able to read much and not feeling up to socializing much at all. Today I feel better than I have in a couple of weeks, so hopefully that will continue.

Hang in there. I am not one who deals well with uncertainty, so I understand.

>135 katiekrug: ditto. Hang in there, Amber. "We'll see how it goes" is about the best anyone can do at this point. The situation seems to change so rapidly that any plan developed today could well need to be reworked in the near future or even shortly after it's been put into effect. Sometimes it helps me to compartmentalize and mentally box up anything I don't absolutely *have* to deal with right now. I recognize we're dealing with something unprecedented though.

It's all a lot of uncertainty and change to deal with isn't it? Hang in there -- we'll get through this together.

>135 katiekrug: Katie: Oh, yes, I do NOT do well with uncertainty. At. All. So this is just an awesome time to be me.

>136 lauralkeet: Laura: I wish I could mentally shelve things like that, but I really can't. I do feel a lot better about school this year, now that we've decided to keep him home no matter what the school district decides. I belong to a local parent group on facebook and I can't believe the amount of people who are saying that they absolutely want their kids back in school but if the district requires masks then SCREW THAT THEY'RE KEEPIN' 'EM HOME. Just...WHAT?!

>137 RebaRelishesReading: Reba: What a time to be a parent of school aged children, though. Just, yoicks. Sooooo much change and not-knowing.

As far as the library goes, though, I'm pretty sure that if they roll it back to just curbside pickups, I'd be pretty comfortable going back to work. Of course, I'll only be called back if all branches are all the way back open, so yeah. And right now I'm not at all comfortable with that. But I also have no idea when that will be. If it's a few months from now, maybe? Again, everything is constantly in flux and no one knows what two weeks from now will look like, not to mention two months.

Sending big hugs for you in the midst of all the uncertainty. I know how easy it is to get sucked into the pit of anxiety about all the things. Hoping you can find one small thing every day that brings you a bit of joy in all this craziness.

>139 MickyFine: Thanks so much for that, Micky. It's been rough but Tomm, Charlie, and a very good friend keep me from tipping over into the Total Anxiety Abyss. I'm not sure what I'd be like without them right now.

>139 MickyFine: Well said.
>140 scaifea: (((Amber)))

You've got a gourmet restaurant going there with Chef Charlie, Amber. That guy has some serious skills. Yum!

>141 lauralkeet: Thanks, Laura.

>142 jnwelch: Thanks, Joe. He made a chocolate cake yesterday, but I didn't think to take a photo of him during the process this time. And he's going to make dinner tonight: Vegetable Fried Rice.

>138 scaifea: I think you should be very comfortable with the fact that you've decided what to do about Charlie's schooling for the coming year. It was up to you, and you did it. Well done. As for the job, there's just nothing you can, or need to decide right now. I'll bet when the time comes, the answer will be clear to you.

>144 laytonwoman3rd: Thanks for that, Linda. I sure hope you're right about the job decision.

Nothing much to report here; my reading is still in a bit of a slump, although I did manage a few pages yesterday. I braved an outing to the library to pick up holds and had a nice conversation with my boss's boss. Still no clue when I'll be called back but she said that everyone so far has been gracious and masked and just happy that the library is open. So. Again, we'll see.

Yesterday was Charlie's turn to make dinner again and he decided to make Vegetable Fried Rice, which turned out really tasty:

>146 scaifea: Yum that looks good!

>147 RebaRelishesReading: Reba: It was *so* good! The kid can cook!

>148 scaifea: Nice presentation, too!

>149 laytonwoman3rd: Linda: Ha! Yes, the classic Spooned into Bowl technique. So classy, so refined. (Note: I'm the one who dished it out.)

>150 scaifea:

a tried and true technique

>151 lycomayflower: snort

>151 lycomayflower:



>152 MickyFine:

Yesterday Charlie and I spent a good chunk of the day trying to figure out how to play Risk, which neither of us had ever done before, only to have Tomm beat the pants right off us last night anyway. *sigh*

Today's a baking day for me: I've got Chocolate Chunk Banana Bread in the oven, Bubble Bread dough proving, and I'll make some Khari Biscuits later on. After that I'm hoping for an afternoon of reading and hopefully I can crawl out of my reading funk. We'll see how that goes.

With all the stress and anxiety over questions of school and work lately I've fallen into the Pit of Not Doing Much of Anything Except Check Facebook and Stress Over What I Find There. So, for the last couple of days I've tried to get myself Doing Something, and it's working a little, I think. The precipice still feels nearby, but for now I'm okay-ish.

In other news, Charlie has decided that although he really enjoys ballet, he doesn't love it enough to move into the next level, which he's ready for now and which means much more intense training and time commitments. He's looking forward to clubs and band and such in middle school (eventually) and now is the right time to make the break if he's going to. So, we need to find something else physically challenging for him in the meantime. We're thinking maybe we could find a tennis court nearby to visit a couple of times a week for now, maybe...

On the Reading Front:
I'm still working through the portrait book and loving it, plus a romance novel Potent Pleasures and a YA novel Frankly in Love. Maybe I'll polish one of those off today? Fingers crossed.

What We're Watching:
July is always our Harry Potter Rewatch Marathon and we finished up #3 last night. One of my favorites.

One of my proudest moments in life was beating The Wayne at Risk the first time I ever played it. He's big into military strategy and such, so it was an especially sweet victory :)

I had to look up Khari biscuits, and now I want some!

Tennis is a great sport - even when one isn't very good at it (like me), it's still a lot of fun.

>154 scaifea: Oooo, Risk. I love that game and no one ever wants to play it with me.

