Weejane's 2nd Thread for 2013

Ceci est la suite du sujet Weejane's Re-Re-Attempt at 75.

Discussions75 Books Challenge for 2013

Rejoignez LibraryThing pour poster.

Weejane's 2nd Thread for 2013

Ce sujet est actuellement indiqué comme "en sommeil"—le dernier message date de plus de 90 jours. Vous pouvez le réveiller en postant une réponse.

1weejane
Modifié : Déc 28, 2013, 8:31 am

Hello Friends! I know I am not on here that much, but things seem to be slowing down slightly because of summer which is fast approaching!



Here's a picture of Hank after his first haircut!

Will is doing well too and I will post a picture of him soon.

Reading Plan for 2013: I decided to make a list of all the books in the house that I want to read, so I will be attempting to take from that list as much as possible. The list also includes all e-books owned as of 12/31/2012. All of the aforementioned books will be referred to as BOTS (Books Off The Shelf). (And yes, I realize I am a year late in doing this. . .) My other plan is work my way through a biography of every president, excluding those already read. I am currently up to James Monroe.

Here are the books I've read so far this year - not many, but with several chunksters, I'm thinking quality over quantity. ;)

January:
1. I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You by Ally Carter (BOTS/e-book)
2. Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy by Ally Carter (BOTS)
3. Don't Judge a Girl by Her Cover by Ally Carter (BOTS/e-book)
4. Only the Good Spy Young by Ally Carter (BOTS/e-book)
5. Out of Sight, Out of Time by Ally Carter (BOTS/e-book)
6. James Madison by Richard Brookhiser (audio)
7. Heist Society by Ally Carter (BOTS/e-book)
8. Uncommon Criminals by Ally Carter (BOTS/e-book)
9. The Racketeer by John Grisham (Library)

February:
10. The Muse: A Novel of Romance and Discovery by Suzie Carr (kindle)
11. My Beloved World by the Honorable Sonia Sotomayor (audio - Rita Moreno narrating)

March:
12. A Feast for Crows by George R. R. Martin (BOTS/e-book)
13. Priceless: How I Went Undercover to Rescue the World's Stolen Treasures by Robert K. Wittman (audio)

April:
14. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolien (audio)
15. A Dance with Dragons by George R. R. Martin (kindle)

May:
16. Perfect Scoundrels by Ally Carter (kindle)
17. Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World by Jack Weatherford (audio)

June:
18. The Secret History of the Mongol Queens by Jack Weatherford (audio)
19. I Shall Not Hate by Izzeldin Abuelaish (kindle)
20. Revolutionary Summer by Joe Ellis

July:
21. Little Lord Fauntleroy by Frances Hodgson Burnett
22. Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow (audio)
23. On Stranger Tides by Tim Powers (audio)
24. METAtropolis by John Scalzi (audio)

August:
25. The Raphael Affair by Iain Pears (audio)
26. James Monroe: The Quest for National Identity by Harry Ammon (library)
27. A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan (audio)
28. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J. K. Rowling (Kindle-library)
29. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J. K. Rowling (BOTS)

September:
30. John Quincy Adams by Harlow Giles Unger (audio)
31. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J. K. Rowling
32. Andrew Jackson by Robert Remini

October:
33. William Shakespeare's Star Wars by Ian Doescher
34. Kenobi by John Jackson Miller (e-book)

November:
35. Heir to the Empire by Timothy Zahn (audio)
36. The House of Hades by Rick Riordan
37. Martin van Buren by Ted Widmer
38. William Henry Harrison by Gail Collins
39. United We Spy by Ally Carter (e-book)
40. Dark Force Rising by Timothy Zahn (audio)

December:
41. Octopussy and The Living Daylights by Ian Fleming (e-book)
42. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum, performed by Anne Hathaway (audio)
43. John Tyler: The Accidental President by Edward Crapol
44. The Last Command by Timothy Zahn (audio)

2weejane
Mai 15, 2013, 3:36 pm

Starting off this new thread with Book 17!

Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World by Jack Weatherford (audio).

I first heard about this book about 2 years ago when another woman at Westtown had read the book. It is a fascinating book and really brought a different perspective to world history. The book as a whole was great and engaging. In fact, most of the time listening to it I was running. The only trouble I had was with the never-ending end. The epilogue was fine, but the afterword really rambled. I would highly recommend this book, but think you could stop at the epilogue and just skim the afterword.

Now I need a new audio-book. . . hmmm. . . . guess I'll go consult my list.

I'm currently reading I Shall Not Hate by Izzeldin Abuelaish. It is excellent so far!

Softball is officially over! I have my afternoons back! And with my afternoon, I'm off to build Whitney her Ikea furniture!

3mckait
Mai 15, 2013, 6:10 pm

Love that photo :)

Yep, there are some chunksters in your book list for sure ...

I am currently reading Sookie Stackhouse, book @-3 or something. Fun books, and I am enjoying them.
Worked all day today... but off tomorrow, hooray!

Still sending energy your way... often..
Give those boys a hug from aunt katie :) and know that I am sending one to you, too!

4DorsVenabili
Mai 17, 2013, 3:41 pm

#1 - Awe! Adorable! I hope everyone's doing well, Brit. Take care.

5Cobscook
Mai 17, 2013, 5:07 pm

Totally adorable picture!

You have been reading some large books. The Ghengis Khan book sounds intriguing. I read a historical fiction book about his childhood a few years ago by Conn Iggulden which was excellent. I think it was part of a series...I really ought to look that up....LOL

6weejane
Mai 18, 2013, 7:28 am

Kath - Believe me I'm feeling that energy and those hugs! :)

Kerri - Thanks! Things are going pretty well. It's getting harder as May 30th approaches. Whit's anxiety is coming back, but she is handling it very well. I'm trying to stay strong, but the thought of them shaving Hank's little head is really hard.

Cobscook - The Genghis Khan was very good and highly readable (or listenable?). Anyway, I'm actually listening to another book by the same author about the Mongol queens. I'll let you know how I like it.

Ok, off for an easy 3 mile run before I start the rest of day!

7Ape
Mai 18, 2013, 8:02 am

Hello, Brit! *Hugs and smooches* Sorry I haven't been around much, I've missed you! :)

8weejane
Mai 25, 2013, 8:24 am

Stephen! I've missed you too! I haven't been around much either, so please don't feel bad!

