Whisper1 Eighth thread of 2021
Dit is een voortzetting van het onderwerp Whisper1 Seventh thread of 2021.
Discussie75 Books Challenge for 2021
Sluit je aan bij LibraryThing om te posten.
1Whisper1
Welcome to thread number eight! I'm Linda, and live in are area of Pennsylvania where there are lovely mountains, walking paths, a Barnes and Noble store, and two local libraries in Easton, and another in Bethlehem (which is a short 15 minute drive away.)
Before joining the 75 challenge group in 2008, my reading was primarily biography. Since then, because of many wonderful recommendations, I've expanded my genre's. While I cannot draw a straight line with a ruler, I appreciate art in its many forms.
I'm an hour and a half away from New York City, and an equal distance to Philadelphia, PA. The museums found in both locations are incredible and feed my soul when I visit.
I am a retired from Lehigh University, located in Bethlehem, PA. Three years ago, I said goodbye to a job I loved. Advising the Journalism Department publications, and teaching a large business staff of the newspaper, and a staff of committed students who pulled together a quality yearbook publication was a major part of 36 years of my Life.
3Whisper1
>2 drneutron: Thanks Jim, especially for all you do for this group!
4jessibud2
Happy new thread, Linda. Good to see you up and about again. Just remember to pace yourself.
{{hugs}}
{{hugs}}
6karenmarie
Happy new thread, Linda!
>1 Whisper1: I absolutely love that graphic. I snipped it, saved it as a jpeg, and just now sent it to my sister. If I could have it on a Christmas card, that would be perfect!
I'm so happy that the new pain relief management is working for you. No more tripping over Lilly, be kind to yourself, and enjoy the holidays.
>1 Whisper1: I absolutely love that graphic. I snipped it, saved it as a jpeg, and just now sent it to my sister. If I could have it on a Christmas card, that would be perfect!
I'm so happy that the new pain relief management is working for you. No more tripping over Lilly, be kind to yourself, and enjoy the holidays.
8Whisper1
>4 jessibud2: Shelley. Thanks, as always for your kindness. This trial for the pain pump was more painful that I thought it would be. Placing a catheter in my spine without any knock out drugs was difficult.
>5 bell7: Hi Mary. Will this be your first Christmas in your home?
>6 karenmarie: Karen, I am thinking of you. I hope every day brings strength. I find the images by Pamela Zagarenski on Etsy. I've read her illustrated books and was immediately captivated by her talent.
>7 fuzzi: Hi Fuzzi. Thanks for stopping by.
>5 bell7: Hi Mary. Will this be your first Christmas in your home?
>6 karenmarie: Karen, I am thinking of you. I hope every day brings strength. I find the images by Pamela Zagarenski on Etsy. I've read her illustrated books and was immediately captivated by her talent.
>7 fuzzi: Hi Fuzzi. Thanks for stopping by.
11bell7
>8 Whisper1: my second! I sneaked in just under the wire last year, with a closing on Dec 8 and moving in Dec 12 - it's hard to believe it will be a year ago Sunday 😊
12johnsimpson
Hi Linda my dear, Happy New Thread dear friend.
13PaulCranswick
Happy new thread, Linda. xx
14magicians_nephew
Nice to see you again Linda
15quondame
Happy new thread!
>1 Whisper1: Lovely! A tree of good will, which is much needed in these troubled years.
>1 Whisper1: Lovely! A tree of good will, which is much needed in these troubled years.
16alcottacre
Happy new thread, lovey! I hope things are going well there with your new treatment.
18FAMeulstee
Happy new thread, Linda.
>1 Whisper1: Wishing you to be painfree in the near future, so you can enjoy all stated there.
>1 Whisper1: Wishing you to be painfree in the near future, so you can enjoy all stated there.
19figsfromthistle
Happy new thread!
20msf59
Happy Friday, Linda! Happy New Thread. It sounds like your pain is being managed. I hope this is your future moving forward.
21thornton37814
Happy new thread! I was so happy to see your FB report that the "temporary" relief worked well enough to schedule the real thing! Wishing you the best in that surgery.
22Whisper1
An evening of pain, and now I awake to so many very special messages. I confess, I have tears in my eyes. On December 23rd, I will meet with the neurosurgeon who put my feet walking toward relief from this God awful pain of twelve years. The appointment is pre surgical, and at that time, we will set the date for the permanent fusion pump.
Honestly, at the risk of sounding over dramatic, this venture seems too good to believe. When I first met him, the neurosurgeon shook his head and was silent. Looking at me seriously, he asked "What do you want?" "Another surgery?" Yikes, I thought, where is he going?. He then proceeded to tell me that the terrible surgery which fusion my spine from C1-T2 and implanted rods and screws, the failures resulting in many following surgeries should NEVER have been done. Already compromised and degenerative, my disks could not handle the pressure of the rods.