Hitler never played Risk when he was a kid. There's *jazz hands* language under there.

>155 katiekrug: Katie: Ha! Poor TW.

The biscuits are in the oven now and they smell *amazing.*

And yeah, I though tennis could be good because you definitely don't have to be good at it to get the exercise and that's the key for this kiddo: getting him outside and moving.

>156 lycomayflower: Laura: Oooh, I LOVE Eddie Izzard!! And that's a great clip.

>157 scaifea: There was a time when probably about 85% of what came out of mouth was from the Dressed to Kill routine.

>158 lycomayflower: Ha! Excellent!

My one experience of Risk confirms claims that playing it is a quick way to lose friends and confirm enemies.

I'll advocate for biking for physical activity - especially if there are rail trails or other off-street options close by. We ride at a modest 9 or 10 miles an hour for around 15 miles and get a nice workout. Key is to get a good bike.

>160 quondame: *snork!* Fortunately we don't take games that seriously here at Scaife Manor!

>161 drneutron: Jim: Oooh, we do love bike rides! At the beginning of all...this...we were taking them every day, but now we take Mario for walks instead and the bike riding has been moved to the weekends. Maybe Charlie and I could take more rides during the week, though...

Today's agenda is pretty short: house cleaning and reading. I did manage a nice chunk of reading time yesterday so hopefully the funk is on its way out.

82. Bleak House by Charles Dickens (audiobook) - 8/10 = B+
A long, rambling novel with tons of characters that pivots around a court case decades long. There's romance and humor and mysteries aplenty and I enjoyed it a great deal. I think I would have outright loved it, but it took me too long to get through it and details were long forgotten in the process. Entirely my own fault and not at all the fault of dear Charles.

83. The Folio Society Book of the 100 Greatest Portraits by Martin Bailey (ed.) (unread book from my shelves, 219 pages) - 9/10 = A
A collection of 100 portraits ranging in time from King Jean II of France (by an anonymous artist) circa 1349 to La Reproduction interdite by René Magritte in 1937. A different portrait for each double page, with a reproduction of the work on the right-hand page and on the left a description of the painting, its sitter and artist, and its historical context and significance. I loved it and learned tons in the process.

I'll try to remember to share some of my favorite paintings over the next few days. I'm not an art historian and I will not pretend to know how to speak intelligently about the pieces, so it will just be a sort of list of Picture I Like Just Because. Anyway, here's the first one that struck me as really interesting and excellent:

Portrait of a Fat Man, by Robert Campin (?), c. 1430



I love the detail in the lines around his eyes and on his forehead, and the gentleness in the eyes themselves.

Well, I feel like maybe I am in fact crawling out of my reading funk. Fingers crossed that the feeling sticks. Yesterday's afternoon full of reading time helped, for certain.

Today I have a live webinar with Charlie's new online school, to learn how to become his Learning Coach. It'll be good to find out more about how this year will work with this school. We are *still* waiting to hear what our actual school district decides to do, but as cases continue to rise here in Ohio it seems more likely that they'll offer online learning, too.

What We're Watching:
We watching Goblet of Fire last night, which is tied with #5 as my favorite HP movie. Fred and George as so great, plus David Tennant!

84. The Tower at the End of the World by Brad Strickland (Charlie's bedtime book, 194 pages) - 9/10 = A-
Lewis, Rose Rita, Uncle Jonathan, and Mrs. Zimmerman are racing against yet another Doomsday Clock to save the world from old Isaac Izzard's son, the equally nasty Ishmael Izzard, who has set up his evil shop, so to speak, on an invisible island.
This series is so fun and I love that Charlie loves them, too. As always, just the right amount of creepy without becoming outright scary.

>165 scaifea: Whoa....that man is ALIVE...

>168 laytonwoman3rd: Linda: Right?! Isn't it wonderful?!

Yesterday I attended a webinar about how to be Charlie's "Learning Coach" for his new online school this year, which was interesting in that it was clearly meant for people who didn't read through the website since there wasn't really any new information presented (although it is good to know that there is a team in place for support if needed). Apparently a "learning coach" is just a parent/guardian being a parent/guardian (making sure they do their homework, put in the school hours,...). So, yeah. And I didn't know if it would be zoom-like, as in everyone visible to each other (it wasn't) so I even put on makeup and *did* something with my hair for the first time in months. Which was kind of nice for its own sake, I suppose.

It was Charlie's turn to cook dinner last night and he made Shepherd's Pie, which was fantastic. No photos because I forgot and then it was gone.

On the Reading Front:
I think I'm getting back on track, reading-wise, and that's a relief. I spent my reading time yesterday with Potent Pleasures (not outstanding so far but still enjoyable) and Frankly In Love (one of this year's Morris Honor Books and for good reason - it's very well done so far).

What We're Watching:
Last night was a DC Night (Daddy/Charlie Night, when they play games and hang out together and I'm on my own) and I've been spending those lately on a Sherlock rewatch, which I'm really enjoying.

Another favorite from the Folio book:

A Woman, by Robert Campin? circa 1430-1435



Mostly I love her sweet yet standoffish facial expression and the flipping amazing details in the headdress. So impressive.

>171 scaifea: - She looks like she could be the sister of the dude in >165 scaifea:...

Glad your reading funk is headed out the door - nothing worse!

I've never watched Sherlock, but there was a piece about it in the Caitlin Moran anthology I just listened to, and it got me intrigued...

>172 katiekrug: Well, she's possibly painted by the same guy, so maybe he just has a type? Ha!

And thanks! I'm relieved that the funk seems on its way out. I don't like not liking to read...

