Lynda(Carmenere)'s Book Resort - 1

TO ALL OF US!

75 ticker:

ROOTS ticker:

Goal #1 - Read Grafton's Kinsey Millhone Mystery Series
"A" is for Alibi ✔️
"B" is for Burglar ✔️
"C" is for Corpse ✔️
"D" is for Deadbeat
"E" is for Evidence
"F" is for Fugitive
"G" is for Gumshoe
"H" is for Homicide
"I" is for Innocent
"J" is for Judgment
"K" is for Killer
"L" is for Lawless
"M" is for Malice
"N" is for Noose
"O" is for Outlaw
"P" is for Peril
"Q" is for Quarry
"R" is for Ricochet
"S" is for Silence
"T" is for Trespass
"U" is for Undertow
"V" is for Vengeance
"W" is for Wasted
"X"
"Y" is for Yesterday
Then move on to another series I own........

Goal #2 - NetGalley's kept up to date

The Geometry of Holding Hands
Alexander McCall Smith

1. The Other Side of the Door ✔️
Nicci French

The Buddha and the Bee
Cory Mortensen

The Darkest Evening
Ann Cleeves

Tidelands
Philippa Gregory

The Last Agent
Robert Dugoni

3. (Per Mamie) The Last Tourist
Olen Steinhauer

A Good Neighborhood
Therese Anne Fowler

Crossings
Alex Landragin

The Bright Side Sanctuary for Animals
Becky Mandelbaum

All Quiet on the Western Front
By Erich Maria Remarque; Adapted by Wayne Vansant

The Tenant
Katrine Engberg

The Old Success
Martha Grimes

Big Lies in a Small Town
Diane Chamberlain

There You Are
Mathea Morais

The Book of Science and Antiquities
Thomas Keneally

2. (per drneutron) The Long Call ✔️
Ann Cleeves

Goal #3 - Timely completion of Neighborhood Bookswap books

What I Know for Sure - Oprah Winfrey
When We Believed In Mermaids/Barbara O'Neil
Anxious People/ Backman. - Reread
The Indifferent Stars Above by Daniel James Brown
Behind the Beautiful Forevers-Katherine Boo ✔️
The Midnight Library - Matt Haig✔️
Almost Sisters by Joshilyn Jackson
The Poisonwood Bible - by Barbara Kinsolver
Where'd You Go, Bernadette? by Maria Semple - Reread
This Tender Land by William Krueger
The Poppy War by RF Kuang
American Spy by Lauren Wilkinson
The woman in cabin 10- Ruth Ware - Reread

Goal #4 Library Book Club
February: 142 Ostriches ✔️
March: Ordinary Grace

What's up for January:
A is for Alibi ✔️
B is for Burglar ✔️
The Other Side of the Door NetGalley ✔️
The Midnight Library My submission for NBS ✔️

What's up for February
142 Ostriches Library book club✔️
C is for Corpse✔️
Behind the Beautiful Forevers NBS✔️
The Long Call ✔️
The Last Season ✔️

What's up for March
The Indifferent Stars Above NBS
Ordinary Grace Library Book Club
D is for Deadbeat
The Last Tourist Netgalley
Joshua in the Holy Land
The Dark Wind

Books Completed:

January:
1. A is for Alibi ROOT
2. B is for Burglar ROOT
3. The Midnight Library - NBS - ROOT
4. The Other Side of the Door - NG - ROOT

February
5. 142 Ostriches - Library book club
6. The Lost Season - ROOT
7. The Long Call - ROOT
8. Beyond the Beautiful Forevers - NBS
9. C is for Corpse - ROOT

Lovely to see you back, Lynda. xx

Welcome back! I see you’ve got The Long Call on your list. I enjoyed it very much! Hopefully, you will too.

2021 Literary Horoscope courtesy of Penguin Random House

March 21 – April 19

Hey, Aries!

Aries, this year is a good one for developing your leadership skills, as your community will be looking to you for support. You will have good luck for building community in 2021, and with some additional cosmic support for dreaming this summer, you’ll have the ideas your people need. You may experience some tension between the major goals you have and the resources you need to accomplish such things. With each Mercury retrograde cycle, you have an opportunity to reflect on how your relationships can strengthen your life and help you through these challenges. With each eclipse, you gain new knowledge and understanding to help you on your path. By the end of this year, you may find that your public image has changed quite a bit due to the work you’ve done, and you’ll be given an opportunity to revise your role in the world, should you desire that.

Book recommendations from Penguin Random House for my sign:
1. Under the Sky We Make
Kimberly Nicholas, PhD

Communities both global and local need leaders when it comes to caring for the planet, so climate scientist Dr. Nicholas’s book would be a good one to start with in 2021. It’s a hopeful, practical guide to the changes that individuals can make to reverse climate change and create a sustainable society. Read and share to inspire your own community, Aries.

2.A Promised Land
Barack Obama

For instruction in leadership this year, look no further than Barack Obama’s presidential memoir. From his start as a community organizer with political aspirations, to the White House, he describes his odyssey. Full of thoughtful reflections on the meaning of presidential power, the dynamics of U.S. politics, and American diplomacy, his story is sure to inspire.

3. The Splendid and the Vile
Erik Larson

Bestselling author Erik Larson’s biography of Winston Churchill will inspire you with a portrait of a true leader, one who led his nation through the darkest of times. On Churchill’s first day as prime minister, Hitler invaded Holland and Belgium. Throughout a year of terrible bombings, the prime minister taught his people “the art of being fearless.” These lessons in leadership will serve you well this year.

4. Unbound
Kasia Urbaniak

If you’re a woman who finds herself reluctant to speak up, say no, or go after your passions, Kasia Urbaniak has the guide for you. Even an Aries can have trouble in a society that makes women do ubt themselves. Learn the secrets of owning your power from a former-dominatrix-turned-confidence-coach, and use them to further your goals this year.

5. Remember
Lisa Genova

According to neuroscientist and novelist Lisa Genova, forgetting is only human. In Remember, Genova explains how memories are stored and retrieved, why some things are only remembered for a few moments (like a passcode) and others, like your wedding day, can last forever. You’ll learn the difference between normal forgetting and red flags, and you’ll see how memory functions in the context of stress, sleep, and emotion.

6. Daddy
Emma Cline

Sometimes it’s hard to understand why people do the things that they do, and that’s why we have fiction. Emma Clime’s deftly written story collection explores the actions of characters who are pushed to the limit. At the moments when they need connection the most, they end up distancing themselves from others. Contemplate the complexities of human relationships during the 2021 Mercury retrogrades in air signs.

