MickyFine Attends the Assembly Rooms in 2021, Third Cotillion

There is no good adaptation of Mansfield Park (prove me wrong) but the 1999 version with Frances O'Connor is the best of the ones I've seen. Do they conflate Fanny with Jane Austen herself in weird ways? Absolutely. Does it make the movie more entertaining? Most Definitely.

I'm Micky, 34 years old, librarian, and generally bookish nerd. I usually have a good mix of reads going on every year with strong doses of romance, sff, historicals, and a dash of non-fiction. My only reading project this year is a re-read of Jane Austen's six major novels - the ultimate comfort reads for me. I'm trying to be a bit more chatty on my own thread and others and in addition to my reading, I'll also discuss what I'm watching, and general life goings on often featuring my husband, Mr. Fine, and our two cats, Ash and Smee. Posters and lurkers alike are welcome.

January
1. Paper and Fire - Rachel Caine
2. Oliver Twist - Charles Dickens
3. Fangs - Sarah Andersen
4. I Want to Be Where the Normal People Are - Rachel Bloom
5. Not Quite the Classics - Colin Mochrie
6. Giant Days Volume 11 - John Allison & Max Sarin
7. Ash and Quill - Rachel Caine
8. Emma - Jane Austen (re-read)
9. Giant Days Volume 12 - John Allison & Max Sarin
10. Read It and Weep - Jenn McKinlay
Favourite(s):


February
11. How Rory Thorne Destroyed the Multiverse - K. Eason (re-read)
12. Giant Days Volume 13 - John Allison & Max Sarin
13. Death by Shakespeare - Kathryn Harkup
14. Lumberjanes Vol. 16 - Shannon Watters & Kat Leyh
15. How the Multiverse Got Its Revenge - K. Eason
16. Little Moments of Love - Catana Chetwynd
17. Ready Player One - Ernest Cline (re-read)
18. Clean: The New Science of Skin - Jame Hamblin
19. Giant Days Vol. 14 - John Allison & Max Sarin
20. Ready Player Two - Ernest Cline
Favourite(s):


March
21. More Than Words Can Say - Karen Witemeyer
22. Snug: A Collection of Comics about Dating Your Best Friend - Catana Chetwynd
23. The Noel Coward BBC Radio Drama Collection - Noel Coward
24. Mansfield Park - Jane Austen (re-read)
25. You Can Only Yell at Me for One Thing at a Time: Rules for Couples - Patricia Maxwell & Roz Chast
26. Redshirts - John Scalzi
27. Savor the Moment - Nora Roberts
28. Once & Future: The King Is Undead - Kieron Gillen & Dan Mora
29. It's in His Kiss - Julia Quinn
30. True Love at the Lonely Hearts Bookshop - Annie Darling
31. Once & Future: Old English - Kieron Gillen & Dan Mora
32. Wishful Drinking - Carrie Fisher
33. An Infamous Army - Georgette Heyer
34. Black Widow: The Finely Woven Thread - Nathan Edmonson & Phil Noto
35. All Systems Red - Martha Wells (re-read)
36. Artificial Condition - Martha Wells (re-read)
37. On the Way to the Wedding - Julia Quinn
Favourite(s):

My rating system:

/ = Ran screaming in the other direction (aka did not finish)
* = Suffered through it for reasons I'm still not sure of
** = Had far more flaws than virtues
*** = A read I don't regret but could use some improvement
**** = A good, solid read that I might revisit
***** = Loved it beyond reason and will probably re-read in short order

Welcome to my new thread! Let's start off with a discussion of film/TV adaptations that you think are better than the book. Top of my list is Stardust. With apologies to Amber, I think the film did a much better job with the story than Gaiman's novel.

Three posts into the new thread and you're already needing to apologize to me. *shakes head* This isn't going well, Micky.

I'll see your need to apologize to me and raise you the need to apologize to a lot more people, likely: The Lord of the Rings movies are *way* better than the books.

Happy new thread!
I could not love The Perfect Storm, but did enjoy the movie

>3 MickyFine: Yup, I loved the movie and found the book stodgy afterwards.

>4 scaifea: I didn't want to watch a bunch of warring elves and such, so never watched any LofTR movies (my son-in-law was a special effects employee, hired from Canada to be on set in NZ, so *that* was exciting).
I long outgrew the Tolkien books (originally loved the Hobbit best and have a first edition hardcover, still); traded in my original paperbacks for credit at our secondhand book shop. Well worth it because of what I bought to replace those novels.

>6 SandyAMcPherson: I liked the books just fine and they must have merit because so very many people love them. I just...really love the movies tons, and they mean that I don't have to wade through setting descriptions, which I'm never very interested in, myself.

Happy new thread!

>1 MickyFine: I really liked the 1983 BBC version with Sylvestra Le Touzel.

>6 SandyAMcPherson: Can't be done. Tolkein is forever.

Happy new thread, Micky.

>6 SandyAMcPherson: Outgrew??! Sandy, please!

Happy newes thread Micky

Happy new thread!

Happy new one, Micky!

I'd agree with Chelle about The Perfect Storm. The book was a bit slow, but I remember the movie being pretty good...

Happy new thread, Micky!

In answer to your question, I have a short list of movies that are better than the book, and The Princess Bride tops it. I also like It's a Wonderful Life better than the short story it was based on (The Greatest Gift by Philip Van Doren Stern). There's a handful of others, but they escape me now. I'm starting to lean with Amber re: the LOTR films, too. I LOVED the books when I first encountered them in high school, but while I am reluctant to go back because I find them almost unreadable now with the antiquated language and all sorts of poems and songs mixed in without a lot of action, I would still rewatch the movies and have both the theatrical and extended editions in my personal collection.

Happy New Thread!

>3 MickyFine: I can mostly get on board with your Stardust thoughts except in ONE regard. And it's something that has driven me to distraction for YEARS. In the book, the villagers are welcome into the field for the fair every year (every something, now I can't remember) but in the movie there is no fair and no one goes into the field. BUT there is still a gap in the wall and a guard??? A guarded gap in a wall is a GATE, which makes sense in the book but doesn't in the movie. I just can't get over it for some reason.

I very much prefer The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy movie over the book. I like The Magicians tv series better than the books, mostly because I LOOOOOVE tv Penny and they do musical episodes.

Happy new thread! Great question to get the discussion rolling.

I'm with >13 bell7: The Princess Bride is a good book, but the movie version is iconic.

I also like The Wizard of Oz movie better than the book, and I like the musical Wicked much better than the book it's based on.

I will grant that the LotR films are as good as the books in their own way, but I am not willing to go further than that.

>15 foggidawn: Oh, Oz - CORRECT. Those books were a real disappointment when I finally read them.

I thought of another contender - Gone with the Wind because at least the movie was shorter!

Happy new one!

>4 scaifea: Here I'll make it up to you:



And I don't blame you on LOTR, the books do drag for sure.

>5 ChelleBearss: Hi Chelle. Oh that's a good one. Hard to beat George Clooney and Mark Wahlberg in their prime.

>6 SandyAMcPherson: I share your fondness for The Hobbit, Sandy, although I've yet to make it through all the films of that one. :P

>8 quondame: Thanks for the Mansfield Park adaptation suggestion, Susan. I'll see if my library has it floating around.

>9 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Paul!

Happy new thread Micky!

I'm not commenting on the book vs film debate except to say I've read some of the books before seeing the films (LOTR suite) and I love the other films - which I watched before realising they were based on books (Princess Bride). So, the thing is, I went out and bought the books though I haven't got around to reading them yet. But now ...

I do admit I loved Stardust the film and the book was quite different to what I was expecting so I'll have to give that another go without preconceptions sometime; some of my favourite parts from the film weren't in the book.

>19 MickyFine: ...what...were we...talking about something...? *fans self*

>10 BBGirl55: Thanks, Bryony.

>11 drneutron: Thanks, Jim.

>12 katiekrug: >17 katiekrug: Thanks, Katie! I'm fond of GwtW but I totally get it dragging for you.

>13 bell7: Oh I do love Princess Bride and while it's been ages since I've read the book, I think I'd probably agree with you, Mary.

>14 leahbird: Hmm, it's been too long since I've read the Hitchhiker's books to say whether I prefer the film on that one but I definitely love the film.

>15 foggidawn: Oh I'm so with you on Wicked, Foggi. Fantastically superior. I keep waiting for the film adaptation of the musical to make its way out of production. And then we can debate whether the film lives up to the stage version. ;)

>18 figsfromthistle: Thanks, Figs!

>21 humouress: Thanks, Nina! I'll be interested to see how you take Stardust on a re-read/rewatch.

>22 scaifea: We were talking about how I'm totally your favourite Canadian. ;)

Happy new thread, Micky! This question is driving me a little nuts because I distinctly remember walking out of a theater sometime in the last few years and thinking, wow, that was better than the book, which I don't do very often. But I can't remember what movie I was thinking about when I saw it. I'll noodle on it for a bit.

>25 curioussquared: Hope you put your finger on it, Natalie. ;)

Responded to all your lovely welcoming posts and then forgot to do my usual morning post. So have a very late one.

What's (been) on the agenda: Shoveling, laundry, and a bit of game playing on my phone this morning before work. Work this morning was mostly OverDrive stuff and dealing with email things. Also ordered some yarn for a few different crochet projects I've got my eye on. This afternoon will be customer suggestions (as ever). Fish, rice, and peas for dinner tonight. Virtual craft circle this evening.

What I'm reading: Down to the last 100ish pages of More Than Words Can Say so I'll hopefully finish it tonight.

What we're watching: There was some Mario Party yesterday afternoon (Mr. Fine's daughter won, as usual) and after dropping off the step-daughter at her mom's, we watched The Emperor's New Groove for our Disney project.

>27 MickyFine: I rewatched The Emperor's New Groove recently with the lens of Kronk as the prototypical himbo and really enjoyed it :D

Happy new thread, Micky!

The first good movie after a book that comes up in my mind is Being There (1979 film) with Peter Sellers, after the book Being There by Jerzi Kosinski. It was long ago that I read the book and saw the movie.

>28 curioussquared: Kronk is definitely my favourite part of the movie. :)

>29 FAMeulstee: Thanks, Anita!