He was calmly upset (an oxymoron?) and said that he would never operate on my spine, and anyone who did from now on would risk placing me in a wheelchair. He said he would never open my spine because he never does a surgery that he knows up front will not have positive consequences.
I shook my head and said that I did not want any more surgeries, but I could no longer control the pain, and that every surgeon or pain management doctor I've seen has told me NOTHING MORE could be done. Then, he smiled and said, there is something that can be done! He showed the infusion pump to me and explained the surgery, and the trial I would need to endure beforehand.
The first step was a meeting with a psychiatrist for an hour. It wasn't a tell me about your childhood meeting, rather it was a laid back set of questions about how I handle pain, how did so many surgeries occur, what level of education did I have, what type of work did I do before retirement? how many children? Did I have a traumatic experience in the last few years? I told him of the loss of Will, and that I was sad, but proud that i did everything I could to help him during his three months of never ending ICU visits and treatments that did not work.
I have friends, good neighbors, despite the pain, I function at a reasonably high level, and that I know life presents challenges, but overall it is good to be alive and surrounded by people who care, and whom I care about deeply. I told him of this group of avid readers who after time have formed a wonderful strong bond.
I was happy that this procedure had a psychological component. Finally, someone/some group knows there is a psychological component of pain.
I passed Phase 1 with kudos from the psychiatrist.
I passed Phase 2 with painful surgery while awake having catheter inserted into my spine to feed tubing to the temporary pump.
a week of trials everyday for an hour to inject increasing levels of dilaudid into the pump.
I continually thank all of you for your support. There are no words to suffice to explain my feelings. Other than a simple, heartfelt thank you!
Honestly, at the risk of sounding over dramatic, this venture seems too good to believe. When I first met him, the neurosurgeon shook his head and was silent. Looking at me seriously, he asked "What do you want?" "Another surgery?" Yikes, I thought, where is he going?. He then proceeded to tell me that the terrible surgery which fusion my spine from C1-T2 and implanted rods and screws, the failures resulting in many following surgeries should NEVER have been done. Already compromised and degenerative, my disks could not handle the pressure of the rods.
He was calmly upset (an oxymoron?) and said that he would never operate on my spine, and anyone who did from now on would risk placing me in a wheelchair. He said he would never open my spine because he never does a surgery that he knows up front will not have positive consequences.
I shook my head and said that I did not want any more surgeries, but I could no longer control the pain, and that every surgeon or pain management doctor I've seen has told me NOTHING MORE could be done. Then, he smiled and said, there is something that can be done! He showed the infusion pump to me and explained the surgery, and the trial I would need to endure beforehand.
The first step was a meeting with a psychiatrist for an hour. It wasn't a tell me about your childhood meeting, rather it was a laid back set of questions about how I handle pain, how did so many surgeries occur, what level of education did I have, what type of work did I do before retirement? how many children? Did I have a traumatic experience in the last few years? I told him of the loss of Will, and that I was sad, but proud that i did everything I could to help him during his three months of never ending ICU visits and treatments that did not work.
I have friends, good neighbors, despite the pain, I function at a reasonably high level, and that I know life presents challenges, but overall it is good to be alive and surrounded by people who care, and whom I care about deeply. I told him of this group of avid readers who after time have formed a wonderful strong bond.
I was happy that this procedure had a psychological component. Finally, someone/some group knows there is a psychological component of pain.
I passed Phase 1 with kudos from the psychiatrist.
I passed Phase 2 with painful surgery while awake having catheter inserted into my spine to feed tubing to the temporary pump.
a week of trials everyday for an hour to inject increasing levels of dilaudid into the pump.
I continually thank all of you for your support. There are no words to suffice to explain my feelings. Other than a simple, heartfelt thank you!
25Carmenere
Happy 8th thread, Linda!
Your new neurosurgeon must be God sent. He sounds caring, wise and compassionate. Physiological component! Wow! Is this what is meant by an holistic approach? If so, I love it.
Your new neurosurgeon must be God sent. He sounds caring, wise and compassionate. Physiological component! Wow! Is this what is meant by an holistic approach? If so, I love it.
26Whisper1
BOOK #119
Never Enough by Michael D'Antonio
This is a well written snapshot of Donald Trump, man of the good, bad and ugly components of his troubled personality are carefully noted with a long list of sources.