9weejane
Mai 25, 2013, 8:28 am

Ok. So, I think I am going to restart my blog if I can find the time. I just really enjoyed writing it and I think if I can schedule time at least once-a-week to do it, I can keep up with it.

So today we are taking the boys to get their pictures taken. It's a little boutique photography studio and I'm excited.

Right now, Will is in the other room watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Hank is eating some dried fruit (all the blueberries went first!).

School is almost over, I think there are 3 weeks left. Phew!

On the reading front, I am still working on I Shall Not Hate. It's good, I'm just avoiding it because I think it will be too sad. Which is dumb. I just need to suck it up and read it.

I'm also still listening to the The Secret History of the Mongol Queens which is the second book by Weatherford. He wrote it after the Genghis Khan book. It is ok. I'm listening to it at every opportunity because I just want to be done with it. The title makes it sound a lot more interesting than it actually is. It would have made a good article, but as a book it really drags. . . .

10mckait
Mai 25, 2013, 9:04 am

I love to watch babies eat :) they concentrate all of their attention on the activity, and always end up looking so cute .
I hope you will share your favorite photo with us?

Still sending energy for next week.. Do let us know when you can, that it is over and all is well. And it WILL be. Still stinks to have to go through it, but all will be well. (((((Brit))))))

11LovingLit
Mai 27, 2013, 9:09 pm

Hi Brit- what a gorgeous wee Hank picture (Im sure he should be younger than that!!?!)

Lenny only had his first haircut a month or so ago ;)

12scaifea
Mai 30, 2013, 7:07 am

Thinking of you and Whit and Hank and Will today. All sorts of strong, healthy thoughts coming your way.

13mckait
Mai 30, 2013, 8:06 am

From here, too. Healing energy and hugs....

14weejane
Juin 6, 2013, 10:40 pm

Megan - He is quite the pro at hair growing! They shaved his head for the surgery and he already has a good little buzz-cut growing back!

Amber & Kath - THANK YOU!!!

***

So I realize I may have left many of you on pins and needles by failing to timely update LT. Hank came out of the surgery spectacularly! They had to shave his head, but he is not phased by that at all. A week after his surgery he is back to himself! Smiling, giggling and very happy!

15weejane
Juin 6, 2013, 10:46 pm

Book 18. The Secret History of the Mongol Queens by Jack Weatherford

This book was a dud. I was seriously disappointed, it sounded so promising and there was one part near the beginning that I thought I had some promise. I was wrong. The idea was interesting. Perhaps it would have made an interesting article, but trying to stretch what limited materials it appeared Weatherford had on the "Mongol Queens" into a book was . . . .um . . . challenging. I would not recommend this book to anyone.

Still working through I Shall Not Hate and began listening to Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow. I also purchased Joe Ellis' new book, Revolutionary Summer. I'm such a sucker for him. I'm sure the fact that he was my thesis advisor for undergrad has nothing to do with it. . . ;)

16mckait
Juin 7, 2013, 6:37 am

So glad to hear that little Henry is well and happy....
It looks like things went well and that he is done with all of this... whew!
So, time to relax and just enjoy life :)

17scaifea
Juin 7, 2013, 6:58 am

Oh, I'm so happy that everything went well and that Hank is a happy little man again already! Adding my "Whew!" to Kath's...

I thought of you the other day as Tomm was excitedly describing the newest Assassin's Creed, which comes out this fall, I think? Pirates! Sounds awesome.

18TinaV95
Juin 9, 2013, 1:08 am

Britt, I am so sorry for my absence from your threads. I just can't keep up these days and I usually start at the top of the list because the higher number of unread posts freaks me out a bit.

Anyway, that's a lousy excuse, but I'll be praying for Hank now that I know; just now I'll be praying for full healing and recovery! How are you hanging in??

19weejane
Juin 9, 2013, 1:46 pm

Kath - Indeed it is time to relax a bit! Graduation was yesterday and the dorms are now vacant! It seems this summer will quieter than other because the word is that we will not be hosting too many camps this year.

Amber - Yes - Pirates!! So much awesomeness! Now, if only I could find time to finish the last AC!

Tina - Please don't apologize! I haven't been much as much as I would have liked recently either. So don't feel bad - it's just glad to see you, as it were! We are doing well! In fact, as I sit here, Hank took his first real forward crawls!!! Yay!! Except, that spells the end . . . .

****

Book 19. I Shall Not Hate by Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish

I originally put this book on my list because of a recommendation from an LTer (unfortunately I can't remember who). I finally got around to reading it. It was extremely poignant and some parts were difficult to get through. I have always been more on the Palestinian side of the argument than the Israeli and this book was such a painful, but beautiful glimpse into the everyday lives of normal Palestinians. It is such a difficult situation over there. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in a more personal, rather than political, and hopeful, rather than cynical book on the topic.

Chernow's biography on Hamilton is so engaging, I just constantly want to listen to it. I also anticipate that I will be picking up Revolutionary Summer this week. How I love the American Revolution!

20Cobscook
Juin 11, 2013, 1:44 pm

So glad to hear that Hank came through his surgery just fine! Best wishes for a speedy full recovery and patience to you to get through the crawling period! LOL

I guess I will skip the Mongol Queens book...thanks for taking one for the team!

21weejane
Juin 12, 2013, 7:21 am


Cobscook - Always happy to help fellow reader eliminate useless books from their lists! :)

Not much going on here. I have a couple new blog posts for those interested.

I am getting back on track with my half-marathon training and that is coming slowly.

In reading news, I am currently in American Revolutionary War heaven!! Between Chernow's biography and Ellis' new book I could spend all day listening/reading about the Revolution. It is sheer bliss!!!

22mckait
Juin 13, 2013, 7:38 am

It sounds like a good time for you...finally! I hope you enjoy every minute of the goodness, and that it continues....far into the future :)

23AMQS
Juin 16, 2013, 12:14 am

So glad to hear about Henry's successful surgery. What an adorable photo up top!

24weejane
Juin 24, 2013, 11:12 am


Book #20: Revolutionary Summer by Joe Ellis

Joe has done it again. This was a phenomal book on the summer of 1776. While David McCullough wrote an excellent about the entire patriotic year, Joe only focuses on the summer. Additionally, he does an excellent job of weaving the political debates in the Continental Congress with the military maneuverings of Washingtong's Army. The lens of the book is that the summer (which is liberally defined) of 1776 was the pivotal moment for American Independence. While, of course, one immediately thinks of the Declaration of Indepedence, Joe also focuses on the overarching strategic decisions made by Washington and the Howe brothers. Joe is concise, as always, so the book is little more than 150 pages and incredibly readable. (Yes, I have a soft-spot for my undergrad thesis advisor). I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in this crucial period of American history.