What's on the agenda: Dragging my butt a little this morning as I stayed up past my bedtime last night to finish a book. A bit of laundry folding, reading, and phone game playing before work this morning. My work day will include checking in on our Lucky Day titles, wrapping up customer suggestions, and looking at vendor supplied lists of upcoming titles. Plus I have my bi-weekly solo meeting with my manager. After work Mr. Fine and I are headed to Canadian Tire for some terra cotta pots (planning to grow some herbs inside) and potting soil, plus we'll probably come home with some extras as we do every time we go there. We shifted our meal plan around last night as neither of us felt like cooking so we ordered from the Mac N Cheese place, so not sure if we're still having the planned meal of tortellini tonight. I could eat pasta every night of the week but Mr. Fine might want to change it up.

What I'm reading: Finished More Than Words Can Say last night and Snug: A Collection of Comics About Dating Your Best Friend this morning. Starting my re-read of Mansfield Park on my lunch break.

What we're watching: Couple episodes of Fringe last night. Joshua Jackson got to be cute and flirty for a bit, reminding me of why I had a massive crush on Pacey as a tween.

Book 21



More Than Words Can Say - Karen Witemeyer

In 1894 Texas, Abigail Kemp is at her wits' end when the town council of Honey Grove informs her they're enforcing an antiquated bylaw prohibiting women from owning a business. All Abby wants to do is keep her family's bakery to support herself and her sister in the wake of her father's death. So she comes up with a desperate plan: find a husband who will be able to put his name on the deed and then let her run the business. Top of her list of potential husbands is Zacharias Hamilton, the quiet but handsome lumberyard man who comes in every morning for breakfast. What astounds Abigail is that Zach is actually interested in her and not just the business arrangement she's proposing.

Karen Witemeyer's historical Christian romances are always reliably enjoyable reads for me and this one was extra cozy. I loved that Abigail is a plus-sized heroine that our hero finds physically attractive. Courting after marriage is a fave trope of mine so that was a delight here as well. Recommended for fans of the genre and/or the author.

Rating: ****

Book 21



Snug: A Comics Collection about Dating Your Best Friend - Catana Chetwynd

Catana's second collection of comics about the cute, funny, and cozy moments in her relationship with her boyfriend, John, remain as adorable and relatable as ever. A lot of these were familiar from being posted online but they're a delight to revisit.

Rating: ****

>32 MickyFine: - I'm a fan of that trope, too, Micky. Is it very religious or just "clean" in terms of content and thus gets the Christian label? I'm not very keen on super religious content, but I do like a nice, sweet romance on occasion.

>34 katiekrug: There's pretty regular talking with/about God and the occasional Bible quote so, knowing your preferences, it may not be for you.

>34 katiekrug: I was going to ask the same thing - ha!

>35 MickyFine: Okay, but it is just that the characters are Christian or is the book itself preachy? I'm okay with the one and...not...with the other.

>36 scaifea: I'd say it's the former. Even as a Christian I don't love super preachy books, and this felt more like just demonstrating their faith/relationship with God. Ultimately I'd say if it sounds mildly tempting give it a whirl. You can always abandon it. :)

I"m going to see if one of my libraries has it. If it doesn't work for me, no harm, no foul :)

>38 katiekrug: Excellent. This is one of my favourite features of libraries (although I am a teensy bit biased).

Ha - understood! Unfortunately, neither system I use has it, so we'll never know...

>40 katiekrug: Ah well. Such is life.

>37 MickyFine: Thanks for that! I'm adding it to my list.

>32 MickyFine: I love the cover on that one. It sounds interesting too.

>42 scaifea: Nice!

>43 thornton37814: The contents are about as sweet as the cover. :)

Micky, I thought of you yesterday! I was looking at the library system in the community we're moving to, checking out their catalog and such. I came across their "suggest a title" page which is now officially the "Micky" page in my mind. I have a much better appreciation for the effort required to manage that process, thanks to your explanations here.

>45 lauralkeet: Aww, that's so sweet of you. I hope your new library system is full of good books and wonderful people.

Enjoy your herb planting! I wish I had a nice kitchen window to plant some in, my house lacks windows which I didn't realize when we bought it.

>46 MickyFine: me too, Micky!

>32 MickyFine: That sounds delightful—I’ll add it to my list for the future.

>47 ChelleBearss: Our house has a pretty decent distribution of windows, which is lovely. I'm also lucky that at the end of our kitchen cabinets there are three built in shelves on an angle that will (hopefully) get enough light but also be difficult for the cats to get at. We'll see how it goes. :P

>49 foggidawn: I do think it's one you'll enjoy, Foggi. :)

>34 katiekrug: >36 scaifea: ditto

>47 ChelleBearss: When we bought our house and renovated it, our architect joked that we didn't have any walls because we added or expanded a few windows (though he's right - I don't have many places to put up pictures).

But, it being the tropics, the company that did our curtains assumed we wanted to reduce the light coming into the house so when they hung the curtains, they hooked them together in the centre and used tie-backs to hold them open. So I was a bit shocked to walk into my hitherto bright house and find it rather gloomy; needless to say, I unhooked them as soon as possible and drew the curtains open all the way.

What's on the agenda: Anyone else feel like this week is dragging on and on? My pre-work morning activities today included some tidying, plus phone games and reading. Work will mostly be looking at lists from reviewers and vendors. I've started in on Publisher's Weekly Spring Preview - I'm very late to it but spring in publishing cycles goes to June and sometimes July so I'm doing ok. Got a couple meetings to mix up the day a little. After work will be grocery shopping. Not sure if we'll stick to the meal plan tonight or not so no forecasting on dinner.

What I'm reading: Put a good dent in Mansfield Park yesterday and this morning and have already finished the visit to Rushworth's estate. I'm also getting towards the end of the Noel Coward audio collection I've been listening to as I'm on to the final play and then its just a brief bio and diary extracts.

What we're watching: Arrowverse night on Tuesdays and we watched a few episodes of season 6. I am not a fan of the current plotline but my love for Felicity (and her amazing dresses) will keep me hanging on.

What phone games to you like, if you don't mind me asking?

And agreed about Felicity and her wardrobe. Want.

Hooray for the MP re-read! That one gets better every time I read it...

>53 scaifea: My new addiction is a story based dress-up game (because inside I still love dressing up dolls) but I also play a time management serving game and do a crossword.

And seriously. How cute is this dress?



>54 katiekrug: The copy I'm reading is one I used when I took a course on Austen so it has fun margin notes (I can guarantee they're all insights from my prof) that add to the reading experience too.

Happy New Thread, Micky!

Kudos to you for re-reading Mansfield Park. It's my least favorite of the major novels, but that's an elite group. I did re-read it once, and I may again some day. Like you, I enjoyed the Frances O'Connor movie, and got a kick out of your description of it.

The dress-up game sounds fun! I love a good serving game but haven't got one I'm currently playing, and I do a scrabble-type one, too.

And YES. All of her clothing is amazing. Especially her sweaters!

What's a serving game?

Happy Wednesday, Micky! Happy New Thread. We are enjoying a very nice warm-up. I have been waiting for this.

>56 jnwelch: It's my least favourite of the complete novels but I'm still fond of it. I've lost track of how many times I've re-read it but it's less times than my favourites.

>57 scaifea: It has a ridiculous name but it's pretty fun. You can choose different "books" and then play through all the branches of a choose your own adventure type plot earning outfits along the way. I'm currently doing a 1920s reporter mystery story (there's mafia and murdered women in a mental hospital and missing children, oh my) but there's a few different options, most based around well-known stories including Helen of Troy and Romeo and Juliet. As casual games go, it's decent.

>58 katiekrug: Usually you're a waitress or something similar and you're matching customers with food within a time limit.

>59 msf59: It's warmer here as well and the chickadees outside my window are currently very vocal in their pleasure about it. ;)

>52 MickyFine:
I feel ya! How is it only Wednesday?

Welcome to March the 404th, 2020.

>55 MickyFine: That sounds like my sort of game, well if I played games which I'm kind of allergic to. Also no concentration.
I still dress up dolls - for the last few days I was getting a Girls Day tableau ready.

>4 scaifea: >19 MickyFine: Going all the way back to the beginning to hard disagree. I couldn't suffer through the LoTR movies, but enjoyed the book well enough. But I like both The Hobbit and The Silmarillion better than LoTR.

For my MA I took a class on Tolkien. We started with his academic work and read chronologically, and it was a delightful experience. I honestly wouldn't have read LoTR without the class to make me, but it's still a favorite MA memory.

My own answer: any Stephen King movie is better than the book. I don't enjoy his writing, but his stories are very good fun.

>61 Deedledee: Weekend's creeping closer, Dee. Hang in there.

>62 richardderus: Snort! Yup, another week and a half and we'll reach the one-year mark for my working from home due to the pandemic.

>63 quondame: Sounds like a good time, Susan.

>64 London_StJ: I love how a good class can help you enjoy books you never would have otherwise. As for King, I'm not at all surprised he's your pick. Being a complete scaredy cat, I've neither read nor watched his stuff.

What's on the agenda: Currently working up the willpower to remove the warm cat curled up in my lap and head to my work space for 8. It's a customer suggestion day and then back to Publisher's Weekly spring preview. I think I'm meeting free for the rest of the week so hopefully I'll make good ordering progress. After work I have a holds pick up booked at the library and then I need to pop in to the mall to pick up some clothes I ordered and had shipped to the store because it was cheaper. Chicken souvlaki kebabs, rice, and Greek salad tonight. Yum. 😋

What I'm reading: Not a lot of time spent with Mansfield Park yesterday but have made it to the point where they're starting to rehearse the play (scandal!). Started listening to Present Laughter in the Noel Coward collection this morning and it's delightful as ever.

What we're watching: With grocery shopping after work, we had less leisure time last night so just one episode of Outlander and one of As Time Goes By.

>66 MickyFine: Ooh, Greek! Maybe I'll do Greek takeout for supper. I haven't had it in a while.

>67 foggidawn: I love me a good Greek night. What do you usually go for?

Oh, Present Laughter! I was completely unfamiliar with it, but for my birthday a few years ago, The Wayne got us tickets to see it in the city with Kevin Kline starring. I ADORE Kevin Kline, and the play was absolutely delightful.

Also, mmmmmmm, Greek food.......

The National Theatre recorded a production of Present Laughter with Andrew Scott (who I know best for his role as Moriarty in the Benedict Cumberbatch Sherlock *heart eyes*). I have yet to see it but I'm hoping I'll catch it one of these days.