7.Get Good with Money
Tiffany Aliche

Tiffany Aliche, a.k.a. The Budgetnista, has a ten-step plan for you to get your financial house in order, Aries. This could be the most helpful book for you if the 2020 recession left you high and dry, and especially if you need to invest financially in your goals moving forward. In any case, 2021 has some surprises in store for you where money is concerned, so it’s best to be on top of your budget.

8. Beginners
Tom Vanderbilt

Tom Vanderbilt spent one year as an adult beginner, learning five chosen skills that had nothing to do with furthering his career: chess, singing, surfing, drawing, and juggling. The aim was to learn simply for the sake of learning, and he found that his project had unexpected effects. By the end of the year, he had not only gained new skills, he had rediscovered his curiosity and deepened his relationships. In 2021, expand your world by allowing yourself to be a beginner again.

9. Body of Stars
Laura Maylene Walter

When Jupiter moves into Pisces this summer (from mid-May through the end of July), you’ll have a dreamier period that prepares you for 2022. Enjoy this work of Walter’s imagination, a fantasy world where the markings on women’s bodies foretell the future, but where they risk abduction just at the moment when they stand on the threshold of their power and their fate.

10. The Mindfulness Journal
Corinne Sweet

2020 was stressful for many, and 2021 has more where that came from because we are in a time of changes. Help yourself stay calm with these mindfulness exercises from psychologist and psychotherapist Corinne Sweet. Mindfulness is one of Sweet’s specialties. Whether you want to help yourself deal with challenging emotions or calm yourself in the midst of a busy day, this journal has an exercise for you.

>3 PaulCranswick: Lovely to see you are my first visitor, Paul!

>4 drneutron: Thanks, Jim! Oh, I’m glad to see you enjoyed The Long Call. I’ll have to make it my second NetGalley read in 2021

Dropping a star, Lynda. The Last Tourist is also a good one. I love Steinhauer.

>5 Carmenere: Literary horoscope! Who knew?!

>8 Crazymamie: Very good, Mamie! I'll line up The Last Tourist for my third NetGalley of 2021.

Me thinks I'll have to escape my cocoon to make any part of that horoscope reality. (shakes head in disbelief)

Welcome back! Hope you have a great year of reading! Some of the things on your list were read by me last year or are on my list to read in 2021.

>5 Carmenere: Ooh, must run away to look mine up! Welcome to 2021 (almost!)

>10 thornton37814: Lori, Isn't it awful that by the time I review an ARC, everyone else has read it? Shame on me. I resolve in 2021 to read those ARCs faster than a speeding bullet.

>11 justchris: Yes, hurry, Chris! Let me know if yours sounds probable to you.

Cheryl Strayed, author and former “Dear Sugars” host and columnist

“Cultivate a sense of optimism. Remember to be grateful. Be happy for others when good things happen to them. Stop complaining about the people, jobs or situations that make you miserable and find a way to change it or end it instead. Go for a walk every day. Goodness is action. It’s being kind, honest, considerate, respectful and generous. It’s holding love in your heart.”

Hi Lynda! I hope you have a great reading year!

Hi Carrie! I hope the same for you too!

Hi Lynda, I love >13 Carmenere:! Great advice to follow. Here's hoping 2021 is a better, safer, and peaceful year for all. Your literary horoscope seems to be saying that you'll be out in the public, leading the way. So now I am picturing you standing on a soapbox and treating the crowd to a reading from the Kinsey Millhone mystery series!

Hi, Lynda! I'm wishing you the best for this coming year!

>17 DeltaQueen50: Hahaha! Reading from a text is about all the public speaking I can do well. Usually my thoughts and my lips are out of sync ;)

>18 mstrust: Thanks, Jennifer! I'm ready to sweep 2020 under the rug!

Congrats on your shiny new thread, Lynda. You're already well organized.
After a 'crazy' year for all of us, I hope that in 2021 I will find more time to visit your thread.

Best wishes for a better 2021!

>21 Ameise1: Hear, Hear, Barbara! Normalcy would be nice in 2021!

>22 DianaNL: Thanks, Diana! I wish the same for you!

I wish you a Happy New Year. May it be better than the old one.

Wow! Love that gif, Barbara! You're certainly bringing in 2021 in style!! Happy new year to you too!

Happy New Thread, Lynda. Happy New Year! Glad we are turning the page on that one. Have a safe and healthy one, my friend.

I hope 2021 is very kind to you!

>13 Carmenere: I adore this!! Thank you for sharing it

Thank you, Mark!! Yes, let's close the book on 2020!
Wishing all the best to you and yours in 2021!

>27 ChelleBearss: Thanks Chelle! I hope you and your lovely family have a wonderful new year too!

Happy reading in 2021, Lynda!

>30 FAMeulstee: and to you too, Anita! Cheers!

And keep up with my friends here, Lynda. Have a great 2021.

Yes, yes, yes! Happy reading to you in the new year, Paul!

Happy New Year Lynda and happy reading

>1 Carmenere: Ahhhhh! I totally forgot to leave a spot to track my series, something I've been meaning to do for forever. Sigh. Sue Grafton is one them. I'll have to take a look to see what letter I am on....

>5 Carmenere: Off to check out the book-reading horoscope!

Anyhow...Here to wish you a brighter, better, bookier 2021!

Happy New Year, Lynda. I hope 2021 is a better year for you.

>34 brenzi: Hi Bonnie and thank you!

>35 Berly: Yeah, Kim, I'd love to know how far you are in the series. Thank you. I hope we all have a more normal year.

>36 BLBera: Thanks, Beth!

I, my dear friends, have just completed my first book of 2021.

A is for Alibi
Sue Grafton
1982
3.5/5

Laurence, a two, three, four timing, attorney is dead. His wife was convicted of the murder and released after serving her time.
She's determined to find out who actually killed her husband cause it wasn't her. She hires Private Investigator Kinsey Millhone to crack the case.
Numerous characters and possibilities exist taking Millhone to Vegas, LA, the Salton Sea and back to her home base of San Francisco.
Reading the first in this series is like opening a time capsule. Written in 1982, the author refers to the fitness boom, exercise, diet and weight-loss techniques, Barry Manilow and Olivia Newton John, answering services and Dictaphones are office necessities. Millhone's business ethics are, at times, questionable and she's so darn apologetic when it comes to her irate new lover.
It will be interesting to see if Millhone will change over the course of the series.
The conclusion was exciting but ends rather abruptly.
I look forward to continuing on to B is for Burglar.