The book begins with the relationship he had with his father. A wealthy man who also dabbled in real estate in New York City to make his fortune, Donald quickly learned at the feet of the master. Greatly surpassing his father in accumulated, tangible assets, Trump wheeled and dealed using the infamous lawyer Roy Cohen to help sue his way to the top. The art of bombastic personality and the never ending need to deflate and defame those who do not agree with him has sadly landed him a conflicted person who makes it known when he does not agree with the way he is treated, never minding the way he treats others.
I won't make this review a political statement. I read the book to learn more about Trump and how his personality developed. This was a good reference.
Never Enough by Michael D'AntonioThis is a well written snapshot of Donald Trump, man of the good, bad and ugly components of his troubled personality are carefully noted with a long list of sources.
The book begins with the relationship he had with his father. A wealthy man who also dabbled in real estate in New York City to make his fortune, Donald quickly learned at the feet of the master. Greatly surpassing his father in accumulated, tangible assets, Trump wheeled and dealed using the infamous lawyer Roy Cohen to help sue his way to the top. The art of bombastic personality and the never ending need to deflate and defame those who do not agree with him has sadly landed him a conflicted person who makes it known when he does not agree with the way he is treated, never minding the way he treats others.
I won't make this review a political statement. I read the book to learn more about Trump and how his personality developed. This was a good reference.
27karenmarie
Hi Linda!
>22 Whisper1: I'm so glad you found the right surgeon, right approach to pain management. 'Calmly upset' is a good sign in a doctor, IMO.
>22 Whisper1: I'm so glad you found the right surgeon, right approach to pain management. 'Calmly upset' is a good sign in a doctor, IMO.
28Whisper1
BOOK #120
The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel
So good that I read this in a marathon type of continuity. Eva Traube, a Jew, fled France with her mother when the Nazi's came after her family. Luckily, they were in another apartment, her father was not as fortunate and was taken away.
She and her mother found refuge in a beautiful mountain village in the Free Zone near Switzerland. Soon, she feels obligated to help those who are less fortunate and could not escape. She learns to be incredibly good at forging and creating identity documents that will be passed along to those in need.
Many of those she and her friend Remy are helping are children whose parents were taken. Remy decides to do more than documentation, he actually joins a resistance group that gathers hidden children and takes them on a treacherous mission to escape before more are lost in the flames of the ever successful Nazi regime.
Knowing she is helping to save children, she creates a book with a code that documents the original name of the child who tried to successfully escape the clutches of horror. The children were given new names on the forged documents. But, Eva believes that some day the world will come to their senses and Hitler will be vanquished. And, history will save the documented book containing the real names of those who fled.
The book is kept in a hidden library attached to a church that is a large part of the resistance movement.
Believing her lover Remi was captured and killed, she marries and moves to the United States. Years later, as a librarian, she sees a photograph of her Book of Lost Names. A generous man is trying to find the owners of books taken during the Nazi regime and return them. In order to obtain the book, she must return to a country containing many memories, pulling her back to a life she thought she left behind.
Excellent writing!
The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel
So good that I read this in a marathon type of continuity. Eva Traube, a Jew, fled France with her mother when the Nazi's came after her family. Luckily, they were in another apartment, her father was not as fortunate and was taken away.
She and her mother found refuge in a beautiful mountain village in the Free Zone near Switzerland. Soon, she feels obligated to help those who are less fortunate and could not escape. She learns to be incredibly good at forging and creating identity documents that will be passed along to those in need.
Many of those she and her friend Remy are helping are children whose parents were taken. Remy decides to do more than documentation, he actually joins a resistance group that gathers hidden children and takes them on a treacherous mission to escape before more are lost in the flames of the ever successful Nazi regime.
Knowing she is helping to save children, she creates a book with a code that documents the original name of the child who tried to successfully escape the clutches of horror. The children were given new names on the forged documents. But, Eva believes that some day the world will come to their senses and Hitler will be vanquished. And, history will save the documented book containing the real names of those who fled.
The book is kept in a hidden library attached to a church that is a large part of the resistance movement.
Believing her lover Remi was captured and killed, she marries and moves to the United States. Years later, as a librarian, she sees a photograph of her Book of Lost Names. A generous man is trying to find the owners of books taken during the Nazi regime and return them. In order to obtain the book, she must return to a country containing many memories, pulling her back to a life she thought she left behind.
Excellent writing!
29Whisper1
BOOK #121
The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton
I've owned this book for awhile. It was on the shelf, next to the last book I read. The book was listed on my TBR list since 2014, and I'm glad I read it now. It is an intricate tale of life in 1686 Amsterdam. Eighteen years old, Nella Oortman's father died leaving the family penniless. Nella's mother arranges a marriage with a much older man, a successful merchant, trader who has traveled the world, returning with exotic items to sell.