My yarn order came today with a bonus lollipop (now eaten). Hidden under all that white is another six balls of red. :)

>68 MickyFine: My go-to is pork souvlaki with pita and tzatziki, with either a cheese pie (tyropita) or fries (our Greek place does really nice fries) or both. They also do a hummus trio platter that I've occasionally eaten as a meal, though it's meant as an appetizer. And their falafel is good. They also make a killer baklava cheesecake. Yep, this is all sounding like a really good idea...

>72 foggidawn: Is that kanafeh? I met it at a Lebanese restaurant and take shameless advantage of TJ's frozen version. Pork souvlaki sounds so good just now, maybe I'll order some for myself.

>73 quondame: No, but that sounds absolutely delicious!

>72 foggidawn: Well whichever option you go with, I hope it fulfills all your cravings. :)

If it's got feta and filo, I'm down.

>76 richardderus: An excellent approach. I do love me some spanakopita.

Ooooh, Greek food! YES!

>72 foggidawn: Is that the place we went to for lunch, because that was amazing and now I'm so hungry. Dang.

What's on the agenda: TGIF. This week was LONG, friends. I'm feeling pretty smug today though as I did our taxes this morning before work. Work itself will be requests in OverDrive and then back to lists. After work will be a walk for sure as it's been very early spring-ish here (lots of jokes about first spring circulating because no one is under any delusion that we're completely free of winter yet). Montreal smoked meat sandwiches with veggies for supper tonight.

What I'm reading: Wasn't really in the mood for reading yesterday so didn't make a ton of progress in Mansfield Park.

What we're watching: We finished season 5 of Supernatural last night and watched the first episode of season 6.

>78 scaifea: That's the one! Last night I ended up not getting takeout, but soon. Soon.

>79 MickyFine: It was a long week. I'm working Saturday, which means not much of a weekend for me.

>80 foggidawn: Weekend shifts are no fun. Maybe Greek takeout as a reward after tomorrow's shift? I'm always super grateful that my current job has no weekends or evenings (the Holy Grail in public libraries) because in my previous job, I worked every other Sunday and on those weeks it was a 6-day week. At least in that job my weekends were always two days together and not split weekends.

Long week for me, too. Hope the weekend is a nice, relaxing recovery for you. I usually work every other Sunday (and get Monday off when I do, so it's still a five-day week) during the school year and every third/fourth Saturday over the summer, so I've been totally spoiled by no weekends and the latest evening is 6 instead of 8. It'll be a bit of a shock to the system going back when we fully reopen.

>81 MickyFine: Yeah, I was in a no weekends/evenings position until they eliminated that position and moved me back into a public service role. While it wasn't the reason I loved the job, it was definitely a perk.

>82 bell7: My library is talking about going back to full hours (and no working from home) in April. I'm not excited.

>82 bell7: Most of it should be pretty restful but I've got plans to start spring cleaning on Sunday. I'm going to try doing one room/space a weekend and see if that makes it seem like less of an immense chore. We'll see how it goes - Mr. Fine is going to split the work with me. Thankfully I've got some handy cheat sheets of all the things to do/check I found from Pinterest that should help me remember all the cleaning things that don't happen on a normal cleaning day.

I hear you on the shock to the system. Having to go back to commuting and spending the day at the office will be the shock for me. That's another month or two off though as the lifting of the work from home order from the provincial government (for jobs where that's an option) doesn't happen until Phase 4 and we just entered Phase 2 this week.

>83 foggidawn: Ooof. That's rough, Foggi. How are vaccinations going in your state? Any chance of getting a first shot by then?

>83 foggidawn: Unlikely. It's still ages 65+, and though they've added people with certain jobs or conditions, library workers seem to be much further down the list.

I'm looking at spring cleaning, too, though I may put it off until next month. I keep eyeing the curtains, which are all looking a little dusty.

>85 foggidawn: That's too bad. Up here they've opted for extending the time between first and second shots, so they're now forecasting everyone in my province who wants the vaccine will have a first shot by the end of June. I'll believe it when I see it...

>24 MickyFine: (re >22 scaifea:); Amber has more than one favourite Canadian!
Some of us just lurk more than (ahem) others...

>87 SandyAMcPherson: I am now convinced that I have a long line of Northern-residing friends vying to be my favorite. *preens*

>88 scaifea: Well obvs. You're the best.

What's on the agenda: Working up the willpower to get out of bed. Mr. Fine's already working on breakfast in the kitchen so I'll probably be up soon. Virtual church this morning and our usual walk afterwards. Then there's likely to be some reading and possibly game playing this afternoon. Bbq chicken with potatoes and some other form of veggie for supper. Movie night later.

What I'm reading: Mansfield Park is still on the go. I have to keep reminding myself that going slower through the book is fine as the lexile difficulty is higher than some of the other stuff I read.

What we're watching: Watched the last episode of WandaVision (I was very pleased with how they wrapped it up). After dinner we played The Isle of Cats, which is probably my favourite table top game right now.

>89 MickyFine: *snork!*

>90 MickyFine: Oooh, BBQ chicken sounds good!

Also, I'm hoping to get round to more Austen this year. At some point. I've only read two, which is nuts, really.

>90 MickyFine: I was served BBQ chicken for lunch just now! ...imagine *KOSHER* BBQ chicken...yes, it's as grim as that sounds. Do not slow-cook a chicken that's been koshered. And the sauce, oy!

Baked beans were okay, I must say.

>91 scaifea: Which two have you read, Amber?

>92 richardderus: At least the side was tasty. Mr. Fine is doing the barbecuing and he says it's going to be teriyaki barbecued chicken. I just eat it with a smile.

>93 MickyFine: Pride & Prejudice and Persuasion.

>94 scaifea: Nice! Those two are in my top faves but honestly they're all faves.

>95 MickyFine: Seconding this!

>90 MickyFine: I had to look up lexile difficulty, because I never heard the term before.

That was an interesting rabbit hole... just re-emerged and now I need to think about what do lexile numbers really indicate? What standard is the comparison? Adult books would be especially prone to bias depending on the reference applied to "difficulty", no?
I mean to include, it would be so culturally- and educationally-dependent. Not to mention affected by ethnicity of the reader.

(Not intending to sound argumentative, btw).

>95 MickyFine: >96 lauralkeet: I loved both of those so much and I really want to work through them all. I'll get there eventually.

>90 MickyFine: >97 SandyAMcPherson: I also had to look up Lexile. Interesting. I wonder if Chloe's school will measure that at some point and switch from the letter levels. Chloe is at a level E/F right now in grade one.

>99 ChelleBearss: In my experience with my children, every school had their own system but I don't think any of them used the Lexiles system. I found it useful (as a volunteer librarian) when trying to categorise children's books that I hadn't met before.

>98 scaifea: They'll be ready for you whenever you want them.

Happy to have stirred up so much conversation with Lexiles. :)

What's (been) on the agenda: I was awake early and have basically been on the go most of the day. Did bill sorting, my regular cleaning, plus spring cleaning of the family room/ my work from home space in the basement, and a few loads of laundry. Relaxing on the couch and watching TV is probably all that's on the docket for the rest of the day. Spaghetti for supper tonight. Mr. Fine's sauce is already simmering on the stove and it smells good.

What I'm reading: Still spending time with Mansfield Park.

What we're watching: Movie night was Mr Fine's pick so we finished up the LotR trilogy.

What's on the agenda: I slept so solid last night and woke up this Monday morning feeling pretty darn chipper. Doesn't hurt that Mr. Fine is on a later shift today so I got to sleep until 6 instead of getting up at 5. :P I've got a couple meetings during work today and around those will be dealing with expired content in OverDrive, customer suggestions, and then my usual ordering routine. Quesadillas for supper tonight and virtual craft circle this evening.

What I'm reading: Yup, still reading Mansfield Park.

What we're watching: I was so wiped after the spring cleaning yesterday that I spent most of the late afternoon and evening watching TV so prepare for a list: one episode of Encore! on Disney+, Atlantis: The Lost Empire, a couple episodes of Castle, and a couple episodes of As Time Goes By.

>103 MickyFine: Explain this 'expired content on OverDrive' please? I mean, I assume you don't have to reshelve returned books, right.

I suppose it does mean you can't hold reams of virtual books though. I'm a bit disappointed - I went looking through my three libraries for Chalet School books but none of them had any.

Hi Micky! Glad you're feeling chipper today!

>104 humouress: Hoo boy. You asked for it.

Most of the Big Five publishers (HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster, Macmillan, Penguin Random House, and Hachette sell their ebooks (and in some cases audiobooks) to libraries on a limited license. These limits can be a number of checkouts (HarperCollins titles have 26 checkouts before they expire), a period of time (1 year or 2 years are the most common), or in some cases a whichever comes first (Macmillan's most common license used to be 52 checkouts or 2 years). When titles reach the end of their license, we then have to make a decision about whether to repurchase a title or let it expire and then "weed" it from the collection. What complicates this even further is the pricing models libraries face as well. This library advocacy page (which is Canadian so prices can differ from the US/UK) has some great examples of the higher prices libraries can pay for some titles.

>105 The_Hibernator: Nice to see you, Rachel.

>90 MickyFine: I love Isle of Cats! Once again, I am wishing we lived closer so we could play it together. Also, I did expired content on OverDrive this morning, myself.

>107 foggidawn: Playing Isle of Cats with you would be a ball. I assume you mostly do the solo mode? I haven't tried that version of it but should some night when Mr. Fine isn't up for a board game and I want to play. You'll have to try it with John sometime. :)

>106 MickyFine: I didn't realize that was a thing until I went to borrow an overdrive ebook and it said it was expired and under review. Thankfully my library had a paper copy too

>109 ChelleBearss: Glad you managed to get a library copy, Chelle. :)

What's on the agenda: I've got a department meeting this morning, which are usually on the short side because 25 introverts rarely have much they want to talk about in that setting. The rest of my work day will be going through vendor lists and reviews. I'm trying to get back on the exercise wagon and I'm doing 15 minute-ish HIIT workouts every weekday so I'll squeeze that in somewhere today. Takeout for dinner tonight.

What I'm reading: Today should be the last day of my Mansfield Park re-read. I did wrap up the Noel Coward audio play collection yesterday.

What we're watching: One episode of Fringe and a couple episodes of As Time Goes By last night. The latter included the episode where Lionel proposes. Gives me all the sweet and happy feels.

>111 MickyFine: 15 min HIIT? Is that something you follow on a video?
I need to get back on the exercise wagon as well!