And YES you should give Sherlock a go. Sooooo good.

>165 scaifea: My used copy of this came from a bookstore in Minneapolis, and while I haven't had much time to spend with it I can already tell I'm going to love it. Someday after *waves arms wildly* All This, I would love to visit the National Portrait Gallery in D.C., but this will do until then!

>174 rosalita: Julia: Oh, yay! And yes, I bet you *will* love it. Also YES both to the arm waving and to the NPG! I'd love to visit there, too.

>171 scaifea: This one is a popular illustration of period wimples and veils and I believe I've seen some of the efforts to recreate this look. The gentleman in >165 scaifea: is new to me and quite amazing. Your book is a real treasure chest.

>176 quondame: I would *love* to recreate some of the costumes in the portraits featured in this book! Some of them are amazing.

>177 scaifea: that sounds like a perfect project for you and Charlie, recreating paintings in the book.

>178 lauralkeet: Laura: *SNORK!!* Don't tempt me...

So, yesterday was...eventful (in a good way, not to worry). As you know, if you've been following my anxiety saga, I've been worried about what's going to happen with my library position, whether I'll even be called back and if I eventually am, if I'll want to go: I don't want to go back while covid cases are high here and I worry that with Charlie being at home for online schooling I should be here with him more than I could be if I were working at the library. In the past week or so I've been thinking about looking for something else, some sort of work-from-home something instead, even though I love that library job tons. Well, yesterday, out of the blue, I was asked if I'd like to teach an online Latin course this fall for the University of Dayton. The offer came mid-morning and by the afternoon I unofficially (awaiting provost approval) had the job! I don't generally do well with such rapid Change, but I'm really excited about this. I miss teaching so much, and since this is just one class (it may become more permanent, but wouldn't be more than 1-2 classes per semester), I may still be able to keep the library position, too (Tomm is convinced I won't be called back for quite some time there). So, yay!

We also got confirmation of Charlie's registration for his new online school yesterday and he's excited about his courses. We ordered a new lunchbox for him (he wants to pack his lunch and keep his stuff in his backpack to treat the school day as close to Normal as possible, and I'm all for that). We're also going to set up a corner of the dining room with a desk for him, which will be his official school workspace, and he's excited to 'decorate' that area, too.

On the reading front:
I've started So Anyway..., John Cleese's memoir, and it is, not shockingly, hilarious so far.

What We're Watching:
We took a quick break from our HP marathon to watch a couple of Shield episodes last night (I don't want to forget what's going on in that show while we HP). Crazy plot twists and I kind of love it.

Portraits I Loved from the Folio Book:

Maria Portinari by Hans Memling, c.1470



One of my favorite things about impressive paintings are how they depict fabrics so well, and the sheer material on Maria's headdress/hat-thing is gorgeously done. But more than that, I love trompe l'oeil when it's done well, and I think it's done very well here (it's a little difficult to see, but she's made to look as if she's leaning out of the painting's frame).

>180 scaifea: Congratulations Professor Scaife! That's absolutely fantastic. Now you need your own workspace and lunchbox.

>180 scaifea: Congratulations, Amber! That job is perfect for you :-) And I agree with Laura that you need your own workspace and lunchbox! But I hope you and Charlie don't dare one another to eat your lunch at morning break, and have nothing left for lunchtime...

>182 lauralkeet: Thanks, Laura! Ha! Well, I have the workspace, but I'll have to see about the lunchbox. I'll likely get Charlie's hand-me-down one... *sigh*

>183 susanj67: Susan: *snork!* You know us both so well - we're generally ready for lunch at 10am and Tomm makes fun of us every day for it!

Oh, how exciting! Congrats!

I've found you a lunchbox. No hand-me-downs!

https://www.spreadshirt.net/shop/design/yes+i+speak+latin+lunchbox-D5e2e11b85fd3...

>186 katiekrug: Katie: Right!? I am excited. And thanks!

>187 susanj67: Susan: *SNORK!*

Oooh, congrats on the teaching job, that sounds perfect! Wishing you and Charlie both the best of luck on this new endeavor.

More congrats from me - sounds brilliant. Lucky students!

Now that I've had time to think about your teaching gig (because let's face it, I have waaaay too much time on my hands), I have all kinds of questions!

Is this an introductory Latin course? Do you need to design the course, or is there already a syllabus that you'll teach to? Has the textbook been chosen or do you determine that? If the former, do you *like* the textbook?

Basically we are going to want to hear all about teaching Latin, just like we wanted to hear all about working at a library. You have been warned.

>189 bell7: Thanks, Mary!!

>190 charl08: Aw, thanks, Charlotte!

>191 lauralkeet: Laura: *snork!* Okay, let's see:
It is, in fact, a beginning Latin course, Latin 101, as it were. I have complete freedom to design the course as I please and can choose which textbook I want to use, which is excellent because it means that I can simply adjust my old course to fit this schedule and online setting. And yes, I very much like the textbook I use Latin: An Intensive Course, and I'll be sure to keep you all updated on how the class goes.

I miss checking in for a day and look what happens! New lunchboxes, new jobs, new desks. A whirlwind of activity around Scaife Manor, and happily it's all good stuff!

>193 rosalita: Julia: Ha! Yes, busy and happy here right now, and I'm grateful. It's been a stressful few weeks, so this is a very welcome change.