Life with Johannes Brandt and his beautiful home is very sad and mysterious. Longing for, the consummation of her marriage, she sleeps alone in a large room with beautiful paintings.
Johannes gives Nella a beautiful wedding gift of a large piece of furniture which is a replica of nine rooms of the house she now lives in. Finding someone who can successfully create detailed objects to fill her cabinet/house, she finds a miniaturist in a busy part of town. Surprisingly, the miniaturist's tiny creations are mirror images of the life she is living and the house where she feels trapped.
There are beautifully developed characters throughout the book, Otto is an exotic black man whom her husband has rescued from a foreign nation. Johannes' sister Marin is mysterious, aloof and cold. The servant Collette holds the secrets to the house and events therein.
The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton
I've owned this book for awhile. It was on the shelf, next to the last book I read. The book was listed on my TBR list since 2014, and I'm glad I read it now. It is an intricate tale of life in 1686 Amsterdam. Eighteen years old, Nella Oortman's father died leaving the family penniless. Nella's mother arranges a marriage with a much older man, a successful merchant, trader who has traveled the world, returning with exotic items to sell.
Life with Johannes Brandt and his beautiful home is very sad and mysterious. Longing for, the consummation of her marriage, she sleeps alone in a large room with beautiful paintings.
Johannes gives Nella a beautiful wedding gift of a large piece of furniture which is a replica of nine rooms of the house she now lives in. Finding someone who can successfully create detailed objects to fill her cabinet/house, she finds a miniaturist in a busy part of town. Surprisingly, the miniaturist's tiny creations are mirror images of the life she is living and the house where she feels trapped.
There are beautifully developed characters throughout the book, Otto is an exotic black man whom her husband has rescued from a foreign nation. Johannes' sister Marin is mysterious, aloof and cold. The servant Collette holds the secrets to the house and events therein.
30Whisper1
BOOK #122
Too Close To The Sun by Curtis Roosevelt
The grandson of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, President, and Eleanor Roosevelt, President's wife, Curtis Roosevelt was three when his parents were divorced. His grandmother offered the White House as a residence for their daughter, Sara, and her two young children.
This is an endearing snapshot of formative years spent at the White House, and Hyde Park with his mother, sister, grandparents, and his great grandmother Sara Delano Roosevelt. He and his sister were part and parcel of the White House life, included in many photo shoots, they wee also in the public eye.
It is obvious he loves his Grandfather who with his sparkling eyes and ability to enter the world of children. His thoughts of his grandmother Eleanor are of a cold, difficult woman who could not love, or express affection. His great grandmother provided a large amount of attention and he loved her dearly.
As he ages, Curtis perception notes all was not well with his grandparent's relationship, and the never ending tension between Eleanor and his great grandmother caused a dulling of the patina.
There are many wonderful photos of life at the Whitehouse, and a few photos of his father who was dis banned from the family and could not enter the Whitehouse.
Too Close To The Sun by Curtis Roosevelt
The grandson of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, President, and Eleanor Roosevelt, President's wife, Curtis Roosevelt was three when his parents were divorced. His grandmother offered the White House as a residence for their daughter, Sara, and her two young children.
This is an endearing snapshot of formative years spent at the White House, and Hyde Park with his mother, sister, grandparents, and his great grandmother Sara Delano Roosevelt. He and his sister were part and parcel of the White House life, included in many photo shoots, they wee also in the public eye.
It is obvious he loves his Grandfather who with his sparkling eyes and ability to enter the world of children. His thoughts of his grandmother Eleanor are of a cold, difficult woman who could not love, or express affection. His great grandmother provided a large amount of attention and he loved her dearly.
As he ages, Curtis perception notes all was not well with his grandparent's relationship, and the never ending tension between Eleanor and his great grandmother caused a dulling of the patina.
There are many wonderful photos of life at the Whitehouse, and a few photos of his father who was dis banned from the family and could not enter the Whitehouse.
31alcottacre
>22 Whisper1: It looks as though our prayers may finally be answered, lovey! I very much hope it is so.
>28 Whisper1: I just bought this one recently. Sounds like I really need to get it read.
>29 Whisper1: I thought this one was already in the BlackHole, but I did not see it there. That is now corrected.
>30 Whisper1: Added that one to the BlackHole too!
Happy Saturday, Linda!
>28 Whisper1: I just bought this one recently. Sounds like I really need to get it read.
>29 Whisper1: I thought this one was already in the BlackHole, but I did not see it there. That is now corrected.
>30 Whisper1: Added that one to the BlackHole too!
Happy Saturday, Linda!
32thornton37814
>28 Whisper1: I will get to that one in 2022--at least I plan to do so.
>29 Whisper1: Sounds interesting!
>29 Whisper1: Sounds interesting!