Book 23



The Noel Coward BBC Radio Drama Collection - Noel Coward

Collection includes: Private Lives, Hay Fever, Blithe Spirit, Design for Living, The Vortex, Still Life, and Present Laughter.

BBC Radio plays are always a delight because they often manage to snag big name British actors for some of their productions and this collection includes performances from Helena Bonham Carter, Bill Nighy, and Judi Dench. While some of the physical comedy (particularly for Private Lives, which I've seen on stage and is a riot) is lost in the audio format, the comedy plays remain very funny and the more dramatic outings are full of pathos. An excellent way to sample Coward's work.

Rating: *****

>112 ChelleBearss: No, I've been using plans from High-Intensity Interval Training for Women that I input into an interval timer on my phone. Initially borrowed a copy of the book from the library and then eventually bought my own for reference.

Hi, Micky.

That Noel Coward play collection sounds good. I think we've only seen Private Lives and Blithe Spirit, and I'd be happy to revisit both.

"Lexile difficulty" was new to me, too. Good one to know!

We liked the last episode of Wandavision, too. We'd almost given up after the first two episodes, until people urged us to continue.

>115 jnwelch: Nice to see you, Joe. I'm tempted to watch the film adaptation of Blithe Spirit. The reviews are mediocre at best but the cast is so good that I may not be able to resist.

Glad to hear you enjoyed WandaVision also. Are you going to be following The Falcon and the Winter Soldier when it starts next week?

>113 MickyFine: I think Blithe Spirit is one of the funniest evenings of entertainment ever devised by Humankind.

That is all.

>108 MickyFine: I've played solo mode a few times, and when I first got it I played multi-player, just playing both players, so I could show others how it works. I've played it with Rob once or twice, but it's been quite a while ago. Not sure yet how John feels about board games. I'll have to ask him.

>117 richardderus: I've only ever listened to the play. Have you watched both of the film versions, Richard? Did you prefer one over the other? I do love Dan Stevens and Judi Dench so I'm very tempted to watch the new one.

>118 foggidawn: Fingers crossed he likes them. Or at least is game to play (giggles at own pun).

What's on the agenda: Mr. Fine's home today resting his ankle - he twisted it a bit ages ago and occasionally it gets cranky, especially since his job is almost entirely standing/walking. Meanwhile, I'm still working and am only a little envious of him. I've got my weekly work group meeting but otherwise my day is all mine to review all the lists. Excited for lunch because I get to hang out with Mr. Fine AND we have leftovers from Indian takeout last night. Dinner tonight is quiche.

What I'm reading: Finished Mansfield Park yesterday afternoon plus the very quick comic collection You Can Only Yell at Me for One Thing at a Time. Started Redshirts at bedtime and blitzed through the first third already.

What we're watching: A few episodes of Arrow last night. Everyone is fighting with each other and I just want them to make up. But it was nice to see Season 6 Roy for a couple episodes.

Book 24



Mansfield Park - Jane Austen (re-read)

While this is my least favourite of Austen's novels, it's still an Austen novel and thus a favourite above many others. Fanny's fascinating as a protagonist and I relate to her anxiety so much. Henry and Mary Crawford are the sparkling characters here and one can't help but delight in all the mischief they create at Mansfield Park. This is also a great novel to dig into in an academic setting and I love coming across notes I've made in my edition from when I studied the novel in uni. Enjoyable as ever.

Rating: *****

Mmm, Indian leftovers -- and quiche! I need to make a quiche; I was planning on doing it Thursday or Friday. I might do it tonight, instead, though!

Book 25



You Can Only Yell at Me for One Thing at a Time: Rules for Couples - Patricia Marx & Roz Chast

A collection of comics with funny but often true pieces of advice for couples. Roz Chast's style is familiar from her work for The New Yorker and her couples are of all ages and orientations. A fun quick read.

Rating: ****

>122 foggidawn: Perogies were originally on the meal plan but we had no sausage in the freezer so we swapped it out for the extra quiche that was in the freezer from when I made it a while back.

>120 MickyFine: *whispers to self "do not click on the spoiler...do not click on the spoiler...DO NOT CLICK ON THAT SPOILER*

Hi, Micky.

>116 MickyFine: We just heard about the Falcon and the Winter Soldier coming next week, in eight episodes. Yup, we're in. The Falcon is now Captain America, and he and Bucky are now buddies? At least, that's the way it was described to us.

>125 scaifea: Did you resist the temptation?

>126 jnwelch: We're big superhero fans in this house so we watch all things Marvel and DC (Mr. Fine is a HUGE DC fan so some of those are his pick and I could take or leave them).

>119 MickyFine: I've seen three versions of the film, but prefer strongly the Rex Harrison-Kay Hammond one. Margaret Rutherford as Mme Arcati?! Go fight that casting's perfection.

...though Dame Judi is a very, very close second...I want to see that version, too!

>123 MickyFine: Oh my heck! "YOU'RE SNORING" of course I am it means I'm breathing use the goddam earplugs

please, for the love of all that's unholy, PLEASE don't use my toothbrush I got you three kinds to choose from just pick one "WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE IT'S NOT LIKE WE DON'T KISS"

>128 richardderus: The one I heartily endorse is queen size bed, king size blanket. It's been a lifesaver for us since I'm a blanket hog. :P

Looks like you've been reading some good books, Micky! One of these days... weeks... months... I should reread Austen as well. Mansfield Park is probably my least favorite too, though admittedly the first time I read it I was mostly curious to find out about Mrs. Norris' (the Harry Potter cat) namesake.

Hi Micky! Catching up with you. I agree that there is not a perfect adaptation of Mansfield Park, but I haven't found one of Persuasion that I love either. I just reread (re-listened to) Northanger Abbey which just gets funnier each time I read it.

Greek food... that's our food:) We used to do a huge Greek Easter party but we discovered that no one says no to Greek food and one year we had 60+ people come. We've scaled back or just not done one since then, though I would like to revive it now that kids are grown and spring is not as crazy (saying this hoping fervently that springs are less crazy). But this is not the year for giant parties, alas.

Lexile levels. Ugh, I have thoughts. Strong thoughts. They're helpful up to a point - like, why is Mansfield Park taking me longer to get through than other books helpful, but as with many things book-related, they're far from perfect, and when used to label or restrict children, they can be harmful or nonsensical. The placement of a single comma or word "and" can affect the lexile level by a lot. Twilight has a (much) lower lexile level than many picture books, Diary of a Wimpy Kid is significantly higher at 9th grade level than Steinbeck or Hemingway, whose books clock in at 3rd and 4th grade lexile levels.

>127 MickyFine: Well, so far, yes, but now you've reminded me that it's there again...Gah.

>130 bell7: Too many books, too little time, Mary. I did have a giggle at you reading Mansfield Park to learn more about Mrs. Norris. I was a latecomer to HP so I just got to appreciate the reference. :)

>131 AMQS: Northanger Abbey is so great, Anne. I'm glad you enjoyed your revisit. As for Lexile levels, I don't think I know a librarian or teacher who works with kids who doesn't have complicated feelings about reading levels. I definitely only take them at the level of "why is this book taking me so long to read."

>132 scaifea:

What's on the agenda: Definitely having one of those "why isn't it Friday yet?" Thursdays. No meetings at work today (woohoo!) so I can just do ordering all day. Customer suggestions first, and then back to lists and things. I'll also be keeping an eye on my personal email all day as I've started the ball rolling on getting estimates for having our shingles replaced. I've got a holds pickup appointment booked for after work and I'm excited that next week they'll be open for browse and go services again. Frozen pizza and salad for dinner tonight.

What I'm reading: I've got less than 50 pages left in Redshirts and was super tempted to stay up past my bedtime last night to wrap it up but I was good. I'll likely finish that during my breaks today so then I'll be on to Savor the Moment.

What we're watching: Got a few episodes of Outlander in last night and I'm starting to mentally prepare myself for next week as we'll be down to the last two episodes of season one and they pack in all the emotional punches.

Morning, Micky!

Were you the one who mentioned Chaotic Good as something Charlie and I might like? I can't remember. Anyway, if so, I did something that a rarely do - I immediately ordered it and I'm going to start reading it today! (If not, well then, nevermind. Ha!)

Also, I *need* to read Redshirts at some point.

>135 scaifea: That was me! I hope you love it!

What's on the agenda: Catching up on email first thing today as I ended up taking the afternoon off sick from work yesterday due to a nasty headache. Then customer requests made in OverDrive and back to lists. Still not sure whether Mr. Fine's daughter is spending this weekend with us or not so may be picking her up after work today. Turkey meatloaf for dinner tonight.

What I'm reading: Finished Redshirts yesterday and started Savor the Moment.

What we're watching: Supernatural Thursday here and we're on to season 6. Last night included the episode with Sam and Dean caring for a baby, which was pretty cute.

Book 26



Redshirts - John Scalzi

Ensign Andy Dahl is thrilled when his first assignment in the Universal Union is to the flagship Intrepid. But when he arrives there, it quickly becomes obvious that something is deeply wrong on the ship. As Dahl and his small circle of friends try to figure out what's going they'll uncover a theory about the ship that is beyond any of their imagining.

Redshirts is one of those books that's been on my radar for ages and that I knew I'd like whenever I got around to it. And I was not wrong as I loved this book. Growing up in the Star Trek fandom, this book is practically perfect for me. The humour is constant, the science fiction content is solid, and the characters are all wonderful. Highly recommended.

Rating: *****

What's on the agenda: Currently lazing in bed and playing on my phone. Soon breakfast and then virtual church. Afterwards our usual walk. The afternoon might include some table games plus my usual reading and crochet time. Chicken pesto pasta for dinner tonight. Afterwards it'll be movie night and it's my turn to pick, although I haven't decided what it will be. Probably something shorter since there's time change tonight. *blech*

What I'm reading: Savor the Moment is still on the go and is contributing towards a craving for cake.

What we're watching: Played a few rounds of MarioKart (we each won once and then both lost miserably when we decided to try 200CC). Afterwards we spent some time plotting our anniversary vacation in September. We've now got timelines figured out so I'll start looking at booking places next week.

>123 MickyFine: Oops! I feel guilty just looking at that cover.

>130 bell7: *coin drop*

>131 AMQS: Maybe this is the year to start again - but limit numbers (perfect excuse). ;0)

>139 MickyFine: I don't mind losing to Tomm or Charlie (although it's a rare thing *ahem*), but I get so angry when I lose to one of the game players, especially that hag Peach. Gah. I swear she cheats, the little tart.