25weejane
Juin 24, 2013, 11:20 am


Kath - Yes! Lots of relaxation happening right now! We are down at Lewes Beach in Delaware. And there is an *excellent* used bookstore that I think the wife and I will hit up. I hope you are getting some downtime as well!

Anne - Thank you! I'm hoping to put a more recent picture of him (and his buzz-cut) up once we get home from the beach.

****

Well, as I mentioned we are on vacation and it is very nice! Although it is a bit too hot for my liking, Henry is cooperating by napping at convenient times so I can stay in the nice quiet and cool house and read! Will is having a fabulous time with his cousins and Whitney is getting some good beach time.

Will is still growing like a weed. My wonderful MIL bought him some Keens and they are a size 1!!! He turns 4 next week, but still a 1!!!

Anyway, I'm off to figure out what book I should read next! (I'm still listening to Chernow's Alexander Hamilton, my 7 mile run yesterday certainly helped me get through a chunk!)

26London_StJ
Juin 28, 2013, 8:28 am

Holy cow! Big guy! I'm glad to hear you're enjoying your vacation, and that all seems well this summer.

27PaulCranswick
Juin 30, 2013, 10:34 am

"growing like a weed" - what a lovely expression Brit. Have a lovely weekend, all of you.

28weejane
Juil 6, 2013, 7:52 am

Hello Friends!

Luxx - He is HUGE!! Yesterday was his birthday and today is the party.

Paul - So good to see you! I'm sorry I can't seem to keep up with your theads - but I will do my best to track one down soon.

****

Book #21. Little Lord Fauntleroy by Frances Hodgson Burnett

I read this book on the recommendation of Amber (scaifea) and I loved it! It was absolutely charming! Growing up my Nana read me The Little Princess which I adored and my Mom read me The Secret Garden which I also adored so I was not too surprised that I enjoyed this book so much. It had many of the same elements as both of those books - low income child suddenly comes into money; child warms the heart of cranky old person; England countryside. I would highly recommend this book to anyone. I cannot wait to read it aloud to my boys!

29weejane
Juil 10, 2013, 6:54 pm


I'm also done with my A. Ham. biography which is excellent. So I will need to figure out what to listen to. I will need something sufficiently interesting for my runs . . . hmm. . .

I started reading James Monroe: Quest for National Identity by Harry Ammon. I'm reading this as part of my Presidential biographies challenge. This is quite a tome, but I chose it because my other option did not get very good reviews and the third line of the introduction made me want to gag.

The boys are doing very well. Will is now 4 (and still a giant). He gave up his binky and I'm proud of him for persevering through his withdrawals. Hank is 1 and is constantly on the move! Time a for a new pic me thinks!

30weejane
Juil 10, 2013, 6:57 pm


Hank

31weejane
Modifié : Juil 10, 2013, 6:59 pm



Will (standing next to his 9 year old cousin)

32scaifea
Juil 10, 2013, 7:03 pm

Couple things:

1) Hank's chubby little legs are *so* adorable - I want to scoop him up and squeeze him!

2) Is (the equally adorable, scoopable & squeezable) Will drinking his cone with a straw? How does that work? Is he willing to give tutorials?

33weejane
Juil 10, 2013, 8:20 pm

1. Hank is also a grade-A snugger!

2. Yes, yes he is. He insisted on having a straw because his cousins had Blizzards and were drinking them with a straw. I'm sure he would love to give you a tutorial - he is very sociable!

34scaifea
Juil 10, 2013, 9:14 pm

The thought of getting a snuggle from Hank and a lesson in ice cream consumption from Will just made my day.

35DorsVenabili
Juil 12, 2013, 9:07 am

Hi Brit! I hope you're doing well and getting some relaxation time this summer, if at all possible.

#30 and #31 - Adorable!!

36London_StJ
Juil 12, 2013, 9:21 am

34 - That sounds like a great afternoon - count me in.

37scaifea
Juil 12, 2013, 9:24 am

Luxx: Get in line, lady!

38London_StJ
Juil 12, 2013, 9:30 am

Didn't your mother teach you to share? There's plenty of love to go around!

39scaifea
Juil 12, 2013, 10:00 am

Oh, I'll share, when I'm finished cuddling. *ahem*

40mckait
Juil 12, 2013, 10:13 am

What beautiful boys you have! I'm so glad that you are finally having some time to enjoy them. Downtime, finally!

41ChelleBearss
Juil 15, 2013, 9:09 pm

Love the latest pics of your adorable ones!
Hope you are having a great summer!

42LovingLit
Juil 15, 2013, 11:55 pm

Getting in line for a cuddle, I often grab at Lenny's legs for a squeeze. I just cant get enough. :)

Will is huge now too! Shows what a few months can do!! We just had Lennys 2nd birthday, he spent a lot of time saying "am too old", meaning "I am 2 years old". Too funny.

43weejane
Juil 24, 2013, 7:34 am

Hello Friends!

I was in San Diego for a conference for almost a week and barely had any time to myself. It was a good time though!

Luxx, Amber and Megan - there are plenty of snugs to go around - especially with Hank! He is definitely our snug-bug.

Kath - it is nice to have some downtime. The boys and Whit are in Virginia this week so I'm getting the house all to myself. It's nice, but I really miss them

Megan - Will is *huge*! Last year when Will turned 3, he kept asking how old Mommy was and I taught him to say "too old." :)

****

In reading news, I'm working my way through the tome that is my James Monroe biography. I'm listening to On Stranger Tides and that is just one odd book. I'm not sure I can make through the last 4 hours, but I do need to wait until my new credits from audible are available.



44mckait
Juil 24, 2013, 6:52 pm

Nice to see you ! Sorry you are missing the kids.. that would be hard, but .. try to get some extra quiet time cause when they get home, there will be no time for that~ when do they come home?

:)

Cory has two trips to CA coming up.. one to San Jose and one to San Fran between now and aug 8.. crazy.

hugs ... take care of you...