33m.belljackson
Linda - just wanting there to be relief from the pain you are now experiencing ...
36fairywings
Good luck with everything Linda. I hope the permanent pump gives you back your life.
>28 Whisper1: That sounds like something I would like.
>28 Whisper1: That sounds like something I would like.
37Whisper1
BOOK #123
The Darkest Corners by Kara Thomas
This book started out well, then 3/4 of the way through, I lost interest. It seemed that the plot keep veering off into various directions. It became difficult to remember the characters, then new ones were added.
In small town Fayette. PA, years before Tessa returned to say goodbye to her dying father who was in jail, a monster of a man dwelt among the people.
Killing young girls by strangulation, Tessa and her friend Callie lost a friend to the monster. They were instrumental in putting him in jail for life because they testified they saw his face and identified him as the one who took their friend away.
Because they were so young, now when they are older, they wonder if they fabricated their stories to match.
The culprit was in jail, or so they thought, until another murder occurred.
I finished this book, but cannot recommend it.
The Darkest Corners by Kara Thomas
This book started out well, then 3/4 of the way through, I lost interest. It seemed that the plot keep veering off into various directions. It became difficult to remember the characters, then new ones were added.
In small town Fayette. PA, years before Tessa returned to say goodbye to her dying father who was in jail, a monster of a man dwelt among the people.
Killing young girls by strangulation, Tessa and her friend Callie lost a friend to the monster. They were instrumental in putting him in jail for life because they testified they saw his face and identified him as the one who took their friend away.
Because they were so young, now when they are older, they wonder if they fabricated their stories to match.
The culprit was in jail, or so they thought, until another murder occurred.
I finished this book, but cannot recommend it.
38Whisper1
>31 alcottacre: Stasia, We always did have similar reading habits. Thanks for stopping by!
>32 thornton37814: Hi Lori. Both of these books are highly recommended. Nice to see you here.
>33 m.belljackson: Hi Marianne. Thank you for your good wishes. I appreciate your support!
>34 fuzzi: Thanks for visiting and for your support. It means a lot.
>35 BLBera: Hi Beth, and thanks again for caring.
>36 fairywings: Hi Adrienne. Thanks for your kindness.
>32 thornton37814: Hi Lori. Both of these books are highly recommended. Nice to see you here.
>33 m.belljackson: Hi Marianne. Thank you for your good wishes. I appreciate your support!
>34 fuzzi: Thanks for visiting and for your support. It means a lot.
>35 BLBera: Hi Beth, and thanks again for caring.
>36 fairywings: Hi Adrienne. Thanks for your kindness.
39Familyhistorian
Happy new thread, Linda. It sounds like your new doctor actually listens to his patients just what you need right now.
40alcottacre
>37 Whisper1: I hope your next read is a better one for you, lovey!
41Berly
>22 Whisper1: How affirming to get kudos from the psychiatrist! Not that I am surprised. How you have handled all the surgeries, complications and pain is textbook for how to have a good attitude. Congrats on passing Stage 2 and now we await your Dec 23 visit to schedule the real thing! So glad you have found this doctor. : )
>29 Whisper1: I very much enjoyed The Miniaturist and gave it 4 stars. And I'd like to read about Rump's personality traits, but only after he doesn't win the party nomination or the Presidency next time around. I am still too scared of all he represents.
Wishing you a wonderful Tuesday!!
>29 Whisper1: I very much enjoyed The Miniaturist and gave it 4 stars. And I'd like to read about Rump's personality traits, but only after he doesn't win the party nomination or the Presidency next time around. I am still too scared of all he represents.
Wishing you a wonderful Tuesday!!
42jnwelch
Happy New Thread, Linda! What beautiful illustrations you’re posting. Pamela Zagarenski, right? Lovely.
We know how strongminded you are, and I’m glad the psychiatrist picked up on that. They had me see a psychiatrist at rehab, and when I asked him what were the most common problems he treated there he said, “pain management and anxiety”. Makes sense.
It is so great that this doctor is able to help you with the infusion pump. I’m sure you’re looking forward to having the permanent one in place.
We know how strongminded you are, and I’m glad the psychiatrist picked up on that. They had me see a psychiatrist at rehab, and when I asked him what were the most common problems he treated there he said, “pain management and anxiety”. Makes sense.
It is so great that this doctor is able to help you with the infusion pump. I’m sure you’re looking forward to having the permanent one in place.
43m.belljackson
Linda - Great to hear you sounding stronger here and on other threads!
Have you read The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte?
Have you read The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte?
44Caroline_McElwee
I hope 2022 is a year with special moments Linda.
45drneutron
Just spreading the news on some of the more active threads...