Fitbitters:
I mentioned it on my 'the year which will remain nameless' thread but I'll mention it again here. Free to good home, If you own a Fitbit Alta HR, I have two wristbands which are still in package which I will send to you.

Morning, Lynda. Happy Sunday. Another light coating of snow out there. Still deciding if I should get out there for a stroll. I remember reading and enjoying some of the Kinsey Millhone books. I may have made it to H or I. I read a lot more crime fiction in the 80s and 90s than I do now.

Morning Mark! Still nothing buy gray here. I've been going out for a stroll everyday when the weather is decent. I was never a winter walker but lately I found it to be not so bad.
I'm going to work through Grafton's entire alphabet. I purchased almost all of them at a library book sale a couple of years ago and they're taking up too much space.
Have a good Sunday! I'll be watching and hoping the Browns beat the Steelers and wiggle their way into the playoffs.

Morning, Lynda! Hooray for finishing your first book of the New Year.

I'm pumped, Mamie!

*grin*

>38 Carmenere: Hi Lynda! I tried a book in that series 20 years ago or so but never continued beyond the first one. Maybe I'll give her another try one of these days.

>45 cbl_tn: I was pretty good, Carrie! I suspected two particular people and one was partially to blame but there's enough red herrings to suspect almost everyone. I hope you give Grafton another shot.

Browns Win! Browns Win! Browns Win! On to the playoffs where I believe will meet the Steelers again but this time with their starting quarterback and regular lineup. It's gonna be tough but hey, I'm cautiously optimistic.

If you have Disney+ I highly recommend Soul starring Jamie Foxx. Really well done, good message.

Hello Friend. I'm so happy to see your thread! I'll be sure to stop by often. May 2021 be a year of positive emotional healing.

Each day, I'm trying to think of one really special memory of time with Will, Today's memory was when grand daughter Kayla was two, and we took her on her first Disney World trip. We all had a very magical time. I hold the particular incident when we were at Epcot and streams of water came out of a lit, round circle. I spontaneously let her run in the water.

She said "Opa, look at me, I am in the wader!" We both laughed so hard.

>37 Carmenere: >45 cbl_tn: I am on F is for Fugitive and I have read two later on. Hope to pick up the series again soon. : )

And congrats on finishing book #1!!

>46 Carmenere: Go Browns!! Woot, woot!!

>47 Carmenere: I just saw a trailer for that--it does look good!

>48 Whisper1: That is a lovely memory.

>13 Carmenere: Always an important thought to remember. I hope your year is filled with self-care and great reads!

>48 Whisper1: Hi Linda, so good to "see" you!
What a lovely memory! I have found a cherished memory is like a hug from the beyond.
I've noticed that I can be frying bacon, for example, and a memory as mundane as shopping at Menard's comes to mind and I just have to stop what I'm doing and say, "Hi, Bill! I miss you too."

>49 Berly: Hi Kim! Thanks. I'm working on B and it's quite good. So many possibilities.
Yes! Woot Woot for the Browns. Sadly, our head coach has just tested positive for Covid and won't coach on Sunday. Hopefully, Baker stays healthy. Will the Browns ever get a break?

>50 justchris: Hiya, Chris. Yeah, it's so sweet and just what we need now.

>51 PersephonesLibrary: Welcome, Kathy! Yes, we all need a little self-care now and then but often we more concerned about others that we forget about ourselves. More bubble baths, candles and books in 2021!

I just had a thought. Why save martini glasses just for the occasional martini?! That said, let me tell you Kefir looks absolutely decadent in a martini glass.

OK, with my classy glass of Kefir finished, I've got to work on my shutterfly album, almost finished with gulp 2019.
Set up my new Apple, laundry, then work on finishing B is for Burglar.

>56 Carmenere: Ha! Sometimes I pour my sparkling water in a nice wine glass. It tastes better.
Dropping in to wish you a good morning, Lynda! Have fun with your album!

Morning, Lynda!

>52 Carmenere: This is so lovely. Thanks for sharing.

I love using fancy glasses for everyday, too.

>47 Carmenere: I watched a bit of Soul with my stepson. I missed the end, the beginning, and a few bits in the middle, but it seemed really good!

Hi Lynda - Congrats on your first book of 2021. I've been meaning to read through the Grafton books as well. I started years ago, but it's been so long that I will probably start from the beginning. I have some e-books.

>58 mstrust: Morning, Jennifer! I've been hearing that from a lot of people. I have flute champagnes from my mom so I'm going to use those for my sparkling water too. Why not?!

>59 Crazymamie: Yeah, jumping on that train a little late but I'm definitely going to do that too. Any other life hacks like that I'm missing?

>60 The_Hibernator: I hope you get the chance to watch the entire movie, Rachel. It's well worth the effort.

>61 BLBera: Thanks, Beth. I'm almost done with B. I could have finished it yesterday but my eyes were glued to the television, as most were.
I can see where the Grafton's could become addicting.

>52 Carmenere: Lynda, how right you are that that memories occur spontaneously, and don't necessary need to be life changing, but a part a our everyday previous interactions with the men we loved so very much.

>66 Whisper1: I know, right?! I welcome being caught off guard by those little moments. I sometimes think "wow, where did that come from!"
Hope you're well and hanging in there!

Morning, Lynda. Happy Friday! The Bloody Wednesday hangover lingers, but I at least have my birds and books are keeping me distracted.

Go, Browns! I will be rootin' for them this weekend.

Thank you for sharing that bit about memories... I didn't lose a partner, but last year my mom passed away and sometimes memories just pop up like that.

>68 msf59: Greetings, Mark! Happy Friday! Once again a cloudy one for us in Cleveland. Ugh, Bloody Wednesday, indeed! Who would've imagined?!
The feeders have been busy.
In the case of Browns vs Steelers..........we need nothing short of a miracle. Still, all crossables crossed.

>69 PersephonesLibrary: Kathy, I'm happy to read you're also getting hugs from beyond. To me, it affirms they'll never leave us and are always close.

Well, I managed to get the laundry done but I've been distracted by television.
So, I'm still working on my old desktop and still finishing up B is for Burglar.
I demand of myself to finish up both today.
The 2019 shutterfly album probably, next week.

Happy New Year and Happy New Thread, Lynda - said the slowpoke.

>13 Carmenere: "Like!"

Is the tv distraction news, or something fun? We had a good time being distracted with Bridgerton.

Hey Joe! Happy New Year to you too! I am also a slowpoke, I still have not paid a visit to many 2021 threads.
Ugh, it was that abomination in DC Wednesday which distracted me from virtually everything else.
I've got Bridgerton all queued up I just need to find a large amount of time to binge a few episodes.