Congratulations on the Latin gig! I took 3 years in high school - it would have been 4 but the teacher was on sabbatical. One of my favorite F&SF authors C.J. Cherryh was a Latin teacher and scholar, and still makes some observations related to her past. I can't read Latin at all any more, but it has done wonders for my vocabulary and is a bit of help when I look at phrases in French, which I also studied and forgot, and Spanish, which I never studied.
I do wonder though why so very many English words derived from Latin are prefixed with in, im, un, ad, ab, pre, post, but the root words are rarely seen naked.

Well. I'd love to take a refresher Latin class some day. Maybe I can take advantage of my knowing a primo Latin teacher when I retire!

>192 scaifea: that is so great, Amber. Lucky lady!

>180 scaifea: Congratulations with all that's going on with you!!! Teaching an on-line class is PERFECT! and I love that Charlie is going to take his lunch and use his backpack and truly "go to school". It sounds like you guys have this thing under control.

>195 quondame: Ha! For a moment there I thought you were going to be one of those people who, when they find out I'm a Latinist, tell me that all they remember of their high school Latin is, "Latin is dead, as dead as can be/first it killed the Romans, and now it's killing me."

>196 drneutron: Jim: Yes! I'd be happy to help!

>197 lauralkeet: Laura: Right?! Slight snag, though: apparently my favorite Latin textbook is out of print. Rearranging thinking on which book to use currently. I'd use the one I'm co-writing, but I'm too much of a perfectionist and won't use it until it's finished. I suspect my co-author will be rolling his eyes at me.

>198 RebaRelishesReading: Thanks, Reba! Yes, I love that Charlie has so happily and healthily (it seems) embraced the online, at-home learning business, and I do love the idea of treating the school part of the day as formally as possible. Very neat idea, and his, of course.

>199 scaifea: I remember "rolling in the dust" rhymed with "no it's killing us". But I do remember some words and phrases. I organized the food for two of the Roman banquets and got the cafeteria staff to cook suckling pig. Alas. the second try was somewhat underdone. Sure looked pretty though. I also hired out to make tunics and togas.

Congratulations, Professor! (Your favorite textbook being out of print probably contributed to the need for you to write a new one...so there's that....)

>200 quondame: Oh, my! Third year Latin toga party...how well I remember. Mine was pitiful, but there were a few fancy ones. I wonder if anyone still has pictures.

>201 laytonwoman3rd: We did it every year and invited all foreign language students and drew in students from about 4 other schools, and there weren't any others within 30 miles. You got to dress your status from slave to freeman to noble to god as you went up in grade. It was a blast. I went to one in Bakersfield as a nymph and my best friend threw me in a judo match.

>200 quondame: >201 laytonwoman3rd: >202 quondame: I had a student at Kenyon who was both excellent at Latin and a master seamstress. For her senior project, she worked with me on researching how to make an actual, authentic toga using no modern devices at all. She even researched the Tyrian purple dye and we finagled grant money for her to purchase some. So, she died the wool and completely hand sewed the thing. It was unbelievable.

Yesterday was spent watching more webinars on how to be a "learning coach" for Charlie's school (these were more useful and on the technical side of things: how to navigate the website, record attendance, create a calendar and schedule, keep track of grades and such) and working on Latin course logistics. It was Charlie Baking Day again, and he made Double-Decker Confetti Brownies (brownies for a bottom layer, blondies with M&Ms in for the top layer), which were delicious, as usual.

On the reading front:
I spent my reading time yesterday with Potent Pleasures, which is fine so far but nothing outstanding.

What We're Watching:
We made it halfway through HP#5 last night before bedtime - this one is tied with #4 as my very favorite, I think.

Morning, Amber! Sweet Thursday! I hope all is well at the Scaife Manor and I hope you are having a good time with those books.

Fra Luca Pacioli with a Young Man, by Jacopo de' Barbari?
1494?



Again, I like the details and skill in depicting the cloths, but more than that here I love how many little references to the identity of the sitter are included, which I would never had known had I not read the description. I also kind of love that the identity of the young man behind him is a bit of a mystery.

>205 msf59: Morning, Mark!

>199 scaifea: too bad your favorite textbook is out of print. What's the typical lifespan of a textbook?

>203 scaifea: wow, that's quite a senior project! Incredible.

>206 scaifea: Okay. So, I can totally see you and Charlie re-enacting this one.

>208 lauralkeet: I don't think there's any such thing as typical for something like this. It depends on how much it gets adopted, number of students in courses that do adopt it,... Classics is more precarious, I think, than other fields for textbook lifespans, too.

And yes, she put so much work into that project - she not only recreated an authentic toga, but researched and recreated typical clothing for women and children, too. Amazing.

And ha! Yes! It would be fun to make Charlie the Mathematician Monk and I could be the Unknown Young Man... On a related note, he's decided that he wants to be the 10th Doctor for Halloween this year (I suspect there won't be any actual trick-or-treating, but we're still excited about making a costume because why not?), so I need to start investing in pinstripe suiting fabric...

>209 scaifea: make Charlie the Mathematician Monk and I could be the Unknown Young Man
Does it help to know that's EXACTLY what I was thinking?

>210 lauralkeet: Laura: HAAAAHAHAHA!! I LOVE IT!

Congrats on the Latin job, Amber! That's so exciting. Glad to hear you and the books are getting along again.

>212 MickyFine: Thanks, Micky!

>209 scaifea: As the wife of a textbook author, may I add that it also depends on the subject matter since some go out of date faster than others? He (and his co-authors) did a new edition of their geography text every three years or so. The routine was sort of one-edition-published-start-the-next-one. I would expect that a text on, say, medieval history or literature might be current for a lot longer than that.

>214 RebaRelishesReading: Reba: Oh, yes, I would imagine that a geography textbook would near-constant updating!