There's this new thing I made... https://www.librarything.com/ngroups/23588/75-Books-Challenge-for-2022
Happy holidays!
There's this new thing I made... https://www.librarything.com/ngroups/23588/75-Books-Challenge-for-2022
Happy holidays!
46Familyhistorian
Thank you for the lovely Christmas greeting you posted on my thread, Linda. I hope that you have a wonderful holiday season!
52johnsimpson
https://pics.cdn.librarything.com//picsizes/d5/a2/d5a2ada47f63cf66369376c7a674368422f7345_v5.jpg 3x">53Whisper1
Thanks to all for the warm greetings.
February 4th is the date of the surgery to implant an infusion pump into my abdomen with leads to the spine carrying pain medication. This is the soonest that the neurosurgeon is available. I am simply happy that the surgery will occur. I wish it could be sooner, but I'll take the February date.
I appreciate all the good wishes and the lovely images!
I send all good wishes for a wonderful holiday to each and every one!
February 4th is the date of the surgery to implant an infusion pump into my abdomen with leads to the spine carrying pain medication. This is the soonest that the neurosurgeon is available. I am simply happy that the surgery will occur. I wish it could be sooner, but I'll take the February date.
I appreciate all the good wishes and the lovely images!
I send all good wishes for a wonderful holiday to each and every one!
54Whisper1
BOOK #124
Then She Vanishes by Claire Douglas
In 1994, a young girl goes missing. Years later, her sister and mother still mourn, wondering what happened the night the fair came to town and a young man Flora is drawn to, may be the culprit.
Well written, leading me to want to read all other books written by this author.
Highly recommended.
Then She Vanishes by Claire Douglas
In 1994, a young girl goes missing. Years later, her sister and mother still mourn, wondering what happened the night the fair came to town and a young man Flora is drawn to, may be the culprit.
Well written, leading me to want to read all other books written by this author.
Highly recommended.
55Whisper1
BOOK #125
The Heirloom Garden by Viola Shipman
If you like gardening, you might like this book. Iris is of elderly woman whose husband was killed in WWII, and sadly, his body is never recovered. A few years later, her young daughter dies, leaving Iris in extreme grief.
A gardener who cultivates flowers, creating new colors and beauty. The Garden Iris grows is the thread that helps her grief. Still, she builds a large fence around her house so that the outside can stay away.
Iris decides to rent the house that previously belonged to her grandmother, who taught her how to make a garden thrive. A new job brings Abby into the area, and she rents the house from Iris and her child.
When Abby's husband returns from the Iraq war, he is a damaged post traumatic man. Their young daughter, like her mother, tries to understand the man who left home returned a different person.
It is the young daughter who interacts with Iris through a hole in the fence who brings Iris and Abby's family together.
Cozy, lovely and warm is how I describe this book. Each chapter contains a flower and the meaning of it. It was lovely to read how the family embraces Iris as she also helps heal the terrible memories war can bring.
Four stars.
The Heirloom Garden by Viola Shipman
If you like gardening, you might like this book. Iris is of elderly woman whose husband was killed in WWII, and sadly, his body is never recovered. A few years later, her young daughter dies, leaving Iris in extreme grief.
A gardener who cultivates flowers, creating new colors and beauty. The Garden Iris grows is the thread that helps her grief. Still, she builds a large fence around her house so that the outside can stay away.
Iris decides to rent the house that previously belonged to her grandmother, who taught her how to make a garden thrive. A new job brings Abby into the area, and she rents the house from Iris and her child.
When Abby's husband returns from the Iraq war, he is a damaged post traumatic man. Their young daughter, like her mother, tries to understand the man who left home returned a different person.
It is the young daughter who interacts with Iris through a hole in the fence who brings Iris and Abby's family together.
Cozy, lovely and warm is how I describe this book. Each chapter contains a flower and the meaning of it. It was lovely to read how the family embraces Iris as she also helps heal the terrible memories war can bring.
Four stars.
56Whisper1
BOOK #126
The Christmas Story by Gennady Spirin
Gennady Sprin is by far one of my favorite illustrators. This lovely book tells the Christmas story from the King James Bible according to the gospels of Matthew and Luke.
The Christmas Story by Gennady Spirin
Gennady Sprin is by far one of my favorite illustrators. This lovely book tells the Christmas story from the King James Bible according to the gospels of Matthew and Luke.
57Carmenere
>53 Whisper1: Great news, Linda! Hopefully by then the current surge will be over and that's one less thing to worry about. The New Year already appears brighter!
58Whisper1
>57 Carmenere: Thanks Lynda. I think of you this time of year. This is the third Christmas since Will's passing. It is the first Christmas when I am able to listen to the CDS that we shared.