45weejane
Juil 25, 2013, 4:36 pm


Kath - I am getting (and thoroughly enjoying) all my extra quiet time! I am meeting them at my sister-in-law's in Salisbury MD tomorrow after work. Sending you lots of hugs too!

46weejane
Juil 25, 2013, 4:53 pm

Book 23 (audio): On Stranger Tides by Tim Powers

While the narrator was fabulous this book sucked. I really thought it was going to be a pirate book, but instead I felt it was more of a zombie book with a pirate theme. I am not into zombies or that kind of super-natural stuff, so this book just didn't really do it for me.

Now to find something else - that is hopefully more enjoyable!

47TinaV95
Juil 26, 2013, 8:08 pm

The boys are too cute!!!! You must be so proud! :)

48weejane
Juil 31, 2013, 3:52 pm

I'll admit to being a proud Mommy. Although I'm really proud of Hank's arm - that kid can throw!

49weejane
Juil 31, 2013, 3:57 pm

Book 24: METAtropolis by John Scalzi (audio)

So, audible was offering some free books the other day and this was one of them. I'll admit I was skeptical at first, but these really blew my mind. Basically, a group of some of the top sci-fi writers got together, created a world and then each wrote short stories/novellas in the world. All of the stories were really good, but my favorite was written by the editor of the series, John Scalzi. I would highly highly recommend this book to anyone interested in futuristic sci-fi. It's not just about sci-fi, but politics and communities and society in general. Probably one of my recent favorite (fiction) reads.

50mckait
Juil 31, 2013, 7:46 pm

Please feel free to post pictures at any time, any day and as often as possible. No one will mind :) Especially me :) Those boys are fabulous!

51weejane
Août 5, 2013, 6:45 am

Hello Friends!

Just busy summer here - spending lots of time outdoors. Although this weekend, Hank has strep throat and Will has an ear infection, but in general that didnt' stop them from running around. Will and I went fishing down at Westtown lake and he caught his first fish! It was very exciting.

Henry continues to crawl up a storm. I continue to wish there was more time to read, game and update you all on my wanderings. I'm about 250 pages away from the tome that is the James Monroe biography and I used my latest audible credit to get The Raphael Affair which was an LT recommendation! I can't wait to start listening to it. I will probably start today at the office or tomorrow on a light run. I strained my calf/achilles tendon last week. :( So I had to take a full week off - not fun. Today at the trainers should suck. I just hope I can get back to running! I have Warrior Dash at the end of the month in the Poconos, then my half-marathon on Sept. 15th, then my Spartan Sprint on the 28th.

52weejane
Modifié : Déc 16, 2013, 10:02 pm



The fish is down by his shoe - I couldn't get him to hold the line still.

53scaifea
Août 5, 2013, 6:58 am

WooHoo! Look at that fish! Congrats to Will!

It's so good to hear from you - here's hoping the boys (and your tendon) feel better soon!

54mckait
Août 5, 2013, 7:17 am

Well done Will!

Sorry about your injury, hope it heals well and quickly. I also see your list of upcoming runs and think EEEEEEK!

55weejane
Août 9, 2013, 4:24 pm


Amber - The boys have bounced back in great fashion, but my tendon is taking its sweet time.

Kath - I'm just so psyched about my upcoming runs! I think it's the only thing keeping me going right now!

56weejane
Août 9, 2013, 4:26 pm

Book #25 The Raphael Affair by Iain Pears

This was a very quick audio book. It was cute, nothing earth-shattering. I liked it, didn't love it. But hey - it means I'm a third of the way to the goal!

Still working my way through the Monroe bio. I need pick out my next audio book . . . .

57LovingLit
Août 9, 2013, 6:15 pm

First fish! A huge milestone!
*must take Wilbur fishing*
:)

58weejane
Août 12, 2013, 5:44 pm

Yes, he was very proud - as was his Mommy!

Henry just said "Mommy" for the first time! He has been saying "ball," "uh-oh" and "bye-bye" pretty consistently for the last couple of months.

Okay, so I picked A Visit from the Goon Squad as my audiobook and I think I need spend lots of listening to it because otherwise I get confused. I still can run because of my Achilles tendon. I'm almost done with the Monroe bio, mostly because I can't run and therefore am on the bike! Trade one for the other I guess! I think I need to take a brain break after the Monroe bio and I'm thinking of re-reading the Harry Potter series.

59mckait
Août 12, 2013, 7:46 pm

Nice update on the kids :)
Henry seems ahead of Owen on the talking front...
Our Owen has only a few words..
cup
'ook!
Kaygee ( katie )
weirdly ~ rollo
and a few others.... but most of them are rare. I am quite pleased to report that kaygee is heard often when I'm there and sometimes when I'm not apparently!

60Cobscook
Août 16, 2013, 2:24 pm

Yay for Henry saying "mommy"! That is such a special moment. And also yay for Will's first fish...another big milestone.

I thought Monroe was a little boring as president. His wife was much more interesting! :) I will be starting on Andrew Jackson as soon as I finish my current read about the French Revolution.

61weejane
Août 16, 2013, 6:05 pm


Kath - Those are some cute words though! And of course he is saying kaygee while you are there - I'd want to be with you if you were at my house too!

Cobscook - It makes my day every time he says it! I found Monroe's workings in the Confederation Congress interesting because I haven't read many books at about the Confederation period.

****

Book #26: James Monroe: The Quest for National Identity by Harry Ammon

Although this book was quite the tome, I think it was worth it. The time spent on Monroe as a politician prior to his presidency was quite interesting. While the author really knows his stuff and packs in a lot of information (some of it unnecessary), the chapters concerning Monroe's presidency were a bit difficult to follow. The book went chronologically, but his presidency bounced around throughout the whole time period. I think Ammon's thesis about Monroe really bringing the country together was a good one and he does good job of supporting it. Thus, the title is quite apt.

I think I will a little bit before moving onto JQA.

I am quite enjoying The Goon Squad also and am about half-way through it. I think I'm going to re-read Harry Potter because I could use something light.

62mckait
Août 17, 2013, 8:16 am

Awww.... you are so sweet to me, (((((Brit)))) dear!
School starts very soon, now right?

63weejane
Août 20, 2013, 8:36 pm

Yup. New faculty orientation started this past Monday so Whit has been super-busy. Of course, my anxiety has flared up but my doc thinks that when my pharmacy switched manufacturers something went awry with my generic . . . so we are going the very expensive brand name. Ugh. Oh well. I'm just hoping I begin to feel "normal" again.