---------------
Eeek! Another sign that normalcy is returning! I recd an email from my library book club moderator and we'll be Zooming meetings starting February 8th. We're to read 142 Ostriches. Anybody hear of it?

2. B is for Burglar
Sue Grafton

The second book in Grafton's series takes place about two weeks after A is for Alibi concluded and though Kinsey is still reeling from the psychological affects sustained while solving that case
she is now called upon to find Elaine Boldt the missing sister of Beverly Danzinger. Beverly has been unable to reach Ms. Boldt and suspects she may be staying in one of her two homes in California or Florida or......perhaps she's dead. Around the same time, a fire next door to Boldt's condo has claimed the life of Boldt's friend, Marty Grice. Could these two incidents be related?
A characteristically shifty group of neighbors and relatives make this another intriguing and entertaining read.
More 1980's jargon include "hose" worn by women, smokers and smoking in public buildings, carbon paper and microfiche, "white out", pay phones and a cheeseburger, fries and a coke all for $1.65.

Hi Lynda - Do the Grafton books seem dated?

Just a quick stop to wish you a wonderful weekend, Lynda.

>76 BLBera: A little, as I've mentioned in my reviews but more so in that you know what they're missing especially technologically speaking. I think cell phones and all their capabilities must have changed mystery writers story lines tremendously.

>77 Ameise1: Thank you, Barbara! This is our first sunny day since November 8th so everything seems better.

>75 Carmenere: I just wanted to write how weird it is that books written in the 80s already seem so vintage. And realized that "A for Alibi" was published 40 years ago! :) It sounds like a lot of fun to read them.

>79 PersephonesLibrary: That's what I was thinking too. It's crazy! It seems to me technology has advanced in leaps and bounds and some which seemed new in the late 80's early 90's like VHS tapes, CD's are already obsolete.
Yes, it is fun to read them. I was in my early 20's in the 80's and remember those days very well.

Hi Lynda
I'm stopping by to say hello. It's ben an overcast day with very little sun and cold air. I decided to go out tomorrow to get groceries and maybe visit Barnes and Noble.

Happy weekend to you.

I liked your comment about spontaneous memories. The first time I went to Barnes and Noble, I knew it would be difficult because Will and I sat in the over stuffed chairs and read. I made myself go to that area. And then, a song played that was a little known piece from a pianist we both liked. I smiled, and did what you did in saying hello. ''

Yes, cell phones. I remember noticing the technology when I was reading the earlier Sara Paretsky books as well. Which reminds me...Too many series!

>81 Whisper1: Happy Sunday, Linda! We finally had a full day of sunshine yesterday and although cold took a long walk with Will. He's home for another week or so.
"And then, a song played that was a little known piece from a pianist we both liked. I smiled, and did what you did in saying hello. '' Aweeee, in turn, this made me smile! I thoroughly believe my Bill and your Will are never far from us.

Morning, Lynda. Happy Sunday. My feeders remain active- I just had a red-bellied woodpecker land briefly, along with a downy, a couple of house finches and a junco.

I am planning on a lazy day with the books and football.

>82 BLBera: You've got that right, Beth, "Too many series! I've only touched the surface.

------------
Root root root for the home team! I'm pumped for tonight's Brown vs Steelers game. Talk about adversity, the Browns won't have their head coach tonight and some key players are out due to covid rules. Still, stranger things have happened. Go Browns!

>84 msf59: Happy Sunday, Mark! I'm planning on lazy too! But first a grocery curbside pick up. Make Chimney cakes (first time ever) and then books and football!
Yes, lots of finches coming our way too. The birds seem content and the raccoons haven't been lurking so that makes me content too.
Have a good one, my friend.

Browns win, Browns win! Oh my gosh, the Browns win!

Go Browns! Go Browns! Awesome win! Congrats! I love Mayfield. I enjoyed this game, much better, than watching my lowly Bears flounder.

Lynda, I was thinking about you while watching that game. So exciting!!

>88 msf59: I am in awe, Mark! Everything went in Cleveland's favor. It was a lot of fun to watch but Brown fans know and have seen horrible thing happen so we watch with bated breath. So exciting to play KC on Sunday.
It's tough the Bears were playing the Saints. They're an extraordinary team.

>89 Crazymamie: Awe, it was exciting especially because we were playing the Steelers in their house! A win there feels even sweeter

Another great football matchup this evening Ohio State vs Alabama. Alabama is favored to win but maybe a bit of the Browns has rubbed off on OSU.
Naturally with so much to watch on television, reading time has taken a nose dive. The balance of January should hold some good reading time.

Ack! The book resort is desolate! I assure you, this resort has taken all necessary precautions to sanitize all surfaces and held to all protocols.

Ok, I'm half way thru The Midnight Library. I like it but sorta kinda feeling how it's going to end.
Also, In the midst of a NetGalley The Other Side of the Door. Hard to keep both books straight as there is a musical band thing going on and I find myself saying "Oh, it's not that book"
Will's going back to school on Monday so we can watch the Browns game together tomorrow. Go Browns!!

>92 Carmenere: I will soon get my ACR of "The Midnight Library" and looking forward to it! Go, Browns! (It's football, isn't it?)

I hope you enjoy the book when you get it, Kathy. Yes, it's football and the Browns haven't made it this far in over 20 years so it's really exciting!

Morning, Lynda! We will be watching that Browns game, too.

Great! I hope it will be a good game, no matter who wins.

My new Apple desktop is up and runnng, in no small part to Will. I'm loving it. Nice keyboard, larger screen, although I didn't purchase the largest one, it is larger than my old Dell.
Also, changed the direction of my desk so I'm not facing a wall. Now, with a turn of my head I can see out to the deck and backyard and also the tv. Win Win

Say what you will about Paula Dean but my new soup pot of hers is the bomb. It's twice as high and wide as my old soup pots so no broth should be lost in a boil over.
Making soup today, a memory of my mom came to mind. The first time I made her soup on my own I thought it pretty good but there was something off about it and I couldn't put my finger on it. So I brought some over to my parents house for them to sample. My mom said it was really good but....did I purchase cilantro instead of parsley?
Oops!

>98 Carmenere: Did the pot come with a complimentary stick of butter? (*snork!* I do love Paula Dean's recipes, though.)

Morning, Lynda. Happy Sunday! Go Browns! I know the Chiefs are tough but I will be rootin' for Cleveland all the way.

>97 Carmenere: All computered up, well done, Lynda!