>203 scaifea: I admit the sewing machine is my friend. I try to keep the colors within period, but really, I'm looking for something to wear not a theses project or a contest entry. Hand work is limited to where machine stitching would look bad or where it's the best for structural reasons. I didn't even know that Tyrian purple wasn't what we think of as purple, though the purple I worked with was a remake of a slippery toga into a convenient tunic + drape. Really, acetate really doesn't want to drape like the fine wool that would have bankrupted a high school language teacher. I do have friends that spin, weave and dye their own fabric, but almost always for competitions or award ceremony garb. Lots of embroidery and metal work though.

>216 quondame: No, I wouldn't expect anyone else to attempt what she did. Her skills are very impressive and we had a grant for the materials. I few years ago I made a toga as part of a presentation for one of Charlie's classes (the principal was kind enough to volunteer to let me dress him in the toga, even) and even using inexpensive flannel, it was not a cheap project - I made an actual, full-on toga, which uses a *ton* of fabric. For toga parties, a simple sheet draped round about will do nicely.

Hi, Amber.

Reba's comment fits for me. I co-author a law school textbook in the area of intellectual property (copyright, trademark, that kind of thing) and we update it every other year because everything changes so fast these days. Ditto re a practioner's deskbook we wrote, so we're updating one or the other every year.

I used to be the engine for updating; now I'm more of an idea contributor, in keeping with my goal of being as lazy as possible.

>218 jnwelch: Joe: Yep, that makes sense. Now, a Latin textbook shouldn't need tons of upgrades, to be honest. Not a lot changing with that language...

>219 scaifea: Yes, I thought not but I didn't want to make assumptions where I know nothing about the topic lol

>217 scaifea: I play among those who make, sell, and teach natural dying, not to mention spinning and weaving. Completely hand made garments aren't at all unusual, from Minoan to Regency. At least the Victorian reenactors can legitimately use sewing machines, but not sergers.

>221 quondame: Yep, I have a sister who is one of those spinners/weavers/natural dyers.

Yesterday Charlie and I worked on making stepping stone mosaics with clay and a big bag of soup beans. We finished decorating them and they now need to cure for a couple of days before coating them with Mod Podge. It was really fun and easy, and Charlie's thinking about making more for Christmas presents. I'll try to remember to share photos when they're finished.

I spent some time working on the Latin course syllabus and then switched over to working through some more orientation stuff for Charlie's new school. I also sent an email to the local middle school band director to see what our options might be for keeping Charlie up to speed with his saxophone so that he'll be ready for 7th grade band next year, and her response was fast and so thoughtful and kind: she's willing to work with kiddos who choose to homeschool or otherwise not be a part of the district for the year and we're so relieved. Charlie was so very much looking forward to band this year and he's really happy the he'll still be able to start learning his instrument.

So, overall, a pretty good day.

On the reading front: The due date for Potent Pleasures is fast upcoming so I spent my reading time with it yesterday and will keep that up until I get it finished. Again, it's a nice-enough read, but not outstanding in any particular way so far.

What We're Watching:
Charlie had ballet class (via zoom) last night so Tomm and I watched some GBBS until he was finished and then we switched over to HP#5 for a bit. We'll finish that one up tonight, I suspect.

The Infanta Margarita in Blue by Diego de Velázquez, 1659:



Again with the skill in painting fabrics. Just wonderful. But also Velázquez is one of my very favorite painters and has been for a long time, so any of his works will have a place on my Favorites list.

>224 scaifea: we are lucky enough to have spent a day visiting The Prado in Madrid, where this work can be found along with many others by Velazquez. It was a great day. Plus the whole Hapsburg history is fascinating.

>225 lauralkeet: Laura: Oh, that's wonderful!! Las Meninas is possibly me favorite painting of all time. *happy sigh*

>223 scaifea: So glad Charlie is going to be able to continue with his saxophone. He may well move along faster with individual instruction than he would in band and then he'll really be ready for 7th grade. You guys are really on top of things!!

>227 RebaRelishesReading: Reba: We're *so* happy that he'll be able to follow along and keep up! And it's nice that both Tomm and I have musical backgrounds and can help him.

I don't know so much about being really on top of things, but I *do* feel much less panicked about school and work now than I did two weeks ago. Wooof.

>228 scaifea: Do remember that you're not facing this challenge by yourself...every parent in the country, most of them in the WoRLD, for that matter, have to made these wicked hard decisions about how to handle the next piece of their children's future; you are so much better prepared to make the right decisions for your own child than anyone else is, and probably better prepared for the general situation than a good many others in the same boat. So straighten those shoulders and wrap your confidence shawl around 'em! You've GOT this.

>229 laytonwoman3rd: Thanks for that, Linda. Despite the waves of anxiety and panic, I do realize that Tomm and I are incredibly lucky to be in the position we're in. We've both been educators and we both have unique knowledge sets that will definitely help us help Charlie along this year with in-home, online school. We have a kiddo who is willing to talk to us through his troubled thoughts and worries and come out the other side brave enough to face the change and open-minded enough to be genuinely excited for the new experience. Tomm has been able to work from home this entire time and will continue to do so, likely, from here on out. Yes, I was furloughed, but it didn't hurt us the way it has hurt so many who have lost their jobs either temporarily or permanently. And now this teaching gig has fallen into my lap at just the perfect moment to make it much easier for me to say no to the library job should I get called back before I think it's actually safe to return. So, despite *waves hands vaguely all over* everything, I still, in general, feel like I live my life drinking my tea with a healthy dollop of Felix Felicis every day.