>140 humouress: Snort. That's ok, Nina. I broke some of the rules in the collection too. ;)

>141 scaifea: LOL! You sound like Mr. Fine. He's always shouting at the NPCs who get in his way or keep attacking him (and to be honest I do it too, although usually with less swearing). Last night it was mostly Bowser and Koopa Troopa who were on the receiving end of his comments.

Happy Saturday, Micky. I hope you are enjoying your lazy day. I think Redshirts is the only Scalzi I have read. I did remember liking it, though.

>143 msf59: Thanks, Mark. It was lovely. I enjoyed Redshirts so much I'll definitely be reading more Scalzi in the future.

What's on the agenda: Cleaning and bills day around here. In addition to my usual cleaning, I'll also be spring cleaning my library, so lots of dusting ahead. When I do bills I'll also be taking a closer look at the quotes we've received so far for having our shingles replaced. Plus I'll be booking hotels/AirBnB for our anniversary trip in September. If this week is like last week, after all the cleaning I'll be pretty wiped so might just be lounging on the couch for the rest of the day once all the chores are done. Hamburgers for supper tonight.

What I'm reading: Savor the Moment is still on the go and I'll hopefully wrap it up today.

What we're watching: My pick for the movie last night was The Italian Job with Mark Wahlberg and then we followed it with some episodes of As Time Goes By.

What's on the agenda: So far I haven't felt time change too much, although I couldn't get to sleep until 11 last night and was up at 5 this morning so I'll probably be dragging my butt later. The 5 a.m. wake up ended up being not needed too as Mr. Fine isn't feeling well (probably an inner ear thing as he's dizzy but has no temperature) and called in sick. Ah well, it gave me time to do bill things that I didn't get to yesterday due to cleaning and sorting in my library. Work today will be customer suggestions and then my regular list perusal. Depending on whether Mr. Fine is up to eating tonight, the meal plan is trying a coconut curry sauce we found at Costco, probably with chicken. Virtual craft circle tonight.

What I'm reading: Finished Savor the Moment before bed last night. Going to crack open Once & Future: The King Is Undead today which was a Library Journal BB from review reading last year. Since it's a graphic novel, I'll probably then start on It's in His Kiss.

What we're watching: I snuck in an episode of Kim Possible while Mr. Fine was cooking then we watched Lilo & Stitch for the Disney project and ended the evening with an episode of Castle.

Sorry to see Mr Fine is feeling sick. Hope you both have a relaxing day!

Book 27



Savor the Moment - Nora Roberts

Laurel McBane has always been in love with Del Brown, an inconvenient truth as he's the older brother of one of her best friends and business partners. While she sees him constantly as he does the legal advising for the wedding planning business, a friendly spat turns into something far more intense when she impulsively kisses him. Now Laurel and Del must figure out if their romance is a brief fling or something more.

Third in the series, Laurel's romance with Del is sweet with pretty low stakes conflict. As Laurel is a wedding cake baker, there's plenty of descriptions of cakes and several other desserts so if you're suggestible and have a sweet tooth, make sure you have some treats on hand. The writing in this one was a bit rockier than what I'm used to in a Nora Roberts novel - mostly just dialogue with unclear speakers and transitions in perspective not being marked clearly. Also naming one character Mac and another Mal is just mean. That said the final chapters involve a trip to a beach house that are written super well and dang do I want to go on vacation now.

Rating: ***

>147 ChelleBearss: Bright side to working from home is that I can check on him frequently. At the moment lying still is all he's game for so he's doing that and listening to an audiobook.

>146 MickyFine: What are you working on for your virtual craft circle? Any particularly fun projects?

>150 London_StJ: I'm crocheting a corner-to-corner throw blanket for our living room. The end is in sight for it and once it's done, I promise I'll share a picture. :)

What's on the agenda: Had to resist the temptation to roll over and go back to sleep at 5 this morning since Mr. Fine is back in good form and at work. After dropping him off at the bus I did a little puttering and then played games on my phone while listening to the newest episode of Witch, Please. This week's episode on pedagogy includes adapting the D&D character alignments to discuss Hogwarts staff teaching styles and it's delightful. Work will include adding new titles to our Lucky Day collection in OverDrive, my one-on-one meeting with my manager, and then back to regular ordering. After work I need to do meal planning with Mr. Fine before grocery shopping tomorrow. Take out for dinner tonight.

What I'm reading: Finished Once & Future: The King Is Undead yesterday afternoon (review soon) and started the seventh Bridgerton novel, It's in His Kiss last night, which has so much banter and I'm loving it.

What we're watching: I had Hamilton on in the background while cooking (I know it so well I can start and stop it easily) and then an episode each of Fringe and Carmen Sandiego.

Book 28



Once & Future: The King Is Undead - Kieron Gillen & Dan Mora

When a group of Nationalists find a magical scabbard and use it to raise a monster from Arthurian legend, badass granny Bridgette McGuire pulls her naive grandson Duncan, into helping her confront a horde straight out of myth that threaten existence as we know it.

The first volume of a graphic novel series that plays with Arthurian legend and it is SO much fun. Bridgette is an excellent kickass Gran who knows her way around the beasts and monsters of legend and brings Duncan along for the ride. The art is gorgeously detailed and adeptly brings to life both our lead characters with great expression as well as creating some excellent action panels as our characters fight off various creatures. Highly recommended.

Rating: ****

It's in His Kiss is next up for me in my re-read of the series. I vaguely remember not loving the last two, but I recall almost nothing about either, so I'm going in fresh and with an open mind :)

>153 MickyFine: That sounds terrific! What a wonderful retelling of the myth.

Happy THE AVALANCHE! THE AVALANCHE! Day, Mme Librarian.

>153 MickyFine: Ooh, I'm intrigued...

>154 katiekrug: I only read the first three chapters but there's a lot of quipping. And lots of Lady Danbury who I adore.

>155 richardderus: Thanks, Richard!

>156 curioussquared: It's definitely one of those books that I want to shove at everyone who even vaguely likes Arthurian legend. I immediately passed it on to Mr. Fine to read after I finished. :)

Hi, Micky.

Good review of Redshirts up there. I was impressed by your evasive moves with spoilers. :-) My son and I finally got my non-sci-fi reading (although she loves sci-fi movies and tv) wife to read it, and she loved it.

With how many books Nora Roberts writes and publishes in a year (including under her J.D. Robb pseudonym), I'm amazed she doesn't stumble a bit more often in her writing. I never see anything written about it, but she's got to be rivaling J.K. Rowling by now in the amount of fortune she's amassed. She's got bestseller after bestseller.

>153 MickyFine:, >156 curioussquared:, >157 MickyFine: I gave that one 4 stars too. It's really good!

>151 MickyFine: I can't wait to see!

>158 jnwelch: Thanks, Joe. I think at least half the fun of Redshirts is discovering things along with the characters so I worked pretty hard to make sure my summary didn't reveal anything. And it's true that Nora Roberts churns them out. Although not as many as James Patterson who releases SO MANY books every year I sigh every time I see one show up on the non-fiction side.

>159 drneutron: Oh I'm glad to see that, Jim. I definitely think it needs to find more eyeballs. I also checked out volume 2 in hoopla right after finishing volume 1. :)

>160 London_StJ: Aww, thanks.

Hi Micky, thanks for dropping by over on my thread. I'm reading a lot less this year, kind of hit a wall or something.
>138 MickyFine: Redshirts looks pretty amazing but I'm swamped at the moment with PL holds so I'm avoiding new title requests.

I'm with you on that staying on Standard Time.
The criteria for time zones seem so arbitrary (and we do not need this artificial time change regimen). In our part of the province, the time is skewed relative to the position of the sun because at noon, at some point in the year, it should be directly overhead. That hardly happens and I've never discovered the relative position of time zones makes sense. We probably need more zones, except that doesn't cater to the business community.

We bought blackout blinds for the summer sun thing, only to discover that they impede all the fresh air circulation with open windows. Hate running the AC when the evening air can serve the purpose!

>162 SandyAMcPherson: Nice to see you, Sandy. Reading lulls happen to all of us. The books are patient though and will be there for you whenever you're ready for them again. Like Redshirts, for example. ;)

I use a sleeping mask during the summer so that it's artificially dark. Especially important on the weeks Mr. Fine is on early shift and we go to bed at 9 and it doesn't get dark until after 10.

What's on the agenda: So. Tired. And I started work at 8 only to realize I've got our bi-monthly organization-wide meeting from 3-4:30 today. Sigh. So I'll be doing regular ordering around that and my weekly work group meeting. The plan was to do grocery shopping right after I finished work but I think it's being bumped until after supper since that extra half hour is going to throw everything off. Soup and sandwiches for dinner tonight.

What I'm reading: Really thoroughly enjoying It's In His Kiss, which has given me plenty of giggles.

What we're watching: A few episodes of Arrow last night. I think we've only got two episodes left in season 6 and I'm ready to wrap it up. This season's Big Bad has been underwhelming.

>163 MickyFine: I finally installed blackout curtains in our bedroom last summer and omg, it changed my life. I was never particular about closing the curtains or blinds growing up so I didn't think I needed them, but I guess I'm old now and require darkness to sleep well :) What finally prompted it was Tim cutting back a big laurel bush next to our bedroom windows that turned out to have been conveniently blocking the moonlight; I ordered the curtains after waking up in the night several times with a moonbeam directly on my face, lol.

>164 MickyFine: Sorry you're so tired!! Ugh, I hate late meetings. I typically start work around 9 and wrap up between 4:30-5:30, sometimes 6, depending on how much I procrastinate during the day and what actually needs to get done, but even though I generally work until 5 or past it I still am annoyed when people schedule meetings between 4 and 5. And if you're scheduling meetings after 5... you'd better have a very good reason or be working with someone in India or something.

>164 MickyFine: I loathed surprise meetings when I was in that world, whether only just called or only just recalled. Work's rhythms were part of the way I survived that inimical environment.

>165 curioussquared: I had blackout curtains for most of my life. In our house that we bought last year, I haven't needed them as the windows in our bedroom are quite small, don't get a ton of direct sunlight, and have pretty decent blinds. But the sleeping mask is a must even with blackout curtains. And I'm totally with you on late meetings. I hate working past 4 and blame it on all those years of school where getting out past 3:30 felt too long. I'm also a morning person and more productive then so working beyond 4 just feels like a drag.