Belle has just had her 17th and I am to buy her an apple laptop for the pleasure of it.

Have a lovely weekend.

>99 scaifea: Hahaha Unfortunately not. I actually don't follow Paula. My MIL did but I really don't know much about her cooking. Apparently she loves her butter ;0)

>100 msf59: Yay! Mark! Glad you're on the Brown's bus! Yes, KC is tough but football is weird sometimes. Last weeks game against the Steelers is a perfect example.
Ruff ruff ruff!

>101 PaulCranswick: Hey Paul, I'm still learning the differences between our old Dell and the shiny new Apple but I'm getting it. Today, I'm downloading pictures from a flash drive to the Mac.
Happiest birthday's to Belle! Your youngest is quite grown up. Soon you and Hanni will be empty nesters. My son is happy with his Apple laptap. I'm sure Belle will be too.

>98 Carmenere: How special that you had your mother's soup directions. My mother collected hundreds, if not more, of recipes. I wish I knew what happened to her collection. I learned baking skills from her. I can never make sugar cookies as thin as she did.

Thinking of you and sending all good wishes for happiness.

>103 Whisper1: I think we all have a few things we're never quite as successful at creating as our moms were. For me, it's the crust on her fried pies that I cannot perfect.

So.Browns.get.dissed.by.refs.

>103 Whisper1: Actually,Linda, the recipe is so easy even I can make it without the recipe. As a tomboy, I never took any interest in kitchen duties. Something I picked up through osmosis, I guess. I think of you often too. Hugs!

>104 thornton37814: And I still can't get the correct flavor of my mom's stuffed cabbage even when I follow the recipe to the T- Must have been the pot she used.

>98 Carmenere: I love your soup story, Lynda.

>106 BLBera: Hehehe, well, in my defense, cilantro and parsley are next to each other at the grocery store. They look alike and no doubt I was rushing through the grocery store, as usual. So there's that. But you know what, I haven't made that mistake ever again.

Browns lost. I still question a call that would have been in our favor.

Morning, Lynda. There was a bit of activity at the feeders yesterday and the cardinals and house sparrows stopped by regularly.

Sorry, about your Browns. They did look a bit off yesterday. I thought once Mahomes was out, they would have roared back. They did not. Regardless, what a great season they had.

Morning, Lynda! I totally agree with you about that call.

Good Tuesday readers!
Drove Will back to school yesterday, I'm still getting used to driving 4.5 hours both ways but traffic was light and roads were clear and snow, when there was some wasn't so bad. I did enjoy the added confidence AWD gives me.
Anyway, when I was back at home, nice and cozy with a glass of white wine beside me, I binged on Bridgerton. 4 1/2 episodes in and I'm really into it. The casting is so perfect! Nice surprise to see Nicola Coughlan who played Clare from Derry Girls as Penelope Featherington.
So today I hope to continue with my binge while towels are in the washing machine & I hope to finish a book today too.

>108 msf59: Howdy Mark! Yes, the feeders are jumpin. Still many cardinals, blue jays, juncos (slash that) snow birds! It sounds way better, and a red bellied woodpecker that practically lives at our feeder.
Ya know, I thought that too but their second string guy proved to be better than expected. Agree, It was a great season-much better than a lot of people predicted and the players seem pumped for next season so it'll be another year of "what till next year"

>109 Crazymamie: Morning Mamie! Yeah, it's a horrible rule. So defense headbutts a player forcing him to fumble in the endzone and gets rewarded by giving his team the ball, good field position and no slap on the wrist for the headbutt. *sigh another year of "shoulda,coulda,woulda"

Morning, Lynda! We went sailing right through Bridgerton, too. Very fun. Speaking of Derry Girls, have you seen the episode of GBBS that features them? It is SO funny - we could not stop laughing - I think it's on the holiday edition or something like that.

Completely agree with your football comments.

Thanks for the heads up, Mamie, I'll look for that episode. I just love the girls.

Morning, Lynda!
We just finished "The IT Crowd" last night, and finished "Extras" the night before. As Mike has developed a taste for British sitcoms, we will probably start "Green Wing". I've seen it a few years ago but he hasn't. I'm on season 10 of "Supernatural" that I watch without him.
I second the "Derry Girls" episode of GBBS. They do get a bit competitive.

Hey Jennifer!
I've got to write these down. I hope none of them are too scary to watch alone. You'd tell me, right?
I just watched one of the Derry Girls GBBS previews and it's hilarious! Something to look forward to in these dark gloomy winter days.

Ok back to Bridgerton...

>110 Carmenere: Wow, 4.5 hours are long...
>114 Carmenere: Oh, Extras is a lot of fun to watch! I can recommend that, too!

>110 Carmenere: Yeah, it's a pretty boring drive too.
>114 Carmenere: Great! I've never heard of Extras before today so it's something I'll definately look into. Thanks

>113 mstrust: Of the shows I mentioned, only "Supernatural" is the scary one, all others are comedies. "Extras" was Ricky Gervais's follow-up to "The Office". He plays a movie background player who is always hustling for a line in the script. Lots of guest stars like Patrick Stewart, Orlando Bloom, Diana Rigg. So nothing to fear! I'd also add "Toast of London" to the list. And, though a doc series, I'd also recommend the new Fran Lebowitz series. It's funny! She's so smart and grumpy.

Oh I love Ricky Gervais! I'll skip Supernatural but check out Toast of London and the Lebowitz documentary.

Hi Lynda, I have been so busy these last couple of weeks playing nurse to my husband as he finally had his knee replacement. It's been difficult as he has one really bad leg and his good leg was the one that was operated on! I heartily agree with Jennifer's rec of "Extras", it's excellent.

Happy Inauguration Day! I love Inauguration Day and watch it no matter who's being inaugurated. It's just such an amazing transition (though this year, a little scary and a little odd on a couple of levels.) So, I'll watch it all and read some and Netflix a little. Overall, I'm taking a self made National Holiday. :0)

Hi Nurse Judy! I wish your husband a prompt and complete recovery. In the meantime, hang in there!
Great! Another thumbs up for Extras. I've added it to my queue and I'll probably start it this evening.

Morning, Lynda! We are also taking a self made holiday - well, Birdy, Abby and I.

Woo Hoo! Enjoy ladies!!