***

Book #27: A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan (audio)

I wasn't really sure how I would feel about this book once I started it, but I really enjoyed it. It was engaging and thought provoking. I thought it was really interesting reading it so closely after reading METAtropolis. While there were some places where Egan sounded very pretentious, I think it was overall well-written. Although the subject matter is different, it reminded of The Imperfectionists by Tom Rachman. I would recommend this book if it's something you've been thinking about.

Now, I'm in a quandry. Do I listen to my next presidential biography book? The one I want is available on audible but I would actually have to pay for it because I don't my new credits for another couple of weeks. I'm thinking I'll just suck it up and wait for my next trip to the library and pick-up the hard copy.

In the meantime, I'm almost done with Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone - so enjoyable!

64weejane
Août 25, 2013, 6:04 pm

Book #28: Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J. K. Rowling

I needed something a bit light after finishing J. Roe's biography and listening to A Visit from the Goon Squad. A perfect pick! Yes, I actually the "Sorcerer's Stone" but the U. K. "Philosopher's Stone" just sounds so much better; especially when you realize what the title references.

Have no idea what I will read next. Still waiting for my next credit to arrive from audible. Maybe I'll read The Millenium Falcon Owner's Manual.

65weejane
Août 31, 2013, 9:11 pm

This week has been terrible. Good thing I had Harry Potter to distract me! Whitney has had a ridiculous work week with the preseason athletics on dorm and 3 new dorm parents to train. I had a major client audit which was just stressful.

I did manage to finish Book #29: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. I really have nothing to say about this book. Except it so good!!! What a genius Rowling is! So creative!

66mckait
Modifié : Sep 1, 2013, 8:30 am

I love the Harry Potter books. They are ... simply wonderful in every way. And they are a good choice for relaxing :)

I see that you have been running and getting dirty and all sorts of things! It made me LOL :)
Now, I think it's time for another pic or two of those beautiful boys... maybe?

I think the family photo you all had done a few months back is so beautiful! Don't let the back to school stress get you down :) it will .. well not pass but get to be routine again, soon.. take care Brit dear.

67TinaV95
Sep 6, 2013, 12:34 am

Hey Brit. Sorry to hear about your tendon troubles... Are you doing any therapy or are you supposed to rest it?

Love the fishing picture! So cute!

I'm glad you are enjoying Harry. I was a latecomer to the Harry party myself, but am a HUGE fan now!!

68weejane
Sep 12, 2013, 7:37 pm

Kath - I will try to get another picture of the boys up soon. I'm on my iPad right now, so it will have to wait until at least tomorrow night.

Tina - I was resting it pretty heavily, but it's all good now. Race is on Sunday - eeeekkk!!!!

69weejane
Sep 12, 2013, 7:42 pm

Ok, so I know it has been a while since I last posted. The beginning of school generally throws a wrench into all good things. Things are getting back to normal now though!

I have my big race (first half marathon) on Sunday and I'm trying not to freak out about that.

Also, I finished my JQA biography and I'm almost done with Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.

Book #30: John Quincy Adams by Harlow Giles Unger (audio)

This was a short biography which was nice, but I felt that it was distinctly lacking in the area of the actual presidency. Although JQA's term was frustrated by party politics, I would have enjoyed reading more about the particulars rather than feeling like the author merely glossed over the term. If you are looking for a book about JQA as a statesman and post-presidency, this is a good book, but for any actual presidential stuff, you should probably skip.

Now onto Andrew Jackson!

70scaifea
Sep 12, 2013, 8:34 pm

Best of luck with the race!

71weejane
Sep 12, 2013, 11:04 pm

Amber - Thanks!

Book #31: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J. K. Rowling

What can I say? This is my absolutely favorite Harry Potter book. I just love it!

On to Book 4!

72TinaV95
Sep 14, 2013, 1:33 am

Just keep going! Harry just gets better & better! :)

Good luck with the race Brit! Be safe!

73mckait
Sep 14, 2013, 7:04 am

running mojo >>>>>>>>>>>>

hugs

74swynn
Sep 17, 2013, 11:00 pm

I'm checking in too late to wish you luck, but I do hope the race report is a good one!

75TinaV95
Sep 24, 2013, 7:16 pm

Checking in Brit! Hope all is well!

76weejane
Sep 29, 2013, 9:36 pm

Hello Friends,

So here is a belated race post. I finished with a time of 2:30:03. Not too shabby for my first half-marathon. Oh yeah, and I suffered a stress fracture on mile 3. :( So now I'm in a boot. Not fun. I'm taking it super slow so I can fully heal.

Yes, Harry Potter does get better and better, but now I'm sidetracked because I have ***soo***** many books I want to read. I fell back on Harry when I wanted something light and fun.

Book 32: Andrew Jackson by Robert V. Remini

This book was a good brief biography that hit the high (and low) points of Jackson's career. It was short, sweet and generally to the point. It was certainly a sympathetic perspective, but not overly adoring as the author was able to point Jackson's (many) flaws. I did feel like some of the general historical facts were a bit inaccurate, but was able to gloss over those as the author's knowledge of the time period and subject really shone. (On the errors, the author stated that Jackson was the first "war hero" President in U.S. History - wait, wasn't there one other guy. . . .kinda tall .. . . . George? George? Oh yeah - GEORGE WASHINGTON!?)

I am waiting for the next credit from audible since I don't have an audio going right now. I also started William Shakespeare's Star Wars which is so incredibly awesome and want to savor every last drop of ink!

77London_StJ
Sep 30, 2013, 5:34 pm

Oh, that's a crossover that looks like good fun.

78swynn
Sep 30, 2013, 5:57 pm

>76 weejane:: Ten miles on a stress fracture is true determination. And you still kept it under a twelve minute pace!

Way to go Brit!

79mckait
Oct 1, 2013, 6:12 am

It's always good to have a Brit sighting.... here, there or anywhere... hugs

80Cobscook
Oct 1, 2013, 3:24 pm

The Remini book is the one I have for Andrew Jackson as well. It doesn't sound all that great from your review though, so I think I will keep an eye out for American Lion which DrNeutron recommended. Are you going to read anything else about Jackson?

Sorry to hear about the stress fracture. I am in awe that you finished the race anyway! Good job!