Music was a large part of our relationship. When I am sad, I think of all the happy times and then, I am consumed with thanksgiving for all the wonderful memories.
Music was a large part of our relationship. When I am sad, I think of all the happy times and then, I am consumed with thanksgiving for all the wonderful memories.
59Carmenere
I agree, Linda! Memories sustain me through the tough times. 2nd Christmas without Bill and the first where we're having a little gathering of 8 and keeping some of Bill's traditions alive.
60Chatterbox
Grief is a weirdly horrible and unpredictable thing, isn't it? Hoping that this will be your final surgery, and that you'll be able to live with pain under firm control henceforth...
61msf59
Have a wonderful holiday, Linda. And thanks again for the package. I will open it up tomorrow morning.
62karenmarie
Hi Linda!
64Whisper1
>59 Carmenere: Lynda, It sounds like you are moving forward, a step at a time! I hope your Christmas of eight will be a very special event.
>60 Chatterbox: Hi Suz...nice to hear from you.
>61 msf59: Mark, I am sure your grandson's first Christmas will be a wonderful time!
>62 karenmarie: Hi Karen, I think of you and hope that you are recovering at a pace that is good for you.
>63 cyderry: Hi Cheli....I imagine it will be a special holiday now that Tina is close by.
>60 Chatterbox: Hi Suz...nice to hear from you.
>61 msf59: Mark, I am sure your grandson's first Christmas will be a wonderful time!
>62 karenmarie: Hi Karen, I think of you and hope that you are recovering at a pace that is good for you.
>63 cyderry: Hi Cheli....I imagine it will be a special holiday now that Tina is close by.
65Whisper1
I was excited about receiving a package. I confess, I opened my secret santa gift of books today!
Here is what I received, books overflowing...Thanks to whoever sent these special books to me!!!
Stay of Execution by Michael Gilbert
Perestroika in Paris by Jane Smiley
Hotel Pastis by Peter Mayle
Operation Columba by Gordon Corera
I was like a child who simply could not wait to open my packages.
Here is what I received, books overflowing...Thanks to whoever sent these special books to me!!!
Stay of Execution by Michael Gilbert
Perestroika in Paris by Jane Smiley
Hotel Pastis by Peter Mayle
Operation Columba by Gordon Corera
I was like a child who simply could not wait to open my packages.
69PaulCranswick
Have a lovely holiday, Linda.
70SirThomas
"Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning to dance in the rain."
Zig Ziglar
With you and the group life is like a dance class - thank you.
I wish you and yours all the best in theese days and Merry Christmas!
And best wishes for the time until February - and after!
Zig Ziglar
With you and the group life is like a dance class - thank you.
I wish you and yours all the best in theese days and Merry Christmas!
And best wishes for the time until February - and after!
73Berly
These were our family ornaments this year and, despite COVID, a merry time was had by all. I hope the same is true for your holiday and here's to next year and February 4th!! Hugs my friend.
74jessibud2
I'm late to the game for holiday wishes but I will say an early Happy New Year to you, Linda and I am crossing everything that 2022 is THE year of relief and joy to your life!
75Caroline_McElwee
For some reason I thought you had your pump inserted on the 29th, must be muddling with another friend's procedure Linda. I see from above it is February. I really hope that 2022 is a year that brings you the pain relief you need and deserve.
77streamsong
I stopped in to get news of your surgery - I'm glad that it has been scheduled, but like you and others, wish it had been a bit quicker. May this be the last surgery, and the one that brings an end to your pain!
I'm glad you liked The Book of Lost Names. I read it with one of my book clubs, and although I had a few quibbles, I enjoyed the story.
I recently found this blessing and I hope it speaks to you as it does to me:
"May the peace of God guard you, and the God of peace guide you."
Hugs.
I'm glad you liked The Book of Lost Names. I read it with one of my book clubs, and although I had a few quibbles, I enjoyed the story.
I recently found this blessing and I hope it speaks to you as it does to me:
"May the peace of God guard you, and the God of peace guide you."
Hugs.
78thornton37814
>55 Whisper1: I loved that one when I read it.
79Whisper1
Thanks to all for your holiday wishes.
My daughter and family are here. We've had a good time. I haven't seen them since the out break of Covid.
80alcottacre
I am so happy to hear that your daughter and her family were able to visit this year!
81Whisper1
>75 Caroline_McElwee: Caroline, I am sorry for the confusion. There were two phases before the permanent pump can be installed.
I had to meet for an hour with the hospital physiatrist
I had to have a temporary pump inserted in my spine, wherein each day after the surgery, I had to go to the hospital for them to double the original amount of pain medication.
Because I passed both, I will have the surgery for a permanent pump on February 4th.