#3 The Midnight Library
4/5
Nora Seed is having one heck of a bad day. Volt, her cat, was found dead in the road, her boss fired her, her elderly neighbor doesn't need her help any longer and the mom of her only piano student no longer needs her services.
Nora is depressed, filled with regrets and just wants to end it all. However, in the process of doing so she ends up in the Midnight Library where she can try on a life or two or ten to discover where she'd be if she had lived her life differently, took one road rather than another.
Overthinking this novel made my head hurt so I recommend, don't overthink it, just enjoy Nora's journeys, the possibilities and her realizations.
The message is simple and clear but sometimes you need to ponder it and, in turn, possibly examine your own life.

My SIL gave me two other suggestions for Netflix bingeing: The Queens Gambit and Enola Holmes. My dance card is really filling up.

Amanda Gorman: Just had to write her name down so I wouldn't forget. Poetry isn't really my thing but when it's read to me as passionately as she did, I can't help but drop everything I'm doing and listen. She is certainly captivating.

Morning, Lynda! The Midnight Library is getting such mixed reviews. I have liked others by that author but that has not been calling to me yet.

Enola Holmes is completely charming - we loved that one. And I have not watched all of The Queen's Gambit, but what I have seen I have really enjoyed.

We were very impressed by Amanda Gorman, too.

>125 Crazymamie: Morning, Mamie! I've seen The Midnight Library get 5 stars but I was being generous with 4. The writing wasn't all that stupendous and the tale is sort of Christmas Carolesque but I guess it holds a message that needs retelling occasionally.
I have not read anything else by Haig.
Looks like I'll be doing more bingeing :0)

The Midnight Library sounds fun, Lynda. I loved "Enola Holmes." I hope/wish it would turn into a series.

>127 BLBera: Well, Beth, it is fun in that Nora just plops into another version of her life not knowing where or what she'll be or the people in her life. In some cases, she's in a profession she knows nothing about and tries to feel her way through it.

Morning, Lynda! Happy Friday! I have read The Radleys by Haig and thought it was very fun.

>123 Carmenere: Hm... reminds me of reminding the publisher for my ACR... haven't received it yet. Thanks for your nice review!

>130 PersephonesLibrary: Thank you and you are welcome. I hope the publisher gets the book to you soon.
I really enjoyed the few episodes of Extra's I watched yesterday. I'll finished episode 4 this morning "Les Dennis" and then do some reading.

>129 Crazymamie: Oops, I almost missed you there, Mamie. If you think it fun I will certainly add The Radleys to my wishlist. Thanks

>123 Carmenere: Funny, my SIL just texted me this morning, if I had read The Midnight Library. He stumbled across it somewhere. I told him, I had not but had read and enjoyed The Radleys. Good to see that you enjoyed it.

Happy Saturday, Lynda. Enjoy your lazy day.

>133 msf59: Yes, that is funny! I hope you enjoy it when you get around to it. I've got to check out The Radleys now brought up by two trusted LTers, you and Mamie.

I am looking forward to your opinion on The Radleys. I listened to the audiobook last year but didn't finish it.

>135 PersephonesLibrary: It may be awhile, my dance card is pretty full but maybe I can shoehorn it in sometime later this year. :0)

Just stopping in to let you know I am thinking about you. Happy Tuesday, Lynda!

Happy Tuesday, Mamie! I think we've just skirted an ice storm so although foggy and cloudy it's not too bad here. Hope all's well with you!

I just finished the last of my planned reads for January and I'll have a review up later today.
With time on my hands I'll dive into my first library book club choice since last March. It sounds cool.....142 Ostriches

>136 Carmenere: Oh, I misread that.. I thought you were planning on reading it. :)

>139 PersephonesLibrary: Hahaha, I only wish! If only my left eye can read one book while my right can read another, I'd double my output ;0)

#4 The Other Side of the Door
Nicci French
3.5/5
NetGalley

Think of this book as the novel version of the tv show "Friends" with a side of "Murder She Wrote". You see,
a soon to be married woman asks her friend, Bonnie, to provide the musical entertainment for her wedding reception. Bonnie agrees to it but doesn't realize just how much it will change her life.
The ragtag band she forms, which includes friends, old and new and unfamiliar musicians, become entangled in murder and deception.
This novel's delivery has a little spin to it, in that the chapters are divided by "After" and "Before" and secondly, though much is revealed about the crime scene little is known about the murder itself and a few key points are not immediately revealed so the reader is urged on to the reader on to discover the details.
A fairly good story yet the conclusion might be too tidy for some.

Hi, Lynda.

We're also fans of Enola Holmes and The Queen's Gambit - and Bridgerton. Those were good recommendations she gave you.

I'm like Mamie; The Midnight Library seems interesting, but I've seen such mixed reviews. Plus I wasn't taken by another of his, How to Stop Time.

Katie has recommended a couple of good romance novels for me after my liking the Bridgerton tv series and being a Georgette Heyer fan. My first up is Bringing Down the Duke, which I hope to get to soon.

>140 Carmenere: Imagine if you could listen to audiobooks while you sleep and the whole thing happens in your head. :)

Happy Wednesday, Lynda. I am glad we got you with a BB, for The Radleys. My SIL should have a copy of The Midnight Library soon, so I should be able to read it after them.

I've been playing around with February TIOLI. I've got two additional challenges I want to fill (a potential sweeplet) so I've got a little waiting to do and time on my hands.

>142 jnwelch: I haven't gotten around to Enola or Queen's Gambit but I've finished Bridgerton. Great casting!
Mark is waiting to read The Midnight Library, maybe his review will entice or repel. I'm looking forward to his review.
If I can help it, I don't do romance. Yucky

>143 PersephonesLibrary: I think you're onto something there, Kathy!

>144 msf59: Aaaaaa, Happy Friday, Mark, my bird friend! I'm looking forward to your thoughts about The Midnight Library.
Big winter storm headed my way this weekend so I have to remember to top off the feeders. In the past week or so, I haven't seen cardinals. Are they known to migrate?

142 Ostriches
April DaVila
2020
Library Group Selection - February
3.5/5

Our protagonist, Tallulah Jones, is confronted, right from the start, with the sudden death of Grandma Helen, with whom she lives and shares the operation of an ostrich farm. Not wanting to remain on the farm, even prior to Grandma's death, Tallulah immediately negotiates the sale of the farm and ostriches. Family drama, estrangements, addictions and ostrich stress and resentment could put the sale in jeopardy.
The thing that makes this family drama stand out from every other family drama are the ostriches. They are adorable and humanlike without being cartoonish. At Grandma Helen's farm they are given names and treated more as pets in return for their eggs but to another farmer they are just an asset.
Tallulah and her family and friends can fend for themselves but what will become of the likes of Abigail and Theo?!