>166 richardderus: I hear you, Richard. I hate when my schedule gets disrupted. I love my patterns.

I've been meaning to read Redshirts for years. It's not happening this year, but I made sure it's on my TBR list, instead of just rattling around in my head.

>168 foggidawn: That was my issue too, Foggi. It's been rattling around in my brain as a want to read but I hadn't added it to The List until my new penpal mentioned it as her favourite Scalzi so I decided to give it a whirl.

Hi, Micky! Sorry about the late-scheduled meeting and sleep challenges. I love that daylight savings time gives me more light after work (I'm one of those people that if it's dark out, I'm drained, and if it's cloudy I'm tired), but I don't love the adjustment period. Soup and sandwiches sounds like an excellent dinner.

>170 bell7: Nice to see you, Mary. Glad DST works for you. I think part of the challenge is I'm further north so in the summer it's light for much longer stretches (on summer solstice we have 17 hours of light) so it's just generally harder since I don't sleep as well if it's not dark.

What's on the agenda: I did a bit of laundry folding this morning before work and otherwise was pretty lazy. Work will include customer suggestions checking and then diving back into regular ordering. Popping into my local library after work to pick up a hold and do a bit of browsing since they're now open to the public again (at 15% of fire capacity). Chucker out for supper tonight - it's a Dutch meal of fried eggs, open-faced roast beef sandwiches with lettuce and tomato (and mayo for people who like it - I am not one of them), and a dill pickle.

What I'm reading: Finished It's in His Kiss last night and got a couple chapters into True Love at the Lonely Hearts Bookshop this morning.

What we're watching: We finished season one of Outlander last night. I had given Mr. Fine a head's up of what was coming in the last two episodes but it's still hard to watch. Sam Heughan seriously knocks it out of the park though.

>172 MickyFine: Interesting dinner plan. I have never heard of that one!

Nate and I need to get back to Outlander, I think we got halfway through the second season. We are not good with hour long shows, and tend to watch more 30 minute comedies. We just finished Schitt's Creek, and of course I cried even though I'd already watched it all once before! Nate is heartless and did not shed a tear, and mildly mocked me for my tears lol

Book 29



It's in His Kiss - Julia Quinn

Hyacinth Bridgerton has never been one to hold her tongue. She knows who she is and she's not afraid to speak her mind, much like her dear friend Lady Danbury. However the one man who seems to throw off her ability to always have the perfect bon mot is Lady Danbury's grandson, Gareth St. Clair. When he and Hyacinth team up to translate his Italian paternal grandmother's diary they'll discover not only that there's a potential cache of treasure in Gareth's family home but that there may just be something even more precious developing between Gareth and Hyacinth.

This seventh entry in the Bridgerton series brings the banter and I am here for it. The quips fly thick and fast as Hyacinth, Gareth, and Lady Danbury are all wonderfully witty and I was delighted. A really sweet entry in the series with an entertaining subplot involving the diary, I was pleasantly surprised with this one as I'd anticipated that Quinn might have run out of steam with the Bridgertons. I'm very happy to be wrong.

Rating: ****

>173 ChelleBearss: My paternal grandfather is Dutch and when my parents got married he gave my Mom a cookbook with Dutch recipes. It included the recipe for Chucker out (based on some googling this is a literal translation of uitsmijter) and it's been a regular part of the meal rotation in our family, particularly in the summer as it doesn't heat up the kitchen much.

>174 MickyFine: - You've made me excited to get to this one! I'm planning it for April.

>176 katiekrug: Hopefully I haven't talked it up too much. I suddenly jumped up the holds queue at my local library for both this one and On the Way to Wedding and had them both show up for me in Libby last week. Given the long holds lists for the whole series after the TV show, I'm trying to read them as quickly as possible and then return them so the holds queue shrinks faster. Perils of knowing all the headaches that happen for library staff when a title's demand suddenly blows up.

What's on the agenda: So happy it's Friday. Work today will be the weekly review of customer suggestions in OverDrive then back to regular ordering. After work I'll be picking up Mr. Fine's daughter who's staying with us this weekend. Thanks to Amber I've been craving carrot cake for over a week now so on our latest grocery trip I picked up the few things that weren't already in the fridge/pantry to make it. Might tackle that today but more likely it'll happen on Sunday. Supper tonight is the chicken taco kit from Costco.

What I'm reading: Didn't do a ton of reading yesterday but True Love at the Lonely Hearts Bookshop is shaping up to be a just-right book for me.

What we're watching: A few episodes of Supernatural last night. Finally figured out Season 6 what's wrong with Sam after he let Dean turn into a vampire.

Yesterday's trip to library involved a bigger haul than I'd planned. I'd gone in knowing I wasn't allowed to browse the book stacks as I've currently got plenty on the nightstand and on my phone at the moment. I was just planning to pick up my hold (an issue of Quill & Quire that I'll skim through for work) and snag a movie (Easter Parade was on the shelf). But then I followed Mr. Fine while he went to browse the comics/graphic novels and came out with a handful: Unbeatable Squirrel Girl, Valkyrie: Jane Foster, and Black Widow. Dangerous place libraries... ;)

>178 MickyFine: OOooooHHH, Soulless Sam is such one of my favorite versions of Sam!

>180 scaifea: He's pretty sassy, which I always enjoy.

>181 MickyFine: YES! And I do love a bad boy, so...

>179 MickyFine: Easter Parade! What a lovely movie. Hope it's a big hit with your other audience members, too.

Stay away from them crack-house-on-steroids book-hoarding places. The pushers are downright vicious in their enabling ways.

>182 scaifea: Ah yes. I recall your love for Spike.

>183 richardderus: I was in the mood for a big old Hollywood musical and it hit the bill perfectly. Might even manage to line it up so it's seasonally appropriate.

It's too late for me on the other front, I'm one of the pushers. ;)

>184 MickyFine: Oh dear...yes, that whole librarian thing isn't immunity from temptation to sample one's own wares is it.

And US libraries just got BILLIONS more to lure the COVID-addled into their iniquitous clutches...I fear for the Republic, I do, They will create so many more helpless addicts with this sudden bolus of funding!

>178 MickyFine: OMG, soulless Sam is hilarious, and I love it!

And I hear you, I'm far enough south the latest the sun ever sets (WITH daylight savings time) is 8:30, so it's always dark when I go to bed now. This was not true when I was a kid, though, and I remember the pain.

>185 richardderus: Being a librarian might be even more dangerous. Especially one in my job where I look at new and upcoming books All. Day. Long. I'd heard about the new funding in the US and I'm so pleased about it.

>186 bell7: Yup, every time I travel someplace further south I'm baffled by the earlier sunsets. Especially Hawaii where it feels like summer but instead of long, lingering sunsets, you can literally watch the sun drop out of the sky.

What's on the agenda: Currently playing around on my phone while trapped under a cat. ;) I did end up making carrot cake with cream cheese icing yesterday (all from scratch *smug domestic goddess smile*) so I might sneak in a piece with breakfast this morning as I've yet to eat any. Virtual church this morning and depending on the weather a walk afterwards. I'm hoping to get in some reading and crochet time today and with Mr. Fine's daughter here there's likely to be some MarioKart or Party too. Mr. Fine's making lasagna for dinner tonight with garlic bread and salad. His pick for movie night tonight.

What I'm reading: True Love at the Lonely Hearts Bookshop is a perfect fit for me and I'm savoring it.

What we're watching: First episode of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier under our belts last night. Mr. Fine really liked it while I'm more on the fence so far.

The Falcon's costume is really spiffy, and Mackie looks great in it. I like Bucky, too, he's cute.

Visiting Peru many years ago, I was *astonished* by the daydaydaydaynight "sunsets" they had. Conversely, the "why is the sun shining at eleven?"-ness of England was...weird...too.

Enjoy your family time this weekend and that home cooked meal by Mr Fine. Lasagna would be well above Nate's cooking level, but he does a good BBQ :)

Woot for carrot cake!

I suspect we'll start the Winter Soldier show soon, too, although I'm not super excited about it. I do like Bucky, though.

Also, lasagna sounds amazing.

>189 richardderus: They're definitely nice to look at and I'm interested enough to see where the show goes. Just not an insta-love like WandaVision was for me.

>190 ChelleBearss: Mr. Fine does the majority of the cooking in our house and is better than I am (although I'm much better at baking). I cook every once in a while when schedules require and to keep my skills in form but he enjoys it and I'm happy to let him be in charge.

>191 scaifea: Cake and lasagna were both super tasty. I'll probably be having more of both for lunch today. :P

What's on the agenda: Didn't do my update yesterday but trust me you didn't miss much. Mostly just cleaning with a brief break to drive by a couple houses to figure out which shingle colour we want for our roof. Today's work will probably mostly be just dealing with customer suggestions. I'll be done at noon as I've got the afternoon off for a doctor's appointment to check on my left ear. I'd called last week as there's something odd going on with the ear drum but it's not painful so probably not an ear infection (I say as a non-professional) but as my doctor was off for a few days the earliest I could get in was today. Dinner tonight is perogies, turkey sausage, and veggies. Virtual craft circle this evening as well.

What I'm reading: Saturday I finished both True Love at the Lonely Hearts Bookshop and Once & Future: Old English. Yesterday I gave My Fair Latte a try but the title was the best thing about it - the writing was pretty mediocre and I abandoned it after 20 pages (at only 236 pages I felt like a full Nancy Pearl 50 pages was too much). Before bed last night I got in the first two chapters of An Infamous Army, which is as excellent as one might expect from Georgette Heyer.

What we're watching: Saturday night was Ocean's Eleven as Mr. Fine wants to rewatch the whole trilogy. Last night we did a couple episodes of Castle and Treasure Planet for the Disney project.

Book 30



True Love at the Lonely Hearts Bookshop - Annie Darling

Verity Love is a textbook introvert living in a world full of extroverts who seem convinced that what she really needs in her life is a man. Verity, however, has sworn off romance unless it appears between a book cover (particularly her favourite book, Pride and Prejudice) and is content as the manager of her friend's romance novel specialty bookshop with her small circle of friends and her very loud cat, Strumpet. To keep her friends at bay, she's created a fictional boyfriend but when a confluence of events occur she meets Johnny who is intrigued by the whole fake partner idea and suggests he and Verity be each other's dates for a slew of events they have that summer. Will fake romance turn into something more?