I had to meet for an hour with the hospital physiatrist
I had to have a temporary pump inserted in my spine, wherein each day after the surgery, I had to go to the hospital for them to double the original amount of pain medication.
Because I passed both, I will have the surgery for a permanent pump on February 4th.
82Whisper1
BOOK #127
The Twelve Days of Christmas illustrated by Gennady Spirin
Exquisitely beautiful, I read this book over again. Gennady Spirin is one of my favorite illustrators. He is a supremely talented artist. In this book, Spirin uses the well-known Christmas song and tale of the Twelve Days of Christmas. Starting with a partridge in a pear tree, he continues to build and luxuriously add the remaining eleven animals.
I keep all of Gennady Spirin's books because the artistic quality is matchless and incomparable.
The Twelve Days of Christmas illustrated by Gennady Spirin
Exquisitely beautiful, I read this book over again. Gennady Spirin is one of my favorite illustrators. He is a supremely talented artist. In this book, Spirin uses the well-known Christmas song and tale of the Twelve Days of Christmas. Starting with a partridge in a pear tree, he continues to build and luxuriously add the remaining eleven animals.
I keep all of Gennady Spirin's books because the artistic quality is matchless and incomparable.
84Whisper1
>83 Berly: It was a nice time. I haven't seen them in over two years. They left this morning. The house seems very quiet.
I hope you had a wonderful holiday! Is the wedding date set for your daughter?
I hope you had a wonderful holiday! Is the wedding date set for your daughter?
85Berly
Yeah. Sometimes the quiet is awesome and sometimes it is just too quiet.
The wedding is set for September next year! Although my daughter is kinda upset right now because this new Omicron variant has her worried she won't be able to have the wedding she wants. Fingers crossed.
The wedding is set for September next year! Although my daughter is kinda upset right now because this new Omicron variant has her worried she won't be able to have the wedding she wants. Fingers crossed.
86Whisper1
>85 Berly: Today, my quiet is good. Sadly, family left early because I simply could not walk around the usual places we visit. I am happy though that I made it through most of the days they were here.
Regarding the wedding, I understand the concerns regarding Omicron getting in the way of her wedding.
Regarding the wedding, I understand the concerns regarding Omicron getting in the way of her wedding.
87alcottacre
I am glad you were able to enjoy the time with your family, lovey, and glad that they were able to get to come visit.
Are the boys off to college next year? I cannot believe how old all these kids are getting! London reminded me that her oldest is now 14 as is Amber's Charlie.
Are the boys off to college next year? I cannot believe how old all these kids are getting! London reminded me that her oldest is now 14 as is Amber's Charlie.
88quondame
>85 Berly: Good weddings are great to have or attend. Like any family centered activity, the perfection of the wedding depends on the way it accommodates the imperfections of the families involved.
Of course, good marriages are much more important.
Of course, good marriages are much more important.
89Whisper1
>87 alcottacre: The twins are in college. They will be 19 in March! Luke is attending Dayton University where he is studying computer technology with a concentration in stopping computer fraud. He loves history, but alas, thought he would have a greater chance at getting a job with a computer major. He minors in political science, and we had some great conversations about Churchill and World War II, and the Kennedys.
Jack continues to love dancing. He is attending an arts college in North Carolina.
Zoe was born one month after their first birthday She actually went into labor on the day of the twin's birthdays, but told the hospital doctor that she refused to have three babies with the same birthday. Fortunately, she did hold on for another month.
Thanks so much for asking. I hope you had a great holiday Isn't it nice that you no longer have to work on Christmas day?
>86 Whisper1: Susan, your comments are so very true.
Jack continues to love dancing. He is attending an arts college in North Carolina.
Zoe was born one month after their first birthday She actually went into labor on the day of the twin's birthdays, but told the hospital doctor that she refused to have three babies with the same birthday. Fortunately, she did hold on for another month.
Thanks so much for asking. I hope you had a great holiday Isn't it nice that you no longer have to work on Christmas day?
>86 Whisper1: Susan, your comments are so very true.
90johnsimpson
https://pics.cdn.librarything.com//picsizes/5d/02/5d029540654e5a9636b45767a774368422f7345_v5.jpg 3x">91karenmarie
Hi Linda and Happy New Year!
>81 Whisper1: Congrats on passing both phases, and here’s to time passing quickly ‘til February 4th.
>81 Whisper1: Congrats on passing both phases, and here’s to time passing quickly ‘til February 4th.
93PaulCranswick
Forget your stresses and strains
As the old year wanes;
All that now remains
Is to bring you good cheer
With wine, liquor or beer
And wish you a special new year.
Happy New Year, Linda.