81weejane
Oct 4, 2013, 5:29 pm


Book #33: William Shakespeare's Star Wars by Ian Doescher

Holy Force Choke! I have no idea how I am going to convey the pure geeky awesomeness that is this book! I finished it last night and practically want to start it all over again. Doescher did a fantastic job with this book and now I cannot wait to read The Empire Striketh Back (which isn't even out yet). It truly is amazing how much of the dialog fit right into verse. There is a chorus and the asides done by the characters are truly fantastic. This is an absolutely must read for any Star Wars fan, Shakespeare fan or both.

Luxx - Yes, indeed it super-fantastically, purely, supremely amazing!

Swynn - Thanks! I have to admit I was rather impressed too! It makes me want to do another one to see how fast I could really finish!

Kath - BIG HUGS!!! :)

Cobscook - The Remini was ok. Good enough for me, but I did feel it was lacking. If it had not been readily available (as in sitting on my bookshelf) then I probably would have spent more time finding a better one. I had forgotten about Meachem's biography. Thanks!

82weejane
Oct 19, 2013, 10:29 am


Book #34. Star Wars: Kenobi by John Jackson Miller

I knew I wanted to read this book as soon as it heard it was being published. For all his faults, Obi-Wan Kenobi is my favorite Jedi. This book takes place within months of the ending of Revenge of the Sith. It is the beginning period of Kenobi's life on Tatooine and his immediate impact on the people of a small outpost. It is fantastic, but then again, I am very biased. I enjoyed the way writer wrote in "Meditations" which shows how Kenobi was trying to reach/communicate with his old Master, Qui-Gon, through the Force. For any Star Wars fan, this is a must read if you are interested in life on Tatooine.

83weejane
Oct 19, 2013, 10:31 am


Now I'm going to try finish the van Buren biography and Heir to the Empire before moving on to House of Hades! So much reading, so little time!

84Cobscook
Nov 6, 2013, 3:17 pm

I have started the Remini and am up to about chapter 4. So far, its not very impressive. It probably makes it worse that Jackson is such an unsavory person!

85weejane
Nov 6, 2013, 4:26 pm


Book 35: Heir to the Empire by Timothy Zahn

This is the book the basically launched what is known as the Star Wars Expanded Universe. It is about the early days of the New Republic and the last gasps of the Intergalactic Empire. And it is awesome! I listened to the audiobook and thoroughly enjoyed it! I am now on to Book 2 of the trilogy, Dark Force Rising.

I also have not gotten very far with van Buren. I think I am really going to have work to get through this one. So far the writing has just not been very interesting. I am, however, over half-way through House of Hades and it is so good!

*****SPOILER ALERT*****

The other night I read the Jason chapter where Jason and Nico are facing Cupid. It was absolutely incredible! I highly recommend that everyone read at least that one chapter. The excruciating torment that Nico goes through while coming out is beautifully written.

86weejane
Nov 9, 2013, 10:33 am


Book 36: The House of Hades by Rick Riordan

The fourth book in what is to be a 7-book series, The House of Hades was very good. It start off a bit slow, but the second half of the book absolutely flew by. I was wary of the first half because it seemed a bit formulaic with really no character development, but Riordan was clearly just building some subtle tensions. It was excellent. I cannot believe that I have to wait another year for book 5!

****

I have started Dark Force Rising on audio. I plan to focus my non-audio reading on the Widmer biography of van Buren. We will see how this goes. . .

87LovingLit
Nov 13, 2013, 12:29 am

>81 weejane: Holy Force Choke! I have no idea how I am going to convey the pure geeky awesomeness that is this book!
I think I need to see this book. With my eyes. And read it. hehe, it sounds great!!

My little W is heavily into Star Wars. Well, the Lego Star Wars books, encyclopedia and stuff anyway. I like it too!

Sorry to hear about your stress fracture, how did you not notice that? Adrenaline? Your time sounds great, and just finishing is pretty amazing if you ask me. Well done!!

88weejane
Nov 14, 2013, 11:59 pm

Megan: Shakespeare's Star Wars is fantastic! Will is just getting into SW himself. A little here and there. He keeps asking me if Darth Vader is really a bad guy. I keep saying "kinda."

Oh and I totally noticed the stress-fracture! I just have a set of ovaries and gutted it out! :)

89weejane
Nov 15, 2013, 12:02 am

Book #37: Martin van Buren by Ted Widmer

The book was incredibly underwhelming and I was very glad to be done with it. I suppose it gave a "meh" overview of the 8th president, but certainly nothing to write home about. This was from the American Presidents series edited by Arthur Schlesinger, Jr.

Unfortunately, the only William Henry Harrison biography that I can get my hands on is also part of the series. This bio is written by Gail Collins, a New York Times editorialist. I'm hoping that since I like her columns, maybe her book won't suck. . .

90scaifea
Nov 15, 2013, 7:01 am

CHarlie has been introduced to Star Wars via the Lego Wii Game and the SW Angry Birds game. Ha! He loves it so far, but we're afraid that he'll be scared of the actual movie just now.

91mckait
Nov 15, 2013, 9:24 am

I saw a Darth Vader "mr Potato Head" at Costco. I wanted to buy it for Babyjams ( my nephews baby), but since he won't be born until December, I thought it might be premature. He might turn out to be a Star Trek fan like Aunt Katie instead... ya never know.

:)

92drneutron
Nov 15, 2013, 2:27 pm

Got it. Plus the Spudtrooper. :)

93weejane
Nov 16, 2013, 8:45 am


Amber - Yeah, Will told me that he wouldn't be scared so I fired up SW: ANH (original theatrical release because I couldn't bear the thought of raising my son with the fiction that Han only retaliates). I warned him that the first part (Vader's entrance) might be scary. When that part came around, he only got excited and promptly told me there was nothing to be scared of! :)

Kath - We have that! My niece and nephew got it for Will a few years ago.

Jim - I had never heard it called Spudtrooper! I love it!

94weejane
Nov 16, 2013, 8:46 am


In book news, I have started United We Spy on my kindle. Still working Dark Forces Rising on audio. And I picked up William Henry Harrison by Gail Collins. I must say that after only the first chapter of the WHH bio, I am already enjoying it much more than blathering style of Widmer's bio of van Buren! Thank goodness!

95mckait
Nov 16, 2013, 6:41 pm

Nice that you're reading, but seriously Brit day, I do believe it's time for another kiddie pic. I have been very patient..........