A Cinderella's slipper of a novel that fit me perfectly. I could thoroughly relate to Verity's introvert ways, I loved the constant nods to P&P that were cute but not too much, and fake dating is one of my favourite romance tropes. Plus adorable cat. Highly recommended.

Rating: ****

Book 31



Once & Future: Old English - Kieron Gillen & Dan Mora

In this second volume, Duncan is starting to find his way as a fighter of monsters from myth and legend but he still hasn't forgiven his Gran for keeping him in the dark so long. At the same time, Merlin is manipulating Arthur for his own ends and bringing other legendary characters into the fray.

The action here remains top notch and the arc this volume with Beowulf is a lot of fun. I do wish that there were a bit more character development going on with our leads in between all the monster fighting though.

Rating: ***

>194 MickyFine: - I'm pretty sure I have that one on my Kindle, along with the first in the series. Did you read the first? Does it matter if they are read in order (other than the obvious principle of the thing!)?

Hi, Micky! Adding True Love at the Lonely Hearts Bookshop to the list.
It sounds lovely. Hope your appointment goes well this afternoon!

>196 katiekrug: I did read the first one first but I don't think it really matters if you read them in the order. It's pretty typical for a romance series in that you will get the mild spoiler of the happy ending of the previous novel and you'll miss the set up of a few of the characters but it won't break your ability to enjoy this one.

>197 aktakukac: Yay! Thanks, Rachel.

>194 MickyFine: Oh, this one sounds so cute! Adding the series to the list :)

>199 curioussquared: Nice!

Hey, my sister-in-law is looking for a good clean romance. (It doesn't have to be inspirational fic, though it can be.) Can you think of anything good? I haven't been reading much along those lines lately, for some reason... ;-)

Greetings! Hoping the ear thing is simply solved.

>201 foggidawn: My go to inspirational romance authors are Karen Witemeyer and Denise Hunter. I just read and really enjoyed More Than Words Can Say by the former. Ayesha at Last is a modern P&P retelling set in a Muslim community in Toronto. Continuing the Jane Austen retelling theme, Jane of Austin is also pretty sweet. If memory serves How to Find Love in a Bookshop and The Little Shop of Happy Ever After are both gentle romances from the UK. Apparently British romances involving bookshops are a fave subgenre of mine...

>202 richardderus: Appears to have been just a buildup of wax, thankfully. Doc gave it a thorough cleansing and it appears to be back to normal but the real test will be when I sleep tonight as the weirdness was cropping up mostly when I was lying down.

>203 MickyFine: Earwax! That stuff holds the secret to curing cancer, I'm sure, it's so durable, plentiful, and adhesive.

>203 MickyFine: Thanks, I passed the recommendations along (and also put them on my list for the time when I can read at my own discretion again).

>203 MickyFine: Glad the ear was nothing similar - hope you get a good night sleep!

>204 richardderus: Well apparently they can use earwax to measure your stress levels so who knows what else it might be good for. ;)

>205 foggidawn: Happy to share the BBs.

>206 BekkaJo: Thanks, Bekka. All appears to be back normal. Slept the whole night without my ear feeling super plugged. Woohoo!

What's on the agenda: Work is pretty same old, same old. I've got my weekly work group meeting and the rest of the day is mine to do ordering although I've also got to prep for being a guest on the library podcast, which is being recorded tomorrow. Get to spend an hour-ish discussing Bridgerton. :D Stepped on the scale yesterday and didn't like the number so I'm getting serious about being (and staying) a little more active - working from home has made my already pretty sedentary life even more so as I don't have to walk as far to do anything. So half hour walks every day and HIIT workouts every weekday. Plus being a little better about eating fruits and veggies and only having one dessert a day. Take out for dinner tonight and I'm considering either Press'd or Chopped Leaf.

What I'm reading: Managed a couple more chapters in An Infamous Army, which is fun so far. I also checked out Wishful Drinking as an audiobook to listen to while I do my walks and so far Carrie Fisher has been a very funny companion for my perambulations.

What we're watching: Managed two episodes of Fringe last night around craft circle. And on the craft front, I finished crocheting my blanket last night (not counting the border that I'm contemplating) so now I have TONS of ends to weave in because there was a lot of colour work on this one.

>208 MickyFine: She was hilarious, wasn't she! Carrie left far far too soon for my liking. I'd've loved for her to be another Betty White!

>209 richardderus: She was definitely a tremendous loss.

What's on the agenda: I was an excellent grown-up and did my half hour of walking before work this morning. Work will mostly be ordering but I get to record a podcast episode this afternoon. I'm head chef for supper tonight as quiche is on the menu.

What I'm reading: An Infamous Army is going swimmingly, even if slowly, and I'm over halfway through Wishful Drinking on audio.

What we're watching: We wrapped up season 6 of Arrow and dove back into season 4 of Flash, post-Crossover. Mr. Fine and I were laughing a bit because we went from Arrow Oliver's trial for being the Green Arrow and ultimately going to prison at the end of the season to Flash with Barry also going to trial (for murder) and going to jail mid-season. Although him being put in the same cell his Dad had hit me right in the feels.

>208 MickyFine: oooh, I'm working on a blanket like that now. I love the stripes but all those ends... hope the weaving in goes well and you end up with an end-product you love. Do we get to see pictures?

>194 MickyFine: That one sounds cute! I'm super picky about romances, but I tend to enjoy the bookshop and Jane Austen-adjacent ones, so combining those sounds about perfect.

>212 bell7: My blanket is corner-to-corner crochet with words worked in a seperate colour from the main blanket so there was a TON of colour switching and now many, many ends to weave in. When they're done and I've made a call on the border, I'll definitely share a picture.

Bookshop romances (much like ones set in libraries) are one of my downfalls and I've read many. This one definitely suited me better than some others. :)

What's on the agenda: Work today includes one vendor presentation, a meeting with a co-worker to discuss a project I'm helping her out with, and then ordering as per usual. Doing my bi-annual check to make sure our Shakespeare titles haven't disappeared from the collection completely. After work I'll be picking up holds from the library and might also pop into Michaels and Staples for a couple little things. Montreal smoked meat sandwiches and some veggies on the side for dinner.

What I'm reading: Finished Wishful Drinking yesterday between my walking and meal prep time yesterday. An Infamous Army continues and I'm enjoying it although I hit one of those chapters that lists tons of people, which was a bit dry.

What we're watching: We started season 2 of Outlander last night and after two episodes watched one episode of As Time Goes By to end our viewing on a lighter note. Nearing the end of season 4 of that show.

Book 32



Wishful Drinking - Carrie Fisher

Carrie Fisher's memoir turns her one woman show into book format and as an audiobook was an utter delight. Whether she's recounting the entangled love lives of her daughter's and her daughter's boyfriend's grandparents to determine whether they're related, sharing tales from her struggles with substance abuse and bipolar disorder, or talking about how George Lucas owns her likeness, there's plenty to laugh about. A lovely way to spend a few hours with a brilliant personality we lost too soon.

Rating: ****

What's on the agenda: Went for a walk before work this morning and feeling very happy it's Friday. Work will be requests in OverDrive, continuing my check of all things Shakespeare, and maybe some more general ordering. Plus we've got a meeting with a vendor and our department is having a fun virtual meeting. After work there will probably a detour to grocery store to get a couple things to make it through the weekend. Chicken stir fry for supper tonight.

What I'm reading: I've finally reached the Battle of Waterloo in An Infamous Army so it's about to kick off. Also enjoying All Systems Red on audio.

What we're watching: A few episodes of Supernatural last night, including the one that riffed on the X-Files. :D

Yes, Friday! Finally!

Ooh Murderbot! Enjoy.

>194 MickyFine: Bang.

>218 AMQS: Murderbot is technically a re-read although it's my first time trying it as an audio. Also happy to hand out another BB for that book. Hope you enjoy it, Anne.

What's on the agenda: I was awake pretty early but have been lounging around in bed for a few hours so it kind of balances out. Going to squeeze in a shower while Mr. Fine preps breakfast. Afterwards will be virtual church probably followed by our usual long walk. I want to get a few hours of reading in today too so I can wrap up my current book. My pick for movie night tonight but I'm not sure what I'll go for yet.

What I'm reading: Only three chapters left in An Infamous Army and I cannot wait for the Battle of Waterloo to end so that we can get back to the character stuff I care about. Audiobook time today is unlikely.

What we're watching: Last night was the new episode of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, which still hasn't knocked my socks off yet. Followed it with a couple episodes of As Time Goes By and that hit the spot for me much better.

What's (been) on the agenda: Woke up and started a load of laundry first thing since there's a lot to get through today and then lazed in bed a bit longer. Mr. Fine ordered Timmies for breakfast and since then it's been regular cleaning and our ongoing spring cleaning (today's the living room). Currently paused for lunch and then I'm down to the last two tasks of washing windows and mopping the floor in that room. Afterwards it'll be month end bill sorting and probably some gift ordering (my brother and his oldest daughter both have birthdays in April). Plus I got herb seeds from my niece's school fundraiser and I want to get those into pots. Once that's done I can collapse on the couch for the rest of the day. Mr. Fine's planning to grill burgers tonight on the barbecue although we're supposed to get some crazy spring storm later this afternoon so we'll see if that happens.

What I'm reading: Finished An Infamous Army yesterday as well as Black Widow: The Finely Woven Thread. This morning while cleaning I wrapped up All Systems Red on audio and immediately moved on to Artificial Condition. Bedtime reading I'll start On the Way to the Wedding.

What we're watching: I was in the mood for something girly last night and pulled out Letters to Juliet. It's pretty paint by numbers rom com but Italy is gorgeous and Vanessa Redgrave is brilliant.

>221 MickyFine: Letters to Juliet piqued my attention when it came out, but I never got around to watching it. I'll have to give it a go when I'm feeling in a girly mood.

>222 foggidawn: I saw it in theatres way back when it came out and have a fond spot for it. I've also read a memoir from a guy who worked for a while as one of the secretaries of Juliet, which was pretty interesting but the title eludes me at the moment.