Yesterday was weekly bill sorting, grocery pick-up, and then more puttering around with my Latin syllabus. It's been a little while since I've made one of those essentially from scratch (which I need to do since I've never taught for this U of D before and each institution has their own ideas about what a syllabus should look like). I'll also need to rethink my usual pacing for such a class and draw up a new schedule of lectures, homework, quizzes and exams. I'm looking forward to that part; I do love a good organizing session.

On the reading front:
Still working on Potent Pleasures, which is due back either today or tomorrow. I may not get it completely finished, but I won't be broken-hearted if I don't. It's not bad, but there are things that bother me about it and it's just not floating my canoe, exactly.

What We're Watching:
We finished HP5 and started Half Blood Prince last night. Such a comfort watch, these movies. I love 'em.

Jeanne-Antoinette Lenormant d'Étioles,, Marquise de Pompadour, by François Boucher, 1756:



What *don't* I love about this one?! The fabrics! THAT DRESS. Her lovely face with a slightly mischievous look. All the little details in the room, all of which point to some bit of trivia about the sitter. And I'm fascinated with Madame de Pompadour as an historical figure herself. Just wonderful. I could stare at it all day. (Just imagine the soft swishing noises that dress would make as she gets up and walks round the room. *sigh*)

>232 scaifea: That dress is amazing...but I'd be doing no swishing, because I'd never get up off the lounge. Imagine what it must weigh!

>233 laytonwoman3rd: Linda: Excellent point!

Congrats on the teaching job! Sounds perfect for you.

>235 banjo123: Thanks, Rhonda!

>154 scaifea: >155 katiekrug: >156 lycomayflower: I hate Risk with a vengeance! It always seems that you realise you are definitely going to lose about 15 minutes in, and then spend the next three hours waiting for the game to finish before you actually do lose and can do something more interesting instead! Much better games out there, in my opinion.

>237 SandDune: Rhian: *SNORK!!!* Sounds accurate.

Glad you're having a spectacular weekend and continuing to enjoy the HP re-watch.

>239 MickyFine: Thanks, Micky!

Yesterday I did some baking (Cherry Cheese Danishes for breakfast, Caramel Apple Cake, and Cinnamon Raisin Bread) and read. It was lovely. I also showed Charlie how to block his crochet project: he finished his first project, a crochet hook pouch, which is essentially a rectangle that you fold in thirds and whipstitch the bottom third in place. A great first project and he did a fantastic job.

On the reading front:
Still working on the James book. Will maybe finish it up today.

What We're Watching:
More HP. We finished up 6 and started the first 7 movie last night.

Denis Diderot by Louis-Michel Van Loo, 1767:



Of course the paintings of people I'm familiar with already are instantly more interesting in some ways, but I also love his face and his eyes, the hair, and of course, the fabrics.

Mmmm, all those baked goods sound amazing. I'm very jealous!

And congrats to Charlie on finishing his first crochet project. That's super exciting.

>243 MickyFine: The baking all turned out pretty well - it was touch and go for a bit with the bread, because it raised up *so* much, but it came out alright. HUGE, but good.

And YES! I'm amazed at that kid. He pretty much taught himself from a beginners book we got for him and this first project looks so much better than my first knitting project turned out. *tsk* And he loves it, which is great. I'm so glad he's got several hobbies that he loves to keep him busy right now.

Yesterday was spent on housecleaning and reading. I'm still working on the James book, but I spent most of my reading time yesterday trying to decide if I wanted to keep going with it. I have some major issues with the plot and it seems to be going on forever, but there's just enough of me that wants to witness the end I already know is coming (*eye roll at self*) that I'm hanging in there. *tsk*

What We're Watching:
We finished HP7 Part 1 and started Part 2 last night. Dumbledore's death in 6 doesn't bother me much, but Dobby getting shanked to save Harry and then dying in his arms while saying how happy he is to be with his friend? *SOB*

Paul Revere by John Singleton Copley, c.1768-1770:



Again, the fabrics. I will always be amazed at how a painter can make the folds look so real, and the fact that you just *know* how that shirt would feel if you rubbed it between your fingers. *sigh* And the reflection in the surface of the table! Fantastic, that is. But I think what I love most of all about this one is that I now possess the knowledge that Paul Revere looked like Jack Black, and my life will forever be better for it.

Is the James book Potent Pleasures by Eloisa James? I read it ages ago and don't remember anything much about it except it's my least favorite of the author's works that I've read.

Your love of the fabric in all these paintings reminds me of being blown away by some sculptures at the British Museum where I marveled at stone being able to look so fluid and delicate.

>248 katiekrug: I was going to say the same thing about sculptured folds in fabric, Katie. Also, certain glass creations I saw at the Corning museum...

>247 scaifea: I've seen that portrait before, and I love it. But I never made the comparison to Jack Black ... so thanks for that!

>248 katiekrug: Katie: It *is* Potent Pleasures. I'm happy to know that it's your least favorite of hers - that makes me more likely to try more of her stuff, then.

And yes! I love well-done fabric portrayals of all kinds!

>249 laytonwoman3rd: Linda: There are some incredible not-fabric fabric all over the art world and I love it.

And *snork!* you are most welcome.

I'm way behind on the threads and just caught up with you for the moment, Amber. Sorry to hear about your trying and sad times. Congrats on the teaching job that came through at the right moment and for making the decision about Charlie's next year in school. That must have taken a load off your mind.

>251 Familyhistorian: Thanks, Meg. It's been a bit of a rollercoaster this year for everyone, I think.

>252 scaifea: Yes, definitely full of unexpected ups and downs and continuing uncertainty. Sometimes I'd like the roller coaster to stop so I could get off for a while!