96weejane
Nov 23, 2013, 12:31 pm


My dear Kath - the ones on FB don't satisfy you!? ;) Next time I log on from my computer (not iPad), I'll try to remember!

97weejane
Modifié : Nov 23, 2013, 12:37 pm

Book #38: William Henry Harrison by Gail Collins

This book was a good, concise overview of William Henry's long life and incredibly brief presidency. Like the van Buren bio, it is part of The American Presidents series. However, unlike van Buren's bio, this one was well-written. Not much else to say, except - on to John Tyler!

ETA: Actually, I did not realize until I picked this book that my two boys share this president's name. That would bring all our "kids" (except the beta fish) within the unintentional rule that boys follow presidents, and girls First Ladies. Our dog is Jefferson Quincy, our sons are William and Henry. Our two cars are Abigail and Eleanor. So is it obvious that my wife and I were American History majors?

98LovingLit
Nov 23, 2013, 11:20 pm

>88 weejane: He keeps asking me if Darth Vader is really a bad guy. I keep saying "kinda."
I fielded about 50 back-to-back questions one recent night about Darth Vadar, his turn to the dark side, his abandonment of Luke, his breathing apparatus, you name it. It was exhausting/hilarious.
When W was just 3, he hadn't heard of Darth Vadar before, misheard it and called him Dark Flavour! It was so SO funny!

99LovingLit
Nov 23, 2013, 11:21 pm

Oh, and:

I just have a set of ovaries and gutted it out! :)

BRILLIANT!
I am so using that phrase from now on.

100weejane
Nov 26, 2013, 7:40 am


Megan - Darth Flavour! That is awesome!

101mckait
Nov 26, 2013, 7:49 am

Hmmm I guess I can make do with those pics... lol

The one with Hank and Greg was total cuteness overload :)

I hope work isn't keeping you too busy?

102weejane
Nov 26, 2013, 9:39 pm


Kath - Yeah, Greg and Hank love each other! It is super-cute! Work isn't keeping me too busy - but the boys are! :)

103weejane
Nov 26, 2013, 9:46 pm


Book 39. United We Spy by Ally Carter

This was the 6th (and final) book in the Gallagher Girls series. It was meh. The beginning was awful, the middle from about 45% - 75% was good (it was a kindle book), and the ending was blah. Oh well, off to better books!

I am stilling listening to Dark Forces Rising by Timothy Zahn. I hope to hit the libs tomorrow to return the WHH bio and pick up the John Tyler bio (Accidental President). Now, I just need another book. I think I might go through the kindle or go through the shelves . . . .

104cameling
Nov 26, 2013, 10:20 pm

Sorry to hear you didn't enjoy United We Spy, Brit. That was my niece's take as well when she read it, so that saved me having to add it to my obese wish list.

I've read some good reviews of the Accidental President and have that one sitting in my TBR Tower.

105LovingLit
Nov 27, 2013, 1:55 am

>100 weejane: Yup, Dark Flavour....I think he thought Darth Vadar was soy sauce or something :)

106PaulCranswick
Nov 30, 2013, 3:10 am

Brit - I haven't "seen" as much of you this year as the previous as I know RL has intervened greatly. Couldn't miss popping over to your place though to wish you the very best of Thanksgiving weekends.

107weejane
Nov 30, 2013, 3:42 pm


Caroline - Yes, I was quite disappointed. At one point I thought about tweeting the author! I'm excited about the Accidental President, I picked it up from the libs today. And of course, I just couldn't help myself to picking up a biography on Polk.

Megan - Soy Sauce! Ha! I suppose, Darth can be a bit salty. :P

Paul - Thank you so much for stoping by! I know I have been a bit MIA this year. I'm wondering if next school year I may give up some of my coaching responsibilities - we will see. I hope you have had a nice weekend too!

108weejane
Nov 30, 2013, 3:43 pm


Book #40 Dark Force Rising by Timothy Zahn

An excellent sequel to Heir to the Empire and definitely has me excited to finish the trilogy! I've been listening to it which is awesome. I will say most of the characters stay true to form, but I could do with a bit less Lando. I am beginning to wonder what I should read after this trilogy because I would like to continue this story line.

109mckait
Nov 30, 2013, 6:21 pm

Believe me, you have been missed!

110TinaV95
Déc 3, 2013, 11:16 pm

But, but... some of us don't have you on FB so we don't get to see those other pictures! So please post them here!!

111weejane
Déc 8, 2013, 8:51 pm

Hello Friends!

I know Kath - I miss all my LT friends too!

Tina - I will try to work on getting some pictures up!

112weejane
Modifié : Déc 8, 2013, 9:00 pm

Book 41. Octopussy and The Living Daylights by Ian Fleming (e-book)

I really do enjoy the Bond stories. This was a nice compilation of several short stories. High in suspense and intrigue. One thing that struck me was M. In particular, I have never seen any of the older James Bond movies >. M. in the newer films is played by Dame Judi Dench, so it continually strikes me as odd as I read the book that M. is a man.

Book 42. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum, performed by Anne Hathaway (audiobook)

This was a free book from audible.com and, while not having an extreme interest in the Wizard of Oz, I do enjoy Anne Hathaway. I am so glad that I downloaded this book! Hathaway's performance was tremendous and incredibly enjoyable. The story was fascinating too. Many facets of course were the same or similar as those from the movie, but it was interesting to see the ways in which they were different. It was much a richer tale and I have decided that I would like to read it aloud to my boys at some point.

ETA: I have started on my John Tyler biography, The Accidental President by Edward P. Crapol and am enjoying it so far. I have also downloaded and begun listening to the third and final book in the Thrawn Trilogy, The Last Command.

113mckait
Déc 9, 2013, 8:08 am

Hi Brit! I bet it's busy at your place, this time of year. Two little ones to take care of, work, shopping and then the rest of RL. Hopefully you have a decent number of days off from work to enjoy some down time :)

114weejane
Déc 16, 2013, 9:56 pm


Kath - I actually took off from the 24th through the 2nd!! I had vacation time to kill! Yay! I'm hoping to get plenty of reading and gaming done!

115weejane
Modifié : Déc 16, 2013, 10:03 pm

As asked for, here are some recent pictures of the boys. They were taken this past Saturday at the Philadelphia Orchestra's children's holiday concert.