What's on the agenda: It's an up at 5 a.m. week as Mr. Fine's on early shift and I'm dragging today. Despite being completely worn out by doing all the things yesterday, I woke up at 3 this morning and it took over an hour to get back to sleep. Did manage to go for a walk, fold laundry, and shower before work this morning. Today I'm meeting free so after I get customer suggestions out of the way, I'll hopefully focus on ordering for the rest of the day. I need to pop over to the mall to pick up books I ordered as gifts and had shipped to store at some point this week and might make myself do it today. Tortellini and salad for dinner and Mr. Fine was making noises about possibly baking the tortellini. Yum! Virtual craft circle for me this evening.

What I'm reading: Managed a few chapters in On the Way to the Wedding last night before I conked out. Artificial Condition is on the go on audio and just as good the second time.

What we're watching: Brother Bear for our Disney project and then an episode each of Castle and As Time Goes By.

Book 33



An Infamous Army - Georgette Heyer

Colonel Charles Audley is immediately charmed by the merry widow Lady Barbara Childe when he meets her in Brussels at a ball. They quickly become engaged despite Barbara's wild and scandalous nature. However, the Battle of Waterloo is looming and it threatens to destroy the world as everyone knows it.

Georgette Heyer brings her pen to bear on the Battle of Waterloo with a nod to Thackeray's Vanity Fair. The novel is well written but the highly detailed chapters devoted to the battle were not for this reader. I pick up Heyer for the charm and the romance and this novel strays decidedly into military historical fiction territory. I stuck it out to see what happened for Bab and Charles but wouldn't recommend this novel unless you're really into endless lists of regiments and battalions.

Rating: ***

Book 34



Black Widow: The Finely Woven Thread - Nathan Edmondson & Phil Noto

When Natasha Romanova isn't working with the Avengers or serving as an agent of SHIELD she's taking contracts to earn funds to make amends for the many wrongs she's done in her past. When one of her contracts crosses over into SHIELD's territory she must try to discover who is behind massive attacks intended to kill single targets.

Not a bad first volume with Black Widow as the central character. I'm interested in this as a character study, the artwork is gorgeous, and the plot has enough of a mystery that I'll pick up the next volume.

Rating: ***

Book 35



All Systems Red - Martha Wells (re-read)

Revisiting the Murderbot series in advance of the release of the newest book due out at the end of April. This was my first time trying it on audio and it did take me a bit to adjust to having a male narrator. While Murderbot has no gender, I'd always read it as a female voice in my head so getting used to a male voice took a bit. Kevin R. Free is an excellent narrator though and does a great job of creating a voice for each of the characters that's distinct and easily identifiable. A fun way to re-read.

Rating: *****

>225 MickyFine: I am the right reader for Ma Heyer's mil-fic so it was a delight to me; but absent an interest in battles, I can see this would be pretty darn tedious.

>227 MickyFine: Hm...a revisit might be fun...I've got all of April to do it, after all, and Publishing has stopped producing new books....

Restful early sleep whammys winging northwestward.

>228 richardderus: I'm glad someone enjoys the military novels. Are there any other Heyers with that bent I should just skip?

Publishing has stopped producing new books *snort* I buy books only if I think I will revisit them so I'm ok skipping something shiny and new in favour of something I know will be enjoyable.

And thanks for the sleep well wishes. One of the factors is my shoulder tension has gotten pretty bad, which is an extra pain since I often fall asleep on my side. Had missed the announcement that a doctor's note was no longer required for a massage therapist visit (during an earlier phase of lockdown they implemented that rule) so had been holding off. Appointment booked for next week and I can't wait.

>227 MickyFine: Interesting you say that, 'cause I had a female voice in my head too. (I basically kept imagining Murderbot as Jennifer Lawrence, honestly...) I'll have to see if I can get the audio through my library's Overdrive.

Edited to add - Sweet, it's available and I borrowed it :D I know what I'm listening to before I fall asleep this week.

>230 bell7: JLaw would be an excellent Murderbot, Mary. Hope the audiobook made perfect pre-bedtime listening.

What's on the agenda: Blissfully solid night's sleep last night. Pulled out the earplugs and my sleeping mask and although I woke up briefly for some water was able to drop right back to sleep. Doesn't hurt that I washed my pillows yesterday and fluffed them back up which took some pressure off my shoulders. Got a walk in before work and then had a nice cuppa and played games on my phone. I've got three meetings today (sigh) so we'll see what ordering work I can squeeze in. Adding new content to our Lucky Day collection is first priority. After work I'm going to pick up that book order that I didn't get to yesterday. Take out for supper tonight.

What I'm reading: I'm about a third of the way through On the Way to the Wedding and I finished listening to Artificial Condition this morning.

What we're watching: Managed to get in two episodes of Fringe before craft circle last night. Both included gross out elements and I can't remember if this tapers off as the show goes on.

Book 36



Artificial Condition - Martha Wells

Continuing my re-read of the Murderbot series. It continues to be an interesting experience trying these as audiobooks as how I "heard" voices in my own head don't always match choices made by the narrator. This time around, the flat almost mechanical-ish voice for ART was totally opposite from how I'd read it. However, I remain impressed by Kevin R. Free's ability to create distinct voices for each character and to even reflect patterns of speech that make it obvious there are characters of colour without resorting to stereotypes.

Rating: *****

>233 MickyFine: I literally just finished my Murderbot reread last night and you're making me want to immediately restart the series on audio :) I'll have to go back to audio for my next readthrough!

>234 curioussquared: Isn't it fun to discover books as an adult that you could turn right back around and read again immediately?

I'm enjoying the audiobook experience and I'll definitely be completing my re-read in the medium but I don't know if I'd listen to them more than once. Kevin R. Free is great but so far I prefer how Murderbot sounds in my head. Fun to hear another interpretation though - and also to get pronunciations of some of those trickier names.

Man, I really do have to check out the Murderbot series!

>236 Berly: It's a lot of fun, Kim. Probably my favourite reading discovery of last year.

What's on the agenda: Normal routine for the first part of the morning including my walk and playing games on my phone. Work has a usual weekly meeting and then my regular ordering. I am going to be a wee bit distracted today though as the roofers are here replacing our shingles. Grateful I work in the basement so the noise isn't quite so distracted but the cats are Not Pleased with all the banging. Depending on when the roofers wrap up we might do our planned grocery shopping when I finish work today. If they're not done, it can wait another day without problem just means we'll have to deal with the pre-long weekend lines. :| If we go grocery shopping tonight it'll be turkey BLTs for dinner, if not it'll be frozen pizza and salad.

What I'm reading: On the Way to the Wedding is ticking along and I'm now in the section of the plot where I just want to binge through to the end. Started Rogue Protocol on audio this morning during my walk.

What we're watching: Few episodes of Flash last night, which continues to be my favourite show in the Arrowverse. Cisco's shirts alone make it a delight.

Oooh, turkey BLTs sound pretty darn good.

I'll pick up our groceries tomorrow and I'm wondering just how much stuff will be unavailable because of the Easter weekend. Gah.

>239 scaifea: We ended up doing the frozen pizza and then going grocery shopping so no turkey BLTs here yet. :(

>240 MickyFine: I'm actually all for frozen pizza, too. It doesn't take much to please me, honestly.

Add me to the list of frozen pizza fans. I think that's what we're having tomorrow night for Frozen Friday, which I stole from Amber :)

>242 katiekrug: WOOT for Frozen Fridays!!

>243 scaifea: - It's just so dang easy, and we get back from the gym after 7:00 and it's the end of the week and we don't wanna cook. Plus it's movie night, so we can start the movie while whatever is in the oven... Genius, woman!

>244 katiekrug: Yes! Plus, it's just Start of the Weekend Vibes, right?

Book 37



On the Way to the Wedding - Julia Quinn

Gregory Bridgerton definitely believes in love. How could he not when he's seen all seven of his siblings make brilliant love matches? So when he attends a house party hosted by his eldest brother and sister-in-law and is struck dumb by the beauty of Hermione Watts, he knows it must be love. The only problem is Hermione doesn't feel the same at all and is honestly bored by the whole thing as men seem to fall in love with her on a daily basis. Gregory's only support is Hermione's best friend, Lady Lucinda Abernathy, who thinks Gregory would be a good fit for Hermione. But as Gregory and Lucy spend time together plotting, they discover it might not be Hermione who is Gregory's perfect match.

Approached just as another entry in the Bridgerton series, this is a perfectly charming romance novel but don't expect it to be an epic wrap up of this eight-book saga. Gregory and Lucy's romance is decidedly higher drama than any other entry in the series but our two leads are just as sweet and endearing as any other Bridgerton couple. There's plenty of the humour and banter that I so enjoy but this novel won't be making my list of favourites in the series.

Rating: ****

>240 MickyFine: >241 scaifea: We go for the mini frozen pizzas from Costco. That way Mr. Fine can have his meaty pizza and I can have mine pork-free and everyone's happy. Plus they're pretty dang tasty.

>245 scaifea: - Yes! Always nice to start the weekend with a treat.

>246 MickyFine: - So what were your favorites in the series?

>247 MickyFine: Oooh, I haven't tried Costco's mini pizzas! Charlie likes just cheese and I like Supremes, so we should try it your way.

>248 katiekrug: Exactly.

Dang it, now I'm hungry for pizza.

March Summary




)

Numbers in parentheses are for year to date. Note pages read/hours listened for abandoned books are included in totals.

Books read: 17 (37)
Books abandoned: 1 (3)

Fiction: 14 (30)
Non-fiction: 3 (7)

Adult: 16 (29)
YA: 1 (8)
Children's: 0 (0)

Library: 14 (26)
Mine: 3 (11)
Borrowed elsewhere: 0 (0)

Re-reads: 2 (5)

Female authors: 12 (23)
Male authors: 5 (14)
Non-binary authors: 0 (0)

Pages: 3,901 (9,337)
Hours: 19 hours, 45 minutes (1 day, 0 hours, 5 minutes 4 hours, 20 minutes)

Average rating: 4

Average time to read book: 3.43 days

Favourite book(s): Favourite re-read was All Systems Red (yay Murderbot!). Favourite new read was Redshirts, which was both clever sci fi and very funny for this long time Star Trek fan.

>248 katiekrug: Hmm, The Duke and I, Romancing Mister Bridgerton, and It's in His Kiss, I think.

>250 foggidawn: You're welcome? :P

And that's a wrap for this thread, friends. Why not join me for the fourth dance?

>192 MickyFine: Question about WandaVision: So now Vision is alive again, at the end of the series?

>236 Berly: Absolutely, you have to.

>254 humouress: WandaVision A version of Vision, yes.

>255 MickyFine: Ooh.

;0)