>253 Familyhistorian: Agreed!

Yesterday was mostly spent trying to figure out how to structure the pacing of a beginning language course online and with only two meetings a week. Will still be trying to suss that out today.

Today is our 2nd Move-iversary! We'll be celebrating by ordering pizza, which we did that first night here, too. It'll be the first time we've had any sort of outside-the-house meal since mid-March, so it will feel like a real treat!

On the reading front:
I spent my reading time yesterday with John Cleese and his So Anyway..., which is a complete delight so far. I've laughed right out loud several times already.

Happy Move-iversary to the Scaife gang! Enjoy your pizza. We do some form of takeout or delivery about once a week. Even though I enjoy cooking, I like having that one day where I don't need to worry about it. We had pizza last night and will have leftovers for lunch, so I'll raise my slice to honor your occasion. 😀

>256 lauralkeet: Laura: Ha! I appreciate the pizza toast!

Tomm and I were just talking the other day about how we used to eat out or order in about once a week and how we're kind of enjoying not doing that. I remember when I was a kid and we were borderline honest-to-goodness poor (mine were such good parents that I had no idea just how close to not having enough to get by we were, ever, until I was much older) that we almost *never* ate at a restaurant or even a fast food place. When we did, it was a real treat, and I kind of like putting the treat part back into that experience. *shrug* We'll see how long it lasts, but I'm determined to enjoy it for now. (NB: I am very much *not* saying that one way or the other is a *better* choice. At all. The whole not-worrying-about-cooking is a very joyous thing.)

>257 scaifea: - We used to eat out A LOT. Like at least 3 or 4 times a week. The best part of lockdown for me was learning to not hate cooking. I don't yet *love* it, but I enjoy it much more than I used to. And having TW home made it easier because I didn't have to worry about timing things with his train and what not. And now when we do go out, it is like a treat (we were getting delivery about once a week from pretty early on). We've only been out 3 times in the last several weeks since outdoor dining was allowed.

I am hoping when the Bad Times are over, we won't revert to eating out so much. It's been nice cooking together, and it's much easier on my waistline :D

>258 katiekrug: Katie: I remember! I loved following along on your restaurant adventures!

I'm also really enjoying how much Charlie is loving to cook, too. It's fun to be his sous chef, and the meals he's been turning out lately have been surprisingly very, very good.

>257 scaifea: don't worry, I didn't think you were being judgy, Amber. Like you, we rarely ate out when I was growing up. There were fewer options back in those days: it was either fast food or fancy (expensive) food. My parents would never have considered fast food as a regular meal choice, but fancy food was too expensive except for rare special occasions. I like the idea of putting the treat part back into your experience, and whatever it takes to do make that happen for you.

>258 katiekrug: Katie, I really disliked cooking when I was working. I hated feeling rushed to put something on the table right when I got home. Chris did a lot of the cooking, but he enjoys cooking for occasions or company much more than everyday dinners. So between the two of us I always felt like we were just barely making it happen. It's much easier now when we're both at home and our schedules are pretty flexible.

>260 lauralkeet: Laura: You're right: there *were* fewer options when I was a kid, too. Plus, even if we did have the extra money, my dad has always hated sit-down restaurants. He's too impatient and doesn't want to have to sit at a table to wait for his food. As a farmer, he would work right up until it was time for dinner or supper and stop to eat with only enough time to wash up beforehand, so I guess he considers sitting down at a restaurant a complete waste of time.

I love to cook and bake, but I was frustrated with it while teaching full time. I didn't have the time or energy to make the meals I wanted to and throwing something quick together every night was sad-making. So I get that completely.

Yep, we ate out very little when I was young. There weren't many places nor much money for me either. A treat was Bob's Big Boy or "Perks" which was a tiny place with only a counter, no tables. "Perk" the owner and "chef" would close for two or three months each year and go to Mexico where he perfected his specialties, tacos, refried beans, maybe enchiladas (not sure, I always had a taco). I certainly enjoy cooking more now than when I was working and I feel much better about what we eat (except for the baked goods that keep finding their way into the grocery order and which are why I can't say current things are better for my waistline :( )

We didn't eat out a lot when I was growing up but maybe more often than others here. We lived in diner country, though, so there were good, fast, cheap options that weren't McDonald's or whatever. My father liked to take us to the Round Tuit, which was a sort-of truck stop on a local highway - a very local highway - one lane in each direction :) I remember weekend breakfasts there. It's also the first place I ever had a proper patty melt, something I adore to this day and am very picky about. I knew I had made a mistake in moving to Texas when I ordered a patty melt there and it came on "Texas toast" with American cheese. The horror.

My parents had a lot of ups and downs financially when I was growing up so I know there were periods/years when we probably went out very little. Everything sort of runs together in my head now :)

>262 RebaRelishesReading: Reba: Oooh, I love the sound of Chef Perk! I didn't have a taco until I was in college...

>263 katiekrug: Katie: I also love the sound of the Round Tuit, and patty melts are one of my favorites, too. American cheese?! YOICKS.

I guess most of us grew up eating out a good deal less than has been common in the last few decades. And there weren't any really good restaurants near the military base where I grew up and the officers club, where a couple of dinners a year were mandatory for members, wasn't very good. My mother's power base was her cooking, so dinners at home at 6:00PM sharp were the rule. But she and dad were foodies, and the family slowly increased in disposable income so from the early 60s she and I would make monthly trips 155mi. to Los Angeles and have some very good dinners. Occasionally other family members would come too or replace me, but I took every opportunity to enjoy the dinners, the theater, and the shopping.