Will practicing his trombone (which is asking Santa for - and will not be getting):


Whitney and Hank:

116scaifea
Déc 16, 2013, 11:08 pm

I *love* the holiday sweaters - those boys are so handsome!

117mckait
Déc 17, 2013, 7:15 am

Great looking family! Good call on the trombone..

118weejane
Déc 22, 2013, 8:31 am


Amber - Thanks! Hank's outfit was made by my Mother-in-Law. It's so adorable!

Kath - Yes, however, for weeks that was the only thing he wanted from Santa. Thank the gods that last week he finally said something else - A dragon that breathes hot chocolate! So yesterday I went to B&N and grabbed him three dragons. Alas, we will have to use our imagination to make them breathe hot chocolate!

119weejane
Déc 22, 2013, 8:40 am


Book #43: John Tyler: The Accidental President by Edward P. Crapol

Well, this book was highly recommended, but was quite a disappointment. While I appreciated how well-researched it was there were many flaws, most of which are probably just subjective criticisms. First, the book was organized topically and not chronologically. The first and last chapters were chronological, but nothing in the middle was. There was much tumult in Tyler's cabinet and it would have been helpful to be able to place when everything was happening. Instead, each chapter just seemed to be cyclical and kept referring to upheaval, but I could never figure out when in his term things were actually happening. Along the same lines, parts of each chapter were repetitive. For instance, Crapol would reference in each chapter about Daniel Webster being Tyler's Secretary of State. I began to feel that each middle chapter would have made a better journal article than part of a book.

Also, while I greatly appreciated the endnotes which pointed to copious research, there were two problems I had with them. First, at the bottom of each page was the title of the chapter, not the actual chapter number; however, the endnotes were organized by chapter number, not the title of the chapter. This was extremely frustrating when I went to look at a particular endnote as it meant that I would first have to figure out the number of the chapter before I could reference the note. Too much work! Second, many notes I felt were incomplete. In several places, Crapol would reference "other historians" or "more recently, historians. . ." but when I went to look at the endnote to try to figure out which historians, Crapol only pointed to the primary sources (i.e. Tyler's letters or other official papers). Thus, other than relying on his word, I could never figure what other historians really felt or believed about Tyler, his presidency or legacy.

Oh well. I think this book makes me want to pause on presidential challenge and read something else before moving on to Polk.

In other book news, I have many many books to choose from. I am also very close (about an hour or so) away from finishing The Thrawn Trilogy on audio.

120scaifea
Déc 22, 2013, 10:00 am

>118 weejane:: Ha! I thought we were getting off easy this year when Charlie said he just wanted a Sorry game from Santa, but then he decided that he also wanted a 'real' Minion - not just a plush one - a 'real' one. Sigh. He's getting a plush one.

121PaulCranswick
Déc 24, 2013, 10:23 pm



To you Whitney and the boys: Happy Christmas. xx

122ChelleBearss
Déc 24, 2013, 11:08 pm


Hope you have a wonderful Christmas!!

123TinaV95
Déc 24, 2013, 11:10 pm

Thank you for the pictures!!!!

I hope you, Whit, and the boys have a wonderful Christmas tomorrow!!! Love to you all!

124weejane
Déc 28, 2013, 8:22 am


Thank you Friends for all the wonderful Christmas wishes.

Will did not mention the lack of a rainbow trombone, but he did lament the fact that he only got 3 dragons. Le sigh. An old student of mine pointed out on Facebook that even the Great Khaleesi Danerys only got 3 so he should be happy with that!

Christmas was overwhelming to say the least. My niece and nephew (8 and 9) acted like Vikings pillaging monasteries on Christmas morning which kicked off the ensuing chaos. Thank goodness my boys were subdued. Whitney and I both agreed that our children will *never* be allowed to act that way - even if it is Christmas.

Needless to say, I am extremely happy to be home!

125weejane
Déc 28, 2013, 8:30 am

The good news is that all driving helped me finish (finally):

Book #44: The Last Command by Timothy Zahn (audio)

A great ending to a superb trilogy. I would have enjoyed it more if I could have finished the last hour in one sitting rather than dragging it out. Overall, I was very happy with my introduction to the expanded universe.

126weejane
Déc 28, 2013, 8:35 am


I decided to take a brief respite from my Presidential Bios challenge, so I started reading The Dark Monk which is a book in The Hangman's Daughter series. Having only read the first chapter or so, it seems good so far. Whitney enjoyed it and said the style reminded her of the type mystery like The da Vinci Code.

Having finished my last audiobook with a last 2 1/2 hour car journey home, I downloaded Moonraker of the James Bond series and am already greatly enjoying that! As this reading year dies down, I am (again) disappointed that I have yet to read 75 books in one year. While I was not on LT as much as I would have liked, I am eagerly anticipating joining next year!

127drneutron
Déc 28, 2013, 12:03 pm

Meh, 75's over-rated. :) The question is whether the reading you did was good!

128weejane
Modifié : Déc 30, 2013, 8:50 am

Jim - Love it! I love you guys! I wish I had a bit more time and less demanding kids!

ETA: And I just couldn't stay away from the Presidential bios any longer - started James K. Polk the other night!

129drneutron
Déc 30, 2013, 10:36 am

Which one? I read Polk: The Man Who Transformed the Presidency and America by Walter Borneman, thought it was pretty good.

130LovingLit
Déc 30, 2013, 2:36 pm

So did you cave? Was there a trombone under the Christmas three this year?
haha, that is brilliant.
Love the photos! What a great idea going to a kids concert. They love live music in almost any form, I have noticed with mine anyway.

Happy New Year!

131Whisper1
Déc 30, 2013, 7:27 pm

I'm stopping by to wish you and wonderful New Year.

I love the photos posted on facebook. It makes me smile to see the love you share and the closeness of your family.

I'm sorry I haven't visited your thread as often as I'd like to. 2014 will be a better year health wise and I hope to get back to checking in more often.

132weejane
Jan 3, 2014, 10:38 am

Jim - That's the one! And my son is taking too long to pick out his bedtimes stories, I threaten to read it to him!

Megan - No, no trombone. He did manage 3 dragons, but was very upset about the missing 97.

Linda - Please, friend, no worries! I wasn't on LT as much I wanted to be either. Those crazy boys take up a lot of time! :) I hope you're feeling better and glad to see you on facebook!

****

Please join me over on 2014 75 Book Challenge!