So, here is another time sponge. Lupine on Netflix. A friend of mine recommended it to me last week and now I'm consumed.
I can hear the cats running around my bedroom a floor above me. Better check that out.

Morning, Lynda! I have not heard of Lupine. Must investigate.

Cats are so funny. I love how they can be completely silent or sound like giant animals running about.

>148 Crazymamie: Yes! right now they sound like a herd of buffalo!
I have removed the herd from my bedroom and now they're zooming around the house like super hero's

I was wondering about "Lupine," Lynda. Good to know it's worthwhile. I'll give it a try.

I hope you enjoy it, Beth. I think it's pretty clever.

#6 The Last Season
Eric Blehm
2007
ROOT
4/5

I'm disappointed with myself for taking so long to read this book about National Park Service Ranger Randy Morgenson. For 28 seasons Randy was a Rangers Ranger making the backcountry of Sequoia & King Canyon National Parks his seasonal home. He felt one with the trees, animals, mountain and meadow. He was truly in his element.
His final season at King Canyon, however, was fraught with complexities and sadness. So, when Ranger Morgenson becomes a missing person within the park those who knew him best deduced different scenarios. A full out manhunt ensues with inconclusive results....Until the results become evident.
Although, Randy's life and rise through the park system were interesting it is the authors descriptive prose that captured my imagination and made me yearn to hike on the trails, gaze upon mountain peaks and run through meadows. Blehm invites the reader into one of our national treasures and gain appreciation for the, poorly paid, men and women who provide a sometimes harrowing service as well as a means of educating the public.

Morning, Lynda! Happy Saturday. I am back from my trip to the Great White North. Funny, colder here than it was there. It will stay frigid here through next week, keeping me indoors. I can catch up on my reading, since I read nothing on my trip. I hope everything is going well there.

Wishing you a lovely weekend, Lynda.

>153 msf59: Hey Mark! Glad you're home safe and sound. Yup, looks like the next week will be a frigid doozy! I'll raise a mug of hot chocolate to reading indoors although my eyeballs crave some sunshine.

>154 PaulCranswick: Why, Thank you, Paul! I hope your weekend went well and the upcoming week fabulous!!

With much contemplation (ok, not that much) I'll be rooting for the Buccaneers. Simply because Tom Brady is old for a QB and I've got to give the old man props for putting his body on the line another day.

I would like to join one real Superbowl party in my life - preferably in the States. :)

Hi Lynda, you caught my attention with your praise of 'Lupine' and I'm adding it to my Netflick list. Hope all is well with you and the books are good!

>156 PersephonesLibrary: Hahaha, so would I, Kathy! A "real" one to me would have our hometown team playing in the game. The Cleveland Browns have never ever been in a super bowl. But when they do, this town is going to go crazy!

>157 DeltaQueen50: Oh, good, Judy! I hope you like it. I've also been watching Emily in Paris. My neighbor recommended that one to me and it's great. So many hot guys with dimples and 5 o'clock shadows :0)

I had to look up "5 o'cock shadows"... and I am all in for that. :)

>159 PersephonesLibrary: Ahhh, that's interesting. What would you call a stubbly face in your language?

It's called "Dreitagebart" (three day beard). 🙂

>161 PersephonesLibrary: "Three day beard", love it!

>162 Carmenere: Maybe in German speaking countries hair needs longer to grow. ;-)

>163 PersephonesLibrary: Hahaha I didn't want to be the one to suggest that. ;0)

#7 Behind the Beautiful Forevers
Katherine Boo
2012
Neighborhood book swap
5/5

Life in an Annawadi slum is tragic, sad, sometimes humorous. Follow the Husain family as they struggle through life by any means possible and their neighbors who survive sometimes through unsavory means. An absolute must read.

Our library book club zoom meeting of 142 Ostriches went well. Usually, I'm not a zoomist but this one was good because 10 people didn't talk over each other for an hour.
Next up for March discussion is Ordinary Grace. I've been wanting to read WKK and I've got two so far on this years reading list.

I picked up Will from College yesterday for a much needed escape from his one room apt near campus. Classes are still online so it'll be business as usual at home.
I can't tell you how his company is appreciated.

I've got three good books to finish in February so, Mother Nature, bring it on. I'm ready and waiting for the 8-10 inches of snow you have in store for us.

Morning, Lynda. Happy Sunday. It is currently -3, so it looks like I will be stuck inside for a few more days. Good luck with your approaching snowstorm. Yikes!

>165 Carmenere: Hooray for Behind the Beautiful Forevers! I loved it too.

Hi, Lynda! Yay for having Will home with you for a bit!

I'm waiting and happy for the snow to come down, too - it's already started here!

Enjoy your snowfall, Lynda - hoping you get lots of the gorgeous stuff. No snow here, but plenty if rain - so much rain that it is reminding me of the first year we lived down here and it rained for weeks on end in that summer.

>167 msf59: Yes, Mark, we are truly entrenched in winter. As long as I have no need to leave the house, I say....Bring it on, baby!

>168 scaifea: Hey Amber! It's great having Will home for a bit. Not only for me but for him too. He has more room to roam here yet has quiet space for his online classes.
We're hunkered down and had a blast of snow about 9am ish but they say it will be calm till about 5pm when the skies are going to open up and snow on us heavily till morning. As long as we don't lose power, I'm a happy camper.

>169 Crazymamie: I wouldn't mind a few inches, Mamie. They're forecasting up to 12 so we'll see. After that passes the temps will plunge into the single digits and below. Eeeee!
I hope you have good galoshes to walk around the Paradisio!

----------------------

I get brave when Will is home, in case I fall off a step stool, someone will know. Soooo, I started peeling off the wall paper in the laundry room. My neighbor told me that the top layer comes off easily, which it did. The more difficult stage is taking the thin paper lining and glue off the dry wall. I'm experimenting with one small wall, so we'll see where that takes me. I need to have some work done in that room so after pandemic I'll have a local business put in a new floor and new cabinetry and do some drywall work but I thought I'd save a little $ if I can do what I can do. Fun!

#8 C is for Corpse
Sue Grafton
1986
4/5
ROOT

Kinsey Millhone takes on the case of, 23 year old, Bobby Callahan. He became physically disabled in a car crash he believes was a murder attempt on his life and ultimately killed his best friend. Solving the mystery is a race against time because Callahan believes the person responsible for his injuries is still on the loose and will probably take another swipe at him until he's dead and what he knows will go to the grave with him.
Millhone also works gratis to help her friend and landlord, Henry, who has fallen head over heals and senseless for new lady in the neighborhood.
I thought this a solid mystery with a thrilling conclusion.