You would love the Round Tuit. I should check if it's still there, in case you ever find yourself in rural New York State...

We had tacos at home a lot growing up, and I think it was because my mom could stretch meat easily that way by having lots of lettuce and onions and cheese to put in them.

ETA: Mom also loved Mexican food so it was a win-win for her :)

ETA: It is still open but called Round III now, apparently. Here she is in all her isolated glory... It looks like the setting for a horror film.

>265 quondame: Your trips to LA sound nice!

>266 katiekrug: Katie: OMG YES, that place looks amazing!! I love off-the-path/hole-on-the-wall places like that!

>267 scaifea: Yes, they were. Getting away from High School on a regular basis is how I survived it.

>266 katiekrug: Not what I picture when I think of New York State - I drove across it once east to west, but the Thruway was it's own world.

>288 - Yes, this is south and east of the Thruway. About 90 minutes north of NYC, on the east side of the Hudson...

>268 quondame: *grins*

>269 katiekrug: Katie: I've driven through that area before and it's gorgeous. It's been a few years, though.

I think I finally sorted out a schedule that will work for this crazy two-day/week Latin class. I chatted with the Chair about it and apparently the previous instructor scheduled it that way although the course is normally taught three days/week. So, awesome. If I stay on, though, at least I know I won't always have to teach with this awkward scheduling. Today I'll start work on lecture prepping and such, but it's also Charlie's Baking Day (Chocolate Pudding this time) and he's also cooking dinner tonight (Chicken Noodle Soup), so I've got some sous chef duties to attend to as well. I'll try to remember to make a new thread, too.

On the reading front:
I read a bit of Frankly in Love yesterday and I'm beginning to think that it may be one of my favorite YA novels in a long while. The characters are really well drawn and the dialogue is believable (not always the case with YA) and clever and funny. I'm excited to see how it ends.

What We're Watching:
We finished up our annual Harry Potter marathon last night, and as always I was sobbing while Tomm and Charlie looked askance at me. HOW do you not break down at Snape's memories, or Fred's death, or Harry asking Sirius if dying will hurt?!?!

Jo Hiffernan by Gustave Courbet, 1866:



I have absolutely nothing intelligent to say about this one. It's just so beautifully done, and the expression on her face makes me love her and want desperately to be her friend. The write up for this one gives a bit of background on this lovely Jo and her relationship to Whistler, with whom Courbet was acquainted and via whom Courbet met Jo, and it makes her sound all the more fascinating. But just...I feel like an entire complex novel could be inspired by just this work and just that expression. So, essentially, I love it because I instantly developed a giant crush on Jo. Smitten at first sight.

Congrats on your new teaching position! That's so great that it came at such an opportune time!

I love that Charlie wants to pack his lunch and backpack for home school!
We are still waiting here to find out what school will look like in September. They are opening, but probably in a reduced capacity.

>271 scaifea: I get you on the askance glances from your menfolk at the sobbing. Since we've acquired Disney+ Mr. Fine and I have been watching the Disney animated films and Pixar films in release date order (we just did Jungle Book for animated and Coco for Pixar). Dang Pixar movies make me cry at least once almost every time - Toy Story 3 gets full on ugly crying (although my husband thinks it's ridiculous I sob much harder at the end when Andy gives his toys to Bonnie, rather than when they're all about to be burned).

>273 ChelleBearss: Thanks, Chelle!!
We're actually thinking that they'll announce soon that school will be 100% online in our district soon, as that's what all the surrounding districts are doing. Things are...not good...here in Ohio right now, so yeah.

>274 MickyFine: Micky: Ha! YES to the Pixar sobs. Every dang time. And I agree with your spoiler comment, absolutely.

Morning, Amber! Sweet Thursday. Just checking in. Hope all is well there and you are staying cool.

>276 msf59: Morning, Mark! We're going okay here at Scaife Manor. Hope you're doing well, too!

Yesterday's Chicken Noodle Soup and Chocolate Pudding were fantastic - I swear this kid is becoming an ace in the kitchen. I got some good work in on the Latin course, we had a lovely not-too-hot family walk after dinner, and then we settled in for an evening of Gilmore Girls. Overall a pretty nice day. I clearly forgot to start a new thread yesterday - I'll try again today...

On the reading front:
I'm still struggling with Potent Pleasures. Still trying to decide if I should finish it or abandon ship. Gah.

Morning, Amber.

I'm enjoying hearing about your plans for home schooling and teaching a Latin class. (I chuckled over your comment that the Latin textbook doesn't need much updating).

Beautiful art you're posting, too, even if I'm a bit of a dolt when it comes to the imagined sounds and other marvels of the painted fabrics.

>279 jnwelch: Morning, Joe! Yep, this week will be full of Latin prep for me and online orientations for Charlie, I think. We bought him a new desk and set up a school day area in the dining room and he's pretty excited.

I'm glad you're enjoying the art - I've got one or two more from the book that I think I'll share as favorites.

Sorry that things are not great Covid-wise in your area
Ours is improving but we keep having an increase in cases due to beach goers being stupid. Our school is back on full time in Sept as long as we don't have a major increase in cases again

>281 ChelleBearss: Hi, Chelle! Ohio is a hotspot right now, also due to idiots not wearing masks. Ugh. Our district *still* hasn't made any official announcements, but it doesn't really matter because we've got Charlie all sorted.

Looks like the new thread didn't get started again today, or am I missing something?

>283 Familyhistorian: Nope, you're not missing anything. I just haven't done it yet. Maybe today?

The new thread is up (finally):

https://www.librarything.com/topic/322991