>165 Carmenere: This has been on my shelf forever, Lynda.

And I should start the Grafton books.

>172 BLBera: and I've been wanting to read it forever, Beth! Finally, I got it through my neighborhood book swap.
I hope to finish the Grafton series this year. They're fast reads and totally doable in one year.

>170 Carmenere: Hooray for the DIY project! I've never removed wallpaper myself but Mike has and says it's a real chore. I hope it goes well for you!

Good morning, Jennifer! I have some experience with removing wallpaper and I know it can get pretty ugly. But I have an out. If the laundry room doesn't go well, I'll call out the professionals. But I have to admit, it really is liberating actually tearing down 1980's Miami Vice colored wallpaper myself. ;0}

Morning, Lynda! Hooray fro your snow and for Will being home. Ugh to the wallpaper removal - we have something like seven layers of it in the foyer of our previous home. I thought we would never get to the actual wall.

Mamie! we also had a room papered in wallpaper from hell! It was grass cloth and impossible to remove. We put up a thin layer of drywall and just covered the whole room with it. Still, it haunts me knowing that it's lying in wait under the new drywall. hehehe
Previous homeowners have been known to be lazy knowing that they won't be the ones to contend with 7 layers of removal. Ugh

I have nightmares about wallpaper. My house was papered in every room and they seemed to have papered right onto the drywall with no sizer or primer. Removing it was hellacious.

>178 BLBera: Ugh! That is a nightmare, Beth! I think that's what happened in our grass cloth bedroom. What were people thinking!
When we purchased our house, every room was papered. I guess that was the thing to do in the day. Since then, all the second floor rooms are painted, now the first floor must be done. At least our ceilings weren't papered. I've gone to open houses in the neighborhood where homeowners thought it was a great idea to paper their walls and ceiling with silver foil-like wall paper. Sheesh!

Heh. For a year after my breakup, I rented a room in a house in a historic neighborhood that was called "The Storybook House"--a stucco A-frame with the roof and shutters painted that pale aqua color of Snow White's cottage. That place had realg character and hadn't been redecorated in decades. The dining room had red velvet flocked wallpaper. I think this is a pretty good representation of it:

Other rooms had stripey metallic toned wallpaper. Some of the hallway woodwork was painted candy pink. The bathroom had the shower in its own archway alcove, and had 3 separate taps each with its own pair of faucets. Dormer windows, butler's pantry, Dutch doors off of the kitchen, plus an amazing yard full of rare bulbs and native wildflowers. Amazing place.

>180 justchris: Wow!

>180 justchris: The Storybook House sounds charming, Chris! I can see it would hold a special place in the hearts of residents but woe to the new owner who might want to try a different style.

>181 PersephonesLibrary: Yes, definitely has that Wow! factor.

-------------------
Slow reading weekend here. I am hooked on a new You Tube series called Ghost Town Living. This guy, Brent, purchased a old mining town near Death Valley. It's mesmerizing especially when he explores the old mines. Crazy and lonely but he seems like a nice guy.

Hi folks! I've been doing various projects around the house and haven't been posting or lurking much. I do participate in the Social Distancing Readathon's every weekend in order to force myself to get some reading done. And too, I want to do these stepstool projects while Will's at home.
I'll be driving him back to campus in the next few days so for now it's busy busy busy.

I'm caught up on Ghost Town Living and that frees up some time too. Love how this guy is trying to bring back this old mining town and it sort of inspires me to do stuff.
Today I'm removing the curtains in the living room. Lev, our cat, and climber of curtains brought down the curtains on one window and I thought "Hey, I like that open feeling" Checked with my neighbor and she doesn't have curtains on her living room windows (We live on acre lots, separated by trees so it's not like we can look into neighboring houses). So that's what I'm doing for the meantime. Maybe, it will direct me in to how how want to redo that room....paint, furniture, carpet or laminate. Lot's to think about. What's on your windows?

Hope your all well and enjoying your latest book.

We have no curtains on our living room window because IL2 grabs them and breaks the wall mounts.

>183 Carmenere: Is he trying to get other people to join him? Interesting. Sounds like one or two short stories I've read recently.

My living room has nothing on the windows because I need to finish painting around them before I get the closed cell shades installed--which will be greatly appreciated given the glare from my southwestern exposure. My bedroom has lovely cream-colored semi-sheer curtains with a sheer floral pattern that aren't really big enough for those windows, but I love the curtains so much I've brought them with me through 2 breakups. I haven't seen anything like them anywhere else.

Good luck with the interior decorating brainstorming.

>184 The_Hibernator: See, that's what I'm concerned about. Lev, no longer a kitten, is a bit heavier now and although didn't break the wall mount he did bend it, almost beyond repair, as well as the curtain rod so to keep the curtains up is just prolonging the inevitable.

>185 justchris: He has some investors who chipped into the $1.4 million price of the town and shortly after his channel started the crown jewel of the little town, due to old wiring, burned down so he is open to donations to rebuild it and he offers merch with proceeds going to same.

Oooo, I've seen those shades and that is certainly a possibility or maybe a valance or just naked. I'm sorta liking naked but the color I paint the walls will help determine which way I go.
I love the look of sheer curtains and summer breezes blowing through them but I can see now, with Lev, it would be impossible. My living room faces north, no sun issue there but I am considering maybe shutters for the kitchen which faces south and the low lying sun of the winter months hits just about breakfast and dinner time.

I'm seeing things more clearly now that the curtains are off and I definately want an electric fireplace between the windows instead of the sofa, get rid of that old sofa and replace with a loveseat and two chairs to place in front of it. I think it would be cozy.

Happy Saturday, Lynda. I wanted to share a cardinal with you. One of my faithful visitors. I am really enjoying this warm-up but I want this snow and ice gone, so I can get back on the trails. How are those books treating you?

Good Saturday to you, Mark! The cardinal's are so striking against the snow. We've been visited lately by, to my count, 3 starlings. I don't know much about them but I remember my dad saying they were mean. They do fight over the bird feeder often.
Know anything about them?
Books are treating me well with their patience. I have not been so faithful to my pulpy friends.

Hi Lynda - I was just telling my daughter that I am so sick of my house I want to throw out all my furniture and start over. All this staying at home is getting to me.

I totally agree, Beth! It's funny, as soon as I took down the curtains I realized how old everything looked and it is! The living room furn is probably 30 years old and has paid for itself. Now, it must gooooo.
Hahaha, It's less expensive to throw out your furniture than get a new house ;0)